KR20240023983A - Electronic device including flexible display - Google Patents

Abstract

According to various embodiments, an electronic device may include a flexible display including a first housing, a second housing connected to the first housing to be folded based on a folding axis through a hinge device, and a protective layer disposed to be supported by the first housing and the second housing and stacked on a display panel and the display panel. The protective layer of the flexible display includes a first layer laminated on the display panel, a second layer laminated on the first layer, a third layer laminated on the second layer, and a coating layer formed on the upper surface of the third layer. The thickness of the third layer may be thicker than that of the second layer. Various other embodiments may be possible.

Description

Electronic device including a flexible display {ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING FLEXIBLE DISPLAY}

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device including a flexible display.

Electronic devices are gradually becoming slimmer, their rigidity is increasing, design aspects are being strengthened, and their functional elements are being improved to differentiate them. Electronic devices are moving away from the uniform rectangular shape and are gradually being transformed into various shapes. Electronic devices can be convenient to carry and have a deformable structure that can utilize a large screen display. For example, as part of a deformable structure, an electronic device may include foldable housings that operate in a folded or unfolded manner relative to each other. These electronic devices may require a support structure that can reduce deformation of the flexible display due to frequent folding operations.

A foldable electronic device may include a hinge device (e.g., a hinge structure or a hinge module) and a first housing and a second housing that are foldably connected to each other in opposite directions through the hinge device. there is. This foldable electronic device is capable of in-folding and/or out-folding by rotating the first housing in a range of 0 to 360 degrees with respect to the second housing through the hinge module. It can work. The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display disposed to be at least partially supported by a first housing and a second housing in an unfolded state. Such a flexible display may include a plurality of layers (eg, a protective layer, POL, polymer layer, or at least one functional layer) disposed on the upper and/or lower surface of the display panel.

Meanwhile, a flexible display may include a protective layer (eg, window layer) laminated on the upper surface of the display. The protective layer may include a glass layer (eg, UTG, ultra thin glass) laminated on the display panel and a polymer layer laminated on the glass layer. The flexible display may include a folding area located in an area corresponding to the boundary area between the first housing and the second housing according to the folding operation. The folding area can be deformed by the folding and unfolding motion of the electronic device. The protective layer must be folded together with the display panel according to the folding operation of the flexible display and restored to its original state together with the display panel in the unfolded state, but some parts of the protective layer, such as the polymer layer, are restored to their original state by burnout and deformation. It may not work. Such burnout deformation may cause the formation of a crease area that is formed in the longitudinal direction along the folding axis on the left and right sides of the folding area of the flexible display and is visible to the naked eye. For example, wrinkle areas may cause the surface quality of the flexible display to deteriorate and be visible to the user, which may lower the reliability of the electronic device. Additionally, frequent folding operations may cause defects in the folding area due to delamination between the display panel and the protective layer.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide an electronic device including a flexible display with a layered structure that can help improve surface quality.

Various embodiments can provide an electronic device including a flexible display that can help improve the durability of the flexible display even when used for a long period of time.

However, the problem to be solved by the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and may be expanded in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing that is foldably connected to the first housing with respect to a folding axis through a hinge device, and is arranged to be supported by the first housing and the second housing. , may include a flexible display including a display panel and a protective layer laminated on the display panel. The protective layer of the flexible display includes a first layer laminated on the display panel, a second layer laminated on the first layer, a third layer laminated on the second layer, and a coating layer formed on the upper surface of the third layer, The thickness of the third layer may be thicker than the thickness of the second layer.

Electronic devices according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure include multiple protective layers stacked on each other while maintaining the overall thickness of the protective layer, thereby reducing the formation of wrinkle areas by reducing burnout deformation of the protective layer due to frequent folding operations. It can help improve cotton quality and reduce defective phenomena such as delamination between layers.

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

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of an electronic device illustrating a flat state or unfolding state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 1B is a plan view illustrating the front of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 1C is a plan view illustrating the back of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an electronic device illustrating a folding state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an electronic device illustrating an intermediate state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
5A is a plan view of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5B is a rear view of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device viewed along line 6-6 of FIG. 1A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
7A to 7E are cross-sectional views of electronic devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

1A and 1B are front and rear views of an unfolded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 2A and 2B are front and rear views of the folded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

1A to 2B, the electronic device 200 includes at least one hinge device (e.g., the hinge devices 400 and 400-1 of FIG. 3) (e.g., a hinge module or a hinge) so that the electronic device 200 can be folded relative to each other. A pair of housings 210, 220 (e.g., a foldable housing structure) that are rotatably coupled about the folding axis F through a structure), arranged through a pair of housings 210, 220. The first display 230 (e.g., flexible display, foldable display, or main display) and/or the second display 300 (e.g., sub-display) disposed through the second housing 220. may include. In one embodiment, at least a portion of at least one hinge device (e.g., hinge devices 400 and 400-1 in FIG. 3) is disposed so as not to be visible from the outside through the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. And, in the unfolded state, it can be arranged to be invisible from the outside through the hinge housing 310 (eg, hinge cover) that covers the foldable portion. In this document, the side on which the first display 230 is placed can be defined as the front of the electronic device 200, and the side opposite to the front can be defined as the back of the electronic device 200. Additionally, the surface surrounding the space between the front and back may be defined as the side of the electronic device 200.

According to various embodiments, a pair of housings 210, 220 is a first housing disposed to be foldable relative to each other through at least one hinge device (e.g., hinge devices 400, 400-1 of FIG. 3). It may include a housing 210 and a second housing 220. In one embodiment, the pair of housings 210 and 220 is not limited to the shape and combination shown in FIGS. 1A to 2B, and may be implemented by other shapes or combinations and/or combinations of parts. In one embodiment, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are disposed on both sides of the folding axis (F), have an overall symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (F), and can be folded to match each other. there is. According to some embodiments, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be folded asymmetrically with respect to the folding axis (F). In one embodiment, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 determine whether the electronic device 200 is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state. Depending on this, the angle or distance between them may vary.

According to various embodiments, the first housing 210 is connected to at least one hinge device (e.g., the hinge devices 400 and 400-1 of FIG. 3) in the unfolded state of the electronic device 200, and is connected to the electronic device 200. A first surface 211 disposed to face the front of 200, a second surface 212 facing in the opposite direction of the first surface 211, and/or the first surface 211 and the second surface 212 ) may include a first side member 213 surrounding at least a portion of the first space 2101 between them. In one embodiment, the second housing 220 is connected to at least one hinge device (e.g., the hinge devices 400 and 400-1 of FIG. 3) in the unfolded state of the electronic device 200, and is connected to the electronic device ( A third side 221 disposed to face the front of 200, a fourth side 222 facing in the opposite direction of the third side 221, and/or the third side 221 and the fourth side 222 It may include a second side member 223 surrounding at least a portion of the second space 2201 therebetween. In one embodiment, the first side 211 may face substantially the same direction as the third side 221 in the unfolded state, and may at least partially face the third side 221 in the folded state. In one embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a recess 201 formed to accommodate the first display 230 through structural coupling of the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. . In one embodiment, the recess 201 may have substantially the same size as the first display 230. In one embodiment, when the first display 230 is viewed from above, the first housing 210 is coupled to the first side member 213 and overlaps the edge of the first display 230, thereby forming the first housing 210. 1 It may include a first protection frame 213a (eg, a first decoration member) that covers the edge of the display 230 so that it is not visible from the outside. In one embodiment, the first protection frame 213a may be formed integrally with the first side member 213. In one embodiment, the second housing 220 is coupled to the second side member 223 and overlaps the edge of the first display 230 when the first display 230 is viewed from above. 1 It may include a second protection frame 223a (eg, a second decoration member) that covers the edge of the display 230 so that it is not visible from the outside. In one embodiment, the second protection frame 223a may be formed integrally with the second side member 223. In some embodiments, the first protection frame 213a and the second protection frame 223a may be omitted.

According to various embodiments, the hinge housing 310 (e.g., a hinge cover) is disposed between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 and includes at least one hinge device (e.g., the hinge device of FIG. 3). (400, 400-1)) may be arranged to cover a portion (e.g., at least one hinge module). In one embodiment, the hinge housing 310 is covered by a portion of the first housing 210 and the second housing 220, or is exposed to the outside, depending on the unfolded state, the folded state, or the intermediate state of the electronic device 200. may be exposed. For example, when the electronic device 200 is in an unfolded state, at least a portion of the hinge housing 310 may be covered by the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 and may be disposed to be substantially invisible from the outside. In one embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in a folded state, at least a portion of the hinge housing 310 may be disposed between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 to be visible from the outside. . In one embodiment, when the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are folded with a certain angle, the hinge housing 310 is folded with the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. It may be disposed between the two housings 220 to be at least partially visible from the outside of the electronic device 200. For example, the area of the hinge housing 310 exposed to the outside may be smaller than when it is fully folded. In one embodiment, hinge housing 310 may include a curved surface.

According to various embodiments, when the electronic device 200 is in an unfolded state (e.g., the state of FIGS. 1A and 1B), the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 form an angle of about 180 degrees, and 1The first area 230a, the second area 230b, and the folding area 230c of the display 230 form substantially the same plane and may be arranged to face substantially the same direction (e.g., z-axis direction). there is. In another embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in an unfolded state, the first housing 210 rotates at an angle of about 360 degrees with respect to the second housing 220 to form the second side 212 and the fourth side 222. ) can also be folded in the opposite direction so that they face each other (out folding method).

According to various embodiments, when the electronic device 200 is in a folded state (e.g., the state of FIGS. 2A and 2B), the first surface 211 of the first housing 210 and the first surface of the second housing 220 The three sides 221 may be arranged to face each other. In this case, the first area 230a and the second area 230b of the first display 230 form a narrow angle (e.g., in the range of 0 degrees to about 10 degrees) with each other through the folding area 230c, They may also be arranged to face each other. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the folding area 230c may be transformed into a curved shape with a predetermined curvature. In one embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in an intermediate state, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be disposed at a certain angle to each other. In this case, the first area 230a and the second area 230b of the first display 230 may form an angle that is larger than that in the folded state and smaller than that in the unfolded state, and the curvature of the folding area 230c is greater than that in the folded state. It may be smaller than the case and may be larger than the expanded state. In some embodiments, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are moved between a folded state and an unfolded state through at least one hinge device (e.g., hinge devices 400 and 400-1 of FIG. 3). A stopping angle can be formed at a specified folding angle (free stop function). In some embodiments, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are tilted based on a specified inflection angle through at least one hinge device (e.g., hinge devices 400 and 400-1 of FIG. 3). , it may be continuously operated while being pressed in the unfolding or folding direction.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 includes at least one display 230 or 300, an input device 215, and an audio output device disposed in the first housing 210 and/or the second housing 220. (227, 228), including at least one of sensor modules (217a, 217b, 226), camera modules (216a, 216b, 225), key input device 219, indicator (not shown), or connector port 229. can do. In some embodiments, the electronic device 200 may omit at least one of the components or may additionally include at least one other component.

According to various embodiments, at least one display (230, 300) is connected to at least one hinge device (e.g., hinge device (400, 400-1) of FIG. 3) from the first surface (211) of the first housing (210). ))) and a first display 230 (e.g. flexible display) disposed to be supported by the third side 221 of the second housing 220 and the fourth side (e.g., flexible display) in the internal space of the second housing 220 ( It may include a second display 300 that is at least partially visible from the outside through 222). In some embodiments, the second display 300 may be arranged to be visible from the outside through the second surface 212 in the internal space of the first housing 210. In one embodiment, the first display 230 may be mainly used when the electronic device 200 is in an unfolded state, and the second display 300 may be mainly used when the electronic device 200 is in a folded state. In one embodiment, in the intermediate state, the electronic device 200 displays the first display 230 and/or the second display 300 based on the folding angles of the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. can be controlled to enable use.

According to various embodiments, the first display 230 may be disposed in a receiving space formed by a pair of housings 210 and 220. For example, the first display 200 may be placed in a recess 201 formed by a pair of housings 210 and 220 and, in the unfolded state, may be displayed on the front of the electronic device 200. It can be arranged to occupy substantially most of the. In one embodiment, the first display 230 may include a flexible display in which at least a portion of the area can be transformed into a flat or curved surface. In one embodiment, the first display 230 may include a first area 230a facing the first housing 210 and a second area 230b facing the second housing 220. In one embodiment, the first display 230 may include a folding region 230c including a portion of the first region 230a and a portion of the second region 230b with respect to the folding axis F. there is. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the folding area 230c may include an area corresponding to at least one hinge device (eg, the hinge devices 400 and 400-1 of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the region of the first display 230 is divided by a pair of housings 210 and 220 and at least one hinge device (e.g., hinge devices 400 and 400-1 in FIG. 3). It is only a physical division, but in reality, the first display 230 is seamless ( seamless), can be displayed as one entire screen. In one embodiment, the first area 230a and the second area 230b may have an overall symmetrical shape or a partially asymmetrical shape with respect to the folding area 230c.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 has a first rear cover 240 disposed on the second side 212 of the first housing 210 and a fourth side 222 of the second housing 220. It may include a second rear cover 250 disposed. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first rear cover 240 may be formed integrally with the first side member 213. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second rear cover 250 may be formed integrally with the second side member 223. In one embodiment, at least one of the first rear cover 240 and the second rear cover 250 is a substantially transparent plate (e.g., a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate) or an opaque plate. It can be formed as In one embodiment, the first rear cover 240 is made of, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or at least one of the foregoing materials. It can be formed by an opaque plate, such as a combination of the two. In one embodiment, the second rear cover 250 may be formed through a substantially transparent plate, for example, glass or polymer. Accordingly, the second display 300 can be arranged in the inner space of the second housing 220 so that it can be seen from the outside through the second rear cover 250.

According to various embodiments, the input device 215 may include a microphone. In some embodiments, input device 215 may include a plurality of microphones arranged to detect the direction of sound. In one embodiment, the sound output devices 227 and 228 may include speakers. In one embodiment, the sound output devices 227 and 228 include a call receiver 227 disposed through the fourth side 222 of the second housing 220 and a second side member of the second housing 220. It may include an external speaker 228 disposed through at least a portion of 223 . In some embodiments, the input device 215, the audio output devices 227, 228, and the connector 229 are disposed in spaces of the first housing 210 and/or the second housing 220, and It may be exposed to the external environment through at least one hole formed in 210 and/or the second housing 220. In some embodiments, the holes formed in the first housing 210 and/or the second housing 220 may be commonly used for the input device 215 and the audio output devices 227 and 228. In some embodiments, the sound output devices 227 and 228 may include speakers (e.g., piezo speakers) that operate without the holes formed in the first housing 210 and/or the second housing 220. there is.

According to various embodiments, the camera modules 216a, 216b, and 225 include a first camera module 216a disposed on the first surface 211 of the first housing 210, and a second camera module 216a of the first housing 210. It may include a second camera module 216b disposed on the surface 212 and/or a third camera module 225 disposed on the fourth surface 222 of the second housing 220. In one embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a flash 218 disposed near the second camera module 216b. In one embodiment, flash 218 may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In one embodiment, the camera modules 216a, 216b, and 225 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. In some embodiments, at least one of the camera modules 216a, 216b, and 225 includes two or more lenses (e.g., wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors, and includes a first housing 210 and/ Alternatively, they may be placed together on one side of the second housing 220.

According to various embodiments, the sensor modules 217a, 217b, and 226 may generate electrical signals or data values corresponding to the internal operating state of the electronic device 200 or the external environmental state. In one embodiment, the sensor modules 217a, 217b, and 226 include a first sensor module 217a disposed on the first side 211 of the first housing 210, and a second side of the first housing 210. It may include a second sensor module 217b disposed on 212 and/or a third sensor module 226 disposed on the fourth surface 222 of the second housing 220. In some embodiments, the sensor modules 217a, 217b, and 226 may include a gesture sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, an illumination sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an iris recognition sensor, or a distance detection sensor (e.g., a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor. of flight sensor or LiDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 may further include at least one of a sensor module not shown, for example, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or a fingerprint recognition sensor. there is. In some embodiments, the fingerprint recognition sensor may be disposed through at least one of the first side member 213 of the first housing 210 and/or the second side member 223 of the second housing 220. It may be possible.

According to various embodiments, the key input device 219 may be arranged to be exposed to the outside through the first side member 213 of the first housing 210. In some embodiments, the key input device 219 may be disposed to be exposed to the outside through the second side member 223 of the second housing 220. In some embodiments, the electronic device 200 may not include some or all of the key input devices 219, and the key input devices 219 that are not included may be displayed on at least one display 230 or 300. It can be implemented in other forms, such as soft keys. In another embodiment, the key input device 219 may be implemented using a pressure sensor included in at least one display 230 or 300.

According to various embodiments, the connector port 229 may include a connector (eg, a USB connector or an interface connector port module (IF module)) for transmitting and receiving power and/or data to and from an external electronic device. In some embodiments, the connector port 229 performs a function for transmitting and receiving audio signals with an external electronic device, or further includes a separate connector port (e.g., an ear jack hole) for performing a function for transmitting and receiving audio signals. You may.

According to various embodiments, at least one camera module (216a, 225) among the camera modules (216a, 216b, 225), at least one sensor module (217a, 226) among the sensor modules (217a, 217b, 226), and /Or the indicator may be arranged to be exposed through at least one display (230, 300). For example, at least one camera module (216a, 225), at least one sensor module (217a, 226), and/or an indicator are displayed in the inner space of at least one housing (210, 220) and at least one display (230, 300). ), an opening or transparent area disposed below the active area (display area) and perforated up to the cover member (e.g., the window layer (not shown) of the first display 230 and/or the second rear cover 250) It can be placed so that it can come into contact with the external environment. In one embodiment, the area where the at least one display 230 or 300 and the at least one camera module 216a or 225 face each other may be formed as a transparent area with a certain transmittance as part of the area displaying content. In one embodiment, the transparent area may be formed to have a transmittance ranging from about 5% to about 20%. This transmission area may include an area overlapping with an effective area (eg, field of view area) of at least one camera module 216a, 225 through which light for generating an image is formed by the image sensor. For example, the transparent area of the displays 230 and 300 may include an area with a lower pixel density than the surrounding area. For example, a transparent area can replace an opening. For example, at least one camera module 216a, 225 may include an under display camera (UDC) or an under panel camera (UPC). In another embodiment, some camera modules or sensor modules 217a and 226 may be arranged to perform their function without being visually exposed through the display. For example, the area facing the camera modules 216a, 225 and/or sensor modules 217a, 226 disposed below the displays 230, 300 (e.g., display panel) is an under display camera (UDC) structure, Perforated openings may be unnecessary.

3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device 200 includes a first display 230 (e.g., a flexible display), a second display 300, at least one hinge device 400, 400-1, and a pair of support members. Fields 261 and 262, at least one substrate 270 (e.g., printed circuit board (PCB)), first housing 210, second housing 220, first rear cover 240 and/or may include a second rear cover 250.

According to various embodiments, the first display 230 may include a display panel 430 (eg, a flexible display panel) and a support plate 450 disposed below the display panel 430. In one embodiment, the first display 230 may include a reinforcement plate 462 disposed below the support plate 450. In some embodiments, reinforcement plates 462 may be omitted. In one embodiment, the display panel 430 includes a first panel area 430a corresponding to the first area of the first display 230 (e.g., the first area 230a in FIG. 1A), and a first panel area ( A second panel area 430b extending from 430a) and corresponding to the second area of the first display 230 (e.g., the second area 230b in FIG. 1A), the first panel area 430a and the second It may connect the panel areas 430b and include a folding area of the first display 230 (eg, a third panel area 430c corresponding to the folding area 230c in FIG. 1A). In one embodiment, the support plate 450 is disposed between the display panel 430 and the pair of support members 261 and 262, and is provided for the first panel region 430a and the second panel region 430b. It may be formed to have a material and shape to provide a planar support structure and a bendable structure to help with flexibility in the third panel area 430c. In one embodiment, the support plate 450 may be formed of a conductive material (eg, metal) or a non-conductive material (eg, polymer or fiber reinforced plastics (FRP)). In one embodiment, the reinforcement plate 462 is between the support plate 450 and the pair of support members 261 and 262, at least a portion of the first panel region 430a and the third panel region 430c. It may include a first reinforcement plate 4621 arranged to correspond to and a second reinforcement plate 4622 arranged to correspond to at least a portion of the second panel area 430b and the third panel area 430c. In one embodiment, the reinforcement plate 462 is made of a metal material (eg, SUS), thereby helping to strengthen the ground connection structure and rigidity of the first display 230. In some embodiments, the electronic device 200 is disposed below the support plate 450, replaces the reinforcement plate 462, or has a digitizer added between the support plate 450 and the reinforcement plate 462 (e.g., It may also include a digitizer 461 of 4).

According to various embodiments, the second display 300 may be disposed in the space between the second housing 220 and the second rear cover 250. In one embodiment, the second display 300 is visible from the outside through substantially the entire area of the second rear cover 250 in the space between the second housing 220 and the second rear cover 250. can be placed.

According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the first support member 261 may be foldably coupled to the second support member 262 through at least one hinge device 400 or 400-1. In one embodiment, the electronic device 200 is disposed from at least a portion of the first support member 261 across the at least one hinge device 400, 400-1 to a portion of the second support member 262. It may include at least one wiring member 263 (eg, flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)). In one embodiment, the first support member 261 may be arranged to extend from the first side member 213 or to be structurally coupled to the first side member 213. In one embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a first space (e.g., first space 2101 in FIG. 1A) provided through the first support member 261 and the first rear cover 240. . In one embodiment, the first housing 210 (e.g., first housing structure) may be constructed through a combination of the first side member 213, the first support member 261, and the first rear cover 240. there is. In one embodiment, the second support member 262 may be arranged to extend from the second side member 223 or to be structurally coupled to the second side member 223. In one embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a second space (e.g., the second space 2201 in FIG. 1A) provided through the second support member 262 and the second rear cover 250. . In one embodiment, the second housing 220 (e.g., a second housing structure) may be configured through a combination of the second side member 223, the second support member 262, and the second rear cover 250. there is. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the at least one wiring member 263 and/or the at least one hinge device 400, 400-1 is supported via at least a portion of a pair of support members 261, 262. can be placed. In one embodiment, at least one wiring member 263 may be arranged to extend from the first support member 261 across the folding axis F to the second support member 262. In one embodiment, the at least one wiring member 263 is disposed to have a length in a direction substantially perpendicular to the folding axis (e.g., the y-axis or the folding axis F in FIG. 1A) (e.g., the x-axis direction). You can.

According to various embodiments, the at least one substrate 270 may include a first substrate 271 disposed in the first space 2101 and a second substrate 272 disposed in the second space 2201. there is. In one embodiment, the first substrate 271 and the second substrate 272 may include a plurality of electronic components arranged to implement various functions of the electronic device 200. In one embodiment, the first substrate 271 and the second substrate 272 may be electrically connected through at least one wiring member 263.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 may include at least one battery 291 and 292. In one embodiment, at least one battery 291, 292 is disposed in the first space 2101 of the first housing 210, and the first battery 291 and the first battery 291 are electrically connected to the first substrate 271. It is disposed in the second space 2201 of the second housing 220 and may include a second battery electrically connected to the second substrate 272. In one embodiment, the first support member 261 and the second support member 262 may further include at least one swelling hole for the first battery 291 and the second battery 292.

According to various embodiments, the first housing 210 may include a first rotation support surface 214, and the second housing 220 may include a second rotation support surface corresponding to the first rotation support surface 214. It may include (224). In one embodiment, the first rotation support surface 214 and the second rotation support surface 224 may include a curved surface corresponding to (naturally connected to) the curved outer surface of the hinge housing 310. In one embodiment, the first rotation support surface 214 and the second rotation support surface 224 cover the hinge housing 310 when the electronic device 200 is in an unfolded state, thereby preventing the hinge housing 310 from being used as an electronic device. The rear of the device 200 may not be exposed or only a portion may be exposed. In one embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in a folded state, the first rotation support surface 214 and the second rotation support surface 224 rotate along the outer surface of the hinge housing 310 to form a hinge housing ( 310) may be at least partially exposed to the rear of the electronic device 200.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 may include at least one antenna 276 disposed in the first space 2201. In one embodiment, at least one antenna 276 may be disposed on the first battery 291 and the first rear cover 240 in the first space 2201. In one embodiment, the at least one antenna 276 may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. In one embodiment, at least one antenna 276 may, for example, perform short-range communication with an external device or wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging. In some embodiments, the antenna structure is formed by at least a portion of the first side member 213 or the second side member 223 and/or a portion of the first support member 261 and the second support member 262 or a combination thereof. can be formed.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 is disposed in a first space (e.g., first space 2101 in FIG. 1A) and/or a second space (e.g., second space 2201 in FIG. 1A). It may further include at least one electronic component assembly (274, 275) and/or additional support members (263, 273). For example, at least one electronic component assembly may include an interface connector port assembly 274 or a speaker assembly 275.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 includes a first waterproof member (WP1) (a first waterproof member) and a second reinforcement plate (WP1) disposed between the first reinforcement plate 4621 and the first support member 261. 4622) and a second waterproof member WP2 (a second waterproof member) disposed between the second support member 262. In one embodiment, the first waterproof member WP1 may provide at least one first waterproof space between the first reinforcement plate 4621 and the first support member 261. In one embodiment, the at least one first waterproof space may accommodate an area corresponding to at least one electronic component (eg, a camera module or a sensor module) disposed to be supported by the first support member 261. In one embodiment, the second waterproof member WP2 may provide a second waterproof space between the second reinforcement plate 4622 and the second support member 262. In one embodiment, the second waterproof space may accommodate at least a portion of the bending portion that is folded toward the back of the first display 230. For example, the second waterproof space extends from the display panel 430 of the first display 230 and may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the bending portion that is folded toward the back (e.g., the bending portion 432 in FIG. 4). . Therefore, a control circuit (e.g., the control circuit 4321a of FIG. 4) (e.g., a display driver IC (DDI)) disposed in the bending portion 432 and a plurality of electric elements (e.g., the electric elements of FIG. 5b ( 4322a)) can be protected from external moisture and/or foreign substances by being placed in the second waterproof space.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 may include a waterproof tape 241 disposed between the first rear cover 240 and the first housing 210. In one embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a bonding member 251 disposed between the second rear cover 250 and the second housing 220. In some embodiments, the bonding member 251 may be disposed between the second display 300 and the second housing 220. In some embodiments, the waterproof tape 241 may be replaced with the bonding member 251, and the bonding member 251 may be replaced with the waterproof tape 241.

According to various embodiments, the at least one hinge device (400, 400-1) includes a first hinge device (400) disposed at one end in a direction parallel to the folding axis (F) and a second hinge device (400) disposed at the other end. 400-1) may be included. In one embodiment, the first hinge device 400 and the second hinge device 400-1 may have substantially the same configuration. In one embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a connection module 400-2 disposed between the first hinge device 400 and the second hinge device 400-1. In one embodiment, the connection module 400-2 may be arranged through a combination of at least one gear and/or a combination of at least one link. In some embodiments, the connection module 400-2 may be replaced with the first hinge device 400. In some embodiments, the at least one hinge device 400 or 400-1 may be arranged at one location or at three or more locations at designated intervals along a direction parallel to the folding axis F. In one embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a first hinge plate 311 and a second hinge plate 312 connected through at least one hinge device 400 or 400-1. In one embodiment, the first hinge plate 311 may form the same plane as the first housing 210 in the unfolded state, and the second hinge plate 312 may form the second housing (210) in the unfolded state. 220) can form the same plane.

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

The flexible display 230 of FIG. 4 may be at least partially similar to the first display 230 of FIG. 1A or may further include other embodiments of the flexible display.

The flexible display 230 according to example embodiments of the present disclosure may include an unbreakable (UB) type OLED display (eg, curved display). However, the display is not limited thereto, and the flexible display 230 may include an on cell touch AMOLED (active matrix organic light-emitting diode) (OCTA) flat type display.

Referring to FIG. 4, the first display 230 (hereinafter referred to as 'flexible display') is installed on the protective layer 410 (e.g., window layer) and the rear surface of the protective layer 410 (e.g., -z-axis direction). It may include a polarizer (POL) 420 (e.g., a polarizing film), a display panel 430, a polymer layer 440, a support plate 450, and a functional layer 460 arranged sequentially. . In one embodiment, functional layer 460 may include digitizer 461 and/or reinforcement plate 462. In one embodiment, the reinforcement plate 462 includes a first reinforcement plate 4621 disposed at a position corresponding to the first housing (e.g., the first housing 210 in FIG. 1A) and a second housing (e.g., the first housing 210 in FIG. 1A). It may include a second housing 220) and a second reinforcement plate 4622) disposed at a corresponding position. In some embodiments, reinforcement plate 462 may be formed as a single piece. In some embodiments, the flexible display 230 may include a digitizer 461 disposed between the support plate 450 and the reinforcement plate 462. In some embodiments, the digitizer 461 is electrically connected to the first digitizer 4611 disposed at a position corresponding to the first housing (e.g., the first housing 210 in FIG. 1A) and the first digitizer, It may include a second digitizer 4612 disposed at a position corresponding to the second housing (e.g., the second housing 220 in FIG. 1A). In some embodiments, digitizer 461 may be formed as a single piece. In some embodiments, digitizer 461 may be disposed between polymer layer 440 and support plate 450. In one embodiment, the digitizer 461 may include coil members disposed on a dielectric substrate (eg, a dielectric film or a dielectric sheet) to detect an electromagnetic induction resonance frequency applied from an electronic pen. In some embodiments, when the flexible display 230 is a POL-less display, the polarizing layer may be omitted, and a transparent reinforcing layer (eg, a buffer layer) may be further disposed in its place. In some embodiments, polymer layer 440 and/or reinforcement plate 462 may be omitted. In some embodiments, polymer layer 440 may be disposed on reinforcement plate 462.

According to various embodiments, the protective layer 410 includes a first layer (e.g., the first layer 411 in FIG. 6) and a second layer (e.g., the first layer 411 in FIG. 6) sequentially stacked on the display panel 430. It may include a second layer 412) and a third layer (e.g., the third layer 413 in FIG. 6). In one embodiment, the first layer 411 may be formed of glass. In one embodiment, the second layer 412 and the third layer 413 may be formed of a polymer (eg, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)). In some embodiments, the layers formed of polymer (e.g., the second layer 412 and the third layer 413) are formed of three or more layers within the range of the standard thickness allowed for the protective layer 410 of the flexible display. It could be. In one embodiment, the third layer 413 may include a coating layer (eg, coating layer 414 in FIG. 6) coated on the upper surface. In one embodiment, the coating layer 414 is a hard coating layer (HC layer), an anti-reflection (AR)/low reflection (LR) coating layer, a shatter proof (SP) coating layer, or an anti-fingerprint coating layer. It may include at least one of an (AF (anti fingerprint)) coating layer. In some embodiments, a coating layer may be formed between the second layer 412 and the third layer 413. In one embodiment, the first layer 411, the second layer 412, and the third layer 413 may be arranged to be stacked on each other through an adhesive. For example, the adhesive may include at least one of optical clear adhesive (OCA), pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), heat-reactive adhesive, general adhesive, or double-sided tape.

According to various embodiments, the protective layer 410, the polarizing layer 420, the display panel 430, the polymer layer 440, and the support plate 450 are included in the first housing (e.g., the first housing 210 in FIG. 1A). )) of the first side (e.g., the first side 211 of FIG. 1A) and the third side of the second housing (e.g., the second housing 220 of FIG. 1a) (e.g., the third side of FIG. 1a (e.g., the third side of FIG. 1a) 221)) may be arranged to cross at least part of the area. In one embodiment, the reinforcement plate 462 provides rigidity for the flexible display 230 and may be used as a ground to prevent malfunction of the flexible display 230. In one embodiment, the reinforcement plate 462 may be formed of a metal material. In one embodiment, reinforcement plate 462 may be formed of SUS or Al. In one embodiment, the protective layer 410, polarizing layer 420, display panel 430, polymer layer 440, support plate 450, and reinforcement plate 462 are also connected to each other through an adhesive (or adhesive member). It can be attached to.

According to various embodiments, the display panel 430 may include a plurality of pixels and a wiring structure (eg, electrode pattern). In one embodiment, the polarization layer 420 may selectively pass light generated from a light source of the display panel 430 and vibrating in a certain direction. In one embodiment, the display panel 430 and the polarizing layer 420 may be formed integrally. In one embodiment, a color filter formed of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) pigments having a polarization function is disposed on the pixel disposed on the display panel 430 to remove the polarization layer 420. It may be possible. In one embodiment, when a color filter with a polarizing function is applied, the display panel 430 may include a light reflection blocking layer (e.g., black pixel define layer (BPDL)) inside the display panel 430 to prevent reflection of external light. there is. In one embodiment, the flexible display 230 may include a touch panel (not shown).

According to various embodiments, the polymer layer 440 is disposed below the display panel 430, provides a dark background to ensure visibility of the display panel 430, and may be formed of a cushioning material for cushioning. In some embodiments, in order to waterproof the flexible display 230, the polymer layer 440 may be removed or placed under the support plate 450. In some embodiments, the polymer layer 440 may be omitted when the support plate 450 is formed of an opaque material.

According to various embodiments, the support plate 450 may provide bending characteristics to the flexible display 230. For example, the support plate 450 is made of fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) (e.g., carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) or glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP)) with rigid characteristics to support the display panel 430. It may be formed of a non-metallic thin plate-type material, such as. In one embodiment, the support plate 450 includes a first flat portion 451 corresponding to a first housing (e.g., the first housing 110 in FIG. 1A) and a second housing (e.g., the second housing in FIG. 1A). It may include a second flat portion 452 corresponding to (120)) and a flexible portion 453 (flexible portion or bending portion) connecting the first flat portion 451 and the second flat portion 452. . In one embodiment, the flexible portion 453 includes a plurality of openings formed to penetrate from the upper surface to the rear surface of the support plate 450 and/or a plurality of ribs formed on a portion of the upper surface and/or a portion of the rear surface to improve flexibility. Can include sessions. In one embodiment, the bending characteristics of the flexible portion 453 may be determined through at least one of the size, shape, or arrangement density of at least some of the plurality of openings and/or at least some of the plurality of recesses. In some embodiments, the support plate 450 is made of metal, such as steel use stainless (SUS) (e.g., stainless steel (STS)), Cu, Al, or metal CLAD (e.g., laminated members with alternating SUS and Al). It may also be formed from a material. In this case, a plurality of openings may be formed throughout the entire area of the support plate 450 to guide the detection operation of the digitizer 461 disposed below. In one embodiment, support plate 450 can help reinforce the rigidity of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 in Figure 1A), shield ambient noise, and block heat radiating from surrounding heat dissipating components. It can also be used to disperse.

According to various embodiments, the flexible display 230 may include at least one subsidiary material layer (not shown) disposed between the polymer layer 440 and the support plate 450 or under the support plate 450. . In one embodiment, at least one subsidiary material layer may include a graphite sheet for heat dissipation, a Force Touch FPCB, a fingerprint sensor FPCB, a communication antenna radiator, or a conductive/non-conductive tape. In one embodiment, at least one subsidiary material layer may be replaced with a functional layer 460 including the digitizer 461 and/or the reinforcement plate 462 described above. In one embodiment, when bending is impossible, at least one subsidiary material layer is attached to the first housing (e.g., the first housing 110 in FIG. 1A) and the second housing (e.g., the second housing 120 in FIG. 1A). They can also be placed individually. In one embodiment, when the at least one subsidiary material layer is capable of bending, the at least one auxiliary material layer is connected from the first housing (e.g., the first housing 110 of FIG. 1A) through a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device 140 of FIG. 3). It may be formed integrally so that at least a portion of the two housings (e.g., the second housing 120 in FIG. 1A) are disposed.

According to various embodiments, the flexible display 230 includes a bending portion 432 disposed in a folded manner from the display panel 430 to at least a portion of the rear surface (e.g., -z-axis direction) of the flexible display 230. can do. In one embodiment, the bending portion 432 is electrically connected to an extension portion 4321 that extends from the display panel 430 and includes a control circuit 4321a, and includes a plurality of electronic devices. It may include a flexible substrate 4322 (e.g., FPCB, flexible printed circuit board). In one embodiment, the control circuit 4321a may include a display driver IC (DDI) or a touch display driver IC (TDDI) mounted on the extension part 4321 having an electrical wiring structure. In one embodiment, the bending portion 432 may include a COP (chip on panel or chip on plastic) structure in which the control circuit 4321a is directly disposed on the extension portion 4321. In some embodiments, the bending portion 432 is a chip on film (COF) in which the control circuit 4321a is mounted on a separate connection film (not shown) connecting the extension portion 4321 and the flexible substrate 4322. It may also contain structures. In one embodiment, the flexible display 230 may include a plurality of electronic devices (eg, electronic devices 4322a in FIG. 5B) disposed on a flexible substrate 4322. In one embodiment, the plurality of electronic devices may include passive devices such as a touch IC, flash memory for a display, an ESD prevention diode, a pressure sensor, a fingerprint sensor, or a decap. In one embodiment, the flexible display 230 extends from the flexible substrate 4322 and is attached to a substrate (e.g., the second substrate 272 of FIG. 3) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 200 of FIG. 3). It may include an FPCB connection portion 4323 (e.g., connector portion) that is electrically connected. In another embodiment, when the bending portion 432 is disposed in an area facing the first housing (e.g., the first housing 110 in FIG. 1A) of the flexible display 230, the FPCB connection portion 4323 is connected to the electronic device. It may be electrically connected to another substrate (e.g., the first substrate 271 of FIG. 3) of the electronic device 200 of FIG. 3.

According to various embodiments, the flexible display 230 is disposed on each of the layers 420, 430, 440, 450, and 460, and has an opening perforated in an area corresponding to an electronic component (e.g., a camera device) disposed below the flexible display 230. It may include (4201, 4301, 4401, 4501, 4601, 4602). In some embodiments, display panel 430 and/or polarization layer 420 may require perforated openings.

The flexible display 230 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure includes a plurality of layers (e.g., the first layer 411 in FIG. 6, the second layer ( It may include a protective layer 410 divided into a third layer 412) and a third layer 413). For example, the protective layer 410 divided into a plurality of layers (e.g., the first layer 411, the second layer 412, and the third layer 413 in FIG. 6) is used to prevent frequent folding of the electronic device 200. Since the folding area deformed by the operation can help restore the original state in the unfolded state, it can help improve wrinkles that occur around the folding area, and the protective layer 410 and the display panel 430 ) can help improve the reliability of the electronic device 200 by reducing interlayer peeling.

5A is a plan view of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5B is a rear view of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

The flexible display 230 of FIGS. 5A and 5B may be substantially similar to the first display 230 of FIG. 1A or may further include other embodiments of the flexible display.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the flexible display 230 has a first edge 401 having a first length, a second edge extending in a vertical direction (e.g., x-axis direction) from the first edge 401, and a second edge 401 having a first length. a second edge 402 having a length, a third edge 403 extending from the second edge 402 in a direction parallel to the first edge 401 (e.g., y-axis direction) and having a first length, and It extends from the third edge 403 to the first edge 401 in a direction parallel to the second edge 402 (e.g., -x axis direction) and includes a fourth edge 404 having a second length. You can. In one embodiment, the first edge 401 may be formed to have a length in a direction parallel to the folding axis (F). In one embodiment, the first length may be longer than the second length. In some embodiments, the first length may be the same as the second length or may be shorter than the second length.

According to various embodiments, the flexible display 230 may include a display panel 430 and a protective layer 410 laminated on the top surface of the display panel 430. In one embodiment, the flexible display 230 may include a bending portion 431 attached to the back of the flexible display 230 in a manner that extends from the display panel 430 and bends at the first edge 401. You can. In one embodiment, the bending portion 432 may include an extension portion 4321, a flexible substrate 4322 extending from the extension portion 4321, and an FPCB connection portion 4323 extending from at least a portion of the flexible substrate 4322. You can. In one embodiment, the flexible display 230 may include a control circuit 4321a disposed on the extension portion 432 and a plurality of electronic devices 4322a disposed on the flexible substrate 4322. In some embodiments, the bending portion 432 may be arranged to extend from any one of the second edge 402, third edge 403, or fourth edge 404, rather than the first edge 401. .

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the protective layer 410 includes a plurality of layers (e.g., the first layer 411 in FIG. 6, the second layer) laminated through an adhesive within the thickness range of the designated protective layer. (412) and the third layer (413), through a stacked structure of a plurality of layers that are thinner than one layer within the thickness range of the designated protective layer, the deformed area due to the folding operation remains in the original state in the unfolded state. The degree of restoration to the state can be improved, which can help improve wrinkles and surface quality of the flexible display 230.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device viewed along line 6-6 of FIG. 1A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 6, the electronic device 200 includes a first housing 210 including a first side member 213, a second side member 223, and a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device of FIG. 3). A second housing 220 that is foldable connected to the first housing 210 through (400, 400-1)) and a flexible display arranged to be supported by the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. It may include (230).

According to various embodiments, the flexible display 230 may include a protective layer 410, a display panel 430, a polymer layer 440, and a support plate 450 sequentially disposed below the protective layer 410. there is. In one embodiment, the support plate 450 includes a pattern 4531 including a plurality of openings formed at specified intervals in a folding area (e.g., the folding area 230c in FIG. 1A) to provide flexibility to the flexible display 230. ) may include. In some embodiments, pattern 4531 may be replaced with a plurality of recesses formed lower than the outer surface. In some embodiments, the pattern 4531 may be composed of a combination of a plurality of openings and a plurality of recesses. In one embodiment, the flexible display 230 is disposed under the support plate 450 in an area corresponding to the folding area 230c, and has a blocking member disposed to block the plurality of openings of the pattern 4531. member) (4532). According to one embodiment, the blocking member 4532 may include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) attached to the support plate 450. In one embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a functional layer 460 disposed below the flexible display 230. In this case, the functional layer 460 may be at least partially attached to the support plate 450 through an adhesive (P). In one embodiment, the functional layer 460 may include a digitizer (e.g., digitizer 461 in FIG. 4) and/or a reinforcement plate (e.g., reinforcement plate 462 in FIG. 4).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 may include at least one adhesive member 471 and 472 disposed between the flexible display 230 and the housings 210 and 220. For example, the at least one adhesive member 471 or 472 is a first adhesive member 471 disposed between the functional layer 460 and the first housing 210, and the functional layer 460 and the second housing 220. It may include a second adhesive member 472 disposed therebetween. In one embodiment, the electronic device 200 is connected to the first adhesive member 471 between the functional layer 460 and the first housing 210 and/or between the functional layer 460 and the second housing 220. Graphite for heat dissipation, a buffer member (e.g., sponge) for cushioning, a step compensation member for step compensation, and/or waterproofing for waterproofing disposed in at least some areas other than the area where the second adhesive member 472 is disposed. At least one more member may be included.

According to various embodiments, the flexible display 230 includes a bending portion 431 attached to the back of the flexible display 230 in a manner that extends from the display panel 430 and bends at the first edge 401. can do. In one embodiment, the bending part 432 may include an extension part 4321 and a flexible substrate 4322 extending from the extension part 4321. In one embodiment, the flexible display 230 may include a control circuit 4321a disposed in the extension portion 432. In one embodiment, the control circuit 4321a is protected from external moisture and/or foreign substances by being disposed in a closed space formed by a cover tape 4324 attached to connect the bending portion 432 and the flexible substrate 4322. You can receive it. In one embodiment, the bending portion 432 may further include a bending portion protection layer 431 that is laminated on the outer surface to protect the bending portion 432.

According to various embodiments, the protective layer 410 may include a first layer 411, a second layer 412, and a third layer 413 sequentially stacked on the display panel 430. In one embodiment, the first layer 411 may be formed of glass. In one embodiment, the second layer 412 and the third layer 413 may be formed of a polymer (eg, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)). In some embodiments, the layers 412 and 413 made of polymer may be formed of three or more layers within a standard thickness range allowed for the protective layer 410 of the flexible display 230. In one embodiment, the first layer 411, the second layer 412, and the third layer 413 may be arranged to be stacked on each other through an adhesive (P). For example, the adhesive P may include at least one of optical clear adhesive (OCA), pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), heat-reactive adhesive, general adhesive, or double-sided tape.

Each of the polymer layers (e.g., the second layer 412 and the third layer 413) formed in a multi-layer stacked structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is one within the same thickness range of the protective layer 410. Since it is formed thinner than the thickness of the polymer layer of the comparative example formed of a layer of ), which can help improve wrinkles and surface quality of the flexible display 230. In one embodiment, the protective layer 410 may include a coating layer 414 laminated on the outer surface of the third layer 413. In one embodiment, the coating layer 414 may be formed to improve visibility of the flexible display 230, improve durability, and prevent user fingerprints. For example, the coating layer 414 may be a hard coating layer (HC layer), an anti-reflection (AR)/low reflection (LR) coating layer, a shatter proof (SP) coating layer, or an anti-fingerprint (AF) layer. It may include at least one of anti-fingerprint) coating layers. In one embodiment, the flexible display 230 may include a printing layer 415 (e.g., a black printing layer) formed below the third layer 413 to prevent the first edge 401 from being viewed from the outside. there is. In one embodiment, the printing layer 415 has a width that overlaps at least the first edge 401 and the bending portion 432 when the flexible display 230 is viewed from above on the back of the third layer 413. It can be arranged to have. In one embodiment, the printing layer 415 has at least the second edge 402, the third edge 403, and the fourth edge when the flexible display 230 is viewed from above on the back of the third layer 413. It may be arranged to have a width that overlaps an edge (e.g., the fourth edge 404 in FIG. 5A).

According to various embodiments, the thickness t2 of the third layer 413 may be thicker than the thickness t1 of the second layer 412 by forming the coating layer 414. In one embodiment, the thickness t2 of the third layer 413 may be determined not to exceed 80 μm. In one embodiment, the thickness t1 of the second layer 412 may be determined to exceed 20 μm. In some embodiments, the thickness t1 of the second layer 412 and the thickness t2 of the third layer 413 may be the same. For example, while the thickness of one protective layer formed of the polymer of the comparative example is 115㎛, the second layer formed of the polymer of the protective layer 410 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and corresponding to the protective layer of the comparative example ( The thickness of the third layer 412) and the third layer 413 were set to 25 ㎛ and 55 ㎛, respectively, under the same conditions, excluding the thickness of the adhesive layer (35 ㎛), so that it was relatively thinner than the comparative example and had improved resilience ( e.g. polymer layers with reduced burnout strain. This may mean that the polymer layers 412 and 413 of the protective layer, which have the same overall thickness and improved resilience, can help improve wrinkles and surface quality of the flexible display 230.

According to various embodiments, the third layer 413 is at the first edge 401 of the flexible display 230, so as to protect the bending portion 432, when the flexible display 230 is viewed from above, the third layer 413 is bent at least. It may be formed to extend in the direction of the second side member 223 (eg, -x-axis direction) rather than the second layer 412 so as to overlap the portion 432 . In one embodiment, the third layer 413 has a second edge (e.g., the second edge 402 in FIG. 5A), a third edge 403, and a fourth edge (e.g., the fourth edge in FIG. 5A). In 404), in order to slim the electronic device 200, the second layer 412 and its ends may be formed to match each other.

7A to 7E are cross-sectional views of electronic devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

In describing the electronic device 200 of FIGS. 7A to 7E , components that are substantially the same as those of the electronic device 200 of FIG. 6 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 7A, the flexible display 230 includes a first layer 411 (e.g., glass layer) laminated on the display panel 430 through an adhesive (P), and a second layer 411 laminated on the first layer 411. It may include a layer 412 (eg, a polymer layer) and a third layer 413 (eg, a polymer layer) stacked on the second layer 412. In one embodiment, the first layer 411 may be formed to be smaller than the second layer 412 at the first edge 401. In this case, the adhesive P that attaches the first layer 411 and the second layer 412 is formed to match the end of the first layer 411, so that during the folding operation of the flexible display 230, the bending portion It can help improve the interference phenomenon between (432) and the second layer (412).

Referring to FIG. 7B, the flexible display 230 includes a first layer 411 (e.g., a glass layer) laminated on the display panel 430 through an adhesive (P), and a second layer 411 laminated on the first layer 411. It may include a layer 412 (eg, a polymer layer) and a third layer 413 (eg, a polymer layer) stacked on the second layer 412. In one embodiment, the second layer 412 and the third layer 413 are sized to at least overlap the bending portion 432 when the flexible display 230 is viewed from above at the first edge 401. can be formed. In one embodiment, the second layer 412 and the third layer 413 may be formed so that their ends coincide. In this case, the printing layer 415 is disposed on the back of the second layer 412 closer to the bending portion 432, thereby helping to improve the visibility of the first edge 401 from the outside.

Referring to FIG. 7C, the flexible display 230 may include at least one protective film 416 stacked on top of the protective layer 410. In one embodiment, protective film 416 may be formed from stretched PET or TPU. In one embodiment, the protective film 416 may be attached to the protective layer 410 through an adhesive member so that it can be replaced when contaminated or damaged. In one embodiment, the flexible display 230 may include a coating layer 417 formed on the upper surface of at least one protective film 416. For example, the coating layer 417 formed on the protective film 416 may be substantially the same as the coating layer 414 formed on the third layer 413.

Referring to FIG. 7D, the protective layer 410 is disposed at the third edge 403 of the flexible display 230 so that the edge of the second layer 412 and the edge of the third layer 413 do not coincide. It may be possible. In one embodiment, the protective layer 410 may be configured such that the edge of the third layer 413 is closer to the first side member 213 than the edge of the second layer 412 . In some embodiments, the protective layer 410 may be configured such that the edge of the second layer 412 is closer to the first side member 213 than the edge of the third layer 413 . In some embodiments, the arrangement structure in which the edge of the second layer 412 and the edge of the third layer 413 are different from each other is the second edge of the flexible display 230 (e.g., the second edge 402 in FIG. 5A). Alternatively, it may be applied to at least one edge among the fourth edges (e.g., the fourth edge 404 in FIG. 5A).

Referring to FIG. 7E , the protective layer 410 may be formed at a size that does not overlap the bending portion 432 at the first edge 401 when the flexible display 230 is viewed from above. In this case, the second layer 412 and the third layer 413 of the protective layer 410 have a bending portion 432 visible at the first edge 401 when the flexible display 230 is viewed from above. It can also be formed in any size that can be accommodated.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 200 of FIG. 6) includes a first housing (e.g., the first housing 210 of FIG. 6) and a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device of FIG. 3). Through (400, 400-1)), a second housing (e.g., the second housing of FIG. 6) is foldably connected to the first housing with respect to the folding axis (e.g., the folding axis (F) of FIG. 6). 220)) and disposed to be supported by the first housing and the second housing, and a display panel (e.g., the display panel 430 of FIG. 6) and a protective layer laminated on the display panel (e.g., the protective layer 410 of FIG. 6) )) may include a flexible display (eg, the flexible display 230 of FIG. 6). The protective layer of the flexible display consists of a first layer laminated on the display panel (e.g., the first layer 411 in FIG. 6) and a second layer laminated on the first layer (e.g., the second layer 412 in FIG. 6). )), a third layer laminated on the second layer (e.g., the third layer 413 in FIG. 6), and a coating layer formed on the upper surface of the third layer (e.g., the coating layer 414 in FIG. 6), The thickness of the third layer (e.g., thickness t2 in FIG. 6) may be thicker than the thickness of the second layer (e.g., thickness t1 in FIG. 6).

According to various embodiments, the first layer may be formed of a glass material.

According to various embodiments, the second layer and/or the third layer may be formed of a polymer material.

According to various embodiments, the second layer may be formed to have a thickness of 20 μm or more.

According to various embodiments, the third layer may be formed to have a thickness of 80 μm or less.

According to various embodiments, a flexible display includes a first edge having a first length, a second edge extending in a perpendicular direction from the first edge and having a second length, and a second edge extending from the second edge to the first edge. a third edge extending in a direction parallel to the first edge and having the first length; and a fourth edge extending from the third edge to the first edge in a direction parallel to the second edge and having the second length. And, the flexible display may include a bending portion, at the first edge, extending from at least a portion of the display panel and bent to the back of the flexible display.

According to various embodiments, the third layer may be arranged to overlap at least the bending portion at the first edge when the flexible display is viewed from above.

According to various embodiments, the rear surface of the third layer may include a printing layer arranged to have a width that overlaps at least the first edge and the bending portion when the flexible display is viewed from above.

According to various embodiments, the printing layer may include a printing layer arranged to have a width that overlaps at least the second edge, third edge, and fourth edge when the flexible display is viewed from above.

According to various embodiments, the third layer may be arranged so that its ends coincide with the second edge, third edge, and fourth edge when the flexible display is viewed from above.

According to various embodiments, the third layer may be arranged so that its end coincides with the second layer when the flexible display is viewed from above at the first edge.

According to various embodiments, the rear surface of the second layer may include a printing layer arranged to have a width that overlaps at least the first edge and the bending portion when the flexible display is viewed from above.

According to various embodiments, the first layer and the second layer are attached to each other through an adhesive, and the adhesive may be disposed to match the end of the first layer.

According to various embodiments, the coating layer is a hard coating layer (HC layer), an anti-reflection (AR)/low reflection (LR) coating layer, a shatter proof (SP) coating layer, or an anti-fingerprint ( It may include at least one of an AF (anti fingerprint) coating layer.

According to various embodiments, it may include at least one functional layer disposed below the display panel.

According to various embodiments, the functional layer may include a reinforcing plate and/or a digitizer.

According to various embodiments, a flexible display includes a display panel and a protective layer laminated on the display panel, wherein the protective layer includes a first layer laminated on the display panel and a second layer laminated on the first layer. It includes a layer, a third layer laminated on the second layer, and a coating layer formed on an upper surface of the third layer, and the thickness of the third layer may be thicker than the thickness of the second layer.

According to various embodiments, a flexible display includes a first edge having a first length, a second edge extending in a perpendicular direction from the first edge and having a second length, and a second edge extending from the second edge to the first edge. a third edge extending in a direction parallel to the first edge and having the first length; and a fourth edge extending from the third edge to the first edge in a direction parallel to the second edge and having the second length. And, the flexible display may include a bending portion at the first edge, extending from at least a portion of the display panel, and bent toward the back of the flexible display.

According to various embodiments, the third layer may be arranged to overlap at least the bending portion at the first edge when the flexible display is viewed from above.

According to various embodiments, the third layer may be arranged so that its ends coincide with the second edge, third edge, and fourth edge when the flexible display is viewed from above.

In addition, the embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed in the specification and drawings are merely provided as specific examples to easily explain the technical content according to the embodiments of the present disclosure and to aid understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and limit the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It is not intended to be limiting. Therefore, the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be interpreted as including all changes or modified forms derived based on the technical idea of the various embodiments of the present disclosure in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein. .

200: Electronic device 210: First housing
220: second housing 230: flexible display
410: Protective layer 411: First layer (UTG, ultra thin glass
412: 2nd layer 413: 3rd layer
414: coating layer 415: printing layer

Claims (20)

In electronic devices,
first housing;
a second housing foldably connected to the first housing through a hinge device, with respect to a folding axis; and
A flexible display disposed to be supported by the first housing and the second housing and including a display panel and a protective layer laminated on the display panel,
The protective layer is,
a first layer laminated on the display panel;
a second layer laminated on the first layer;
a third layer laminated on the second layer; and
It includes a coating layer formed on the upper surface of the third layer,
An electronic device wherein the third layer is thicker than the second layer.
According to paragraph 1,
The first layer is an electronic device formed of a glass material.
According to claim 1 or 2,
The second layer and/or the third layer are formed of a polymer material.
According to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The second layer is formed to have a thickness of 20㎛ or more.
According to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The third layer is formed to have a thickness of 80㎛ or less.
According to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Flexible displays,
a first edge having a first length;
a second edge extending in a direction perpendicular to the first edge and having a second length;
a third edge extending from the second edge in a direction parallel to the first edge and having the first length; and
a fourth edge extending from the third edge to the first edge in a direction parallel to the second edge and having the second length;
The flexible display includes, at the first edge, a bending portion that extends from at least a portion of the display panel and is bent to a rear surface of the flexible display.
According to clause 6,
The third layer is arranged to overlap at least the bending portion at the first edge when the flexible display is viewed from above.
In clause 7,
An electronic device comprising a printed layer disposed on a rear surface of the third layer to have a width that overlaps at least the first edge and the bending portion when the flexible display is viewed from above.
According to clause 8,
The electronic device includes a printing layer arranged to have a width that overlaps at least the second edge, third edge, and fourth edge when the flexible display is viewed from above.
In clause 7,
The third layer is arranged at the second edge, third edge, and fourth edge so that the ends of the second layer coincide with the flexible display when viewed from above.
In clause 7,
The third layer is arranged so that an end of the third layer coincides with the second layer when the flexible display is viewed from above at the first edge.
According to clause 11,
An electronic device comprising a printed layer disposed on a rear surface of the second layer to have a width that overlaps at least the first edge and the bending portion when the flexible display is viewed from above.
According to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The first layer and the second layer are attached to each other through an adhesive,
The adhesive is disposed to match the end of the first layer.
According to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The coating layer may be a hard coating layer (HC layer), an anti-reflection (AR)/low reflection (LR) coating layer, a shatter proof (SP) coating layer, or an anti-fingerprint (AF) coating layer. An electronic device comprising at least one of the coating layers.
According to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An electronic device comprising at least one functional layer disposed beneath the display panel.
According to clause 15,
The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the functional layer includes a reinforcement plate and/or a digitizer.
In flexible displays,
display panel; and
Comprising a protective layer laminated on the display panel,
The protective layer is,
a first layer laminated on the display panel;
a second layer laminated on the first layer;
a third layer laminated on the second layer; and
It includes a coating layer formed on the upper surface of the third layer,
A flexible display in which the third layer is thicker than the second layer.
According to clause 17,
Flexible displays,
a first edge having a first length;
a second edge extending in a direction perpendicular to the first edge and having a second length;
a third edge extending from the second edge in a direction parallel to the first edge and having the first length; and
a fourth edge extending from the third edge to the first edge in a direction parallel to the second edge and having the second length;
The flexible display includes a bending portion that extends from at least a portion of the display panel at the first edge and is bent to a rear surface of the flexible display.
According to clause 18,
The third layer is arranged to overlap at least the bending portion at the first edge when the flexible display is viewed from above.
According to claim 18 or 19,
The third layer is arranged at the second edge, third edge, and fourth edge so that the end of the second layer coincides with the flexible display when the flexible display is viewed from above.

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