Electronic devices

Abstract

An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a display panel, wherein the display panel includes a first surface portion, a second surface portion, and a third surface portion arranged between the first surface portion and the second surface portion. The electronic device operates in one of a first mode and a second mode. When the electronic device operates in the first mode, the third surface portion is bent from the first surface portion, and the second surface portion is bent from the third surface portion. When the electronic device operates in the second mode, the first surface portion, the second surface portion, and the third surface portion are substantially parallel to each other.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and all benefits derived from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0038060, filed on April 1, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device, and more particularly, to an electronic device capable of displaying images on a plurality of surfaces and a driving method thereof. Background Art

[0004] Various electronic devices have been developed for multimedia devices such as televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, navigation units, and game consoles.

[0005] In recent years, according to market demand, research has been conducted to reduce the non-display area in electronic devices where no image is displayed. At the same time, research has been conducted to increase the display area in electronic devices from which a user observes an image. Summary of the invention

[0006] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electronic device capable of displaying an image on an entire surface having an approximately rectangular shape.

[0007] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure also provide an electronic device that displays an image on an entire surface having a rectangular shape when operating in a first mode and enlarges an image display area observed by a user when operating in a second mode.

[0008] An exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept provides an electronic device, the electronic device including a display panel, a window and a housing, wherein the display panel includes a first surface portion, a second surface portion and a third surface portion arranged between the first surface portion and the second surface portion, wherein each of the first surface portion, the second surface portion and the third surface portion displays an image, the window is arranged on the display panel, and the housing is combined with the window to provide an outer surface of the electronic device. Here, the electronic device operates in one of a first mode and a second mode, in which the third surface portion is bent from the first surface portion and the second surface portion is bent from the third surface portion, and in the second mode, the first surface portion, the second surface portion and the third surface portion are substantially parallel to each other.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel may further include fourth to sixth surface portions each extending from the first surface portion, and the fourth to sixth surface portions may maintain a state of being bent from the first surface portion in the first mode and the second mode.

[0010] In one exemplary embodiment, the electronic device may further include a bracket disposed under the display panel to support a portion of the display panel.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the bracket may support the first surface portion and the fourth to sixth surface portions, but may not support the third surface portion and the second surface portion.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the housing may support and contact the second surface portion and the third surface portion.

[0013] In one exemplary embodiment, in the first mode, the side surface of the housing and a portion of the rear surface of the housing may be covered by the display panel, and in the second mode, the side surface of the housing and a portion of the rear surface of the housing may be exposed to the outside.

[0014] In one exemplary embodiment, a rear surface of the housing may have a receiving groove defined therein, and in the first mode, the second surface portion of the display panel may be received in the receiving groove.

[0015] In one exemplary embodiment, the electronic device may further include a reinforcement part, wherein the reinforcement part is attached to a lower portion of each of the second surface portion and the third surface portion to support the second surface portion and the third surface portion.

[0016] In one exemplary embodiment, the reinforcement part may have a rigidity greater than that of the display panel.

[0017] In one exemplary embodiment, the electronic device may further include a holder, wherein the holder is attached to the housing or the second surface portion and fixes the second surface portion to the housing in the first mode. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the inventive concept and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the concept. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an exemplary embodiment of a front surface of an electronic device and a portion of a side surface connected to the front surface according to the inventive concept;

[0020] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an exemplary embodiment of a rear surface of an electronic device and a portion of a side surface connected to the rear surface according to the inventive concept;

[0021] Figure 3 is along Figure 1A cross-sectional view taken along line II';

[0022] Figure 4 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II';

[0023] Figure 5 is an expanded view showing an exemplary embodiment of a display panel according to the inventive concept;

[0024] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a display panel;

[0025] 7A to 7E is an expanded view showing an exemplary embodiment of a display panel according to the inventive concept;

[0026] Figure 8 is an expanded view showing another exemplary embodiment of a display panel according to the inventive concept;

[0027] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing another exemplary embodiment of an electronic module and a display panel in a bent state according to the inventive concept;

[0028] Fig.10 is a perspective view showing another exemplary embodiment of an electronic device operating in a first mode according to the inventive concept;

[0029] Fig.11 is a perspective view showing another exemplary embodiment of an electronic device operating in a second mode according to the inventive concept;

[0030] Fig.12 is along Fig.10 A cross-sectional view taken along line II';

[0031] Fig.13 is along Fig.11 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II'; and

[0032] Fig.14 is a perspective view illustrating still another exemplary embodiment of an electronic device according to the inventive concept. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In the present specification, it should also be understood that when a component (or region, layer, portion) is referred to as being “on,” “connected to” or “coupled to” another component, the component may be directly arranged at / connected to / on the one component, or an intervening third component may also be present.

[0034] Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements, and the thickness, proportion, and size of components in the drawings are exaggerated for clarity of illustration.

[0035] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting. Unless the content clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" as used herein are also intended to include the plural forms and include "at least one". "At least one" should not be interpreted as limiting "a" or "an". The wording "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items.

[0036] It will be understood that although terms such as "first" and "second" are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component. For example, a first element referred to as a first element in one exemplary embodiment may be referred to as a second element in another exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Unless otherwise indicated to the contrary, terms in the singular may include plural forms.

[0037] Furthermore, “under,” “below,” “above,” “upper,” etc. are used to explain the relationship between components shown in the drawings. These terms may be relative concepts and are described based on the directions shown in the drawings.

[0038] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having the same meaning as in the context of the relevant technology, and unless clearly defined in the specification, these terms are not ideally or excessively interpreted as having formal meanings.

[0039] The meaning of “include” or “comprise” is to specify attributes, fixed numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or a combination thereof, but not to exclude other attributes, fixed numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or a combination thereof.

[0040] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an exemplary embodiment of a front surface of an electronic device and a portion of a side surface connected to the front surface according to the inventive concept, and Figure 2is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a rear surface of an electronic device and a portion of a side surface connected to the rear surface according to the inventive concept.

[0042] The electronic device EA can display images IM1 and IM2 on the front surface SF1 and the rear surface SF2, respectively, according to electrical signals, and detect external inputs. In this exemplary embodiment, an image IM1 displayed on the front surface SF1 of the electronic device EA and an image IM2 displayed on the rear surface SF2 of the electronic device EA are shown. Moreover, an image can be displayed on at least a portion of the first side surface SF3, the second side surface SF4, the third side surface SF5, and the fourth side surface SF6. The first side surface SF3, the second side surface SF4, the third side surface SF5, and the fourth side surface SF6 are connected to the front surface SF1 and the rear surface SF2 of the electronic device EA, respectively. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the exemplary embodiment shown in , images IM4 and IM3 are displayed on the first side surface SF3 and the third side surface SF5, respectively.

[0043] The external input detected by the electronic device EA may include various types of external inputs, such as a part of the user's body, light, heat, or pressure. Moreover, the external input may include direct contact with the electronic device EA or proximity sensing with the electronic device EA. In this exemplary embodiment, although the electronic device EA is shown as a smart phone, the inventive concept is not limited thereto. In another exemplary embodiment, for example, the electronic device EA may include various products with a display screen, such as a television, a monitor, a tablet computer, a game console, or a smart watch. Moreover, the external input may be distinguished as force and touch.

[0044] The front surface SF1 and the rear surface SF2 of the electronic device EA may be parallel to the surface defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The normal direction of the front surface SF1 of the electronic device EA (i.e., the thickness direction of the electronic device EA) may be defined as the third direction DR3. However, the directions indicated by the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 may be relative concepts and thus converted relative to each other.

[0045] Figure 3 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line II' of Figure 4 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II'.

[0046] The electronic device EA may include a display panel DP, a window WM, a bracket BR, and a housing HS.

[0047] The display panel DP may display an image. The display panel DP may be flexible. In one exemplary embodiment, the display panel DP may be an organic light emitting display panel.

[0048] The display panel DP may be bent to overlap the front surface SF1 , the rear surface SF2 , and the first, second, third, and fourth side surfaces SF3 , SF4 , SF5 , and SF6 of the electronic device EA to display an image.

[0049] The window WM is arranged on the display panel DP. The window WM may cover the display panel DP and have a shape similar to the display panel DP. The window WM may constitute at least a portion of the front surface SF1, the rear surface SF2, and the first side surface SF3, the second side surface SF4, the third side surface SF5, and the fourth side surface SF6 of the electronic device EA.

[0050] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in , the bracket BR may be arranged under the display panel DP to support the display panel DP. The bracket BR may include a material having a rigidity greater than that of the display panel DP. In the present exemplary embodiment, one bracket BR supports the entire area of ​​the display panel DP. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto. In another exemplary embodiment, for example, the bracket BR may be provided in plurality. In addition, the bracket BR may support a portion of the display panel DP.

[0051] The bracket BR may be bent along the shape of the display panel DP to provide an inner space. Electronic components for operation of the electronic device EA, such as a battery, a main printed circuit board, and various sensors, may be arranged in the inner space of the bracket BR.

[0052] The housing HS is combined with the window WM to provide the outer surface of the electronic device EA. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the exemplary embodiment shown in , the housing HS constitutes a portion of the rear surface SF2 and a portion of the first side surface SF3, the third side surface SF5, and the fourth side surface SF6 of the electronic device EA. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, in another exemplary embodiment in which the display panel DP and the window WM cover the entire area of ​​the outer surface of the electronic device EA, the housing HS may be omitted.

[0053] In one exemplary embodiment, the bracket BR and the housing HS are spaced apart from each other. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, in another exemplary embodiment, the bracket BR and the housing HS may be connected to each other or merged with each other.

[0054] Figure 5 is an expanded view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a display panel according to the inventive concept.

[0055] Reference Figures 3 to 5 , the display panel DP may include a first surface portion SP1, a second surface portion SP2, and a third surface portion SP3, a fourth surface portion SP4, a fifth surface portion SP5, and a sixth surface portion SP6. The first surface portion SP1 may be referred to as a front surface portion. The second surface portion SP2 may be referred to as a rear surface portion. The third surface portion SP3, the fourth surface portion SP4, the fifth surface portion SP5, and the sixth surface portion SP6 may be referred to as a first side portion to a fourth side portion.

[0056] Each of the first surface portion SP1 , the second surface portion SP2 , and the third surface portion SP3 , the fourth surface portion SP4 , the fifth surface portion SP5 , and the sixth surface portion SP6 may display an image.

[0057] The first surface portion SP1 may have a rectangular shape, and each corner of the first surface portion SP1 may have a chamfered structure.

[0058] The third surface portion SP3 may extend from a first side of the first surface portion SP1. The fourth surface portion SP4 may extend from a second side of the first surface portion SP1. The first side and the second side of the first surface portion SP1 may be connected to each other. The fifth surface portion SP5 may extend from a third side of the first surface portion SP1 and face the third surface portion SP3. The first side and the third side of the first surface portion SP1 may face each other. The sixth surface portion SP6 may extend from a fourth side of the first surface portion SP1 and face the fourth surface portion SP4. The second side and the fourth side of the first surface portion SP1 may face each other. The third surface portion SP3, the fourth surface portion SP4, the fifth surface portion SP5, and the sixth surface portion SP6 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0059] The second surface portion SP2 may extend from the fourth surface portion SP4.

[0060] The display panel DP is bent with respect to four sides of the first surface portion SP1. The display panel DP may have arcs around boundaries between the first surface portion SP1 and the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth surface portions SP3, SP4, SP5, and SP6.

[0061] The display panel DP is further bent with respect to a boundary between the second surface portion SP2 and the fourth surface portion SP4. The first surface portion SP1 and the second surface portion SP2 may be spaced apart from each other in the third direction DR3 and face each other when the display panel DP is bent. The first surface portion SP1 and the second surface portion SP2 may be substantially parallel to each other.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the display panel DP may have a structure bent at five locations. Therefore, when six surfaces for displaying images are provided, all surfaces of the electronic device EA having an approximately rectangular shape may display images.

[0063] The electronic device EA may further include a driving element for driving the display panel DP. The driving element may include an integrated circuit chip that applies a signal to a signal line arranged on the display panel DP and a printed circuit board that exchanges a driving signal. The integrated circuit chip may be mounted to the printed circuit board. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto. In another exemplary embodiment, for example, the integrated circuit chip and the printed circuit board may be physically separated and electrically connected.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, the driving element may be connected to one of the first surface portion SP1, the second surface portion SP2, and the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth surface portions SP3, SP4, SP5, and SP6 of the display panel DP.

[0065] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the display panel.

[0066] The display panel DP may include a base layer SUB, a circuit element layer DP-CL, a display element layer DP-OLED, and an encapsulation layer TFE.

[0067] The circuit element layer DP-CL includes transistors. In one exemplary embodiment, a first transistor T1 and a second transistor T2 for driving one organic light emitting diode OLED are exemplarily shown.

[0068] The circuit element layer DP-CL includes at least one inorganic film, at least one organic film and a circuit element. The circuit element layer DP-CL may include a buffer layer BFL, first and second intermediate inorganic layers 10 and 20 as inorganic layers, and an intermediate organic layer 30 as an organic layer.

[0069] The inorganic layer may include silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon oxide or the like. The organic layer may include at least one of acrylic resin, methacrylic resin, polyisoprene resin, vinyl resin, epoxy resin, urethane resin, cellulose resin, siloxane resin, polyimide resin, polyamide resin and naphthyl resin. The circuit element includes a conductive pattern and / or a semiconductor pattern.

[0070] The buffer layer BFL improves the coupling force between the base layer SUB and the conductive pattern or the semiconductor pattern. Although not shown separately, a barrier layer for preventing the introduction of foreign matter may also be arranged on the top surface of the base layer SUB. The buffer layer BFL and the barrier layer may be selectively arranged or omitted.

[0071] A semiconductor pattern OSP1 of a first transistor T1 (hereinafter referred to as a first semiconductor pattern) and a semiconductor pattern OSP2 of a second transistor T2 (hereinafter referred to as a second semiconductor pattern) are disposed on the buffer layer BFL. Each of the first semiconductor pattern OSP1 and the second semiconductor pattern OSP2 may be selected from amorphous silicon, polysilicon and metal oxide semiconductor.

[0072] The first intermediate inorganic layer 10 is arranged on the first semiconductor pattern OSP1 and the second semiconductor pattern OSP2. The control electrode GE1 (hereinafter referred to as the first control electrode) of the first transistor T1 and the control electrode GE2 (hereinafter referred to as the second control electrode) of the second transistor T2 are arranged on the first intermediate inorganic layer 10. The first control electrode GE1 and the second control electrode GE2 can be manufactured by the same photolithography process as the scan line.

[0073] The second intermediate inorganic layer 20 for covering the first control electrode GE1 and the second control electrode GE2 is arranged on the first intermediate inorganic layer 10. The input electrode DE1 (hereinafter referred to as the first input electrode) and the output electrode SE1 (hereinafter referred to as the first output electrode) of the first transistor T1 and the input electrode DE2 (hereinafter referred to as the second input electrode) and the output electrode SE2 (hereinafter referred to as the second output electrode) of the second transistor T2 are arranged on the second intermediate inorganic layer 20.

[0074] The first input electrode DE1 and the first output electrode SE1 are connected to the first semiconductor pattern OSP1 through the first and second through holes CH1 and CH2 passing through the first and second intermediate inorganic layers 10 and 20, respectively. The second input electrode DE2 and the second output electrode SE2 are connected to the second semiconductor pattern OSP2 through the third and fourth through holes CH3 and CH4 passing through the first and second intermediate inorganic layers 10 and 20, respectively. According to another exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, one of the first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2 may have a bottom gate structure.

[0075] An intermediate organic layer 30 for covering the first input electrode DE1, the second input electrode DE2, the first output electrode SE1, and the second output electrode SE2 is disposed on the second intermediate inorganic layer 20. The intermediate organic layer 30 may provide a flat surface.

[0076] A display element layer DP-OLED is arranged on the intermediate organic layer 30. The display element layer DP-OLED may include a pixel defining layer PDL and an organic light emitting diode OLED. Like the intermediate organic layer 30, the pixel defining layer PDL may include an organic material. A first electrode AE ​​is arranged on the intermediate organic layer 30. The first electrode AE ​​is connected to the second output electrode SE2 through a fifth contact hole CH5 passing through the intermediate organic layer 30. An opening OP is defined in the pixel defining layer PDL. The opening OP of the pixel defining layer PDL exposes at least a portion of the first electrode AE.

[0077] An emitting region PXA and a non-emitting region NPXA may be defined on the display panel DP. The non-emitting region NPXA may surround the emitting region PXA. In an exemplary embodiment, the emitting region PXA may be defined to correspond to a partial region of the first electrode AE. Here, the partial region is a region where the first electrode AE ​​is exposed through the opening OP. The emitting region PXA is a region through which light emitted from the organic light emitting diode OLED is emitted to the outside, and the light emitted from the organic light emitting diode OLED is blocked by the non-emitting region NPXA. Although not shown, the non-emitting region NPXA may be defined between a plurality of emitting regions PXA. Moreover, although the non-emitting region NPXA is an entire region as a whole, in the following exemplary embodiments, the non-emitting region NPXA is described as a plurality of regions that specify a partial region of the non-emitting region NPXA.

[0078] A hole control layer HCL may be commonly disposed on the light emitting region PXA and the non-light emitting region NPXA. Although not separately shown, a common layer such as the hole control layer HCL may be disposed on the entire base layer SUB.

[0079] A light-emitting layer EML is arranged on the hole control layer HCL. The light-emitting layer EML may be arranged on an area corresponding to the opening OP. That is, the light-emitting layer EML may be divided and arranged on each of a plurality of light-emitting regions PXA. The light-emitting layer EML may include an organic material and / or an inorganic material. In this exemplary embodiment, a patterned light-emitting layer EML is exemplarily shown. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto. In another exemplary embodiment, for example, the light-emitting layer EML may be commonly arranged on a plurality of light-emitting regions PXA. Here, the light-emitting layer EML may generate red light, green light, blue light, or white light. However, the inventive concept is not limited to the color of the generated light. Moreover, the light-emitting layer EML may have a multilayer structure.

[0080] An electron control layer ECL is disposed on the light emitting layer EML. Although not separately shown, the electron control layer ECL may be commonly provided on the plurality of light emitting regions PXA.

[0081] A second electrode CE is disposed on the electron control layer ECL and is commonly disposed on the plurality of light emitting regions PXA.

[0082] An encapsulation layer TFE is disposed on the second electrode CE. The encapsulation layer TFE is commonly disposed on the plurality of light emitting areas PXA. In this exemplary embodiment, the encapsulation layer TFE directly covers the second electrode CE.

[0083] The encapsulation layer TFE may include at least one encapsulation inorganic film and at least one encapsulation organic film. The encapsulation inorganic film and the encapsulation organic film may be alternately stacked with each other.

[0084] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the encapsulation layer TFE includes first and second encapsulation inorganic films IOL1 and IOL2 and a first encapsulation organic film OL1.

[0085] The first encapsulation inorganic film IOL1 , the first encapsulation organic film OL1 , and the second encapsulation inorganic film IOL2 may be sequentially stacked on the second electrode CE.

[0086] The first encapsulating inorganic film IOL1 may be provided by using an inkjet printing method or by applying a composition including an acrylic monomer. The first encapsulating inorganic film IOL1 and the second encapsulating inorganic film IOL2 may include the same inorganic material as each other or different inorganic materials from each other. However, the inventive concept is not particularly limited to the materials of the first encapsulating inorganic film IOL1 and the second encapsulating inorganic film IOL2. In another exemplary embodiment, for example, each of the first encapsulating inorganic film IOL1 and the second encapsulating inorganic film IOL2 may include silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and silicon oxide.

[0087] In another exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, a cover layer for covering the second electrode CE may be further disposed between the encapsulation layer TFE and the second electrode CE. Here, the encapsulation layer TFE may directly cover the cover layer.

[0088] The display panel DP may further include a touch sensing unit TS and an anti-reflection layer CFL.

[0089] The touch sensing unit TS acquires coordinate information of an external input. The touch sensing unit TS may be directly disposed on the organic light-emitting encapsulation layer TFE. In the present specification, the expression "directly disposed" refers to the characteristics of two layers directly attached to each other through a continuous formation process, rather than the characteristics of two layers attached to each other by using a separate adhesive layer between them. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto. In another exemplary embodiment, for example, the touch sensing unit TS may be attached to the encapsulation layer TFE by using an adhesive layer between them.

[0090] The anti-reflection layer CFL may be disposed on the touch sensing unit TS. Since external light is reflected by the inside of the display panel DP, the anti-reflection layer CFL prevents the inside of the display panel DP from being observed by the user. The anti-reflection layer CFL may be implemented as a laminate of optical films such as a polarizing film and a 1 / 4 wavelength film for preventing reflection of external light. In another exemplary embodiment, the anti-reflection layer CFL may include a color filter and a black matrix.

[0091] 7A to 7E is an expanded view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a display panel according to the inventive concept.

[0092] Except for the second surface portion, reference 7A to 7E The display panels DP1 to DP5 described are similar to those of reference Figure 5 The described display panels DP are basically the same.

[0093] Reference Fig. 7A , the second surface portion SP2-1 of the display panel DP1 may extend from the sixth surface portion SP6 and be bent.

[0094] Reference Figure 7B , the second surface portion of the display panel DP2 may include a first second surface portion SP2-21 and a second second surface portion SP2-22. The first second surface portion SP2-21 may extend and bend from the fourth surface portion SP4. The second second surface portion SP2-22 may extend and bend from the sixth surface portion SP6.

[0095] Reference Figure 7C , the second surface portion SP2-3 of the display panel DP3 may extend from the third surface portion SP3 and be bent. Fig.7D , the second surface portion SP2-4 of the display panel DP4 may extend from the fifth surface portion SP5 and be bent. Fig. 7E The second surface portion of the display panel DP5 may include a first second surface portion SP2-51 and a second second surface portion SP2-52. The first second surface portion SP2-51 may extend and bend from the third surface portion SP3. The second second surface portion SP2-52 may extend and bend from the fifth surface portion SP5.

[0096] Reference Figure 7B and Fig. 7E Each of the described display panels DP2 and DP5 may have a structure bent at six locations.

[0097] Figure 8 is an expanded view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a display panel according to the inventive concept.

[0098] Reference Figure 8 , and reference Figure 5 Compared with the display panel DP described above, the display panel DP6 may further include a module hole MH.

[0099] The module hole MH is a hole passing through the second surface part SP2. The module hole MH may be surrounded by an area of ​​the second surface part SP2 where an image is displayed.

[0100] An electronic device EA (refer to Figure 1 ) may further include an electronic module (not shown), and the electronic module is arranged between the first surface portion SP1 and the second surface portion SP2 of the display panel DP and overlaps with the module hole MH in the direction in which the module hole MH passes through the second surface portion SP2 (i.e., the third direction DR3). The electronic module may receive an external input or provide a signal to the outside through the module hole MH. For example, the electronic module may include a camera, a speaker, or a detection sensor for detecting light or heat. The electronic module may detect an external object received through the module hole MH, or provide a sound signal such as voice to the outside through the module hole MH.

[0101] In this exemplary embodiment, although one module hole MH is exemplarily provided, the inventive concept is not limited thereto. In another exemplary embodiment, for example, a plurality of module holes MH may be provided. Also, although in this exemplary embodiment the module hole MH passes through the second surface portion SP2, in another exemplary embodiment, the module hole may pass through the first surface portion SP1, or a plurality of module holes may pass through the first surface portion SP1 and the second surface portion SP2, respectively.

[0102] Fig. 9 is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of an electronic module and a display panel in a bent state according to the inventive concept.

[0103] Fig. 9 The display panel DP7 in the reference Figure 8 The described display panel DP6 is different in that the module hole MH1 is provided on at least one of the third surface portion SP3, the fourth surface portion SP4, the fifth surface portion SP5, and the sixth surface portion SP6.

[0104] exist Fig. 9 , the module hole MH1 is exemplarily provided to the fifth surface part SP5. The module hole MH1 may be surrounded by the image displaying area of ​​the fifth surface part SP5.

[0105] include Fig. 9 The electronic device EA of the display panel DP7 (refer to Figure 1) may further include an electronic module EM. The electronic module EM may be arranged below the first surface portion SP1 and overlap the module hole MH1 in a direction in which the module hole MH1 passes through the fifth surface portion SP5 (ie, the second direction DR2). Figure 8 The described electronic modules are basically similar, so a detailed description about the electronic module EM will be omitted.

[0106] In this exemplary embodiment, since the module hole MH1 is defined in the third surface portion SP3, the fourth surface portion SP4, the fifth surface portion SP5 and the sixth surface portion SP6, the electronic module EM can receive external input or provide a signal to the outside through the module hole MH1 in a direction parallel to the plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0107] According to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, since the module hole MH1 is defined in the third surface portion SP3, the fourth surface portion SP4, the fifth surface portion SP5, and the sixth surface portion SP6, and the electronic module EM corresponding to the module hole MH1 is disposed in the display panel DP7, the electronic module EM may receive an external input or provide a signal to the outside in a direction parallel to the first surface portion SP1 of the display panel DP7. Therefore, the sensing angle, sensing range, and signal transmission range of the electronic module EM may be expanded.

[0108] Fig.10 is a perspective view showing another exemplary embodiment of an electronic device operating in a first mode according to the inventive concept, and Fig.11 is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of an electronic device operating in a second mode according to the inventive concept.

[0109] Reference Fig.10 and Fig.11 , the electronic device EA1 can operate in one of the first mode and the second mode.

[0110] Just refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 With respect to the outer surface of the electronic device EA described above, the electronic device EA1 operating in the first mode may have a substantially similar structure.

[0111] The electronic device EA1 operating in the first mode may display images on the front surface SF11 and the rear surface SF22. Also, the electronic device EA1 may display images on at least a portion of the first side surface SF33, the second side surface SF44, the third side surface SF55, and the fourth side surface SF66 connecting the front surface SF11 to the rear surface SF22.

[0112] When the electronic device EA1 operates in the first mode, the front surface SF11 and the rear surface SF22 may face each other in the third direction DR3, the first side surface SF33 and the third side surface SF55 may face each other in the second direction DR2, and the second side surface SF44 and the fourth side surface SF66 may face each other in the first direction DR1.

[0113] The electronic device EA1 can change the operating state from the first mode to the second mode. The user can apply physical force to the electronic device EA1 to change the operating state of the electronic device EA1 from the first mode to the second mode. However, the inventive concept is not limited to this. In another exemplary embodiment, for example, the electronic device EA1 may also include a mode conversion module for transmitting physical force to a component of the rear surface SF22 to provide an electrical signal to the mode conversion module to convert the mode.

[0114] In the second mode, since the rear surface SF22 of the electronic device EA1 is unfolded relative to the front surface SF11, the front surface SF11 and the rear surface SF22 of the electronic device EA1 can be arranged on substantially the same plane. In addition, the first side surface SF33 arranged between the front surface SF11 and the rear surface SF22 to connect the front surface SF11 and the rear surface SF22 is also arranged on the same plane as the front surface SF11 and the rear surface SF22.

[0115] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the first side surface SF33 may be a side surface having an approximately rectangular shape on a plane and connected to a long side of the electronic device EA1.

[0116] When the electronic device EA1 operates in the second mode, an image display area observed by a user when observing the front surface of the electronic device EA1 may be enlarged compared to the case when operating in the first mode.

[0117] Fig.12 is along Fig.10 A cross-sectional view taken along line II' of Fig.13 is along Fig.11 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II'.

[0118] Reference Figures 10 to 13 , the electronic device EA1 may include a display panel DPA, a window WMA, a bracket BRA and a housing HSA.

[0119] The display panel DPA may display an image. The display panel DPA may be flexible. In this exemplary embodiment, the display panel DPA may be an organic light emitting display panel.

[0120] The display panel DPA may be bent to overlap the front surface SF11 , the rear surface SF22 , and the first, second, third, and fourth side surfaces SF33 , SF44 , SF55 , and SF66 , thereby displaying an image.

[0121] The window WMA may be arranged on the display panel DPA. The window WMA may cover the display panel DPA and have a shape similar to the display panel DPA. The window WMA may constitute at least a portion of the front surface SF11, the rear surface SF22, and the first side surface SF33, the second side surface SF44, the third side surface SF55, and the fourth side surface SF66.

[0122] The display panel DPA may include a first surface portion SP11, a second surface portion SP22, and third to sixth surface portions overlapping the front surface SF11, the rear surface SF22, and the first, second, third, and fourth side surfaces SF33, SF44, SF55, and SF66 of the electronic device EA1, respectively. The third to sixth surface portions may be spaced apart from each other. Fig.12 and Fig.13 The third surface portion SP33 among the third to sixth surface portions is shown in FIG.

[0123] The window WMA and the display panel DPA may be attached to each other. Hereinafter, a shape conversion of the display panel DPA when the operation mode of the electronic device EA1 is changed from the first mode to the second mode will be described, and the window WMA may convert the shape together with the display panel DPA.

[0124] When the electronic device EA1 operates in the first mode, the third surface portion SP33 of the display panel DPA may be bent from the first surface portion SP11, and the second surface portion SP22 may be bent from the third surface portion SP33. Fig.12 As shown in , the first surface portion SP11 and the second surface portion SP22 may be spaced apart from each other and face each other in the third direction DR3.

[0125] like Fig.13 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the electronic device EA1 operates in the second mode, the second surface portion SP22 may be arranged substantially parallel to the third surface portion SP33 , and the third surface portion SP33 may be arranged substantially parallel to the first surface portion SP11 .

[0126] The bracket BRA may be arranged below the display panel DPA to support a portion of the display panel DPA. The bracket BRA may support the first surface portion SP11 and the fourth to sixth surface portions of the display panel DPA. Since the relative positions of the second surface portion SP22 and the third surface portion SP33 of the display panel DPA relative to the first surface portion SP11 change according to the mode conversion of the electronic device EA1, the bracket BRA may not support the second surface portion SP22 and the third surface portion SP33 of the display panel DPA.

[0127] The housing HSA may support and contact the second and third surface portions SP22 and SP33 of the display panel DPA in the first mode.

[0128] When the electronic device EA1 operates in the first mode, the side surface of the housing HSA and a portion of the rear surface of the housing HSA are covered by the display panel DP. Fig.13 As shown in , a receiving groove GV capable of receiving the second surface portion SP22 of the display panel DPA may be defined in the rear surface of the housing HSA. When the electronic device EA1 operates in the first mode, since the second surface portion SP22 of the display panel DPA may be received in the receiving groove GV, the portion formed by the receiving groove GV as a step may not be observed from the outside at the lower portion of the electronic device EA1.

[0129] When the electronic device EA1 operates in the first mode, the side surface of the housing HSA and the receiving groove GV may be covered by the display panel DPA. When the electronic device EA1 operates in the second mode, the side surface of the housing HSA and a portion of the rear surface of the housing HSA are exposed to the outside. For example, when the electronic device EA1 operates in the second mode, the side surface of the housing HSA and the receiving groove GV may be exposed to the outside.

[0130] The electronic device EA1 may further include a reinforcement portion ST and a holder HD.

[0131] The reinforcing portion ST may support a portion of the display panel DPA. The reinforcing portion ST may be attached to a lower portion of each of the second surface portion SP22 and the third surface portion SP33 to support the second surface portion SP22 and the third surface portion SP33. When the electronic device EA1 operates in the first mode or the second mode, the reinforcing portion ST may be bent or unfolded in conjunction with the second surface portion SP22 and the third surface portion SP33. Since the reinforcing portion ST has a greater rigidity than that of the display panel DPA, the reinforcing portion ST may support the second surface portion SP22 and the third surface portion SP33 when the electronic device EA1 operates in the first mode and the second mode.

[0132] When the electronic device EA1 is operated in the first mode, the retaining member HD is used to fix the second surface portion SP22 of the display panel DPA to the housing HSA. The retaining member HD may include a first retaining member HD1 attached to the housing HSA and a second retaining member HD2 attached to the display panel DPA. The first retaining member HD1 and the second retaining member HD2 may be components having a coupling force to each other, for example, magnets. In another exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, one of the first retaining member HD1 and the second retaining member HD2 may be omitted. For example, in the case where the reinforcing portion ST is made of metal and the first retaining member HD1 is a magnet, the second retaining member HD2 may be omitted.

[0133] The electronic device EA1 may further include a connection port CN arranged at a side surface of the housing HSA. The connection port CN may overlap with the second surface portion SP22 and / or the third surface portion SP33 of the display panel DPA. In this exemplary embodiment, the connection port CN exemplarily overlaps with the third surface portion SP33 of the display panel DPA in the second direction DR2 in the first mode.

[0134] When the electronic device EA1 operates in the first mode, the connection port CN may be covered by the third surface portion SP33 and thus may not be exposed to the outside. When the electronic device EA1 operates in the second mode, the connection port CN may be exposed to the outside.

[0135] The connection port CN may include a USB port, an earphone port, or a microphone port.

[0136] According to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, when the electronic device EA1 operates in the first mode, images can be displayed on the six surfaces of the electronic device EA1 without exposing the connection port CN, and when the electronic device EA1 operates in the second mode, since the connection port CN is exposed, the connection port CN can be set without reducing the display area.

[0137] Fig.14 is a perspective view illustrating still another exemplary embodiment of an electronic device according to the inventive concept.

[0138] Reference Figure 12 to Figure 14 , the electronic device EA2 may further include hinges HG1 and HG2.

[0139] The hinges HG1 and HG2 may support the third surface portion SP33 of the display panel DPA. The hinges HG1 and HG2 may be fixed to a side surface of the housing HSA exposed when the electronic device EA2 operates in the second mode.

[0140] When the electronic device EA2 is converted from the second mode to the first mode, the third surface portion SP33 may be bent along the hinges HG1 and HG2. The hinges HG1 and HG2 may guide the bending of the third surface portion SP33.

[0141] The hinges HG1 and HG2 may be provided in plural. Fig.14 In the exemplary embodiment shown in , the hinges HG1 and HG2 exemplarily include a first hinge HG1 and a second hinge HG2 , the first hinge HG1 and the second hinge HG2 are spaced apart from each other, and the connection port CN is provided therebetween.

[0142] According to the exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the electronic device may display an image on the entire surface having an approximately rectangular shape.

[0143] Furthermore, when operating in the first mode, the electronic device may display an image on the entire surface having a rectangular shape, and when operating in the second mode, the electronic device may expand an area of ​​the image display observed by the user.

[0144] Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described, it should be understood that the present invention should not be limited to these exemplary embodiments, but various changes and modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims.

[0145] Therefore, the actual protection scope of the present invention is determined by the technical scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: a display panel comprising a first surface portion, a second surface portion, a third surface portion and a fourth surface portion, the third surface portion and the fourth surface portion being arranged between the first surface portion and the second surface portion, wherein each of the first surface portion, the second surface portion, the third surface portion and the fourth surface portion displays an image; and a window, the window being arranged on the display panel, wherein the display panel operates in one of a first mode and a second mode, In the first mode, the third surface portion and the fourth surface portion are bent from the first surface portion and are orthogonal to each other, the second surface portion is bent from the third surface portion and the fourth surface portion, and In the second mode, the first surface portion, the second surface portion, and the third surface portion are parallel to each other, and the fourth surface portion maintains a state of being bent from the first surface portion.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The display panel further includes a fifth surface portion and a sixth surface portion each extending from the first surface portion, and In the first mode and the second mode, the fifth surface portion and the sixth surface portion maintain a state of being bent from the first surface portion.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, further comprising: A bracket is arranged under the display panel to support a portion of the display panel.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein: The support supports the first surface portion and the fourth to sixth surface portions, but does not support the third surface portion and the second surface portion.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: a housing, the housing being combined with the window to provide an outer surface of the electronic device, Wherein, the housing supports and contacts the second surface portion and the third surface portion.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein: In the first mode, a side surface of the housing and a portion of a rear surface of the housing are covered by the display panel, and In the second mode, the side surface of the housing and the portion of the rear surface of the housing are exposed to the outside.

7. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein: A receiving groove is defined in the rear surface of the housing, and In the first mode, the second surface portion of the display panel is received in the receiving groove.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: A reinforcing portion is attached to a lower portion of each of the second surface portion and the third surface portion to support the second surface portion and the third surface portion.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein: The reinforcing portion has a rigidity greater than that of the display panel.

10. The electronic device according to claim 5, further comprising: A retainer is attached to the housing or the second surface portion and secures the second surface portion to the housing in the first mode.

Images