Display device and electronic device having the same

Abstract

In various embodiments of the present invention, a display device and an electronic device having the same are disclosed, the display device comprising: a display element having at least one portion that can be changed into a curved shape; and a flexible window member stacked on the display element, wherein a thickness of a portion of the window member is less than a thickness of other portions thereof. The display device and the electronic device having the same may vary according to the embodiment.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a patent application with an application date of June 3, 2016, application number 201680035645.6, and invention name “Display device and electronic device having the same”. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to electronic devices, and more particularly, to a flexible display device and an electronic device including the same. Background Art

[0003] An electronic device is a device that performs a specific function according to a program provided therein, such as an electronic scheduler, a portable multimedia reproducer, a mobile communication terminal, a tablet PC, an image / sound device, a desktop / laptop PC or a car navigation system and a household appliance. For example, such an electronic device can output the information stored therein as sound or image. As the integration of such electronic devices has increased, ultra-high-speed and large-capacity wireless communications have become popular, and various functions have recently been provided together in a single mobile communication terminal. For example, in addition to the communication function, various functions such as entertainment functions (such as game functions), multimedia functions (such as music / video reproduction functions), communication and security functions for mobile banking, schedule management functions, and electronic wallet functions are integrated into a single electronic device.

[0004] Electronic devices are capable of outputting information such as images, text, and video images by including a display device. Display devices have evolved from vacuum tube types to flat panel types, and as the size of home appliances such as televisions has been greatly reduced, larger screens have been provided. In addition, it has also become possible to provide high-quality image information through miniaturized electronic devices such as mobile communication terminals.

[0005] Electronic devices such as mobile communication terminals may be configured to be foldable to ensure portability. When a flexible display device is mounted on a foldable electronic device, the portability of the electronic device can be maintained or improved while providing a larger screen in an unfolded state.

[0006] Such a display device may include a display element of an output picture and a window member protecting the display element. The window member may have sufficient strength to protect the display element from external environmental influences, and have sufficient transparency to transmit the picture output from the display element through the window member. In addition, in order to prevent the degradation of image quality due to scratches of the window member, the surface hardness of the window member may be enhanced by forming a hard coating on the surface of the window member using ceramics, acrylic (acryl), etc. Summary of the invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] However, in a flexible display device, the window member also has flexibility, which makes it difficult to ensure sufficient strength to protect the display device. For example, when a touch screen function is included in the display device, the user frequently touches the surface of the window member, and in the flexible display device, external pressure (e.g., contact pressure applied by the user) can be transmitted to the display device.

[0009] By increasing the thickness of the window member so that the mechanical strength of the window member can be increased, the contact pressure applied by the user can be prevented from being transmitted to the display element. However, because the flexibility of the window member deteriorates as the mechanical strength of the window member increases, there is a limit to the extent to which the thickness of the window member in the flexible display device can be increased.

[0010] Therefore, various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a flexible display device capable of preventing external pressure from being transferred to a display element while ensuring its flexibility, and provide an electronic device having the flexible display device.

[0011] Furthermore, various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display device capable of outputting a good-quality picture while ensuring its flexibility and strength, and provide an electronic device having the display device.

[0012] Technical Solution

[0013] Various embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a display device and an electronic device having the same, the display device comprising: a display element, at least a portion of which is deformable into a curved shape; and a flexible window member stacked on the display element. A portion of the window member is formed to have a thickness smaller than that of the remaining portion of the window member.

[0014] The window member may include a stepped portion or a bent portion on at least one face thereof, so that a portion in which the stepped portion or the bent portion is formed may be formed to be thinner than the remaining portion.

[0015] In some embodiments, the display device may include:

[0016] a display element, at least a portion of which is deformable into a curved shape;

[0017] a flexible window member stacked on the display element; and

[0018] A first film member is laminated on at least one surface of the window member.

[0019] When the window member is mounted on an electronic device, the portion with reduced thickness can be set to correspond to the portion deformed into a curved shape according to, for example, an opening / closing operation of the electronic device. By this arrangement, the deformation of the window member according to the opening / closing operation of the electronic device can be smoothly performed.

[0020] Beneficial Effects

[0021] The display device and the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can ensure flexibility by implementing a portion (e.g., a portion to be deformed into a curved shape) as having a smaller thickness than other portions when constructing a window member that protects the display element. When constructing the above-mentioned display device, by ensuring sufficient thickness in the portion of the window member other than the portion to be deformed into a curved shape, external pressure can be prevented from being transmitted to the display element. In addition, in the display device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure and the electronic device having the display device, when the quality of the image that has passed through the window member changes due to the thickness difference of the window member, the deviation of the image quality can be compensated by forming an enhancement layer to output a good quality picture. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an electronic device including a display device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an electronic device including a display device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a conventional flexible display device in a state where external pressure is applied thereto;

[0025] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a display device according to one of various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 5 is a view showing a window member of a display device according to one of various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 6 are views showing various modifications of a window member of a display device according to one of various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a display device according to another one of various embodiments of the present disclosure to explain the display device;

[0029] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a display device according to still another one of various embodiments of the present disclosure to explain the display device;

[0030] Fig. 9 A view for explaining a process of manufacturing a window member of a display device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0031] Fig.10 is a perspective view showing a window member of a display device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] Fig.11 is a view for explaining a compressive force or a tensile force formed in a curved portion of a window member;

[0033] Fig.12 is a view showing a bent portion of a window member of a display device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] Fig.13 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035] Fig.14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of an electronic device in a folded state according to one of various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] Fig.15 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of an electronic device in a folded state according to another one of various embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0037] Figures 16 to 20 They are cross-sectional views respectively showing partial configurations of display devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the present disclosure to the specific form disclosed herein; on the contrary, the present disclosure should be interpreted as covering various modifications, equivalents and / or alternatives of the embodiments of the present disclosure. When describing the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to represent similar constituent elements.

[0039] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the expression "A or B", "at least one of A or / and B", or "one or more of A or / and B" may include all possible combinations of the listed items. For example, the expression "A or B", "at least one of A and B", or "at least one of A or B" means (1) including at least one A, (2) including at least one B, or (3) including at least one A and at least one B.

[0040] The expressions "first", "second", "the first" or "the second" used in various embodiments of the present disclosure may modify various components regardless of order and / or importance, but do not limit the corresponding components. For example, a first user device and a second user device refer to different user devices, although they are both user devices. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] It should be understood that when an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being (operably or communicatively) "connected" or "coupled" to another element (e.g., a second element), it may be directly connected or directly coupled to the other element, or any other element (e.g., a third element) may be interposed therebetween. Conversely, it should be understood that when an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element (the second element), no element (e.g., a third element) is interposed therebetween.

[0042] The expression "configured to" used in the present disclosure may be interchangeable with, for example, "suitable for", "capable of...", "designed to", "suitable for", "made of", or "capable of", depending on the circumstances. The term "configured to" may not necessarily mean "specially designed to" in hardware. Alternatively, in some cases, the expression "a device configured to..." may mean that the device, together with other devices or components, "is capable of...". For example, the phrase "a processor adapted (or configured) to perform A, B, and C" may mean a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) that is used only to perform the corresponding operations, or a general-purpose processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)) that can perform the corresponding operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a storage device.

[0043] In the present disclosure, terms are used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. When used herein, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the specification, it should be understood that the term "including" or "having" refers to the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, structural elements, parts or combinations thereof, and does not preclude the presence or possibility of adding one or more additional features, numbers, steps, operations, structural elements, parts or combinations thereof.

[0044] Unless defined differently, all terms used herein (including technical or scientific terms) have the same meaning as those understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Terms such as terms defined in general dictionaries will be interpreted as having the same meaning as the contextual meaning in the relevant technical field, and will not be interpreted as having an idealized or overly formalized meaning unless clearly defined in this specification. In some cases, the terms defined in this specification may not be interpreted as excluding embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0045] In the present disclosure, the electronic device may be a random device, and the electronic device may be referred to as a terminal, a portable terminal, a mobile terminal, a communication terminal, a portable communication terminal, a portable mobile terminal, a touch screen, etc.

[0046] For example, the electronic device may be a smart phone, a portable phone, a game console, a TV, a display unit, a head-up display unit for a vehicle, a notebook computer, a laptop computer, a tablet personal computer (PC), a personal media player (PMP), a personal digital assistant (PDA), etc. The electronic device may be implemented as a pocket-sized portable communication terminal having a wireless communication function. In addition, the electronic device may be a flexible device or a flexible display device.

[0047] The electronic device may communicate with an external electronic device such as a server, or perform an operation by interacting with the external electronic device. For example, the electronic device may transmit an image captured by a camera and / or location information detected by a sensor unit to a server via a network. The network may be a mobile or cellular communication network, a local area network (LAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, a small area network (SAN), etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0048] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an electronic device 10 including a display device 15 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an electronic device 10 including a display device 15 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2, the electronic device 10 including the display device 15 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be a foldable electronic device, which includes a pair of housings 11 and 13 pivotably connected to each other by a hinge device 17. For example, the housings 11 and 13 can be folded or unfolded relative to each other by rotating around a hinge axis H provided by the hinge device 17. The display device 15 is a flexible display device that is at least partially bendable. A portion of the display device 15 is arranged in the first housing 11 of the housings 11 and 13 and is mounted on the first housing 11 of the housings 11 and 13, and another portion of the display device 15 is arranged in the second housing 13 of the housings 11 and 13 and is mounted on the second housing 13 of the housings 11 and 13. The display device 15 may be integrated with a touch panel to serve as an input device. For example, a virtual keypad may be implemented in an area of ​​the display device 15 so that even if the electronic device 10 does not have a physical keypad, the user can conveniently input desired information.

[0050] In the state where the first shell 11 and the second shell 13 are folded, the display device 15 is deformed into a curved shape with a predetermined curvature at a position adjacent to the hinge device 17, thereby bending together with the first shell 11 and the second shell 13. When the first shell 11 and the second shell 13 are rotated and unfolded relative to each other, the display device 15 can also be unfolded into a flat plate shape to output a picture. Therefore, the user can easily carry the electronic device 10 by folding the first shell 11 and the second shell 13, and when using the electronic device 10, the first shell 11 and the second shell 13 can be stretched so that various information (such as images, texts or video images) output through the large screen can be confirmed. In addition, as described above, by realizing a virtual keypad via the display device 15 as needed, the user can store or output desired information, etc. through the electronic device 10.

[0051] As described above, the display device 15 can be at least partially deformed into a curved shape. For example, when the first housing 11 and the second housing 13 are folded to face each other, the display device 15 can be bent in a portion adjacent to the hinge device 17. As will be described later, the display device 15 may include a window member, and the thickness of the window member may be formed smaller in the portion to be deformed into the curved shape than in other portions.

[0052] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a conventional flexible display device in a state where external pressure is applied thereto.

[0053] Reference Figure 3, conventional flexible display device 15 can have a sufficiently thin thickness to be deformed into a curved shape. Therefore, display element 15a and window member 15c for protecting display element 15a can have a sufficiently thin thickness. In conventional flexible display devices, window member 15c can have a surface hardness that resists damage such as scratches by including a cured coating. However, when external pressure is applied in a state where window member 15c is laminated and bonded to display element 15a by optically clear adhesive (OCA) 15b, window member 15c can be deformed in the part 15d where pressure is applied thereto. The deformation of window member 15c transmits the externally applied pressure to display element 15a, so that the screen deformation in the part 15e where pressure is applied to display element 15a or damage to display element 15a can be caused.

[0054] The mechanical strength of the window member 15c can be improved by increasing the thickness of the window member 15c to prevent deformation of the screen or damage to the display element. However, as described above, this also reduces the flexibility of the flexible display device.

[0055] Therefore, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device may include a window member having a structure capable of ensuring flexibility while preventing deformation of the screen or damage to the display element due to external pressure, etc. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the window member of the display device may be formed to be thinner in a portion (e.g., a portion requiring flexibility) than in other portions, thereby ensuring flexibility. In a display device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, since the thickness of the window member can be fully ensured in a portion not requiring flexibility, external pressure can be prevented from being transmitted to the display element.

[0056] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a display device 15 according to one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5 is a view showing a window member 153 of a display device 15 according to one of various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0057] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5According to one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the display device 15 includes a curved portion 159a formed in at least a portion of the window member 153, thereby forming a thickness smaller than other portions of the window member 153 in which the curved portion 159a is not formed. As will be described below, the curved portion does not necessarily have to be formed so that the thickness of a portion of the window member 153 is smaller than that of the other portions. For example, a step portion may be formed on one or both faces of the window member 153 so that the thickness of a portion of the window member 153 may be thinner than that of the other portions. When the curved portion 159a (or the step portion) is formed on both faces of the window member 153, the curved portion 159a (or the step portion) may be arranged symmetrically.

[0058] The window member 153 may be stacked on one face of the flexible display element 151 and may be bonded to the display element 151 by an optical adhesive 155. The window member 153 and the optical adhesive 155 may each be made of a transparent material and may transmit a picture output from the display element 151. The flexibility of the window member 153 may be increased at a portion where the curved portion 159a is formed. When the display device 151 is mounted on an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 10), a portion of the window member 151 (e.g., a portion thinner than other portions) may be disposed near the hinge device 17 or in an area bent in a curved shape so that the portion may be deformed into a curved shape in an operation of opening / closing the electronic device 10.

[0059] The curved portion 159a may be formed on one or each face of the window member 153. When the curved portion 159a is formed on one face of the window member 153 and the electronic device 10 is folded, the curved portion 159a may be formed on the face that is deformed convexly as the window member 153 is deformed into a curved shape. In addition, as described above, the curved portion 159a may be formed on each face of the window member 153. The position of the curved portion 159a formed on the window member 153, etc. may be differently set according to the specifications of the electronic device on which the display device 15 will be installed. The curved portion 159a may have a curved groove shape extending in the width direction W of the window member 153, and may have a shape in which the thickness of the window member 153 gradually increases while extending from the central portion of the window member 153 toward the edge along the longitudinal direction L of the window member 153.

[0060] When the display device 15 includes a touch screen function, the curved portion 159a may correspond to a portion that accepts an input operation (e.g., physical touch) from a user. The width of the curved portion 159a (e.g., the size of the curved portion 159a in the longitudinal direction L of the window member 153) may be smaller than an area that will be touched by the user's body. Therefore, even if the window member 153 is formed thin enough in the portion where the curved portion 159a is formed so as to be flexible, the pressure applied to the curved portion due to the user's body contact, etc., may be prevented from being transmitted to the display element 151.

[0061] The window member 153 can be formed by processing a transparent synthetic resin film. In order to ensure its surface hardness, a cured coating can be formed on the outer surface of the synthetic resin film for forming the window member 153. The cured coating can be formed by coating or depositing a material such as ceramic or acrylic on one face (e.g., outer surface) of the synthetic resin film. Processing a portion (e.g., curved portion 159a) of the window member 153 to have a thin thickness can be performed simultaneously with forming a synthetic resin film. For example, the synthetic resin film can be manufactured using processes such as rolling, film extrusion, stamping, and mold casting, and the shapes of the rollers, molds, etc. can be pre-stamped on the curved portion 159a, so that the portion of the synthetic resin film can be formed thinner than other parts while the synthetic resin film is formed. According to various embodiments, the synthetic resin film for forming the window member 153 can be formed to have a predetermined thickness, and the manufactured synthetic resin film can be subjected to mechanical processing (e.g., polishing, lathe processing, laser processing, etc.) to form a curved surface portion 159a, etc.

[0062] According to the size of the display device 15 or the folding shape of the electronic device 10, the width of the curved portion 159a can be formed to be larger than the area to be touched by the user's body. When the width of the curved portion 159a is formed to be larger, it is difficult to prevent the pressure applied to the portion corresponding to the curved portion 159a from being transmitted to the display device 151 through the window member 153 itself. According to various embodiments, the display device 15 may also include a reinforcing layer 157 to ensure the mechanical strength of the portion (i.e., the portion of the window member 153 that is thinner than other portions) in which the curved portion 159a is formed. For example, the reinforcing layer 157 can prevent the portion of the window member 153 corresponding to the curved portion 159a from being deformed due to physical touch, etc.

[0063] According to various embodiments, the enhancement layer 157 can compensate for the image quality deviation that may occur due to the thickness variation of the window member 153. That is, because the thickness of the window member 153 is uneven, the image that passes through the window member 153 due to the thickness difference may have a quality difference. This image quality deviation may deteriorate the image quality of the picture output from the display element 151. For example, there may be a difference between the screen brightness of the portion where the curved portion 159a is formed and the screen brightness of the other portions. The enhancement layer 157 may be formed to maintain the uniform optical properties of the window member 153 and the uniform mechanical strength of the window member 153. The compensation layer 157 may be formed of a material having a refractive index similar to or the same as that of the window member 153.

[0064] Figure 6 are views showing various modifications of a window member of a display device according to one of various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0065] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a shape for reducing the thickness of a portion of the window member 153 (e.g., the above-mentioned bent portion 159a) may be formed on one or each face of the window member 153, and may be replaced by a step portion 159b of various shapes. In the following detailed description, the reference numerals of the window member may be given differently according to the shape of the bent portion 159a or the step portion 159b, and the term "window member" represented by the reference numeral 153 may be used to refer to each window member including a bent portion 159a or a step portion 159b having a different shape.

[0066] For example, the window members represented by reference numerals 153a and 153b may include a rectangular step portion 159b, the window members represented by reference numerals 153e and 153f may include a central flat portion and a step portion 159b having an inclined portion extending toward the edge in the longitudinal direction of the members 153e and 153f, and the window members represented by reference numerals 153g and 153h may include a step portion 159b in a step shape, and the thickness of the window members 153g and 153h is gradually increased as the step portion 159b extends from the center toward the edge in the longitudinal direction of the window members 153g and 153h. As described above, the structure for making the thickness of the window member 153 smaller than that of other parts may be formed by the curved portion 159a or the step portion 159b, and its shape may be processed differently.

[0067] Similar to the bent portion 159a, the step portion 159b may have a groove shape extending in the width direction W of the window member 153. However, in the configuration of the present disclosure, the configuration for making the thickness of the window member 153 smaller than other portions (e.g., the step portion 159b or the bent portion 159a) does not necessarily have to extend in the width direction W of the window member 153. For example, when the display device 15 is mounted on the electronic device 10, the direction, number, and position of the step portion 159b or the bent portion 159a formed as described above may be appropriately set and arranged in consideration of the structure, direction, etc. in which the electronic device 10 is folded.

[0068] Figure 7 : is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the display device 15 according to another one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure so as to explain the display device 15 . Figure 8 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a display device 15 according to still another one of various embodiments of the present disclosure so as to explain the display device 15 .

[0069] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The reinforcing layer 157 may be formed of a material such as silicon oxide (SiO x ) is formed of a transparent material, so that the portion formed with the step portion 159b is flush with the other portions on the one face (or each face) of the window member 153. The window member 153 can be bonded to the display element 151 by the optical adhesive 155 in a state where the reinforcement layer 157 is formed. Therefore, the reinforcement layer 157 can be sealed between the window member 153 and the optical adhesive 155. As described above, the reinforcement layer 157 can enhance the mechanical strength of the window member 153. For example, in a state where the display device 151 is unfolded, by enhancing the strength of a portion (such as a portion where the step portion 159b or the curved portion 159a is formed) of the window member 153 with a smaller thickness than other portions, it is possible to prevent the external pressure applied due to the user's physical touch, etc. from being transmitted to the display device 151. In addition, the image quality deviation that may occur due to the uneven thickness of the window member 153 can be compensated by forming the reinforcement layer 157.

[0070] The window member 153 of the above-mentioned display device includes a curved portion 159a (or a step portion) so that the window member can be easily processed in a curved shape. For example, although the window member 153 does not need to be flexible, if the window member 153 has a partially curved surface, the curved portion can be easily formed by forming a curved portion 159a (or a step portion) in the window member 153.

[0071] Fig. 9 A view for explaining a process ( S10 ) of manufacturing the window member 153 of the display device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0072] Window member 153 can be a piece of tempered glass with a flat shape and uniform thickness before being processed into a curved portion. Curved portion 159a (or step portion) can be formed in a certain part of a tempered glass material in the form of a flat plate (S11). Curved portion 159a (or step portion) can be formed by a roll-pressed tempered glass material having a protrusion on its outer surface, or by processes such as etching, polishing, lathe processing, laser processing, etc. According to various embodiments, the curved portion can be formed simultaneously with forming a flat tempered glass by a mold casting process.

[0073] The window member 153 having a curved surface portion 159a formed on one or each of its faces can be processed from a flat shape into a partially curved shape by at least partially bending via thermoforming (S13). In the process of thermoforming (S13), the flat window member 153 can be pressed by a pressing member 230 in a state mounted on the base 210, thereby deforming into a curved shape that conforms to the curved shape formed on the base 210. While being pressed by the pressing member 230, heat can be applied to the flat window member 153 to help deform into a curved shape.

[0074] The bent portion 159a is provided to form the thickness T1 of the portion of the window member 153 to be smaller than the thickness T2 of the other portion, and when the window member 153 is processed from a flat shape to a shape having a curved shape, the portion in which the bent portion 159a is formed can be deformed. "S15" shows a state in which the window member 153 is processed into a curved shape.

[0075] Fig.10 is a perspective view illustrating a window member 153 of a display device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig.11 is a view for explaining a compressive force or a tensile force formed in a bent portion of a window member. Fig.12 is a view illustrating a bent portion of a window member 153 of a display device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0076] Reference Fig.10 and Fig.11, when the window member 153 is partially processed into a curved shape from a flat shape, locally different forces can be applied to the inner surface and outer surface of the curved surface part respectively. For example, when there is no change in length even after the center line (neutral axis) of the window member is deformed into a curved shape, a compressive force can be applied to the inner side of the center line (neutral axis), and a tensile force can be applied to its outer side. When there is no change in the length of the inner surface of the window member after being deformed into a curved shape, a tensile force can act on the outer surface. When there is no change in the length of the outer surface of the window member after being deformed into a curved shape, a compressive force can act on the inner surface. In this way, when a flat window member is deformed into a curved shape, a deviation will occur between the force acting on the inner surface and the force acting on the outer surface of the deformed part, which will cause a molding failure of the window member. In addition, as the flat window member becomes thicker, the deviation between the forces generated in the part deformed into the curved shape will become larger. In order to prevent this, a flat tempered glass material can be processed into a curved window member while heating for a sufficient time in a thermoforming process.

[0077] Reference Fig.12 , the window member 153 of the display device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can first be formed with a curved portion 159a at the portion to be deformed into the curved shape before it is processed into the curved shape. For example, the portion to be deformed into the curved surface can be processed so that its thickness T1 is less than the thickness T2 of the other portions. As described above, when the flat window member 153 is processed into a curved shape, when the thickness of the window member 153 is thicker, the deviation between the forces generated in the deformed portion increases. The window member 153 of the display device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can reduce the formation of defects of the window member 153 by reducing the deviation between the forces generated by processing the thickness of the portion deformed into the curved shape to be less than that of the other portions. In addition, by reducing the defects caused by the deviation between the forces, the time required for the thermoforming process can be reduced.

[0078] Fig.13 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 20 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0079] Reference Fig.13 , for example, the electronic device 20 may include, for example Figure 1 . The electronic device 20 may include at least one processor (e.g., an application processor (AP)) 21, a communication module 22, a user identification module 22g, a memory 23, a sensor module 24, an input device 25, a display 26, an interface 27, an audio module 28, a camera module 29a, a power management module 29d, a battery 29e, an indicator 29b, and a motor 29c.

[0080] The processor 21 may drive, for example, an operating system or an application program to control a plurality of hardware or software components connected thereto, and may also perform various data processing and arithmetic operations. The processor 21 may be implemented by, for example, a system on a chip (SoC). According to one embodiment, the processor 21 may also include a graphics processing unit (GPU) and / or an image signal processor. The processor 21 may include Fig.13 At least some of the components shown in the figure (e.g., cellular module 22a) may be included in the processor 21. The processor 21 may load commands or data received from at least one of the other components (e.g., nonvolatile memory) into the volatile memory to process the commands and data, and may store various data in the nonvolatile memory.

[0081] The communication module 22 may include, for example, a cellular module 22a, a Wi-Fi module 22b, a Bluetooth module 22c, a GNSS module 22d (eg, a GPS module, a GLONASS module, a BeiDou module, or a Galileo module), an NFC module 22e, and a radio frequency (RF) module 22f.

[0082] The cellular module 22a may provide, for example, voice calls, video calls, messaging services, or Internet services through, for example, a communication network. According to one embodiment, the cellular module 22a may use a user identification module (e.g., a SIM card) 22g to perform identification and authentication of the electronic device 20 within the communication network. According to one embodiment, the cellular module 22a may perform at least some of the functions that may be provided by the processor 21. According to one embodiment, the cellular module 22a may include a communication processor (CP).

[0083] Each of the Wi-Fi module 22b, the Bluetooth module 22c, the GNSS module 22d, and the NFC module 22e may include, for example, a processor that processes data sent / received by the corresponding module. According to a certain embodiment, at least some (e.g., two or more) of the cellular module 22a, the Wi-Fi module 22b, the Bluetooth module 22c, the GNSS module 22d, and the NFC module 22e may be incorporated into a single integrated chip (IC) or IC package.

[0084] The RF module 22f can send / receive, for example, a communication signal (e.g., an RF signal). The RF module 22f may include, for example, a transceiver, a power amplifier module (PAM), a frequency filter, a low noise amplifier (LNA), or an antenna. According to another embodiment, at least one of the cellular module 22a, the Wi-Fi module 22b, the Bluetooth module 22c, the GNSS module 22d, and the NFC module 22e can send / receive RF signals through one or more separate RF modules.

[0085] The subscriber identification module 22g may include, for example, a card including a subscriber identification module and / or an embedded SIM, and may also include inherent identification information such as an integrated circuit card identification code (ICCID) or subscriber information such as an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI).

[0086] The memory 23 may include, for example, an internal memory 23a or an external memory 23b. The internal memory 23a may include, for example, at least one of a volatile memory (e.g., a dynamic RAM (DRAM), a static RAM (SRAM), or a synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)) and a non-volatile memory (e.g., a one-time programmable ROM (OTPROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a mask ROM, a flash ROM, a flash memory (e.g., a NAND flash memory or a NOR flash memory), a hard disk drive, or a solid state drive (SSD)).

[0087] The external memory 23b may also include a flash drive (e.g., Compact Flash (CF), Secure Digital (SD), Micro-SD, Mini-SD, xD, Multimedia Card (MMC), or Memory Stick). The external memory 23b may be functionally and / or physically connected to the electronic device 20 via any of a variety of interfaces.

[0088] For example, the sensor module 24 may measure a physical quantity or may sense an operating state of the electronic device 20, and then may convert the measured or sensed information into an electrical signal. The sensor module 24 may include, for example, a gesture sensor 24a, a gyroscope sensor 24b, an atmospheric pressure sensor 24c, a magnetic sensor 24d, an acceleration sensor 24e, a grip sensor 24f, a proximity sensor 24g, a color sensor 24h (e.g., an RGB (red, green, blue) sensor), a biometric sensor 24i, a temperature / humidity sensor 24j, an illumination sensor 24k, and at least one of an ultraviolet (UV) sensor 24l. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor module 24 may include, for example, an electronic nose sensor, an electromyogram (EMG) sensor (not shown), an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, an iris sensor, and / or a fingerprint sensor. The sensor module 24 may also include a control circuit for controlling one or more sensors incorporated therein. In a certain embodiment, the electronic device 20 may further include a processor configured to control the sensor module 24 as a part of the processor 21 or to be separate from the processor 21 so as to control the sensor module 24 when the processor 21 is in a sleep state.

[0089] The input device 25 may include, for example, a touch panel 25a, a (digital) pen sensor 25b, a key 25c, or an ultrasonic input device 25d. As the touch panel 25a, at least one of a capacitive touch panel, a resistive touch panel, an infrared touch panel, and an ultrasonic type panel may be used. In addition, the touch panel 25a may further include a control circuit. The touch panel 25a may further include a tactile layer to provide a tactile response to the user.

[0090] The (digital) pen sensor 25b may be, for example, part of a touch panel or may include a separate recognition sheet. The key 25c may include, for example, a physical button, an optical key, or a keypad. The ultrasonic input device 25d may sense ultrasonic waves generated by an input tool through a microphone (e.g., microphone 28d), thereby confirming data corresponding to the sensed ultrasonic waves.

[0091] The display 26 may include a panel 26a, a holographic device 26b, or a projector 26c. The panel 26a may include a configuration identical or similar to the display device 15 described above. The panel 26a may be implemented as being flexible, transparent, or wearable. The panel 26a may be configured as a single module having a touch panel 25a. The holographic device 26b may display a stereoscopic image in the air using interference of light. The projector 26c may project light onto a screen to display an image. The screen may be located, for example, inside or outside the electronic device 20. According to one embodiment, the display 26 may also include a control circuit to control the panel 26a, the holographic device 26b, or the projector 26c.

[0092] The interface 27 may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) 27a, a universal serial bus (USB) 27b, an optical interface 27c, or a D-sub (D-sub) interface 27d. Additionally or alternatively, the interface 27 may include, for example, a mobile high-definition link (MHL) interface, a secure digital (SD) card / multimedia card (MMC) interface, or an infrared data association (IrDA) standard interface.

[0093] The audio module 28 can convert sound and electric signals bidirectionally. The audio module 28 can process sound information input or output through the speaker 28a, the receiver 28b, the earpiece 28c, the microphone 28d, etc.

[0094] The camera module 29a is a device capable of capturing, for example, still images and moving images. According to one embodiment, the camera module 29a may include one or more image sensors (e.g., front sensor or rear sensor), a lens, an image signal processor (ISP), or a flash (e.g., LED or xenon lamp).

[0095] The power management module 29d can manage the power supply of the electronic device 20, for example. According to one embodiment, the power management module 29d may include a power management integrated circuit (PMIC), a charger integrated circuit (IC), or a battery gauge or a fuel gauge. The PMIC may be configured as a wired charging type and / or a wireless charging type. The wireless charging type may include, for example, a magnetic resonance type, a magnetic induction type, or an electromagnetic wave type, and may also include an additional circuit for wireless charging (e.g., a coil loop, a resonant circuit, or a rectifier). The battery gauge may measure the remaining power of the battery 29e, as well as the voltage, current, or temperature during charging. The battery 29e may include, for example, a rechargeable battery and / or a solar cell.

[0096] The indicator 29b can indicate a specific state of the electronic device 20 or a part thereof (e.g., the processor 21), such as a booting status, a message status, or a charging status. The motor 29c can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical vibration, and can produce, for example, a vibration or tactile effect. Although not shown, the electronic device 20 may include a processor (e.g., a GPU) to support mobile TV. The processor supporting mobile TV may be based on, for example, digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB), digital video broadcasting (DVB), or MediaFlo TM The standard for processing media data.

[0097] Each of the above-mentioned constituent elements of hardware according to the present disclosure may be configured with one or more components, and the name of the corresponding constituent element may change based on the type of electronic device. Electronic devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of the aforementioned elements. Some elements may be omitted or other additional elements may be further included in the electronic device. In addition, some of the hardware components according to various embodiments may be combined into an entity that can perform the same function as the function of the related components before the combination.

[0098] When used herein, the term "module" may, for example, refer to a unit including one of hardware, software, and firmware, or a combination of two or more thereof. "Module" may be used interchangeably with, for example, the terms "unit", "logic", "logic block", "component", or "circuit". A "module" may be the smallest unit of an integrated component or a part thereof. A "module" may be the smallest unit for performing one or more functions or a part thereof. A "module" may be implemented mechanically or electronically. For example, a "module" according to the present disclosure may include at least one of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and a programmable logic device for performing known or later developed operations.

[0099] According to various embodiments, at least some of the devices (e.g., modules or functions thereof) or methods (e.g., operations) according to the present disclosure may be implemented by commands stored in a computer-readable storage medium in the form of programming modules. When the command is executed by one or more processors, the one or more processors may perform a function corresponding to the command.

[0100] Computer-readable recording media may include hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic media (e.g., magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM) and digital versatile disk (DVD)), magneto-optical media (e.g., floppy disks), hardware devices (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory), etc. In addition, program instructions may include high-level language codes that can be executed in a computer by using an interpreter, and machine codes produced by a compiler. The aforementioned hardware devices may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the present disclosure, and vice versa.

[0101] Fig.14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of an electronic device 1400 in a folded state according to one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig.15 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of an electronic device 1500 in a folded state according to another one of various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0102] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, Fig.14 As shown in , the electronic device 1400 or 1500 can be folded so that the display device (eg, display element 1402) can be exposed to the outside. Fig.15 As shown in , the electronic device 1400 or 1500 can be folded so that the display device (e.g., display element 1502) can be hidden. For example, according to one embodiment, the window member 1403 or 1503 can be located on the outer surface or inner surface of the electronic device 1400 or 1500 when the electronic device 1400 or 1500 is folded. For example, as Fig.14 As shown in , when the electronic device 1400 is folded, the window member 1403 is located on the outer surface of the electronic device 1400, so that the screen output area of ​​the display device 1402 can be exposed. Fig.15 As shown in , when the electronic device 1500 is folded, the window member 1503 can be located on the inner surface of the electronic device 1500 so that the display element 1502 can be hidden.

[0103] The display element 1402 or 1502 of the electronic device 1400 or 1500 can be protected by the cover panel 1401 or 1501 and the window member 1403 or 1503. For example, the cover panel 1401 or 1501 can be arranged to cover the display element 1402 or 1502 on one surface of the display element 1402 or 1502, and the window member 1403 or 1503 can be connected to face the other surface of the display device 1402 or 1502.

[0104] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the above-mentioned curved portion or step portion does not necessarily have to be formed, as long as the window member is flexibly deformed in response to the folding operation of the electronic device, and can stably maintain a flat shape (or state) or a curved shape (or state) even if external pressure (such as a user's touch input) is applied. For example, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the window member can be manufactured into a flat shape or a film shape with a substantially uniform thickness. For example, as will be referred to Figures 16 to 20 As described, the first film member may be laminated on the window member to make the window member thinner, thereby stably maintaining its flat shape or curved shape while ensuring flexibility.

[0105] Figures 16 to 20 They are cross-sectional views respectively showing partial configurations of display devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0106] Reference Fig.16 According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the display device 1605 (eg Figure 4 The display device 15) may also include a first film member 1655 stacked on the window member 1653. The window member 1653 may include, for example, thin glass, and may have a flat shape or a film shape having a substantially uniform thickness in its entire region. According to one embodiment, the window member 1653 may be made entirely or partially of tempered glass by chemical strengthening treatment.

[0107] According to various embodiments, the first film member 1655 can be stacked on at least one face of the window member 1653. For example, the first film member 1655 can be stacked on the outer surface of the window member 1653 exposed to the outside, thereby protecting the window member 1653 from external environmental influences. According to various embodiments, the first film member 1655 may include a polyimide film or a thermoplastic polyurethane film, and in some embodiments, the first film member 1655 may include a hard coating component or an anti-fingerprint coating component. For example, the first film member 1655 can protect the window member 1653 from damage such as scratches or contamination such as stains or foreign matter adhering thereto.

[0108] Reference Fig.17According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the display device 1705 may further include a first film member 1755 laminated to the window member 1753 and a second film member 1757 bonded to the surface of the first film member 1755. The second film member 1757 may protect the window member 1753 together with the first film member 1755, and may be formed of a polyimide film or a thermoplastic polyurethane film. In some embodiments, the second film member 1757 may prevent the window member 1753 and / or the first film member 1755 from being damaged or contaminated.

[0109] Reference Fig.18 According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the display device 1805 may include a first film member 1855 respectively laminated on two surfaces of the window member 1853. For example, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the first film member 1855 may be laminated on any one surface of the window member 1853, or may be laminated on each surface of the window member 1853. Although not shown, the second film member (e.g. Fig.17 The second film member 1757) can be further attached to the surface of any one of the first film members 1855.

[0110] Reference Fig.19 According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the display device 1905 may include an enhancement layer 1959 that forms the same layer as the window member 1953. The enhancement layer 1959 may be configured so that when the above-mentioned electronic device (eg Fig.14 or Fig.15 When the electronic device 1400 or 1500 shown in ) is folded, the area of ​​the window member 1953 that is deformed into a curved shape can be partially replaced by the reinforcement layer 1959. The reinforcement layer 1959 can improve the flexibility in the area of ​​the layer in which the window member 1953 is set, for example. In some embodiments, the reinforcement layer 1959 can compensate for the difference in image quality between the portion of the area in which the window member 1953 is not set and the area in which the window member 1953 is set. The display device 1905 may also include a first film member 1955 stacked on one surface of the window member 1953 and / or on one surface of the reinforcement layer 1959. The first film member 1955 can prevent the window member 1953 and / or the reinforcement layer 1959 from being damaged or contaminated. Although not shown, the above-mentioned second film member (e.g. Fig.17 The second film member 1757) can be further attached to the surface of the first film member 1955.

[0111] Reference Fig. 20 According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the display device 2005 may include a curved portion and / or a stepped portion (eg, Figure 4The curved portion 159a formed on one side of the window member 2053 may be filled with a transparent synthetic resin, an optical adhesive, etc., to form a reinforcement layer 2059. According to various embodiments, the display device 2005 may further include a first film member 2055 stacked on one side of the window member 2053 on which the reinforcement layer 2059 is formed and / or on another side of the window member 2053. The first film member 2055 can prevent the window member 2053 and / or the reinforcement layer 2059 from being damaged or contaminated. Although not shown, the above-mentioned second film member (e.g. Fig.17 The second film member 1757) can be further attached to the surface of the first film member 2055.

[0112] As described above, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device may include: a display element, at least a portion of which is deformable into a curved shape; and a flexible window member stacked on the display element. A portion of the window member may be formed to have a thickness smaller than that of the remaining portion of the window member.

[0113] According to various embodiments, the display device may further include a reinforcement layer stacked on one surface of the window member. The reinforcement layer may compensate for a quality variation of an image transmitted through the window member caused by a thickness difference of the window member.

[0114] According to various embodiments, in at least one face of the window member, a portion of the window member may include a stepped portion or a bent portion such that the portion of the window member has a thickness smaller than that of the remaining portion of the window member.

[0115] According to various embodiments, the step portion may have a groove shape extending in a width direction of the window member.

[0116] According to various embodiments, the step portion may have a step shape gradually increasing the thickness of the window member from the center thereof toward the edge thereof in the longitudinal direction of the window member.

[0117] According to various embodiments, the step portion may include a central flat portion and an inclined portion extending toward an edge in a longitudinal direction of the window member.

[0118] According to various embodiments, the step portion may have a groove shape extending in a width direction of the window member and gradually increasing a thickness of the window member from a center toward an edge in a longitudinal direction of the window member.

[0119] According to various embodiments, a stepped portion or a bent portion may be formed on each face of the window member.

[0120] According to various embodiments, a stepped portion or a bent portion may be formed on a face that becomes convex when the window member is deformed into a curved shape.

[0121] According to various embodiments, the display device may further include a reinforcing layer formed at least in the stepped portion or the curved portion of the window member. The reinforcing layer may compensate for the quality variation of the image transmitted through the window member caused by the thickness difference of the window member.

[0122] According to various embodiments, the reinforcement layer may be formed in the entirety of at least one face of the window member in which the stepped portion or the bent portion is formed.

[0123] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device may include:

[0124] a display element, at least a portion of which is deformable into a curved shape;

[0125] a flexible window member stacked on the display element; and

[0126] A first film member is laminated on at least one surface of the window member.

[0127] According to various embodiments, the first film member may include a polyimide film or a thermoplastic polyurethane film.

[0128] According to various embodiments, the first film member may include a cured coating component or an anti-fingerprint coating component.

[0129] According to various embodiments, the display device may further include a second film member coupled to a surface of the first member.

[0130] According to various embodiments, a portion of the window member may be formed to have a thickness smaller than that of the remaining portion of the window member.

[0131] An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include the above-mentioned display device.

[0132] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include: a first housing; a second housing that pivots relative to the first housing in a folding or unfolding direction; and a hinge device that pivotally couples the second housing to the first housing. A portion of the display device may be mounted on the first housing, and the remaining portion of the display device may be mounted on the second housing so as to be folded or unfolded relative to the second housing.

[0133] According to various embodiments, the display device may be formed such that a portion of the display device adjacent to the hinge device has a thickness smaller than that of the remaining portion of the display device.

[0134] According to various embodiments, when the second housing is folded to the first housing, the display device may be deformed into a curved shape in a portion adjacent to the hinge device.

[0135] While the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A display element having a deformable portion, the deformable portion being deformable into a curved shape; as well as a flexible window member stacked on the display element, The window member has a first thickness near the deformable portion of the display element, and has a second thickness greater than the first thickness at a portion of the window member other than near the deformable portion, so that the window member includes a first step portion or a first bent portion formed on a first surface of the two surfaces of the window member near the deformable portion of the display element, and a second step portion or a second bent portion formed on a second surface of the two surfaces of the window member at a position corresponding to the first step portion or the first bent portion.

2. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a reinforcing layer stacked on one surface of the window member, The enhancement layer is configured to compensate for a change in quality of an image transmitted from the display element through the window member caused by a thickness of the window member. 3 . The display device of claim 1 , wherein when the window member is deformed into a curved shape, one of the first step portion and the second step portion or one of the first curved portion and the second curved portion becomes convex. 4 . The display device according to claim 2 , wherein the reinforcement layer is formed entirely on a surface of the window member including the first stepped portion or the first bent portion or the second stepped portion or the second bent portion.

5. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a first film member laminated on a first surface of the window member; as well as A reinforcement film on a second side of the window member at least adjacent the deformable portion of the display element, the second side being opposite the first side. 6 . The display device according to claim 5 , wherein the first film member comprises a polyimide film or a thermoplastic polyurethane film. 7 . The display device according to claim 5 , wherein the first film member comprises a cured coating composition or an anti-fingerprint coating composition. 8 . The display device according to claim 5 , further comprising a second film member bonded to a surface of the first film member. 9 . The display device according to claim 5 , wherein the window member is thinner near the deformable portion of the display element than at a portion of the display element other than the deformable portion of the display element.

10. An electronic device comprising: A display device comprising a display element, at least a portion of which is deformable into a curved shape; as well as a flexible window member stacked on the display element, A portion of the window member is formed to have a thickness smaller than that of the rest of the window member, so that a first step portion or a first bent portion is formed on a first surface of the two surfaces of the window member at the portion of the window member, and a second step portion or a second bent portion is formed on a second surface of the two surfaces of the window member at the portion of the window member.

11. The electronic device according to claim 10, further comprising: a first shell; A second housing that pivots relative to the first housing in a folding or unfolding direction; as well as a hinge device pivotally coupling the second housing to the first housing, A portion of the display device is mounted on the first housing, and the remaining portion of the display device is mounted on the second housing so as to be folded or unfolded relative to the second housing.

12. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the portion of the window member is adjacent to the hinge arrangement. 13 . The electronic device according to claim 11 , wherein when the second housing is folded to the first housing, the display device is deformed into a curved shape in a portion adjacent to the hinge device.

Images