Electronic device including flexible display
By using filler members to provide a protective structure in a flexible display of foldable electronic devices, the problem of the device being easily deformed and susceptible to external damage during folding operation is solved, achieving higher durability and waterproofing.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380056379.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-09-02
- Filing Date
- 2023-07-04
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-28
AI Technical Summary
The flexible display in the foldable electronic device is prone to deform during frequent folding operations and lacks an effective protective structure, resulting in problems of being susceptible to external shocks, electrostatic discharges and moisture intrusion.
A foldable electronic device including a hinge connection is designed to provide protection at the edge of the bent portion of the flexible display using a first filler member and fill in the space between the window layer and the display panel by a second filler member, providing a waterproof and anti-static protective structure.
It improves the durability and surface quality of the flexible display, enhances resistance to external shocks, electrostatic discharges and moisture, and extends the service life of the equipment.
Smart Images

Figure CN119547130A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device including a flexible display. Background Art
[0002] Electronic devices have gradually become thinner and have been improved to simultaneously increase rigidity, strengthen their design, and differentiate their functional elements. The shape of electronic devices has deviated from the usual rectangular shape and has gradually been changed to various shapes. Electronic devices may have a deformable structure that is easy to carry and can include a large screen display. For example, as part of the deformable structure, the electronic device may include a foldable housing that operates to fold or unfold relative to each other. Such an electronic device may require a support structure that can reduce deformation of the flexible display caused by frequent folding operations. Summary of the invention
[0003] Technical issues
[0004] The foldable electronic device may include a hinge device (e.g., a hinge structure or a hinge module) and a first shell and a second shell, the first shell and the second shell being connected in a foldable manner in a direction in which they face each other by the hinge device. Such a foldable electronic device can be operated in an inward folding and / or outward folding manner, wherein the first shell is rotated relative to the second shell in a range of 0 to 360 degrees by the hinge module. The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display, which is configured to be at least partially supported by the first shell and the second shell in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device. Such a flexible display may include a plurality of layers (e.g., a protective layer, a polarizing layer (POL), a polymer layer, or at least one functional layer) arranged on an upper surface and / or a lower surface based on a display panel.
[0005] For thinning of the foldable electronic device, a protective cover (e.g., a decorative cover or a protective frame) disposed so that an edge portion (e.g., an edge) of the display of the flexible display is not visible from the outside may be omitted. For example, in an electronic device in which the protective cover is omitted, the flexible display may be disposed so that its edge is visible from the outside while being supported by the first housing and the second housing.
[0006] In this case, since an edge portion including a bent portion extending from a display panel of the flexible display (e.g., a chip on panel or a chip on plastic (COP)) is vulnerable to external impact damage, a failure may occur due to its damage. In addition, since static electricity (e.g., electrostatic discharge (ESD)) that has entered a space between the housing and the flexible display panel is guided along the bent portion, it may electrically damage the display panel. In addition, foreign matter or moisture that has entered between the housing and the flexible display may enter between multiple layers of the flexible display, so the flexible display may be waterproof and fragile.
[0007] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, there may be provided an electronic device including a flexible display having improved durability against external impact by the electronic device including a protective structure for a bent portion of a display panel.
[0008] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, there may be provided an electronic device including a flexible display including a waterproof structure for preventing external moisture or foreign substances.
[0009] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device including a flexible display having a protective structure providing improved surface quality considering the amount of sliding of the flexible display and improved durability against external impact and folding may be provided.
[0010] However, the problems solved by the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems may be solved by the embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0011] Solution to the problem
[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes: a first shell; a second shell; a hinge connecting the first shell and the second shell to be foldable relative to each other; and a flexible display supported by the first shell and the second shell, wherein the flexible display may include: a window layer; a display panel stacked below the window layer; a bending portion that bends from the display panel to a rear surface of the flexible display at a first edge of the flexible display; and a first filling member in a first space within the electronic device so as to surround at least a portion of the first edge and the bending portion, wherein the first filling member is not in a second space between the window layer and the display panel.
[0013] When the flexible display is viewed from above, the first space and the second space may not overlap with each other.
[0014] The first filling member may include a solidified molding solution.
[0015] The electronic device may further include: a polymer layer below the display panel; and a support plate below the polymer layer.
[0016] The first edge may face in a first direction toward the bent portion, and at the first edge, an edge of the polymer layer facing the first direction may be farther in the first direction than an edge of the display panel facing the first direction.
[0017] The first edge faces in a first direction toward the bent portion, and at the first edge, an edge of the support plate facing the first direction may be further in the first direction than an edge of the polymer layer facing the first direction.
[0018] The electronic device may further include an adhesive member between at least a portion of the window layer and the bent portion at the first edge and blocking the second space.
[0019] The window layer may include a first layer of polymer material and a second layer of glass material, the second layer may be between the first layer and the bending portion, and the electronic device may further include an adhesive member between at least a portion of the first layer at the first edge and the bending portion and blocking the second space.
[0020] The first filling member may have a molded part modulus value equal to or greater than 100 MPa.
[0021] The electronic device may further include a second filling member in the second space.
[0022] The second filling member may include a solidified molding solution.
[0023] The second filling member may have a molded part modulus value equal to or less than 10 MPa.
[0024] The first housing may include: a first side member that forms at least a portion of a side surface of the electronic device; and a first support member extending from the first side member. The second housing may include: a second side member that forms at least another portion of a side surface of the electronic device; and a second support member extending from the second side member. The flexible display may be supported by the first support member and the second support member.
[0025] The first filling member may be located in a space between the second side member and the second support member.
[0026] The size or shape of the first filling member may be defined by the space between the second side member and the second support member.
[0027] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes: a first shell; a second shell; a hinge device that connects the first shell and the second shell to be foldable relative to each other; and a flexible display supported by the first shell and the second shell, wherein the flexible display may include: a window layer; a display panel stacked below the window layer; a bending portion that bends from the display panel to a rear surface of the flexible display at a first edge of the flexible display; a first filling member in a first space within the electronic device so as to surround at least a portion of the first edge and the bending portion; and a second filling member in a second space between the window layer and the display panel and having a molding modulus value smaller than a molding modulus value of the first filling member.
[0028] When the flexible display is viewed from above, the first space and the second space may not overlap with each other.
[0029] The first filling member may have a molded part modulus value equal to or greater than 100 MPa.
[0030] The second filling member may have a molded part modulus value equal to or less than 10 MPa.
[0031] The electronic device also includes at least two layers located below the display panel, with a first edge facing a first direction toward the bending portion, and at the first edge, the farther the at least two layers are away from the display panel, the farther the edges of the at least two layers facing the first direction toward the bending portion are in the first direction.
[0032] Advantageous Effects of the Invention
[0033] Since in the electronic device according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the first filling member for protecting the bent portion is disposed outside the space between the window layer of the flexible display and the display at the first edge of the bent portion of the flexible display, or the second filling member having a molding modulus value smaller than the molding modulus value of the first filling member is filled in the corresponding space, this can help improve the durability and surface quality of the bent portion of the flexible display. In addition, an improved protection structure against ESD can be provided by the first filling member and / or the second filling member, so that the penetration of external foreign matter and / or moisture can be suppressed.
[0034] Furthermore, based on explicit and implicit descriptions in the present disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand various other effects of the embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0035] Effects obtained by the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0037] Figure 1A is a front perspective view showing an electronic device in an unfolded state (or flattened state) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0038] Figure 1B is a plan view showing a front surface of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0039] Figure 1C is a plan view showing a rear surface of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0040] Figure 2A is a perspective view showing an electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0041] Figure 2B is a perspective view of an electronic device showing an intermediate state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0042] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0043] Figure 4A is an exploded perspective view of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0044] Figure 4B is a configuration diagram of a flexible display when viewed from a rear surface of the flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0045] Figure 5 According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 1A A partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device when viewed along line 5-5;
[0046] Figure 6 is a process flow chart for applying a filling member to a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0047] 7A to 7E is a schematic diagram illustrating a process flow for applying a filling member to a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; and
[0048] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Specific embodiments
[0049] Figure 1Ais a perspective view of an electronic device illustrating an unfolded state (or flattened state) of the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1B is a plan view illustrating a front surface of an electronic device in an unfolded state of the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1C is a plan view illustrating a rear surface of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0050] Figure 2A is a perspective view of an electronic device illustrating a folded state of the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2B is a perspective view of an electronic device illustrating an intermediate state of the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0051] refer to Figures 1A to 2B , the electronic device 100 may include a hinge-based device (eg, Figure 1B In one embodiment, the hinge device (eg, hinge device 140) is used to connect the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 to each other in a foldable manner (eg, a foldable housing structure). Figure 1B The hinge device 140 of the electronic device 100 may be arranged in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a first display 400 (e.g., a flexible display, a foldable display, or a main display) arranged in an area (e.g., a recess) formed by the first shell 110 and the second shell 120. According to one embodiment, the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 may be arranged on both sides around the folding axis F, and may have a substantially symmetrical shape about the folding axis F. According to one embodiment, the angle or distance between the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 may be different depending on the state of the electronic device 100. For example, the angle or distance between the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 may be different depending on whether the electronic device is in an unfolded state (or flat state), in a folded state, or in an intermediate state.
[0052] According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device 100, the first housing 110 may include a first surface 111 pointing to a first direction (e.g., a front direction) (z-axis direction) and a second surface 112 pointing to a second direction (e.g., a rear direction) (-z-axis direction) opposite to the first surface 111. According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device 100, the second housing 120 may include a third surface 121 pointing to the first direction (z-axis direction) and a fourth surface 122 pointing to the second direction (-z-axis direction). According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device 100, the first surface 111 of the first housing 110 and the third surface 121 of the second housing 120 may point to substantially the same first direction (z-axis direction). In an embodiment, in the folded state of the electronic device 100, the first surface 111 of the first housing 110 and the third surface 121 of the second housing 120 may face each other. According to one embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device 100, the second surface 112 of the first shell 110 and the fourth surface 122 of the second shell 120 may point to substantially the same second direction (-z axis direction). In one embodiment, in the folded state of the electronic device 100, the second surface 112 of the first shell and the fourth surface 122 of the second shell 120 may point to opposite directions. For example, in the folded state of the electronic device 100, the second surface 112 may point to the first direction (z axis direction), and the fourth surface 122 may point to the second direction (-z axis direction). In this case, the first display 400 may not be seen from the outside (inward folding mode). In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may be folded so that the second surface 112 of the first shell 110 and the fourth surface 122 of the second shell 120 face each other. In this case, the first display 400 may be arranged to be seen from the outside (outward folding mode).
[0053] According to various embodiments, the first housing 110 (e.g., a first housing structure) may include a first side member 113 forming an appearance of the electronic device 100, and a first back cover 114 combined with the first side member 113 and forming at least a portion of a second surface 112 of the electronic device 100. According to an embodiment, the first side member 113 may include a first side surface 113a, a second side surface 113b extending from one end of the first side surface 113a, and a third side surface 113c extending from the other end of the first side surface 113a. According to an embodiment, the first side member 113 may be formed in a quadrilateral (e.g., square or rectangular) shape defined by the first side surface 113a, the second side surface 113b, and the third side surface 113c.
[0054] According to various embodiments, the second housing 120 (e.g., a second housing structure) may include a second side member 123 that at least partially forms an appearance of the electronic device 100, and a second back cover 124 that is combined with the second side member 123 and forms at least a portion of a fourth surface 122 of the electronic device 100. According to an embodiment, the second side member 123 may include a fourth side surface 123a, a fifth side surface 123b extending from one end of the fourth side surface 123a, and a sixth side surface 123c extending from the other end of the fourth side surface 123a. According to an embodiment, the second side member 123 may be formed in a quadrilateral shape defined by the fourth side surface 123a, the fifth side surface 123b, and the sixth side surface 123c.
[0055] According to various embodiments, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are not limited to the shapes and combinations shown, and can be implemented by combinations and / or synthesis of other shapes or components. In one embodiment, the first side member 113 can be integrally formed with the first back cover 114, and the second side member 123 can be integrally formed with the second back cover 124.
[0056] According to various embodiments, in the unfolded state of the electronic device 100, the second side surface 113b of the first side member 113 and the fifth side surface 123b of the second side member 123 may be connected to each other without a gap. According to one embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device 100, the third side surface 113c of the first side member 113 and the sixth side surface 123c of the second side member 123 may be connected to each other without a gap. According to one embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device 100, the sum of the lengths of the second side surface 113b and the fifth side surface 123b may be configured to be longer than the length of the first side surface 113a and / or the fourth side surface 123a. According to one embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device 100, the sum of the lengths of the third side surface 113c and the sixth side surface 123c may be configured to be longer than the length of the first side surface 113a and / or the fourth side surface 123a.
[0057] refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2B, the first side member 113 and / or the second side member 123 may be formed of metal, or may further include a polymer injected into the metal. According to one embodiment, the first side member 113 may include at least one conductive portion 116 electrically divided by at least one segmented portion 1161, 1162 formed of a polymer, and the second side member 123 may include at least one conductive portion 126 electrically divided by at least one segmented portion 1261, 1262 formed of a polymer. In this case, at least one conductive portion 116 and / or at least one conductive portion 126 may be electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit included in the electronic device 100, and thus may be used as at least a part of an antenna operating in at least one designated frequency band (e.g., a legacy frequency band).
[0058] According to various embodiments, the first back cover 114 and / or the second back cover 124 may be formed of at least one of, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, or metal (eg, aluminum, stainless steel (STS) or magnesium), or a combination of at least two thereof.
[0059] According to various embodiments, the first display 400 may be disposed across the hinge device (eg, Figure 1B The hinge device 140 of the first housing 110 extends from the first surface 111 of the first housing 110 to at least a portion of the third surface 121 of the second housing 120. In one embodiment, the first display 400 may include a first area 130a substantially corresponding to the first surface 111, a second area 130b corresponding to the second surface 112, and a third area 130c (e.g., a flexible area or a folding area) connecting the first area 130a and the second area 130b to each other. According to one embodiment, the third area 130c may be a part of the first area 120a and / or the second area 130b, and may be disposed at a position corresponding to the hinge device (e.g., Figure 1B According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a support hinge device (eg, Figure 1B In one embodiment, the hinge housing 141 may be configured to be exposed to the outside when the electronic device 100 is in the folded state, and not be visible from the outside when the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state because it is pulled into the internal space of the first housing 110 and the internal space of the second housing 120.
[0060] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include a second display 131 (e.g., a sub-display) that is disposed separately from the first display 400. According to an embodiment, the second display 131 may be disposed to be at least partially exposed on the second surface 112 of the first housing 110. In an embodiment, when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state, the second display 131 may display at least a portion of the state information of the electronic device 100 to replace at least a portion of the display function of the first display 400. According to an embodiment, the second display 131 may be disposed to be viewed from the outside through at least a portion of the first back cover 114. In an embodiment, the second display 131 may be disposed on the fourth surface 122 of the second housing 120. In this case, the second display 131 may be disposed to be viewed from the outside through at least a portion of the second back cover 124.
[0061] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include at least one of an input device 103 (e.g., a microphone), sound output devices 101 and 102, a sensor module 104, a camera device (e.g., a first camera device 105 and a second camera device 108), a key input device 106, and / or a connector port 107. In an illustrated embodiment, although the input device 103 (e.g., a microphone), the sound output devices 101 and 102, the sensor module 104, the first camera device 105, the second camera device 108, the key input device 106, or the connector port 107 are shown as holes or circular elements formed on the first housing 110 or the second housing 120, they are example illustrations for explanation and are not limited thereto. According to various embodiments, the input device 103 may include at least one microphone disposed on the second housing 120. In an embodiment, the input device 103 may include a plurality of microphones disposed to sense a sound direction. In an embodiment, a plurality of microphones may be disposed at appropriate positions on the first housing 110 and / or the second housing 120. According to an embodiment, the sound output devices 101 and 102 may include at least one speaker. According to an embodiment, at least one speaker of the sound output device 101 may include a receiver for talking provided on the first housing 110, and the speaker of the sound output device 102 may be provided on the second housing 120. In an embodiment, the input device 103, the sound output devices 101 and 102, and the connector port 107 may be provided in a space provided in the first housing 110 and / or the second housing 120 of the electronic device 100, and may be exposed to the external environment through at least one hole formed on the first housing 110 and / or the second housing 120. According to an embodiment, at least one connector port 107 may be used to send power and / or data to and receive power and / or data from an external electronic device. In an embodiment, at least one connector port (e.g., an earphone jack hole) may accommodate a connector (e.g., an earphone jack) for sending and receiving audio signals to and from an external electronic device. In an embodiment, the holes formed on the first housing 110 and / or the second housing 120 may be used commonly for the input device 103 and the sound output devices 101 and 102. In an embodiment, the sound output devices 101 and 102 may include speakers (eg, piezoelectric speakers) that are not exposed through holes formed on the first housing 110 and / or the second housing 120 .
[0062] According to various embodiments, the sensor module 104 may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state or an external environmental state of the electronic device 100. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 104 may detect the external environment through the first surface 111 of the first housing 110. In an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may further include at least one sensor module configured to detect the external environment through the second surface 112 of the first housing 110. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 104 (e.g., an illumination sensor) may be configured to detect the external environment through the first display 400 under the first display 400. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 104 may include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an illumination sensor, a proximity sensor, a biosensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and an illumination sensor.
[0063] According to various embodiments, the camera device may include a first camera device 105 (e.g., a front camera device) disposed on a first surface 111 of the first housing 110 and a second camera device 108 disposed on a second surface 112 of the first housing 110. In an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may further include a flash 109 disposed near the second camera device 108. According to an embodiment, the first camera device 105 and the second camera device 108 may include at least one lens, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. According to an embodiment, the first camera device 105 and the second camera device 108 may be disposed such that two or more lenses (e.g., a wide-angle lens, an ultra-wide-angle lens, or a telephoto lens) and two or more image sensors are located on one surface (e.g., the first surface 111, the second surface 112, the third surface 121, and / or the fourth surface 122) of the electronic device 100. In an embodiment, the first camera device 105 and the second camera device 108 may include a lens and / or an image sensor for time of flight (TOF).
[0064] According to various embodiments, the key input device 106 (e.g., a key button) may be provided on the third side surface 113c of the first side member 113 of the first housing 110. In one embodiment, the key input device 106 may be provided on at least one of the first side surface 113a and / or the second side surface 113b of the first housing 110 and / or the fourth side surface 123a, the fifth side surface 123b, and the sixth side surface 123c of the second housing 120. In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may not include some or all of the key input devices 106, and the key input devices 106 not included may be implemented in another form (such as a soft key) on the first display 400. In one embodiment, the key input device 106 may be implemented by using a pressure sensor included in the first display 400.
[0065] According to various embodiments, one of the camera device (e.g., the first camera device 105) or the sensor module 104 may be disposed to be exposed through the first display 400. According to an embodiment, the first camera device 105 or the sensor module 104 may be optically exposed to the outside through an opening (e.g., a through hole) at least partially formed on the first display 400 in the internal space of the electronic device 100. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the sensor module 104 may be disposed not to be visually exposed through the first display 400 in the internal space of the electronic device 100. Figure 2B , by means of a hinge device (e.g. Figure 1B The electronic device 100 may be operated to maintain at least one designated folding angle in the intermediate state by using the hinge device 140. In this case, the electronic device 100 may control the first display 400 so that different types of content are displayed on the display area corresponding to the first surface 111 and the display area corresponding to the third surface 121. According to an embodiment, the hinge device (e.g., Figure 1B The electronic device 100 can be operated in a substantially unfolded state (eg, a hinge device 140) based on a specific folding angle (eg, an angle between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 when the electronic device 100 is in an intermediate state). Figure 1A in an expanded state) and / or in a substantially folded state (e.g., Figure 2A In one embodiment, if the electronic device 100 is folded by a hinge device (eg, Figure 1B The hinge device 140 of the electronic device 100 is unfolded in a state where the hinge device 140 is unfolded at a specific folding angle and a pressing force is provided in the unfolding direction (direction A), the electronic device 100 can be operated to be converted to the unfolded state (for example, Figure 1A In one embodiment, if the electronic device 100 is unfolded by a hinge device (eg, Figure 1BThe hinge device 140 of the electronic device 100 is unfolded and a pressing force is provided in the folding direction (direction B) in a state where the hinge device 140 is unfolded at a specific folding angle, the electronic device 100 can be operated to be converted to the folded state (for example, Figure 2A In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 can be operated to be folded by a hinge device (eg, Figure 1B The hinge device 140) is maintained in an unfolded state at various angles, which can be referred to as a free stop function.
[0066] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0067] refer to Figure 3 , the electronic device 100 may include a first side member 113 (e.g., a first side frame), a second side member 123 (e.g., a second side frame), and a hinge device 140 (e.g., a hinge module or a hinge structure) that rotatably connects the first side member 113 and the second side member 123 to each other. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a first support member 1131 (e.g., a first support plate) at least partially extending from the first side member 113 and a second support member 1231 (e.g., a second support plate) at least partially extending from the second side member 123. According to an embodiment, the first support member 1131 may be integrally formed with the first side member 113, or may be structurally combined with the first side member 113. In an embodiment, the second support member 1231 may be integrally formed with the second side member 123, or may be structurally combined with the second side member 123. According to an embodiment, the first display 400 may be provided to be supported by the first support member 1131 and the second support member 1231. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a first back cover 114 combined with the first side member 113 and providing a first space together with the first support member 1131, and a second back cover 124 combined with the second side member 123 and providing a second space together with the second support member 1231. In an embodiment, the first side member 113 and the first back cover 114 may be formed integrally with each other. In an embodiment, the second side member 123 and the second back cover 124 may be formed integrally. According to an embodiment, the first housing 110 may include the first side member 113, the first support member 1131 and the first back cover 114. According to an embodiment, the second housing 120 may include the second side member 123, the second support member 1231 and the second back cover 124. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a second display 131, which is arranged to be viewed from the outside through at least a partial area of the first back cover 114.
[0068] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include a first board 161 (e.g., a first board assembly or a main printed circuit board), a camera assembly 163, a first battery 171, and / or a first bracket 151 disposed in a first space between the first side member 113 and the first rear cover 114. According to an embodiment, the camera assembly 163 may include a plurality of camera devices (e.g., Figure 1A and Figure 2A camera device 105 and second camera device 108), and may be electrically connected to the first board 161. According to an embodiment, the first bracket 151 may provide a support structure for supporting the first board 161 and / or the camera assembly 163 and improved rigidity. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a second board 162 (e.g., a second board assembly or a sub-printed circuit board), an antenna 190 (e.g., a coil member), a second battery 172, and / or a second bracket 152 arranged in a second space between the second side member 123 and the second back cover 124. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a plurality of electronic components (e.g., a wiring member 180 (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) arranged to extend up to the second board 162, the second battery 172, and / or the antenna 190, and provide electrical connection) disposed between the second side member 123 and the second back cover 124 from the first board 161 across the hinge device 140. According to an embodiment, the antenna 190 may include a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and / or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna.
[0069] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 may also include a first protective cover 115 (e.g., a first protective frame or a first decorative member) coupled along the edge of the first shell 110 and a second protective cover 125 (e.g., a second protective frame or a second decorative member) coupled along the edge of the second shell 120. According to one embodiment, the first protective cover 115 and / or the second protective cover 125 may be formed of a metal or polymer material. According to one embodiment, the first protective cover 115 and / or the second protective cover 125 may be used as a decorative member. In this case, the first display 400 may be arranged so that the edge of the first area 130a between the first shell 110 and the first protective cover 115 cannot be viewed from the outside. According to one embodiment, the first display 400 may be arranged so that the edge of the second area 130b between the second shell 120 and the second protective cover 125 cannot be viewed from the outside.
[0070] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 may also include a protection cap 135 configured to protect the third area (eg, Figure 1B In this case, the edge of the first display 400 can be set at the edge corresponding to the folding area (for example, Figure 1B The protective cap 135 at the position of the third area 130c) is protected.
[0071] According to various embodiments, the first support member 1131 may include a first support surface 1131a pointing to a first direction (z-axis direction) and a second support surface 1131b pointing to a second direction (-z-axis direction) opposite to the first direction. According to one embodiment, the second support member 1231 may include a third support surface 1231a pointing to the first direction and a fourth support surface 1231b pointing to the second direction in the unfolded state of the electronic device 100. According to one embodiment, the first display 400 may be arranged to be supported by the first support surface 1131a of the first support member 1131 and the third support surface 1231a of the second support member 1231.
[0072] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include at least one waterproof member (e.g., a first waterproof member 481, a second waterproof member 482, a third waterproof member 483, and a fourth waterproof member 484) disposed between the first display 400 and the second supporting member 1231 and between the first display 400 and the first supporting member 1131. According to an embodiment, the waterproof member may include a first waterproof member 481 disposed between the first display 400 and the second supporting member 1231, a second waterproof member 482 connected to the first waterproof member 481, and a third waterproof member 483 providing a first waterproof space 4813 by connecting one end 4811 of the first waterproof member 481 to one end of the second waterproof member 482 and by connecting the other end 4812 of the first waterproof member 481 to the other end of the second waterproof member 482. In an embodiment, the first waterproof member 481, the second waterproof member 482, and / or the third waterproof member 483 may be integrally formed. According to one embodiment, the waterproof member may include a fourth waterproof member 484 disposed in a closed loop shape between the first display 400 and the first supporting member 1131, and the fourth waterproof member 484 provides a second waterproof space 4841. According to one embodiment, a plurality of electronic components including a control circuit (e.g., a display driver IC (DDI)) of the first display 400 are disposed in the first waterproof space 4813, so that they can be protected from external moisture and / or foreign substances, and the first waterproof space 4813 is sealed and formed between the first display 400 and the second supporting member 1231 by the first waterproof member 481, the second waterproof member 482, and the third waterproof member 483. According to one embodiment, at least one electronic component (e.g., a sensor module (e.g., Figure 1A sensor module 104) and / or a camera device (e.g., Figure 1AThe first camera device 105) is disposed in the second waterproof space 4841 formed by the fourth waterproof member 484 in a closed loop shape between the first display 400 and the first supporting member 1131, and can be protected from external moisture and / or foreign substances. The types of constituent elements disposed in the first waterproof space 4813 and / or the second waterproof space 4841 according to various embodiments are not limited.
[0073] Figure 4A is an exploded perspective view of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4B is a configuration diagram of a flexible display when viewed from a rear surface of the flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0074] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The first display 400 may be a flexible display and may be at least partially Figure 1A The first display 400 may be the same as or similar to, or may further include other embodiments of the first display.
[0075] The display (e.g., the first display 400) according to the non-limiting example embodiment of the present disclosure may include an unbreakable (UB) type OLED display (e.g., a curved display). However, the first display 400 is not limited thereto, and may include an unbreakable (UB) type OLED display (e.g., a curved display). However, the display is not limited thereto, and the first display 400 may include a flat display of an on-cell touch active matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) (OCTA) type.
[0076] refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the first display 400 may include a polarizing layer (polarizer (POL)) 420 (e.g., a polarizing film), a display panel 430, a polymer layer 440, a support plate 450, and reinforcing plates 471 and 472 sequentially disposed on the rear surface (e.g., -z axis direction) of the window layer 410. In a certain embodiment, the first display 400 may also include a digitizer 460 disposed between the support plate 450 and the reinforcing plates 471 and 472. In a certain embodiment, the digitizer 460 may be disposed between the polymer layer 440 and the support plate 450. For example, in the case where the first display 400 is a POL-free display, the polarizing layer may be omitted, and a transparent reinforcing layer (e.g., a buffer layer) may be further disposed at this position. In a certain embodiment, the reinforcing plates 471 and 472 may be omitted.
[0077] According to various embodiments, the window layer 410 may include a first layer (eg, Figure 5 The first layer 411 and the second layer (eg, Figure 5 According to one embodiment, the first layer 411 may be formed of a polymer, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). According to one embodiment, the second layer 412 may be formed of glass. According to one embodiment, the second layer may include ultra-thin glass (UTG). In a certain embodiment, the first display 400 may be formed as a part of the window layer 410, and may further include a coating layer disposed on an upper portion of the first layer 411. In this case, the coating layer may include a hard coating (HC) layer, an anti-reflection (AF) / low-reflection (LR) coating layer, a shatterproof (SP) coating layer, or an anti-fingerprint (AF) coating layer. In a certain embodiment, the coating layer may be formed on at least a portion between the first layer 411 and the second layer 412, a side surface of the first layer 411, and / or a rear surface or side surface of the second layer 412.
[0078] According to various embodiments, the window layer 410, the polarization layer 420, the display panel 430, the polymer layer 440, and the support plate 450 may be disposed across the first housing (eg, Figure 1A The first surface of the first housing 110 (eg, Figure 1A The first surface 111 and the second shell (eg, Figure 1A The third surface of the second housing 120 (eg, Figure 1A According to one embodiment, the reinforcing plate 471 may be connected to the first housing (eg, Figure 1A The reinforcing plate 472 may be a first reinforcing plate corresponding to the first housing 110 of the embodiment of the present invention, and the reinforcing plate 472 may be a first reinforcing plate corresponding to the second housing (eg, Figure 1A According to one embodiment, the reinforcing plates 471 and 472 may provide rigidity to the first display 400 and may be used as a basis for preventing failure of the first display 400. According to one embodiment, the reinforcing plates 471 and 472 may be formed of a metal material. According to one embodiment, the reinforcing plates 471 and 472 may be formed of stainless steel (SUS) or Al. According to one embodiment, the window layer 410, the polarizing layer 420, the display panel 430, the polymer layer 440, the support plate 450, and the reinforcing plates 471 and 472 may be attached to each other by adhesive members P1, P2, P3, and P4 (or adhesive). For example, the adhesive members P1, P2, P3, and P4 may include at least one of an optically clear adhesive (OCA), a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), a thermally reactive adhesive, a general adhesive, or a double-sided tape.
[0079] According to various embodiments, the display panel 430 may include a plurality of pixels and a wiring structure (eg, an electrode pattern). According to an embodiment, the polarizing layer 420 may selectively pass light generated from a light source of the display panel 430 and vibrating in a predetermined direction. According to an embodiment, the display panel 430 and the polarizing layer 420 may be formed integrally with each other. According to an embodiment, the first display 400 may further include a touch panel (not shown).
[0080] According to various embodiments, since the polymer layer 440 is disposed under the display panel 430, it can provide a dark background for ensuring visibility of the display panel 430, and can be formed of a buffer material for a buffering effect. In a certain embodiment, for waterproofing of the first display 400, the polymer layer 440 may be omitted, or may be disposed under the support plate 450. In a certain embodiment, in the case where the support plate 450 is formed of an opaque material, the polymer layer 440 may be omitted.
[0081] According to various embodiments, the support plate 450 may provide a flexural property to the first display 400. For example, the support plate 450 may be formed of a non-metallic sheet material such as a fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) (e.g., a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) or a glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP)) having a rigid property for supporting the display panel 430. According to an embodiment, the support plate 450 may include a first housing (e.g., Figure 1A The first plane portion 451 corresponding to the first shell 110) and the second shell (eg, Figure 1A According to an embodiment, in order to improve flexibility, the flexible portion 453 may include a plurality of openings formed to penetrate from the upper surface of the support plate 450 to the rear surface and / or a plurality of recesses formed on a portion of the upper surface and / or a portion of the rear surface of the support plate 450. According to an embodiment, the flexibility characteristics of the flexible portion 453 may be determined based on at least one of the size, shape, and arrangement density of at least some of the plurality of openings and / or at least some of the plurality of recesses. In a certain embodiment, the support plate 450 may be formed of a metal material such as stainless steel (SUS) (e.g., stainless steel (STS)), Cu, Al, or metal CLAD (e.g., a laminated member in which SUS and Al are alternately arranged). In this case, a plurality of openings may be formed over the entire area so that a detection operation of a digitizer 460 disposed below the support plate 450 is induced. According to an embodiment, the support plate 450 may help an electronic device (e.g., Figure 1AThe rigidity of the electronic device 100 is enhanced, the surrounding noise can be shielded, and the heat emitted from the surrounding heat radiation components can be dispersed.
[0082] According to various embodiments, the first display 400 may include a digitizer 460 disposed below the support plate 450 as a detection member for receiving input from an electronic pen (e.g., a stylus). According to an embodiment, the digitizer 460 may include a coil member disposed on a dielectric plate (e.g., a dielectric film or a dielectric sheet) to detect an electromagnetic induction type resonant frequency applied from the electronic pen. In a certain embodiment, the digitizer 460 may include a coil member disposed on a dielectric plate (e.g., a dielectric film or a dielectric sheet) to detect an electromagnetic induction type resonant frequency applied from the electronic pen. Figure 1A A first digitizer in an area corresponding to the first housing 110 of the embodiment of the present invention, and a first digitizer electrically connected to the first digitizer and disposed in an area corresponding to the second housing (eg, Figure 1A A second digitizer in an area corresponding to the second housing 120 .
[0083] According to various embodiments, the first display 400 may include at least one functional component disposed between the polymer layer 440 and the support plate 450 or below the support plate 450. According to an embodiment, the functional component may include a graphite sheet for heat dissipation, a force touch FPCB, a fingerprint sensor FPCB, an antenna radiator for communication, or a conductive / non-conductive tape. According to an embodiment, in the case where the functional component cannot be bent, the functional component may be separately disposed on the first housing (e.g., Figure 1A The first housing 110 and the second housing (eg, Figure 1A According to one embodiment, when the functional component can be bent, it can be connected to the second housing 120 by a hinge device (eg, Figure 3 The hinge device 140) is connected to the first housing (eg, Figure 1A The first housing 110) is provided to the second housing (eg, Figure 1A at least a portion of the second housing 120).
[0084] According to various embodiments, the first display 400 may be formed in a quadrilateral shape. According to one embodiment, the first display 400 may include a first edge 401, a second edge 402 extending in a vertical direction from the first edge 401, a third edge 403 extending in a direction parallel to the first edge 401 from the second edge 402, and a fourth edge 404 extending from the third edge 403 to the first edge 401. According to one embodiment, the first edge 401 may be disposed at a position adjacent to the second housing (e.g., Figure 1A The fourth side surface (eg, Figure 1A According to one embodiment, the second edge 402 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the fourth side surface 123a of the first housing (eg, Figure 1AThe second side surface of the first housing 110 (eg, Figure 1A The second side surface 113b and the second housing (eg, Figure 1A A fifth side surface (eg, Figure 1A According to one embodiment, the third edge 403 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the fifth side surface 123b of the first housing (eg, Figure 1A The first side surface of the first housing 110 (eg, Figure 1A According to one embodiment, the fourth edge 404 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first side surface 113a of the first housing (eg, Figure 1A The third side surface (eg, Figure 1A The third side surface 113c and the second housing (eg, Figure 1A The sixth side surface (eg, Figure 1A According to an embodiment, the first display 400 may include a bending portion 432, which is arranged so as to be folded from the display panel 430 to at least a partial area of the rear surface (e.g., -z axis direction) of the first display 400. According to an embodiment, the bending portion 432 may include an extension portion 4321 and a flexible board 4322, the extension portion 4321 extends from the display panel 430 and includes a control circuit 4321a, and the flexible board 4322 is electrically connected to the extension portion 4321 and includes a plurality of electronic components. According to an embodiment, the control circuit 4321a may include a display driver IC (DDI) or a touch display driver IC (TDDI) mounted on the extension portion 4321 having an electrical wiring structure. According to an embodiment, the bending portion 432 may include a chip on board or a chip on plastic (COP) structure in which the control circuit 4321a is directly arranged on the extension portion 4321. In one embodiment, the bent portion 432 may include a chip on film (COF) structure in which the control circuit 4321a is mounted on a separate connection film (not shown) that connects the extension portion 4321 and the flexible board 4322 to each other. In one embodiment, the flexible display 230 may include a plurality of electronic components (e.g., Figure 4B According to an embodiment, the flexible display 230 may include an electronic component 4322a extending from the flexible board 4322 and electrically connected to the electronic device (eg, Figure 3 of the electronic device 100) (eg, Figure 3According to one embodiment, the plurality of electronic components may include a touch IC, a flash memory for a display, a diode for preventing ESD, a pressure sensor, a fingerprint sensor, or a passive component such as a decoupling capacitor (decap). As another embodiment, the bent portion 432 is provided on the first display 400 facing the first housing (for example, Figure 1A In the case of an area of the first housing 110 ), the FPCB connection portion 4323 may be electrically connected to an electronic device (eg, Figure 3 Another board of the electronic device 100 (eg, Figure 3 The first plate 161).
[0085] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 3 The electronic device 100 may include at least one waterproof member. According to an embodiment, the at least one waterproof member may include a second housing (eg, Figure 1A The first waterproof member 481, the second waterproof member 482 and the third waterproof member 483 corresponding to at least a portion of the second shell 120) and arranged to form a first waterproof space 4813, the first waterproof space 4813 is used to substantially protect the control circuit 4321a arranged on the extension portion 7321 of the bending portion 432 and the plurality of electronic components 4322a arranged on the flexible board 4322 from external moisture and / or foreign substances. According to one embodiment, at least one waterproof member may include a fourth waterproof member 484, and the fourth waterproof member 484 is arranged to correspond to at least a portion of the second shell. According to one embodiment, the fourth waterproof member 484 can provide a sealed second waterproof space 4841. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (for example, Figure 1A The electronic device 100 may include at least one electronic component disposed in a first setting area 4842 and a second setting area 4843, and the first setting area 4842 and the second setting area 4843 are disposed in at least a portion of the second waterproof space 4841. According to an embodiment, the at least one electronic component may include a camera device (e.g., Figure 1A The first camera device 105) and the sensor module (eg, Figure 1A sensor module 104).
[0086] According to a non-limiting example embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 1A The electronic device 100 may include a first filling member 510 (reference Figure 5), the first filling member 510 is disposed to at least surround the bending portion 432 at the first edge 401 of the first display 400. According to one embodiment, the first filling member 510 may be formed by solidifying a molding liquid injected by a molding injector. According to one embodiment, the solidified molding liquid may be provided as a first filling member 510 (e.g., a hard molding) having a specified molding modulus value to protect the bending portion 432. For example, the molding modulus value of the first filling member 510 is equal to or greater than about 100 MPa, which may help improve the durability of the bending portion 432 against external impacts.
[0087] According to various comparative embodiments, if the first filling member 510 of a hard material having a molded part modulus value of 100 MPa or more fills the space between the window layer 410 and the display panel 430, a natural sliding phenomenon between the layers of the first display 400 according to the folding operation may be suppressed, and thus, a buckling phenomenon may occur near the first filling member 510, thereby deteriorating the surface quality of the first display 400. Therefore, according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, with respect to the space between the window layer 410 and the display panel 430 (e.g., including the space containing the POL), the first filling member 510 may not be applied, and / or a second filling member (e.g., a second filling member of a soft material) may be applied. Figure 5 The second filling member 520 (e.g., a soft molded part) has a molded part modulus value smaller than that of the first filling member 510. For example, since the molded part modulus value of the second filling member 520 is equal to or less than about 10 MPa, a sliding phenomenon occurring during folding can be accommodated and the surface quality of the first display 400 can be improved.
[0088] Figure 5 According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 1A A partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device when viewed along line 5-5.
[0089] refer to Figure 5 , the electronic device 100 may include a first housing (eg, Figure 1A The first housing 110) is connected by a hinge device (for example, Figure 3The first display 400 may include a display panel 430, a POL 420 sequentially stacked on an upper surface 4301 of the display panel 430, a window layer 410, a polymer layer 440 sequentially stacked on a rear surface 4302 of the display panel 430, and a support plate 450. According to an embodiment, the window layer 410, the polarizing layer 420, the display panel 430, the polymer layer 440 and the support plate 450 may be attached to each other by adhesive members P1, P2, P3 and P4 (or adhesive). In a certain embodiment, the support plate 450 may be attached to a reinforcing plate (e.g., reinforcing plate 470 of FIG. 4) disposed between the support plate 450 and the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 by an adhesive member. According to an embodiment, the window layer 410 may include a first layer 411 formed of a polymer (eg, a PET layer or a TPU layer), and a second layer 412 (eg, a UTG layer) disposed under the first layer 411 and formed of glass.
[0090] According to various embodiments, the first display 400 may be configured such that at least a portion of the first display 400 is supported by the second side member 123 and the second supporting member 1231 extending from the second side member 123 to the inner space 1201 of the second housing. According to an embodiment, the first display 400 may include a bent portion 432 (e.g., COP or COF) that is bent in contact with a fourth side surface (e.g., Figure 1AThe first display 400 extends from the display panel 430 at a first edge 401 corresponding to the fourth side surface 123a of the second housing 120 and is bent to the rear surface of the first display 400. According to one embodiment, the bent portion 432 may be protected by the protective layer 431. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a first filling member 510 and a second filling member 520 in the internal space 1201 of the second housing 120, the first filling member 510 being disposed in the first space 400a surrounding at least the bent portion 432, and the second filling member 520 being disposed in the second space 400b between the window layer 410 and the display panel 430. According to one embodiment, the first space 400a may include a portion of the space 1201 between the first edge 401 of the first display 400 and the second side member 123 of the second housing 120. According to an embodiment, the first space 400a may include a bent portion 432, and may include a space in contact with a layer (e.g., a polymer layer 440 and / or a support plate 450) stacked on a rear surface 4302 of a display panel 430 at a first edge 401 of the first display 400. According to an embodiment, the first space 400a may not include a layer (e.g., a POL 420 and / or a window layer 410) stacked on an upper surface 4301 of the display panel 430. According to an embodiment, the second space 400b may include a space between layers stacked on an upper surface 4301 of the first display 400. According to an embodiment, the second space 400b may include a space between the window layer 410 and the display panel 430. According to an embodiment, the first space 400a and the second space 400b may not overlap each other. According to an embodiment, when the first display 400 is viewed from above, the first space 400a may not overlap the second space 400b. In a certain embodiment, the first space 400a may be disposed to at least partially overlap with the second space 400b.
[0091] According to an embodiment, the first filling member 510 and the second filling member 520 may be formed by curing the molding liquid injected by the molding injector. For example, the molding liquid may be cured by at least one of natural curing, thermal curing or UV curing. According to an embodiment, the first filling member 510 and the second filling member 520 may be formed to have different molded part modulus values. According to an embodiment, the first filling member 510 may have a strength for improving the durability of the bending portion 432 against external impact. For example, the first filling member 510 may be formed of a material having a molded part modulus value of about 100MPa or more when the molding liquid is cured. According to an embodiment, the first filling member 510 may be cured by an epoxy series molding liquid. According to an embodiment, the first filling member 510 cured in the first space 400a may help improve the durability for protecting the bending portion 432 without suppressing the sliding phenomenon depending on the folding / unfolding operation of the electronic device 100.
[0092] According to various embodiments, when the molding liquid is injected to form the first filling member 510, the various layers of the first display 400 (e.g., the display panel 430, the polymer layer 440, and the support plate 450) may be formed to have a positive step difference structure for uniform application thereof at the first edge 401. According to an embodiment, each of the layers (e.g., the display panel 430, the polymer layer 440, and the support plate 450) may be disposed so that when the first display 400 is viewed from above, an edge of a layer disposed below the corresponding layer can be viewed at the first edge 401. For example, when the first display 400 is viewed from above, the polymer layer 440 may be disposed closer to the bent portion 432 than the display panel 430 at the first edge 401. According to an embodiment, when the first display 400 is viewed from above, the support plate 450 may be disposed closer to the bent portion 432 than the polymer layer 440 at the first edge.
[0093] According to various embodiments, the second filling member 520 filling the second space 400b may be formed of a material having a molded part modulus value of about 10MPa or less when the molding liquid is solidified. In a certain embodiment, the second filling member 520 may be formed of a material having a molded part modulus value of about 5MPa or less when the molding liquid is solidified. In a certain embodiment, the second filling member 520 may be formed of a material having a molded part modulus value of about 1MPa or less when the molding liquid is solidified. According to an embodiment, the second filling member 520 may be solidified by a silicone series molding liquid. According to an embodiment, since the second filling member 520 accommodates the sliding phenomenon between the layers of the first display 400 (e.g., the window layer 410 and the display panel 430) that occurs through the folding / unfolding operation of the electronic device 100, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of degradation such as a buckling phenomenon to help improve the surface quality of the first display 400. According to an embodiment, since the second filling member 520 filling the second space 400b blocks the second space 400b between the window layer 410 and the display panel 430 at the first edge 401 of the first display 400, an improved protection structure can be provided to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) from flowing from the outside to the display panel 430 through the bent portion 432, and can help improve waterproof performance by suppressing the penetration of external foreign matter and / or moisture. In a certain embodiment, the second filling member 520 can be omitted.
[0094] [Table 1]
[0095]
[0096] Table 1 above indicates the comparative values of the panel sliding amount and the panel stress in the case where the second filling member 520 is omitted in the second space 400b or the second filling member 520 having the molded part modulus value of 1 MPa and 10 MPa is applied in the second space 400b, compared with the comparative example in which the first filling member 510 is applied to the second space 400b in the state where the first filling member 521 having the molded part modulus value of 100 MPa is applied in the first space 400a. For example, in the case where the second filling member 520 is not applied or the second filling member 520 having the molded part modulus value smaller than that of the first filling member 510 is applied in the second space 400b, it can be understood that the panel stress is reduced by about 50% to 90% compared with the comparative example. This may mean that if the second filling member 520 is omitted, or a second filling member 520 having a molding modulus value smaller than that of the first filling member 510 is applied in the second space 400b, the panel sliding amount is relatively increased, and degradation phenomena such as buckling phenomena near the first edge 401 of the first display 400 are reduced.
[0097] Figure 6 is a process flow diagram for applying a filling member to a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. 7A to 7E is a schematic diagram illustrating a process for applying a filling member to a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0098] Reference Figures 6 to 7E and Figure 5 The first process 601 may include an operation of filling the second space 400b between the window layer 410 of the first display 400 and the display panel 430 with the molding liquid 520'. According to one embodiment, as Fig. 7A and Figure 7B As shown, a guide tape 530 may be attached so as to close the second space 400b between the bent portion 432 and the window layer 410 along the length direction at the first edge 401 of the first display 400. According to one embodiment, in a state where the guide tape 530 is attached, the molding liquid 520' may be injected into one end of the first edge 401 of the first display 400 through the molding syringe 540. In this case, the outer side of the bent portion 432 may be protected from the first molding process by the guide tape 530. According to one embodiment, after the molding liquid injection is completed, in the second process 603, the second filling member may be completed by curing the injected molding liquid by means of at least one of natural curing, thermal curing or UV curing. Thereafter, the guide tape 530 may be removed. In a certain embodiment, the first process 610 and the second process 620 may be omitted in the case where the second filling member 520 is excluded from being disposed in the second space 400b.
[0099] According to various embodiments, the third process 605 may include an operation of filling the first space 400a including the bent portion 432 with a hard molding liquid. FIG. 7C to FIG. 7E As shown, the first display 400 including the second filling member 520 disposed in the second space 400b by solidification of the first molding liquid can be aligned with the molding fixture 710 (e.g., Teflon fixture) of the molding device 700. In this case, the first edge 401 of the first display 400 can be disposed between the lower mold 720 and the upper mold 730 at the molding fixture 710. According to an embodiment, the lower mold 720 and the upper mold 730 can be formed of a silicone material. For example, the upper mold 730 may include an inlet 731 for injecting the molding liquid and an outlet 732 for discharging the over-injected molding liquid. According to an embodiment, the inlet 731 and the outlet 732 may be disposed at positions corresponding to the two ends of the first space 400a along the length direction at the first edge 401 of the first display 400. For example, in the fourth process 607, if the molding liquid is injected into the inlet 731 of the upper mold 730, the first space 400a including the bent portion 432 of the first display 400 may be filled with the molding liquid, and the molding liquid may be cured by at least one of natural curing, thermal curing, or UV curing. Thereafter, if the lower mold 720 and the upper mold 730 are separated from each other, and the first display 400 is separated from the molding jig 710, the first filling member 510 may remain in a fixed state so as to at least surround the bent portion 432 at the first edge 401 of the first display 400. In a certain embodiment, when the first display 400 is disposed in the electronic device 100, the first filling member 510 may be formed to have a size and / or shape that can be supported by the second side member 123 of the second housing 120.
[0100] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0101] In the description FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C The same reference numerals are used for the electronic devices Figure 5 The constituent elements of the electronic device 200 are substantially the same as the constituent elements, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.
[0102] refer to Fig. 8A, the electronic device 100 may include a first filling member 510 disposed in the first space 400a including at least the bent portion 432. In this case, since the second space 400b between the window layer 410 and the display panel 430 does not include any filling member, it can accommodate a sliding phenomenon between layers of the first display 400 according to a folding / unfolding operation of the electronic device 100, thereby helping to reduce inferior quality such as a buckling phenomenon.
[0103] refer to Figure 8B , the electronic device 100 may include a first filling member 510 disposed in the first space 400a including at least the bent portion 432. In this case, the second space 400b between the window layer 410 and the display panel 430 may not include any filling member. According to an embodiment, the second space 400b may be sealed by an adhesive member P5 disposed between the window layer 410 and the display panel 430. According to an embodiment, since the penetration of external foreign matter and / or moisture can be prevented by the sealing structure of the second space 400b by means of the adhesive member P5, the sealing structure can improve the waterproof performance and help solve the ESD problem.
[0104] refer to Figure 8C , the electronic device 100 may include a first filling member 510 disposed in a first space 400a including at least a bent portion 432. In this case, the second space 400b between the window layer 410 and the display panel 430 may not include any filling member. According to an embodiment, because at least a portion of the window layer 410 extends with the adhesive member and is attached to the bent portion 432 through the adhesive member, the second space 400b can be sealed. For example, when the flexible display is viewed from above, the second space 400b can help the sealing structure in a manner that the glass layer (UTG) of the window layer and the end of the adhesive member extend until at least a portion of the bent portion overlaps each other. Since the sealing structure can prevent the penetration of external foreign matter and / or moisture, it can improve the waterproof performance and help solve the ESD problem.
[0105] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 3 The electronic device 100 may include: a first housing (eg, Figure 3 first housing 110); by a hinge device (eg, Figure 3 The hinge device 140) is connected to the second housing (eg, Figure 3 a second housing 120); and a flexible display (eg, Figure 5 The first display 400 is configured to be supported by the first housing and the second housing. The flexible display may include: a window layer (eg, Figure 5a display panel stacked below the window layer (eg, Figure 5 display panel 430); a bent portion (eg, Figure 5 The bent portion 432 is at a first edge of the flexible display (eg, Figure 5 The first edge 401 of the flexible display is bent from the display panel to the rear surface of the flexible display; and a first filling member (eg, Figure 5 A first filling member 510 is disposed in a first space surrounding at least a portion of the first edge and the bent portion (eg, Figure 5 The first filling member may not be disposed in the second space (eg, Figure 5 within the second space 400b).
[0106] According to various embodiments, in a top view of the flexible display, the first space and the second space may not overlap each other.
[0107] According to various embodiments, the first filling member may be formed of an injected solidified molding solution.
[0108] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a polymer layer disposed under the display panel and a support plate disposed under the polymer layer.
[0109] According to various embodiments, at the first edge, the edge of the polymer layer may be disposed closer to the bent portion than the edge of the display panel. For example, the first edge faces a first direction toward the bent portion, and at the first edge, the edge of the polymer layer facing the first direction is farther in the first direction than the edge of the display panel facing the first direction.
[0110] According to various embodiments, at the first edge, the edge of the support plate may be arranged closer to the bent portion than the edge of the polymer layer. For example, at the first edge, the edge of the support plate facing the first direction is farther in the first direction than the edge of the polymer layer facing the first direction.
[0111] According to various embodiments, the second space may be blocked by an adhesive member disposed between at least a portion of the window layer at the first edge and the bent portion.
[0112] According to various embodiments, the window layer may include a first layer of a polymer material and a second layer of a glass material disposed between at least a portion of the first layer and the bent portion, wherein the second space may be blocked by an adhesive member disposed between at least a portion of the first layer and the bent portion at the first edge.
[0113] According to various embodiments, the first filling member may have a molded part modulus value equal to or greater than 100 MPa.
[0114] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include a second filling member disposed in the second space.
[0115] According to various embodiments, the second filling member may be formed of an injected solidified molding solution.
[0116] According to various embodiments, the second filling member may have a molded part modulus value equal to or less than 10 MPa.
[0117] According to various embodiments, the first shell may include a first side member forming at least a portion of a side surface of the electronic device and a first support member extending from the first side member, wherein the second shell may include a second side member forming at least another portion of the side surface of the electronic device and a second support member extending from the second side member, and wherein the flexible display may be configured to be supported by the first support member and the second support member.
[0118] According to various embodiments, a first filling member may be disposed in a space between the second side member and the second supporting member.
[0119] According to various embodiments, the size and / or shape of the first filling member may be defined by the space between the second side member and the second support member.
[0120] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 3 The electronic device 100 may include: a first housing (eg, Figure 3 first housing 110); by a hinge device (eg, Figure 3 The hinge device 140) is connected to the second housing (eg, Figure 3 a second housing 120); and a flexible display (eg, Figure 5 The first display 400 is configured to be supported by the first housing and the second housing. The flexible display may include: a window layer (eg, Figure 5 a display panel stacked below the window layer (eg, Figure 5 display panel 430); a bent portion (eg, Figure 5 The bent portion 432 is at a first edge of the flexible display (eg, Figure 5 The first edge 401 of the flexible display is bent from the display panel to the rear surface of the flexible display; the first filling member (eg, Figure 5 A first filling member 510 is disposed in a first space surrounding at least a portion of the first edge and the bent portion (eg, Figure 5 and a second filling member (eg, Figure 5A second filling member 520 is disposed in a second space (eg, Figure 5 The molded part modulus value of the molded part is smaller than the molded part modulus value of the first filling member.
[0121] According to various embodiments, in a top view of the flexible display, the first space and the second space may not overlap each other.
[0122] According to various embodiments, the first filling member may be formed to have a molded part modulus value equal to or greater than 100 MPa.
[0123] According to various embodiments, the second filling member may be formed to have a molded part modulus value equal to or less than 10 MPa.
[0124] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include at least two layers arranged below the display panel, wherein the first edge faces a first direction toward the bending portion, and wherein, at the first edge, the farther the edges of the at least two layers facing the first direction toward the bending portion are in the first direction, the farther the at least two layers are away from the display panel.
[0125] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure described in the specification and shown in the accompanying drawings will only give specific non-limiting examples for easy explanation of the technical content of the embodiments of the present disclosure and will help the understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that in addition to the embodiments described herein, all changes or modifications derived from the technical ideas of the various embodiments of the present disclosure are also included in the scope of the present disclosure.
Claims
1. An electronic device (100), comprising: A first housing (110); A second housing (120); A hinge device (140) connects the first shell and the second shell to be foldable relative to each other; as well as A flexible display (400) is supported by the first shell and the second shell. The flexible display (400) comprises: WindowLayer(410); A display panel (430) is stacked below the window layer; a bent portion (432) bent from the display panel to the rear surface of the flexible display at the first edge (401) of the flexible display; and A first filling member (510) is located in a first space (400a) surrounding at least a portion of the first edge and the bent portion in the electronic device, The first filling member is not in the second space (400b) between the window layer and the display panel. 2 . The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the first space and the second space do not overlap each other when the flexible display is viewed from above. 3 . The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the first filling member comprises a cured molding solution.
4. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a polymer layer (440) below the display panel; as well as A support plate (450) is provided below the polymer layer.
5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the first edge faces a first direction toward the bent portion, and in, At the first edge, an edge of the polymer layer facing the first direction is further in the first direction than an edge of the display panel facing the first direction.
6. The electronic device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first edge faces a first direction toward the bent portion, and in, At the first edge, an edge of the support plate facing the first direction is further in the first direction than an edge of the polymer layer facing the first direction.
7. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an adhesive member (P5) between at least a portion of the window layer and the bent portion at the first edge and blocking the second space.
8. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the window layer comprises a first layer (411) of a polymer material and a second layer (412) of a glass material, wherein the second layer is between the first layer and the bent portion, and The electronic device further comprises an adhesive member (P5) between at least a portion of the first layer and the bent portion at the first edge and blocking the second space. 9 . The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the first filling member has a molded part modulus value equal to or greater than 100 MPa.
10. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a second filling member (520) in the second space. The electronic device of claim 10 , wherein the second filling member comprises a cured molding solution. 12 . The electronic device according to claim 10 , wherein the second filling member has a molded part modulus value equal to or less than 10 MPa.
13. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first housing comprises: A first side member (113) forming at least a portion of a side surface of the electronic device; as well as a first support member (1131) extending from the first side member, The second housing comprises: a second side member (123) forming at least another portion of the side surface of the electronic device; as well as a second support member (1231) extending from the second side member, and The flexible display is supported by the first supporting member and the second supporting member.
14. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein the first filling member is located in a space (1201) between the second side member and the second supporting member. 15 . The electronic device according to claim 13 , wherein a size or shape of the first filling member is defined by a space between the second side member and the second supporting member.
16. An electronic device comprising: A first housing (110); A second housing (120); A hinge device (140) connecting the first shell (110) and the second shell (120) so as to be foldable relative to each other; as well as The flexible display (400) is configured to be supported by the first housing and the second housing. The flexible display comprises: WindowLayer(410); A display panel (430) is stacked below the window layer; a bent portion (432) bent from the display panel to the rear surface of the flexible display at the first edge (401) of the flexible display; A first filling member (510) is disposed in a first space (400a) surrounding at least a portion of the first edge and the bent portion; and A second filling member (520) is disposed in a second space (400b) between the window layer and the display panel and has a molding modulus value smaller than that of the first filling member. 17 . The electronic device of claim 16 , wherein in a case where the flexible display is viewed from above, the first space and the second space do not overlap each other. 18 . The electronic device according to claim 16 , wherein the first filling member is formed to have a molded part modulus value equal to or greater than 100 MPa. 19 . The electronic device according to claim 16 , wherein the second filling member is formed to have a molded part modulus value equal to or less than 10 MPa.
20. The electronic device according to any one of claims 16 to 19, comprising at least two layers (440, 450) arranged below the display panel, The edge of the layer is arranged to be closer to the bent portion as the distance from the display panel increases.