Cover plate structure and electronic device comprising the same

Abstract

An electronic device according to one embodiment of the disclosure can include a first housing, a second housing, a flexible display panel including an area corresponding to the first housing and an area corresponding to the second housing, and a flexible cover structure disposed on the flexible display panel. The flexible cover structure can include a glass including a first area and a second area extending from the first area and corresponding to a bending or rolling area of the flexible display panel, a first coating layer disposed on at least a portion of a front surface of the glass, and a second coating layer disposed on a rear surface of the glass. At least a portion of the second area of the glass can be shaped to be bent in a direction toward the second coating layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to a flexible cover structure and an electronic device including the flexible cover structure. Background Technology

[0002] The development of electronic information and communication technology has integrated multiple functions into a single electronic device or portable communication device. For example, in addition to communication functions, smartphones also integrate the functions of a sound player, camera, and calendar manager, and can achieve even more functions by installing applications.

[0003] With the proliferation of smartphones and other personal / portable communication devices, users' demands for portability and ease of use are growing. For example, touchscreen displays can not only serve as output devices for visual information but also provide virtual keyboards that can replace mechanical input devices (e.g., button input devices). This allows portable communication devices or electronic devices to offer greater usability (e.g., larger screens) while achieving smaller sizes. Flexible displays (e.g., foldable or rollable displays) are expected to enter the commercial market, bringing even greater portability and ease of use to electronic devices.

[0004] The above information is provided to facilitate understanding of the relevant technology in this disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above content can serve as background technology related to this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Solution to the problem

[0006] An electronic device according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include: a first housing, a second housing, a flexible display panel, and a flexible cover structure. The flexible display panel includes a region corresponding to the first housing and a region corresponding to the second housing. The flexible cover structure is disposed on the flexible display panel. The flexible cover structure may include: glass, a first coating, and a second coating. The glass includes a first region and a second region extending from the first region and corresponding to a bent or rolled region of the flexible display panel. The first coating is disposed on at least a portion of the front surface of the glass, and the second coating is disposed on the rear surface of the glass. At least a portion of the second region of the glass may have a shape that is bent in a direction toward the second coating.

[0007] The flexible cover structure according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include: glass, a first coating, and a second coating. The glass includes a first region and a second region extending from the first region and corresponding to a bent or rolled region of the flexible display panel. The first coating is disposed on at least a portion of the front surface of the glass, and the second coating is disposed on the rear surface of the glass. At least a portion of the second region of the glass may have a shape that is bent in a direction toward the second coating.

[0008] However, the problems to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and various extensions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in a network environment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2a This is a perspective view showing a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2b This is a perspective view showing a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view illustrating a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a view showing the front surface of a flexible cover structure 400 in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 6 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400 taken from line A-A'.

[0016] Figure 7a This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400 taken from line B-B'.

[0017] Figure 7b This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400 taken from line C-C'.

[0018] Figure 7c This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 5A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400 taken from line D-D'.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a view used to compare the repulsive torque and stress difference between a flexible cover structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and a conventional flexible cover structure (e.g., a comparative experimental example).

[0020] Figure 9 This is a view showing the front surface of the flexible cover structure 400a of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 10 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 9 The cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400a taken from line A-A'.

[0022] Figure 11a This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400a taken from line B-B'.

[0023] Figure 11b This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400a taken from line C-C'.

[0024] Figure 11c This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400a taken from line D-D'.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a view showing the front surface of the flexible cover structure 400b of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 13 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 12 The cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400b taken from line A-A'.

[0027] Figure 14a This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400b taken from line B-B'.

[0028] Figure 14b This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400b taken from line C-C'.

[0029] Figure 14c This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400b taken from line D-D'.

[0030] Figure 15 This is a view showing the front surface of the flexible cover structure 400c of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 16 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 15 The cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400c taken from line A-A'.

[0032] Figure 17a This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400c taken from line B-B'.

[0033] Figure 17b This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400c taken from line C-C'.

[0034] Figure 17c This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 15 The cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400c taken from line D-D'.

[0035] Figure 18 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400d taken from line A-A'.

[0036] Figure 19 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400e taken from line A-A'.

[0037] Figure 20 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 9 The cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400f taken from line A-A'.

[0038] Figure 21 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of a 400g flexible cover plate structure taken from line A-A'.

[0039] Figure 22 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure taken from line A-A' for 400h.

[0040] Figure 23 This is a view showing a pattern of glass with a flexible cover structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 24This is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing process of a flexible cover plate structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 25 This is a schematic view illustrating the flow of the manufacturing process of a flexible cover structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 26 This is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing process of a flexible cover plate structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 27 This is a schematic view illustrating the flow of the manufacturing process of a flexible cover structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 28 This is a view showing the front surface of the flexible cover structure 500, 500a in the unfolded state of an outwardly folding electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 29 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 28 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 500 taken from line A-A'.

[0047] Figure 30 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 28 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 500a taken from line A-A'.

[0048] Figure 31 This is a view showing the front surface of the flexible cover structure 600, 600a in the unfolded state of a slidable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 32 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 31 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 600 taken from line A-A'.

[0050] Figure 33 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 31 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 600a taken from line A-A'.

[0051] Figure 34 This is a view showing the front surface of the flexible cover structure 700, 700a in the unfolded state of a multi-fold electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 35 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 34 The cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 700 taken from line A-A'.

[0053] Figure 36This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 34 The cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 700a taken from line A-A'.

[0054] Figure 37 This is a view comparing the repulsive torque and stress between a structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and a comparative structure. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The electronic device according to embodiments of this disclosure can be one of various types of electronic devices. For example, the electronic device may include a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to the devices described above.

[0056] The embodiments of this disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to the particular embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives to those embodiments. In the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. It should be understood that the singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the said things unless the relevant context explicitly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of phrases such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase. As used herein, terms such as “first” and “second” (“1st” and “2nd”) may be used only to distinguish the corresponding component from another component and do not limit the component in other respects (e.g., importance or order). It should be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “connected”, “linked to”, “connected to”, or “attached to” another element (e.g., a second element) with or without the terms “operably” or “communically”, it means that the element can be connected to the other element directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or via a third element.

[0057] As used herein, the term "module" can include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms such as "logic," "logic block," "component," or "circuit." A module can be a single monolithic component or a minimum unit or portion thereof adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, a module may be implemented as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0058] According to embodiments, each of the above components (e.g., a module or program) may include a single entity or multiple entities. Some of the multiple entities may be separately located in different components. According to embodiments, one or more of the above components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as one or more functions performed by a corresponding component of the multiple components before integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more operations may be performed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0059] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in a network environment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] Reference Figure 1 In network environment 100, electronic device 101 can communicate with electronic device 102 via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or with electronic device 104 or server 108 via a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, electronic device 101 can communicate with electronic device 104 via server 108. According to an embodiment, electronic device 101 may include a processor 120, memory 130, input module 150, sound output module 155, display module 160, audio module 170, sensor module 176, interface 177, connection terminal 178, haptic module 179, camera module 180, power management module 188, battery 189, communication module 190, user identification module (SIM) 196, or antenna module 197. In an embodiment, at least one component (e.g., connection terminal 178) may be omitted from electronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added to electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some components (e.g., sensor module 176, camera module 180, or antenna module 197) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module 160).

[0061] Processor 120 can execute, for example, software (e.g., program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of electronic device 101 coupled to processor 120, and can perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of data processing or calculation, processor 120 can store commands or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) in volatile memory 132, process the commands or data stored in volatile memory 132, and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory 134. According to embodiments, processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or application processor (AP)) or an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), neural processing unit (NPU), image signal processor (ISP), sensor hub processor, or communication processor (CP)), which may operate independently of or in conjunction with the main processor 121. For example, in the case where electronic device 101 includes a main processor 121 and an auxiliary processor 123, the auxiliary processor 123 can be configured to consume less power than the main processor 121 or be dedicated to a specific function. The auxiliary processor 123 can be implemented separately from the main processor 121, or it can be implemented as part of the main processor 121.

[0062] The auxiliary processor 123 can replace the main processor 121 when the main processor 121 is inactive (e.g., in a sleep state), or, when the main processor 121 is active (e.g., executing an application), work with the main processor 121 to control at least some functions or states of the components of the electronic device 101 associated with at least one component (e.g., display module 160, sensor module 176, or communication module 190). According to embodiments, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) can be implemented as part of another component (e.g., camera module 180 or communication module 190) functionally associated with the auxiliary processor 123. According to embodiments, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a neural processing unit) can include hardware structures specified for processing artificial intelligence models. Artificial intelligence models can be generated through machine learning. For example, such learning can be performed by the electronic device 101 performing artificial intelligence or via a separate server (e.g., server 108). Learning algorithms can include, but are not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. Artificial intelligence models can include multiple layers of artificial neural networks. Artificial neural networks can be deep neural networks (DNNs), convolutional neural networks (CNNs), recurrent neural networks (RNNs), restricted Boltzmann machines (RBMs), deep belief networks (DBNs), bidirectional recurrent deep neural networks (BRDNNs), deep Q-networks, or combinations of two or more thereof, but are not limited to these. Artificial intelligence may additionally or alternatively include software structures in addition to hardware structures.

[0063] Memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component of electronic device 101 (e.g., processor 120 or sensor module 176). For example, the various data may include software (e.g., program 140) and input or output data of commands associated therewith. Memory 130 may include volatile memory 132 or non-volatile memory 134.

[0064] Program 140 may be stored as software in memory 130 and may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 142, middleware 144, or application 146.

[0065] Input module 150 can receive commands or data from outside electronic device 101 (e.g., a user) that will be used by other components of electronic device 101 (e.g., processor 120). Input module 150 may include, for example, a microphone, mouse, keyboard, keys (e.g., buttons), or digital pen (e.g., stylus).

[0066] The audio output module 155 can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device 101. The audio output module 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for common purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing recordings. The receiver can be used to answer incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0067] Display module 160 can provide information visually to the outside of electronic device 101 (e.g., to a user). Display module 160 may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and control circuitry for controlling a corresponding device among the display, holographic device, and projector. According to an embodiment, display module 160 may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of the force generated by a touch.

[0068] Audio module 170 can convert sound into electrical signals and vice versa. According to an embodiment, audio module 170 can acquire sound via input module 150, or output sound via sound output module 155 or headphones of an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly connected to electronic device 101.

[0069] Sensor module 176 can detect the operating state of electronic device 101 (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., user state), and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to embodiments, sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0070] Interface 177 may support one or more specified protocols for direct (e.g., wired) or wireless connection of electronic device 101 to external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102). According to embodiments, interface 177 may include, for example, a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a Secure Digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

[0071] Connection end 178 may include a connector through which electronic device 101 can physically connect to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102). According to embodiments, connection end 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0072] The tactile module 179 can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or motion) or electrical stimuli that can be recognized by the user through their own touch or kinesthesia. According to embodiments, the tactile module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0073] Camera module 180 can capture still images or moving images. According to an embodiment, camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.

[0074] The power management module 188 can manage the power supplied to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the power management module 188 can be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0075] Battery 189 can supply power to at least one component of electronic device 101. According to embodiments, battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable accumulator, or a fuel cell.

[0076] Communication module 190 can support the establishment of direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channels between electronic device 101 and external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 102, electronic device 104, or server 108), and perform communication via the established communication channels. Communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors that can operate independently of processor 120 (e.g., application processor (AP)) and support direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication. According to embodiments, communication module 190 may include wireless communication module 192 (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication module) or wired communication module 194 (e.g., local area network (LAN) communication module or power line communication (PLC) module). One of these communication modules can communicate with external electronic device 104 via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth™, Wi-Fi Direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a traditional cellular network, 5G network, next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN))). These various types of communication modules can be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip) or as multiple components (e.g., multiple chips) that are separate from each other. The wireless communication module 192 can use user information (e.g., the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in the user identification module 196 to identify or authenticate electronic device 101 in the communication network (such as the first network 198 or the second network 199).

[0077] Wireless communication module 192 can support 5G networks, networks beyond 4G, and next-generation communication technologies such as New Radio (NR) access technology. NR access technology can support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communication (mMTC), or ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC). Wireless communication module 192 can support high-frequency bands (e.g., millimeter-wave bands) to achieve, for example, high data transmission rates. Wireless communication module 192 can support various technologies used to ensure high-frequency band performance, such as beamforming, massive MIMO, full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, or massive antennas. Wireless communication module 192 can support various requirements specified in electronic device 101, external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 104), or network system (e.g., second network 199). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module 192 may support peak data rates (e.g., 20 Gbps or greater) for implementing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for both downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less round trip) for implementing URLLC.

[0078] Antenna module 197 can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external source (e.g., an external electronic device). According to an embodiment, antenna module 197 may include an antenna comprising a radiator formed of conductors or conductive patterns on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, antenna module 197 may include multiple antennas (e.g., an antenna array). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network (e.g., a first network 198 or a second network 199) can be selected from the multiple antennas by, for example, communication module 190. Signals or power can then be transmitted or received between communication module 190 and an external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, other components besides the radiator (such as a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be further formed as part of antenna module 197.

[0079] According to an embodiment, antenna module 197 can form an mmWave (millimeter-wave) antenna module. According to an embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals of the specified high frequency band.

[0080] At least some of the components described above can be interconnected and transmit signals (e.g., commands or data) between them via peripheral communication schemes (e.g., bus, general purpose input / output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industrial processor interface (MIPI)).

[0081] According to an embodiment, commands or data can be sent or received between electronic device 101 and external electronic device 104 via server 108 connected to a second network 199. External electronic devices 102 or 104 can each be devices of the same or different type as electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, all or some operations to be performed at electronic device 101 can be performed at one or more external electronic devices 102, 104, or 108. For example, if electronic device 101 is required to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or other device, electronic device 101 may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of that function or service as an alternative or supplement to performing that function or service. Upon receiving the request, one or more external electronic devices may perform at least a portion of the requested function or service, or additional functions or services associated with the request, and transmit the result of the execution to electronic device 101. Electronic device 101 may provide the result as at least part of a response to the request, with or without further processing. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technologies may be used, for example. Electronic device 101 can use, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing to provide ultra-low latency services. In an embodiment, external electronic device 104 may include Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to an embodiment, external electronic device 104 or server 108 may be included in a second network 199. Electronic device 101 can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technologies.

[0082] Figure 2a This is a perspective view showing a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0083] Figure 2b This is a perspective view showing a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view illustrating a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] Figures 2a to 3The electronic devices shown are for illustrative purposes only, and this disclosure is not limited to the accompanying drawings. Figures 2a to 3 The XYZ coordinate system shown is used to describe the layout of the components and does not limit the scope of the claims.

[0086] According to an embodiment, electronic device 101 (e.g., Figure 1 The electronic device 101 may include at least a pair of housings 210 and 220. The pair of housings 210 and 220 may be rotatably coupled around, for example, a hinge (e.g., Figure 3 The hinges (240) fold face to face.

[0087] According to an embodiment, a pair of housings 210 and 220 may include a first housing 210 and a second housing 220. The first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be disposed on two opposite sides of the folding shaft F. An end region of the first housing 210 and an end region of the second housing 220 may be disposed side-by-side, with a hinge 240 inserted between them. The first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may have a symmetrical shape with respect to a plane containing the folding shaft F and extending in the Z-axis direction. The folding shaft F may be a shaft extending in the X1 direction, formed by the hinge 240.

[0088] According to an embodiment, the first housing 210 may have substantially the same length as the second housing 220 (e.g., length in the Y-axis direction), but is not limited thereto. The first housing 210 may have substantially the same width as the second housing 220 (e.g., width in the X-axis direction), but is not limited thereto.

[0089] In the following text, "unfolded state (or flat state)" or "unfolded state" may refer to a state where the angle between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 is substantially 180 degrees. "Folded state" or "unfolded state" may refer to a state where the angle between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 is substantially 0 degrees. "Intermediate state" may refer to any state between the unfolded state and the folded state. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 can rotate about the hinge 240 such that the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 form an angle from 0 degrees to 180 degrees. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 can rotate about the hinge 240 such that the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 form an angle from 180 degrees to 360 degrees.

[0090] According to an embodiment, the first housing 210 may include a first surface 210a and a second surface 210b. For example, the first surface 210a may be configured to face a first direction (e.g., the +Z-axis direction). The first surface 210a may be, for example, a surface on which at least a portion of the flexible display 230 is disposed. The first surface 210a may refer to, for example, a virtual surface overlapping at least a portion of the flexible display 230. For example, the second surface 210b may be configured to face a second direction (e.g., the -Z-axis direction). The second surface 210b may be, for example, a surface on which a display 280 is disposed. The second surface 210b may be, for example, a surface on which a first back cover 212 is disposed. The second surface 210b may be parallel to the first surface 210a. The second surface 210b may refer to, for example, a plane defined by the first back cover 212.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the second housing 220 may include a third surface 220a and a fourth surface 220b. For example, the third surface 220a may be configured to face a first direction (e.g., the +Z-axis direction). The third surface 220a may be, for example, a surface on which at least a portion of the flexible display 230 is disposed. The third surface 220a may refer to, for example, a virtual surface overlapping at least a portion of the flexible display 230. For example, the fourth surface 220b may be configured to face a second direction (e.g., the -Z-axis direction). The fourth surface 220b may be, for example, a surface on which a second rear cover 222 is disposed. The fourth surface 220b may be parallel to the third surface 220a. The fourth surface 220b may refer to, for example, a plane defined by the second rear cover 222.

[0092] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 101 is unfolded, the first surface 210a and the third surface 220a can be located within an arbitrary virtual plane (e.g., an XY plane). For example, when the electronic device 101 is unfolded, the first surface 210a and the third surface 220a can form a single plane. For example, in the unfolded state, the first surface 210a and the third surface 220a can be configured to form a 180-degree angle with respect to the XY plane. When the electronic device 101 is unfolded, the second surface 210b and the fourth surface 220b can be located within another arbitrary virtual plane (e.g., an XY plane). For example, in the unfolded state of the electronic device 101, the second surface 210b and the fourth surface 220b can form a single plane. For example, in the unfolded state, the second surface 210b and the fourth surface 220b can be configured to form a 180-degree angle with respect to the XY plane.

[0093] According to an embodiment, in the folded state of the electronic device 101, at least a portion of the first surface 210a and at least a portion of the third surface 220a can face each other. For example, in the folded state of the electronic device 101, the angle between the first surface 210a and the third surface 220a relative to the XY plane can be 0 degrees. As the electronic device 101 folds from the unfolded state, the angle between the first surface 210a and the third surface 220a relative to the XY plane can gradually decrease. For example, in an intermediate state, the angle formed between the first surface 210a and the third surface 220a relative to the XY plane can be determined to be between approximately 0 degrees and approximately 180 degrees. In the folded state of the electronic device 101, the second surface 210b and the fourth surface 220b can be parallel to each other. For example, in the folded state of the electronic device 101, the second surface 210b and the fourth surface 220b can face opposite directions.

[0094] According to an embodiment, the pair of housings 210 and 220 included in the electronic device 101 are not limited to the shape and connection shown, but may be implemented in other shapes or by combination and / or connection of other components.

[0095] According to an embodiment, the first housing 210 may include a first side frame 211. The first side frame 211 may form a side surface of the first housing 210. The first side frame 211 may form part of the exterior of the first housing 210. The first side frame 211 may be configured to protect components housed inside the electronic device 101 from external influences.

[0096] According to an embodiment, the first side frame 211 may include a first side member 211a, a second side member 211b, and / or a third side member 211c. The first side member 211a may have a first length along a first length direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). The second side member 211b may extend from the first side member 211a in a generally perpendicular direction (e.g., the X-axis direction). The second side member 211b may extend to have a second length equal to or different from the first length. The third side member 211c may extend from the second side member 211b in a generally perpendicular direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). The third side member 211c may extend in a direction generally parallel to the first side member 211a. The third side member 211c may have a first length along the first length direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction).

[0097] According to an embodiment, the first side member 211a, the second side member 211b, and the third side member 211c can be configured to be visible from the outside. At least a portion of the first side member 211a, the second side member 211b, and / or the third side member 211c can be formed by a curved surface. The first side frame 211 can be formed into a rectangular (e.g., square or rectangle) shape by the first side member 211a, the second side member 211b, and the third side member 211c. The first side member 211a, the second side member 211b, and the third side member 211c can be integrally formed, but are not limited thereto.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the second housing 220 may include a second side frame 221. The second side frame 221 may form a side surface of the second housing 220. The second side frame 221 may form part of the exterior of the first housing 210. The second side frame 221 may be configured to protect components housed inside the electronic device 101 from external influences.

[0099] According to an embodiment, the second side frame 221 may include a fourth side member 221a, a fifth side member 221b, and / or a sixth side member 221c. The fourth side member 221a may have a third length along a first length direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). The fifth side member 221b may extend from the fourth side member 221a in a generally perpendicular direction (e.g., the X-axis direction). The fifth side member 221b may extend to have a fourth length equal to or different from the third length. The sixth side member 221c may extend from the fifth side member 221b in a generally perpendicular direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). The sixth side member 221c may extend in a direction generally parallel to the fourth side member 221a. The sixth side member 221c may have a third length along the first length direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction).

[0100] According to an embodiment, the fourth side member 221a, the fifth side member 221b, and the sixth side member 221c can be configured to be visible from the outside. At least a portion of the fourth side member 221a, the fifth side member 221b, and / or the sixth side member 221c can be formed by a curved surface. The second side frame 221 can be formed into a rectangular (e.g., square or rectangle) shape by the fourth side member 221a, the fifth side member 221b, and the sixth side member 221c. The first length can be substantially equal to the third length. The second length can be substantially equal to the fourth length. The fourth side member 221a, the fifth side member 221b, and the sixth side member 221c can be integrally formed, but are not limited thereto.

[0101] According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device 101, the first side member 211a and the fourth side member 221a can be substantially positioned in a straight line. In the unfolded state of the electronic device 101, the second side member 211b and the fifth side member 221b can be parallel to each other. In the unfolded state of the electronic device 101, the third side member 211c and the sixth side member 221c can be substantially positioned in a straight line.

[0102] According to an embodiment, in the folded state of the electronic device 101, the first side member 211a and the fourth side member 221a can overlap each other. In the folded state of the electronic device 101, the second side member 211b and the fifth side member 221b can overlap each other. In the folded state of the electronic device 101, the third side member 211c and the sixth side member 221c can overlap each other.

[0103] According to an embodiment, the first housing 210 may include a first rear cover 212. The first rear cover 212 may form at least a portion of the second surface 210b of the first housing 210. The first rear cover 212 may be coupled to a first side frame 211. The first rear cover 212 may, for example, be integrally formed with the first side frame 211.

[0104] According to an embodiment, the second housing 220 may include a second rear cover 222. The second rear cover 222 may form at least a portion of the fourth surface 220b of the second housing 220. The second rear cover 222 may be coupled to a second side frame 221. The second rear cover 222 may, for example, be integrally formed with the second side frame 221.

[0105] According to an embodiment, the first back cover 212 and / or the second back cover 222 may be formed of at least one of laminated or colored glass, ceramic, glasic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS) or magnesium) or combinations thereof.

[0106] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a flexible display 230 (e.g., a foldable display or a monitor). The flexible display 230 may be disposed across a first housing 210, a hinge 240, and a second housing 220. The flexible display 230 may be disposed from a first surface 210a of the first housing 210 across the hinge structure 240 to at least a portion of a third surface 220a of the second housing 220. The flexible display 230 may be configured such that the first surface 210a of the first housing 210 and / or the third surface 220a of the second housing 220 overlap. The portion of the flexible display 230 corresponding to the hinge 240 may bend according to rotation of the hinge 240.

[0107] According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state, the flexible display 230 can be configured to be visible from the outside. In the folded state, the flexible display 230 can be configured to be invisible from the outside.

[0108] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a protective cover 231. The protective cover 231 may be positioned to protect an edge portion of the flexible display 230. The protective cover 231 may form part of the exterior of the electronic device 101.

[0109] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include at least one of the following disposed in a first internal space 214 of the first housing 210 or a second internal space 224 of the second housing 220: an input device (e.g., a microphone 203), a sound output device (e.g., a receiver 201 or a speaker 202 for telephone calls), a sensor module 204, a camera module (a first camera module 205 or a second camera module 208), a connector port 207, a key input device (not shown), or an indicator (not shown). The electronic device 101 may be configured to omit at least one of the above components or to add other components.

[0110] According to an embodiment, the input device may include a plurality of microphones configured to detect the direction of sound. The sound output device may include, for example, a receiver 201 and a speaker 202 for telephone calls. The sound output devices 201 and 202 may be configured to face outward through at least one speaker hole formed in the first housing 210 or the second housing 220. The connector port 207 may be configured to face outward through a connector port hole formed in the first housing 210 or the second housing 220.

[0111] According to an embodiment, sensor module 204 can generate electrical signals or data values ​​corresponding to the internal operating state or external environmental state of electronic device 101. Sensor module 204 may include at least one of a proximity sensor, illuminance sensor, time-of-flight (TOF) sensor, ultrasonic sensor, fingerprint sensor, gesture sensor, gyroscope sensor, barometric pressure sensor, magnetic sensor, accelerometer, grip sensor, color sensor, infrared (IR) sensor, biometric sensor, temperature sensor, or humidity sensor.

[0112] According to an embodiment, the camera module may include a first camera module 205 disposed on the front side (e.g., a surface in the +Z-axis direction) of the electronic device 101 or a second camera module 208 disposed on the back side (e.g., a surface in the -Z-axis direction) of the electronic device 200. The first camera module 205 and / or the second camera module 208 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, and / or image signal processors. For example, the first camera module 205 may be disposed below the flexible display 230 and may be configured to capture an object through a portion of the effective area of ​​the flexible display 230. A flash 209 may be disposed on the second camera module 208. The flash 209 may include, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED) or a xenon lamp.

[0113] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] Figure 4 yes Figure 2a A cross-sectional view of the electronic device 101 in its unfolded state taken along the A-A' direction.

[0115] According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 The electronic device 101 may include a first housing 210 (e.g., Figure 2a and Figure 3 First housing 210), second housing 220 (e.g., Figure 2a and Figure 3 The second housing 220), hinge structure 240 (e.g., Figure 2a and Figure 3 The hinge 240), support structure 310 and flexible display 230.

[0116] According to an embodiment, the flexible display 230 can change to an unfolded state, an intermediate state, or a folded state depending on the state of the electronic device 101 (e.g., from a flat state or an unfolded state to a folded state).

[0117] Figure 4 The configuration of the first housing 210, the second housing 220, the hinge structure 240, and the flexible display 230 can be wholly or partially integrated with... Figures 2a to 4 The first housing 210, the second housing 220, the hinge 240, and the flexible display 230 are configured identically. Figure 4 The structure can be with Figures 2a to 3 Structure and Figures 5 to 36 The structures are selectively combined.

[0118] According to an embodiment, the hinge structure 240 may include a hinge assembly 241 and a hinge cover 242 covering the hinge assembly 241. The hinge assembly 241 can rotatably connect the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 to each other. For example, the hinge assembly 241 may include a dual hinge axis. One axis and its surrounding area of ​​the dual hinge axis may be coupled to the first housing 210, and the other axis and its surrounding area may be coupled to the second housing 220. The hinge assembly 241 may be referred to as at least one of a moving module, a rotating module, or a pivoting module.

[0119] According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the hinge cover 242 may be disposed between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. According to an embodiment, depending on the state of the electronic device 101, the hinge cover 242 may be covered by a portion of the first housing 210 and the second housing 220, or it may be exposed to the outside of the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the hinge cover 242 may protect the hinge assembly 241 from external impacts to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the hinge cover 242 may be named (or referred to as) a hinge housing.

[0120] According to the embodiments, such as Figure 2a As shown, when the electronic device 101 is in the unfolded state, the hinge cover 242 can be covered by the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 and is not exposed. According to an embodiment, as... Figure 2b As shown, when the electronic device 101 is in a folded state (e.g., a fully folded state), the hinge cover 242 may be exposed to the outside between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. According to an embodiment, in an intermediate state where the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are folded at an angle, the hinge cover 242 may be partially exposed to the outside between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. However, in this case, the exposed area may be smaller than the exposed area in the fully folded state. According to an embodiment, the hinge cover 242 may include a curved surface.

[0121] According to an embodiment, the support structure 310 can be disposed below the flexible display 230 and can support the flexible display 230. The support structure 310 may include a flexible metal material. The support structure 310 may include a flat region 311 and a curved region 312 extending from the flat region 311 and corresponding to a curved or rolled region of the flexible display 230. The curved region 312 may be referred to as a patterned region in which a pattern is formed, or as a grid region. The flat region 311 may include a first flat region 311a and a second flat region 311b, which are spaced apart from each other, with the curved region 312 present between them.

[0122] According to an embodiment, the curved region 312 of the support structure 310 may include a pattern with a repeating shape. This pattern may include at least one of multiple holes, multiple grooves, or multiple openings. The shape of the pattern can be modified in various ways to make the flexible display 230 easy to bend or roll.

[0123] According to an embodiment, the flexible display 230 may include a flexible display panel 235 and a flexible cover structure 400 formed such that at least a portion thereof is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel 235.

[0124] According to an embodiment, the flexible display 230 is configured to unfold or bend (e.g., fold) or roll up based on the relative movement of the first housing 210 or the second housing 220, and may include a first display area 231 connected to the first housing 210, a second display area 232 connected to the second housing 220, and a folded area 233 connecting the first display area 231 and the second display area 232.

[0125] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 101 is in an unfolded state, the folding region 233 may be positioned above the hinge structure 240. For example, the folding region 233 may face at least a portion of the hinge structure 240. According to an embodiment, the folding region 233 may be referred to as a portion of the flexible display 230 that bends at least partially based on a change in the state of the electronic device 101 (e.g., folded or unfolded). According to an embodiment, a first display region 231 may be disposed on a first housing 210, and a second display region 232 may be disposed on a second housing 220. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible display 230 may be accommodated within the first housing 210 and the second housing 220.

[0126] According to an embodiment, the flexible display panel 235 can provide information visually to the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., to a user). The display panel 235 may include, for example, a holographic device or a projector, and control circuitry for controlling the device. According to an embodiment, the flexible display 230 may include a touch sensor configured to sense touch or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of the force generated by a touch.

[0127] According to an embodiment, the flexible cover structure 400 can form a stacked structure to protect the display panel 235. The flexible cover structure 400 may include glass 410, a first coating 420 disposed on the glass 410, and a second coating 430 disposed beneath the glass 410.

[0128] According to an embodiment, the flexible cover structure 400 may provide a curved portion A2 corresponding to the folded area 233 of the flexible display 230. The curved portion A2 may be referred to as the formed portion of the glass 410. Due to the curved portion A2 of the flexible cover structure 400, the repulsive force of the flexible display 230 can be reduced and the impact resistance can be enhanced in the folded state (or intermediate state) of the electronic device 101. The flexible cover structure 400 is described in detail below.

[0129] According to an embodiment, the curved portion A2 of the flexible cover structure 400 (e.g., the second region of the glass 410) Figures 5 to 7c The second region S2 can be designed to have a length corresponding to the width B of the hinge assembly 241. The width B of the hinge assembly 241 can be defined as the distance between the outermost edges of the hinge assembly structure. For example, the curved portion A2 of the flexible cover structure 400 (e.g., Figure 6 The width of the second region S2 of the glass 410 can have approximately 10% to 200% of the length of the width B of the hinge assembly 241. For example, the curved portion A2 of the flexible cover structure 400 (e.g., Figure 6 The width of the second region S2 of the glass 410 can be equal to or less than the width B of the hinge assembly 241 in length. Based on the inward-folding electronic device, the curved portion A2 of the flexible cover structure 400 can have a length of approximately 10% to 100% of the width B of the hinge assembly 241. For example, the curved portion A2 of the flexible cover structure 400 (e.g., Figure 6 The width of the second region S2 of the glass 410 can be equal to or greater than the width B of the hinge assembly 241 in length. Based on the outward-folding electronic device, the curved portion A2 of the flexible cover structure 400 can have a length approximately 100% to 200% of the width B of the hinge assembly 241. According to an embodiment, the curved portion A2 of the flexible cover structure 400 (e.g., the second region S2 of the glass 410) can have a length equal to or greater than the width B of the hinge assembly 241 in length. Figures 5 to 7c The second region S2 can be designed to have a length corresponding to the bending width C of the support structure 310. The bending width C of the support structure 310 can be defined as the distance between the outermost edges of the bending regions 312 of the support structure 310. For example, the bending portion A2 of the flexible cover structure 400 can have a length smaller than the bending width C of the support structure 310.

[0130] According to embodiments, the width B of the hinge assembly 241 can be understood in different ways depending on the design structure. For example, if the width B of the hinge assembly 241 is determined based on the distance between the outermost edges of the dual-axis hinge modules, then the width B of the hinge assembly 241 can have a length less than the bending width C of the support structure 310. For example, if the hinge assembly 241 includes a hinge plate extending further toward the housings 210, 220 than the dual-axis hinge modules, and the width B of the hinge assembly 241 is determined based on the distance between the outermost edges of the hinge plate, then the width B of the hinge assembly 241 can have a length longer than the bending width C of the support structure 310.

[0131] Figure 5 This is a view showing the front surface of a flexible cover structure 400 in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0132] Figure 6 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400 taken from line A-A'.

[0133] Figure 7a This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400 taken from line B-B'.

[0134] Figure 7b This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400 taken from line C-C'.

[0135] Figure 7c This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400 taken from line D-D'.

[0136] According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 The electronic device 101 may include a first housing (e.g., Figure 2a and Figure 3 First housing 210), second housing (e.g., Figure 2a and Figure 3 The second housing 220) and the flexible display (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 4 The flexible display 230 may include a flexible display panel (e.g., a flexible display panel). Figure 4 The display panel 235) and a flexible cover structure 400 formed such that at least a portion of it is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0137] According to an embodiment, the flexible display 230 can change to an unfolded state, an intermediate state, or a folded state depending on the state of the electronic device 101 (e.g., from a flat state or an unfolded state to a folded state). According to an embodiment, the flexible cover structure 400 can be a flexible structure to correspond to the operation of the flexible display 230 in its unfolded, intermediate, and folded states. For example, when the electronic device operates in the folded state, at least a portion of the flexible cover structure 400 can change from a planar region to a curved (or rolled) region.

[0138] Figures 5 to 7c The flexible cover structure 400 can be configured partially or fully with Figures 2a to 4 The configuration is the same as that of the flexible display 230. Figures 5 to 7c The embodiments can be partially related to Figures 1 to 4 Implementation examples and / or Figures 8 to 36 Examples of combinations.

[0139] According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 The flexible cover structure 400 of the electronic device 101 can be referred to as a window cover or cover structure. The flexible cover structure 400 may include a glass 410, a first coating 420 disposed on the glass 410, and a second coating 430 disposed below the glass 410.

[0140] According to an embodiment, the cover plate structure 400 may include a flat portion A1 corresponding to a flat area of ​​the flexible display panel and a curved portion A2 corresponding to a curved or rolled area of ​​the flexible display panel. The first coating 420, glass 410, and second coating 430 forming the curved portion A2 of the cover plate structure 400 may vary depending on the state of the electronic device 101 (e.g., from a flat state or an unfolded state to a folded state). The sum of the thicknesses of the first coating 420, glass 410, and second coating 430 forming the curved portion A2 of the cover plate structure 400 may be substantially equal to the sum of the thicknesses of the first coating 420, glass 410, and second coating 430 forming the flat portion A1 of the cover plate structure 400.

[0141] According to an embodiment, the glass 410 may include a first region S1 and a second region S2 extending from the first region S1 and corresponding to a bent or rolled area of ​​the flexible display panel. The first region S1 may include a 1-1 region S11 and a 1-2 region S12, which are spaced apart from each other, with the second region S2 present between them. For example, the first region S1 of the glass 410 (e.g., 1-1 region S11 and 1-2 region S12) may be a first display area (e.g., Figure 4 The first display area 231) and the second display area (e.g., Figure 4The second display area S2 of the glass 410 may be a part of or a corresponding structure thereof. The second area S2 of the glass 410 may be a folded area (e.g., Figure 4 A portion of the folded region 233 or a corresponding structure thereof. For example, when the flexible display 230 is limited to a flexible display panel, the 1-1 region S11 of the glass 410 may be disposed on the first display region 231, the 1-2 region S12 of the glass 410 may be disposed on the second display region 232, and the second region S2 of the glass 410 may be disposed on the folded region 233.

[0142] According to an embodiment, glass 410 may include a first region S1 and a second region S2, and the first region S1 and the second region S2 may form a uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness). Typically, when glass is manufactured to have different thicknesses in localized areas through processing techniques (e.g., CNC machining, etching, or polishing), wrinkles or shape changes may occur around the processed localized areas, or cracks may occur due to weakened strength. According to an embodiment, glass 410 may be provided with a uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness) through chemical processing (e.g., etching), and the occurrence of defects in localized areas may be reduced or limited. The cover structure 400 may provide variable structures (e.g., curved shapes and / or patterned shapes) to the bent / curved areas of glass 410 (e.g., the second region S2) to correspond to the bending or curling of the flexible display 230.

[0143] According to an embodiment, the glass 410 may include a front surface 410a (e.g., the side facing the +Z axis direction) and a rear surface 410b (e.g., the side facing the -Z axis), a first coating 420 may be disposed on the front surface 410a, and a second coating 430 may be disposed on the rear surface 410b.

[0144] According to an embodiment, the first region S1 of glass 410 can have a uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness). For example, the thickness of region 1-1 S11 and the thickness of region 1-2 S12 can be substantially the same. The first region S1 of glass 410 can remain a flat surface without bending or curling because this region is a flat area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., Figure 4 A portion of the first display area 231 and the second display area 332, or a corresponding structure thereof.

[0145] According to an embodiment, the second region S2 of the glass 410 may have a curved shape in the direction toward the second coating 430. According to an embodiment, the second region S2 of the glass 410 may have a curved shape in the direction toward the display panel (e.g., Figure 4The shape is curved in the direction of the display panel 235. For example, the front surface 410a of the second region S2 can be formed to be recessed relative to the front surface 410a of the first region S1 (e.g., region 1-1 S11 and region 1-2 S12), and the rear surface 410b of the second region S2 can be formed to be convex relative to the rear surface 410b of the first region S1 (e.g., region 1-1 S11 and region 1-2 S12). For example, the front surface 410a of the second region S2 can be formed to be a curved surface that is curved in the -Z axis direction relative to the front surface 410a of the first region S1 (e.g., region 1-1 S11 and region 1-2 S12), and the rear surface 410b of the second region S2 can be formed to be a curved surface that is curved in the -Z axis direction relative to the rear surface 410b of the first region S1 (e.g., region 1-1 S11 and region 1-2 S12).

[0146] According to an embodiment, when viewed toward the front surface of the glass 410, the second region S2 of the glass 410 may have a shape that is recessed relative to the first region S1 in the direction of the second coating 430. According to an embodiment, when viewed toward the rear surface of the glass 410, the second region S2 of the glass 410 may have a shape that protrudes relative to the first region S1 in the direction of the second coating 430.

[0147] According to an embodiment, the thickness of the second region S2 of glass 410 can be substantially the same as the thickness of the first region S1. The overall thickness of glass 410 can be about 20 μm or greater. For example, the overall thickness of glass 410 can be from about 30 μm to 200 μm. This is set to have a thickness with a stress value of less than about 1.5 GPa, based on the maximum stress applied to glass 410 when glass 410 is bent at 1.8R (curvature).

[0148] According to the embodiments, refer to Figure 6 The cross-section of the glass 410, the second region S2, can have a cross-section about the folding axis (e.g., Figure 5 The shape is symmetrical with respect to the line C-C'. The value (e.g., the slope of the tangent) of the slope of the front surface 410a and / or the rear surface 410b of the second region S2 of glass 410 can be adjusted (e.g., the absolute value) away from the folding axis. Figure 5 The slope of the line C-C' gradually (or sequentially) increases. For example, the slope (e.g., the slope of the tangent) of the front surface 410a and / or rear surface 410b of the second region S2 can be oriented towards the fold axis (e.g., Figure 5 The region adjacent to the line C-C' of region S11 increases. For example, the slope (e.g., the slope of the tangent) of the front surface 410a and / or rear surface 410b of the second region S2 can be oriented towards the fold axis (e.g., Figure 5The region adjacent to the line C-C' and region S12 of region 1-2 increases.

[0149] According to an embodiment, a first coating 420 may be disposed on glass 410 (e.g., on the front surface 410a). The first coating 420 may include a first portion 421 disposed on a first region S1 of glass 410 and a second portion 422 disposed on a second region S2 of glass 410. The first portion 421 of the first coating 420 may include a 1-1 portion 421a and a 1-2 portion 421b, wherein the 1-1 portion 421a may correspond to the 1-1 region S11 of glass 410, and the 1-2 portion 421b may correspond to the 1-2 region S12 of glass 410. The second portion 422 of the first coating 420 may correspond to a curved or rolled region of the flexible display (e.g., the second region S2 of glass 410). For example, the second portion 422 of the first coating 420 may be a folded region of the flexible display (e.g., ...). Figure 4 A portion of the folded region 233 or its corresponding structure.

[0150] According to an embodiment, the first coating 620 may be a structure whose shape varies along a longer length direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). The first portion 421 and the second portion 422 of the first coating 620 may have different shapes. For example, the thickness of the first portion 421 and the thickness of the second portion 422 may be different.

[0151] According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the second portion 422 of the first coating 420 may have a curved shape in the direction toward the glass 410. For example, the rear surface of the second portion 422 (e.g., the side facing the -Z axis) may be formed to bulge relative to the rear surface of the first portion 421 (e.g., the 1-1 portion 421a and the 1-2 portion 421b) (e.g., the side facing the -Z axis). For example, the rear surface of the second portion 422 may be formed to be a curved surface that is curved in the -Z axis direction relative to the rear surface of the first portion 421 (e.g., the 1-1 portion 421a and the 1-2 portion 421b). For example, when viewed toward the rear surface of the first coating 420, the second portion 422 of the first coating 420 may have a shape that protrudes relative to the first portion 421 in the direction toward the glass 410. The front surface of the second portion 422 (e.g., the side facing the +Z axis) may extend to form a flat surface with the front surface of the first portion 421 (e.g., the side facing the +Z axis) of the first portion 421 (e.g., the 1-1 portion 421a and the 1-2 portion 421b).

[0152] According to an embodiment, the first portion 421 of the first coating 420 may have a uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness). For example, the thickness of portion 1-1 421a and the thickness of portion 1-2 421b may be substantially the same. The first portion 421 of the first coating 420 may remain a flat surface without bending or curling because this portion is a flat area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., Figure 4 A portion of the first display area 231 and the second display area 332, or a corresponding structure thereof.

[0153] According to an embodiment, the thickness of the second portion 422 of the first coating 420 may be substantially different from the thickness of the first portion 421. For example, the thickness of the second portion 422 of the first coating 420 may be greater than the thickness of the first portion 421.

[0154] According to an embodiment, the second portion 422 of the first coating 420 can be configured to correspond to the shape of the second region S2 of the glass 410. For example, if the front surface 410a of the second region S2 of the glass 410 has a recessed (or concave) shape, the second portion 422 of the first coating 420 can be a structure that fills the recessed shape.

[0155] Reference Figure 6 The cross-section of the first coating 420, the second portion 422 of which may have a cross-section with respect to the folding axis (e.g., Figure 5 The shape is symmetrical with respect to the line C-C'. The value (e.g., the slope of the tangent) of the rear surface of the second part 422 of the first coating 420 can be adjusted (e.g., the absolute value) away from the fold axis. Figure 5 The slope of the back surface of the second part 422 (e.g., the slope of the tangent) gradually (or sequentially) increases. For example, the value of the slope of the back surface of the second part 422 (e.g., the slope of the tangent) can be oriented towards the fold axis (e.g., Figure 5 The region adjacent to section 421a (line C-C') increases. For example, the slope of the rear surface of the second section 422 (e.g., the slope of the tangent) can be oriented towards the fold axis (e.g., Figure 5 The region adjacent to the line C-C' and part 421b of section 1-2 increases.

[0156] According to an embodiment, since the front surface of the first coating 420 forms an integrally flat surface, the thickness of the second portion 422 can vary with distance from the folding axis (e.g., Figure 5 The thickness of the second part 422 can gradually (or sequentially) decrease along the line C-C'. For example, the thickness of the second part 422 can be oriented towards the fold axis (e.g., Figure 5 The area adjacent to section 421a (line C-C') decreases. For example, the thickness of the second section 422 can be oriented towards the fold axis (e.g., Figure 5The area adjacent to the line C-C') and part 1-2 421b decreases.

[0157] According to an embodiment, the first coating 420 may be a film layer composed of a transparent polymer. The first coating 420 may include an optically transparent resin (OCR) filler. The OCR filler may have a refractive index substantially the same as that of the glass 410 (e.g., 0.05R or higher). The OCR filler may be an elastic material containing a binder component. For example, the OCR filler may be natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, styrene-isoprene-styrene (co)polymer, styrene-butadiene-styrene (co)polymer, (meth)acrylate (co)polymer, polyacrylate, polyolefin, polyisobutylene and polyisoprene, polyurethane, polyvinyl ether, polysiloxane, silicone, polyurea, or a mixture of at least one thereof.

[0158] According to an embodiment, the first coating 420 may be a material containing an adhesive component. The first coating 420 may include at least one of optically clear adhesive (OCA), pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), heat-reactive adhesive, general-purpose adhesive, or double-sided tape.

[0159] According to embodiments, the first coating 420 may have a larger modulus than the second coating 430. For example, the modulus of the first coating 420 may be from about 480 MPa to 720 MPa. For example, the modulus of the first coating 420 may be about 600 MPa. According to embodiments, the modulus properties of the first coating 420 can be controlled by adjusting the amount of additives (e.g., crosslinking agents, curing agents), heat, and / or light (e.g., ultraviolet radiation). By adjusting the corresponding factors (e.g., additives, heat, and / or light), the average molecular weight (Mn) or degree of polymerization of the first coating 420 can be controlled, thereby obtaining the property values ​​desired by the operator. For example, as the amount of additives increases or as the amount of heat / ultraviolet / radiation increases, the modulus and adhesive strength of the first coating 420 can be controlled to increase.

[0160] According to an embodiment, the second coating 430 may be disposed below the glass 410 (e.g., on the rear surface 410b). The second coating 430 may include a first portion 431 disposed below a first region S1 of the glass 410 and a second portion 432 disposed below a second region S2 of the glass 410. The first portion 431 of the second coating 430 may include a 1-1 portion 431a and a 1-2 portion 431b, wherein the 1-1 portion 431a may correspond to the 1-1 region S11 of the glass 410, and the 1-2 portion 431b may correspond to the 1-2 region S12 of the glass 410. The second portion 432 of the second coating 430 may correspond to a curved or rolled region of the flexible display (e.g., the second region S2 of the glass 410). For example, the second portion 432 of the second coating 430 may be a folded region of the flexible display (e.g., Figure 4 A portion of the folded region 233 or its corresponding structure.

[0161] According to an embodiment, the second coating 430 may be a structure whose shape varies along a longer length direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). The first portion 431 and the second portion 432 of the second coating 430 may have different shapes. For example, the thickness of the first portion 431 and the thickness of the second portion 432 may be different.

[0162] According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the second portion 432 of the second coating 430 may have a curved shape in the direction away from the glass 410 (e.g., the -Z-axis direction). For example, the front surface of the second portion 432 (e.g., the side facing the +Z-axis) may be formed to be recessed relative to the front surface of the first portion 431 (e.g., the 1-1 portion 431a and the 1-2 portion 431b) (e.g., the side facing the +Z-axis). For example, the front surface of the second portion 432 may be formed to be curved in the -Z-axis direction relative to the front surface of the first portion 431 (e.g., the 1-1 portion 431a and the 1-2 portion 431b). For example, when viewed toward the front surface of the second coating 430, the second portion 432 of the second coating 430 may have a shape that is recessed relative to the first portion 431 in the direction away from the glass 410. The rear surface of the second portion 432 (e.g., the side facing the -Z axis) may extend to form a flat surface with the rear surface of the first portion 431 (e.g., the side facing the -Z axis) of the first portion 431 (e.g., the 1-1 portion 431a and the 1-2 portion 431b).

[0163] According to an embodiment, the first portion 431 of the second coating 430 may have a uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness). For example, the thickness of portion 1-1 431a and the thickness of portion 1-2 431b may be substantially the same. The first portion 431 of the second coating 430 may remain a flat surface without bending or curling because this portion is a flat area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., Figure 4 A portion of the first display area 231 and the second display area 332, or a corresponding structure thereof.

[0164] According to an embodiment, the thickness of the second portion 432 of the second coating 430 may be substantially different from the thickness of the first portion 431. For example, the thickness of the second portion 432 of the second coating 430 may be less than the thickness of the first portion 431.

[0165] According to an embodiment, the second portion 432 of the second coating 430 can be configured to correspond to the shape of the second region S2 of the glass 410. For example, if the front surface of the second portion 432 of the second coating 430 has a recessed (or concave) shape, at least a portion of the second region S2 of the glass 410 can be a structure that fills the recessed shape.

[0166] Reference Figure 6 The cross-section of the second coating 430, the second portion 432 of which may have a cross-section with respect to the folding axis (e.g., Figure 5 The shape is symmetrical with respect to the line C-C'. The value (e.g., the slope of the tangent) of the front surface of the second portion 432 of the second coating 430 can vary with distance from the fold axis (e.g., Figure 5 The slope of the front surface of the second part 432 (e.g., the slope of the tangent) gradually (or sequentially) increases based on the fold axis (e.g., the slope of the fold axis). Figure 5 The region adjacent to section 431a (line C-C') increases. For example, the value of the slope (e.g., the slope of the tangent) of the front surface of the second section 432 can be oriented towards the fold axis (e.g., Figure 5 The region adjacent to the line C-C' and part 431b of section 1-2 increases.

[0167] According to an embodiment, since the rear surface of the second coating 430 forms an integrally flat surface, the thickness of the second portion 432 can vary with distance from the folding axis (e.g., Figure 5 The thickness of the second part 432 can gradually (or sequentially) increase along the line C-C'. For example, the thickness of the second part 432 can be oriented towards the fold axis (e.g., Figure 5 The area adjacent to section 431a (line C-C') increases. For example, the thickness of the second section 432 can be oriented towards the fold axis (e.g., Figure 5The region adjacent to the line C-C' and part 421b of section 1-2 increases.

[0168] According to an embodiment, the second coating 430 may be a film layer composed of a transparent polymer. The second coating 430 may include an optically transparent resin (OCR) filler. The OCR filler may have a refractive index substantially the same as that of the glass 410 (e.g., 0.05R or higher). The OCR filler may be an elastic material containing a binder component. For example, the OCR filler may be natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, styrene-isoprene-styrene (co)polymer, styrene-butadiene-styrene (co)polymer, (meth)acrylate (co)polymer, polyacrylate, polyolefin, polyisobutylene and polyisoprene, polyurethane, polyvinyl ether, polysiloxane, silicone, polyurea, or a mixture of at least one thereof.

[0169] According to an embodiment, the second coating 430 may be a material containing an adhesive component. The second coating 430 may include at least one of optically clear adhesive (OCA), pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), heat-reactive adhesive, UV adhesive, general-purpose adhesive, or double-sided tape.

[0170] According to embodiments, the second coating 430 may have a smaller modulus than the first coating 420. For example, the modulus of the second coating 430 may be from about 8 MPa to 12 MPa. For example, the modulus of the second coating 430 may be about 10 MPa. According to embodiments, the modulus property of the second coating 430 can be controlled by adjusting the amount of additives (e.g., crosslinking agents, curing agents), heat, and / or light (e.g., ultraviolet radiation). By adjusting the corresponding factors (e.g., additives, heat, and / or light), the average molecular weight (Mn) or degree of polymerization of the second coating 430 can be controlled, thereby obtaining the property values ​​desired by the operator. For example, as the amount of additives increases or as the amount of heat / ultraviolet / radiation increases, the modulus and adhesive strength of the second coating 430 can be controlled to increase.

[0171] Figure 8 This is a view used to compare the repulsive torque and stress difference between a flexible cover structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and a conventional flexible cover structure (e.g., a comparative experimental example).

[0172] Figure 8 The configuration of the cover plate structure in (a), (b), (c), and (d) represents the folding area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., Figure 4 The cross section of the curved portion corresponding to the folded area 233 of the flexible display 230.

[0173] Figure 8 (e) shows a cross-section of the flexible cover structure in a folded state according to an embodiment. Figure 8(f) shows a cross-section of a typical flexible cover structure in a folded state. According to an embodiment, electronic devices (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 The electronic device 101 may include a first housing (e.g., Figure 2a and Figure 3 First housing 210), second housing (e.g., Figure 2a and Figure 3 The second housing 220) and the flexible display (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 4 The flexible display 230 may include a flexible display panel (e.g., a flexible display panel). Figure 4 The display panel 235) and a flexible cover structure 400 formed such that at least a portion of it is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0174] Figure 8 The cover structure 400 of (a) and (e) may include glass 410, a first coating 420 disposed on the front surface of glass 410 and a second coating 430 disposed on the rear surface of glass 410, and the curved portion A2 may be provided with a curved shape. Figure 8 The first coating 420 of the cover plate structure 400 of (a) can be referred to as OCR1, and the second coating 430 can be referred to as OCR2.

[0175] Figure 8 The configuration of the flexible cover structure 400 in (a) and (e) can be partially or fully integrated with... Figures 2a to 4 The monitor 230 and Figures 4 to 6 The flexible cover structure 400 of c has the same configuration. Figure 8 The embodiments of (a) and (e) can be partially related to Figures 1 to 7c Implementation examples or Figures 9 to 36 Examples of combinations.

[0176] In typical foldable electronic devices, two films are stacked and used on the glass of the front surface facing the display panel. One film (e.g., a protective layer (PL)) is adhered to the glass to protect both the display panel and the glass, while the other film is placed on the PL to further maximize the protective effect.

[0177] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the cover structure 400 of the flexible display 230 can be provided as a structure in which a first coating 420 (e.g., OCR1) is filled in the glass 410 to primarily protect the glass, rather than a structure in which the film is attached to the glass, or it can be provided as a structure in which only a removable protective film is attached to the first coating 420. According to embodiments, the first coating 420 (e.g., OCR1), which is thicker in the curved portions of the cover structure 400 than in the flat portions, provides impact resistance; therefore, a structure in which the first coating 420 is filled in the glass 410, or a stacked structure of only the glass 410, the first coating 420, and a protective film, can also ensure enhanced impact resistance. Furthermore, according to embodiments, the cover structure 400 can reduce repulsive forces due to display folding and improves the tactile feel of the glass 410 due to the thinner first coating (e.g., OCR1) than a conventional PL film.

[0178] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the effect of reducing repulsive forces and creases (e.g., wrinkles at folded portions) can be confirmed by finite element analysis. To perform this analysis, methods for... Figure 8 Experimental example comparing the flexible cover plate structure 400 of (a) (a) Figure 8 (b), (c), and (d) configurations of cover plate structures 41, 42, and 43). Figure 8 (b) can be called the structure of Comparative Example 1. Figure 8 (c) can be called the structure of Comparative Example 2. Figure 8 (d) can be referred to as the structure of Comparative Example 3.

[0179] Figure 8 The cover plate structures 41, 42, and 43 of (b), (c), and (d) may include glass 41a, 42a, and 43a, a first coating 41b, 42b, and 43b disposed on the front surfaces of glass 41a, 42a, and 43a, and a second coating 41c, 42c, and 43c disposed on the rear surfaces of glass 41a, 42a, and 43a, and the curved portion does not have a curved shape, and the thickness of at least a portion of each layer may be the same as that of glass 41a, 42a, and 43a. Figure 8 The cover structure of (a) is different from that of 400. Figure 8 The first coatings 41b and 42b of the cover plate structures 41 and 42 in (b) and (c) can be referred to as OCR1, and the second coatings 41c and 42c can be referred to as OCR2. Figure 8 The first coating 43b of the cover structure 43 of (d) can be referred to as PET, and the second coating 43c can be referred to as OCA.

[0180] To compare the embodiments and experimental examples of this disclosure, the modulus of OCR1 is uniformly set to approximately 600 MPa, and the modulus of OCR2 is uniformly set to approximately 10 MPa. Furthermore, by comparing each stacked structure (such as...) Figure 8 (a) Flexible cover structure 400 and Figure 8 The differences in repulsive force can be compared by considering the repulsive torque (N·mm) generated when the cover plate structures (b), (c), and (d) (41, 42, 43) are folded to a radius of approximately 1.5 mm. See below for further details. Figure 37 To clarify the content of the comparison. Additionally, refer to... Figure 37 The degree of crease can be estimated by the value and location of the maximum stress (MPa) applied to glass 410, 41a, 42a, 43a and OCR1.

[0181] [Table 1]

[0182] Deleted

[0183] refer to Figure 37 It is clear that the repulsive torque value of the structure of the present invention according to the embodiment (e.g., flexible cover structure 400) is smaller than that of the experimental examples (e.g., Comparative Example 1 structure, Comparative Example 2 structure, Comparative Example 3 structure). For example, it is clear that the repulsive torque according to the embodiment is increased by about 47% compared to the repulsive torque of the Comparative Example 1 structure coated with OCR1 and OCR2 of the same thickness as the embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., 29.06 N·mm -> 15.26 N·mm, -47%).

[0184] refer to Figure 37 The inventive structure according to an embodiment (e.g., flexible cover structure 400) can disperse the stress applied to the glass 410 and each coating (e.g., first coating 420, second coating 430) during folding, thereby reducing the stress generated at the fold center and shifting the location of maximum stress away from the fold center to the outer edge. Furthermore, the inventive structure according to an embodiment (e.g., flexible cover structure 400) can reduce the magnitude of the maximum stress applied to OCR1 during folding by approximately 39% (e.g., 63.0 MPa -> 38.5 MPa).

[0185] Therefore, in the embodiment where the OCR1 is formed as a flexible cover structure 400 filled in a shaped portion of the glass, fewer creases can be achieved compared to creases that occur when stress is concentrated at the fold center when using a cover structure 400 without a shaped portion or when using ordinary materials (e.g., PET, OCA, or PSA materials).

[0186] refer to Figure 8 (e) and Figure 8 (f) allows for comparison of stress values ​​in the folded state of the cover plate structure. Figure 8 (e) shows a folded cross section of a cover structure 400 in which a first coating 420, glass 410, and a second coating 430 are stacked. Figure 8 (f) shows a folded cross section of a cover structure 41 in which a first coating 41b, glass 41a and a second coating 41c are stacked.

[0187] exist Figure 8 In the case of the folded section of (e), it is clear that the first coating 420, the glass 410, and the second coating 430 are all folded with different curvatures, and... Figure 8 In the case of the folded section (f), it is clear that the first coating 41b, glass 41a, and second coating 41c are folded in a uniform concentric pattern. Figure 8 As shown in (e), embodiments of this disclosure distribute the stress applied to glass 410 and each coating (e.g., first coating 420, second coating 430) to reduce stress generated at the fold center and move the location of maximum stress away from the center to the outer edge, thereby reducing creases and repulsive forces generated at the fold center.

[0188] Figure 9 This is a view showing the front surface of the flexible cover structure 400a of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0189] Figure 10 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 9 The cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400a taken from line A-A'.

[0190] Figure 11a This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400a taken from line B-B'.

[0191] Figure 11b This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400a taken from line C-C'.

[0192] Figure 11c This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400a taken from line D-D'.

[0193] According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 The electronic device 101 may include a first housing (e.g., Figure 2a and Figure 3 First housing 210), second housing (e.g., Figure 2a and Figure 3 The second housing 220) and the flexible display (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 4 The flexible display 230 may include a flexible display panel (e.g., a flexible display panel). Figure 4 The display panel 235) and a flexible cover structure 400a formed such that at least a portion of it is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0194] According to an embodiment, the flexible cover structure 400a can be a flexible structure to correspond to the operation of the flexible display 230 in its unfolded state, intermediate state, and folded state. According to an embodiment, electronic devices (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 The flexible cover structure 400a of the electronic device 101 may include glass 410, a first coating 420 disposed on a portion of the glass 410 (such as the second region S2), and a second coating 430 disposed below the glass 410.

[0195] Figures 9 to 11c The flexible cover structure 400a can be partially or fully integrated with... Figure 2a and Figure 4 The configuration of the monitor 230 is the same. Figures 9 to 11c The embodiments can be partially related to Figures 1 to 8 Implementation examples and / or Figures 12 to 36 Examples of combinations.

[0196] According to an embodiment, the cover structure 400a may include a flat portion A1 corresponding to a flat area of ​​the flexible display panel and a curved portion A2 corresponding to a curved or rolled area of ​​the flexible display panel. The first coating 420, glass 410, and second coating 430 forming the curved portion A2 of the cover structure 400a may vary depending on the state of the electronic device 101 (e.g., from a flat state or an unfolded state to a folded state). The sum of the thicknesses of the first coating 420, glass 410, and second coating 430 forming the curved portion A2 of the cover structure 400a may be substantially equal to the sum of the thicknesses of the glass 410 and second coating 430 forming the flat portion A1 of the cover structure 400a.

[0197] According to an embodiment, the glass 410 may include a first region S1 and a second region S2 extending from the first region S1 and corresponding to a bent or rolled area of ​​the flexible display panel. The first region S1 may include a 1-1 region S11 and a 1-2 region S12, which are spaced apart from each other, with the second region S2 present between them.

[0198] According to an embodiment, the glass 410 may include a first region S1 and a second region S2, and the first region S1 and the second region S2 may form a uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness).

[0199] According to an embodiment, the second region S2 of the glass 410 may have a curved shape in the direction toward the second coating 430. For example, the front surface 410a of the second region S2 (e.g., the side facing the +Z axis direction) may be formed to be recessed relative to the front surface of the first region S1 (e.g., 1-1 region S11 and 1-2 region S12), and the rear surface 410b of the second region S2 (e.g., the side facing the -Z axis direction) may be formed to be convex relative to the rear surface of the first region S1 (e.g., 1-1 region S11 and 1-2 region S12).

[0200] According to the embodiments, refer to Figure 10 The cross-section of the glass 410, the second region S2, can have a cross-section about the folding axis (e.g., Figure 9 The shape is symmetrical with respect to the line C-C'. The value (e.g., the slope of the tangent) of the slope of the front surface 410a and / or the rear surface 410b of the second region S2 of glass 410 can be adjusted (e.g., the absolute value) away from the folding axis. Figure 9 The slope of the line C-C' gradually (or sequentially) increases. For example, the slope (e.g., the slope of the tangent) of the front surface 410a and / or rear surface 410b of the second region S2 can be oriented towards the fold axis (e.g., Figure 9 The region adjacent to the line C-C' of region S11 increases. For example, the slope (e.g., the slope of the tangent) of the front surface 410a and / or rear surface 410b of the second region S2 can be oriented towards the fold axis (e.g., Figure 9 The region adjacent to the line C-C' and region S12 of region 1-2 increases.

[0201] According to an embodiment, the second region S2 of the glass 410 may include a pattern. For example, the pattern may include a plurality of openings P1 extending from the front surface 410a of the glass 410 to the rear surface 410b. The arrangement of the plurality of openings P1 may form a regular pattern (e.g., see reference). Figure 23 (The pattern shape). For example, the spacing and diameter of multiple openings P1 can be set to a specified size.

[0202] According to an embodiment, a plurality of openings P1 formed in the second region S2 of the glass 410 can easily and stably accommodate the variable of the glass that extends flexibly during bending or rolling of the glass 410, thereby reducing repulsive forces and stress.

[0203] According to an embodiment, the thickness of the second region S2 of glass 410 can be substantially the same as the thickness of the first region S1. The overall thickness of glass 410 can be about 70 μm or greater. For example, the overall thickness of glass 410 can be about 100 μm to 200 μm. Figures 9 to 11c The flexible cover structure 400a of glass 410 can be designed to have a higher density than glass 410. Figures 5 to 7c The flexible cover structure 400 has a greater thickness in the glass 410. During the process of filling the glass 410 with the first coating 420, the first coating 420 can be disposed within the shape (e.g., a recessed shape) of the second region S2 and can be excluded from being disposed on the first region S1, or can be removed after being disposed on the first region S1. For example, the front surface 410a of the first region S1 of the glass 410 can be exposed to the outside. Therefore, the cover structure 400a in which the first coating 420 is only filled in the second region S2 of the glass 410 can enhance the tactile sensation perceived by the user.

[0204] According to an embodiment, the first coating 420 may be disposed on a portion of the glass 410 (e.g., on the front surface 410a). The first coating 420 may be disposed on a second region S2 of the glass 410, and may not be disposed on the first region S1. The first coating 420 may correspond to a curved or rolled area of ​​the flexible display.

[0205] According to an embodiment, the first coating 420 may have a shape that is curved in the direction toward the glass 410. For example, the rear surface of the first coating 420 (e.g., the side facing the -Z axis) may be formed to be convex relative to the rear surface 410b of the first region S1 of the glass 410. For example, the rear surface of the first coating 420 may be formed to be a curved surface that is curved in the -Z axis direction relative to the rear surface 410b of the first region S1 of the glass 410.

[0206] According to an embodiment, the first coating 420 may be configured to have a shape corresponding to the second region S2 of the glass 410. For example, if the front surface 410a of the second region S2 of the glass 410 has a recessed (or concave) shape, the first coating 420 may be a structure that fills the recessed shape.

[0207] According to an embodiment, a second coating 430 may be disposed below the glass 410 (e.g., on the rear surface 410b). The second coating 430 may include a first portion 431 disposed on a first region S1 of the glass 410 and a second portion 432 disposed on a second region S2 of the glass 410. The first portion 431 of the second coating 430 may include a 1-1 portion 431a and a 1-2 portion 431b, wherein the 1-1 portion 431a may correspond to the 1-1 region S11 of the glass 410, and the 1-2 portion 431b may correspond to the 1-2 region S12 of the glass 410. The second portion 432 of the second coating 430 may correspond to a curved or rolled area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the second region S2 of the glass 410).

[0208] According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the second portion 432 of the second coating 430 may be configured to correspond to the shape of the second region S2 of the glass 410. For example, if the front surface 410a of the second portion 432 of the second coating 430 has a recessed (or concave) shape, at least a portion of the second region S2 of the glass 410 may be a structure that fills the recessed shape.

[0209] According to an embodiment, a portion of the second portion 432 of the second coating 430 may be configured in a shape corresponding to the pattern of the second region S2 of the glass 410. For example, a portion of the second portion 432 of the second coating 430 may have a shape that fills a plurality of openings P1 in the glass 410. For example, a portion of the second portion 432 of the second coating 430 may be disposed within the plurality of openings P1, and a portion penetrating the plurality of openings P1 may face (or contact) the first coating 420. The second coating 430, which is more flexible than the glass 410, may fill the second region S2 of the glass 410 to facilitate bending or rolling of the display.

[0210] Figure 12 This is a view showing the front surface of the flexible cover structure 400b of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0211] Figure 13 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 12 The cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400b taken from line A-A'.

[0212] Figure 14a This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400b taken from line B-B'.

[0213] Figure 14b This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400b taken from line C-C'.

[0214] Figure 14c This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400b taken from line D-D'.

[0215] According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 The electronic device 101 may include a first housing (e.g., Figure 2a and Figure 3 First housing 210), second housing (e.g., Figure 2a and Figure 3 The second housing 220) and the flexible display (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 4The flexible display 230 may include a flexible display panel (e.g., a flexible display panel). Figure 4 The display panel 235) and a flexible cover structure 400b formed such that at least a portion of it is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0216] According to an embodiment, the flexible cover structure 400b can be a flexible structure to correspond to the operation of the flexible display 230 in the unfolded state, intermediate state and folded state.

[0217] According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 The flexible cover structure 400b of the electronic device 101 may include glass 410, a first coating 420 disposed on a portion of the glass 410 (e.g., a second region S2), a second coating 430 disposed below the glass 410, and a protective layer 480 disposed on the first coating 420.

[0218] Figures 12 to 14c The flexible cover structure 400b can be partially or fully integrated with... Figure 2a and Figure 4 The configuration of the display 230 and / or Figures 5 to 11c The flexible cover structure 400 and 400a have the same configuration. Figures 12 to 14c The embodiments can be partially related to Figures 1 to 11c Implementation examples or Figures 15 to 36 Examples of combinations.

[0219] According to an embodiment, the cover structure 400b may include a flat portion A1 corresponding to a flat area of ​​the flexible display panel and a curved portion A2 corresponding to a curved or rolled area of ​​the flexible display panel. The first coating 420, glass 410, and second coating 430 forming the curved portion A2 of the cover structure 400b may vary depending on the state of the electronic device 101 (e.g., from a flat state or an unfolded state to a folded state). The sum of the thicknesses of the first coating 420, glass 410, and second coating 430 forming the curved portion A2 of the cover structure 400b may be substantially equal to the sum of the thicknesses of the glass 410 and second coating 430 forming the flat portion A1 of the cover structure 400b.

[0220] According to an embodiment, the glass 410 may include a first region S1 and a second region S2 extending from the first region S1 and corresponding to a bent or rolled area of ​​the flexible display panel. The first region S1 may include a 1-1 region S11 and a 1-2 region S12, which are spaced apart from each other, with the second region S2 present between them.

[0221] According to an embodiment, the glass 410 may include a first region S1 and a second region S2, and the first region S1 and the second region S2 may form a uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness).

[0222] According to an embodiment, the second region S2 of the glass 410 may have a curved shape in the direction toward the second coating 430. For example, the front surface 410a of the second region S2 (e.g., the side facing the +Z axis direction) may be formed to be recessed relative to the front surface of the first region S1 (e.g., 1-1 region S11 and 1-2 region S12), and the rear surface 410b of the second region S2 (e.g., the side facing the -Z axis direction) may be formed to be convex relative to the rear surface of the first region S1 (e.g., 1-1 region S11 and 1-2 region S12).

[0223] According to the embodiments, refer to Figure 13 The cross-section of the glass 410, the second region S2, can have a cross-section about the folding axis (e.g., Figure 12 The shape is symmetrical with respect to the line C-C'. The value (e.g., the slope of the tangent) of the slope of the front surface 410a and / or the rear surface 410b of the second region S2 of glass 410 can be adjusted (e.g., the absolute value) away from the folding axis. Figure 12 The slope of the line C-C' gradually (or sequentially) increases. For example, the slope (e.g., the slope of the tangent) of the front surface 410a and / or rear surface 410b of the second region S2 can be oriented towards the fold axis (e.g., Figure 12 The region adjacent to the line C-C' of region S11 increases. For example, the slope (e.g., the slope of the tangent) of the front surface 410a and / or rear surface 410b of the second region S2 can be oriented towards the fold axis (e.g., Figure 12 The region adjacent to the line C-C' and region S12 of region 1-2 increases.

[0224] According to an embodiment, the second region S2 of the glass 410 may include a pattern. For example, the pattern may include a plurality of openings P1 extending from the front surface 410a of the glass 410 to the rear surface 410b. The arrangement of the plurality of openings P1 may form a regular pattern (e.g., see reference). Figure 23 (The pattern shape). For example, the spacing and diameter of multiple openings P1 can be set to a specified size.

[0225] According to an embodiment, a plurality of openings P1 formed in the second region S2 of the glass 410 can easily and stably accommodate the variable of the glass that extends flexibly during bending or rolling of the glass 410, thereby reducing repulsive forces and stress.

[0226] According to an embodiment, the thickness of the second region S2 of glass 410 can be substantially the same as the thickness of the first region S1. The overall thickness of glass 410 can be about 70 μm or greater. For example, the overall thickness of glass 410 can be about 100 μm to 200 μm. Figures 12 to 14c The flexible cover structure 400b of glass 410 can be designed to have a higher density than glass. Figures 5 to 7c The flexible cover structure 400 has a greater thickness in the glass 410. During the process of filling the glass 410 with the first coating 420, the first coating 420 can be disposed within the shape (e.g., a recessed shape) of the second region S2 and can be excluded from being disposed on the first region S1, or can be removed after being disposed on the first region S1. For example, the front surface 410a of the first region S1 of the glass 410 can be exposed to the outside. Therefore, the cover structure 400b in which the first coating 420 is only filled in the second region S2 of the glass 410 can enhance the tactile sensation perceived by the user.

[0227] According to an embodiment, the first coating 420 may be disposed on a portion of the glass 410 (e.g., on the front surface 410a). The first coating 420 may be disposed on a second region S2 of the glass 410, and may not be disposed on the first region S1. The first coating 420 may correspond to a curved or rolled area of ​​the flexible display.

[0228] According to an embodiment, the first coating 420 may have a shape that is curved in the direction toward the glass 410. For example, the rear surface of the first coating 420 (e.g., the side facing the -Z axis) may be formed to be convex relative to the rear surface 410b of the first region S1 of the glass 410. For example, the rear surface of the first coating 420 may be formed to be a curved surface that is curved in the -Z axis direction relative to the rear surface 410b of the first region S1 of the glass 410.

[0229] According to an embodiment, the first coating 420 may be configured to have a shape corresponding to the second region S2 of the glass 410. For example, if the front surface 410a of the second region S2 of the glass 410 has a recessed (or concave) shape, the first coating 420 may be a structure that fills the recessed shape.

[0230] According to an embodiment, a second coating 430 may be disposed below the glass 410 (e.g., on the rear surface 410b). The second coating 430 may include a first portion 431 disposed on a first region S1 of the glass 410 and a second portion 432 disposed on a second region S2 of the glass 410. The first portion 431 of the second coating 430 may include a 1-1 portion 431a and a 1-2 portion 431b, wherein the 1-1 portion 431a may correspond to the 1-1 region S11 of the glass 410, and the 1-2 portion 431b may correspond to the 1-2 region S12 of the glass 410. The second portion 432 of the second coating 430 may correspond to a curved or rolled area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the second region S2 of the glass 410).

[0231] According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the second portion 432 of the second coating 430 may be configured to correspond to the shape of the second region S2 of the glass 410. For example, if the front surface 410a of the second portion 432 of the second coating 430 has a recessed (or concave) shape, at least a portion of the second region S2 of the glass 410 may be a structure that fills the recessed shape.

[0232] According to an embodiment, a portion of the second portion 432 of the second coating 430 may be configured in a shape corresponding to the pattern of the second region S2 of the glass 410. For example, a portion of the second portion 432 of the second coating 430 may have a shape that fills a plurality of openings P1 in the glass 410. For example, a portion of the second portion 432 of the second coating 430 may be disposed within the plurality of openings P1, and a portion penetrating the plurality of openings P1 may face (or contact) the first coating 420. The second coating 430, which is more flexible than the glass 410, may fill the second region S2 of the glass 410 to facilitate bending or rolling of the display.

[0233] According to an embodiment, a protective layer 480 may be disposed on glass 410 and / or on a first coating 420. The protective layer 480 may include a first film portion 481 disposed on the first coating 420 and a second film portion 482 disposed on a second region S2 of glass 410. The first film portion 481 of the protective layer 480 may include a 1-1 film portion 481a and a 1-2 film portion 481b, wherein the 1-1 film portion 481a may correspond to the 1-1 region S11 of glass 410, and the 1-2 film portion 481b may correspond to the 1-2 region S12 of glass 410. The second film portion 482 of the protective layer 480 may correspond to the first coating 420 and may correspond to a curved or rolled area of ​​a flexible display. For example, the second film portion 482 of the protective layer 480 may be a folded area of ​​a flexible display (e.g., Figure 4 A portion of the folded region 233 or its corresponding structure.

[0234] According to an embodiment, the front surface of the first region S1 of the glass 410 and the front surface of the first coating 420 filling the second region S2 of the glass 410 can form a flat surface, and the protective layer 480 can be disposed thereon with the same thickness. For example, the first film portion 481 and the second film portion 482 of the protective layer 480 can have a uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness). The thickness of the protective layer 480 can be less than the thickness of the glass 410 and the first coating 420.

[0235] According to an embodiment, the sum of the thicknesses of the protective layer 480, the first coating 420, the glass 410, and the second coating 430 forming the curved portion A2 of the cover structure 400b can be substantially equal to the sum of the thicknesses of the protective layer 480, the glass 410, and the second coating 430 forming the flat portion A1 of the cover structure 400b.

[0236] According to an embodiment, the protective layer 480 can form the outermost layer of the cover plate structure 400b and can resolve the foreign body sensation (e.g., a snagging sensation) occurring at the boundary surface between the front surface of the glass 410 and the first coating 420. The protective layer 480 can be a removable layer. The protective layer 480 can have a thickness of about 5 μm to 10 μm.

[0237] According to an embodiment, the protective layer 480 may consist of at least one layer and may be a layer designed to address surface depressions, scratches, slippage characteristics, or fingerprint resistance. For example, the protective layer 480 may be a composite film of PET and / or OCA as the film material. For example, the protective layer 480 may include at least one of the following: an antifouling layer or antifingerprint layer (AF layer), a hard coating layer (HC layer), an antireflective layer (AR layer), a low-reflective layer (LR layer), or an antiglare layer (AG layer).

[0238] Figure 15 This is a view showing the front surface of the flexible cover structure 400c of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0239] Figure 16 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 15 The cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400c taken from line A-A'.

[0240] Figure 17a This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400c taken from line B-B'.

[0241] Figure 17b This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400c taken from line C-C'.

[0242] Figure 17c This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 15 The cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400c taken from line D-D'.

[0243] According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 The electronic device 101 may include a first housing (e.g., Figure 2a and Figure 3 First housing 210), second housing (e.g., Figure 2a and Figure 3 The second housing 220) and the flexible display (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 4 The flexible display 230 may include a flexible display panel (e.g., a flexible display panel). Figure 4 The display panel 235) and a flexible cover structure 400c formed such that at least a portion of it is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0244] According to an embodiment, the flexible cover structure 400c can be a flexible structure to correspond to the operation of the flexible display 230 in the unfolded state, intermediate state and folded state.

[0245] According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 The flexible cover structure 400c of the electronic device 101 may include glass 410, a first coating 420 disposed on the glass 410, and a second coating 430 disposed below the glass 410.

[0246] Figures 15 to 17c The flexible cover structure 400c can be partially or fully integrated with... Figure 2a and Figure 4 The configuration of the display 230 and / or Figures 5 to 14c The flexible cover structure 400, 400a, and 400b have the same configuration. Figures 15 to 17c The embodiments can be partially related to Figures 1 to 14c Implementation examples or Figures 18 to 36 Examples of combinations.

[0247] According to an embodiment, the cover plate structure 400c may include a flat portion A1 corresponding to a flat area of ​​the flexible display panel and a curved portion A2 corresponding to a curved or rolled area of ​​the flexible display panel. The first coating 420, glass 410, and second coating 430 forming the curved portion A2 of the cover plate structure 400c may vary depending on the state of the electronic device 101 (e.g., from a flat state or an unfolded state to a folded state). The sum of the thicknesses of the first coating 420, glass 410, and second coating 430 forming the curved portion A2 of the cover plate structure 400c may be substantially equal to the sum of the thicknesses of the first coating 420, glass 410, and second coating 430 forming the flat portion A1 of the cover plate structure 400c.

[0248] According to an embodiment, the glass 410 may include a first region S1 and a second region S2 extending from the first region S1 and corresponding to a bent or rolled area of ​​the flexible display panel. The first region S1 may include a 1-1 region S11 and a 1-2 region S12, which are spaced apart from each other, with the second region S2 present between them.

[0249] According to an embodiment, the glass 410 may include a first region S1 and a second region S2, and the first region S1 and the second region S2 may form a uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness).

[0250] According to an embodiment, the second region S2 of the glass 410 may have a curved shape in the direction toward the second coating 430. For example, the front surface 410a of the second region S2 may be formed to be recessed relative to the front surface 410a of the first region S1 (e.g., region 1-1 S11 and region 1-2 S12), and the rear surface 410b of the second region S2 may be formed to be convex relative to the rear surface 410b of the first region S1 (e.g., region 1-1 S11 and region 1-2 S12).

[0251] According to the embodiments, refer to Figure 16 The cross-section of the glass 410, the second region S2, can have a cross-section about the folding axis (e.g., Figure 15 The shape is symmetrical with respect to the line C-C'. The value (e.g., the slope of the tangent) of the slope of the front surface 410a and / or the rear surface 410b of the second region S2 of glass 410 can be adjusted (e.g., the absolute value) away from the folding axis. Figure 15 The slope of the line C-C' gradually (or sequentially) increases. For example, the slope (e.g., the slope of the tangent) of the front surface 410a and / or rear surface 410b of the second region S2 can be oriented towards the fold axis (e.g., Figure 15The region adjacent to the line C-C' of region S11 increases. For example, the slope (e.g., the slope of the tangent) of the front surface 410a and / or rear surface 410b of the second region S2 can be oriented towards the fold axis (e.g., Figure 15 The region adjacent to the line C-C' and region S12 of region 1-2 increases.

[0252] According to an embodiment, the second region S2 of the glass 410 may include a pattern. For example, the pattern may include a plurality of openings P1 extending from the front surface 410a of the glass 410 to the rear surface 410b. The arrangement of the plurality of openings P1 may form a regular pattern (e.g., see reference). Figure 23 (The pattern shape). For example, the spacing and diameter of multiple openings P1 can be set to a specified size.

[0253] According to an embodiment, a first coating 420 may be disposed on glass 410 (e.g., on the front surface 410a). The first coating 420 may include a first portion 421 disposed on a first region S1 of glass 410 and a second portion 422 disposed on a second region S2 of glass 410. The first portion 421 of the first coating 420 may include a 1-1 portion 421a and a 1-2 portion 421b, wherein the 1-1 portion 421a may correspond to the 1-1 region S11 of glass 410, and the 1-2 portion 421b may correspond to the 1-2 region S12 of glass 410. The second portion 422 of the first coating 420 may correspond to a curved or rolled area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the second region S2 of glass 410).

[0254] According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the second portion 422 of the first coating 420 may have a curved shape in the direction toward the glass 410. For example, the rear surface of the second portion 422 (e.g., the side facing the -Z axis) may be formed to bulge relative to the rear surface of the first portion 421 (e.g., the 1-1 portion 421a and the 1-2 portion 421b) (e.g., the side facing the -Z axis). For example, the rear surface of the second portion 422 may be formed to be a curved surface that is curved in the -Z axis direction relative to the rear surface of the first portion 421 (e.g., the 1-1 portion 421a and the 1-2 portion 421b). For example, when viewed toward the rear surface of the first coating 420, the second portion 422 of the first coating 420 may have a shape that protrudes relative to the first portion 421 in the direction toward the glass 410. The front surface of the second portion 422 (e.g., the side facing the +Z axis) may extend to form a flat surface with the front surface of the first portion 421 (e.g., the side facing the +Z axis) of the first portion 421 (e.g., the 1-1 portion 421a and the 1-2 portion 421b).

[0255] According to an embodiment, the first portion 421 of the first coating 420 may have a uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness). For example, the thickness of portion 1-1 421a and the thickness of portion 1-2 421b may be substantially the same. The first portion 421 of the first coating 420 may remain a flat surface without bending or curling because this portion is a flat area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., Figure 4 A portion of the first display area 231 and the second display area 332, or a corresponding structure thereof.

[0256] According to an embodiment, the second portion 422 of the first coating 420 can be configured to correspond to the shape of the second region S2 of the glass 410. For example, if the front surface 410a of the second region S2 of the glass 410 has a recessed (or concave) shape, the second portion 422 of the first coating 420 can be a structure that fills the recessed shape.

[0257] According to an embodiment, a second coating 430 may be disposed below the glass 410 (e.g., on the rear surface 410b). The second coating 430 may include a first portion 431 disposed below a first region S1 of the glass 410 and a second portion 432 disposed below a second region S2 of the glass 410. The first portion 431 of the second coating 430 may include a 1-1 portion 431a and a 1-2 portion 431b, wherein the 1-1 portion 431a may correspond to the 1-1 region S11 of the glass 410, and the 1-2 portion 431b may correspond to the 1-2 region S12 of the glass 410. The second portion 432 of the second coating 430 may correspond to a curved or rolled region of the flexible display (e.g., the second portion S2 of the glass 410).

[0258] According to an embodiment, the second portion 432 of the second coating 430 can be configured to correspond to the shape of the second region S2 of the glass 410. For example, if the front surface of the second portion 432 of the second coating 430 has a recessed (or concave) shape, at least a portion of the second region S2 of the glass 410 can be a structure that fills the recessed shape.

[0259] According to an embodiment, a portion of the second portion 432 of the second coating 430 may be configured in a shape corresponding to the pattern of the second region S2 of the glass 410. For example, a portion of the second portion 432 of the second coating 430 may have a shape that fills a plurality of openings P1 in the glass 410. For example, a portion of the second portion 432 of the second coating 430 may be disposed within the plurality of openings P1, and a portion penetrating the plurality of openings P1 may face (or contact) the first coating 420. The second coating 430, which is more flexible than the glass 410, may fill the second region S2 of the glass 410 to facilitate bending or rolling of the display.

[0260] Figure 18 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400d taken from line A-A'.

[0261] Figure 19 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400e taken from line A-A'.

[0262] Figure 20 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 9 The cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 400f taken from line A-A'.

[0263] Figure 21 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of a 400g flexible cover plate structure taken from line A-A'.

[0264] Figure 22 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure taken from line A-A' for 400h.

[0265] According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 The electronic device 101 may include a first housing (e.g., Figure 2a and Figure 3 First housing 210), second housing (e.g., Figure 2a and Figure 3 The second housing 220) and the flexible display (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 4 The flexible display 230 may include a flexible display panel (e.g., a flexible display panel). Figure 4 The display panel 235) and flexible cover structures 400d, 400e, 400f, 400g, 400h formed such that at least a portion thereof is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0266] According to an embodiment, the flexible cover structure 400c can be a flexible structure to correspond to the operation of the flexible display 230 in the unfolded state, intermediate state and folded state.

[0267] Figures 18 to 22 The flexible cover structure configurations of 400d, 400e, 400f, 400g, and 400h can be partially or fully integrated with... Figure 2a and Figure 4 The configuration of the display 230 and / or Figures 5 to 17c The flexible cover structure 400, 400a, 400b, and 400c have the same configuration. Figures 18 to 22 The embodiments can be partially related to Figures 1 to 17cImplementation examples or Figures 23 to 36 Examples of combinations thereof. In the following description, different components (e.g., the curved portion A2 of cover structures 400d, 400e, 400f, 400g, 400h) are mainly described.

[0268] According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 The flexible cover structure 400d, 400e of the electronic device 101 may include glass 410, a first coating 420 disposed on the glass 410, and a second coating 430 disposed below the glass 410.

[0269] According to an embodiment, the glass 410 may include a first region S1 and a second region S2 extending from the first region S1 and corresponding to a bent or rolled area of ​​the flexible display panel. The first region S1 may include a 1-1 region S11 and a 1-2 region S12, which are spaced apart from each other, with the second region S2 present between them.

[0270] According to an embodiment, the second region S2 of the glass 410 may have a curved shape in the direction toward the second coating 430. For example, the front surface of the second region S2 (e.g., the side facing the +Z axis direction) may be formed to be recessed relative to the front surface of the first region S1 (e.g., the side facing the +Z axis direction), and the rear surface of the second region S2 (e.g., the side facing the -Z axis direction) may be formed to be convex relative to the rear surface of the first region S1 (e.g., the side facing the +Z axis direction).

[0271] Reference to the embodiments Figure 18 and Figure 19 The second region S2 of glass 410 may include a pattern. For example, the pattern may be a structure formed on the front surface of glass 410 and may include grooves P2 arranged at regular intervals. The pattern may be a structure formed on the rear surface of glass 410 and may include grooves P2 arranged at regular intervals. According to an embodiment, the grooves P2 formed on the front and rear surfaces of glass 410 may have corresponding shapes. For example, the grooves P2 on the front surface and the grooves P2 on the rear surface may be arranged in a shape facing each other and at regular intervals parallel to the curved shape.

[0272] Reference to the embodiments Figure 18 and Figure 19A first coating 420 may be disposed on the glass 410. The first coating 420 may include a first portion 421 disposed on a first region S1 of the glass 410 and a second portion 422 disposed on a second region S2 of the glass 410. According to an embodiment, a second coating 430 may be disposed below the glass 410. The second coating 430 may include a first portion 431 disposed on the first region S1 of the glass 410 and a second portion 432 disposed on the second region S2 of the glass 410.

[0273] Reference to the embodiments Figure 18 The second portion 422 of the first coating 420 can be positioned along the curved shape to correspond to the second region S2 of the glass 410, and a portion thereof can be positioned (e.g., filled) within a groove P2 disposed (or formed) on the front surface of the curved shape. According to an embodiment, the second portion 432 of the second coating 430 can be positioned along the curved shape to correspond to the second region S2 of the glass 410, and a portion thereof can be positioned (e.g., filled) within a groove P2 disposed (or formed) on the rear surface of the curved shape.

[0274] Reference to the embodiments Figure 19 The flexible cover structure 400e may further include a third coating 440 located on one surface of the second region S2 (e.g., the curved region) of the glass 410. According to an embodiment, a second portion 422 of the first coating 420 may be positioned along the curved shape to correspond to the second region S2 of the glass 410, and the third coating 440 may be positioned (e.g., filled) within a groove P2 disposed (or formed) on the front surface of the curved shape. According to an embodiment, a second portion 432 of the second coating 430 may be positioned along the curved shape to correspond to the second region S2 of the glass 410, and the third coating 440 may be positioned (e.g., filled) within a groove P2 disposed (or formed) on the rear surface of the curved shape.

[0275] Reference to the embodiments Figure 19 The third coating 440 may be a film layer composed of a transparent polymer. The third coating 440 may include an optically transparent resin (OCR) filler. The OCR filler may have a refractive index substantially the same as that of the glass 410 (e.g., 0.05R or higher). The OCR filler may be an elastic material containing a binder component. For example, the OCR filler may be natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, styrene-isoprene-styrene (co)polymer, styrene-butadiene-styrene (co)polymer, (meth)acrylic (co)polymer, polyacrylate, polyolefin, polyisobutylene and polyisoprene, polyurethane, polyvinyl ether, polysiloxane, silicone, polyurea, or a mixture of at least one thereof.

[0276] Reference to the embodiments Figure 19 The third coating 440 may have a lower modulus than the first coating 420 and the second coating 430. The low modulus of the third coating 440 can further reduce the repulsive force when the flexible display 230 is folded.

[0277] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the cover plate structures 400d and 400e can provide a groove P2 in the glass 410 formed in the curved portion A2, and corresponding shapes for the first coating 420, the second coating 430, and / or the third coating 440. Therefore, the first coating 420, the second coating 430, and / or the third coating 440, which are more flexible than the glass 410, can facilitate bending of the second region S2 of the glass 410.

[0278] According to an embodiment, Figure 20 The flexible cover structure with a 400f configuration can be basically applied. Figures 9 to 11c Examples of implementations.

[0279] Reference to the embodiments Figure 20 The second region S2 of glass 410 may include a pattern. For example, the pattern may include a plurality of openings P1 extending from the front surface of glass 410 to the rear surface. The arrangement of the plurality of openings P1 may form a regular pattern (e.g., see reference). Figure 23 (The pattern shape). For example, the spacing and diameter of multiple openings P1 can be set to a specified size.

[0280] Reference to the embodiments Figure 20 The first coating 420 may be disposed on a portion of the glass 410. The first coating 420 may be disposed on a second region S2 of the glass 410, and may not be disposed on the first region S1. The first coating 420 may correspond to a curved or rolled area of ​​the flexible display. According to an embodiment, a second coating 430 may be disposed below the glass 410.

[0281] Reference to the embodiments Figure 20 The flexible cover structure 400f may also include a third coating 440 located within the second region S2 (e.g., the curved region) of the glass 410. The third coating 440 may be positioned along the curved shape to correspond to the second region S2 of the glass 410, and at least a portion of the third coating 440 may be positioned (e.g., filled) within a plurality of openings P1 disposed (or formed) in the curved shape.

[0282] Reference to the embodiments Figure 20 The third coating 440 may be disposed between the first coating 420 and the second coating 430. The third coating 440 and the glass 410 may form a substantially uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness).

[0283] The cover structure 400f according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a plurality of openings P1 formed in a second region S2 of glass 410 and a third coating 440 filling the plurality of openings P1. The third coating 440 can readily and stably accommodate the variable of glass that flexibly extends during bending of the cover structure (e.g., glass 410), thereby reducing repulsive forces and stresses.

[0284] According to an embodiment, Figure 21 The flexible cover structure with a weight of 400g can be basically applied. Figures 9 to 11c Implementation examples and Figure 20 The embodiments, and Figure 22 The flexible cover structure with a configuration of 400h can be basically applied. Figures 5 to 7c Examples of implementations.

[0285] Reference to the embodiments Figure 21 and Figure 22 The glass 410 may include a first region S1 and a second region S2, and the first region S1 and the second region S2 may have different overall thicknesses. For example, the thickness of the second region S2 may be substantially less than the thickness of the first region S1.

[0286] Reference to the embodiments Figure 21 and Figure 22 The first region S1 of glass 410 can have a uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness). The second region S2 of glass 410 can be formed to have a thickness that varies along the length direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). For example, the thickness of the second region S2 of glass 410 can gradually (sequentially) decrease starting from a region adjacent to the first region S1.

[0287] Reference to the embodiments Figure 21 and Figure 22 The second region S2 of the glass 410 may have a curved shape in the direction toward the second coating 430. For example, the front surface of the second region S2 (e.g., the side facing the +Z axis) may be formed to be recessed relative to the front surface of the first region S1, and the rear surface of the second region S2 (e.g., the side facing the -Z axis) may be formed to be convex relative to the rear surface 410b of the first region S1.

[0288] Reference to the embodiments Figure 21 and Figure 22 The second region S2 of glass 410 may have a folding axis (e.g., Figure 5 and / or Figure 9 The shape is symmetrical with respect to the line C-C'. The value (e.g., the slope of the tangent) of the front and / or rear surfaces of the second region S2 of glass 410 can vary (e.g., the absolute value) with respect to the distance from the folding axis. Figure 5 and / or Figure 9 The thickness of the second region S2 of glass 410 can gradually (or sequentially) increase along the folding axis (e.g., line C-C'). Figure 5 and / or Figure 9 The minimum thickness is formed in the region of line C-C', and can be formed as it moves away from the folding axis (e.g., Figure 5 and / or Figure 9 The line C-C' gradually (or sequentially) increases.

[0289] Reference to the embodiments Figure 21 and Figure 22 At least a portion of the first coating 420 or a second portion 422 of the first coating 420 may have a shape that is curved in the direction toward the glass 410. For example, the rear surface of the first coating 420 may be filled to correspond to the front surface of the glass 410, and may have a shape that is oriented toward the folding axis (e.g., Figure 5 The thickness of the line C-C' gradually (or sequentially) increases.

[0290] Reference to the embodiments Figure 21 and Figure 22 At least a portion of the second portion 432 of the second coating 430 may have a shape that is curved in a direction away from the glass 410 (e.g., the -Z-axis direction). For example, the front surface of the second coating 430 may have a recessed shape to correspond to the rear surface of the glass 410, and may have a shape facing the folding axis (e.g., Figure 5 and / or Figure 9 The thickness of the line C-C' gradually (or sequentially) decreases.

[0291] Reference to the embodiments Figure 22 The shapes of the multiple openings P1 of glass 410 can have lengths (e.g., thicknesses) that decrease sequentially (or gradually) due to their correspondence to the shape of glass 410.

[0292] According to an embodiment, the third coating 440 may be positioned along a curved shape to correspond to the second region S2 of the glass 410, and at least a portion of the third coating 440 may be positioned (e.g., filled) within a plurality of openings P1 disposed (or formed) in the curved shape. The third coating 440 may be disposed between the first coating 420 and the second coating 430. The third coating 440 may have a length (e.g., thickness) that decreases sequentially (or gradually) due to its correspondence to the shape of the glass 410.

[0293] Compared with other embodiments, Figure 21 and Figure 22The embodiments can provide additional repulsive force reduction effect because the glass 410 is oriented towards the center (e.g., towards the folding axis) in the curved portion A2 of the cover structure 400. Figure 5 and / or Figure 9 The line C-C' decreases sequentially (or gradually). Figure 21 and Figure 22 The embodiments can be structures that can be applied to glass that is relatively thicker compared to other embodiments. For example, Figure 21 and Figure 22 The glass 410 of the embodiment may have a higher density than that of glass in other embodiments. Figures 4 to 7c Implementation examples and Figures 15 to 17c The glass 410 in this embodiment has a greater thickness. However, Figure 21 and Figure 22 The shape of the glass 410 in the embodiment is not limited to the structure shown, and various modifications can be made according to the design, structure or stacking specifications of the foldable electronic device.

[0294] Figure 23 This is a view showing a pattern of glass with a flexible cover structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0295] According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 The electronic device 101 may include a first housing (e.g., Figure 2a and Figure 3 First housing 210), second housing (e.g., Figure 2a and Figure 3 The second housing 220) and the flexible display (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 4 The flexible display 230 may include a flexible display panel (e.g., a flexible display panel). Figure 4 The display panel 235) and a flexible cover structure formed such that at least a portion of it is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0296] According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 The flexible cover structure 400 of the electronic device 101 may include a glass 410 in which a pattern is formed. The glass 410 may include a first region (e.g., Figure 5 The first region S1 of Figure 7 and the second region (e.g., extending from the first region S1 and corresponding to the curved or rolled area of ​​the flexible display panel) are shown in Figure 7. Figure 8 To the second region S2 in Figure 7).

[0297] Figure 23 The flexible cover structure 400 can be configured partially or fully with Figure 2a and Figure 4 The configuration of the display 230 and / or Figures 5 to 22The flexible cover structures 400, 400a, 400c, 400d, 400e, 400f, 400g, and 400h have the same configuration. Figure 23 The embodiments can be partially related to Figures 1 to 22 Implementation examples or Figures 24 to 36 Examples of combinations.

[0298] According to an embodiment, the second region S2 of the glass 410 may include a pattern. For example, the pattern may be at least one of a plurality of openings penetrating from the front surface to the rear surface of the glass 410, a plurality of grooves formed on the front surface and / or the rear surface of the glass 410, or a plurality of protrusions.

[0299] According to an embodiment, the factors determining the pattern of the glass 410 may be at least one of the following: pattern width L1, pattern length L2, pattern angle L3, and inter-pattern distance L4. In foldable electronic devices, a pattern advantageous to the electronic device can be designed by controlling factors that take into account at least one of the thickness of the flexible display panel, the thickness of the glass, and / or the folding radius.

[0300] Referring to the enlarged view of area O from a portion of the pattern on glass 410, it is clear that the pattern is arranged in a repeating arrangement of a first shape K1 and a second shape K2. The first shape K1 may be an inverted (e.g., rotated 180 degrees) version of the second shape K2.

[0301] According to an embodiment, each of the first shape K1 and the second shape K2 may include a first slit K11 and a second slit K12 extending from the first slit K11, and the first slit K11 and the second slit K12 may be formed with a specified pattern angle L3. The specified pattern angle L3 may be an obtuse angle, and the length and thickness of the first slit K11 and the second slit K12 may be substantially the same.

[0302] According to an embodiment, the pattern of the glass 410 can be formed as multiple rows and columns (M x N), wherein odd-numbered columns can be an arrangement of multiple first shapes K1, and even-numbered columns can be an arrangement of multiple second shapes K2. For example, the first column can have an arrangement of multiple first shapes K1, and the second column can have an arrangement of multiple second shapes K2.

[0303] According to an embodiment, the arrangement of the first shape K1 and the second shape K2 can be staggered so that they can be positioned as close to each other as possible. For example, when viewed from one side of the glass 410, a portion of the first shape K1 and a portion of the second shape K2 can be arranged to overlap each other.

[0304] According to an embodiment, the pattern formed in the curved region of the glass 410 can easily and stably accommodate the variable of the flexibly extended glass, thereby reducing the repulsive forces and stresses that occur during display bending.

[0305] Figure 24 This is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing process of a flexible cover plate structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0306] Figure 25 This is a schematic view illustrating the flow of the manufacturing process of a flexible cover structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0307] Figure 24 and Figure 25 The flexible cover structure 400 can be configured partially or fully with Figure 2a and Figure 4 The configuration of the display 230 and / or Figures 5 to 22 The flexible cover structures 400, 400a, 400c, 400d, 400e, 400f, 400g, and 400h have the same configuration. Figure 24 and Figure 25 The embodiments can be applied in a basically consistent manner. Figures 5 to 7c Examples of implementations. Figure 24 and Figure 25 The embodiments can be partially related to Figures 4 to 23 Implementation examples and / or Figures 26 to 36 Examples of combinations.

[0308] According to an embodiment, the flexible cover structure 400 may include glass 410, a first coating 420 disposed on glass 410, and a second coating 430 disposed below glass 410.

[0309] According to the manufacturing process of the flexible cover structure 400, a glass substrate 40 can first be prepared, and then a process (process 10) can be performed to process it into the desired size (or dimensions) by the operator. For example, the operator can process the outer edge portion of the substrate to prepare the glass substrate 40 (e.g., a glass disk) into the desired size. The thickness of the processed glass substrate 40 can be from about 20 μm to 70 μm.

[0310] Subsequently, a process (e.g., a pretreatment process) can be performed to form glass with a curved shape in the folded area (e.g., the second area S2) (process 20). The mold M includes multiple suction holes, and the central portion of the mold M may have a shape that protrudes (e.g., bulges) in the +Z axis direction to form the curved surface folded area. The second area S2 of the glass substrate 40 disposed on one surface of the mold M can be temporarily bent by suction at room temperature or permanently bent by high-temperature thermoforming. The second area S2 of the glass 410 may have a shape that is bent (e.g., bulges) in the direction toward the +Z axis.

[0311] Subsequently, a process (process 30) can be performed to apply a second coating 430 to one surface of the glass 410. The second coating 430 can fill the glass 410 and can undergo planarization and curing processes. For example, since the second coating 430 fills the glass 410, the rear surface of the second coating 430 can have a shape that is curved (e.g., convex) in the direction toward the +Z axis to correspond to the shape of the second region S2 of the glass 410. The front surface of the second coating 430 can be provided with an overall uniform surface through a planarization process. Since the second coating 430 ultimately forms the lower surface of the glass 410, a coating with a relatively lower modulus compared to the first coating 420 described below can be used to reduce the repulsive forces of the display.

[0312] Subsequently, a process can be performed to invert (e.g., rotate 180 degrees) the stacked structure of glass 410 and the second coating 430 to reverse the front / back surfaces, and then place it on the prepared fixture J (process 40). For example, after inverting the stacked structure of glass 410 and the second coating 430, the second region S2 of glass 410 can expose the recessed surface.

[0313] Subsequently, a process (process 50) can be performed to apply the first coating 420 to another surface of the exposed glass 410. The first coating 420 can fill the glass 410 and can undergo planarization and curing processes. For example, since the first coating 420 fills the glass 410, the rear surface of the first coating 420 can have a shape that is curved (e.g., concave) in the direction toward the -Z axis to correspond to the shape of the second region S2 of the glass 410. The first coating 420 can fill the concave portion of the thin glass 410, and the front surface of the first coating 420 can be provided with an overall uniform surface through a planarization process. Since the first coating 420 ultimately forms the front surface of the glass 410, a coating with a relatively higher modulus compared to the second coating 430 can be used to protect the display from externally applied impacts.

[0314] The first and second coatings 430 may be composed of transparent polymers. The first and second coatings 430 may include optically transparent resin (OCR) fillers. The OCR fillers may be elastic materials containing adhesive components. For example, the OCR fillers may be natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, styrene-isoprene-styrene (co)polymer, styrene-butadiene-styrene (co)polymer, (meth)acrylic acid (co)polymer, polyacrylate, polyolefin, polyisobutylene and polyisoprene, polyurethane, polyvinyl ether, polysiloxane, silicone, polyurea, or a mixture of at least one thereof.

[0315] Subsequently, a process (process 60) can be performed to separate the final cover plate structure 400 from the fixture. The final cover plate structure 400 has a curved shape such that the second region S2 of the glass 410 corresponds to the curved or rolled region of the display panel, and the sum of the thicknesses of the first coating 420, the glass 410 and the second coating 430 forming the curved portion A2 of the cover plate structure 400 can be substantially equal to the sum of the thicknesses of the first coating 420, the glass 410 and the second coating 430 forming the flat portion A1 of the cover plate structure 400.

[0316] Figure 26 This is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing process of a flexible cover plate structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0317] Figure 27 This is a schematic view illustrating the flow of the manufacturing process of a flexible cover structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0318] Figure 26 and Figure 27 The flexible cover structure 400 can be configured partially or fully with Figure 2a and Figure 4 The configuration of the display 230 and / or Figures 5 to 22 The flexible cover structures 400, 400a, 400c, 400d, 400e, 400f, 400g, and 400h have the same configuration. Figure 26 and Figure 27 The embodiments can be applied in a basically consistent manner. Figures 9 to 11c Examples of implementations. Figure 26 and Figure 27 The embodiments can be partially related to Figures 4 to 25 Implementation examples and / or Figures 28 to 36 Examples of combinations.

[0319] According to an embodiment, the flexible cover structure 400 may include glass 410, a first coating 420 disposed on glass 410, and a second coating 430 disposed below glass 410.

[0320] According to the manufacturing process of the flexible cover structure 400, firstly, a glass substrate 40 can be prepared, and then processes (processes 10 and 11) can be performed to pattern the substrate to the desired size (or dimensions) and local areas (e.g., folded areas) as desired by the operator. For example, the operator can process the outer edge portion of the substrate to prepare the glass substrate 40 (e.g., a glass disk) to the desired size. The thickness of the processed glass substrate 40 can be about 70 μm or greater (e.g., 70 μm to 400 μm). The operator can process a specified pattern in the folded area (e.g., the second area S2) of the glass 410. The specified pattern can be at least one of multiple openings penetrating from the front surface to the rear surface of the glass 410, multiple grooves formed on the front and / or rear surface of the glass 410, or multiple protrusions.

[0321] If the thickness of the glass 410 according to the embodiment is 70 μm or greater, then in order to fold it, a separate processing procedure (e.g., patterning) should be performed in the folding area.

[0322] Subsequently, a process (e.g., a pretreatment process) can be performed to form glass with a curved shape in the folded area (e.g., the second area S2) (process 20). The mold M includes multiple suction holes, and the central portion of the mold M may have a shape that protrudes (e.g., bulges) in the +Z axis direction to form the curved surface folded area. The second area S2 of the glass substrate 40 disposed on one surface of the mold M can be temporarily bent by suction at room temperature or permanently bent by high-temperature thermoforming. The second area S2 of the glass 410 may have a shape that is bent (e.g., bulges) in the direction toward the +Z axis.

[0323] Subsequently, a process (process 30) can be performed to apply a second coating 430 to one surface of the glass 410. The second coating 430 can fill the glass 410 and the interior of the pattern, and planarization and curing processes can be performed. For example, since the second coating 430 fills the glass 410, the rear surface of the second coating 430 can have a shape that is curved (e.g., convex) in the direction toward the +Z axis to correspond to the shape of the second region S2 of the glass 410. The second coating 430, which is more flexible than the glass 410, can fill the pattern of the glass 410 to facilitate the curvature of the second region S2. The front surface of the second coating 430 can be provided with an overall uniform surface through planarization. Since the second coating 430 ultimately forms the lower surface of the glass 410, a coating with a relatively lower modulus compared to the first coating 420 described below can be used to reduce the repulsive forces of the display.

[0324] Subsequently, a process can be performed to invert (e.g., rotate 180 degrees) the stacked structure of glass 410 and the second coating 430 to reverse the front / back surfaces, and then place it on the prepared fixture J (process 40). For example, after inverting the stacked structure of glass 410 and the second coating 430, the second region S2 of glass 410 can expose the recessed surface.

[0325] Subsequently, a process (process 50) can be performed to apply the first coating 420 to another surface of the exposed glass 410. The first coating 420 can fill the glass 410 and can undergo planarization and curing processes. For example, since the first coating 420 fills the glass 410, the rear surface of the first coating 420 can have a shape that is curved (e.g., concave) in the direction toward the -Z axis to correspond to the shape of the second region S2 of the glass 410. The first coating 420 can fill the concave portion of the glass 410, and the front surface of the first coating 420 can be provided with an overall uniform surface through a planarization process. Since the first coating 420 ultimately forms the front surface of the glass 410, a coating with a relatively higher modulus compared to the second coating 430 can be used to protect the display from externally applied impacts.

[0326] Subsequently, a process can be performed to remove a portion of the first coating 420, so that the first coating 420 is only applied to the second region S2 of the glass 410 (process 51). For example, by removing the first coating 420 that fills the front surface of the glass 410, the first region S1 of the glass 410 can be exposed to the outside, and the second region S2 can remain in the state of being filled with the first coating 420. When the thickness of the glass 410 is 70 μm or greater, since the glass itself has sufficient rigidity, the surface of the glass can be exposed as the outermost surface for use. Furthermore, since the user can directly touch the glass 410, an enhanced tactile experience can be provided.

[0327] Subsequently, a process (process 60) can be performed to separate the final cover plate structure 400 from the fixture. The final cover plate structure 400 has a curved shape such that the second region S2 of the glass 410 corresponds to the curved or rolled region of the display panel, and the sum of the thicknesses of the first coating 420, the glass 410 and the second coating 430 forming the curved portion A2 of the cover plate structure 400 can be substantially equal to the sum of the thicknesses of the first coating 420, the glass 410 and the second coating 430 forming the flat portion A1 of the cover plate structure 400.

[0328] Figure 28 This is a view showing the front surface of the flexible cover structure 500, 500a in the unfolded state of an outwardly folding electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0329] Figure 29 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 28 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 500 taken from line A-A'.

[0330] Figure 30 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 28 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 500a taken from line A-A'.

[0331] According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 1 The electronic device 101 may include a first housing (e.g., the first housing 210 of FIG. 2), a second housing (e.g., the second housing 220 of FIG. 2), and a flexible display. The flexible display may include a flexible display panel and a flexible cover structure 500 formed such that at least a portion thereof is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0332] According to an embodiment, the flexible display 230 can change to an unfolded state, an intermediate state, or a folded state depending on the state of the electronic device 101 (e.g., from a flat state or an unfolded state to a folded state).

[0333] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may be an outwardly folding device. For example, the flexible display 230 may be configured to be always visible in the unfolded, intermediate, and folded states of the electronic device 101. The flexible display 230 may include a first flat region, a second flat region, and a folding region capable of bending or rolling between the first and second flat regions. In the unfolded state of the electronic device 101, the first flat region, the folding region, and the second flat region may form a coplanar plane. In the folded state of the electronic device 101, the first flat region and the second flat region may be parallel and configured to face each other (e.g., facing opposite directions).

[0334] According to an embodiment, the flexible cover structure 500 can be a flexible structure to correspond to the operation of the flexible display in its unfolded, intermediate, and folded states. For example, when the electronic device operates in the folded state, at least a portion of the flexible cover structure 500 can change from a planar region to a curved or rolled region.

[0335] Figures 28 to 30 The flexible cover structure 500 and 500a can be partially or fully integrated with... Figure 2a and Figure 4 The configuration of the display 230 and / or Figures 5 to 22 The flexible cover structures 400, 400a, 400c, 400d, 400e, 400f, 400g, and 400h have the same configuration. Figures 28 to 30 The embodiments can be partially related to Figures 4 to 27Implementation examples and / or Figures 31 to 36 Examples of combinations.

[0336] According to an embodiment, the flexible cover structure 500, 500a may include glass 510, a first coating 520 disposed on glass 510, and a second coating 530 disposed below glass 510.

[0337] According to an embodiment, the glass 510 may include a first region S1 and a second region S2 extending from the first region S1 and corresponding to a bent or rolled area of ​​the flexible display panel. The first region S1 may include a 1-1 region S11 and a 1-2 region S12, which are spaced apart from each other, with the second region S2 present between them.

[0338] According to an embodiment, the glass 510 may include a first region S1 and a second region S2, and the first region S1 and the second region S2 may form a uniform thickness (e.g., same thickness ).

[0339] According to an embodiment, the second region S2 of the glass 510 may have a curved shape in the direction toward the first coating 520. For example, the front surface 510a of the second region S2 may be formed to be convex relative to the front surface 510a of the first region S1 (e.g., region 1-1 S11 and region 1-2 S12), and the rear surface 510b of the second region S2 may be formed to be concave relative to the rear surface 510b of the first region S1 (e.g., region 1-1 S11 and region 1-2 S12). For example, the front surface 510a of the second region S2 may be formed to be a curved surface that is curved in the +Z-axis direction relative to the front surface 510a of the first region S1 (e.g., region 1-1 S11 and region 1-2 S12), and the rear surface 510b of the second region S2 may be formed to be a curved surface that is curved in the +Z-axis direction relative to the rear surface 510b of the first region S1 (e.g., region 1-1 S11 and region 1-2 S12).

[0340] refer to Figure 29 The glass 510 can be formed entirely without a pattern, and the thickness of the second region S2 of the glass 510 can be substantially the same as the thickness of the first region S1. The overall thickness of the glass 510 can be approximately 30 μm to 70 μm.

[0341] refer to Figure 30 The second region S2 of the glass 510 may be patterned. The specified pattern may be at least one of multiple openings penetrating from the front surface to the rear surface of the glass 510, multiple grooves formed on the front surface and / or the rear surface of the glass 510, or multiple protrusions. The overall thickness of the glass 510 may be about 70 μm or greater (e.g., 70 μm to 400 μm).

[0342] According to an embodiment, a first coating 520 may be disposed on glass 510 (e.g., on the front surface 510a). The first coating 520 may include a first portion 521 disposed on a first region S1 of glass 510 and a second portion 522 disposed on a second region S2 of glass 510.

[0343] According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the second portion 522 of the first coating 520 may have a curved shape corresponding to the second region S2 of the glass 510. For example, the rear surface of the second portion 522 (e.g., the side facing the -Z axis) may be formed to be convex relative to the rear surface of the first portion 521 (e.g., the side facing the -Z axis). For example, the rear surface of the second portion 522 may be formed to be curved in the +Z axis direction relative to the rear surface of the first portion 521. According to an embodiment, the front surfaces (e.g., the side facing the +Z axis) of the first portion 521 and the second portion 522 of the first coating 520 may form an overall flat surface.

[0344] refer to Figure 29 The second portion 522 of the first coating 520 can be positioned (e.g., filled) entirely along the front surface of the second region S2 of the glass 510.

[0345] refer to Figure 30 The second portion 522 of the first coating 520 may be positioned in a curved form (e.g., filled) along the second region S2 of the glass 510, and at least a portion thereof may provide the spatial form of the shape of the filling pattern (e.g., multiple openings P1).

[0346] According to an embodiment, the second coating 530 may be disposed below the glass 510 (e.g., on the rear surface 510b). The second coating 530 may include a first portion 531 disposed on a first region S1 of the glass 510 and a second portion 532 disposed on a second region S2 of the glass 510.

[0347] According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the second coating 530 (or the second portion 532 of the second coating 530) may have a curved shape corresponding to the second region S2 of the glass 510. For example, the front surface (e.g., the side facing the +Z axis) of the second coating 530 (or the second portion 532 of the second coating 530) may be formed to bulge relative to the rear surface 510b of the glass 510 (or the front surface (e.g., the side facing the -Z axis) of the first portion 521 of the second coating 530).

[0348] refer to Figure 29 The rear surfaces of the first portion 531 and the second portion 532 of the second coating 530 (e.g., the side facing the -Z axis) can form an overall flat surface.

[0349] refer to Figure 30 The second coating 530 can be applied only to the second region S2 of the glass 510, and the second coating 530 can be excluded from other regions.

[0350] Figure 29 and Figure 30 The curved shape of glass 510 and its surrounding area are shown, and this disclosure is not limited thereto and can be easily modified for display cover structures that are conducive to bending, taking into account variations in the thickness and patterns of glass 510.

[0351] according to Figures 28 to 30 In some embodiments, cover structures 500, 500a can be provided in outward-folding electronic devices to facilitate the display bending in the outward direction. The cover structures 500, 500a (e.g., glass 510) can easily and stably accommodate the variable of glass that flexibly extends during bending, thereby achieving the effect of eliminating repulsive forces and improving wrinkles (creases).

[0352] Figure 31 This is a view showing the front surface of the flexible cover structure 600, 600a in the unfolded state of a slidable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0353] Figure 32 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 31 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 600 taken from line A-A'.

[0354] Figure 33 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 31 A cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 600a taken from line A-A'.

[0355] According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 1 The electronic device 101 may include a first housing (e.g., the first housing 210 of FIG. 2), a second housing (e.g., the second housing 220 of FIG. 2), and a flexible display. The flexible display may include a flexible display panel and a flexible cover structure 600, 600a formed such that at least a portion thereof is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0356] According to an embodiment, the flexible display can change to a sliding-in state, an intermediate state, or a sliding-out state depending on the state of the electronic device 101 (e.g., from a sliding-in state to a sliding-out state).

[0357] According to an embodiment, as the flexible display changes from a slid-in state to a slid-out state, the visible area can be expanded. For example, in the slid-in state of the electronic device 101, a portion of the flexible display can be positioned within the housing, and in the slid-out state of the electronic device 101, a portion of the display can be exposed to the outside or positioned as visible.

[0358] According to an embodiment, the flexible cover structure 600, 600a can be a flexible structure corresponding to the sliding-in and sliding-out operations of the flexible display. For example, during the sliding-in and sliding-out operations of the electronic device 101, at least a portion of the flexible cover structure 600, 600a can change from a planar region to a curved (or rolled) region, or the curved (or rolled) region can change to a planar region.

[0359] Figures 31 to 33 The flexible cover structure 600 and 600a can be configured partially or fully with Figure 2a and Figure 4 The configuration of the display 230 and / or Figures 5 to 30 The flexible cover structures 400, 400a, 400c, 400d, 400e, 400f, 400g, 400h, 500, and 500a have the same configuration. Figures 31 to 33 The embodiments can be partially related to Figures 4 to 30 Implementation examples and Figures 34 to 36 Examples of combinations.

[0360] According to an embodiment, the flexible cover structure 600, 600a may include glass 610, a first coating 620 disposed on glass 610, and a second coating 630 disposed below glass 610.

[0361] According to an embodiment, the glass 410 may include a first region S1 and a second region S2 extending from the first region S1 and corresponding to a bent or rolled area of ​​the flexible display panel. The first region S1 and the second region S2 may have a uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness).

[0362] According to an embodiment, a portion of the second region S2 of the glass 410 may have a shape that is curved (e.g., inclined) in a direction toward the second coating 430. According to an embodiment, the second region S2 may include a curved portion S21 adjacent to the first region S1 and an extension portion S22 extending from the curved portion S21. For example, the curved portion S21 may have a shape that is curved or inclined toward the second coating 430. At least a portion of the curved portion S21 may be formed into a curved surface that is curved in the -Z-axis direction.

[0363] According to an embodiment, the first region S1 and the second region S2 of the glass 410 may have different heights from the lower surface of the cover structure 400 (e.g., the side facing the -Z axis). For example, the height of the first region S1 from the lower surface of the cover structure 400 (e.g., the side facing the -Z axis) may be greater than the height of the second region S2. As the curved portion S21 of the second region S2 extends seamlessly from the first region S1 to the extension portion S22 of the second region S2, the height of the curved portion S21 of the second region S2 may gradually (or sequentially) decrease.

[0364] According to an embodiment, a first region S1 of glass 410 may be located at one end (e.g., in the -Y-axis direction) and the other end (e.g., in the +Y-axis direction) of a second region S2. The first region S1 may include a 1-1 region S11 and a 1-2 region S12, spaced apart from each other, with the second region S2 located between them. The 1-1 region S11 may have a relatively longer length than the 1-2 region S12. In a sliding electronic device, the 1-1 region S11 may be a region that is always visible and forms a plane during the slide-in to slide-out operation, and the 1-2 region S12 may be a region that is always located inside the electronic device and is not visible and always forms a plane during the slide-in to slide-out operation. (Reference) Figure 32 The glass 410 can be formed entirely without a pattern, and the thickness of the second region S2 of the glass 410 can be substantially the same as the thickness of the first region S1. The overall thickness of the glass 410 can be approximately 30 μm to 70 μm.

[0365] refer to Figure 33 The second region S2 of glass 610 may be patterned. The specified pattern may be at least one of multiple openings penetrating from the front surface to the rear surface of glass 610, multiple grooves formed on the front surface and / or the rear surface of glass 610, or multiple protrusions. The overall thickness of glass 610 may be about 70 μm or greater (e.g., 70 μm to 400 μm).

[0366] According to an embodiment, the first coating 620 may be applied to the glass 610. (See reference...) Figure 32 The first coating 620 may include a first portion 621 disposed on a first region S1 of the glass 610 and a second portion 622 disposed on a second region S2 of the glass 610. (See reference) Figure 33 The first coating 620 may include a first portion 621 disposed on a first region S1 of the glass 610.

[0367] According to an embodiment, the first coating 620 (or a portion of the second portion 622 of the first coating 620) may have a curved (e.g., inclined) shape corresponding to the curved portion S21 of the glass 610. For example, the rear surface of the first coating 620 (or the rear surface of the second portion 622 of the first coating 620) may be formed to be inclined relative to the front surface of the glass 610 (or the rear surface of the first portion 621 of the first coating 620). According to an embodiment, the first coating 620 (or the front surfaces of the first portion 621 and the second portion 622 of the first coating 620, such as the side facing the +Z axis) may form an overall flat surface.

[0368] refer to Figure 32 The second portion 622 of the first coating 620 can be positioned (e.g., filled) entirely along the front surface of the second region S2 of the glass 610.

[0369] refer to Figure 33 The first coating 620 may be applied only to the second region S2 of the glass 610, and the first coating 620 may be excluded from other regions.

[0370] According to an embodiment, the second coating 630 may be disposed below the glass 610. The second coating 630 may include a first portion 631 disposed on a first region S1 of the glass 610 and a second portion 632 disposed on a second region S2 of the glass 610.

[0371] According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the second portion 632 of the second coating 630 may have a curved (e.g., inclined) shape corresponding to the second region S2 of the glass 610. For example, the front surface of a portion of the second portion 632 (e.g., the side facing the +Z axis) may be formed to be inclined relative to the front surface of the first portion 631 (e.g., the side facing the +Z axis). According to an embodiment, the rear surfaces (e.g., the side facing the -Z axis) of the first portion 631 and the second portion 632 of the second coating 630 may form an overall flat surface.

[0372] refer to Figure 32 The second portion 632 of the second coating 630 can be positioned (e.g., filled) entirely along the rear surface of the second region S2 of the glass 610.

[0373] refer to Figure 33 The second portion 622 of the second coating 630 may be positioned (e.g., filled) along the curved and flat surfaces of the second region S2 of the glass 610, and at least a portion thereof may provide the spatial form of a pattern (e.g., multiple openings P1) filling the second region S2.

[0374] Figure 32 and Figure 33The curved shape (e.g., tilted shape) of glass 610 and its surrounding area are shown, and this disclosure is not limited thereto and can be easily modified for display cover structures that are favorable for bending, taking into account variations in the thickness and patterns of glass 610.

[0375] according to Figures 31 to 33 In some embodiments, cover structures 600, 600a can be provided in slidable electronic devices to facilitate bending or rolling of the display according to changes in the sliding-in or sliding-out state. Cover structures 600, 600a (e.g., glass 610) can easily and stably accommodate variable amounts of glass that flexibly extend during bending, thereby achieving the effects of eliminating repulsive forces and improving wrinkles (creases).

[0376] Figure 34 This is a view showing the front surface of the flexible cover structure 700, 700a in the unfolded state of a multi-fold electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0377] Figure 35 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 34 The cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 700 taken from line A-A'.

[0378] Figure 36 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 34 The cross-sectional view of the flexible cover plate structure 700a taken from line A-A'.

[0379] According to embodiments, multi-fold electronic devices (e.g., Figure 1 The electronic device 101 may include a first housing, a second housing, a third housing, and a flexible display. For example, a multi-folding electronic device may be an electronic device that can be folded two or more times. The flexible display may include a flexible display panel and a flexible cover structure 700, 700a formed such that at least a portion of it is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0380] According to an embodiment, the flexible display can change to an unfolded state, an intermediate state, and a folded state depending on the state of the multi-folding electronic device (e.g., from an unfolded state to a folded state). In the unfolded state of the multi-folding electronic device, the second housing and the third housing can be arranged parallel to each other on two opposite sides of the first housing.

[0381] According to an embodiment, in the folded state of the multi-fold electronic device, the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing can be arranged to overlap each other. For example, the third housing can be disposed on top of the first housing, and then the second housing can be disposed on top of the third housing. For example, the third housing can be disposed between the first housing and the second housing. (For example, G-type multi-fold, see...) Figure 35 ).

[0382] According to an embodiment, in the folded state of the multi-fold electronic device, the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing can be arranged to overlap each other. For example, the second housing can be located above the first housing, and the third housing can be located below the first housing. For example, the first housing can be located between the second and third housings. (For example, Z-type and S-type multi-folding devices, see...) Figure 36 ).

[0383] According to the embodiments, the flexible cover structures 700 and 700a can be flexible structures to correspond to the operation of the flexible display in the unfolded state, intermediate state and folded state.

[0384] Figures 34 to 36 The flexible cover structure 700 and 700a can be partially or fully integrated with... Figure 2a and Figure 4 The configuration of the display 230 and / or Figures 5 to 30 The flexible cover structures 400, 400a, 400c, 400d, 400e, 400f, 400g, 400h, 500, and 500a have the same configuration. Figures 34 to 36 The embodiments can be partially related to Figures 4 to 33 Examples of combinations.

[0385] According to an embodiment, the flexible cover structure 700, 700a may include glass 710, a first coating 720 disposed on glass 710, and a second coating 730 disposed below glass 710.

[0386] According to an embodiment, the glass 710 may include a first region S1 and a second region S2 extending from the first region S1 and corresponding to a bent or rolled area of ​​the flexible display panel. The first region S1 and the second region S2 may have a uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness).

[0387] According to an embodiment, the second region S2 may include two spaced-apart regions, 2-1 region S21 and 2-2 region S22. The first region S1 may include a 1-1 region S11, a 1-2 region S12, and a 1-3 region S13. For example, the first region S1 may include a 1-1 region S11 and a 1-2 region S12, which are spaced apart from each other, with a 2-1 region S21 in between. The first region S1 may also include a 1-1 region S11 and a 1-3 region S13, which are spaced apart from each other, with a 2-2 region S22 in between.

[0388] Reference to the embodiments Figure 35The second region S2 of the glass 710 may have a curved shape in the direction toward the second coating 730. According to an embodiment, the second region S2 of the glass 710 may have a curved shape in the direction toward the display panel. For example, the front surface 710a of the second region S2 may be formed to be recessed relative to the front surface 710a of the first region S1 (e.g., region 1-1 S11, region 1-2 S12, and region 1-3 S13), and the rear surface 710b of the second region S2 may be formed to be convex relative to the rear surface 710b of the first region S1 (e.g., region 1-1 S11, region 1-2 S12, and region 1-3 S13). For example, the front surface 710a of the second region S2 may be formed as a curved surface that is curved in the -Z axis direction compared to the front surface 710a of the first region S1 (e.g., region 1-1 S11, region 1-2 S12 and region 1-3 S13), and the rear surface 710b of the second region S2 may be formed as a curved surface that is curved in the -Z axis direction compared to the rear surface 710b of the first region S1 (e.g., region 1-1 S11, region 1-2 S12 and region 1-3 S13).

[0389] Reference to the embodiments Figure 36The second region S2 of the glass 710 may have a curved shape in the direction toward the second coating 730 and in the direction toward the first coating 720. According to an embodiment, a portion of the second region S2 of the glass 710 may have a curved shape in the direction toward the display panel, and another portion of the second region S2 may have a curved shape in the direction away from the display panel. For example, the front surface 710a of the 2-1 region S21 may be formed to be convex relative to the front surface 710a of the first region S1 (e.g., 1-1 region S11 and 1-2 region S12), and the rear surface 710b of the 2-1 region S21 may be formed to be recessed relative to the rear surface 710b of the first region S1 (e.g., 1-1 region S11 and 1-2 region S12). For example, the front surface 710a of region 2-2 S22 can be formed to be recessed relative to the front surface 710a of the first region S1 (e.g., region 1-1 S11 and region 1-3 S13), and the rear surface 710b of region 2-2 S22 can be formed to be convex relative to the rear surface 710b of the first region S1 (e.g., region 1-1 S11 and region 1-3 S13). For example, the front surface 710a of region 2-1 S21 can be formed to be a curved surface that is bent in the +Z axis direction relative to the front surface 710a of the first region S1 (e.g., region 1-1 S11 and region 1-2 S12), and the rear surface 710b of region 2-1 S21 can be formed to be a curved surface that is bent in the +Z axis direction relative to the rear surface 710b of the first region S1 (e.g., region 1-1 S11 and region 1-2 S12). For example, the front surface 710a of the 2-2 region S22 can be formed as a curved surface that is curved in the -Z axis direction compared to the front surface 710a of the first region S1 (e.g., the 1-1 region S11 and the 1-3 region S13), and the rear surface 710b of the 2-2 region S22 can be formed as a curved surface that is curved in the -Z axis direction compared to the rear surface 710b of the first region S1 (e.g., the 1-1 region S11 and the 1-3 region S13).

[0390] According to the embodiments, refer to Figure 35 and Figure 36 The cross-section of glass 710, regions 2-1 S21 and 2-2 S22, can each have a cross-section with respect to the folding axis (e.g., Figure 34 The shape is symmetrical with respect to lines C-C' and C''-C'''. The slope (e.g., the slope of the tangent) of the front surface 710a and / or rear surface 710b of the second region S2 of glass 710 can be increased (e.g., the absolute value) with respect to the distance from the folding axis. Figure 34 The lines C-C' and C''-C''' gradually (or sequentially) increase.

[0391] According to an embodiment, a first coating 720 may be disposed on glass 710 (e.g., on the front surface 710a). The first coating 720 may include a first portion 721 disposed on a first region S1 of glass 710 and a second portion 722 disposed on a second region S2 of glass 710. The second portion 722 of the first coating 720 may correspond to a curved or rolled area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the second region S2 of glass 710).

[0392] According to an embodiment, the second coating 730 may be a structure whose shape varies along a longer length direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). The first portion 721 and the second portion 722 of the second coating 730 may have different shapes. For example, the thickness of the first portion 721 and the thickness of the second portion 722 may be different.

[0393] Reference to the embodiments Figure 35 At least a portion of the second portion 722 of the first coating 720 may have a curved shape in the direction toward the glass 710. For example, the rear surface of the second portion 722 (e.g., the side facing the -Z axis) may be formed to be convex relative to the rear surface of the first portion 721 (e.g., the side facing the -Z axis). The front surface of the second portion 722 (e.g., the side facing the +Z axis) may extend to form a flat surface with the front surface of the first portion 721 (e.g., the side facing the +Z axis).

[0394] Reference to the embodiments Figure 36 At least a portion of the second portion 722 of the first coating 720 may have a shape that is curved in the direction toward the glass 710 and in the opposite direction. For example, the rear surface of portion 2-1 722a (e.g., the side facing the -Z axis) may be formed to be recessed relative to the rear surface of the first portion 721 (e.g., the side facing the +Z axis). The rear surface of portion 2-2 722b (e.g., the side facing the -Z axis) may be formed to be convex relative to the rear surface of the first portion 721 (e.g., the side facing the +Z axis). The front surface of the second portion 722 (e.g., the side facing the +Z axis) may extend to form a flat surface with the front surface of the first portion 721 (e.g., the side facing the +Z axis).

[0395] According to an embodiment, the second coating 730 may be disposed below the glass 710 (e.g., on the rear surface 710b). The second coating 730 may include a first portion 731 disposed below a first region S1 of the glass 710 and a second portion 732 disposed below a second region S2 of the glass 710. The second portion 732 of the second coating 730 may correspond to a curved or rolled area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the second portion S2 of the glass 710).

[0396] According to an embodiment, the second coating 730 may be a structure whose shape varies along a longer length direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). The first portion 731 and the second portion 732 of the second coating 730 may have different shapes. For example, the thickness of the first portion 731 and the thickness of the second portion 732 may be different.

[0397] Reference to the embodiments Figure 35 At least a portion of the second portion 732 of the second coating 730 may have a curved shape in a direction away from the glass 710 (e.g., the -Z-axis direction). For example, the front surface of the second portion 732 (e.g., the side facing the +Z-axis) may be formed to be recessed relative to the front surface of the first portion 731 (e.g., the side facing the +Z-axis). For example, the front surface of the second portion 732 may be formed to be curved in the -Z-axis direction relative to the front surface of the first portion 731. The rear surface of the second portion 732 (e.g., the side facing the -Z-axis) may extend to form a flat surface with the rear surface of the first portion 731 (e.g., the side facing the -Z-axis).

[0398] Reference to the embodiments Figure 36 At least a portion of the second portion 732 of the second coating 730 may have a shape that is curved in the direction toward the glass 710 and in the opposite direction (e.g., the -Z-axis direction). For example, the front surface of portion 732a (e.g., the side facing the +Z-axis) may be formed to be convex relative to the front surface of the first portion 731 (e.g., the side facing the +Z-axis). The front surface of portion 732b (e.g., the side facing the +Z-axis) may be formed to be concave relative to the front surface of the first portion 731 (e.g., the side facing the +Z-axis). For example, a portion of the front surface of the second portion 732 may form a curved surface that is curved in the -Z-axis direction relative to the front surface of the first portion 731, and another portion of the front surface may form a curved surface that is curved in the +Z-axis direction relative to the front surface of the first portion 731. The rear surface of the second portion 732 (e.g., the side facing the -Z-axis) may extend to form a flat surface with the rear surface of the first portion 731 (e.g., the side facing the -Z-axis).

[0399] according to Figures 34 to 36 In embodiments of the multi-folding electronic device, a cover structure 700; 700a can be provided that facilitates bending or rolling of the display according to changes between a folded state, an intermediate state, and an unfolded state. The cover structure 700; 700a (e.g., glass 710) can readily and stably accommodate the variable amount of glass that flexibly extends during bending, thereby achieving the effects of eliminating repulsive forces and improving wrinkles (creases). In electronic devices including flexible displays according to embodiments of the present disclosure, a cover structure that protects the flexible display and facilitates bending can be provided.

[0400] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the cover structure protecting the flexible display includes glass, and the glass may be provided with a curved shape and / or pattern (e.g., openings, grooves) in the curved portion to facilitate bending. Therefore, the repulsive force of the folded portion can be improved.

[0401] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the cover structure protecting the flexible display includes glass and a coating disposed on two opposing surfaces of the glass, and the impact resistance of the folded portion can be enhanced by filling the curved surface and / or pattern of the glass with the coating.

[0402] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the cover structure protecting the flexible display can remove a polymer film that typically leads to an increase in stack thickness, and can improve (e.g., reduce or limit) display wrinkles (creases) caused by permanent deformation of the polymer film and enhance (e.g., improve) the user experience (e.g., tactile feel).

[0403] The effects that can be obtained from this disclosure are not limited to those described above. Other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art through the following description.

[0404] Electronic devices according to embodiments of this disclosure (e.g., Figures 1 to 4 101) may include: a first housing (e.g., Figures 2a to 4 210), second housing (e.g., Figures 2a to 4 220), flexible display panels (e.g., Figure 4 235) and flexible cover plate structures (e.g., Figure 6 The flexible display panel (400) includes an area corresponding to a first housing and an area corresponding to a second housing, and the flexible cover structure is disposed on the flexible display panel. The flexible cover structure may include: glass (e.g., Figure 6 410), the first coating (e.g., Figure 6 420) and the second coating (e.g., Figure 6 (430), the glass includes a first region (e.g., Figure 6 S1) and a second region (e.g., extending from the first region and corresponding to the curved or rolled area of ​​the flexible display panel). Figure 6 (S2), the first coating is applied to the front surface of the glass (e.g., Figure 6 The second coating is disposed on at least a portion of the rear surface of the glass (e.g., 410a). Figure 6 (410b) On. At least a portion of the second region of the glass may have a shape that is curved in the direction toward the second coating.

[0405] According to an embodiment, the second region of the glass may protrude relative to the first region in the direction of the second coating.

[0406] According to an embodiment, the second region of the glass may be convex relative to the first region in the direction of the second coating.

[0407] According to an embodiment, the thickness of the glass can be from 30 μm to 200 μm.

[0408] According to an embodiment, the first and second regions of the glass can have substantially the same thickness.

[0409] According to an embodiment, the thickness of the second region of the glass can be less than the thickness of the first region.

[0410] According to an embodiment, the thickness of the second region of the glass can gradually decrease starting from the region adjacent to the first region.

[0411] According to an embodiment, the curved portion forming the cover plate structure (e.g., Figure 6 The sum of the thicknesses of the first coating, the glass layer, and the second coating of (A2) can be substantially equal to the flat portion forming the cover structure (e.g., Figure 6 The sum of the thicknesses of the first coating, the glass layer, and the second coating of A1).

[0412] According to an embodiment, the first coating may not be applied to the first region of the glass.

[0413] According to an embodiment, the second region of the glass may include multiple openings (e.g., the side facing the +Z axis) extending from the front surface (e.g., the side facing the -Z axis) to the rear surface (e.g., the side facing the -Z axis). Figure 6 P1).

[0414] According to an embodiment, the cover structure may further include a plurality of openings (e.g., filling a second region of the glass) Figure 6 The third coating of P1) (e.g., Figure 20 (440).

[0415] According to an embodiment, the second region of the glass may include a plurality of grooves (e.g., grooves formed on at least one of the front surface (e.g., the side facing the +Z axis) and the rear surface (e.g., the side facing the -Z axis) Figure 6 P2).

[0416] According to an embodiment, the cover structure may further include a plurality of recesses (e.g., filling a second region of the glass) Figure 6 The third coating of P2) (e.g., Figure 19 (440).

[0417] According to an embodiment, the cover plate structure may further include a protective layer disposed on the first coating (e.g., Figure 13 (480).

[0418] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a movable module rotatably connected to the first housing and the second housing. The width of the second region of the glass (e.g., Figure 4 A2) can be smaller than the width of the moving module (e.g., Figure 4 B).

[0419] According to an embodiment, the flexible display panel may be positioned adjacent to the second coating, rather than the first coating.

[0420] According to an embodiment, the flexible display panel may be positioned adjacent to the first coating, rather than the second coating.

[0421] Flexible cover plate structures according to embodiments of the present disclosure (e.g., Figure 6 The 400) may include: glass (e.g., Figure 6 410), the first coating (e.g., Figure 6 420) and the second coating (e.g., Figure 6 (430), the glass includes a first region (e.g., Figure 6 S1) and a second region (e.g., extending from the first region and corresponding to the curved or rolled area of ​​the flexible display panel). Figure 6 (S2), the first coating is applied to the front surface of the glass (e.g., Figure 6 The second coating is disposed on at least a portion of the rear surface of the glass (e.g., 410a). Figure 6 (410b) On. At least a portion of the second region of the glass may have a shape that is curved in the direction toward the second coating.

[0422] According to an embodiment, the second region of the glass may protrude relative to the first region in the direction of the second coating.

[0423] According to an embodiment, the first and second regions of the glass can have substantially the same thickness.

[0424] According to an embodiment, the thickness of the second region of the glass can be less than the thickness of the first region.

[0425] According to an embodiment, the first region of the thin glass may include 1-1 regions spaced apart from each other (e.g., Figure 35 and Figure 36 S11), 1-2 area (e.g., Figure 35 and Figure 36 S12) and 1-3 regions (e.g., Figure 35 and Figure 36 (S13). The second region of the thin glass may include a region 1-1 (e.g., Figure 35 and Figure 36 S11) and 1-2 regions (e.g., Figure 35 and Figure 36 The 2-1 region between S12 and (e.g., Figure 35 and Figure 36 S21), and set in the 1-1 area (e.g., Figure 35 and Figure 36 S11) and regions 1-3 (e.g., Figure 35 and Figure 36 The 2-2 region between S13 and (e.g., Figure 35 and Figure 36 (S22).

[0426] It should be understood that the various embodiments of this disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to the particular embodiments, but rather to include various changes, equivalents or substitutions to the corresponding embodiments.

Claims

1. An electronic device (101), comprising: First shell (210); Second housing (220); A flexible display panel (235) includes a region corresponding to the first housing and a region corresponding to the second housing; as well as A flexible cover plate structure (400) is disposed on the flexible display panel. The flexible cover plate structure includes: Glass (410), the glass comprising a first region (S1) and a second region (S2) extending from the first region and corresponding to a bent or rolled region of the flexible display panel. A first coating (420) is disposed on at least a portion of the front surface (410a) of the glass; and A second coating (430) is applied to the rear surface (410b) of the glass. Wherein, at least a portion of the second region of the glass has a shape that is curved in the direction toward the second coating.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, The second region of the glass protrudes relative to the first region in the direction of the second coating.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, in, The thickness of the glass is from 30 μm to 200 μm.

4. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The first and second regions of the glass have substantially the same thickness.

5. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The thickness of the second region of the glass is less than the thickness of the first region.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, in, The thickness of the second region of the glass gradually decreases from the region adjacent to the first region.

7. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in, The sum of the thicknesses of the first coating, the glass, and the second coating forming the curved portion (A2) of the cover structure is substantially equal to the sum of the thicknesses of the first coating, the glass, and the second coating forming the flat portion (A1) of the cover structure.

8. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in, The first coating is not applied to the first region of the glass.

9. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in, The second region of the glass includes a plurality of openings (P1) extending from the front surface (e.g., the side facing the +Z axis) to the rear surface (e.g., the side facing the -Z axis).

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, in, The cover structure also includes a third coating (440) that fills the plurality of openings (P1) in the second region of the glass.

11. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in, The second region of the glass includes a plurality of grooves (P2) formed on at least one of the front surface (e.g., the side facing the +Z axis) and the rear surface (e.g., the side facing the -Z axis).

12. The electronic device according to claim 11, in, The cover plate structure also includes a third coating (440) that fills the plurality of grooves (P2) in the second region of the glass.

13. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, in, The cover plate structure also includes a protective layer (480) disposed on the first coating.

14. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising: A movable module, rotatably connected to the first housing and the second housing, and Wherein, the width (A2) of the second region of the glass is smaller than the width (B) of the moving module.

15. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, in, The flexible display panel is positioned closer to the second coating than to the first coating.

Images