Electronic device including digitizer

Abstract

According to various embodiments, the electronic device comprises at least one housing, a display panel disposed within the internal space of the at least one housing so as to be visible from the outside at least partially, and a digitizer disposed below the display panel, wherein the digitizer comprises a dielectric sheet comprising a plurality of layers, a first plurality of conductive patterns disposed on a first layer of the dielectric sheet and arranged to have a length at a specified interval along a first direction, and a second plurality of conductive patterns disposed on a second layer different from the first layer of the dielectric sheet and arranged to have a length at a specified interval along a second direction different from the first direction, and wherein the thickness of the second plurality of conductive patterns may be formed to be relatively thicker than the thickness of the first plurality of conductive patterns. Various other embodiments may be possible.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device comprising a digitizer. Background Technology

[0003] Electronic devices are becoming increasingly slimmer, and improvements are being made to increase rigidity, enhance design aspects, and differentiate their functional elements. Electronic devices are moving away from uniform rectangular shapes and are gradually transforming into various shapes. Electronic devices may include a digitizer for detecting input via an electronic pen (e.g., a stylus pen). To achieve slimness, an efficient placement structure and stacking structure of the digitizer may be required. The problem to be solved

[0005] An electronic device (e.g., a portable communication device, a mobile terminal, a foldable electronic device, or a rollable electronic device) may include a digitizer positioned beneath a display panel. The digitizer may include a plurality of conductive patterns (e.g., coil patterns or coil members) spaced apart to form loops at specified intervals. A magnetic field may be formed in the digitizer through current input to the plurality of conductive patterns, and when an electronic pen including a coil member approaches the display panel, a magnetic field may also be formed in the coil member of the electronic pen. The magnetic field of the electronic pen may induce the plurality of conductive patterns of the digitizer to generate an induced electromotive force, and the digitizer can transmit electronic pen-related information, such as the position and pressure of the electronic pen, to the processor of the electronic device by detecting the location and strength where such induced electromotive force is generated. Accordingly, the electronic device (e.g., processor) can control the display panel or perform corresponding functions of the electronic device based on the received electronic pen-related information.

[0006] Meanwhile, the digitizer may include a dielectric sheet and a plurality of conductive patterns disposed on different layers of the dielectric sheet. The plurality of conductive patterns may include a first plurality of conductive patterns disposed on a first layer and a second plurality of conductive patterns disposed on a second layer different from the first layer and disposed to intersect the first plurality of conductive patterns when the dielectric sheet is viewed from above. At least one of the first plurality of conductive patterns and the second plurality of conductive patterns may be used as Tx channels and / or Rx channels.

[0007] However, reducing the thickness of conductive patterns to slim down electronic devices increases channel resistance, leading to higher current consumption; conversely, lowering the driving current to maintain the same consumption results in reduced signal strength, which can degrade the detection performance of the digitizer. Therefore, the thickness of conductive patterns cannot be reduced to an extreme degree, which can be counterproductive to the miniaturization of electronic devices.

[0008] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an electronic device including a digitizer that can help to slim down the electronic device.

[0009] According to various embodiments, an electronic device including a digitizer that can reduce thickness while maintaining the detection performance of the digitizer can be provided.

[0010] According to various embodiments, an electronic device including a digitizer with improved visibility so that traces of a plurality of conductive patterns are not visible from the outside of the display can be provided.

[0011] However, the problems intended to be solved in this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and may be expanded in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. means of solving the problem

[0013] According to various embodiments, the electronic device comprises at least one housing, a display panel disposed so as to be visible from the outside at least partially within the internal space of the at least one housing, and a digitizer disposed below the display panel, wherein the digitizer comprises a dielectric sheet comprising a plurality of layers, a first plurality of conductive patterns disposed on a first layer of the dielectric sheet and arranged to have a length at a specified interval along a first direction, and a second plurality of conductive patterns disposed on a second layer different from the first layer of the dielectric sheet and arranged to have a length at a specified interval along a second direction different from the first direction, and wherein the thickness of the second plurality of conductive patterns may be formed to be relatively thicker than the thickness of the first plurality of conductive patterns.

[0014] According to various embodiments, the digitizer comprises a dielectric sheet including a plurality of layers, a first plurality of conductive patterns disposed on a first layer of the dielectric sheet and arranged to have a length at a specified interval along a first direction, and a second plurality of conductive patterns disposed on a second layer different from the first layer of the dielectric sheet and arranged to have a length at a specified interval along a second direction different from the first direction, wherein the thickness of the second plurality of conductive patterns may be formed to be relatively thicker than the thickness of the first plurality of conductive patterns. Effects of the invention

[0016] A digitizer according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can help to slim down an electronic device and improve detection performance by reducing channel resistance through forming the thickness of a plurality of conductive patterns corresponding to a Tx channel to be relatively thicker than the thickness of a plurality of conductive patterns corresponding to an Rx channel. In addition, the digitizer can help improve visibility so that traces of the plurality of conductive patterns are not visible from the outside of the display.

[0017] In addition, various effects that can be identified directly or indirectly through this document may be provided. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0019] In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. FIG. 1a is a front perspective view of an electronic device showing a flat state or unfolding state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1b is a plan view showing the front of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1c is a plan view showing the rear of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2a is a perspective view of an electronic device showing a folding state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2b is a perspective view of an electronic device illustrating an intermediate state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is an unfolded perspective view of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a digitizer according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement configuration of a plurality of conductive patterns of a digitizer according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a digitizer viewed along line 6-6 of FIG. 4 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a digitizer according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 8a is a perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 8b is a rear perspective view of the electronic device of FIG. 8a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is an unfolded perspective view of the display of FIG. 8a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement relationship between a display and a conductive pattern according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0020] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of an electronic device showing an unfolded state (or flat state) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1b is a plan view showing the front of the electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1c is a plan view showing the rear of the electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 2a is a perspective view of an electronic device illustrating a folding state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2b is a perspective view of an electronic device illustrating an intermediate state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1a through 2b, the electronic device (100) may include a pair of housings (110, 120) (e.g., foldable housings) that are rotatably coupled to face each other and fold with respect to a hinge device (e.g., hinge device (140) of FIG. 1b). In some embodiments, the hinge device (e.g., hinge device (140) of FIG. 1b) may be arranged in the X-axis direction or in the Y-axis direction. In some embodiments, two or more hinge devices (e.g., hinge device (140) of FIG. 1b) may be arranged to fold in the same direction or in different directions. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a flexible display (400) (e.g., foldable display) that is placed in an area formed by the pair of housings (110, 120). According to one embodiment, the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) are positioned on both sides of a folding axis (axis A) and may have a shape that is substantially symmetric with respect to the folding axis (axis A). According to one embodiment, the angle or distance between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) may vary depending on whether the state of the electronic device (100) is in a flat state (or unfolding state), a folding state, or an intermediate state.

[0023] According to various embodiments, a pair of housings (110, 120) may include a first housing (110) (e.g., a first housing structure) coupled to a hinge device (e.g., a hinge device (140) of FIG. 1b) and a second housing (120) (e.g., a second housing structure) coupled to a hinge device (e.g., a hinge device (140) of FIG. 1b). According to one embodiment, the first housing (110) may include, in an unfolded state, a first surface (111) facing a first direction (e.g., a front direction) (z-axis direction) and a second surface (112) facing a second direction (e.g., a rear direction) (-z-axis direction) opposite to the first surface (111). According to one embodiment, the second housing (120) may include a third surface (121) facing a first direction (z-axis direction) and a fourth surface (122) facing a second direction (z-axis direction) when unfolded. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may be operated such that, when unfolded, the first surface (111) of the first housing (110) and the third surface (121) of the second housing (120) face substantially the same first direction (z-axis direction), and when folded, the first surface (111) and the third surface (121) face each other. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can be operated such that, in the unfolded state, the second surface (112) of the first housing (110) and the fourth surface (122) of the second housing (120) face substantially the same second direction (- z-axis direction), and in the folded state, the second surface (112) and the fourth surface (122) face opposite directions. For example, in the folded state, the second surface (112) may face the first direction (z-axis direction) and the fourth surface (122) may face the second direction (- z-axis direction).

[0024] According to various embodiments, the first housing (110) may include a first side member (113) that forms at least partially the exterior of the electronic device (100) and a first rear cover (114) that is coupled to the first side member (113) and forms at least a portion of the second side (112) of the electronic device (100). According to one embodiment, the first side member (113) may include a first side (113a), a second side (113b) extending from one end of the first side (113a), and a third side (113c) extending from the other end of the first side (113a). According to one embodiment, the first side member (113) may be formed into a rectangular shape (e.g., square or rectangular) through the first side (113a), the second side (113b), and the third side (113c).

[0025] According to various embodiments, the second housing (120) may include a second side member (123) that forms at least partially the exterior of the electronic device (100) and a second rear cover (124) that is coupled to the second side member (123) and forms at least a portion of the fourth side (122) of the electronic device (100). According to one embodiment, the second side member (123) may include a fourth side (123a), a fifth side (123b) extending from one end of the fourth side (123a), and a sixth side (123c) extending from the other end of the fourth side (123a). According to one embodiment, the second side member (123) may be formed into a rectangular shape through the fourth side (123a), the fifth side (123b), and the sixth side (123c).

[0026] According to various embodiments, a pair of housings (110, 120) are not limited to the illustrated form and combination and may be implemented by other shapes or combinations of parts and / or combinations. For example, in some embodiments, the first side member (113) may be formed integrally with the first rear cover (114), and the second side member (123) may be formed integrally with the second rear cover (124).

[0027] According to various embodiments, in the unfolded state, the electronic device (100) may have the second side (113b) of the first side member (113) and the fifth side (123b) of the second side member (123) connected without any gap. According to one embodiment, in the unfolded state, the electronic device (100) may have the third side (113c) of the first side member (113) and the sixth side (123c) of the second side member (123) connected without any gap. According to one embodiment, in the unfolded state, the electronic device (100) may be configured such that the combined length of the second side (113b) and the fifth side (123b) is longer than the length of the first side (113a) and / or the fourth side (123a). Additionally, the combined length of the third side (113c) and the sixth side (123c) may be configured to be longer than the length of the first side (113a) and / or the fourth side (123a). In some embodiments, the electronic device (100) may be configured such that, in the unfolded state, the combined length of the second side (113b) and the fifth side (123b) is shorter than or equal to the length of the first side (113a) and / or the fourth side (123a). Additionally, the combined length of the third side (113c) and the sixth side (123c) may be configured such that it is shorter than or equal to the length of the first side (113a) and / or the fourth side (123a).

[0028] According to various embodiments, the first side member (113) and / or the second side member (123) may be formed of metal or may further comprise a polymer injected into the metal. According to one embodiment, the first side member (113) and / or the second side member (123) may comprise at least one conductive portion (116 and / or 126) electrically segmented through at least one segmented portion (1161, 1162 and / or 1261, 1262) formed of a polymer. In this case, the at least one conductive portion may be used as an antenna operating in at least one designated band (e.g., legacy band) by being electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit included in the electronic device (100).

[0029] According to various embodiments, the first rear cover (114) and / or the second rear cover (124) may be formed by, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, or metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium) or a combination of at least two of them.

[0030] According to various embodiments, the flexible display (400) may be positioned to extend from a first surface (111) of a first housing (110) across a hinge device (e.g., hinge device (140) of FIG. 1b) to at least a portion of a third surface (121) of a second housing (120). For example, the flexible display (400) may include a first region (130a) substantially corresponding to the first surface (111), a second region (130b) corresponding to the third surface (121), and a third region (130c) (e.g., a bendable region) connecting the first region (130a) and the second region (130b) and corresponding to the hinge device (e.g., hinge device (140) of FIG. 1b). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a first protective cover (115) (e.g., a first protective frame or a first decorative member) coupled along the edge of the first housing (110). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a second protective cover (125) (e.g., a second protective frame or a second decorative member) coupled along the edge of the second housing (120). According to one embodiment, the first protective cover (115) and / or the second protective cover (125) may be formed of a metal or polymer material. According to one embodiment, the first protective cover (115) and / or the second protective cover (125) may be used as a decoration member. According to one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may be positioned such that the edge of the first region (130a) is interposed between the first housing (110) and the first protective cover (115). According to one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may be positioned such that the edge of the second region (130b) is interposed between the second housing (120) and the second protective cover (125). According to one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may be positioned such that the edge of the flexible display (400) corresponding to the protective cap is protected through a protective cap (135) placed in a region corresponding to a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (140) of FIG. 1b).Accordingly, the flexible display (400) can substantially have its edges protected from the outside. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a hinge housing (141) (e.g., a hinge cover) that supports a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (140) of FIG. 1b) and is exposed to the outside when the electronic device (100) is in a folded state, and is retracted into a first space (e.g., the interior space of the first housing (110)) and a second space (e.g., the interior space of the second housing (120)) so as not to be seen from the outside when the electronic device (100) is in a folded state. In some embodiments, the flexible display (400) may be extended from at least a portion of the second surface (112) to at least a portion of the fourth surface (122). In this case, the electronic device (100) may be folded so that the flexible display (400) can be exposed to the outside (out-folding method).

[0031] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (100) may include a sub-display (131) disposed separately from the flexible display (400). According to one embodiment, the sub-display (131) is disposed so as to be at least partially exposed on the second side (112) of the first housing (110) so as to display state information of the electronic device (100) that replaces the display function of the flexible display (400) when folded. According to one embodiment, the sub-display (131) may be disposed so as to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the first rear cover (114). In some embodiments, the sub-display (131) may be disposed on the fourth side (122) of the second housing (120). In this case, the sub-display (131) may be disposed so as to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the second rear cover (124).

[0032] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (100) may include at least one of an input device (e.g., a microphone (103)), an audio output device (e.g., a call receiver (101), a speaker (102)), a sensor module (104), a camera device (e.g., a first camera device (105), a second camera device (108)), a key input device (106), or a connector port (107). In the illustrated embodiment, an input device (e.g., microphone (103)), an audio output device (e.g., call receiver (101), speaker (102)), a sensor module (104), a camera device (e.g., first camera device (105), second camera device (108)), a key input device (106) or a connector port (107) refers to a hole or shape formed in the first housing (110) or the second housing (120), but may be defined to include a substantial electronic component (e.g., input device, audio output device, sensor module or camera device) that is disposed inside the electronic device (100) and operates through the hole or shape.

[0033] According to various embodiments, the input device may include at least one microphone (103) disposed in the second housing (120). In some embodiments, the input device may include a plurality of microphones (103) disposed to detect the direction of sound. In some embodiments, the plurality of microphones (103) may be disposed at appropriate locations in the first housing (110) and / or the second housing (120). According to one embodiment, the acoustic output device may include call receivers (101) and speakers (102). According to one embodiment, the acoustic output device may include a call receiver (101) disposed in the first housing (110) and a speaker (102) disposed in the second housing (120). In some embodiments, an input device (e.g., microphone (103)), an audio output device (e.g., call receiver (101), speaker (102)), and a connector port (107) are disposed in a space provided in the first housing (110) and / or the second housing (120) of the electronic device (100) and may be exposed to the external environment through at least one hole formed in the first housing (110) and / or the second housing (120). According to one embodiment, at least one connector port (107) may be used to transmit and receive power and / or data with an external electronic device. In some embodiments, at least one connector port (e.g., ear jack hole) may accommodate a connector (e.g., ear jack) for transmitting and receiving audio signals with an external electronic device. In some embodiments, the holes formed in the first housing (110) and / or the second housing (120) may be used in common for an input device (e.g., microphone (103)) and an acoustic output device (e.g., call receiver (101), speaker (102)). In some embodiments, the acoustic output device (e.g., call receiver (101), speaker (102)) may include a speaker (e.g., piezo speaker) that is operated with the holes formed in the first housing (110) and / or the second housing (120) excluded.

[0034] According to various embodiments, the sensor module (104) may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device (100) or an external environmental state. The sensor module (104) may detect the external environment, for example, through a first surface (111) of the first housing (110). In some embodiments, the electronic device (100) may further include at least one sensor module positioned to detect the external environment through a second surface (112) of the first housing (110). According to one embodiment, the sensor module (104) (e.g., an illuminance sensor) may be positioned below the flexible display (400) to detect the external environment through the flexible display (400). According to one embodiment, the sensor module (104) may include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an illuminance sensor, a proximity sensor, a biosensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an illuminance sensor (104).

[0035] According to various embodiments, camera devices may include a first camera device (105) (e.g., a front camera device) disposed on a first surface (111) of a first housing (110) and a second camera device (108) disposed on a second surface (112) of the first housing (110). The electronic device (100) may further include a flash (109) disposed near the second camera device (108). According to one embodiment, the camera device (e.g., the first camera device (105), the second camera device (108)) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. The flash (109) may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp. According to one embodiment, a camera device (e.g., a first camera device (105), a second camera device (108)) may be arranged such that two or more lenses (e.g., a wide-angle lens, an ultra-wide-angle lens, or a telephoto lens) and an image sensor are located on one side of the electronic device (100) (e.g., a first side (111), a second side (112), a third side (121), or a fourth side (122)). In some embodiments, the camera device (e.g., a first camera device (105), a second camera device (108)) may include lenses for time of flight (TOF) and / or an image sensor.

[0036] According to various embodiments, a key input device (e.g., a key button (106)) may be placed on a third side (113c) of a first side member (113) of a first housing (110). In some embodiments, a key input device (e.g., a key button (106)) may be placed on at least one of the other sides (113a, 113b) of the first housing (110) and / or the sides (123a, 123b, 123c) of the second housing (120). In some embodiments, the electronic device (100) may not include some or all of the key input devices (e.g., key buttons (106)), and the key input device not included (e.g., a key button (106)) may be implemented in other forms, such as a soft key, on a flexible display (400). In some embodiments, a key input device (e.g., a key button (106)) may be implemented using a pressure sensor included in a flexible display (400).

[0037] According to various embodiments, some of the camera devices (e.g., first camera device (105), second camera device (108)) or the sensor module (104) may be positioned to be exposed through the flexible display (400). For example, the first camera device (105) or the sensor module (104) may be positioned in the internal space of the electronic device (100) to come into contact with the external environment through an opening (e.g., a through hole) formed at least partially in the flexible display (400). In another embodiment, some of the sensor module (104) may be positioned to perform its function without being visually exposed through the flexible display (400) in the internal space of the electronic device (100). For example, in this case, the area of ​​the flexible display (400) facing the sensor module may not require an opening.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 2b, the electronic device (100) may be operated to maintain an intermediate state via a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (140) of FIG. 1b). In this case, the electronic device (100) may control the flexible display (400) so that different content is displayed in the display area corresponding to the first side (111) and the display area corresponding to the third side (121). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may be operated to a substantially unfolded state (e.g., the unfolded state of FIG. 1a) and / or a substantially folded state (e.g., the folded state of FIG. 2a) based on a certain inflection angle (e.g., the angle between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) when in the intermediate state) via a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (140) of FIG. 1b). For example, the electronic device (100) can be operated to transition to an unfolded state (e.g., the unfolded state of FIG. 1a) when pressure is applied in the unfolding direction (direction B) while it is in a state unfolded at a certain inflection angle through a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (140) of FIG. 1b). For example, the electronic device (100) can be operated to transition to a closed state (e.g., the folded state of FIG. 2a) when pressure is applied in the direction to fold (direction C) while it is in a state unfolded at a certain inflection angle through a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (140) of FIG. 1b). In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may be operated to maintain an unfolded state (not shown) at various angles through a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (140) of FIG. 1b).

[0039] In FIGS. 1a to 2b, an in-folding method is illustrated in which, when the electronic device (100) is in a flat state or unfolding state, the first surface (111) of the first housing (110) and the third surface (121) of the second housing (120) face substantially the same first direction (z-axis direction), and in a folded state, the first surface (111) and the third surface (121) face each other. However, in some embodiments, when the electronic device (100) is in a flat state or unfolding state, the first surface (111) of the first housing (110) and the third surface (121) of the second housing (120) face substantially the same first direction (z-axis direction), and in a folded state, the second surface (112) and the fourth surface (122) face each other. It may work.

[0041] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] A flexible display (400) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include an unbreakable (UB) type OLED display (e.g., a curved display).

[0043] Referring to FIG. 3, a flexible display (400) may include a window layer (410), a polarizing layer (POL) (420) (e.g., a polarizing film) sequentially disposed on the back surface of the window layer (410), a display panel (430), a polymer layer (440), a support plate (450), a digitizer (460), and a reinforcing plate (470). In some embodiments, the digitizer (460) may be disposed between the polymer layer (440) and the support plate (450) or between the display panel (430) and the polymer layer (440).

[0044] According to various embodiments, the window layer (410), polarizing layer (420), display panel (430), polymer layer (440), support plate (450), and digitizer (460) may be arranged to cross at least a portion of the first surface (e.g., the first surface (111) of FIG. 1a) of the first housing (e.g., the first housing (110) of FIG. 1a) and the third surface (e.g., the third surface (121) of FIG. 1a) of the second housing (e.g., the second housing (120) of FIG. 1a). According to one embodiment, the reinforcing plate (470) may include a first reinforcing plate (471) facing a first housing (e.g., the first housing (110) of FIG. 1a) and a second reinforcing plate (472) facing a second housing (e.g., the second housing (120) of FIG. 1a). According to one embodiment, the reinforcing plate (470) may be formed of a metal material (e.g., SUS). According to one embodiment, the window layer (410), the polarizing layer (420), the display panel (430), the polymer layer (440), the support plate (450), the digitizer (460), and the reinforcing plate (470) may be attached to each other via an adhesive (P1, P2, P3, P4) (or adhesive). For example, the adhesives (P1, P2, P3, P4) may be an optical clear adhesive (OCA), a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), a thermoreactive adhesive, or a general adhesive. It may include at least one of an adhesive or double-sided tape.

[0045] According to various embodiments, the display panel (430) may include a plurality of pixels and a wiring structure (e.g., an electrode pattern). According to one embodiment, the polarizing layer (420) may selectively pass light generated from a light source of the display panel (430) and vibrating in a certain direction. According to one embodiment, the display panel (430) and the polarizing layer (420) may be formed integrally. According to one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may include a touch panel (not shown).

[0046] According to various embodiments, the polymer layer (440) may be placed below the display panel (430) to provide a dark background for ensuring visibility of the display panel (430) and may be formed as a cushioning material for cushioning. In some embodiments, for waterproofing of the flexible display (400), the polymer layer (440) may be removed or placed below the support plate (450).

[0047] According to various embodiments, the support plate (450) may be formed in a shape that provides flexibility to the flexible display (400). According to one embodiment, the support plate (450) may be formed from a material capable of performing a detection operation of the digitizer (460) placed underneath. For example, the support plate (450) may be formed from a non-metallic thin-plate material, such as fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) (e.g., carbon fiber reinforced plastics or glass fiber reinforced plastics) having rigid characteristics for supporting the display panel (430). According to one embodiment, the support plate (450) may include a first planar portion (451) corresponding to a first housing (e.g., the first housing (110) of FIG. 1a), a second planar portion (452) corresponding to a second housing (e.g., the second housing (120) of FIG. 1a), and a bending portion (453) (flexible portion or bending portion) connecting the first planar portion (451) and the second planar portion (452). According to one embodiment, the bending portion (453) may include a plurality of openings (4531) arranged at specified intervals. According to one embodiment, the bending portion (453) may have a bending characteristic determined by at least one of the size, shape, or arrangement density of at least some of the plurality of openings (4531). In some embodiments, the support plate (450) may be formed from a metal material such as SUS (steel use stainless) (e.g., STS (stainless steel)), Cu, Al, or a metal CLAD (e.g., a laminated member in which SUS and Al are alternately arranged). In such cases, the support plate may have a plurality of openings formed over its entire surface area to induce a detection operation of the digitizer placed underneath.According to one embodiment, the support plate (450) can be used to help reinforce the rigidity of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1a), shield ambient noise, and dissipate heat emitted from surrounding heat dissipation components.

[0048] According to various embodiments, the flexible display (400) may include at least one functional member (not shown) disposed between the polymer layer (440) and the support plate (450), or below the support plate (450). According to one embodiment, the functional member may include a graphite sheet for heat dissipation, an added display, a force touch FPCB, a fingerprint sensor FPCB, a communication antenna radiator, or a conductive / non-conductive tape. According to one embodiment, if bending is not possible, the functional member may be disposed separately in a first housing (e.g., the first housing (110) in FIG. 1a) and a second housing (e.g., the second housing (120) in FIG. 1a). According to one embodiment, if bending is possible, the functional member may be positioned from the first housing (e.g., the first housing (110) of FIG. 1a) to at least a portion of the second housing (e.g., the second housing (120) of FIG. 1a) through a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (140) of FIG. 1b).

[0049] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1a) may include a camera device (e.g., the first camera device (105) of FIG. 1a) that is placed below a flexible display (400) and detects an external environment through the flexible display (400). In some embodiments, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1a) may include at least one sensor module (e.g., the sensor module (104) of FIG. 1a) (e.g., an illuminance sensor, a proximity sensor, or a TOF sensor) that is placed below the flexible display (400). According to one embodiment, the polarizing layer (420), the display panel (430), the polymer layer (440), the support plate (450), the digitizer (460), and the reinforcing plate (470) may include through holes (4201, 4301, 4401, 4501, 4601, 4701). In some embodiments, the through holes (4201, 4301) may be unnecessary for the display panel (430) and / or the polarizing layer (420) by controlling the transmittance of the corresponding area. In some embodiments, the size of the through holes (4201, 4301, 4401, 4501, 4601, 4701) may be formed based on the size of the camera device (e.g., the first camera device (105) of FIG. 1a) and / or the effective area (e.g., field of view) of the camera device (e.g., the first camera device (105) of FIG. 1a), and the size of each of the through holes (4201, 4301, 4401, 4501, 4601, 4701) may be different from one another.

[0050] According to various embodiments, the digitizer (460) may include a dielectric sheet (e.g., dielectric sheet (461) of FIG. 4) comprising a plurality of layers (e.g., insulating layers) and a plurality of conductive patterns (e.g., first plurality of conductive patterns (462) and second plurality of conductive patterns (463) of FIG. 4)) disposed on different layers of the dielectric sheet. A digitizer (460) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure has a placement structure in which a plurality of conductive patterns used as Tx channels (e.g., driving channels) (e.g., second plurality of conductive patterns (463) of FIG. 4) are formed relatively thicker at a location further from the display panel (430) than a plurality of conductive patterns used as Rx channels (e.g., receiving channels) (e.g., first plurality of conductive patterns (462) of FIG. 4), thereby reducing the overall thickness of the digitizer (460) and simultaneously reducing the resistance of the Tx channels, which helps to enable excellent detection performance even with a small current. Additionally, the digitizer (460) can help improve visibility by having a stacked structure in which the thickness of a plurality of conductive patterns (e.g., the first plurality of conductive patterns (462) of FIG. 4) used as an Rx channel adjacent to the display panel (430) is relatively reduced, so that traces of the plurality of conductive patterns are not visible from the outside of the display (400).

[0051] The configuration of the digitizer (460) will be described in detail below.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a digitizer according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 4, the digitizer (460) may include a dielectric sheet (461) comprising a plurality of layers (e.g., a dielectric film or a dielectric substrate) (e.g., a PI (polyimide) substrate or a PPG (polypropylene glycol) substrate) and a plurality of conductive patterns (462, 463) (e.g., coil patterns or coil members) (e.g., a Cu pattern) disposed on the dielectric sheet (461). According to one embodiment, the plurality of conductive patterns (462, 463) may include a first plurality of conductive patterns (462) disposed on a first layer of the dielectric sheet (461) (e.g., the first layer (4612) of FIG. 6) and a second plurality of conductive patterns (463) disposed on a second layer different from the first layer (4612) (e.g., the second layer (4613) of FIG. 6). According to one embodiment, the first plurality of conductive patterns (462) may be spaced apart at specified intervals and arranged to have a length along a first direction (e.g., x-axis direction). According to one embodiment, the second plurality of conductive patterns (463) may be spaced apart at specified intervals and arranged to have a length along a second direction (e.g., y-axis direction). According to one embodiment, when viewed from above, the first plurality of conductive patterns (462) and the second plurality of conductive patterns (463) may be arranged to intersect. According to one embodiment, when viewed from above, the first plurality of conductive patterns (462) and the second plurality of conductive patterns (463) may be arranged to be orthogonal. According to one embodiment, the digitizer (460) may include a connector portion (464) (e.g., BtoB connector) that is electrically connected to a plurality of conductive patterns (462, 463) and extends outwardly from a dielectric sheet (461). According to one embodiment, the connector portion (464) may be electrically connected to a substrate (e.g., substrate (160) of FIG. 7) (e.g., printed circuit board or main board) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (100) of FIG. 1a).

[0055] According to various embodiments, the first plurality of conductive patterns (462) may operate as Rx channels for detecting a magnetic field received from an electronic pen. In some embodiments, both the first plurality of conductive patterns (462) and the second plurality of conductive patterns (463) may operate as Rx channels for detecting a magnetic field received from an electronic pen. According to one embodiment, the second plurality of conductive patterns (463) may operate as Tx channels for forming a magnetic field through an applied current. According to one embodiment, the second layer (4613) may be positioned further from the display panel (e.g., the display panel (430) of FIG. 3) than the first layer (4612), and the second plurality of conductive patterns (463) may be formed to have a relatively thicker thickness than the first plurality of conductive patterns (462). Accordingly, the second plurality of conductive patterns (463) having a relatively thick thickness can have low resistance, and thus can help reduce the current consumption applied to the Tx channel while maintaining equivalent detection performance.

[0057] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement configuration of a plurality of conductive patterns of a digitizer according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 5, the digitizer (460) may include a first plurality of conductive patterns (462) spaced apart at specified intervals and arranged to have a length along a first direction (e.g., x-axis direction), and a second plurality of conductive patterns (463) spaced apart at specified intervals and arranged to have a length along a second direction (e.g., y-axis direction) orthogonal to the first direction (e.g., x-axis direction). According to one embodiment, the digitizer (460) may include a first plurality of channels (CH(x1), CH(x2), CH(x3)...CH(xn)) formed through the first plurality of conductive patterns (462) and a second plurality of channels (CH(y1), CH(y2), CH(y3)...CH(yn)) formed through the second plurality of conductive patterns (463).

[0059] According to various embodiments, each of the first plurality of channels (CH(x1), CH(x2), CH(x3)...CH(xn)) may include a first conductive line (4621) and a second conductive line (4622) spaced apart adjacently along a first direction (e.g., x-axis direction) in a first layer (e.g., the first layer (4612) of FIG. 6) of a dielectric sheet (e.g., the dielectric sheet (461) of FIG. 6). According to one embodiment, the first conductive line (4621) and the second conductive line (4622) may have their ends connected through a first sub-line (4633) and a second sub-line (4634) disposed in a second layer (e.g., the second layer (4613) of FIG. 6). According to one embodiment, each of the first plurality of channels (CH(x1), CH(x2), CH(x3)...CH(xn)) may be formed into a loop shape having a length in a first direction (e.g., x-axis direction) through a pair of conductive lines (4621, 4622) and a pair of sub-lines (4633, 4634). According to one embodiment, the pair of sub-lines (4633, 4634) may be arranged along the edge at a location adjacent to the edge of the dielectric sheet (461). In some embodiments, if the first conductive line (4621) and the second conductive line (4622) are structured to be directly connected in the first layer (e.g., the first layer (4612) of FIG. 6), the pair of sub-lines (4633, 4634) may be omitted.

[0060] According to various embodiments, each of the second plurality of channels (CH(y1), CH(y2), CH(y3)...CH(yn)) may include a third conductive line (4631) and a fourth conductive line (4632) spaced apart adjacently along a second direction (e.g., y-axis direction) in a second layer (e.g., second layer (4613) of FIG. 6) of a dielectric sheet (e.g., dielectric sheet (461) of FIG. 6). According to one embodiment, the third conductive line (4631) and the fourth conductive line (4632) may have their ends connected through a third sub-line (4623) and a fourth sub-line (4624) disposed in a first layer (e.g., first layer (4612) of FIG. 6). According to one embodiment, each of the second plurality of channels (CH(y1), CH(y2), CH(y3)...CH(yn)) may be formed into a loop shape having a length in a second direction (e.g., y-axis direction) through a pair of conductive lines (4631, 4632)) and a pair of sub-lines (4623, 4624). According to one embodiment, the pair of sub-lines (4633, 4634) may be arranged along the edge at a location adjacent to the edge of the dielectric sheet (461). In some embodiments, if the third conductive line (4631) and the fourth conductive line (4632) are structured to be directly connected in the second layer (e.g., the second layer (4613) of FIG. 6), the pair of sub-lines (4623, 4624) may be omitted.

[0061] According to various embodiments, when current is applied to the digitizer (460) through a Tx channel that is commonly connected to the second plurality of channels (CH(y1), CH(y2), CH(y3)...CH(yn)), a magnetic field can be formed through the second plurality of channels (CH(y1), CH(y2), CH(y3)...CH(yn)) in a loop shape. When the current applied to the digitizer (460) is cut off and an electronic pen approaches the digitizer (460), a magnetic field can be generated through the coil member of the electronic pen. Accordingly, the first plurality of channels (CH(x1), CH(x2), CH(x3)...CH(xn)) and the second plurality of channels (CH(y1), CH(y2), CH(y3)...CH(yn)) arranged to intersect can generate an induced electromotive force at a designated location through the magnetic field received from the electronic pen, and the digitizer (460) can detect the position and pressure of the electronic pen through the position and strength of the induced electromotive force.

[0063] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a digitizer viewed along line 6-6 of FIG. 4 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 6, the digitizer (460) may include a dielectric sheet (461) comprising a plurality of layers and a plurality of conductive patterns (462, 463) disposed on the dielectric sheet (461). According to one embodiment, the plurality of conductive patterns (462, 463) may include a first plurality of conductive patterns (462) disposed in a first layer (4612) of the dielectric sheet (461) that are spaced apart at a specified interval and have a length along a first direction (e.g., x-axis direction), and a second plurality of conductive patterns (463) disposed in a second layer (4613) different from the first layer (4612) that are spaced apart at a specified interval and have a length along a second direction (e.g., y-axis direction) that is orthogonal to the first direction (e.g., x-axis direction). According to one embodiment, the first layer (4612) may be positioned closer to the display panel (430) than the second layer (4613). According to one embodiment, the dielectric sheet (461) may include an insulating layer (4611) between the first layer (4612) and the second layer (4613). According to one embodiment, the dielectric sheet (461) may include a first cover layer (4614) laminated to the first layer (4612) through a first adhesive layer (P1). According to one embodiment, the dielectric sheet (461) may include a second cover layer (4615) laminated to the second layer (4613) through a second adhesive layer (P2). According to one embodiment, at least one of the first cover layer (4614), the second cover layer (4615), or the insulating layer (4611) of the dielectric sheet (461) may be formed of PI (polyimide).

[0065] According to various embodiments, the first thickness (T1) of the first plurality of conductive patterns (462) disposed in the first layer (4612) may be relatively thinner than the second thickness (T2) of the second plurality of conductive patterns (463) disposed in the second layer (4613). According to one embodiment, the second plurality of conductive patterns (463) disposed in the second layer (4613) may be used as a Tx channel. According to one embodiment, the second plurality of conductive patterns (463) disposed in the second layer (4613) and the first plurality of conductive patterns (462) disposed in the first layer (4612) may be used as an Rx channel. According to one embodiment, the thickness of the first adhesive layer (P1) may be formed to be at least 80% of the first thickness (T1) for insulation. According to one embodiment, the thickness of the second adhesive layer (P2) may be formed to be at least 80% of the second thickness (T2) for insulation purposes. According to one embodiment, the first adhesive layer (P1) and / or the second adhesive layer (P2) may include at least one of OCA (optical clear adhesive), PSA (pressure sensitive adhesive), thermally reactive adhesive, general adhesive, or double-sided tape.

[0066] According to various embodiments, the digitizer (460) can induce a reduction in the resistance of the second plurality of conductive patterns (463) by reducing the first thickness (T1) and increasing the second thickness (T2) while maintaining the total thickness of the dielectric sheet (461) at a level equivalent to the existing one. Accordingly, the current consumption applied to the Tx channel is reduced, and the detection performance of the digitizer (460) can be maintained at an equivalent level or improved. According to one embodiment, the digitizer (460) can reduce the first thickness (T1) while maintaining the second thickness (T2). Accordingly, the digitizer (460) can reduce the total thickness and help to slim down the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1a). Additionally, by placing a second plurality of conductive patterns (463) that are relatively thicker on a second layer (4613) located relatively far from the display panel (430), it can help improve visibility so that no trace of the step difference of the plurality of conductive patterns is visible from the outside of the display (e.g., the display (400) of FIG. 1a).

[0067] Referring to below, in the case of a conventional digitizer in which the thickness of the first plurality of conductive patterns (462) placed on the first layer (4612) and the second plurality of conductive patterns (463) placed on the second layer (4613) are the same, the total thickness is 97.5 μm, and the pattern resistance of the second plurality of conductive patterns (463) used as a Tx channel can be 3.282 Ω.

[0068] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, in the case where the total thickness of the digitizer (460) is reduced to 74.5 μm by reducing the first thickness (T1) of the first plurality of conductive patterns (462) disposed on the first layer (4612) to 7 μm compared to the existing thickness and maintaining the second thickness (T2) of the second plurality of conductive patterns (463) disposed on the second layer (4613) to the same as the existing thickness (Example 1), in the case where the total thickness of the digitizer (460) is reduced to 79 μm compared to the existing thickness by reducing the first thickness (T1) of the first plurality of conductive patterns (462) disposed on the first layer (4612) to 7 μm compared to the existing thickness and increasing the thickness of the second plurality of conductive patterns (463) disposed on the second layer (4613) to 22 μm (Example 2), or disposed on the first layer (4612) It can be seen that when the first thickness (T1) of the first plurality of conductive patterns (462) is reduced to 7 μm compared to the existing one, and the thickness of the second plurality of conductive patterns (463) placed on the second layer (4613) is increased to 25 μm, thereby reducing the total thickness of the digitizer (460) to 84 μm compared to the existing one (Example 3), pattern resistances equivalent to those of the existing digitizer are exhibited, such as 3.85 Ω, 3.578 Ω, and 3.254 Ω. In particular, in the case of Example 3, it can be seen that the pattern resistance is exhibited to be smaller while the total thickness is reduced compared to the existing digitizer. This means that the digitizer (460) can help to slim down the electronic device by reducing the overall thickness of the digitizer (460) or help to reduce current consumption by lowering the pattern resistance, by reducing the first thickness (T1) of the first plurality of conductive patterns (462) disposed in the first layer (4612) used as an Rx channel and appropriately adjusting the second thickness (T2) of the second plurality of conductive patterns (463) disposed in the second layer (4613) used as a Tx channel.

[0069]

[0071] FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a digitizer according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0072] According to various embodiments, in the case of a foldable electronic device (e.g., electronic device (100) of FIG. 1a) in which a first housing (e.g., first housing (110) of FIG. 1a) and a second housing (e.g., second housing (120) of FIG. 1a) are foldably coupled with respect to a folding axis (A) through a hinge device (e.g., hinge device (140) of FIG. 1b), if a dielectric sheet (e.g., dielectric sheet (461) of FIG. 4) is placed across from the first housing to the second housing, a problem of disconnection of a plurality of conductive patterns (e.g., a plurality of conductive patterns (462, 463) of FIG. 4) may occur due to fatigue accumulation in the bending area following frequent folding operations. To solve these problems, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1a) may include a digitizer (480) comprising a pair of dielectric sheets (481, 482) separated and disposed in corresponding areas of each housing.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 7, a digitizer (480) (e.g., digitizer (460) of FIG. 3) may include a first dielectric sheet (481) having a through hole (4801) disposed in an area (480a) corresponding to a first housing (e.g., first housing (110) of FIG. 1a) and a second dielectric sheet (482) disposed in an area (480b) corresponding to a second housing (e.g., second housing (120) of FIG. 1a). According to one embodiment, the digitizer (480) may include a first plurality of conductive patterns (4811) spaced apart at specified intervals in a first dielectric sheet (481) and arranged to have a length along a first direction (e.g., x-axis direction), and a second plurality of conductive patterns (4812) spaced apart at specified intervals and arranged to have a length along a second direction (e.g., y-axis direction) orthogonal to the first direction (e.g., x-axis direction). According to one embodiment, the digitizer (480) may include a third plurality of conductive patterns (4821) spaced apart at specified intervals in the second dielectric sheet (482) and arranged to have a length along a first direction (e.g., x-axis direction), and a fourth plurality of conductive patterns (4822) spaced apart at specified intervals and arranged to have a length along a second direction (e.g., y-axis direction) orthogonal to the first direction (e.g., x-axis direction). According to one embodiment, the digitizer (480) may include a first connector portion (4813) that is electrically connected to the first plurality of conductive patterns (4811) and the second plurality of conductive patterns (4812) and extends outwardly from the first dielectric sheet (481). According to one embodiment, the digitizer (480) may include a second connector portion (4814) that is electrically connected to a third plurality of conductive patterns (4821) and a fourth plurality of conductive patterns (4822) and extends outwardly from a second dielectric sheet (482). According to one embodiment, the first connector portion (4813) and the second connector portion (4814) may be electrically connected together to a substrate (160) placed in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1a).According to one embodiment, the first plurality of conductive patterns (4811) and the third plurality of conductive patterns (4821) may perform substantially the same function as the first plurality of conductive patterns (462) of FIG. 4 or have the same thickness. According to one embodiment, the second plurality of conductive patterns (4812) and the fourth plurality of conductive patterns (4822) may perform substantially the same function as the second plurality of conductive patterns (463) of FIG. 4 or have the same thickness.

[0075] FIG. 8a is a perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 8b is a rear perspective view of the electronic device of FIG. 8a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b, an electronic device (200) according to one embodiment may include a housing (210) comprising a first surface (or front) (210A), a second surface (or rear) (210B), and a side (210C) surrounding the space between the first surface (210A) and the second surface (210B). In other embodiments (not shown), the housing (210) may refer to a structure forming some of the first surface (210A), the second surface (210B), and the side (210C). According to one embodiment, the first surface (210A) may be formed by a front plate (202) (e.g., a glass plate or a polymer plate including various coating layers) in which at least a portion is substantially transparent. The second surface (210B) may be formed by a rear plate (211) that is substantially opaque. The rear plate (211) may be formed, for example, by coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the above materials. The side (210C) may be formed by a side bezel structure (or "side member") (218) comprising metal and / or polymer, which is combined with the front plate (202) and the rear plate (211). In some embodiments, the rear plate (211) and the side bezel structure (218) may be formed integrally and may comprise the same material (e.g., a metallic material such as aluminum).

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the front plate (202) may include a first region (210D) that curves seamlessly from the first surface (210A) toward the rear plate at both ends of the long edge of the front plate. In the illustrated embodiment (see FIG. 8b), the rear plate (211) may include a second region (210E) that curves seamlessly from the second surface (210B) toward the front plate at both ends of the long edge. In some embodiments, the front plate (202) or the rear plate (211) may include only one of the first region (210D) or the second region (210E). In some embodiments, the front plate (202) may not include the first region and the second region, but may include only a flat plane positioned parallel to the second surface (210B). In the above embodiments, when viewed from the side of the electronic device, the side bezel structure (218) may have a first thickness (or width) on the side that does not include the first region (210D) or the second region (210E) as above, and may have a second thickness that is thinner than the first thickness on the side that includes the first region (210D) or the second region (210E).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include at least one of a display (500), an input device (203), an audio output device (207, 214), a sensor module (204, 219), a camera module (205, 212, 213), a key input device (217), an indicator (not shown), and a connector (208). In some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may omit at least one of the components (e.g., a key input device (217), or an indicator) or additionally include other components.

[0079] The display (500) may be exposed, for example, through a substantial portion of the front plate (202). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the display (500) may be exposed through the front plate (202) forming the first surface (210A) and the first area (210D) of the side (210C). The display (500) may be combined with or placed adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of the touch, and / or a digitizer that detects a magnetic field-type stylus pen. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the sensor module (204, 219) and / or at least a portion of the key input device (217) may be placed in the first area (210D) and / or the second area (210E).

[0080] The input device (203) may include a microphone. In some embodiments, the input device (203) may include a plurality of microphones positioned to detect the direction of sound. The sound output device (207, 214) may include speakers. The speakers may include an external speaker (207) and a call receiver (214). In some embodiments, the microphone, speakers, and connector (208) are positioned in the space of the electronic device (200) and may be exposed to the external environment through at least one hole formed in the housing (210). In some embodiments, the hole formed in the housing (210) may be used for both the microphone and the speakers. In some embodiments, the sound output device (207, 214) may include a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) that operates with the hole formed in the housing (210) excluded.

[0081] The sensor module (204, 219) can generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device (200) or an external environmental state. The sensor module (204, 219) may include, for example, a first sensor module (204) (e.g., proximity sensor) and / or a second sensor module (not shown) (e.g., fingerprint sensor) disposed on a first surface (210A) of the housing (210), and / or a third sensor module (219) (e.g., HRM sensor) disposed on a second surface (210B) of the housing (210). The fingerprint sensor may be disposed on the first surface (210A) of the housing (210). The fingerprint sensor (e.g., ultrasonic or optical fingerprint sensor) may be disposed below the display (500) on the first surface (210A). The electronic device (200) may further include at least one of an unillustrated sensor module, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor (204).

[0082] The camera modules (205, 212, 213) may include a first camera device (205) disposed on a first surface (210A) of the electronic device (200), a second camera device (212) disposed on a second surface (210B), and / or a flash (213). The camera modules (205, 212) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. The flash (213) may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In some embodiments, two or more lenses (wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors may be disposed on one surface of the electronic device (200).

[0083] A key input device (217) may be placed on the side (210C) of the housing (210). In another embodiment, the electronic device (200) may not include some or all of the aforementioned key input devices (217), and the key input device (217) not included may be implemented in other forms, such as soft keys, on the display (500). In another embodiment, the key input device (217) may be implemented using a pressure sensor included in the display (500).

[0084] The indicator may be placed, for example, on a first surface (210A) of the housing (210). The indicator may, for example, provide status information of the electronic device (200) in the form of light. In another embodiment, the light-emitting element may, for example, provide a light source that is coupled with the operation of the camera module (205). The indicator may include, for example, an LED, an IR LED, and a xenon lamp.

[0085] The connector hole (208) may include a first connector hole (208) capable of accommodating a connector (e.g., a USB connector or an IF module (interface connector port module)) for transmitting and receiving power and / or data with an external electronic device, and / or a second connector hole (or earphone jack) capable of accommodating a connector for transmitting and receiving audio signals with an external electronic device.

[0086] Some of the camera modules (205, 212), some of the sensor modules (204, 219), or indicators may be positioned to be exposed through the display (500). For example, the camera module (205), sensor module (204), or indicator may be positioned to come into contact with the external environment through an opening or a transparent area perforated from the internal space of the electronic device (200) to the front plate (202) of the display (500). According to one embodiment, the area facing the display (500) and the camera module (205) may be formed as a transparent area having a certain transmittance as part of the area for displaying content. According to one embodiment, the transparent area may be formed to have a transmittance in the range of about 5% to about 20%. These transparent areas may include an area that overlaps with the effective area (e.g., field of view area) of the camera module (205) through which light passes to form an image with an image sensor to generate an image. For example, the transparent area of ​​the display (500) may include an area with a lower pixel density than the surrounding area. For example, the transparent area may replace the opening. For example, the camera module (205) may include an under-display camera (UDC). In another embodiment, some sensor modules (204) may be positioned to perform their functions without being visually exposed through the front plate (202) within the internal space of the electronic device. For example, in this case, the area of ​​the display (500) facing the sensor modules may not require a perforated opening.

[0088] FIG. 9 is an unfolded perspective view of the display of FIG. 8a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 9, the display (500) may include a polarizer (POL) (532) (e.g., polarizing film or polarizing layer) sequentially disposed on the back surface of a front cover (202) (e.g., front plate, glass plate, first cover member or cover member) via an adhesive member, a display panel (531), and at least one auxiliary material layer (540) attached to the back surface of the display panel (531). According to one embodiment, the adhesive member may include an optical clear adhesive (OCA), a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), a heat-reactive adhesive, a general adhesive, or double-sided tape. According to one embodiment, the display panel (531) and the POL (532) may be formed integrally.

[0090] According to various embodiments, the display (500) may include a control circuit (not shown). According to one embodiment, the control circuit may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) that electrically connects the main board (not shown) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 8a) and the display panel (531), and a display driver IC (DDI) mounted on the FPCB. According to one embodiment, the display (500) may additionally include a touch panel (533). According to one embodiment, if the display (500) operates as an in-cell or on-cell touch display depending on the placement location of the touch panel (533), the control circuit may include a touch display driver IC (TDDI). In another embodiment, the display (500) may include a fingerprint sensor (not shown) placed around the control circuit. According to one embodiment, the fingerprint sensor may include an ultrasonic or optical fingerprint sensor capable of recognizing a fingerprint of a finger that is in contact with or close to the outer surface of the front cover (202) through a hole formed at least partially in some of the components of the display (500).

[0091] According to various embodiments, at least one auxiliary material layer (540) may include at least one polymer member (541, 542) disposed on the back surface of a display panel (531), a digitizer (545) disposed on the back surface of at least one polymer member (541, 542), at least one functional member (543) disposed on the back surface of the digitizer (545), and a conductive member (544) disposed on the back surface of at least one functional member (543). According to one embodiment, at least one polymer member (541, 542) may include a light-blocking layer (541) (e.g., a black layer including a bumpy pattern) for removing bubbles that may occur between the display panel (531) and its lower attachments and for blocking light generated from the display panel (531) or light incident from the outside, and / or a cushioning layer (542) disposed for shock absorption. According to one embodiment, at least one functional member (543) may include a heat dissipation sheet for heat dissipation (e.g., a graphite sheet), an added display, a force touch FPCB, a fingerprint sensor FPCB, a communication antenna radiator, a conductive / non-conductive tape, or an open cell sponge. According to one embodiment, the conductive member (544) is a metal plate and may be used to help reinforce the rigidity of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (300) of FIG. 3), shield ambient noise, and dissipate heat emitted from surrounding heat dissipation components. According to one embodiment, the conductive member (544) may include Cu, Al, Mg, SUS, or CLAD (e.g., a laminated member in which SUS and Al are alternately arranged).

[0092] According to various embodiments, the digitizer (545) may include a plurality of conductive patterns (e.g., a plurality of conductive patterns (462, 463) of FIG. 4) stacked on a dielectric sheet (e.g., the dielectric sheet (461) of FIG. 4) according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Since the stacked structure of the digitizer (545) is substantially the same as the stacked structure of the digitizer (460) of FIG. 4 to 6, a detailed description thereof has been omitted. In some embodiments, the detection member (545) may be disposed between at least one polymer member (542) and a functional member (543). In some embodiments, the digitizer (545) may be disposed between a display panel (531) and at least one polymer member (541). In some embodiments, the digitizer (545) may be disposed on the back surface of a conductive member (544). In this case, the conductive member (544) may include a structure (e.g., a plurality of openings) for the detection function of the digitizer.

[0093] According to various embodiments, the auxiliary material layer (540) may include openings (5411, 5421, 5451, 5441) formed at positions corresponding to the camera module (e.g., the camera module (205) of FIG. 8a). According to one embodiment, the camera module (e.g., the camera module (205) of FIG. 8a) may be positioned to be close to the back surface of the display panel (531) through the openings (5411, 5421, 5451, 5441). According to one embodiment, the POL (532) or touch panel (533) positioned on the upper part of the display panel (531) may also include openings (5321, 5331) perforated at corresponding positions to prevent performance degradation of the camera module (e.g., the camera module (205) of FIG. 8a) due to refractive index. In some embodiments, the POL (532) and / or touch panel (533) may have a corresponding position with respect to the camera module (e.g., camera module (205) of FIG. 8a) made transparent or polarization characteristics may be removed. In some embodiments, the layers without openings (e.g., display panel (531)) and / or touch panel (533) may include a coating layer capable of index matching to minimize the difference in refractive index. According to one embodiment, the display (500) may include an unbreakable (UB) type OLED display (e.g., a curved display) or a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD).

[0095] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement relationship between a display and a conductive pattern according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0096] According to various embodiments, when a digitizer is placed at the bottom of a display panel and then modularized, a display driving signal may be introduced and affect the performance of the digitizer, or conversely, a digitizer driving signal may be introduced into the source line of the display panel and affect the operation of the device. In particular, if the Tx channel of the digitizer (e.g., driving channel) is positioned to have a length in the same direction as the source line of the display panel, it may be introduced into the display panel as noise and cause defects such as flicker. To reduce these problems, it may be advantageous for the source line of the display panel and the digitizer Tx channel to be set in different directions.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 10, the source line (1011) of the display panel (1010) (e.g., the display panel (430) of FIG. 3 or the display panel (531) of FIG. 9) may be arranged to have a length along a first direction (e.g., the y-axis direction). In this case, the conductive pattern (1021) (e.g., the second plurality of conductive patterns (463) of FIG. 4) used in the Tx channel of the digitizer (1020) (e.g., the digitizer (460) of FIG. 3 or the digitizer (545) of FIG. 9) may be arranged to have a length along a second direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., the y-axis direction), thereby minimizing mutual interference between the source line (1011) and the conductive pattern (1021) used as the Tx channel.

[0098] According to various embodiments, the stacked structure of the digitizer according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied not only to a foldable electronic device or a bar-type electronic device, but also to at least one electronic device among a rollable electronic device, a sliderable electronic device, a multi-foldable electronic device or a stretchable electronic device.

[0100] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1a or the electronic device (200) of FIG. 8a) comprises at least one housing (e.g., the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) of FIG. 1a or the housing (210) of FIG. 8a), a display panel (e.g., the display panel (430) of FIG. 6 or the display panel (531) of FIG. 9) disposed so as to be visible from the outside at least partially within the internal space of the at least one housing, and a digitizer (e.g., the digitizer (460) of FIG. 6, the digitizer (545) of FIG. 9 or the digitizer (1020) of FIG. 10) disposed below the display panel, wherein the digitizer comprises a dielectric sheet (e.g., the dielectric sheet (461) of FIG. 6) comprising a plurality of layers, and a first layer (e.g., the first layer (4612) of FIG. 6) of the dielectric sheet A first plurality of conductive patterns (e.g., the first plurality of conductive patterns (462) of FIG. 6) are arranged and have a length at specified intervals along a first direction (e.g., the x-axis direction of FIG. 6) and a second plurality of conductive patterns (e.g., the second plurality of conductive patterns (463) of FIG. 6) are arranged in a dielectric sheet that is different from the first layer and is arranged in a second layer (e.g., the second layer (4613) of FIG. 6) that is different from the first direction and have a length at specified intervals along a second direction (e.g., the y-axis direction of FIG. 6), and the thickness of the second plurality of conductive patterns (e.g., the second thickness (T2) of FIG. 6) can be formed to be relatively thicker than the thickness of the first plurality of conductive patterns (e.g., the first thickness (T1) of FIG. 6).

[0101] According to various embodiments, the second plurality of conductive patterns can be used as Tx channels of the digitizer.

[0102] According to various embodiments, the first plurality of conductive patterns and the second plurality of conductive patterns can be used as Rx channels of the digitizer.

[0103] According to various embodiments, the first layer may be disposed between the display panel and the second layer.

[0104] According to various embodiments, an insulating layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer may be further included.

[0105] According to various embodiments, the first layer comprises a first cover layer laminated through a first adhesive layer, and the thickness of the first adhesive layer may be at least 80% of the thickness of the first plurality of conductive patterns.

[0106] According to various embodiments, the second layer comprises a second cover layer laminated through a second adhesive layer, and the thickness of the second adhesive layer may be at least 80% of the thickness of the second plurality of conductive patterns.

[0107] According to various embodiments, the first plurality of conductive patterns may be arranged to be orthogonal to the second plurality of conductive patterns when the digitizer is viewed from above.

[0108] According to various embodiments, the display panel includes a source line (e.g., source line (1011) of FIG. 10) arranged to have a length along the first direction, and the second plurality of conductive patterns may be arranged to have a length along the second direction perpendicular to the first direction when the digitizer is viewed from above.

[0109] According to various embodiments, the at least one housing comprises a first housing and a second housing that is foldably coupled to the first housing through a hinge device, and the display panel and the digitizer may be positioned to correspond to at least a part of the second housing from at least a part of the first housing.

[0110] According to various embodiments, the device includes a polymer member disposed between the display panel and the digitizer and a support plate disposed between the polymer member and the digitizer, wherein the support plate may be formed of a non-metallic thin sheet material.

[0111] According to various embodiments, the support plate may include FRP (fiber reinforced plastics).

[0112] According to various embodiments, a polymer member disposed between the display panel and the digitizer may be included.

[0113] According to various embodiments, a digitizer (e.g., digitizer (460) of FIG. 6, digitizer (545) of FIG. 9, or digitizer (1020) of FIG. 10) comprises a dielectric sheet (e.g., dielectric sheet (461) of FIG. 6) comprising a plurality of layers, a first plurality of conductive patterns (e.g., first plurality of conductive patterns (462) of FIG. 6) disposed on a first layer (e.g., first layer (4612) of FIG. 6) of the dielectric sheet and arranged to have a length at a specified interval along a first direction (e.g., x-axis direction of FIG. 6), and a second plurality of conductive patterns (e.g., second layer (4613) of FIG. 6) disposed on a second layer different from the first layer in the dielectric sheet and arranged to have a length at a specified interval along a second direction different from the first direction (e.g., y-axis direction of FIG. 6). It includes a second plurality of conductive patterns (463), and the thickness of the second plurality of conductive patterns (e.g., the second thickness (T2) in FIG. 6) can be formed to be relatively thicker than the thickness of the first plurality of conductive patterns (e.g., the first thickness (T1) in FIG. 6).

[0114] According to various embodiments, the second plurality of conductive patterns can be used as Tx channels of the digitizer.

[0115] According to various embodiments, the first plurality of conductive patterns and the second plurality of conductive patterns can be used as Rx channels of the digitizer.

[0116] According to various embodiments, the digitizer is positioned below the display panel in the internal space of the electronic device, and the first layer may be positioned between the display panel and the second layer.

[0117] According to various embodiments, an insulating layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer may be further included.

[0118] According to various embodiments, the first plurality of conductive patterns may be arranged to be orthogonal to the second plurality of conductive patterns when the digitizer is viewed from above.

[0119] According to various embodiments, the display panel includes a source line arranged to have a length along the first direction, and the second plurality of conductive patterns may be arranged to have a length along the second direction perpendicular to the first direction when the digitizer is viewed from above.

[0120] Furthermore, the embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed in this specification and drawings are merely specific examples provided to facilitate the explanation of the technical content according to the embodiments of the present disclosure and to aid in understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be interpreted to include all modifications or variations derived based on the technical concept of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein. Explanation of the symbols

[0122] 100: Electronic device 400: Flexible display 430: Display panel 450: Support plate 460: Digitizer 461: Genome sheet 462: First Multiple Challenge Pattern 463: Second Multiple Challenge Pattern

Claims

Claim 1 An electronic device comprising: at least one housing; a display panel disposed in the internal space of the at least one housing so as to be visible from the outside at least partially; and a digitizer disposed below the display panel, wherein the digitizer comprises: a dielectric sheet comprising a plurality of layers; a first plurality of conductive patterns disposed on a first layer of the dielectric sheet and disposed to have a length at a specified interval along a first direction; and a second plurality of conductive patterns disposed on a second layer different from the first layer of the dielectric sheet and disposed to have a length at a specified interval along a second direction different from the first direction, wherein the second plurality of conductive patterns are used as Tx channels of the digitizer, wherein the second plurality of conductive patterns are disposed at a location further from the display panel than the first plurality of conductive patterns, and the thickness of the second plurality of conductive patterns is formed to be relatively thicker than the thickness of the first plurality of conductive patterns. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 In claim 1, the first plurality of conductive patterns are used as an Rx channel of the electronic device. Claim 4 In claim 1, the first layer is an electronic device disposed between the display panel and the second layer. Claim 5 An electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising an insulating layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer. Claim 6 An electronic device according to claim 1, comprising, in the first layer, a first cover layer laminated through a first adhesive layer, wherein the thickness of the first adhesive layer is at least 80% of the thickness of the first plurality of conductive patterns. Claim 7 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein in the second layer, a second cover layer laminated through a second adhesive layer, and the thickness of the second adhesive layer is at least 80% of the thickness of the second plurality of conductive patterns. Claim 8 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first plurality of conductive patterns are arranged to be orthogonal to the second plurality of conductive patterns when the digitizer is viewed from above. Claim 9 In claim 1, the display panel includes a source line arranged to have a length along the first direction, and the second plurality of conductive patterns are an electronic device arranged to have a length along the second direction perpendicular to the first direction when the digitizer is viewed from above. Claim 10 In claim 1, the at least one housing comprises a first housing and a second housing foldably coupled to the first housing through a hinge device, and the display panel and the digitizer are electronic devices arranged to correspond to at least a part of the second housing from at least a part of the first housing. Claim 11 An electronic device according to claim 10, comprising: a polymer member disposed between the display panel and the digitizer; and a support plate disposed between the polymer member and the digitizer, wherein the support plate is formed of a non-metallic thin-plate material. Claim 12 In claim 11, the support plate is an electronic device comprising FRP (fiber reinforced plastics). Claim 13 An electronic device comprising a polymer member disposed between the display panel and the digitizer in claim 1. Claim 14 A digitizer positioned below a display panel, comprising: a dielectric sheet including a plurality of layers; a first plurality of conductive patterns disposed on a first layer of the dielectric sheet and arranged to have a length at a specified interval along a first direction; and a second plurality of conductive patterns disposed on a second layer different from the first layer of the dielectric sheet and arranged to have a length at a specified interval along a second direction different from the first direction, wherein the second plurality of conductive patterns are used as Tx channels of the digitizer, wherein the second plurality of conductive patterns are disposed at a location further from the display panel than the first plurality of conductive patterns, and the thickness of the second plurality of conductive patterns is formed to be relatively thicker than the thickness of the first plurality of conductive patterns. Claim 15 delete Claim 16 In claim 14, the first plurality of conductive patterns are used as the Rx channel of the digitizer. Claim 17 In claim 14, the first layer is a digitizer disposed between the display panel and the second layer. Claim 18 A digitizer according to claim 14, further comprising an insulating layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer. Claim 19 In claim 14, the first plurality of conductive patterns are arranged to be orthogonal to the second plurality of conductive patterns when the digitizer is viewed from above. Claim 20 In claim 14, the display panel includes a source line arranged to have a length along the first direction, and the second plurality of conductive patterns are a digitizer arranged to have a length along the second direction perpendicular to the first direction when viewed from above.

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