Flexible display and electronic device comprising same

Abstract

A flexible display including a flexible region and a non-flexible region according to one embodiment may comprise: a glass member; a first coating part disposed to surround at least a portion of the surface, including the sides, of the glass member; a second coating part disposed to surround at least a portion of the surface, including the sides, of the first coating part and having a modulus value different from that of the first coating part; and a display panel disposed below the glass member.

Description

Flexible display and electronic device including the same

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a bendable flexible display and an electronic device including the same.

[0002] Recently, interest in flexible electronic devices (hereinafter referred to as flexible electronic devices), including flexible displays (hereinafter referred to as flexible displays), has been increasing. The window components used in flexible displays must not only ensure impact resistance through surface hardness and strength, but also ensure flexibility to prevent deformation when bent or folded.

[0003] The above information may be provided as background information to aid in understanding this document. None of the above is claimed to be prior art related to this document or can be used to determine prior art.

[0004] The glass member provided in the flexible display may use ultra-thin glass to ensure flexibility. Since ultra-thin glass lacks rigidity, the present disclosure provides a structure that complements the rigidity of the glass member and reduces the overall thickness of the flexible display.

[0005] According to one embodiment, a flexible display including a flexible region and a non-flexible region may include a glass member, a first coating portion arranged to surround at least a portion of a surface of the glass member including a side surface of the glass member, a second coating portion arranged to surround at least a portion of a surface of the first coating portion including a side surface of the first coating portion and having a different modulus value from that of the first coating portion, and a display panel arranged on a lower side of the glass member.

[0006] An electronic device according to one embodiment may include a first housing, a second housing movably coupled to the first housing, and a flexible display accommodated in the first housing and the second housing, the flexible display being configured to bend at least a portion thereof depending on a position of the second housing relative to the first housing. The flexible display may include a glass member, a first coating applied to surround at least a portion of a surface of the glass member including a side surface of the glass member, a second coating applied to surround at least a portion of a surface of the first coating including a side surface of the first coating and having a different modulus value from the first coating, and a display panel disposed on a lower side of the glass member.

[0007] According to various embodiments proposed in the present disclosure, a flexible display can minimize the amount of adhesive material by double-coating around a glass member, directly coating, and curing, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the flexible display.

[0008] According to various embodiments proposed in the present disclosure, by providing double coating protection to the side of a glass member in a flexible display, foreign substances entering the side can be blocked and breakage can be prevented.

[0009] According to various embodiments proposed in the present disclosure, a structure in which the vertical boundary surface among the contact surfaces between two coating layers with different refractive indices is placed under the printing layer can be provided in which the boundary surface is not visible from the outside.

[0010] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a foldable electronic device in an unfolding state according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 2b is a perspective view of a foldable electronic device in a folding state according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a laminated structure of a flexible display according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible display according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a glass assembly according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIGS. 7A to 7E are drawings illustrating a method for manufacturing a glass assembly of a flexible display according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible display according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible display according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible display according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible display according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIGS. 12A to 12C are cross-sectional views of a glass assembly according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIGS. 13A to 13C are cross-sectional views of a glass assembly according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIGS. 14A to 14C are cross-sectional views of a glass assembly according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIGS. 15A to 15C are cross-sectional views of a glass assembly according to one embodiment.

[0027] The accompanying drawings are referenced in the following description, and specific examples of implementations are illustrated within the drawings. Furthermore, other examples may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various examples.

[0028] The various embodiments used to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 15c below and in this patent document, are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure in any way. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the principles of the present disclosure can be implemented in any appropriately arranged system or device.

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of the electronic device (104) or the server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0031] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0032] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0033] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0034] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0035] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0036] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0037] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0038] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0039] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0040] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0041] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0042] The haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0043] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0044] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0045] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0046] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0047] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0048] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the at least one selected antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0049] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0050] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0051] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0052] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0053] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment. FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment. The electronic devices illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 3 are for illustrative purposes only, and the present disclosure is not limited by the drawings. The XYZ coordinate systems illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 3 are for illustrative purposes only, and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0054] An electronic device (200) (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include at least one pair of housings (210, 220). The pair of housings (210, 220) may be rotatably coupled to face each other and folded based on, for example, a hinge (e.g., hinge (240) of FIG. 3). For example, the pair of housings (210, 220) may include a first housing (210) and a second housing (220). The first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be arranged on both sides with a folding axis (F) as the center. One end region of the first housing (210) and one end region of the second housing (220) may be arranged side by side with the hinge (240) therebetween. The first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may have a shape symmetrical about a plane extending in the Z1-axis direction and including a folding axis (F). Here, the folding axis (F) may be an X1-direction axis formed by a hinge (240).

[0055] The first housing (210) may have substantially the same length (e.g., length in the Y1-axis direction) as the second housing (220), but is not limited thereto. The first housing (210) may have substantially the same width (e.g., width in the X1-axis direction) as the second housing (220), but is not limited thereto.

[0056] Hereinafter, the 'unfolding state' or 'flat state' may refer to a state in which the angle formed by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) is substantially 180 degrees. The 'folding state' or 'folded state' may refer to a state in which the angle formed by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) is substantially 0 degrees. The 'intermediate state' may refer to any state between the unfolding state and the folded state. In the electronic device (200), for example, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may rotate about the hinge (240) to form an angle of 0 to 180 degrees. In the electronic device (200), for example, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may rotate about a hinge (240) between 180 degrees and 360 degrees.

[0057] The first housing (210) may include a first surface (210a) and a second surface (210b). The first surface (210a) may be provided to face, for example, a first direction (e.g., a +Z1 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 that overlaps at least a portion of the flexible display (230). The second surface (210b) may be provided to face, for example, a second direction (e.g., a -Z1 axis direction). The second surface (210b) may be, for example, a surface on which the first rear cover (212) is disposed. The second surface (210b) may be parallel to the first surface (210a). The second surface (210b) may refer to a plane defined by, for example, the first rear cover (212).

[0058] The second housing (220) may include a third surface (220a) and a fourth surface (220b). The third surface (220a) may be provided to face, for example, a first direction (e.g., a +Z1 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 that overlaps at least a portion of the flexible display (230). The fourth surface (220b) may be provided to face, for example, a second direction (e.g., a -Z1 axis direction). The fourth surface (220b) may be, for example, a surface on which the 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 a plane defined by, for example, the second rear cover (222).

[0059] When the electronic device (200) is unfolded, the first side (210a) and the third side (220a) can be positioned within one arbitrary virtual plane (e.g., X1-Y1 plane). For example, the first side (210a) and the third side (220a) can form the same plane when the electronic device (200) is unfolded. For example, the first side (210a) and the third side (220a) can be arranged to form 180 degrees with respect to the X1-Y1 plane when the electronic device (200) is unfolded. When the electronic device (200) is unfolded, the second side (210b) and the fourth side (220b) can be positioned within another arbitrary virtual plane (e.g., X1-Y1 plane). For example, the second side (210b) and the fourth side (220b) can form the same plane when the electronic device (200) is unfolded. For example, the second side (210b) and the fourth side (220b) can be arranged to form 180 degrees with respect to the X1-Y1 plane in an unfolded state.

[0060] In a folded state of the electronic device (200), at least a part of the first side (210a) and at least a part of the third side (220a) may face each other. For example, in a folded state of the electronic device (200), the angle formed by the first side (210a) and the third side (220a) may be 0 degrees with respect to the X1-Y1 plane. As the electronic device (200) is folded from an unfolded state, the angle formed by the first side (210a) and the third side (220a) with respect to the X1-Y1 plane may gradually decrease. For example, in an intermediate state, the angle formed by the first side (210a) and the third side (220a) with respect to the X1-Y1 plane may be determined between about 0 degrees and about 180 degrees. In a folded state of the electronic device (200), the second side (210b) and the fourth side (220b) may be parallel to each other. For example, the second side (210b) and the fourth side (220b) may face opposite directions when the electronic device (200) is folded.

[0061] A pair of housings (210, 220) included in the electronic device (200) are not limited to the illustrated shape and combination, and may be implemented by a combination and / or combination of other shapes or parts.

[0062] The first housing (210) may include a first side frame (211). The first side frame (211) may constitute a side of the first housing (210). The first side frame (211) may constitute a portion of the exterior of the first housing (210). The first side frame (211) may be provided to protect components housed inside the electronic device (200) from the outside.

[0063] 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 longitudinal direction (e.g., a Y1-axis direction). The second side member (211b) may extend from the first side member (211a) in a substantially perpendicular direction (e.g., a X1-axis direction). The second side member (211b) may extend to have a second length that is the same as or different from the first length. The third side member (211c) may extend from the second side member (211b) in a substantially perpendicular direction (e.g., a Y1-axis direction). The third side member (211c) may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the first side member (211a). The third side member (211c) may have a first length along a first longitudinal direction (e.g., Y1-axis direction).

[0064] The first side member (211a), the second side member (211b), and the third side member (211c) may be arranged 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) may be formed as a curved surface. The first side frame (211) may be formed into a rectangular shape (e.g., a square or a rectangle) 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) may be formed integrally, but are not limited thereto.

[0065] The second housing (220) may include a second side frame (221). The second side frame (221) may constitute a side of the second housing (220). The second side frame (221) may constitute a part of the exterior of the second housing (220). The second side frame (221) may be provided to protect components housed inside the electronic device (200) from the outside.

[0066] 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 longitudinal direction (e.g., Y1-axis direction). The fifth side member (221b) may extend from the fourth side member (221a) in a substantially perpendicular direction (e.g., X1-axis direction). The fifth side member (221b) may extend to have a fourth length that is the same as or different from the third length. The sixth side member (221c) may extend from the fifth side member (221b) in a substantially perpendicular direction (e.g., Y1-axis direction). The sixth side member (221c) may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the fourth side member (221a). The sixth side member (221c) may have a third length along the first longitudinal direction (e.g., the Y1-axis direction).

[0067] The fourth side member (221a), the fifth side member (221b), and the sixth side member (221c) may be arranged 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) may be formed as a curved surface. The second side frame (221) may be formed into a rectangular shape (e.g., a square or a rectangle) by the fourth side member (221a), the fifth side member (221b), and the sixth side member (221c). The first length may be substantially the same as the third length. The second length may be substantially the same as the fourth length. The fourth side member (221a), the fifth side member (221b), and the sixth side member (221c) may be formed integrally, but is not limited thereto.

[0068] In the unfolded state of the electronic device (200), the first side member (211a) and the fourth side member (221a) may be positioned substantially in a straight line. In the unfolded state of the electronic device (200), the second side member (211b) and the fifth side member (221b) may be positioned parallel to each other. In the unfolded state of the electronic device (200), the third side member (211c) and the sixth side member (221c) may be positioned substantially in a straight line.

[0069] When the electronic device (200) is folded, the first side member (211a) and the fourth side member (221a) can be positioned to overlap each other. When the electronic device (200) is folded, the second side member (211b) and the fifth side member (221b) can be positioned to overlap each other. When the electronic device (200) is folded, the third side member (211c) and the sixth side member (221c) can be positioned to overlap each other.

[0070] 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 side (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 be formed integrally with the first side frame (211), for example.

[0071] 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 side (220b) of the second housing (220). The second rear cover (222) may be coupled to the second side frame (221). The second rear cover (222) may be formed integrally with the second side frame (221), for example.

[0072] The first rear cover (212) and / or the second rear cover (222) may be formed of, for example, at least one or a combination of coated or colored glass, ceramic, glassic, polymer, or metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium).

[0073] The electronic device (200) may include a flexible display (230) (e.g., a foldable display or display). The flexible display (230) may be arranged across a first housing (210), a hinge (240), and a second housing (220). The flexible display (230) may be arranged to extend from a first surface (210a) of the first housing (210) across the hinge (240) to at least a portion of a third surface (220a) of the second housing (220). The flexible display (230) may be arranged such that the first surface (210a) of the first housing (210) and the third surface (220a) of the second housing (220) overlap each other. The flexible display (230) may have a portion corresponding to the hinge (240) that may be bent in accordance with the rotation of the hinge (240).

[0074] The flexible display (230) can be arranged so as to be visible from the outside when in an unfolded state. The flexible display (230) can be arranged so as to be invisible from the outside when in a folded state.

[0075] The electronic device (200) 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 (200).

[0076] The electronic device (200) may include at least one of an input device (e.g., a microphone (203)), an audio output device (e.g., a call receiver (201) or a speaker (202)), 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) disposed in a first internal space (214) of a first housing (210) or a second internal space (224) of a second housing (220). The electronic device (200) may be configured such that at least one of the above-described components is omitted, or other components are additionally included.

[0077] The input device may include a plurality of microphones arranged to detect the direction of sound. The audio output device may include, for example, a call receiver (201) and a speaker (202). The audio output devices (201, 202) may be arranged to face the outside through at least one speaker hole formed in the first housing (210) or the second housing (220). The connector port (207) may be arranged to face the outside through a connector port hole formed in the first housing (210) or the second housing (220).

[0078] The sensor module (204) 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) can include at least one of a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a fingerprint recognition sensor, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, or a humidity sensor.

[0079] The camera module may include a first camera module (205) disposed on the front side (e.g., +Z1-axis direction side) of the electronic device (200) or a second camera module (208) disposed on the rear side (e.g., -Z1-axis direction side). The first camera module (205) and / or the second camera module (208) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. As an example, the first camera module (205) may be disposed under the flexible display (230) and configured to capture a subject through a portion of an active area of ​​the flexible display (230). A flash (209) may be positioned in the second camera module (208). The flash (209) may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp.

[0080] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a laminated structure of a flexible display according to one embodiment.

[0081] The flexible display (1000) illustrated in FIG. 4 may be at least partially similar to the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (230) of FIG. 2A) provided in the electronic device of FIG. 2A described above (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A).

[0082] According to one embodiment, electronic devices (200) having various form factors in which one housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 2A) moves relative to another housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 2A) may include a flexible display (1000) as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (1000) can be positioned to span at least the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). Accordingly, at least a portion of the flexible display (1000) can bend as the second housing (220) moves relative to the first housing (210).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (1000) may include a flexible region and a non-flexible region. The flexible region and the non-flexible region may be configured in various shapes and numbers depending on the form factor of the electronic device (200) on which the flexible display (1000) is to be mounted. The flexible region may refer to a region that is bent according to the electronic device (200). The non-flexible region may refer to a region other than the flexible region that is not bent or remains flat.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 4, the flexible display (1000) may include a protective member (1010) (e.g., a protective film), a glass assembly (1020), and a display panel (1030). According to one embodiment, the flexible display (1000) may be configured such that the protective member (1010), the glass assembly (1020), and the display panel (1030) are sequentially laminated from the upper side. Each component may be bonded by an adhesive member (P1, P2), but is not limited thereto.

[0086] The adhesive member (P1, P2) may include at least one of an optically clear adhesive film (OCA), an optically clear resin (OCR), a pressure sensitive adhesive film (PSA), a heat-reactive adhesive, a general adhesive, or a double-sided tape. The adhesive member (P1, P2) includes a photocurable adhesive material or a heat-curable adhesive material, and the material thereof is not particularly limited. The adhesive member (P1, P2) may include, for example, at least one of a first adhesive member (P1) provided to adhere the protective member (1010) and the glass assembly (1020), and a second adhesive member (P2) provided to adhere the glass assembly (1020) and the display panel (1030).

[0087] The configuration illustrated in FIG. 4 is an example for convenience of explanation, and the flexible display (1000) may further include additional configurations. For example, although not illustrated, various types of layers, such as a polarizer (e.g., a polarizing film) or a touch sensing layer, may be provided on the upper side of the display panel (1030). The touch sensing layer may be configured to obtain coordinate accuracy of an external input. The touch sensing layer may be, for example, a capacitive touch sensing member. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be replaced with a touch sensing layer of another type including two types of touch electrodes, such as an electromagnetic induction method.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the display panel (1030) may be disposed on the lower side of the glass assembly (1020). The display panel (1030) may be a display panel such as an organic light-emitting display panel, an electrophoretic display panel, an electrowetting display panel, or a quantum dot display panel, but the type thereof is not limited. The light-emitting layer of the organic light-emitting display panel may include an organic light-emitting material. The light-emitting layer of the quantum dot display panel may include quantum dots and quantum rods. The display panel (1030) may be formed so that at least a portion thereof is bendable. For example, the display panel (1030) may be formed so that at least a portion thereof is deformable.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the glass assembly (1020) may be placed on the display panel (1030). The glass assembly (1020) may be attached so as to be in direct contact with the display panel (1030). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various types of layers, such as a polarizing layer (not shown) or a touch sensing layer (not shown), may be provided between the glass assembly (1020) and the display panel (1030).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the glass assembly (1020) may include a printed layer (1021). The printed layer (1021) may be disposed on at least a portion of a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (1000) of FIG. 4). For example, the printed layer (1021) may be disposed near a corner of the glass assembly (1020). The printed layer (1021) may be disposed on an upper surface of the glass assembly (1020). According to one embodiment, the printed layer (1021) may be disposed along an edge of the glass assembly (1020) to have a shape that is approximately rectangular. For example, the printed layer (1021) may be formed along an edge of the glass assembly (1020). The printed layer (1021) may be disposed by impregnating or penetrating the upper surface of the glass assembly (1020).

[0091] According to one embodiment, the printed layer (1021) may be a border of a display area that is visible from the outside when the flexible display (1000) is placed on an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A). The printed layer (1021) may be formed along the border portion of the glass assembly (1020), but is not limited thereto. As an example, the printed layer (1021) may form, for example, a bezel pattern. The printed layer (1021) may be composed of, for example, a light-blocking material that does not transmit light.

[0092] The printed layer (1021) may be arranged so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with a display area that is visible from the outside when the flexible display (1000) is placed on the electronic device (200). For example, the printed layer (1021) may be exposed so that at least a portion thereof is visible from the outside when the flexible display (1000) is placed on the electronic device (200).

[0093] The printing layer (1021) may have a width of, for example, 1 mm or less, but is not limited thereto.

[0094] A detailed description of the glass assembly (1020) is described later in FIG. 5.

[0095] According to one embodiment, a protective member (1010) (e.g., a protective film) may be disposed on the uppermost layer of the flexible display (1000). The protective member (1010) may be disposed on the upper side of the glass assembly (1020) to protect a thin glass member (e.g., the glass member (1022) of FIG. 5), which is a component of the glass assembly (1020), from external impact. The protective member (1010) may protect the glass member (1022) from external impact and help prevent glass fragments from scattering when the glass member (1022) is broken.

[0096] The protective member (1010) and the glass assembly (1020) can be bonded by a first adhesive member (P1). As the protective member (1010) and the glass assembly (1020) are bonded to each other, the first adhesive member (P1) can be placed between the protective member (1010) and the glass assembly (1020).

[0097] According to one embodiment, the protective member (1010) may be detachably attached to the glass assembly (1020). If the protective member (1010) is damaged due to external impact or the like, a new protective member (1010) may be attached onto the glass assembly (1020). Accordingly, the adhesive strength of the first adhesive member (P1) may be weaker than the adhesive strength of the second adhesive member (P2).

[0098] According to one embodiment, the protective member (1010) may include, but is not limited to, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyimide (PI), and may include a material used in a polymer member described below.

[0099] Although not shown, a polymer member may be placed on the lower side of the display panel (1030). The polymer member may, for example, be applied with a dark color to aid in background display when the display is off. The polymer member may, for example, act as a buffer member to absorb impact from the outside of the electronic device and prevent damage to the flexible display (1000).

[0100] The polymer member may include a plastic film as a base layer. The polymer member may include a plastic film including any one selected from the group consisting of polyethersulfone (PES, polyethersulphone), polyacrylate (PAR, polyacrylate), polyetherimide (PEI, polyetherimide), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN, polyethylene naphthalate), polyethylene terephthalate (PET, polyethylene terephthalate), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS, polyphenylene sulfide), polyarylate, polyimide (PI, polyimide), polycarbonate (PC, polycarbonate), or a combination thereof.

[0101] Although not shown, a metal sheet layer may be disposed on the lower side of the display panel (1030). The metal sheet layer may help reinforce the rigidity of the electronic device. The metal sheet layer may be used, for example, to shield ambient noise and disperse heat emitted from surrounding heat-emitting components. The metal sheet layer may include at least one of STS (stainless steel), Cu, Al, or other alloy materials.

[0102] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible display according to one embodiment.

[0103] FIG. 5 may be a cross-sectional view for explaining the laminated structure of the flexible display (1000) of FIG. 4. The laminated structure of the flexible display (1000) of FIG. 5 is exemplary, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the illustrated laminated structure, and various types of layers, such as a polarizing layer and a touch sensing layer, may be additionally arranged between each configuration. Among the configurations illustrated in FIG. 5, the same reference numbers are used for configurations that are substantially the same or similar to the configuration described in FIG. 5.

[0104] The embodiment of FIG. 5 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 6 to 15c.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 5, a flexible display (1000) may have a glass assembly (1020) and a protective member (1010) sequentially laminated on a display panel (1030). The protective member (1010) may be laminated on the glass assembly (1020).

[0106] According to one embodiment, the glass assembly (1020) may include at least one of a printed layer (1021), a glass member (1022), a first coating portion (1023), or a second coating portion (1024).

[0107] According to one embodiment, the glass assembly (1020) may include a first surface (1020a) which is an upper surface, a second surface (1020b) which is a lower surface, and a third surface (1020c) which is a side connecting the first surface (1020a) and the second surface (1020b). The first surface (1020a) may be a surface to which the first adhesive member (P1) is adhered. The first surface (1020a) may be a surface facing the protective member (1010). The first surface (1020a) may be, for example, the same plane as the upper surface (1024a) of the second coating portion (1024), but is not limited thereto. The second surface (1020b) may be a surface to which the second adhesive member (P2) is adhered. The second surface (1020b) may be a surface facing the display panel (1030).

[0108] In one embodiment, the print layer (1021) may be disposed on the upper surface (1024a) of the second coating portion (1024). The print layer (1021) may be disposed along an edge of the second coating portion (1024) and may have an approximately rectangular shape. For example, the print layer (1021) may be formed along the edge of the second coating portion (1024).

[0109] According to one embodiment, the printed layer (1021) may be configured so as not to protrude from the first surface (10200a). The printed layer (1021) may be configured so that one surface facing upward is substantially flush with the first surface (1020a) of the glass assembly (1020). The printed layer (1021) may be arranged, for example, by impregnating or penetrating the second coating portion (1024) so ​​as not to protrude upward. The one surface facing upward of the printed layer (1021) may be configured so as to be substantially flush with the upper surface of the second coating portion (1024). A configuration (e.g., hard coating layer (1025)) that is disposed or attached on the second coating portion (1024) by impregnating or penetrating the printed layer (1021) into the second coating portion (1024) can be provided on the first surface (1020a) of the flat glass assembly (1020).

[0110] According to one embodiment, when the printing layer (1021) is placed on the second coating portion (1024), bubbles or the like may be generated due to the step difference between the printing layer (1021) and the second coating portion (1024), which may cause defects or damage. In the case of the present disclosure, the step difference between the printing layer (1021) and the hard coating layer (1025) can be eliminated by placing the printing layer (1021) so as to overlap the second coating portion (1024) in a substantially horizontal direction.

[0111] In one embodiment, the printing layer (1021) is impregnated or penetrated into the second coating portion (1024), so that a step may be formed in relation to the second coating portion (1024). This step may cause bubbles to be generated, which may reduce the durability of the flexible display (1000). For example, in order to prevent bubbles from being generated between the printing layer (1021) and the second coating portion (1024), the thickness of the printing layer (1021) may be 5 microns or less, but is not limited thereto.

[0112] In one embodiment, the glass member (1022) may include an upper surface (1022a), a lower surface (1022b) facing in an opposite direction from the upper surface (1022a), and a side surface (1022c) connecting the upper surface (1022a) and the lower surface (1022b). The lower surface (1022b) of the glass member (1022) may form, for example, but is not limited to, a portion of the second surface (1020b) of the glass assembly (1020).

[0113] The glass member (1022) may have at least a portion of its surface covered by the first coating portion (1023). For example, a portion of the first coating portion (1023) may be attached or bonded to a side surface (1022c) of the glass member (1022). As illustrated, the first coating portion (1023) may be attached or bonded to the upper surface (1022a) of the glass member (1022). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first coating portion (1023) may also be attached or bonded to the lower surface (1022b) of the glass member (1022).

[0114] In one embodiment, the glass member (1022) may have a smaller planar area than the display panel (1030) or the protective member (1010). For example, the area of ​​the upper surface (1022a) of the glass member (1022) may be smaller than the area of ​​the display panel (1030) or the protective member (1010). When the first coating portion (1023) and the second coating portion (1024) are omitted, the glass member (1022) may have a stepped structure in which a side surface (or edge) is recessed inwardly with respect to the edge of the display panel (1010) and the edge of the protective member (1010) due to the difference in area. For example, a groove may be formed between the edge of the display panel (1030) and the edge of the protective member (1010) due to the difference in area of ​​the glass member (1022). If a foreign substance of a microscopic size is introduced into the inwardly sunken step structure (or groove), the glass member (1022) may be damaged. In the present disclosure, the side surface (1022c) of the glass member (1022) is wrapped with the first coating portion (1023), thereby preventing damage to the glass member (1022).

[0115] According to one embodiment, the glass member (1022) may be provided to protect the display panel (1030) from external impact. The glass member (1022) may transmit an image from the display panel (1030) while simultaneously mitigating external impact, thereby preventing the display panel from being damaged or malfunctioning due to external impact. Here, the external impact may refer to a force applied from the outside, such as pressure or stress, that causes damage to the display panel (1030).

[0116] In one embodiment, the glass member (1022) may have a thickness of, but is not limited to, 20 micrometers to 150 micrometers. As an example, the glass member (1022) may have a thickness of 25 micrometers to 35 micrometers. The glass member (1022) may include ultra-thin glass (UTG) or polyimide (PI).

[0117] According to one embodiment, the first coating portion (1023) may be arranged to surround a side surface (1022c) of the glass member (1022). A portion of the first coating portion (1023) may be bonded to the side surface (1022c) of the glass member (1022). The first coating portion (1023) may be arranged to surround at least a portion of a surface of the glass member (1022), including the side surface of the glass member (1022).

[0118] The first coating portion (1023) may be positioned so that a portion thereof is in contact with at least one of the upper surface (1022a) or the lower surface (1022b) of the glass member (1022). A portion of the first coating portion (1023) may be bonded or attached to the upper surface (1022a) or the lower surface (1022b) of the glass member (1022). For example, when a portion of the first coating portion (1023) is positioned on the upper surface (1022a) and the lower surface (1022b) of the glass member (1022), the first coating portion (1023) may be positioned so as to cover all surfaces of the glass member (1022).

[0119] According to one embodiment, the first coating portion (1023) may include a first coating upper surface (1023a), a first coating lower surface (1023b) facing the opposite side of the first coating upper surface (1023a), a first-first coating side surface (1023c) (or outer surface) extending in a vertical direction from an edge of the first coating upper surface (1023a), and a first-second coating side surface (1023d) (or inner surface) extending in a vertical direction from an edge of the first coating lower surface (1023b). The area of ​​the first coating upper surface (1023a) may be greater than the area of ​​the first coating lower surface (1023b). The first-first coating side surface (1023c) may be substantially parallel to the first-second coating side surface (1023d). The first-first coating side (1023c) and the first-second coating side (1023d) may extend in a direction substantially parallel to a direction perpendicular to the front surface of the flexible display (1000). The first-first coating side (1023c) may be positioned further outward than the first-second coating side (1023d).

[0120] The first coating upper surface (1023a) may be a surface that comes into contact with the second coating portion (1024). For example, the first coating upper surface (1023a) may come into contact with the second coating lower surface (1024b) of the second coating portion (1024).

[0121] The first coating surface (1023b) may be a surface that comes into contact with the glass member (1022). For example, the first coating surface (1023b) may come into contact with the upper surface (1022a) of the glass member (1022).

[0122] The first-first coating side (1023c) may be a side that comes into contact with the second coating portion (1024). For example, the first-first coating side (1023c) may come into contact with the second-second coating side (1024d) of the second coating portion (1024).

[0123] The first-second coating side (1023d) may be a side in contact with the glass member (1022). For example, the first-second coating side (1023d) may be in contact with the side (1022c) of the glass member (1022).

[0124] According to one embodiment, the refractive index of the first coating portion (1023) may be substantially the same as the refractive index of the glass member (1022). The first coating portion (1023) may be refractive index-matched to the glass member (1022). By matching the refractive index of the first coating portion (1023) and the refractive index of the glass member (1022), the boundary between the first coating portion (1023) and the glass member (1022) may be prevented from being visible from the outside. For example, the boundary formed on the side surface (1022c) of the glass member (1022), which is a portion extending approximately perpendicularly to the front surface of the flexible display (1000), may be prevented from being visible from the outside through the refractive index matching of the first coating portion (1023) and the glass member (1022).

[0125] In one embodiment, the first coating portion (1023) and the second coating portion (1024) may have different elastic moduli (modulus values). In one embodiment, the first coating portion (1023) may have a relatively smaller modulus value than the second coating portion (1024). The first coating portion (1023) may, for example, have relatively more flexible performance than the second coating portion (1024).

[0126] According to one embodiment, the first coating portion (1023) may be made of an elastic material. For example, the first coating portion (1023) may include, but is not limited to, an acrylic, urethane, or silicone material. Due to the elasticity of the first coating portion (1023), the glass assembly (1020) may secure bending durability. Bending durability may refer to a performance that does not become damaged even when the flexible display (1000) is repeatedly bent. The first coating portion (1023) may be, for example, OCR (OPTICALLY CLEAR RESIN). The first coating portion (1023) may be referred to as, for example, a first coating layer or a first elastic coating layer.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the second coating portion (1024) may be arranged to surround a side surface (e.g., the 1-1 coating side surface (1023c) or outer surface) of the first coating portion (1023). A portion of the second coating portion (1024) may be bonded to a side surface (e.g., the 1-1 coating side surface (1023c) or outer surface) of the first coating portion (1023). The second coating portion (1024) may be arranged to surround a surface including a side surface (e.g., the 1-1 coating side surface (1023c) or outer surface) of the first coating portion (1023).

[0128] The second coating portion (1024) may be positioned so that a portion thereof is in contact with the first coating upper surface (1023a) of the first coating portion (1023). A portion of the second coating portion (1024) may be bonded or attached to the first coating upper surface (1023a) of the first coating portion (1023). For example, unlike the drawing, the second coating portion (1024) may be positioned so as to completely surround the outer surface of the first coating portion (1023) and the glass member (1022).

[0129] According to one embodiment, the second coating portion (1024) may include a second coating upper surface (1024a), a second coating lower surface (1024b) facing the opposite side of the second coating upper surface (1024a), a second-first coating side surface (1024c) (or outer surface) extending in a vertical direction from an edge of the second coating upper surface (1024a), and a second-second coating side surface (1024d) (or inner surface) extending in a vertical direction from an edge of the second coating lower surface (1024b). The area of ​​the second coating upper surface (1024a) may be greater than the area of ​​the second coating lower surface (1024b). The second-first coating side surface (1024c) may be substantially parallel to the second-second coating side surface (1024d). The second-first coating side (1024c) and the second-second coating side (1024d) may extend in a direction substantially parallel to a direction perpendicular to the front surface of the flexible display (1000). The second-first coating side (1024c) may be positioned further outward than the second-second coating side (1024d).

[0130] The second coating upper surface (1024a) may be a surface that comes into contact with the hard coating layer (1025). For example, the second coating upper surface (1024a) may be substantially the same portion as the first surface (1020a) of the glass assembly (1020).

[0131] The second coating surface (1024b) may be a surface that comes into contact with the first coating portion (1023). For example, the second coating surface (1024b) may come into contact with the first coating upper surface (1023a) of the first coating portion (1023).

[0132] The second-first coating side (1024c) may be the outermost side of the glass assembly (1020). For example, the second-first coating side (1024c) may be substantially the same portion as the third side (1020c) of the glass assembly (1020).

[0133] The second-second coating side (1024d) may be a side that comes into contact with the first coating portion (1023). For example, the second-second coating side (1024d) may come into contact with the first-first coating side (1023c) of the first coating portion (1023).

[0134] According to one embodiment, the second coating portion (1024) may have a relatively greater modulus value than the first coating portion (1023). The second coating portion (1024) may, for example, have a relatively greater rigidity than the first coating portion (1023). The second coating portion (1024) may be arranged to surround the first coating upper surface (1023a) and the 1-1 coating side surface (1023c) of the first coating portion (1023), thereby protecting the first coating portion (1023) and the glass member (1022) arranged within the second coating portion (1024) from external impact.

[0135] A relatively greater adhesive force may be formed between the second coating portion (1024) and the first coating portion (1023) having a relatively smaller modulus value. Due to this adhesive force, a phenomenon in which external foreign substances are attached to the first coating portion (1023) and damage the glass assembly (1020) may occur. When the second coating portion (1024) surrounds the outer surface of the first coating portion (1023), the first coating portion (1023) is spatially separated from the external air layer, thereby preventing damage to the first coating portion (1023) by foreign substances. For example, the second coating portion (1024) may have a modulus of 0.1 MPa or more.

[0136] According to one embodiment, a second coating portion (1024) having a relatively larger modulus value than the first coating portion (1023) wraps around the outer surface of the first coating portion (1023), so that the second coating portion (1024) can restrain deformation of the first coating portion (1023).

[0137] According to one embodiment, the second coating portion (1024) may be made of an elastic material. For example, the second coating portion (1024) may include, but is not limited to, an acrylic, urethane, or silicone material. Due to the elasticity of the second coating portion (1024), the glass assembly (1020) may secure bending durability. Bending durability may refer to a performance that does not become damaged even when the flexible display (1000) is repeatedly bent. The second coating portion (1024) may be, for example, OCR (OPTICALLY CLEAR RESIN). The second coating portion (1024) may be referred to as, for example, a second coating layer or a second elastic coating layer.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the 1-1 coating side (1023c) (e.g., the outer side) of the first coating portion (1023) may be arranged to overlap vertically with respect to the printing layer (1021). The 1-1 coating side (1023c) (e.g., the outer side) of the first coating portion (1023) may be arranged so as to be covered by the printing layer (1021) and not be visible from the outside. The 1-1 coating side (1023c) (e.g., the outer side) of the first coating portion (1023) may be an interface that comes into contact with the 2-2 coating side (1024d) (e.g., the inner side) of the second coating portion (1024), and may be a surface substantially parallel to a direction perpendicular to the front surface of the flexible display (1000).

[0139] Since the first coating portion (1023) and the second coating portion (1024) have different roles and are configured with different modulus values, there may be a difference in the refractive index of the first coating portion (1023) and the second coating portion (1024). Due to the difference in the refractive index of the first coating portion (1023) and the second coating portion (1024), there is a problem that the 1-1 coating side surface (1023c) (e.g., the outer surface) of the first coating portion (1023) is visible from the outside, thereby reducing the aesthetic appeal. In the present disclosure, the 1-1 coating side surface (1023c) (e.g., the outer surface) of the first coating portion (1023) is positioned to overlap vertically with respect to the printing layer (1021), thereby preventing the boundary surface from being visible from the outside.

[0140] According to one embodiment, a surface substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the flexible display (1000) among the surfaces where the first coating portion (1023) and the second coating portion (1024) come into contact may be arranged to overlap with the printing layer (1021). According to one embodiment, the printing layer (1021) may be arranged to overlap with a surface substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the flexible display (1000) among the surfaces where the first coating portion (1023) and the second coating portion (1024) come into contact. According to one embodiment, the printing layer (1021) may be arranged to allow a virtual plane including a surface substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the flexible display (1000) among the surfaces where the first coating portion (1023) and the second coating portion (1024) come into contact to penetrate therethrough.

[0141] According to one embodiment, a surface extending substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the flexible display (1000) among the surfaces where the first coating portion (1023) and the second coating portion (1024) come into contact (e.g., the first-first side surface (1023c) of the first coating portion (1023) (e.g., the outer side surface) or the second-second side surface (1024d) of the second coating portion (1024) (e.g., the inner side surface)) may be arranged to overlap the printing layer (1021) vertically.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the 2-2 coating side (1024d) (e.g., the inner side) of the second coating portion (1024) may be arranged to overlap vertically with respect to the printing layer (1021). According to one embodiment, the printing layer (1021) may be arranged to overlap vertically with respect to the 1-1 coating side (1023c) (e.g., the outer side) of the first coating portion (1023). According to one embodiment, the printing layer (1021) may be arranged to overlap vertically with respect to the 2-2 coating side (1024d) (e.g., the inner side) of the second coating portion (1024).

[0143] According to one embodiment, the first coating portion (1023) and the second coating portion (1024) may be composed of a hyperelastic material. In the present disclosure, by double-coating the first coating portion (1023) and the second coating portion (1024) with different modulus values, the wrinkle phenomenon occurring in the bending (rolling or folding) portion can be improved.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the glass assembly (1020) may further include a hard coating layer (1025). The hard coating layer (1025) may be disposed on the glass assembly (1020) to protect a surface of the glass assembly (1020). For example, the hard coating layer (1025) may be disposed on the second coating portion (1024) to protect a surface of the second coating portion (1024). The hard coating layer (1025) may be made of a transparent material. According to one embodiment, the configuration of the hard coating layer (1025) may be omitted.

[0145] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a glass assembly according to one embodiment.

[0146] The glass assembly (1020) of FIG. 6 may be included in the flexible display of FIGS. 4 and 5 (e.g., the flexible display (1000) of FIG. 4). The same reference numbers are used for configurations of the glass assembly (1020) illustrated in FIG. 6 that are substantially the same or similar to those of the glass assembly (1020) of FIG. 5.

[0147] The embodiment of FIG. 6 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIG. 5 and FIGS. 8 to 15c.

[0148] Referring to FIG. 6, the glass assembly (1020) may include a printed layer (1200) having a multi-stage structure. The printed layer (1200) having a multi-stage structure may be configured so that the width thereof gradually narrows as it moves away from the first surface (1020a) of the glass assembly (1020). The printed layer (1200) having a multi-stage structure may be configured so that the width thereof gradually narrows as it moves away from the second coating upper surface (1024a) of the second coating portion (1024). By forming a multi-stage structure as illustrated, the size of each step can be reduced, thereby reducing the situation in which empty spaces or bubbles are formed between the printed layer (1200) and the second coating portion (1024) due to the steps.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the printing layer (1200) may include a first printing layer (1210), a second printing layer (1220), and a third printing layer (1230). For example, the first printing layer (1210), the second printing layer (1220), and the third printing layer (1230) may have different widths. The first printing layer (1210) may have a wider width than the second printing layer (1220). The second printing layer (1220) may have a wider width than the third printing layer (1230). The size or length of the first printing layer (1210), the second printing layer (1220), or the third printing layer (1230) is not limited to that illustrated, and may have various sizes, lengths, or thicknesses. For example, at least two of the first printing layer (1210), the second printing layer (1220), or the third printing layer (1230) may have the same size or length.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the first printing layer (1210), the second printing layer (1220), or the third printing layer (1230) may be composed of the same material. However, this is not limited thereto, and the materials of each of the first printing layer (1210), the second printing layer (1220), or the third printing layer (1230) may be formed differently, or at least part of the materials may be formed of the same composition.

[0151] The three-stage structured printing layer (1200) illustrated in Fig. 6 is exemplary and is not limited thereto. For example, the multi-stage structured printing layer (1200) may have a two-stage structure or a four-stage or more structure.

[0152] A first printed layer (1210), a second printed layer (1220), and a third printed layer (1230) may be sequentially arranged from a first surface (1020a) of a glass assembly (1020). The first printed layer (1210), the second printed layer (1220), and the third printed layer (1230) may have a top-bottom stacked structure.

[0153] FIGS. 7A to 7E are drawings illustrating a method for manufacturing a glass assembly of a flexible display according to one embodiment.

[0154] The glass assembly (1020) manufactured by the process illustrated in FIGS. 7A to 7E may be substantially identical or similar to the glass assembly (1020) illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. Among the configurations of the glass assembly (1020) illustrated in FIGS. 7A to 7E, the same reference numbers are used for configurations that are substantially identical or similar to the configurations of the glass assembly (1020) illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0155] Referring to FIG. 7a, a glass member (1022) can be attached to a release film (700). The release film (700) can be provided to prevent damage, such as scratches, from occurring on the surface of the glass member (1022) during the manufacturing process.

[0156] Referring to FIG. 7b, a first coating portion (1023) may be applied and cured on the outer side of a glass member (1022). A release film (700) may be attached to the first coating portion (1023) to protect the first coating upper surface (1023a) of the first coating portion (1023). The first coating portion (1023) may be applied, for example, to cover the upper surface and the layer surface of the glass member (1022). After the curing of the first coating portion (1023) is completed, the outer surface of the first coating portion (1023) may be etched using a laser or the like. The outer surface of the first coating portion (1023) may be etched to form a vertical surface.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 7c, a second coating portion (1024) may be applied to the outside of the first coating portion (1023). The second coating portion (1024) may be applied, for example, to surround the upper surface and the outer surface of the first coating portion (1023).

[0158] Referring to FIG. 7d, a hard coating layer (1025) having a printed layer (1021) printed thereon may be loaded or placed on a second coating portion (1024). When the printed layer (1021) is printed on the hard coating layer (1025) and then placed on the second coating portion (1024), the printed layer (1021) may be impregnated or penetrated into the second coating portion (1024) that has not yet been cured. Thereafter, when the second coating portion (1024) is cured, the printed layer (1021) may be cured while being impregnated or penetrated into the second coating portion (1024). At this time, the hard coating layer (1025) may be in the form of a film.

[0159] Referring to FIG. 7e, after the second coating portion (1024) is cured, the outer surface of the second coating portion (1024) can be punched. By punching the outer surface of the second coating portion (1024), a vertical side surface can be formed.

[0160] In the present disclosure, the glass member (1022), the first coating member (1023), and the second coating member (1024) are manufactured by direct coating and curing, thereby eliminating the need for a separate adhesive member between each member. Accordingly, the overall thickness of the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (1000) of FIG. 4) can be reduced.

[0161] A glass assembly (1020) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is manufactured by the process of FIGS. 7A to 7E, and by double-coating the side surface of a glass member (1022) using a first coating portion (1023) and a second coating portion (1024), the side surface portion vulnerable to breakage of the glass member (1022) can be protected.

[0162] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible display according to one embodiment.

[0163] The flexible display (1000-1) of FIG. 8 may be included or placed in the electronic device of FIG. 2A (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A). The glass assembly (1020-1) of FIG. 8 may be included in the flexible display of FIGS. 4 and 5 (e.g., the flexible display (1000) of FIG. 4). However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0164] Among the configurations illustrated in FIG. 8, the same reference numbers are used for configurations that are substantially the same or similar to the configurations of the flexible displays of FIGS. 4 and 5 (e.g., the flexible display (1000) of FIG. 4).

[0165] The embodiment of FIG. 8 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 5 to 7e. The embodiment of FIG. 8 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 9 to 15c.

[0166] According to one embodiment, a flexible display (1000-1) may have a glass assembly (1020-1) and a protective member (1010) sequentially laminated on a display panel (1030). The protective member (1010) may be laminated on the glass assembly (1020-1).

[0167] According to one embodiment, the glass assembly (1020-1) may include at least one of a printed layer (1021), a glass member (1022), a first coating portion (1023-1), or a second coating portion (1024-1). The glass assembly (1020-1) may include, for example, a multi-stage printed layer (1200) as illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0168] In one embodiment, the glass member (1022) may include an upper surface (1022a), a lower surface (1022b) facing in an opposite direction from the upper surface (1022a), and a side surface (1022c) connecting the upper surface (1022a) and the lower surface (1022b). The lower surface (1022b) of the glass member (1022) may form, for example, but is not limited to, a portion of the second surface (1020b) of the glass assembly (1020-1).

[0169] The glass member (1022) may have at least a portion of its surface covered by the first coating portion (1023-1). For example, a portion of the first coating portion (1023-1) may be attached or bonded to a side surface (1022c) of the glass member (1022). As illustrated, the first coating portion (1023-1) may be attached or bonded to a lower surface (1022b) of the glass member (1022). The first coating portion (1023-1) may be positioned so that a portion thereof is in contact with the lower surface (1022b) of the glass member (1022). Unlike illustrated in FIG. 5, the first coating portion (1023-1) is applied to the lower surface (1022b) of the glass member (1022) rather than the upper surface (1022a), thereby alleviating an impact applied from the lower side of the glass member (1022).

[0170] In one embodiment, the glass member (1022) may have a thickness of, but is not limited to, 20 micrometers to 150 micrometers. As an example, the glass member (1022) may have a thickness of 25 micrometers to 35 micrometers. The glass member (1022) may include ultra-thin glass (UTG) or polyimide (PI).

[0171] According to one embodiment, the first coating portion (1023-1) may be arranged to surround a side surface (1022c) of the glass member (1022). A portion of the first coating portion (1023-1) may be bonded to the side surface (1022c) of the glass member (1022). The first coating portion (1023-1) may be arranged to surround at least a portion of a surface of the glass member (1022), including the side surface of the glass member (1022).

[0172] According to one embodiment, the refractive index of the first coating portion (1023-1) may be substantially the same as the refractive index of the glass member (1022). The first coating portion (1023-1) may be refractive index-matched to the glass member (1022). By matching the refractive index of the first coating portion (1023-1) and the refractive index of the glass member (1022), the boundary between the first coating portion (1023-1) and the glass member (1022) may be prevented from being visible from the outside. For example, the boundary formed on the side surface (1022c) of the glass member (1022), which is a portion extending approximately perpendicularly to the front surface of the flexible display (1000-1), may be prevented from being visible from the outside through the refractive index matching of the first coating portion (1023-1) and the glass member (1022).

[0173] In one embodiment, the first coating portion (1023-1) and the second coating portion (1024-1) may have different modulus values. In one embodiment, the first coating portion (1023-1) may have a relatively smaller modulus value than the second coating portion (1024-1). The first coating portion (1023-1) may, for example, have relatively more flexible performance than the second coating portion (1024-1).

[0174] According to one embodiment, the first coating portion (1023-1) may be made of an elastic material. For example, the first coating portion (1023-1) may include, but is not limited to, an acrylic, urethane, or silicone material. Due to the elasticity of the first coating portion (1023-1), the glass assembly (1020-1) may secure bending durability. Bending durability may refer to a performance that does not cause damage even when the flexible display (1000-1) is repeatedly bent. The first coating portion (1023-1) may be, for example, OCR (OPTICALLY CLEAR RESIN). The first coating portion (1023-1) may be referred to as, for example, a first coating layer or a first elastic coating layer.

[0175] In one embodiment, the second coating portion (1024-1) may be arranged to surround the outer surface of the first coating portion (1023-1). A portion of the second coating portion (1024-1) may be bonded or adhered to the outer surface of the first coating portion (1023-1). For example, the second coating portion (1024-1) may be arranged to surround the upper surface and the outer surface of the first coating portion (1023-1).

[0176] In one embodiment, the second coating portion (1024-1) may have a relatively greater modulus value than the first coating portion (1023-1). The second coating portion (1024-1) may, for example, have a relatively greater rigidity than the first coating portion (1023-1).

[0177] The first coating portion (1023-1) having a relatively smaller modulus value may have adhesive strength. This adhesive strength may cause external foreign substances to attach to the first coating portion (1023-1) and damage the glass assembly (1020-1). When the second coating portion (1024-1) surrounds the outer periphery of the first coating portion (1023-1), the first coating portion (1023-1) can be spatially separated from the external air layer, thereby preventing damage caused by foreign substances. For example, the second coating portion (1024-1) may have a modulus of 0.1 MPa or more.

[0178] According to one embodiment, the second coating portion (1024-1) having a relatively larger modulus value wraps around the outer surface of the first coating portion (1023-1), so that the second coating portion (1024-1) can restrain the deformation of the first coating portion (1023-1).

[0179] According to one embodiment, the second coating portion (1024-1) may be made of an elastic material. For example, the second coating portion (1024-1) may include, but is not limited to, an acrylic, urethane, or silicone material. Due to the elasticity of the second coating portion (1024-1), the glass assembly (1020-1) may secure bending durability. Bending durability may refer to a performance that is not damaged even when the flexible display (1000-1) is repeatedly bent. The second coating portion (1024-1) may be, for example, OCR (OPTICALLY CLEAR RESIN). The second coating portion (1024-1) may be referred to as, for example, a second coating layer or a second elastic coating layer.

[0180] According to one embodiment, the first coating portion (1023-1) and the second coating portion (1024-1) may be composed of a hyperelastic material. In the present disclosure, by double-coating the first coating portion (1023-1) and the second coating portion (1024-1) with different modulus values, the wrinkle phenomenon occurring in the bending (rolling or folding) portion can be improved.

[0181] According to one embodiment, the outer surface of the first coating portion (1023-1) may be arranged to overlap the printing layer (1021) vertically. The outer surface of the first coating portion (1023-1) may be arranged so as to be covered by the printing layer (1021) and not be visible from the outside. The outer surface of the first coating portion (1023-1) may be a boundary surface that comes into contact with the inner surface of the second coating portion (1024-1), and may be a surface that is substantially parallel to a direction perpendicular to the front surface of the flexible display (1000-1). Since the first coating portion (1023-1) and the second coating portion (1024-1) have different roles and different modulus values, there may be a difference in the refractive index of the first coating portion (1023-1) and the second coating portion (1024-1). Due to the difference in refractive index between the first coating portion (1023-1) and the second coating portion (1024-1), there is a problem in that the outer surface of the first coating portion (1023-1) is visible from the outside, thereby reducing the aesthetic appeal. In the present disclosure, by positioning the outer surface of the first coating portion (1023-1) so as to overlap the printing layer (1021) above and below, the boundary surface can be prevented from being visible from the outside.

[0182] According to one embodiment, a surface substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the flexible display (1000-1) among the surfaces where the first coating portion (1023-1) and the second coating portion (1024-1) come into contact may be arranged to overlap with the printing layer (1021). According to one embodiment, the printing layer (1021) may be arranged to overlap with a surface substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the flexible display (1000-1) among the surfaces where the first coating portion (1023-1) and the second coating portion (1024-1) come into contact. According to one embodiment, the printing layer (1021) may be arranged to be orthogonal to a virtual plane including a surface substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the flexible display (1000-1) among the surfaces where the first coating portion (1023-1) and the second coating portion (1024-1) come into contact.

[0183] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a glass assembly according to one embodiment.

[0184] The flexible display (1000-2) of FIG. 9 may be included or placed in the electronic device of FIG. 2A (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A). The glass assembly (1020-2) of FIG. 9 may be included in the flexible display of FIGS. 4 and 5 (e.g., the flexible display (1000) of FIG. 4). However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0185] Among the configurations illustrated in FIG. 9, the same reference numbers are used for configurations that are substantially the same or similar to the configurations of the flexible displays (1000) of FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0186] The embodiment of Fig. 9 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of Figs. 5 to 8. The embodiment of Fig. 9 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of Figs. 10 to 15c.

[0187] According to one embodiment, a flexible display (1000-2) may have a glass assembly (1020) and a protective member (1010) sequentially laminated on a display panel (1030). The protective member (1010) may be laminated on the glass assembly (1020).

[0188] According to one embodiment, the glass assembly (1020) may include at least one of a printed layer (1021), a glass member (1022), a first coating portion (1023), or a second coating portion (1024-2). The glass assembly (1020) may include, for example, a multi-stage printed layer as illustrated in FIG. 6 (e.g., printed layer (1200) of FIG. 6).

[0189] In one embodiment, the glass member (1022) may include an upper surface (1022a), a lower surface (1022b) facing in an opposite direction from the upper surface (1022a), and a side surface (1022c) connecting the upper surface (1022a) and the lower surface (1022b). The lower surface (1022b) of the glass member (1022) may form, for example, but is not limited to, a portion of the second surface (1020b) of the glass assembly (1020).

[0190] The glass member (1022) may have at least a portion of its surface covered by the first coating portion (1023). For example, a portion of the first coating portion (1023) may be attached or bonded to a side surface (1022c) of the glass member (1022). As illustrated, the first coating portion (1023) may be attached or bonded to the upper surface (1022a) of the glass member (1022). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may also be attached or bonded to the lower surface (1022b) of the glass member (1022). The first coating portion (1023) may be arranged so that a portion thereof is in contact with at least one of the upper surface (1022a) or the lower surface (1022b) of the glass member (1022).

[0191] In one embodiment, the glass member (1022) may have a thickness of, but is not limited to, 20 micrometers to 150 micrometers. As an example, the glass member (1022) may have a thickness of 25 micrometers to 35 micrometers. The glass member (1022) may include ultra-thin glass (UTG) or polyimide (PI).

[0192] According to one embodiment, the first coating portion (1023) may be arranged to surround a side surface (1022c) of the glass member (1022). A portion of the first coating portion (1023) may be bonded to the side surface (1022c) of the glass member (1022). The first coating portion (1023) may be arranged to surround at least a portion of a surface of the glass member (1022), including the side surface of the glass member (1022).

[0193] According to one embodiment, the refractive index of the first coating portion (1023) may be substantially the same as the refractive index of the glass member (1022). The first coating portion (1023) may be refractive index-matched to the glass member (1022). By matching the refractive index of the first coating portion (1023) and the refractive index of the glass member (1022), the boundary between the first coating portion (1023) and the glass member (1022) may be prevented from being visible from the outside. For example, the boundary formed on the side surface (1022c) of the glass member (1022), which is a portion extending approximately perpendicularly to the front surface of the flexible display (1000-2), may be prevented from being visible from the outside through the refractive index matching of the first coating portion (1023) and the glass member (1022).

[0194] In one embodiment, the first coating portion (1023) and the second coating portion (1024-2) may have different modulus values. In one embodiment, the first coating portion (1023) may have a relatively smaller modulus value than the second coating portion (1024-2). The first coating portion (1023) may, for example, have relatively more flexible performance than the second coating portion (1024-2).

[0195] According to one embodiment, the second coating portion (1024-2) may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the surface of the glass member (1022) and the first coating portion (1023). A portion of the second coating portion (1024-2) may be bonded or adhered to an outer surface of the first coating portion (1023). The second coating portion (1024-2) may be arranged to surround the entire outer surface of the glass member (1022) and the first coating portion (1023).

[0196] In one embodiment, the second coating portion (1024-2) may have a relatively greater modulus value than the first coating portion (1023). The second coating portion (1024-2) may, for example, have a relatively greater rigidity than the first coating portion (1023). For example, the second coating portion (1024-2) may have a modulus of 0.1 MPa or greater.

[0197] According to one embodiment, a second coating portion (1024-2) having a relatively larger modulus value than the first coating portion (1023) wraps around the outer periphery of the glass member (1022) and the first coating portion (1023), so that the second coating portion (1024-2) restrains deformation of the first coating portion (1023) and protects the glass member (1022) from impact applied from all directions.

[0198] According to one embodiment, the second coating portion (1024-2) may be made of an elastic material. For example, the second coating portion (1024-2) may include, but is not limited to, an acrylic, urethane, or silicone material. Due to the elasticity of the second coating portion (1024-2), the glass assembly (1020) may secure bending durability. Bending durability may refer to a performance that is not damaged even when the flexible display (1000-2) is repeatedly bent. The second coating portion (1024-2) may be, for example, an OCR (OPTICALLY CLEAR RESIN). The second coating portion (1024-2) may be referred to as, for example, a second coating layer or a second elastic coating layer.

[0199] According to one embodiment, the first coating portion (1023) and the second coating portion (1024-2) may be composed of a hyperelastic material. In the present disclosure, by double-coating the first coating portion (1023) and the second coating portion (1024-2) with different modulus values, the wrinkle phenomenon occurring in the bending (rolling or folding) portion can be improved.

[0200] Since the first coating portion (1023) and the second coating portion (1024-2) have different roles and are configured with different modulus values, there may be a difference in the refractive index of the first coating portion (1023) and the second coating portion (1024-2). Due to the difference in the refractive index of the first coating portion (1023) and the second coating portion (1024-2), there is a problem that the outer surface of the first coating portion (1023) is visible from the outside, thereby reducing the aesthetic appeal. In the present disclosure, by positioning the outer surface of the first coating portion (1023) to overlap the printing layer (1021) vertically, the boundary surface can be prevented from being visible from the outside.

[0201] According to one embodiment, a surface substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the flexible display (1000-2) among the surfaces where the first coating portion (1023) and the second coating portion (1024-2) come into contact may be arranged to overlap with the printing layer (1021). According to one embodiment, the printing layer (1021) may be arranged to overlap with a surface substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the flexible display (1000-2) among the surfaces where the first coating portion (1023) and the second coating portion (1024-2) come into contact. According to one embodiment, the printing layer (1021) may be arranged to be orthogonal to a virtual plane including a surface substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the flexible display (1000-2) among the surfaces where the first coating portion (1023) and the second coating portion (1024-2) come into contact.

[0202] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible display according to one embodiment.

[0203] The flexible display (1000-3) of FIG. 10 may be included in the electronic device of FIG. 2A (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A), but is not limited thereto.

[0204] Among the configurations illustrated in FIG. 10, the same reference numbers are used for configurations that are substantially the same or similar to the configurations of the flexible displays of FIGS. 4 and 5 (e.g., the flexible display (1000) of FIG. 4). Any overlapping descriptions are omitted below.

[0205] The embodiment of FIG. 10 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 5 to 9. The embodiment of FIG. 10 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 11 to 15c.

[0206] Referring to FIG. 10, the flexible display (1000-3) may include a non-flexible region (1000a) and a flexible region (1000b). The flexible region (1000b) may refer to a region that is mounted or included in an electronic device (200) and bends according to the operation of the electronic device (200). The non-flexible region (1000a) may refer to a region other than the flexible region (1000b) that maintains a flat surface when mounted on the electronic device (200).

[0207] According to one embodiment, a flexible display (1000-3) may have a glass assembly (1020) and a protective member (1010) sequentially laminated on a display panel (1030). The protective member (1010) may be laminated on the glass assembly (1020).

[0208] According to one embodiment, the glass assembly (1020) may include at least one of a printed layer (1021), a glass member (1022), a first coating portion (1023), or a second coating portion (1024). The glass assembly (1020) may include, for example, a multi-stage printed layer as illustrated in FIG. 6 (e.g., printed layer (1200) of FIG. 6).

[0209] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (1000-3) may include adhesive members (P1', P2). The adhesive members (P1', P2) may include at least one of an optically clear adhesive film (OCA), an optically clear resin (OCR), a pressure sensitive adhesive film (PSA), a heat-reactive adhesive, a general adhesive, or a double-sided tape. The adhesive members (P1', P2) include a photocurable adhesive material or a heat-curable adhesive material, and the material thereof is not particularly limited. The adhesive members (P1', P2) may include, for example, at least one of a first adhesive member (P1') provided to adhere the protective member (1010) and the glass assembly (1020), and a second adhesive member (P2) provided to adhere the glass assembly (1020) and the display panel (1030). According to one embodiment, the first adhesive member (P1') can be adhered to the first surface (1020b) of the glass assembly (1020).

[0210] According to one embodiment, the first adhesive member (P1') may include a first-first adhesive member (P1'-1) and a first-second adhesive member (P1'-2). The first-first adhesive member (P1'-1) may be positioned in a portion corresponding to the non-flexible area (1000a) of the flexible display (1000-3). The first-second adhesive member (P1'-2) may be positioned in a portion corresponding to the flexible area (1000b) of the flexible display (1000-3).

[0211] According to an example, the first-first adhesive member (P1'-1) may have a relatively larger modulus value than the first-second adhesive member (P1'-2). The first-first adhesive member (P1'-1) may have, for example, greater rigidity than the first-second adhesive member (P1'-2). The first-first adhesive member (P1'-1) may have a relatively large rigidity to improve the impact resistance of the flexible display (1000-3) in the non-flexible region (1000a), and the first-second adhesive member (P1'-2) may have a relatively large flexibility to improve the bending durability of the flexible display (1000-3) in the flexible region (1000b).

[0212] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible display according to one embodiment.

[0213] The flexible display (1000-4) of FIG. 11 may be included in the electronic device of FIG. 2A (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A).

[0214] Among the configurations illustrated in FIG. 11, the same reference numbers are used for configurations that are substantially the same or similar to the configurations of the flexible displays of FIGS. 4 and 5 (e.g., the flexible display (1000) of FIG. 4).

[0215] Referring to FIG. 11, the flexible display (1000-4) may include a non-flexible region (1000a) and a flexible region (1000b). The flexible region (1000b) may refer to a region that is mounted or included in an electronic device (200) and bends according to the operation of the electronic device (200). The non-flexible region (1000a) may refer to a region other than the flexible region (1000b) that maintains a flat surface when mounted on the electronic device (200).

[0216] According to one embodiment, a flexible display (1000-4) may include a glass assembly (1020-4) and a protective member (1010) sequentially laminated on a display panel (1030). The protective member (1010) may be laminated on the glass assembly (1020-4).

[0217] According to one embodiment, the glass assembly (1020-4) may include at least one of a printed layer (1021), a glass member (1022), a first coating portion (1023-4), or a second coating portion (1024-4). The glass assembly (1020-4) may include, for example, a multi-stage printed layer as illustrated in FIG. 6 (e.g., printed layer (1200) of FIG. 6).

[0218] In one embodiment, the glass member (1022) may include an upper surface (1022a), a lower surface (1022b) facing in an opposite direction from the upper surface (1022a), and a side surface (1022c) connecting the upper surface (1022a) and the lower surface (1022b). The lower surface (1022b) of the glass member (1022) may form, for example, but is not limited to, a portion of the second surface (1020b) of the glass assembly (1020-4).

[0219] The glass member (1022) may have at least a portion of its surface covered by the first coating portion (1023-4). For example, a portion of the first coating portion (1023-4) may be attached or bonded to a side surface (1022c) of the glass member (1022). As illustrated, the first coating portion (1023-4) may be attached or bonded to the upper surface (1022a) and the lower surface (1022b) of the glass member (1022).

[0220] According to one embodiment, the first coating portion (1023-4) may be arranged to surround a side surface (1022c) of the glass member (1022). A portion of the first coating portion (1023-4) may be bonded to the side surface (1022c) of the glass member (1022). The first coating portion (1023-4) may be arranged to surround at least a portion of a surface of the glass member (1022), including the side surface of the glass member (1022).

[0221] The first coating portion (1023-4) may be positioned so that a portion thereof is in contact with at least one of the upper surface (1022a) or the lower surface (1022b) of the glass member (1022). A portion of the first coating portion (1023-4) may be bonded or attached to a portion of the upper surface (1022a) or the lower surface (1022b) of the glass member (1022).

[0222] According to one embodiment, the refractive index of the first coating portion (1023-4) may be substantially the same as the refractive index of the glass member (1022). The first coating portion (1023-4) may be refractive index-matched to the glass member (1022). By matching the refractive index of the first coating portion (1023-4) and the refractive index of the glass member (1022), the boundary between the first coating portion (1023-4) and the glass member (1022) may be prevented from being visible from the outside. For example, the boundary formed on the side surface (1022c) of the glass member (1022), which is a portion extending approximately perpendicularly to the front surface of the flexible display (1000-4), may be prevented from being visible from the outside through the refractive index matching of the first coating portion (1023-4) and the glass member (1022).

[0223] In one embodiment, the first coating portion (1023-4) and the second coating portion (1024-4) may have different modulus values. In one embodiment, the first coating portion (1023-4) may have a relatively smaller modulus value than the second coating portion (1024-4). The first coating portion (1023-4) may, for example, have relatively more flexible performance than the second coating portion (1024-4).

[0224] According to one embodiment, the first coating portion (1023-4) may be made of an elastic material. For example, the first coating portion (1023-4) may include, but is not limited to, an acrylic, urethane, or silicone material. Due to the elasticity of the first coating portion (1023-4), the glass assembly (1020-4) may secure bending durability. Bending durability may refer to a performance that is not damaged even when the flexible display (1000-4) is repeatedly bent. The first coating portion (1023-4) may be, for example, OCR (OPTICALLY CLEAR RESIN). The first coating portion (1023-4) may be referred to as, for example, a first coating layer or a first elastic coating layer.

[0225] In one embodiment, the second coating portion (1024-4) may be arranged to surround the outer surface of the first coating portion (1023-4). A portion of the second coating portion (1024-4) may be bonded or adhered to the outer surface of the first coating portion (1023-4). For example, the second coating portion (1024-4) may be arranged to surround the upper surface and the outer surface of the first coating portion (1023-4).

[0226] In one embodiment, the second coating portion (1024-4) may have a relatively greater modulus value than the first coating portion (1023-4). The second coating portion (1024-4) may, for example, have a relatively greater rigidity than the first coating portion (1023-4).

[0227] An adhesive force may be formed in the first coating portion (1023-4) having a relatively smaller modulus value than the second coating portion (1024-4). Due to this adhesive force, a phenomenon in which external foreign substances are attached to the first coating portion (1023-4) and damage the glass assembly (1020-4) may occur. When the second coating portion (1024-4) surrounds the outer surface of the first coating portion (1023-4), the first coating portion (1023-4) can be spatially separated from the external air layer, thereby preventing damage by foreign substances. For example, the second coating portion (1024-4) may have a modulus of 0.1 MPa or more.

[0228] According to one embodiment, a second coating portion (1024-4) having a relatively larger modulus value than the first coating portion (1023-4) wraps around the outer surface of the first coating portion (1023-4), so that the second coating portion (1024-4) can restrain deformation of the first coating portion (1023-4).

[0229] According to one embodiment, the second coating portion (1024-4) may be made of an elastic material. For example, the second coating portion (1024-4) may include, but is not limited to, an acrylic, urethane, or silicone material. Due to the elasticity of the second coating portion (1024-4), the glass assembly (1020-4) may secure bending durability. Bending durability may refer to a performance that is not damaged even when the flexible display (1000-4) is repeatedly bent. The second coating portion (1024-4) may be, for example, OCR (OPTICALLY CLEAR RESIN). The second coating portion (1024-4) may be referred to as, for example, a second coating layer or a second elastic coating layer.

[0230] According to one embodiment, the first coating portion (1023-4) and the second coating portion (1024-4) may be composed of a hyperelastic material. In the present disclosure, by double-coating the first coating portion (1023-4) and the second coating portion (1024-4) with different modulus values, the wrinkle phenomenon occurring in the bending (rolling or folding) portion can be improved.

[0231] According to one embodiment, a first coating portion (1023-4) and a second coating portion (1024-4) may be disposed or applied on the upper surface (1022a) of the glass member (1022). For example, the second coating portion (1024-4) may be disposed or applied on a portion corresponding to the non-flexible region (1000a) of the upper surface (1022a) of the glass member (1022). For example, the first coating portion (1023-4) may be disposed on a portion corresponding to the flexible region (1000b) of the upper surface (1022a) of the glass member (1022).

[0232] The second coating portion (1024-4), which has a relatively higher impact resistance than the first coating portion (1023-4), is positioned in the non-flexible region (1000a) to enhance the impact resistance of the flexible display (1000-4). The first coating portion (1023-4), which has a higher flexibility than the second coating portion (1024-4), is positioned in the flexible region (1000b) to enhance the bending durability of the flexible display (1000-4). As illustrated, by adjusting the specific gravity of the first coating portion (1023-4) and the second coating portion (1024-4) for the flexible region (1000b) and the non-flexible region (1000a), the required performance for each region can be enhanced.

[0233] According to one embodiment, the outer surface of the first coating portion (1023-4) may be arranged to overlap the printing layer (1021) vertically. The outer surface of the first coating portion (1023-4) may be arranged so as to be covered by the printing layer (1021) and not be visible from the outside. The outer surface of the first coating portion (1023-4) may be a boundary surface that comes into contact with the inner surface of the second coating portion (1024-4), and may be a surface that is substantially parallel to a direction perpendicular to the front surface of the flexible display (1000-4). Since the first coating portion (1023-4) and the second coating portion (1024-4) have different roles and different modulus values, there may be a difference in the refractive index of the first coating portion (1023-4) and the second coating portion (1024-4). Due to the difference in refractive index between the first coating portion (1023-4) and the second coating portion (1024-4), there is a problem in that the outer surface of the first coating portion (1023-4) is visible from the outside, thereby reducing the aesthetic appeal. In the present disclosure, by positioning the outer surface of the first coating portion (1023-4) so ​​as to overlap the printing layer (1021) above and below, the boundary surface can be prevented from being visible from the outside.

[0234] According to one embodiment, a surface substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the flexible display (1000-4) among the surfaces where the first coating portion (1023-4) and the second coating portion (1024-4) come into contact may be arranged to overlap with the printing layer (1021). According to one embodiment, the printing layer (1021) may be arranged to overlap with a surface substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the flexible display (1000-4) among the surfaces where the first coating portion (1023-4) and the second coating portion (1024-4) come into contact. According to one embodiment, the printing layer (1021) may be arranged to be orthogonal to a virtual plane including a surface substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the flexible display (1000-4) among the surfaces where the first coating portion (1023-4) and the second coating portion (1024-4) come into contact.

[0235] FIGS. 12A to 12C are cross-sectional views of a glass assembly according to one embodiment.

[0236] The glass assembly (1800, 1800-1, 1800-2) of FIG. 12a, FIG. 12b, or FIG. 12c may be included in the flexible display of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 (e.g., the flexible display (1000) of FIG. 4) or the electronic device of FIG. 2a (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a).

[0237] Among the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 12a, 12b, and 12c, the same reference numbers are used for configurations that are substantially the same as or similar to the configuration of the glass assembly of FIGS. 4 and 5 (e.g., the glass assembly (1020) of FIG. 4).

[0238] The embodiment of FIG. 12a, FIG. 12b, or FIG. 12c can optionally be combined with the embodiment of FIGS. 5 to 11. The embodiment of FIG. 12a, FIG. 12b, or FIG. 12c can optionally be combined with the embodiment of FIGS. 13a to 15c.

[0239] The glass assembly (1800, 1800-1, 1800-2) may include a non-flexible region (1800a) and a flexible region (1800b). The flexible region (1800b) may refer to a region that is mounted or included in the electronic device (200) and bends according to the operation of the electronic device (200). The non-flexible region (1800a) may refer to a region other than the flexible region (1800b) that maintains a flat surface when mounted on the electronic device (200).

[0240] According to one embodiment, the glass assembly (1800, 1800-1, 1800-2) may include at least one of a printed layer (1021), a glass member (1022), a first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2), or a second coating portion (1820, 1820-1, 1820-2). The glass assembly (1800, 1800-1, 1800-2) may include, for example, a multi-stage printed layer as illustrated in FIG. 6 (e.g., the printed layer (1200) of FIG. 6).

[0241] According to one embodiment, the first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2) may be arranged to surround a side surface of the glass member (1022). A portion of the first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2) may be bonded to the side surface of the glass member (1022). The first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2) may be arranged to surround at least a portion of a surface of the glass member (1022), including the side surface of the glass member (1022).

[0242] According to one example, the refractive index of the first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2) may be substantially the same as the refractive index of the glass member (1022). The first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2) may be refractive index-matched with the glass member (1022). By matching the refractive index of the first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2) and the refractive index of the glass member (1022), the boundary between the first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2) and the glass member (1022) can be prevented from being visible from the outside. For example, the boundary formed on the side (1022c) of the glass member (1022), which is a portion extending approximately vertically to the front of the flexible display (1000), can be prevented from being viewed from the outside through refractive index matching between the first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2) and the glass member (1022).

[0243] In one example, the first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2) and the second coating portion (1820, 1820-1, 1820-2) may have different modulus values. In one example, the first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2) may have a relatively smaller modulus value than the second coating portion (1820, 1820-1, 1820-2). The first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2) may have, for example, a relatively more flexible performance than the second coating portion (1820, 1820-1, 1820-2).

[0244] According to an example, the first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2) may be made of an elastic material. For example, the first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2) may include, but is not limited to, an acrylic, urethane, or silicone material. Due to the elasticity of the first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2), the glass assembly (1800, 1800-1, 1800-2) may secure bending durability. Bending durability may refer to a performance that does not cause damage even when the flexible display (1000) is repeatedly bent. The first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2) may be, for example, an OCR (OPTICALLY CLEAR RESIN). The first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2) may be referred to, for example, as a first coating layer or a first elastic coating layer.

[0245] In one example, the second coating portion (1820, 1820-1, 1820-2) may be arranged to surround the outer surface of the first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2). A portion of the second coating portion (1820, 1820-1, 1820-2) may be bonded to the outer surface of the first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2). The second coating portion (1820, 1820-1, 1820-2) may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the surface of the first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2) including the outer surface of the first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2).

[0246] In one example, the second coating portion (1820, 1820-1, 1820-2) may have a relatively greater modulus value than the first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2). The second coating portion (1820, 1820-1, 1820-2) may have, for example, a relatively greater rigidity than the first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2). The second coating portion (1820, 1820-1, 1820-2) may protect the first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2) and the glass member (1022) disposed within the second coating portion (1820, 1820-1, 1820-2) from external impact.

[0247] An adhesive force may be formed on the first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2) having a relatively smaller modulus value. This adhesive force may cause foreign substances to attach to the first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2), thereby damaging the glass assembly (1800, 1800-1, 1800-2). When the second coating portion (1820, 1820-1, 1820-2) surrounds the outer surface of the first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2), the first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2) can be spatially separated from the external air layer to prevent damage caused by foreign substances. For example, the second coating portion (1820, 1820-1, 1820-2) can have a modulus of 0.1 MPa or more.

[0248] According to one example, the second coating portion (1820, 1820-1, 1820-2) having a relatively larger modulus value wraps around the outer surface of the first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2), so that the second coating portion (1820, 1820-1, 1820-2) can restrain the deformation of the first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2).

[0249] According to an example, the second coating portion (1820, 1820-1, 1820-2) may be made of an elastic material. For example, the second coating portion (1820, 1820-1, 1820-2) may include, but is not limited to, an acrylic, urethane, or silicone material. Due to the elasticity of the second coating portion (1820, 1820-1, 1820-2), the glass assembly (1800, 1800-1, 1800-2) may secure bending durability. Bending durability may refer to a performance that does not cause damage even when the flexible display (1000) is repeatedly bent. The second coating portion (1820, 1820-1, 1820-2) may be, for example, an OCR (OPTICALLY CLEAR RESIN). The second coating portion (1820, 1820-1, 1820-2) may be referred to, for example, as a second coating layer or a second elastic coating layer.

[0250] In one example, a surface substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (1000) of FIG. 10) among the surfaces where the first coating portions (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2) and the second coating portions (1820, 1820-1, 1820-2) come into contact may be arranged to overlap with the printing layer (1021). In one example, the printing layer (1021) may be arranged to overlap with a surface substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the flexible display (1000) among the surfaces where the first coating portions (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2) and the second coating portions (1820, 1820-1, 1820-2) come into contact. According to one example, the printing layer (1021) may be arranged to be perpendicular to a virtual plane that includes a plane substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the flexible display (1000) among the surfaces where the first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2) and the second coating portion (1820, 1820-1, 1820-2) come into contact.

[0251] According to an example, the first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2) and the second coating portion (1820, 1820-1, 1820-2) may be composed of a hyperelastic material. In the present disclosure, by double-coating the first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2) and the second coating portion (1820, 1820-1, 1820-2) having different modulus values, the wrinkle phenomenon occurring in the bending (rolling or folding) portion can be improved.

[0252] Referring to FIGS. 12a, 12b, and 12c, the first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2) may include a first-first coating portion (1810a, 1810a-1, 1810a-2) and a first-third coating portion (1810c, 1810c-1, 1810c-2) corresponding to the non-flexible region (1800a). The first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2) may include a first-second coating portion (1810b, 1810b-1, 1810b-2) corresponding to the flexible region (1800b). The first-first coating portion (1810a, 1810a-1, 1810a-2) and the first-second coating portion (1810b, 1810b-1, 1810b-2) may have different thicknesses. For example, the thickness of the first-first coating portion (1810a, 1810a-1, 1810a-2) may be smaller than the thickness of the first-second coating portion (1810b, 1810b-1, 1810b-2). Here, the thickness may refer to an average thickness. For example, in the non-flexible region (1800a) of the glass assembly (1800, 1800-1, 1800-2), the proportion of the first-first coating portion (1810a, 1810a-1, 1810a-2) may be smaller than the proportion of the first-second coating portion (1810b, 1810b-1, 1810b-2) in the flexible region (1800b) of the glass assembly (1800, 1800-2, 1800-2). In the flexible region (1800b), bending durability can be secured by increasing the proportion of the first coating portion (1810, 1810-1, 1810-2) having a relatively small modulus value. According to one embodiment, the first-third coating portion (1810c, 1810c-1, 1810c-2) may be located on the lower side of the printing layer (1021).

[0253] Referring to FIG. 12a, a step may be formed between the first-first coating portion (1810a) and the first-second coating portion (1810b). A step may be formed between the first-first coating portion (1810a) and the first-third coating portion (1810c).

[0254] Referring to FIG. 12b, an inclined surface (1810d-1) may be formed between the first-first coating portion (1810a-1) and the first-second coating portion (1810b-1). In the case of a vertical step, when applying the second coating portion (1820) on the first coating portion (1810-1), air bubbles may be generated near the step, so by forming the inclined surface (1810d-1), air bubbles can be prevented.

[0255] Referring to FIG. 12c, a stepped surface (1810d-2) may be formed between the first-first coating portion (1810a-2) and the first-second coating portion (1810b-2). In the case of a vertical step, when applying the second coating portion (1820) on the first coating portion (1810-2), bubbles may be generated near the step, so by forming the stepped surface (1810d-2), bubbles can be prevented.

[0256] FIGS. 13A to 13C are cross-sectional views of a glass assembly according to one embodiment.

[0257] The glass assembly (1900, 1900-1, 1900-2) of FIG. 13a, FIG. 13b, or FIG. 13c may be included in the flexible display of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 (e.g., the flexible display (1000) of FIG. 4) or the electronic device of FIG. 2a (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a).

[0258] The same reference numbers are used for configurations that are substantially the same or similar to the configuration of the glass assembly of FIGS. 4 and 5 (e.g., the glass assembly (1020) of FIG. 4) among the configurations illustrated in FIG. 13a, FIG. 13b, or FIG. 13c.

[0259] The embodiment of FIG. 13a, FIG. 13b, or FIG. 13c may optionally be combined with the embodiment of FIGS. 5 to 12c. The embodiment of FIG. 13a, FIG. 13b, or FIG. 13c may optionally be combined with the embodiment of FIGS. 14a to 15c.

[0260] The glass assembly (1900, 1900-1, 1900-2) may include a non-flexible region (1900a) and a flexible region (1900b). The flexible region (1900b) may refer to a region that is mounted or included in the electronic device (200) and bends according to the operation of the electronic device (200). The non-flexible region (1900a) may refer to a region other than the flexible region (1900b) that maintains a flat surface when mounted on the electronic device (200).

[0261] According to one embodiment, the glass assembly (1900, 1900-1, 1900-2) may include at least one of a printed layer (1021), a glass member (1910), a first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2), or a second coating portion (1930). The glass assembly (1900, 1900-1, 1900-2) may include, for example, a multi-stage printed layer as illustrated in FIG. 6 (e.g., printed layer (1200) of FIG. 6).

[0262] According to one embodiment, the glass member (1910) may include an upper surface (1910a), a lower surface (1910b) facing in an opposite direction to the upper surface (1910a), and a side surface (1910c) connecting the upper surface (1910a) and the lower surface (1910b).

[0263] In one embodiment, the glass member (1910) may have a thickness of, but is not limited to, 20 micrometers to 150 micrometers. As an example, the glass member (1910) may have a thickness of 25 micrometers to 35 micrometers. The glass member (1910) may include ultra-thin glass (UTG) or polyimide (PI).

[0264] According to one embodiment, the glass member (1910) may have a differential thickness structure. The thickness of the first portion (1911) corresponding to the non-flexible region (1900a) of the glass member (1910) may be thicker than the thickness of the second portion (1912) corresponding to the flexible region (1900b). By providing a thin glass member (1910) in a region requiring bending, the bending performance of the glass assembly (1900, 1900-1, 1900-2) can be improved. In the non-flexible region (1900a) where bending is not required, the glass member (1910) may be formed to be relatively thick, thereby improving the impact resistance performance of the non-flexible region (1900a).

[0265] According to an example, the first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2) may be arranged to surround a side surface (1910c) of the glass member (1910). A portion of the first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2) may be bonded to the side surface (1910c) of the glass member (1910). The first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2) may be arranged to surround at least a portion of a surface of the glass member (1910), including the side surface of the glass member (1910).

[0266] The first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2) may be positioned so that a portion thereof is in contact with at least one of the upper surface (1910a) or the lower surface (1910b) of the glass member (1910). A portion of the first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2) may be bonded or attached to the upper surface (1910a) or the lower surface (1910b) of the glass member (1910). For example, the first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2) may be positioned so as to surround the side surface (1910c) and the upper surface (1910a) of the glass member (1910).

[0267] According to one example, the refractive index of the first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2) may be substantially the same as the refractive index of the glass member (1910). The first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2) may be refractive index-matched to the glass member (1910). By matching the refractive index of the first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2) and the refractive index of the glass member (1910), the boundary between the first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2) and the glass member (1910) can be prevented from being visible from the outside. For example, the boundary formed on the side surface (1910c) of the glass member (1910), which is a portion extending approximately vertically to the front surface of the flexible display (1000), can be prevented from being viewed from the outside through refractive index matching between the first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2) and the glass member (1910).

[0268] In one example, the first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2) and the second coating portion (1930) may have different modulus values. In one example, the first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2) may have a relatively smaller modulus value than the second coating portion (1930). The first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2) may, for example, have relatively more flexible performance than the second coating portion (1930).

[0269] According to an example, the first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2) may be made of an elastic material. For example, the first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2) may include, but is not limited to, an acrylic, urethane, or silicone material. Due to the elasticity of the first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2), the glass assembly (1900, 1900-1, 1900-2) may secure bending durability. Bending durability may refer to a performance that does not cause damage even when the flexible display (1000) is repeatedly bent. The first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2) may be, for example, an OCR (OPTICALLY CLEAR RESIN). The first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2) may be referred to, for example, as a first coating layer or a first elastic coating layer.

[0270] In one example, the second coating portion (1930) may be arranged to surround the outer surface of the first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2). A portion of the second coating portion (1930) may be bonded to the outer surface of the first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2). The second coating portion (1930) may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the surface of the first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2), including the outer surface of the first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2).

[0271] In one example, the second coating portion (1930) may have a relatively greater modulus value than the first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2). The second coating portion (1930) may have, for example, a relatively greater rigidity than the first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2). The second coating portion (1930) may protect the first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2) and the glass member (1910) disposed within the second coating portion (1930) from external impact.

[0272] An adhesive force may be formed in the first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2) having a relatively smaller modulus value. Due to this adhesive force, an external foreign substance may attach to the first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2) and damage the glass assembly (1900, 1900-1, 1900-2). When the second coating portion (1930) surrounds the outer surface of the first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2), the first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2) can be spatially separated from the external air layer, thereby preventing damage by foreign substances. For example, the second coating portion (1930) may have a modulus of 0.1 MPa or more.

[0273] According to one example, the second coating portion (1930) having a relatively larger modulus value wraps around the outer surface of the first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2), so that the second coating portion (1930) can restrain the deformation of the first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2).

[0274] According to an example, the second coating portion (1930) may be made of an elastic material. For example, the second coating portion (1930) may include, but is not limited to, an acrylic, urethane, or silicone material. Due to the elasticity of the second coating portion (1930), the glass assembly (1900, 1900-1, 1900-2) may secure bending durability. Bending durability may refer to a performance that is not damaged even when the flexible display (1000) is repeatedly bent. The second coating portion (1930) may be, for example, OCR (OPTICALLY CLEAR RESIN). The second coating portion (1930) may be referred to as, for example, a second coating layer or a second elastic coating layer.

[0275] In one example, a surface substantially perpendicular to the front surface of a flexible display (e.g., a flexible display (1000) of FIG. 10) among the surfaces where the first coating portions (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2) and the second coating portion (1930) come into contact may be arranged to overlap with the printing layer (1021). In one example, the printing layer (1021) may be arranged to overlap with a surface substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the flexible display (1000) among the surfaces where the first coating portions (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2) and the second coating portion (1930) come into contact. According to one example, the printing layer (1021) may be arranged to be perpendicular to a virtual plane that includes a plane substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the flexible display (1000) among the surfaces where the first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2) and the second coating portion (1930) come into contact.

[0276] According to one embodiment, the first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2) and the second coating portion (1930) may be composed of a hyperelastic material. In the present disclosure, by double-coating the first coating portion (1920, 1920-1, 1920-2) and the second coating portion (1930) with different modulus values, the wrinkle phenomenon occurring in the bending (rolling or folding) portion can be improved.

[0277] Referring to FIG. 13a, the first coating portion (1920) can be positioned to contact the side surface (1910c) and the lower surface (1910b) of the glass member (1910).

[0278] Referring to FIG. 13b, the first coating portion (1920-1) may be arranged to cover the front surface (upper surface (1910a), lower surface (1910b), and side surface (1910c)) of the glass member (1910). The first coating portion (1920-1) may be arranged to cover the entire surface of the glass member (1910).

[0279] Referring to FIG. 13c, the first coating portion (1920-2) may be positioned to surround the front surface (upper surface (1910a), lower surface (1910b), and side surface (1910c)) of the glass member (1910). Compared to the embodiment of FIG. 13b, the first coating portion (1920-2) may protrude further upward in the flexible region (1900b) of the glass assembly (1900-2). By increasing the proportion of the first coating portion (1920-2) in the flexible region (1900b), the bending performance may be improved.

[0280] FIGS. 14A to 14C are cross-sectional views of a glass assembly according to one embodiment.

[0281] The glass assembly (2000, 2000-1, 2000-2) of FIG. 14a, FIG. 14b, or FIG. 14c may be included in the flexible display (1000) of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 or the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a, but is not limited thereto. The structure of the glass assembly (2000, 2000-1, 2000-2) illustrated in FIG. 14a, FIG. 14b, or FIG. 14c is exemplary, and may be included or arranged in the electronic device (400) of FIG. 4a, the electronic device (600) of FIG. 6, or the electronic device (800) of FIG. 8 by varying the arrangement of the flexible region and the non-flexible region.

[0282] The glass assembly (2000, 2000-1, 2000-2) illustrated in FIG. 14a, FIG. 14b, or FIG. 14c may be substantially identical to or similar to the glass assembly (e.g., the glass assembly (1020) of FIG. 4) provided in the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (1000) of FIG. 4) of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 described above. The glass assembly (2000, 2000-1, 2000-2) of FIG. 14a, FIG. 14b, or FIG. 14c may be included in the flexible display (1000) of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 or the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a, but is not limited thereto.

[0283] The same reference numbers are used for configurations that are substantially the same or similar to the configuration of the glass assembly of FIGS. 4 and 5 (e.g., the glass assembly (1020) of FIG. 4) among the configurations illustrated in FIG. 14a, FIG. 14b, or FIG. 14c.

[0284] The embodiment of FIG. 14a, FIG. 14b, or FIG. 14c may optionally be combined with the embodiment of FIGS. 5 to 13c. The embodiment of FIG. 14a, FIG. 14b, or FIG. 14c may optionally be combined with the embodiment of FIGS. 15a to 15c.

[0285] The glass assembly (2000, 2000-1, 2000-2) may include a non-flexible region (2000a) and a flexible region (2000b). The flexible region (2000b) may refer to a region that is mounted or included in the electronic device (200) and bends according to the operation of the electronic device (200). The non-flexible region (2000a) may refer to a region other than the flexible region (2000b) that maintains a flat surface when mounted on the electronic device (200).

[0286] According to one embodiment, the glass assembly (2000, 2000-1, 2000-2) may include at least one of a printed layer (1021), a glass member (2010), a first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2), or a second coating portion (2030). The glass assembly (2000, 2000-1, 2000-2) may include, for example, a multi-stage printed layer as illustrated in FIG. 6 (e.g., printed layer (1200) of FIG. 6).

[0287] According to one embodiment, the glass member (2010) may include an upper surface (2010a), a lower surface (2010b) facing in an opposite direction to the upper surface (2010a), and a side surface (2010c) connecting the upper surface (2010a) and the lower surface (2010b).

[0288] In one embodiment, the glass member (2010) may have a thickness of, but is not limited to, 20 micrometers to 150 micrometers. As an example, the glass member (2010) may have a thickness of 25 micrometers to 35 micrometers. The glass member (2010) may include ultra-thin glass (UTG) or polyimide (PI).

[0289] According to one embodiment, the glass member (2010) may include a plurality of through holes or slits (2011). The plurality of through holes or slits (2011) may be arranged in a portion of the glass member (2010) corresponding to the flexible region (2000b). By forming the plurality of through holes or slits (2011) in the flexible region (2000b), the glass member (2010) may be bent more flexibly.

[0290] According to an example, the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2) may be arranged to surround a side surface (2010c) of the glass member (2010). A portion of the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2) may be bonded to the side surface (2010c) of the glass member (2010). The first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2) may be arranged to surround at least a portion of a surface of the glass member (2010), including the side surface of the glass member (2010).

[0291] The first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2) may be positioned so that a portion thereof is in contact with at least one of the upper surface (2010a) or the lower surface (2010b) of the glass member (2010). A portion of the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2) may be bonded or attached to the upper surface (2010a) or the lower surface (2010b) of the glass member (2010). For example, the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2) may be positioned so as to surround the side surface (2010c) and the upper surface (2010a) of the glass member (2010).

[0292] According to one example, a portion of the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2) may be filled within a plurality of through holes or slits (2011) of the glass member (2010).

[0293] According to an example, the refractive index of the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2) may be substantially the same as the refractive index of the glass member (2010). The first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2) may be refractive index-matched to the glass member (2010). By matching the refractive index of the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2) and the refractive index of the glass member (2010), the boundary between the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2) and the glass member (2010) can be prevented from being visible from the outside. For example, a boundary surface formed on a side surface (2010c) of a glass member (2010), which is a portion extending approximately vertically to the front surface of a flexible display (1000), can be prevented from being viewed from the outside through refractive index matching of the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2) and the glass member (2010).

[0294] In one example, the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2) and the second coating portion (2030) may have different modulus values. In one example, the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2) may have a relatively smaller modulus value than the second coating portion (2030). The first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2) may, for example, have relatively more flexible performance than the second coating portion (2030).

[0295] According to an example, the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2) may be made of an elastic material. For example, the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2) may include, but is not limited to, an acrylic, urethane, or silicone material. Due to the elasticity of the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2), the glass assembly (2000, 2000-1, 2000-2) may secure bending durability. Bending durability may refer to a performance that does not cause damage even when the flexible display (1000) is repeatedly bent. The first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2) may be, for example, an OCR (OPTICALLY CLEAR RESIN). The first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2) may be referred to, for example, as a first coating layer or a first elastic coating layer.

[0296] In one example, the second coating portion (2030) may be arranged to surround the outer surface of the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2). A portion of the second coating portion (2030) may be bonded to the outer surface of the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2). The second coating portion (2030) may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the surface of the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2), including the outer surface of the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2).

[0297] In one example, the second coating portion (2030) may have a relatively greater modulus value than the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2). The second coating portion (2030) may have, for example, a relatively greater rigidity than the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2). The second coating portion (2030) may protect the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2) and the glass member (2010) disposed within the second coating portion (2030) from external impact.

[0298] An adhesive force may be formed in the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2) having a relatively smaller modulus value. Due to this adhesive force, an external foreign substance may attach to the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2) and damage the glass assembly (2000, 2000-1, 2000-2). When the second coating portion (2030) wraps around the periphery of the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2), the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2) can be spatially separated from the external air layer, thereby preventing damage by foreign substances. For example, the second coating portion (2030) may have a modulus of 0.1 MPa or more.

[0299] According to one example, the second coating portion (2030) having a relatively larger modulus value wraps around the outer edge of the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2), so that the second coating portion (2030) can restrain the deformation of the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2).

[0300] According to an example, the second coating portion (2030) may be made of an elastic material. For example, the second coating portion (2030) may include, but is not limited to, an acrylic, urethane, or silicone material. Due to the elasticity of the second coating portion (2030), the glass assembly (2000, 2000-1, 2000-2) may secure bending durability. Bending durability may refer to a performance that is not damaged even when the flexible display (1000) is repeatedly bent. The second coating portion (2030) may be, for example, OCR (OPTICALLY CLEAR RESIN). The second coating portion (2030) may be referred to as, for example, a second coating layer or a second elastic coating layer.

[0301] According to one example, a surface substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (1000) of FIG. 10) among the surfaces where the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2) and the second coating portion (2030) come into contact may be arranged to overlap with the printing layer (1021). According to one example, the printing layer (1021) may be arranged to overlap with a surface substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the flexible display (1000) among the surfaces where the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2) and the second coating portion (2030) come into contact. According to one example, the printing layer (1021) may be arranged to be perpendicular to a virtual plane that includes a plane substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the flexible display (1000) among the surfaces where the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2) and the second coating portion (2030) come into contact.

[0302] According to an example, the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2) and the second coating portion (2030) may be composed of a hyperelastic material. In the present disclosure, by double-coating the first coating portion (2020, 2020-1, 2020-2) and the second coating portion (2030) with different modulus values, the wrinkle phenomenon occurring in the bending (rolling or folding) portion can be improved.

[0303] Referring to FIG. 14a, the first coating portion (2020) can be positioned to contact the side surface (1910c) and the lower surface (1910b) of the glass member (2010).

[0304] Referring to FIG. 14b, the first coating portion (2020-1) may be arranged to wrap around the front surface (upper surface (2010a), lower surface (2010b), and side surface (2010c)) of the glass member (2010). The first coating portion (2020-1) may be arranged to wrap around the entire surface of the glass member (2010).

[0305] Referring to FIG. 14c, the first coating portion (2020-2) may be arranged to surround the front surface (upper surface (2010a), lower surface (2010b), and side surface (2010c)) of the glass member (2010). Compared to the embodiment of FIG. 14b, the first coating portion (2020-2) may protrude further upward in the flexible region (2000b) of the glass assembly (2000-2). By increasing the proportion of the first coating portion (2020-2) in the flexible region (2000b), the bending performance may be improved.

[0306] FIGS. 15A to 15C are cross-sectional views of a glass assembly according to one embodiment.

[0307] The glass assembly (2100, 2100-1, 2100-2) of FIG. 15a, FIG. 15b, or FIG. 15c may be included in the flexible display of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 (e.g., the flexible display (1000) of FIG. 4) or the electronic device of FIG. 2a (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a).

[0308] The same reference numbers are used for configurations that are substantially the same or similar to the configuration of the glass assembly of FIGS. 4 and 5 (e.g., the glass assembly (1020) of FIG. 4) among the configurations illustrated in FIG. 15a, FIG. 15b, or FIG. 15c.

[0309] The embodiments of FIG. 15a, FIG. 15b or FIG. 15c can optionally be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 5 to 14c.

[0310] According to one embodiment, the glass assembly (2100, 2100-1, 2100-2) may include a non-flexible region (2100a) and a flexible region (2100b). The flexible region (2100b) may refer to a region that is mounted or included in the electronic device (200) and bends according to the operation of the electronic device (200). The non-flexible region (2100a) may refer to a region other than the flexible region (2100b) that maintains a flat surface when mounted on the electronic device (200).

[0311] According to one embodiment, the glass assembly (2100, 2100-1, 2100-2) may include at least one of a printed layer (1021), a glass member (2110), a first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2), or a second coating portion (2130). The glass assembly (2100, 2100-1, 2100-2) may include, for example, a multi-stage printed layer as illustrated in FIG. 6 (e.g., printed layer (1200) of FIG. 6).

[0312] According to one embodiment, the glass member (2110) may include an upper surface (2110a), a lower surface (2110b) facing in an opposite direction of the upper surface (2110a), and a side surface (2110c) connecting the upper surface (2110a) and the lower surface (2110b).

[0313] In one embodiment, the glass member (2110) may have a thickness of, but is not limited to, 20 micrometers to 150 micrometers. As an example, the glass member (2110) may have a thickness of 25 micrometers to 35 micrometers. The glass member (2110) may include ultra-thin glass (UTG) or polyimide (PI).

[0314] According to one embodiment, the glass member (2110) may include a plurality of grooves (2111). The plurality of grooves (2111) may be arranged in a portion of the glass member (2110) corresponding to the flexible region (2100b). By forming the plurality of grooves (2111) in the flexible region (2100b), the glass member (2110) may be bent more flexibly.

[0315] According to one embodiment, the first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2) may be arranged to surround a side surface (2110c) of the glass member (2110). A portion of the first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2) may be bonded to the side surface (2110c) of the glass member (2110). The first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2) may be arranged to surround at least a portion of a surface of the glass member (2110), including the side surface of the glass member (2110).

[0316] The first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2) may be arranged so that a portion thereof is in contact with at least one of the upper surface (2110a) or the lower surface (2110b) of the glass member (2110). A portion of the first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2) may be bonded or attached to the upper surface (2110a) or the lower surface (2110b) of the glass member (2110). For example, the first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2) may be arranged so as to surround the side surface (2110c) and the upper surface (2110a) of the glass member (2110).

[0317] According to one embodiment, a portion of the first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2) may be filled within a plurality of grooves (2111) of the glass member (2110).

[0318] According to one embodiment, the refractive index of the first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2) may be substantially the same as the refractive index of the glass member (2110). The first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2) may be refractive index-matched with the glass member (2110). By matching the refractive index of the first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2) with the refractive index of the glass member (2110), the boundary between the first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2) and the glass member (2110) can be prevented from being visible from the outside. For example, the boundary formed on the side (2110c) of the glass member (2110), which is a portion extending approximately vertically to the front of the flexible display (1000), can be prevented from being viewed from the outside through refractive index matching of the first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2) and the glass member (2110).

[0319] In one embodiment, the first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2) and the second coating portion (2130) may have different modulus values. In one embodiment, the first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2) may have a relatively smaller modulus value than the second coating portion (2130). The first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2) may, for example, have relatively more flexible performance than the second coating portion (2130).

[0320] According to one embodiment, the first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2) may be made of an elastic material. For example, the first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2) may include, but is not limited to, an acrylic, urethane, or silicone material. Due to the elasticity of the first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2), the glass assembly (2100, 2100-1, 2100-2) may secure bending durability. Bending durability may refer to a performance that does not cause damage even when the flexible display (1000) is repeatedly bent. The first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2) may be, for example, an OCR (OPTICALLY CLEAR RESIN). The first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2) may be referred to as, for example, a first coating layer or a first elastic coating layer.

[0321] According to one embodiment, the second coating portion (2130) may be arranged to surround the outer surface of the first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2). A portion of the second coating portion (2130) may be bonded to the outer surface of the first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2). The second coating portion (2130) may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the surface of the first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2), including the outer surface of the first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2).

[0322] According to one embodiment, the second coating portion (2130) may have a relatively greater modulus value than the first coating portions (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2). The second coating portion (2130) may have, for example, a relatively greater rigidity than the first coating portions (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2). The second coating portion (2130) may protect the first coating portions (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2) and the glass member (2110) disposed within the second coating portion (2130) from external impact.

[0323] An adhesive force may be formed in the first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2) having a relatively smaller modulus value. Due to this adhesive force, an external foreign substance may attach to the first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2) and damage the glass assembly (2100, 2100-1, 2100-2). When the second coating portion (2130) surrounds the outer surface of the first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2), the first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2) can be spatially separated from the external air layer, thereby preventing damage by foreign substances. For example, the second coating portion (2130) may have a modulus of 0.1 MPa or more.

[0324] According to one embodiment, the second coating portion (2130) having a relatively larger modulus value wraps around the outer surface of the first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2), so that the second coating portion (2130) can restrain the deformation of the first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2).

[0325] According to one embodiment, the second coating portion (2130) may be made of an elastic material. For example, the second coating portion (2130) may include, but is not limited to, an acrylic, urethane, or silicone material. Due to the elasticity of the second coating portion (2130), the glass assembly (2100, 2100-1, 2100-2) may secure bending durability. Bending durability may refer to a performance that is not damaged even when the flexible display (1000) is repeatedly bent. The second coating portion (2130) may be, for example, OCR (OPTICALLY CLEAR RESIN). The second coating portion (2130) may be referred to as, for example, a second coating layer or a second elastic coating layer.

[0326] According to one embodiment, a surface substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (1000) of FIG. 4) among the surfaces where the first coating portions (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2) and the second coating portion (2130) come into contact may be arranged to overlap the printing layer (1021). According to one embodiment, the printing layer (1021) may be arranged to overlap a surface substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the flexible display (1000) among the surfaces where the first coating portions (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2) and the second coating portion (2130) come into contact. According to one embodiment, the printing layer (1021) may be arranged to be perpendicular to a virtual plane that includes a plane substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the flexible display (1000) among the surfaces where the first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2) and the second coating portion (2130) come into contact.

[0327] According to one embodiment, the first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2) and the second coating portion (2130) may be composed of a hyperelastic material. In the present disclosure, by double-coating the first coating portion (2120, 2120-1, 2120-2) and the second coating portion (2130) with different modulus values, the wrinkle phenomenon occurring in the bending (rolling or folding) portion can be improved.

[0328] Referring to FIG. 15a, the first coating portion (2120) can be positioned to contact the side surface (1910c) and the lower surface (1910b) of the glass member (2110).

[0329] Referring to FIG. 15b, the first coating portion (2120-1) may be arranged to surround the front surface (upper surface (2110a), lower surface (2110b), and side surface (2110c)) of the glass member (2110). The first coating portion (2120-1) may be arranged to surround the entire surface of the glass member (2110).

[0330] Referring to FIG. 15c, the first coating portion (2120-2) may be arranged to cover the entire surface (upper surface (2110a), lower surface (2110b), and side surface (2110c)) of the glass member (2110). Compared to the embodiment of FIG. 14b, the first coating portion (2120-2) may further protrude upward in the flexible region (2100b) of the glass assembly (2100-2). The first coating portion (2120-2) may further include a protrusion (2121-2) protruding upward in the flexible region (2100b). By increasing the proportion of the first coating portion (2120-2) in the flexible region (2100b), the bending performance may be improved.

[0331] According to one embodiment, a flexible display (1000) including a flexible region and a non-flexible region comprises a glass member (1022, 1910, 2010, 2110), a first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120) arranged to surround at least a portion of a surface of the glass member (1022, 1910, 2010, 2110) including a side surface of the glass member (1022, 1910, 2010, 2110), and a first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120) arranged to surround at least a portion of a surface of the first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120) including a side surface of the first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120), It may include a second coating portion (1024, 1820, 1930, 2030, 2130) having a different modulus value from the first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120), and a display panel (1030) disposed on the lower side of the glass member (1022, 1910, 2010, 2110).

[0332] According to one embodiment, the first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120) may be disposed on at least one of the upper or lower surfaces of the glass member (1022, 1910, 2010, 2110).

[0333] According to one embodiment, the first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120) may be configured such that the thickness applied in the flexible region is thicker than the thickness applied in the non-flexible region.

[0334] According to one embodiment, the first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120) may have a step formed between the flexible region and the non-flexible region.

[0335] According to one embodiment, the refractive index of the glass member (1022, 1910, 2010, 2110) and the refractive index of the first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120) may be substantially the same.

[0336] According to one embodiment, the second coating portion (1024, 1820, 1930, 2030, 2130) may have a relatively larger modulus value than the first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120).

[0337] According to one embodiment, the first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120) and the second coating portion (1024, 1820, 1930, 2030, 2130) may be made of acrylic, urethane or silicone material.

[0338] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (1000) may further include a printed layer (1021, 1200) arranged adjacent to a border of the flexible display and configured to be impregnated into the second coating portion (1024, 1820, 1930, 2030, 2130).

[0339] According to one embodiment, the printing layer (1200) may include a first printing layer (1210) and a second printing layer (1220) having a different width from the first printing layer (1210). The first printing layer (1210) and the second printing layer (1220) may have a structure in which they are stacked vertically.

[0340] According to one embodiment, the printing layer (1021, 1200) may be arranged to overlap vertically with respect to the outer surface of the first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120).

[0341] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (1000) may further include a hard coating layer (1025) in the form of a film disposed on the second coating portion (1024, 1820, 1930, 2030, 2130) to protect the surface of the second coating portion (1024, 1820, 1930, 2030, 2130).

[0342] According to one embodiment, the glass member (1022, 1910, 2010, 2110) may be formed such that the thickness of the portion corresponding to the flexible area is thinner than the thickness of the portion corresponding to the non-flexible area.

[0343] According to one embodiment, the glass member (1022, 1910, 2010, 2110) may further include a plurality of grooves or a plurality of holes formed in a portion corresponding to the flexible area to improve flexibility.

[0344] An electronic device (200) according to one embodiment may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220) movably coupled to the first housing (210), and a flexible display (1000) accommodated in the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and configured to bend at least a portion thereof depending on a position of the second housing (220) relative to the first housing (210). The flexible display (1000) comprises a glass member (1022, 1910, 2010, 2110), a first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120) applied to surround at least a portion of the surface of the glass member (1022, 1910, 2010, 2110) including a side surface of the glass member (1022, 1910, 2010, 2110), and a first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120) applied to surround at least a portion of the surface of the first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120) including a side surface of the first coating portion (1023, It may include a second coating portion (1024, 1820, 1930, 2030, 2130) having a relatively larger modulus value than the glass member (1022, 1910, 2010, 2110), and a display panel (1030) disposed on the lower side of the glass member (1022, 1910, 2010, 2110).

[0345] According to one embodiment, the refractive index of the glass member (1022, 1910, 2010, 2110) and the refractive index of the first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120) may be substantially the same.

[0346] According to one embodiment, the second coating portion (1024, 1820, 1930, 2030, 2130) may have a relatively larger modulus value than the first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120).

[0347] According to one embodiment, the first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120) and the second coating portion (1024, 1820, 1930, 2030, 2130) may be made of acrylic, urethane, or silicone.

[0348] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (1000) may further include a printed layer (1021, 1200) arranged adjacent to an edge of the flexible display (1000) and configured to be impregnated into the second coating portion (1024, 1820, 1930, 2030, 2130).

[0349] According to one embodiment, the printing layer (1200) may include a first printing layer (1210) and a second printing layer (1220) having a different width from the first printing layer (1210). The first printing layer (1210) and the second printing layer (1220) may have a structure in which they are stacked vertically.

[0350] According to one embodiment, the printing layer (1021, 1200) may be arranged to overlap vertically with respect to the outer surface of the first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120).

[0351] The terminology used herein is merely used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. For example, a singular element should be understood to include plural elements unless the context clearly indicates only a singular element. As used herein, 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" can each include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. It should be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the listed items. The terms "include," "have," "comprise," and the like used in this disclosure are intended to specify only the presence of a feature, component, part, or combination thereof described in this disclosure, and the use of these terms does not exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, components, parts, or combinations thereof. The expressions "first," "second," and the like used in this disclosure can modify various components regardless of order and / or importance, and are only used to distinguish one component from another, without limiting the components.

[0352] The expression "configured to" used in the present disclosure can be appropriately used interchangeably with, for example, "suitable for," "capable of," "designed to," "modified to," "made to," or "capable of." The term "configured to" may not necessarily mean only something "specially designed" in terms of hardware. Instead, in some situations, the expression "a device configured to" may mean that the device is "capable of" doing something together with other devices or components. For example, the phrase "a device configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" may mean a dedicated device for performing the corresponding operations, or a general-purpose device that can perform various operations including the corresponding operations.

[0353] Meanwhile, the terms “upper side,” “lower side,” and “front-rear direction” used in the present disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0354] Although the foregoing description in this disclosure has focused on specific embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to such specific embodiments, but rather encompasses various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the various embodiments.

Claims

1. In a flexible display (1000) including a flexible region and a non-flexible region, Glass Absence (1022, 1910, 2010, 2110); A first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120) arranged to surround at least a portion of a surface of the glass member (1022, 1910, 2010, 2110), including a side surface of the glass member (1022, 1910, 2010, 2110); A second coating portion (1024, 1820, 1930, 2030, 2130) arranged to surround at least a portion of the surface of the first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120) including a side surface of the first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120), and having a different modulus value from the first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120); and A flexible display comprising a display panel (1030) positioned on the lower side of the glass member (1022, 1910, 2010, 2110).

2. In paragraph 1, The above first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120) is A flexible display, wherein a portion is disposed on at least one of the upper or lower surfaces of the glass member (1022, 1910, 2010, 2110).

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, The above first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120) is A flexible display, wherein a portion applied in the flexible area is configured to be thicker than a portion applied in the non-flexible area.

4. In paragraph 3, The above first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120) is A flexible display, wherein a step is formed between the flexible region and the non-flexible region.

5. In one of paragraphs 1 to 4, A flexible display, wherein the refractive index of the glass member (1022, 1910, 2010, 2110) and the refractive index of the first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120) are substantially the same.

6. In one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The above second coating portion (1024, 1820, 1930, 2030, 2130) A flexible display having a modulus value that is relatively larger than that of the first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120).

7. In one of paragraphs 1 to 6, It further includes a printing layer (1021, 1200) arranged adjacent to the frame of the flexible display and configured to be impregnated into the second coating portion (1024, 1820, 1930, 2030, 2130). The above printing layer (1021, 1200) is arranged to overlap vertically with respect to the outer surface of the first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120). Flexible display.

8. In paragraph 7, The above printing layer (1200) is First printing layer (1210); and It includes a second printing layer (1220) having a different width from the first printing layer (1210), A flexible display having a structure in which the first printing layer (1210) and the second printing layer (1220) are stacked vertically.

9. In one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The above glass member (1022, 1910, 2010, 2110) is A flexible display, wherein a portion corresponding to the flexible area is formed to be relatively thinner than a portion corresponding to the non-flexible area.

10. In one of paragraphs 1 to 9, The above glass member (1022, 1910, 2010, 2110) is A flexible display further comprising a plurality of grooves or a plurality of holes formed in a portion corresponding to the flexible area to improve flexibility.

11. In electronic devices, First housing (210); A second housing (220) movably coupled to the first housing (210); and A flexible display (1000) is configured to be accommodated in the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and to be bent at least in part according to the position of the second housing (220) relative to the first housing (210). The above flexible display (1000) is Glass Absence (1022, 1910, 2010, 2110); A first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120) applied to surround at least a portion of a surface of the glass member (1022, 1910, 2010, 2110), including a side surface of the glass member (1022, 1910, 2010, 2110); A second coating portion (1024, 1820, 1930, 2030, 2130) applied to surround at least a portion of the surface of the first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120), including a side surface of the first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120); and Including a display panel (1030) positioned on the lower side of the above glass member (1022, 1910, 2010, 2110). Electronic devices.

12. In paragraph 11, An electronic device, wherein the refractive index of the glass member (1022, 1910, 2010, 2110) and the refractive index of the first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120) are substantially the same.

13. In paragraph 11 or 12, The above second coating portion (1024, 1820, 1930, 2030, 2130) An electronic device having a modulus value that is relatively larger than that of the first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120).

14. In one of the clauses 11 to 13, The above flexible display (1000) is It further includes a printing layer (1021, 1200) arranged adjacent to the edge of the flexible display (1000) and configured to be impregnated into the second coating portion (1024, 1820, 1930, 2030, 2130). The above printing layer (1021, 1200) is arranged to overlap vertically with respect to the outer surface of the first coating portion (1023, 1810, 1920, 2020, 2120). Electronic devices.

15. In paragraph 14, The above printing layer (1200) is First printing layer (1210); and It includes a second printing layer (1220) having a different width from the first printing layer (1210), An electronic device having a structure in which the first printing layer (1210) and the second printing layer (1220) are stacked vertically.

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