Electronic device comprising self-healing protective layer

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a protective layer having self-healing characteristics and shape memory characteristics on one surface of a display panel. To this end, the protective layer can be manufactured from a product composed of methyl methacrylate (MMA), hexyl methacrylate (HMA) and cinnamoyl (Ci) mixed in a predetermined ratio by which predetermined optical transparency, predetermined rigidity or predetermined recovery against plastic deformation can be ensured. Other various embodiments are possible.

Description

Electronic devices comprising self-healing protective layers

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a protective layer having self-healing properties and shape memory properties and an electronic device including the same.

[0002] Electronic devices require a small profile for portability and a large display area to provide users with a wealth of information. To achieve this balance between a small profile and a large display area, electronic devices are moving beyond the rectangular bar-shaped form factor to include various form factors, such as rollable, slideable, and foldable. Electronic devices with these form factors require flexible displays capable of bending or folding.

[0003] The display of an electronic device may include a protective layer to prevent foreign substances from entering from the upper portion of the panel layer. At least a portion of the protective layer may be made of a flexible material to accommodate the flexible nature of the flexible display.

[0004] Flexible displays may experience plastic deformation as the number or frequency of bending or folding increases, causing stresses exceeding the elastic limit of the protective layer (e.g., yield strength). This can lead to distortion or reduced transparency, resulting in creases or scratches.

[0005] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a protective layer made of a material having a predetermined stiffness and permeability while also being capable of self-healing and shape memory, and an electronic device including the same can be proposed.

[0006] A display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display panel having a self-healing protective layer provided on one surface exposed to the outside. The protective layer may be manufactured by a composition comprising methylmethacrylate (MMA), hexylmethacrylate (HMA), and cinnamoyl (Ci), which are mixed in a predetermined ratio to ensure a predetermined optical transparency, a predetermined rigidity, or a predetermined resilience against plastic deformation.

[0007] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first housing, a second housing foldably connected to the first housing via a hinge module, and a flexible display supported by the first housing and the second housing. The flexible display may include a protective layer manufactured by a composition comprising methylmethacrylate (MMA), hexylmethacrylate (HMA), and cinnamoyl (Ci) mixed in a predetermined ratio to ensure a predetermined optical transparency, a predetermined rigidity, or a predetermined resilience to plastic deformation.

[0008] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a self-restoring protective layer in response to plastic deformation occurring in compression and tension of a display.

[0009] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can improve the durability of a display appearance by providing a protective layer composed of a reversibly self-healable material.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a foldable electronic device in an unfolding state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2b is a perspective view of a foldable electronic device in a folding state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2b is a perspective view of an electronic device in an intermediate state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

[0017] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for manufacturing a self-healing polymer to be used as a protective layer of a display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a bonding structure of a self-healing polymer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates deformation of a protective layer made of a self-healing polymer and the corresponding recovery process according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 9b is a diagram illustrating a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 9c is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 10A is a diagram showing a withdrawal state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 10b is a diagram showing an inlet state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0026] 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.

[0027] Hereinafter, the electronic device to be described may include a flexible display, which is at least one of a foldable display, a rollable display, a slideable display, or a stretchable display. The flexible display may be deformed due to folding or bending. The folding or bending of the flexible display may be referred to as “deformation,” which may all mean deformation at a specific point depending on the characteristics of the flexible display.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a 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)).

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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).

[0033] 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).

[0034] 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).

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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).

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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).

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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).

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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).

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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).

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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)).

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an electronic device (200) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) in an unfolding state, according to one embodiment.

[0053] FIG. 2b is a perspective view of an electronic device (200) in a folded state, according to one embodiment.

[0054] FIG. 2c is a perspective view of an intermediate state of an electronic device (200), according to one embodiment.

[0055] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device (200) according to one embodiment.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 2A to 2C and FIG. 3, the electronic device (200) may include a pair of housings (210, 220) (e.g., foldable housings) that are rotatably coupled to face each other and foldable with respect to a hinge module (240). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a flexible display (260) (e.g., display (160) of FIG. 1) that is arranged in an area formed by the pair of housings (210, 220). According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be arranged on both sides with respect to a folding axis (axis F) and may have a shape that is substantially symmetrical with respect to the folding axis (e.g., axis F). According to one embodiment, the angle or distance between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may vary depending on whether the state of the electronic device (200) is a flat stage or unfolding state, a folding state, or an intermediate state.

[0057] A pair of housings (210, 220) may include a first housing (210) (e.g., a first housing structure) coupled with a hinge module (240) and a second housing (220) (e.g., a second housing structure) coupled with the hinge module (240). In one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include, in an unfolded state, a first surface (211) facing a first direction (e.g., a front direction) (z-axis direction) and a second surface (212) facing a second direction (e.g., a rear direction) (-z-axis direction) opposite to the first surface (211).

[0058] According to one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include a third surface (221) facing a first direction (z-axis direction) and a surface facing a second direction (-z-axis direction) in an unfolded state. Hereinafter, the surface facing the second direction will be referred to as a fourth surface (not shown). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may be operated in such a manner that, in an unfolded state, the first surface (211) of the first housing (210) and the third surface (221) of the second housing (220) face substantially the same first direction (z-axis direction), and in a folded state, the first surface (211) and the third surface (221) face each other.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may be operated such that, in an unfolded state, the second surface (212) of the first housing (210) and the fourth surface located on the back surface (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) of the second housing (220) are oriented in substantially the same second direction (-z-axis direction), and in a folded state, the second surface (212) and the fourth surface are oriented in opposite directions. For example, in a folded state, the second surface (212) may be oriented in the first direction (z-axis direction), and the fourth surface may be oriented in the second direction (-z-axis direction).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first side frame (213) that at least partially forms an exterior of the electronic device (200) and a first rear cover (214) that is coupled with the first side frame (213) and forms at least a portion of a second side (212) of the electronic device (200). According to one embodiment, the first side frame (213) may include a first side (213a), a second side (213b) that extends from one end of the first side (213a), and a third side (213c) that extends from the other end of the first side (213a). According to one embodiment, the first side frame (213) may be formed into a rectangular (e.g., square or rectangular) shape through the first side (213a), the second side (213b), and the third side (213c).

[0061] According to one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include a second side frame (223) that at least partially forms an exterior of the electronic device (200) and a second rear cover (224) that is coupled to the second side frame (223) and forms at least a portion of a fourth side of the electronic device (200). According to one embodiment, the second side frame (223) may include a fourth side (223a), a fifth side (223b) that extends from one end of the fourth side (223a), and a sixth side (223c) that extends from the other end of the fourth side (223b). According to one embodiment, the second side frame (223) may be formed into a rectangular shape through the fourth side (223a), the fifth side (223b), and the sixth side (223c).

[0062] According to one embodiment, the pair of housings (210, 220) are not limited to the illustrated shapes and combinations, and may be implemented by other shapes or combinations and / or combinations of parts. For example, in some embodiments, the first side frame (213) may be formed integrally with the first rear cover (214), and the second side frame (223) may be formed integrally with the second rear cover (224).

[0063] According to one embodiment, in the electronic device (200), in the unfolded state, the second side (213b) of the first side frame (213) and the fifth side (223b) of the second side frame (223) can be connected without a gap. According to one embodiment, in the electronic device (200), in the unfolded state, the third side (213c) of the first side frame (213) and the sixth side (223c) of the second side frame (223) can be connected without a gap. According to one embodiment, in the electronic device (200), in the unfolded state, the combined length of the second side (213b) and the fifth side (223b) can be longer than the length of the first side (213a) and / or the fourth side (223a). Additionally, the combined length of the third side (213c) and the sixth side (223c) may be configured to be longer than the length of the first side (213a) and / or the fourth side (223a).

[0064] In one embodiment, the first side frame (213) and / or the second side frame (223) may be formed of metal or may further include a polymer that is injected into the metal. In one embodiment, the first side frame (213) and / or the second side frame (223) may also include at least one conductive portion (216 and / or 226) that is electrically segmented through at least one segment (2161, 2162 and / or 2261, 2262) formed of polymer. In this case, the at least one conductive portion may be electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit included in the electronic device (200) and used as an antenna that operates in at least one designated band (e.g., a legacy band).

[0065] According to one embodiment, the first rear cover (214) and / or the second rear cover (224) may be formed by, for example, at least one or a combination of two of coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, or metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium).

[0066] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (260) may be arranged to extend from a first surface (211) of the first housing (210) across the hinge module (240) to at least a portion of a third surface (221) of the second housing (220). For example, the flexible display (260) may include a first planar portion (260a) substantially corresponding to the first surface (211), a second planar portion (260b) corresponding to the third surface (221), and a bendable portion (260c) connecting the first planar portion (260a) and the second planar portion (260b) and corresponding to the hinge module (240). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a first protective cover (215) (e.g., a first protective frame or a first decorative member) coupled along an edge of the first housing (210). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a second protective cover (225) (e.g., a second protective frame or a second decorative member) coupled along an edge of the second housing (220). According to one embodiment, the first protective cover (215) and / or the second protective cover (225) may be formed of a metal or polymer material. According to one embodiment, the first protective cover (215) and / or the second protective cover (225) may be used as a decoration member. According to one embodiment, the flexible display (260) may be positioned such that an edge of the first flat portion (260a) is interposed between the first housing (210) and the first protective cover (215). According to one embodiment, the flexible display (260) may be positioned such that an edge of the second flat portion (260b) is interposed between the second housing (220) and the second protective cover (225). According to one embodiment, the flexible display (260) can be positioned so that the edge of the flexible display (260) corresponding to the protective cap is protected through a protective cap (235) placed in an area corresponding to the hinge module (240).Therefore, the flexible display (260) can be substantially protected at the edges from the outside.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a hinge housing (241) (e.g., a hinge cover) that supports the hinge module (240) and is positioned so as to be exposed to the outside when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state and is introduced into the first space and the second space when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, thereby being invisible from the outside.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a sub-display (231) that is arranged separately from the flexible display (260). According to one embodiment, the sub-display (231) is arranged to be at least partially exposed on the second side (212) of the first housing (210), so that when in a folded state, it may display status information of the electronic device (200) that replaces the display function of the flexible display (260). According to one embodiment, the sub-display (231) may be arranged to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the first rear cover (214). In some embodiments, the sub-display (231) may be arranged on the fourth side of the second housing (220). In this case, the sub-display (231) may be arranged to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the second rear cover (224).

[0069] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include at least one of an input device (e.g., a microphone), an audio output device (201, 202) (e.g., an audio module (170) of FIG. 1), a sensor module (204) (e.g., a sensor module (176) of FIG. 1), a camera device (e.g., an input module (150) of FIG. 1, a first camera device (205), and / or a second camera device (208)), a key input device (206) (e.g., an input module (150) of FIG. 1), or a connector port (207) (e.g., an interface (177) of FIG. 1). In the illustrated embodiment, the input device (e.g., microphone), audio output device (201, 202), sensor module (204), camera device (e.g., first camera device (205) and / or second camera device (208)), key input device (206) or connector port (207) refers to a hole or shape formed in the first housing (210) or the second housing (220), but may be defined to include an actual electronic component (e.g., input device, audio output device, sensor module or camera device) disposed inside the electronic device (200) and operating through the hole or shape.

[0070] In one embodiment, the input device may include at least one microphone (203) disposed in the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the input device may include a plurality of microphones (203) disposed so as to detect the direction of sound. In some embodiments, the plurality of microphones (203) may be disposed at appropriate locations in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the audio output devices (201, 202) may include speakers. In one embodiment, the speakers may include a call receiver (201) disposed in the first housing (210) and a speaker (202) disposed in the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the input device, the audio output device (201, 202), and the connector port (207) are disposed in a space provided in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) of the electronic device (200), and can be exposed to the external environment through at least one hole formed in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220). According to one embodiment, the at least one connector port (207) can be used to transmit and receive power and / or data with an external electronic device. In some embodiments, the at least one connector port (e.g., an ear jack hole) can also accommodate a connector (e.g., an ear jack) for transmitting and receiving audio signals with the external electronic device. In some embodiments, the hole formed in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) can be used in common for the input device and the audio output device (201, 202). In some embodiments, the audio output device (201, 202) may include a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) that operates without the holes formed in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220).

[0071] According to one embodiment, 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 detect an external environment, for example, through a first surface (211) of the first housing (210). In some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may further include at least one sensor module arranged to detect an external environment through a second surface (212) of the first housing (210). According to one embodiment, the sensor module (204) (e.g., an illuminance sensor) can be arranged under the flexible display (260) to detect an external environment through the flexible display (260). According to one embodiment, the sensor module (204) may include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an illumination sensor, a proximity sensor, a biometric sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an illumination sensor.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the camera device (e.g., the first camera device (205) and / or the second camera device (208)) may include a first camera device (205) (e.g., a front camera device) disposed on a first side (211) of a first housing (210) and a second camera device (208) disposed on a second side (212) of the first housing (210). The electronic device (200) may further include a flash (209) disposed near the second camera device (208). According to one embodiment, the camera device (e.g., the first camera device (205) and / or the second camera device (208)) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. The flash (209) may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. According to one embodiment, the camera device (e.g., the first camera device (205), and / or the second camera device (208)) may be arranged such that two or more lenses (a wide-angle lens, an ultra-wide-angle lens, or a telephoto lens) and image sensors are positioned on one side (e.g., the first side (211), the second side (212), the third side (221), or the fourth side) of the electronic device (200). In some embodiments, the camera device (e.g., the first camera device (205), and / or the second camera device (208)) may also include lenses and image sensors for time of flight (TOF).

[0073] According to one embodiment, the key input device (206) (e.g., a key button) may be disposed on a third side (213c) of the first side frame (213) of the first housing (210). In some embodiments, the key input device (206) may also be disposed on at least one of the other sides (213a, 213b) of the first housing (210) and / or the sides (223a, 223b, 223c) of the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may not include some or all of the key input devices (206), and the key input devices (206) that are not included may be implemented in another form, such as a soft key, on the flexible display (260). In some embodiments, the key input device (206) may be implemented using a pressure sensor included in the flexible display (260).

[0074] According to one embodiment, some of the camera devices (e.g., the first camera device (205) and / or the second camera device (208)) or the sensor modules (204) may be arranged to be exposed through the flexible display (260). For example, the first camera device (205) or the sensor modules (204) may be arranged to be in contact with the external environment through an opening (e.g., a through hole) at least partially formed in the flexible display (260) in the internal space of the electronic device (200). In another embodiment, some of the sensor modules (204) may be arranged to perform their functions without being visually exposed through the flexible display (260) in the internal space of the electronic device (200). For example, in this case, an area of ​​the flexible display (260) facing the sensor modules may not require an opening.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 2C, the electronic device (200) may be operated to maintain an intermediate state through the hinge module (240). In this case, the electronic device (200) may control the flexible display (260) to display different contents on the display area corresponding to the first side (211) and the display area corresponding to the third side (221). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may be operated in a substantially unfolded state (e.g., the unfolded state of FIG. 2A) and / or a substantially folded state (e.g., the folded state of FIG. 2B) based on a certain inflection angle (e.g., the angle between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) when in the intermediate state) through the hinge module (240). For example, the electronic device (200) may be operated to transition to an unfolded state (e.g., the unfolded state of FIG. 2a) when a pressure is applied in the unfolding direction (direction B) through the hinge module (240) while in a state unfolded at a certain inflection angle. For example, the electronic device (200) may be operated to transition to a closed state (e.g., the folded state of FIG. 2b) when a pressure is applied in the folding direction (direction C) through the hinge module (240) while in a state unfolded at a certain inflection angle. In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may be operated to maintain an unfolded state at various angles through the hinge module (240).

[0076] Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device (200) may include a first side frame (213), a second side frame (223), and a hinge module (240) that rotatably connects the first side frame (213) and the second side frame (223). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a first support plate (2131) that extends at least partially from the first side frame (213), and a second support plate (2231) that extends at least partially from the second side frame (223). According to one embodiment, the first support plate (2131) may be formed integrally with the first side frame (213) or structurally coupled with the first side frame (213). Similarly, the second support plate (2231) may be formed integrally with the second side frame (223) or structurally coupled with the second side frame (223).

[0077] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a flexible display (260) arranged to be supported by a first support plate (2131) and a second support plate (2231). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a first rear cover (214) coupled with a first side frame (213) and providing a first space between the first support plate (2131) and a second rear cover (224) coupled with a second side frame (223) and providing a second space between the second support plate (2231). In some embodiments, the first side frame (213) and the first rear cover (214) may be formed integrally. In some embodiments, the second side frame (223) and the second rear cover (224) may be formed integrally. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a first housing (210) (e.g., a first housing structure) provided through a first side frame (213), a first support plate (2131), and a first rear cover (214). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a second housing (220) (e.g., a second housing structure) provided through a second side frame (223), a second support plate (2231), and a second rear cover (224). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a sub-display (231) arranged to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the first rear cover (214).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a first substrate assembly (261) (e.g., a main printed circuit board), a camera assembly (263), a first battery (271), or a first bracket (251) disposed in a first space between a first side frame (213) and a first rear cover (214).

[0079] According to one embodiment, the camera assembly (263) may include a plurality of camera devices (e.g., the camera devices of FIGS. 2A and 2B (e.g., the first camera device (205), and / or the second camera device (208))) and may be electrically connected to the first substrate assembly (261).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the first bracket (251) can provide a support structure and enhanced rigidity for supporting the first substrate assembly (261) and / or the camera assembly (263).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a second substrate assembly (262) (e.g., a sub-printed circuit board), an antenna (290) (e.g., a coil member), a second battery (272), or a second bracket (252) disposed in a second space between the second side frame (223) and the second rear cover (224).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a wiring member (280) (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)). The wiring member (280) according to one embodiment may be arranged to extend from the first substrate assembly (261) across the hinge module (240) to a plurality of electronic components (e.g., a second substrate assembly (262), a second battery (272), or an antenna (290)) disposed between the second side frame (223) and the second rear cover (224).

[0083] In one embodiment, the first substrate assembly (261), the second substrate assembly (262), and the wiring member (280) may be electrically connected to each other, operatively connected to each other, or formed integrally with each other. In one embodiment, since the first substrate assembly (261) and the second substrate assembly (26) are formed integrally and are capable of transmitting and receiving electrical signals or waves, the wiring member (280) may be omitted.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include one or more batteries (e.g., a first battery (271) and / or a second battery (272)). For example, the one or more batteries may include at least one of a first battery (271) disposed in an area corresponding to a first housing (210) and a second battery (272) disposed in an area corresponding to a second housing (220). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include either one of the first battery (271) and / or the second battery (272), or may include both the first battery (271) and / or the second battery (272).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a flexible battery. The flexible battery may be arranged over at least a portion of each of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). The flexible battery may be arranged to overlap a portion of an area corresponding to the first housing (210) and a portion of an area corresponding to the second housing (220). The flexible battery may include a battery hinge portion at a boundary where the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are separated from each other. The battery hinge portion may be formed to have a physically thin thickness. The battery hinge portion is provided at a position corresponding to a folding axis (e.g., axis F of FIGS. 2A to 2C), so that the flexible battery may be folded as the electronic device (200) is folded.

[0086] In one embodiment, the battery hinge of the flexible battery may be a physical or electrical connector. The flexible battery may include a first battery section, a second battery section, and a connector that electrically or operatively connects the first battery section and the second battery section. The first battery section and the second battery section may be electrically or operatively connected to each other through the connector. The connector is a component constituting the flexible battery and may be provided on the outside or inside of the flexible battery. However, in one embodiment, the connector may be a non-conductive connector that physically connects the first battery section and the second battery section.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the antenna (290) may include a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and / or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna (290) may, for example, perform short-range communication with an external device or wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a hinge housing (241) (e.g., a hinge cover) that supports the hinge module (240) and is exposed to the outside when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state (e.g., the folded state of FIG. 2b) and is positioned so as to be invisible from the outside by being introduced into the first space and / or the second space when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the unfolded state of FIG. 2a).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a first protective cover (215) coupled along an edge of a first side frame (213). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a second protective cover (225) coupled along an edge of a second side frame (223). According to one embodiment, the flexible display (260) may have an edge of a first planar portion (e.g., the first planar portion (260a) of FIG. 2A) protected by the first protective cover (215). According to one embodiment, the flexible display (260) may have an edge of a second planar portion (e.g., the second planar portion (260b) of FIG. 2A) protected by the second protective cover (225). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a protective cap (235) positioned to protect an edge of a bendable portion (e.g., bendable portion (260c) of FIG. 2A) corresponding to a hinge module (240) of a flexible display (260).

[0090] An electronic device (200) according to one embodiment may be a bar-type electronic device. The bar-type electronic device may include one or more housings that entirely support a display (260). According to one embodiment, a pair of housings (210, 220) may integrally form a bar-type housing. The bar-type housing may entirely support the display (260).

[0091] In one embodiment, a pair of housings (210, 220) includes a first housing (210) and a second housing (220), wherein the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) can be fixedly coupled to each other. The fixedly coupled pair of housings (210, 220) can be configured not to rotate about a hinge axis (e.g., axis F). The fixedly coupled pair of housings (210, 220) can support the display (260) as a whole.

[0092] According to one embodiment, since the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are formed as one bar-type housing or are fixedly coupled to each other, components such as a hinge module (240) and a hinge housing (241) between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be omitted.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the bar-type electronic device can maintain a fixed shape corresponding to the initial shape of the housing without rotating about the folding axis (e.g., the F-axis). Accordingly, even when an external force is applied to the electronic device, the electronic device may not fold, roll, slide, or twist.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the positions of one or more electronic components and / or components accommodated in the housing of the electronic device are not limited to the exemplary form illustrated above, and the positional relationship and / or coupling relationship between the components or components may be variously changed.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (260) may be compressed or expanded in response to the unfolded or folded state of the electronic device (200). Specifically, when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state, compressive stress may occur in the third region (260c) of the flexible display (260). In addition, when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, tensile stress may occur in the third region (260c) of the flexible display (260). The region on which the compressive stress and / or the tensile stress acts is not limited to the third region (260c), but may occur in the entire region of the flexible display (260).

[0096] According to one embodiment, an external force exceeding the elastic limit of the flexible display (260) may be generated due to compressive stress and / or tensile stress acting on the flexible display (260). In this case, damage such as scratches or creases may occur on the exterior of the flexible display (260). This may lead to a deterioration in the performance of the flexible display (260).

[0097] The flexible display (260) proposed in the present disclosure may include a protective layer (e.g., the protective layer (310) of FIG. 4 or the protective layer (410) of FIG. 5) made of a material having self-healing properties and / or shape memory properties (hereinafter referred to as a self-healing polymer). The protective layer (310, 410) may be disposed on one surface of the flexible display (260) that is exposed to the outside.

[0098] In addition, the protective layer (310, 410) proposed in the present disclosure can be applied to various types of displays (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1).

[0099] For example, the protective layer (310, 410) can be applied to a display included in a bar-type electronic device.

[0100] For example, the protective layer (310, 410) may be applied to a flexible display (e.g., a flexible display (921) of FIGS. 9A to 9C) included in an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (900) of FIGS. 9A to 9C) in which the folding axis is arranged vertically (in the y-axis direction).

[0101] For example, the protective layer (310, 410) may be applied to a flexible display (e.g., a flexible display (1030) of FIGS. 10a and 10b) that is inserted into or pulled out of an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (1000) of FIGS. 10a and 10b) or a slide structure (e.g., a slide structure (1060) of FIGS. 10a and 10b).

[0102] For example, the protective layer (310, 410) can be applied to a flexible display included in an electronic device having multiple or more folding axes.

[0103] In addition, the above protective layer (310, 401) can be applied to various types of flexible displays.

[0104] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a display (300) (e.g., the flexible display (260) of FIGS. 2A to 2C and FIG. 3) according to one embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a laminated structure of layers constituting the flexible display (260), and may be understood to be illustrated with a protective layer exposed to the outer surface of the flexible display (260) as the center. The illustrated laminated structure of the display (300) may omit some layers or modules constituting the flexible display (260).

[0105] Referring to FIG. 4, the display (300) may include a protective layer (310), a glass layer (330), and a panel layer (350).

[0106] In one embodiment, the protective layer (310) may be composed of a polymer having self-healing properties and / or shape memory properties (e.g., the final target material (710, 710-1) of FIG. 7). The polymer may be repeatable, reversible, and have self-healing properties.

[0107] In one embodiment, the polymer may have certain recovery properties from plastic deformation. For example, the polymer may have a recovery capacity of substantially 90% or greater based on a plastically deformed PV (peak to valley) value.

[0108] In one embodiment, the polymer may exhibit enhanced shape memory performance under certain temperature conditions. For example, the polymer may exhibit an increased degree and / or rate of shape recovery in response to heating above a certain glass transition temperature.

[0109] In one embodiment, the polymer may be an acrylic copolymer. The polymer may have self-healing properties due to dynamic bonding by hydrogen bonding and dynamic bonding by van der Waals bonding.

[0110] In one embodiment, the polymer may have a predetermined optical transparency (e.g., transmittance) and / or a predetermined mechanical property (e.g., stiffness). The polymer may, for example, achieve a transmittance of substantially 88% or more compared to a protective layer made of PET. The Young's modulus of the polymer may be, for example, 1 Gpa to 2 Gp.

[0111] In one embodiment, the polymer may be combined with at least one material having an optimal composition ratio to have the self-healing properties, shape memory performance, transmittance or stiffness mentioned above.

[0112] For example, the polymer may be a polymer in which methyl methacrylate (hereinafter referred to as MMA), hexyl methacrylate (hereinafter referred to as HMA), and cinnamoyl (hereinafter referred to as Ci) are combined at a predetermined ratio. The predetermined ratio may be, for example, a molar ratio of MMA:HMA:Ci=37:12:1 to 37.5:25.5:1. As the ratio of MMA included in the polymer increases, the self-healing property may decrease due to an increase in mechanical rigidity and / or glass transition temperature. Therefore, MMA, HMA, and Ci constituting the polymer may satisfy the predetermined ratio so as to have the self-healing property.

[0113] In one embodiment, the polymer can be synthesized from a precursor (intermediate target material). The precursor can be a material in which MMA, HMA, and hydroxyethyl methacrylate (hereinafter referred to as HE) are combined at a predetermined ratio. The predetermined ratio can be, for example, MMA:HMA:Ci=37:12:1 to 37.5:12.5:1. The preparation of the polymer is described below with reference to FIG. 6.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the protective layer (310) may have a predetermined thickness. The predetermined thickness may be, for example, 30 μm (micrometer) to 200 μm. The protective layer (310) may be implemented as a film or coating layer in the form of a film.

[0115] In one embodiment, by providing a protective layer (310) made of the polymer, the display (300) can provide self-healing and / or recovery from damage (e.g., creases and / or cracks) that occurs in response to folding and / or unfolding.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the glass layer (330) may be formed of a material that is at least partially substantially transparent and flexible. For example, the glass layer (330) may be implemented as flexible thin glass (FTG) or ultra-thin glass (UTG). The glass layer (330) may be arranged on the front surface of the display (300). The glass layer (330) may primarily protect the display (300).

[0117] According to one embodiment, the glass layer (330) may have various shapes corresponding to the characteristics of the display (300). For example, when the display (300) is deformed at a predetermined point, the thickness of the glass layer (330) at the predetermined point may be different from that at an adjacent point. For example, the thickness of the glass layer (330) in a third region (e.g., the third region (260c) in FIG. 2A) provided near the folding axis (e.g., axis F in FIGS. 2A to 2C) may be thinner than the thickness of the glass layer (330) in the first region (e.g., the first region (260a) in FIG. 2A) or the second region (e.g., the second region (260b) in FIG. 2A).

[0118] According to one embodiment, the first adhesive member (320) may be provided to attach the protective layer (310) to one surface of the glass layer (330). The second adhesive member (340) may be provided to attach the other surface of the glass layer (330) to one surface of the panel layer (350). For example, the first adhesive member and the second adhesive member (320, 340) may be implemented as layers having a predetermined thickness.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the first adhesive member and the second adhesive member (320, 340) may be implemented as an optically clear adhesive (OCA) or an optically clear resin (OCR). The first adhesive member and the second adhesive member (320, 340) may be formed of an acrylic, silicone, or urethane-based component.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the panel layer (350) may be implemented as a display panel. For example, the panel layer (350) may include a substrate, a light-emitting layer, a polarizing layer, a liquid crystal layer, a color filter, and a thin film transistor (TFT) stacked in the height direction (e.g., the z-axis direction).

[0121] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a display (400) (e.g., the display (300) of FIG. 4 ) according to one embodiment. The display (400) illustrated in FIG. 5 may correspond at least in part to the display (300) illustrated in FIG. 4 . Therefore, overlapping descriptions will be omitted and the differences will be primarily described.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 5, the display (400) may include a protective layer (410) (e.g., protective layer (310) of FIG. 4), a glass layer (430) (e.g., glass layer (330) of FIG. 4), and a panel layer (450) (e.g., panel layer (350) of FIG. 4).

[0123] According to one embodiment, the protective layer (410) may include a first layer (4110) and a second layer (4130). The first layer (4110) may be composed of a polymer having self-healing properties and / or shape memory properties. The second layer (4130) may be composed of a PET material. The polymer may be formed by combining MMA, HMA, and Ci in a predetermined ratio. The predetermined ratio may be, for example, a molar ratio of MMA:HMA:Ci=37:12:1 to MMA:HMA:Ci=37.5:12.5:1.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the protective layer (410) may be formed by laminating the first layer (4110) onto one surface of the second layer (4130). For example, the first layer (4110) may be attached in a film form onto one surface of the second layer (4130), or may be formed by coating a polymer thin film onto one surface of the second layer (4130).

[0125] According to one embodiment, the first layer (4110) may have a predetermined thickness. The predetermined thickness may be, for example, 1 μm to 50 μm.

[0126] According to one embodiment, an adhesive member (4120) may be used to laminate the first layer (4110) on one surface of the second layer (4130). The adhesive member (4120) may be implemented with OCA or OCR. The adhesive member (4120) may be omitted when the first layer (4110) and the second layer (4130) are implemented as an integral body. For example, when the protective layer (410) is formed by applying a material forming the first layer (4110) to the upper side of the second layer (4130), the adhesive member (4120) may be omitted.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the protective layer (410) is composed of a first layer (4110) and a second layer (4130), so that the optical transmittance can be increased by a certain level compared to the protective layer (310) of FIG. 4. The protective layer (410) may also have a structure in which three or more layers are laminated.

[0128] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for manufacturing a self-healing polymer (e.g., self-healing polymer (710, 710-1) of FIG. 7) to be used as a protective layer of a display, according to one embodiment.

[0129] Referring to Figure 6, a flowchart for manufacturing a self-healing polymer is shown step by step. Some steps may be omitted or repeated, and the order may be changed, as needed. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, the manufacturing conditions are understood to be room temperature or pressure.

[0130] In one embodiment, steps 610 to 650 comprise an intermediate target material (M x H y HE z ) can be understood as a step for obtaining the intermediate target material (M), and steps 660 to 680 are steps for obtaining the intermediate target material (M x H y HE z ) from the final target material (M x H y Ci z ) can be understood as a step to obtain.

[0131] In one embodiment, at step 610, a first raw material may be introduced into a flask. The first raw material may include, for example, MMA, HMA, and HE. The amount of the first raw material introduced into the flask may be predetermined.

[0132] For example, MMA, HMA, and HE included in the first raw material introduced into the flask may have a predetermined composition ratio. The flask may be a three-necked flask having a predetermined internal volume. The predetermined composition ratio may be understood as a molar ratio. The predetermined composition ratio may be, for example, 74.08 grams (74 mol%) of MMA, 40.86 grams (24 mol%) of HMA, and 2.6 grams (2 mol%) of HE.

[0133] In one embodiment, the first raw material introduced into the flask may be maintained in a stirred state. Dissolved oxygen may be removed from the first raw material while it is being stirred within the flask. For example, after the flask is sealed, an inert gas (e.g., nitrogen (N2) gas) may be supplied to the solution containing the first raw material for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 15 minutes).

[0134] In one embodiment, at step 620, an initiator may be introduced into a flask containing the first raw material. The initiator may be understood as a solution containing azobisisobutyronitrile (hereinafter referred to as AIBN). The initiator may initiate a free radical polymerization process.

[0135] For example, a solution that can be understood as an initiator can be prepared by dissolving a predetermined volume (e.g., 20 ml) of AIBN at a predetermined concentration (e.g., 0.1 wt percent) in a predetermined volume (e.g., 5 ml) of a solvent. The solvent can be, for example, any one of chloroform, tetrahydrofuran (hereinafter referred to as THF), or toluene.

[0136] In one embodiment, dissolved oxygen present in the mixture can be removed by introducing an initiator into the flask and using an inert gas.

[0137] According to one embodiment, in step 630, a sealed flask containing a reaction target solution in which a first raw material and an initiator are mixed is heated to a predetermined temperature so that the first raw material contained in the reaction target solution can be reacted for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined temperature can be, for example, 75°C. The predetermined period of time can be, for example, 3 to 4 hours. The material reacted for the predetermined period of time can be referred to as a reactant.

[0138] In one embodiment, at step 640, the viscosity of the reactant may be adjusted. To adjust the viscosity of the reactant, a solvent may be additionally added to the flask containing the reactant.

[0139] In one embodiment, a predetermined volume of cooled methanol is dropped into a flask to provide an intermediate target material (M) contained in the reactants in the flask. x H y HE z ) can be precipitated. Here, M can be understood as MMA, H can be understood as HMA, and the numbers indicated by subscripts can be understood as the composition ratio of each substance. The above x can be 74 to 75. The above y can be 24 to 25. The above z can be 2.

[0140] According to one embodiment, at step 650, an intermediate target material (M x H y HE z ) can be obtained. The precipitated intermediate target material (M x H y HE z ) is filtered and dried under reduced pressure at room temperature to obtain the intermediate target material (M x H y HE z ) can be obtained.

[0141] According to one embodiment, in step 660, triethylamine (hereinafter referred to as TEA) is an intermediate target substance (M x H y HE z ) can be introduced into the flask while it is being stirred. For example, the intermediate target material (M) can be introduced into the flask. x H y HE z ) can be added to the solution dissolved in THF solvent while stirring at room temperature (e.g., about 25°C) or low temperature (e.g., about 0°C).

[0142] In one embodiment, at step 670, a second raw material may be introduced and reacted with a solution contained in a flask. The second raw material may be produced by dissolving Ci at a predetermined concentration (e.g., 10 mol%) in 50 ml of THF as a solvent, and maintaining the solution at a predetermined temperature (e.g., -2°C to 0°C). The second raw material containing Ci may be referred to as a Ci solution.

[0143] In one embodiment, a TEA-Cl salt can be produced in response to dropping a Ci solution into the flask.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the intermediate target material (M x H y HE z ) is added to the flask containing the Ci solution and stirred at room temperature or low temperature for 3 to 4 hours, thereby obtaining the intermediate target material (M x H y HE z ) and Ci solution can be reacted.

[0145] According to one embodiment, in step 680, the final target material (M x H y Ci z ) is the intermediate target material (M x H y HE z ) can be obtained as a result of the reaction of the above Ci solution.

[0146] According to one embodiment, the intermediate target material (M x H y HE z ) and the TEA-Cl salt produced from the reaction product of the Ci solution can be removed by vacuum filtration.

[0147] In one embodiment, the viscosity of the filtered solution can be controlled. For example, a rotary evaporator can remove at least a portion of the THF solvent.

[0148] In one embodiment, the final target material (M x H y Ci z ) can react with methanol dropped into a viscosity-controlled solution and precipitate. The final target material (M x H y Ci z ) can be obtained by filtering the precipitate and drying under reduced pressure at room temperature. For example, when the precipitate exhibits yellowing due to Ci, the final target material (M x H y Ci z ) can be obtained by dissolving in a solvent such as chloroform or THF and repeating washing and / or precipitation.

[0149] In one embodiment, the final target material (M x H y Ci z ) may be understood as MMA, HMA or cinnamoyl (Ci), respectively, and the numbers indicated by subscripts below may be understood as the composition ratio of each constituent material. The above x may be 74 to 75. The above y may be 24 to 25. The above z may be 2.

[0150] FIG. 7 illustrates the bonding structure of self-healing polymers (710, 710-1, 730) according to one embodiment. (a) illustrates the bonding structure of polymers (710, 710-1) before cross-linking, and (b) can be understood as illustrating the bonding structure of polymer (730) after cross-linking. In (a), the polymers before cross-linking will be referred to as “first polymer (710)” and “second polymer (710-1),” respectively, and in (b), the polymers after cross-linking will be referred to as “cross-linked polymers (730).”

[0151] Referring to FIG. 7, the first polymer (710) and the second polymer (710-1) are each M x H y Ciz It can be expressed by the molecular formula of. That is, the first polymer (710) and the second polymer (710-1) can be understood as a copolymer synthesized from a plurality of monomers. Here, M can be understood as MMA, H as HMA, Ci as cinnamoyl, and x, y, and z can be understood as a composition ratio. The x can be 74 to 75. The y can be 24 to 25. The z can be 2.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the first polymer (710) and the second polymer (710-1) may be implemented as amorphous polymers. Since the first polymer (710) and the second polymer (710-1) are implemented as amorphous polymers, they can provide a high level of optical transparency. The first polymer (710) and the second polymer (710-1) can provide a transmittance of approximately 88% compared to PET.

[0153] According to one embodiment, the first polymer (710) and the second polymer (710-1) can form hydrogen bonds. The oxygen atoms (O) contained in the first polymer (710) and the second polymer (710-1) can form hydrogen bonds with hydrogen, thereby forming relatively strong dynamic bonds.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the first polymer (710) and the second polymer (710-1) can form a relatively weak dynamic bond by forming van der Waals bonds. The photo-coupled derivative can be formed by a bond between the cinnamoyl group (Ci) included in the first polymer (710) and the second polymer (710-1). In order for the first polymer (710) and the second polymer (710-1) to form the photo-coupled derivative, an electromagnetic wave (e.g., ultraviolet ray) having a predetermined energy level can be irradiated. Due to the photo-coupled derivative, the self-healing polymer can have shape memory characteristics.

[0155] According to one embodiment, in (b), the first polymer (710) and the second polymer (710-1) can form a cross-linked polymer (730). The first cinnamoyl group (713) included in the first polymer (710) and the second cinnamoyl group (713-1) included in the second polymer (710-1) can be cross-linked to form the cross-linked polymer (730). Specifically, the double bond (713a) included in the first cinnamoyl group (713) and the double bond (713a-1) included in the second cinnamoyl group (713-1) can form a cross-linked bond.

[0156] In one embodiment, the cross-linked polymer (730) may have self-healing properties and / or shape memory properties. The composition ratio of MMA and HMA included in the cross-linked polymer (730) may provide optimal stiffness and self-healing properties, and shape memory properties may be provided by Ci included in the cross-linked polymer.

[0157] FIG. 8 illustrates a deformation (820) and corresponding recovery (840) process of a protective layer (e.g., protective layer (310) of FIG. 3 or protective layer (410) of FIG. 4) made of a self-healing polymer (e.g., self-healing polymer (710, 710-1) of FIG. 7) according to one embodiment.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 8, a process in which a protective layer (310) made of a self-healing polymer is deformed (820) and recovered (840) by compressive or tensile stress is illustrated. The state of the protective layer (310) in (a) will be referred to as a first state (810), the state of the protective layer (310) in (b) as a second state (820), or the state of the protective layer (310) in (c) as a third state. The second state may be a state in which the protective layer (310) in the first state (810) is changed by deformation (820). The third state may be a state in which the protective layer in the second state (830) is changed by recovery (840).

[0159] According to one embodiment, the protective layer (310) of the first state (810) may undergo deformation (820) during the process of the display (e.g., the flexible display (260) of FIG. 2) being repeatedly folded and unfolded. This may cause the transparency of the display (260) to be reduced or its appearance to be damaged.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the protective layer (310) of the second state (830) may have a property of returning to a state corresponding to the first state (810) due to the self-healing properties and shape memory properties of the self-healing polymer. Accordingly, the protective layer (310) of the second state (830) may be restored (840) to a third state (850) corresponding to the first state (810).

[0161] According to one embodiment, the third state (850) can provide a restoration effect of 90% or more compared to the first state (810).

[0162] In one embodiment, the protective layer (310) may provide higher and faster recovery characteristics under certain temperature conditions. For example, the protective layer (310) may have a characteristic of recovering to its pre-deformation state and / or a shorter recovery time under high temperature conditions (e.g., 75°C or higher) compared to room temperature.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the recovery characteristics of a protective layer (310) manufactured from a self-healing polymer can be confirmed through an experimental example. Table 1 below shows the recovery characteristics according to the material constituting the protective layer (310).

[0164] Recovery rate after material damage (%)PET(a)2.2PU(b)- (breakage)M 75 H 25 HE2(c)71M 75 H 25 Ci2#1(d)88.2M 75 H 25 Ci2#2(e)90.9

[0165] Referring to , PET(a), PU(b), and M, respectively 75 H 25 HE2(c), M 75 H 25 Ci2#1(d), M 75 H 25 The protective layer (310) composed of Ci2#2(e) shows the degree of recovery after damage. Here, M 75 H 25 Ci2#1(d) and M 75 H 25 Ci2#2(e) is classified as M that does not form photocrosslinks depending on whether it forms photocrosslinks by irradiation with ultraviolet light. 75 H 25 M formed a photocrosslinking bond with Ci2#1(d) 75 H 25 It can be understood as Ci2#2(e).

[0166] According to one embodiment, the damage of the protective layer (310) is shown as a recovery rate through a physical recovery process at a temperature of 75°C after inflicting damage of 10 μm thickness through a blazer to the protective layer (310) having a predetermined thickness and a predetermined area (3 cm x 3 cm). Here, the physical recovery process can be understood as rubbing the protective layer (310) to improve the intermolecular bond fluidity and promote self-healing characteristics.

[0167] In one embodiment, PET(a) can be confirmed to have a recovery rate of 2.2%, and PU(b) can be confirmed to be permanently damaged without recovery after damage. M 75 H 25 It can be seen that HE2(c) shows a recovery rate of 75%.

[0168] According to one embodiment, M 75 H 25 Ci2#1(d) and M 75 H 25It can be seen that Ci2#2(e) shows recovery rates of 88.2% and 90.9% depending on the presence or absence of photocrosslinking. Therefore, higher recovery characteristics can be provided depending on the presence or absence of crosslinking of the cinnamoyl group.

[0169] FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device (900) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment.

[0170] FIG. 9b is a diagram illustrating a folded state of an electronic device (900) according to one embodiment.

[0171] Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B , in one embodiment, an electronic device (900) may include a foldable housing (910), a hinge cover (913) covering a foldable portion of the foldable housing (910), and a flexible or foldable display (921) disposed within a space formed by the foldable housing (910). In this document, a surface on which the display (921) is disposed is defined as a first surface or the front surface of the electronic device (900). The surface opposite the front surface is defined as a second surface or the back surface of the electronic device (900). In addition, a surface surrounding the space between the front surface and the back surface is defined as a third surface or the side surface of the electronic device (900).

[0172] In one embodiment, the foldable housing (910) may include a first housing structure (911), a second housing structure (912) including a sensor area (9122), a first rear cover (914), and a second rear cover (915). The foldable housing (910) of the electronic device (900) is not limited to the shape and combination illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B and may be implemented by other shapes or combinations and / or combinations of parts. For example, in another embodiment, the first housing structure (911) and the first rear cover (914) may be formed integrally, and the second housing structure (912) and the second rear cover (915) may be formed integrally.

[0173] In one embodiment, the first housing structure (911) and the second housing structure (912) are arranged on both sides with respect to the folding axis (axis A) as the center, and may have a shape that is symmetrical overall with respect to the folding axis A. As described below, the angle or distance between the first housing structure (911) and the second housing structure (912) may vary depending on whether the state of the electronic device (900) is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state. In one embodiment, the second housing structure (912), unlike the first housing structure (911), additionally includes a sensor area (9122) in which various sensors are arranged, but may have a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the other areas. In another embodiment, the sensor area (9122) may be additionally arranged in or replaced with at least a portion of the first housing structure (911) or the second housing structure (912).

[0174] In one embodiment, the electronic device (900) may be operated in an in-folding manner and / or an out-folding manner by allowing the first housing structure (910) to rotate with respect to the second housing structure (920) through a hinge structure (not shown) in a range of 0 to 360 degrees. According to various embodiments, the hinge structure may be formed in a vertical direction or a horizontal direction when the electronic device (900) is viewed from above. According to various embodiments, the hinge structure may be plural. For example, all of the plurality of hinge structures may be arranged in the same direction. As another example, some of the plurality of hinge structures may be arranged in different directions and folded.

[0175] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 9A, the first housing structure (911) and the second housing structure (912) may together form a recess that accommodates the display (921). In one embodiment, due to the sensor area (9122), the recess may have two or more different widths in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis A.

[0176] For example, the recess may have a first width (w1) between (a) a first portion (911a) of the first housing structure (911) that is parallel to the folding axis A and a first portion (912a) formed at an edge of the sensor area (9122) of the second housing structure (912), and (b) a second width (w2) formed by a second portion (911b) of the first housing structure (911) and a second portion (912b) of the second housing structure (912) that is parallel to the folding axis A and does not correspond to the sensor area (9122). In this case, the second width (w2) may be formed to be longer than the first width (w1). In other words, the first part (911a) of the first housing structure (911) and the first part (912a) of the second housing structure (912) having mutually asymmetrical shapes may form a first width (w1) of the recess, and the second part (911b) of the first housing structure (911) and the second part (912b) of the second housing structure (912) having mutually symmetrical shapes may form a second width (w2) of the recess. In one embodiment, the first part (912a) and the second part (912b) of the second housing structure (912) may have different distances from the folding axis A. The width of the recess is not limited to the illustrated example. In various embodiments, the recess may have a plurality of widths due to the shape of the sensor area (9122) or the asymmetrical shapes of the first housing structure (911) and the second housing structure (912).

[0177] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing structure (911) and the second housing structure (912) may be formed of a metallic or non-metallic material having a rigidity of a selected size to support the display (921).

[0178] In one embodiment, the sensor area (9122) may be formed to have a predetermined area adjacent to one corner of the second housing structure (912). However, the arrangement, shape, and size of the sensor area (9122) are not limited to the illustrated example. For example, in another embodiment, the sensor area (9122) may be provided in another corner of the second housing structure (912) or in any area between the upper corner and the lower corner. In one embodiment, components for performing various functions built into the electronic device (900) may be exposed to the front of the electronic device (900) through the sensor area (9122) or through one or more openings provided in the sensor area (9122). In various embodiments, the components may include various types of sensors. The sensors may include, for example, at least one of a front camera, a receiver, a proximity sensor, an ambient light sensor, an iris recognition sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an indicator.

[0179] In one embodiment, a first rear cover (914) is disposed on one side of the folding axis on the rear of the electronic device and may have, for example, a substantially rectangular periphery, the periphery of which may be wrapped by the first housing structure (911). Similarly, a second rear cover (915) is disposed on the other side of the folding axis on the rear of the electronic device and may have its periphery wrapped by the second housing structure (912).

[0180] In one embodiment, the first rear cover (914) and the second rear cover (915) may have substantially symmetrical shapes about the folding axis (A axis). However, the first rear cover (914) and the second rear cover (915) do not necessarily have mutually symmetrical shapes, and in other embodiments, the electronic device (900) may include the first rear cover (914) and the second rear cover (915) of various shapes. In another embodiment, the first rear cover (914) may be formed integrally with the first housing structure (911), and the second rear cover (915) may be formed integrally with the second housing structure (912).

[0181] In one embodiment, the first rear cover (914), the second rear cover (915), the first housing structure (911), and the second housing structure (912) may form a space in which various components of the electronic device (900) (e.g., a printed circuit board or a battery) may be placed. In one embodiment, one or more components may be placed or visually exposed on the rear surface of the electronic device (900). For example, at least a portion of the sub-display (9215) may be visually exposed through the first rear area (9141) of the first rear cover (914). In another embodiment, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through the second rear area (9151) of the second rear cover (915). In various embodiments, the sensors may include a proximity sensor and / or a rear camera.

[0182] Referring to FIG. 9B, a hinge cover (913) may be configured to be disposed between the first housing structure (911) and the second housing structure (912) so as to cover an internal component (e.g., a hinge structure). In one embodiment, the hinge cover (913) may be covered by a portion of the first housing structure (911) and the second housing structure (912) or exposed to the outside, depending on the state of the electronic device (900) (flat state or folded state).

[0183] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9A, when the electronic device (900) is in an unfolded state, the hinge cover (913) may be covered by the first housing structure (911) and the second housing structure (912) and may not be exposed. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9B, when the electronic device (900) is in a folded state (e.g., a fully folded state), the hinge cover (913) may be exposed to the outside between the first housing structure (911) and the second housing structure (912). For example, when the first housing structure (911) and the second housing structure (912) are in an intermediate state where they are folded at a certain angle, the hinge cover (913) may be partially exposed to the outside between the first housing structure (911) and the second housing structure (912). However, in this case, the exposed area may be less than that in the fully folded state. In one embodiment, the hinge cover (913) may include a curved surface.

[0184] The display (921) may be placed on a space formed by the foldable housing (910). For example, the display (921) may be placed on a recess formed by the foldable housing (910) and may constitute most of the front surface of the electronic device (900).

[0185] Accordingly, the front of the electronic device (900) may include a display (921), a portion of the first housing structure (911) adjacent to the display (921), and a portion of the second housing structure (912). And, the back of the electronic device (900) may include a first back cover (914), a portion of the first housing structure (911) adjacent to the first back cover (914), a second back cover (915), and a portion of the second housing structure (912) adjacent to the second back cover (915).

[0186] The display (921) may refer to a display in which at least a portion of the display can be transformed into a flat or curved surface. In one embodiment, the display (921) may include a folding area (9211), a first area (9212) positioned on one side (the left side of the folding area (9211) illustrated in FIG. 9A) relative to the folding area (9211), and a second area (9213) positioned on the other side (the right side of the folding area (9211) illustrated in FIG. 9A).

[0187] The division of regions of the display (921) illustrated in FIG. 9A is exemplary, and the display (921) may be divided into a plurality of regions (e.g., four or more or two) depending on the structure or function. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9A, the regions of the display (921) may be divided by a folding region (9211) extending parallel to the y-axis or a folding axis (A-axis), or the regions of the display (921) may be divided based on another folding region (e.g., a folding region parallel to the x-axis) or another folding axis (e.g., a folding axis parallel to the x-axis).

[0188] The first region (9212) and the second region (9213) may have an overall symmetrical shape centered on the folding region (9211). However, unlike the first region (9212), the second region (9213) may include a cut notch depending on the presence of the sensor region (9122), but may have a shape symmetrical with respect to the first region (9212) in other regions. In other words, the first region (9212) and the second region (9213) may include a portion having a symmetrical shape and a portion having an asymmetrical shape.

[0189] Hereinafter, the operation of the first housing structure (911) and the second housing structure (912) and each area of ​​the display (921) according to the state of the electronic device (900) (e.g., flat state and folded state) will be described.

[0190] In one embodiment, when the electronic device (900) is in a flat state (e.g., FIG. 9A), the first housing structure (911) and the second housing structure (912) may be arranged to form an angle of 180 degrees and face the same direction. The surface of the first region (9212) and the surface of the second region (9213) of the display (921) may form an angle of 180 degrees with each other and face the same direction (e.g., toward the front of the electronic device). The folding region (9211) may form the same plane as the first region (9212) and the second region (9213).

[0191] In one embodiment, when the electronic device (900) is in a folded state (e.g., FIG. 9B), the first housing structure (911) and the second housing structure (912) may be arranged to face each other. The surface of the first region (9212) and the surface of the second region (9213) of the display (921) may form a narrow angle (e.g., between 0 and 10 degrees) with each other and may face each other. The folding region (9211) may be formed as a curved surface having at least a portion of a predetermined curvature.

[0192] In one embodiment, when the electronic device (900) is in a folded state (e.g., FIG. 9B), the first housing structure (911) and the second housing structure (912) may be arranged at a certain angle with respect to each other. The surface of the first region (9212) and the surface of the second region (9213) of the display (921) may form an angle that is greater than the angle in the folded state and less than the angle in the unfolded state. The folding region (9211) may be formed as a curved surface having at least a portion of a certain curvature, and the curvature in this case may be less than that in the folded state.

[0193] FIG. 9c is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0194] Referring to FIG. 9C, in one embodiment, the electronic device (900) may include a display unit (920), a bracket assembly (930), a substrate unit (940), a first housing structure (911), a second housing structure (912), a first rear cover (914), and a second rear cover (915). In this document, the display unit (920) may be referred to as a display module or a display assembly.

[0195] The display unit (920) may include a display (921) and one or more plates or layers (922) on which the display (921) is mounted. In one embodiment, the plate (922) may be disposed between the display (921) and the bracket assembly (930). The display (921) may be disposed on at least a portion of one surface (e.g., the upper surface based on FIG. 9C) of the plate (922). The plate (922) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the display (921). For example, a portion of the plate (922) may be formed in a shape corresponding to a notch (9214) of the display (921).

[0196] The bracket assembly (930) may include a first bracket (931), a second bracket (932), a hinge structure (not shown) disposed between the first bracket (931) and the second bracket (932), a hinge cover (913) that covers the hinge structure when viewed from the outside, and a wiring member (933) (e.g., a flexible printed circuit (FPC)) that crosses the first bracket (931) and the second bracket (932).

[0197] In one embodiment, a bracket assembly (930) may be positioned between the plate (922) and the substrate portion (940). For example, a first bracket (931) may be positioned between a first area (9212) of the display (921) and a first substrate (941). A second bracket (932) may be positioned between a second area (9213) of the display (921) and a second substrate (942).

[0198] In one embodiment, a wiring member (933) and at least a portion of a hinge structure may be disposed within the bracket assembly (930). The wiring member (933) may be disposed in a direction transverse to the first bracket (931) and the second bracket (932) (e.g., in the x-axis direction). The wiring member (933) may be disposed in a direction perpendicular to a folding axis (e.g., the y-axis or the folding axis (A) of FIG. 9A) of a folding area (9211) of the electronic device (900) (e.g., in the x-axis direction).

[0199] The substrate portion (940) may include a first substrate (941) disposed on the first bracket (931) side and a second substrate (942) disposed on the second bracket (932) side, as mentioned above. The first substrate (941) and the second substrate (942) may be disposed inside a space formed by the bracket assembly (930), the first housing structure (911), the second housing structure (912), the first rear cover (914), and the second rear cover (915). Components for implementing various functions of the electronic device (900) may be mounted on the first substrate (941) and the second substrate (942).

[0200] The first housing structure (911) and the second housing structure (912) can be assembled to each other so as to be coupled to both sides of the bracket assembly (930) while the display unit (920) is coupled to the bracket assembly (930). As described below, the first housing structure (911) and the second housing structure (912) can be coupled to the bracket assembly (930) by sliding on both sides of the bracket assembly (930).

[0201] In one embodiment, the first housing structure (911) may include a first rotational support surface (9111), and the second housing structure (912) may include a second rotational support surface (9121) corresponding to the first rotational support surface (9111). The first rotational support surface (9111) and the second rotational support surface (9121) may include curved surfaces corresponding to the curved surfaces included in the hinge cover (913).

[0202] In one embodiment, the first rotational support surface (9111) and the second rotational support surface (9121) may cover the hinge cover (913) so that the hinge cover (913) is not exposed or is minimally exposed to the rear of the electronic device (900) when the electronic device (900) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the electronic device of FIG. 9a). On the other hand, the first rotational support surface (9111) and the second rotational support surface (9121) may rotate along a curve included in the hinge cover (913) so that the hinge cover (913) is maximally exposed to the rear of the electronic device (900) when the electronic device (900) is in a folded state (e.g., the electronic device of FIG. 9b).

[0203] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (900) can have a flexible display (920) that can be folded or unfolded by a hinge cover (913). As a result, the folding area (9211) may be damaged due to tensile stress and compressive stress. Therefore, the flexible display (920) may include a protective layer (e.g., the protective layer (310) of FIG. 4 or the protective layer (410) of FIG. 5) on one surface exposed to the outside.

[0204] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (920) may include a protective layer (310, 410) to provide recovery properties by reversible self-healing and / or shape memory in response to damage such as wrinkles or scratches caused by deformation.

[0205] FIG. 10A is a drawing showing a withdrawal state of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0206] FIG. 10b is a drawing showing an inlet state of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0207] Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B , the electronic device (1000) may include a housing (1010) (e.g., a first housing or a base housing) and a slide structure (1060) (e.g., a second housing or a slide housing) that is at least partially movably coupled from the housing (1010) and supports at least a portion of the flexible display (1030).

[0208] In one embodiment, the slide structure (1060) may include a bendable member (not shown) (e.g., a multi-joint hinge or a multi-bar assembly) that is coupled to one end and supports at least a portion of the flexible display (1030). When the slide structure (1060) performs a sliding motion within the housing (1010), the bendable member may be at least partially retracted into the interior space of the housing (1010) while supporting the flexible display (1030).

[0209] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1000) may include a side member (1040) including a front surface (1010a) facing a first direction (e.g., +z-axis direction), a back surface (1010b) facing a second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., -z-axis direction), and a side surface (1010c) surrounding a space between the front surface (1010a) and the back surface (1010b) and being at least partially exposed to the outside.

[0210] In one embodiment, the back (1010b) may be formed by a back cover (1021) coupled to the housing (1010). In one embodiment, the back cover (1021) may be formed by a polymer, a coated or colored glass, a ceramic, a metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the foregoing materials. In one embodiment, the back cover (1021) may be formed integrally with the housing (1010).

[0211] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the side (1010c) may be positioned to be exposed to the outside through the housing (1010).

[0212] According to one embodiment, the side member (1040) may include a first side (1041) having a first length, a second side (1042) extending in a direction perpendicular to the first side (1041) to have a second length longer than the first length, a tenth side (1043) extending parallel to the first side (1041) from the second side (1042) and having the first length, and a fourth side (1044) extending parallel to the second side (1042) from the third side (1043) and having the second length.

[0213] According to one embodiment, the slide structure (1060) supports the flexible display (1030) and can expand the display area of ​​the flexible display (1030) by being pulled out from the second side (1042) toward the fourth side (1044) (e.g., in the +x-axis direction), or can reduce the display area of ​​the flexible display (1030) by being pulled in from the fourth side (1044) toward the second side (1042) (e.g., in the -x-axis direction).

[0214] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1000) may include a first side cover (1040a) and a second side cover (1040b) for covering the first side (1041) and the third side (1043).

[0215] According to one embodiment, the first side (1041) and the third side (1043) can be positioned so as not to be exposed to the outside through the first side cover (1040a) and the second side cover (1040b).

[0216] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1000) may include a flexible display (1030) positioned to be supported by a slide structure (1060).

[0217] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (1030) may include a first portion (1030a) (e.g., a planar portion) supported by a slide structure (1060) and a second portion (1030b) (e.g., a bendable portion or a bendable portion) extending from the first portion (1030a) and at least partially supported by a bendable member.

[0218] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the second portion (1030b) may be arranged so as to be inserted into the internal space of the housing (1010) and not exposed to the outside when the electronic device (1000) is in a retractable state (e.g., a state in which at least a portion of the slide structure (1060) is inserted into the housing (1010). In addition, at least a portion of the second portion (1030b) may be at least partially exposed to the outside so as to extend from the first portion (1030a) while being supported by at least a portion of the bendable member when the electronic device (1000) is in a retractable state (e.g., a state in which at least a portion of the slide structure (1060) is retracted from the housing (1010). Accordingly, the electronic device (1000) may include a rollable type or slidable type electronic device in which the display area of ​​the flexible display (1030) changes according to the movement of the slide structure (1060) from the housing (1010).

[0219] According to one embodiment, the slide structure (1060) may be movably coupled in a sliding manner so as to be at least partially retracted or withdrawn from the housing (1010). For example, the flexible display (1030) may be configured to have a display area corresponding to a first width (W1) from the second side (1042) to the fourth side (1044) in the retracted state.

[0220] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (1030) can be deformed to have a display area corresponding to a third width (w3) that is larger than the first width (w1) by moving at least a portion of the bendable member introduced into the interior of the housing (1010) to the outside of the electronic device so as to have an additional second width (w2) when the slide structure (1060) is in an extended state. Accordingly, the flexible display (1030) can have a display area that is variable in response to the variable width of the electronic device according to the sliding motion of the slide structure (1060).

[0221] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1000) may include at least one of an input device (1003), an audio output device (1006, 1007), a sensor module (1004, 1017), a camera module (1005, 1016), a connector port (1008), a key input device (not shown) or an indicator (not shown). In one embodiment, the electronic device (600) may omit at least one of the above-described components or may additionally include other components.

[0222] In one embodiment, the input device (1003) may include a microphone. In one embodiment, the input device (1003) may include a plurality of microphones arranged to detect the direction of sound.

[0223] In one embodiment, the audio output device (1006, 1007) may include speakers. The audio output device (1006, 1007) may include an external speaker (1006) and a call receiver (1007). In one embodiment, the audio output device (1006, 1007) may also include a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) that operates without a separate speaker hole.

[0224] According to one embodiment, the sensor module (1004, 1017) may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device (1000) or an external environmental state. The sensor module (1004, 1017) may include, for example, a first sensor module (1004) (e.g., a proximity sensor or a light sensor) disposed on the front of the electronic device and / or a second sensor module (1017) (e.g., an HRM sensor) disposed on the rear.

[0225] According to one embodiment, the first sensor module (1004) may be disposed on the front side (1010a) of the electronic device (1000), below the flexible display (1030). The first sensor module (1004) may further 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.

[0226] According to one embodiment, the camera devices (1005, 1016) may include a first camera device (1005) positioned on the front (1010a) of the electronic device (1000) and a second camera device (1016) positioned on the rear (1010b). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1000) may include a flash (1018) positioned near the second camera device (1016). According to one embodiment, the camera devices (1005, 1016) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. According to one embodiment, the first camera device (1005) may be positioned under the flexible display (1030) and configured to capture an object through a portion of an active area of ​​the flexible display (1030). In one embodiment, the flash (1018) may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In one embodiment, two or more lenses (wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors may be arranged on one side of the electronic device (1000).

[0227] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1000) may include at least one antenna (not shown). According to one embodiment, the at least one antenna may, for example, wirelessly communicate with an external electronic device or wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging. In one embodiment, the antenna may include a legacy antenna, a mmWave antenna, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and / or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna.

[0228] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1000) may be repeatedly pulled out and pulled in by the sliding drive unit (1060), and the flexible display (1030) may be deformed. As a result, the flexible display (1030) may be damaged due to tensile stress and compressive stress. Therefore, the flexible display (1030) may include a protective layer (e.g., the protective layer (310) of FIG. 4 or the protective layer (410) of FIG. 5) on one surface exposed to the outside.

[0229] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (1030) may include a protective layer (310, 410) to provide recovery properties by reversible self-healing and / or shape memory in response to damage such as wrinkles or scratches caused by deformation.

[0230] According to one embodiment, a protective layer (310, 410) may be applied to one surface of an electronic device (1000) not only to a flexible display (1030) that slides around the x-axis, but also to a flexible display that slides around the y-axis.

[0231] A display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., a display module (160) of FIG. 1, a flexible display (260) of FIGS. 2 and 3, a display (300, 400) of FIGS. 4 and 5, a flexible display (921) of FIG. 9, a flexible display (1030) of FIG. 10) may include a display panel (350, 450) having a self-healing protective layer (310, 410) provided on one surface exposed to the outside. The protective layer (310, 410) may be manufactured by a product (730) composed of methylmethacrylate (MMA), hexylmethacrylate (HMA), and cinnamoyl (Ci) mixed in a predetermined ratio capable of securing a predetermined optical transparency, a predetermined rigidity, or a predetermined resilience to plastic deformation. there is.

[0232] In a display device (160, 260, 300, 400, 921, 1030) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the molar ratio of the MMA, the HMA, and the Ci constituting the obtained product (730) may be 37:12:1 to 37.5:12.5:1.

[0233] In a display device (160, 260, 300, 400, 921, 1030) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the obtained product (730) may be produced from an intermediate composed of the MMA, the HMA, and hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) mixed in a predetermined ratio.

[0234] In a display device (160, 260, 300, 400, 921, 1030) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the molar ratio of the MMA, the HMA, and the HEMA may be 37:12:1 to 37.5:12.5:1.

[0235] In a display device (160, 260, 300, 400, 921, 1030) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the obtained product (730) can form cross-linking (733a).

[0236] In a display device (160, 260, 300, 400, 921, 1030) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cross-linking (733a) may be formed by the Ci.

[0237] In a display device (160, 260, 300, 400, 921, 1030) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the protective layer (310, 410) may have a thickness of 30 μm (micrometer) to 200 μm.

[0238] In a display device (160, 260, 300, 400, 921, 1030) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the protective layer (410) may include a secondary protective layer (4130) made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material.

[0239] In a display device (160, 260, 300, 400, 921, 1030) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a protective layer (4110) having a predetermined thickness may be provided on the front side of the secondary protective layer (4130).

[0240] In a display device (160, 260, 300, 400, 921, 1030) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the obtained product (730) can be coated to a predetermined thickness on the front surface of the secondary protective layer (4130).

[0241] In a display device (160, 260, 300, 400, 921, 1030) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the predetermined thickness may be 1 μm (micrometer) to 50 μm.

[0242] In a display device (160, 260, 300, 400, 921, 1030) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the protective layer (310, 410) may have an increased resilience under a predetermined temperature condition.

[0243] In a display device (160, 260, 300, 400, 921, 1030) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the protective layer (310, 410) may have the predetermined resilience increased in response to an increase in the external temperature from 60° C. to 75° C.

[0244] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, an electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2 to 3, an electronic device (900) of FIG. 9, an electronic device (1000) of FIG. 10) may include a first housing (210, 911), a second housing (220, 912) foldably connected to the first housing (210, 911) through a hinge module (240, 913), and a flexible display (160, 260, 300, 400, 921, 1030) supported by the first housing (210, 911) and the second housing (220, 912). The above flexible display (160, 260, 300, 400, 921, 1030) may include a protective layer (310, 410) manufactured by a product (730) composed of methylmethacrylate (MMA), hexylmethacrylate (HMA), and cinnamoyl (Ci) mixed in a predetermined ratio to secure a predetermined optical transparency, a predetermined rigidity, or a predetermined resilience to plastic deformation.

[0245] In an electronic device (101, 200, 900, 1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the molar ratio of the MMA, the HMA, and the Ci constituting the obtained product (730) may be 37:12:1 to 37.5:12.5:1.

[0246] In an electronic device (101, 200, 900, 1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the obtained product may be produced from an intermediate composed of the MMA, the HMA, and hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) mixed in a predetermined ratio.

[0247] In an electronic device (101, 200, 900, 1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the molar ratio of the MMA, the HMA, and the HEMA may be 37:12:1 to 37.5:12.5:1.

[0248] In an electronic device (101, 200, 900, 1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the obtained product (730) can form a cross-link (733a) by the Ci.

[0249] In an electronic device (101, 200, 900, 1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the protective layer (310, 410) may have a thickness of 30 μm (micrometer) to 200 μm.

[0250] In an electronic device (101, 200, 900, 1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the protective layer (410) may include a secondary protective layer (4130) made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material.

[0251] In an electronic device (101, 200, 900, 1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a protective layer (4110) having a predetermined thickness may be laminated on the front surface of the secondary protective layer (4130).

[0252] In an electronic device (101, 200, 900, 1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the obtained product (730) can be coated to a predetermined thickness on the front surface of the secondary protective layer (4130).

[0253] In an electronic device (101, 200, 900, 1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the predetermined thickness may be 1 μm to 50 μm.

[0254] 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.

[0255] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "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 include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0256] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0257] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0258] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0259] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. Includes a display panel (350, 450) having a self-healing protective layer (310, 410) on one surface exposed to the outside, The above protective layer (310, 410) is A display device (160, 260, 300, 400, 921, 1030) manufactured by a product (730) composed of methylmethacrylate (MMA), hexylmethacrylate (HMA), and cinnamoyl (Ci) mixed in a predetermined ratio capable of securing a predetermined optical transparency, a predetermined rigidity, or a predetermined resilience to plastic deformation.

2. In paragraph 1, The molar ratio of the MMA, the HMA and the Ci constituting the above obtained product (730) is Display devices (160, 260, 300, 400, 921, 1030) with an aspect ratio of 37:12:1 to 37.5:12.5:

1.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, The above-mentioned obtained product (730) is a display device (160, 260, 300, 400, 921, 1030) produced from an intermediate composed of the MMA, the HMA and hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) mixed in a predetermined ratio.

4. In paragraph 3, The molar ratio of the above MMA, the above HMA and the above HEMA is, Display devices (160, 260, 300, 400, 921, 1030) with an aspect ratio of 37:12:1 to 37.5:12.5:

1.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The above obtained product (730) forms a cross-linking (733a) in a display device (160, 260, 300, 400, 921, 1030).

6. In paragraph 5, The above cross-linking (733a) is formed by the above Ci, display device (160, 260, 300, 400, 921, 1030).

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The above protective layer (310, 410) has a thickness of 30 μm (micrometer) to 200 μm, the display device (160, 260, 300, 400, 921, 1030).

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The above protective layer (410) includes a secondary protective layer (4130) made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material, a display device (160, 260, 300, 400, 921, 1030).

9. In paragraph 8, A display device (160, 260, 300, 400, 921, 1030) in which a protective layer (4110) having a predetermined thickness is provided on the front side of the secondary protective layer (4130).

10. In clause 8 or 9, A display device (160, 260, 300, 400, 921, 1030) in which the obtained product (730) is coated to a predetermined thickness on the front surface of the secondary protective layer (4130).

11. In clause 9 or 10, The above-mentioned predetermined thickness is 1μm (micrometer) to 50μm, display device (160, 260, 300, 400, 921, 1030).

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, The above protective layer (310, 410) is a display device (160, 260, 300, 400, 921, 1030) in which the predetermined recovery property increases under predetermined temperature conditions.

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, The above protective layer (310, 410) is a display device (160, 260, 300, 400, 921, 1030) in which the predetermined resilience increases in response to an increase in the external temperature from 60°C to 75°C.

14. In electronic devices (101, 200, 900, 1000), 1st Housing (210, 911); A second housing (220, 912) foldably connected to the first housing (210, 911) through a hinge module (240, 913); and A flexible display (160, 260, 300, 400, 921, 1030) supported by the first housing (210, 911) and the second housing (220, 912), The above flexible display (160, 260, 300, 400, 921, 1030) An electronic device (101, 200, 900, 1000) comprising a protective layer (310, 410) manufactured by a product (730) composed of methylmethacrylate (MMA), hexylmethacrylate (HMA), and cinnamoyl (Ci) mixed in a predetermined ratio capable of securing a predetermined optical transparency, a predetermined rigidity, or a predetermined resilience to plastic deformation.

15. In paragraph 14, The molar ratio of the MMA, the HMA and the Ci constituting the above obtained product (730) is Electronic devices (101, 200, 900, 1000) having a ratio of 37:12:1 to 37.5:12.5:1.

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