Cover structure and electronic device comprising same

Abstract

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise: a first housing; a second housing; a flexible display panel including an area corresponding to the first housing and an area corresponding to the second housing; and a flexible cover structure disposed on the flexible display panel. The cover structure may comprise: a thin film glass including a first area and a second area extending from the first area and corresponding to a bending or rolling area of the flexible display panel; a molding layer including a first pattern portion disposed on the first area of the thin film glass and a second pattern portion disposed on the second area of the thin film glass, wherein a thickness of the first pattern portion is different from a thickness of the second pattern portion; and a coating layer disposed on the molding layer, the coating layer having an overall uniform thickness over a distance from the thin film glass to the top surface of the coating layer.

Description

Cover structure and electronic device including the same

[0001] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a display cover structure and an electronic device including the same.

[0002] With the advancement of electronics, information, and communication technologies, a variety of functions are being integrated into a single portable communication device or electronic device. For example, smartphones incorporate functions such as audio playback, photography, and electronic notebooks in addition to communication functions. Furthermore, the installation of additional applications allows smartphones to offer even more diverse functions.

[0003] As the use of personal or portable communication devices such as smartphones becomes more widespread, user demand for portability and ease of use is increasing. For example, a touchscreen display, while functioning as an output device that displays visual information, can also provide a virtual keypad that replaces mechanical input devices (e.g., button-type input devices). This allows portable communication devices or electronic devices to be miniaturized while still offering the same or improved usability (e.g., larger screens). On the other hand, the commercialization of flexible displays, such as foldable or rollable displays, is expected to further enhance the portability and ease of use of electronic devices.

[0004] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0005] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first housing, a second housing, a flexible display panel including a region corresponding to the first housing and a region corresponding to the second housing, and a flexible cover structure disposed on the flexible display panel. The cover structure may include a thin film glass including a first region and a second region extending from the first region and corresponding to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display panel, a first pattern portion disposed on the first region of the thin film glass, and a second pattern portion disposed on the second region of the thin film glass, a molding layer having different thicknesses of the first pattern portion and the second pattern portion, and a coating layer disposed on the molding layer, wherein a distance from the thin film glass to an upper surface of the coating layer has an overall uniform thickness.

[0006] A flexible cover structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a molding layer including a thin film glass having a first region and a second region extending from the first region and being bendable or rollable, a first pattern portion disposed on the first region of the thin film glass, and a second pattern portion disposed on the second region of the thin film glass, wherein the first pattern portion and the second pattern portion have different thicknesses, and a coating layer disposed on the molding layer and filled to the same height from the thin film glass.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a state in which a second display area of ​​a display (e.g., display area (A2) of FIG. 3) is housed within a housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a state in which a second display area of ​​a display is visible to the outside of a housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an area of ​​a display cover structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an area of ​​a display cover structure in a slide-out state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an area of ​​a display cover structure in a slide-in state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an area of ​​a display cover structure in a slide-out state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an area of ​​a display cover structure in a slide-out state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIGS. 9A and 9B are cross-sectional views showing an area of ​​a display cover structure in a slide-out state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C are cross-sectional views illustrating an area of ​​a display cover structure of an electronic device in a slide-out state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C are cross-sectional views illustrating an area of ​​a display cover structure of an electronic device in a slide-out state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIGS. 12A and 12B are cross-sectional views illustrating an area of ​​a display cover structure in a slide-out state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining improvement of driving resistance of a display cover structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining improvement in strength (e.g., pen drop) of a bending / rolling area of ​​a display cover structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing an area of ​​a display cover structure of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing an area of ​​a display cover structure of an electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing an area of ​​a display cover structure of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing an area of ​​a display cover structure of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIGS. 21A, 21B, and 21C are cross-sectional views illustrating an area of ​​a display cover structure of an electronic device in an unfolded state, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIGS. 22A and 22B are cross-sectional views showing an area of ​​a display cover structure of an electronic device in an unfolded state, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing an area of ​​a display cover structure of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Electronic devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure 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 embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0031] The embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure 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 the present disclosure, 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 the 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.

[0032] The term "module" used in various embodiments of the present disclosure 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).

[0033] According to one embodiment, 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 arranged in other components. According to one embodiment, 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 this 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 one embodiment, 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.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] 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 an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to 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 one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may have at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)) omitted, or one or more other components added. In one embodiment, 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)).

[0036] 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 calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculations, 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 a secondary 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 therewith. For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and a secondary processor (123), the secondary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a specified function. The secondary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0037] 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, in the electronic device (101) itself where artificial intelligence is performed, 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.

[0038] 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).

[0039] 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).

[0040] 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).

[0041] 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.

[0042] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external device (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a hall-area program device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. In 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.

[0043] 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).

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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).

[0047] A 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. In one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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, for example, as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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).

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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 selected at least one antenna. In one embodiment, 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).

[0054] In one embodiment, 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.

[0055] 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)).

[0056] 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 one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server using 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.

[0057] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a state in which a second display area of ​​a display (e.g., display area (A2) of FIG. 3) is housed within a housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a state in which a second display area of ​​a display is visible to the outside of a housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a structure in which a display (203) (e.g., a flexible display or a rollable display) expands in the right direction (e.g., +X direction) when viewed from the front of an electronic device (101). However, the expansion direction of the display (203) is not limited to one direction (e.g., +X direction). For example, the expansion direction of the display (203) may be designed to be expandable in the upward direction (+Y direction), the leftward direction (e.g., -X direction), and / or the downward direction (e.g., -Y direction).

[0060] The state illustrated in FIG. 2 may be referred to as a slide-in state of the electronic device (101), or a state in which the second display area (A2) of the display (203) is closed (e.g., a roll-in state).

[0061] The state illustrated in FIG. 3 may be referred to as a slide-out state of the electronic device (101), or a state in which the second display area (A2) of the display (203) is open (e.g., a roll-out state).

[0062] The embodiments of FIGS. 2 to 3 may be combined with the embodiments of FIG. 1 or the embodiments of FIGS. 4 to 23.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, an electronic device (101) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a housing (210). The housing (210) may include a first housing (201) and a second housing (202) that is arranged to be relatively movable with respect to the first housing (201). In one embodiment, the first housing (201) in the electronic device (101) may be interpreted as a structure in which the first housing (201) is arranged to be slidably movable with respect to the second housing (202). According to one embodiment, the second housing (202) may be arranged to be reciprocally movable for a predetermined distance in a direction illustrated with respect to the first housing (201), for example, in a direction indicated by an arrow η.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the second housing (202), which may be referred to as a slide portion or slide housing, may be relatively movable with respect to the first housing (201). According to one embodiment, the second housing (202) may accommodate various electrical and electronic components, such as a circuit board or a battery. When the electronic device (101) is in a slide-in state, the second housing (202) may be defined as being in a retracted position, and when the electronic device (101) is in a slide-out state, the second housing (202) may be defined as being in an extended position.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the slide-in state of the electronic device (101) (or the slide-out state of the electronic device (101)) may be changed to the slide-out state of the electronic device (101) (or the slide-in state of the electronic device (101)) based on a defined user input. For example, the slide-in state of the electronic device (101) (or the slide-out state of the electronic device (101)) may be changed to the slide-out state (or the slide-in state of the electronic device (101)) in response to a user input to a physical button exposed through a portion of the first housing (201) or a portion of the second housing (202). For example, the slide-in state (or the slide-out state of the electronic device (101)) may be changed to the slide-out state (or the slide-in state of the electronic device (101)) in response to a touch input to an executable object displayed within a screen display area (e.g., the first display area (A1)). For example, the slide-in state (or the slide-out state of the electronic device (101)) may be changed to the slide-out state (or the slide-in state of the electronic device (101)) in response to a touch input having a contact point on the screen display area (e.g., the first display area (A1)) and a pressing strength greater than or equal to a reference strength. For example, the slide-in state (or the slide-out state of the electronic device (101)) may be changed to the slide-out state (or the slide-in state of the electronic device (101)) in response to a voice input received through a microphone of the electronic device (101). For example, the slide-in state (or the slide-out state of the electronic device (101)) may be changed to the slide-out state (or the slide-in state of the electronic device (101)) in response to an external force applied to the first housing (201) and / or the second housing (202) to move the second housing (202) relative to the first housing (201).For example, the slide-in state (or the slide-out state of the electronic device (101)) may be changed to the slide-out state (or the slide-in state of the electronic device (101)) in response to a user input identified from an external electronic device (e.g., earbuds or a smart watch) connected to the electronic device (101). However, the slide-in-out operation of the electronic device (101) is not limited thereto.

[0066] In one embodiment, the first housing (201) can accommodate an actuator (e.g., a motor structure), a speaker, a SIM socket, and / or a sub-circuit board (e.g., a second circuit board) electrically connected to a main circuit board (e.g., the first circuit board). The second housing (202) can accommodate a main circuit board equipped with electrical components such as an application processor (AP) and a communication processor (CP). In one embodiment, the second housing (202) can accommodate an actuator (e.g., a motor structure), a speaker, a SIM socket, and / or a sub-circuit board electrically connected to a main circuit board, and the first housing (201) can accommodate a main circuit board equipped with electrical components such as an application processor (AP) and a communication processor (CP). In one embodiment, the sub-circuit board and the main circuit board may be disposed in the first housing (201) or may be disposed in the second housing (202).

[0067] According to one embodiment, the first housing (201) may include a first plate (211) (or a first plate cover (212), a main case). The first plate (211) may include a first-first side wall (211a), a first-second side wall (211b) extending from the first-first side wall (211a), and a first-third side wall (211c) extending from the first-first side wall (211a) and being substantially parallel to the first-second side wall (211b). According to one embodiment, the first-second side wall (211b) and the first-third side wall (211c) may be formed substantially perpendicular to the first-first side wall (211a).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the first-first side wall (211a), the first-second side wall (211b), and the first-third side wall (211c) of the first plate (211) may be formed in a shape in which one side (e.g., the front face) is open to accommodate (or surround) at least a portion of the second housing (202). For example, at least a portion of the second housing (202) may be surrounded by the first housing (201) and may slide in a direction parallel to the first face (e.g., the face facing the +Z axis), for example, in the direction of arrow ①, while being guided by the first housing (201). According to one embodiment, the first-first side wall (211a), the first-second side wall (211b), and / or the first-third side wall (211c) of the first plate (211) may be formed as an integral body. According to one embodiment, the first-first side wall (211a), the first-second side wall (211b), and / or the first-third side wall (211c) of the first plate (211) may be formed as separate structures and then joined or assembled.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the first plate (211) may be formed to surround at least a portion of the display (203). For example, at least a portion of the display (203) may be formed to surround by the first-first sidewall (211a), the first-second sidewall (211b), and / or the first-third sidewall (211c) of the first plate (211).

[0070] In one embodiment, the second housing (202) may include a second slide cover (221) (e.g., a slide plate). The second slide cover (221) may have a plate shape and include the first surface that supports internal components. For example, the second slide cover (221) may support at least a portion of the display (203) (e.g., the first display area (A1)). In one embodiment, the second slide cover (221) may be referred to as a front cover.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the second slide cover (221) may include a second-first side wall (221a), a second-second side wall (221b) extending from the second-first side wall (221a), and a second-third side wall (221c) extending from the second-first side wall (221a) and being substantially parallel to the second-second side wall (221b). According to one embodiment, the second-second side wall (221b) and the second-third side wall (221c) may be formed substantially perpendicular to the second-first side wall (221a).

[0072] According to various embodiments, the second housing (202) may form a slide-in state and a slide-out state of the electronic device (101) by moving in a first direction (e.g., direction ①) parallel to the 2-2 side wall (221b) or the 2-3 side wall (221c). In the slide-in state of the electronic device (101), the second housing (202) may be positioned at a first distance from the 1-1 side wall (211a) of the first housing (201), and in the slide-out state of the electronic device (101), the second housing (202) may be positioned at a second distance greater than the first distance from the 1-1 side wall (211a) of the first housing (201). In one embodiment, in the slide-in state of the electronic device (101), the first housing (201) may be formed to surround a portion of the 2-2 side wall (221b) and the 2-3 side wall (221c).

[0073] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may have an intermediate state between the slide-in state (e.g., a fully closed state) of FIG. 2 and the slide-out state (e.g., a fully opened state) of FIG. 3. In the intermediate state of the electronic device (101), the distance between the first-first sidewall (211a) and the second-first sidewall (221a) may be shorter than the distance between the first-first sidewall (211a) and the second-first sidewall (221a) of the electronic device (101) in the fully opened state, and may be longer than the distance between the first-first sidewall (211a) and the second-first sidewall (221a) of the electronic device (101) in the fully closed state. According to one embodiment, as at least a portion of the display (203) slides in the intermediate state of the electronic device (101), an area exposed to the outside may vary. For example, in an intermediate state of the electronic device (101), the ratio of the width (length in the X direction) and the height (length in the Y direction) of the display (203) and / or the distance between the first-first side wall (211a) and the second-first side wall (221a) can be changed based on the slide movement of the electronic device (101).

[0074] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a display (203), a key input device (241), a connector hole (243), an audio module (247a, 247b), or a camera module (249a, 249b). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may further include an indicator (e.g., an LED device) or various sensor modules.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the display (203) may be formed so that the size of a portion that can be seen from the front side of the housing (210) changes based on the sliding movement of the second housing (202). According to one embodiment, the display (203) may include a first display area (A1) and a second display area (A2) configured to be exposed to the outside of the electronic device (101) based on the sliding movement of the second housing (202).

[0076] According to one embodiment, the first display area (A1) may be disposed on the second housing (202). For example, the first display area (A1) may be disposed on the second slide cover (221) of the second housing (202). According to one embodiment, the second display area (A2) may extend from the first display area (A1) and may be accommodated into the interior of the first housing (201) or visually exposed to the exterior of the electronic device (101) as the second housing (202) slides relative to the first housing (201). According to one embodiment, as the electronic device (101) changes from a slide-in state to a slide-out state, the display (203) may extend in the right direction (e.g., +X direction) of the electronic device (101). For example, in the slide-out state of the electronic device (101), the second display area (A2) may be visually exposed on the left side (e.g., -X direction) of the display (203). According to one embodiment, as the electronic device (101) changes from a slide-in state to a slide-out state, the display (203) may be extended in the left direction (e.g., -X direction) of the electronic device (101). For example, in the slide-out state of the electronic device (101), the second display area (A2) may be visually exposed in the right direction (e.g., +X direction) of the display (203).

[0077] According to one embodiment, the second display area (A2) moves substantially under the guidance of a region of the first housing (201) and can be stored (e.g., rolled in) into a space located inside the first housing (201) or shown to the outside of the electronic device (101) (e.g., rolled out). According to one embodiment, the second display area (A2) can move based on the sliding movement of the second housing (202) in a first direction (e.g., the direction indicated by the arrow η). For example, while the second housing (202) slides, a portion of the second display area (A2) can be deformed into a curved shape at a position corresponding to a curved surface of the first housing (201).

[0078] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) changes from a slide-in state to a slide-out state when viewed from the top of the second slide cover (221) (e.g., the front cover) (e.g., when the second housing (202) slides to extend with respect to the first housing (201), the second display area (A2) may be gradually exposed to the outside (e.g., become visible) and form a substantially flat surface together with the first display area (A1). According to one embodiment, the display (203) may be coupled to or disposed adjacent to a touch detection circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and / or a digitizer capable of detecting a magnetic field type stylus pen. According to one embodiment, regardless of the slide-in state or the slide-out state of the electronic device (101), a portion of the exposed second display area (A2) may be positioned on a portion of the second housing, and a portion of the second display area (A2) may maintain a curved shape at a position corresponding to the curved surface (213a).

[0079] According to one embodiment, the key input device (241) may be located in an area of ​​the housing (210) (e.g., the first housing (201) and / or the second housing (202)). Depending on the appearance and usage state, the illustrated key input device (241) may be omitted, or the electronic device (101) may be designed to include additional key input device(s). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a key input device not illustrated, for example, a home key button, or a touch pad disposed around the home key button. According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the key input device (241) may be disposed on the first-first side wall (211a), the first-second side wall (211b), and / or the first-third side wall (211c) of the first housing (201). According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the key input device (241) may be disposed on the second-first side wall (221a), the second-second side wall (221b), and / or the second-third side wall (221c) of the second housing (202).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the connector hole (243) may be omitted depending on the embodiment, and may accommodate a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for transmitting and receiving power and / or data with an external electronic device. According to one embodiment (not shown), the electronic device (101) may include a plurality of connector holes (243), and some of the plurality of connector holes (243) may function as connector holes for transmitting and receiving audio signals with an external electronic device. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector hole (243) is located in the second housing (202), but is not limited thereto, and the connector hole (243) or a connector hole not shown may be located in the first housing (201).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the audio module (247a, 247b) may include at least one speaker hole (247a) or at least one microphone hole (247b). One of the speaker holes (247a) may be provided as a receiver hole for voice calls, and the other may be provided as an external speaker hole. The electronic device (101) includes a microphone for acquiring sound, and the microphone may acquire sound from outside the electronic device (101) through the microphone hole (247b). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a plurality of microphones for detecting the direction of sound. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include an audio module in which the speaker hole (247a) and the microphone hole (247b) are implemented as a single hole, or may include a speaker from which the speaker hole (247a) is excluded (e.g., a piezo speaker). According to one embodiment, the speaker hole (247a) and the microphone hole (247b) may be located in the first housing (201) and / or the second housing (202).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the camera modules (249a, 249b) may include a first camera module (249a) (e.g., a front camera) and a second camera module (249b) (e.g., a rear camera). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include at least one of a wide-angle camera, a telephoto camera, or a close-up camera, and may measure a distance to a subject by including an infrared projector and / or an infrared receiver, depending on the embodiment. The camera modules (249a, 249b) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. The first camera module (249a) may be arranged to face the same direction as the display (203). For example, the first camera module (249a) may be arranged around the first display area (A1) or in an area overlapping with the display (203), and when arranged in an area overlapping with the display (203), the first camera module (249a) may capture a subject by transmitting light through the display (203). According to one embodiment, the first camera module (249a) may not be visually exposed to the screen display area (e.g., the first display area (A1)) and may include a hidden under-display camera (UDC). According to one embodiment, the second camera module (249b) may capture a subject from an opposite direction to the first display area (A1). According to one embodiment, the first camera module (249a) and / or the second camera module (249b) may be disposed on the second housing (202). According to one embodiment, the second camera modules (249b) may be formed in multiple pieces to provide various arrangements. For example, the multiple second camera modules (249b) may be arranged along a width direction (Y-axis direction) that is substantially perpendicular to a sliding movement direction (e.g., X-axis direction) of the electronic device (101).According to one embodiment, the plurality of second camera modules (249b) may be arranged along the sliding movement direction (e.g., X-axis direction) of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the plurality of second camera modules (249b) may be arranged along N * M rows and columns like a matrix.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the second camera module (249b) is not visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device (101) when the electronic device (101) is in a slide-in state, and can capture the outside of the electronic device (101) when the electronic device (101) is in a slide-out state. According to one embodiment, the second camera module (249b) can capture the outside of the electronic device (101) when the electronic device (101) is in a slide-in state and / or a slide-out state. For example, at least a portion of the housing (210) (e.g., a rear plate of the housing) is substantially transparent, and the second camera module (249b) can capture the outside of the electronic device (101) by passing through the rear plate of the housing. According to one embodiment, the second camera module (249b) is visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device (101) when the electronic device (101) is in a slide-in state and a slide-out state, and can capture the outside. For example, the first housing (201) may include an opening for a second camera module (249b).

[0084] According to one embodiment, an indicator (not shown) of the electronic device (101) may be disposed in the first housing (201) or the second housing (202), and may include a light-emitting diode to provide status information of the electronic device (101) as a visual signal. A sensor module (not shown) of the electronic device (101) may generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device (101) or an external environmental state. The sensor module may include a proximity sensor, a fingerprint sensor, and / or a biometric sensor (e.g., an iris / facial recognition sensor or an HRM sensor). In one embodiment, the sensor module may further include at least one of 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 temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor. According to one embodiment, the sensor module may be disposed in the first housing (201) and / or the second housing (202).

[0085] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an area of ​​a display cover structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an area of ​​a display cover structure in a slide-out state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an area of ​​a display cover structure in a slide-in state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2 and 3) may include a first housing (e.g., first housing (201) of FIGS. 2 and 3), a second housing (e.g., second housing (202) of FIGS. 2 and 3), and a flexible display (e.g., display (203) of FIGS. 2 and 3). The flexible display may include a flexible display panel and a display cover structure (400) formed such that at least a portion of the flexible display panel is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the second housing (202) (and the flexible display (203) connected to the second housing (202)) can be in a closed state or an opened state by sliding in and out with respect to the first housing (201).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the display cover structure (400) may be a flexible structure to correspond to the slide in-out operation of the flexible display (203). For example, at least a portion of the display cover structure (400) may be changed from a region forming a plane to a region forming a bending (or rolling) when the electronic device performs a slide in-out operation, or may be changed from a region forming a bending (or rolling) to a region forming a plane.

[0091] The configuration of the display cover structure (400) of FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 may be partially or completely identical to the configuration of the display (203) of FIGS. 2 and 3. The embodiments of FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 may be partially combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 4, or the embodiments of FIGS. 8 to 23.

[0092] According to one embodiment, a display cover structure (400) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2 and 3) may be referred to as a window cover or a cover structure. The display cover structure (400) may include a thin film glass (410), a molding layer (420) disposed on the thin film glass (410), and a coating layer (430) disposed on the molding layer (420).

[0093] According to one embodiment, the display cover structure (400) may include a thin film glass (410), a molding layer (420) disposed on the thin film glass (410), a coating layer (430) disposed on the molding layer (420), and a protective layer (440) disposed on the coating layer (430).

[0094] According to one embodiment, the thin film glass (410) may include a first region (S1) and a second region (S2) extending from the first region (S1) and corresponding to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display. For example, the flexible display (e.g., the display (203) of FIGS. 2 and 3) may include a first display region (e.g., the first display region (A1) of FIGS. 2 and 3) and a second display region (e.g., the second display region (A2) of FIGS. 2 and 3) extending from the first display region (A1), and may be configured such that the second display region rolls in or out based on the sliding movement of the second housing (e.g., the second housing (202) of FIGS. 2 and 3). The first region (S1) of the thin film glass (410) may be a part of the first display region (A1) or a corresponding structure, and the second region (S2) of the thin film glass (410) may be a part of the second display region (A2) or a corresponding structure. For example, when the flexible display (203) is defined as a flexible display panel, the first region (S1) of the thin film glass (410) may be disposed on the first display region (A1), and the second region (S2) of the thin film glass (410) may be disposed on the second display region (A2).

[0095] According to one embodiment, the thin film glass (410) includes a first region (S1) and a second region (S2), and the first region (S1) and the second region (S2) can form an overall uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness). In general, when glass is manufactured to have different thicknesses in some regions through a physical processing process (e.g., a processing process such as CNC, etching, or polishing), wrinkles, shape changes, or cracks may occur around the processed region due to weakened strength. According to one embodiment, the thin film glass (410) provides an overall uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness) excluding the physical processing, and can reduce or limit the occurrence of defects in some regions. The cover structure (400) can provide a variable structure (e.g., a first pattern portion (421) and a second pattern portion (422)) to the molding layer (420) disposed on the thin film glass (410) to respond to bending or rolling of the flexible display (203).

[0096] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the thin film glass (410) may be approximately 25% to 35% of the thickness of the cover structure (400) (e.g., a structure in which the thin film glass (410), the molding layer (420), and the coating layer (430) are laminated). For example, when the thickness of the cover structure (400) (e.g., a structure in which the thin film glass (410), the molding layer (420), and the coating layer (430) are laminated) is approximately 90 μm to 100 μm, the thin film glass (410) may have a thickness of approximately 22.5 μm to 35 μm. For example, the thin film glass (410) may have a thickness of approximately 25 μm to 30 μm. In one embodiment, the thin film glass (410) may have a high hardness compared to the hardness of other layers of the cover structure (400), such as the molding layer (420) or the coating layer (430). For example, the hardness of the thin film glass (410) may be approximately 7 to 9.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the molding layer (420) may be disposed on the thin film glass (410). The molding layer (420) may include a first pattern part (421) disposed on a first region (S1) of the thin film glass (410), and a second pattern part (second pattern part) (422) disposed on a second region (S2) of the thin film glass (410). The second pattern part (422) of the molding layer (420) may correspond to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display. For example, the second pattern part (422) may be a part of or a corresponding structure of a second display region of the flexible display (e.g., the second display region (A2) of FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0098] According to one embodiment, the molding layer (420) may have a structure in which the pattern is variable along the longitudinal direction (e.g., X-axis direction). The first pattern portion (421) and the second pattern portion (422) of the molding layer (420) may have different shapes. For example, the first thickness of the first pattern portion (421) and the second thickness of the second pattern portion (422) may be different. The first thickness of the first pattern portion (421) may be an average thickness of at least one shape forming the first pattern portion (421). The second thickness of the second pattern portion (422) may be an average thickness of at least one shape forming the second pattern portion (422).

[0099] According to one embodiment, the first pattern portion (421) of the molding layer (420) may form a single layer. The first thickness of the first pattern portion (421) may have an overall uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness). The first pattern portion (421) may maintain a plane that does not bend or roll, depending on whether it is a part of a flat area of ​​the flexible display (203) (e.g., the first display area (A1) of FIGS. 2 and 3) or a corresponding structure.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the first pattern portion (421) of the molding layer (420) may form a variable layer. The first pattern portion (421) may form an inclined surface (4212a) in some sections so as to extend to a second pattern portion (422) having a different thickness. For example, the first section (4211) may include a first thickness and a second section (4212) extending from the first section (4211) to the second pattern portion (422), having a thickness less than or equal to the first thickness and varying (e.g., sequentially decreasing) along a longitudinal direction (e.g., X-axis direction). For example, the inclined surface (4212a) may form an angle of approximately 1 degree to 10 degrees, so that when viewed from the outside, the variable layer (e.g., boundary line) of the first pattern portion (421) facing the second pattern portion (422) may not be entirely visible.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the second pattern portion (422) of the molding layer (420) may include a protrusion structure. The second pattern portion (422) of the molding layer (420) may include an array of a plurality of protruding portions (4221). The plurality of protruding portions (4221) may include a shape protruding toward the +Z axis. The second pattern portion (422) may be a part of or a corresponding structure of a bending or rolling area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the second display area (A2) of FIGS. 2 and 3)) and may be formed in a pattern advantageous to the bending or rolling. The plurality of protruding portions (4221) of the second pattern portion (422) may reduce driving resistance and / or rebound resistance during the bending or rolling, thereby reducing or limiting warping and deformation of the laminated structure together with the thin film glass (410) and the coating layer (430).

[0102] According to one embodiment, the plurality of protruding portions (4221) of the second pattern portion (422) may be spaced apart from each other. For example, referring to FIG. 5, the plurality of protruding portions (4221) may have a shape including a curved surface and may be spaced apart from each other by a specified distance. The second pattern portion (422) may include a connecting portion (4222) that connects adjacent protruding portions (4221) with a specified thickness. The maximum thickness (e.g., height) of the plurality of protruding portions (4221) may be greater than the connecting portion (4222) that connects the plurality of protruding portions (4221).

[0103] According to one embodiment, a plurality of protruding portions (4221) of the second pattern portion (422) may be arranged without being spaced apart from each other. For example, the plurality of protruding portions (4221) may have a shape including a curved surface, and adjacent protruding portions (4221) may be arranged continuously from the ends of the protruding portions (4221).

[0104] According to one embodiment, the plurality of protruding portions (4221) of the second pattern portion (422) may be an array of shapes protruding toward the coating layer (430). For example, each of the plurality of protruding portions (4221) may include a curved surface. Each of the plurality of protruding portions (4221) may have various shapes, such as a convex lens-shaped pattern, a concave-convex pattern, or a curved pillar pattern. Each of the plurality of protruding portions (4221) may have a convex shape toward the +Z axis or a convex shape (e.g., a recessed pattern) toward the -Z axis. For example, each of the plurality of protruding portions (4221) may not include a curved surface and may have a shape such as a square, a polygon, or a trapezoid. However, the shape of the plurality of protruding portions (4221) is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be designed to have various shaped patterns to alleviate driving resistance without causing deformation such as distortion when the flexible display is bent and / or rolled.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the first pattern portion (421) and the second pattern portion (422) of the molding layer (420) may have different thicknesses. The first pattern portion (421) (e.g., the first section (4211) forming a single layer) may have a first thickness, and the second pattern portion (422) may have a second thickness smaller than the first thickness. For example, the second thickness of the second pattern portion (422) may have a thickness of approximately 20% to 50% of the first thickness of the first pattern portion (421) (e.g., the first section (4211) forming a single layer), and may improve the resilience and driving resistance of the cover structure (400) against bending and / or rolling of the flexible display.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the first pattern portion (421) and the second pattern portion (422) of the molding layer (420) may have different thicknesses based on the type (e.g., thickness) of the thin film glass (410). For example, when the thickness of the thin film glass (410) is approximately 25% to 35% of the thickness of the cover structure (400) (e.g., a structure in which the thin film glass (410), the molding layer (420), and the coating layer (430) are laminated), the thickness of the molding layer (420) may be formed to be approximately 20% to 40% of the thickness of the cover structure (400). For example, when the thickness of the thin film glass (410) is approximately 30 μm, the thickness of the molding layer (420) may be approximately 20 μm to 40 μm. For example, the thickness of the first pattern portion (421) of the molding layer (420) may be approximately 40 μm, and the thickness of the second pattern portion (422) of the molding layer (420) may be approximately 20 μm to 30 μm (e.g., the protruding portions (4221)). The width of each of the protruding portions (4221) and / or the spacing between adjacent protruding portions (4221) may be approximately 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm or less.

[0107] In one embodiment, the molding layer (420) may have a high hardness compared to other layers of the cover structure (400) (e.g., the coating layer (430)). For example, the hardness of the molding layer (420) may be approximately 3 to 4. Since the hardness of the coating layer (430) is approximately 0, the overall strength of the cover structure (400) may be improved due to the laminated structure of the molding layer (420) and the coating layer (430). In one embodiment, the molding layer (420) may be formed to have a refractive index that is the same as or similar to that of the thin film glass (410) (e.g., approximately 1.5 or higher), thereby improving the visibility of the cover structure (400).

[0108] According to one embodiment, the molding layer (420) can form a pattern portion (e.g., a first pattern portion (421), a second pattern portion (422)) through a UV (ultra-violet) molding technique. The molding layer (420) can be composed of a polymer layer as a transparent layer. According to one embodiment, the cover structure (400) can be implemented by placing a liquid-state molding layer (420) in a UV (ultra-violet) mold, placing a thin film glass (410) on the molding layer (420), and then curing it by at least one of UV light and heat. Since the UV molding mold includes at least one pattern, the thickness of the molding layer (420) can be freely controlled using the UV molding mold, and surface treatment can be performed only on a desired area on the surface of the molding layer (420). For example, the UV molding mold portion that contacts the surface of the molding layer (420) may include at least one pattern so that the molding layer (420) has a variable thickness through the UV mold. At least an engraved pattern (e.g., a recess pattern) for a protrusion may be included in a portion of the UV molding mold portion that contacts a required area so that a plurality of protrusions (4221) are created in a required area on the surface of the molding layer (420).

[0109] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (430) may be disposed on the molding layer (420). The coating layer (430) may include a first coating portion (431) corresponding to the first pattern portion (421) of the molding layer (420) and a second coating portion (432) corresponding to the second pattern portion (422) of the molding layer (420). A portion of the coating layer (430) (e.g., the first coating portion (431)) may have a structure in which the pattern is variable along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction).

[0110] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (430) may be filled to the same height from the thin film glass (410). According to one embodiment, the coating layer (430) may have a uniform thickness overall from the thin film glass (410) to the upper surface of the coating layer (430). For example, since the first thickness of the first pattern portion (421) of the molding layer (420) and the second thickness of the second pattern portion (422) are different from each other, the first coating portion (431) and the second coating portion (432) of the coating layer (430) may also have different thicknesses. The thickness of the first coating portion (431) may be an average thickness of at least one shape forming the first coating portion (431). The thickness of the second coating portion (432) may be an average thickness of at least one shape forming the second coating portion (432). For example, when the sum of the thicknesses of the coating layer (430) and the molding layer (420) is defined as a specified value L, the thickness of the first coating portion (431) may be “L - the first thickness of the first pattern portion (421)”, and the thickness of the second coating portion (432) may be “L - the second thickness of the second pattern portion (422)”. As the first thickness of the first pattern portion (421) is set to be greater than the second thickness of the second pattern portion (422), the thickness of the first coating portion (431) may be less than the thickness of the second coating portion (432). For example, when the sum of the thicknesses of the coating layer (430) and the molding layer (420) is set to a specified value L of approximately 60 μm, the first thickness of the first pattern portion (421) is set to approximately 40 μm, and the second thickness of the second pattern portion (422) is set to approximately 20 μm, the thickness of the first coating portion (431) may be approximately 20 μm, and the thickness of the second coating portion (432) may be approximately 40 μm.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the first coating portion (431) of the coating layer (430) may form a variable layer. The first coating portion (431) may form an inclined surface in some sections so as to extend to a second coating portion (432) having a different thickness. The inclined surface of the first coating portion (431) may correspond to the inclined surface (4212a) of the first pattern portion (421). For example, the inclined surface of the first coating portion (431) may form an angle of approximately 1 to 10 degrees.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the second coating portion (432) of the coating layer (430) may include a recess structure. The second coating portion (432) of the coating layer (430) may include an array of a plurality of recess portions (4321). The plurality of recess portions (4321) of the second coating portion (432) are filled areas arranged to surround the protruding portions (4221) of the second pattern portion (422), and may have an inverted shape corresponding to the protruding portions (4221) of the second pattern portion (422). The shapes of the plurality of recess portions (4321) of the second coating portion (432) may be designed in various ways to correspond to various shapes of the second pattern portion (422). The plurality of recessed portions (4321) of the second coating portion (432) can reduce or limit distortion and deformation of the laminated structure forming the cover structure (400) by reducing the driving resistance and / or the rebound resistance when the flexible display is bent or rolled, together with the plurality of protruding portions (4221) of the second pattern portion (422).

[0113] In one embodiment, the coating layer (430) may have a lower hardness compared to other layers of the cover structure (400) (e.g., the thin film glass (410) and the molding layer (420)). For example, the hardness of the molding layer (420) may be approximately 3 to 4. Since the hardness of the coating layer (430) is approximately 0, the overall strength of the cover structure (400) may be improved due to the laminated structure of the molding layer (420) and the coating layer (430). In one embodiment, the coating layer (430) may be formed to have the same or similar refractive index as or similar to that of the thin film glass (410) (and / or the molding layer (420)), thereby improving the visibility of the cover structure (400).

[0114] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (430) may be a film layer composed of a transparent polymer. The coating layer (430) may include an OCR filler. The OCR filler may have the same refractive index as the thin film glass (410) (or, the molding layer (420)) (e.g., a refractive index of 1.5 or more) and may be a mixture of at least one of an acrylic, silicone, and urethane coating solution. The coating layer (430) may include an adhesive component. For example, the coating layer (430) may include at least one of an optical clear adhesive (OCA), a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), a heat-reactive adhesive, a general adhesive, or a double-sided tape.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the display cover structure (400) includes a thin film glass (410), a molding layer (420) disposed on the thin film glass (410), a coating layer (430) disposed on the molding layer (420), and may further include a protective layer (440) disposed on the coating layer (430).

[0116] In one embodiment, the protective layer (440) may be disposed on the coating layer (430). The protective layer (440) may form a single layer. The protective layer (440) may be disposed on the flat upper surface of the coating layer (430) and may be manufactured as a layer that forms an overall uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness).

[0117] According to one embodiment, the protective layer (440) may be composed of at least one layer, and may be a layer for surface pressing, scratching, slipping, or anti-fingerprint performance. For example, the protective layer (440) may include at least one of an anti-fouling layer (or anti-fingerprint layer (AF layer)), a hard coating layer (or hard coating layer (HC layer)), an anti-reflection layer (or low refection layer (LR layer)), and an anti-glare layer (or anti-glare layer (AG layer)).

[0118] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an area of ​​a display cover structure in a slide-out state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0119] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2 and 3) may include a first housing (e.g., first housing (201) of FIGS. 2 and 3), a second housing (e.g., second housing (202) of FIGS. 2 and 3), and a flexible display (e.g., display (203) of FIGS. 2 and 3). The flexible display may include a flexible display panel and a display cover structure (400) formed such that at least a portion of the flexible display panel is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0120] The configuration of the thin film glass (410), the molding layer (420a), the coating layer (430a), and / or the protective layer (440) of the display cover structure (400) of FIG. 7 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the thin film glass (410), the molding layer (420), the coating layer (430), and / or the protective layer (440) of the display cover structure (400) of FIGS. 4, 5, and 6. The embodiments of FIG. 7 may be partially combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 6, or the embodiments of FIGS. 8 to 23.

[0121] According to one embodiment, a display cover structure (400) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2 and 3) may be referred to as a window cover or a cover structure. The display cover structure (400) may include a thin film glass (410), a molding layer (420a) disposed on the thin film glass (410), and a coating layer (430a) disposed on the molding layer (420a).

[0122] According to one embodiment, the thin film glass (410) may include a first region (S1) and a second region (S2) extending from the first region (S1) and corresponding to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the molding layer (420a) may be disposed on the thin film glass (410). The molding layer (420a) may include a first pattern part (421) disposed on a first region (S1) of the thin film glass (410), and a second pattern part (second pattern part) (422a) disposed on a second region (S2) of the thin film glass (410). The second pattern part (422a) of the molding layer (420a) may correspond to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display. For example, the second pattern part (422a) may be a part of or a corresponding structure of a second display region of the flexible display (e.g., the second display region (A2) of FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0124] According to one embodiment, the first pattern portion (421) of the molding layer (420a) may include a first section (4211) of uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness) and a second section (4212) extending from the first section (4211) and having a variable thickness. For example, the first pattern portion (421) may form a slope (4212a) in some sections (e.g., the second section (4212)) so as to extend to the second pattern portion (422) having a different thickness.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the second pattern portion (422a) of the molding layer (420a) may include a recess structure. The second pattern portion (422a) of the molding layer (420a) may include an array of a plurality of recessed portions (4221a). The plurality of recessed portions (4221a) may have a concave shape when viewed from above the molding layer (420a) (e.g., when viewed toward the -Z axis). The second pattern portion (422a) may be formed as a part or corresponding structure of a bending or rolling area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the second display area (A2) of FIGS. 2 and 3) and may be formed in a pattern advantageous for the bending or rolling. The plurality of recessed portions (4221a) of the second pattern portion (422a) can reduce the driving resistance and / or the rebound resistance during bending or rolling, thereby reducing or limiting the distortion and deformation of the laminated structure together with the thin film glass (410) and the coating layer (430a).

[0126] According to one embodiment, a plurality of recessed portions (4221a) of the second pattern portion (422a) may be spaced apart from each other. The plurality of recessed portions (4221a) may have a shape including a curved surface and may be spaced apart from each other by a specified distance. The second pattern portion (422a) may include recessed portions (4221a) and connecting portions (4222a) having a specified thickness and connecting adjacent recessed portions (4221a) to each other.

[0127] According to one embodiment, a plurality of recessed portions (4221a) of the second pattern portion (422a) may be arranged without being spaced apart from each other. For example, the plurality of recessed portions (4221a) may have a shape including a curved surface, and adjacent recessed portions (4221a) may be arranged continuously from the ends of the recessed portions (4221a).

[0128] According to one embodiment, the first pattern portion (421) and the second pattern portion (422a) of the molding layer (420a) may have different thicknesses. The first pattern portion (421) may have a first thickness, and the second pattern portion (422a) may have a second thickness that is smaller than the first thickness. For example, the second thickness of the second pattern portion (422a) may have a thickness of approximately 20% to 50% of the first thickness of the first pattern portion (421), which may improve the resilience and driving resistance of the cover structure (400) against bending and / or rolling of the flexible display.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (430a) may be disposed on the molding layer (420a). The coating layer (430a) may include a first coating portion (431) corresponding to the first pattern portion (421) of the molding layer (420a) and a second coating portion (432a) corresponding to the second pattern portion (422a) of the molding layer (420a). A portion of the coating layer (430a) (e.g., the first coating portion (431)) may form a structure in which the pattern is variable along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction). The second coating portion (432a) includes a plurality of protruding portions, and the plurality of protruding portions may be a filling area disposed to surround the recessed portions (4221a) of the second pattern portion (422a), and may have an inverted shape corresponding to the recessed portions (4221a) of the second pattern portion (422a).

[0130] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (430a) may be filled to the same height from the thin film glass (410). According to one embodiment, the coating layer (430a) may have a uniform thickness overall in the distance from the thin film glass (410) to the upper surface of the coating layer (430a). For example, since the first thickness of the first pattern portion (421) of the molding layer (420a) and the second thickness of the second pattern portion (422a) are different from each other, the first coating portion (431) and the second coating portion (432a) of the coating layer (430a) may also have different thicknesses.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the display cover structure (400) includes a thin film glass (410), a molding layer (420a) disposed on the thin film glass (410), a coating layer (430a) disposed on the molding layer (420a), and may further include a protective layer (440) disposed on the coating layer (430a).

[0132] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an area of ​​a display cover structure in a slide-out state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0133] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2 and 3) may include a first housing (e.g., first housing (201) of FIGS. 2 and 3), a second housing (e.g., second housing (202) of FIGS. 2 and 3), and a flexible display (e.g., display (203) of FIGS. 2 and 3). The flexible display may include a flexible display panel and a display cover structure (400) formed such that at least a portion of the flexible display panel is visually exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0134] The configuration of the thin film glass (410), the molding layer (420b), the coating layer (430b), and / or the protective layer (440) of the display cover structure (400) of FIG. 8 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the thin film glass (410), the molding layer (420), the coating layer (430), and / or the protective layer (440) of the display cover structure (400) of FIGS. 4, 5, and 6. The embodiments of FIG. 8 may be partially combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 7, or the embodiments of FIGS. 9a to 23.

[0135] According to one embodiment, a display cover structure (400) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2 and 3) may be referred to as a window cover or a cover structure. The display cover structure (400) may include a thin film glass (410), a molding layer (420b) disposed on the thin film glass (410), and a coating layer (430b) disposed on the molding layer (420b).

[0136] According to one embodiment, the thin film glass (410) may include a first region (S1) and a second region (S2) extending from the first region (S1) and corresponding to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the molding layer (420b) may be disposed on the thin film glass (410). The molding layer (420b) may include a first pattern part (421) disposed on a first region (S1) of the thin film glass (410), and a second pattern part (second pattern part) (422b) disposed on a second region (S2) of the thin film glass (410). The second pattern part (422b) of the molding layer (420b) may correspond to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display. For example, the second pattern part (422b) may be a part of a second display region of the flexible display (e.g., the second display region (A2) of FIGS. 2 and 3) or a corresponding structure.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the molding layer (420b) may have a structure in which the pattern is variable along the longitudinal direction (e.g., X-axis direction). The first pattern portion (421) and the second pattern portion (422b) of the molding layer (420) may have different shapes. For example, the thickness of the first pattern portion (421) and the thickness of the second pattern portion (422b) may be different. The first thickness of the first pattern portion (421) may be an average thickness of at least one shape forming the first pattern portion (421). The second thickness of the second pattern portion (422b) may be an average thickness of at least one shape forming the second pattern portion (422b).

[0139] According to one embodiment, the first pattern portion (421) of the molding layer (420b) may include a first section (4211) of uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness) and a second section (4212) extending from the first section (4211) and varying in thickness. For example, the first pattern portion (421) may form an inclined surface (4212a) in some section (e.g., the second section (4212)) so as to extend to a second pattern portion (422b) having a different thickness.

[0140] According to one embodiment, the first pattern portion (421) and the second pattern portion (422b) of the molding layer (420b) may have different thicknesses. The first section (4211) of the first pattern portion (421) may have a first thickness, and the second pattern portion (422b) may have a second thickness smaller than the first thickness. For example, the second thickness of the second pattern portion (422b) may have a thickness of approximately 20% to 50% of the first thickness of the first section (4211) of the first pattern portion (421), and may improve the resilience and driving resistance of the cover structure (400) against bending and / or rolling of the flexible display.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (430b) may be disposed on the molding layer (420b). The coating layer (430b) may include a first coating portion (431) corresponding to the first pattern portion (421) of the molding layer (420b) and a second coating portion (432b) corresponding to the second pattern portion (422b) of the molding layer (420b). A portion of the coating layer (430b) (e.g., the first coating portion (431)) may form a structure in which the pattern varies along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction).

[0142] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (430b) may be filled to the same height from the thin film glass (410). According to one embodiment, the coating layer (430b) may have a uniform thickness overall from the thin film glass (410) to the upper surface of the coating layer (430b). For example, the thickness of the first coating portion (431) of the coating layer (430b) may be smaller than the thickness of the second coating portion (432b).

[0143] According to one embodiment, the display cover structure (400) includes a thin film glass (410), a molding layer (420b) disposed on the thin film glass (410), a coating layer (430b) disposed on the molding layer (420b), and may further include a protective layer (440) disposed on the coating layer (430b).

[0144] FIGS. 9A and 9B are cross-sectional views showing an area of ​​a display cover structure in a slide-out state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0145] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2 and 3) may include a first housing (e.g., first housing (201) of FIGS. 2 and 3), a second housing (e.g., second housing (202) of FIGS. 2 and 3), and a flexible display (e.g., display (203) of FIGS. 2 and 3). The flexible display may include a flexible display panel and a display cover structure (400) formed such that at least a portion of the flexible display panel is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0146] The configuration of the thin film glass (410), the molding layer (420c), the coating layer (430c), and / or the protective layer (440) of the display cover structure (400) of FIGS. 9a and 9b may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the thin film glass (410), the molding layer (420), the coating layer (430), and / or the protective layer (440) of the display cover structure (400) of FIGS. 4, 5, and 6. The embodiments of FIGS. 9a and 9b may be partially combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 8, or the embodiments of FIGS. 10a to 23.

[0147] According to one embodiment, a display cover structure (400) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2 and 3) may be referred to as a window cover or a cover structure. The display cover structure (400) may include a thin film glass (410), a molding layer (420c) disposed on the thin film glass (410), and a coating layer (430c) disposed on the molding layer (420c).

[0148] According to one embodiment, the thin film glass (410) may include a first region (S1) and a second region (S2) extending from the first region (S1) and corresponding to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the molding layer (420c) may be disposed on the thin film glass (410). Referring to FIG. 9a, the molding layer (420c) may include a first pattern part (first pattern part) (421) disposed on a first region (S1) of the thin film glass (410). The molding layer (420c) may not be disposed on a second region (S2) of the thin film glass (410). Referring to FIG. 9b, the molding layer (420c) may include a first pattern part (first pattern part) (421) disposed on the first region (S1) of the thin film glass (410) and a second pattern part (second pattern part) (422c) disposed on the second region (S2) of the thin film glass (410).

[0150] According to one embodiment, the molding layer (420c) may have a structure in which the pattern is variable along the longitudinal direction (e.g., X-axis direction). The first pattern portion (421) of the molding layer (420c) may include a first section (4211) of uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness) and a second section (4212) extending from the first section (4211) and variable. For example, the first pattern portion (421) may form an inclined surface (4212a) in a portion (e.g., the second section (4212)) so as to extend to a second region (S2) of the thin film glass (410) where the molding layer (420c) is not disposed.

[0151] According to one embodiment with reference to FIG. 9a, a molding layer (420c) may be disposed on a first region (S1) of the thin film glass (410), and only a coating layer (430c) (e.g., a second coating portion (432c)) may be disposed on a second region (S2) of the thin film glass (410). Since a low-hardness and flexible coating layer (430c) is positioned in a bending and / or rolling section of the flexible display, the repulsive force and driving resistance of the cover structure (400) may be improved.

[0152] According to one embodiment with reference to FIG. 9b, the second pattern portion (422c) of the molding layer (420c) may include a protrusion structure. The second pattern portion (422c) of the molding layer (420c) may include an array of a plurality of protruding portions. The plurality of protruding portions may include a shape protruding toward the +Z axis. The plurality of protruding portions may reduce driving and / or repulsive resistance during bending or rolling, thereby reducing or limiting warping and deformation of the laminated structure together with the thin film glass (410) and the coating layer (430c). The plurality of protruding portions of the second pattern portion (422c) of the molding layer (420c) may be spaced apart from each other. Since the molding layer (420c) is not disposed in the space where the plurality of protruding portions are spaced apart, the coating layer (430c) and the thin film glass (410) can come into contact. According to one embodiment with reference to FIG. 9A, the coating layer (430c) can be disposed from the upper surface of the molding layer (420c) to the upper surface (e.g., the surface facing the +Z axis) of the second region (S2) of the thin film glass (410). The coating layer (430c) can include a first coating portion (431) corresponding to the first pattern portion (421) of the molding layer (420c) and a second coating portion (432c) corresponding to the second region (S2) of the thin film glass (410). A portion of the coating layer (430c) (e.g., the first coating portion (431c)) can form a structure in which the pattern is variable along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction).

[0153] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (430c) may be filled to the same height from the thin film glass (410). According to one embodiment, the coating layer (430c) may have a uniform thickness overall from the thin film glass (410) to the upper surface of the coating layer (430c). For example, the thickness of the first coating portion (431) of the coating layer (430c) may be smaller than the thickness of the second coating portion (432c). The thickness (e.g., height) of the second coating portion (432c) of the coating layer (430c) may be the sum of the thickness of the first coating portion (431) and the thickness of the first pattern portion (421) (e.g., first section (4211)) of the molding layer (420c).

[0154] According to one embodiment with reference to FIG. 9b, the coating layer (430c) may be disposed on a portion of the thin film glass (410) and the molding layer (420c). The coating layer (430c) may be disposed to surround the molding layer (420c) and may be disposed on the thin film glass (410) where the molding layer (420c) is not disposed (e.g., a portion of the second pattern portion (422c)). The coating layer (430c) may be filled to the same height from the thin film glass (410). According to one embodiment, the coating layer (430c) may have a uniform thickness overall from the thin film glass (410) to the upper surface of the coating layer (430c).

[0155] According to one embodiment, the display cover structure (400) includes a thin film glass (410), a molding layer (420c) disposed on the thin film glass (410), a coating layer (430c) disposed on the molding layer (420c), and may further include a protective layer (440) disposed on the coating layer (430c).

[0156] FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C are cross-sectional views illustrating an area of ​​a display cover structure of an electronic device in a slide-out state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0157] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2 and 3) may include a first housing (e.g., first housing (201) of FIGS. 2 and 3), a second housing (e.g., second housing (202) of FIGS. 2 and 3), and a flexible display (e.g., display (203) of FIGS. 2 and 3). The flexible display may include a flexible display panel and a display cover structure (400) formed such that at least a portion of the flexible display panel is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0158] The configuration of the thin film glass (410), the molding layer (420d, 420e, 420f), the coating layer (430d, 430e, 430f), and / or the protective layer (440) of the display cover structure (400) of FIGS. 10a, 10b, and 10c may be partially or entirely the same as the configuration of the thin film glass (410), the molding layer (420), the coating layer (430), and / or the protective layer (440) of the display cover structure (400) of FIGS. 4 to 9a. The embodiments of FIGS. 10a, 10b, and 10c may be partially combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 9a, or the embodiments of FIGS. 11a to 23.

[0159] According to one embodiment, a display cover structure (400) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2 and 3) may be referred to as a window cover or a cover structure. The display cover structure (400) may include a thin film glass (410), a molding layer (420d, 420e, 420f) disposed on the thin film glass (410), and a coating layer (430d, 430e, 430f) disposed on the molding layer (420d, 420e, 420f).

[0160] According to one embodiment, the molding layers (420d, 420e, 420f) may include a plurality of molding layers having different hardnesses. For example, the molding layers (420d, 420e, 420f) may include a laminated structure of a first molding layer (423d, 423e, 423f) having a first hardness and a second molding layer (424d, 424e, 424f) having a second hardness less than the first hardness. The hardnesses of the first molding layers (423d, 423e, 423f) and the second molding layers (424d, 424e, 424f) may have a value between the hardnesses of the thin film glass (410) and the coating layer (430). The cover structure (400) of FIG. 10a can substantially apply the cover structure (400) of FIG. 5, the cover structure (400) of FIG. 10b can substantially apply the cover structure (400) of FIG. 8, and the cover structure (400) of FIG. 10c can substantially apply the cover structure (400) of FIG. 9a.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the thin film glass (410) may include a first region (S1) and a second region (S2) extending from the first region (S1) and corresponding to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display.

[0162] Hereinafter, according to one embodiment with reference to FIGS. 10a and 10b, the molding layers (420d, 420e) may be disposed on the thin film glass (410). The molding layers (420d, 420e) may include a first pattern part (421) disposed on a first region (S1) of the thin film glass (410), and a second pattern part (second pattern part) (422d, 422e) disposed on a second region (S2) of the thin film glass (410). The second pattern parts (422d, 422e) of the molding layers (420d, 420e) may correspond to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display. For example, the second pattern portion (422d, 422e) may be a part of or a corresponding structure of the second display area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the second display area (A2) of FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0163] According to one embodiment, the first pattern portion (421) and the second pattern portion (422d, 422e) may each have a laminated structure of two layers (e.g., a first molding layer (423d, 423e) and a second molding layer (424d, 424e)). The first molding layer (423d, 423e) and the second molding layer (424d, 424e) forming the first pattern portion (421) may each include a first section (4211) of uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness) and a second section (4212) extending from the first section (4211) and varying in thickness. The first molding layer (423d, 423e) may be a high-hardness layer having a hardness value of approximately 3 to 4.5, and the second molding layer (424d, 424e) may be a medium-hardness layer having a hardness value of approximately 1 to 3. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by stacking molding layers having multiple hardness values, the strength of the cover structure (400) may be improved.

[0164] Referring to FIG. 10a, the laminated configuration of the first molding layer (423d) and the second molding layer (424d) may each include a second pattern portion (422d). The second pattern portion (422d) may include a protrusion structure. The second pattern portion (422d) of the first molding layer (423d) may include an array of a plurality of protruding portions (4221d). The second pattern portion (422d) of the second molding layer (424d) may include an array of a plurality of protruding portions (4222d). The plurality of protruding portions (4221d, 4222d) may include a shape that protrudes toward the +Z axis. The second pattern portion (422d) may be formed as a part or corresponding structure of a bending or rolling area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the second display area (A2) of FIGS. 2 and 3), and may be formed in a pattern advantageous for the bending or rolling. The plurality of protruding portions (4221d, 4222d) of the second pattern portion (422d) may reduce driving resistance and / or rebound resistance during bending or rolling, thereby reducing or limiting distortion and deformation of the laminated structure together with the thin film glass (410) and the coating layer (430d).

[0165] According to one embodiment, the first molding layer (423d) forming the second pattern portion (422d) may be a lens-shaped pattern or a concave-convex pattern that protrudes toward the coating layer (430d), and the second molding layer (424d) may be a layer that is laminated on the first molding layer (423d) and formed with an overall uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness). When viewed from above the second pattern portion (422d) of the molding layer (420d) (e.g., when viewed toward the -Z axis), the second molding layer (424d) may be arranged to entirely surround the first molding layer (423d), and only the second molding layer (424d) may appear to have a protruding shape.

[0166] Referring to FIG. 10b, the laminated configuration of the first molding layer (423e) and the second molding layer (424e) may each include a second pattern portion (422e). For example, the second pattern portion (422e) of the first molding layer (423e) may form a single layer having a uniform (e.g., the same) first thickness, and the second pattern portion (422e) of the second molding layer (424e) may be laminated on the second pattern portion (422e) of the first molding layer (423e) and form a single layer having a uniform (e.g., the same) second thickness. The first thickness and the second thickness may be different from each other or may be the same. When viewed from above the second pattern portion (422e) of the molding layer (420e) (e.g., when viewed toward the -Z axis), the second molding layer (424e) is arranged to entirely surround the first molding layer (423e), and the second molding layer (424e) may appear to have a flat shape.

[0167] Hereinafter, according to one embodiment with reference to FIG. 10c, a molding layer (420f) may be disposed on a thin film glass (410). The molding layer (420f) may include a first pattern part (421) disposed on a first region (S1) of the thin film glass (410). The molding layer (420f) may not be disposed on a second region (S2) of the thin film glass (410).

[0168] According to one embodiment, the molding layer (420f) may have a structure in which the pattern is variable along the longitudinal direction (e.g., X-axis direction). The first pattern portion (421) of the molding layer (420f) may include a first section (4211) of uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness) and a second section (4212) extending from the first section (4211) and variable. For example, the first pattern portion (421) may form a slope in a portion (e.g., the second section (4212)) so as to extend to a second region (S2) of the thin film glass (410) where the molding layer (420f) is not disposed.

[0169] According to one embodiment, the first pattern portion (421) may have a laminated structure of two layers (e.g., a first molding layer (423f) and a second molding layer (424f)). The first molding layer (423f) and the second molding layer (424f) forming the first pattern portion (421) may each include a first section (4211) of uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness) and a second section (4212) extending from the first section (4211) and varying in thickness. The first molding layer (423f) may be a high-hardness layer having a hardness value of approximately 3.5 to 4.5, and the second molding layer (424f) may be a medium-hardness layer having a hardness value of approximately 2.5 to 3.5. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by laminating molding layers having a plurality of hardness values, the strength of the cover structure (400) may be improved.

[0170] According to one embodiment, a molding layer (420f) may be disposed on a first region (S1) of the thin film glass (410), and only a coating layer (430f) may be disposed on a second region (S2) of the thin film glass (410). By positioning a low-hardness and flexible coating layer (430f) in the bending and / or rolling section of the flexible display, the repulsive force and driving resistance of the cover structure (400) may be improved.

[0171] According to one embodiment referring to FIGS. 10a, 10b, and 10c, the coating layers (430d, 430e, 430f) can be filled to the same height from the thin film glass (410). For example, the thickness of the first coating portion (431) of the coating layers (430d, 430e, 430f) can be smaller than the thickness of the second coating portion (432d, 432e, 432f).

[0172] According to one embodiment, the display cover structure (400) includes a thin film glass (410), a molding layer (420d, 420e, 420f) disposed on the thin film glass (410), a coating layer (430d, 430e, 430f) disposed on the molding layer (420d, 420e, 420f), and may further include a protective layer (440) disposed on the coating layer (430d, 430e, 430f).

[0173] FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C are cross-sectional views illustrating an area of ​​a display cover structure of an electronic device in a slide-out state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0174] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2 and 3) may include a first housing (e.g., first housing (201) of FIGS. 2 and 3), a second housing (e.g., second housing (202) of FIGS. 2 and 3), and a flexible display (e.g., display (203) of FIGS. 2 and 3). The flexible display may include a flexible display panel and a display cover structure (400) formed such that at least a portion of the flexible display panel is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0175] The configuration of the thin film glass (410), the molding layer (420g, 420h, 420i), the coating layer (430g, 430h, 430i), and / or the protective layer (440) of the display cover structure (400) of FIGS. 11a, 11b, and 11c may be partially or entirely the same as the configuration of the thin film glass (410), the molding layer (420), the coating layer (430), and / or the protective layer (440) of the display cover structure (400) of FIGS. 4 to 10c. The embodiments of FIGS. 11a, 11b, and 11c may be partially combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 10c, or the embodiments of FIGS. 12a to 23.

[0176] According to one embodiment, a display cover structure (400) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2 and 3) may be referred to as a window cover or a cover structure. The display cover structure (400) may include a thin film glass (410), a molding layer (420g, 420h, 420i) disposed on the thin film glass (410), and a coating layer (430g, 430h, 430i) disposed on the molding layer (420g, 420h, 420i).

[0177] According to one embodiment, the thin film glass (410) may have a bonded glass (450) laminated on some areas. The glass forming the cover structure (400) may include the thin film glass (410) and the bonded glass (450) thicker than the thin film glass (410). For example, by arranging the bonded glass (450) having a second thickness greater than the first thickness on the first area (S1) of the thin film glass (410) having the first thickness, the thickness of the overall glass may be increased, thereby improving strength. The cover structure (400) of FIG. 11A may substantially correspond to the cover structure (400) of FIG. 5, the cover structure (400) of FIG. 11B may substantially correspond to the cover structure (400) of FIG. 7, and the cover structure (400) of FIG. 11C may substantially correspond to the cover structure (400) of FIG. 8.

[0178] According to one embodiment, the thin film glass (410) may include a first region (S1) and a second region (S2) extending from the first region (S1) and corresponding to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display.

[0179] According to one embodiment, the bonded glass (450) may be disposed on the thin film glass (410). The bonded glass (450) may be disposed on the first region (S1) of the thin film glass (410). The bonded glass (450) may not be disposed on the second region (S2) of the thin film glass (410). The second region (S2) of the thin film glass (410) may be a part of a bending or rolling region (e.g., the second display region (A2)) of the flexible display or a corresponding structure.

[0180] According to one embodiment, the molding layer (420g, 420h, 420i) may be disposed on the thin film glass (410). The molding layer (420g, 420h, 420i) may include a first pattern part (421g, 421h, 421i) disposed on the bonded glass (450) (e.g., the bonded glass (450) laminated with the first region (S1) of the thin film glass (410)), and a second pattern part (second pattern part) (422g, 422h, 422i) disposed on the second region (S2) of the thin film glass (410). A portion (e.g., top surface, side surface) of the bonding glass (450) may be arranged to be wrapped by the first pattern portion (421g, 421h, 421i) of the molding layer (420g, 420h, 420i).

[0181] According to one embodiment, the second pattern portions (422g, 422h, 422i) of the molding layers (420g, 420h, 420i) may correspond to a bending or rolling area of ​​the flexible display. For example, the second pattern portions (422g, 422h, 422i) may be a part of or a corresponding structure of the second display area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the second display area (A2) of FIGS. 2 and 3). A part (e.g., a variable section or a second section) of the first pattern portions (421g, 421h, 421i) may be disposed on the first area (S1) of the thin film glass (410).

[0182] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (430g, 430h, 430i) may be disposed on the molding layer (420g, 420h, 420i). The coating layer (430g, 430h, 430i) may include a first coating portion (431g, 431h, 431i) corresponding to the first pattern portion (421g, 421h, 421i) of the molding layer (420g, 420h, 420i) and a second coating portion (432g, 432h, 432i) corresponding to the second pattern portion (422g, 422h, 422i) of the molding layer (420g, 420h, 420i). A portion of the coating layer (430g, 430h, 430i) (e.g., the first coating portion (431g, 431h, 431i)) can form a structure in which the pattern is variable along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction).

[0183] According to one embodiment, the coating layers (430g, 430h, 430i) may be filled to the same height from the thin film glass (410). According to one embodiment, the coating layers (430g, 430h, 430i) may have a uniform thickness overall in the distance from the thin film glass (410) to the upper surface of the coating layers (430g, 430h, 430i). For example, the thickness of the first coating portion (431g, 431h, 431i) of the coating layers (430g, 430h, 430i) may be smaller than the thickness of the second coating portion (432g, 432h, 432i).

[0184] According to one embodiment, the display cover structure (400) includes a thin film glass (410), a molding layer (420g, 420h, 420i) disposed on the thin film glass (410), a coating layer (430g, 430h, 430i) disposed on the molding layer (420g, 420h, 420i), and may further include a protective layer (440) disposed on the coating layer (430g, 430h, 430i).

[0185] FIGS. 12A and 12B are cross-sectional views illustrating an area of ​​a display cover structure in a slide-out state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0186] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2 and 3) may include a first housing (e.g., first housing (201) of FIGS. 2 and 3), a second housing (e.g., second housing (202) of FIGS. 2 and 3), and a flexible display (e.g., display (203) of FIGS. 2 and 3). The flexible display may include a flexible display panel and a display cover structure (400) formed such that at least a portion of the flexible display panel is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0187] The configuration of the thin film glass (410), the molding layer (420j, 420k), the coating layer (430j, 430k), and / or the protective layer (440) of the display cover structure (400) of FIGS. 12a and 12b may be partially or entirely the same as the configuration of the thin film glass (410), the molding layer (420), the coating layer (430), and / or the protective layer (440) of the display cover structure (400) of FIGS. 4 to 11c. The embodiments of FIGS. 12a and 12b may be partially combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 11c, or the embodiments of FIGS. 13 to 23.

[0188] According to one embodiment, a display cover structure (400) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2 and 3) may be referred to as a window cover or a cover structure. The display cover structure (400) may include a thin film glass (410), a molding layer (420j, 420k) disposed on the thin film glass (410), and a coating layer (430j, 430k) disposed on the molding layer (420j, 420k).

[0189] According to one embodiment, the thin film glass (410) may include a first region (S1) and a second region (S2) extending from the first region (S1) and corresponding to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display.

[0190] According to one embodiment, the molding layers (420j, 420k) may be disposed on the thin film glass (410). The molding layers (420j, 420k) may include a pattern part disposed on the first region (S1) and the second region (S2) of the thin film glass (410).

[0191] According to one embodiment, the pattern portion of the molding layer (420j, 420k) may include a protruding structure. The pattern portion of the molding layer (420j, 420k) may include an array of a plurality of protruding portions. The plurality of protruding portions may include a shape protruding toward the +Z axis. A portion of the pattern portion of the molding layer (420j, 420k) may be formed as a pattern advantageous for bending or rolling, as a portion or corresponding structure of a bending or rolling area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the second display area (A2) of FIGS. 2 and 3). The plurality of protruding portions arranged in the second area (S2) of the thin film glass (410) may reduce driving resistance and / or rebound resistance during bending or rolling, thereby reducing or limiting warping and deformation of the structure laminated with the thin film glass (410) and the coating layer (430).

[0192] According to one embodiment, a plurality of protruding portions of the pattern portion of the molding layer (420j, 420k) may be spaced apart from each other. The plurality of protruding portions (4221) may be an array of shapes protruding toward the coating layer (430). Referring to FIG. 12a, each of the plurality of protruding portions may include a curved surface. Each of the plurality of protruding portions may have various shapes, such as a convex lens-shaped pattern, a concave-convex pattern, or a curved pillar pattern. Each of the plurality of protruding portions may have a convex shape toward the +Z-axis or a convex shape toward the -Z-axis (e.g., a recessed pattern). Referring to FIG. 12b, each of the plurality of protruding portions may have a shape, such as a square, a polygon, or a trapezoid. However, the shape of the plurality of protruding portions is not limited to the above-described example, and can be designed to have various shaped patterns to alleviate driving resistance without causing deformation such as distortion when the flexible display is bent and / or rolled.

[0193] According to one embodiment, the coating layers (430j, 430k) may be disposed on the thin film glass (410) and the molding layer (420). The coating layers (430j, 430k) may be disposed to surround the molding layer (420j, 420k) and may be disposed on the thin film glass (410) on which the molding layer (420j, 420k) is not disposed. The coating layers (430j, 430k) may be filled at the same height from the thin film glass (410). According to one embodiment, the coating layers (430j, 430k) may have a uniform thickness overall from the thin film glass (410) to the upper surface of the coating layers (430j, 430k). For example, the coating layer (430j, 430k) can be variably formed in a shape corresponding to the thickness of the protruding portions formed in the pattern portion of the molding layer (420j, 420k).

[0194] According to one embodiment, the display cover structure (400) includes a thin film glass (410), a molding layer (420j, 420k) disposed on the thin film glass (410), a coating layer (430j, 430k) disposed on the molding layer (420j, 420k), and may further include a protective layer (440) disposed on the coating layer (430j, 430k).

[0195] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining improvement of driving resistance of a display cover structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0196] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining improvement in strength (e.g., pen drop) of a bending / rolling area of ​​a display cover structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0197] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2, 3, 15, and 16) may include a first housing (e.g., the first housing (201) of FIGS. 2 and 3; the first housing (310) of FIGS. 15 and 16), a second housing (e.g., the second housing (202) of FIGS. 2 and 3; the second housing (320) of FIGS. 15 and 16), and a flexible display (e.g., the display (203) of FIGS. 2 and 3; the display (330) of FIGS. 15 and 16). The flexible display may include a flexible display panel and a display cover structure (e.g., the cover structure (400) of FIGS. 4 to 12; the cover structure (600) of FIGS. 17 to 23) formed so that at least a portion of the flexible display panel is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0198] FIGS. 13 and 14 show experimental data values ​​measuring the driving resistance and strength of the bending (or rolling) area of ​​a display cover structure (e.g., the cover structure (400) of FIGS. 4 to 12; the cover structure (600) of FIGS. 17 to 23).

[0199] The cover structure according to the present embodiments may be provided by forming patterns of various shapes (e.g., protruding parts) on a molding layer and covering the same, in order to alleviate driving resistance due to bending or rolling of the flexible display.

[0200] Referring to [Table 1] and Fig. 13 below, the measured values ​​of the driving resistance of the cover structures according to three experimental examples can be confirmed.

[0201] The driving resistance can be defined as the force (e.g., resistance (or repulsion)) that resists (or reacts) the actuation (e.g., bending or rolling) of a flexible display. Minimizing the driving resistance can be beneficial for the actuation of a flexible display, and this can be based on the pattern, thickness, hardness, etc. of each layer forming the cover structure.

[0202] Three experimental examples show the measured values ​​of the driving resistance for thin film glasses (e.g., RTG) and molding layers (e.g., UV patterns). RTG (50 / 30) sets the maximum / minimum thickness of the bending or rolling region of the thin film glass to 50 / 30 (㎛), and the driving resistance can be confirmed to be approximately 0.66 (kgf). RTG (80 / 40) sets the maximum / minimum thickness of the bending or rolling region of the thin film glass to 80 / 40 (㎛), and the driving resistance can be confirmed to be approximately 0.78 (kgf). UV pattern (30 / 40) sets the minimum / maximum pattern thickness of the bending or rolling region of the UV molding layer to 30 / 40 (㎛), and the driving resistance can be confirmed to be approximately 0.65 (kgf).

[0203] In general, in glass (e.g., RTG (50 / 30) and RTG (80 / 40) embodiments), when some areas are manufactured to have different thicknesses through physical processing processes (e.g., processing processes such as CNC, etching, and polishing), wrinkles, shape changes, or cracks may occur around some of the processed areas due to weakened strength. According to embodiments of the present disclosure (e.g., UV pattern (30 / 40), e.g., embodiments of FIGS. 4 to 6), it can be confirmed that the driving resistance is improved compared to the processing structure of general glass, and the thickness required for the UV molding layer (e.g., the thickness of the pattern) is also relatively small.

[0204] Item RTG (50 / 30) RTG (80 / 40) UV Pattern (30 / 40) Driving Resistance (kgf) 0.66 0.78 0.65 Pen Drop cm (Flat / Rolling) 10.8 / 10.9 18.3 / 12 15.5 / 12.5

[0205] Referring to the above [Table 1] and Fig. 14, the measured values ​​of the strength (e.g., pen drop) of the cover structures according to three experimental examples can be confirmed.

[0206] Pen drop can be defined as the height at which breakage occurs when a pen (e.g., a ball point pen with a diameter of 0.3 mm or 0.7 mm) is dropped from a certain height from some area (e.g., flat / rolling) of a flexible display.

[0207] Three experimental examples show the pendrop measured for thin film glasses (e.g., RTG) and UV molding layers. RTG (50 / 30) sets the maximum / minimum thickness of the bending or rolling region of the thin film glass to 50 / 30 (㎛), and the pendrop in the flat / rolling region can be confirmed to be approximately 10.8 / 10.9 (cm). RTG (80 / 40) sets the maximum / minimum thickness of the bending or rolling region of the thin film glass to 80 / 40 (㎛), and the pendrop in the flat / rolling region can be confirmed to be approximately 18.3 / 12 (cm). UV pattern (30 / 40) sets the minimum / maximum pattern thickness of the bending or rolling region of the UV molding layer to 30 / 40 (㎛), and the pendrop in the flat / rolling region can be confirmed to be approximately 15.5 / 12.5 (cm).

[0208] Compared to conventional glass (e.g., RTG (50 / 30) and RTG (80 / 40) embodiments), the embodiments of the present disclosure (e.g., UV pattern (30 / 40), e.g., embodiments of FIGS. 4 to 6) exhibit relatively superior strength relative to their thickness, with a pen drop value of approximately 12.5 cm in the bending or rolling region.

[0209] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0210] FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0211] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the electronic device (101) may include a housing (301), a hinge cover (340) covering a foldable portion of the housing (301), and a display (330) disposed within a space formed by the housing (301). According to one embodiment, a surface on which a screen output from the display (330) is exposed is defined as a front surface of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a first front surface (310a) and a second front surface (320a)). A surface opposite to the front surface is defined as a rear surface of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a first rear surface (310b) and a second rear surface (320b)). In addition, a surface surrounding a space between the front surface and the rear surface is defined as a side surface of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a first side surface (310c) and a second side surface (320c)). The side of the electronic device (101) may be at least one side of the first housing (310) or the second housing (320). The electronic device (101) of FIGS. 15 and 16 may be referred to as a foldable electronic device, a portable electronic device, or a portable foldable electronic device. According to one embodiment, the housing (301) may be referred to as a foldable housing. The display (330) may be referred to as a “flexible display.”

[0212] According to one embodiment, the housing (301) may include a first housing (310), a second housing (320) rotatable with respect to the first housing (310), a first rear cover (380), and a second rear cover (390). The housing (301) of the electronic device (101) is not limited to the shape and combination shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, and may be implemented by a combination and / or combination of other shapes or parts. For example, in one embodiment, the first housing (310) and the first rear cover (380) may be formed integrally, and the second housing (320) and the second rear cover (390) may be formed integrally.

[0213] According to one embodiment, the first housing (310) is connected to a hinge structure (e.g., a hinge assembly including a hinge) and may include a first front side (310a) facing a first direction and a first rear side (310b) facing a second direction opposite to the first direction. The second housing (320) is connected to the hinge assembly and includes a second front side (320a) facing a third direction and a second rear side (320b) facing a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, and may rotate about the hinge assembly with respect to the first housing (310). Accordingly, the electronic device (101) may be variable between a folded state and an unfolded state. The electronic device (101) may have the first front side (310a) facing the second front side (320a) in a folded state, and the third direction may be the same as the first direction in an unfolded state. In the following, unless otherwise stated, the directions are described based on the unfolded state of the electronic device (101).

[0214] According to one embodiment, the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) are arranged on both sides with respect to the folding axis (A) as the center, and may have an overall symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (A). As described below, the angle or distance between the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) may vary depending on whether the state of the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state. According to one embodiment, the second housing (320) additionally includes a sensor area (324) in which sensors (e.g., a front camera) are arranged, but may have a mutually symmetrical shape in other areas.

[0215] According to one embodiment, the folding axis (A) may be a plurality of parallel folding axes (e.g., two). In the present disclosure, the folding axis (A) is provided along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101), but the direction of the folding axis (A) is not limited thereto. For example (not shown), the electronic device (101) may include a folding axis (A) extending along the width direction (e.g., X-axis direction).

[0216] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a structure into which a digital pen can be attached. For example, the electronic device (101) may include a magnetic body configured to attach the digital pen to a side of the first housing (310) or a side of the second housing (320). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a structure into which a digital pen can be inserted. For example, a hole (not shown) into which the digital pen can be inserted may be formed in a side of the first housing (310) or a side of the second housing (320) of the electronic device (101).

[0217] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) may be formed of a metallic or non-metallic material having a rigidity of a selected size to support the display (330). At least a portion formed of the metallic material may provide a ground plane of the electronic device (101) and may be electrically connected to a ground line formed on a printed circuit board.

[0218] According to one embodiment, the sensor area (324) may be formed to have a predetermined area adjacent to one edge or one corner of the second housing (320). However, the arrangement, shape, and size of the sensor area (324) are not limited to the illustrated example. For example, in another embodiment, the sensor area (324) may be provided in another corner of the second housing (320) or in any area between the upper and lower corners or in the first housing (310). In one embodiment, components for performing various functions built into the electronic device (101) may be exposed to the front of the electronic device (101) through the sensor area (324) or through one or more openings provided in the sensor area (324). In various embodiments, the components may include various types of sensors. The sensor may include, for example, at least one of a front camera, a receiver, or a proximity sensor.

[0219] According to one embodiment, the first rear cover (380) is disposed on one side of the folding axis (A) on the rear surface of the electronic device (101) and may have, for example, a substantially rectangular periphery, the periphery of which may be wrapped by the first housing (310). Similarly, the second rear cover (390) is disposed on the other side of the folding axis (A) on the rear surface of the electronic device (101) and the periphery of which may be wrapped by the second housing (320).

[0220] According to one embodiment, the first rear cover (380) and the second rear cover (390) may have substantially symmetrical shapes with respect to the folding axis (A axis). However, the first rear cover (380) and the second rear cover (390) do not necessarily have mutually symmetrical shapes, and in other embodiments, the electronic device (101) may include the first rear cover (380) and the second rear cover (390) of various shapes.

[0221] According to one embodiment, the first rear cover (380), the second rear cover (390), the first housing (310), and the second housing (320) may form a space in which various components of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a printed circuit board or a battery) may be placed. According to one embodiment, one or more components may be placed or visually exposed on the rear surface of the electronic device (101). For example, at least a portion of the sub-display may be visually exposed through at least a portion of the first rear cover (380). In another embodiment, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through at least a portion of the second rear cover (390). In various embodiments, the sensors may include a proximity sensor and / or a camera module (306) (e.g., a rear camera).

[0222] According to one embodiment, a front camera exposed to the front of the electronic device (101) through one or more openings provided in the sensor area (324) or a camera module (306) exposed through at least a portion of the second rear cover (390) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, and / or image signal processors. In some embodiments, two or more lenses (infrared camera, wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors may be arranged on one side of the electronic device (101).

[0223] According to one embodiment, the hinge cover (340) may be disposed between the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) to cover internal components (e.g., a hinge assembly including a hinge). According to one embodiment, the hinge cover (340) may be covered by a portion of the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) or exposed to the outside, depending on the state of the electronic device (101) (flat state or folded state).

[0224] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 15, when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state, the hinge cover (340) may be covered by the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) and may not be exposed. According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 16, when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state (e.g., a fully folded state), the hinge cover (340) may be exposed to the outside between the first housing (310) and the second housing (320). According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is in an intermediate state where the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) are folded at a certain angle, the hinge cover (340) may be partially exposed to the outside between the first housing (310) and the second housing (320). However, in this case, the exposed area may be less than in the fully folded state. In one embodiment, the hinge cover (340) may include a curved surface.

[0225] According to one embodiment, the display (330) may be placed on a space formed by the housing (301). For example, the display (330) may be mounted on a recess formed by the housing (301) and may constitute most of the front surface of the electronic device (101). Accordingly, the front surface of the electronic device (101) may include the display (330), a portion of the first housing (310) adjacent to the display (330) and a portion of the second housing (320). The rear surface of the electronic device (101) may include a first rear cover (380), a portion of the first housing (310) adjacent to the first rear cover (380), a second rear cover (390), and a portion of the second housing (320) adjacent to the second rear cover (390).

[0226] In one embodiment, the display (330) may include a plurality of displays spaced apart from each other. For example, the display (330) may include a first display area (331) disposed on a first housing (310) and a second display area (332) disposed on a second housing (320). In one embodiment, the first display area (331) and the second display area (332) may rotate about a folding axis (A).

[0227] According to one embodiment, the display (330) may refer to a display in which at least a portion of the display can be transformed into a flat or curved surface. For example, the display (330) may be a foldable or flexible display. According to one embodiment, the display (330) may include a folding area (333), a first display area (331) arranged on one side (e.g., the left side of the folding area (333) illustrated in FIG. 15) with respect to the folding area (333), and a second display area (332) arranged on the other side (e.g., the right side of the folding area (333) illustrated in FIG. 15). However, the division of the areas of the display (330) is exemplary, and the display (330) may be divided into a plurality of areas (e.g., four or more or two) depending on the structure or function. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15, the display (330) may be divided into regions by a folding region (333) extending parallel to the Y-axis or a folding axis (A-axis), but in other embodiments, the display (330) may be divided into regions based on other folding regions (e.g., a folding region parallel to the X-axis) or other folding axes (e.g., a folding axis parallel to the X-axis). According to one embodiment, the display (330) may be coupled to or disposed adjacent to a touch detection circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and / or a digitizer (not shown) configured to detect a magnetic field-type stylus pen.

[0228] According to one embodiment, the first display area (331) and the second display area (332) may have an overall symmetrical shape centered on the folding area (333). According to one embodiment (not shown), the second display area (332), unlike the first display area (331), may include a cut notch depending on the presence of the sensor area (324), but may have a shape symmetrical with respect to the first display area (331) in other areas. In other words, the first display area (331) and the second display area (332) may include a portion having a symmetrical shape and a portion having an asymmetrical shape.

[0229] Hereinafter, the operation of the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) and each area of ​​the display (330) according to the state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., flat state or unfolded state and folded state) will be described.

[0230] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is in a flat state (e.g., FIG. 15), the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) may be arranged to face the same direction at a substantially 180-degree angle. The surface of the first display area (331) of the display (330) and the surface of the second display area (332) may form a 180-degree angle with each other and face the same direction (e.g., toward the front of the electronic device). The folding area (333) may form the same plane as the first display area (331) and the second display area (332).

[0231] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state (e.g., FIG. 16), the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) may be arranged to face each other. The surface of the first display area (331) of the display (330) and the surface of the second display area (332) may form a narrow angle (e.g., between 0 and 10 degrees) with each other and may face each other. The folding area (333) may be formed as a curved surface having at least a portion of a predetermined curvature.

[0232] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is in an intermediate state (not shown), the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) may be arranged at a certain angle with respect to each other. The surface of the first display area (331) of the display (330) and the surface of the second display area (332) 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 area (333) may be formed as a curved surface having at least a portion of a certain curvature, and the curvature at this time may be less than that in the folded state.

[0233] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing an area of ​​a display cover structure of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0234] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing an area of ​​a display cover structure of an electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0235] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIGS. 15 and 16) may include a first housing (e.g., first housing (310) of FIGS. 15 and 16), a second housing (e.g., second housing (320) of FIGS. 15 and 16), and a flexible display (e.g., display (330) of FIGS. 15 and 16). The flexible display may include a flexible display panel and a display cover structure (600) formed such that at least a portion of the flexible display panel is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0236] According to one embodiment, depending on the state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., from a flat state (or unfolded state) to a folded state), the flexible display can change between an unfolded state, an intermediate state, and a folded state.

[0237] According to one embodiment, the display cover structure (600) may be a flexible structure to correspond to the operation of the flexible display (330) in the unfolded state, the intermediate state, and the folded state. For example, at least a portion of the display cover structure (600) may change from a region forming a plane to a region forming a bending (or rolling) when the electronic device is operated in a folded state.

[0238] The configuration of the display cover structure (600) of FIGS. 17 and 18 may be partially or completely identical to the configuration of the display (330) of FIGS. 15 and 16. The embodiments of FIGS. 17 and 18 may be partially combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 16, or the embodiments of FIGS. 19 to 23.

[0239] According to one embodiment, a display cover structure (600) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 15 and 16) may be referred to as a window cover or a cover structure. The display cover structure (600) may include a thin film glass (610), a molding layer (620) disposed on the thin film glass (610), and a coating layer (630) disposed on the molding layer (620).

[0240] According to one embodiment, the display cover structure (600) may include a thin film glass (610), a molding layer (620) disposed on the thin film glass (610), a coating layer (630) disposed on the molding layer (620), and a protective layer (640) disposed on the coating layer (630).

[0241] According to one embodiment, the thin film glass (610) may include a first region (S1) and a second region (S2) extending from the first region (S1) and corresponding to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display. The first region (S1) may include a first-first region (S11) and a first-second region (S12) spaced apart from the second region (S2). For example, the flexible display (e.g., the display (330) of FIGS. 15 and 16) may include a folding region (333), a first display region (331) disposed on one side (e.g., the left side of the folding region (333) illustrated in FIG. 15) with respect to the folding region (333), and a second display region (332) disposed on the other side (e.g., the right side of the folding region (333) illustrated in FIG. 15). The first region (S1) of the thin film glass (610) (e.g., the first-first region (S11) and the first-second region (S12)) may be a part of or a corresponding structure of the first display region (e.g., the first display region (331) of FIG. 15) and the second display region (e.g., the second display region (332) of FIG. 15). The second region (S2) of the thin film glass (610) may be a part of or a corresponding structure of the folding region (333) (e.g., the folding region (333) of FIG. 15). For example, when the flexible display (330) is defined as a flexible display panel, the first-first region (S11) of the thin film glass (610) may be placed on the first display region (331), the first-second region (S12) of the thin film glass (610) may be placed on the second display region (332), and the second region (S2) of the thin film glass (610) may be placed on the folding region (333).

[0242] According to one embodiment, the thin film glass (610) includes a first region (S1) and a second region (S2), and the first region (S1) and the second region (S2) can form an overall uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness). In general, when glass is manufactured to have different thicknesses in some regions through a physical processing process (e.g., a processing process such as CNC, etching, or polishing), wrinkles, shape changes, or cracks may occur around the processed region due to weakened strength. According to one embodiment, the thin film glass (610) provides an overall uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness) excluding the physical processing, and can reduce or limit the occurrence of defects in some regions. The cover structure (600) can provide a variable structure (e.g., a first pattern portion (621) and a second pattern portion (622)) to the molding layer (620) disposed on the thin film glass (610) to respond to bending or rolling of the flexible display (330).

[0243] In one embodiment, the thickness of the thin film glass (610) may be approximately 25% to 35% of that of the cover structure (600) (e.g., a structure in which the thin film glass (610), the molding layer (620), and the coating layer (630) are laminated). For example, when the cover structure (600) (e.g., a structure in which the thin film glass (610), the molding layer (620), and the coating layer (630) are laminated) has a thickness of approximately 90 μm to 100 μm, the thin film glass (610) may have a thickness of approximately 22.5 μm to 35 μm. For example, the thin film glass (610) may have a thickness of approximately 25 μm to 30 μm. In one embodiment, the thin film glass (610) may have a high hardness compared to other layers of the cover structure (600) (e.g., the molding layer (620) or the coating layer (630)). For example, the hardness of the thin film glass (610) may be approximately 7 to 9.

[0244] According to one embodiment, the molding layer (620) may be disposed on the thin film glass (610). The molding layer (620) may include a first pattern part (621) disposed on a first region (S1) of the thin film glass (610), and a second pattern part (second pattern part) (622) disposed on a second region (S2) of the thin film glass (610). The first pattern part (621) of the molding layer (620) includes a first-first pattern part and a first-second pattern part, and the first-first pattern part may correspond to the first-first region (S11) of the thin film glass (610), and the first-second pattern part may correspond to the first-second region (S12) of the thin film glass (610). The second pattern part (622) of the molding layer (620) may correspond to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display. For example, the second pattern portion (622) may be a part of a folding area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the folding area (333) of FIG. 15) or a corresponding structure.

[0245] According to one embodiment, the molding layer (620) may have a structure in which the pattern is variable along the longitudinal direction (e.g., X-axis direction). The first pattern portion (621) and the second pattern portion (622) of the molding layer (620) may have different shapes. For example, the first thickness of the first pattern portion (621) and the second thickness of the second pattern portion (622) may be different. The first thickness of the first pattern portion (621) may be an average thickness of at least one shape forming the first pattern portion (621). The second thickness of the second pattern portion (622) may be an average thickness of at least one shape forming the second pattern portion (622).

[0246] According to one embodiment, the first pattern portion (621) of the molding layer (620) may form a single layer. The first thickness of the first pattern portion (621) may have an overall uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness). The first pattern portion (621) may be a part of a flat area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the first display area (331) and the second display area (332) of FIG. 15) or a corresponding structure, and thus may maintain a plane that does not bend or roll.

[0247] According to one embodiment, the first pattern portion (621) of the molding layer (620) may form a variable layer. The first pattern portion (621) may form an inclined surface in some sections so as to extend to a second pattern portion (622) having a different thickness. For example, the first section (6211) may include a first thickness and a second section (6212) extending from the first section (6211) to the second pattern portion (622), and having a thickness smaller than the first thickness and varying (e.g., sequentially decreasing) along the length direction (e.g., the X-axis direction). For example, the inclined surface may form an angle of approximately 1 degree to 10 degrees, so that when viewed from the outside, the variable layer (e.g., a boundary line) of the first pattern portion (621) facing the second pattern portion (622) may not be entirely visible.

[0248] According to one embodiment, the second pattern portion (622) of the molding layer (620) may include a protrusion structure. The second pattern portion (622) of the molding layer (620) may include an array of a plurality of protruding portions (6221). The plurality of protruding portions (6221) may include a shape protruding toward the +Z axis. The second pattern portion (622) may be formed as a part or a corresponding structure of a bending or rolling area (e.g., a folding area (333) of FIG. 15) of the flexible display, and may be formed in a pattern advantageous for the bending or rolling. The plurality of protruding portions (6221) of the second pattern portion (6222) may reduce the driving resistance and / or the rebound resistance during the bending or rolling, thereby reducing or limiting the warping and deformation of the laminated structure together with the thin film glass (610) and the coating layer (630).

[0249] According to one embodiment, a plurality of protruding portions (6221) of the second pattern portion (622) may be spaced apart from each other. The second pattern portion (622) may include a connecting portion (6222) that connects adjacent protruding portions (6221) with a specified thickness. The maximum thickness (e.g., height) of the plurality of protruding portions (6221) may be greater than the connecting portion (6222) that connects the plurality of protruding portions (6221).

[0250] According to one embodiment, a plurality of protruding portions (6221) of the second pattern portion (622) may be arranged without being spaced apart from each other. For example, the plurality of protruding portions (6221) may have a shape including a curved surface, and adjacent protruding portions (6221) may be arranged continuously from the ends of the protruding portions (6221).

[0251] According to one embodiment, the plurality of protruding portions (6221) of the second pattern portion (622) may be an array of shapes protruding toward the coating layer (630). For example, each of the plurality of protruding portions (6221) may not include a curved surface and may have a shape such as a square, polygon, trapezoid, or pillar. Each of the plurality of protruding portions (6221) may have a shape protruding toward the +Z axis or a shape protruding toward the -Z axis (e.g., a recessed pattern). For example, each of the plurality of protruding portions (6221) may include a curved surface. Each of the plurality of protruding portions (6221) may have various shapes such as a convex lens-shaped pattern, a concave-convex pattern, or a curved pillar pattern. However, the shape of the plurality of protruding portions (6221) is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be designed to have various shaped patterns to alleviate driving resistance and prevent deformation such as distortion from occurring when the flexible display is bent and / or rolled.

[0252] According to one embodiment, the first pattern portion (621) and the second pattern portion (622) of the molding layer (620) may have different thicknesses. The first pattern portion (621) (e.g., the first section (6211) forming a single layer) may have a first thickness, and the second pattern portion (622) may have a second thickness smaller than the first thickness. For example, the second thickness of the second pattern portion (622) may have a thickness corresponding to the first thickness of the first pattern portion (621) (e.g., the first section (6211) forming a single layer), or may have a thickness that is approximately 20% to 50% of the first thickness. Since the second thickness of the second pattern portion (622) is, on average, smaller than the first thickness of the first pattern portion (621), the repulsive force and driving resistance of the cover structure (600) against bending and / or rolling of the flexible display may be improved.

[0253] According to one embodiment, the first pattern portion (621) and the second pattern portion (622) of the molding layer (620) may have different thicknesses based on the type (e.g., thickness) of the thin film glass (610). For example, when the thickness of the thin film glass (610) is approximately 25% to 35% of the thickness of the cover structure (600) (e.g., a structure in which the thin film glass (610), the molding layer (620), and the coating layer (630) are laminated), the thickness of the molding layer (620) may be formed to be approximately 20% to 40% of the thickness of the cover structure (600). For example, when the thickness of the thin film glass (610) is approximately 30 μm, the thickness of the molding layer (620) may be approximately 20 μm to 40 μm.

[0254] In one embodiment, the molding layer (620) may have a high hardness compared to other layers of the cover structure (600) (e.g., the coating layer (630)). For example, the hardness of the molding layer (620) may be approximately 3 to 4. Since the hardness of the coating layer (630) is approximately 0, the strength of the cover structure (600) may be improved due to the laminated structure of the molding layer (620) and the coating layer (630). In one embodiment, the molding layer (620) may be formed to have a refractive index that is the same as or similar to that of the thin film glass (610), thereby improving the visibility of the cover structure (600).

[0255] According to one embodiment, the molding layer (620) can form a pattern portion (e.g., a first pattern portion (621), a second pattern portion (622)) through a UV (ultra-violet) molding technique. The molding layer (620) can be composed of a polymer layer as a transparent layer. According to one embodiment, the cover structure (600) can be implemented by placing a liquid-state molding layer (620) in a UV (ultra-violet) mold, placing a thin film glass (610) on the molding layer (620), and then curing it by at least one of UV light and heat. Since the UV molding mold includes at least one pattern, the thickness of the molding layer (620) can be freely controlled using the UV molding mold, and surface treatment can be performed only on a desired area on the surface of the molding layer (620). For example, the UV molding mold portion that contacts the surface of the molding layer (620) may include at least one pattern so that the molding layer (620) has a variable thickness through the UV mold. At least an engraved pattern (e.g., a recess pattern) for a protrusion may be included in a portion of the UV molding mold portion that contacts a required area so that a plurality of protrusions (6221) are created in a required area on the surface of the molding layer (620).

[0256] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (630) may be disposed on the molding layer (620). The coating layer (630) may include a first coating portion (631) corresponding to the first pattern portion (621) of the molding layer (620) and a second coating portion (632) corresponding to the second pattern portion (622) of the molding layer (620). A portion of the coating layer (630) (e.g., the first coating portion (631)) may have a structure in which the pattern is variable along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction).

[0257] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (630) may be filled to the same height from the thin film glass (610). According to one embodiment, the coating layer (630) may have a uniform thickness overall from the thin film glass (610) to the upper surface of the coating layer (630). For example, since the first thickness of the first pattern portion (621) of the molding layer (620) and the second thickness of the second pattern portion (622) are different from each other, the first coating portion (631) and the second coating portion (632) of the coating layer (630) may also have different thicknesses. The thickness of the first coating portion (631) may be an average thickness of at least one shape forming the first coating portion (631). The thickness of the second coating portion (632) may be an average thickness of at least one shape forming the second coating portion (632). For example, when the sum of the thicknesses of the coating layer (630) and the molding layer (620) is defined as a specified value L, the thickness of the first coating portion (631) may be “L - the first thickness of the first pattern portion (621)”, and the thickness of the second coating portion (632) may be “L - the second thickness of the second pattern portion (622)”. As the first thickness of the first pattern portion (621) is set to be greater than the second thickness of the second pattern portion (622), the thickness of the first coating portion (631) may be less than the thickness of the second coating portion (632). For example, when the sum of the thicknesses of the coating layer (630) and the molding layer (620) is set to a specified value L of approximately 60 μm, the first thickness of the first pattern portion (621) is set to approximately 40 μm, and the second thickness of the second pattern portion (622) is set to approximately 20 μm, the thickness of the first coating portion (631) may be approximately 20 μm, and the thickness of the second coating portion (632) may be approximately 40 μm.

[0258] According to one embodiment, the first coating portion (631) of the coating layer (630) may form a variable layer. The first coating portion (631) may form an inclined surface in some sections so as to extend to a second coating portion (632) having a different thickness. The inclined surface of the first coating portion (631) may correspond to the inclined surface of the first pattern portion (621). For example, the inclined surface of the first coating portion (631) may form an angle of approximately 1 to 10 degrees.

[0259] According to one embodiment, the second coating portion (632) of the coating layer (630) may include a recessed structure. The second coating portion (632) of the coating layer (630) may include an array of a plurality of recessed portions. The plurality of recessed portions of the second coating portion (632) may be filled areas arranged to surround the protruding portions (6221) of the second pattern portion (622), and may have an inverted shape corresponding to the protruding portions (6221) of the second pattern portion (622). The shapes of the plurality of recessed portions of the second coating portion (632) may be designed in various ways to correspond to various shapes of the second pattern portion (622). The plurality of recessed portions of the second coating portion (632) can reduce or limit distortion and deformation of the laminated structure forming the cover structure (600) by reducing the driving and / or rebound resistance when the flexible display is bent or rolled, together with the plurality of protruding portions (6221) of the second pattern portion (622).

[0260] In one embodiment, the coating layer (630) may have a lower hardness compared to other layers of the cover structure (600) (e.g., the thin film glass (610) and the molding layer (620)). For example, the hardness of the molding layer (620) may be approximately 3 to 4. Since the hardness of the coating layer (630) is approximately 0, the overall strength of the cover structure (600) may be improved due to the laminated structure of the molding layer (620) and the coating layer (630). In one embodiment, the coating layer (630) may be formed to have the same or similar refractive index as or similar to that of the thin film glass (610) (and / or the molding layer (620)), thereby improving the visibility of the cover structure (600).

[0261] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (630) may be a film layer composed of a transparent polymer. The coating layer (630) may include an OCR filler. The OCR filler may have the same refractive index as the thin film glass (610) (or, the molding layer (620)) (e.g., a refractive index of 0.05R or more) and may be a mixture of at least one of an acrylic, silicone, and urethane coating solution. The coating layer (630) may include an adhesive component. For example, the coating layer (630) may include at least one of an optical clear adhesive (OCA), a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), a heat-reactive adhesive, a general adhesive, or a double-sided tape.

[0262] According to one embodiment, the display cover structure (600) includes a thin film glass (610), a molding layer (620) disposed on the thin film glass (610), a coating layer (630) disposed on the molding layer (620), and may further include a protective layer (640) disposed on the coating layer (630).

[0263] In one embodiment, the protective layer (640) may be disposed on the coating layer (630). The protective layer (640) may form a single layer. The protective layer (640) may be disposed on the flat upper surface of the coating layer (630) and may be manufactured as a layer that forms an overall uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness).

[0264] According to one embodiment, the protective layer (640) may be composed of at least one layer, and may be a layer for surface pressing, scratching, slipping, or anti-fingerprint performance. For example, the protective layer (640) may include at least one of an anti-fouling layer (or anti-fingerprint layer (AF layer)), a hard coating layer (or hard coating layer (HC layer)), an anti-reflection layer (or low refection layer (LR layer)), and an anti-glare layer (or anti-glare layer (AG layer)).

[0265] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing an area of ​​a display cover structure of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0266] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIGS. 15 and 16) may include a first housing (e.g., first housing (310) of FIGS. 15 and 16), a second housing (e.g., second housing (320) of FIGS. 15 and 16), and a flexible display (e.g., display (330) of FIGS. 15 and 16). The flexible display may include a flexible display panel and a display cover structure (600) formed such that at least a portion of the flexible display panel is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0267] The configuration of the thin film glass (610), the molding layer (620a), the coating layer (630a), and / or the protective layer (640) of the display cover structure (600) of FIG. 19 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the thin film glass (610), the molding layer (620), the coating layer (630), and / or the protective layer (640) of the display cover structure (600) of FIGS. 17 and 18. The embodiments of FIG. 19 may be partially combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 18, or the embodiments of FIGS. 20 to 23.

[0268] According to one embodiment, a display cover structure (600) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 15 and 16) may be referred to as a window cover or a cover structure. The display cover structure (600) may include a thin film glass (610), a molding layer (620a) disposed on the thin film glass (610), and a coating layer (630a) disposed on the molding layer (620a).

[0269] According to one embodiment, the thin film glass (610) may include a first region (S1) and a second region (S2) extending from the first region (S1) and corresponding to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display (e.g., a folding region (333) of FIG. 15). The first region (S1) may include a first-first region (S11) and a first-second region (S12) spaced apart from the second region (S2).

[0270] According to one embodiment, the molding layer (620a) may be disposed on the thin film glass (610). The molding layer (620a) may include a first pattern part (621) disposed on a first region (S1) of the thin film glass (610), and a second pattern part (second pattern part) (622a) disposed on a second region (S2) of the thin film glass (610). The first pattern part (621) of the molding layer (620a) may include a first-first pattern part and a first-second pattern part, and the first-first pattern part may correspond to the first-first region (S11) of the thin film glass (610), and the first-second pattern part may correspond to the first-second region (S12) of the thin film glass (610). The second pattern portion (622a) of the molding layer (620a) may correspond to a bending or rolling area of ​​the flexible display. For example, the second pattern portion (622a) may be part of or a corresponding structure of a folding area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the folding area (333) of FIG. 15).

[0271] According to one embodiment, the molding layer (620a) may have a structure in which the pattern is variable along the longitudinal direction (e.g., X-axis direction). The first pattern portion (621) and the second pattern portion (622a) of the molding layer (620a) may have different shapes. For example, the thickness of the first pattern portion (621) and the thickness of the second pattern portion (622a) may be different. The first thickness of the first pattern portion (621) may be an average thickness of at least one shape forming the first pattern portion (621). The second thickness of the second pattern portion (622a) may be an average thickness of at least one shape forming the second pattern portion (622a).

[0272] According to one embodiment, the first pattern portion (621) of the molding layer (620a) may include a first section (6211) of uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness) and a second section (6212) extending from the first section (6211) and varying in thickness. For example, the first pattern portion (621) may form a sloped surface in some sections (e.g., the second section (6212)) so as to extend into a second pattern portion (622a) having a different thickness.

[0273] According to one embodiment, the first pattern portion (621) and the second pattern portion (622a) of the molding layer (620a) may have different thicknesses. The first section (6211) of the first pattern portion (621) may have a first thickness, and the second pattern portion (622a) may have a second thickness smaller than the first thickness. For example, the second thickness of the second pattern portion (622a) may have a thickness of approximately 20% to 50% of the first thickness of the first section (6211) of the first pattern portion (621), which may improve the repulsive force resistance and driving resistance of the cover structure (600) against bending and / or rolling of the flexible display.

[0274] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (630a) may be disposed on the molding layer (620a). The coating layer (630a) may include a first coating portion (631) corresponding to the first pattern portion (621) of the molding layer (620a) and a second coating portion (632a) corresponding to the second pattern portion (622a) of the molding layer (620a). A portion of the coating layer (630a) (e.g., the first coating portion (631)) may form a structure in which the pattern varies along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction).

[0275] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (630a) may be filled to the same height from the thin film glass (610). According to one embodiment, the coating layer (630a) may have a uniform thickness overall from the thin film glass (610) to the upper surface of the coating layer (630a). For example, the thickness of the first coating portion (631) of the coating layer (630a) may be smaller than the thickness of the second coating portion (632a).

[0276] According to one embodiment, the display cover structure (600) includes a thin film glass (610), a molding layer (620a) disposed on the thin film glass (610), a coating layer (630a) disposed on the molding layer (620a), and may further include a protective layer (640) disposed on the coating layer (630a).

[0277] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing an area of ​​a display cover structure of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0278] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIGS. 15 and 16) may include a first housing (e.g., first housing (310) of FIGS. 15 and 16), a second housing (e.g., second housing (320) of FIGS. 15 and 16), and a flexible display (e.g., display (330) of FIGS. 15 and 16). The flexible display may include a flexible display panel and a display cover structure (600) formed such that at least a portion of the flexible display panel is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0279] The configuration of the thin film glass (610), the molding layer (620b), the coating layer (630b), and / or the protective layer (640) of the display cover structure (600) of FIG. 20 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the thin film glass (610), the molding layer (620), the coating layer (630), and / or the protective layer (640) of the display cover structure (600) of FIGS. 17 and 18. The embodiments of FIG. 20 may be partially combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 19, or the embodiments of FIGS. 21a to 23.

[0280] According to one embodiment, a display cover structure (600) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 15 and 16) may be referred to as a window cover or a cover structure. The display cover structure (600) may include a thin film glass (610), a molding layer (620b) disposed on the thin film glass (610), and a coating layer (630b) disposed on the molding layer (620b).

[0281] According to one embodiment, the thin film glass (610) may include a first region (S1) and a second region (S2) extending from the first region (S1) and corresponding to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display (e.g., a folding region (333) of FIG. 15). The first region (S1) may include a first-first region (S11) and a first-second region (S12) spaced apart from the second region (S2).

[0282] According to one embodiment, the molding layer (620b) may have a structure in which the pattern is variable along the longitudinal direction (e.g., X-axis direction). The first pattern portion (621) of the molding layer (620b) may include a first section (6211) of uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness) and a second section (6212) extending from the first section (6211) and variable. For example, the first pattern portion (621) may form a slope in a portion (e.g., the second section (6212)) so as to extend to a second region (S2) of the thin film glass (610) where the molding layer (620b) is not disposed.

[0283] According to one embodiment, a molding layer (620b) may be disposed on a first region (S1) of the thin film glass (610), and only a coating layer (630b) (e.g., a second coating portion (632b)) may be disposed on a second region (S2) of the thin film glass (610). Since a low-hardness and flexible coating layer (630b) is positioned in a bending and / or rolling section of the flexible display, the repulsive force and driving resistance of the cover structure (600) may be improved.

[0284] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (630b) may be arranged from the upper surface of the molding layer (620b) to the upper surface (e.g., the surface facing the +Z axis) of the second region (S2) of the thin film glass (610). The coating layer (630b) may include a first coating portion (631) corresponding to the first pattern portion (621) of the molding layer (620b) and a second coating portion (632b) corresponding to the second region (S2) of the thin film glass (610). A portion of the coating layer (630b) (e.g., the first coating portion (631)) may form a structure in which the pattern is variable along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction).

[0285] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (630b) may be filled to the same height from the thin film glass (610). According to one embodiment, the coating layer (630b) may have a uniform thickness overall from the thin film glass (610) to the upper surface of the coating layer (630b). For example, the thickness of the first coating portion (631) of the coating layer (630b) may be smaller than the thickness of the second coating portion (632b). The thickness (e.g., height) of the second coating portion (632b) of the coating layer (630b) may be the sum of the thickness of the first coating portion (631) and the thickness of the first pattern portion (621) (e.g., first section (6211)) of the molding layer (620b).

[0286] According to one embodiment, the display cover structure (600) includes a thin film glass (610), a molding layer (620b) disposed on the thin film glass (610), a coating layer (630b) disposed on the molding layer (620b), and may further include a protective layer (640) disposed on the coating layer (630b).

[0287] FIGS. 21A, 21B, and 21C are cross-sectional views illustrating an area of ​​a display cover structure of an electronic device in an unfolded state, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0288] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIGS. 15 and 16) may include a first housing (e.g., first housing (310) of FIGS. 15 and 16), a second housing (e.g., second housing (320) of FIGS. 15 and 16), and a flexible display (e.g., display (330) of FIGS. 15 and 16). The flexible display may include a flexible display panel and a display cover structure (600) formed such that at least a portion of the flexible display panel is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0289] The configuration of the thin film glass (610), the molding layer (620c, 620d, 620e), the coating layer (630c, 630d, 630e), and / or the protective layer (640) of the display cover structure (600) of FIGS. 21a, 21b, and 21c may be partially or entirely the same as the configuration of the thin film glass (610), the molding layer (620), the coating layer (630), and / or the protective layer (640) of the display cover structure (600) of FIGS. 17 to 20. The embodiments of FIGS. 21a, 21b, and 21c may be partially combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 20, or the embodiments of FIGS. 22a to 23.

[0290] According to one embodiment, a display cover structure (600) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 15 and 16) may be referred to as a window cover or a cover structure. The display cover structure (600) may include a thin film glass (610), a molding layer (620c, 620d, 620e) disposed on the thin film glass (610), and a coating layer (630c, 630d, 630e) disposed on the molding layer (620c, 620d, 620e).

[0291] According to one embodiment, the molding layers (620c, 620d, 620e) may include a plurality of molding layers having different hardnesses. For example, the molding layers (620c, 620d, 620e) may include a laminated structure of a first molding layer (623c, 623d, 623e) having a first hardness and a second molding layer (624c, 624d, 624e) having a second hardness less than the first hardness. The hardnesses of the first molding layers (623c, 623d, 623e) and the second molding layers (624c, 624d, 624e) may have a value between the hardnesses of the thin film glass (610) and the coating layer (630). The cover structure (600) of FIG. 21a can substantially apply the cover structure (600) of FIG. 17, the cover structure (600) of FIG. 21b can substantially apply the cover structure (600) of FIG. 19, and the cover structure (600) of FIG. 21c can substantially apply the cover structure (600) of FIG. 20.

[0292] According to one embodiment, the thin film glass (610) may include a first region (S1) and a second region (S2) extending from the first region (S1) and corresponding to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display (e.g., a folding region (333) of FIG. 15). The first region (S1) may include a first-first region (S11) and a first-second region (S12) spaced apart from the second region (S2).

[0293] Hereinafter, according to one embodiment with reference to FIGS. 21a and 21b, the molding layers (620c, 620d) may be disposed on the thin film glass (610). The molding layers (620c, 620d) may include a first pattern part (621) disposed on a first region (S1) of the thin film glass (610), and a second pattern part (second pattern part) (622c, 622d) disposed on a second region (S2) of the thin film glass (610). The second pattern part (622c, 622d) of the molding layers (620c, 620d) may correspond to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display. For example, the second pattern portion (622c, 622d) may be a part of a folding area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the folding area (333) of FIG. 15) or a corresponding structure.

[0294] According to one embodiment, the first pattern portion (621) and the second pattern portion (622c, 622d) may each have a laminated structure of two layers (e.g., a first molding layer (623c, 623d) and a second molding layer (624c, 624d)). The first molding layer (623c, 623d) and the second molding layer (624c, 624d) forming the first pattern portion (621) may each include a first section (6211) of uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness) and a second section (6212) extending from the first section (6211) and varying in thickness. The first molding layer (623c, 623d) may be a high-hardness layer having a hardness value of approximately 3.5 to 4.5, and the second molding layer (624c, 624d) may be a medium-hardness layer having a hardness value of approximately 2.5 to 3.5. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by stacking molding layers having multiple hardness values, the strength of the cover structure (600) may be improved.

[0295] Referring to FIG. 21a, the laminated configuration of the first molding layer (623c) and the second molding layer (624c) may each include a second pattern portion (622c). The second pattern portion (622c) may include a protrusion structure. The second pattern portion (622c) of the first molding layer (623c) may include an array of a plurality of protruding portions (6221c). The second pattern portion (622c) of the second molding layer (624c) may include an array of a plurality of protruding portions (6222c). The plurality of protruding portions (6221c, 6222c) may include a shape that protrudes toward the +Z axis. The second pattern portion (622c) may be formed as a part of a folding area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the folding area (333) of FIG. 15) or a corresponding structure, and may be formed in a pattern that is advantageous for bending or rolling. The plurality of protruding portions (6221c, 6222c) of the second pattern portion (622c) can reduce or limit distortion and deformation of the laminated structure together with the thin film glass (610) and the coating layer (630c) by reducing the driving resistance and / or the rebound resistance during bending or rolling.

[0296] According to one embodiment, the first molding layer (623c) forming the second pattern portion (622c) may be a square-shaped pattern, a polygonal-shaped pattern, or a rough pattern that protrudes toward the coating layer (630c), and the second molding layer (624c) may be a layer that is laminated on the first molding layer (623c) and formed with an overall uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness). When viewed from above the second pattern portion (622c) of the molding layer (620c) (e.g., when viewed toward the -Z axis), the second molding layer (624c) may be arranged to entirely surround the first molding layer (623c), and only the second molding layer (624c) may appear to have a protruding shape.

[0297] Referring to FIG. 21b, the laminated configuration of the first molding layer (623d) and the second molding layer (624d) may each include a second pattern portion (622d). For example, the second pattern portion (622d) of the first molding layer (623d) may form a single layer having a uniform (e.g., the same) first thickness, and the second pattern portion (622d) of the second molding layer (624d) may be laminated on the second pattern portion (622d) of the first molding layer (623d) and form a single layer having a uniform (e.g., the same) second thickness. The first thickness and the second thickness may be different from each other or may be the same. When viewed from above the second pattern portion (622d) of the molding layer (620d) (e.g., when viewed toward the -Z axis), the second molding layer (624d) is arranged to entirely surround the first molding layer (623d), and the second molding layer (624d) may appear to have a flat shape.

[0298] Hereinafter, according to one embodiment with reference to FIG. 21c, a molding layer (620e) may be disposed on a thin film glass (610). The molding layer (620e) may include a first pattern part (621) disposed on a first region (S1) of the thin film glass (610). The molding layer (620e) may not be disposed on a second region (S2) of the thin film glass (610).

[0299] According to one embodiment, the molding layer (620e) may have a structure in which the pattern is variable along the longitudinal direction (e.g., X-axis direction). The first pattern portion (621) of the molding layer (620e) may include a first section (6211) of uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness) and a second section (6212) extending from the first section (6211) and having a variable thickness. For example, the first pattern portion (621) may form a slope in a portion (e.g., the second section (6212)) so as to extend to a second region (S2) of the thin film glass (610) where the molding layer (620e) is not disposed.

[0300] According to one embodiment, the first pattern portion (621) may have a laminated structure of two layers (e.g., a first molding layer (623e) and a second molding layer (624e)). The first molding layer (623e) and the second molding layer (624e) forming the first pattern portion (621) may each include a first section (6211) of uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness) and a second section (6212) extending from the first section (6211) and varying in thickness. The first molding layer (623e) may be a high-hardness layer having a hardness value of approximately 3.5 to 4.5, and the second molding layer (624e) may be a medium-hardness layer having a hardness value of approximately 2.5 to 3.5. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by laminating molding layers having a plurality of hardness values, the strength of the cover structure (600) may be improved.

[0301] According to one embodiment, a molding layer (620e) may be disposed on a first region (S1) of the thin film glass (610), and only a coating layer (630e) may be disposed on a second region (S2) of the thin film glass (610). By positioning a low-hardness and flexible coating layer (630e) in the bending and / or rolling section of the flexible display, the repulsive force and driving resistance of the cover structure (600) may be improved.

[0302] According to one embodiment with reference to FIGS. 21a, 21b, and 21c, the coating layers (630c, 630d, 630e) can be filled to the same height from the thin film glass (610). According to one embodiment, the coating layers (630c, 630d, 630e) can have an overall uniform thickness in the distance from the thin film glass (610) to the upper surface of the coating layers (630c, 630d, 630e). For example, the thickness of the first coating portion (631c, 631d, 631e) of the coating layers (630c, 630d, 630e) can be smaller than the thickness of the second coating portion (632c, 632d, 632e).

[0303] According to one embodiment, the display cover structure (600) includes a thin film glass (610), a molding layer (620c, 620d, 620e) disposed on the thin film glass (610), a coating layer (630c, 630d, 630e) disposed on the molding layer (620c, 620d, 620e), and may further include a protective layer (640) disposed on the coating layer (630c, 630d, 630e).

[0304] FIGS. 22A and 22B are cross-sectional views showing an area of ​​a display cover structure of an electronic device in an unfolded state, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0305] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIGS. 15 and 16) may include a first housing (e.g., first housing (310) of FIGS. 15 and 16), a second housing (e.g., second housing (320) of FIGS. 15 and 16), and a flexible display (e.g., display (330) of FIGS. 15 and 16). The flexible display may include a flexible display panel and a display cover structure (600) formed such that at least a portion of the flexible display panel is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0306] The configuration of the thin film glass (610), the molding layer (620g, 620h), the coating layer (630g, 630h), and / or the protective layer (640) of the display cover structure (600) of FIGS. 22a and 22b may be partially or entirely the same as the configuration of the thin film glass (610), the molding layer (620), the coating layer (630), and / or the protective layer (640) of the display cover structure (600) of FIGS. 17 to 21c. The embodiments of FIGS. 22a and 22b may be partially combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 21c, or the embodiments of FIG. 23.

[0307] According to one embodiment, a display cover structure (600) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 15 and 16) may be referred to as a window cover or a cover structure. The display cover structure (600) may include a thin film glass (610), a molding layer (620g, 620h) disposed on the thin film glass (610), and a coating layer (630g, 630h) disposed on the molding layer (620g, 620h).

[0308] According to one embodiment, the thin film glass (610) may have a bonded glass (650) laminated on some areas. The glass forming the cover structure (600) may include the thin film glass (610) and the bonded glass (650) thicker than the thin film glass (610). For example, by arranging the bonded glass (650) having a second thickness greater than the first thickness on the first area (S1) of the thin film glass (610) having the first thickness, the thickness of the overall glass may be increased, thereby improving strength. The cover structure (600) of FIG. 22a may substantially apply the cover structure (600) of FIG. 17, and the cover structure (600) of FIG. 22b may apply the cover structure (600) of FIG. 19.

[0309] According to one embodiment, the thin film glass (610) may include a first region (S1) and a second region (S2) extending from the first region (S1) and corresponding to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display (e.g., a folding region (333) of FIG. 15). The first region (S1) may include a first-first region (S11) and a first-second region (S12) spaced apart from the second region (S2).

[0310] According to one embodiment, the bonded glass (650) may be disposed on the thin film glass (610). The bonded glass (650) may be disposed on the first region (S1) of the thin film glass (610). The bonded glass (650) may not be disposed on the second region (S2) of the thin film glass (610). The second region (S2) of the thin film glass (610) may be a part of a bending or rolling region of the flexible display (e.g., the folding region (333) of FIG. 15) or a corresponding structure.

[0311] According to one embodiment, the molding layer (620g, 620h) may be disposed on the thin film glass (610). The molding layer (620g, 620h) may include a first pattern part (621g, 621h) disposed on the bonded glass (650) (e.g., the first region (S1) of the thin film glass (610) and the bonded glass (650) laminated thereon), and a second pattern part (second pattern part) (622g, 622h) disposed on the second region (S2) of the thin film glass (610). The second pattern part (622g, 622h) of the molding layer (620g, 620h) may correspond to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display. For example, the second pattern portion (622g, 622h) may be a part of a folding area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the folding area (333) of FIG. 15) or a corresponding structure. A part of the first pattern portion (621g, 621h) (e.g., the variable section or the second section) may be arranged on the first area (S1) of the thin film glass (610).

[0312] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (630g, 630h) may be disposed on the molding layer (620g, 620h). The coating layer (630g, 630h) may include a first coating portion (631g, 631h) corresponding to the first pattern portion (621g, 621h) of the molding layer (620g, 620h) and a second coating portion (632g, 632h) corresponding to the second pattern portion (622g, 622h) of the molding layer (620g, 620h). A portion of the coating layer (630g, 630h) (e.g., the first coating portion (631g, 631h)) may form a structure in which the pattern is variable along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction).

[0313] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (630g, 630h) may be filled to the same height from the thin film glass (610). According to one embodiment, the coating layer (630g, 630h) may have an overall uniform thickness in the distance from the thin film glass (610) to the upper surface of the coating layer (630g, 630h). For example, the thickness of the first coating portion (631g, 631h) of the coating layer (630g, 630h) may be at least partially smaller than the thickness of the second coating portion (632g, 632h).

[0314] According to one embodiment, the display cover structure (600) includes a thin film glass (610), a molding layer (620g, 620h) disposed on the thin film glass (610), a coating layer (630g, 630h) disposed on the molding layer (620g, 620h), and may further include a protective layer (640) disposed on the coating layer (630g, 630h).

[0315] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing an area of ​​a display cover structure of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0316] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIGS. 15 and 16) may include a first housing (e.g., first housing (310) of FIGS. 15 and 16), a second housing (e.g., second housing (320) of FIGS. 15 and 16), and a flexible display (e.g., display (330) of FIGS. 15 and 16). The flexible display may include a flexible display panel and a display cover structure (600) formed such that at least a portion of the flexible display panel is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0317] The configuration of the thin film glass (610), the molding layer (620i), the coating layer (630i), and / or the protective layer (640) of the display cover structure (600) of FIG. 23 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the thin film glass (610), the molding layer (620i), the coating layer (630i), and / or the protective layer (640) of the display cover structure (600) of FIGS. 17 to 22b. The embodiments of FIG. 23 may be partially combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 22b.

[0318] According to one embodiment, a display cover structure (600) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 15 and 16) may be referred to as a window cover or a cover structure. The display cover structure (600) may include a thin film glass (610), a molding layer (620i) disposed on the thin film glass (610), and a coating layer (630i) disposed on the molding layer (620i).

[0319] According to one embodiment, the thin film glass (610) may include a first region (S1) and a second region (S2) extending from the first region (S1) and corresponding to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display (e.g., a folding region (333) of FIG. 15). The first region (S1) may include a first-first region (S11) and a first-second region (S12) spaced apart from the second region (S2).

[0320] According to one embodiment, the molding layer (620i) may be disposed on the thin film glass (610). The molding layer (620i) may include a pattern part disposed on the first region (S1) and the second region (S2) of the thin film glass (610).

[0321] According to one embodiment, the molding layer (620i) may be disposed on the thin film glass (610). The molding layer (620) may include a first pattern part (621) disposed on a first region (S1) of the thin film glass (610), and a second pattern part (second pattern part) (622i) disposed on a second region (S2) of the thin film glass (610). According to one embodiment, the first pattern part (621) of the molding layer (620i) may form a single layer. The first thickness of the first pattern part (621) may have an overall uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness).

[0322] According to one embodiment, the second pattern portion (622i) of the molding layer (620i) may include a protrusion structure. The second pattern portion (622i) of the molding layer (620i) may include an array of a plurality of protruding portions. The plurality of protruding portions may include a shape protruding toward the +Z axis. The plurality of protruding portions may reduce driving and / or repulsive resistance during bending or rolling, thereby reducing or limiting warping and deformation of the laminated structure together with the thin film glass (610) and the coating layer (630i).

[0323] According to one embodiment, a plurality of protruding portions of the second pattern portion (622i) of the molding layer (620i) may be spaced apart from each other. The space where the plurality of protruding portions are spaced apart may allow the coating layer (630i) and the thin film glass (610) to come into contact with each other since the molding layer (620i) is not disposed therein.

[0324] According to one embodiment, the plurality of protruding portions of the second pattern portion (622i) may be an array of shapes protruding toward the coating layer (630). For example, each of the plurality of protruding portions may have a shape such as a square, a polygon, a trapezoid, or a pillar. Each of the plurality of protruding portions may have a shape protruding toward the +Z axis or a shape protruding toward the -Z axis (e.g., a recessed pattern). However, the shapes of the plurality of protruding portions are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be designed to have various shapes of patterns to prevent deformation such as warping from occurring when the flexible display is bent and / or rolled, and to alleviate driving resistance.

[0325] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (630i) may be disposed on the thin film glass (610) and the molding layer (620i). The coating layer (630i) may be disposed to surround the molding layer (620i) and may be disposed on the thin film glass (610) where the molding layer (620i) is not disposed (e.g., a portion of the second pattern portion (622i)). The coating layer (630i) may be filled to the same height from the thin film glass (610). According to one embodiment, the coating layer (630i) may have a uniform thickness overall from the thin film glass (610) to the upper surface of the coating layer (630i).

[0326] According to one embodiment, the display cover structure (600) includes a thin film glass (610), a molding layer (620i) disposed on the thin film glass (610), a coating layer (630i) disposed on the molding layer (620i), and may further include a protective layer (640) disposed on the coating layer (630i).

[0327] Foldable / rollable electronic devices can incorporate flexible displays capable of bending and rolling. The glass used to protect the flexible display can be thin, thin-film glass to ensure excellent bendability for bending and rolling. Thin-film glass typically has a thickness of approximately 30 to 50 μm, and polymer films can be laminated on the top and bottom to enhance strength.

[0328] In the above glass, if the glass is manufactured to have different thicknesses (thinner) through a physical processing process (e.g., processing processes such as CNC, etching, and polishing) to form a bending / rolling area, wrinkles, shape changes, or cracks may occur around some processed areas due to weakened strength. In addition, the glass may experience warping due to the amount of expansion after strengthening due to the processing process involving chemical strengthening, which may result in product defects.

[0329] A foldable / rollable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a flexible cover structure for a flexible display. The cover structure can apply a variable pattern structure to a laminated molding layer without performing a processing process on the thin film glass, thereby allowing for free design of the thickness of the entire glass and reducing warping and deformation of the thin film glass.

[0330] However, the problem to be solved in this disclosure is not limited to the problem mentioned above, and may be determined in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0331] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a flexible cover structure of a foldable / rollable electronic device can provide effects of increased strength, reduced driving resistance, and / or improved wrinkles by laminating a molding layer including various patterns in a bending / rolling area on a thin film glass.

[0332] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a flexible cover structure of a foldable / rollable electronic device can provide an overall uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness) and reduce or limit occurrence of defects in certain areas, excluding physical processing and chemical processing of the thin film glass.

[0333] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a flexible cover structure of a foldable / rollable electronic device provides a laminated structure of a thin film glass, a molding layer, and a coating layer, and can provide a cover structure with an advantageous bending / rolling area through a UV pattern structure that varies depending on the position of the molding layer.

[0334] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a flexible cover structure of a foldable / rollable electronic device provides a laminated structure of a thin film glass, a molding layer, and a coating layer, and fills a uniform (e.g., same height) coating layer from the thin film glass on the molding layer, thereby providing a uniform refractive index, thereby facilitating a bending / rolling area and ensuring visibility.

[0335] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0336] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1 to 3) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a flexible display panel including an area corresponding to the first housing and an area corresponding to the second housing, and a flexible cover structure (400; 600) disposed on the flexible display panel. The cover structure may include a thin film glass (410; 610), a molding layer (420; 620), and a coating layer (430; 630). The thin film glass (410; 610) may include a first area (S1), and a second area (S2) extending from the first area and corresponding to a bending or rolling area of ​​the flexible display panel. The molding layer (420; 620) includes a first pattern part (421) arranged on the first region of the thin film glass, and a second pattern part (second pattern part) (422) arranged on the second region of the thin film glass, and the thickness of the first pattern part and the thickness of the second pattern part may be different. The coating layer (430; 630) is arranged on the molding layer, and the distance from the thin film glass to the upper surface of the coating layer may have an overall uniform thickness.

[0337] According to one embodiment, the first region and the second region of the thin film glass can form the same thickness overall.

[0338] According to one embodiment, the first pattern portion of the molding layer may include a layer of the same thickness, and the second pattern portion of the molding layer may include an array of a plurality of protruding portions (4221).

[0339] According to one embodiment, the first pattern portion of the molding layer may include a first section (4211) of a first thickness and a second section (4212) extending from the first section to the second pattern portion and varying along the length direction (X-axis direction) by less than or equal to the first thickness.

[0340] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of each of the plurality of protruding portions (4221) of the second pattern portion may include a curved shape.

[0341] According to one embodiment, at least some of the plurality of protruding portions (4221) of the second pattern portion (e.g., adjacent protruding portions) may be spaced apart from each other.

[0342] In one embodiment, the thickness of the thin film glass may be 25% to 35% of the thickness of the cover structure.

[0343] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the molding layer is 20% to 40% of the thickness of the cover structure, and the thickness of the first pattern portion may be greater than the thickness of the second pattern portion.

[0344] According to one embodiment, the hardness of the molding layer has a value between that of the thin film glass and the coating layer, and the refractive indices of the thin film glass, the molding layer, and the coating layer can be identical to each other.

[0345] According to one embodiment, the coating layer may include a first coating portion (431) corresponding to the first pattern portion, and a second coating portion (432) corresponding to the second pattern portion. The thickness of the first coating portion may be smaller than the thickness of the second coating portion, and the second coating portion may include recessed portions corresponding to the protruding portions.

[0346] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may further include a protective layer (440) disposed on the flat upper surface of the coating layer and having a uniform thickness from the flat upper surface.

[0347] According to one embodiment, the molding layer may include a first molding layer (423d; 423e; 423f) having a first hardness and a second molding layer (4234; 424e; 424f) disposed on the first molding layer and having a second hardness less than the first hardness.

[0348] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may further include a bonded glass laminated on the first region of the thin film glass and having a thickness greater than that of the thin film glass. The bonded glass may be arranged to be surrounded by the first pattern portion of the molding layer.

[0349] According to one embodiment, the flexible display panel includes a first display area (A1) and a second display area (A2) extending from the first display area, and the second display area can be configured to roll in or out based on the sliding movement of the second housing.

[0350] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may further include a hinge structure, at least part of which is disposed between the first housing (310) and the second housing (320), and which rotatably connects the first housing and the second housing. The first housing and the second housing may be disposed in parallel with respect to a folding axis (A).

[0351] A flexible cover structure (400; 600) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a thin film glass (410; 610) including a first region (S1) and a second region (S2) extending from the first region and being bendable or rollable, a molding layer including a first pattern part (421) disposed on the first region of the thin film glass, and a second pattern part (second pattern part) (422) disposed on the second region of the thin film glass, wherein the first pattern part and the second pattern part have different thicknesses, and a coating layer (430; 630) disposed on the molding layer and filled to the same height from the thin film glass.

[0352] According to one embodiment, the first region and the second region of the thin film glass can form the same thickness overall.

[0353] According to one embodiment, the first pattern portion of the molding layer may include one layer of the same thickness, and the second pattern portion of the molding layer may include an array of a plurality of protruding portions (4221).

[0354] According to one embodiment, the first pattern portion of the molding layer may include a first section (4211) of a first thickness and a second section (4212) extending from the first section to the second pattern portion and varying along the length direction (X-axis direction) by less than or equal to the first thickness.

[0355] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the molding layer is 20% to 40% of the thickness of the cover structure, and the thickness of the first pattern portion may be greater than the thickness of the second pattern portion.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (101), First housing (210); Second housing (220); A flexible display panel including an area corresponding to the first housing and an area corresponding to the second housing; and It includes a flexible cover structure (400) placed on the flexible display panel, The above cover structure is, A thin film glass (410) including a first region (S1) and a second region (S2) extending from the first region and corresponding to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display panel; A molding layer (420) including a first pattern part (421) arranged on the first region of the thin film glass, and a second pattern part (422) arranged on the second region of the thin film glass, wherein the thickness of the first pattern part and the thickness of the second pattern part are different; and An electronic device including a coating layer (430) disposed on the molding layer, wherein the distance from the thin film glass to the upper surface of the coating layer has an overall uniform thickness.

2. In paragraph 1, An electronic device in which the first region and the second region of the thin film glass form an overall same thickness.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, An electronic device wherein the first pattern portion of the molding layer comprises a layer having the same thickness, and the second pattern portion of the molding layer comprises an array of a plurality of protruding portions (4221).

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, An electronic device wherein the first pattern portion of the molding layer includes a first section (4211) having a first thickness and a second section (4212) extending from the first section to the second pattern portion and varying along the length direction (X-axis direction) by less than or equal to the first thickness.

5. In either paragraph 3 or paragraph 4, An electronic device in which at least a portion of each of the plurality of protruding portions (4221) of the second pattern portion includes a curved shape.

6. In any one of paragraphs 3 to 5, An electronic device in which at least some of the plurality of protruding portions (4221) of the second pattern portion are spaced apart from each other.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, An electronic device wherein the thickness of the above thin film glass is 25% to 35% of the thickness of the cover structure.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, An electronic device wherein the thickness of the molding layer is 20% to 40% of the thickness of the cover structure, and the thickness of the first pattern portion is greater than the thickness of the second pattern portion.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, An electronic device wherein the hardness of the molding layer has a value between that of the thin film glass and the coating layer, and the refractive indices of the thin film glass, the molding layer, and the coating layer are identical to each other.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, The coating layer includes a first coating portion (431) corresponding to the first pattern portion, and a second coating portion (432) corresponding to the second pattern portion. An electronic device wherein the thickness of the first coating portion is smaller than the thickness of the second coating portion, and the second coating portion includes recessed portions corresponding to the protruding portions.

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, An electronic device further comprising a protective layer (440) disposed on a flat upper surface of the coating layer and having a uniform thickness from the flat upper surface.

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, An electronic device, wherein the molding layer comprises a first molding layer (423d; 423e; 423f) having a first hardness and a second molding layer (4234; 424e; 424f) disposed on the first molding layer and having a second hardness smaller than the first hardness.

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, Further comprising a bonded glass laminated on the first region of the thin film glass and having a thickness greater than that of the thin film glass, An electronic device in which the above bonded glass is arranged to be surrounded by the first pattern portion of the molding layer.

14. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, An electronic device in which the flexible display panel includes a first display area (A1) and a second display area (A2) extending from the first display area, and the second display area is configured to roll in or out based on the sliding movement of the second housing.

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, At least a portion of the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) are disposed between the first housing (310) and the second housing (320), and further includes a hinge structure that rotatably connects the first housing and the second housing, An electronic device in which the first housing and the second housing are arranged parallel to each other with the folding axis (A) as the center.

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