Cover structure and electronic device comprising same

Abstract

An electronic device according to one 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 flexible cover structure can include: glass including a first area and a second area, which extends from the first area and corresponds to a bending or rolling area of the flexible display panel; a first coating layer disposed on at least a portion of the front surface of the glass; and a second coating layer disposed on the rear surface of the glass. At least a portion of the second area of the glass can be shaped to be bent in the direction toward the second coating layer.

Description

Cover structure and electronic device including the same

[0001] One embodiment disclosed in this document relates to a flexible 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-described matters constitute 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 flexible cover structure may include 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 coating layer disposed on at least a portion of a front surface of the glass, and a second coating layer disposed on a rear surface of the glass. At least a portion of the second region of the glass may have a shape bent in a direction toward the second coating layer.

[0006] A flexible cover structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include glass including a first region and a second region extending from the first region and corresponding to a bending or rolling region of a flexible display panel, a first coating layer disposed on at least a portion of a front surface of the glass, and a second coating layer disposed on a rear surface of the glass. At least a portion of the second region of the glass may have a shape bent in a direction toward the second coating layer.

[0007] 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.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a foldable electronic device in an unfolding state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2b is a perspective view of a foldable electronic device in a folding state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the front side of a flexible cover structure (400) in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400) cut along line AA` of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 7a is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400) cut along line BB` of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 7b is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400) cut along line CC` of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 7c is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400) cut along line DD` of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a drawing for comparing the difference in rebound moment and stress between a flexible cover structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and a general flexible cover structure (e.g., comparative experimental examples).

[0019] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the front side of a flexible cover structure (400a) in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400a) cut along line AA` of FIG. 9 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 11a is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400a) cut along line BB` of FIG. 9 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 11b is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400a) cut along line CC` of FIG. 9 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 11c is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400a) cut along line DD` of FIG. 9 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing the front side of a flexible cover structure (400b) in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400b) cut along line AA` of FIG. 12 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 14a is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400b) cut along line BB` of FIG. 12 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 14b is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400b) cut along line CC` of FIG. 12 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 14c is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400b) cut along line DD` of FIG. 12 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing the front side of a flexible cover structure (400c) in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400c) cut along line AA` of FIG. 15 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 17a is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400c) cut along line BB` of FIG. 15 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 17b is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400c) cut along CC` of FIG. 15 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 17c is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400c) cut along line DD` of FIG. 15 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400d) cut along line AA` of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400e) cut along line AA` of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400f) cut along line AA` of FIG. 9 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400g) cut along line AA` of FIG. 9 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400h) cut along line AA` of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 23 is a drawing showing a pattern of glass of a flexible cover structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a flexible cover structure manufacturing process according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 25 is a drawing schematically illustrating the flow of a flexible cover structure manufacturing process according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a flexible cover structure manufacturing process according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 27 is a drawing schematically illustrating the flow of a flexible cover structure manufacturing process according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 28 is a drawing showing the front side of a flexible cover structure (500; 500a) in an unfolded state of an out-folding electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (500) cut along line AA` of FIG. 28 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (500a) cut along line AA` of FIG. 28 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 31 is a drawing showing the front side of a flexible cover structure (600; 600a) in an unfolded state of a sliderable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (600) cut along line AA` of FIG. 31 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (600a) cut along line AA` of FIG. 31 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 34 is a drawing showing the front side of a flexible cover structure (700; 700a) in an unfolded state of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (700) cut along line AA` of FIG. 34 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] [Correction under Rule 91 29.10.2024] FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (700a) cut along line AA` of FIG. 34 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 37 is a drawing comparing the rebound moment and stress between the structure of one embodiment of the present disclosure and comparative structures.

[0053] Electronic devices according to the embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments disclosed in this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0054] The embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0055] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0056] 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 placed 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.

[0057] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0058] 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)).

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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).

[0062] 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).

[0063] 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).

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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).

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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).

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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).

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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).

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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).

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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)).

[0079] 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.

[0080] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a foldable electronic device in an unfolding state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] FIG. 2b is a perspective view of a foldable electronic device in a folding state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] The electronic devices illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 3 are for illustrative purposes only, and the present disclosure is not limited by the drawings. The XYZ coordinate systems illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 3 are for illustrative purposes only, and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0084] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (101) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include at least one pair of housings (210, 220). The pair of housings (210, 220) may be rotatably coupled to face each other and fold about, for example, a hinge (e.g., a hinge (240) of FIG. 3).

[0085] According to one embodiment, a pair of housings (210, 220) may include a first housing (210) and a second housing (220). The first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be arranged on opposite sides with a folding axis (F) as the center. One end region of the first housing (210) and one end region of the second housing (220) may be arranged side by side with a hinge (240) therebetween. The first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may have a shape that is symmetrical with respect to a plane that includes the folding axis (F) and extends in the Z-axis direction. The folding axis (F) may be an axis extending in the X-direction formed by the hinge (240).

[0086] In one embodiment, the first housing (210) may have substantially the same length (e.g., length in the Y-axis direction) as the second housing (220), but is not limited thereto. The first housing (210) may have substantially the same width (e.g., width in the X-axis direction) as the second housing (220), but is not limited thereto.

[0087] Hereinafter, the 'unfolding state' or 'flat state' may refer to a state in which the angle formed by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) is substantially 180 degrees. The 'folding state' or 'folded state' may refer to a state in which the angle formed by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) is substantially 0 degrees. The 'intermediate state' may refer to any state between the unfolding state and the folded state. According to one embodiment, in the electronic device (101), the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may rotate about the hinge (240) to form an angle of 0 to 180 degrees. In an electronic device (101), according to one embodiment, in the electronic device (101), the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may rotate about a hinge (240) between 180 degrees and 360 degrees.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first surface (210a) and a second surface (210b). The first surface (210a) may be provided to face, for example, a first direction (e.g., a +Z-axis direction). The first surface (210a) may be, for example, a surface on which at least a portion of the flexible display (230) is disposed. The first surface (210a) may refer to, for example, a virtual surface that overlaps at least a portion of the flexible display (230). The second surface (210b) may be provided to face, for example, a second direction (e.g., a -Z-axis direction). The second surface (210b) may be, for example, a surface on which the display (280) is disposed. The second surface (210b) may be, for example, a surface on which the first rear cover (212) is disposed. The second surface (210b) may be parallel to the first surface (210a). The second surface (210b) may refer to a plane defined by, for example, the first rear cover (212).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include a third surface (220a) and a fourth surface (220b). The third surface (220a) may be provided to face, for example, a first direction (e.g., a +Z-axis direction). The third surface (220a) may be, for example, a surface on which at least a portion of the flexible display (230) is disposed. The third surface (220a) may refer to, for example, a virtual surface that overlaps at least a portion of the flexible display (230). The fourth surface (220b) may be provided to face, for example, a second direction (e.g., a -Z-axis direction). The fourth surface (220b) may be, for example, a surface on which the second rear cover (222) is disposed. The fourth surface (220b) may be parallel to the third surface (220a). The fourth surface (220b) may refer to a plane defined by, for example, the second rear cover (222).

[0090] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is unfolded, the first side (210a) and the third side (220a) may be positioned within one arbitrary virtual plane (e.g., XY plane). For example, the first side (210a) and the third side (220a) may form the same plane when the electronic device (101) is unfolded. For example, the first side (210a) and the third side (220a) may be arranged to form 180 degrees with respect to the XY plane when the electronic device (101) is unfolded. When the electronic device (101) is unfolded, the second side (210b) and the fourth side (220b) may be positioned within another arbitrary virtual plane (e.g., XY plane). For example, the second side (210b) and the fourth side (220b) may form the same plane when the electronic device (101) is unfolded. For example, the second side (210b) and the fourth side (220b) can be arranged to form 180 degrees with respect to the XY plane in an unfolded state.

[0091] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is folded, at least a portion of the first side (210a) and at least a portion of the third side (220a) may face each other. For example, when the electronic device (101) is folded, the angle formed by the first side (210a) and the third side (220a) may be 0 degrees with respect to the XY plane. As the electronic device (101) is folded from an unfolded state, the angle formed by the first side (210a) and the third side (220a) with respect to the XY plane may gradually decrease. For example, in an intermediate state, the angle formed by the first side (210a) and the third side (220a) with respect to the XY plane may be determined between about 0 degrees and about 180 degrees. When the electronic device (101) is folded, the second side (210b) and the fourth side (220b) may be parallel to each other. For example, the second side (210b) and the fourth side (220b) may face opposite directions when the electronic device (101) is folded.

[0092] According to one embodiment, a pair of housings (210, 220) included in an electronic device (101) are not limited to the illustrated shape and combination, and may be implemented by other shapes or combinations and / or combinations of parts.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first side frame (211). The first side frame (211) may constitute a side of the first housing (210). The first side frame (211) may constitute a portion of the exterior of the first housing (210). The first side frame (211) may be provided to protect components housed inside the electronic device (101) from the outside.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the first side frame (211) may include a first side member (211a), a second side member (211b), and / or a third side member (211c). The first side member (211a) may have a first length along a first longitudinal direction (e.g., a Y-axis direction). The second side member (211b) may extend from the first side member (211a) in a substantially perpendicular direction (e.g., an X-axis direction). The second side member (211b) may extend to have a second length that is the same as or different from the first length. The third side member (211c) may extend from the second side member (211b) in a substantially perpendicular direction (e.g., a Y-axis direction). The third side member (211c) may extend in a direction that is substantially parallel to the first side member (211a). The third side member (211c) may have a first length along a first longitudinal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction).

[0095] According to one embodiment, the first side member (211a), the second side member (211b), and the third side member (211c) may be arranged to be visible from the outside. At least a portion of the first side member (211a), the second side member (211b), and / or the third side member (211c) may be formed as a curved surface. The first side frame (211) may be formed into a rectangular (e.g., square or rectangular) shape by the first side member (211a), the second side member (211b), and the third side member (211c). The first side member (211a), the second side member (211b), and the third side member (211c) may be formed integrally, but is not limited thereto.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include a second side frame (221). The second side frame (221) may constitute a side of the second housing (220). The second side frame (221) may constitute a portion of the exterior of the first housing (210). The second side frame (221) may be provided to protect components housed inside the electronic device (101) from the outside.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the second side frame (221) can include a fourth side member (221a), a fifth side member (221b), and / or a sixth side member (221c). The fourth side member (221a) can have a third length along a first longitudinal direction (e.g., a Y-axis direction). The fifth side member (221b) can extend from the fourth side member (221a) in a substantially perpendicular direction (e.g., a X-axis direction). The fifth side member (221b) can extend to have a fourth length that is the same as or different from the third length. The sixth side member (221c) can extend from the fifth side member (221b) in a substantially perpendicular direction (e.g., a Y-axis direction). The sixth side member (221c) can extend in a direction substantially parallel to the fourth side member (221a). The sixth side member (221c) may have a third length along the first longitudinal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction).

[0098] According to one embodiment, the fourth side member (221a), the fifth side member (221b), and the sixth side member (221c) may be arranged to be visible from the outside. At least a portion of the fourth side member (221a), the fifth side member (221b), and / or the sixth side member (221c) may be formed as a curved surface. The second side frame (221) may be formed into a rectangular (e.g., square or rectangular) shape by the fourth side member (221a), the fifth side member (221b), and the sixth side member (221c). The first length may be substantially equal to the third length. The second length may be substantially equal to the fourth length. The fourth side member (221a), the fifth side member (221b), and the sixth side member (221c) may be formed integrally, but is not limited thereto.

[0099] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is unfolded, the first side member (211a) and the fourth side member (221a) may be positioned substantially in a straight line. When the electronic device (101) is unfolded, the second side member (211b) and the fifth side member (221b) may be parallel to each other. When the electronic device (101) is unfolded, the third side member (211c) and the sixth side member (221c) may be positioned substantially in a straight line.

[0100] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is folded, the first side member (211a) and the fourth side member (221a) may be positioned to overlap each other. When the electronic device (101) is folded, the second side member (211b) and the fifth side member (221b) may be positioned to overlap each other. When the electronic device (101) is folded, the third side member (211c) and the sixth side member (221c) may be positioned to overlap each other.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first rear cover (212). The first rear cover (212) may form at least a portion of the second side (210b) of the first housing (210). The first rear cover (212) may be coupled to a first side frame (211). The first rear cover (212) may, for example, be formed integrally with the first side frame (211).

[0102] In one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include a second rear cover (222). The second rear cover (222) may form at least a portion of the fourth side (220b) of the second housing (220). The second rear cover (222) may be coupled to a second side frame (221). The second rear cover (222) may be formed integrally with the second side frame (221), for example.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the first rear cover (212) and / or the second rear cover (222) may be formed of at least one or a combination of coated or colored glass, ceramic, glassic, polymer, or metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium).

[0104] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a flexible display (230) (e.g., a foldable display or display). The flexible display (230) may be arranged across the first housing (210), the hinge (240), and the second housing (220). The flexible display (230) may be arranged to extend from a first side (210a) of the first housing (210) across the hinge (240) to at least a portion of a third side (220a) of the second housing (220). The flexible display (230) may be arranged to overlap the first side (210a) of the first housing (210) and / or the third side (220a) of the second housing (220). The flexible display (230) can have a portion corresponding to the hinge (240) that can be bent according to the rotation of the hinge (240).

[0105] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may be arranged so as to be visible from the outside when in an unfolded state. The flexible display (230) may be arranged so as to be invisible from the outside when in a folded state.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a protective cover (231). The protective cover (231) may be positioned to protect an edge portion of the flexible display (230). The protective cover (231) may form part of the exterior of the electronic device (101).

[0107] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include at least one of an input device (e.g., a microphone (203)), an audio output device (e.g., a call receiver (201) or a speaker (202)), a sensor module (204), a camera module (a first camera module (205) or a second camera module (208)), a connector port (207), a key input device (not shown), or an indicator (not shown) disposed in a first internal space (214) of a first housing (210) or a second internal space (224) of a second housing (220). The electronic device (101) may be configured such that at least one of the above-described components is omitted, or other components are additionally included.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the input device may include a plurality of microphones arranged to detect the direction of sound. The audio output device may include, for example, a call receiver (201) and a speaker (202). The audio output devices (201, 202) may be arranged to face the outside through at least one speaker hole formed in the first housing (210) or the second housing (220). The connector port (207) may be arranged to face the outside through a connector port hole formed in the first housing (210) or the second housing (220).

[0109] According to one embodiment, the sensor module (204) can generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device (101) or an external environmental state. The sensor module (204) can include at least one of a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a fingerprint recognition sensor, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, or a humidity sensor.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the camera module may include a first camera module (205) disposed on the front (e.g., +Z-axis direction side) of the electronic device (101) or a second camera module (208) disposed on the back (e.g., -Z-axis direction side). The first camera module (205) and / or the second camera module (208) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. As an example, the first camera module (205) may be disposed under the flexible display (230) and configured to capture an object through a portion of an active area of ​​the flexible display (230). A flash (209) may be positioned in the second camera module (208). The flash (209) may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp.

[0111] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device (101) in the unfolded state of Fig. 2a cut along the AA` direction.

[0113] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1 to 3) may include a first housing (210) (e.g., first housing (210) of FIGS. 2A and 3), a second housing (220) (e.g., second housing (220) of FIGS. 2A and 3), a hinge structure (240) (e.g., hinge (240) of FIGS. 2A and 3), a support structure (310), and a flexible display (230).

[0114] 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 (230) can change between an unfolded state, an intermediate state, and a folded state.

[0115] The configuration of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), the hinge structure (240), and the flexible display (230) of FIG. 4 may be all or partly the same as the configuration of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), the hinge (240), and the flexible display (230) of FIGS. 2A to 4. The structure of FIG. 4 may be selectively combined with the structures of FIGS. 2A to 3 and the structures of FIGS. 5 to 36.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the hinge structure (240) may include a hinge assembly (241) and a hinge cover (242) covering the hinge assembly (241). The hinge assembly (241) may rotatably couple the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) with respect to each other. For example, the hinge assembly (241) may include a dual hinge axis. One axis and its surrounding area of ​​the dual hinge axis may be coupled to the first housing (210), and the other axis and its surrounding area may be coupled to the second housing (220). The hinge assembly (241) may be named at least one of a moving module, a rotating module, or a rotation module.

[0117] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the hinge cover (242) may be disposed between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). According to one embodiment, the hinge cover (242) may be covered by a portion of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) or exposed to the outside of the electronic device (101) depending on the state of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the hinge cover (242) may protect the hinge assembly (241) from an external impact of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the hinge cover (242) may be named (or referred to) as a hinge housing.

[0118] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state, the hinge cover (242) may be covered by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and may not be exposed. According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state (e.g., a fully folded state), the hinge cover (242) may be exposed to the outside between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). According to one embodiment, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are in an intermediate state where they are folded with a certain angle, the hinge cover (242) may be partially exposed to the outside between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). However, in this case, the exposed area may be less than that in the fully folded state. According to one embodiment, the hinge cover (242) may include a curved surface.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the support structure (310) may be disposed below the flexible display (230) and may support the flexible display (230). The support structure (310) may include a flexible metal material. The support structure (310) may include a flat area (311) and a bending area (312) extending from the flat area (311) and corresponding to a bending or rolling area of ​​the flexible display (230). The bending area (312) may be called a pattern area where a pattern is formed, or a lattice area. The flat area (311) may include a first flat area (311a) and a second flat area (311b) spaced apart from each other with the bending area (312) therebetween.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the bending region (312) of the support structure (310) may include a pattern of repeated shapes. The pattern may include at least one of a plurality of holes, a plurality of recesses, and a plurality of openings. The shape of the pattern may be variously designed to facilitate bending or rolling of the flexible display (230).

[0121] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may include a flexible display panel (235) and a flexible cover structure (400) formed such that at least a portion of the flexible display panel (235) is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel (235).

[0122] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (230) is configured to unfold, bend (e.g., fold), or roll based on relative movement of the first housing (210) or the second housing (220), and may include a first display area (231) connected to the first housing (210), a second display area (232) connected to the second housing (220), and a folding area (233) connecting the first display area (231) and the second display area (232).

[0123] According to one embodiment, the folding area (233) may be positioned above the hinge structure (240) when the electronic device (101) is unfolded. For example, the folding area (233) may face at least a portion of the hinge structure (240). According to one embodiment, the folding area (233) may be referred to as a portion of the flexible display (230) that is at least partially bent based on a change in the state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., folding or unfolding). According to one embodiment, the first display area (231) may be disposed on the first housing (210), and the second display area (232) may be disposed on the second housing (220). According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible display (230) may be accommodated in the first housing (210) and the second housing (220).

[0124] In one embodiment, the flexible display panel (235) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display panel (235) can include, for example, a holographic device or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. In one embodiment, the flexible display (230) can 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.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the flexible cover structure (400) may form a laminated structure to protect the display panel (235). The flexible cover structure (400) may include glass (410), a first coating layer (420) disposed on the glass (410), and a second coating layer (430) disposed under the glass (410).

[0126] According to one embodiment, the flexible cover structure (400) can provide a bending section (A2) corresponding to the folding area (233) of the flexible display (230) in a curved shape. The bending section (A2) can be referred to as a forming section of the glass (410). Due to the bending section (A2) of the flexible cover structure (400), the repulsive force of the flexible display (230) can be reduced and the impact resistance performance can be improved when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state (or intermediate state). A specific description of the flexible cover structure (400) will be described below.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the bending section (A2) of the flexible cover structure (400) (e.g., the second region (S2) of the glass (410) (e.g., the second region (S2) of FIGS. 5 to 7c)) may be designed to have a length corresponding to the width (B) of the hinge assembly (241). The width (B) of the hinge assembly (241) may be defined as the distance between the outermost edges of the hinge assembly structure. For example, the bending section (A2) of the flexible cover structure (400) (e.g., the width of the second region (S2) of the glass (410) of FIG. 6) may have a length of approximately 10% to 200% of the width (B) of the hinge assembly (241). For example, the bending section (A2) of the flexible cover structure (400) (e.g., the width of the second region (S2) of the glass (410) of FIG. 6) The bending section (A2) of the flexible cover structure (400) may have a length equal to or smaller than the width (B) of the hinge assembly (241). Based on the in-folding electronic device, the bending section (A2) of the flexible cover structure (400) may have a length of approximately 10% to 100% of the width (B) of the hinge assembly (241). For example, the bending section (A2) of the flexible cover structure (400) (e.g., the width of the second region (S2) of the glass (410) of FIG. 6) may have a length equal to or larger than the width (B) of the hinge assembly (241). Based on the out-folding electronic device, the bending section (A2) of the flexible cover structure (400) may have a length of approximately 100% to 200% of the width (B) of the hinge assembly (241). According to one embodiment, the bending section (A2) of the flexible cover structure (400) (e.g., The second region (e.g., the second region (S2) of FIGS. 5 to 7C) of the glass (410) may be designed to have a length corresponding to the bending width (C) of the support structure (310). The bending width (C) of the support structure (310) may be defined as the distance between the outermost edges of the bending regions (312) of the support structure (310). For example, the bending section (A2) of the flexible cover structure (400) may have a length smaller than the bending width (C) of the support structure (310).

[0128] According to one embodiment, the width (B) of the hinge assembly (241) may be understood differently depending on the design structure. For example, if the width (B) of the hinge assembly (241) is determined based on the distance between the outermost edges of the dual-axis hinge module, the width (B) of the hinge assembly (241) may have a length smaller than the bending width (C) of the support structure (310). For example, if the hinge assembly (241) includes a hinge plate that extends further toward the housing (210, 220) than the dual-axis hinge module, and the width (B) of the hinge assembly (241) is determined based on the distance between the outermost edges of the hinge plates, the width (B) of the hinge assembly (241) may have a length longer than the bending width (C) of the support structure (310).

[0129] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the front side of a flexible cover structure (400) in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0130] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400) cut along line AA` of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0131] FIG. 7a is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400) cut along line BB` of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0132] FIG. 7b is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400) cut along line CC` of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0133] FIG. 7c is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400) cut along line DD` of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0134] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1 to 3) may include a first housing (e.g., a first housing (210) of FIGS. 2A and 3), a second housing (e.g., a second housing (220) of FIGS. 2A and 3), and a flexible display (e.g., a display (230) of FIGS. 2 and 4). The flexible display (230) may include a flexible display panel (e.g., a display panel (235) of FIG. 4) and a flexible 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.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (230) can be changed to an unfolded state, an intermediate state, and a folded state depending on the state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., from a flat state (or unfolded state) to a folded state). According to one embodiment, the flexible cover structure (400) can be a flexible structure to correspond to the operation of the unfolded state, the intermediate state, and the folded state of the flexible display (230). For example, at least a portion of the flexible cover structure (400) can be changed from a region forming a flat surface to a region forming a bending (or rolling) surface when the electronic device is operated in a folded state.

[0136] The configuration of the flexible cover structure (400) of FIGS. 5 to 7c may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the flexible display (230) of FIGS. 2a to 4. The embodiments of FIGS. 5 to 7c may be partially combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 4 and / or the embodiments of FIGS. 8 to 36.

[0137] According to one embodiment, a flexible cover structure (400) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1 to 3) may be referred to as a window cover or a cover structure. The flexible cover structure (400) may include glass (410), a first coating layer (420) disposed on the glass (410), and a second coating layer (430) disposed under the glass (410).

[0138] According to one embodiment, the cover structure (400) may include a flat section (A1) corresponding to a flat area of ​​the flexible display panel and a bending section (A2) corresponding to a bending or rolling area of ​​the flexible display panel. The first coating layer (420), the glass (410), and the second coating layer (430) forming the bending section (A2) of the cover structure (400) may vary depending on the state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., from a flat state (or unfolded state) to a folded state). The sum of the thicknesses of the first coating layer (420), the glass (410), and the second coating layer (430) forming the bending section (A2) of the cover structure (400) may be substantially equal to the sum of the thicknesses of the first coating layer (420), the glass (410), and the second coating layer (430) forming the flat section (A1) of the cover structure (400).

[0139] According to one embodiment, the glass (410) may include a first region (S1) and a second region (S2) extending from the first region (S1) and corresponding to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display panel. 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 first region (S1) of the glass (410) (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 (231) of FIG. 4) and the second display region (e.g., the second display region (232) of FIG. 4). The second region (S2) of the glass (410) may be a part of the folding region (e.g., the folding region (233) of FIG. 4) or a corresponding structure. For example, when the flexible display (230) is defined as a flexible display panel, the first-first region (S11) of the glass (410) may be placed on the first display region (231), the first-second region (S12) of the glass (410) may be placed on the second display region (232), and the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may be placed on the folding region (233).

[0140] According to one embodiment, the 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). Generally, when glass is manufactured to have different thicknesses in some regions through a processing process (e.g., a processing process such as CNC, etching, or polishing), wrinkles, shape changes, or cracks may occur around the processed regions due to weakened strength. According to one embodiment, the glass (410) can provide an overall uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness) by including a chemical processing process (e.g., etching), and can reduce or limit the occurrence of defects in some regions. The cover structure (400) may provide a variable structure (e.g., a curved shape and / or a pattern shape) in the bending / rolling area (e.g., the second area (S2)) of the glass (410) to respond to bending or rolling of the flexible display (230).

[0141] According to one embodiment, the glass (410) includes a front surface (410a) (e.g., one surface facing the +Z axis) and a back surface (410b) (e.g., one surface facing the -Z axis), and a first coating layer (420) may be disposed on the front surface (410a), and a second coating layer (430) may be disposed on the back surface (410b).

[0142] According to one embodiment, the first region (S1) of the glass (410) may have an overall uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness). For example, the thickness of the first-first region (S11) and the thickness of the first-second region (S12) may be substantially the same. The first region (S1) of the glass (410) may be a part of a flat region of the flexible display (e.g., the first display region (231) and the second display region (332) of FIG. 4) or a corresponding structure, and thus may maintain a plane that does not bend or roll.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may have a shape that is curved in a direction toward the second coating layer (430). According to one embodiment, the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may have a shape that is curved in a direction toward the display panel (e.g., the display panel (235) of FIG. 4). For example, the front surface (410a) of the second region (S2) may be formed to be concave with respect to the front surface (410a) of the first region (S1) (e.g., the 1-1 region (S11) and the 1-2 region (S12)), and the back surface (410b) of the second region (S2) may be formed to be convex with respect to the back surface (410b) of the first region (S1) (e.g., the 1-1 region (S11) and the 1-2 region (S12)). For example, the front surface (410a) of the second region (S2) may form a curved surface in the -Z-axis direction compared to the front surface (410a) of the first region (S1) (e.g., the 1-1 region (S11) and the 1-2 region (S12)), and the back surface (410b) of the second region (S2) may form a curved surface in the -Z-axis direction compared to the back surface (410b) of the first region (S1) (e.g., the 1-1 region (S11) and the 1-2 region (S12)).

[0144] According to one embodiment, when looking toward the front of the glass (410), the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may have a shape that is recessed in the direction of the second coating layer (430) with respect to the first region (S1). According to one embodiment, when looking toward the back of the glass (410), the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may have a shape that is protruded in the direction of the second coating layer (430) with respect to the first region (S1).

[0145] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may be substantially the same as the thickness of the first region (S1). The thickness of the glass (410) may be approximately 20 μm or more overall. For example, the thickness of the glass (410) may be approximately 30 μm to 200 μm overall. This is set to a thickness having a stress value of less than approximately 1.5 GPa based on the maximum stress applied to the glass (410) when the glass (410) is bent at 1.8R (curvature).

[0146] According to one embodiment, referring to the cross-section of FIG. 6, the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may have a symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (e.g., line CC` of FIG. 5). The value (e.g., absolute value) of the inclination (e.g., inclination of a tangent line) of the front surface (410a) and / or the back surface (410b) of the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may gradually (or sequentially) increase as it moves away from the folding axis (e.g., line CC` of FIG. 5). For example, the value of the inclination (e.g., inclination of a tangent line) of the front surface (410a) and / or the back surface (410b) of the second region (S2) may increase as it moves toward a region adjacent to the first-first region (S11) with respect to the folding axis (e.g., line CC` of FIG. 5). For example, the value of the slope (e.g., slope of the tangent line) of the front (410a) and / or the back (410b) of the second region (S2) may increase toward the region adjacent to the first-second region (S12) with respect to the folding axis (e.g., line CC` of FIG. 5).

[0147] According to one embodiment, the first coating layer (420) may be disposed on the glass (410) (e.g., on the front surface (410a)). The first coating layer (420) may include a first portion (421) disposed on a first region (S1) of the glass (410), and a second portion (422) disposed on a second region (S2) of the glass (410). The first portion (421) of the first coating layer (420) includes a first-first portion (421a) and a first-second portion (421b), and the first-first portion (421a) may correspond to the first-first region (S11) of the glass (410), and the first-second portion (421b) may correspond to the first-second region (S12) of the glass (410). The second portion (422) of the first coating layer (420) may correspond to a bending or rolling area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the second area (S2) of the glass (410)). For example, the second portion (422) of the first coating layer (420) may be a part of or a corresponding structure of a folding area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the folding area (233) of FIG. 4).

[0148] According to one embodiment, the first coating layer (620) may have a structure whose shape varies along the longitudinal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). The first portion (421) and the second portion (422) of the first coating layer (620) may have different shapes. For example, the thickness of the first portion (421) and the thickness of the second portion (422) may be different.

[0149] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the second portion (422) of the first coating layer (420) may have a shape that is curved in a direction toward the glass (410). For example, the back surface (e.g., one side facing the -Z axis) of the second portion (422) may be formed to be convex with respect to the back surface (e.g., one side facing the -Z axis) of the first portion (421) (e.g., the 1-1-th portion (421a) and the 1-2-th portion (421b)). For example, the back surface of the second portion (422) may form a curved surface that is curved in the -Z axis direction compared to the back surface of the first portion (421) (e.g., the 1-1-th portion (421a) and the 1-2-th portion (421b)). For example, when looking toward the back of the first coating layer (420), the second portion (422) of the first coating layer (420) may have a shape that protrudes in the direction of the glass (410) with respect to the first portion (421). The front surface (e.g., one surface facing the +Z axis) of the second portion (422) may extend to form a flat surface with the front surface (e.g., one surface facing the +Z axis) of the first portion (421) (e.g., the 1-1 portion (421a) and the 1-2 portion (421b)).

[0150] According to one embodiment, the first portion (421) of the first coating layer (420) may have an overall uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness). For example, the thickness of the first-first portion (421a) and the thickness of the first-second portion (421b) may be substantially the same. The first portion (421) of the first coating layer (420) may be a part of a flat area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the first display area (231) and the second display area (332) of FIG. 4) or a corresponding structure, and thus may maintain a plane that does not bend or roll.

[0151] In one embodiment, the thickness of the second portion (422) of the first coating layer (420) may be substantially different from the thickness of the first portion (421). For example, the thickness of the second portion (422) of the first coating layer (420) may be greater than the thickness of the first portion (421).

[0152] According to one embodiment, the second portion (422) of the first coating layer (420) may be provided in a shape corresponding to the second region (S2) of the glass (410). For example, when the front surface (410a) of the second region (S2) of the glass (410) has a concave (or recessed) shape, the second portion (422) of the first coating layer (420) may have a structure that fills the concave shape.

[0153] Referring to the cross-section of FIG. 6, the second portion (422) of the first coating layer (420) may have a symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (e.g., line CC` of FIG. 5). The value (e.g., absolute value) of the rear slope (e.g., slope of the tangent line) of the second portion (422) of the first coating layer (420) may gradually (or sequentially) increase as it moves away from the folding axis (e.g., line CC` of FIG. 5). For example, the value of the rear slope (e.g., slope of the tangent line) of the second portion (422) may increase as it moves toward a region adjacent to the first-1 portion (421a) with respect to the folding axis (e.g., line CC` of FIG. 5). For example, the value of the rear slope (e.g., slope of the tangent line) of the second portion (422) may increase toward the area adjacent to the first-second portion (421b) with respect to the folding axis (e.g., line CC` in FIG. 5).

[0154] According to one embodiment, as the front surface of the first coating layer (420) forms an overall flat surface, the thickness of the second portion (422) may gradually (or sequentially) decrease as it moves away from the folding axis (e.g., line CC` in FIG. 5). For example, the thickness of the second portion (422) may decrease as it moves toward a region adjacent to the 1-1 portion (421a) with respect to the folding axis (e.g., line CC` in FIG. 5). For example, the thickness of the second portion (422) may decrease as it moves toward a region adjacent to the 1-2 portion (421b) with respect to the folding axis (e.g., line CC` in FIG. 5).

[0155] According to one embodiment, the first coating layer (420) may be a film layer composed of a transparent polymer. The first coating layer (420) may include an optically clear resin (OCR) filler. The OCR filler may have a refractive index substantially the same as that of the glass (410) (e.g., a refractive index of 0.05R or more). The OCR filler may be an elastic material including an adhesive component. For example, the OCR filler may be natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, a styrene-isoprene-styrene (co)polymer, a styrene-butadiene-styrene (co)polymer, a (meth)acrylic (co)polymer, a polyacrylate, a polyolefin, polyisobutylene and polyisoprene, polyurethane, polyvinyl ethyl ether, polysiloxane, silicone, polyurea, or a mixture of at least one of these.

[0156] According to one embodiment, the first coating layer (420) may be a material including an adhesive component. The first coating layer (420) 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.

[0157] In one embodiment, the first coating layer (420) may have a greater modulus than the second coating layer (430). For example, the modulus of the first coating layer (420) may be approximately 480 MPa to 720 MPa. For example, the modulus of the first coating layer (420) may be approximately 600 MPa. In one embodiment, the modulus property of the first coating layer (420) may be controlled by controlling the amount of additives (e.g., crosslinking agents, curing agents), heat, and / or light (e.g., ultraviolet rays, radiation) irradiation. By controlling the corresponding factors (e.g., additives, heat, and / or light), the average molecular weight (Mn) or the degree of polymerization of the first coating layer (420) may be controlled, thereby allowing the operator to obtain desired properties. For example, as the amount of the additive increases, or as the amount of heat / ultraviolet / radiation exposure increases, the modulus and adhesive strength of the first coating layer (420) can be controlled to increase.

[0158] According to one embodiment, the second coating layer (430) may be disposed below the glass (410) (e.g., on the back surface (410b)). The second coating layer (430) may include a first portion (431) disposed below the first region (S1) of the glass (410), and a second portion (432) disposed below the second region (S2) of the glass (410). The first portion (431) of the second coating layer (430) includes a first-first portion (431a) and a first-second portion (431b), and the first-first portion (431a) may correspond to the first-first region (S11) of the glass (410), and the first-second portion (431b) may correspond to the first-second region (S12) of the glass (410). The second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) may correspond to a bending or rolling area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the second portion (S2) of the glass (410)). For example, the second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) may be a part of or a corresponding structure of a folding area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the folding area (233) of FIG. 4).

[0159] According to one embodiment, the second coating layer (430) may have a structure whose shape varies along the longitudinal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). The first portion (431) and the second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) may have different shapes. For example, the thickness of the first portion (431) and the thickness of the second portion (432) may be different.

[0160] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) may have a shape that is curved in the opposite direction of the glass (410) (e.g., in the -Z-axis direction). For example, the front surface (e.g., one side facing the +Z-axis) of the second portion (432) may be formed concavely with respect to the front surface (e.g., one side facing the +Z-axis) of the first portion (431) (e.g., the 1-1-th portion (431a) and the 1-2-th portion (431b)). For example, the front surface of the second portion (432) may form a curved surface that is curved in the -Z-axis direction compared to the front surface of the first portion (431) (e.g., the 1-1-th portion (431a) and the 1-2-th portion (431b)). For example, when looking toward the front of the second coating layer (430), the second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) may have a fine shape in the opposite direction of the glass (410) with respect to the first portion (431). The back surface (e.g., one side facing the -Z axis) of the second portion (432) may be extended to form a flat surface with the back surface (e.g., one side facing the -Z axis) of the first portion (431) (e.g., the 1-1 portion (431a) and the 1-2 portion (431b)).

[0161] According to one embodiment, the first portion (431) of the second coating layer (430) may have an overall uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness). For example, the thickness of the first-first portion (431a) and the thickness of the first-second portion (431b) may be substantially the same. The first portion (431) of the second coating layer (430) may maintain a plane that does not bend or roll because it is part of a flat area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the first display area (231) and the second display area (332) of FIG. 4) or a corresponding structure.

[0162] In one embodiment, the thickness of the second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) may be substantially different from the thickness of the first portion (431). For example, the thickness of the second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) may be less than the thickness of the first portion (431).

[0163] According to one embodiment, the second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) may be provided in a shape corresponding to the second region (S2) of the glass (410). For example, when the front surface of the second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) has a concave (or recessed) shape, at least a portion of the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may have a structure that fills the concave shape.

[0164] Referring to the cross-section of FIG. 6, the second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) may have a symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (e.g., line CC` of FIG. 5). The value (e.g., absolute value) of the front inclination (e.g., slope of the tangent line) of the second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) may gradually (or sequentially) increase as it moves away from the folding axis (e.g., line CC` of FIG. 5). For example, the value of the front inclination (e.g., slope of the tangent line) of the second portion (432) may increase as it moves toward a region adjacent to the first-first portion (431a) with respect to the folding axis (e.g., line CC` of FIG. 5). For example, the value of the front slope (e.g., slope of the tangent line) of the second portion (432) may increase toward the area adjacent to the first-second portion (431b) with respect to the folding axis (e.g., line CC` of FIG. 5).

[0165] According to one embodiment, since the back surface of the second coating layer (430) forms an overall flat surface, the thickness of the second portion (432) may gradually (or sequentially) increase as it moves away from the folding axis (e.g., line CC` in FIG. 5). For example, the thickness of the second portion (432) may increase as it moves toward a region adjacent to the 1-1 portion (431a) with respect to the folding axis (e.g., line CC` in FIG. 5). For example, the thickness of the second portion (432) may increase as it moves toward a region adjacent to the 1-2 portion (421b) with respect to the folding axis (e.g., line CC` in FIG. 5).

[0166] According to one embodiment, the second coating layer (430) may be a film layer composed of a transparent polymer. The second coating layer (430) may include an optically clear resin (OCR) filler. The OCR filler may have a refractive index substantially the same as that of the glass (410) (e.g., a refractive index of 0.05R or more). The OCR filler may be an elastic material including an adhesive component. For example, the OCR filler may be natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, a styrene-isoprene-styrene (co)polymer, a styrene-butadiene-styrene (co)polymer, a (meth)acrylic (co)polymer, a polyacrylate, a polyolefin, polyisobutylene and polyisoprene, polyurethane, polyvinyl ethyl ether, polysiloxane, silicone, polyurea, or a mixture of at least one of these.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the second coating layer (430) may be a material including an adhesive component. The second coating layer (430) may include at least one of an optical clear adhesive (OCA), a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), a heat-reactive adhesive, a UV adhesive, a general adhesive, or a double-sided tape.

[0168] In one embodiment, the second coating layer (430) may have a modulus lower than that of the first coating layer (420). For example, the modulus of the second coating layer (430) may be approximately 8 MPa to 12 MPa. For example, the modulus of the second coating layer (430) may be approximately 10 MPa. In one embodiment, the modulus property of the second coating layer (430) may be controlled by controlling the amount of additives (e.g., crosslinking agents, curing agents), heat, and / or light (e.g., ultraviolet rays, radiation) irradiation. By controlling the corresponding factors (e.g., additives, heat, and / or light), the average molecular weight (Mn) or the degree of polymerization of the second coating layer (430) may be controlled, thereby allowing the operator to obtain desired properties. For example, as the amount of the additive increases or the amount of heat / ultraviolet / radiation exposure increases, the modulus and adhesive strength of the second coating layer (430) can be controlled to increase.

[0169] FIG. 8 is a drawing for comparing the difference in rebound moment and stress between a flexible cover structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and a general flexible cover structure (e.g., comparative experimental examples).

[0170] The configuration of the cover structure of (a), (b), (c), and (d) of FIG. 8 represents a cross-section of a bending section corresponding to a folding area of ​​a flexible display (e.g., a folding area (233) of a flexible display (230) of FIG. 4).

[0171] FIG. 8(e) shows a cross-section of a flexible cover structure according to one embodiment in a folded state, and FIG. 8(f) shows a cross-section of a general flexible cover structure in a folded state. According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1 to 3) may include a first housing (e.g., a first housing (210) of FIGS. 2A and 3), a second housing (e.g., a second housing (220) of FIGS. 2A and 3), and a flexible display (e.g., a display (230) of FIGS. 2 and 4). The flexible display (230) may include a flexible display panel (e.g., a display panel (235) of FIG. 4) and a flexible 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.

[0172] The cover structure (400) of FIG. 8 (a) and (e) may include glass (410), a first coating layer (420) disposed on the front surface of the glass (410), and a second coating layer (430) disposed on the back surface of the glass (410), and the bending section (A2) may provide a curved shape. The first coating layer (420) of the cover structure (400) of FIG. 8 (a) may be named OCR1, and the second coating layer (430) may be named OCR2.

[0173] The configuration of the flexible cover structure (400) of (a) and (e) of FIGS. 8 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the display (230) of FIGS. 2A to 4 and the flexible cover structure (400) of FIGS. 4 to 6C. The embodiments of (a) and (e) of FIGS. 8 may be partially combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 7C or the embodiments of FIGS. 9 to 36.

[0174] In typical foldable electronic devices, two films are laminated onto the glass facing the front of the display panel. One film (e.g., a protective layer, PL) is adhered to the glass to protect the display panel and the glass, while the other film is positioned over the PL to further maximize the protective effect.

[0175] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover structure (400) of the flexible display (230) may be provided as a structure that primarily protects the glass through a structure in which a first coating layer (420) (e.g., OCR1) is filled on the glass (410), rather than a structure in which a film is attached on the glass, or may be provided as a structure in which only one detachable protective film is attached on the first coating layer (420). According to one embodiment, since the bending section of the cover structure (400) has a relatively thick first coating layer (420) (e.g., OCR1) compared to the flat section, the impact resistance performance is provided, and thus, improved impact resistance performance can be secured only with the structure of the first coating layer (420) filled on the glass (410), or the laminated structure of the glass (410), the first coating layer (420), and one protective film. Additionally, according to one embodiment, the cover structure (400) can reduce the repulsive force due to folding of the display and increase the touch feeling of the glass (410) due to the first coating layer (e.g., OCR1) that is thinner than the general PL film.

[0176] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the reduction effect on the above-described reaction force and crease (e.g., fold wrinkles) can be confirmed through finite element analysis. For the analysis, experimental examples (configurations of cover structures (41, 42, 43) of FIGS. 8 (b), (c), and (d)) for comparison with the flexible cover structure (400) of FIG. 8 (a) are illustrated. FIG. 8 (b) can be named as Comparison 1 structure, FIG. 8 (c) can be named as Comparison 2 structure, and FIG. 8 (d) can be named as Comparison 3 structure.

[0177] The cover structures (41, 42, 43) of (b), (c), and (d) of FIG. 8 may include glass (41a, 42a, 43a), a first coating layer (41b, 42b, 43b) disposed on the front surface of the glass (41a, 42a, 43a), and a second coating layer (41c, 42c, 43c) disposed on the back surface of the glass (41a, 42a, 43a), and the bending section does not have a curved shape, and the thickness of at least a portion of each layer may be different compared to the cover structure (400) of FIG. 8 (a). The first coating layer (41b, 42b) of the cover structures (41, 42) of FIG. 8 (b), (c) may be named OCR1, and the second coating layer (41c, 42c) may be named OCR2. The first coating layer (43b) of the cover structure (43) of Fig. 8 (d) may be named PET, and the second coating layer (43c) may be named OCA.

[0178] [Revised 29.10.2024 under Rule 91] For comparison between an embodiment of the present disclosure and experimental examples, the modulus of OCR1 was set to approximately 600 MPa, the modulus of OCR2 was set to approximately 10 MPa, and the difference in repulsive force was compared through the values ​​of the repulsive moment (N mm) that occur when each laminated structure (e.g., the flexible cover structure (400) of (a) of FIG. 8, the cover structures (41, 42, 43) of (b), (c), and (d) of FIG. 8) were folded with a radius of approximately 1.5 mm. The comparison details can be confirmed with reference to FIG. 37 below. In addition, referring to FIG. 37, the degree of crease can be estimated through the value and position of the Max Stress (MPa) applied to the glass (410, 41a, 42a, 43a) and OCR1.

[0179] [Correction pursuant to Rule 91, October 29, 2024]

[0180] [Revised 29.10.2024 by Rule 91] Referring to FIG. 37, it can be confirmed that the rebound moment value of the structure of the present invention (e.g., flexible cover structure (400)) according to one embodiment is smaller than that of the experimental examples (e.g., comparative structure 1, comparative structure 2, comparative structure 3). For example, it can be confirmed that the rebound moment according to one embodiment is improved by approximately 47% compared to the rebound moment of the comparative structure 1 coated with OCR1 and OCR2 of the same thickness as the embodiment of the present disclosure. (e.g., 29.06 N·mm -> 15.26 N·mm, -47%).

[0181] [Revised 29.10.2024 by Rule 91] Referring to FIG. 37, a structure of the present invention (e.g., a flexible cover structure (400)) according to one embodiment can reduce the stress value applied to the center of glass and OCR1 when folded, and move the location where the maximum stress occurs to the periphery away from the folding center. In addition, a structure of the present invention (e.g., a flexible cover structure (400)) according to one embodiment can reduce the magnitude of the maximum stress applied to OCR1 by approximately 39% when folded. (e.g., 63.0 MPa -> 38.5 MPa)

[0182] Accordingly, according to one embodiment, a flexible cover structure (400) formed so that OCR1 fills a molding section of glass can provide reduced crease compared to a crease that occurs when stress is concentrated at the center of folding when a cover structure (400) without the molding section or a general material (e.g., PET, OCA, or PSA material) is used.

[0183] Referring to (e) and (f) of FIG. 8, the stress values ​​can be compared when the cover structure is folded. (e) of FIG. 8 shows a folding cross-section of a cover structure (400) in which a first coating layer (420), glass (410), and a second coating layer (430) are laminated, and (f) of FIG. 8 shows a folding cross-section of a cover structure (41) in which a first coating layer (41b), glass (41a), and a second coating layer (41c) are laminated.

[0184] In the case of the folding cross-section of FIG. 8 (e), it can be confirmed that the first coating layer (420), the glass (410), and the second coating layer (430) are all folded with different curvatures, and in the case of the folding cross-section of FIG. 8 (f), it can be confirmed that the first coating layer (41b), the glass (41a), and the second coating layer (41c) are folded in a certain concentric shape. As shown in FIG. 8 (e), one embodiment of the present disclosure distributes the stress applied to the glass (410) and each coating layer (e.g., the first coating layer (420), the second coating layer (430)) to reduce the stress occurring at the center of the folding, and moves the location where the max stress occurs away from the center to the periphery, thereby reducing the crease and the reaction force occurring at the center of the folding.

[0185] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the front side of a flexible cover structure (400a) in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0186] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400a) cut along line AA` of FIG. 9 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0187] FIG. 11a is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400a) cut along line BB` of FIG. 9 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0188] FIG. 11b is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400a) cut along line CC` of FIG. 9 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0189] FIG. 11c is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400a) cut along line DD` of FIG. 9 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0190] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1 to 3) may include a first housing (e.g., a first housing (210) of FIGS. 2A and 3), a second housing (e.g., a second housing (220) of FIGS. 2A and 3), and a flexible display (e.g., a display (230) of FIGS. 2 and 4). The flexible display (230) may include a flexible display panel (e.g., a display panel (235) of FIG. 4) and a flexible cover structure (400a) formed such that at least a portion of the flexible display panel is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0191] According to one embodiment, the flexible cover structure (400a) may be a flexible structure to correspond to the operations of the unfolded state, the intermediate state, and the folded state of the flexible display (230). According to one embodiment, the flexible cover structure (400a) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1 to 3) may include glass (410), a first coating layer (420) disposed on a portion of the glass (410) (e.g., the second region (S2)), and a second coating layer (430) disposed under the glass (410).

[0192] The configuration of the flexible cover structure (400a) of FIGS. 9 to 11c may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the display (230) of FIGS. 2a and 4. The embodiments of FIGS. 9 to 11c may be partially combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 8 and / or the embodiments of FIGS. 12 to 36.

[0193] According to one embodiment, the cover structure (400a) may include a flat section (A1) corresponding to a flat area of ​​the flexible display panel and a bending section (A2) corresponding to a bending or rolling area of ​​the flexible display panel. The first coating layer (420), the glass (410), and the second coating layer (430) forming the bending section (A2) of the cover structure (400a) may vary depending on the state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., from a flat state (or unfolded state) to a folded state). The sum of the thicknesses of the first coating layer (420), the glass (410), and the second coating layer (430) forming the bending section (A2) of the cover structure (400a) may be substantially equal to the sum of the thicknesses of the glass (410) and the second coating layer (430) forming the flat section (A1) of the cover structure (400a).

[0194] According to one embodiment, the glass (410) may include a first region (S1) and a second region (S2) extending from the first region (S1) and corresponding to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display panel. The first region (S1) may include a first-first region (S11) and a first-second region (S12) spaced apart from the second region (S2).

[0195] According to one embodiment, the 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).

[0196] According to one embodiment, the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may have a shape that is curved in a direction toward the second coating layer (430). For example, the front surface (410a) of the second region (S2) (e.g., one surface facing the +Z-axis direction) may be formed to be concave with respect to the front surface of the first region (S1) (e.g., the 1-1 region (S11) and the 1-2 region (S12)), and the rear surface (410b) of the second region (S2) (e.g., one surface facing the -Z-axis direction) may be formed to be convex with respect to the rear surface of the first region (S1) (e.g., the 1-1 region (S11) and the 1-2 region (S12)).

[0197] According to one embodiment, referring to the cross-section of FIG. 10, the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may have a symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (e.g., line CC` of FIG. 9). The value (e.g., absolute value) of the inclination (e.g., inclination of a tangent line) of the front surface (410a) and / or the back surface (410b) of the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may gradually (or sequentially) increase as it moves away from the folding axis (e.g., line CC` of FIG. 9). For example, the value of the inclination (e.g., inclination of a tangent line) of the front surface (410a) and / or the back surface (410b) of the second region (S2) may increase as it moves toward a region adjacent to the first-first region (S11) with respect to the folding axis (e.g., line CC` of FIG. 9). For example, the value of the slope (e.g., slope of the tangent line) of the front (410a) and / or the back (410b) of the second region (S2) may increase toward the region adjacent to the first-second region (S12) with respect to the folding axis (e.g., line CC` of FIG. 9).

[0198] According to one embodiment, the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may include a pattern. For example, the pattern may include a plurality of openings (P1) penetrating from the front surface (410a) to the back surface (410b) of the glass (410). The arrangement of the plurality of openings (P1) may form a regular pattern (e.g., see the pattern shape of FIG. 23). For example, the spacing and diameter between the plurality of openings (P1) may be arranged to have a specified size.

[0199] According to one embodiment, a plurality of openings (P1) formed in the second region (S2) of the glass (410) can easily and stably accommodate a variable amount of glass that flexibly expands when the glass (410) is bent or rolled, thereby reducing repulsive force and stress.

[0200] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may be substantially the same as the thickness of the first region (S1). The thickness of the glass (410) may be approximately 70 μm or more overall. For example, the thickness of the glass (410) may be approximately 100 μm to 200 μm overall. The glass (410) of the flexible cover structure (400a) of FIGS. 9 to 11c may be designed to have a larger thickness compared to the glass (410) of the flexible cover structure (400) of FIGS. 5 to 7c. In the process of filling the first coating layer (420) on the glass (410), the first coating layer (420) can be placed within the shape (e.g., concave shape) of the second region (S2), and can be excluded from being placed in the first region (S1), or can be removed after being placed in the first region (S1). For example, the front surface (410a) of the first region (S1) of the glass (410) can be exposed to the outside. Accordingly, the cover structure (400a) in which the first coating layer (420) is filled only in the second region (S2) of the glass (410) can improve the touch sensation felt by the user.

[0201] According to one embodiment, the first coating layer (420) may be disposed on a portion of the glass (410) (e.g., on the front surface (410a)). The first coating layer (420) may be disposed on the second region (S2) of the glass (410) and may not be disposed on the first region (S1). The first coating layer (420) may correspond to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display.

[0202] According to one embodiment, the first coating layer (420) may have a shape that is curved in the direction toward the glass (410). For example, the back surface (e.g., one surface facing the -Z axis) of the first coating layer (420) may be formed to be convex with respect to the back surface (410b) of the first region (S1) of the glass (410). For example, the back surface of the first coating layer (420) may form a curved surface that is curved in the -Z axis direction compared to the back surface (410b) of the first region (S1) of the glass (410).

[0203] According to one embodiment, the first coating layer (420) may be provided in a shape corresponding to the second region (S2) of the glass (410). For example, if the front surface (410a) of the second region (S2) of the glass (410) has a concave (or recessed) shape, the first coating layer (420) may have a structure that fills the concave shape.

[0204] According to one embodiment, the second coating layer (430) may be disposed below the glass (410) (e.g., on the back surface (410b)). The second coating layer (430) may include a first portion (431) disposed on a first region (S1) of the glass (410), and a second portion (432) disposed on a second region (S2) of the glass (410). The first portion (431) of the second coating layer (430) includes a first-first portion (431a) and a first-second portion (431b), and the first-first portion (431a) may correspond to the first-first region (S11) of the glass (410), and the first-second portion (431b) may correspond to the first-second region (S12) of the glass (410). The second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) may correspond to a bending or rolling area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the second area (S2) of the glass (410)).

[0205] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) may be provided in a shape corresponding to the second region (S2) of the glass (410). For example, when the front surface (410a) of the second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) has a concave (or recessed) shape, at least a portion of the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may have a structure that fills the concave shape.

[0206] According to one embodiment, a portion of the second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) may be provided in a shape corresponding to the pattern of the second region (S2) of the glass (410). For example, a portion of the second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) may be shaped to fill the plurality of openings (P1) of the glass (410). For example, a portion of the second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) may be disposed within the plurality of openings (P1), and a portion penetrating the plurality of openings (P1) may face (or contact) the first coating layer (420). The second coating layer (430), which is more flexible than the glass (410), may be filled within the second region (S2) of the glass (410) to facilitate bending or rolling of the display.

[0207] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing the front side of a flexible cover structure (400b) in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0208] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400b) cut along line AA` of FIG. 12 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0209] FIG. 14a is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400b) cut along line BB` of FIG. 12 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0210] FIG. 14b is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400b) cut along line CC` of FIG. 12 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0211] FIG. 14c is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400b) cut along line DD` of FIG. 12 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0212] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1 to 3) may include a first housing (e.g., a first housing (210) of FIGS. 2A and 3), a second housing (e.g., a second housing (220) of FIGS. 2A and 3), and a flexible display (e.g., a display (230) of FIGS. 2 and 4). The flexible display (230) may include a flexible display panel (e.g., a display panel (235) of FIG. 4) and a flexible cover structure (400b) formed such that at least a portion of the flexible display panel is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0213] According to one embodiment, the flexible cover structure (400b) may be a flexible structure that corresponds to the operations of the unfolded state, the intermediate state, and the folded state of the flexible display (230).

[0214] According to one embodiment, a flexible cover structure (400b) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1 to 3) may include glass (410), a first coating layer (420) disposed on a portion of the glass (410) (e.g., the second region (S2)), a second coating layer (430) disposed under the glass (410), and a protective layer (480) disposed on the first coating layer (420).

[0215] The configuration of the flexible cover structure (400b) of FIGS. 12 to 14c may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the display (230) of FIGS. 2a and 4, and / or the configuration of the flexible cover structure (400; 400a) of FIGS. 5 to 11c. The embodiments of FIGS. 12 to 14c may be partially combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 11c, or the embodiments of FIGS. 15 to 36.

[0216] According to one embodiment, the cover structure (400b) may include a flat section (A1) corresponding to a flat area of ​​the flexible display panel and a bending section (A2) corresponding to a bending or rolling area of ​​the flexible display panel. The first coating layer (420), the glass (410), and the second coating layer (430) forming the bending section (A2) of the cover structure (400b) may vary depending on the state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., from a flat state (or unfolded state) to a folded state). The sum of the thicknesses of the first coating layer (420), the glass (410), and the second coating layer (430) forming the bending section (A2) of the cover structure (400b) may be substantially equal to the sum of the thicknesses of the glass (410) and the second coating layer (430) forming the flat section (A1) of the cover structure (400b).

[0217] According to one embodiment, the glass (410) may include a first region (S1) and a second region (S2) extending from the first region (S1) and corresponding to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display panel. The first region (S1) may include a first-first region (S11) and a first-second region (S12) spaced apart from the second region (S2).

[0218] According to one embodiment, the 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).

[0219] According to one embodiment, the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may have a shape that is curved in a direction toward the second coating layer (430). For example, the front surface (410a) of the second region (S2) (e.g., one surface facing the +Z-axis direction) may be formed to be concave with respect to the front surface of the first region (S1) (e.g., the 1-1 region (S11) and the 1-2 region (S12)), and the rear surface (410b) of the second region (S2) (e.g., one surface facing the -Z-axis direction) may be formed to be convex with respect to the rear surface of the first region (S1) (e.g., the 1-1 region (S11) and the 1-2 region (S12)).

[0220] According to one embodiment, referring to the cross-section of FIG. 13, the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may have a symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (e.g., line CC` of FIG. 12). The value (e.g., absolute value) of the inclination (e.g., inclination of a tangent line) of the front surface (410a) and / or the back surface (410b) of the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may gradually (or sequentially) increase as it moves away from the folding axis (e.g., line CC` of FIG. 12). For example, the value of the inclination (e.g., inclination of a tangent line) of the front surface (410a) and / or the back surface (410b) of the second region (S2) may increase as it moves toward the region adjacent to the first-first region (S11) with respect to the folding axis (e.g., line CC` of FIG. 12). For example, the value of the slope (e.g., slope of the tangent line) of the front (410a) and / or the back (410b) of the second region (S2) may increase toward the region adjacent to the first-second region (S12) with respect to the folding axis (e.g., line CC` of FIG. 12).

[0221] According to one embodiment, the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may include a pattern. For example, the pattern may include a plurality of openings (P1) penetrating from the front surface (410a) to the back surface (410b) of the glass (410). The arrangement of the plurality of openings (P1) may form a regular pattern (e.g., see the pattern shape of FIG. 23). For example, the spacing and diameter between the plurality of openings (P1) may be arranged to have a specified size.

[0222] According to one embodiment, a plurality of openings (P1) formed in the second region (S2) of the glass (410) can easily and stably accommodate a variable amount of glass that flexibly expands when the glass (410) is bent or rolled, thereby reducing repulsive force and stress.

[0223] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may be substantially the same as the thickness of the first region (S1). The thickness of the glass (410) may be approximately 70 μm or more overall. For example, the thickness of the glass (410) may be approximately 100 μm to 200 μm overall. The glass (410) of the flexible cover structure (400b) of FIGS. 12 to 14c may be designed to have a larger thickness compared to the glass (410) of the flexible cover structure (400) of FIGS. 5 to 7c. In the process of filling the first coating layer (420) on the glass (410), the first coating layer (420) can be placed within the shape (e.g., concave shape) of the second region (S2), and can be excluded from being placed in the first region (S1), or can be removed after being placed in the first region (S1). For example, the front surface (410a) of the first region (S1) of the glass (410) can be exposed to the outside. Accordingly, the cover structure (400b) in which the first coating layer (420) is filled only in the second region (S2) of the glass (410) can improve the touch sensation felt by the user.

[0224] According to one embodiment, the first coating layer (420) may be disposed on a portion of the glass (410) (e.g., on the front surface (410a)). The first coating layer (420) may be disposed on the second region (S2) of the glass (410) and may not be disposed on the first region (S1). The first coating layer (420) may correspond to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display.

[0225] According to one embodiment, the first coating layer (420) may have a shape that is curved in the direction toward the glass (410). For example, the back surface (e.g., one surface facing the -Z axis) of the first coating layer (420) may be formed to be convex with respect to the back surface (410b) of the first region (S1) of the glass (410). For example, the back surface of the first coating layer (420) may form a curved surface that is curved in the -Z axis direction compared to the back surface (410b) of the first region (S1) of the glass (410).

[0226] According to one embodiment, the first coating layer (420) may be provided in a shape corresponding to the second region (S2) of the glass (410). For example, if the front surface (410a) of the second region (S2) of the glass (410) has a concave (or recessed) shape, the first coating layer (420) may have a structure that fills the concave shape.

[0227] According to one embodiment, the second coating layer (430) may be disposed below the glass (410) (e.g., on the back surface (410b)). The second coating layer (430) may include a first portion (431) disposed on a first region (S1) of the glass (410), and a second portion (432) disposed on a second region (S2) of the glass (410). The first portion (431) of the second coating layer (430) includes a first-first portion (431a) and a first-second portion (431b), and the first-first portion (431a) may correspond to the first-first region (S11) of the glass (410), and the first-second portion (431b) may correspond to the first-second region (S12) of the glass (410). The second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) may correspond to a bending or rolling area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the second area (S2) of the glass (410)).

[0228] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) may be provided in a shape corresponding to the second region (S2) of the glass (410). For example, when the front surface (410a) of the second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) has a concave (or recessed) shape, at least a portion of the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may have a structure that fills the concave shape.

[0229] According to one embodiment, a portion of the second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) may be provided in a shape corresponding to the pattern of the second region (S2) of the glass (410). For example, a portion of the second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) may be shaped to fill the plurality of openings (P1) of the glass (410). For example, a portion of the second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) may be disposed within the plurality of openings (P1), and a portion penetrating the plurality of openings (P1) may face (or contact) the first coating layer (420). The second coating layer (430), which is more flexible than the glass (410), may be filled within the second region (S2) of the glass (410) to facilitate bending or rolling of the display.

[0230] According to one embodiment, the protective layer (480) may be disposed on the glass (410) and / or on the first coating layer (420). The protective layer (480) may include a first film portion (481) disposed on the first coating layer (420) and a second film portion (482) disposed on the second region (S2) of the glass (410). The first film portion (481) of the protective layer (480) includes a first-first film portion (481a) and a first-second film portion (481b), and the first-first film portion (481a) may correspond to the first-first region (S11) of the glass (410), and the first-second film portion (4812) may correspond to the first-second region (S12) of the glass (410). The second film portion (482) of the protective layer (480) corresponds to the first coating layer (420) and may correspond to a bending or rolling area of ​​the flexible display. For example, the second film portion (782) of the protective layer (480) may be a part of or a corresponding structure of a folding area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the folding area (233) of FIG. 4).

[0231] According to one embodiment, the front surface of the first region (S1) of the glass (410) and the front surface of the first coating layer (420) filled on the second region (S2) of the glass (410) can form a flat surface, and a protective layer (480) can be disposed thereon with the same thickness. For example, the first film portion (481) and the second film portion (482) of the protective layer (480) can have an overall uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness). The thickness of the protective layer (480) can be smaller than the thicknesses of the glass (410) and the first coating layer (420).

[0232] According to one embodiment, the sum of the thicknesses of the protective layer (480), the first coating layer (420), the glass (410), and the second coating layer (430) forming the bending section (A2) of the cover structure (400b) may be substantially equal to the sum of the thicknesses of the protective layer (480), the glass (410), and the second coating layer (430) forming the flat section (A1) of the cover structure (400b).

[0233] According to one embodiment, the protective layer (480) may form the outermost layer of the cover structure (400b) and may eliminate a foreign sensation (e.g., a hand-catching phenomenon) that occurs at the front surface of the glass (410) and the boundary surface of the first coating layer (420). The protective layer (480) may be a detachable layer. The protective layer (480) may have a thickness of approximately 5 μm to 10 μm.

[0234] According to one embodiment, the protective layer (480) 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 (480) may be a composite film of PET and / or OCA as a film material. For example, the protective layer (480) 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)).

[0235] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing the front side of a flexible cover structure (400c) in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0236] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400c) cut along line AA` of FIG. 15 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0237] FIG. 17a is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400c) cut along line BB` of FIG. 15 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0238] FIG. 17b is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400c) cut along CC` of FIG. 15 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0239] FIG. 17c is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400c) cut along line DD` of FIG. 15 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0240] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1 to 3) may include a first housing (e.g., a first housing (210) of FIGS. 2A and 3), a second housing (e.g., a second housing (220) of FIGS. 2A and 3), and a flexible display (e.g., a display (230) of FIGS. 2 and 4). The flexible display (230) may include a flexible display panel (e.g., a display panel (235) of FIG. 4) and a flexible cover structure (400c) formed such that at least a portion of the flexible display panel is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0241] According to one embodiment, the flexible cover structure (400c) may be a flexible structure that corresponds to the operations of the unfolded state, the intermediate state, and the folded state of the flexible display (230).

[0242] According to one embodiment, a flexible cover structure (400c) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1 to 3) may include glass (410), a first coating layer (420) disposed on the glass (410), and a second coating layer (430) disposed under the glass (410).

[0243] The configuration of the flexible cover structure (400c) of FIGS. 15 to 17c may be partially or completely identical to the configuration of the display (230) of FIGS. 2a and 4, and / or the configuration of the flexible cover structure (400; 400a; 400b) of FIGS. 5 to 14c. The embodiments of FIGS. 15 to 17c may be partially combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 14c, or the embodiments of FIGS. 18 to 36.

[0244] According to one embodiment, the cover structure (400c) may include a flat section (A1) corresponding to a flat area of ​​the flexible display panel and a bending section (A2) corresponding to a bending or rolling area of ​​the flexible display panel. The first coating layer (420), the glass (410), and the second coating layer (430) forming the bending section (A2) of the cover structure (400c) may vary depending on the state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., from a flat state (or unfolded state) to a folded state). The sum of the thicknesses of the first coating layer (420), the glass (410), and the second coating layer (430) forming the bending section (A2) of the cover structure (400c) may be substantially equal to the sum of the thicknesses of the first coating layer (420), the glass (410), and the second coating layer (430) forming the flat section (A1) of the cover structure (400c).

[0245] According to one embodiment, the glass (410) may include a first region (S1) and a second region (S2) extending from the first region (S1) and corresponding to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display panel. The first region (S1) may include a first-first region (S11) and a first-second region (S12) spaced apart from the second region (S2).

[0246] According to one embodiment, the 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).

[0247] According to one embodiment, the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may have a shape that is curved in a direction toward the second coating layer (430). For example, the front surface (410a) of the second region (S2) may be formed to be concave with respect to the front surface (410a) of the first region (S1) (e.g., the 1-1 region (S11) and the 1-2 region (S12)), and the back surface (410b) of the second region (S2) may be formed to be convex with respect to the back surface (410b) of the first region (S1) (e.g., the 1-1 region (S11) and the 1-2 region (S12)).

[0248] According to one embodiment, referring to the cross-section of FIG. 16, the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may have a symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (e.g., line CC` of FIG. 15). The values ​​(e.g., absolute values) of the inclination (e.g., inclination of a tangent line) of the front surface (410a) and / or the back surface (410b) of the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may gradually (or sequentially) increase as they move away from the folding axis (e.g., line CC` of FIG. 15). For example, the values ​​of the inclination (e.g., inclination of a tangent line) of the front surface (410a) and / or the back surface (410b) of the second region (S2) may increase as they move toward a region adjacent to the first-first region (S11) with respect to the folding axis (e.g., line CC` of FIG. 15). For example, the value of the slope (e.g., slope of the tangent line) of the front (410a) and / or the back (410b) of the second region (S2) may increase toward the region adjacent to the first-second region (S12) with respect to the folding axis (e.g., line CC` of FIG. 15).

[0249] According to one embodiment, the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may include a pattern. For example, the pattern may include a plurality of openings (P1) penetrating from the front surface (410a) to the back surface (410b) of the glass (410). The arrangement of the plurality of openings (P1) may form a regular pattern (e.g., see the pattern shape of FIG. 23). For example, the spacing and diameter between the plurality of openings (P1) may be arranged to have a specified size.

[0250] According to one embodiment, the first coating layer (420) may be disposed on the glass (410) (e.g., on the front surface (410a)). The first coating layer (420) may include a first portion (421) disposed on a first region (S1) of the glass (410), and a second portion (422) disposed on a second region (S2) of the glass (410). The first portion (421) of the first coating layer (420) includes a first-first portion (421a) and a first-second portion (421b), and the first-first portion (421a) may correspond to the first-first region (S11) of the glass (410), and the first-second portion (421b) may correspond to the first-second region (S12) of the glass (410). The second portion (422) of the first coating layer (420) may correspond to a bending or rolling area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the second area (S2) of the glass (410)).

[0251] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the second portion (422) of the first coating layer (420) may have a shape that is curved in a direction toward the glass (410). For example, the back surface (e.g., one side facing the -Z axis) of the second portion (422) may be formed to be convex with respect to the back surface (e.g., one side facing the -Z axis) of the first portion (421) (e.g., the 1-1-th portion (421a) and the 1-2-th portion (421b)). For example, the back surface of the second portion (422) may form a curved surface that is curved in the -Z axis direction compared to the back surface of the first portion (421) (e.g., the 1-1-th portion (421a) and the 1-2-th portion (421b)). For example, when looking toward the back of the first coating layer (420), the second portion (422) of the first coating layer (420) may have a shape that protrudes in the direction of the glass (410) with respect to the first portion (421). The front surface (e.g., one surface facing the +Z axis) of the second portion (422) may extend to form a flat surface with the front surface (e.g., one surface facing the +Z axis) of the first portion (421) (e.g., the 1-1 portion (421a) and the 1-2 portion (421b)).

[0252] According to one embodiment, the first portion (421) of the first coating layer (420) may have an overall uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness). For example, the thickness of the first-first portion (421a) and the thickness of the first-second portion (421b) may be substantially the same. The first portion (421) of the first coating layer (420) may be a part of a flat area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the first display area (231) and the second display area (332) of FIG. 4) or a corresponding structure, and thus may maintain a plane that does not bend or roll.

[0253] According to one embodiment, the second portion (422) of the first coating layer (420) may be provided in a shape corresponding to the second region (S2) of the glass (410). For example, when the front surface (410a) of the second region (S2) of the glass (410) has a concave (or recessed) shape, the second portion (422) of the first coating layer (420) may have a structure that fills the concave shape.

[0254] According to one embodiment, the second coating layer (430) may be disposed below the glass (410) (e.g., on the back surface (410b)). The second coating layer (430) may include a first portion (431) disposed below the first region (S1) of the glass (410), and a second portion (432) disposed below the second region (S2) of the glass (410). The first portion (431) of the second coating layer (430) includes a first-first portion (431a) and a first-second portion (431b), and the first-first portion (431a) may correspond to the first-first region (S11) of the glass (410), and the first-second portion (431b) may correspond to the first-second region (S12) of the glass (410). The second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) may correspond to a bending or rolling area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the second portion (S2) of the glass (410)).

[0255] According to one embodiment, the second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) may be provided in a shape corresponding to the second region (S2) of the glass (410). For example, when the front surface of the second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) has a concave (or recessed) shape, at least a portion of the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may have a structure that fills the concave shape.

[0256] According to one embodiment, a portion of the second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) may be provided in a shape corresponding to the pattern of the second region (S2) of the glass (410). For example, a portion of the second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) may be a shape filled into a plurality of openings (P1) of the glass (410). For example, a portion of the second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) may be disposed within the plurality of openings (P1), and a portion penetrating the plurality of openings (P1) may face (or contact) the first coating layer (420). The second coating layer (430), which is more flexible than the glass (410), may be filled into the second region (S2) of the glass (410) to facilitate bending or rolling of the display.

[0257] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400d) cut along line AA` of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0258] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400e) cut along line AA` of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0259] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400f) cut along line AA` of FIG. 9 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0260] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400g) cut along line AA` of FIG. 9 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0261] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (400h) cut along line AA` of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0262] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1 to 3) may include a first housing (e.g., a first housing (210) of FIGS. 2A and 3), a second housing (e.g., a second housing (220) of FIGS. 2A and 3), and a flexible display (e.g., a display (230) of FIGS. 2 and 4). The flexible display (230) may include a flexible display panel (e.g., a display panel (235) of FIG. 4) and a flexible cover structure (400d; 400e; 400f; 400g; 400h) formed such that at least a portion of the flexible display panel is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0263] According to one embodiment, the flexible cover structure (400c) may be a flexible structure that corresponds to the operations of the unfolded state, the intermediate state, and the folded state of the flexible display (230).

[0264] The configuration of the flexible cover structures (400d; 400e; 400f; 400g; 400h) of FIGS. 18 to 22 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the display (230) of FIGS. 2A and 4, and / or the configuration of the flexible cover structures (400; 400a; 400b; 400c) of FIGS. 5 to 17C. The embodiments of FIGS. 18 to 22 may be partially combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 17C, or the embodiments of FIGS. 23 to 36. Hereinafter, different components (e.g., bending sections (A2) of the cover structures (400d; 400e; 400f; 400g; 400h)) will be described.

[0265] According to one embodiment, a flexible cover structure (400d; 400e) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1 to 3) may include glass (410), a first coating layer (420) disposed on the glass (410), and a second coating layer (430) disposed under the glass (410).

[0266] According to one embodiment, the glass (410) may include a first region (S1) and a second region (S2) extending from the first region (S1) and corresponding to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display panel. The first region (S1) may include a first-first region (S11) and a first-second region (S12) spaced apart from the second region (S2).

[0267] According to one embodiment, the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may have a shape that is curved in a direction toward the second coating layer (430). For example, the front surface (e.g., one side facing the +Z-axis direction) of the second region (S2) may be formed to be concave with respect to the front surface (e.g., one side facing the +Z-axis direction) of the first region (S1), and the back surface (e.g., one side facing the -Z-axis direction) of the second region (S2) may be formed to be convex with respect to the back surface (e.g., one side facing the +Z-axis direction) of the first region (S1).

[0268] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19 according to one embodiment, the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may include a pattern. For example, the pattern may be a structure formed on the front surface of the glass (410) and may include recesses (P2) arranged at regular intervals. The pattern may be a structure formed on the back surface of the glass (410) and may include recesses (P2) arranged at regular intervals. According to one embodiment, the recesses (P2) formed on the front surface and the back surface of the glass (410) may have corresponding shapes. For example, the recesses (P2) on the front surface and the recesses (P2) on the back surface may be arranged at regular intervals in a curved shape in a shape facing each other.

[0269] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19 according to one embodiment, a first coating layer (420) may be disposed on glass (410). The first coating layer (420) may include a first portion (421) disposed on a first region (S1) of the glass (410), and a second portion (second portion) (422) disposed on a second region (S2) of the glass (410). According to one embodiment, a second coating layer (430) may be disposed below the glass (410). The second coating layer (430) may include a first portion (431) disposed on the first region (S1) of the glass (410), and a second portion (second portion) (432) disposed on the second region (S2) of the glass (410).

[0270] Referring to FIG. 18 according to one embodiment, the second portion (422) of the first coating layer (420) is positioned along a curved shape to correspond to the second region (S2) of the glass (410), and some of it may be positioned (e.g., filled) within recesses (P2) arranged (or formed) on the front surface of the curved shape. According to one embodiment, the second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) is positioned along a curved shape to correspond to the second region (S2) of the glass (410), and some of it may be positioned (e.g., filled) within recesses (P2) arranged (or formed) on the back surface of the curved shape.

[0271] Referring to FIG. 19 according to one embodiment, the flexible cover structure (400e) may further include a third coating layer (440) positioned on one surface of the second region (S2) (e.g., bending region) of the glass (410). According to one embodiment, the second portion (422) of the first coating layer (420) may be arranged along a curved shape to correspond to the second region (S2) of the glass (410), and the third coating layer (440) may be positioned (e.g., filled) within recesses (P2) arranged (or formed) on the entire surface of the curved shape. According to one embodiment, the second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) may be positioned along a curved shape to correspond to the second region (S2) of the glass (410), and the third coating layer (440) may be positioned (e.g., filled) within recesses (P2) arranged (or formed) on the rear surface of the curved shape.

[0272] Referring to FIG. 19 according to one embodiment, the third coating layer (440) may be a film layer composed of a transparent polymer. The third coating layer (440) may include an optically clear resin (OCR) filler. The OCR filler may have a refractive index substantially the same as that of the glass (410) (e.g., a refractive index of 0.05R or more). The OCR filler may be an elastic material including an adhesive component. For example, the OCR filler may be natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, a styrene-isoprene-styrene (co)polymer, a styrene-butadiene-styrene (co)polymer, a (meth)acrylic (co)polymer, a polyacrylate, a polyolefin, polyisobutylene and polyisoprene, polyurethane, polyvinyl ethyl ether, polysiloxane, silicone, polyurea, or a mixture of at least one of these.

[0273] Referring to FIG. 19 according to one embodiment, the third coating layer (440) may have a lower modulus than the first coating layer (420) and the second coating layer (430). The low modulus of the third coating layer (440) may further reduce the repulsive force when the flexible display (230) is folded.

[0274] A cover structure (400d; 400e) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can provide corresponding shapes of the recesses (P2) of the glass (410) formed in the bending section (A2), the first coating layer (420), the second coating layer (430), and / or the third coating layer (440). Accordingly, the first coating layer (420), the second coating layer (430), and / or the third coating layer (440), which are more flexible than the glass (410), can facilitate bending of the second region (S2) of the glass (410).

[0275] According to one embodiment, the configuration of the flexible cover structure (400f) of FIG. 20 can substantially apply the embodiments of FIGS. 9 to 11c.

[0276] Referring to FIG. 20 according to one embodiment, the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may include a pattern. For example, the pattern may include a plurality of openings (P1) penetrating from the front to the back of the glass (410). The arrangement of the plurality of openings (P1) may form a regular pattern (e.g., see the pattern shape of FIG. 23). For example, the spacing and diameter between the plurality of openings (P1) may be arranged to have a specified size.

[0277] Referring to FIG. 20 according to one embodiment, the first coating layer (420) may be disposed on a portion above the glass (410). The first coating layer (420) may be disposed on the second region (S2) of the glass (410) and may not be disposed on the first region (S1). The first coating layer (420) may correspond to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display. According to one embodiment, the second coating layer (430) may be disposed below the glass (410).

[0278] Referring to FIG. 20 according to one embodiment, the flexible cover structure (400f) may further include a third coating layer (440) positioned within a second region (S2) (e.g., a bending region) of the glass (410). The third coating layer (440) may be positioned along a curved shape to correspond to the second region (S2) of the glass (410), and at least a portion of the third coating layer (440) may be positioned within (e.g., filled in) a plurality of openings (P1) arranged (or formed) in the curved shape.

[0279] Referring to FIG. 20 according to one embodiment, a third coating layer (440) may be disposed between the first coating layer (420) and the second coating layer (430). The third coating layer (440) and the glass (410) may form a substantially uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness).

[0280] A cover structure (400f) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can provide a plurality of openings (P1) formed in a second region (S2) of glass (410) and a third coating layer (440) filled in the plurality of openings (P1). The third coating layer (440) can easily and stably accommodate a variable amount of glass that flexibly expands when the cover structure (e.g., glass (410)) is bent, thereby reducing repulsive force and stress.

[0281] According to one embodiment, the configuration of the flexible cover structure (400g) of FIG. 21 can substantially apply the embodiments of FIGS. 9 to 11c and the embodiment of FIG. 20, and the configuration of the flexible cover structure (400h) of FIG. 22 can substantially apply the embodiments of FIGS. 5 to 7c.

[0282] Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22 according to one embodiment, the glass (410) includes a first region (S1) and a second region (S2), and the first region (S1) and the second region (S2) may form different thicknesses overall. For example, the thickness of the second region (S2) may be substantially smaller than the thickness of the first region (S1).

[0283] Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22 according to one embodiment, the first region (S1) of the glass (410) may have an overall uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness). The second region (S2) of the glass (410) may be formed to have a variable thickness along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). For example, the thickness of the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may gradually (sequentially) decrease as it moves away from the region adjacent to the first region (S1).

[0284] Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22 according to one embodiment, the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may have a shape that is curved in a direction toward the second coating layer (430). For example, the front surface (e.g., one surface facing the +Z axis) of the second region (S2) may be formed to be concave with respect to the front surface of the first region (S1), and the back surface (e.g., one surface facing the -Z axis) of the second region (S2) may be formed to be convex with respect to the back surface (410b) of the first region (S1).

[0285] Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22 according to one embodiment, the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may have a symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (e.g., line CC` of FIGS. 5 and / or 9). The value (e.g., absolute value) of the front and / or rear inclination (e.g., inclination of a tangent) of the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may gradually (or sequentially) increase as it moves away from the folding axis (e.g., line CC` of FIGS. 5 and / or 9). The thickness of the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may have the smallest thickness in the region of the folding axis (e.g., line CC` of FIGS. 5 and / or 9) and may gradually (or sequentially) increase as it moves away from the folding axis (e.g., line CC` of FIGS. 5 and / or 9).

[0286] Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22 according to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first coating layer (420) or the second portion (422) of the first coating layer (420) may have a shape that is curved in a direction toward the glass (410). For example, the rear surface of the first coating layer (420) may be filled to correspond to the front surface of the glass (410), and may have a thickness that gradually (or sequentially) increases as it approaches the folding axis (e.g., line CC` in FIG. 5).

[0287] Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22 according to one embodiment, at least a portion of the second portion (432) of the second coating layer (430) may have a shape that is curved in the opposite direction of the glass (410) (e.g., in the -Z-axis direction). For example, the front surface of the second coating layer (430) may have a concave shape to correspond to the back surface of the glass (410), and may have a thickness that gradually (or sequentially) decreases as it approaches the folding axis (e.g., line CC` of FIGS. 5 and / or 9).

[0288] Referring to FIG. 22 according to one embodiment, the shape of the plurality of openings (P1) of the glass (410) may have a length (e.g., thickness) that sequentially (or gradually) decreases as it corresponds to the shape of the glass (410).

[0289] According to one embodiment, the third coating layer (440) is positioned along a curved shape to correspond to the second region (S2) of the glass (410), and at least a portion of the third coating layer (440) can be positioned (e.g., filled) within a plurality of openings (P1) arranged (or formed) in the curved shape. The third coating layer (440) can be positioned between the first coating layer (420) and the second coating layer (430). The third coating layer (440) can have a length (e.g., thickness) that sequentially (or gradually) decreases as it corresponds to the shape of the glass (410).

[0290] The embodiments of FIGS. 21 and 22 can provide an additional repulsive force reduction effect compared to other embodiments, as the glass (410) sequentially (or gradually) decreases from the bending section (A2) of the cover structure (400) toward the center (e.g., toward the folding axis (e.g., line CC` of FIGS. 5 and / or 9)). The embodiments of FIGS. 21 and 22 can be structures applicable to relatively thick glass compared to other embodiments. For example, the glass (410) of the embodiments of FIGS. 21 and 22 can have a greater thickness than the glass (410) of the embodiments of FIGS. 4 to 7C and the embodiments of FIGS. 15 to 17C. However, the shape of the glass (410) of the embodiments of FIGS. 21 and 22 is not limited to the illustrated structure, and can be variously designed and changed depending on the design and structure of the foldable electronic device, or the lamination specifications.

[0291] FIG. 23 is a drawing showing a pattern of glass of a flexible cover structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0292] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1 to 3) may include a first housing (e.g., a first housing (210) of FIGS. 2A and 3), a second housing (e.g., a second housing (220) of FIGS. 2A and 3), and a flexible display (e.g., a display (230) of FIGS. 2 and 4). The flexible display (230) may include a flexible display panel (e.g., a display panel (235) of FIG. 4) and a flexible cover structure formed such that at least a portion of the flexible display panel is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0293] According to one embodiment, a flexible cover structure (400) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1 to 3) may include a patterned glass (410). The glass (410) may include a first region (e.g., the first region (S1) of FIGS. 5 to 7), and a second region (e.g., the second region (S2) of FIGS. 8 to 7) extending from the first region (S1) and corresponding to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display panel.

[0294] The configuration of the flexible cover structure (400) of FIG. 23 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the display (230) of FIGS. 2A and 4, and / or the configuration of the flexible cover structures (400; 400a; 400c; 400d; 400e; 400f; 400g; 400h) of FIGS. 5 to 22. The embodiments of FIG. 23 may be partially combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 22, or the embodiments of FIGS. 24 to 36.

[0295] According to one embodiment, the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may include a pattern. For example, the pattern may be at least one of a plurality of openings extending from the front to the back of the glass (410), a plurality of recesses formed on the front and / or back of the glass (410), or a plurality of protruding portions.

[0296] According to one embodiment, the elements determining the pattern of the glass (410) may be at least one of a pattern width (L1), a pattern length (L2), a pattern angle (L3), and a pattern-to-pattern distance (L4). In a foldable electronic device, a pattern advantageous to the electronic device can be designed by controlling the elements by considering at least one of a thickness of the flexible display panel, a thickness of the glass, and / or a folding radius.

[0297] Referring to the area O, which is an enlarged portion of the pattern of the glass (410), it can be seen that the pattern is arranged in a repeated arrangement of a first shape (K1) and a second shape (K2). The first shape (K1) may be a reversed version of the second shape (K2) (e.g., rotated 180 degrees).

[0298] According to one embodiment, the first shape (K1) and the second shape (K2) each include a first slit (K11) and a second slit (K12) extending from the first slit (K11), and the first slit (K11) and the second slit (K12) can be formed to have a designated pattern angle (L3). The designated pattern angle (L3) can form an obtuse angle, and the length and thickness of the first slit (K11) and the second slit (K12) can be substantially the same.

[0299] According to one embodiment, the pattern of the glass (410) may be formed of a plurality of rows and columns (M x N), where odd columns may be an array of a plurality of first shapes (K1), and even columns may be an array of a plurality of second shapes (K2). For example, a first column may have a plurality of first shapes (K1) arranged, and a second column may have a plurality of second shapes (K2) arranged.

[0300] In one embodiment, the arrangement of the first shapes (K1) and the arrangement of the second shapes (K2) may be staggered so as to be positioned as close to each other as possible. For example, when viewed from the side of the glass (410), a portion of the first shape (K1) and a portion of the second shape (K2) may be arranged to overlap each other.

[0301] According to one embodiment, the pattern formed in the bending area of ​​the glass (410) can easily and stably accommodate a variable amount of flexibly expanded glass, thereby reducing the repulsive force and stress generated when the display is bent.

[0302] FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a flexible cover structure manufacturing process according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0303] FIG. 25 is a drawing schematically illustrating the flow of a flexible cover structure manufacturing process according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0304] The configuration of the flexible cover structure (400) of FIGS. 24 and 25 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the display (230) of FIGS. 2A and 4, and / or the configuration of the flexible cover structures (400; 400a; 400c; 400d; 400e; 400f; 400g; 400h) of FIGS. 5 to 22. The embodiments of FIGS. 24 and 25 may substantially apply the embodiments of FIGS. 5 to 7c. The embodiments of FIGS. 24 and 25 may be partially combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 4 to 23, and / or the embodiments of FIGS. 26 to 36.

[0305] According to one embodiment, the flexible cover structure (400) may include glass (410), a first coating layer (420) disposed over the glass (410), and a second coating layer (430) disposed under the glass (410).

[0306] According to the manufacturing process of the flexible cover structure (400), first, a glass base material (40) is prepared, and then a process of processing the glass base material into a desired size (or sizes) can be performed. (Process 10) For example, the worker can process the outer portion of the glass base material (40) (e.g., a glass plate) to prepare the glass base material into a desired size. The thickness of the processed glass base material (40) can be approximately 20 µm to 70 µm.

[0307] Afterwards, a process (e.g., a pretreatment process) for forming glass having a curved shape of a folding region (e.g., a second region (S2)) can be performed. (Process 20) The mold (M) includes a plurality of suction holes, and the central portion of the mold (M) can have a shape that protrudes (e.g., is convex) in the +Z-axis direction to form a curved folding region. The second region (S2) of the glass base material (40) placed on one surface of the mold (M) can be changed into a temporarily bent shape through suction at room temperature or a permanently bent shape through high-temperature heat forming. The second region (S2) of the glass (410) can have a shape that is curved (e.g., is convex) in the direction toward the +Z-axis.

[0308] Thereafter, a process of placing a second coating layer (430) on one surface of the glass (410) can be performed. (Process 30) The second coating layer (430) can be filled on the glass (410), and a planarization process and a curing process can be performed. For example, as the second coating layer (430) is filled on the glass (410), the back surface of the second coating layer (430) can have a shape that is curved (e.g., convex) in the direction toward the +Z axis so as to correspond to the shape of the second region (S2) of the glass (410). The front surface of the second coating layer (430) can provide an overall uniform surface through the planarization process. As the second coating layer (430) ultimately forms the bottom surface of the glass (410), a coating layer having a relatively low modulus can be used compared to the first coating layer (420) described below in order to reduce the repulsive force of the display.

[0309] Thereafter, a process of mounting the laminated structure of the glass (410) and the second coating layer (430) on the prepared jig (J) can be performed so that the front / rear surfaces are reversed (e.g., rotated 180 degrees). (Process 40) For example, after the laminated structure of the glass (410) and the second coating layer (430) is reversed, the second region (S2) of the glass (410) can expose a concave surface.

[0310] Thereafter, a process of placing a first coating layer (420) on the other surface of the exposed glass (410) can be performed. (Process 50) The first coating layer (420) can be filled on the glass (410), and a planarization process and a curing process can be performed. For example, as the first coating layer (420) is filled on the glass (410), the back surface of the first coating layer (420) can have a shape that is curved (e.g., concave) in the direction toward the -Z axis so as to correspond to the shape of the second region (S2) of the glass (410). The first coating layer (420) fills the concave portion of the thin film glass (410), and the front surface of the first coating layer (420) can provide an overall uniform surface through the planarization process. As the first coating layer (420) ultimately forms the front surface of the glass (410), a coating layer having a relatively high modulus can be used compared to the second coating layer (430) in order to protect the display from external impact.

[0311] The first coating layer and the second coating layer (430) may be composed of a transparent polymer. The first coating layer and the second coating layer (430) may include an optically clear resin (OCR) filler. The OCR filler may be an elastic material including an adhesive component. For example, the OCR filler may be natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, a styrene-isoprene-styrene (co)polymer, a styrene-butadiene-styrene (co)polymer, a (meth)acrylic (co)polymer, a polyacrylate, a polyolefin, polyisobutylene and polyisoprene, polyurethane, polyvinyl ethyl ether, polysiloxane, silicone, polyurea, or a mixture of at least one of these.

[0312] Thereafter, a process of detaching the final cover structure (400) from the jig can be performed. (Process 60) The final cover structure (400) has a curved shape such that the second region (S2) of the glass (410) corresponds to a bending or rolling region of the display panel, and the sum of the thicknesses of the first coating layer (420), the glass (410), and the second coating layer (430) forming the bending section (A2) of the cover structure (400) can be substantially equal to the sum of the thicknesses of the first coating layer (420), the glass (410), and the second coating layer (430) forming the flat section (A1) of the cover structure (400).

[0313] FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a flexible cover structure manufacturing process according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0314] FIG. 27 is a drawing schematically illustrating the flow of a flexible cover structure manufacturing process according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0315] The configuration of the flexible cover structure (400) of FIGS. 26 and 27 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the display (230) of FIGS. 2A and 4, and / or the configuration of the flexible cover structures (400; 400a; 400c; 400d; 400e; 400f; 400g; 400h) of FIGS. 5 to 22. The embodiments of FIGS. 26 and 27 may substantially apply the embodiments of FIGS. 9 to 11c. The embodiments of FIGS. 26 and 27 may be partially combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 4 to 25, and / or the embodiments of FIGS. 28 to 36.

[0316] According to one embodiment, the flexible cover structure (400) may include glass (410), a first coating layer (420) disposed over the glass (410), and a second coating layer (430) disposed under the glass (410).

[0317] According to the manufacturing process of the flexible cover structure (400), first, after preparing the glass base material (40), a process of processing a pattern in a desired size (or sizes) and a portion of the glass base material (e.g., a folding area) can be performed. (Process 10, Process 11) For example, the worker can process the outer portion of the glass base material (40) (e.g., a glass plate) to prepare a desired size based on the glass base material (40). The thickness of the processed glass base material (40) can be approximately 70 µm or more (e.g., 70 µm to 400 µm). The worker can process a designated pattern in the folding area (e.g., the second area (S2)) of the glass (410). The above-mentioned pattern may be at least one of a plurality of openings penetrating from the front to the back of the glass (410), a plurality of recesses formed on the front and / or back of the glass (410), or a plurality of protruding portions.

[0318] In one embodiment, when the thickness of the glass (410) is 70㎛ or more, the folding area must be subjected to separate processing (e.g., pattern processing) to enable folding.

[0319] Afterwards, a process (e.g., a pretreatment process) for forming glass having a curved shape of a folding region (e.g., a second region (S2)) can be performed. (Process 20) The mold (M) includes a plurality of suction holes, and the central portion of the mold (M) can have a shape that protrudes (e.g., is convex) in the +Z-axis direction to form a curved folding region. The second region (S2) of the glass base material (40) placed on one surface of the mold (M) can be changed into a temporarily bent shape through suction at room temperature or a permanently bent shape through high-temperature heat forming. The second region (S2) of the glass (410) can have a shape that is curved (e.g., is convex) in the direction toward the +Z-axis.

[0320] Thereafter, a process of disposing a second coating layer (430) on one surface of the glass (410) can be performed. (Process 30) The second coating layer (430) can be filled on the glass (410) and inside the pattern, and a planarization process and a curing process can be performed. For example, as the second coating layer (430) is filled on the glass (410), the back surface of the second coating layer (430) can have a shape that is curved (e.g., convex) in the direction toward the +Z axis so as to correspond to the shape of the second region (S2) of the glass (410). The second coating layer (430), which is more flexible than the glass (410), can facilitate bending of the second region (S2) as it is filled inside the pattern of the glass (410). The front surface of the second coating layer (430) can provide an overall uniform surface through the planarization process. As the second coating layer (430) ultimately forms the bottom surface of the glass (410), a coating layer having a relatively lower modulus can be used compared to the first coating layer (420) described below to reduce the repulsive force of the display.

[0321] Thereafter, a process of mounting the laminated structure of the glass (410) and the second coating layer (430) on the prepared jig (J) can be performed so that the front / rear surfaces are reversed (e.g., rotated 180 degrees). (Process 40) For example, after the laminated structure of the glass (410) and the second coating layer (430) is reversed, the second region (S2) of the glass (410) can expose a concave surface.

[0322] Thereafter, a process of placing a first coating layer (420) on the other surface of the exposed glass (410) can be performed. (Process 50) The first coating layer (420) can be filled on the glass (410), and a planarization process and a curing process can be performed. For example, as the first coating layer (420) is filled on the glass (410), the back surface of the first coating layer (420) can have a shape that is curved (e.g., concave) in the direction toward the -Z axis so as to correspond to the shape of the second region (S2) of the glass (410). The first coating layer (420) fills the concave portion of the glass (410), and the front surface of the first coating layer (420) can provide an overall uniform surface through the planarization process. As the first coating layer (420) ultimately forms the front surface of the glass (410), a coating layer having a relatively high modulus can be used compared to the second coating layer (430) in order to protect the display from external impact.

[0323] Thereafter, a process of removing a portion of the first coating layer (420) may be performed so that the first coating layer (420) is disposed only in the second region (S2) of the glass (410). (Process 51) For example, as the first coating layer (420) filled on the front surface of the glass (410) is removed, the first region (S1) of the glass (410) may be exposed to the outside, and the second region (S2) may be maintained in a state in which the first coating layer (420) is filled. When the thickness of the glass (410) is 70㎛ or more, the glass itself has sufficient rigidity, so that the glass surface can be exposed to the outermost portion and used. In addition, since the user can directly touch the glass (410), an improved touch feeling can be provided.

[0324] Thereafter, a process of detaching the final cover structure (400) from the jig can be performed. (Process 60) The final cover structure (400) has a curved shape such that the second region (S2) of the glass (410) corresponds to a bending or rolling region of the display panel, and the sum of the thicknesses of the first coating layer (420), the glass (410), and the second coating layer (430) forming the bending section (A2) of the cover structure (400) can be substantially equal to the sum of the thicknesses of the first coating layer (420), the glass (410), and the second coating layer (430) forming the flat section (A1) of the cover structure (400).

[0325] FIG. 28 is a drawing showing the front side of a flexible cover structure (500; 500a) in an unfolded state of an out-folding electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0326] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (500) cut along line AA` of FIG. 28 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0327] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (500a) cut along line AA` of FIG. 28 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0328] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a first housing (e.g., first housing (210) of FIG. 2), a second housing (e.g., second housing (220) of FIG. 2), and a flexible display. The flexible display may include a flexible display panel and a flexible cover structure (500) formed such that at least a portion of the flexible display panel is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0329] 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 (230) can change between an unfolded state, an intermediate state, and a folded state.

[0330] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may be an out-folding device that folds outward. For example, the flexible display (230) may be provided to be constantly visible in the field of view when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state, an intermediate state, and a folded state. The flexible display (230) may include a first flat region, a second flat region, and a folding region that is bendable or rollable between the first flat region and the second flat region. When the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state, the first flat region, the folding region, and the second flat region may form the same plane. When the electronic device (101) is in a folded state, the first flat region and the second flat region may be arranged parallel and opposite to each other (e.g., facing in opposite directions).

[0331] According to one embodiment, the flexible cover structure (500) may be a flexible structure that corresponds to the operation of the flexible display in the unfolded state, the intermediate state, and the folded state. For example, at least a portion of the flexible cover structure (500) may change from a region forming a plane to a region forming a bending or rolling form when the electronic device is operated in a folded state.

[0332] The configuration of the flexible cover structure (500; 500a) of FIGS. 28 to 30 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the display (230) of FIGS. 2a and 4, and / or the configuration of the flexible cover structure (400; 400a; 400c; 400d; 400e; 400f; 400g; 400h) of FIGS. 5 to 22. The embodiments of FIGS. 28 to 30 may be partially combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 4 to 27, and / or the embodiments of FIGS. 31 to 36.

[0333] According to one embodiment, the flexible cover structure (500; 500a) may include glass (510), a first coating layer (520) disposed on the glass (510), and a second coating layer (530) disposed under the glass (510).

[0334] According to one embodiment, the glass (510) may include a first region (S1) and a second region (S2) extending from the first region (S1) and corresponding to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display panel. The first region (S1) may include a first-first region (S11) and a first-second region (S12) spaced apart from the second region (S2).

[0335] According to one embodiment, the glass (510) 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).

[0336] According to one embodiment, the second region (S2) of the glass (510) may have a shape that is curved in a direction toward the first coating layer (520). For example, the front surface (510a) of the second region (S2) may be formed to be convex with respect to the front surface (510a) of the first region (S1) (e.g., the 1-1 region (S11) and the 1-2 region (S12)), and the back surface (510b) of the second region (S2) may be formed to be concave with respect to the back surface (510b) of the first region (S1) (e.g., the 1-1 region (S11) and the 1-2 region (S12)). For example, the front surface (510a) of the second region (S2) may form a curved surface in the +Z-axis direction compared to the front surface (510a) of the first region (S1) (e.g., the 1-1 region (S11) and the 1-2 region (S12)), and the back surface (510b) of the second region (S2) may form a curved surface in the +Z-axis direction compared to the back surface (510b) of the first region (S1) (e.g., the 1-1 region (S11) and the 1-2 region (S12)).

[0337] Referring to FIG. 29, the glass (510) may be formed entirely without a pattern, and the thickness of the second region (S2) of the glass (510) may be substantially the same as the thickness of the first region (S1). The thickness of the glass (510) may be approximately 30 μm to 70 μm overall.

[0338] Referring to FIG. 30, the glass (510) may form a pattern in the second region (S2). The specified pattern may be at least one of a plurality of openings penetrating from the front to the back of the glass (510), a plurality of recesses formed on the front and / or back of the glass (510), or a plurality of protruding portions. The thickness of the glass (510) may be approximately 70 μm or more overall (e.g., 70 μm to 400 μm).

[0339] According to one embodiment, the first coating layer (520) may be disposed on the glass (510) (e.g., on the front surface (510a)). The first coating layer (520) may include a first portion (521) disposed on a first region (S1) of the glass (510), and a second portion (522) disposed on a second region (S2) of the glass (510).

[0340] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the second portion (522) of the first coating layer (520) may have a curved shape corresponding to the second region (S2) of the glass (510). For example, the back surface (e.g., one surface facing the -Z axis) of the second portion (522) may be formed convexly with respect to the back surface (e.g., one surface facing the -Z axis) of the first portion (521). For example, the back surface of the second portion (522) may form a curved surface that is curved in the +Z axis direction compared to the back surface of the first portion (521). According to one embodiment, the front surfaces (e.g., one surface facing the +Z axis) of the first portion (521) and the second portion (522) of the first coating layer (520) may form an overall flat surface.

[0341] Referring to FIG. 29, the second portion (522) of the first coating layer (520) may be positioned (e.g., filled) along the entire front surface of the second region (S2) of the glass (510).

[0342] Referring to FIG. 30, the second portion (522) of the first coating layer (520) is positioned (e.g., filled) in a curved shape along the second region (S2) of the glass (510), and at least a portion thereof can provide a shape that fills the space of the shape of the pattern (e.g., a plurality of openings (P1)).

[0343] According to one embodiment, the second coating layer (530) may be disposed below the glass (510) (e.g., on the back surface (510b)). The second coating layer (530) may include a first portion (531) disposed on a first region (S1) of the glass (510), and a second portion (532) disposed on a second region (S2) of the glass (510).

[0344] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the second coating layer (530) (or the second portion (532) of the second coating layer (530)) may have a curved shape corresponding to the second region (S2) of the glass (510). For example, the front surface (e.g., one surface facing the +Z axis) of the second coating layer (530) (or the second portion (532) of the second coating layer (530)) may be formed convexly with respect to the back surface (510b) of the glass (510) (or the front surface (e.g., one surface facing the -Z axis) of the first portion (521) of the second coating layer (530)).

[0345] Referring to FIG. 29, the back surface (e.g., one surface facing the -Z axis) of the first portion (521) and the second portion (522) of the second coating layer (530) can form an overall flat surface.

[0346] Referring to FIG. 30, the second coating layer (530) may be disposed only on the second region (S2) of the glass (510), and may be excluded from other regions.

[0347] FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 are specific examples of the curved shape of the glass (510) and its surrounding area, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and can be easily designed and changed to provide a display cover structure that is advantageous for bending, taking into account changes in the thickness of the glass (510) and diversification of patterns.

[0348] According to one embodiment of FIGS. 28 to 30, in an out-folding electronic device, a cover structure (500; 500a) advantageous for a display that is bent outward can be provided. The cover structure (500; 500a) (e.g., glass (510)) can easily and stably accommodate a variable amount of glass that flexibly expands when bent, thereby achieving effects of relieving repulsive force and improving wrinkles.

[0349] FIG. 31 is a drawing showing the front side of a flexible cover structure (600; 600a) in an unfolded state of a sliderable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0350] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (600) cut along line AA` of FIG. 31 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0351] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (600a) cut along line AA` of FIG. 31 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0352] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a first housing (e.g., first housing (210) of FIG. 2), a second housing (e.g., second housing (220) of FIG. 2), and a flexible display. The flexible display may include a flexible display panel and a flexible cover structure (600; 600a) formed such that at least a portion of the flexible display panel is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0353] According to one embodiment, depending on the state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., from a slide-in state to a slide-out state), the flexible display can change between a slide-in state, an intermediate state, and a slide-out state.

[0354] According to one embodiment, as the flexible display changes from a slide-in state to a slide-out state, the area visible to the field of view may be expanded. For example, in the slide-in state of the electronic device (101), a portion of the flexible display may be positioned within the housing, and in the slide-out state of the electronic device (101), the portion may be positioned to be exposed to the outside or visible to the field of view.

[0355] According to one embodiment, the flexible cover structure (600; 600a) may be a flexible structure corresponding to the slide-in and slide-out operations of the flexible display. For example, at least a portion of the flexible cover structure (600; 600a) may be changed from a region forming a plane to a region forming a bending (or rolling) when the electronic device (101) is slide-in and slide-out, or the region forming a bending (or rolling) may be changed to a region forming a plane.

[0356] The configuration of the flexible cover structure (600; 600a) of FIGS. 31 to 33 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the display (230) of FIGS. 2a and 4, and / or the configuration of the flexible cover structure (400; 400a; 400c; 400d; 400e; 400f; 400g; 400h; 500; 500a) of FIGS. 5 to 30. The embodiments of FIGS. 31 to 33 may be partially combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 4 to 30 and the embodiments of FIGS. 34 to 36.

[0357] According to one embodiment, the flexible cover structure (600; 600a) may include glass (610), a first coating layer (620) disposed over the glass (610), and a second coating layer (630) disposed under the glass (610).

[0358] According to one embodiment, the glass (410) may include a first region (S1) and a second region (S2) extending from the first region (S1) and corresponding to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display panel. The first region (S1) and the second region (S2) may form an overall uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness).

[0359] According to one embodiment, a portion of the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may have a shape that is curved (e.g., inclined) in a direction toward the second coating layer (430). According to one embodiment, the second region (S2) may include a curved portion (S21) adjacent to the first region (S1) and an extended portion (S22) extending from the curved portion (S21). For example, the curved portion (S21) may have a shape that is bent or inclined toward the second coating layer (430). At least a portion of the curved portion (S21) may form a curved surface that is curved in the -Z-axis direction.

[0360] According to one embodiment, the first region (S1) and the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may have different heights from the bottom surface (e.g., one surface facing the -Z axis) of the cover structure (400). For example, the height of the first region (S1) from the bottom surface (e.g., one surface facing the -Z axis) of the cover structure (400) may be greater than the height of the second region (S2). As the curved portion (S21) of the second region (S2) seamlessly extends from the first region (S1) to the extended portion (S22) of the second region (S2), the height of the curved portion (S21) of the second region (S2) may gradually (or sequentially) decrease.

[0361] According to one embodiment, the first region (S1) of the glass (410) may be located at one end (e.g., in the -Y-axis direction) and the other end (e.g., in the +Y-axis direction) of the second region (S2). The first region (S1) may include a first-first region (S11) and a first-second region (S12) spaced apart from each other with the second region (S2) therebetween. The first-first region (S11) may have a relatively longer length compared to the first-second region (S12). In a sliderable electronic device, the first-first region (S11) may be a region that forms a plane so as to be constantly visible in the field of view during a slide-in to slide-out operation, and the first-second region (S12) may be a region that is constantly located inside the electronic device and not visible in the field of view during a slide-in to slide-out operation, and may be a region that constantly forms a plane. Referring to FIG. 32, the glass (410) may be formed entirely without a pattern, and the thickness of the second region (S2) of the glass (410) may be substantially the same as the thickness of the first region (S1). The thickness of the glass (410) may be approximately 30 μm to 70 μm overall.

[0362] Referring to FIG. 33, the glass (610) may form a pattern in the second region (S2). The specified pattern may be at least one of a plurality of openings penetrating from the front to the back of the glass (610), a plurality of recesses formed on the front and / or back of the glass (610), or a plurality of protruding portions. The thickness of the glass (610) may be approximately 70 μm or more overall (e.g., 70 μm to 400 μm).

[0363] According to one embodiment, the first coating layer (620) may be disposed on the glass (610). Referring to FIG. 32, the first coating layer (620) may include a first portion (621) disposed on a first region (S1) of the glass (610), and a second portion (622) disposed on a second region (S2) of the glass (610). Referring to FIG. 33, the first coating layer (620) may include a first portion (621) disposed on a first region (S1) of the glass (610).

[0364] In one embodiment, the first coating layer (620) (or a portion of the second portion (622) of the first coating layer (620)) may have a curved (e.g., inclined) shape corresponding to the curved portion (S21) of the glass (610). For example, the back surface of the first coating layer (620) (or the back surface of the second portion (622) of the first coating layer (620)) may be formed to be inclined with respect to the front surface of the glass (610) (or the back surface of the first portion (621) of the first coating layer (620)). In one embodiment, the first coating layer (620) (or the front surfaces (e.g., one surface facing the +Z axis) of the first portion (621) and the second portion (622) of the first coating layer (620)) may form an overall flat surface.

[0365] Referring to FIG. 32, the second portion (622) of the first coating layer (620) may be positioned (e.g., filled) entirely along the front surface of the second region (S2) of the glass (610).

[0366] Referring to Figure 33, the first coating layer (620) may be placed only on the second region (S2) of the glass (610), and may be excluded from other regions.

[0367] According to one embodiment, the second coating layer (630) may be disposed under the glass (610). The second coating layer (630) may include a first portion (631) disposed on a first region (S1) of the glass (610), and a second portion (632) disposed on a second region (S2) of the glass (610).

[0368] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the second portion (632) of the second coating layer (630) may have a curved (e.g., inclined) shape corresponding to the second region (S2) of the glass (610). For example, a front surface (e.g., a side facing the +Z axis) of a portion of the second portion (632) may be formed to be inclined with respect to a front surface (e.g., a side facing the +Z axis) of the first portion (631) of the second coating layer (630) and a back surface (e.g., a side facing the -Z axis) of the second portion (632) may form an overall flat surface.

[0369] Referring to FIG. 32, the second portion (632) of the second coating layer (630) may be positioned (e.g., filled) entirely along the back surface of the second region (S2) of the glass (610).

[0370] Referring to FIG. 33, the second portion (622) of the second coating layer (630) may be positioned (e.g., filled) along the curved surface and the flat surface along the second area (S2) of the glass (610), and at least a portion thereof may be provided in a form that fills the space of the shape of the pattern (e.g., a plurality of openings (P1)) of the second area (S2).

[0371] FIG. 32 and FIG. 33 are specific examples of a curved shape (e.g., an inclined shape) of the glass (610) and its surrounding area, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and a display cover structure advantageous for bending can be easily designed and changed by taking into account changes in the thickness of the glass (610) and diversification of patterns.

[0372] According to one embodiment of FIGS. 31 to 33, in a slideable electronic device, a cover structure (600; 600a) advantageous for a display that bends or rolls according to changes in a slide-in or slide-out state can be provided. The cover structure (600; 600a) (e.g., glass (610)) can easily and stably accommodate a variable amount of glass that flexibly expands when bent, thereby achieving effects of relieving repulsive force and improving wrinkles.

[0373] FIG. 34 is a drawing showing the front side of a flexible cover structure (700; 700a) in an unfolded state of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0374] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (700) cut along line AA` of FIG. 34 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0375] FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible cover structure (700a) cut along line AA` of FIG. 34 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0376] According to one embodiment, a multi-foldable electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a first housing, a second housing, a third housing, and a flexible display. For example, the multi-foldable electronic device may be an electronic device that can be folded two or more times. The flexible display may include a flexible display panel and a flexible cover structure (700; 700a) formed such that at least a portion of the flexible display panel is exposed to the outside to protect the flexible display panel.

[0377] According to one embodiment, depending on the state of the multi-foldable electronic device (e.g., from an unfolded state to a folded state), the flexible display can be changed to an unfolded state, an intermediate state, and a folded state. In the unfolded state, the multi-foldable electronic device can have a second housing and a third housing arranged in parallel on both sides centered around a first housing.

[0378] In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device may be arranged so that, when folded, the first, second, and third housings overlap each other. For example, the third housing may be positioned above the first housing, and then the second housing may be positioned above the third housing. For example, the third housing may be positioned between the first and second housings. (Example: G-type multi-folding, see FIG. 35)

[0379] According to one embodiment, when the multi-foldable electronic device is folded, the first, second, and third housings may be arranged to overlap each other. For example, the second housing may be positioned above the first housing, and the third housing may be positioned below the first housing. For example, the first housing may be positioned between the second and third housings. (Example: Z-type, S-type multi-folding, see FIG. 36)

[0380] According to one embodiment, the flexible cover structure (700; 700a) may be a flexible structure that corresponds to the operations of the unfolded state, the intermediate state, and the folded state of the flexible display.

[0381] The configuration of the flexible cover structure (700; 700a) of FIGS. 34 to 36 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the display (230) of FIGS. 2a and 4, and / or the configuration of the flexible cover structure (400; 400a; 400c; 400d; 400e; 400f; 400g; 400h; 500; 500a) of FIGS. 5 to 30. The embodiments of FIGS. 34 to 36 may be partially combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 4 to 33.

[0382] According to one embodiment, the flexible cover structure (700; 700a) may include glass (710), a first coating layer (720) disposed over the glass (710), and a second coating layer (730) disposed under the glass (710).

[0383] According to one embodiment, the glass (710) may include a first region (S1) and a second region (S2) extending from the first region (S1) and corresponding to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display panel. The first region (S1) and the second region (S2) may form an overall uniform thickness (e.g., the same thickness).

[0384] According to one embodiment, the second region (S2) may include a second-first region (S21) and a second-second region (S22) that are spaced apart. The first region (S1) may include a first-first region (S11), a first-second region (S12), and a first-third region (S13). For example, the first region (S1) may include a first-first region (S11) and a first-second region (S12) that are spaced apart with a second-first region (S21) therebetween. The first region (S1) may include a first-first region (S11) and a first-third region (S13) that are spaced apart with a second-second region (S22) therebetween.

[0385] According to one embodiment, referring to FIG. 35, the second region (S2) of the glass (710) may have a shape that is curved in a direction toward the second coating layer (730). According to one embodiment, the second region (S2) of the glass (710) may have a shape that is curved in a direction toward the display panel. For example, the front surface (710a) of the second region (S2) may be formed to be concave with respect to the front surface (710a) of the first region (S1) (e.g., the 1-1 region (S11), the 1-2 region (S12), the 1-3 region (S13)), and the back surface (710b) of the second region (S2) may be formed to be convex with respect to the back surface (710b) of the first region (S1) (e.g., the 1-1 region (S11), the 1-2 region (S12), the 1-3 region (S13)). For example, the front surface (710a) of the second region (S2) may form a curved surface in the -Z-axis direction compared to the front surface (710a) of the first region (S1) (e.g., the 1-1 region (S11), the 1-2 region (S12), the 1-3 region (S13)), and the back surface (710b) of the second region (S2) may form a curved surface in the -Z-axis direction compared to the back surface (710b) of the first region (S1) (e.g., the 1-1 region (S11), the 1-2 region (S12), the 1-3 region (S13)).

[0386] According to one embodiment, referring to FIG. 36, the second region (S2) of the glass (710) may have a shape that is curved in a direction toward the second coating layer (730) and a direction toward the first coating layer (720). According to one embodiment, a part of the second region (S2) of the glass (710) may have a shape that is curved in a direction toward the display panel, and another part of the second region (S2) may have a shape that is curved in an opposite direction of the display panel. For example, the front surface (710a) of the 2-1 region (S21) may be formed to be convex with respect to the front surface (710a) of the 1st region (S1) (e.g., the 1-1 region (S11), the 1-2 region (S12)), and the back surface (710b) of the 2-1 region (S21) may be formed to be concave with respect to the back surface (710b) of the 1st region (S1) (e.g., the 1-1 region (S11), the 1-2 region (S12)). For example, the front surface (710a) of the 2-2 region (S22) may be formed to be concave with respect to the front surface (710a) of the 1st region (S1) (e.g., the 1-1 region (S11), the 1-3 region (S13)), and the back surface (710b) of the 2-2 region (S22) may be formed to be convex with respect to the back surface (710b) of the 1st region (S1) (e.g., the 1-1 region (S11), the 1-3 region (S13)). For example, the front surface (710a) of the 2-1 region (S21) may form a curved surface in the +Z-axis direction compared to the front surface (710a) of the 1st region (S1) (e.g., the 1-1 region (S11), the 1-2 region (S12)), and the back surface (710b) of the 2-1 region (S21) may form a curved surface in the +Z-axis direction compared to the back surface (710b) of the 1st region (S1) (e.g., the 1-1 region (S11), the 1-2 region (S12)).For example, the front surface (710a) of the 2-2 region (S22) may form a curved surface in the -Z-axis direction compared to the front surface (710a) of the 1st region (S1) (e.g., the 1-1 region (S11), the 1-3 region (S13)), and the back surface (710b) of the 2-2 region (S22) may form a curved surface in the -Z-axis direction compared to the back surface (710b) of the 1st region (S1) (e.g., the 1-1 region (S11), the 1-3 region (S13)).

[0387] According to one embodiment, referring to the cross-sections of FIGS. 35 and 36, the second-first region (S21) and the second-second region (S22) of the glass (710) may each have a symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (e.g., line CC`, line C``-C``` of FIG. 34). The value (e.g., absolute value) of the inclination (e.g., inclination of a tangent) of the front (710a) and / or the back (710b) of the second region (S2) of the glass (710) may gradually (or sequentially) increase as it moves away from the folding axis (e.g., line CC`, line C``-C``` of FIG. 34).

[0388] According to one embodiment, the first coating layer (720) may be disposed on the glass (710) (e.g., on the front surface (710a)). The first coating layer (720) may include a first portion (721) disposed on a first region (S1) of the glass (710), and a second portion (722) disposed on a second region (S2) of the glass (710). The second portion (722) of the first coating layer (720) may correspond to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display (e.g., the second region (S2) of the glass (710).

[0389] According to one embodiment, the second coating layer (730) may have a structure whose shape varies along the longitudinal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). The first portion (721) and the second portion (722) of the second coating layer (730) may have different shapes. For example, the thickness of the first portion (721) and the thickness of the second portion (722) may be different.

[0390] Referring to FIG. 35 according to one embodiment, at least a portion of the second portion (722) of the first coating layer (720) may have a shape that is curved in a direction toward the glass (710). For example, the back surface (e.g., one side facing the -Z axis) of the second portion (722) may be formed convexly with respect to the back surface (e.g., one side facing the -Z axis) of the first portion (721). The front surface (e.g., one side facing the +Z axis) of the second portion (722) may be extended to form a flat surface with the front surface (e.g., one side facing the +Z axis) of the first portion (721).

[0391] Referring to FIG. 36 according to one embodiment, at least a portion of the second portion (722) of the first coating layer (720) may have a shape that is curved in a direction toward and opposite to the glass (710). For example, the back surface (e.g., one side facing the -Z axis) of the 2-1 portion (722a) may be formed concavely with respect to the back surface (e.g., one side facing the +Z axis) of the first portion (721). The back surface (e.g., one side facing the -Z axis) of the 2-2 portion (722b) may be formed convexly with respect to the back surface (e.g., one side facing the +Z axis) of the first portion (721). The front surface (e.g., one side facing the +Z axis) of the second portion (722) may be extended to form a flat surface with the front surface (e.g., one side facing the +Z axis) of the first portion (721).

[0392] According to one embodiment, the second coating layer (730) may be disposed below the glass (710) (e.g., on the back surface (710b)). The second coating layer (730) may include a first portion (731) disposed below the first region (S1) of the glass (710), and a second portion (732) disposed below the second region (S2) of the glass (710). The second portion (732) of the second coating layer (730) may correspond to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display (e.g., the second portion (S2) of the glass (710)).

[0393] According to one embodiment, the second coating layer (730) may have a structure whose shape varies along the longitudinal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). The first portion (731) and the second portion (732) of the second coating layer (730) may have different shapes. For example, the thickness of the first portion (731) and the thickness of the second portion (732) may be different.

[0394] Referring to FIG. 35 according to one embodiment, at least a portion of the second portion (732) of the second coating layer (730) may have a shape that is curved in the opposite direction (e.g., in the -Z-axis direction) of the glass (710). For example, the front surface (e.g., one surface facing the +Z-axis) of the second portion (732) may be formed concavely with respect to the front surface (e.g., one surface facing the +Z-axis) of the first portion (731). For example, the front surface of the second portion (732) may form a curved surface that is curved in the -Z-axis direction compared to the front surface of the first portion (731). The back surface (e.g., one surface facing the -Z-axis) of the second portion (732) may extend to form a flat surface with the back surface (e.g., one surface facing the -Z-axis) of the first portion (731).

[0395] Referring to FIG. 36 according to one embodiment, at least a portion of the second portion (732) of the second coating layer (730) may have a shape that is curved in a direction toward the glass (710) and an opposite direction (e.g., a -Z-axis direction). For example, the front surface (e.g., a side facing the +Z-axis) of the 2-1 portion (732a) may be formed convexly with respect to the front surface (e.g., a side facing the +Z-axis) of the first portion (731). The front surface (e.g., a side facing the +Z-axis) of the 2-2 portion (732b) may be formed concavely with respect to the front surface (e.g., a side facing the +Z-axis) of the first portion (731). For example, a portion of the front surface of the second portion (732) may form a curved surface that is curved in the -Z-axis direction compared to the front surface of the first portion (731), and another portion of the front surface may form a curved surface that is curved in the +Z-axis direction compared to the front surface of the portion (731). The back surface (e.g., one side facing the -Z axis) of the second portion (732) may be extended to form a flat surface with the back surface (e.g., one side facing the -Z axis) of the first portion (731).

[0396] According to one embodiment of FIGS. 34 to 36, in a multi-foldable electronic device, a cover structure (700; 700a) advantageous for a display that bends or rolls according to changes in a folded state, an intermediate state, and an unfolded state can be provided. The cover structure (700; 700a) (e.g., glass (710)) can easily and stably accommodate a variable amount of glass that flexibly expands when bent, thereby achieving effects of relieving repulsive force and improving wrinkles. In an electronic device including a flexible display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a cover structure that protects the flexible display and is easy to bend can be provided.

[0397] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a cover structure protecting a flexible display includes glass, and the glass may be provided with a curved shape and / or pattern (e.g., an opening or a recess) in a bending section to facilitate bending. Accordingly, the resilience of the folding section can be improved.

[0398] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a cover structure for protecting a flexible display includes glass, coating layers disposed on both sides of the glass, and can improve impact resistance of a folding section by filling the coating layers into a curved surface and / or pattern of the glass.

[0399] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a cover structure for protecting a flexible display can remove one polymer film, which is generally a cause of increased laminate thickness, and can improve (e.g., reduce or limit) display crease caused by permanent deformation of the polymer film and improve (e.g., increase) user experience (e.g., touch sensation).

[0400] 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.

[0401] An electronic device (e.g., 101 of FIGS. 1 to 4) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first housing (e.g., 210 of FIGS. 2A to 4), a second housing (e.g., 220 of FIGS. 2A to 4), a flexible display panel (e.g., 235 of FIG. 4) including an area corresponding to the first housing and an area corresponding to the second housing, and a flexible cover structure (e.g., 400 of FIG. 6) disposed on the flexible display panel. The flexible cover structure may include glass (e.g., 410 in FIG. 6) including a first region (e.g., S1 in FIG. 6) and a second region (e.g., S2 in FIG. 6) extending from the first region and corresponding to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display panel, a first coating layer (e.g., 420 in FIG. 6) disposed on at least a portion of a front surface (e.g., 410a in FIG. 6) of the glass, and a second coating layer (e.g., 430 in FIG. 6) disposed on a back surface (e.g., 410b in FIG. 6) of the glass. At least a portion of the second region of the glass may have a shape bent in a direction toward the second coating layer.

[0402] According to one embodiment, the second region of the glass may protrude toward the second coating layer with respect to the first region.

[0403] According to one embodiment, the second region of the glass may be convex in the direction of the second coating layer with respect to the first region.

[0404] In one embodiment, the thickness of the glass may be 30 μm to 200 μm.

[0405] In one embodiment, the first region and the second region of the glass may have substantially the same thickness.

[0406] In one embodiment, the thickness of the second region of the glass may be less than the thickness of the first region.

[0407] In one embodiment, the thickness of the second region of the glass may gradually decrease as it moves away from the region adjacent to the first region.

[0408] According to one embodiment, the sum of the thicknesses of the first coating layer, the glass layer, and the second coating layer forming the bending section (e.g., A2 in FIG. 6) of the cover structure may be substantially equal to the sum of the thicknesses of the first coating layer, the glass layer, and the second coating layer forming the flat section (e.g., A1 in FIG. 6) of the cover structure.

[0409] In one embodiment, the first coating layer may not be disposed in the first region of the glass.

[0410] According to one embodiment, the second region of the glass may include a plurality of openings (e.g., P1 in FIG. 6) penetrating from the front surface (e.g., one side facing the +Z axis) to the back surface (e.g., one side facing the -Z axis).

[0411] According to one embodiment, the cover structure may further include a third coating layer (e.g., 440 in FIG. 20) filled into the plurality of openings (e.g., P1 in FIG. 6) of the second region of the glass.

[0412] According to one embodiment, the second region of the glass may include a plurality of recesses (e.g., P2 in FIG. 6) formed on at least one of the front surface (e.g., one surface facing the +Z axis) or the back surface (e.g., one surface facing the -Z axis).

[0413] According to one embodiment, the cover structure may further include a third coating layer (e.g., 440 in FIG. 19) filled into the plurality of recesses (e.g., P2 in FIG. 6) of the second region of the glass.

[0414] According to one embodiment, the cover structure may further include a protective layer (e.g., 480 in FIG. 13) disposed over the first coating layer.

[0415] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may further include a moving module rotatably connected to the first housing and the second housing. The width of the second region of the glass (e.g., A2 of FIG. 4) may be smaller than the width of the moving module (e.g., B of FIG. 4).

[0416] According to one embodiment, the flexible display panel may be disposed adjacent to the second coating layer rather than the first coating layer.

[0417] According to one embodiment, the flexible display panel may be disposed adjacent to the first coating layer rather than the second coating layer.

[0418] A flexible cover structure (e.g., 400 of FIG. 6) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include glass (e.g., 410 of FIG. 6) including a first region (e.g., S1 of FIG. 6) and a second region (e.g., S2 of FIG. 6) extending from the first region and corresponding to a bending or rolling region of the flexible display panel, a first coating layer (e.g., 420 of FIG. 6) disposed on at least a portion of a front surface (e.g., 410a of FIG. 6) of the glass, and a second coating layer (e.g., 430 of FIG. 6) disposed on a back surface (e.g., 410b of FIG. 6) of the glass. At least a portion of the second region of the glass may have a shape bent in a direction toward the second coating layer.

[0419] According to one embodiment, the second region of the glass may protrude toward the second coating layer with respect to the first region.

[0420] In one embodiment, the first region and the second region of the glass may have substantially the same thickness.

[0421] In one embodiment, the thickness of the second region of the glass may be less than the thickness of the first region.

[0422] According to one embodiment, the first region of the thin film glass may include a first-first region (e.g., S11 of FIGS. 35 and 36), a first-second region (e.g., S12 of FIGS. 35 and 36), and a first-third region (e.g., S13 of FIGS. 35 and 36) that are spaced apart from each other. The second region of the thin film glass may include a second-1 region (e.g., S21 of FIG. 35 and FIG. 36) disposed between the first-1 region (e.g., S11 of FIG. 35 and FIG. 36) and the first-2 region (e.g., S12 of FIG. 35 and FIG. 36), and a second-2 region (e.g., S22 of FIG. 35 and FIG. 36) disposed between the first-1 region (e.g., S11 of FIG. 35 and FIG. 36) and the first-3 region (e.g., S13 of FIG. 35 and FIG. 36).

[0423] It should be understood that the various 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 rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (101), First housing (210); Second housing (220); A flexible display panel (235) 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 flexible cover structure, A glass (410) comprising 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 first coating layer (420) disposed on at least a portion of the front surface (410a) of the glass; and Including a second coating layer (430) arranged on the back surface (410b) of the above glass, An electronic device, wherein at least a portion of the second region of the glass has a shape curved in a direction toward the second coating layer.

2. In paragraph 1, An electronic device wherein the second region of the glass protrudes toward the second coating layer with respect to the first region.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, An electronic device wherein the thickness of the glass above is 30㎛ to 200㎛.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, An electronic device, wherein the first region and the second region of the glass have substantially the same thickness.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, An electronic device wherein the thickness of the second region of the glass is smaller than the thickness of the first region.

6. In paragraph 5, An electronic device wherein the thickness of the second region of the glass gradually decreases as it moves away from the region adjacent to the first region.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, An electronic device wherein the sum of the thicknesses of the first coating layer, the glass layer, and the second coating layer forming the bending section (A2) of the cover structure is substantially equal to the sum of the thicknesses of the first coating layer, the glass layer, and the second coating layer forming the flat section (A1) of the cover structure.

8. In either paragraph 1 or paragraph 7, An electronic device, wherein the first coating layer is not disposed on the first area of ​​the glass.

9. In either paragraph 1 or paragraph 8, An electronic device, wherein the second region of the glass comprises a plurality of openings (P1) penetrating from the front surface (e.g., one side facing the +Z axis) to the rear surface (e.g., one side facing the -Z axis).

10. In paragraph 9, An electronic device, wherein the cover structure further includes a third coating layer (440) filled into the plurality of openings (P1) of the second area of ​​the glass.

11. In either paragraph 1 or paragraph 8, An electronic device, wherein the second region of the glass includes a plurality of recesses (P2) formed on at least one of the front surface (e.g., one surface facing the +Z axis) or the rear surface (e.g., one surface facing the -Z axis).

12. In paragraph 11, An electronic device, wherein the cover structure further includes a third coating layer (440) filled into the plurality of recesses (P2) of the second area of ​​the glass.

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, An electronic device, wherein the cover structure further includes a protective layer (480) disposed over the first coating layer.

14. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, Further comprising a moving module rotatably connected to the first housing and the second housing, An electronic device wherein the width (A2) of the second region of the glass is smaller than the width (B) of the moving module.

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, An electronic device wherein the flexible display panel is positioned adjacent to the second coating layer rather than the first coating layer.

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