Display module and electronic device comprising same
The display module design with a lattice pattern and tailored adhesive layer distribution addresses structural challenges in flexible displays, enhancing durability and reliability during folding and unfolding.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/KR2025/001950
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-06-28
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-04
AI Technical Summary
Existing flexible display technologies face challenges in maintaining structural integrity and durability during folding and unfolding operations, particularly due to adhesive layer distribution that can cause stress concentration and damage.
A display module design incorporating a lattice pattern in the foldable area with a tailored adhesive layer distribution, including adhesive and non-adhesive regions, to manage stress and enhance flexibility and durability.
The solution provides improved structural integrity and reduced stress concentration, enabling reliable folding and unfolding operations of flexible displays.
Smart Images

Figure KR2025001950_04122025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Display module and electronic device including the same
[0001] This document relates to a display module and an electronic device including the same.
[0002] With the advancement of display-related technology, electronic devices equipped with flexible displays are being developed. Flexible displays can be used not only in a flat form but also in a specific form. For example, an electronic device including a flexible display can be implemented in a foldable form, capable of unfolding or folding along at least one folding axis.
[0003] However, the above-described content should not be construed as the applicant's recognition of the content described in this document as prior art, but should only be construed as technology (related art) related to the invention described in this document.
[0004] According to one embodiment, a display module may include a display panel, a foldable area including a lattice pattern, a support plate supporting the display panel, and an adhesive layer disposed between the display panel and the support plate. In one embodiment, the adhesive area of the adhesive layer may be omitted in the foldable area including the lattice pattern of the support plate. The adhesive layer may include a first portion disposed in a first area of the support plate spaced apart from the foldable area in a first direction and including the adhesive area, and a second portion disposed in a second area between the first area of the support plate and the foldable area, the second portion being formed of a combination of the adhesive area and the non-adhesive area, and having an increasing ratio of the adhesive area per unit area in the first direction.
[0005] In one embodiment, a display module may include a display panel, a foldable area including a lattice pattern, a support plate supporting the display panel, and an adhesive layer disposed between the display panel and the support plate, the adhesive layer comprising an adhesive area and a non-adhesive area. The adhesive area of the adhesive layer may be omitted in the foldable area including the lattice pattern. The adhesive layer may include a first portion disposed in a first area of the support plate spaced apart from the foldable area of the support plate in a first direction and consisting of an adhesive area, and a second portion disposed in a second area between the first area of the support plate and the foldable area, wherein both ends in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction are made of non-adhesive areas, and a second portion consisting of an adhesive area between both ends in the second direction.
[0006] In one embodiment, an electronic device may include a housing structure forming an exterior and a plurality of foldable folding regions, and a display module coupled to the housing structure such that at least a portion of the housing structure is visually exposed. In one embodiment, the display module may include a display panel, a foldable region overlapping the foldable folding region, a support plate supporting the display panel, and an adhesive layer disposed between the display panel and the support plate, the adhesive layer comprising an adhesive region and a non-adhesive region. In one embodiment, the adhesive region of the adhesive layer may be omitted in a foldable region including a lattice pattern, and the adhesive region of the support plate may be omitted. In one embodiment, the adhesive layer may include a first portion disposed in a first region of the support plate spaced apart in a first direction from the foldable region and consisting of an adhesive region, a second portion disposed in a second region between the first region of the support plate and the foldable region and consisting of an adhesive region and a non-adhesive region, the second portion having an increasing ratio of adhesive region per unit area from the folding region to the first portion, and a third portion disposed between the plurality of folding regions and having an increasing ratio of adhesive region per unit area in a direction away from each of the plurality of folding regions.
[0007] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 2A is a drawing of an unfolded state of an electronic device according to at least one embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 2b is a drawing of a folded state of an electronic device according to at least one embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 3A is a drawing of an unfolded state of an electronic device according to at least one embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 3b is a drawing of a folded state of an electronic device according to at least one embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an impact state of an electronic device according to at least one embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of a cross-section of a display module according to at least one embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 5b is a plan view of an adhesive layer according to at least one embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a plan view of an adhesive layer according to at least one embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 7a is a plan view of an adhesive layer according to at least one embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 7b is an enlarged view of an adhesive layer according to at least one embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 8A is a plan view of an adhesive layer according to at least one embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 8b is a plan view of an adhesive layer according to at least one embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a plan view of an adhesive layer according to at least one embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an adhesive layer according to at least one embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a plan view of an adhesive layer according to at least one embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 12A is a drawing of an unfolded state of an electronic device according to at least one embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 12b is a drawing of a folded state of an electronic device according to at least one embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 13A is a schematic diagram of a cross-section of a display module according to at least one embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 13b is a plan view of an adhesive layer according to at least one embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 14a is a plan view of an adhesive layer according to at least one embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 14b is a plan view of an adhesive layer according to at least one embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 14c is a plan view of an adhesive layer according to at least one embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 14d is a plan view of an adhesive layer according to at least one embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 14e is a plan view of an adhesive layer according to at least one embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 14f is a plan view of an adhesive layer according to at least one embodiment.
[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the description with reference to the attached drawings, identical components are assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the drawing numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.
[0035] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100), according to at least one embodiment.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) through a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network).
[0037] In at least one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). In at least 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).
[0038] In at least one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added.
[0039] In at least 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)). The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., the 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.
[0040] In at least one embodiment, as at least part of data processing or calculation, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from another component (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 resulting data in a non-volatile memory (134). In at least 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 may operate independently or together therewith.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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 at least one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)).
[0043] In at least one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing device) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, in the electronic device (101) itself on which the artificial intelligence model is executed, or may be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm may 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 may include a plurality of 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 foregoing examples, but is not limited thereto. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may also include a software structure.
[0044] 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).
[0045] 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).
[0046] 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).
[0047] 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 at least one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.
[0048] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. In at least 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 a touch.
[0049] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. In at least 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).
[0050] 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. In at least 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.
[0051] 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 at least 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.
[0052] 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)). In at least 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).
[0053] The haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. In at least one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.
[0054] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. In at least one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.
[0055] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). In at least one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).
[0056] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In at least one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.
[0057] 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. In at least 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).
[0058] 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)). In at least one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB implementation, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC implementation, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each, or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC implementation.
[0059] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In at least 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 at least 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 at least 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).
[0060] In at least one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In at least one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC positioned 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) positioned on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high frequency band.
[0061] At least some of the 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, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).
[0062] In at least 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). In at least 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 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 additional functions or services related to the request, and transmit the results of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the results as is or additionally and provide them 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 technologies may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. In at least 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.
[0063] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass 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 items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the present disclosure, each of the phrases "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first) 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.
[0064] The term "module" as used in various embodiments 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, for example. A module may be an integrally formed component or a minimum unit or part of a component that performs one or more functions. For example, in at least one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).
[0065] Various embodiments may be implemented as software (e.g., a program) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., the built-in memory (136) or the external memory (138) of FIG. 1) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device). For example, a processor of the machine (e.g., an electronic device) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily in the storage medium.
[0066] In at least one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.
[0067] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.
[0068] FIG. 2a is a drawing of an unfolded state of an electronic device (201) according to at least one embodiment, and FIG. 2b is a drawing of a folded state of an electronic device (201) according to at least one embodiment.
[0069] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, an electronic device (201) according to at least one embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a housing structure (210, 220) that is rotatably coupled to each other via a hinge structure so as to be folded, a hinge housing (265) that covers a foldable portion of the housing structure (210, 220), and a display (261) (e.g., a flexible display or a foldable display) (e.g., a display module (160) of FIG. 1) that is disposed in a space formed by the housing structure (210, 220).
[0070] In the following, any overlapping content with that described above will be omitted. It should be understood that, in electronic devices, some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a scope easily understandable to those skilled in the art, with reference to the drawings and descriptions below. Furthermore, electronic devices may incorporate at least one component or feature of the aforementioned embodiments, unless such combination is technically clearly impossible.
[0071] In at least one embodiment, the surface on which the display (261) is disposed may be defined as the front surface of the electronic device (201), and the surface opposite the front surface may be defined as the back surface of the electronic device (201). Additionally, the surface surrounding the space between the front surface and the back surface may be defined as the side surface of the electronic device (201).
[0072] In at least one embodiment, the housing structure (210, 220) may include a first housing portion (210), a second housing portion (220), a first rear cover (240), and a second rear cover (250). The housing structure (210, 220) of the electronic device (201) is not limited to the shapes or combinations and / or combinations of parts illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, and may also be implemented by other shapes or combinations and / or combinations of parts.
[0073] In at least one embodiment, the first housing portion (210) and the second housing portion (220) are disposed on opposite sides (e.g., upper and lower) about the folding axis (A), and may be disposed substantially symmetrically about the folding axis (A). In at least one embodiment, the angle or distance formed between the first housing portion (210) and the second housing portion (220) may vary depending on whether the electronic device (201) is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.
[0074] However, "substantially" in this document may mean the same level, reflecting tolerances or errors in typical manufacturing processes. Alternatively, "substantially" may refer to a range that includes any one of + / -0.1%, + / -0.5%, + / -1%, + / -3%, + / -5%, + / -7%, + / -10%, + / -15%, and + / -20%, based on the literal equivalent 0%.
[0075] In at least one embodiment, the first housing portion (210) may be connected to the hinge assembly (230) in an unfolded state of the electronic device (201). The first housing portion (210) may include a first side (211) arranged to face the front of the electronic device (201), a second side (212) facing in an opposite direction of the first side (211), and a first side portion (213) enclosing at least a portion of a space between the first side (211) and the second side (212). The first side portion (213) may include a first side (213a) that is arranged substantially parallel to the folding axis (A), a second side (213b) that extends from one end of the first side (213a) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the folding axis (A), and a third side (213c) that extends from the other end of the first side (213a) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the folding axis (A) and substantially parallel to the second side (213b).
[0076] In at least one embodiment, the second housing portion (220) may be connected to the hinge assembly (230) in an unfolded state of the electronic device (201). The second housing portion (220) may include a third face (221) arranged to face the front of the electronic device (201), a fourth face (222) facing in an opposite direction of the third face (221), and a second side portion (223) enclosing at least a portion of a space between the third face (221) and the fourth face (222). The second side portion (223) may include a fourth side portion (223a) that is arranged substantially parallel to the folding axis (A), a fifth side portion (223b) that extends from one end of the fourth side portion (223a) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the folding axis (A), and a sixth side portion (223c) that extends from the other end of the fourth side portion (223a) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the folding axis (A) and substantially parallel to the fifth side portion (223b). The first side portion (211) and the third side portion (221) may face each other when the electronic device (201) is in a folded state.
[0077] In at least one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may include a recessed receiving portion (202) that receives a display (261) through a structural combination of the first housing portion (210) and the second housing portion (220). The receiving portion (202) may have substantially the same size as the display (261).
[0078] In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing portion (210) and the second housing portion (220) may be formed of a metallic or non-metallic material having any rigidity suitable for supporting the display (261).
[0079] In at least one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may include an audio output module (255) (e.g., audio output module (155)) disposed through at least a portion of the first surface (211).
[0080] In at least one embodiment, the first rear cover (240) can be disposed on the second side (212) of the first housing portion (210) and can have substantially rectangular edges. At least a portion of the edges of the first rear cover (240) can be surrounded by the first housing portion (210). The second rear cover (250) can be disposed on the fourth side (222) of the second housing portion (220) and can have substantially rectangular edges. At least a portion of the edges of the second rear cover (250) can be surrounded by the second housing portion (220).
[0081] In at least one embodiment, the first rear cover (240) and the second rear cover (250) may have substantially symmetrical shapes with respect to the folding axis (A). In at least one embodiment, the first rear cover (240) and the second rear cover (250) may have different shapes. In at least one embodiment, the first housing portion (210) and the first rear cover (240) may be formed integrally, and the second housing portion (220) and the second rear cover (250) may be formed integrally.
[0082] In at least one embodiment, the first housing portion (210), the second housing portion (220), the first rear cover (240), and the second rear cover (250) may be coupled to each other to provide a space in which various components of the electronic device (201) (e.g., at least one processor (120), an antenna module (197), a sensor module (176), or a battery (189) of FIG. 1) may be placed.
[0083] In at least one embodiment, at least one component may be visually exposed on the back of the electronic device (201). For example, at least one component may be visually exposed through the first back area (241) of the first back cover (240). Here, the component may include a proximity sensor, a rear camera module, and / or a flash. In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of the sub-display (262) may be visually exposed through the second back area (242) of the first back cover (240).
[0084] In at least one embodiment, the display (261) may be disposed in a receptacle (202) formed by the housing structures (210, 220). For example, the display (261) may be disposed to occupy substantially most of a front surface of the electronic device (201). The front surface of the electronic device (201) may include an area where the display (261) is disposed and a portion (e.g., an edge area) of the first housing portion (210) adjacent to the display (261) and a portion (e.g., an edge area) of the second housing portion (220).
[0085] In at least one embodiment, the back surface of the electronic device (201) may include a first back cover (240), a portion (e.g., an edge portion) of a first housing portion (210) adjacent to the first back cover (240), a second back cover (250), and a portion (e.g., an edge portion) of a second housing portion (220) adjacent to the second back cover (250).
[0086] In at least one embodiment, the display (261) may be a display in which at least a portion of the display is deformable into a flat or curved surface. In at least one embodiment, the display (261) may include a folding region (261c), a first region (261a) on a first side (e.g., upper) relative to the folding region (261c), and a second region (261b) on a second side (e.g., lower) relative to the folding region (261c).
[0087] In at least one embodiment, the first region (261a) may be located on the first side (211) of the first housing portion (210), and the second region (261b) may be located on the third side (221) of the second housing portion (220). However, the division of regions of the display (261) is exemplary, and the display (261) may be divided into a plurality of regions depending on the structure or function of the display (261).
[0088] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the display (261) may be divided into regions by a folding region (261c) extending parallel to the X-axis or a folding axis (A), but the display (261) may also be divided into regions by another folding region (e.g., a folding region extending parallel to the Y-axis) or another folding axis (e.g., a folding axis parallel to the Y-axis). This division of regions of the display (261) is merely a physical division by the housing structures (210, 220) and the hinge assembly (230), and in reality, the display (261) can display substantially one screen through the housing structures (210, 220) and the hinge assembly (230). In at least one embodiment, the first region (261a) and the second region (261b) may have a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to the folding region (261c).
[0089] In at least one embodiment, the hinge housing (265) may be disposed between the first housing portion (210) and the second housing portion (220) and configured to accommodate or cover other components of the hinge assembly (230). The hinge housing (265) may be hidden or exposed externally by at least a portion of the first housing portion (210) and the second housing portion (220) depending on the operating state of the electronic device (201).
[0090] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, when the electronic device (201) is in an unfolded state, the hinge housing (265) may be hidden by the first housing portion (210) and the second housing portion (220) and not exposed to the outside, and as illustrated in FIG. 2B, when the electronic device (201) is in a folded state, the hinge housing (265) may be exposed to the outside between the first housing portion (210) and the second housing portion (220). Meanwhile, when the electronic device (201) is in an intermediate state where the first housing portion (210) and the second housing portion (220) form an angle with each other, at least a portion of the hinge housing (265) may be exposed to the outside between the first housing portion (210) and the second housing portion (220). At this time, the area of the hinge housing (265) exposed to the outside may be smaller than the exposed area of the hinge housing (265) when the electronic device (201) is in a folded state. In at least one embodiment, the hinge housing (265) may have a curved surface.
[0091] In order to describe the operation of the electronic device (201) according to at least one embodiment, when the electronic device (201) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the state of the electronic device (201) of FIG. 2A), the first housing portion (210) and the second housing portion (220) may form a first angle (e.g., about 180 degrees) with respect to each other, and the first region (261a) and the second region (261b) of the display (261) may be oriented in substantially the same direction. The folding region (261c) of the display (261) may be substantially coplanar with the first region (261a) and the second region (261b).
[0092] In at least one embodiment, when the electronic device (201) is in an unfolded state, the first housing portion (210) and the second housing portion (220) may be folded in opposite directions such that the second side (212) and the fourth side (222) face each other by rotating the first housing portion (210) at a second angle (e.g., about 360 degrees) with respect to the second housing portion (220). On the other hand, when the electronic device (201) is in a folded state (e.g., the state of the electronic device (201) of FIG. 2B), the first housing portion (210) and the second housing portion (220) may face each other.
[0093] In at least one embodiment, the first housing portion (210) and the second housing portion (220) can form an angle of about 0 degrees to about 10 degrees, and the first region (261a) and the second region (261b) of the display (261) can face each other. At least a portion of the folding region (261c) of the display (261) can be curved. Meanwhile, when the electronic device (201) is in an intermediate state, the first housing portion (210) and the second housing portion (220) can form a specific angle with each other.
[0094] In at least one embodiment, the angle (e.g., a third angle, approximately 90 degrees) formed by the first region (261a) and the second region (261b) of the display (261) with each other may be greater than the angle when the electronic device (201) is in a folded state and less than the angle when the electronic device (201) is in an unfolded state. At least a portion of the folding region (261c) of the display (261) may be deformed into a curved surface. In this case, the curvature of the curved surface of the folding region (261c) may be less than the curvature of the curved surface of the folding region (261c) when the electronic device (201) is in a folded state.
[0095] Meanwhile, various embodiments of the electronic device described in this document are not limited to the electronic device (201) described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, and can also be applied to electronic devices of various structures, shapes, purposes, and uses.
[0096] FIG. 3a is a drawing illustrating a folded state of an electronic device (301) according to at least one embodiment, and FIG. 3b is a drawing illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device (301) according to at least one embodiment.
[0097] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, an electronic device (301) according to at least one embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a housing structure (310, 320) that forms an exterior and accommodates components therein.
[0098] Hereinafter, any content overlapping with the above will be omitted for explanation, and it is to be understood that, in the electronic device (301), some configurations and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to those skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below. In addition, at least one configuration or feature of the embodiments described above may be combined in the electronic device (301) unless it is technically clearly impossible.
[0099] In at least one embodiment, the electronic device (301) may be a foldable or bendable electronic device. In at least one embodiment, the electronic device (301) may include a housing structure (310, 320) and / or a display (350) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1). The housing structure (310, 320) may form an exterior of the electronic device (301). In at least one embodiment, the housing structure (310, 320) may include a first housing portion (310) and a second housing portion (320).
[0100] In at least one embodiment, the display (350) may include a flexible or foldable display panel disposed within a space formed by the housing structure (310, 320). The surface on which the display (350) is disposed (or the surface on which the display (350) is visible from the outside of the electronic device (301)) may be defined as the front surface of the electronic device (301). The surface opposite the front surface may be defined as the back surface of the electronic device (301). Additionally, the surface surrounding the space between the front surface and the back surface may be defined as the side surface of the electronic device (301).
[0101] In at least one embodiment, the electronic device (301) may include a hinge assembly (330) that foldably supports the housing structure (310, 320) and a hinge housing (330a) that covers the foldable portion of the housing structure (310, 320). However, the housing structure (310, 320) of the electronic device (301) is not limited to the shape and combination shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, and may be implemented by a combination and / or combination of other shapes or parts.
[0102] In at least one embodiment, the first housing portion (310) is connected to the hinge assembly (330) and may include a first face (310a) facing a first direction and a second face (310b) facing a second direction opposite to the first direction. The second housing portion (320) is connected to the hinge assembly (330) and may include a third face (320a) facing a third direction and a fourth face (320b) facing a fourth direction opposite to the third direction. The second housing portion (320) may rotate relative to the first housing portion (310) about the hinge assembly (330). The electronic device (301) may be configured to be in a folded state or an unfolded state.
[0103] In at least one embodiment, the electronic device (301) may have a first side (310a) facing a third side (320a) in a fully folded state, and a third direction may be substantially the same as the first direction in a fully unfolded state.
[0104] In at least one embodiment, the first housing portion (310) and the second housing portion (320) may be foldably connected to each other. The first housing portion (310) and the second housing portion (320) may be arranged on either side of the folding axis (A) and may have a shape that is generally symmetrical about the folding axis (A).
[0105] In at least one embodiment, the first housing portion (310) and the second housing portion (320) may have different angles or distances relative to each other depending on whether the electronic device (301) is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or a partially unfolded (or partially folded) intermediate state.
[0106] According to at least one embodiment, the second housing portion (320) may include a sensor area (322) in which various sensors are arranged. For example, the various sensors may be positioned on the back surface of the display (350) in the sensor area (322). According to at least one embodiment, the first housing portion (310) may also include a sensor area (not shown) in which at least one sensor is arranged.
[0107] In at least one embodiment, the first housing portion (310) and the second housing portion (320) may form a recess for accommodating the display (350). In at least one embodiment, components for performing various functions built into the electronic device (301) may be exposed on the front side of the electronic device (301) through the sensor area (322) or through one or more openings provided in the sensor area (322). In at least one embodiment, the components may include various types of sensors. The sensors may include, for example, at least one of a front camera or a proximity sensor. According to at least one embodiment, the sensor area (322) in the second housing portion (320) may be omitted or formed in a different location than that shown in the drawing.
[0108] In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing portion (310) and the second housing portion (320) may comprise a metallic or non-metallic material having a rigidity selected to support the display (350).
[0109] For example, at least a portion formed of a metal material may provide a ground for the electronic device (301) and may be electrically connected to a ground formed on a printed circuit board disposed within the housing structure (310, 320).
[0110] In at least one embodiment, the first housing portion (310) may include a first rear cover (315) and a first side region (341). The first rear cover (315) may be coupled to the first side region (341). For example, the first rear cover (315) may have a substantially rectangular periphery, the periphery of which may be wrapped by the first side region (341).
[0111] In at least one embodiment, the second housing portion (320) may include a second rear cover (325) and a second side region (342). The second rear cover (325) may be coupled to the second side region (342). For example, the second rear cover (325) may be edge-wrapped by the second side region (342).
[0112] In at least one embodiment, the first rear cover (315) and the second rear cover (325) may have substantially symmetrical shapes with respect to the folding axis (A). However, the first rear cover (315) and the second rear cover (325) do not necessarily have mutually symmetrical shapes, and in at least one embodiment, the electronic device (301) may include the first rear cover (315) and the second rear cover (325) of various shapes. In at least one embodiment, the first rear cover (315) may be formed integrally with the first side area (341), and the second rear cover (325) may be formed integrally with the second side area (342).
[0113] In at least one embodiment, the first housing portion (310) and the second housing portion (320) may form a space in which various components of the electronic device (301) may be placed (e.g., at least one processor (120), an antenna module (197), a sensor module (176), or a battery (189) of FIG. 1 ). According to at least one embodiment, one or more components may be placed or visually exposed on the rear surface of the electronic device (301).
[0114] For example, at least a portion of the sub-display (362) may be visually exposed through the first rear area (316) of the first rear cover (315). In at least one embodiment, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through the second rear area (326) of the second rear cover (325). In at least one embodiment, the sensors may include a proximity sensor and / or a rear camera.
[0115] In at least one embodiment, the electronic device (301) may include a front camera visually exposed on the front of the electronic device (301) through one or more openings provided in the sensor area (322) or a rear camera visually exposed through the second rear area (326) of the second rear cover (325), which may include one or more lenses, image sensors, and / or image signal processors. The flash may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In some embodiments, two or more lenses (infrared camera, wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors may be arranged on one side of the electronic device (301).
[0116] In at least one embodiment, referring to FIG. 3b, the hinge housing (330a) may be configured to be disposed between the first housing portion (310) and the second housing portion (320) so as to obscure an internal component (e.g., the hinge assembly (330)). According to at least one embodiment, the hinge assembly (330) may be obscured by a portion of the first housing portion (310) and the second housing portion (320) or exposed to the outside, depending on the state of the electronic device (301) (unfolded state, intermediate state, or folded state).
[0117] In at least one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, when the electronic device (301) is in an unfolded state (e.g., a fully unfolded state), the hinge assembly (330) may be substantially hidden by the first housing portion (310) and the second housing portion (320) and not exposed.
[0118] In at least one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, when the electronic device (301) is in a folded state (e.g., a fully folded state), the hinge assembly (330) may be exposed externally between the first housing portion (310) and the second housing portion (320).
[0119] In at least one embodiment, when the first housing portion (310) and the second housing portion (320) are in an intermediate state where they are folded at a certain angle, the hinge assembly (330) may be partially exposed to the outside between the first housing portion (310) and the second housing portion (320). However, in this case, the exposed area may be less than that in the completely folded state. In at least one embodiment, the hinge assembly (330) may include a curved surface.
[0120] In at least one embodiment, the first side region (341) and the second side region (342) may be formed to surround at least a portion of the border region of the display (350). For example, the first side region (341) and the second side region (342) may surround the front and / or side of the border region of the display (350). In at least one embodiment, the first side region (341) and the second side region (342) may be formed to surround at least a portion of the border region of the display (350).
[0121] In at least one embodiment, the display (350) may be disposed in a space formed by the housing structures (310, 320). For example, the display (350) may be seated in a recess formed by the housing structures (310, 320) and may be externally visible through the front of the electronic device (301). For example, the display (350) may form a majority of the front of the electronic device (301). For example, the front of the electronic device (301) may include the display (350) and a portion of the first housing portion (310) adjacent to the display (350) and a portion of the second housing portion (320). For example, the back of the electronic device (301) may include a first back cover (315), a portion of a first housing portion (310) adjacent to the first back cover (315), a second back cover (325), and a portion of a second housing portion (320) adjacent to the second back cover (325).
[0122] In at least one embodiment, the display (350) may refer to a display in which at least a portion of the display can be transformed into a flat or curved surface. According to at least one embodiment, the display (350) may include a folding area (353), a first area (351) arranged on one side (e.g., the left side of the folding area (353) illustrated in FIG. 3A) with respect to the folding area (353), and a second area (352) arranged on the other side (e.g., the right side of the folding area (353) illustrated in FIG. 3A). However, the division of the areas of the display (350) illustrated in FIG. 3A is exemplary, and the display (350) may be divided into a plurality of areas (e.g., four or more or two) depending on the structure or function. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3A, the regions of the display (350) may be divided by a folding region (353) extending parallel to the folding axis (A), but in at least one embodiment, the regions may also be divided based on another folding axis of the display (350), such as a folding axis parallel to the width direction of the electronic device.
[0123] In at least one embodiment, the display (350) may be coupled with or disposed adjacent to a touch panel having a touch sensing circuit and a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch. For example, the display (350) may be coupled with or disposed adjacent to a touch panel that detects an electromagnetic resonance (EMR) stylus pen, as an example of a touch panel.
[0124] In at least one embodiment, the first region (351) and the second region (352) may have an overall symmetrical shape centered on the folding region (353). However, unlike the first region (351), the second region (352) may include a cut notch depending on the presence of the sensor region (322), but may have a shape symmetrical with respect to the first region (351) in other regions. For example, the first region (351) and the second region (352) may include a portion having a symmetrical shape with respect to each other and a portion having an asymmetrical shape with respect to each other.
[0125] In at least one embodiment, the edge thicknesses of the first region (351) and the second region (352) may be formed to be different from the edge thickness of the folding region (353). The edge thickness of the folding region (353) may be formed to be thinner than the thicknesses of the first region (351) and the second region (352). In terms of thickness, the first region (351) and the second region (352) may have an asymmetrical shape when the first region (351) and the second region (352) are viewed in cross-section.
[0126] For example, the edge of the first region (351) may be formed to have a first radius of curvature, and the edge of the second region (352) may be formed to have a second radius of curvature that is different from the first radius of curvature. In at least one embodiment, the first region (351) and the second region (352) may have a symmetrical shape when the first region (351) and the second region (352) are viewed in cross-section in terms of thickness.
[0127] Hereinafter, the operation of the first housing part (310) and the second housing part (320) and each area of the display (350) according to the state of the electronic device (301) (e.g., folded state, unfolded state, or intermediate state) will be described.
[0128] In at least one embodiment, when the electronic device (301) is in an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 3a), the first surface (310a) of the first housing portion (310) and the third surface (320a) of the second housing portion (320) may be arranged to form an angle of about 180 degrees and face the same direction. The surface of the first region (351) and the surface of the second region (352) of the display (350) may form an angle of 180 degrees with each other and face the same direction (e.g., toward the front of the electronic device). The folding region (353) may form the same plane as the first region (351) and the second region (352).
[0129] In at least one embodiment, when the electronic device (301) is in a folded state (e.g., FIG. 3b), the first surface (310a) of the first housing portion (310) and the third surface (320a) of the second housing portion (320) may be arranged to face each other. The surface of the first region (351) and the surface of the second region (352) of the display (350) may form a narrow angle (e.g., between 0 and 10 degrees) with each other and may face each other. The folding region (353) may be variable to a curved surface having at least a portion of a predetermined curvature.
[0130] In at least one embodiment, when the electronic device (301) is in an intermediate state, the first housing portion (310) and the second housing portion (320) may be arranged at a certain angle with respect to each other. The surface of the first region (351) and the surface of the second region (352) of the display (350) may form an angle that is greater than an angle in a folded state and less than an angle in an unfolded state. The folding region (353) may be variable to a curved surface having at least a portion of a certain curvature, and the curvature at this time may be less than that in a folded state.
[0131] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an impact state of an electronic device (401) according to at least one embodiment.
[0132] Referring to FIG. 4, an electronic device (401) according to at least one embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (201) of FIGS. 2A and 2B, or the electronic device (301) of FIGS. 3A and 3B) may include at least one of a housing structure (403) (e.g., the housing structures (210, 220) of FIGS. 2A and 2B, or the housing structures (310, 320) of FIGS. 3A and 3B) and a display module (400) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1, the display (261) of FIGS. 2A and 2B, or the display (350) of FIGS. 3A and 3B).
[0133] Hereinafter, any content overlapping with the above will be omitted for explanation, and it is to be understood that, in the electronic device (401), some configurations and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to those skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below. In addition, at least one configuration or feature of the embodiments described above may be combined in the electronic device (401) unless it is technically clearly impossible.
[0134] In at least one embodiment, the electronic device (401) may be a foldable or bendable electronic device. The electronic device (401) may include a housing structure (403) and a display module (400) supported by the housing structure (403).
[0135] In at least one embodiment, the housing structure (403) may include a first housing portion (403a) (e.g., the first housing portion (210) of FIGS. 2A and 2B or the first housing portion (310) of FIGS. 3A and 3B) and a second housing portion (403b) (e.g., the second housing portion (220) of FIGS. 2A and 2B or the second housing portion (320) of FIGS. 3A and 3B).
[0136] In at least one embodiment, the first housing portion (403a) and the second housing portion (403b) may be rotatably coupled to each other so as to fold. A hinge housing (405) (e.g., hinge housing (265) of FIGS. 2a and 2b or hinge housing (330a) of FIGS. 3a and 3b) may be provided between the first housing portion (403a) and the second housing portion (403b).
[0137] In at least one embodiment, the display module (400) may be a flexible, foldable, or bendable display. The display module (400) and the housing structure (403) may be connected by an adhesive member (414).
[0138] In at least one embodiment, the display module (400) may include a display panel (410) and a support plate (430). However, the cross-section of FIG. 4 illustrates only some of the components of the display module (400) by way of example, and the display module (400) may further include a plurality of components in addition to the display panel (410) and the support plate (430).
[0139] As illustrated in FIG. 4, when the electronic device (401) is dropped or an impact is applied to the electronic device (401) in an unfolded state, a force may be applied to at least one of the first housing portion (403a) and the second housing portion (403b) in a direction away from or toward the hinge housing (405).
[0140] In at least one embodiment, when at least one of the first housing portion (403a) and the second housing portion (403b) temporarily moves in a direction relatively farther away from or closer to the hinge housing (405), tension or compression may also occur in the display module (400). For example, when the support plate (430) is tensioned or compressed, the display panel (410) may be warped, stressed, or broken.
[0141] Hereinafter, a display module (400) according to various embodiments of the present document is described, and the display module (400) can reduce or prevent the display panel (410) from being bent or broken by reducing or dispersing the force transmitted from the support plate (430) to the display panel (410).
[0142] FIG. 5a is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display module (400) according to at least one embodiment, and FIG. 5b is a plan view of an adhesive layer (450) according to at least one embodiment.
[0143] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a display module (400) according to at least one embodiment may include at least some of a display panel (410), a foldable glass (420), a polarizer (423) (e.g., a polarizing film), a polymer layer (425), a shield layer (427), a reinforcing plate (429), and a support plate (430).
[0144] Hereinafter, any content that overlaps with the above-described content will be omitted for explanation, and it is to be understood that some components and structures of the display module (400) may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to those skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below. In addition, at least one component or feature of the above-described embodiments may be combined with the display module (400) unless it is technically clearly impossible.
[0145] In at least one embodiment, the display module (400) may include a foldable folding area (F) (e.g., the folding area (261c) of FIG. 2A or the folding area (353) of FIG. 3A). The display module (400) may be folded such that areas on both sides (e.g., the +Y side and the -Y side) of the folding area (353) face each other.
[0146] In at least one embodiment, the display module (400) may implement a display of a foldable type that can be folded, a rollable type with a changeable display area, a slidable type, or an extensible type.
[0147] In at least one embodiment, the foldable glass (420) can support and protect the display module (400). For example, the foldable glass (420) can include a plurality of bridges arranged in an area corresponding to the folding area (411) of the display module (400). For example, the plurality of bridges can provide improved flexibility to the display module (400), assist in the bending motion of the foldable glass (420), and reinforce the rigidity of the display module (400).
[0148] In at least one embodiment, the polarizing layer (423) can selectively transmit light generated from a light source of the display panel (410) and vibrating in a certain direction. According to at least one embodiment, the polarizing layer (423) may be formed integrally with the display panel (410).
[0149] In at least one embodiment, the display panel (410) may include a plurality of pixels and a wiring structure (e.g., an electrode pattern). The display panel (410) may be a foldable display panel in which at least a portion of the display panel is foldable. The display panel (410) may be supported by at least one layer (e.g., a support plate (430) and a reinforcing plate (429)).
[0150] In at least one embodiment, the polymer layer (425) may be positioned beneath the display panel (410) (e.g., in the -Z direction). The polymer layer (425) may provide a dark background to ensure visibility of the display panel (410). Alternatively, the polymer layer (425) may be formed of a cushioning material to cushion impact transmitted to the display module (400).
[0151] In at least one embodiment, to waterproof the display module (400), the polymer layer (425) may be omitted, or the polymer layer (425) may be positioned under the support plate (430). In at least one embodiment, the support plate (430) may be formed in a shape that provides flexibility to the display module (400).
[0152] In at least one embodiment, the support plate (430) may be a metal layer. For example, the support plate (430) may include at least one of SUS (steel use stainless) (e.g., STS (stainless steel)), Cu, Al, or metal CLAD (e.g., a laminated member in which SUS and Al are alternately arranged), or the support plate (430) may include other alloy materials. The support plate (430) may be a metal layer.
[0153] In at least one embodiment, the support plate (430) may help reinforce the rigidity of the display module (400), shield ambient noise, or dissipate heat emitted from surrounding heat dissipating components.
[0154] In at least one embodiment, the support plate (430) may include a lattice pattern (431). The lattice pattern (431) may be provided at a position corresponding to the folding area (F). In at least one embodiment, the lattice pattern (431) may be composed of a plurality of lattice holes and a plurality of bridges between the plurality of lattice holes. The lattice pattern (431) may increase the flexibility and durability of the support plate (430).
[0155] In at least one embodiment, the support plate (430) may include a foldable area including a lattice pattern (431). For example, the foldable area of the support plate (430) may be an area corresponding to the lattice pattern (431), or may refer to the lattice pattern (431) and some area adjacent thereto.
[0156] In at least one embodiment, the support plate (430) may include a first region (430a) and a second region (430b). The first region (430a) may be a region spaced apart from the foldable region in the first direction (D1). The second region (430b) may be a region between the first region (430a) and the foldable region.
[0157] The support plate (430) of at least one embodiment can help to smoothly perform the folding operation of the display module (400) and can help to reinforce the rigidity of the display panel (410) and the display module (400).
[0158] In at least one embodiment, the display module (400) may further include at least one functional member (not shown) disposed between the polymer layer (425) and the support plate (430), or under the support plate (430). For example, the functional member may include a graphite sheet for heat dissipation, a force touch FPCB, a fingerprint sensor FPCB, an antenna radiator for communication, or a conductive / non-conductive tape.
[0159] In at least one embodiment, the shield layer (427) may be made of an elastic material (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane; TPU). The shield layer (427) may be positioned beneath the support plate (430). The shield layer (427) may cushion the impact transmitted to the support plate (430).
[0160] In at least one embodiment, the reinforcing plate (429) may include a first reinforcing area (429a) facing the first housing portion (e.g., the first housing portion (403a) of FIG. 4) and a second reinforcing area (429b) facing the second housing portion (e.g., the second housing portion (403b) of FIG. 4).
[0161] In at least one embodiment, the display module (400) may have at least some of the plurality of layers described above bonded together by at least some of the adhesive (421, 424, 428) and the adhesive layer (450).
[0162] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive (421, 424, 428) and the adhesive layer (450) 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.
[0163] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive (421, 424, 428) and the adhesive layer (450) may be made of substantially the same material, or at least some may be made of different materials.
[0164] In at least one embodiment, the adhesives (421, 424, 428) may include a first adhesive (421), a second adhesive (424), and a third adhesive (428). In at least one embodiment, the first adhesive (421) may bond the foldable glass (420) and the polarizing layer (423). In at least one embodiment, the second adhesive (424) may bond the display panel (410) and the polymer layer (425). In at least one embodiment, the third adhesive (428) may bond the shield layer (427) and the reinforcing plate (429).
[0165] In at least one embodiment, an adhesive layer (450) may be disposed between the display panel (410) and the support plate (430). For example, the adhesive layer (450) may bond the polymer layer (425) and the support plate (430).
[0166] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive layer (450) may be composed of an adhesive region (a) and a non-adhesive region (b). The adhesive region (a) may be a region that adheres adjacent components. The non-adhesive region (b) may be a region that does not adhere adjacent components. Alternatively, the non-adhesive region (b) may be a weakly adhesive region (a) that has a relatively weaker adhesive strength than the adhesive region (a).
[0167] For example, the adhesive region (a) can adhere the polymer layer (425) (or the display panel (410)) and the support plate (430). For example, the non-adhesive region (b) can be non-adhesive or weakly adhesive to at least one of the polymer layer (425) (or the display panel (410)) and the support plate (430).
[0168] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive layer (450) can bond neighboring components through the bonding region (a). Additionally, the adhesive layer (450) can reduce movement restrictions of neighboring components through the non-bonding region (b).
[0169] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive layer (450) may include a folding portion (451), a first portion (452), and a second portion (453).
[0170] In at least one embodiment, the folding portion (451) may be an area that at least partially overlaps the folding area (F) in a direction (e.g., -Z direction) facing the display module (400) or the display panel (410). Alternatively, the folding portion (451) may be an area facing the folding area (F). Alternatively, the folding portion (451) may be an area corresponding to the lattice pattern (431).
[0171] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive area (a) of the adhesive layer (450) may be omitted in the foldable area including the lattice pattern (431) of the support plate (430).
[0172] For example, when the electronic device (401) is unfolded, the folding portion (451) may be an area that overlaps at least a portion of the folding portion (F) when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the folding portion (F) (e.g., in the Z direction). Alternatively, the folding portion (451) may be formed of a non-adhesive area (b). For example, the non-adhesive area (b) may occupy the entirety of the folding portion (451).
[0173] In at least one embodiment, the first portion (452) can be spaced apart from the folding portion (451) in a first direction (D1) (e.g., in the Y-axis direction). In at least one embodiment, the first direction (D1) can be a direction perpendicular to a folding axis (e.g., the X-axis). For example, the first direction (D1) can be a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (e.g., the X-axis) and away from the folding axis (e.g., the X-axis). The second direction (D2) can be a direction perpendicular to the first direction (D1) or toward the folding axis. For example, the second direction (D2) can be a direction away from an imaginary line that crosses the center of the folding axis and is perpendicular to the folding axis direction (e.g., the X-axis).
[0174] For example, the first portion (452) may be an end portion in the first direction (D1), which is a side direction perpendicular to the folding axis in the adhesive layer (450). Alternatively, the first portion (452) may be a portion of an area between the folding portion (451) and the end portion in the first direction (D1) of the adhesive layer (450). Alternatively, the first portion (452) may be an area disposed in the first area (430a) of the support plate (430).
[0175] In at least one embodiment, the first portion (452) may be formed of an adhesive region (a). Alternatively, the first portion (452) may be a portion formed solely of an adhesive region (a) along the second direction (D2) in the adhesive layer (450). The first portion (452) may bond adjacent components.
[0176] In at least one embodiment, the second portion (453) may be positioned between the folding portion (451) and the first portion (452). Alternatively, the second portion (453) may be a region positioned in the second region (430b) of the support plate (430). The second portion (453) may be a region formed by a combination of an adhesive region (a) and a non-adhesive region (b).
[0177] In at least one embodiment, the second portion (453) may have an increasing ratio of the bonding area (a) per unit area in the first direction (D1). For example, the second portion (453) may have an increasing ratio of the bonding area (a) to the non-bonding area (b) per unit area in the first direction (D1).
[0178] For example, the unit area may be based on the width in the first direction (D1). Alternatively, the unit area may be based on the width in the first direction (D1) of one of a single pattern structure (e.g., one geometric structure (G1)). Alternatively, the unit area may be based on the width in the first direction (D1) of the largest geometric structure (G1). Alternatively, the unit area may be based on the width in the first direction (D1) of the smallest geometric structure (G1). Alternatively, the unit area may be based on the average width in the first direction (D1) of a plurality of geometric structures (G1). Alternatively, the unit area may be based on the spacing between geometric structures (G1) in the first direction (D1). Alternatively, the unit area may be based on the average spacing between geometric structures (G1) in the first direction (D1).
[0179] However, the standard of 'unit area' according to at least one embodiment of the present document is not limited to the above-described example, and may be set based on the shape of the adhesive layer (450), the shape of the pattern structure, and / or the structure. Alternatively, 'the relative ratio of the adhesive area (a) to the non-adhesive area (b) per unit area' may mean a tendency of a ratio change observed in the second part (453) along the first direction (D1). For example, the second part (453) may show a tendency of an increase in the ratio of the adhesive area (a) in the first direction (D1).
[0180] For example, as the folding portion (451) unfolds to the first portion (452), the area occupied by the adhesive region (a) in the second portion (453) may gradually increase, at least in some areas.
[0181] In at least one embodiment of the present document, by changing the ratio of the adhesive area (a) of the second portion (453), the display module (400) can disperse stress applied to the display panel (410) or alleviate stress transmitted to the display panel (410). The adhesive layer (450) can disperse stress transmitted to the display panel (410) so that it is not concentrated when the display module (400) is dropped or receives an impact, and can reduce or prevent damage to the display module (400).
[0182] In at least one embodiment, since the adhesive layer (450) is positioned to face the support plate (430), a non-adhesive region (b) may be required in an area overlapping the lattice pattern (431). In the area where the adhesive region (a) and the non-adhesive region (b) come into contact, stress transmitted to the display panel (410) may be concentrated. The second portion (453) may be configured as a combination of the adhesive region (a) and the non-adhesive region (b), thereby dispersing the concentrated stress.
[0183] For example, if the second part (453) is omitted, the stress transmitted to the display panel (410) at the contact point between the folding part (451) and the first part (452) may be concentrated, and may apply pressure to or damage the display panel (410).
[0184] In at least one embodiment of the present document, the second portion (453) can disperse the stress concentrated at the connection portion of the folding portion (451) and the first portion (452) over a wide range, and can relieve the stress applied to the display panel (410).
[0185] In addition, the display module (400) according to at least one embodiment of the present document can reduce or prevent loss of adhesive strength of the adhesive layer (450) and efficiently disperse stress by gradually increasing the ratio of the adhesive area (a) along the first direction (D1) in the second portion (453).
[0186] Hereinafter, the structure and shape of the adhesive layer (450) will be described with reference to FIGS. 5a and 5b, but this is only one implementation example, and the structure and shape of the adhesive layer (450) according to at least one embodiment of the present document are not limited thereto.
[0187] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive region (a) may be formed of an adhesive material, and the non-adhesive region (b) may be formed of an open space. The non-adhesive region (b) formed of an open space may provide flexibility in the folding region (F) of the display module (400). In addition, since the non-adhesive region (b) is free of a separate material, it may have an advantage in manufacturing the adhesive layer (450).
[0188] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive region (a) of the second portion (453) may be formed in a pattern shape in which a plurality of geometric structures (G1) are arranged. The non-adhesive region (b) of the second portion (453) may be formed in a shape that surrounds each of the plurality of geometric structures (G1). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5b, each of the plurality of geometric structures (G1) may have a polygonal shape, such as a square.
[0189] In at least one embodiment, the plurality of geometric structures (G1) may be spaced apart and arranged, and the non-bonded region (b) may be formed by a spaced region between the plurality of geometric structures (G1). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and at least some of the plurality of geometric structures (G1) may be partially connected or continuous.
[0190] In at least one embodiment, the pattern shape of the bonding area (a) of the second portion (453) may be a shape in which a plurality of geometric structures (G1) of different sizes and shapes are arranged along the first direction (D1). For example, the second portion (453) may have a pattern shape in which the area of each of the plurality of geometric structures (G1) increases in the first direction (D1).
[0191] In at least one embodiment, the pattern shape of the bonding area (a) of the second portion (453) may be a shape in which a plurality of geometric structures (G1) of substantially the same size and shape are arranged along a second direction (D2) perpendicular to the first direction (D1).
[0192] However, "substantially" in this document may mean the same level, reflecting tolerances or errors in normal manufacturing processes. Alternatively, "substantially" may refer to a range including any one of + / -0.1%, + / -0.5%, + / -1%, + / -3%, + / -5%, + / -7%, + / -10%, + / -15%, and + / -20%, based on the literal equivalent 0%.
[0193] In at least one embodiment of the present document, the adhesive layer (450) may have a pattern shape of the second portion (453) such that the ratio of the non-adhesive area (b) per unit area in the first direction (D1) decreases and the ratio of the adhesive area (a) increases.
[0194] In at least one embodiment, the pattern shape of the bonding area (a) of the second portion (453) may be such that the spacing between the plurality of geometric structures (G1) in the first direction (D1) gradually decreases. As the plurality of geometric structures (G1) are arranged gradually closer together in the first direction (D1), the proportion of the non-bonded area (b) per unit area in the first direction (D1) may decrease and the proportion of the bonding area (a) may increase.
[0195] However, the above-described pattern shape is merely an example, and in at least one embodiment of the present document, the adhesive layer (450) can change the ratio of the adhesive area (a) per unit area in various ways through the design of the pattern shape of the second portion (453).
[0196] FIG. 6 is a plan view of an adhesive layer (450) according to at least one embodiment.
[0197] Referring to FIG. 6, the non-adhesive region (b') of the adhesive layer (450) according to at least one embodiment may include a non-adhesive material.
[0198] Hereinafter, any content overlapping with the above will be omitted for explanation, and it is to be understood that some components and structures of the adhesive layer (450) may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to those skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below. In addition, at least one component or feature of the above-described embodiments may be combined with the adhesive layer (450) unless it is technically clearly impossible.
[0199] In addition, the adhesive layer (450) including the non-adhesive region (b') of FIG. 6 may be an exemplary example for implementing the non-adhesive region (b; b') of the adhesive layer (450) according to at least one embodiment of the present document. In addition, the adhesive layer (450) including the non-adhesive region (b') may be applied as a substitute for the non-adhesive region (b) of the adhesive layer (450) including the non-adhesive region (b) described above and described below, or in combination with the non-adhesive region (b).
[0200] In at least one embodiment, the non-adhesive region (b') may comprise a non-adhesive material. The non-adhesive material may be a material having relatively low or substantially no adhesiveness compared to the adhesive material forming the adhesive region (a).
[0201] For example, the adhesive region (a) may be made of an adhesive material, and the non-adhesive region (b') may be made of an adhesive material and a non-adhesive material covering at least one surface of the adhesive material.
[0202] In at least one embodiment, the non-adhesive region (b') may be comprised of an adhesive material and a non-adhesive material. For example, in the non-adhesive region (b'), the non-adhesive material may be masked on the adhesive material. For example, the adhesive layer (450) may be comprised of a single body of adhesive material, and the non-adhesive region may be implemented by patterning the non-adhesive material on at least one surface of the adhesive material.
[0203] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive layer (450) can reduce or eliminate empty space through a non-adhesive region (b') made of a non-adhesive material. Alternatively, the non-adhesive material can be made of an elastic material and absorb shock transmitted from the outside. Alternatively, the adhesive layer (450) can be efficiently formed by patterning the non-adhesive region (b') by masking the non-adhesive material on the adhesive material.
[0204] Hereinafter, a non-adhesive region (e.g., non-adhesive region (b) of FIG. 5b) formed as an open space in an adhesive layer (450) according to at least one embodiment is illustrated and described, but this is merely an example, and an adhesive layer (450) including a non-adhesive region (b') may be applied with a non-adhesive region (b') including a non-adhesive material in at least a portion of the region.
[0205] FIG. 7A is a plan view of an adhesive layer (450-1) according to at least one embodiment, and FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of the adhesive layer (450-1) according to at least one embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 7B is an enlarged view illustrating area C of FIG. 7A.
[0206] Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, an adhesive layer (450-1) according to at least one embodiment (e.g., adhesive layer (450) of FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B or FIG. 6) may include an edge region (455).
[0207] Hereinafter, any content overlapping with the above will be omitted for explanation, and it is to be understood that some components and structures of the adhesive layer (450-1) may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to those skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below. In addition, at least one component or feature of the embodiments described above may be combined with the adhesive layer (450-1) unless it is technically clearly impossible.
[0208] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive layer (450-1) may be composed of an adhesive region (a) and a non-adhesive region (b). The adhesive region (a) may be a region that adheres adjacent components. The non-adhesive region (b) may be a region that does not adhere adjacent components. Alternatively, the non-adhesive region (b) may be a weakly adhesive region (a) that has a relatively weaker adhesive strength than the adhesive region (a).
[0209] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive layer (450-1) can bond neighboring components through the bonding region (a). Additionally, the adhesive layer (450-1) can reduce movement restrictions of neighboring components through the non-bonding region (b).
[0210] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive layer (450-1) may include a folding portion (451-1) (e.g., the folding portion (451) of FIG. 5b or FIG. 6), a first portion (452-1) (e.g., the first portion (452) of FIG. 5b or FIG. 6), and a second portion (453-1) (e.g., the second portion (453) of FIG. 5b or FIG. 6).
[0211] Hereinafter, when describing the adhesive layer (450-1) including the folding portion (451-1), the first portion (452-1), and the second portion (453-1), any overlapping content with the above-described content will be omitted, and the above-described descriptions can be understood to be substantially the same or similar to the adhesive layer (450-1) of FIGS. 7a and 7b.
[0212] In at least one embodiment, the second portion (453-1) may include an edge region (455). The edge region (455) may be an end of at least one side (e.g., +X direction or -X direction) of the second portion (453-1) in the second direction (D2).
[0213] In at least one embodiment, the edge region (455) may be formed in a shape in which the width of the non-adhesive region (b) gradually decreases in the first direction (D1) (e.g., the width in the second direction (D2)). By virtue of the edge region (455), the second portion (453-1) may have an increasing ratio of the adhesive region (a) per unit area in the first direction (D1).
[0214] For example, the end of the second direction (D2) of the second portion (453-1) may be formed as a non-adhesive region (b). The non-adhesive region (b) may have a width that gradually decreases in the first direction (D1).
[0215] In at least one embodiment of the present document, the second portion (453-1) including the edge region (455) can widely distribute the stress concentrated at the connection portion of the adhesive region (a) and the non-adhesive region (b), and can relieve the stress applied to the display panel (e.g., the display panel (410) of FIG. 5A).
[0216] In at least one embodiment, the edge region (455) may include a boundary line (L). The boundary line (L) may be an area where an adhesive region (a) and a non-adhesive region (b) face each other. The boundary line (L) may be an area where stress transmitted from one adhesive configuration (e.g., support plate (430)) to another configuration (e.g., display panel (410)) by the adhesive region (a) is concentrated.
[0217] In at least one embodiment, the boundary line (L) may have a shape that is bent in the first direction (D1). For example, the boundary line (L) may include at least one of a first line shape (L1) and a second line shape (L2).
[0218] In at least one embodiment, the first line shape (L1) may be a line that is bent in a rounded or curved shape in the first direction (D1). In at least one embodiment, the second line shape (L2) may be a line that is bent in a diagonal shape in the first direction (D1).
[0219] In at least one embodiment of the present document, the boundary line (L) can gradually increase the proportion of the bonding area (a) in the first direction (D1). Through the bent shape, the second portion (453-1) can effectively disperse the stress concentrated at the boundary line (L) of the edge area (455).
[0220] FIG. 8a is a plan view of an adhesive layer (450-2) according to at least one embodiment.
[0221] Referring to FIG. 8a, the adhesive layer (450-2) according to at least one embodiment may include a pattern shape in which geometric structures (G2) having a circular or oval shape are arranged.
[0222] Hereinafter, any content overlapping with the above will be omitted for explanation, and it is to be understood that some components and structures of the adhesive layer (450-2) may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to those skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below. In addition, at least one component or feature of the embodiments described above may be combined with the adhesive layer (450-2) unless it is technically clearly impossible.
[0223] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive layer (450-2) may be composed of an adhesive region (a) and a non-adhesive region (b). The adhesive region (a) may be a region that adheres adjacent components. The non-adhesive region (b) may be a region that does not adhere adjacent components. Alternatively, the non-adhesive region (b) may be a weakly adhesive region (a) that has a relatively weaker adhesive strength than the adhesive region (a).
[0224] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive layer (450-2) can bond neighboring components through the bonding area (a). Additionally, the adhesive layer (450-2) can reduce movement restrictions of neighboring components through the non-bonding area (b).
[0225] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive layer (450-2) may include a folding portion (451-2) (e.g., the folding portion (451) of FIG. 5b or FIG. 6), a first portion (452-2) (e.g., the first portion (452) of FIG. 5b or FIG. 6), and a second portion (453-2) (e.g., the second portion (453) of FIG. 5b or FIG. 6).
[0226] Hereinafter, when describing the adhesive layer (450-2) including the folding portion (451-2), the first portion (452-2), and the second portion (453-2), any overlapping content with the above-described content will be omitted, and the above-described descriptions can be understood to be substantially the same or similar to the adhesive layer (450-2) of FIG. 8a.
[0227] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive area (a) of the second portion (453-2) may be formed in a pattern shape in which a plurality of geometric structures (G2) are arranged. The non-adhesive area (b) of the second portion (453-2) may be formed in a shape that surrounds each of the plurality of geometric structures (G2).
[0228] For example, as illustrated in Fig. 8a, each of the plurality of geometric structures (G2) may be formed in a circular or elliptical shape. Unlike polygonal structures, the plurality of geometric structures (G2) in a circular or elliptical shape can prevent stress from being concentrated at the corners.
[0229] In at least one embodiment, the plurality of geometric structures (G2) may be spaced apart and arranged, and the non-bonded region (b) may be formed by a spaced region between the plurality of geometric structures (G2). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and at least some of the plurality of geometric structures (G2) may be partially connected or continuous.
[0230] In at least one embodiment, the pattern shape of the bonding area (a) of the second portion (453-2) may be a shape in which a plurality of geometric structures (G2) of different sizes and shapes are arranged along the first direction (D1). For example, the second portion (453-2) may have a pattern shape in which the area of each of the plurality of geometric structures (G2) increases in the first direction (D1).
[0231] In at least one embodiment of the present document, the adhesive layer (450-2) may have a pattern shape of the second portion (453-2) such that the ratio of the non-adhesive area (b) per unit area in the first direction (D1) decreases and the ratio of the adhesive area (a) increases.
[0232] In at least one embodiment, the pattern shape of the second portion (453-2) may be a shape in which a plurality of geometric structures (G2) of substantially the same size and shape are arranged along the second direction (D2).
[0233] In at least one embodiment, the pattern shape of the bonding area (a) of the second portion (453-2) may be such that the spacing between the plurality of geometric structures (G2) in the first direction (D1) gradually decreases. As the plurality of geometric structures (G2) are arranged gradually closer together in the first direction (D1), the proportion of the non-bonded area (b) per unit area in the first direction (D1) may decrease and the proportion of the bonding area (a) may increase.
[0234] FIG. 8b is a plan view of an adhesive layer (450-3) according to at least one embodiment.
[0235] Referring to FIG. 8b, the adhesive layer (450-3) according to at least one embodiment may include a pattern shape in which geometric structures (G3) having polygonal shapes such as octagons are arranged.
[0236] Hereinafter, any content overlapping with the above will be omitted for explanation, and it is to be understood that some components and structures of the adhesive layer (450-3) may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to those skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below. In addition, at least one component or feature of the embodiments described above may be combined with the adhesive layer (450-3) unless it is technically clearly impossible.
[0237] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive layer (450-3) may be composed of an adhesive region (a) and a non-adhesive region (b). The adhesive region (a) may be a region that adheres adjacent components. The non-adhesive region (b) may be a region that does not adhere adjacent components. Alternatively, the non-adhesive region (b) may be a weakly adhesive region (a) that has a relatively weaker adhesive strength than the adhesive region (a).
[0238] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive layer (450-3) can bond neighboring components through the bonding region (a). Additionally, the adhesive layer (450-3) can reduce movement restrictions of neighboring components through the non-bonding region (b).
[0239] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive layer (450-3) may include a folding portion (451-3) (e.g., the folding portion (451) of FIG. 5b or FIG. 6), a first portion (452-3) (e.g., the first portion (452) of FIG. 5b or FIG. 6), and a second portion (453-3) (e.g., the second portion (453) of FIG. 5b or FIG. 6).
[0240] Hereinafter, when describing the adhesive layer (450-3) including the folding portion (451-3), the first portion (452-3), and the second portion (453-3), any overlapping content with the above-described content will be omitted, and the above-described descriptions can be understood to be substantially the same or similar to the adhesive layer (450-3) of FIG. 8b.
[0241] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive area (a) of the second portion (453-3) may be formed in a pattern shape in which a plurality of geometric structures (G3) are arranged. The non-adhesive area (b) of the second portion (453-3) may be formed in a shape that surrounds each of the plurality of geometric structures (G3).
[0242] For example, as illustrated in Fig. 8b, each of the plurality of geometric structures (G3) may be formed in a polygonal shape, such as an octagon. The plurality of polygonal geometric structures (G3) can evenly distribute stress in the bonding region (a) and may also be advantageous in implementing a shape that is consistently repeated.
[0243] In at least one embodiment, the plurality of geometric structures (G3) may be spaced apart and arranged, and the non-bonded region (b) may be formed by a spaced region between the plurality of geometric structures (G3). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and at least some of the plurality of geometric structures (G3) may be partially connected or continuous.
[0244] In at least one embodiment, the pattern shape of the bonding area (a) of the second portion (453-3) may be a shape in which a plurality of geometric structures (G3) of different sizes and shapes are arranged along the first direction (D1). For example, the second portion (453-3) may have a pattern shape in which the area of each of the plurality of geometric structures (G3) increases in the first direction (D1).
[0245] In at least one embodiment of the present document, the adhesive layer (450-3) may have a pattern shape of the second portion (453-3) such that the ratio of the non-adhesive area (b) per unit area in the first direction (D1) may decrease and the ratio of the adhesive area (a) may increase.
[0246] In at least one embodiment, the pattern shape of the second portion (453-3) may be a shape in which a plurality of geometric structures (G3) of substantially the same size and shape are arranged along the second direction (D2).
[0247] In at least one embodiment, the pattern shape of the bonding area (a) of the second portion (453-3) may be such that the spacing between the plurality of geometric structures (G3) in the first direction (D1) gradually decreases. As the plurality of geometric structures (G3) are arranged gradually closer together in the first direction (D1), the proportion of the non-bonded area (b) per unit area in the first direction (D1) may decrease and the proportion of the bonding area (a) may increase.
[0248] FIG. 9 is a plan view of an adhesive layer (450-4) according to at least one embodiment.
[0249] Referring to FIG. 9, the plurality of geometric structures (G1) of the adhesive layer (450-4) according to at least one embodiment may have a spacing that varies in the second direction (D2).
[0250] Hereinafter, any content overlapping with the above will be omitted for explanation, and it is to be understood that some components and structures of the adhesive layer (450-4) may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to those skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below. In addition, at least one component or feature of the embodiments described above may be combined with the adhesive layer (450-4) unless it is technically clearly impossible.
[0251] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive layer (450-4) may be composed of an adhesive region (a) and a non-adhesive region (b). The adhesive region (a) may be a region that bonds adjacent components. The non-adhesive region (b) may be a region that does not bond adjacent components. Alternatively, the non-adhesive region (b) may be a weakly adhesive region (a) that has a relatively weaker adhesive strength than the adhesive region (a).
[0252] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive layer (450-4) can bond neighboring components through the bonding region (a). Additionally, the adhesive layer (450-4) can reduce movement restrictions of neighboring components through the non-bonding region (b).
[0253] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive layer (450-4) may include a folding portion (451-4) (e.g., the folding portion (451) of FIG. 5b or FIG. 6), a first portion (452-4) (e.g., the first portion (452) of FIG. 5b or FIG. 6), and a second portion (453-4) (e.g., the second portion (453) of FIG. 5b or FIG. 6).
[0254] Hereinafter, when describing the adhesive layer (450-4) including the folding portion (451-4), the first portion (452-4), and the second portion (453-4), any overlapping content with the above-described content will be omitted, and the above-described descriptions can be understood to be substantially the same or similar to the adhesive layer (450-4) of FIG. 9.
[0255] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive area (a) of the second portion (453-4) may be formed in a pattern shape in which a plurality of geometric structures (G1) are arranged. The non-adhesive area (b) of the second portion (453-4) may be formed in a shape that surrounds each of the plurality of geometric structures (G1).
[0256] For example, each of the plurality of geometric structures (G1) may have a square shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and each of the plurality of geometric structures (G1) may have a circular, elliptical, or polygonal shape.
[0257] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive region (a) of the second portion (453-4) may be formed as a pattern shape in which a plurality of geometric structures (G1) are arranged spaced apart from each other. The non-adhesive region (b) of the second portion (453-4) may be formed as a spaced area between the plurality of geometric structures (G1).
[0258] In at least one embodiment, in the second portion (453-4), the spacing between the plurality of geometric structures (G1) may be narrowed as they extend from the end in the second direction (D2) toward the center of the second portion (453-4).
[0259] In at least one embodiment, as the plurality of geometric structures (G1) are arranged increasingly further apart in the second direction (D2), the proportion of non-bonded areas (b) per unit area in the second direction (D2) may decrease and the proportion of bonded areas (a) may increase.
[0260] In at least one embodiment of the present document, by changing the ratio of the bonding area (a) in the second direction (D2), the second part (453-4) can effectively disperse the stress concentrated at the end in the second direction (D2).
[0261] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an adhesive layer (450-5) according to at least one embodiment.
[0262] Referring to FIG. 10, the adhesive layer (450-5) according to at least one embodiment can change the ratio of the adhesive area (a) of the second portion (453-5) through a plurality of methods.
[0263] Hereinafter, any content overlapping with the above will be omitted for explanation, and it is to be understood that some components and structures of the adhesive layer (450-5) may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to those skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below. In addition, at least one component or feature of the embodiments described above may be combined with the adhesive layer (450-5) unless it is technically clearly impossible.
[0264] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive layer (450-5) may be composed of an adhesive region (a) and a non-adhesive region (b). The adhesive region (a) may be a region that adheres adjacent components. The non-adhesive region (b) may be a region that does not adhere adjacent components. Alternatively, the non-adhesive region (b) may be a weakly adhesive region (a) that has a relatively weaker adhesive strength than the adhesive region (a).
[0265] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive layer (450-5) can bond neighboring components through the bonding region (a). Additionally, the adhesive layer (450-5) can reduce movement restrictions of neighboring components through the non-bonding region (b).
[0266] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive layer (450-5) may include a folding portion (451-5) (e.g., the folding portion (451) of FIG. 5b or FIG. 6), a first portion (452-5) (e.g., the first portion (452) of FIG. 5b or FIG. 6), and a second portion (453-5) (e.g., the second portion (453) of FIG. 5b or FIG. 6).
[0267] Hereinafter, when describing the adhesive layer (450-5) including the folding portion (451-5), the first portion (452-5), and the second portion (453-5), any overlapping content with the above-described content will be omitted, and the above-described descriptions can be understood to be substantially the same or similar to the adhesive layer (450-5) of FIG. 10.
[0268] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive area (a) of the second portion (453-5) may be formed in a pattern shape in which a plurality of geometric structures (G1) are arranged. The non-adhesive area (b) of the second portion (453-5) may be formed in a shape that surrounds each of the plurality of geometric structures (G1).
[0269] For example, each of the plurality of geometric structures (G1) may have a square shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and each of the plurality of geometric structures (G1) may have a circular, elliptical, or polygonal shape.
[0270] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive region (a) of the second portion (453-5) may be formed as a pattern shape in which a plurality of geometric structures (G1) are arranged spaced apart from each other. The non-adhesive region (b) of the second portion (453-5) may be formed as a spaced-apart region between the plurality of geometric structures (G1).
[0271] In at least one embodiment, the pattern shape of the bonding area (a) of the second portion (453-5) may be a shape in which a plurality of geometric structures (G1) of different sizes and shapes are arranged along the first direction (D1). For example, the second portion (453-5) may have a pattern shape in which the area of each of the plurality of geometric structures (G1) increases in the first direction (D1).
[0272] In at least one embodiment, the pattern shape of the bonding area (a) of the second portion (453-5) may be a shape in which a plurality of geometric structures (G1) of substantially the same size and shape are arranged along a second direction (D2) perpendicular to the first direction (D1).
[0273] In at least one embodiment of the present document, the adhesive layer (450-5) may have a pattern shape of the second portion (453-5) such that the ratio of the non-adhesive area (b) per unit area in the first direction (D1) decreases and the ratio of the adhesive area (a) increases.
[0274] In at least one embodiment, the pattern shape of the bonding area (a) of the second portion (453-5) may be such that the spacing between the plurality of geometric structures (G1) in the first direction (D1) gradually decreases. As the plurality of geometric structures (G1) are arranged gradually closer together in the first direction (D1), the proportion of the non-bonded area (b) per unit area in the first direction (D1) may decrease and the proportion of the bonding area (a) may increase.
[0275] In at least one embodiment, in the second portion (453-5), the spacing between the plurality of geometric structures (G1) may be narrowed as they are developed from the end in the second direction (D2) toward the center of the second portion (453-5).
[0276] In at least one embodiment, as the plurality of geometric structures (G1) are arranged increasingly further apart in the second direction (D2), the proportion of non-bonded areas (b) per unit area in the second direction (D2) may decrease and the proportion of bonded areas (a) may increase.
[0277] In at least one embodiment of the present document, the adhesive layer (450-5) can effectively disperse stress concentrated in a specific region in the second portion (453-5) through a pattern shape in which the area of each of the plurality of geometric structures (G1) increases in the first direction (D1), the spaced apart intervals of the plurality of geometric structures (G1) decrease in the first direction (D1), and / or the spaced apart intervals of the plurality of geometric structures (G1) increase in the second direction (D2).
[0278] FIG. 11 is a plan view of an adhesive layer (450-6) according to at least one embodiment.
[0279] Referring to FIG. 11, the non-adhesive region (b) of the second portion (453-6) according to at least one embodiment may include a first non-adhesive portion (b1) and a second non-adhesive portion (b2).
[0280] Hereinafter, any content that overlaps with the above-described content will be omitted for explanation, and it should be understood that some components and structures of the adhesive layer (450-6) may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to those skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below. In addition, at least one component or feature of the above-described embodiments may be combined with the adhesive layer (450-6) unless it is technically clearly impossible.
[0281] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive layer (450-6) may be composed of an adhesive region (a) and a non-adhesive region (b). The adhesive region (a) may be a region that adheres adjacent components. The non-adhesive region (b) may be a region that does not adhere adjacent components. Alternatively, the non-adhesive region (b) may be a weakly adhesive region (a) that has a relatively weaker adhesive strength than the adhesive region (a).
[0282] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive layer (450-6) can bond neighboring components through the bonding region (a). Additionally, the adhesive layer (450-6) can reduce movement restrictions of neighboring components through the non-bonding region (b).
[0283] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive layer (450-6) may include a folding portion (451-6) (e.g., folding portion (451) of FIG. 5b or FIG. 6), a first portion (452-6) (e.g., first portion (452) of FIG. 5b or FIG. 6), and a second portion (453-6) (e.g., second portion (453) of FIG. 5b or FIG. 6).
[0284] Hereinafter, when describing the adhesive layer (450-6) including the folding portion (451-6), the first portion (452-6), and the second portion (453-6), any overlapping content with the above-described content will be omitted, and the above-described descriptions can be understood to be substantially the same or similar to the adhesive layer (450-6) of FIG. 11.
[0285] In at least one embodiment, the non-adhesive region (b) of the second portion (453-6) may include a first non-adhesive region (b1) and a second non-adhesive region (b2). The first non-adhesive region (b1) may be a region formed of an open space. The second non-adhesive region (b2) may be a region formed of a non-adhesive material.
[0286] However, this is merely an example, and the first non-adhesive portion (b1) of at least one embodiment may be a region formed of a non-adhesive material, and the second non-adhesive portion (b2) may be a region formed of an open space. Alternatively, the first non-adhesive portion (b1) and the second non-adhesive portion (b2) of at least one embodiment may be regions formed of an open space. Alternatively, the first non-adhesive portion (b1) and the second non-adhesive portion (b2) of at least one embodiment may be regions formed of a non-adhesive material.
[0287] In at least one embodiment, the first non-adhesive portion (b1) of the second portion (453-6) may be a portion extending from the non-adhesive portion (b) of the folding portion (451-6). The first non-adhesive portion (b1) may be provided at both ends of the second portion (453-6) in the second direction (D2).
[0288] For example, the second portion (453-6) may include an edge region (455-6). The edge region (455-6) may be an end portion of at least one side (e.g., +X direction or -X direction) of the second direction (D2) of the second portion (453-6).
[0289] In at least one embodiment, the edge region (455-6) may be formed in a shape in which the width of the first non-adhesive portion (b1) (e.g., the width in the second direction (D2)) gradually decreases in the first direction (D1). By virtue of the edge region (455-6), the second portion (453-6) may have an increasing ratio of the adhesive area (a) per unit area in the first direction (D1).
[0290] For example, the end of the second direction (D2) of the second portion (453-6) may be formed of a second non-adhesive portion (b2). The first non-adhesive portion (b1) may have a width that gradually decreases in the first direction (D1).
[0291] In at least one embodiment of the present document, the second portion (453-6) including the edge region (455-6) can widely distribute the stress concentrated at the connection portion of the adhesive region (a) and the non-adhesive region (b), and can relieve the stress applied to the display panel (e.g., the display panel (410) of FIG. 5A).
[0292] In at least one embodiment, the second non-adhesive portion (b2) may be formed in a pattern shape in which a plurality of geometric structures (Gb) are arranged. The adhesive area (a) may be formed in a shape that surrounds each of the plurality of geometric structures (Gb).
[0293] For example, each of the plurality of geometric structures (Gb) may be circular. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and each of the plurality of geometric structures (Gb) may be elliptical or polygonal in shape.
[0294] In at least one embodiment, the pattern shape of the second non-adhesive portion (b2) of the second portion (453-6) may be such that the spacing between the plurality of geometric structures (Gb) in the first direction (D1) gradually increases. As the plurality of geometric structures (Gb) are arranged increasingly further apart in the first direction (D1), the proportion of the non-adhesive area (b) per unit area in the first direction (D1) may decrease and the proportion of the adhesive area (a) may increase.
[0295] In at least one embodiment, the pattern shape of the second non-adhesive portion (b2) of the second portion (453-6) may be a shape in which a plurality of geometric structures (Gb) of different sizes and shapes are arranged along the first direction (D1). For example, the second portion (453-6) may have a pattern shape in which the area of each of the plurality of geometric structures (Gb) decreases in the first direction (D1). As the area of each of the plurality of geometric structures (Gb) decreases, the ratio of the non-adhesive area (b) per unit area in the first direction (D1) may decrease and the ratio of the adhesive area (a) may increase.
[0296] In at least one embodiment, the pattern shape of the second non-adhesive portion (b2) of the second portion (453-6) may be a shape in which a plurality of geometric structures (Gb) of substantially the same size and shape are arranged along a second direction (D2) perpendicular to the first direction (D1).
[0297] In at least one embodiment of the present document, the adhesive layer (450-6) may have a pattern shape of the second non-adhesive portion (b2) of the second portion (453-6) such that the ratio of the non-adhesive area (b) per unit area in the first direction (D1) may decrease and the ratio of the adhesive area (a) may increase.
[0298] In at least one embodiment of the present document, the adhesive layer (450-6) can effectively disperse stress concentrated in a specific region in the second portion (453-6) through a pattern shape in which the area of each of the plurality of geometric structures (Gb) in the first direction (D1) becomes smaller or the spacing between the plurality of geometric structures (Gb) in the first direction (D1) becomes larger.
[0299] FIG. 12a is a drawing of an unfolded state of an electronic device (501) according to at least one embodiment, and FIG. 12b is a drawing of a folded state of an electronic device (501) according to at least one embodiment.
[0300] Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B , an electronic device (501) according to at least one embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 , the electronic device (201) of FIGS. 2A and 2B , the electronic device (301) of FIGS. 3A and 3B , or the electronic device (401) of FIG. 4 ) may include at least a portion of a display module (500) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1 , the display (261) of FIGS. 2A and 2B , the display (350) of FIGS. 3A and 3B , or the display module (400) of FIGS. 4 or 5A ) and a housing structure (502) (e.g., the housing structures (210, 220) of FIGS. 2A and 2B , the housing structures (310, 320) of FIGS. 3A and 3B , or the housing structure (403) of FIG. 4 ).
[0301] Hereinafter, any content overlapping with the above will be omitted for explanation, and it is to be understood that, in the electronic device (501), some configurations and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to those skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below. In addition, at least one configuration or feature of the embodiments described above may be combined in the electronic device (501) unless it is technically clearly impossible.
[0302] In at least one embodiment, the electronic device (501) may be a foldable or bendable device. For example, the electronic device (501) may be a multi-foldable device that is foldable at least twice.
[0303] In at least one embodiment, the electronic device (501) may include a housing structure (502) and a display module (500).
[0304] In at least one embodiment, the housing structure (502) may form the exterior of the electronic device (501). The housing structure (502) may include a first housing portion (502a), a second housing portion (502b), and a third housing portion (502c).
[0305] In at least one embodiment, the first housing portion (502a) and the second housing portion (502b) may be foldably connected. For example, the second housing portion (502b) may be rotatably connected to one end (e.g., in the -Y direction) of the first housing portion (502a).
[0306] In at least one embodiment, the first housing portion (502a) and the third housing portion (502c) may be foldably connected. For example, the third housing portion (502c) may be rotatably connected to the other end (e.g., +Y direction) of the first housing portion (502a).
[0307] In at least one embodiment, the plurality of hinge assemblies (503) may include a first hinge assembly (503a) and a second hinge assembly (503b). The first hinge assembly (503a) and the second hinge assembly (503b) may be positioned on opposite sides of the first housing portion (502a). In at least one embodiment, the first hinge assembly (503a) and the second hinge assembly (503b) may operate independently of each other.
[0308] In at least one embodiment, the first hinge assembly (503a) can connect the first housing portion (502a) and the second housing portion (502b). The second hinge assembly (503b) can connect the first housing portion (502a) and the third housing portion (502c).
[0309] In at least one embodiment, by means of the first hinge assembly (503a), either the first housing portion (502a) or the second housing portion (502b) can rotate relative to each other about the first hinge assembly (503a).
[0310] In at least one embodiment, by means of the second hinge assembly (503b), either one of the first housing portion (502a) or the third housing portion (502c) can rotate relative to each other about the second hinge assembly (503b).
[0311] In at least one embodiment, the first hinge cover (505a) may cover the first hinge assembly (503a). The second hinge cover (505b) may cover the second hinge assembly (503b). Each of the first hinge cover (505a) and the second hinge cover (505b) may be disposed inside the housing structure (502) or exposed outside the housing structure (502) based on the operating states of the first hinge assembly (503a) and the second hinge assembly (503b).
[0312] In at least one embodiment, the electronic device (501) can be brought into a folded state by rotation of at least a portion of the first housing portion (502a), the second housing portion (502b), and the third housing portion (502c).
[0313] For example, the electronic device (501) may be in a state that varies between a fully folded state, a partially folded state (or a partially unfolded state), and a fully unfolded state, depending on the unfolded state of the components of the housing structure (502).
[0314] In at least one embodiment, the display module (500) may include a flexible display panel disposed within a space formed by a plurality of housing structures (502). According to at least one embodiment, a surface on which the display module (500) is disposed (or a surface on which the display module (500) is visually visible from the outside of the electronic device (501)) in an unfolded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 12B) may be defined as the front surface of the electronic device (501). The surface opposite to the front surface may be defined as the back surface of the electronic device (501). Additionally, a surface surrounding the space between the front surface and the back surface may be defined as the side surface of the electronic device (501).
[0315] In at least one embodiment, the display module (500) may include a first region (500a), a second region (500b), and a third region (500c). The first region (500a) may be disposed in the first housing portion (502a), the second region (500b) may be disposed in the second housing portion (502b), and the third region (500c) may be disposed in the third housing portion (502c).
[0316] In at least one embodiment, the electronic device (501) may be in a fully folded state in which the first housing portion (502a), the second housing portion (502b), and the third housing portion (502c) are stacked in one direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction).
[0317] For example, a third housing part (502c) may be placed on the upper portion of the first housing part (502a), and a second housing part (502b) may be placed on the upper portion of the third housing part (502c).
[0318] In at least one embodiment, the first housing portion (502a) and the second housing portion (502b) may be unfolded, and the electronic device (501) may be in a partially folded state (or, partially unfolded state). After the first housing portion (502a) and the second housing portion (502b) are unfolded, the first housing portion (502a) and the third housing portion (502c) may be unfolded, and the electronic device (501) may be in a fully unfolded state.
[0319] In at least one embodiment of the present document, a user can adjust the unfolded state of the electronic device according to the usage environment or the user's preference, and the electronic device (501) can provide an improved usage experience to the user.
[0320] FIG. 13a is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display module (500) according to at least one embodiment, and FIG. 13b is a plan view of an adhesive layer (550) according to at least one embodiment.
[0321] Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, a display module (500) according to at least one embodiment may include at least some of a display panel (510), a foldable glass (520), a polarizer (523) (e.g., a polarizing film), a polymer layer (525), a shield layer (527), a reinforcing plate (529), and a support plate (530).
[0322] Hereinafter, any content that overlaps with the above-described content will be omitted for explanation, and it is to be understood that some components and structures of the display module (500) may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to those skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below. In addition, at least one component or feature of the above-described embodiments may be combined with the display module (500) unless it is technically clearly impossible.
[0323] In at least one embodiment, the display module (500) may include two folding areas (F1, F2) (e.g., the folding area (261c) of FIG. 2A, the folding area (353) of FIG. 3A, or the folding area (F) of FIG. 5A). The display module (500) may be folded such that the areas on both sides (e.g., the +Y side and the -Y side) of the folding area (353) face each other.
[0324] In at least one embodiment, the display module (500) may implement a display of a foldable type that can be folded, a rollable type with a changeable display area, a slidable type, or an extensible type.
[0325] In at least one embodiment, the two folding areas (F1, F2) may include a first folding area (F1) and a second folding area (F2). The first folding area (F1) may be provided between the first area (500a) and the second area (500b). The second folding area (F2) may be provided between the first area (500a) and the third area (500c).
[0326] In at least one embodiment, the foldable glass (520) can support and protect the display module (500). For example, the foldable glass (520) can include a plurality of bridges arranged in an area corresponding to the folding area (511) of the display module (500). The plurality of bridges can provide improved flexibility to the display module (500), assist in the bending motion of the foldable glass (520), and reinforce the rigidity of the display module (500).
[0327] In at least one embodiment, the polarizing layer (523) can selectively transmit light generated from a light source of the display panel (510) and vibrating in a certain direction. According to at least one embodiment, the polarizing layer (523) may be formed integrally with the display panel (510).
[0328] In at least one embodiment, the display panel (510) may include a plurality of pixels and wiring structures (e.g., electrode patterns). The display panel (510) may be a foldable display panel. The display panel (510) may be supported by at least one layer (e.g., a support plate (530) and a reinforcement plate (529)).
[0329] In at least one embodiment, the polymer layer (525) may be positioned below the display panel (510) (e.g., in the -Z direction). The polymer layer (525) may provide a dark background to ensure visibility of the display panel (510). Alternatively, the polymer layer (525) may be formed of a cushioning material to cushion impact transmitted to the display module (500).
[0330] In at least one embodiment, to waterproof the display module (500), the polymer layer (525) may be omitted, or the polymer layer (525) may be positioned under the support plate (530). In at least one embodiment, the support plate (530) may be formed in a shape that provides flexibility to the display module (500).
[0331] In at least one embodiment, the support plate (530) may be a metal layer. For example, the support plate (530) may include at least one of SUS (steel use stainless) (e.g., STS (stainless steel)), Cu, Al, or metal CLAD (e.g., a laminated member in which SUS and Al are alternately arranged). Alternatively, the support plate (530) may include other alloy materials.
[0332] In at least one embodiment, the support plate (530) may help reinforce the rigidity of the display module (500), shield ambient noise, or dissipate heat emitted from surrounding heat dissipating components.
[0333] In at least one embodiment, the support plate (530) may include a lattice pattern (531). The lattice pattern (531) may be provided at a position corresponding to the folding area (F). In at least one embodiment, the lattice pattern (531) may be composed of a plurality of lattice holes and a plurality of bridges between the plurality of lattice holes. The lattice pattern (531) may increase the flexibility and durability of the support plate (530).
[0334] In at least one embodiment, the support plate (530) may include a foldable area including at least one lattice pattern (531). For example, the foldable area of the support plate (530) may be an area corresponding to the lattice pattern (531), or may refer to the lattice pattern (531) and some area adjacent thereto.
[0335] In at least one embodiment, the support plate (530) may include at least one first region (530a) and at least one second region (530b). The first region (530a) may be a region spaced apart from the foldable region in the first direction (D1). The second region (530b) may be a region between the first region (530a) and the foldable region.
[0336] The support plate (530) of at least one embodiment can help to perform a folding operation of the display module (500) smoothly and can help to reinforce the rigidity of the display panel (510) and the display module (500).
[0337] In at least one embodiment, the display module (500) may further include at least one functional member (not shown) disposed between the polymer layer (525) and the support plate (530), or under the support plate (530). For example, the functional member may include a graphite sheet for heat dissipation, a force touch FPCB, a fingerprint sensor FPCB, an antenna radiator for communication, or a conductive / non-conductive tape.
[0338] In at least one embodiment, the shield layer (527) may be made of an elastic material (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane; TPU). The shield layer (527) may be positioned beneath the support plate (530). The shield layer (527) may cushion the impact transmitted to the support plate (530).
[0339] In at least one embodiment, the reinforcing plate (529) may include a first reinforcing region (529a) facing the first housing portion (e.g., the first housing portion (502a) of FIGS. 12A and 12B), a second reinforcing region (529b) facing the second housing portion (e.g., the second housing portion (502b) of FIGS. 12A and 12B), and a third reinforcing region (529c) facing the third housing portion (e.g., the third housing portion (502c) of FIGS. 12A and 12B).
[0340] In at least one embodiment, the display module (500) may have at least some of the plurality of layers described above bonded together by at least some of the adhesive (521, 524, 528) and the adhesive layer (550).
[0341] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive (521, 524, 528) and the adhesive layer (550) 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.
[0342] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive (521, 524, 528) and the adhesive layer (550) may be made of substantially the same material, or at least some may be made of different materials.
[0343] In at least one embodiment, the adhesives (521, 524, 528) may include a first adhesive (521), a second adhesive (524), and a third adhesive (528). In at least one embodiment, the first adhesive (521) may bond the foldable glass (520) and the polarizing layer (523). In at least one embodiment, the second adhesive (524) may bond the display panel (510) and the polymer layer (525). In at least one embodiment, the third adhesive (528) may bond the shield layer (527) and the reinforcing plate (529).
[0344] In at least one embodiment, an adhesive layer (550) may be disposed between the display panel (510) and the support plate (530). For example, the adhesive layer (550) may bond the polymer layer (525) and the support plate (530).
[0345] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive layer (550) may be composed of an adhesive region (a) and a non-adhesive region (b). The adhesive region (a) may be a region that adheres adjacent components. The non-adhesive region (b) may be a region that does not adhere adjacent components. Alternatively, the non-adhesive region (b) may be a weakly adhesive region (a) that has a relatively weaker adhesive strength than the adhesive region (a).
[0346] For example, the adhesive region (a) may adhere the polymer layer (525) (or the display panel (510)) and the support plate (530). For example, the non-adhesive region (b) may be non-adhesive to at least one of the polymer layer (525) (or the display panel (510)) and the support plate (530).
[0347] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive layer (550) can bond neighboring components through the bonding region (a). Additionally, the adhesive layer (550) can reduce movement restrictions of neighboring components through the non-bonding region (b).
[0348] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive layer (550) may include a folding portion (551), a first portion (552), a second portion (553), and a third portion (554).
[0349] In at least one embodiment, the folding portion (551) may be an area that at least partially overlaps the folding area (F) in a direction (e.g., -Z direction) facing the display module (500) or the display panel (510). Alternatively, the folding portion (551) may be an area facing the folding area (F). Alternatively, the folding portion (551) may be an area corresponding to the lattice pattern (531).
[0350] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive area (a) of the adhesive layer (550) may be omitted in the foldable area including the lattice pattern (431) of the support plate (530).
[0351] For example, when the electronic device (501) is unfolded, the folding portion (551) may be an area that overlaps at least partly with the folding area (F) when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the folding area (F) (e.g., in the Z direction). The folding portion (551) may be formed of a non-adhesive area (b).
[0352] In at least one embodiment, the folding portion (551) may include a first sub-portion (551a) and a second sub-portion (551b). The first sub-portion (551a) may be an area overlapping with the first folding area (F1). The second sub-portion (551b) may be an area overlapping with the second folding area (F2).
[0353] In at least one embodiment, the first portion (552) may be an end portion in both directions (e.g., +Y direction or -Y direction) perpendicular to the folding axis of the adhesive layer (550). Alternatively, the first portion (552) may be an area spaced apart from the folding portion (551) in a direction toward the end portion in both directions perpendicular to the folding axis of the adhesive layer (550). Alternatively, the first portion (452) may be an area disposed in the first region (430a) of the support plate (430).
[0354] In at least one embodiment, the first portion (552) may include a third sub-portion (552a) and a fourth sub-portion (552b). The third sub-portion (552a) may be an end that is relatively closer to the first sub-portion (551a) than the second sub-portion (551b). The fourth sub-portion (552b) may be an end that is relatively closer to the second sub-portion (551b) than the first sub-portion (551a).
[0355] In at least one embodiment, the first portion (552) may be formed of an adhesive region (a). Alternatively, the portion formed solely of the adhesive region (a) at the end of the adhesive layer (550) may be the first portion (552). The first portion (552) may bond adjacent components.
[0356] In at least one embodiment, the second portion (553) may be positioned between the folding portion (551) and the first portion (552). The second portion (553) may be a region formed by a combination of an adhesive region (a) and a non-adhesive region (b). Alternatively, the second portion (453) may be a region positioned in the second region (430b) of the support plate (430).
[0357] In at least one embodiment, the second portion (553) may include a fifth sub-portion (553a) and a sixth sub-portion (553b). The fifth sub-portion (553a) may be a region between the first sub-portion (551a) and the third sub-portion (552a). The sixth sub-portion (553b) may be a region between the second sub-portion (551b) and the fourth sub-portion (552b).
[0358] In at least one embodiment, the second portion (553) may have an increasing ratio of bonding area (a) per unit area from the folding portion (551) to the first portion (552). For example, the second portion (553) may have an increasing ratio of bonding area (a) to non-bonding area (b) per unit area from the folding portion (551) to the first portion (552).
[0359] In at least one embodiment, the third portion (554) may be provided between the first sub-portion (551a) and the second sub-portion (551b). The third portion (554) may have an increase or decrease in the ratio of the bonding area (a) per unit area in a direction away from each of the first sub-portion (551a) and the second sub-portion (551b).
[0360] For example, the third portion (554) may have a relative ratio of the adhesive area (a) to the non-adhesive area (b) per unit area that increases and decreases from the first sub-portion (551a) to the second sub-portion (551b).
[0361] In at least one embodiment of the present document, by changing the ratio of the adhesive area (a) of the second part (553) and the third part (554), the display module (500) can disperse stress applied to the display panel (510) or alleviate stress transmitted to the display panel (510). The adhesive layer (550) can disperse stress transmitted to the display panel (510) so that it is not concentrated when the display module (500) is dropped or receives an impact, and can reduce or prevent damage to the display module (500).
[0362] In at least one embodiment, since the adhesive layer (550) is arranged to face the support plate (530), a non-adhesive region (b) may be required in an area facing the lattice pattern (531). In an area where the adhesive region (a) and the non-adhesive region (b) meet, stress transmitted to the display panel (510) may be concentrated. The second portion (553) and the third portion (554) may be configured as a combination of the adhesive region (a) and the non-adhesive region (b), thereby dispersing stress concentrated in some areas.
[0363] For example, if the second part (553) and the third part (554) are omitted, stress transmitted to the display panel (510) at a portion adjacent to the folding area (F) may be concentrated, and may apply pressure to or damage the display panel (510).
[0364] In at least one embodiment of the present document, the second part (553) and the third part (554) can widely distribute the stress concentrated at the connection portion of the folding part (551) and the first part (552) and the connection portion of the two folding parts (551), and can alleviate the stress applied to the display panel (510).
[0365] Descriptions including the structure, shape, and pattern of the second part (553) and the third part (554) according to at least one embodiment of the present document may be understood with reference to the descriptions of the second part (453; 453-1; 453-2; 453-3; 453-4; 453-5; 453-6) of the above-described adhesive layer (450; 450-1; 450-2; 450-3; 450-4; 450-5; 450-6), and the above-described descriptions may be understood to be substantially the same or similar to the adhesive layer (550) of FIGS. 12A and 12B.
[0366] FIGS. 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e and 14f are plan views of adhesive layers (550-1; 550-2; 550-3; 550-4; 550-5; 550-6) according to at least one embodiment.
[0367] Referring to FIGS. 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e and 14f, an adhesive layer (550-1; 550-2; 550-3; 550-4; 550-5; 550-6) (e.g., adhesive layer (550) of FIGS. 12a and 12b) according to at least one embodiment has a second part (553-1; 553-2; 553-3; 553-4; 553-5; 553-6) (e.g., second part (553) of FIG. 12b)) and a third part (554-1; 554-2; 554-3; 554-4; 554-5; 554-6) (e.g., third part (553) of FIG. 12b)) of various shapes and structures. may include part (554)
[0368] Hereinafter, any content overlapping with the above will be omitted for explanation, and it is to be understood that some configurations and structures of the adhesive layers (550-1; 550-2; 550-3; 550-4; 550-5; 550-6) may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to those skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below. In addition, at least one configuration or feature of the embodiments described above may be combined in the adhesive layers (550-1; 550-2; 550-3; 550-4; 550-5; 550-6) unless it is technically clearly impossible.
[0369] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive layer (550-1; 550-2; 550-3; 550-4; 550-5; 550-6) comprises a folding portion (551-1; 551-2; 551-3; 551-4; 551-5; 551-6) (e.g., the folding portion (551) of FIG. 12b), a first portion (552-1; 552-2; 552-3; 552-4; 552-5; 552-6) (e.g., the first portion (552) of FIG. 12b), a second portion (553-1; 553-2; 553-3; 553-4; 553-5; 553-6) and a third portion (554-1; 554-2; It may include at least some of 554-3; 554-4; 554-5; 554-6).
[0370] In at least one embodiment, the folding portion (551-1; 551-2; 551-3; 551-4; 551-5; 551-6) may include a first sub-portion (551a-1; 551a-2; 551a-3; 551a-4; 551a-5; 551a-6) (e.g., the first sub-portion (551a) of FIG. 12b) and a second sub-portion (551b-1; 551b-2; 551b-3; 551b-4; 551b-5; 551b-6) (e.g., the second sub-portion (551b) of FIG. 12b).
[0371] In at least one embodiment, the first portion (552-1; 552-2; 552-3; 552-4; 552-5; 552-6) may include a third sub-portion (552a-1; 552a-2; 552a-3; 552a-4; 552a-5; 552a-6) (e.g., the third sub-portion (552a) of FIG. 12b) and a fourth sub-portion (552b-1; 552b-2; 552b-3; 552b-4; 552b-5; 552b-6) (e.g., the fourth sub-portion (552b) of FIG. 12b).
[0372] In at least one embodiment, the second portion (553-1; 553-2; 553-3; 553-4; 553-5; 553-6) may include a fifth sub-portion (553a-1; 553a-2; 553a-3; 553a-4; 553a-5; 553a-6) (e.g., the fifth sub-portion (553a) of FIG. 12b) and a sixth sub-portion (553b-1; 553b-2; 553b-3; 553b-4; 553b-5; 553b-6) (e.g., the sixth sub-portion (553b) of FIG. 12b).
[0373] Hereinafter, when describing the adhesive layers (550-1; 550-2; 550-3; 550-4; 550-5; 550-6), any overlapping content with the above-described content will be omitted, and the above-described descriptions can be understood to be substantially the same or similar to the adhesive layers (550-1; 550-2; 550-3; 550-4; 550-5; 550-6) of FIGS. 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, and 14f.
[0374] Referring to FIG. 14a, the adhesive layer (550-1) may include a first boundary region (555a-1), a second boundary region (555b-1), a third boundary region (555c-1), and a fourth boundary region (555d-1). Each of the first boundary region (555a-1), the second boundary region (555b-1), the third boundary region (555c-1), and the fourth boundary region (555d-1) may be a region where an adhesive region (a) and a non-adhesive region (b) face each other.
[0375] In at least one embodiment, the first boundary region (555a-1) may be provided in the fifth sub-portion (553a-1). The first boundary region (555a-1) may be a line that is bent diagonally from the first sub-portion (551a-1) to the third sub-portion (552a-1).
[0376] In at least one embodiment, by means of the first boundary region (555a-1), the fifth sub-part (553a-1) can gradually increase the proportion of the bonding region (a) from the first sub-part (551a-1) to the third sub-part (552a-1).
[0377] In at least one embodiment, the second boundary region (555b-1) may be provided relatively adjacent to the first sub-portion (551a-1) than the second sub-portion (551b-1) in the third portion (554-1). The first boundary region (555a-1) may be a line that is bent diagonally from the first sub-portion (551a-1) to the second sub-portion (551b-1).
[0378] In at least one embodiment, by means of the second boundary region (555b-1), the third portion (554-1) can gradually increase the proportion of the bonding region (a) from the first sub-portion (551a-1) to the second sub-portion (551b-1).
[0379] For example, in the first boundary region (555a-1) and the second boundary region (555b-1), the adhesive region (a) may gradually increase in width as it moves away from the first sub-portion (551a-1). Alternatively, in the first boundary region (555a-1) and the second boundary region (555b-1), the non-adhesive region (b) may have a pattern shape of a plurality of geometric structures in a triangular shape. Through the folded shape of the first boundary region (555a-1) and the second boundary region (555b-1), the adhesive layer (550-1) can effectively disperse stress.
[0380] In at least one embodiment, the third boundary region (555c-1) may be provided relatively adjacent to the second sub-portion (551b-1) in the third portion (554-1) than the first sub-portion (551a-1). The third boundary region (555c-1) may be formed at an end in the folding axis direction (e.g., X-axis direction) adjacent to the second sub-portion (551b-1).
[0381] In at least one embodiment, the third boundary region (555c-1) may be formed in a shape in which the width of the non-adhesive region (b) gradually decreases from the second sub-portion (551b-1) to the first sub-portion (551a-1), and the ratio of the adhesive region (a) gradually increases.
[0382] In at least one embodiment, the fourth boundary region (555d-1) may be provided in the sixth sub-portion (553b-1). The fourth boundary region (555d-1) may be formed at an end in the direction of the folding axis adjacent to the second sub-portion (551b-1).
[0383] In at least one embodiment, the fourth boundary region (555d-1) may be formed in a shape in which the width of the non-adhesive region (b) gradually decreases from the second sub-portion (551b-1) to the fourth sub-portion (552b-1), and the ratio of the adhesive region (a) gradually increases.
[0384] In at least one embodiment, in the third boundary region (555c-1) and the fourth boundary region (555d-1), the adhesive region (a) may gradually increase in width as it moves away from the second sub-portion (551b-1). Alternatively, in the first boundary region (555a-1) and the second boundary region (555b-1), the non-adhesive region (b) may have a pattern shape of a plurality of geometric structures in an offset shape formed at both ends in the folding axis direction. Through the offset shape of the first boundary region (555a-1) and the second boundary region (555b-1), the adhesive layer (550-1) can effectively disperse stress.
[0385] Referring to FIG. 14b, the adhesive layer (550-2) may include a first boundary region (555a-2), a second boundary region (555b-2), a third boundary region (555c-2), and a fourth boundary region (555d-2). Each of the first boundary region (555a-2), the second boundary region (555b-2), the third boundary region (555c-2), and the fourth boundary region (555d-2) may be a region where an adhesive region (a) and a non-adhesive region (b) face each other.
[0386] In at least one embodiment, the first boundary region (555a-2) may be provided in the fifth sub-portion (553a-2). The first boundary region (555a-2) may be a line that is bent in a semicircular shape from the first sub-portion (551a-2) to the third sub-portion (552a-2).
[0387] In at least one embodiment, by means of the first boundary region (555a-2), the fifth sub-part (553a-2) can gradually increase the proportion of the bonding region (a) from the first sub-part (551a-2) to the third sub-part (552a-2).
[0388] In at least one embodiment, the second boundary region (555b-2) may be provided relatively adjacent to the first sub-portion (551a-2) than the second sub-portion (551b-2) in the third portion (554-2). The first boundary region (555a-2) may be a line that is bent in a semicircular shape from the first sub-portion (551a-2) to the second sub-portion (551b-2).
[0389] In at least one embodiment, by means of the second boundary region (555b-2), the third portion (554-2) can gradually increase the proportion of the bonding region (a) from the first sub-portion (551a-2) to the second sub-portion (551b-2).
[0390] For example, in the first boundary region (555a-2) and the second boundary region (555b-2), the adhesive region (a) may gradually increase in width as it moves away from the first sub-portion (551a-2). Alternatively, in the first boundary region (555a-2) and the second boundary region (555b-2), the adhesive region (a) may have a pattern shape of a semicircular geometric structure. Through the folded shape of the first boundary region (555a-2) and the second boundary region (555b-2), the adhesive layer (550-2) can effectively disperse stress.
[0391] In at least one embodiment, the third boundary region (555c-2) may be provided relatively adjacent to the second sub-portion (551b-2) in the third portion (554-2) than the first sub-portion (551a-2). The third boundary region (555c-2) may be formed at an end in the folding axis direction (e.g., X-axis direction) adjacent to the second sub-portion (551b-2).
[0392] In at least one embodiment, the third boundary region (555c-2) may be formed in a shape in which the width of the non-adhesive region (b) gradually decreases from the second sub-portion (551b-2) to the first sub-portion (551a-2), and the ratio of the adhesive region (a) gradually increases.
[0393] In at least one embodiment, the fourth boundary region (555d-2) may be provided in the sixth sub-portion (553b-2). The fourth boundary region (555d-2) may be formed at an end in the direction of the folding axis adjacent to the second sub-portion (551b-2).
[0394] In at least one embodiment, the fourth boundary region (555d-2) may be formed in a shape in which the width of the non-adhesive region (b) gradually decreases from the second sub-portion (551b-2) to the fourth sub-portion (552b-2), and the ratio of the adhesive region (a) may gradually increase.
[0395] In at least one embodiment, in the third boundary region (555c-2) and the fourth boundary region (555d-2), the adhesive region (a) may gradually increase in width as it moves away from the second sub-portion (551b-2). Alternatively, in the first boundary region (555a-2) and the second boundary region (555b-2), the non-adhesive region (b) may have a pattern shape of a plurality of geometric structures in an offset shape formed at both ends in the folding axis direction. Through the offset shape of the first boundary region (555a-2) and the second boundary region (555b-2), the adhesive layer (550-2) can effectively disperse stress.
[0396] Referring to FIG. 14c, the adhesive layer (550-3) may include a first boundary region (555a-3), a second boundary region (555b-3), a third boundary region (555c-3), and a fourth boundary region (555d-3). Each of the first boundary region (555a-3), the second boundary region (555b-3), the third boundary region (555c-3), and the fourth boundary region (555d-3) may be a region where an adhesive region (a) and a non-adhesive region (b) face each other.
[0397] In at least one embodiment, the first boundary region (555a-3) may be provided in the fifth sub-portion (553a-3). The first boundary region (555a-3) may be a line that is bent in a semi-elliptical shape from the first sub-portion (551a-3) to the third sub-portion (552a-3).
[0398] In at least one embodiment, by means of the first boundary region (555a-3), the fifth sub-portion (553a-3) can gradually increase the proportion of the bonding region (a) from the first sub-portion (551a-3) to the third sub-portion (552a-3).
[0399] In at least one embodiment, the second boundary region (555b-3) may be provided relatively adjacent to the first sub-portion (551a-3) in the third portion (554-3) than the second sub-portion (551b-3). The first boundary region (555a-3) may be a line that is bent in a semi-elliptical shape from the first sub-portion (551a-3) to the second sub-portion (551b-3).
[0400] In at least one embodiment, by means of the second boundary region (555b-3), the third portion (554-3) can gradually increase the proportion of the bonding region (a) from the first sub-portion (551a-3) to the second sub-portion (551b-3).
[0401] For example, in the first boundary region (555a-3) and the second boundary region (555b-3), the adhesive region (a) may gradually increase in width as it moves away from the first sub-portion (551a-3). Alternatively, in the first boundary region (555a-3) and the second boundary region (555b-3), the adhesive region (a) may have a pattern shape of a semi-elliptical geometric structure. Through the folded shape of the first boundary region (555a-3) and the second boundary region (555b-3), the adhesive layer (550-3) can effectively disperse stress.
[0402] In at least one embodiment, the third boundary region (555c-3) may be provided relatively adjacent to the second sub-portion (551b-3) in the third portion (554-3) than the first sub-portion (551a-3). The third boundary region (555c-3) may be formed at an end in the folding axis direction (e.g., X-axis direction) adjacent to the second sub-portion (551b-3).
[0403] In at least one embodiment, the third boundary region (555c-3) may be formed in a shape in which the width of the non-adhesive region (b) gradually decreases from the second sub-portion (551b-3) to the first sub-portion (551a-3), and the ratio of the adhesive region (a) gradually increases.
[0404] In at least one embodiment, the fourth boundary region (555d-3) may be provided in the sixth sub-portion (553b-3). The fourth boundary region (555d-3) may be formed at an end in the direction of the folding axis adjacent to the second sub-portion (551b-3).
[0405] In at least one embodiment, the fourth boundary region (555d-3) may be formed in a shape in which the width of the non-adhesive region (b) gradually decreases from the second sub-portion (551b-3) to the fourth sub-portion (552b-3), and the ratio of the adhesive region (a) may gradually increase.
[0406] In at least one embodiment, in the third boundary region (555c-3) and the fourth boundary region (555d-3), the adhesive region (a) may gradually increase in width as it moves away from the second sub-portion (551b-3). Alternatively, in the third boundary region (555c-3) and the fourth boundary region (555d-3), the non-adhesive region (b) may have a pattern shape of a plurality of geometric structures in an offset shape formed at both ends in the folding axis direction. Through the offset shape of the third boundary region (555c-3) and the fourth boundary region (555d-3), the adhesive layer (550-3) can effectively disperse stress.
[0407] Referring to FIG. 14d, the adhesive layer (550-4) may include a first boundary region (555a-4), a second boundary region (555b-4), a third boundary region (555c-4), and a fourth boundary region (555d-4). Each of the first boundary region (555a-4), the second boundary region (555b-4), the third boundary region (555c-4), and the fourth boundary region (555d-4) may be a region where an adhesive region (a) and a non-adhesive region (b) face each other.
[0408] In at least one embodiment, the first boundary region (555a-4) may be provided in the fifth sub-portion (553a-4). The first boundary region (555a-4) may be a line that is bent diagonally from the first sub-portion (551a-4) to the third sub-portion (552a-4).
[0409] In at least one embodiment, by means of the first boundary region (555a-4), the fifth sub-portion (553a-4) can gradually increase the proportion of the bonding region (a) from the first sub-portion (551a-4) to the third sub-portion (552a-4).
[0410] In at least one embodiment, the second boundary region (555b-4) may be provided relatively adjacent to the first sub-portion (551a-4) in the third portion (554-4) than the second sub-portion (551b-4). The first boundary region (555a-4) may be a line that is bent diagonally from the first sub-portion (551a-4) to the second sub-portion (551b-4).
[0411] In at least one embodiment, by means of the second boundary region (555b-4), the third portion (554-4) can gradually increase the proportion of the bonding region (a) from the first sub-portion (551a-4) to the second sub-portion (551b-4).
[0412] For example, in the first boundary region (555a-4) and the second boundary region (555b-4), the adhesive region (a) may gradually increase in width as it moves away from the first sub-portion (551a-4). Alternatively, in the first boundary region (555a-4) and the second boundary region (555b-4), the adhesive region (a) may have a pattern shape of a geometric structure having a triangular shape. Through the folded shape of the first boundary region (555a-4) and the second boundary region (555b-4), the adhesive layer (550-4) can effectively disperse stress.
[0413] In at least one embodiment, the third boundary region (555c-4) may be provided relatively adjacent to the second sub-portion (551b-4) in the third portion (554-4) than the first sub-portion (551a-4). The third boundary region (555c-4) may be formed at an end in the folding axis direction (e.g., X-axis direction) adjacent to the second sub-portion (551b-4).
[0414] In at least one embodiment, the third boundary region (555c-4) may be formed in a shape in which the width of the non-adhesive region (b) gradually decreases from the second sub-portion (551b-4) to the first sub-portion (551a-4), and the ratio of the adhesive region (a) gradually increases.
[0415] In at least one embodiment, the fourth boundary region (555d-4) may be provided in the sixth sub-portion (553b-4). The fourth boundary region (555d-4) may be formed at an end in the direction of the folding axis adjacent to the second sub-portion (551b-4).
[0416] In at least one embodiment, the fourth boundary region (555d-4) may be formed in a shape in which the width of the non-adhesive region (b) gradually decreases from the second sub-portion (551b-4) to the fourth sub-portion (552b-4), and the ratio of the adhesive region (a) gradually increases.
[0417] In at least one embodiment, in the third boundary region (555c-4) and the fourth boundary region (555d-4), the adhesive region (a) may gradually increase in width as it moves away from the second sub-portion (551b-4). Alternatively, in the first boundary region (555a-4) and the second boundary region (555b-4), the non-adhesive region (b) may have a pattern shape of a plurality of geometric structures in an offset shape formed at both ends in the folding axis direction. Through the offset shape of the third boundary region (555c-4) and the fourth boundary region (555d-4), the adhesive layer (550-4) can effectively disperse stress.
[0418] Referring to FIG. 14e, the adhesive layer (550-5) may include a first boundary region (555a-5), a second boundary region (555b-5), a third boundary region (555c-5), and a fourth boundary region (555d-5). Each of the first boundary region (555a-5), the second boundary region (555b-5), the third boundary region (555c-5), and the fourth boundary region (555d-5) may be a region where an adhesive region (a) and a non-adhesive region (b) face each other.
[0419] In at least one embodiment, the first boundary region (555a-5) may be provided in the fifth sub-portion (553a-5). The first boundary region (555a-5) may be formed at an end in the folding axis direction (e.g., X-axis direction) adjacent to the fifth sub-portion (553a-5).
[0420] In at least one embodiment, the first boundary region (555a-5) may be formed in a shape in which the width of the non-adhesive region (b) gradually decreases from the first sub-portion (551a-5) to the third sub-portion (552a-5), and the ratio of the adhesive region (a) gradually increases.
[0421] In at least one embodiment, the second boundary region (555b-5) may be provided relatively adjacent to the first sub-portion (551a-5) in the third portion (554-5) than the second sub-portion (551b-5). The second boundary region (555b-5) may be formed at an end in the direction of the folding axis adjacent to the fifth sub-portion (553a-5).
[0422] In at least one embodiment, the second boundary region (555b-5) may be formed in a shape in which the width of the non-adhesive region (b) gradually decreases from the first sub-portion (551a-5) to the second sub-portion (551b-5), and the ratio of the adhesive region (a) gradually increases.
[0423] In at least one embodiment, the third boundary region (555c-5) may be provided relatively adjacent to the second sub-portion (551b-5) in the third portion (554-5) than the first sub-portion (551a-5). The third boundary region (555c-5) may be formed at an end in the folding axis direction (e.g., X-axis direction) adjacent to the second sub-portion (551b-5).
[0424] In at least one embodiment, the third boundary region (555c-5) may be formed in a shape in which the width of the non-adhesive region (b) gradually decreases from the second sub-portion (551b-5) to the first sub-portion (551a-5), and the ratio of the adhesive region (a) gradually increases.
[0425] In at least one embodiment, the fourth boundary region (555d-5) may be provided in the sixth sub-portion (553b-5). The fourth boundary region (555d-5) may be formed at an end in the direction of the folding axis adjacent to the second sub-portion (551b-5).
[0426] In at least one embodiment, the fourth boundary region (555d-5) may be formed in a shape in which the width of the non-adhesive region (b) gradually decreases from the second sub-portion (551b-5) to the fourth sub-portion (552b-5), and the ratio of the adhesive region (a) gradually increases.
[0427] In at least one embodiment, in the first boundary region (555a-5), the second boundary region (555b-5), the third boundary region (555c-5), and the fourth boundary region (555d-5), the adhesive region (a) may gradually increase in width as it moves away from the second sub-portion (551b-5). Alternatively, in the first boundary region (555a-5) and the second boundary region (555b-5), the non-adhesive region (b) may have a pattern shape of a plurality of geometric structures in an offset shape formed at both ends in the folding axis direction. Through the offset shapes of the first boundary region (555a-5), the second boundary region (555b-5), the third boundary region (555c-5), and the fourth boundary region (555d-5), the adhesive layer (550-5) can effectively disperse stress.
[0428] Referring to FIG. 14F, the adhesive layer (550-6) may include a first boundary region (555a-6), a second boundary region (555b-6), a third boundary region (555c-6), and a fourth boundary region (555d-6). Each of the first boundary region (555a-6), the second boundary region (555b-6), the third boundary region (555c-6), and the fourth boundary region (555d-6) may be a region where an adhesive region (a) and a non-adhesive region (b) face each other.
[0429] In at least one embodiment, the first boundary region (555a-6) may be provided in the fifth sub-portion (553a-6). The first boundary region (555a-6) may be formed at an end in the folding axis direction (e.g., X-axis direction) adjacent to the fifth sub-portion (553a-6).
[0430] In at least one embodiment, the first boundary region (555a-6) may be formed in a shape in which the width of the non-adhesive region (b) gradually decreases from the first sub-portion (551a-6) to the third sub-portion (552a-6), and the ratio of the adhesive region (a) gradually increases.
[0431] In at least one embodiment, the second boundary region (555b-6) may be provided relatively adjacent to the first sub-portion (551a-6) in the third portion (554-6) than the second sub-portion (551b-6). The second boundary region (555b-6) may be formed at an end in the direction of the folding axis adjacent to the fifth sub-portion (553a-6).
[0432] In at least one embodiment, the second boundary region (555b-6) may be formed in a shape in which the width of the non-adhesive region (b) gradually decreases from the first sub-portion (551a-6) to the second sub-portion (551b-6), and the ratio of the adhesive region (a) gradually increases.
[0433] In at least one embodiment, the third boundary region (555c-6) may be provided relatively adjacent to the second sub-portion (551b-6) in the third portion (554-6) than the first sub-portion (551a-6). The third boundary region (555c-6) may be formed at an end in the folding axis direction (e.g., X-axis direction) adjacent to the second sub-portion (551b-6).
[0434] In at least one embodiment, the third boundary region (555c-6) may be formed in a shape in which the width of the non-adhesive region (b) gradually decreases from the second sub-portion (551b-6) to the first sub-portion (551a-6), and the ratio of the adhesive region (a) gradually increases.
[0435] In at least one embodiment, the fourth boundary region (555d-6) may be provided in the sixth sub-portion (553b-6). The fourth boundary region (555d-6) may be formed at an end in the direction of the folding axis adjacent to the second sub-portion (551b-6).
[0436] In at least one embodiment, the fourth boundary region (555d-6) may be formed in a shape in which the width of the non-adhesive region (b) gradually decreases from the second sub-portion (551b-6) to the fourth sub-portion (552b-6), and the ratio of the adhesive region (a) gradually increases.
[0437] In at least one embodiment, in the first boundary region (555a-6), the second boundary region (555b-6), the third boundary region (555c-6), and the fourth boundary region (555d-6), the adhesive region (a) may gradually increase in width as it moves away from the second sub-portion (551b-6). Alternatively, in the first boundary region (555a-6) and the second boundary region (555b-6), the non-adhesive region (b) may have a pattern shape of a plurality of geometric structures in an offset shape formed at both ends in the folding axis direction. Through the offset shapes of the first boundary region (555a-6), the second boundary region (555b-6), the third boundary region (555c-6), and the fourth boundary region (555d-6), the adhesive layer (550-6) can effectively disperse stress.
[0438] In at least one embodiment, the length, area and shape of at least one of the first boundary region (555a-6), the second boundary region (555b-6), the third boundary region (555c-6) and the fourth boundary region (555d-6) may be different from the other.
[0439] For example, the first sub-portion (551a-6) may have a relatively larger folding area compared to the second sub-portion (551b-6), or may have a larger force transmitted during folding operation. The first boundary region (555a-6) and the second boundary region (555b-6) may have a relatively larger length and area compared to the third boundary region (555c-6) and the fourth boundary region (555d-6), because the magnitude of the stress that must be distributed may be larger.
[0440] In at least one embodiment, the first boundary region (555a-6) may have a greater magnitude of stress to be distributed and may have a relatively larger length and area compared to the second boundary region (555b-6).
[0441] For example, the first boundary region (555a-6) may receive a greater force during folding operation compared to the second boundary region (555b-6). Alternatively, since the third sub-portion (552a-6) exists on the outside of the adhesive layer (550-6), the stress applied to the fifth sub-portion (553a-6) may be greater.
[0442] A display module (400) according to at least one embodiment may include a display panel (410), a foldable area including a lattice pattern (431), a support plate (430) supporting the display panel (410), and an adhesive layer (450; 450-1; 450-2; 450-3; 450-4; 450-5; 450-6) disposed between the display panel (410) and the support plate (430). In at least one embodiment, the adhesive area (a) of the adhesive layer (450; 450-1; 450-2; 450-3; 450-4; 450-5; 450-6) may be omitted in the foldable area including the lattice pattern (431) of the support plate (430). The adhesive layer (450; 450-1; 450-2; 450-3; 450-4; 450-5; 450-6) is disposed in a first region (430a) of the support plate (430) spaced apart from the foldable region in a first direction (D1), and includes a first part (452; 452-1; 452-2; 452-3; 452-4; 452-5; 452-6) including an adhesive region (a) and a second part (430b) disposed between the first region (430a) of the support plate (430) and the foldable region, and is composed of a combination of an adhesive region (a) and a non-adhesive region (b; b'), and the ratio of the adhesive region (a) per unit area in the first direction (D1) increases. 453-2; 453-3; 453-4; 453-5; 453-6) may be included.
[0443] In at least one embodiment, in the second portion (453; 453-2; 453-3; 453-4; 453-5), the bonding area (a) comprises a plurality of geometric structures (G1; G2; G3), and the size of each of the plurality of geometric structures (G1; G2; G3) increases along the first direction (D1), and the non-bonding area (b; b') can at least partially surround each of the plurality of geometric structures (G1; G2; G3).
[0444] A display module (400) according to at least one embodiment may include a display panel (410), a support plate (530) supporting the display panel (410), and an adhesive layer ((450; 450-1; 450-2; 450-3; 450-4; 450-5; 450-6) disposed between the display panel (410) and the support plate (430) and consisting of an adhesive area (a) and a non-adhesive area (b; b'). In at least one embodiment, the display module (400) may include a foldable folding area (F). In at least one embodiment, the adhesive layer ((450; 450-1; 450-2; 450-3; 450-4; 450-5; 450-6) overlaps the folding area (F) in a direction facing the display panel (410) and is formed of a non-adhesive A folding portion (451; 451-1; 451-2; 451-3; 451-4; 451-5; 451-6) consisting of regions (b; b'), a first portion (452; 452-1; 452-2; 452-3; 452-4; 452-5; 452-6) spaced apart in a first direction (D1) from the folding portions (451; 451-1; 451-2; 451-3; 451-4; 451-5; 451-6), and a second portion (452; 452-1; 452-2; 452-3; 452-4; 452-5; 452-6) consisting of an adhesive region (a) and a folding portion (451; 451-1; 451-2; 451-3; 451-4; 451-5; 451-6) and a second portion (452; 452-1; 452-2; 452-3; 452-4; 452-5; 452-6) and may be formed by a combination of adhesive areas (a) and non-adhesive areas (b; b'). In at least one embodiment, the second portion (453; 453-1; 453-2; 453-3; 453-4; 453-5; 453-6) may be included in which the ratio of the adhesive area (a) per unit area in the first direction (D1) increases.
[0445] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive region (a) may be formed of an adhesive material. In at least one embodiment, the non-adhesive region (b) may be formed of an open space.
[0446] In at least one embodiment, in the second portion (453; 453-2; 453-3; 453-4; 453-5), the adhesive region (a) may be formed in a pattern shape in which a plurality of geometric structures (G1; G2; G3) are arranged. In at least one embodiment, the non-adhesive region (b; b') may be formed in a shape that surrounds each of the plurality of geometric structures (G1; G2; G3).
[0447] In at least one embodiment, the second portion (453; 453-2; 453-3; 453-5) may have a pattern shape in which the area of each of the plurality of geometric structures (G1; G2; G3) of the bonding area (a) increases in the first direction (D1).
[0448] In at least one embodiment, the plurality of geometric structures (G1; G3) may be formed in a polygonal shape, such as a square, a hexagon or an octagon.
[0449] In at least one embodiment, the plurality of geometric structures (G2) may have a circular or oval shape.
[0450] In at least one embodiment, the second portion (453-1; 451-6) may include an edge region (455; 455-6) provided at an end in a second direction (D2) perpendicular to the first direction (D1) and having a shape in which the width of the non-adhesive region (b; b') gradually decreases in the first direction (D1).
[0451] In at least one embodiment, the edge region (455; 455-6) may include a boundary line (L) having a shape that is bent in the first direction (D1), as an area where the adhesive region (a) and the non-adhesive region (b; b') face each other.
[0452] In at least one embodiment, the second portion (453-1; 453-4; 453-5; 453-6) may have a ratio of bonding area (a) per unit area that gradually increases from the end in the second direction (D2) perpendicular to the first direction (D1) toward the center of the second portion (453-1; 453-4; 453-5; 453-6).
[0453] In at least one embodiment, in the second part (453; 453-2; 453-3; 453-4; 453-5), the adhesive region (a) may be formed as a pattern shape in which a plurality of geometric structures (G1; G2; G3) are arranged spaced apart from each other. In at least one embodiment, the non-adhesive region (b; b') may be formed as a spaced-apart region between the plurality of geometric structures (G1; G2; G3). In at least one embodiment, in the second part (453; 453-2; 453-3; 453-4; 453-5), the spaced-apart interval between the plurality of geometric structures (G1; G2; G3) may be narrowed in the first direction (D1).
[0454] In at least one embodiment, in the second part (453-4; 453-5), the adhesive region (a) may be formed as a pattern shape in which a plurality of geometric structures (G1; G2; G3) are arranged spaced apart from each other. In at least one embodiment, the non-adhesive region (b; b') may be formed as a spaced-apart region between the plurality of geometric structures (G1; G2; G3). In at least one embodiment, in the second part (453-4; 453-5), as the distance between the plurality of geometric structures (G1; G2; G3) extends from an end in a second direction (D2) perpendicular to the first direction (D1) toward the center of the second part (453-4; 453-5), the spaced-apart interval between the plurality of geometric structures (G1; G2; G3) may become narrower.
[0455] In at least one embodiment, the adhesive region (a) may be formed of an adhesive material. In at least one embodiment, the non-adhesive region (b') may be formed of an adhesive material and a non-adhesive material covering at least one surface of the adhesive material.
[0456] In at least one embodiment, the non-adhesive region (b) of the second portion (453-6) may include a first non-adhesive portion (b1) consisting of an open space and a second non-adhesive portion (b2) made of a non-adhesive material.
[0457] In at least one embodiment, in the second portion (453-6), the non-adhesive region (b; b') may be formed in a pattern shape in which a plurality of geometric structures (Gb) are arranged. In at least one embodiment, the adhesive region (a) may be formed in a shape that surrounds each of the plurality of geometric structures (Gb).
[0458] In at least one embodiment, the second portion (453-6) may have a pattern shape in which the area of each of the plurality of geometric structures (Gb) of the non-adhesive areas (b; b') in the first direction (D1) decreases.
[0459] In at least one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (401) may include a display module (400) of at least one embodiment and a housing structure (403) that foldably supports the display module (400).
[0460] In at least one embodiment, the display module (400) may include a display panel (410), a foldable area including a lattice pattern (431), a support plate (430) supporting the display panel (410), and an adhesive layer (450-1; 450-6) disposed between the display panel (410) and the support plate (430), the adhesive layer comprising an adhesive area (a) and a non-adhesive area (b; b'). The adhesive area (a) of the adhesive layer (450-1; 450-6) may be omitted in the foldable area including the lattice pattern (431) of the support plate (430). The adhesive layer (450-1; 450-6) may include a first part (452-1; 452-6) that is arranged in a first region (430a) of the support plate (430) that is spaced apart from the foldable region of the support plate (430) in a first direction (D1), and that is formed of an adhesive region (a), and a second part (453-1; 453-6) that is arranged in a second region (430b) between the first region (430a) of the support plate (430) and the foldable region, and that has both ends in a second direction (D2) perpendicular to the first direction (D1) formed of non-adhesive regions (b; b'), and between the both ends in the second direction (D2) formed of an adhesive region (a).
[0461] In at least one embodiment, the display module (400) may include a display panel (410), a support plate (430) supporting the display panel (410), and an adhesive layer (450-1; 450-6) disposed between the display panel (410) and the support plate (430) and comprising an adhesive area (a) and a non-adhesive area (b; b'). In at least one embodiment, the display module (400) may include a foldable folding area (F). In at least one embodiment, the adhesive layer (450-1; 450-6) may include a folding portion (451-1; 451-6) that overlaps the folding portion (F) in a direction facing the display panel (410) and is formed of a non-adhesive region (b; b'), a second portion (452-1; 452-6) that is spaced apart from the folding portion (451-1; 451-6) in a first direction (D1) and is formed of an adhesive region (a), and a second portion (452-1; 452-6) that is arranged between the folding portion (451-1; 451-6) and the first portion (452-1; 452-6), and both ends in the second direction (D2) that is perpendicular to the first direction (D1) may be formed of a non-adhesive region (b; b'). In at least one embodiment, the second portion (453-1; 453-6) between the two ends in the second direction (D2) may comprise a second portion (453-1; 453-6) consisting of an adhesive area (a).
[0462] In at least one embodiment, the second portion (453-1; 453-6) may include an edge region (455; 455-6) provided at both ends in the second direction (D2) and having a shape in which the width of the non-adhesive region (b; b') gradually decreases in the first direction (D1).
[0463] In at least one embodiment, the edge region (455; 455-6) may include a boundary line having a shape that is bent in the first direction (D1), as an area where the adhesive region (a) and the non-adhesive region (b; b') face each other.
[0464] In at least one embodiment, the electronic device (401) may include a housing structure (403) forming an exterior and a foldable folding area (F), and may include a display module (400) coupled to the housing structure (403) such that at least a portion of the housing structure (403) is visually exposed. In at least one embodiment, the display module (400) may include a display panel (410), a support plate (430) supporting the display panel (410), and an adhesive layer ((450; 450-1; 450-2; 450-3; 450-4; 450-5; 450-6) disposed between the display panel (410) and the support plate (430) and consisting of an adhesive area (a) and a non-adhesive area (b; b'). In at least one embodiment, the adhesive layer ((450; 450-1; 450-2; 450-3; 450-4; 450-5; 450-6) may include a folding portion (451; 451-1; 451-2; 450-3; 450-4; 450-5; 450-6) that overlaps with the folding area (F) in a direction facing the display panel (410) and consists of a non-adhesive area (b; b'). 451-2; 451-3; 451-4; 451-5; 451-6), a second portion (452; 452-1; 452-2; 452-3; 452-4; 452-5; 452-6) spaced apart in the first direction (D1) from the folding portion (451; 451-1; 451-2; 451-3; 451-4; 451-5; 451-6) and the first portion (452; 452-1; 452-2; 452-3; 452-4; 452-5; 452-6) and may be formed of an adhesive region (a) and a non-adhesive region (b; b'). In at least one embodiment, a second portion (453; 453-1; 453-2; 453-3; 453-4; 453-5; 453-6) may be included in which the width of the non-adhesive region (b; b') decreases in the first direction (D1).
[0465] In at least one embodiment, the electronic device (501) may include a housing structure (502) forming an exterior and a plurality of foldable folding areas (F1, F2), and a display module (500) coupled to the housing structure (502) such that at least a portion of the area is visually exposed. In at least one embodiment, the display module (500) may include a display panel (510), a foldable area including a lattice pattern (531) and overlapping the foldable folding areas (F1, F2), a support plate (530) supporting the display panel (510), and an adhesive layer (550; 550-1; 550-2; 550-3; 550-4; 550-5; 550-6) disposed between the display panel (510) and the support plate (530), the adhesive layer comprising an adhesive area (a) and a non-adhesive area (b; b'). In at least one embodiment, the adhesive area (a) of the adhesive layer (550; 550-1; 550-2; 550-3; 550-4; 550-5; 550-6) may be omitted in the foldable area including the lattice pattern (531) of the support plate (530).In at least one embodiment, the adhesive layer (550; 550-1; 550-2; 550-3; 550-4; 550-5; 550-6) is disposed in a first region (530a) of the support plate (530) spaced apart from the foldable region in a first direction (D1), and comprises a first part (552; 552-1; 552-2; 552-3; 552-4; 552-5; 552-6) consisting of an adhesive region (a), a second region (530b) disposed between the first region (530a) of the support plate (530) and the foldable region, and consisting of the adhesive region (a) and the non-adhesive region (b; b'), and the first part (552; 552-1; The second part (553; 553-1; 553-2; 553-3; 553-4; 553-5; 553-6) in which the ratio of the adhesive area (a) per unit area increases in the direction away from each of the plurality of folding areas (F1, F2) and the third part (554; 554-1; 554-2; 554-3; 554-4; 554-5; 554-6) disposed between the plurality of folding areas (F1, F2) and in which the ratio of the adhesive area (a) per unit area increases in the direction away from each of the plurality of folding areas (F1, F2).
[0466] In at least one embodiment, the electronic device (501) may include a housing structure (502) forming an exterior and a plurality of foldable folding areas (F1, F2), and a display module (500) coupled to the housing structure (502) such that at least a portion of the housing structure is visually exposed. In at least one embodiment, the display module (500) may include a display panel (510), a support plate (530) supporting the display panel (510), and an adhesive layer (550; 550-1; 550-2; 550-3; 550-4; 550-5; 550-6) disposed between the display panel (510) and the support plate (530), the adhesive layer comprising an adhesive area (a) and a non-adhesive area (b; b'). In at least one embodiment, the adhesive layer (550; 550-1; 550-2; 550-3; 550-4; 550-5; 550-6) comprises a folding portion (551; 551-1; 551-2; 551-3; 551-4; 551-5; 551-6) formed of a non-adhesive area (b; b') facing each of the plurality of folding areas (F1, F2) in a direction facing the display panel (510), a second portion (552; 552-1; 552-2; 552-3; 551-4; 551-5; 551-6) formed of an adhesive area (a), and a second portion (552; 552-1; 552-2; 552-3; 551-4; 551-5; 551-6) separated from the folding portions (551; 551-1; 551-2; 551-3; 551-4; 551-5; 551-6). 552-4; 552-5; 552-6), the folding portion (551; 551-1; 551-2; 551-3; 551-4; 551-5; 551-6) and the first portion (552; 552-1; 552-2; 552-3; 552-4; 552-5; 552-6), and may be composed of an adhesive region (a) and a non-adhesive region (b; b').In at least one embodiment, a second portion (553; 553-1; 553-2; 553-3; 553-4; 553-5; 553-6) having an increasing ratio of the bonding area (a) per unit area from the folding portion (551; 551-1; 551-2; 551-3; 551-4; 551-5; 551-6) to the first portion (552; 552-1; 552-2; 552-3; 552-4; 552-5; 552-6) and a third portion (554; 554-1; 554-2; 554-3; 553-6) disposed between the plurality of folding portions (F1, F2) and having an increasing ratio of the bonding area (a) per unit area in a direction away from each of the plurality of folding portions (F1, F2). 554-4; 554-5; 554-6) may be included.
[0467] Although the preferred embodiments have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from the scope of the claims. Furthermore, such modifications should not be individually understood from the technical idea or perspective.
Claims
1. In the display module (400), Display panel (410); A support plate (430) including a foldable area including a lattice pattern (431) and supporting a display panel (410); and It includes an adhesive layer (450; 450-1; 450-2; 450-3; 450-4; 450-5; 450-6) disposed between the display panel (410) and the support plate (430), The adhesive area (a) of the above adhesive layer (450; 450-1; 450-2; 450-3; 450-4; 450-5; 450-6) is omitted in the foldable area of the support plate (430), The above adhesive layers (450; 450-1; 450-2; 450-3; 450-4; 450-5; 450-6) are A first part (452; 452-1; 452-2; 452-3; 452-4; 452-5; 452-6) disposed in a first area (430a) of the support plate (430) spaced apart from the foldable area in the first direction (D1) and including an adhesive area (a) and A display module (400) comprising a second portion (453; 453-1; 453-2; 453-3; 453-4; 453-5; 453-6) disposed between the first region (430a) and the foldable region of the support plate (430), and consisting of a combination of an adhesive region (a) and a non-adhesive region (b; b'), wherein the ratio of the adhesive region (a) per unit area increases in the first direction (D1).
2. In paragraph 1, In the above second part (453; 453-2; 453-3; 453-4; 453-5), The above adhesive region (a) includes a plurality of geometric structures (G1; G2; G3), and the size of each of the plurality of geometric structures (G1; G2; G3) increases along the first direction (D1), The display module (400) wherein the non-adhesive region (b; b') at least partially surrounds each of the plurality of geometric structures (G1; G2; G3).
3. In paragraph 1 or 2, Each of the above plurality of geometric structures (G1; G3) is A display module (400) having a polygonal shape.
4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, Each of the above plurality of geometric structures (G2) is A display module (400) having a circular or oval shape.
5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The above adhesive area (a) is made of an adhesive material, The above non-adhesive area (b) is formed as an open space, display module (400).
6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The above second part (453-1; 453-6) is A display module (400) including an edge area (455; 455-6) provided at an end in a second direction (D2) perpendicular to the first direction (D1) and having a shape in which the width of the non-adhesive area (b; b') gradually decreases in the first direction (D1).
7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The above edge area (455; 455-6) is A display module (400) including a boundary line (L) having a shape that is bent in the first direction (D1), as an area where the adhesive area (a) and the non-adhesive area (b; b') face each other.
8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The above second part (453-1; 453-4; 453-5; 453-6) is A display module (400) in which the ratio of the adhesive area (a) per unit area gradually increases from the end in the second direction (D2) perpendicular to the first direction (D1) to the center of the second portion (453-1; 453-4; 453-5; 453-6).
9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, In the above second part (453; 453-2; 453-3; 453-4; 453-5), The above adhesive region (a) is formed in a pattern shape in which a plurality of geometric structures (G1; G2; G3) are spaced apart and arranged, The above non-adhesive region (b; b') is formed by a spaced region between the plurality of geometric structures (G1; G2; G3), In the above second part (453; 453-2; 453-3; 453-4; 453-5), A display module (400) in which the spacing between the plurality of geometric structures (G1; G2; G3) is narrowed in the first direction (D1).
10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, In the above second part (453-4; 453-5), The above adhesive region (a) is formed in a pattern shape in which a plurality of geometric structures (G1; G2; G3) are spaced apart and arranged, The above non-adhesive region (b; b') is formed by a spaced region between the plurality of geometric structures (G1; G2; G3), In the above second part (453-4; 453-5), A display module (400) in which the spacing between the plurality of geometric structures (G1; G2; G3) is narrowed from the end in the second direction (D2) perpendicular to the first direction (D1) to the center of the second portion (453-4; 453-5).
11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, The above adhesive area (a) is made of an adhesive material, A display module (400), wherein the non-adhesive area (b') is made of an adhesive material and a non-adhesive material covering at least one surface of the adhesive material.
12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, The non-adhesive area (b) of the above second part (453-6) is A first non-adhesive portion (b1) consisting of an open space and A display module (400) comprising a second non-adhesive portion (b2) made of a non-adhesive material.
13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, In the above second part (453-6), The above non-adhesive region (b; b') is formed in a pattern shape in which a plurality of geometric structures (Gb) are arranged, The above adhesive area (a) is formed in a shape that surrounds each of the plurality of geometric structures (Gb), and is a display module (400).
14. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, The above second part (453-6) is, A display module (400) having a pattern shape in which the area of each of the plurality of geometric structures (Gb) of the non-adhesive area (b; b') decreases in the first direction (D1).
15. In a foldable electronic device (401), A display module (400) according to Article 1 and An electronic device (401) comprising a housing structure (403) that foldably supports the display module (400).
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