Cover member and electronic device comprising same

Abstract

This cover member may comprise: a substrate formed from a transparent material; a molding layer disposed on one side of the substrate; and a color conversion layer disposed on the side opposite to the substrate of the molding layer. The molding layer may comprise a first surface disposed on one side of the color conversion layer and comprising a plurality of first inclined areas having different angles of inclination from each other. The color conversion layer may comprise a second surface comprising a plurality of second inclined areas corresponding to the plurality of first inclined areas of the first surface of the molding layer. A portion of incident light transmitted from the substrate may be reflected by the color conversion layer in accordance with the angles of inclination of the plurality of second inclined areas. Other various embodiments are possible.

Description

Cover member and electronic device including same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cover member and an electronic device including the same.

[0002] As wireless communication technology advances, electronic devices such as smartphones capable of wireless communication can provide services utilizing communication functions such as GPS (global positioning system), Wi-Fi, LTE (long-term evolution), and NFC (near field communication).

[0003] An electronic device may include a housing structure that forms at least a portion of the exterior of the electronic device. The housing structure may house and protect components of the electronic device therein.

[0004] The housing structure may include a cover member. Alternatively, the cover member may be a separate component that is bonded, attached, or coated to the electronic device or the housing structure. The cover member may have various textures and optical properties depending on factors such as the material, composition ratio, and external patterning.

[0005] The background technology described above is possessed or acquired during the process of deriving the present disclosure, and cannot necessarily be said to be a publicly known technology disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of the present disclosure.

[0006] According to one embodiment, a cover member may include a substrate made of a transparent material; a molding layer disposed on one side of the substrate; and a color conversion layer disposed on a side of the molding layer opposite the substrate. In one embodiment, the molding layer may include a first surface disposed on one side of the color conversion layer and including a plurality of first inclined regions having different inclination angles. In one embodiment, the color conversion layer may include a second surface including a plurality of second inclined regions corresponding to the plurality of first inclined regions of the first surface of the molding layer. In one embodiment, a portion of incident light transmitted from the substrate may be reflected by the color conversion layer corresponding to the inclination angles of the plurality of second inclined regions.

[0007] In one embodiment, an electronic device may include a housing structure including a cover member. In one embodiment, the cover member may include a molding layer and a color conversion layer disposed on a surface of the molding layer facing the interior of the housing structure, the color conversion layer converting a color of reflected light according to an incident angle of incident light transmitted from the molding layer. In one embodiment, the molding layer may include a first surface provided on a surface facing the color conversion layer and including a plurality of first inclined regions having different inclination angles. In one embodiment, the color conversion layer may include a second surface provided on a surface opposite to the surface facing the molding layer and including a plurality of second inclined regions having different inclination angles.

[0008] The cover member and the electronic device including the same according to the embodiments are not limited to those mentioned above, and various purposes, configurations, and effects of the cover member and the electronic device including the same that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0009] The above and other aspects, features and advantages according to specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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

[0011] FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 2b is a rear perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 2c is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a cover member according to one embodiment.

[0015] Fig. 4a is a cross-sectional view of the cover member taken along line A-A' of Fig. 3.

[0016] FIG. 4b is a graph of the angular dependence of a cover member according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a cover member according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a cover member according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a cover member according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a cover member according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a cover member according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a cover member according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a cover member according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a cover member according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 13a is a perspective view of a cover member according to one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 13b is a perspective view of a cover member according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 14a is a perspective view of a cover member according to one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 14b is a perspective view of a cover member according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 15a is a drawing of a manufacturing process of a cover member according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 15b is a drawing of a manufacturing process of a cover member according to one embodiment.

[0031] 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.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0034] The processor (120) may control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing, for example, software (e.g., a program (140)), and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculation, the processor (120) may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the command or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or a secondary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together therewith. For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and a secondary processor (123), the secondary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a specified function. The secondary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0035] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a part of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, in the electronic device (101) itself where artificial intelligence is performed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0036] 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).

[0037] 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).

[0038] 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).

[0039] 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. According to one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0040] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0041] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0042] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0043] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0044] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0045] A haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0046] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0047] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0048] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0049] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0050] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 eB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0051] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). According to 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). According to 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. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0052] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0053] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0054] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service by itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0055] The embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (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.

[0056] The term "module" used in the embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0057] Embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the method according to the embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0059] According to embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0060] FIG. 2a is a front perspective view of an electronic device (201) according to one embodiment, FIG. 2b is a rear perspective view of an electronic device (201) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 2c is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device (201) according to one embodiment.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c, an electronic device (201) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a front surface (210a), a back surface (210b), and a side surface (211c) surrounding a space between the front surface (210a) and the back surface (210b).

[0062] An electronic device (201) according to an embodiment disclosed in this document may take various forms. The electronic device (201) may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a display device, an audio device, a portable multimedia device, a computer, a medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. Furthermore, the electronic device (201) according to an embodiment of this document is not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0063] An electronic device (201) according to one embodiment may include a housing structure (210) that forms an exterior and accommodates components therein. The housing structure (210) may form a front surface (210a) of the electronic device (201) (e.g., a surface facing the +Z direction), a rear surface (201b) (e.g., a surface facing the -Z direction), and a side surface (211c) that surrounds an interior space between the front surface (210a) and the rear surface (210b). In one embodiment, the housing structure (210) may form a side surface (211c) through a first side surface (211c-1) (e.g., a side facing the - Y direction), a second side surface (211c-2) (e.g., a side facing the + Y direction), a third side surface (211c-3) (e.g., a side facing the + X direction), and a fourth side surface (211c-4) (e.g., a side facing the - X direction) connecting the front surface (210a) and the back surface (210b).

[0064] In one embodiment, the housing structure (210) may include a front plate (211a) forming a front surface (210a) of the electronic device (201). In one embodiment, the front plate (211a) may be formed such that at least a portion thereof is substantially transparent. For example, the front plate (211a) may include a glass plate or a polymer plate including at least one coating layer.

[0065] In one embodiment, the housing structure (210) may include a back plate (211b) forming a back surface (210b) of the electronic device (201). In one embodiment, the back plate (211b) may be formed to be substantially opaque. For example, the back plate (211b) may be formed of a coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, magnesium, or an alloy), or a combination thereof.

[0066] In one embodiment, the back plate (211b) may be a part of the housing structure (210). Alternatively, the back plate (211b) may be a separate component from the housing structure (210) that is coupled to the housing structure (210).

[0067] In one embodiment, the housing structure (210) may include a side frame (240). In one embodiment, the side frame (240) may form a side surface (211c) of the electronic device (201) at least in part. For example, the side frame (240) may be coupled to the front plate (211a) and the back plate (211b). The side frame (240) may include a metal and / or a polymer.

[0068] In one embodiment, the side frame (240) may be seamlessly formed integrally with the rear plate (211b). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the side frame (240) may be formed of substantially the same material as the rear plate (211b), such as aluminum, but is not limited thereto. For example, the side frame (240) may include various types of metal materials.

[0069] In one embodiment, the front plate (211a) may include a plurality of first edge regions (212a-1) facing one direction (e.g., + / - X direction) and extending from at least a portion of the front surface (210a) to the back plate (211b) and having a rounded surface, a plurality of second edge regions (212a-2) facing another direction (e.g., + / - Y direction) and extending from at least a portion of the front surface (210a) to the back plate (211b) and having a rounded surface, and a plurality of third edge regions (212a-3) extending from at least a portion of the front surface (210a) to the back plate (211b) and having a rounded surface and positioned between the plurality of first edge regions (212a-1) and the plurality of second edge regions (212a-2).

[0070] In one embodiment, the back plate (211b) may include a plurality of fourth edge regions (212b-1) facing one direction (e.g., + / - X direction) and extending from at least a portion of the back plate (210b) to the front plate (211a) and having a rounded surface, a plurality of fifth edge regions (212b-2) facing another direction (e.g., + / - Y direction) and extending from at least a portion of the back plate (210b) to the front plate (211a) and having a rounded surface, and a plurality of sixth edge regions (212b-3) extending from at least a portion of the back plate (210b) to the front plate (211a) and having a rounded surface and positioned between the plurality of fourth edge regions (212b-1) and the plurality of fifth edge regions (212b-2).

[0071] In one embodiment, the side frame (240) may surround at least a portion of a space formed between the front (210a) and the back (210b) of the electronic device (201). In one embodiment, a display (261) may be positioned on one side (e.g., in the +Z direction) of the side frame (240). A back plate (211b) may be positioned on the other side (e.g., in the -Z direction) of the side frame (240).

[0072] In one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may include a display (261) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the display (261) may be located on the front side (210a) of the electronic device (201).

[0073] In one embodiment, the display (261) may be visually exposed through at least a portion of the front plate (211a), such as the first edge regions (212a-1), the second edge regions (212a-2), and the third edge regions (212a-3). In one embodiment, the front plate (211a) may be made of transparent glass or a polymer material.

[0074] In one embodiment, the display (261) may be visually exposed to the exterior of the electronic device (201) along the front surface (210a) of the housing structure (210). The display (261) may include a screen display area. The display (261) may be coupled to the front surface (210a) of the housing structure (210) such that the screen display area is visually exposed to the exterior of the electronic device (201).

[0075] In one embodiment, the display (261) may have a shape substantially identical to the outer contour shape of the front plate (211a). Although not illustrated in the drawing, the display (261) according to one embodiment may include a touch screen panel (TSP), a pressure sensor, and / or a digitizer (not illustrated) for detecting a stylus pen.

[0076] In one embodiment, the display (261) may include a screen display area (261a) that is visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device (201) and displays content through pixels or a plurality of cells. In one embodiment, the screen display area (261a) may include a sensing area (261a-1) and a camera area (261a-2). The sensing area (261a-1) may overlap at least a portion of the screen display area (261a). The sensing area (261a-1) may allow transmission of an input signal related to a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1). The sensing area (261a-1) may display content together with a screen display area (261a) that does not overlap with the sensing area (261a-1).

[0077] In one embodiment, the camera area (261a-2) may overlap at least a portion of the screen display area (261a). The camera area (261a-2) may expose a lens of a first camera module (280a) (e.g., camera module (180) of FIG. 1) positioned to face the front of the electronic device (201).

[0078] For example, the camera area (261a-2) may allow transmission of an optical signal associated with the camera module (280a). In one embodiment, the camera area (261a-2) may display content similarly to the screen display area (261a) that does not overlap with the camera area (261a-2). For example, the camera area (261a-2) may display content while the first camera module (280a) is not operating.

[0079] In one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may include a sensor module (276). The sensor module (276) may sense a signal applied to the electronic device (201). The sensor module (276) may be located, for example, on the front (210a) of the electronic device (201). The sensor module (276) may be arranged on the electronic device (201) to correspond to a sensing area (261a-1) of a screen display area (261a).

[0080] For example, the sensor module (276) may be arranged to perform its function without being visually exposed through the display (261) in the internal space of the electronic device (201). The sensor module (276) may receive an input signal that passes through the sensing region (261a-1) and generate an electrical signal based on the received input signal. For example, the input signal may have a specified physical quantity (e.g., heat, light, temperature, sound, pressure, ultrasound). According to one embodiment, the input signal may include a signal related to the user's biometric information (e.g., the user's fingerprint, voice).

[0081] In one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may include a camera module (280a, 280b) (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the camera module (280a, 280b) may include a first camera module (280a) and a second camera module (280b). In one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may include a flash (280c) disposed near the first camera module (280a) and the second camera module (280b).

[0082] In one embodiment, the first camera module (280a) is positioned with its lens exposed on the front side (210a) of the housing structure (210) and can receive an optical signal from the front side (e.g., +Z direction) of the electronic device (201). The second camera module (280b) is positioned with its lens exposed on the rear side (210b) of the housing structure (210) and can receive an optical signal from the rear side (e.g., -Z direction) of the electronic device (201).

[0083] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first camera module (280a) may be positioned in the housing structure (210) so as to be covered by the display (261). For example, the first camera module (280a) may include an under-display camera (UDC).

[0084] In one embodiment, the first camera module (280a) may receive an optical signal passing through the camera area (261a-2). In one embodiment, the second camera module (280b) may include multiple cameras (e.g., dual cameras, triple cameras, or quad cameras). In one embodiment, the flash (280c) may include a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp.

[0085] In one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may include an input module (250) (e.g., the input module (150) of FIG. 1). The input module (250) may receive an operation signal from a user. For example, the input module (250) may include at least one key input device that is positioned so as to be exposed on a side surface (211c) of the housing structure (210).

[0086] In one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may include a connection terminal (278) (e.g., connection terminal (178) of FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the connection terminal (278) may be disposed on an outer surface of the housing structure (210). The electronic device (201) may be wired to an external device (e.g., another electronic device or an external power source) through the connection terminal (278).

[0087] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the side frame (240) may include a metal material. At least a portion of the side frame (240) may function as an antenna radiator of the electronic device (201).

[0088] In one embodiment, the side frame (240) may include a bracket (242) (or bracket portion, support portion) that supports components of the electronic device (201) within the electronic device (201). In one embodiment, the bracket (242) may be formed integrally with the side frame (240) or manufactured separately from the side frame (240) and connected to the side frame (240).

[0089] In one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may include one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs). For example, the electronic device (201) may include a first circuit board (251) (or main circuit board) and a second circuit board (252) (or sub circuit board).

[0090] In one embodiment, the side frame (240) can support circuit boards (251, 252). For example, the circuit boards (251, 252) can be placed on the brackets (242) of the side frame (240). In one embodiment, when a plurality of circuit boards (251, 252) are provided, for example, when the circuit boards (251, 252) include a first circuit board (251) and a second circuit board (252), the first circuit board (251) and the second circuit board (252) can be placed spaced apart from each other at different positions of the bracket (242).

[0091] In one embodiment, each circuit board (251, 252) may be fixed in position through screw connection to the bracket (242). In one embodiment, the first circuit board (251) and the second circuit board (252) may be electrically connected through a connecting board (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board; FPCB).

[0092] In one embodiment, a wireless communication circuit (e.g., a wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) may be arranged on at least one of the first circuit board (251) and the second circuit board (252). In one embodiment, each circuit board (251, 252) may be electrically connected to a side frame (240) of the side frame (240) to form an electrical path between the conductive area formed by the side frame (240) and the wireless communication circuit.

[0093] In one embodiment, the first circuit board (251) and the second circuit board (252) may be disposed inside the electronic device (201), for example, in the bracket (242). In one embodiment, the first circuit board (251) may be accommodated in the first board slot (242a) formed by the bracket (242). In one embodiment, the second circuit board (252) may be accommodated in the second board slot (242b) formed by the bracket (242). At least one circuit board (251, 252) may be connected to the bracket (242) via a ground.

[0094] In one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may include a battery (289) disposed internally (e.g., battery (189) of FIG. 1). The battery (289) may be disposed in a battery slot (245) formed in a bracket (242) of a side frame (240).

[0095] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cover member (301) according to one embodiment, FIG. 4a is a cross-sectional view of the cover member (301) taken along line A-A' of FIG. 3, and FIG. 4a is a graph of the angular dependence of the cover member (301) according to one embodiment.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4a and 4b, a cover member (301) according to one embodiment may include at least a portion of a substrate (310), a molding layer (320) and a color conversion layer (330).

[0097] 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 cover member (301) 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 cover member (301) unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0098] In one embodiment, the cover member (301) may constitute at least a portion of a housing or cover of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or the electronic device (201) of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C).

[0099] For example, the cover member (301) may be a part of a housing structure (e.g., a rear plate (211b)) of the electronic device (201) (e.g., the housing structure (210) of FIGS. 2A and 2B). Alternatively, for example, the cover member (301) may be coupled, attached, or coated to the electronic device (201) or the housing structure (210) as a separate element of the electronic device (201).

[0100] In one embodiment, the cover member (301) may include a first cover surface (301a) and a second cover surface (301b) opposite to the first cover surface (301a). In one embodiment, the first cover surface (301a) may be a surface that is visually exposed to the outside. For example, when the cover member (301) is applied to a housing structure of a device, the first cover surface (301a) may be a surface that faces the outside of the device, and the second cover surface (301b) may be a surface that faces the inside of the device.

[0101] In one embodiment, the cover member (301) may provide a reflection spectrum in the process of reflecting light to provide a color gradient effect. Referring to the schematic cross-sectional view of the cover member (301) of FIG. 4A, the cover member (301) may be configured by stacking at least a portion of the substrate (310), the molding layer (320), and the color conversion layer (330).

[0102] In one embodiment, the substrate (310) may be made of a transparent material. The substrate (310) may be made of a polymer compound such as polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, glasstic (PC-PMMA), or a glass material. The substrate (310) may be a substrate or a transparent substrate.

[0103] In one embodiment, the molding layer (320) may be disposed on one side (e.g., the side in the +Z direction) of the substrate (310). The molding layer (320) may be made of a material such as UV (ultraviolet ray) resin, urethane, or thermosetting resin.

[0104] In one embodiment, the color conversion layer (330) may be disposed on a surface of the molding layer (320) opposite to the substrate (310) (e.g., a surface in the +Z direction). The color conversion layer (330) may convert the color of reflected light depending on the incident angle of the incident light transmitted from the substrate (310).

[0105] In one embodiment, the molding layer (320) may include a first surface (321). The first surface (321) may be provided on a surface facing the color conversion layer (330). The first surface (321) may include a plurality of first inclined regions (321a). For example, the first surface (321) may be processed through a DTM (diamond turning machining) process.

[0106] In one embodiment, the plurality of first inclined regions (321a) may have different inclined angles. For example, the plurality of first inclined regions (321a) may include at least one of a first inclined angle (a1), a second inclined angle (a2), a third inclined angle (a3), and a fourth inclined angle (a4) that are different from each other.

[0107] Hereinafter, the plane that serves as the reference for the inclination angle can be selected in various ways, and for example, it can be any one of a plane horizontal to the first cover plane (301a) of the cover member (301), one plane of the substrate (310) (e.g., a plane in the +Z direction or a plane in the -Z direction), and a plane in the direction in which the molding layer (320) faces the substrate (310).

[0108] In one embodiment, the color conversion layer (330) may include a second surface (331). The second surface (331) may be provided on a surface opposite to the surface facing the molding layer (320). The second surface (331) may include a plurality of second inclined regions (331a).

[0109] In one embodiment, the plurality of second inclined areas (331a) may have different inclined angles. For example, the plurality of second inclined areas (331a) may include at least one of a fifth inclined angle (a5), a sixth inclined angle (a6), a seventh inclined angle (a7), and an eighth inclined angle (a8), which are different from each other.

[0110] In one embodiment, the plurality of second inclined regions (331a) of the color conversion layer (330) may correspond to the plurality of first inclined regions (321a) of the first surface (321) of the molding layer (320). In one embodiment, a portion of incident light transmitted from the substrate (310) may be reflected by the color conversion layer (330) corresponding to the inclined angles of the plurality of second inclined regions (331a).

[0111] In one embodiment, the molding layer (320) and the color conversion layer (330) can provide a color gradient effect through the first surface (321) and the second surface (331). Since the first surface (321) and the second surface (331) of the cover member (301) have a first inclined region (321a) and a second inclined region (331a) having a plurality of different inclined angles, a color gradient can be implemented in which the color of reflected light changes depending on the position and angle at which the cover member (301) is viewed.

[0112] FIG. 4b illustrates a wavelength distribution of light observed according to a viewing angle in a cover member (301) according to one embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 4b is a graph exemplarily illustrating the reflectance of light according to a wavelength range of visible light when the cover member (301) is viewed from multiple angles (e.g., 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, and 45 degrees).

[0113] For example, when the angle at which the observer views the cover member (301) is 0 degrees, the wavelength of light observable by the observer is mainly between 570 and 670 μm, which may represent a red color. For example, when the angle at which the observer views the cover member (301) is 15 degrees, the wavelength of light observable by the observer is mainly between 550 and 650 μm, which may represent an orange color. For example, when the angle at which the observer views the cover member (301) is 30 degrees, the wavelength of light observable by the observer is mainly between 520 and 620 μm, which may represent a yellow color. For example, when the angle at which the observer views the cover member (301) is 45 degrees, the wavelength of light observable by the observer is mainly between 500 and 600 μm, which may represent a green color.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 4b, when a user looks at the cover member (301), it can be seen that the color of the reflected light changes depending on the angle at which the user looks at the corresponding area during the process in which light incident on the cover member (301) is reflected by the molding layer (320) and the color conversion layer (330) of the cover member (301).

[0115] In one embodiment of the present document, the cover member (301) can provide color deviation depending on the position or angle from which the user views it, thereby implementing a visual gradient effect. In addition, compared to a case where a gradient effect is provided using masking, the cover member (301) can relatively reduce color deviation and provide a cover member (301) with uniform color quality, and can reduce or prevent marks or stains caused by the support structure of the masking process.

[0116] In one embodiment of the present document, the cover member (301) can provide visual / optical effects and provide a user experience by combining a pattern and an angle-variable coating. In addition, the cover member (301) can implement a three-dimensional effect and / or high gloss on the first cover surface (301a) made of a transparent material.

[0117] In one embodiment, the color conversion layer (330) may have a cholesteric liquid crystal or a nematic liquid crystal and may include a chiral dopant. Alternatively, the color conversion layer (330) may be a liquid crystal layer or a liquid crystal coating. The color conversion layer (330) may be a coating layer of a liquid crystal material having a periodic spiral structure. A liquid crystal may be a material state having properties between a liquid and a solid. A liquid crystal may flow like a liquid, but its molecules may be oriented in a common direction like a solid. The color conversion layer (330), which is a coating layer of a liquid crystal material, may be a coating having high gloss and whose color changes depending on the angle of incident light.

[0118] In one embodiment, the color conversion layer (330) having cholesteric liquid crystals or nematic liquid crystals can have a specific period in the direction of the twisting axis due to a phenomenon in which the nematic liquid crystal array, which is a liquid crystal array that is elongated in a uniaxial direction, is twisted by an external electric field or an additive. The additive is called a chiral dopant, and after synthesizing the nematic liquid crystal and the chiral dopant, adding them to a solvent, applying them, and then drying and curing them, a liquid crystal color coating layer having an optical period in the direction of the coating thickness can be formed.

[0119] In one embodiment of the present document, the color displayed in the color conversion layer (330) by the liquid crystal can be implemented to be substantially identical to the constructive interference color displayed by physical properties such as a diffraction grating. The liquid crystal moves in the direction in which the wavelength value of the reflected light decreases depending on the angle of the incident light, and the RGB order color can change as the angle increases. For example, the color of the reflected light follows the Bragg formula, and according to the formula, the color can change depending on the angle of the incident light.

[0120] In one embodiment, at least some of the plurality of first inclined regions (321a) of the first surface (321) may have an inclination angle substantially the same as an opposing second inclined region (331a) of the plurality of second inclined regions (331a) of the second surface (331).

[0121] For example, the inclination angles (a1, a2, a3, a5) of the plurality of first inclination areas (321a) of the first surface (321) and the inclination angles (a5, a6, a7, a8) of the plurality of second inclination areas (331a) of the second surface (331) opposite thereto may be substantially equal to each other.

[0122] 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%.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 4A, for example, the first inclination angle (a1) and the fifth inclination angle (a5) may be substantially the same. For example, the second inclination angle (a2) and the sixth inclination angle (a6) may be substantially the same. For example, the third inclination angle (a3) ​​and the seventh inclination angle (a7) may be substantially the same. For example, the fourth inclination angle (a4) and the eighth inclination angle (a8) may be substantially the same.

[0124] In one embodiment of the present document, the inclination angles of the plurality of first inclined areas (321a) and the plurality of second inclined areas (331a) that are opposed to each other are substantially the same, thereby providing a gradient effect in which the color of the cover member (301) changes consistently and uniformly depending on the viewing angle.

[0125] In one embodiment, the inclination angle of each of the plurality of first inclination areas (321a) may be an angle between 2 degrees and 45 degrees. Referring to FIG. 4A, the first inclination angle (a1) may be 2 degrees, the second inclination angle (a2) may be 15 degrees, the third inclination angle (a3) ​​may be 30 degrees, and the fourth inclination angle (a4) may be 45 degrees.

[0126] In one embodiment, when using a machining method using DTM (diamond turning machining) to form a rake angle, a minimum cutting angle is required at the start of the machining. If the cutting angle is 0 degrees, the tool may break when the diamond edge of the tool contacts the mold. Therefore, a cutting angle of at least 2 degrees is required, and accordingly, the rake angle may be set to 2 degrees or more. In addition, since there are limitations in providing a color gradient effect when the rake angle is less than 2 degrees, the rake angle may be set to 2 degrees or more.

[0127] For example, the angle of the tip of the tool blade is 90 to 150 degrees considering the tool life, and a tool angle of 120 degrees can be preferably used. Since the angle of the tool considering the tool life is 90 degrees, the inclination angle using the processing tool can be formed within 45 degrees when the tool is fully erected. In addition, if the inclination angle exceeds 45 degrees, the durability of the molding layer (320) and the color conversion layer (330) may be reduced, and they may be damaged by external impact, etc., and therefore the inclination angle may be set to 45 degrees or less.

[0128] In one embodiment, in the plurality of first inclined regions (321a), as the first inclined region (321a) unfolds in one direction (e.g., +Y direction), the inclined angle of the first inclined region (321a) may gradually increase or decrease. By increasing or decreasing the inclined angle, a constant and uniform gradient effect can be provided.

[0129] In one embodiment, the color conversion layer (330) may have a substantially constant thickness based on the direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) in which the molding layer (320) and the color conversion layer (330) are laminated on the substrate (310). For example, the color conversion layer (330) may be formed by applying or attaching a layer of a constant thickness onto the first surface (321) of the molding layer (320).

[0130] In one embodiment of the present document, a color conversion layer (330) of a constant thickness can reduce color deviation according to a viewing position or angle, and provide a constant and uniform gradient effect.

[0131] In one embodiment, the color conversion layer (330) is configured with a structure in which a plurality of reflective thin films are spaced apart from each other and a cavity is formed between the plurality of reflective thin films, thereby converting the color of reflected light through optical resonance. Alternatively, the color conversion layer (330) may induce color conversion through a Fabry-Perot cavity.

[0132] For example, the color conversion layer (330) may include a metallic or light-reflective multi-film, and a transparent material or a cavity may be provided between the multi-film. The color conversion layer (330) may be implemented through thin film deposition or thin film coating. Optical resonance occurs in the cavity between the thin films, and the color of the reflected light may change depending on the angle of the incident light through a Fabry-Perot cavity and a thin film interferometer.

[0133] In one embodiment, the first surface (321) of the molding layer (320) may be primer coated. The first surface (321) subjected to the primer coating may provide adhesion to the color conversion layer (330). For example, the first surface (321) may be chemically or physically primer coated in advance prior to adhesion to the color conversion layer (330).

[0134] Hereinafter, examples of a cover member (301) according to an embodiment of the present document will be described. In the cover member (301) of an embodiment of the present document, the configuration of the cover member (301) of one embodiment may be added to the cover member (301) of another embodiment. Alternatively, the configuration of the cover member (301) of one embodiment may be replaced with the configuration of the cover member (301) of another embodiment. Alternatively, at least some of the configurations of the cover member (301) of one embodiment may be omitted.

[0135] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a cover member (301-1) according to one embodiment.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 5, a cover member (301-1) according to one embodiment (e.g., the cover member (301) of FIGS. 3 and 4A) may further include at least some of an alignment film (325-1), a color layer (340-1), and a shielding layer (350-1).

[0137] 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 cover member (301-1) 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 cover member (301-1) unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0138] In one embodiment, the cover member (301-1) may include at least a portion of a substrate (310-1) (e.g., substrate (310) of FIG. 4a), a molding layer (320-1) (e.g., molding layer (320) of FIG. 4a), and a color conversion layer (330-1) (e.g., color conversion layer (330) of FIG. 4a).

[0139] In one embodiment, the molding layer (320-1) may include a first surface (321-1) (e.g., the first surface (321) of FIG. 4a). The first surface (321-1) may be provided on a surface facing the color conversion layer (330-1). The first surface (321-1) may include a plurality of first inclined regions (321a-1) (e.g., the plurality of first inclined regions (321a) of FIG. 4a). The plurality of first inclined regions (321a-1) may have different inclined angles.

[0140] In one embodiment, the color conversion layer (330-1) may include a second surface (331-1) (e.g., the second surface (331) of FIG. 4a). The second surface (331-1) may be provided on a surface opposite to the surface facing the molding layer (320-1). The second surface (331-1) may include a plurality of second inclined regions (331a-1) (e.g., the plurality of second inclined regions (331a) of FIG. 4a). The plurality of second inclined regions (331a-1) may have different inclined angles.

[0141] In one embodiment, the color conversion layer (330-1) may include liquid crystal molecules for inducing color conversion. For example, the color conversion layer (330-1) may have a cholesteric liquid crystal or a nematic liquid crystal and may include a chiral dopant. Alternatively, the color conversion layer (330-1) may be a liquid crystal layer or a liquid crystal coating.

[0142] In one embodiment, an alignment film (325-1) may be provided between the molding layer (320-1) and the color conversion layer (330-1). The alignment film (325-1) may be subjected to alignment treatment. Alternatively, the alignment film (325-1) may align liquid crystal molecules of the color conversion layer (330-1). For example, the alignment film (325-1) may be an alignment coating based on a polymer such as polyimide. For example, the thickness of the alignment film (325-1) may be 1 to 3 μm.

[0143] In one embodiment, the alignment film (325-1) may assist in the color gradient effect of the cover member (301-1) by aligning the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer or assisting in the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules. Alternatively, the alignment film (325-1) may provide adhesion between the molding layer (320-1) and the color conversion layer (330-1). Alternatively, the alignment film (325-1) may prevent the coating of the color conversion layer (330-1) from peeling off.

[0144] In one embodiment, the color layer (340-1) may be disposed on a surface (e.g., in the +Z direction) opposite to the molding layer (320-1) of the color conversion layer (330-1). The color layer (340-1) may have a fixed (or set) color. For example, the color conversion layer (330-1) may change color depending on the viewing angle, but the color layer (340-1) may have a constant color regardless of the viewing angle.

[0145] In one embodiment of the present document, the color layer (340-1) can provide a basic color or base color of the cover member (301-1). The cover member (301-1) can provide various external effects through a combination of the color layer (340-1), the molding layer (320-1), and the color conversion layer (330-1), and can provide an improved user experience to the user.

[0146] In one embodiment, the surface of the color layer (340-1) facing the second surface (331-1) of the color conversion layer (330-1) may have a substantially same inclination angle as the second surface (331-1). The surface of the color layer (340-1) opposite to the surface of the color conversion layer (330-1) facing the second surface (331-1) of the color conversion layer (330-1) may be arranged parallel to the surface of the molding layer (320-1) facing the substrate (310-1) (or, XY plane). Alternatively, the surface of the color layer (340-1) opposite to the surface of the color conversion layer (330-1) facing the color conversion layer (330-1) may be formed to be substantially flat.

[0147] In one embodiment of the present document, the color layer (340-1) is a layer facing the second side (331-1) of the color conversion layer (330-1), and the side of the color layer (340-1) facing the second side (331-1) may be substantially in close contact with the second side (331-1) or may have a shape and structure corresponding to the second side (331-1). In addition, the side of the color layer (340-1) opposite the second side (331-1) may be formed flat, so that the color layer (340-1) may implement a constant color and a constant thickness, or may provide durability to the cover member (301-1).

[0148] In one embodiment, the shielding layer (350-1) may be disposed on a surface of the color layer (340-1) opposite to the color conversion layer (330-1) (e.g., a surface in the +Z direction). The shielding layer (350-1) may be a light-shielding layer made of an opaque material. The shielding layer (350-1) may optically block an article disposed on the inner side (e.g., in the +Z direction) of the cover member (301-1) and the color layer (340-1).

[0149] In one embodiment of the present document, the shielding layer (350-1) can block the diffusion of light emitted from hardware disposed on the inside of the cover member (301-1) so that light does not shine outside the cover member (301-1). In addition, the shielding layer (350-1) can provide bonding strength for bonding the cover member (301-1) to another structure (e.g., an electronic device or a housing structure).

[0150] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a cover member (301-2) according to one embodiment.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 6, the cover member (301-2) according to one embodiment (e.g., the cover member (301) of FIGS. 3 and 4a) may further include an adhesive layer (326-2).

[0152] 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 cover member (301-2) 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 cover member (301-2) unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0153] In one embodiment, the cover member (301-2) may include at least a portion of a substrate (310-2) (e.g., substrate (310) of FIG. 4a), a molding layer (320-2) (e.g., molding layer (320) of FIG. 4a), a color conversion layer (330-2) (e.g., color conversion layer (330) of FIG. 4a), a color layer (340-2) (e.g., color layer (340-1) of FIG. 5), and a shielding layer (350-2) (e.g., shielding layer (350-1) of FIG. 5).

[0154] In one embodiment, the molding layer (320-2) may include a first surface (321-2) (e.g., the first surface (321) of FIG. 4a). The first surface (321-2) may be provided on a surface facing the color conversion layer (330-2). The first surface (321-2) may include a plurality of first inclined regions (321a-2) (e.g., the plurality of first inclined regions (321a) of FIG. 4a). The plurality of first inclined regions (321a-2) may have different inclined angles.

[0155] In one embodiment, the color conversion layer (330-2) may include a second surface (331-2) (e.g., the second surface (331) of FIG. 4a). The second surface (331-2) may be provided on a surface opposite to the surface facing the molding layer (320-2). The second surface (331-2) may include a plurality of second inclined regions (331a-2) (e.g., the plurality of second inclined regions (331a) of FIG. 4a). The plurality of second inclined regions (331a-2) may have different inclined angles.

[0156] In one embodiment, an adhesive layer (326-2) may be provided between the molding layer (320-2) and the color conversion layer (330-2). The adhesive layer (326-2) may be made of a transparent adhesive material. For example, the thickness of the adhesive layer (326-2) may be 1 to 3 μm.

[0157] In one embodiment, the adhesive layer (326-2) can provide bonding strength between the molding layer (320-2) and the color conversion layer (330-2). Alternatively, the adhesive layer (326-2) can prevent the coating of the color conversion layer (330-2) from peeling off. For example, the adhesive layer (326-2) can be made of an optically clear adhesive (OCA) material.

[0158] In one embodiment, the adhesive layer (326-2) may be a liquid applied to the first surface (321-2), or may be formed as a film or thin film transferred to the first surface (321-2). For example, the adhesive layer (326-2) may be formed by applying OCA to the molding layer (320-2). Alternatively, the adhesive layer (326-2) and the color conversion layer (330-2) may be formed by transferring OCA and a liquid crystal coating to the molding layer (320-2).

[0159] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a cover member (301-3) according to one embodiment.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 7, a cover member (301-3) according to one embodiment (e.g., cover member (301) of FIGS. 3 and 4a) may further include a molding layer (320-3) made of a transparent pattern film (e.g., molding layer (320) of FIG. 4a).

[0161] 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 cover member (301-3) 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 above-described embodiments may be combined with the cover member (301-3) unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0162] In one embodiment, the cover member (301-3) may include at least a portion of a color conversion layer (330-3) (e.g., the color conversion layer (330) of FIG. 4a), a color layer (340-3) (e.g., the color layer (340-1) of FIG. 5), and a shielding layer (350-3) (e.g., the shielding layer (350-1) of FIG. 5).

[0163] In one embodiment, the molding layer (320-3) may include a first surface (321-3) (e.g., the first surface (321) of FIG. 4a). The first surface (321-3) may be provided on a surface facing the color conversion layer (330-3). The first surface (321-3) may include a plurality of first inclined regions (321a-3) (e.g., the plurality of first inclined regions (321a) of FIG. 4a). The plurality of first inclined regions (321a-3) may have different inclined angles.

[0164] In one embodiment, the color conversion layer (330-3) may include a second surface (331-3) (e.g., the second surface (331) of FIG. 4a). The second surface (331-3) may be provided on a surface opposite to the surface facing the molding layer (320-3). The second surface (331-3) may include a plurality of second inclined regions (331a-3) (e.g., the plurality of second inclined regions (331a) of FIG. 4a). The plurality of second inclined regions (331a-3) may have different inclined angles.

[0165] In one embodiment, the molding layer (320-3) may be formed of a transparent patterned film. The molding layer (320-3) may replace the substrate of the cover member (301-3) (e.g., the substrate (310) of FIG. 4A), or may perform the role of the substrate described above.

[0166] In one embodiment, the molding layer (320-3) may be a film having an optical pattern applied thereto. For example, the film having an optical pattern applied thereto may be made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane, or epoxy material.

[0167] In one embodiment of the present document, the molding layer (320-3) is integrated with the existing substrate (310), thereby reducing the overall thickness of the cover member (301-3) and providing a slim cover member (301-3).

[0168] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a cover member (301-4) according to one embodiment.

[0169] Referring to FIG. 8, the cover member (301-4) according to one embodiment (e.g., the cover member (301) of FIGS. 3 and 4a) may further include a hard-coating layer (345-4).

[0170] 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 cover member (301-4) 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 cover member (301-4) unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0171] In one embodiment, the cover member (301-4) may include a molding layer (320-4) (e.g., the molding layer (320) of FIG. 4A) and a color conversion layer (330-4) (e.g., the color conversion layer (330) of FIG. 4A).

[0172] In one embodiment, the molding layer (320-4) may include a first surface (321-4) (e.g., the first surface (321) of FIG. 4a). The first surface (321-4) may be provided on a surface facing the color conversion layer (330-4). The first surface (321-4) may include a plurality of first inclined regions (321a-4) (e.g., the plurality of first inclined regions (321a) of FIG. 4a). The plurality of first inclined regions (321a-4) may have different inclined angles.

[0173] In one embodiment, the color conversion layer (330-4) may include a second surface (331-4) (e.g., the second surface (331) of FIG. 4a). The second surface (331-4) may be provided on a surface opposite to the surface facing the molding layer (320-4). The second surface (331-4) may include a plurality of second inclined regions (331a-4) (e.g., the plurality of second inclined regions (331a) of FIG. 4a). The plurality of second inclined regions (331a-4) may have different inclined angles.

[0174] In one embodiment, the hard-coating layer (345-4) may be provided on the outer side (e.g., in the -Z direction) of the cover member (301-4) with respect to the color conversion layer (330-4). The molding layer (320-4) may be provided on the inner side (e.g., in the +Z direction) of the cover member (301-4) with respect to the color conversion layer (330-4).

[0175] In one embodiment, incident light can be transmitted to the color conversion layer (330-4) and the molding layer (320-4) through the hard coating layer (345-4). The hard coating layer (345-4) can protect the cover member (301-4) from impact or damage. The hard coating layer (345-4) can reduce the overall thickness of the cover member (301-4) and provide a slim cover member (301-4).

[0176] In one embodiment, the color conversion layer (330-4) is configured with a structure in which a plurality of reflective thin films are spaced apart from each other and a cavity is formed between the plurality of reflective thin films, thereby converting the color of reflected light through optical resonance. Alternatively, the color conversion layer (330-4) may induce color conversion through a Fabry-Perot cavity.

[0177] In one embodiment of the present document, the cover member (301-4) including the hard coating layer (345-4) may have a reduced gradient effect due to a small difference in refractive index between the hard coating layer (345-4) and the liquid crystal coating. The cover member (301-4) including the hard coating layer (345-4) may enhance the gradient effect by inducing color conversion by a Fabry-Perot cavity.

[0178] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a cover member (301-5) according to one embodiment.

[0179] Referring to FIG. 9, a cover member (301-5) according to one embodiment (e.g., cover member (301) of FIGS. 3 and 4a) may further include a reflective surface (315-5).

[0180] 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 cover member (301-5) 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 cover member (301-5) unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0181] In one embodiment, the cover member (301-5) may include at least a portion of a substrate (310-5) (e.g., substrate (310) of FIG. 4a), a molding layer (320-5) (e.g., molding layer (320) of FIG. 4a), a color conversion layer (330-5) (e.g., color conversion layer (330) of FIG. 4a), a color layer (340-5) (e.g., color layer (340-1) of FIG. 5), and a shielding layer (350-5) (e.g., shielding layer (350-1) of FIG. 5).

[0182] In one embodiment, the molding layer (320-5) may include a first surface (321-5) (e.g., the first surface (321) of FIG. 4a). The first surface (321-5) may be provided on a surface facing the color conversion layer (330-5). The first surface (321-5) may include a plurality of first inclined regions (321a-5) (e.g., the plurality of first inclined regions (321a) of FIG. 4a). The plurality of first inclined regions (321a-5) may have different inclined angles.

[0183] In one embodiment, the color conversion layer (330-5) may include a second surface (331-5) (e.g., the second surface (331) of FIG. 4a). The second surface (331-5) may be provided on a surface opposite to a surface facing the molding layer (320-5). The second surface (331-5) may include a plurality of second inclined regions (331a-5) (e.g., the plurality of second inclined regions (331a) of FIG. 4a). The plurality of second inclined regions (331a-5) may have different inclined angles.

[0184] In one embodiment, the diffuse reflection surface (315-5) may be one surface of the substrate (310-5), or may be a separate layer provided between the substrate (310-5) and the molding layer (320-5). The diffuse reflection surface (315-5) may be provided on a surface of the substrate (310-5) that faces the color conversion layer (330-5) (e.g., a surface in the +Z direction). For example, the diffuse reflection surface (315-5) may be implemented by hazing one surface of the substrate (310-5). The diffuse reflection surface (315-5) may induce diffuse reflection of incident light provided to the molding layer (320-5) and the color conversion layer (330-5).

[0185] Alternatively, the diffuse reflection surface (315-5) according to one embodiment may be provided on a surface opposite to the surface facing the color conversion layer (330-5) or on an outer surface (e.g., a surface in the -Z direction). For example, the diffuse reflection surface (315-5) may be implemented by hazing one surface of the substrate (310-5). The diffuse reflection surface (315-5) may induce diffuse reflection of incident light provided to the substrate (310-5), the molding layer (320-5), and the color conversion layer (330-5).

[0186] In one embodiment, the diffuse reflection surface (315-5) can lower the brightness of the cover member (301-5), increase the turbidity, and / or provide a haze effect. The diffuse reflection surface (315-5) can at least partially absorb or diffusely reflect incident light transmitted from the outside to the molding layer (320-5) and the color conversion layer (330-5) of the cover member (301-5).

[0187] In one embodiment of the present document, the diffuse reflection surface (315-5) can provide a haze effect to the cover member (301-5). The cover member (301-5) provides a gradient effect through the first surface (321-5) and the second surface (331-5), and by providing the haze effect through the diffuse reflection surface (315-5), the cover member (301-5) can provide a gradient effect with a soft and matte texture.

[0188] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a cover member (301-6) according to one embodiment.

[0189] Referring to FIG. 10, a cover member (301-6) according to one embodiment (e.g., cover member (301) of FIGS. 3 and 4a) may further include a translucent layer (305-6).

[0190] 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 cover member (301-6) 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 cover member (301-6) unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0191] In one embodiment, the cover member (301-6) may include at least a portion of a substrate (310-6) (e.g., substrate (310) of FIG. 4a), a molding layer (320-6) (e.g., molding layer (320) of FIG. 4a), a color conversion layer (330-6) (e.g., color conversion layer (330) of FIG. 4a), a color layer (340-6) (e.g., color layer (340-1) of FIG. 5), and a shielding layer (350-6) (e.g., shielding layer (350-1) of FIG. 5).

[0192] In one embodiment, the molding layer (320-6) may include a first surface (321-6) (e.g., the first surface (321) of FIG. 4a). The first surface (321-6) may be provided on a surface facing the color conversion layer (330-6). The first surface (321-6) may include a plurality of first inclined regions (321a-6) (e.g., the plurality of first inclined regions (321a) of FIG. 4a). The plurality of first inclined regions (321a-6) may have different inclined angles.

[0193] In one embodiment, the color conversion layer (330-6) may include a second surface (331-6) (e.g., the second surface (331) of FIG. 4a). The second surface (331-6) may be provided on a surface opposite to the surface facing the molding layer (320-6). The second surface (331-6) may include a plurality of second inclined regions (331a-6) (e.g., the plurality of second inclined regions (331a) of FIG. 4a). The plurality of second inclined regions (331a-6) may have different inclined angles.

[0194] According to one embodiment, a translucent layer (305-6) may be provided on a surface opposite to a surface facing the color conversion layer (330-6) or on an outer surface (e.g., a surface in the -Z direction). For example, the translucent layer (305-6) may be formed of a translucent material. Alternatively, the translucent layer (305-6) may be implemented by hazing a hard-coating layer. The translucent layer (305-6) may filter incident light provided to the substrate (310-6), the molding layer (320-6), and the color conversion layer (330-6) or induce diffuse reflection.

[0195] In one embodiment, the translucent layer (305-6) can lower the brightness of the cover member (301-6), increase the turbidity, or provide a haze effect. The translucent layer (305-6) can at least partially absorb or diffusely reflect incident light transmitted from the outside to the molding layer (320-6) and the color conversion layer (330-6) of the cover member (301-6).

[0196] In one embodiment of the present document, the translucent layer (305-6) can provide a haze effect to the cover member (301-6). The cover member (301-6) provides a gradient effect through the first surface (321-6) and the second surface (331-6), and by providing the haze effect through the translucent layer (305-6), the cover member (301-6) can provide a low-luminance gradient effect.

[0197] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a cover member (301-7) according to one embodiment.

[0198] Referring to FIG. 11, a cover member (301-7) according to one embodiment (e.g., cover member (301) of FIGS. 3 and 4a) may further include a molding layer (320-7) made of a transparent pattern film (e.g., molding layer (320-3) of FIG. 7) and an alignment film (325-7) (e.g., alignment film (325-1) of FIG. 5).

[0199] 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 cover member (301-7) 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 cover member (301-7) unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0200] In one embodiment, the cover member (301-7) may include at least a portion of a color conversion layer (330-7) (e.g., the color conversion layer (330) of FIG. 4a), a color layer (340-7) (e.g., the color layer (340-1) of FIG. 5), and a shielding layer (350-7) (e.g., the shielding layer (350-1) of FIG. 5).

[0201] In one embodiment, the molding layer (320-7) may include a first surface (321-7) (e.g., the first surface (321) of FIG. 4a). The first surface (321-7) may be provided on a surface facing the color conversion layer (330-7). The first surface (321-7) may include a plurality of first inclined regions (321a-7) (e.g., the plurality of first inclined regions (321a) of FIG. 4a). The plurality of first inclined regions (321a-7) may have different inclined angles.

[0202] In one embodiment, the color conversion layer (330-7) may include a second surface (331-7) (e.g., the second surface (331) of FIG. 4a). The second surface (331-7) may be provided on a surface opposite to the surface facing the molding layer (320-7). The second surface (331-7) may include a plurality of second inclined regions (331a-7) (e.g., the plurality of second inclined regions (331a) of FIG. 4a). The plurality of second inclined regions (331a-7) may have different inclined angles.

[0203] In one embodiment, the molding layer (320-7) may be formed of a transparent patterned film. The molding layer (320-7) may replace the substrate of the cover member (301-7) (e.g., the substrate (310) of FIG. 4A), or may perform the role of the substrate described above.

[0204] In one embodiment, the molding layer (320-7) may be a film having an optical pattern applied thereto. For example, the film having an optical pattern applied thereto may be made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane, or epoxy material.

[0205] In one embodiment of the present document, the molding layer (320-7) can be integrated with the existing substrate (310), thereby reducing the overall thickness of the cover member (301-7) and providing a slim cover member (301-7).

[0206] In one embodiment, an alignment film (325-7) may be provided between the molding layer (320-7) and the color conversion layer (330-7). The alignment film (325-7) may be subjected to alignment treatment. Alternatively, the alignment film (325-7) may align the liquid crystal molecules of the color conversion layer (330-7).

[0207] In one embodiment, the alignment film (325-7) may align liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer or assist in the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules to assist in the color gradient effect of the cover member (301-7). The alignment film (325-7) may provide adhesion between the molding layer (320-7) and the color conversion layer (330-7). Alternatively, the alignment film (325-7) may prevent the coating of the color conversion layer (330-7) from peeling off.

[0208] In one embodiment, the cover member (301-7) may further include an adhesive layer (e.g., adhesive layer (326-2) of FIG. 6) instead of, or in addition to, the alignment film (325-7).

[0209] In one embodiment, the cover member (301) may include an orientation-treated first surface (321-7) and / or a color conversion layer (330-7) instead of an alignment film (325-7). An orientation-treated grain or flow may be formed on the first surface (321-7) and / or the color conversion layer (330-7). For example, the first surface (321-7) and / or the color conversion layer (330-7) may be oriented through mechanical processing or surface friction.

[0210] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a cover member (301-8) according to one embodiment.

[0211] Referring to FIG. 12, a cover member (301-8) according to one embodiment (e.g., the cover member (301) of FIGS. 3 and 4a) may further include a plurality of grooves (323-8).

[0212] 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 cover member (301-8) 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 cover member (301-8) unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0213] In one embodiment, the cover member (301-8) may include at least a portion of a substrate (310-8) (e.g., substrate (310) of FIG. 4a), a molding layer (320-8) (e.g., molding layer (320) of FIG. 4a), and a color conversion layer (330-8) (e.g., color conversion layer (330) of FIG. 4a).

[0214] In one embodiment, the molding layer (320-8) may include a first surface (321-8) (e.g., the first surface (321) of FIG. 4a). The first surface (321-8) may be provided on a surface facing the color conversion layer (330-8). The first surface (321-8) may include a plurality of first inclined regions (321a-8) (e.g., the plurality of first inclined regions (321a) of FIG. 4a). The plurality of first inclined regions (321a-8) may have different inclined angles.

[0215] In one embodiment, the color conversion layer (330-8) may include a second surface (331-8) (e.g., the second surface (331) of FIG. 4a). The second surface (331-8) may be provided on a surface opposite to the surface facing the molding layer (320-8). The second surface (331-8) may include a plurality of second inclined regions (331a-8) (e.g., the plurality of second inclined regions (331a) of FIG. 4a). The plurality of second inclined regions (331a-8) may have different inclined angles.

[0216] In one embodiment, a plurality of grooves (323-8) may be arranged on the first surface (321-8) of the molding layer (320-8). The plurality of grooves (323-8) may induce diffraction of incident light. The color conversion layer (330-8) may include a plurality of diffraction gratings (333-8) arranged in the plurality of grooves (323-8).

[0217] In one embodiment, the plurality of diffraction gratings (333-8) can change color depending on the angle at which they contact the incident light. The incident light has a path difference due to the plurality of diffraction gratings (333-8), and when two lights with path differences meet, mutual cancellation and / or reinforcement occurs due to the difference in wavelength, so that the color of the light reflected outside the cover member (301-8) can change.

[0218] In one embodiment, the plurality of diffraction gratings (333-8) may depend on the distance between each diffraction grating (333-8) and the reflection angles of the incident light and the reflected light. Although not shown in the drawing, the color conversion layer (330-8) including the plurality of diffraction gratings (333-8) may be applied to the color conversion layer (330; 330-1; 330-2; 330-3; 330-4; 330-5; 330-6; 330-7; 330-8) of one embodiment in the cover member (301; 301-1; 301-2; 301-3; 301-4; 301-5; 301-6; 301-7; 301-8).

[0219] In one embodiment of the present document, the color conversion layer (330-8) can induce color conversion through a plurality of diffraction gratings (333-8) even without using liquid crystal elements or optical resonance. Alternatively, the color conversion layer (330-8) can induce color conversion through a plurality of diffraction gratings (333-8) together with the above-described liquid crystal elements or optical resonance.

[0220] FIG. 13a is a perspective view of a cover member (401) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 13b is a perspective view of a cover member (501) according to one embodiment.

[0221] Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, a cover member (401; 501) according to one embodiment (e.g., cover member (301) of FIGS. 3 and 4A) may be coupled to an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or electronic device (201) of FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C), or may form a housing structure of the electronic device (201) (e.g., housing structure (210) of FIGS. 2A and 2B).

[0222] Hereinafter, any content that overlaps with the above-described content will be omitted for explanation, and it is to be understood that some configurations and structures of the cover member (401; 501) 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 above-described embodiments may be combined with the cover member (401; 501) unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0223] Referring to FIG. 13A, the cover member (401) may be an accessory device coupled to an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (201) of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C). For example, the cover member (401), which is an accessory device, may be a case or cover that is detachable from an external structure such as the electronic device (201). Alternatively, the cover member (401) may constitute a part of the electronic device (201), e.g., the housing structure (210).

[0224] In one embodiment, the cover member (401) may constitute at least one surface of the electronic device (201). The cover member (401) may include a first cover surface (401a) facing the outside (e.g., +Z direction) of the electronic device (201) and a second cover surface (401b) facing the inside (e.g., +Z direction).

[0225] In one embodiment, the first cover surface (401a) may include a first portion (P1) and a second portion (P2). The first portion (P1) and the second portion (P2) may provide different color gradient effects.

[0226] In one embodiment, the inclination angles of the plurality of first inclined regions (e.g., the plurality of first inclined regions of FIG. 4A) of the first surface (e.g., the first surface of FIG. 4A) constituting the first portion (P1) and the second portion (P2) may be different. For example, the inclination angles of the plurality of first inclined regions of the first portion (P1) may be relatively greater than the inclination angles of the plurality of first inclined regions of the second portion (P2).

[0227] In one embodiment, the inclination angles of the plurality of second inclined regions (e.g., the plurality of second inclined regions of FIG. 4A) of the second surface (e.g., the second surface of FIG. 4A) constituting the first portion (P1) and the second portion (P2) may be different. For example, the inclination angles of the plurality of second inclined regions of the first portion (P1) may be relatively greater than the inclination angles of the plurality of second inclined regions of the second portion (P2).

[0228] In one embodiment of the present document, the first part (P1) and the second part (P2) can provide different optical and visual effects in two parts of one cover member (401) by varying the inclination angles of the multiple layers constituting the cover member (401).

[0229] Referring to FIG. 13b, the cover member (501) may be an accessory device coupled to the electronic device (201). For example, the cover member (501), which is an accessory device, may be a case or cover that is detachable from an external structure such as the electronic device (201). Alternatively, the cover member (501) may constitute a part of the electronic device (201), such as the housing structure (210).

[0230] In one embodiment, the cover member (501) may constitute at least one surface of the electronic device (201). The cover member (501) may include a first cover surface (501a) facing the outside (e.g., +Z direction) of the electronic device (201) and a second cover surface (501b) facing the inside (e.g., +Z direction).

[0231] In one embodiment, the first cover surface (501a) may include a first portion (P1) and a second portion (P2). For example, the second portion (P2) may be a portion of the cover member on which letters or numbers are engraved or emphasized. The first portion (P1) may be a portion other than the second portion (P2). The first portion (P1) and the second portion (P2) may provide different color gradient effects.

[0232] In one embodiment, the inclination angles of the plurality of first inclined regions of the first surface constituting the first portion (P1) and the second portion (P2) may be different. For example, the inclination angles of the plurality of first inclined regions of the first portion (P1) may be relatively greater than the inclination angles of the plurality of first inclined regions of the second portion (P2).

[0233] In one embodiment, the inclination angles of the plurality of second inclined regions of the second surface constituting the first portion (P1) and the second portion (P2) may be different. For example, the inclination angles of the plurality of second inclined regions of the first portion (P1) may be relatively greater than the inclination angles of the plurality of second inclined regions of the second portion (P2).

[0234] In one embodiment of the present document, the first part (P1) and the second part (P2) can provide different optical and visual effects in two parts of one cover member (501) by varying the inclination angles of the multiple layers constituting the cover member (501), and can emphasize one part of the cover member (501) or differentiate it from another part.

[0235] FIG. 14a is a perspective view of a housing structure (601) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 14b is a perspective view of a housing structure (701) according to one embodiment.

[0236] Referring to FIGS. 14a and 14b, a housing structure (601; 701) according to one embodiment may form a housing structure of an acoustic device, and the housing structure (601; 701) may include a cover member (e.g., a cover member (301) of FIGS. 3 and 3b).

[0237] 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 housing structure (601; 701) 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 housing structure (601; 701) unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0238] Referring to FIG. 14A, the housing structure (601) may be a part of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) or an accessory device coupled to the electronic device. For example, the housing structure (601) as an accessory device may be a housing that forms the exterior of an electronic device that is an audio output device (e.g., wireless earphones), or may be a case or accessory device coupled to an electronic device that is an audio output device.

[0239] In one embodiment, the housing structure (601) may include a first cover surface (601a) facing the outside (e.g., +Z direction) of the housing structure (601) and a second cover surface (601b) facing the inside (e.g., +Z direction).

[0240] In one embodiment of the present document, the first cover surface (601a) of the housing structure (601) may be formed by depositing a plurality of layers, such as the cover members (301; 301-1; 301-2; 301-3; 301-4; 301-5; 301-6; 301-7; 301-8) described above, to provide a color gradient effect.

[0241] Referring to FIG. 14b, the housing structure (701) may be a part of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) or an accessory device coupled to the electronic device. For example, the housing structure (701) as an accessory device may be a housing forming the exterior of an electronic device (101) that is an audio output device (e.g., a headset), or may be a case or accessory device coupled to an electronic device that is an audio output device.

[0242] In one embodiment, the housing structure (701) may include a first cover surface (701a) facing the outside (e.g., +Z direction) of the housing structure (701) and a second cover surface (701b) facing the inside (e.g., +Z direction).

[0243] In one embodiment of the present document, the first cover surface (701a) of the housing structure (701) may be formed by depositing a plurality of layers, such as the cover members (301; 301-1; 301-2; 301-3; 301-4; 301-5; 301-6; 301-7; 301-8) described above, to provide a color gradient effect.

[0244] FIG. 15a is a drawing of a manufacturing process of a cover member according to one embodiment, and FIG. 15b is a drawing of a manufacturing process of a cover member according to one embodiment.

[0245] Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing a cover member according to an embodiment of the present document is described by way of example. However, the method for manufacturing a cover member according to an embodiment of the present document is not limited thereto.

[0246] In one embodiment, the manufacturing process of the cover member may be performed by patterning a mold (1000) with a tool (1001) to form a master, and using the master, a molding layer of the cover member may be formed.

[0247] For example, the manufacturing process may form a master through a DTM (diamond turning machining) process. However, the manufacturing process of the cover member is not limited thereto, and the master may be manufactured using a laser processing method.

[0248] In one embodiment, the tool (1001) can pattern the mold (1000) using the first surface (1001a) or the second surface (1001b). The mold (1000) is repeatedly rotated around a rotational axis, and the tool (1001) moves and rotates in a straight line while either the first surface (1001a) or the second surface (1001b) is in contact with the patterning surface (1000a) of the mold (1000), and can form an inclination angle (a0) on the patterning surface (1000a).

[0249] In one embodiment, the tool (1001) can rotate during machining and vary the inclination angle (a0). The tool (1001) can rotate to a range where an edge (1001c) between the first surface (1001a) and the second surface (1001b) contacts the patterning surface (1000a). At the position where the edge (1001c) contacts the patterning surface (1000a), the variable angle (a0) can increase to reach a target angle.

[0250] In one embodiment, as the tool (1001) rotates, a pitch (p) can be formed on the patterning surface (1000a) by an inclination angle (a0). The pitch (p) can be formed from an initial 3 micrometers to a maximum of 200 micrometers.

[0251] In one embodiment, the manufacturing process can form a flexible pattern slave by pattern transferring a mold (1000) including a patterned surface (1000a) having an inclination angle (a0) onto a film. The manufacturing process can form a first surface having various inclination angles on one surface of the molding layer using the pattern slave.

[0252] In one embodiment, the manufacturing process may form a color conversion layer by thin-coating a chemical solution on a molding layer having a first surface formed thereon. For example, the manufacturing process may form a color conversion layer having a second surface by transporting the molding layer, coating the chemical solution on the molding layer, and then drying and curing the coating.

[0253] According to one embodiment, a cover member (301; 301-1; 301-2; 301-5; 301-6; 301-8) comprises a substrate (310; 310-1; 310-2; 310-5; 310-6; 310-8) made of a transparent material, a molding layer (320; 320-1; 320-2; 320-5; 320-6; 320-8) disposed on one side of the substrate (310; 310-1; 310-2; 310-5; 310-6; 310-8), and a substrate (310; 310-1; 320-2; 320-5; 320-6; 320-8) of the molding layer (320; 320-1; 320-2; 320-5; 320-6; 320-8). It may include a color conversion layer (330; 330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8) arranged on the opposite side to the color conversion layer (310-2; 310-5; 310-6; 310-8). In one embodiment, the molding layer (320; 320-1; 320-2; 320-5; 320-6; 320-8) may include a first surface (321; 321-1; 321-2; 321-5; 321-6; 321-8) disposed on one side of the color conversion layer (330; 330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8) and including a plurality of first inclined areas (321a; 321a-1; 321a-2; 321a-5; 321a-6; 321a-8) having different inclined angles. In one embodiment, the color conversion layer (330; 330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8) corresponds to a plurality of second slope regions (331a; 331a-1; 331a-2; 331a-5; 331a-6; 321a-8) corresponding to a plurality of first slope regions (321a; 321a-1; 321a-2; 321a-5; 321a-6; 321a-8) of the first surface (321; 321-1; 321-2; 321-5; 321-6; 321-8) of the molding layer (320; 320-1; 320-2; 320-5; 320-6; 320-8). The second side (331; 331-1; 331-2; 331-5; 331-6; 331-8) may include a second side (331; 331-1; 331-2; 331-5; 331-6; 331-8).In one embodiment, a portion of the incident light transmitted from the substrate (310; 310-1; 310-2; 310-5; 310-6; 310-8) may be reflected by the color conversion layer (330; 330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8) corresponding to the inclination angle of the plurality of second inclination regions (331a; 331a-1; 331a-2; 331a-5; 331a-6; 331a-8).

[0254] In one embodiment, at least some of the plurality of first slope regions (321a; 321a-1; 321a-2; 321a-5; 321a-6; 321a-8) of the first face (321; 321-1; 321-2; 321-5; 321-6; 321-8) are opposite second slope regions (331a; 331a-1; 331a-2; 331a-5; 331a-6; 331a-8) of the second face (331; 331-1; 331-2; 331-5; 331-6; 331-8). 331a-6; 331a-8) can have substantially the same inclination angle.

[0255] In one embodiment, the color conversion layer (330; 330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8) may have a constant thickness based on the direction in which the molding layer (320; 320-1; 320-2; 320-5; 320-6; 320-8) and the color conversion layer (330; 330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8) are laminated on the substrate (310; 310-1; 310-2; 310-5; 310-6; 310-8).

[0256] In one embodiment, the inclination angle of each of the plurality of first inclination regions (321a; 321a-1; 321a-2; 321a-5; 321a-6; 321a-8) may be between 2 degrees and 45 degrees.

[0257] In one embodiment, the color conversion layer (330; 330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8) may have a cholesteric liquid crystal or a nematic liquid crystal and may include a chiral dopant.

[0258] In one embodiment, the molding layer (320-8) may have a plurality of grooves (323-8) arranged on the first surface (321-8). In one embodiment, the color conversion layer (330-8) may have a plurality of diffraction gratings (333-8) arranged in the plurality of grooves (323-8) and inducing diffraction of incident light.

[0259] In one embodiment, the color conversion layer (330; 330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8)

[0260] It is structured in such a way that multiple reflective thin films are spaced apart from each other and a cavity is formed between the multiple reflective thin films, so that the color of reflected light can be converted through optical resonance.

[0261] In one embodiment, the color conversion layer (330-1) may have liquid crystal molecules for inducing color conversion. In one embodiment, the cover member (301-1) may further include an alignment film (325-1) provided between the molding layer (320-1) and the color conversion layer (330-1) for aligning the liquid crystal molecules of the color conversion layer (330-1).

[0262] In one embodiment, the cover member (301-2) may further include an adhesive layer (326-2) provided between the molding layer (320-2) and the color conversion layer (330-2) and made of a transparent adhesive material.

[0263] In one embodiment, the first surface (321; 321-1; 321-2; 321-5; 321-6; 321-8) of the molding layer (320; 320-1; 320-2; 320-5; 320-6; 320-8) may be primer coated to provide adhesion with the color conversion layer (330; 330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8).

[0264] In one embodiment, the cover member (301-1; 301-2; 301-5; 301-6; 301-8) may further include a color layer (340-1; 340-2; 340-5; 340-6; 340-8) having a fixed color and disposed on the opposite side to the molding layer (320-1; 320-2; 320-5; 320-6; 320-8) of the color conversion layer (330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8).

[0265] In one embodiment, the side opposite to the color conversion layer (330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8) in the color layer (340-1; 340-2; 340-5; 340-6; 340-8) can be formed flat.

[0266] In one embodiment, the cover member (301-1; 301-2; 301-5; 301-6; 301-8) may further include a shielding layer (350-1; 350-2; 350-5; 350-6; 350-8) made of an opaque material and disposed on the opposite side to the color conversion layer (330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8) of the color layer (340-1; 340-2; 340-5; 340-6; 340-8).

[0267] In one embodiment, the substrate (310-5) may further include a diffuse reflection surface (315-5) provided on the side facing the color conversion layer (330-5) or on the side opposite to the color conversion layer (330-5) and inducing diffuse reflection of incident light.

[0268] In one embodiment, the cover member (301-6) may further include a translucent layer (305-6) made of a translucent material and disposed on the side opposite to the color conversion layer (330-6) of the substrate (310-6).

[0269] In one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may include a housing structure (210) including a cover member (401; 501). In one embodiment, the cover member (401; 501) may include a molding layer (320; 320-1; 320-2; 320-5; 320-6; 320-8) and a color conversion layer (330; 330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8) that is disposed on a surface facing the inside of the housing structure (210) in the molding layer (320; 320-1; 320-2; 320-5; 320-6; 320-8) and that converts the color of reflected light according to the incident angle of incident light transmitted from the molding layer (320; 320-1; 320-2; 320-5; 320-6; 320-8). In one embodiment, the molding layer (320; 320-1; 320-2; 320-5; 320-6; 320-8) may include a first surface (321; 321-1; 321-2; 321-5; 321-6; 321-8) that is provided on a surface facing the color conversion layer (330; 330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8) and includes a plurality of first inclined areas (321a; 321a-1; 321a-2; 321a-5; 321a-6; 321a-8) having different inclined angles. In one embodiment, the color conversion layer (330; 330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8) may include a second surface (331; 331-1; 331-2; 331-5; 331-6; 331-8) provided on a surface opposite to the surface facing the molding layer (320; 320-1; 320-2; 320-5; 320-6; 320-8) and including a plurality of second inclined areas (331a; 331a-1; 331a-2; 331a-5; 331a-6; 331a-8) having different inclination angles.

[0270] In one embodiment, the cover member (401; 501) may include a first portion (P1) including a plurality of first inclined areas (321a; 321a-1; 321a-2; 321a-5; 321a-6; 321a-8) having an inclined angle within a first angle range, and a second portion (P2) including a plurality of first inclined areas (321a; 321a-1; 321a-2; 321a-5; 321a-6; 321a-8) having an inclined angle within a second angle range different from the first angle range.

[0271] In one embodiment, at least some of the plurality of first slope regions (321a; 321a-1; 321a-2; 321a-5; 321a-6; 321a-8) of the first face (321; 321-1; 321-2; 321-5; 321-6; 321-8) are opposite second slope regions (331a; 331a-1; 331a-2; 331a-5; 331a-6; 331a-8) of the second face (331; 331-1; 331-2; 331-5; 331-6; 331-8). 331a-6; 331a-8) can have substantially the same inclination angle.

[0272] In one embodiment, the color conversion layer (330; 330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8) may have a constant thickness based on the direction in which the molding layer (320; 320-1; 320-2; 320-5; 320-6; 320-8) and the color conversion layer (330; 330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8) are laminated on the substrate (310; 310-1; 310-2; 310-5; 310-6; 310-8).

[0273] In one embodiment, the cover member (401; 501) is arranged on the side opposite to the molding layer (320-1; 320-2; 320-5; 320-6; 320-8) of the color conversion layer (330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8) and has a color layer (340-1; 340-2; 340-5; 340-6; 340-8) having a fixed color and is arranged on the side opposite to the color conversion layer (330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8) of the color layer (340-1; 340-2; 340-5; 340-6; 340-8) and is made of an opaque material. It may further include shielding layers (350-1; 350-2; 350-5; 350-6; 350-8).

[0274] 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. Cover member (301; 301-1; 301-2; 301-5; 301-6; 301-8) Substrate made of transparent material (310; 310-1; 310-2; 310-5; 310-6; 310-8); A molding layer (320; 320-1; 320-2; 320-5; 320-6; 320-8) disposed on one side of the above-described substrate (310; 310-1; 310-2; 310-5; 310-6; 310-8); and The molding layer (320; 320-1; 320-2; 320-5; 320-6; 320-8) includes a color conversion layer (330; 330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8) arranged on the side opposite to the substrate (310; 310-1; 310-2; 310-5; 310-6; 310-8), The above molding layer (320; 320-1; 320-2; 320-5; 320-6; 320-8) is A first surface (321; 321-1; 321-2; 321-5; 321-6; 321-8) is disposed on one side of the color conversion layer (330; 330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8) and includes a plurality of first inclined areas (321a; 321a-1; 321a-2; 321a-5; 321a-6; 321a-8) having different inclination angles, The above color conversion layer (330; 330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8) is A second surface (331; 331-1; 331-2; 331-5; 331-6; 331-8) including a plurality of second slope regions (331a; 331a-1; 331a-2; 331a-5; 331a-6; 331a-8) corresponding to a plurality of first slope regions (321a; 321a-1; 321a-2; 321a-5; 321a-6; 321a-8) of a first surface (321; 321-1; 321-2; 321-5; 321-6; 321-8) of the molding layer (320; 320-1; 320-2; 320-5; 320-6; 320-8), A portion of the incident light transmitted from the above-described substrate (310; 310-1; 310-2; 310-5; 310-6; 310-8) is reflected by the color conversion layer (330; 330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8) corresponding to the inclination angle of the plurality of second inclined areas (331a; 331a-1; 331a-2; 331a-5; 331a-6; 331a-8), the cover member (301; 301-1; 301-2; 301-5; 301-6; 301-8).

2. In paragraph 1, At least some of the plurality of first slope areas (321a; 321a-1; 321a-2; 321a-5; 321a-6; 321a-8) of the first surface (321; 321-1; 321-2; 321-5; 321-6; 321-8) A cover member (301; 301-1; 301-2; 301-5; 301-6; 301-8) having a substantially same inclination angle as an opposing second inclination area (331a; 331a-1; 331a-2; 331a-5; 331a-6; 331a-8) among a plurality of second inclination areas (331a; 331a-1; 331a-2; 331a-5; 331a-6; 331a-8) of the second surfaces (331; 331-1; 331-2; 331-5; 331-6; 331-8).

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, The above color conversion layer (330; 330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8) is A cover member (301; 301-1; 301-2; 301-5; 301-6; 301-8) having a constant thickness based on the direction in which the molding layer (320; 320-1; 320-2; 320-5; 320-6; 320-8) and the color conversion layer (330; 330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8) are laminated on the above-described substrate (310; 310-1; 310-2; 310-5; 310-6; 310-8).

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The inclination angle of each of the plurality of first inclination areas (321a; 321a-1; 321a-2; 321a-5; 321a-6; 321a-8) is Cover members (301; 301-1; 301-2; 301-5; 301-6; 301-8) formed at an angle of between 2 and 45 degrees.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The above color conversion layer (330; 330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8) is A cover member (301; 301-1; 301-2; 301-5; 301-6; 301-8) having a cholesteric liquid crystal or a nematic liquid crystal and containing a chiral dopant.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The above molding layer (320-8) includes a plurality of grooves (323-8) arranged on the first surface (321-8), The color conversion layer (330-8) is a cover member (301-8) that includes a plurality of diffraction gratings (333-8) arranged in the plurality of grooves (323-8) and inducing diffraction of incident light.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The above color conversion layer (330; 330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8) is A cover member (301; 301-1; 301-2; 301-5; 301-6; 301-8) having a structure in which a plurality of reflective thin films are spaced apart from each other and a cavity is formed between the plurality of reflective thin films, thereby converting the color of the reflected light through optical resonance.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The above color conversion layer (330-1) includes liquid crystal molecules for inducing color conversion, The cover member (301-1) is provided between the molding layer (320-1) and the color conversion layer (330-1), and further includes an alignment film (325-1) for aligning liquid crystal molecules of the color conversion layer (330-1).

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The above cover member (301-2) is A cover member (301-2) provided between the molding layer (320-2) and the color conversion layer (330-2), further comprising an adhesive layer (326-2) made of a transparent adhesive material.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, The first surface (321; 321-1; 321-2; 321-5; 321-6; 321-8) of the molding layer (320; 320-1; 320-2; 320-5; 320-6; 320-8) is A cover member (301; 301-1; 301-2; 301-5; 301-6; 301-8) coated with a primer to provide adhesion to the color conversion layer (330; 330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8).

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, The above cover members (301-1; 301-2; 301-5; 301-6; 301-8) are A cover member (301-1; 301-2; 301-5; 301-6; 301-8) further comprising a color layer (340-1; 340-2; 340-5; 340-6; 340-8) having a fixed color and arranged on the opposite side of the molding layer (320-1; 320-2; 320-5; 320-6; 320-8) of the color conversion layer (330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8).

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, The surface opposite to the color conversion layer (330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8) in the color layer (340-1; 340-2; 340-5; 340-6; 340-8) is formed flat, and is a cover member (301-1; 301-2; 301-5; 301-6; 301-8).

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, The above cover members (301-1; 301-2; 301-5; 301-6; 301-8) are A cover member (301-1; 301-2; 301-5; 301-6; 301-8) further comprising a shielding layer (350-1; 350-2; 350-5; 350-6; 350-8) made of an opaque material and arranged on the side opposite to the color conversion layer (330-1; 330-2; 330-5; 330-6; 330-8) of the color layer (340-1; 340-2; 340-5; 340-6; 340-8).

14. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, The above description (310-5) is, A cover member (301-5) further including a diffuse reflection surface (315-5) provided on the side facing the color conversion layer (330-5) or on the side opposite to the color conversion layer (330-5) and inducing diffuse reflection of incident light.

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, The above cover member (301-6) is A cover member (301-6) further comprising a translucent layer (305-6) made of a translucent material and arranged on the side opposite to the color conversion layer (330-6) of the above-described member (310-6).

Images