Foldable electronic device including display having protective layer

Abstract

This foldable electronic device may comprise: a housing including a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably connected to the first housing part; and a foldable display which is foldable according to the rotation of the first housing part and the second housing part and includes a window. The window comprises: a glass layer; an adhesive layer in contact with the glass layer; a coating layer in contact with the adhesive layer and including a material having shear thickening properties; and a polymer layer in contact with the coating layer, wherein the thickness of the glass layer may be equal to or greater than the thickness of the polymer layer.

Description

A foldable electronic device comprising a display having a protective layer

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a foldable electronic device including a display having a protective layer.

[0002] Foldable electronic devices typically include flexible displays. While using flexible displays, creases may appear externally as the device is repeatedly unfolded and folded. To minimize creases, the display of the foldable electronic device may include ultra-thin glass (UTG) and a protective layer.

[0003] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] According to one embodiment, a foldable electronic device may include a housing including a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably connected to the first housing part. The foldable electronic device may include a foldable display that is foldable according to rotation of the first housing part and the second housing part and includes a window. The window may include a glass layer, an adhesive layer in contact with the glass layer, a coating layer in contact with the adhesive layer and including a material having shear thickening characteristics, and a polymer layer in contact with the coating layer. A thickness of the glass layer may be equal to or thicker than a thickness of the polymer layer.

[0005] According to one embodiment, a foldable electronic device includes a housing including a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably connected to the first housing part, a foldable display foldable according to rotation of the first housing part and the second housing part and including a window, and a protective member disposed along a side wall of the housing, wherein the window may include a glass layer, a coating layer disposed on the glass layer, and a film disposed on the coating layer. The coating layer is configured to provide rigidity against an external impact and ductility against deformation according to a change in a folded state or an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device, and the protective member may overlap an edge portion of the foldable display and be spaced apart from an edge portion of the film when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the foldable display.

[0006] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components.

[0007] FIG. 1A illustrates an example of an unfolded state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 1B illustrates an example of a folded state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 1C is an exploded view of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a foldable electronic device and an upper layer stack structure of a foldable display according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the foldable electronic device of Figure 2.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display structure including a non-Newtonian material according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the shape of a display in a folded state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a foldable display further including a heat dissipation sheet according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a foldable display omitting a polarizing layer and a digitizer according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of multiple layers included in a window according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an example in which the size of a first coating layer among a plurality of layers included in a window is reduced according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an example in which a first coating layer among a plurality of layers included in a window wraps around a side of a polymer layer, according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing an example in which a first coating layer among a plurality of layers included in a window wraps a polymer layer according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing an example in which a first coating layer is included in a protective film according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 14A illustrates an example of an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 14B illustrates an example of a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 1A illustrates an example of an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment, FIG. 1B illustrates an example of a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 1C is an exploded view of the electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, the electronic device (100) may include a first housing part (110), a second housing part (120), and a foldable display (130). The electronic device (100) may be referred to as a foldable electronic device at the point where it folds around a folding axis (137).

[0025] The electronic device (100) may include a first housing part (110), a second housing part (120), a hinge structure (160), a foldable display (130), a printed circuit board (150), a display (135), and / or a back plate (190). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may omit at least one of the components or additionally include other components.

[0026] In one embodiment, the first housing part (110) may form a portion of an outer surface of the electronic device (100). The first housing part (110) may include a first surface (111), a second surface (112) facing away from the first surface (111), and a first side surface (113) surrounding at least a portion of the first surface (111) and the second surface (112). In one embodiment, the first housing part (110) may provide a space defined by the first surface (111), the second surface (112), and the first side surface (113) as a space for arranging components of the electronic device (100).

[0027] In one embodiment, the second side (123) may be pivotally connected to the first side (113) via a hinge structure (160) disposed on a hinge cover (165). The hinge structure (160) may include a hinge module and hinge plates (166, 167). The hinge plates may include a first hinge plate (166) and a second hinge plate (167), and the first hinge plate (166) may be connected to the first housing part (110), and the second hinge plate (167) may be connected to the second housing part (120).

[0028] In one embodiment, the second housing part (120) may include a third face (121), a fourth face (122) facing and spaced from the third face (121), and a second side (123) surrounding at least a portion of the third face (121) and the fourth face (122). The second housing part (120) may provide a space defined by the third face (121), the fourth face (122), and the second side (123) as a space for arranging components of the electronic device (100).

[0029] In one embodiment, the foldable display (130) may include a window exposed to the outside. The window may protect the surface of the foldable display (130) and may be formed of a transparent material to transmit visual information provided from the foldable display (130) to the outside. The window may include a glass material such as ultra-thin glass (UTG) or a polymer material such as polyimide (PI).

[0030] In one embodiment, the foldable display (130) may form at least a portion of a first side (111) of the first housing part (110) (e.g., a front side of the first housing part (110)) and a third side (121) of the second housing part (120) (e.g., a front side of the second housing part (120)). The foldable display (130) may be disposed on the first side (111) of the first housing part (110) and the third side (121) of the second housing part (120) across a hinge structure (160) within a hinge cover (165). The foldable display (130) may be configured to bend within a folded state of the electronic device (100) by the hinge structure (160). The foldable display (130) may include a first display area (131), a second display area (132), and a third display area (133). For example, the foldable display (130) may include a first display area (131) disposed on a first surface (111) of a first housing part, a second display area (132) disposed on a third surface (121) of a second housing part, and a third display area (133) between the first display area (131) and the second display area (132). The foldable display (130) may be supported by a first support portion (170) of the first housing part (110) and a second support portion (180) of the second housing part (120).

[0031] The electronic device (101) may further include protective members (114, 124) (or molds, trims). The first protective member (114) may be disposed along an edge of the first housing part (110). The second protective member (124) may be disposed along an edge of the second housing part (120). The first protective member (114) and the second protective member (124) may be disposed on a gap between the display (130) and the side walls of the housing parts (110, 120). The first protective member (114) and the second protective member (124) may protrude from the display (130) to reduce direct contact of the display (130) with the outside. The first protective member (114) and the second protective member (124) can reduce foreign substances from entering through the gap between the display (130) and the side wall of the housing part (110, 120).

[0032] According to one embodiment, the foldable display (130) may include an opening formed in a portion of the screen display area, or a supporting portion (e.g., a bracket) that supports the foldable display (130) may include a recess or an opening. The electronic device (100) may include at least one camera aligned with the recess or the opening. For example, the first display area (131) may further include at least one camera (136) that can acquire an image from the outside through a portion of the first display area (131). According to one embodiment, at least one camera (136) may be included on the rear surface of the foldable display (130) corresponding to the first display area (131) or the second display area (132) of the foldable display (130). For example, the at least one camera (136) may be disposed below the foldable display (130) and may be surrounded by the foldable display (130). At least one camera (136) may be an under-display camera (UDC) that is covered by the foldable display (130) and is not visually exposed to the outside. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the foldable display (130) may include an opening that visually exposes at least one camera (136) to the outside. In one embodiment, the camera (136) may acquire images of the external environment and / or external objects through the opening.

[0033] In one embodiment, the fourth side (122) of the second housing part (120) may further include at least one camera (134) and display (135) exposed through a portion of the fourth side (122).

[0034] In one embodiment, the hinge structure (160) may be configured to pivotally connect a first support portion (170) forming a first housing part (110) and a second support portion (180) forming a second housing part (120).

[0035] In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may be in one of a folded state, an unfolded state, or an intermediate state. The folded state may be a state in which the first surface (111) of the first housing part (110) and the third surface (121) of the second housing part (120) face each other. In the folded state, the direction in which the first surface (111) faces and the direction in which the third surface (121) faces may be opposite to each other. The unfolded state may be a state in which the first surface (111) of the first housing part (110) and the third surface (121) of the second housing part (120) are substantially continuous planes. In the unfolded state, the direction in which the first surface (111) faces and the direction in which the third surface (121) faces may be the same. The intermediate state may be a state between the unfolded state and the folded state. In the intermediate state, the direction in which the first side (111) faces and the direction in which the third side (121) faces may be different.

[0036] In one embodiment, while the electronic device (100) is in a folded state, the hinge cover (165) surrounding the hinge structure (160) may be at least partially visually exposed through the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120). In one embodiment, while the electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, the hinge cover (165) may be obscured by the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120).

[0037] In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can be folded about a folding axis (137) passing through the hinge cover (165) or the hinge structure (160). For example, the hinge structure (160) within the hinge cover (165) can be positioned between the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120) of the electronic device (100) to enable the electronic device (100) to be bent, curved, or folded. For example, the first housing part (110) can be connected to the second housing part (120) through the hinge structure (160) positioned within the hinge cover (165) and can be rotated about the folding axis (137).

[0038] In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can be folded such that the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120) face each other by rotating about the folding axis (137). In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can be folded such that the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120) cover or overlap each other.

[0039] The hinge structure (160) may include a hinge module and a hinge plate (166, 167). The hinge module may include a hinge gear (162) that enables the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120) to pivot.

[0040] The first housing part (110) may include a first support part (170), and the second housing part (120) may include a second support part (180). The first support part (170) may be partially surrounded by the first side (113), and the second support part (180) may be partially surrounded by the second side (123). The first support part (170) may be formed integrally with the first side (113), and the second support part (180) may be formed integrally with the second side (123). According to one embodiment, the first support part (170) may be formed separately from the first side (113), and the second support part (180) may be formed separately from the second side (123). The first side (113) and the second side (123) may be formed of a metallic material, a non-metallic material, or a combination thereof. For example, the first side (113) may include a conductive portion (118) and a non-conductive portion (119). The conductive portion (118) may be used as a radiator of an antenna.

[0041] One side of the first support portion (170) can be coupled with the rear plate (190), and the other side of the first support portion (170) can be coupled with the foldable display (130). One side of the second support portion (180) can be coupled with the display (135), and the other side of the second support portion (180) can be coupled with the foldable display (130).

[0042] A printed circuit board (150) and a battery may be placed in the space between the surface formed by the first support portion (170) and the second support portion (180) and the surface formed by the display (135) and the rear plate (190). The printed circuit board (150) may be separated so that it may be placed in each of the first support portion (170) of the first housing part (110) and the second support portion (180) of the second housing part (120). For example, the printed circuit board (150) may include a first printed circuit board (151) and a second printed circuit board (152). Components for implementing various functions of the electronic device (100) may be placed on the printed circuit board (150).

[0043] According to one embodiment, the first printed circuit board (151) may have components for implementing the overall function of the electronic device (101) arranged thereon, and the second printed circuit board (152) may have electronic components for implementing some functions of the first printed circuit board (151) arranged thereon, or components for driving the display panel arranged on the fourth surface (122) may be arranged thereon. The first printed circuit board (151) and the second printed circuit board (152) may be electrically connected by a flexible printed circuit board (140).

[0044] The battery (155) may be, for example, a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device (101), and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery (155) may be disposed substantially flush with the printed circuit board (150). The substantially flush surfaces of the printed circuit board (150) and the battery (155) may be disposed on one surface of the first bracket (170) and the second bracket (180) (e.g., the surface facing the second surface (112) and the fourth surface (122), or the surface facing the display panel and the back plate (190). For example, a flexible display (130) may be placed on the first side (111) and the third side (121), and a printed circuit board (150) and a battery (155) may be placed on the second side (112) and the fourth side (122) facing the side on which the flexible display (130) is placed.

[0045] Antenna (185) may be positioned between the rear plate (190) and the battery (155) in one embodiment. Antenna (185) may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and / or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. Antenna (185) may, for example, perform short-range communication with an external device or wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging.

[0046] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a foldable electronic device and an upper layer laminate structure of a foldable display according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the foldable electronic device of FIG. 2.

[0047] In one embodiment, within this document, "B positioned on (or above) A" may refer to "B positioned over A." For example, within this document, "B positioned on (or above) A" may refer to "B facing A and spaced apart from A." For example, when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, it should be understood that it may be directly on the other element or there may be intervening elements between them. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there may not be any intervening elements.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the electronic device (200) may be a foldable device having a folding axis in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the folding axis (137) of FIG. 2) as illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C. The electronic device (200) may be replaced with an electronic device (291) which is a foldable device having a folding axis in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, or may be replaced with an electronic device (292) which is a foldable device (or a multi-foldable device) having two or more folding axes, or may be replaced with an electronic device (293) which is a rollable device that slides into or out of a housing. The following descriptions exemplified with respect to the electronic device (200) are merely exemplary, and the following descriptions may be applied to the electronic device (291), the electronic device (292), and the electronic device (293). For example, a window (230) as exemplified by the descriptions below may be included within an electronic device (291) with the window (230) rotated 90 degrees.

[0049] The electronic device (101) may include a housing. The housing may include a first housing part (110) and a second housing part (120). The first housing part (110) may be rotatably coupled to the second housing part (120). The second housing part (120) may be rotatably coupled to the first housing part (110). The first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120) may be coupled by a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure (160) of FIG. 1C). The hinge structure may rotatably couple the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120). The electronic device (101) may be referred to as a foldable electronic device in terms of its ability to be folded and unfolded.

[0050] The electronic device (101) may further include a display (130). The display (130) may change depending on the rotation of the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120). For example, the display (130) may be unfolded in an unfolded state of the electronic device (101) in which the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120) face the same direction. The display (130) may be folded in a folded state of the electronic device (101) in which the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120) face each other. The display (130) may change from a folded state (or unfolded state) to an unfolded state (or folded state) depending on the rotation of the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120) by a hinge structure (160). The display (130) may be referred to as a foldable display in terms of its ability to be folded and unfolded. The first housing part (110) may be coupled to a first hinge plate (166), and the second housing part (120) may be coupled to a second hinge plate (167). The first hinge plate (166) and the second hinge plate (167) may be rotated by a hinge gear (162). The first hinge plate (166) and the second hinge plate (167), which are rotated by the hinge gear (162), may rotate the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120), respectively. The hinge cover (165) may surround the hinge gear (162).

[0051] The display (130) may include a window (230). The window (230) may transmit light emitted from the light-emitting layer (331) of the display (130) to the outside. The window (230) may be placed on the light-emitting layer (331). The display (130) may transmit visual information to a user of the electronic device (101) by transmitting light emitted from the light-emitting layer (331) through the window (230). The window (230) may include a plurality of layers (231) including a transparent glass layer or polymer layer and a protective layer for protecting the glass layer or polymer layer.

[0052] The window (230) may further include a protective film (232). The protective film (232) may protect the layers of the window (230). Although the window (230) is described as further including the protective film (232), it is not limited thereto. For example, the protective film (232) may be a separate component from the window (230). The protective film (232) may be attached to the window (230). The protective film (232) may be attached to the outermost layer of the plurality of layers (231). For example, the protective film (232) may define the outer surface of the window (230) of the display (130). The protective film (232) may reduce scratches on the surface of the display (130). When an external impact or scratch occurs on the display (130), the film attached to the surface of the display (130) may be damaged instead of the surface or outer layer of the display (130). A damaged protective film (232) can be replaced with a new film. For example, the protective film (232) can be detachably attached to the outermost layer of the plurality of layers (231).

[0053] The display (130) of the electronic device (101) may include a first planar portion (201) (or planar area), a second planar portion (202) (or planar area), and a bendable portion (203) (or bendable area). While the state of the electronic device (101) changes, the first planar portion (201) and the second planar portion (202) may be portions that remain planar.

[0054] The display (130) may include a support plate (332) having a lattice pattern formed therein with a plurality of slits to provide flexibility in the bendable portion (203). The support plate (332) may include the lattice pattern in the bendable portion (203). The support plate (332) including the lattice pattern substantially parallel to the folding axis may have flexibility in the bendable portion (203) and rigidity to support layers of the display (130) in the first planar portion (201) and the second planar portion (202). The display (130) may include a plurality of layers (333) disposed below the support plate (332). The plurality of layers (333) may include a cushion layer to reduce shock transmitted to the display (130), a shielding layer for a digitizer, and / or a support layer having rigidity.

[0055] The first planar portion (201) may be a portion corresponding to the first display area (131). The second planar portion (202) may be a portion corresponding to the second display area (132). The bendable portion (203) may be deformed according to a change in the state of the electronic device (101). The bendable portion (203) may be a portion corresponding to the third display area (133). For example, in a bent state of the electronic device (101), the bendable portion (203) may be bent so that the first planar portion (201) and the second planar portion (202) face each other. In an unfolded state of the electronic device (101), the bendable portion (203) may be unfolded so that the first planar portion (201) and the second planar portion (202) face the same direction. The display (130), which is a foldable display, may include a region where a crease is formed in the bendable portion (203) around the folding axis (137). To reduce the crease, the thickness of the window (230) may be increased. Increasing the thickness of the window (230) may increase the repulsive force caused by deformation of the display (130). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may provide a structure capable of reducing the crease while reducing the repulsive force that increases when the electronic device (101) is deformed. The structure of the display (130) capable of reducing the crease while reducing the repulsive force that increases when the electronic device (101) is deformed will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7.

[0056] The electronic device (101) may include protective members (114, 124) (or molds, trims). The first protective member (114) may extend from a side wall of the first housing part (110) and may be a part of the first housing part (110). The second protective member (124) may extend from a side wall of the second housing part (120) and may be a part of the second housing part (120). The first protective member (114) and the second protective member (124) may cover a portion of an edge portion of the display (130). For example, the first protective member (114) may cover a portion of an edge portion of the first flat portion (201) of the display (130). The first protective member (114) may cover a portion of an edge portion of the display (130) positioned on the first housing part (110). For example, the second protective member (124) may cover a portion of an edge portion of the second flat portion (202) of the display (130). The second protective member (124) may cover a portion of an edge portion of the display (130) positioned on the second housing part (120). The first protective member (114) and the second protective member (124) may be referred to as decorations or molds in terms of indicating decorations arranged on the edge portion of the display (130). The first protective member (114) and the second protective member (124) may be referred to as covers in terms of covering a portion of the display (130).

[0057] The first protective member (114) and the second protective member (124) may be configured to cover the side boundaries of the plurality of layers of the display (130) when the side boundaries do not match. The glass layer of the window (230) (or the protective layer of the window (230)) located on the outermost layer of the display (130) may be at least partially covered by the first protective member (114) and the second protective member (124). For example, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the display (130), the first protective member (114) and the second protective member (124) may cover the glass layer (or protective layer) of the display (130) or the window (230). When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the display (130), the first protective member (114) and the second protective member (124) may overlap the edge of a glass layer (e.g., glass layer (401) of FIG. 4) or a plurality of layers (231) of the display (130) or the window (230). The first protective member (114) and the second protective member (124) may be spaced apart from the edge of the protective film (232). The area of ​​the protective film (232) may be narrower than the area of ​​the outermost layer among the plurality of layers (231) of the window (230). The protective film (232) may not overlap the first protective member (114) and the second protective member (124) in order to be separated or replaced from the display (130) when a scratch occurs on the outer edge of the protective film (232).

[0058] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display structure including a non-Newtonian material according to one embodiment.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 4, the electronic device (101) may include a housing and a display (130) including a first housing part (110) and a second housing part (120). The first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120) may be rotatably coupled to each other. For example, the first housing part (110) may be rotatably coupled to the second housing part (120). The second housing part (120) may be rotatably coupled to the first housing part (110). The electronic device (101) may be referred to as a foldable electronic device in terms of being foldable or unfoldable by the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120).

[0060] The display (130) may be foldable according to the rotation of the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120). The display (130) may be referred to as a foldable display in that it may be folded or unfolded according to a change in the state of the electronic device (101).

[0061] The display (130) may include a window (230). The window (230) may be disposed on one surface of the display panel (410) facing the outside of the electronic device (101). The window (230) may protect the display panel (410) and transmit light emitted from the display panel (410) to the outside. The window (230) may provide visual information based on the transmission of the light. The window (230) may include a plurality of layers (231) and a protective film (232). The protective film (232) is configured to protect the surfaces of the plurality of layers (231) and is detachable from the plurality of layers (231). Although the protective film (232) has been described as a component of the window (230), it is not limited thereto and may be a separate component from the window (230) and may be replaceable.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the plurality of layers (231) of the window (230) may include at least a portion that is transparent. For example, the plurality of layers (231) of the window (230) may include a transparent portion so as to transmit light emitted from the display panel (410) to the outside. The plurality of layers (231) of the window (230) may include a polymer material or a glass material.

[0063] The plurality of layers (231) may include a glass layer (401), a first coating layer (402), a polymer layer (403), and / or a second coating layer (404). The glass layer (401) has rigidity, thereby preventing the display panel (410) from being damaged by external impact. The glass layer (401) is formed of a glass material, and may secure the overall rigidity of the layers disposed on one side of the display panel (410) facing the outside of the electronic device (101). The glass layer (401) may include an ultra-thin glass (UTG) formed of a thin glass material. However, the layer for securing the rigidity of the window is not limited to the glass layer (401), and may be composed of a polymer layer formed from a polymer. As another example, the window (230) may include a polymer layer formed from a polymer material such as polyimide (PI) instead of the glass layer (401).

[0064] The first coating layer (402), the polymer layer (403), and the second coating layer (404) may be disposed on the glass layer (401). The first coating layer (402), the polymer layer (403), and the second coating layer (404) may be configured to protect the glass layer (401). The first coating layer (402), the polymer layer (403), and the second coating layer (404) may be referred to as a protective layer in terms of protecting the glass layer (401).

[0065] The first coating layer (402) and the second coating layer (404) may be applied to both surfaces of the polymer layer (403). The polymer layer (403) may be a layer formed from a polymer. For example, the polymer layer (403) may include a thin film formed from polyimide (PI) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The polymer layer (403) may be configured to be transparent so as to transmit light from the display panel (410) transmitted through the glass layer (401) to the outside.

[0066] The first coating layer (402) may be disposed on one side of the polymer layer (403), and the second coating layer (404) may be disposed on the other side opposite the one side of the polymer layer (403). The width of the first coating layer (402) may be substantially the same as the width of the polymer layer (403). The width of the first coating layer (402) may be substantially the same as the width of the polymer layer (403). The one side of the polymer layer (403) on which the first coating layer (402) is disposed may be the side of the polymer layer (403) facing the inside of the electronic device (101) (or the support portion of the first housing (110) or the second housing (120). The other side of the polymer layer (403) on which the second coating layer (404) is disposed may be the side opposite the one side of the polymer layer (403). For example, the other side of the polymer layer (403) on which the second coating layer (404) is disposed may be a side of the polymer layer (403) that faces the outside of the electronic device (101). The first coating layer (402) and / or the second coating layer (404) may be disposed at least partially along a side surface of the polymer layer (403). For example, the first coating layer (402) may cover at least a portion of the side surface of the polymer layer (403). The second coating layer (404) may cover at least a portion of the side surface of the polymer layer (403).

[0067] The first coating layer (402) may be disposed on the adhesive layer (491). The adhesive layer (491) may attach the first coating layer (402) to the glass layer (401). The width of the first coating layer (402) may be greater than the width of the glass layer (401). The width of the first coating layer (402) may be greater than the width of the glass layer (401). The widths of the first coating layer (402), the polymer layer (403), and the second coil layer (404) may be greater than the width of the glass layer (401). In one embodiment, the widths of the first coating layer (402), the polymer layer (403), and the second coating layer (404) may be greater than the width of the display panel (410). The first coating layer (402) may be configured to provide rigidity against external impact and ductility against other deformations when the foldable electronic device is changed into a folded or unfolded state. The first coating layer (402) may include a material having shear thickening properties. The first coating layer may include a urethane acrylate-based material. The shear thickening material may have a modulus that varies depending on the deformation rate of the material. For example, when the state of the electronic device (101) is changed into a folded or unfolded state, the first coating layer (402) having shear thickening properties may behave like a low modulus material and behave like a high modulus material against an external impact applied to the display (130). Modulus refers to the ratio of stress to strain. A low modulus material may require less force to undergo deformation and may be ductile. While the state of the electronic device (101) changes, the first coating layer (402) operating as a low modulus material can increase the ductility of the display (130). A high modulus material can require a large force to undergo deformation and can have rigidity.When a large force is applied in a relatively short period of time due to an external impact, the first coating layer (402) that operates as a high modulus material can reinforce the rigidity of the display (130). When the speed of tension of a material having shear thickening properties or the speed of change of the material is fast, the shear stress applied to the material can increase. When the speed of tension of a material having shear thickening properties or the speed of change of the material is slow, the shear stress applied to the material can decrease. The material of the first coating layer (402) having shear thickening properties can be expressed as a non-Newtonian material in that it does not follow Newton's law of viscosity.

[0068] The first coating layer (402) having shear thickening properties can supplement the flexibility for folding the display (130) and supplement the rigidity of the display (130) against impact. Even if the thickness of the first coating layer (402) is increased to supplement the rigidity against external impact, the flexibility of the first coating layer (402) increases when folding or folding, thereby ensuring flexibility for deformation of the display (130). As the thickness of the first coating layer (402) increases, the thickness of the polymer layer (403) can decrease. The degree of thickness reduction of the polymer layer (403) can be proportional to the thickness of the first coating layer (402). As the thickness of the polymer layer (403) formed of PET or PI decreases, wrinkles formed during the folding process can be reduced.

[0069] As the thickness of the polymer layer (403) decreases, the thickness of the glass layer (401) may increase. For example, the thickness of the glass layer (401) may be equal to or thicker than the thickness of the polymer layer (403). The first coating layer (402), the polymer layer (403), and the glass layer (401) may have the following relationship. The thickness of the glass layer (401) may have a thickness of approximately 50 μm or more to reduce wrinkles. As the thickness of the glass layer (401) increases, the thickness of the polymer layer (403) may decrease. The thickness of the polymer layer (403) may be inversely proportional to the thickness of the glass layer (401). For example, the decreased thickness of the polymer layer (403) may be half of the increased thickness of the glass layer (401). As the thickness of the polymer layer (403) decreases, the thickness of the first coating layer (402) may increase. The thickness of the first coating layer (402) may be inversely proportional to the thickness of the polymer layer (403). For example, the increased thickness of the first coating layer (402) may be 1 / 3 of the decreased thickness of the polymer layer (403). Within the above range, the thickness of the glass layer (401) may be approximately 30 um to 70 um. Preferably, it may be approximately 25 um to 35 um. The thickness of the polymer layer (403) may be 20 um to 50 um. The thickness of the first coating layer (402) may be approximately 25 um to 30 um.

[0070] The second coating layer (404) may be a layer disposed at the outermost end among the plurality of layers (231). The second coating layer (404) may have a material having a higher rigidity than the rigidity of the first coating layer (402) and the polymer layer (403), and may have scratch-resistance characteristics. The second coating layer (404) may have other characteristics in addition to the scratch-resistance characteristics. For example, the second coating layer (404) may include an anti-reflection (AR) coating, a low reflection (LR) coating, a shatter-proof (SP) coating, an anti-fingerprint (AF) coating, etc. The second coating layer (404) has been described as being disposed on the polymer layer (403), but may be disposed at various locations. The thickness of the second coating layer (404) may be approximately 3 um to 10 um. The sum of the thicknesses of the first coating layer (402), the polymer layer (403), and the second coating layer (404) may be approximately 75 um to 86 um.

[0071] The protective film (232) may include a thin film layer (407) and an adhesive layer (406). The thin film layer (407) may be a thin polymer layer. The thin film layer (407) may be disposed on the outermost layer (e.g., the second coating layer (404)) of the plurality of layers (231) via an adhesive layer (406) attached under the thin film layer (407).

[0072] The thin film layer (407) may include a thin film formed of PI (polyimide) or PET (polyethylene terephthalate). According to one embodiment, the thin film layer (407) may be a layer for protecting the plurality of layers (231). The thin film layer (407) and the adhesive layer (406) attached under the thin film layer (407) may be referred to as a protective film. The adhesive layer (406) disposed between the thin film layer (407) and the outermost layer of the plurality of layers (231) may have a lower viscosity or be formed to a thinner thickness than other adhesive layers (491) included in the window (230). When replacement or removal of the protective film (232) is required, the adhesive layer (406) disposed between the thin film layer (407) and the outermost layer of the plurality of layers (231) may be configured to have a lower adhesive strength than other adhesive layers (491) for removal of the protective film (232). The adhesive layers (406, 491) included in the window (230) may be transparent adhesive layers that can transmit light. For example, the adhesive layers (406, 491) may include a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or an optical clear adhesive (OCA).

[0073] The display (130) may further include a display panel (410). The display panel (410) may include layers that function as a polarizer, a color filter, a pixel layer, and a touch panel (or a touch pattern). The layers of the display panel (410) may be attached to each other by an adhesive or an adhesive layer. The polarizer may reduce the amount of light reflected within the display (130) after being incident from the outside of the electronic device (101). As the amount of light reflected within the display (130) is reduced by the polarizer, the visibility of the display (130) may be improved. To improve visibility, the display (130) may include a color filter instead of a polarizer. Without being limited thereto, the display (130) may include both a polarizer and a color filter. The pixel layer may be configured to provide visual information to the outside. The pixel layer may be configured to emit light of a specified color from each pixel to the outside. The pixel layer may be configured to operate by a thin film transistor. The touch panel or digitizer may be configured to receive external input transmitted through the surface of the display (130).

[0074] A window (230) for protecting the display panel (410) may be disposed on the display panel (410). The window (230) may be disposed on one surface of the display panel (410) via an adhesive layer (492). The thickness of the adhesive layer (492) may be approximately 70 um to 80 um. The display (130) may further include a protective layer between the display panel (410) and the adhesive layer (492). When the protective layer is disposed, the thickness of the adhesive layer (492) may be substantially the same as the thickness of the adhesive layer (491) disposed between the glass layer (401) and the first coating layer (402). When a protective layer is further included between the adhesive layer (492) and the display panel (410), the thickness of the adhesive layer (492) may be approximately 30 um to 40 um.

[0075] The display (130) may further include a protection layer (411) and a support plate (420) disposed on the other side of the display panel (410). According to one embodiment, the protection layer (411) may be disposed on the other side of the display panel (410). For example, the window (230) may be disposed on one side of the display panel (410), and the protection layer (411) may be disposed on the other side facing the one side of the display panel (410). The protection layer (411) may be a film for protecting the display panel (410). The protection layer (411) may be formed of a polymer material such as PET. The protection layer (411) may protect the other side of the display panel (410). For example, the protection layer (411) may prevent damage to the display panel (410) caused by the support plate (420) disposed under the display panel (410) and having rigidity. The thickness of the protective layer (411) may be approximately 70 um to 80 um. The support plate (420) may include a first planar portion (421), a second planar portion (422), and a bendable portion (423). The first planar portion (421) and the second planar portion (422) may support the display panel (410). For example, the first planar portion (421) and the second planar portion (422) may support a portion of the display (130) that remains in a plane. The bendable portion (423) may include slits parallel to the folding axis (137) to provide flexibility of the display while the display (130) is deformed. The thickness of the support plate (420) may be approximately 140 um to 160 um. According to one embodiment, the support plate (420) may be attached to the protective layer (411) via an adhesive layer (493). The thickness of the adhesive layer (493) may be approximately 10 μm to 20 μm. The adhesive layer (493) may be arranged to correspond to the shape of the support plate (420).Although the adhesive layer (493) is shown as being separate and not disposed on the bendable portion (423), this is not limiting, and the adhesive layer (493) may be applied to the entire support plate (420). The adhesive layer (493) may have grooves or slits corresponding to the lattice pattern in the bendable portion (423). A portion of the adhesive layer (493) may be disposed between the lattice patterns of the bendable portion (423).

[0076] According to one embodiment, the display (130) may further include an input panel (430) for receiving input by an external stylus pen. The support plate (420) may be in contact with the input panel (430) for receiving input by the external stylus pen. The input panel (430) may include separate panels. A first panel may be attached to a first planar portion (421) of the support plate (420), and a second panel may be attached to a second planar portion (422) of the support plate (420).

[0077] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may further include functional layers (431, 440) disposed below the input panel (430). The functional layers (431, 440) may include a magnetic material or a metal layer for shielding. For example, when the input panel (430) is an electromagnetic induction panel, the functional layers (431, 440) may include a magnetic layer (431) including a magnetic material for inducing a magnetic force generated from the electromagnetic induction panel along the functional layers (431, 440) in contact with the electromagnetic induction panel. According to one embodiment, the magnetic layer (431) may be disposed to increase the density of magnetic force lines generated from the electromagnetic induction panel. For example, the functional layer (431) may include MMP (magnetic metal powder), but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The input panel (430) may be attached to the support plate (420) via an adhesive layer (494). Some of the functional layers (431, 440) may include an elastic layer. The thickness of the input panel (430) may be approximately 100 um to 120 um, and the thickness of the adhesive layer (494) may be approximately 15 um to 25 um.

[0078] The functional layers (431, 440) may include a shielding layer (440) to prevent signals flowing along conductive lines within the input panel (430) from being interfered with by external electrical signals. For attachment of the functional layers (431, 440), an adhesive layer (495) may be disposed between the magnetic layer (431) and the shielding layer (440). The thickness of the magnetic layer (431) among the functional layers may be approximately 25 um to 45 um. The thickness of the shielding layer (440) among the functional layers may be approximately 10 um to 20 um. The thickness of the adhesive layer (495) may be approximately 50 um to 60 um.

[0079] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the shape of a display in a folded state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 5, the display (130) can be bent by the hinge structure (160). For example, the first hinge plate (166) and the second hinge plate (167) can rotate by the rotation of the gear included in the hinge structure (160). Depending on the operation of the hinge structure (160), the portion supported by the first hinge plate (166) and the second hinge plate (167), or the portion of the display (130) supported by the first support portion (170) of the first housing part (110) fastened to the first hinge plate (166) or the second support portion (180) of the second housing part (120) fastened to the second hinge plate (167) can be rotated. The portion of the display (130) supported by the first hinge plate (166) may be referred to as the first planar portion, and the portion of the display (130) supported by the second hinge plate (167) may be referred to as the second planar portion. The portion of the display (130) between the first support portion and the second support portion may be referred to as the bendable portion in a side that can be bent with respect to the folding axis. The display (130) may have a curved surface having a radius of curvature (R) within the bendable portion within the folded state of the electronic device (101). The radius of curvature may be approximately 1.6 mm to 2.2 mm. As the radius of curvature (R) increases, the curvature of the display may decrease, thereby reducing wrinkles. In order to reduce wrinkles visible from the outside, the radius of curvature (R) may be approximately 1.6 mm or more. When the radius of curvature (R) increases, the thickness of the electronic device (101) may increase in the folded state of the electronic device (101), so that the radius of curvature (R) may be approximately 2.2 mm or less.

[0081] The display (130) may include a neutral plane (NS) that is less affected by tensile stress due to bending and unfolding. Layers located at the neutral plane exhibit less deformation, and thus may have smaller wrinkle sizes. The location of the neutral plane may be determined based on the thickness and radius of curvature of the display.

[0082] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a foldable display further including a heat dissipation sheet according to one embodiment.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 6, the display of FIG. 4 may further include a polarizing layer (611), an elastic layer (681), and / or a heat dissipation member (610). In FIG. 6, descriptions of overlapping parts among descriptions of the window (230), the display panel (410), the protective layer (411), the support plate (420), and the functional layer (440) described in the display of FIG. 4 are omitted. The same as or similar to the display of FIG. 4, the widths of the first coating layer (402), the polymer layer (403), and the second coil layer (404) may be greater than the width of the glass layer (401). According to one embodiment, the widths of the first coating layer (402), the polymer layer (403), and the second coating layer (404) may be greater than the width of the display panel (410).

[0084] The polarizing layer (611) may be disposed on the upper portion of the display panel (410). The polarizing layer (611) may be in contact with an adhesive layer (691) disposed on the upper surface of the display panel (410). The adhesive layer (691) may be an optically transparent adhesive layer. The polarizing layer (611) may be configured such that light emitted from the display panel (410) is transmitted to the outside, and light reflected by metal within the display panel (410) is not transmitted to the outside. The polarizing layer (611) may selectively transmit light, thereby increasing the clarity of an image including visual information provided through the light emitted from the display panel (410). The polarizing layer (611) may be omitted or replaced with another layer. When the polarizing layer (611) is omitted, the polarizing layer may be disposed within the display panel (410), or a color filter layer may be disposed within the display panel (410). When the polarizing layer (611) is replaced with another layer, it can function as a reinforcing layer that reinforces the rigidity of the display panel (410). To reinforce the rigidity of the display (130), an additional protective layer (612) can be further included. The additional protective layer (612) can be disposed between the support plate (420) and the protective layer (411). The protective layer (411) can be attached to an adhesive layer (692) disposed on the lower surface of the display panel (410). The additional protective layer (612) can be attached to the protective layer (411) by an adhesive layer (693). The additional protective layer (612) can be formed of a polymer material and have flexibility. The additional protective layer (612) can be a layer that separates the display (130) or the display panel (410) from the interior of the electronic device. According to one embodiment, the additional protective layer (612) can be formed integrally with the protective layer (411). An additional protective layer (612) can limit the transfer of foreign matter to the display (130).

[0085] The elastic layer (681) may include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), PET, PI, or a combination thereof. The elastic layer (681) may reduce the impact caused by the support plate (420), thereby reducing the impact transmitted to the display panel (410).

[0086] The display (130) may further include another elastic layer (681a). The other elastic layer (681a) may include thermoplastic polyurethane, PET, PI, or a combination thereof. The other elastic layer (681a) may reduce the impact applied to the bendable portion (423) including the lattice structure. Since the bendable portion (423) includes slits to increase ductility, the bendable portion (423) may have lower rigidity than other portions of the support plate (420) (e.g., the first planar portion (421) and the second planar portion (422)). The other elastic layer (681a) may reduce deformation of the bendable portion (423) having relatively low rigidity. For example, the other elastic layer (681a) may be attached to an adhesive layer (494a) disposed under the bendable portion (423) (or the lattice portion) of the support plate (420).

[0087] The elastic layer (681) and other elastic layers (681a) can be attached to the support plate (420) by adhesive layers (494, 494a). The adhesive layer (494) can be approximately 10 um to 20 um, and the elastic layer (681a) can be approximately 6 um to 10 um. By increasing the total thickness of the elastic layer (681a) and the adhesive layer (494a) from approximately 16 um to 25 um or more, the durability of the bending portion can be improved. By increasing the thickness of the adhesive layer (494), the adhesive layer (494) can permeate into the lattice pattern or slit of the support plate (420), thereby improving the surface quality of the display. The adhesive layer (494) has fluidity compared to the elastic layer (681a), so that when another elastic layer (681a) is pressed, a part of the adhesive layer (494) moves to fill the gap created in the bendable portion (423) of the support plate (420).

[0088] A functional layer (440) may be further included below the elastic layer (681). The functional layer (440) may be configured to support the display. The functional layer (440) may be formed from a metal. The metal may include a copper alloy, a nickel-phosphorus alloy, or a combination thereof. The functional layer (440) may be attached to the support portion of the first housing part (110) and the support portion of the second housing part (120). The functional layer (440) may function as a shielding layer when a digitizer is included, as shown in FIG. 4 .

[0089] The support plate (420) can be attached to the hinge plate (166, 167) by an adhesive layer (494) placed under the bendable portion (423).

[0090] The display (130) may further include a heat dissipation member (610). The heat dissipation member (610) may be configured to diffuse heat from a heat-generating component, such as a processor (e.g., processor (1320) of FIG. 13). The heat dissipation member (610) may be at least partially wrapped by an adhesive (694). The heat dissipation member (610) may be attached to a functional layer (440) disposed on the component and to an elastic layer (681) by the adhesive (694). Without being limited thereto, the heat dissipation member (610) may be attached to the component by the adhesive (694). The component may be at least one of an application processor (AP), a power management integrated circuitry (PMIC), a radio frequency integrated circuitry (RFIC), and a communication processor (CP). When the heat-generating component is disposed within the first housing part (110) or the second housing part (120), the heat dissipation member (610) may be disposed within a portion of the display (130) disposed on the housing part where the heat-generating component is disposed. For example, when the heat-generating component is disposed within the second housing part (120), the heat dissipation member (610) may be disposed on a planar portion of the display (130) disposed on the second housing part (120). When the heat-generating component is disposed within the second housing part (120), the heat dissipation member (610) may be disposed under the second planar portion (422) of the support plate (420). The heat dissipation member (610) may be a layer formed of graphite. The heat dissipation member (610) may be referred to as a heat dissipation sheet. The heat dissipation sheet may be configured to provide a thermal path for heat generated from the component disposed within the second housing part (120).

[0091] A heat dissipation member (610) disposed on the second flat portion (422) of the support plate (420) can spread heat generated from the component to the second housing part (120) or a conductive portion within the second housing part (120).

[0092] The first coating layer (402) having shear thickening properties can supplement the flexibility for folding the display (130) and supplement the rigidity of the display (130) against impact. Even if the thickness of the first coating layer (402) is increased to supplement the rigidity against external impact, the flexibility of the first coating layer (402) increases when folding or folding, thereby ensuring flexibility for deformation of the display (130). As the thickness of the first coating layer (402) increases, the thickness of the polymer layer (403) can decrease. The degree of thickness reduction of the polymer layer (403) can be proportional to the thickness of the first coating layer (402). As the thickness of the polymer layer (403) formed of PET or PI decreases, wrinkles formed during the folding process can be reduced. By supplementing the rigidity by the first coating layer (402), the thickness of the protective film (232) including the polymer material can be reduced from approximately 95 um to 80 um or less, thereby reducing wrinkles formed during the folding process of the electronic device.

[0093] As the thickness of the protective film (232) and the polymer layer (403) decreases, the thickness of the glass layer (401) can be increased, thereby increasing the rigidity against external impact (e.g., impact due to a pen impression or pressure from a pen).

[0094] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a foldable display omitting a polarizing layer and a digitizer according to one embodiment.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 7, the display (130) may not include a layer having shear thickening characteristics of FIGS. 4 and 6 (e.g., the first coating layer (402) of FIGS. 4 and 6) by arranging the neutral plane (NS) adjacent to the window (230). The plurality of layers (231) of the display (130) of FIG. 7 may include a polymer layer (701), an adhesive layer (791), and a glass layer (401). A coating layer having scratch-resistant characteristics (e.g., the second coating layer (404) of FIG. 4) may be further included between the polymer layer (701) and the protective film (232). The display (130) may further include an additional protective layer (710). The additional protective layer (710) may be substantially the same as the additional protective layer (612) of FIG. 6. The display (130) may include a plurality of adhesive layers. The adhesive layer (793) can attach the protective layer (411) and the additional protective layer (710). The adhesive layer (793) can be approximately 20 um to 30 um. The adhesive layer (794) can attach the additional protective layer (411) to the support plate (420). The adhesive layer (794) can be approximately 10 um to 20 um, and the additional protective layer (411) can be approximately 20 um to 30 um.

[0096] The width of the polymer layer (701) may be greater than the width of the glass layer (401). In one embodiment, the width of the polymer layer (401) may be greater than the width of the display panel (410). The support plate (420) may include slits or grooves in the first planar portion (421) and the second planar portion (422) in addition to the bendable portion as illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may include a lattice pattern only in the bendable portion, similar to the support plate (420) of FIG. 4 or FIG. 6.

[0097] Among the plurality of layers (231), the polymer layer (701) may be approximately 50 um to 60 um. Among the plurality of layers (231), the adhesive layer (791) may be approximately 30 um to 40 um. The sum of the polymer layer (701) and the adhesive layer (791) may be approximately 80 um to 100 um. Among the plurality of layers (231), the window glass (401) may be approximately 55 um to 65 um. The support plate (420) may be approximately 100 um to 140 um.

[0098] The adhesive layer (492) close to the neutral surface (NS) may be approximately 70 um to 80 um. The display panel (410) may be approximately 25 um to 35 um, and the protective layer (411) protecting the display panel (410) may be approximately 70 um to 80 um.

[0099] According to the above-described embodiment, the display (130) can omit the input panel (430) of FIG. 4 and the polarizing layer (611) and heat dissipation member (610) of FIG. 6. By omitting the layers or components included in the display (130), the thickness of the display (130) can be reduced. As the thickness of the display (130) is reduced, the deformation of the window (230) can be reduced by arranging the neutral plane (NS) around the window (230), thereby reducing wrinkles. Even if the window (230) does not include a coating layer having shear thickening properties, the display (130) or the electronic device (101) can reduce wrinkles by arranging the neutral plane (NS) adjacent to the window (230).

[0100] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of multiple layers included in a window according to one embodiment.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 8, the plurality of layers (231) may include a glass layer (401), a first coating layer (402), a polymer layer (403), and a second coating layer (404).

[0102] The plurality of layers (231) of the window (230) of FIG. 4 are laminated in the order of a glass layer (401), a first coating layer (402), a polymer layer (403), and a second coating layer (404) on the display panel (410) (e.g., the display panel (410) of FIG. 4), but the plurality of layers (231) of the window (230) of FIG. 8 may be laminated in the order of a glass layer (401), a polymer layer (403), a first coating layer (402), and a second coating layer (404) on the display panel (410). The second coating layer (404) and the first coating layer (402) may be layers including an adhesive material. For example, the first coating layer (402) may be an adhesive layer having shear thickening properties.

[0103] The position of the first coating layer (402) may be arranged at various positions between the layers forming the window (230). For example, the first coating layer (402) may be arranged between the polymer layer (403) and the second coating layer (404). For example, the first coating layer (402) may be configured to be arranged on the glass layer (401) of the window (230), and the first coating layer (402) may be attached to the polymer layer (403) via an adhesive layer (e.g., the adhesive layer (491) of FIG. 4). The first coating layer (402) may be configured to be arranged below the glass layer (401) of the window (230), and the first coating layer (402) may be attached to the display panel (410) via an adhesive layer (e.g., the adhesive layer (492) of FIG. 4).

[0104] The first coating layer (402) has flexibility in response to changes in the state of the electronic device (101) and rigidity in response to external force applied to the electronic device (101), thereby reducing the impact transmitted to the display panel (410) and supplementing flexibility in response to deformation of the display (130). The first coating layer (402) may be included in the window (230) to protect the display panel (410) from impact and supplement flexibility in response to deformation of the display (130).

[0105] The information regarding the position of the first coating layer (402) described above can be applied identically or similarly to the window (230) of FIGS. 4 and 6.

[0106] Fig. 8 describes various positions of the first coating layer (402). Hereinafter, the shape of the first coating layer (402) will be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 11. The contents of Figs. 9 to 11, which will be described later, can be applied identically or similarly to multiple layers (231) included in the window (230) of Figs. 4, 6, and 8.

[0107] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example in which the size of a first coating layer among a plurality of layers included in a window is reduced according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a first coating layer among a plurality of layers included in a window wraps around a side of a polymer layer according to one embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a first coating layer among a plurality of layers included in a window wraps around a polymer layer according to one embodiment.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 9, the plurality of layers (231) of the window (230) may include a glass layer (401), a polymer layer (403), a first coating layer (902), and a second coating layer (404).

[0109] The area of ​​the first coating layer (902) disposed between the glass layer (401) and the polymer layer (403) may be smaller than that of the polymer layer (403). In order for the first coating layer (902) having shear thickening properties to protect the glass layer (401), the area of ​​the first coating layer (902) may be greater than or equal to that of the glass layer (401). The first coating layer (902) may be applied to one surface of the polymer layer (403). The applied first coating layer (902) may be cured on one surface of the polymer layer (403) and bonded to the polymer layer (403). Although not shown, the first coating layer (902) may be attached to the glass layer (401) through an adhesive layer.

[0110] Although the first coating layer (902) is described as being applied to the polymer layer (403), the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first coating layer (902) may be applied to the glass layer (902) and cured to be bonded to the glass layer (401). The first coating layer (902) may be attached to the polymer layer (403) via an adhesive layer.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 10, the plurality of layers (231) of the window (230) may include a glass layer (401), a polymer layer (403), a first coating layer (1002), and a second coating layer (404).

[0112] The area of ​​the first coating layer (1002) disposed between the glass layer (401) and the polymer layer (403) may be larger than that of the polymer layer (403). In order for the first coating layer (1002) having shear thickening properties to protect the glass layer (401), the area of ​​the first coating layer (1002) may be larger than that of the glass layer (401). The first coating layer (1002) may be applied to one surface of the polymer layer (403) and a side surface of the polymer layer (403). For example, one surface of the polymer layer (403) may be a surface facing the glass layer (401), and the side surface of the polymer layer (403) may be a surface extending vertically from the one surface. The first coating layer (1002) may be disposed on at least a portion of one surface and a side surface of the glass layer (401). The first coating layer (1002) may be applied to the entire side surface of the glass layer (401). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first coating layer (1002) may be applied to a portion of the side surface of the glass layer (401). The applied first coating layer (902) may be cured on one surface and the side surface of the polymer layer (403) and bonded to the polymer layer (403). Although not shown, the first coating layer (1002) may be attached to the glass layer (401) through an adhesive layer.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 11, the plurality of layers (231) of the window (230) may include a glass layer (401), a polymer layer (403), a first coating (1102), and a second coating layer (404). The polymer layer (403) may be at least partially wrapped by the first coating (1102). The first coating (1102) may be applied and cured on at least some of the sides of the polymer layer (403) facing the glass layer (401), the other side opposite to the one side of the polymer layer (403), and the sides connecting the one side and the other side. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first coating (1102) may be applied and cured on one side of the polymer layer (403), the other side of the polymer layer (403), and may not be applied on the side of the polymer layer (403).

[0114] The glass layer (401) of FIGS. 8 to 11 may be replaced with a polymer layer, and the polymer layer (403) may be replaced with glass. The first coating layer (402, 902, 1002, 1102) has been described as being disposed with respect to the polymer layer (403), but is not limited thereto. The first coating layer (402, 902, 1002, 1102) may be disposed on one surface of the glass layer (401), or may at least partially surround the glass layer (401).

[0115] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing an example in which a first coating layer is included in a protective film according to one embodiment.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 12, the window (230) may include a plurality of layers (231) and a protective film (232). The protective film (232) may be disposed on the plurality of layers (231). The protective film (232) may include a first coating layer (1202). The first coating layer (1202) may be interposed between the plurality of layers constituting the protective film (232). For example, the first coating layer (1202) may be disposed between the thin film layer (407) and the adhesive layer (406) of the protective film (232). The first coating layer (1202) may not be included in the plurality of layers (231) and may be disposed on the plurality of layers (231).

[0117] According to the above-described embodiment, the display (130) or the electronic device (101) may configure one of the layers constituting the window disposed on the display panel as a layer having shear thickening properties. The coating layer (402, 902, 1002, 1102) having shear thickening properties may be applied to the surface of the polymer layer (403) or the glass layer (401) and bonded to the polymer layer (403) or the glass layer (401) without an adhesive layer. The coating layer (1202) having shear thickening properties may be disposed within a protective film (232) included in the window (230) or may be disposed on a protective film attached to the window (230). The coating layer (1202) having shear thickening properties disposed on the protective film (232) may be easily replaced when damaged. A coating layer having shear thickening properties can provide strength against external impact while providing ductility according to changes in the state of an electronic device, thereby increasing the thickness of the glass layer (401). Through the increased glass layer (401), wrinkles visible from the surface of the display (130) can be reduced.

[0118] The technical tasks to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical tasks mentioned above, and other technical tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this document pertains.

[0119] According to the above-described embodiment, a foldable electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 4) may include a housing including a first housing part (e.g., first housing part (110) of FIG. 4) and a second housing part (e.g., second housing part (120) of FIG. 4) rotatably connected to the first housing part (110), and a foldable display (130) (e.g., display (130) of FIG. 3) that is foldable according to rotation of the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120) and includes a window (230) (e.g., window (230) of FIG. 4). The window (230) may include a glass layer (e.g., the glass layer (401) of FIG. 4), an adhesive layer (491) in contact with the glass layer (401), a coating layer (e.g., the coating layer (402) of FIG. 4) in contact with the adhesive layer (491) and including a material having shear thickening properties, and a polymer layer (e.g., the polymer layer (403) of FIG. 4) in contact with the coating layer (e.g., the coating layer (402) of FIG. 4). The thickness of the glass layer (401) may be equal to or thicker than the thickness of the polymer layer (403).

[0120] According to one embodiment, the width of the coating layer (402) may be wider than the width of the glass layer (401).

[0121] In one embodiment, the width of the coating layer (402) may be equal to the width of the polymer layer (403).

[0122] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (402) may be applied to one side of the polymer layer (403) facing the glass layer (401).

[0123] According to one embodiment, the window may include another coating layer (e.g., the second coating layer (402) of FIG. 4) applied to the opposite side of the one side of the polymer layer (403).

[0124] According to one embodiment, the foldable display (130) may include a first planar portion disposed on the first housing part (110), a second planar portion disposed on the second housing part (120), and a bendable portion disposed between the first planar portion and the second planar portion.

[0125] According to one embodiment, in a folded state of the housing in which one side of the first housing part (110) faces one side of the second housing part (120), the radius of curvature of the bendable portion may be 1.6 mm to 2.2 mm.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the foldable display (130) may include a display panel (410) disposed under the window (230), a support plate (e.g., support plate (420) of FIG. 4) including a lattice portion disposed under the display panel (410) corresponding to the bendable area, another adhesive layer disposed under the support plate (e.g., adhesive layer (494) of FIG. 6), and an elastic layer (e.g., elastic layer (681a) of FIG. 6) attached to the adhesive layer.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the other adhesive layer (494) may be 10 um to 20 um, and the thickness of the elastic layer (681a) may be 6 um to 10 um.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the glass layer (401) may be 30 um to 70 um, and the thickness of the polymer layer (403) may be 30 um to 50 um.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the coating layer (402) may be 25 um to 30 um.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (402) may include a urethane acrylate series material.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the foldable display (130) may include a first protective member extending from a side wall of the first housing part (110) and overlapping an edge portion of the first coating layer (402) when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the foldable display (130), and a second protective member extending from a side wall of the second housing part (120) and overlapping an edge portion of the second coating layer (402) when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the foldable display (130).

[0132] According to one embodiment, the window (230) may at least partially overlap the first protective member and the second protective member when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the foldable display (130).

[0133] According to one embodiment, the window (230) may further include a protective film (232) disposed on the polymer layer (403). The protective film (232) may be spaced apart from the first protective member and the second protective member.

[0134] In one embodiment, the protective film (232) may include another polymer layer (403) attached to the polymer layer (403) by another adhesive layer.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the area of ​​the protective film (232) may be narrower than the area of ​​the window (230).

[0136] According to one embodiment, the first coating layer (402) may be configured to provide rigidity against external impact and ductility against deformation due to changes in the folded or unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (101).

[0137] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device may further include an electronic component disposed within the first housing part (110) and generating heat, and a heat dissipation sheet disposed on the first housing part (110) and configured to provide a heat path for heat generated from the electronic component.

[0138] According to one embodiment, a foldable electronic device (101) may include a housing including a first housing part (110) and a second housing part (120) rotatably connected to the first housing part (110), a foldable display (130) that is foldable according to the rotation of the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120) and includes a window (230), and a protective member disposed along a side wall of the housing. The window (230) may include a glass layer (401), a coating layer (402) disposed on the glass layer (401), and a film disposed on the coating layer (402). The coating layer (402) is configured to provide rigidity against external impact and ductility against deformation due to change in the folded or unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (101), and the protective member may overlap with an edge portion of the foldable display (130) when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the foldable display (130) and be spaced apart from an edge portion of the film.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the film may include a polymer layer (403).

[0140] According to one embodiment, the area of ​​the protective film (232) may be narrower than the area of ​​the glass layer (401).

[0141] According to one embodiment, the window (230) includes a polymer layer (403) disposed between the coating layer (402) and the film, and the coating layer (402) can be applied to one surface of the polymer layer (403).

[0142] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0143] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an electronic device (1301) within a network environment (1300) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 13 , in the network environment (1300), the electronic device (1301) may communicate with the electronic device (1302) via a first network (1398) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of the electronic device (1304) or the server (1308) via a second network (1399) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device (1301) may communicate with the electronic device (1304) via the server (1308). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1301) may include a processor (1320), a memory (1330), an input module (1350), an audio output module (1355), a display module (1360), an audio module (1370), a sensor module (1376), an interface (1377), a connection terminal (1378), a haptic module (1379), a camera module (1380), a power management module (1388), a battery (1389), a communication module (1390), a subscriber identification module (1396), or an antenna module (1397). In some embodiments, the electronic device (1301) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (1378)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (1376), camera module (1380), or antenna module (1397)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (1360)).

[0144] The processor (1320) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (1340)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (1301) connected to the processor (1320) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (1320) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (1376) or a communication module (1390)) in a volatile memory (1332), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (1332), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (1334). According to one embodiment, the processor (1320) may include a main processor (1321) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (1323) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (1321). For example, when the electronic device (1301) includes the main processor (1321) and the auxiliary processor (1323), the auxiliary processor (1323) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (1321) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (1323) may be implemented separately from the main processor (1321) or as a part thereof.

[0145] The auxiliary processor (1323) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., the display module (1360), the sensor module (1376), or the communication module (1390)) of the electronic device (1301), for example, on behalf of the main processor (1321) while the main processor (1321) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (1321) while the main processor (1321) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (1323) (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 (1380) or a communication module (1390)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (1323) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (1301) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (1308)). 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.

[0146] The memory (1330) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor (1320) or the sensor module (1376)) of the electronic device (1301). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., the program (1340)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (1330) can include volatile memory (1332) or non-volatile memory (1334).

[0147] The program (1340) may be stored as software in memory (1330) and may include, for example, an operating system (1342), middleware (1344), or an application (1346).

[0148] The input module (1350) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (1301) (e.g., a processor (1320)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (1301). The input module (1350) 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).

[0149] The audio output module (1355) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (1301). The audio output module (1355) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0150] The display module (1360) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (1301). The display module (1360) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. In one embodiment, the display module (1360) 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.

[0151] The audio module (1370) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa. According to one embodiment, the audio module (1370) can acquire sound through the input module (1350), output sound through the sound output module (1355), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (1302)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (1301).

[0152] The sensor module (1376) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (1301) 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 (1376) 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.

[0153] The interface (1377) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (1301) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (1302)). In one embodiment, the interface (1377) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0154] The connection terminal (1378) may include a connector through which the electronic device (1301) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (1302)). In one embodiment, the connection terminal (1378) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0155] The haptic module (1379) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. In one embodiment, the haptic module (1379) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0156] The camera module (1380) can capture still images and videos. In one embodiment, the camera module (1380) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0157] The power management module (1388) can manage the power supplied to the electronic device (1301). According to one embodiment, the power management module (1388) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0158] A battery (1389) may power at least one component of the electronic device (1301). In one embodiment, the battery (1389) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0159] The communication module (1390) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (1301) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (1302), electronic device (1304), or server (1308)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (1390) may operate independently from the processor (1320) (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 (1390) may include a wireless communication module (1392) (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 (1394) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Any of these communication modules may communicate with an external electronic device (1304) via a first network (1398) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (1399) (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 local area network or a wide area network)). These various types of communication modules may 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 (1392) may use subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (1396) to verify or authenticate the electronic device (1301) within a communication network such as the first network (1398) or the second network (1399).

[0160] The wireless communication module (1392) 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 communications (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (1392) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (1392) may support various technologies for securing performance in high-frequency bands, 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 (1392) may support various requirements specified in the electronic device (1301), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (1304)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (1399)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (1392) may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB implementation, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC implementation, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC implementation.

[0161] The antenna module (1397) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (1397) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (1397) 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 (1398) or the second network (1399), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (1390). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (1390) and an external electronic device via the at least one selected antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (1397).

[0162] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (1397) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high frequency band.

[0163] 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)).

[0164] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (1301) and an external electronic device (1304) via a server (1308) connected to a second network (1399). Each of the external electronic devices (1302 or 1304) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (1301). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (1301) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (1302, 1304, or 1308). For example, when the electronic device (1301) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (1301) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (1301). The electronic device (1301) 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 (1301) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In one embodiment, the external electronic device (1304) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (1308) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network.According to one embodiment, an external electronic device (1304) or server (1308) may be included within the second network (1399). The electronic device (1301) may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0165] FIG. 14A illustrates an example of an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 14B illustrates an example of a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0166] Referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, the electronic device (1401) may include a first housing part (1410), a second housing part (1420), and a foldable display (1430). The display (1430) may be the display (130) described in FIGS. 2 to 12.

[0167] In one embodiment, the first housing part (1410) can include a first face (1411), a second face (1412) facing away from the first face (1411), and a first side (1413) surrounding at least a portion of the first face (1411) and the second face (1412). In one embodiment, the second face (1412) can further include at least one camera (1434) and a display panel (1435) exposed through a portion of the second face (1412). In one embodiment, the first housing part (1410) can provide a space formed by the first face (1411), the second face (1412), and the side (1413) as a space for arranging components of the electronic device (1401). In one embodiment, the first housing part (1410) and the second housing part (1420) may include sidewalls formed of a conductive material, a non-conductive material, or a combination thereof, defining a first sidewall (1413) and a second sidewall (1423). An antenna structure may be formed by a portion or combination of the plurality of conductive materials and the plurality of non-conductive materials of the sidewalls of the first housing part (1410) and the second housing part (1420).

[0168] In one embodiment, the second housing part (1420) may include a third side (1421), a fourth side (1422) facing and spaced from the third side (1421), and a second side (1423) surrounding at least a portion of the third side (1421) and the fourth side (1422). In one embodiment, the fourth side (1422) may further include a back plate (1490) disposed on the fourth side (1422).

[0169] In one embodiment, the second side (1423) can be pivotally connected to the first side (1413) via a hinge structure (1460) disposed on a hinge cover (1465). The hinge structure (1460) can include a hinge module and a hinge plate. The hinge plate can include a first hinge plate and a second hinge plate, and the first hinge plate can be connected to the first housing part (1410), and the second hinge plate can be connected to the second housing part (1420). In one embodiment, the second housing part (1420) may provide a space formed by a third surface (1421), a fourth surface (1422) facing and spaced from the third surface (1421), and a side surface (1423) surrounding at least a portion of the third surface (1421) and the fourth surface (1422), as a space for arranging components of the electronic device (1401). In one embodiment, the foldable display (1430) may include a window exposed to the outside. The window may protect a surface of the foldable display (1430) and may be formed of a transparent material to transmit visual information provided from the foldable display (1430) to the outside. The window may include a glass material such as ultra-thin glass (UTG) or a polymer material such as polyimide (PI). In one embodiment, the foldable display (1430) may be disposed across the hinge structure (1460) (or hinge cover (1465)) on the first housing part (1410) and the second housing part (1420). The foldable display (1430) may include a first display area (1431) disposed on the first housing part (1410), a second display area (1432) disposed on the second housing part (1420), and a third display area (1433) between the first display area (1431) and the second display area (1432).The first display area (1431), the second display area (1432), and the third display area (1433) can form the front of the foldable display (1430).

[0170] According to one embodiment, an opening may be formed in a portion of a screen display area of ​​the foldable display (1430), or a recess or opening may be formed in a support member (e.g., a bracket) that supports the foldable display (1430). The electronic device (1401) may include at least one camera aligned with the recess or opening. For example, the first display area (1431) may further include at least one camera (1436) that can acquire an image from the outside through a portion of the first display area (1431). According to one embodiment, at least one camera (1436) may be included on the back of the foldable display (1430) corresponding to the first display area (1431) or the second display area (1432) of the foldable display (1430). For example, at least one camera (1436) may be positioned below the foldable display (1430) and may be covered by the foldable display (1430). The at least one camera (1436) may be covered by the foldable display (1430) and may not be exposed to the outside. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the foldable display (1430) may include an opening that exposes the at least one camera (1436) to the outside. Although not shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B , in one embodiment, the foldable display (1430) may further include a back surface opposite to the front surface. In one embodiment, the foldable display (1430) may be supported by a side wall of the first housing part (1410) and a side wall of the second housing part (1420).

[0171] In one embodiment, the hinge structure (1460) may be configured to rotatably connect a first support portion (e.g., the first support portion (170) of FIG. 1C) that forms part of a first housing part (1410) and is coupled to a first hinge plate (e.g., the first hinge plate (166) of FIG. 1C) and a second support portion (e.g., the second support portion (180) of FIG. 1C) that forms part of a second housing part (1420) and is coupled to a second hinge plate (e.g., the second hinge plate (167) of FIG. 1C).

[0172] In one embodiment, the hinge structure (1460) may be configured to change the state of the electronic device (1401). The state of the electronic device (1401) may change depending on the movement of the first housing part (1410) and the second housing part (1420) by the hinge structure (1460). For example, the electronic device (1401) may change from a first state (unfolded state) in which one side of the first housing part (1410) on which a part of the foldable display (1430) is disposed and one side of the second housing part (1420) on which another part of the foldable display (1430) is disposed face the same direction to a second state (folded state) in which the one side of the first housing part (1410) and the one side of the second housing part (1420) face opposite directions. The foldable display (1430) may include a substrate made of a flexible material so as to be deformable. The foldable display (1430) may be referred to as a flexible display in that it has flexibility as it includes a flexible material.

[0173] In one embodiment, the hinge cover (1465) surrounding the hinge structure (1460) may be at least partially exposed between the first housing part (1410) and the second housing part (1420) while the electronic device (1401) is in a folded state. In another embodiment, the hinge cover (1465) may be covered by the first housing part (1410) and the second housing part (1420) while the electronic device (1401) is in an unfolded state.

[0174] In one embodiment, the electronic device (1401) can be folded about a folding axis (137) passing through the hinge cover (1465) (or hinge structure (1460)). For example, the hinge structure (1460) can be positioned between a first housing part (1410) and a second housing part (1420) of the electronic device (1401) to enable the electronic device (1401) to be bent, curved, or folded. For example, the first housing part (1410) can be connected to the second housing part (1420) through the hinge structure (1460) and can rotate about the folding axis (137).

[0175] In one embodiment, the electronic device (1401) can be folded such that the first housing part (1410) and the second housing part (1420) face each other by rotating about the folding axis (137). In one embodiment, the electronic device (1401) can be folded such that the first housing part (1410) and the second housing part (1420) are covered or overlapped with each other.

[0176] The hinge structure (1460) may include a hinge gear and hinge plates. The hinge gear may pivotally rotate the first housing part (1410) and the second housing part (1420) connected to each of the hinge plates by rotating the hinge plates.

[0177] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0178] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0179] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0180] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (1340)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (1336) or an external memory (1338)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (1301)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (1320)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (1301)) 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.

[0181] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0182] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In foldable electronic devices, A housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably connected to the first housing part; and A foldable display including a window and being foldable according to the rotation of the first housing part and the second housing part; The above window is, glass layer; An adhesive layer in contact with the above glass layer; a coating layer in contact with the adhesive layer and comprising a material having shear thickening properties; and a polymer layer in contact with the above coating layer; The thickness of the above glass layer is equal to or thicker than the thickness of the above polymer layer, Foldable electronic devices.

2. In paragraph 1, The width of the above coating layer is wider than the width of the above glass layer, Foldable electronic devices.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, The width of the above coating layer is the same as the width of the above polymer layer. Foldable electronic devices.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The above coating layer, applied to one side of the polymer layer facing the glass layer, Foldable electronic devices.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The above window is, comprising another coating layer applied to the other side facing opposite to the one side of the polymer layer; Foldable electronic devices.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The above foldable display, A first flat portion disposed on the first housing part; a second flat portion disposed on the second housing part; and Including a bendable portion disposed between the first plane portion and the second plane portion, In a folded state of the housing in which one side of the first housing part faces one side of the second housing part, the radius of curvature of the bendable portion is 1.6 mm to 2.2 mm. Foldable electronic devices.

7. In paragraph 6, The above foldable display, A display panel positioned below the above window; A support plate including a lattice portion disposed under the display panel corresponding to the bendable area; another adhesive layer placed under the support plate; and an elastic layer attached to the adhesive layer; Foldable electronic devices.

8. In paragraph 7, The thickness of the above other adhesive layer is 10um to 20um, The thickness of the above elastic layer is 6um to 10um, Foldable electronic devices.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The thickness of the above glass layer is 30um to 70um, The thickness of the above polymer layer is 30um to 50um, Foldable electronic devices.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, The thickness of the above coating layer is 25um to 30um, Foldable electronic devices.

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, The above coating layer comprises a urethane acrylate series material. Foldable electronic devices.

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, A first protective member extending from a side wall of the first housing part and overlapping an edge portion of the first coating layer when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the foldable display; and a second protective member extending from a side wall of the second housing part and overlapping an edge portion of the second coating layer when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the foldable display; Foldable electronic devices.

13. In paragraph 12, The window, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the foldable display, at least partially overlaps the first protective member and the second protective member. Foldable electronic devices.

14. In paragraph 13, The above window further includes a protective film disposed on the polymer layer; The above protective film is spaced apart from the first protective member and the second protective member. Foldable electronic devices.

15. In paragraph 14, The above protective film comprises another polymer layer attached to the polymer layer by another adhesive layer, Foldable electronic devices.

Images