CN117795937A - Electronic device including display support structure - Google Patents
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- CN117795937A CN117795937A CN202280054401.8A CN202280054401A CN117795937A CN 117795937 A CN117795937 A CN 117795937A CN 202280054401 A CN202280054401 A CN 202280054401A CN 117795937 A CN117795937 A CN 117795937A
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Abstract
According to various embodiments, an electronic device includes: a first housing; a second housing foldably coupled to the first housing by a hinge device; a flexible display arranged to be supported by the first and second housings and including a folding region deformed in a folded state; at least one waterproof member disposed between the first housing and the flexible display and/or between the second housing and the flexible display; and at least one support structure disposed between the first housing and the flexible display and/or between the second housing and the flexible display in a perimeter of the at least one waterproof member, wherein the at least one support structure comprises: a first portion arranged to have a first height; and a second portion arranged to have a second height greater than the first height, and at least a portion of the second portion may be arranged at a position where the at least a portion of the second portion overlaps over at least a portion of the folded region when the flexible display is viewed from above.
Description
Technical Field
Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device including a display support structure.
Background
Electronic devices have become increasingly thinner and have been improved to increase the rigidity of the electronic devices, to enhance their design aspects, and to distinguish their functional elements. Electronic devices have evolved from unilateral rectangular shapes to more diverse shapes. The electronic device may have a deformable structure so that a large screen display may be used while ensuring portability. As an example of a deformable structure, an electronic device may include a foldable housing that operates to fold portions thereof onto each other or to unfold portions thereof from each other. Such electronic devices may require a support structure for improving durability and/or surface quality of a folded region in which the display is deformed by folding and unfolding operations.
Disclosure of Invention
Technical problem
The foldable electronic device may include a hinge device (e.g., a hinge module) and a first housing and a second housing connected by the hinge device to be foldable (e.g., folded) with respect to each other. Such foldable electronic devices may be operated in an inner-fold and/or outer-fold type when the first housing is rotated in a specific range of 0-360 ° with respect to the second housing by the hinge means. The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display (e.g., a display) disposed across the first and second housings when the electronic device is unfolded 180 °.
Foldable electronic devices may have poor water resistance due to the folding and unfolding operation mechanism. Accordingly, the electronic device may include at least one waterproof member for waterproofing and/or dust-proofing to prevent inflow of moisture or foreign matter. For example, the waterproof member may include at least one first waterproof member disposed between the first housing and the flexible display in a first space of the first housing and at least one second waterproof member disposed between the second housing and the flexible display in a second space of the second housing. Such a waterproof member has a height, and in order to compensate for the height, a support structure having a designated height may be provided between the first waterproof member and the second waterproof member in the first and second spaces.
However, if such a support structure is provided near at least one waterproof member having the same height (e.g., thickness), the waterproof member attached by compression may have a non-attached area caused by a physical level difference (e.g., height) of the support structure, resulting in poor waterproof property. In addition, if the support structure is given a lower height than the waterproof member in an attempt to avoid poor waterproof properties, durability and/or surface quality may be deteriorated due to sagging caused by a gap occurring between the flexible display and the support structure. Furthermore, it may be difficult to configure the height of the support structure in view of the compression of the waterproof member.
Various embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an electronic device including a display support structure.
Various embodiments may provide an electronic device including a display support structure capable of improving the surface quality or durability of a flexible display.
Various embodiments may provide an electronic device including a display support structure capable of improving waterproof performance of a waterproof member.
The problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described problems, and various extensions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
Solution to the problem
According to various embodiments, an electronic device may include: a first housing; a second housing foldably coupled to the first housing by a hinge device; a flexible display disposed to be supported by the first and second housings and including a folding region deformed in a folded state; at least one waterproof member disposed between the first housing and the flexible display and/or between the second housing and the flexible display; and at least one support structure disposed between the first housing and the flexible display and/or between the second housing and the flexible display in a periphery of the at least one waterproof member, wherein the at least one support structure includes a first portion disposed to have a first height and a second portion disposed to have a second height higher than the first height, wherein at least a portion of the second portion is disposed at a position overlapping at least a portion of the folded region when the flexible display is viewed from above.
According to various embodiments, an electronic device may include: a first housing; a second housing foldably coupled to the first housing by a hinge device; a flexible display provided to be supported by the first case and the second case and including a folding region deformed in a folded state, the flexible display including a window layer, a display panel provided below the window layer, a support plate provided below the display panel and including a plurality of openings in a portion corresponding to the folding region, a first reinforcing plate provided below the support plate and in a portion corresponding to the first case, and a second reinforcing plate provided below the support plate and in a portion corresponding to the second case; at least one waterproof member disposed between the first reinforcing plate and the first housing and/or between the second reinforcing plate and the second housing; and at least one support structure disposed between the first reinforcing plate and the first housing and/or between the second reinforcing plate and the second housing in a periphery of the at least one waterproof member, wherein the at least one support structure includes a first portion disposed to have a first height and a second portion disposed to have a second height higher than the first height, wherein at least a portion of the second portion is disposed at a position overlapping at least a portion of the folding region when the flexible display is viewed from above.
Advantageous effects of the invention
An electronic apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a support structure disposed between a flexible display and a case such that a portion overlapping at least a folding region is disposed to have a greater height than the rest, thereby contributing to improvement of surface quality and/or durability in the folding region and to improvement of waterproof performance by improving adhesiveness of a waterproof member.
Various other advantageous effects, either explicitly or implicitly identified by the present disclosure, may be provided.
Drawings
FIG. 1a is a front perspective view of a flat electronic device, showing a flat state or unfolded state, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
fig. 1b is a plan view illustrating a front surface of an electronic device in a flat state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
fig. 1c is a plan view illustrating a rear surface of an electronic device in a flat state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2a is a perspective view of a folded electronic device, showing a folded state, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2b is a perspective view of a partially folded electronic device, showing an intermediate state, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 5a is a plan view illustrating a rear surface of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
fig. 5b is a view illustrating a state in which a support structure is disposed on a rear surface of the flexible display of fig. 5a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 6a is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device taken along line 6a-6a of FIG. 1a, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
fig. 6b is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device showing a height relationship between a waterproof member and a support structure compressed according to assembly of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
fig. 7a is a partial cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a flat or unfolded electronic device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, showing a flat state;
fig. 7b is a partial cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a folded electronic device, showing a folded state, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 7c is an enlarged view of region 7c of FIG. 7b, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
Fig. 8a and 8b are partial cross-sectional views schematically illustrating a flat or unfolded electronic device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, showing a flat state and a folded state; and
fig. 9 a-9 d are views illustrating various examples of support structures according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
Detailed Description
Fig. 1a is a front perspective view of an electronic device in a flat state or an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 1b is a plan view illustrating a front portion of an electronic device in an unfolded state, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 1c is a plan view illustrating a back side of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
Fig. 2a is a perspective view of an electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 2b is a perspective view of an electronic device in an intermediate state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
Referring to fig. 1 a-2 b, an electronic device 100 may include a pair of housings 110 and 120 (e.g., foldable housings) rotatably coupled to fold relative to a hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism 140 in fig. 1 b) while facing each other. In a certain embodiment, the hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism 140 in fig. 1 b) may be disposed in either the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction. In a certain embodiment, two or more hinge mechanisms (e.g., hinge mechanism 140 in fig. 1 b) may be arranged to fold in the same direction or in different directions. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a flexible display 400 (e.g., a foldable display) disposed in an area formed by a pair of housings 110 and 120. According to an embodiment, the first and second cases 110 and 120 may be disposed at both sides about the folding axis (axis a) and may have a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (axis a). According to an embodiment, the angle or distance between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 may vary depending on whether the state of the electronic device 100 is a flat or unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.
According to various embodiments, the pair of housings 110 and 120 may include a first housing 110 (e.g., a first housing structure) coupled to a hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism 140 in fig. 1 b) and a second housing 120 (e.g., a second housing structure) coupled to the hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism 140 in fig. 1 b). According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state, the first housing 110 may include a first surface 111 facing in a first direction (e.g., a front direction) (z-axis direction) and a second surface 112 facing in a second direction (e.g., a rear direction) (negative z-axis direction) opposite to the first surface 111. According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state, the second housing 120 may include a third surface 121 facing the first direction (z-axis direction) and a fourth surface 122 facing the second direction (negative z-axis direction). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may operate in such a manner that the first surface 111 of the first case 110 and the third surface 121 of the second case 120 face substantially the same first direction (z-axis direction) in the unfolded state and the first surface 111 and the third surface 121 face each other in the folded state. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may operate in such a manner that the second surface 112 of the first housing 110 and the fourth surface 122 of the second housing 120 face in substantially the same second direction (negative z-axis direction) in the unfolded state and the second surface 112 and the fourth surface 122 face each other in opposite directions in the folded state. For example, in the folded state, the second surface 112 may face in a first direction (z-axis direction) and the fourth surface 122 may face in a second direction (negative z-axis direction).
According to various embodiments, the first housing 110 may include a first side member 113 at least partially constituting an external appearance of the electronic device 100, and a first rear cover 114 coupled to the first side member 113 and constituting at least a portion of the second surface 112 of the electronic device 100. According to an embodiment, the first side member 113 may include a first side surface 113a, a second side surface 113b extending from one end of the first side surface 113a, and a third side surface 113c extending from the other end of the first side surface 113 a. According to an embodiment, the first side member 113 may be formed in a rectangular shape (e.g., square or rectangle) by the first side surface 113a, the second side surface 113b, and the third side surface 113c.
According to various embodiments, the second housing 120 may include a second side member 123 at least partially constituting an exterior appearance of the electronic device 100 and a second rear cover 124 coupled to the second side member 123 and constituting at least a portion of the fourth surface 122 of the electronic device 100. According to an embodiment, the second side member 123 may include a fourth side surface 123a, a fifth side surface 123b extending from one end of the fourth side surface 123a, and a sixth side surface 123c extending from the other end of the fourth side surface 123 a. According to an embodiment, the second side member 123 may be formed in a rectangular shape by the fourth side surface 123a, the fifth side surface 123b, and the sixth side surface 123c.
According to various embodiments, the pair of housings 110 and 120 are not limited to the shapes and combinations shown, and may be implemented with other shapes or combinations of components. For example, in a certain embodiment, the first side member 113 may be integrally formed with the first rear cover 114, and the second side member 123 may be integrally formed with the second rear cover 124.
According to various embodiments, in the unfolded state of the electronic apparatus 100, the second side surface 113b of the first side member 113 and the fifth side surface 123b of the second side member 123 may be connected without a gap. According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic apparatus 100, the third side surface 113c of the first side member 113 and the sixth side surface 123c of the second side member 123 may be connected without a gap. According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state, the electronic device 100 may be configured such that the combined length of the second side surface 113b and the fifth side surface 123b is longer than the length of the first side surface 113a and/or the fourth side surface 123 a. Further, the combined length of the third side surface 113c and the sixth side surface 123c may be configured to be longer than the length of the first side surface 113a and/or the fourth side surface 123 a.
According to various embodiments, the first side member 113 and/or the second side member 123 may be made of metal or may further include a polymer injected into the metal. According to an embodiment, the first side member 113 and/or the second side member 123 may comprise at least one electrically conductive portion 116 and/or 126 electrically segmented by one or more segmented portions 1161 and 1162 and/or 1261 and 1262 made of a polymer. In this case, the at least one conductive portion may be electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit included in the electronic device 100 and may serve as an antenna operating in at least one designated frequency band (e.g., a legacy frequency band).
According to various embodiments, the first rear cover 114 and/or the second rear cover 124 may be made of, for example, coated or tinted glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination thereof.
According to various embodiments, the flexible display 400 may be configured to extend from the first surface 111 of the first housing 110 across a hinge mechanism (e.g., the hinge mechanism 140 in fig. 1 b) to at least a portion of the third surface 121 of the second housing 120. For example, flexible display 400 may include a first region 130a that substantially corresponds to first surface 111, a second region 130b that corresponds to second surface 121, and a third region 130c (e.g., a bendable region) that connects first region 130a with second region 130b and that corresponds to a hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism 140 in fig. 1 b). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a first protective cover 115 (e.g., a first protective frame or a first decorative member) coupled along a periphery of the first housing 110. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a second protective cover 125 (e.g., a second protective frame or a second decorative member) coupled along a periphery of the second housing 120. According to an embodiment, the first protective cover 115 and/or the second protective cover 125 may be made of a metal or a polymeric material. According to an embodiment, the first protective cover 115 and/or the second protective cover 125 may be used as a decorative member. According to an embodiment, the flexible display 400 may be positioned such that the periphery of the first region 130a is interposed between the first housing 110 and the first protective cover 115. According to an embodiment, the flexible display 400 may be positioned such that the periphery of the second region 130b is interposed between the second housing 120 and the second protective cover 125. According to an embodiment, the flexible display 400 may be positioned such that the periphery of the flexible display 400 corresponding to the protective cap 135 is protected by the protective cap disposed in an area corresponding to the hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism 140 in fig. 1 b). Accordingly, the periphery of the flexible display 400 may be substantially protected from external influences. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may comprise a hinge housing 141 (e.g., a hinge cover) arranged to support a hinge mechanism (e.g., the hinge mechanism 140 in fig. 1 b) to be exposed to the outside when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state and to be invisible from the outside by being pulled into a first space (e.g., an inner space of the first housing 110) and a second space (e.g., an inner space of the second housing 120) when the electronic device 100 is in an unfolded state. In a certain embodiment, the flexible display 400 may be configured to extend from at least a portion of the second surface 112 to at least a portion of the fourth surface 122. In this case, the electronic device 100 may be folded such that the flexible display 400 is exposed to the outside (an outward folding scheme).
According to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include a sub-display 131 provided separately from the flexible display 400. According to an embodiment, the sub-display 131 may be disposed to be at least partially exposed on the second surface 112 of the first housing 110, and may display status information of the electronic device 100 in the case of the folded state in place of the display function of the flexible display 400. According to an embodiment, the sub-display 131 may be provided to be externally visible through at least some areas of the first rear cover 114. In a certain embodiment, the sub-display 131 may be disposed on the fourth surface 122 of the second housing 120. In this case, the sub display 131 may be provided to be externally visible through at least some areas of the second rear cover 124.
According to various embodiments, the electronic apparatus 100 may include at least one of an input device 103 (e.g., a microphone), sound output devices 101 and 102, a sensor module 104, camera devices 105 and 108, a key input device 106, or a connector port 107. In the illustrated embodiment, the input device 103 (e.g., a microphone), the sound output devices 101 and 102, the sensor module 104, the camera devices 105 and 108, the key input device 106, and the connector port 107 indicate holes or shapes formed in the first housing 110 or the second housing 120, but may be defined to include substantial electronic components (e.g., an input device, a sound output device, a sensor module, or a camera device) disposed inside the electronic apparatus 100 and operated through the holes or shapes.
According to various embodiments, the input device 103 may include at least one microphone 103 disposed on the second housing 120. In a certain embodiment, the input device 103 may comprise a plurality of microphones 103 arranged to detect the direction of sound. In a certain embodiment, a plurality of microphones 103 may be provided in place in the first housing 110 and/or the second housing 120. According to an embodiment, the sound output devices 101 and 102 may include speakers 101 and 102. According to an embodiment, the speakers 101 and 102 may include a receiver 101 for a conversation provided in the first housing 110 and a speaker 102 provided in the second housing 120. In a certain embodiment, the input device 103, the sound output devices 101 and 102, and the connector port 107 may be disposed in a space disposed in the first housing 110 and/or the second housing 120 of the electronic apparatus 100, and may be exposed to an external environment through at least one hole formed in the first housing 110 and/or the second housing 120. According to an embodiment, the at least one connector port 107 may be used to transmit power and/or data to and receive power and/or data from an external electronic device. In a certain embodiment, at least one connector port (e.g., a headset jack) may receive a connector (e.g., a headset jack) for transmitting and receiving audio signals to and from an external electronic device. In a certain embodiment, the holes formed in the first housing 110 and/or the second housing 120 may be used in common for the input device 103 and the sound output devices 101 and 102. In a certain embodiment, the sound output devices 101 and 102 may include speakers (e.g., piezoelectric speakers) that operate without using holes formed in the first housing 110 and/or the second housing 120.
According to various embodiments, the sensor module 104 may generate electrical signals or data values corresponding to an internal operating state or an external environmental state of the electronic device 100. The sensor module 104 may detect an external environment, for example, through the first surface 111 of the first housing 110. In a certain embodiment, the electronic device 100 may further comprise at least one sensor module arranged to detect an external environment through the second surface 112 of the first housing 110. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 104 (e.g., an illuminance sensor) may be disposed under the flexible display 400 to detect an external environment through the flexible display 400. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 104 may include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an Infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an illuminance sensor, a proximity sensor, a biometric sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an illuminance sensor 104.
According to various embodiments, the camera devices 105 and 108 may include a first camera device 105 (e.g., a front camera device) disposed on a first surface 111 of the first housing 110 and a second camera device 108 disposed on a second surface 112 of the first housing 110. The electronic device 100 may further comprise a flash 109 arranged close to the second camera arrangement 108. According to an embodiment, the camera device 105 or 108 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash 109 may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. According to an embodiment, the camera apparatuses 105 and 108 may be arranged such that two or more lenses (e.g., a wide-angle lens, a super-wide-angle lens, or a tele lens) and an image sensor are positioned on one surface (e.g., the first surface 111, the second surface 112, the third surface 121, or the fourth surface 122) of the electronic device 100. In a certain embodiment, the camera devices 105 and 108 may include a time of flight (TOF) lens and/or an image sensor.
According to various embodiments, the key input device 106 (e.g., a key button) may be disposed on the third side surface 113c of the first side member 113 of the first housing 110. In a certain embodiment, the key input device 106 may be provided on at least one of the other side surfaces 113a and 113b of the first housing 110 and/or the side surfaces 123a, 123b and 123c of the second housing 120. In some implementations, the electronic device 100 may not include some or all of the key input devices 106, and those key input devices 106 that are not included may be implemented in other forms (such as soft keys) on the flexible display 400. In a certain embodiment, the key input device 106 may be implemented using a pressure sensor included in the flexible display 400.
According to various embodiments, some of the camera devices 105 and 108 (e.g., the first camera device 105) or the sensor module 104 may be configured to be exposed through the flexible display 400. For example, the first camera device 105 or the sensor module 104 may be arranged in an inner space of the electronic apparatus 100 to be in contact with an external environment through an opening (e.g., a through hole) at least partially formed in the flexible display 400. In another embodiment, some of the sensor modules 104 may be disposed in the interior space of the electronic device 100 to perform their functions without being visually exposed through the flexible display 400. For example, in this case, an opening of the area of the flexible display 400 facing the sensor module may not be required.
Referring to fig. 2b, the electronic device 100 may be operated by a hinge mechanism (e.g., the hinge apparatus 140 of fig. 1 b) to remain in an intermediate state. In this case, the electronic apparatus 100 may control the flexible display 400 to display different contents on the display region corresponding to the first surface 111 and the display region corresponding to the third surface 121. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may operate substantially in an unfolded state (e.g., the unfolded state of fig. 1 a) and/or substantially in a folded state (e.g., the folded state of fig. 2 a) by a hinge mechanism (e.g., the hinge mechanism 140 in fig. 1 b) with respect to a specific angle of deflection (e.g., an angle between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 in an intermediate state). For example, when pressure is applied in the expansion direction (B direction) by a hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism 140 in fig. 1B) in a state in which the electronic device 100 is expanded at a specific deflection angle, the electronic device 100 may transition to the expansion state (e.g., the expansion state of fig. 1 a). For example, when pressure is applied in the folding direction (C direction) by a hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism 140 in fig. 1 b) in a state in which the electronic device 100 is unfolded at a specific deflection angle, the electronic device 100 may transition to a closed state (e.g., the folded state of fig. 2 a). In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may be operable to remain in the unfolded state at various angles (not shown) by a hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism 140 in fig. 1 b).
Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
Referring to fig. 3, the electronic device 100 may include a first side member 113 (e.g., a first side frame), a second side member 123 (e.g., a second side frame), and a hinge mechanism 140 (e.g., a hinge module) rotatably connecting the first side member 113 and the second side member 123. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a first support member 1131 (e.g., a first support member) extending at least partially from the first side member 113 and a second support member 1231 extending at least partially from the second side member 123. According to an embodiment, the first support member 1131 may be integrally formed with the first side member 113 or may be structurally coupled to the first side member 113. Similarly, the second support member 1231 may be integrally formed with the second side member 123 or may be structurally coupled to the second side member 123. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a flexible display 400 configured to be supported by a first support member 1131 and a second support member 1231. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a first rear cover 114 and a second rear cover 124, the first rear cover 114 coupled to the first side member 113 and providing a first space between itself and the first support member 1131, and the second rear cover 124 coupled to the second side member 123 and providing a second space between itself and the second support member 1231. In a certain embodiment, the first side member 113 and the first rear cover 114 may be integrally formed. In a certain embodiment, the second side member 123 and the second rear cover 124 may be integrally formed. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a first housing 110 (e.g., the first housing 110 in fig. 1 a) (e.g., a first housing structure) provided by the first side member 113, the first support member 1131, and the first rear cover 114. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a second housing (e.g., the second housing 120 of fig. 1 a) (e.g., a second housing structure) provided by the second side member 123, the second support member 1231, and the second rear cover 124. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may comprise a sub-display 131 arranged to be externally visible through at least some areas of the first rear cover 114.
According to various embodiments, the electronic apparatus 100 may include a first substrate assembly 161 (e.g., a main printed circuit board), a camera assembly 163, a first battery 171, or a first cradle 151 disposed in a first space between the first side member 113 and the first rear cover 114. According to an embodiment, the camera assembly 163 may include a plurality of camera devices (e.g., camera devices 105 and 108 in fig. 1a and 2 a), and may be electrically connected to the first substrate assembly 161. According to an embodiment, the first bracket 151 may provide a support structure for supporting the first substrate assembly 161 and/or the camera assembly 163, and improve rigidity. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a second board assembly 162 (e.g., a sub-printed circuit board), an antenna 190 (e.g., a coil member), a second battery 172, or a second bracket 152 disposed in a second space between the second side member 123 and the second rear cover 124. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a wiring member 180 (e.g., a Flexible Printed Circuit Board (FPCB)) configured to extend from the first substrate assembly 161 across the hinge mechanism 140 to a plurality of electronic components disposed between the second side member 123 and the second rear cover 124 to provide electrical connection. According to an embodiment, the antenna 190 may include a Near Field Communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna 190 may perform short-range communication with an external device or wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging, for example.
According to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include a hinge housing 141 (e.g., a hinge cover) supporting the hinge mechanism 140 and configured to be exposed to the outside when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state (e.g., the folded state of fig. 2 a) and to be invisible from the outside by being pulled into the first space and/or the second space when the electronic device 100 is in an unfolded state (e.g., the unfolded state of fig. 1 a).
According to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include a first protective cover 115 coupled along a periphery of the first side member 113. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a second protective cover 125 coupled along a periphery of the second side member 123. According to an embodiment, in the flexible display 400, the periphery of the first flat portion (e.g., the first flat portion 130a in fig. 1 b) may be protected by the first protection cover 115. According to an embodiment, in the flexible display 400, the periphery of the second flat portion (e.g., the second flat portion 130b in fig. 1 b) may be protected by the second protective cover 125. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may comprise a protective cap 135 arranged to protect the periphery of a third region of the flexible display 400 corresponding to the hinge mechanism 140 (e.g. the third region 130c in fig. 1 b).
According to various embodiments, the first support member 1131 may include a first support surface 1131a facing a first direction (z-axis direction) and a second support surface 1131b facing a second direction (negative z-axis direction) opposite the first direction (z-axis direction). According to an embodiment, the second support member 1231 may include a third support surface 1231a facing the first direction and a fourth support surface 1231b facing the second direction in the unfolded state. According to an embodiment, the flexible display 400 may be configured to be supported by the first support surface 1131a of the first support member 1131 and the third support surface 1231a of the second support member 1231.
According to some embodiments, the flexible display 400 may include a curved portion (e.g., curved portion 432 in fig. 4) including an extended portion (e.g., extended portion 4321 in fig. 4) extending from a display panel (e.g., display panel 430 in fig. 4) and a flexible substrate (e.g., flexible substrate 4322 in fig. 4) connected to the extended portion 4321 (e.g., flexible printed circuit board FPCB). As shown, the curved portion 432 may be curved in a second direction (-z-axis direction) from the flexible display and may be configured to attach to a rear surface of the flexible display 400 (e.g., a rear surface of the Polarizer (POL) 420 in fig. 4). According to an embodiment, the curved portion 432 may include a control circuit (e.g., a Display Driver IC (DDI) (e.g., control circuit 4321a in fig. 4) and other multiple electrical elements (e.g., electrical element 4322a in fig. 5 a) configured to control driving of the flexible display.
According to some embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include at least one waterproof member 481, 482, 483, or 484 disposed between the flexible display 400 and the second support member 1231 and between the flexible display 400 and the first support member 1131. As shown, some of the at least one waterproof members 481, 482, 483, or 484 may include a first waterproof member 481 disposed between the flexible display 400 and the second support member 1231 at least partially surrounding the curved portion 432, a second waterproof member 482 disposed between the extended portion (e.g., extended portion 4321 in fig. 4) and the second support member 1231, and a third waterproof member 483 connecting one end 4811 of the first waterproof member 481 to one end of the second waterproof member 482 and the other end 4812 of the first waterproof member 481 to the other end of the second waterproof member 482. According to an embodiment, the at least one waterproof member 484 may further include a fourth waterproof member 484, the fourth waterproof member 484 having a closed loop shape and being disposed between the flexible display 400 and the first support member 1131. According to an embodiment, the control circuit (e.g., the control circuit 4321a in fig. 4) and the plurality of electrical elements (e.g., the electrical element 4322a in fig. 5 a) disposed in the curved portion 432 may be disposed in the sealed first waterproof space 481 formed by the first, second and third waterproof members 481, 482 and 483 between the flexible display 400 and the second support member 1231, and thus may be protected from external water and/or foreign substances. According to an embodiment, at least one electronic component (e.g., a sensor module (e.g., sensor module 104 in fig. 1 a) and/or a camera device (e.g., camera device 105 in fig. 1 a)) disposed through the first support member 1131 may be disposed in the second watertight space 4841 formed by the closed-loop shape of the fourth watertight member 484 between the flexible display 400 and the first support member 1131, and thus may be protected from external water and/or foreign objects.
According to an embodiment, at least one electronic component (e.g., a sensor module (e.g., sensor module 104 of fig. 1 a) and/or a camera device (e.g., camera device 105 of fig. 1 a)) disposed through the first support member 1131 may be disposed between the flexible display 400 and the first support member 1131 and in the second watertight space 4841 formed by the closed-loop shape of the fourth watertight member 484 and thus protected from external moisture and/or foreign matter, according to various embodiments, there is no limitation on the types of components disposed in the first watertight space 4813 and/or the second watertight space 4841, according to various embodiments, the electronic apparatus 100 may include the flexible display 400 and at least one support structure 500 (e.g., support structure, support member, or support plate) according to an embodiment, at least one support structure 500 may include a first member 510 disposed between the flexible display 400 and the first housing 110 and a second member 520 disposed between the flexible display 400 and the second housing 120, in some embodiments, the first member 510 and the second member 520 may be integrally configured, as will be described later, the first member 510 and/or the second member 520 may include components (or portions) having different heights (e.g., thicknesses), for example, in at least one support structure 500, the height of components (e.g., the second portion 512 and/or the fourth portion 522 of figure 5 b) corresponding to at least the folded region (e.g., the third region 130c of figure 1 b) of the electronic device 100 may be configured to be higher than the height of peripheral components (e.g., first portion 511 and/or third portion 521 of fig. 5 b). With such a stepped structure of the support structure 500, the flexible display 400 is firmly supported in the folded region (e.g., the third region 130c of fig. 1 b), so that durability can be increased and surface quality can be improved. In addition, the circumferences of the waterproof members 481 and 483 have relatively low heights (e.g., have thicknesses equal to or thinner than the thicknesses of the compressed waterproof members), so that the waterproof members 481 and 483 can help improve waterproof performance by causing smooth attachment between the flexible display 400 and the housings 110 and 120.
Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
A display (e.g., flexible display 400) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a non-destructible (UB) OLED display (e.g., a bendable (or curved) display). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the flexible display 400 may include an on-cell touch (OCTA) Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (AMOLED) type flat panel display.
Referring to fig. 4, the flexible display 400 may include a window layer 410, and a polarizing layer (polarizer, POL) 420 (e.g., polarizing film), a display panel 430, a polymer layer 440, a support plate 450, and a reinforcing plate 470 sequentially disposed on a rear surface of the window layer 410 closest to the reinforcing plate 470. In some implementations, the flexible display 400 can include a digitizer 460 disposed between the polymer layer 440 and the support plate 450 or between the support plate 450 and the stiffener plate 470.
According to various embodiments, window layer 410 may comprise a glass layer. According to an embodiment, the window layer 410 may include ultra-thin glass (UTG). In some embodiments, window layer 410 may include a polymer. In this case, the window layer 410 may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or Polyimide (PI). In some embodiments, window layer 410 may be provided in multiple layers so as to include a glass layer and a polymer.
According to various embodiments, the window layer 410, the polarizing layer 420, the display panel 430, the polymer layer 440, and the support plate 450 may be disposed across (cross) at least a portion of a first surface (e.g., the first surface 111 of fig. 1 a) of a first housing (e.g., the first housing 110 of fig. 1 a) and a third surface (e.g., the third surface 121 of fig. 1 a) of a second housing (e.g., the second housing 120 of fig. 1 a). According to an embodiment, the reinforcing plate 470 may include a first reinforcing plate 471 facing the first housing (e.g., the first housing 110 of fig. 1 a) and a second reinforcing plate 472 facing the second housing (e.g., the second housing 120 of fig. 1 a). According to an embodiment, the window layer 410, the polarizing layer 420, the display panel 430, the polymer layer 440, the support plate 450, and the reinforcing plate 470 may be attached to each other by adhesives P1, P2, P3, and P4 (or adhesives). For example, the adhesives P1, P2, P3, and P4 may include at least one of an Optically Clear Adhesive (OCA), a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA), a heat reactive adhesive, a general purpose adhesive, or a double sided tape.
According to various embodiments, the display panel 430 may include a plurality of pixels and a wiring structure (e.g., an electrode pattern). According to an embodiment, the polarizing layer 420 may selectively pass light generated from a light source of the display panel 430 and vibrated in a predetermined direction. According to an embodiment, the display panel 430 and the polarizing layer 420 may be integrally configured. According to an embodiment, the flexible display 400 may include a touch panel (not shown).
According to various embodiments, the polymer layer 440 may be disposed under the display panel 430 to provide a dark background for ensuring the visibility of the display panel 430, and may be formed of (or include) a buffer material for a buffer action. In some embodiments, the polymer layer 440 may be removed or disposed under the support plate 450 for waterproofing of the flexible display 400.
According to various embodiments, the support plate 450 may provide a bending characteristic to the flexible display 400. For example, the support plate 450 may be formed of (or include) a non-metal sheet material, such as a Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) having a rigid characteristic (e.g., carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) or Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP)) for supporting the display panel 430. According to an embodiment, the support plate 450 may include a first flat portion 451 corresponding to a first housing (e.g., the first housing 110 of fig. 1 a), a second flat portion 452 corresponding to a second housing (e.g., the second housing 120 of fig. 1 a), and a bent portion 453 (flexible portion or bent portion) (e.g., bendable portion) connecting the first flat portion 451 and the second flat portion 452 to each other. The electronic device and its various components and layers may be bendable at their respective areas corresponding to the bending portions 453 and may be bent together with each other, but are not limited thereto.
According to an embodiment, the curved portion 453 may include (or define) a plurality of openings (or recesses extending partially into the thickness of the support plate 450 and opening at an upper or lower surface of the support plate 450) arranged at predetermined intervals extending completely through the thickness of the support plate 450. According to an embodiment, the bending characteristic of the bending portion 453 may be determined based on at least one of the size, shape, and arrangement density of at least a portion of the plurality of openings. In an embodiment, the support plate 450 may be formed of stainless steel (SUS) (e.g., stainless steel (STS)), cu, al, or a metal clad (e.g., a stacked member in which SUS and Al are alternately disposed). In this case, the plurality of openings may be configured to pass through the entire area of the support plate 450 so as to cause a detection operation of the digitizer 460 disposed under the support plate 450. According to an embodiment, the support plate 450 may help to strengthen the rigidity of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 100 of fig. 1 a) and may be used to shield ambient noise and dissipate heat emitted from surrounding heat dissipating components.
According to various embodiments, the display 400 may include a digitizer 460 as a detection member, the digitizer 460 being disposed below the support plate 450 and receiving input (e.g., external input) from an input tool, such as an electronic pen (e.g., a stylus). For example, digitizer 460 may include a coil member disposed on a dielectric substrate to detect a resonant frequency of an electromagnetic induction scheme applied from an electronic pen.
According to various embodiments, the flexible display 400 may include at least one functional member (not shown) disposed between the polymer layer 440 and the support plate 450 (e.g., disposed above the support plate 450) or disposed below the support plate 450. According to an embodiment, the functional means providing the function to the electronic device may include a graphite sheet for a heat dissipation function, an additional display for an image display function, a force touch FPCB for detecting a contact or touch function from an input tool, a fingerprint sensor FPCB for capturing a fingerprint function, an antenna radiator for a communication function, or a conductive/non-conductive tape. According to an embodiment, in case the functional member is inflexible, the functional member may be provided in the first housing (e.g., the first housing 110 of fig. 1 a) and the second housing (e.g., the second housing 120 of fig. 1 a) separately. According to an embodiment, where the functional component is bendable, the functional component may be disposed from the first housing (e.g., the first housing 110 of fig. 1 a) and out of the first housing and through the hinge device (e.g., the hinge device 140 of fig. 1 b) to at least a portion of the second housing (e.g., the second housing 120 of fig. 1 a).
According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 of fig. 1 a) may include a camera apparatus (e.g., first camera apparatus 105 of fig. 1 a) disposed below flexible display 400 and configured to detect an external environment of the electronic device through flexible display 400. In some implementations, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 of fig. 1 a) may include at least one sensor module (e.g., sensor module 104 of fig. 1 a) disposed below flexible display 400 (e.g., an illuminance sensor, a proximity sensor, or a TOF sensor). According to an embodiment, the polarizing layer 420, the display panel 430, the polymer layer 440, the support plate 450, and the reinforcing plate 470 may include through holes 4201, 4301, 4401, 4501, 4601, and 4701. In some embodiments, the display panel 430 and/or the polarizing layer 420 may not require the through holes 4201 and 4301 by adjusting the transmittance of the corresponding regions. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the vias 4201, 4301, 4401, 4501, 4601, and 4701 (e.g., a planar dimension taken along a plane defined by a first direction (e.g., an X-axis direction) and a second direction (e.g., a Y-axis direction) may be configured based on the dimensions of the camera device (e.g., the first camera device 105 of fig. 1 a) and/or the perspective of the camera device (e.g., the first camera device 105 of fig. 1 a), and the vias 4201, 4301, 4401, 4501, 4601, and 4701 may have different dimensions from one another. Various ones of the vias 4201, 4301, 4401, 4501, 4601, and 4701 may be aligned with each other, but are not limited thereto.
According to various embodiments, the flexible display 400 may include a curved portion 432, the curved portion 432 being bendable such that a portion of the display panel 430 may face a partial region of the rear surface of the flexible display 400. That is, the flexible display 400 bent at the bending portion 432 may provide a portion of the rear surface of the display panel 430 facing the flexible display 400. According to an embodiment, the bending portion 432 may include an extending portion 4321 extending from the display panel 430 and including the control circuit 4321a, and a flexible substrate 4322 electrically connected to the extending portion 4321 and including a plurality of electrical elements.
According to an embodiment, the control circuit 4321a may include a Display Driver IC (DDI) or a Touch Display Driver IC (TDDI) mounted on the extension portion 4321 having an electrical wiring structure. According to an embodiment, the control circuit 4321a may have a chip-on-panel or chip-on-plastic (COP) structure disposed directly on the extension 4321. In some embodiments, the control circuit may have a chip-on-film (COF) structure mounted on a separate connection film (not shown) connecting the extension portion 4321 and the flexible substrate 4322.
According to an embodiment, the flexible display 400 may include a plurality of electrical elements 4322a arranged on a flexible substrate 4322. According to an embodiment, the flexible display 400 may include a connector portion 4323 extending from the flexible substrate 4322 and electrically connected to a substrate (e.g., the second printed circuit board 162 of fig. 3) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 100 of fig. 3). According to an embodiment, the plurality of electrical components 4322a may include a touch IC, a flash memory for a display, a diode for preventing ESD, a pressure sensor, or a passive component such as a decap (decap). In another embodiment, when the curved portion 432 is disposed in an area of the flexible display 400 facing the first housing (e.g., the first housing 110 of fig. 1) of the flexible display 400, the connector portion 4323 may be electrically connected to another substrate (e.g., the first printed circuit board 161 of fig. 3) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 100 of fig. 3).
Fig. 5a is a plan view illustrating a rear surface of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 5b is a view illustrating a state in which a support structure is disposed on a rear surface of the flexible display of fig. 5a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
Referring to fig. 5a and 5b, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 100 of fig. 6 a) may include a flexible display 400, the flexible display 400 being configured to be supported by a first support member (e.g., the first support member 1131 of fig. 3) of the first housing 110 and a second support member (e.g., the second support member 1231 of fig. 3) of the second housing 120. According to an embodiment, the flexible display 400 may include a curved portion 432 extending outwardly from a display panel (e.g., the display panel 430 of fig. 4) and disposed on a rear surface of the flexible display 400. According to an embodiment, the bending portion 432 may include an extending portion 4321 extending from a display panel (e.g., the display panel 430 of fig. 4) and including a control circuit (e.g., the control circuit 4321a of fig. 4), and a flexible substrate 4322 connected to the extending portion 4321 and including a plurality of electrical elements 4322 a. According to an embodiment, the bending portion 432 may be bent to the rear surface of the flexible display 400 and then attached to the rear surface of the second reinforcing plate 472, and the second reinforcing plate 472 is attached to the support plate 450. In some embodiments, the ground of the flexible substrate 4322 may be electrically connected to the second reinforcing plate 472 formed of a conductive material, thereby helping to prevent malfunction (e.g., a flicker phenomenon) of the flexible display 400.
According to various embodiments, the curved bent portion 432 may be disposed to face at least a portion of the second reinforcing plate 472 in a region at least partially corresponding to the second case 120. In this case, the corresponding portion of the second housing 120 may include a recess formed lower than the outer surface of the second housing so as to receive the curved portion 432. In some embodiments, the curved portion 432 may be disposed to face the first reinforcing plate 471 in a region at least partially corresponding to the first housing 110. In some embodiments, the curved portion 432 may correspond to at least a portion of the second case 120, and may be provided in such a manner as to be attached to the second flat portion 452 of the support plate 450 in a region where the second reinforcing plate 472 is partially omitted. In this case, the ground of the flexible substrate 4322 may be electrically connected to the support plate 450 formed of a conductive material. In some embodiments, the curved portion 432 may correspond to at least a portion of the first housing 110, and may be attached to the first flat portion 451 of the support plate 450 in a region where the first reinforcing plate 471 is partially omitted. In this case, the ground of the flexible substrate 4322 may be electrically connected to the support plate 450 formed of a conductive material.
According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 of fig. 6 a) may include at least one waterproof member 481, 482, 483, and 484 that provides a waterproof function (e.g., a waterproof member). According to an embodiment, the at least one waterproof member 481, 482, 483, and 484 may include a first waterproof member 481 and a second waterproof member 482, the first waterproof member 481 being disposed between the second reinforcing plate 472 and the second housing (e.g., the second housing 120 of fig. 6 a) to substantially surround the curved portion 432, the second waterproof member 482 being disposed between the extension portion 4321 and the second housing 120. According to an embodiment, the at least one waterproof member may include a third waterproof member 483, the third waterproof member 483 connecting one end 4811 of the first waterproof member 481 and one end 482 of the second waterproof member 482 (e.g., connected to each other), and connecting the other end 4812 of the first waterproof member 481 and the other end 482 of the second waterproof member 482 (e.g., connected to each other). According to an embodiment, the first waterproof member 481 and the second waterproof member 482 may include at least one of adhesive tape, adhesive, waterproof spot-size, silicone, waterproof rubber, and polyurethane.
According to an embodiment, when the first waterproof member 481 and the second waterproof member 482 are integrally configured (e.g., configured as a single body), moisture or foreign matter may be introduced into a gap formed by a height difference (step difference) between the bent portion 432 and the second reinforcing plate 472.
According to an embodiment, the first waterproof member 481 may be attached in a state of being separated from the second waterproof member 482 so as to be spaced apart from the second waterproof member 482 at prescribed intervals in the above-described step portion, and the step portions including the respective intervals may be connected without a gap by the third waterproof member 483. In some embodiments, in a state where the first waterproof member 481 and the second waterproof member 482 are integrally configured, the third waterproof member 483 may be applied to a region corresponding to a gap formed by a height difference between the curved portion 432 and the second reinforcing plate 472. According to an embodiment, the third waterproof member 483 may include a waterproof filling member including a semisolid or liquid substance and having a property of being cured by natural or external conditions (e.g., heat, ultraviolet rays, or pressure). Accordingly, the control circuit 4321a and the plurality of electric elements 4322a may be disposed between the second case 120 and the second reinforcing plate 472 of the flexible display 400 through the first waterproof member 481, the second waterproof member 482, and the third waterproof member 483, and disposed in the first waterproof space 4813 having the closed loop type without a discontinuous portion due to the stepped structure, and thus moisture and/or foreign matter may be prevented from penetrating from the outside.
According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 100 of fig. 6 a) may include a fourth waterproof member 484, the fourth waterproof member 484 having a closed loop shape and being disposed between a first housing (e.g., the first housing 110 of fig. 6 a) and a first reinforcing plate 471 of the flexible display 400. According to an embodiment, the fourth waterproof member 484 may provide a sealed second waterproof space 4841. According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 of fig. 6 a) may include at least one electronic component disposed in a first arrangement region 4842 and a second arrangement region 4843, the first arrangement region 4842 and the second arrangement region 4843 being provided in at least a portion of a second watertight space 4841. According to an embodiment, the at least one electronic component may comprise a camera device (e.g., camera device 105 of fig. 1 a) disposed in the first arrangement region 4842 and a sensor module (e.g., sensor module 104 of fig. 1 a) disposed in the second arrangement region 4843. Accordingly, at least one electronic component may be disposed in the second waterproof space 4841, and the second waterproof space 4841 is configured to be sealed by the first case 110, the fourth waterproof member 484, and the first reinforcing plate 471 of the flexible display 400, and thus may be protected from external moisture and/or foreign substances.
According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 of fig. 6 a) may include a flexible display 400 and at least one support structure 500 disposed between a first housing (e.g., first housing 110 of fig. 6 a) and a second housing (e.g., second housing 120 of fig. 6 a). According to an embodiment, the at least one support structure 500 may include a first member 510 disposed between the first reinforcing plate 471 and the first housing 110, and a second member 520 disposed between the second reinforcing plate 472 and the second housing 120. According to an embodiment, the first member 510 may include a first portion 511 and a second portion 512, the first portion 511 at least partially corresponding to the first region 130a of the flexible display 400 and disposed up to near the fourth waterproof member 484, the second portion 512 connected to the first portion 511 and disposed at least partially corresponding to the third region 130c (e.g., a folded region). According to an embodiment, the second member 520 may include a third portion 521 and a fourth portion 522, the third portion 521 at least partially corresponding to the second region 130b of the flexible display 400 and disposed up to the vicinity of the first waterproof member 481, the fourth portion 522 connected to the third portion 521 and disposed at least partially corresponding to the third region 130c (e.g., the folded region). According to an embodiment, the height of the second portion 512 may be higher than the height of the first portion 511. According to an embodiment, the height of the fourth portion 522 may be higher than the height of the third portion 521. According to an embodiment, the first portion 511 and the third portion 521 may be configured to have substantially the same height. According to an embodiment, the second portion 512 and the fourth portion 522 may be configured to have substantially the same height. In some embodiments, the heights of the first portion 511 and the third portion 521 may be different from each other. In some embodiments, the heights of the second portion 512 and the fourth portion 522 may be different from each other.
According to various embodiments, the at least one support structure 500 may be formed of a metallic material and/or a polymeric material (e.g., TPU, PET, or PC). In some embodiments, at least one support structure 500 may be formed from a compressible material and/or an incompressible material as a belt member. According to an embodiment, at least one support structure 500 may be at least partially replaced with a heat dissipating member (e.g., a graphite sheet). According to an embodiment, in at least one support structure 500, the first and third portions 511, 521 and the second and fourth portions 512, 522 may be formed of the same or different materials. In some embodiments, the at least one support structure 500 may be configured such that the first member 510 and the second member 520 are integrally configured. In this case, the at least one support structure 500 may be formed of a flexible material.
In the support structure 500 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the heights of the portions (e.g., the second portion 512 and the fourth portion 522) corresponding to at least the third region 130c (e.g., the folded region) of the flexible display 400 may be configured to be higher than the heights of the portions (e.g., the first portion 511 and the third portion 521) adjacent to the waterproof members 481 and 484 and corresponding to the first region 130a and the second region 130b of the flexible display 400, so that strong support of the flexible display 400 may be caused in the bendable third region 130c and the durability and/or the surface quality of the flexible display 400 may be facilitated to be improved. According to an embodiment, at least one support structure 500 is arranged to have a relatively lower height in the periphery of the waterproofing members 481 and 484 than the third region 130c, thus reducing unattached regions of the waterproofing members 481 and 484 caused by the support structure 500, thereby contributing to improved waterproofing performance.
Fig. 6a is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device taken along line 6a-6a of fig. 1a, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 6b is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device showing a height relationship between a waterproof member and a support structure compressed according to assembly of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
Referring to fig. 6a and 6b, the electronic device may include a first housing 110, a second housing 120 coupled to be foldable by a hinge device 140, and a flexible display 400 supported by the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. According to an embodiment, the flexible display 400 may include a window layer 410 and a polarizing layer (polarizer, POL) 420, a display panel 430, a polymer layer 440, a support plate 450, and at least one reinforcing plate 471 and 472 sequentially disposed under the window layer 410. In some implementations, the flexible display 400 can include a digitizer (e.g., digitizer 460 of fig. 4) disposed between the polymer layer 440 and the support plate 450 or between the support plate 450 and at least one stiffening plate 471 and 472. According to an embodiment, the flexible display 400 may be provided to be supported by the first side member 113 of the first housing 110 and the second side member 123 of the second housing 120.
According to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include a support structure (e.g., the support structure 500 of fig. 3) including a first member 510 disposed between the first reinforcing plate 471 and the first housing 110 and a second member 520 disposed between the second reinforcing plate 472 and the second housing 120. According to an embodiment, the first member 510 may include a first sub-member 510a and a second sub-member 510b, the first sub-member 510a being disposed in a region corresponding to the third region 130c of the flexible display 400 and disposed in at least a portion of the first case 110, the second sub-member 510b being stacked on the first sub-member 510a in a region corresponding to at least the third region 130 c. According to an embodiment, the second sub-member 510b may be provided in a size overlapping at least the third region 130a when the flexible display 400 is viewed from above. According to an embodiment, the first member 510 may include a first portion 511 and a second portion 512, the first portion 511 corresponding to the first housing 110 and being configured only by a region of the first sub-member 510a, and the second portion 512 corresponding to at least the third region 130a and being configured by the first sub-member 510a and the second sub-member 510 b. According to an embodiment, the first portion 511 may be disposed from the third region 130c to a vicinity of the waterproof member 484 (e.g., the fourth waterproof member 484 of fig. 3), the waterproof member 484 being disposed between the first housing 110 and the flexible display 400.
According to an embodiment, the second member 520 may include a third sub-member 520a and a fourth sub-member 520b, the third sub-member 520a being disposed in at least a portion of the second case 120 and the third region 130c of the flexible display 400, the fourth sub-member 520b being stacked on the third sub-member 520a in a region corresponding to at least the third region 130 c. According to an embodiment, the fourth sub-member 520b may be provided in a size overlapping at least the third region 130c when the flexible display 400 is viewed from above. According to an embodiment, the second member 520 may include a third portion 521 and a fourth portion 522, the third portion 521 corresponding to the second case 120 and configured by only a region of the third sub-member 520a, and the fourth portion 522 corresponding to at least the third region 130c and configured by the third sub-member 520a and the fourth sub-member 520 b. According to an embodiment, the third portion 521 may be disposed from the third region 130c to the vicinity of the waterproof member 481 (e.g., the first waterproof member 481 of fig. 3), the waterproof member 481 being disposed between the second housing 120 and the flexible display 400.
According to an embodiment, the first member 510 and the second member 520 are separated (or disconnected) from each other and are provided with a predetermined gap in the left and right with respect to the folding axis a of the electronic device 100, thereby facilitating the folding operation of the electronic device. According to an embodiment, the gap formed by the first member 510 and the second member 520 may be substantially the same as the gap formed by the first reinforcing plate 471 and the second reinforcing plate 472.
According to various embodiments, the first height H1 of the first portion 511 and/or the third portion 521 may be lower than the second height H2 of the second portion 512 and/or the fourth portion 522. The different thickness portions (e.g., 511 and 512 in 510 and 521 and 522 in 520) form a stepped structure. The stepped structure is open to the waterproofing member (e.g., 481 and 484 in fig. 6 a). Each respective stepped structure defines a first space 1101 or a second space 1201 with the flexible display 400, the waterproof member (e.g., 481 and 484 in fig. 6 a), and the housing (e.g., 110 and 120). According to an embodiment, the second height H2 of the second portion 512 and/or the fourth portion 522 may be substantially the same as the height t of the waterproofing members 481 and 484 or lower than the height t of the waterproofing members 481 and 484. According to an embodiment, as shown in fig. 6b, considering the case where the flexible display 400 is attached to the housings 110 and 120 by the compression jig and the waterproof members 481 and 484 are compressed, the first height H1 of the first portion 511 and/or the third portion 521 may be configured to have the same height as the height t1 of the compressed waterproof members 481 and 484 or a height lower than the height t1 of the compressed waterproof members 481 and 484. The flexible display 400 is attached to the housings 110 and 120 by an adhesive member P5. In this case, the first height H1 of the first portion 511 and/or the third portion 521 disposed around the waterproofing members 481 and 484 may be configured to be lower than the height t1 of the compression waterproofing members 481 and 484, so that the repulsive force of the first portion 511 and/or the third portion 521 is reduced when the compressed waterproofing members 481 and 484 extend toward and meet the respective portions, thereby enhancing the adhesive force of the waterproofing members 481 and 484 and contributing to improvement of the waterproofing performance of the electronic device 100.
According to various embodiments, the support plate 450 disposed under the display panel 430 may provide flexibility through the plurality of openings 4531. According to an embodiment, the bendable third region 130c of the flexible display 400 may be provided with flexibility with respect to a folding width l provided to correspond to the plurality of openings 4531 of the support plate 450. According to an embodiment, the folding width l may be determined by a distance p between hinge shafts through a plurality of gears included in the hinge device 140. According to an embodiment, the support width W of the second sub-member 510b including the first member 510 and the fourth sub-member 520b of the second member 520 and the gap between the second sub-member 510b and the fourth sub-member 520b may be configured to be the same as and at least greater than the folding width l of the third region 130c and/or the support plate 450. For example, the support width W may include the second portion 512 of the first member 510 and the fourth portion 522 of the second member 520, the second portion 512 of the first member 510 including the first sub-member 510a, and the fourth portion 522 of the second member 520 including the fourth sub-member 520b. Accordingly, since the second portion 512 and/or the fourth portion 522, which are provided to be relatively thicker than the first portion 511 and/or the third portion 521, support portions corresponding to the third region 130c under the display panel 430, the flexible display 400 may be helpful in improving durability and surface quality in the third region 130 c.
Fig. 7a is a partial cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an electronic device in a flat state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 7b is a partial cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 7c is an enlarged view of region 7c of fig. 7b, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
Referring to fig. 7a to 7c, the electronic apparatus 100 may include a first housing 110, a second housing 120 foldably coupled to the first housing 110 through a hinge device 140, and a flexible display 400 disposed to be supported by the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. According to an embodiment, the hinge device 140 may include a plurality of gears 142, 143, 144, and 145, and may be invisible from the outside through the hinge housing 141. According to an embodiment, the folding width l of the flexible display 400 may be determined by an inter-axis distance p between the rotation axes A1 and A2 of the hinge device coupled via the plurality of gears 142, 143, 144, and 145. According to an embodiment, the folding width l of the flexible display 400 may be determined by the following < equation 1 >.
[ equation 1]
l＝π(r+d)
In this case, l may correspond to a folding width of the flexible display 400, r may correspond to a radius of curvature of an outer surface of the bending region when the flexible display 400 is in a folded state, and d may represent a thickness of the flexible display 400. For example, the thickness d of the flexible display 400 may have a thickness corresponding to a vertical distance from a window layer (e.g., the window layer 410 of fig. 6 a) to a support plate (e.g., the support plate 450 of fig. 6 a).
Accordingly, a support width (e.g., support width W of fig. 6 a) of a support structure (e.g., support structure 500 of fig. 5 b) may be determined based on a thickness d of the flexible display 400 and a folding width l calculated by a radius of curvature r of the flexible display 400 in a folded state. For example, the support width W of the support structure 500 may be configured to be the same as or greater than the calculated fold width l.
Fig. 8a and 8b are partial cross-sectional views schematically illustrating an electronic device in a flat state and a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
Referring to fig. 8a and 8b, the electronic device 100 'may include a first housing 110, a second housing 120 foldably coupled to the first housing 110 by a hinge device 140', and a flexible display 400 disposed to be supported by the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100' may include a first link member 148 and a second link member 149, the first link member 148 being coupled to the first housing 110 and supporting at least a portion of the flexible display 400, the second link member 149 being coupled to the second housing 120 and supporting at least a portion of the flexible display 400. According to an embodiment, in the flat state, the first and second link members 148 and 149 constitute the same plane as the first and second housings 110 and 120, and in the folded state, the first and second link members 148 and 149 may move to support the curved portion of the flexible display 400.
According to various embodiments, the electronic device 100' may include support structures 530 and 540 for supporting the flexible display 400. According to an embodiment, the support structure may include a first member 530, the first member 530 including a first sub-member 530a disposed between the first housing 110 and the flexible display 400 and a second sub-member 530b disposed between the first link member 148 and the flexible display 400. In this case, the first sub-member 530a and the second sub-member 530b may be disposed in a state of being separated from each other. According to an embodiment, the support structure may include a second member 540, the second member 540 including a third sub-member 540a disposed between the second housing 120 and the flexible display 400 and a fourth sub-member 540b disposed between the second link member 149 and the flexible display 400. In this case, the third sub-member 540a and the fourth sub-member 540b may be disposed in a state of being separated from each other. According to an embodiment, the second sub-member 530b and the fourth sub-member 540b may be configured to support at least a portion of the third region 130c (e.g., the folded region) of the flexible display 400. Even in this case, the support width W formed by the second sub-member 530b and the fourth sub-member 540b may be equal to or greater than the folding width l' of the flexible display 400 corresponding to at least the third region 130 c. According to an embodiment, the height H1 of the first sub-member 530a and/or the third sub-member 540a may be configured to be lower than the height H2 of the second sub-member 530b and/or the fourth sub-member 540b.
Fig. 9 a-9 d are views illustrating various examples of support structures according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
Referring to fig. 9a, the support structures 541 and 542 together define a support structure and may include a first member 541 disposed on one side and a second member 542 disposed on the other side relative to the fold axis a. According to an embodiment, the first member 541 may include a first portion 511 (or a first thickness portion) having a first height H1 and a second portion 512 (or a second thickness portion) connected to the first portion 511 and having a second height H2 higher (or greater) than the first height H1. According to an embodiment, the second member 542 may include a third portion 521 having a first height H1 and a fourth portion 522 connected to the third portion 521 and having a second height H2 higher than the first height H1. According to an embodiment, in the first member 541, the first portion 511 and the second portion 512 may be integrally configured, i.e., define a single continuous body. According to an embodiment, in the second member 542, the third portion 521 and the fourth portion 522 may be integrally configured. Accordingly, second portion 512 of first member 541 and fourth portion 522 of second member 542 (which has a height that is relatively greater than the height at the perimeter (e.g., furthest from fold axis a)) may be configured to have a sufficient support width W for supporting a third region (e.g., third region 130c of fig. 6 a) of a flexible display (e.g., flexible display 400 of fig. 6 a).
Referring to fig. 9b, the support structures 551 and 552 may include a first member 551 disposed on one side and a second member 552 disposed on the other side relative to the fold axis a. According to an embodiment, the first member 551 may include a first sub-member 5511 and a second sub-member 5512, the first sub-member 5511 being disposed to have a first height H1 in the first portion 511, the second sub-member 5512 being disposed to be separated (e.g., disconnected) from the first sub-member 5511 in the second portion 512 connected to the first portion 511 and having a second height H2 higher than the first height H1. According to an embodiment, the second member 552 may include a third sub-member 5521 and a fourth sub-member 5522, the third sub-member 5521 being disposed to have a first height H1 in the third portion 521, the fourth sub-member 5522 being disposed to be separated from the third sub-member 5521 in the fourth portion 522 connected to the third portion 521 and to have a second height H2 higher than the first height H1. According to an embodiment, the second sub-member 5512 of the first member 551 and the fourth sub-member 5522 of the second member 552 having a relatively higher height than the perimeter may be configured to have a sufficient support width W for supporting a third region (e.g., the third region 130c of fig. 6 a) of a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display 400 of fig. 6 a).
Referring to fig. 9c, the support structure 560 may include a first portion 511 disposed on one side with respect to the folding axis a and having a first height H1 and a second portion 512 extending from the first portion 511, and may include a third portion 521 disposed on the other side of the folding axis a and a fourth portion 522 extending from the third portion 521. According to an embodiment, the first portion 511, the second portion 512, the third portion 521, and the fourth portion 522 may be integrally constructed. According to an embodiment, the first height H1 of the first and third portions 511 and 521 may be lower than the second height H2 of the second and fourth portions 512 and 522. For example, the integrally configured support structure 560 may be formed of an elastic material (e.g., rubber, polyurethane, silicone, or TPU) for providing flexibility in a third region (e.g., the third region 130c of fig. 6 a). According to an embodiment, the second portion 512 and the fourth portion 522, which are configured to have a relatively higher height than the perimeter, may be configured to have a sufficient support width W for supporting a third region (e.g., the third region 130c of fig. 6 a) of a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display 400 of fig. 6 a).
In fig. 9d, the integrated support structure 560 of fig. 9c may further include at least one groove 5601 (e.g., a recess) having a specified depth along the fold axis a. According to an embodiment, the at least one groove 5601 may help to increase the flexibility of the support structure 560 folded with respect to the folding axis a.
According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 of fig. 6 a) may include: a first housing (e.g., first housing 110 of fig. 6 a); a second housing (e.g., second housing 120 of fig. 6 a) foldably coupled to the first housing by a hinge device (e.g., hinge device 140 of fig. 6 a); a flexible display (e.g., flexible display 400 of fig. 6 a) disposed to be supported by the first and second housings and including a folded region (e.g., third region 130c of fig. 6 a) deformed in a folded state; at least one waterproof member (e.g., waterproof members 481 and 484 of fig. 6 a) disposed between the first housing and the flexible display and/or between the second housing and the flexible display; and at least one support structure (e.g., support structure 500 of fig. 5 b) disposed between the first housing and the flexible display and/or between the second housing and the flexible display in a perimeter of the at least one waterproof member, wherein the at least one support structure includes a first portion (e.g., first portion 511 of fig. 6 a) disposed to have a first height (e.g., first height H1 of fig. 6 a) and a second portion (e.g., second portion 512 of fig. 6 a) disposed to have a second height (e.g., second height H2 of fig. 6 a) that is higher than the first height, and at least a portion of the second portion is disposed at a position overlapping at least a portion of the fold region when the flexible display is viewed from above.
According to various embodiments, the width of the second portion may be set to be the same as or greater than the width of the fold region.
According to various embodiments, the first height may be configured to be the same as or lower than the height of the at least one flashing member.
According to various embodiments, the first height may be configured to be the same as or lower than a height of the at least one waterproof member compressed when the flexible display is assembled.
According to various embodiments, the at least one support structure may be provided separately with respect to the folding axis of the folding zone.
According to various embodiments, the at least one support structure may include a first member disposed between the first housing and the flexible display and a second member disposed between the second housing and the flexible display.
According to various embodiments, the first member may include a first sub-member having a first height and a second sub-member stacked on the first sub-member and constituting a second height together with the first sub-member.
According to various embodiments, the second member may include a third sub-member having the first height and a fourth sub-member stacked on the third sub-member and constituting the second height together with the third sub-member.
According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the second sub-member and at least a portion of the fourth sub-member may be disposed at a position overlapping the folding region when the flexible display is viewed from above.
According to various embodiments, the first portion and the second portion may be integrally configured.
According to various embodiments, the first portion and the second portion may be provided separately.
According to various embodiments, the hinge device may include a first rotation shaft for movement of the first housing and a second rotation shaft for movement of the second housing, and the second member may be configured to be the same as or greater than an inter-axis distance between the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft.
According to various embodiments, the flexible display may include a window layer, a display panel disposed under the window layer, a support plate disposed under the display panel and including a plurality of openings in a portion corresponding to the folding region, a first reinforcement plate disposed under the support plate and in a portion corresponding to the first case, and a second reinforcement plate disposed under the support plate and in a portion corresponding to the second case.
According to various embodiments, at least one support structure and at least one waterproof member may be disposed between the first reinforcing plate and the first housing and/or between the second reinforcing plate and the second housing.
According to various embodiments, the at least one support structure may be formed of at least one of a metallic material, a polymeric material, a compressible material, an incompressible material, or a heat dissipating member.
According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 of fig. 6 a) may include a first housing (e.g., first housing 110 of fig. 6 a), a second housing (e.g., second housing 120 of fig. 6 a) foldably coupled to the first housing by a hinge device (e.g., hinge device 140 of fig. 6 a), and a flexible display (e.g., flexible display 400 of fig. 6 a) disposed to be supported by the first housing and the second housing and including a fold region (e.g., third region 130c of fig. 6 a), the flexible display including a window layer (e.g., window layer 410 of fig. 6 a), a display panel (e.g., display panel 430 of fig. 6 a) disposed below the window layer, a support panel (e.g., support panel 450 of fig. 6 a) disposed below the display panel and including a plurality of openings (e.g., opening 4531 of fig. 6 a) in a portion corresponding to the fold region, a first stiffening plate (e.g., first stiffening plate 471 of fig. 6 a) disposed below the support panel and in a portion corresponding to the first housing and a stiffening member (e.g., first stiffening plate 471) disposed below the support panel and at least one of the first stiffening member (e.g., stiffening plate) and at least one of the second stiffening member (e.g., stiffening plate) and/or at least one of the stiffening member 500 b) disposed between the first stiffening plate and the first housing and the second housing (e.g., stiffening member (e.g., stiffening plate) and the first stiffening plate 500), at least one support structure is disposed between the first stiffener and the first housing and/or between the second stiffener and the second housing in the at least one waterproof member perimeter, wherein the at least one support structure includes a first portion (e.g., first portion 511 of fig. 6 a) disposed at a first height (e.g., first height H1 of fig. 6 a) and a second portion (e.g., second portion 512 of fig. 6 a) disposed at a second height (e.g., second height H2 of fig. 6 a) that is higher than the first height, and at least a portion of the second portion is disposed at a position that overlaps at least a portion of the fold region when the flexible display is viewed from above.
According to various embodiments, the first height may be configured to be the same as or lower than the height of the at least one flashing member.
According to various embodiments, the at least one support structure may be provided separately with respect to the folding axis of the folding zone.
According to various embodiments, the first portion and the second portion may be integrally configured.
According to various embodiments, the first portion and the second portion may be provided separately.
In addition, the embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed in the specification and the drawings are provided merely to provide specific examples for easily describing technical contents and helping understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be construed to include all changes or modifications based on the technical spirit of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein.
Claims (15)
1. An electronic device, comprising:
a first housing;
a second housing foldably coupled to the first housing by a hinge device;
a flexible display disposed to be supported by the first housing and the second housing, the flexible display including a foldable fold area;
At least one waterproof member disposed between the first housing and the flexible display and/or between the second housing and the flexible display; and
at least one support structure provided in the periphery of the at least one waterproof member between the first housing and the flexible display and/or between the second housing and the flexible display,
wherein the at least one support structure comprises:
a first portion provided to have a first height; and
a second portion configured to have a second height greater than the first height,
wherein at least a portion of the second portion is arranged to overlap at least a portion of the fold region when the flexible display is viewed from above.
2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the second portion is sized the same as or larger than the fold area.
3. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first height is configured to be the same as or lower than a height of the at least one waterproof member.
4. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the first height is configured to be the same as or lower than a height of the at least one waterproof member compressed when the flexible display is assembled.
5. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the at least one support structure is disposed separately with respect to a fold axis of the fold region.
6. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein the at least one support structure comprises:
a first member disposed between the first housing and the flexible display; and
and a second member disposed between the second housing and the flexible display.
7. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the first member comprises:
a first sub-member having the first height; and
a second sub-member stacked on the first sub-member and constituting the second height together with the first sub-member.
8. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein the second member comprises:
a third sub-member having the first height; and
a fourth sub-member stacked on the third sub-member and constituting the second height together with the third sub-member.
9. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the second sub-member and at least a portion of the fourth sub-member are disposed at positions overlapping the fold region when the flexible display is viewed from above.
10. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first portion and the second portion are integrally configured.
11. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the first portion and the second portion are disposed separately.
12. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein
The hinge device includes a first rotation axis for movement of the first housing and a second rotation axis for movement of the second housing, and
the width of the second portion is configured to be equal to or greater than an inter-axis distance between the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation.
13. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the flexible display comprises:
a window layer;
the display panel is arranged below the window layer;
a support plate disposed under the display panel, the support plate including a plurality of openings disposed at portions corresponding to the folding regions;
a first reinforcing plate disposed under the support plate and corresponding to the first case; and
and a second reinforcing plate disposed under the support plate and corresponding to the second case.
14. The electronic device of claim 13, wherein the at least one support structure and the at least one waterproof member are disposed between the first stiffener and the first housing and/or between the second stiffener and the second housing.
15. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the at least one support structure comprises at least one of a metallic material, a polymeric material, a compressible material, an incompressible material, or a heat dissipating member.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| KR10-2021-0104432 | 2021-08-09 | ||
| KR1020210178869A KR102604357B1 (en) | 2021-08-09 | 2021-12-14 | Electronic device including display supporting structure |
| KR10-2021-0178869 | 2021-12-14 | ||
| PCT/KR2022/011008 WO2023018068A1 (en) | 2021-08-09 | 2022-07-27 | Electronic device comprising display support structure |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN117795937A true CN117795937A (en) | 2024-03-29 |
Family
ID=90402113
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN202280054401.8A Pending CN117795937A (en) | 2021-08-09 | 2022-07-27 | Electronic device including display support structure |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CN (1) | CN117795937A (en) |
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2022
- 2022-07-27 CN CN202280054401.8A patent/CN117795937A/en active Pending
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