KR20220112104A - Window member and electronic apparatus comprising the same - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is an electronic device. The electronic device includes: a foldable display panel; and a window member which covers a front side of the display panel and in which a first area, a second area, and a third area are sequentially arranged with respect to a central axis, wherein the first area is flexible and has a plurality of grooves formed in at least one side among the front side and the rear side thereof, the thickness of the second area gradually increases as the distance from the first area increases, and the third area has a thickness greater than that of the first area. The present invention provides a window member with improved flexibility and durability and an electronic device including the same.

Description

Window member and electronic device including the same

The present disclosure relates to a window member and an electronic device including the same, and more particularly, to a window member having improved flexibility and durability, and an electronic device including the same.

Recently, a foldable electronic device has been developed. Such a foldable electronic device may be used in a folded or curved form, and thus may be utilized in various fields.

Meanwhile, the foldable electronic device may include a window member that covers and protects the display panel. However, there is a problem that the window member must be formed to have a predetermined thickness or less in order to secure flexibility, and to simultaneously secure durability above a certain level in order to prevent damage to the display panel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure has been made in accordance with the above-described needs, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a window member having both improved flexibility and durability, and an electronic device including the same.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for achieving the above object includes a foldable display panel and a front surface of the display panel, and a first area, a second area, and a third area are formed based on a folding axis. a window member disposed sequentially, wherein the first area is foldable with respect to the folding axis, a plurality of grooves are formed on at least one surface of a front surface and a rear surface, and the second area has a thickness of the first area The thickness of the third region may be thicker than that of the first region, and the thickness of the third region may be thicker as the distance from .

The thickness of the first region may be the thinnest at a position corresponding to the folding axis, and may gradually increase as it approaches the second region.

The plurality of grooves may have a constant depth.

The first region may have a rear surface convex toward the front.

The second region may have a rear surface inclined upward toward the first region.

The plurality of grooves may extend in a direction parallel to the folding axis.

The window member may be formed symmetrically with respect to the folding axis.

The plurality of grooves may have a depth of 35 μm to 140 μm.

The thickness of the first region may be 50 μm to 200 μm.

The thickness of the third region may be 0.25 mm to 1 mm.

The electronic device is disposed between a first housing and a second housing supporting the rear surface of the display panel, the first and second housings, and is rotatably coupled to the first housing with respect to a first rotation axis, and a hinge structure rotatably coupled to the second housing and a second rotational axis parallel to the first rotational axis, wherein the first region is disposed between the first and second rotational axes, and the third The region may be disposed outside the first and second rotation axes.

A horizontal length of the second region may be 5 mm to 20 mm.

The electronic device may further include a filler disposed between the display panel and the window member to adhere the window member to the display panel.

The filler may have the same refractive index as the window member.

The filler may include at least one of optically transparent OCA (Optical Clear Adhesive) and OCR (Optical Clear Resin).

The thickness of the first region may be constant, and the depth of the plurality of grooves may increase as the distance from the second region increases.

A front surface of the second region may be inclined downward toward the first region.

The first region may have a front surface concave toward the front.

The plurality of grooves may be formed on a front surface of the first region, and the display member may further include a first pillar disposed between the window member and the display panel and a second pillar inserted into the plurality of grooves. .

A transparent cover disposed in front of the second filler may be further included.

In the window member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for achieving the above object, a first area, a second area, and a third area are sequentially arranged with respect to a folding axis, and the first area is based on the folding axis It is foldable, and a plurality of grooves are formed on at least one surface of the front and rear surfaces, the thickness of the second area is gradually increased as the thickness of the second area increases further from the first area, and the third area has a thickness of the first area. could be thicker.

1 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
2A to 2C are views illustrating an unfolded, folded, and fully folded state of an electronic device, respectively.
3 is a view illustrating a hinge structure and a housing of an electronic device.
4 and 5 are views showing the rotation structure of the hinge structure.
6 is a perspective view of a display member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
7 and 8 are side views respectively illustrating an unfolded state and a folded state of the display member supported by the first and second housings.
9 is a side view illustrating a state in which the display member is folded.
10 is a cross-sectional view of the display member of FIG. 6 taken along line AA.
11 is a graph illustrating a relationship between a radius of curvature and stress according to a thickness of a window member.
12 and 13 are diagrams for explaining the width of the second area.
14A to 14D are views illustrating a process of manufacturing the window member.
15A to 15F are views illustrating various shapes of grooves.
16 to 19 are cross-sectional views of a display member according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

It should be understood that the embodiments described below are illustratively shown to help the understanding of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure may be implemented with various modifications, unlike the embodiments described herein. However, in the following description of the present disclosure, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known function or component may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present disclosure, the detailed description and specific illustration thereof will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale in order to help understanding of the disclosure, but dimensions of some components may be exaggerated.

The terms used in this specification and claims have been chosen in consideration of the function of the present disclosure. However, these terms may vary depending on the intention, legal or technical interpretation of a person skilled in the art, and the emergence of new technology. Also, some terms are arbitrarily selected by the applicant. These terms may be interpreted in the meaning defined in the present specification, and if there is no specific term definition, it may be interpreted based on the general content of the present specification and common technical knowledge in the art.

In the present specification, expressions such as “have,” “may have,” “include,” or “may include” indicate the presence of a corresponding characteristic (eg, a numerical value, function, operation, or component such as a part). and does not exclude the presence of additional features.

In addition, since the present specification describes components necessary for the description of each embodiment of the present disclosure, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. Accordingly, some components may be changed or omitted, and other components may be added. In addition, they may be distributed and arranged in different independent devices.

Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and the contents described in the accompanying drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited or limited by the embodiments.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Referring to FIG. 1 , an electronic device 1 may include a first housing 10 , a second housing 20 , a hinge housing 30 , a hinge structure 500 , and a display member 1000 .

In an embodiment, the first housing 10 may be connected to the second housing 20 using a hinge structure 500 . The first housing 10 may include a first plate 11 on which the display member 1000 is mounted and a first frame 12 surrounding at least a portion of the first plate 11 . For example, the first frame 12 may form a part of a surface (eg, a side surface) of the electronic device 1 . For example, at least a portion of the first rigid area RA1 of the display member 1000 and at least a portion of the foldable area FA of the display member 1000 may be disposed on the first plate 11 . The first rotation structure 510 of the hinge structure 500 may be connected to the first plate 11 . In an embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing 10 may be adhered to the first rigid area RA1 of the display member 1000 . Alternatively, a portion of the edge of the front surface of the first housing 10 may be adhered to the edge of the first rigid area RA1 of the display member 1000 . In this regard, an adhesive layer may be disposed between the first plate 11 of the first housing 10 and the first rigid area RA1 of the display member 1000 .

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the inner side of the first housing 10 may be provided in a hollow shape. A first circuit board 41 , a first battery 43 , and a camera module 46 may be disposed inside the first housing 10 . The first circuit board 41 and the first battery 43 may be electrically connected to the second circuit board 42 and the second battery 44 disposed inside the second housing 20 through the flexible substrate. For example, a processor and a memory may be disposed on the first circuit board 41 . For example, the first battery 43 and the first circuit board 41 may be disposed on the first plate 11 . In an embodiment, the first housing 10 may be formed of, for example, at least a portion of a metal material, or at least a portion of the first housing 10 may be formed of a non-metal material. The first housing 10 may be formed of a material having a certain size of rigidity to support at least a portion of the display member 1000 . In an embodiment, a portion of the first housing 10 facing the second housing 20 may include a recessed portion at least a portion of which has a predetermined curvature so that the hinge housing 30 may be disposed.

In various embodiments, the first housing 10 faces the first decorative member 13 and the first plate 11 surrounding the edge of the display member 1000 and forms a surface of the electronic device 1 . 1 may include a rear cover 19 . For example, the first decorative member 13 may be disposed to cover an edge of the first rigid area RA1 of the display member 1000 and a portion of the foldable area FA. For example, the first back cover 19 may form a rear surface of the electronic device 1 in an unfolded state (eg, FIG. 2A ), and the display member 1000 may form a front surface of the electronic device 1 . .

In an embodiment, the second housing 20 may be connected to the first housing 10 through the hinge structure 500 . The second housing 20 may include a second plate 21 on which the display member 1000 is mounted and a second frame 22 surrounding at least a portion of the second plate 21 . For example, the second frame 22 may form a part of a surface (eg, a side surface) of the electronic device 1 . For example, at least a portion of the second rigid area RA2 and at least a portion of the foldable area FA may be disposed on the second plate 21 . The second rotation structure 520 of the hinge structure 500 may be connected to the second plate 21 . In an embodiment, at least a portion of the second housing 20 may be adhered to the second rigid area RA2 of the display member 1000 . Alternatively, a portion of the edge of the front surface of the second housing 20 may be adhered to the edge of the second rigid area RA2 of the display member 1000 . In this regard, an adhesive layer may be disposed between the second plate 21 of the second housing 20 and the second rigid area RA2 of the display member 1000 .

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the inner side of the second housing 20 may be provided in a hollow shape. A second circuit board 42 and a second battery 44 may be disposed inside the second housing 20 . The second circuit board 42 and the second battery 44 may be electrically connected to the first circuit board 41 and/or the first battery 43 disposed inside the first housing 10 through the flexible board. have. For example, the second battery 44 and the second circuit board 42 may be disposed on the second plate 21 . In an embodiment, the second housing 20 may be formed of, for example, at least a portion of a metal material, or at least a portion of the second housing 20 may be formed of a non-metal material. The second housing 20 may be formed of a material having a certain size of rigidity to support at least a portion of the display member 1000 . In an embodiment, a portion of the second housing 20 facing the first housing 10 may include a recessed portion at least a portion of which has a predetermined curvature so that the hinge housing 30 may be disposed.

In various embodiments, the second housing 20 faces the second decorative member 23 and the second plate 21 surrounding the edge of the display member 1000 and forms a surface of the electronic device 1 . 2 may include a rear cover 29 . For example, the second decorative member 23 may be disposed to cover an edge of the second rigid area RA2 of the display member 1000 and a portion of the foldable area FA. For example, the second rear cover 29 may form a rear surface of the electronic device 1 in an unfolded state (eg, FIG. 2A ), and the display member 1000 may form a front surface of the electronic device 1 . .

In various embodiments, a lattice structure (not shown) and/or a bracket (not shown) disposed between the display member 1000 and the adhesive layer may be further included. The lattice structure may include a slit area including a plurality of slits at least partially overlapping the foldable area FA. Each of the plurality of slits may extend in an extension direction (eg, y-axis) of the foldable area FA. The plurality of slits may support the flat foldable area FA in an unfolded state (eg, FIG. 2A ), and may support the foldable area FA to be deformed in a folding operation or an unfolding operation. In various embodiments, only a portion of the lattice structure or the bracket may be stacked on the display member 1000 .

In an embodiment, the hinge housing 30 may be disposed in a recessed portion of each of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 . The hinge housing 30 may be provided in a form that is elongated in the y-axis direction as a whole. A boss (not shown) for fixing the hinge structure 500 may be disposed on a portion of the inner surface of the hinge housing 30 .

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the display member 1000 may have flexibility. For example, the display member 1000 may include a first rigid area RA1 disposed on the first housing 10 , a second rigid area RA2 disposed on the second housing 20 , and a first rigid area RA2 disposed on the second housing 20 . A foldable area FA positioned between the area RA1 and the second rigid area RA2 may be included. In an embodiment, the first rigid area RA1 and the second rigid area RA2 may be formed to be flat, and the foldable area FA may be formed to be deformable to a flat surface or a curved surface.

According to various embodiments, the hinge structure 500 may include a first rotation structure 510 connected to the first housing 10 , and a second rotation structure 520 connected to the second housing 20 . have. The hinge structure 500 may be configured such that the first rotational structure 510 and the second rotational structure 520 are rotatable about respective rotational axes (eg, virtual axes parallel to the y-axis direction). For example, when the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are folded or unfolded, the first rotational structure 510 and the second rotational structure 520 may rotate about their respective rotational axes.

2A to 2C are views illustrating an unfolded, folded, and fully folded state of an electronic device, respectively.

In one embodiment, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 may be rotated in opposite directions by the respective rotation shafts R1 and R2. For example, in the folding operation performed from the unfolded state, the first housing 10 may rotate in a counterclockwise direction, and the second housing 20 may rotate in a clockwise direction.

In one embodiment, the axial direction may be defined as a direction parallel to the rotation axis of each of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 . The axial direction may be defined as an extension direction of the foldable area FA of the display member 1000 . For example, the axial direction may be defined as a long side direction of the foldable area FA. For example, the axial direction may mean a direction parallel to the y-axis of FIG. 1 .

In order to describe the state of the electronic device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first edge P1 of the electronic device 1 and the second edge P2 of the electronic device 1 are parallel to the axial direction. can be specified. To describe the state of the electronic device 1 , a third edge P3 of the electronic device 1 and a fourth edge P4 of the electronic device 1 perpendicular to the axial direction may be defined. For example, the first edge P1 and the third edge P3 may include a portion of the first frame 12 of the first housing 10 . For example, the second edge P2 and the fourth edge P4 may include a portion of the second frame 22 of the second housing 20 .

An unfolded state of the electronic device will be described with reference to FIG. 2A .

For example, the unfolded state may include a state in which the foldable area FA of the display member 1000 is flat. For example, the unfolded state may include a state in which the first rigid area RA1 and the second rigid area RA2 of the display member 1000 are formed of planes facing the same direction. For example, the unfolded state includes a state in which the first normal vector n1 of the first rigid area RA1 of the display member 1000 and the second normal vector n2 of the second rigid area RA2 of the display member 1000 are parallel. can do. For example, the unfolded state may include a state in which the third edge P3 and the fourth edge P4 substantially form a single straight line. For example, the unfolded state may include a state in which the third edge P3 and the fourth edge P4 form 180 degrees.

A folded state of the electronic device will be described with reference to FIG. 2B .

For example, the folded state may include a state in which the foldable area FA of the display member 1000 is curved. For example, the folded state is a state in which the first normal vector n1 of the first rigid area RA1 and the second normal vector n2 of the second rigid area RA2 form a predetermined angle instead of 180 degrees. may include For example, the folded state may include a state in which the third edge P3 and the fourth edge P4 form a predetermined angle instead of 180 degrees.

A fully folded state of the electronic device will be described with reference to FIG. 2C .

For example, the fully folded state may mean a state in which the first edge P1 and the second edge P2 substantially contact each other among the folded states. For example, the foldable area FA in the fully folded state may be formed of a curved surface having a greater curvature than the foldable area FA in the folded state.

2B and 2C , in the folded state and the fully folded state, at least a portion of the hinge housing 30 may form a surface of the electronic device 1 . For example, the hinge housing 30 may be visually exposed between the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 .

3 is a view illustrating a hinge structure and a housing of an electronic device.

3 is a view illustrating a hinge structure and a housing of an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment.

In an embodiment, the electronic device 1 may include one or more hinge structures 500 . The hinge structure 500 includes the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 so that the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 rotate about the first rotation axis R1 and the second rotation axis R2, respectively. 20) can be connected. In an embodiment, the electronic device 1 may include a plurality of hinge structures 500 . The plurality of hinge structures 500 may include a first hinge structure 500a and a second hinge structure 500b spaced apart from the first hinge structure 500a in an axial direction.

In one embodiment, the hinge structure 500 includes the fixing structures 530 and 540 that are fixedly disposed on the hinge housing 130 , the first rotational structure 510 connected to the first housing 10 , and the second housing ( 20) may include a second rotating structure 520 connected to.

In an embodiment, the fixing structures 530 and 540 may include a first fixing structure 530 and a second fixing structure 540 . For example, the first elastic member 570 and the first rotating structure 510 may be rotatably coupled to the first fixing structure 530 . For example, the second elastic member 580 may be positioned on the second fixing structure 540 and the second rotating structure 520 may be rotatably coupled thereto.

In various embodiments, the fixing structures 530 and 540 include a first fixing structure 530 and a second fixing structure 540 that are separably coupled to each other, or a single fixing structure formed integrally or combined with each other. may include

In an embodiment, the first rotating structure 510 may be connected to the first plate 11 of the first housing 10 . For example, when the electronic device 1 is folded or unfolded, the first rotation structure 510 may rotate together with the first housing 10 about the first rotation axis R1 .

In an embodiment, the second rotating structure 520 may be connected to the second plate 21 of the second housing 20 . For example, when the electronic device 1 is folded or unfolded, the second rotation structure 520 may rotate together with the second housing 20 about the second rotation axis R2 .

In an embodiment, the hinge structure 500 may further include a first torque structure including the first elastic member 570 and a second torque structure including the second elastic member 580 .

In an embodiment, the first torque structure may provide a torque acting on the first rotation structure 510 . For example, the first torque structure may provide a torque acting about the first rotation axis R1 . The first elastic member 570 may be disposed on the first fixed structure 530 and may be compressed or tensioned in association with the rotation of the first rotating structure 510 . For example, when the first elastic member 570 is relatively more compressed, a greater torque may act on the first rotating structure 510 .

In an embodiment, the second torque structure may provide a torque acting on the second rotation structure 520 . For example, the second torque structure may provide a torque acting about the second rotation shaft R2 . The second elastic member 580 is disposed on the second fixing structure 540 , and may be compressed or tensioned in association with the rotation of the second rotation structure 520 . For example, when the second elastic member 580 is relatively more compressed, a greater torque may act on the second rotating structure 520 .

4 and 5 are views showing the rotation structure of the hinge structure.

4 is a view showing a rotational operation of the rotating structure.

4 may be a diagram illustrating an unfolded state, a folded state, and a fully folded state of the electronic device 1 , respectively.

When the electronic device 1 is in the unfolded state, at least a portion of the foldable area FA of the display member 1000 may be located inside the first and second fixing structures 530 and 540 with respect to the X axis. In addition, the first and second rigid areas RA1 and RA2 may be entirely located outside the first and second fixing structures 530 and 540 with respect to the X-axis.

The X axis may be a direction perpendicular to both the folding axis (a direction parallel to the Y axis) and a normal vector (a direction parallel to the Z axis) of the front surface of the electronic device 1 .

When the electronic device 1 is in the folded state, the entire foldable area FA may be located inside the first and second fixing structures 530 and 540 with respect to the X-axis, and the first and second first and second fixing structures 530 and 540 . A portion of the rigid areas RA1 and RA2 may be located inside the first and second fixing structures 530 and 540 with respect to the X-axis.

When the electronic device 1 is in the fully folded state, the first and second fixing structures 530 and 540 of the foldable area FA and the first and second rigid areas RA1 and RA2 are all based on the X axis. ) can be located inside the

That is, as the electronic device 1 changes from an unfolded state to a fully folded state, the first and second rigid regions RA1 and RA2 are outside the first and second fixing structures 530 and 540 with respect to the X axis. It can be moved to be located inward in

Also, at least a portion of the foldable area FA may be always disposed inside the first and second fixing structures 530 and 540 with respect to the X-axis. Meanwhile, since the first and second fixing structures 530 and 540 are fixedly disposed on the hinge housing 30 , at least a portion of the foldable area FA is always located inside the hinge housing 30 with respect to the X axis. can

FIG. 4A is a view illustrating a rotational operation of the first rotating structure 510 with respect to the first fixed structure 530 . FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a rotation operation of the second rotating structure 520 with respect to the second fixing structure 540 .

In an embodiment, the first rotation axis R1 and the second rotation axis R2 may be parallel to the axial direction of the hinge structure 500 , respectively. In an embodiment, the first rotational shaft R1 and the second rotational shaft R2 are the first extension portion 512 of the first rotational structure 510 and the second extension portion 522 of the second rotational structure 520 . It may be formed at a position spaced apart from each other in the z-axis direction (eg, the z-axis direction of FIGS. 1 to 2C ).

In an embodiment, a first guide rail 534 may be formed on the first fixing structure 530 . The first guide rail 534 may have a substantially arc shape. For example, the arc center of the first guide rail 534 may be the first rotation axis R1 . For example, the first guide rail 534 may guide the first rotation structure 510 to rotate along a rotation path having the first rotation axis R1 as a center.

In an embodiment, the first rotation structure 510 may include a first extension portion 512 and a first coupling portion 511 . The first coupling portion 511 may have a substantially cylindrical shape. For example, the cross-section of the first coupling portion 511 may be substantially arc-shaped. In one embodiment, the first rotating structure 510 is a first in a state in which the first guide portion 513 of the first coupling portion 511 is accommodated in the first guide rail 534 of the first fixing structure 530 . It may rotate about one rotational axis R1. For example, when the first extension portion 512 is folded or unfolded together with the first housing 10 , the first rotation structure 510 follows a rotation path of an arc shape having the first rotation axis R1 as a center. can rotate

In an embodiment, the first extension part 512 may limit a direction in which the first rotation structure 510 can rotate to one in the unfolded state. For example, a first end of the first guide rail 534 may be open and the other second end may be covered by the first extending portion 512 . Accordingly, in the unfolded state, the first rotational structure 510 can rotate only in the clockwise direction based on the drawing, and cannot rotate in the counterclockwise direction about the first rotational axis R1 .

In an embodiment, a second guide rail 544 may be formed on the second fixing structure 540 . The second guide rail 544 may have a substantially arc shape. For example, the arc center of the second guide rail 544 may be the second rotation axis R2 . For example, the second guide rail 544 may guide the second rotation structure 520 to rotate along a rotation path having the second rotation axis R2 as a center.

In an embodiment, the second rotation structure 520 may include a second extension portion 522 and a second coupling portion 521 . The second coupling portion 521 may have a substantially cylindrical shape. For example, a cross-section of the second coupling portion 521 may be substantially arc-shaped. In one embodiment, the second rotation structure 520 is the second guide portion 523 of the second coupling portion 521 is accommodated in the second guide rail 544 of the second fixing structure 540, the second 2 It can rotate about the rotation axis (R2). For example, when the second extension portion 522 is folded or unfolded together with the second housing 20 , the second rotation structure 520 follows a rotation path of an arc shape having the second rotation axis R2 as a center. can rotate

In an embodiment, the second extension portion 522 may limit a direction in which the second rotation structure 520 can rotate to one in the unfolded state. For example, a first end of the second guide rail 544 may be open and the other second end may be covered by the second extending portion 522 . Accordingly, the second rotating structure 520 can rotate only in the counterclockwise direction about the second rotation axis R2 in the unfolded state, and cannot rotate in the clockwise direction in the unfolding operation.

In an unfolded state, at least a portion of the foldable area FA may be located inside the first and second fixing structures 530 and 540 with respect to the X-axis. The first and second rigid areas RA1 and RA2 may be located on the outside of the first and second fixing structures 530 and 540 with respect to the X-axis in the unfolded state.

The foldable area FA may be located inside the first and second fixing structures 530 and 540 with respect to the X-axis in the folded state. A portion of the first and second rigid areas RA1 and RA2 may be located inside the first and second fixing structures 530 and 540 with respect to the X-axis in the folded state.

Both the foldable area FA and the first and second rigid areas RA1 and RA2 may be located inside the first and second fixing structures 530 and 540 with respect to the X-axis in a fully folded state.

5 is a view for explaining the friction torque acting on the rotating structure.

The display member 1000 may be disposed to at least partially face the first extension portion 512 of the first rotational structure 510 and the second extension portion 522 of the second rotational structure 520 . For example, the first rigid area RA1 of the display member 1000 may at least partially face the first extension portion 512 , and the second rigid area RA2 of the display member 1000 may be the second extension portion 522 may be at least partially opposite. The first rotation axis R1 and the second rotation axis R2 may be defined at positions overlapping the display member 1000 when viewed in the axial direction.

In an embodiment, the first rotation structure 510 may include a first coupling portion 511 and a first extension portion 512 . The first extension portion 512 may extend in a direction parallel to the first rigid area RA1 of the display member 1000 in the unfolded state. The first coupling portion 511 may be formed in a cylindrical shape having an arc-shaped cross-section. The first coupling portion 511 includes a first guide portion 513 coupled to the first guide rail 534 of the first fixing structure 530 , and a first cam contacting the first moving cam of the first cam member. structure 515 . A space in which at least a portion of the first guide rail 534 is accommodated may be formed between the first cam structure 515 and the first rotation shaft R1 .

In one embodiment, the first cam structure 515 may at least partially contact the first moving cam. When the first rotational structure 510 rotates about the first rotational shaft R1 , a frictional force f due to contact with the first moving cam may act on the first cam structure 515 . In this case, the frictional force f may act in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the first rotating structure 510 . For example, when the first rotating structure 510 rotates in a clockwise direction, the frictional force f acting on the first cam structure 515 may act in a counterclockwise direction. The friction force f may form a friction torque Tf acting on the first rotation structure 510 . The friction torque Tf is proportional to the friction force f between the first cam structure 515 and the first moving cam, and the distance d from the first rotation shaft R1 to the point where the friction force acts. can

In an embodiment, the friction force f may be proportional to a normal drag force acting in the axial direction. For example, as the first elastic member 570 strongly presses the first cam member, the friction force f and the friction torque Tf may increase. That is, the frictional torque Tf acting on the first rotating structure 510 may increase as the first elastic member 570 is further compressed.

The hinge structure 500 according to an exemplary embodiment may be configured such that the first cam structure 515 is located farther than the first guide part 513 when viewed in the radial direction of the first rotation axis R1 . For example, the first cam structure 515 may be formed adjacent to an arc-shaped outer surface of the first rotation structure 510 when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction. Accordingly, assuming a constant magnitude of the friction force f, the distance d from the first rotation shaft R1 to the point where the friction force f is generated increases, and the friction torque can be increased by the increased distance. have.

In one embodiment, the first cam structure 515 may include a third substantially flat region 517 , a third protrusion 516 , and a third depression 518 . The third protrusion 516 may include a portion protruding from the third region 517 in the axial direction. The third recessed portion 518 may include a portion recessed in the axial direction from the third region 517 . In various embodiments, the third protrusion 516 and/or the third depression 518 may be formed at positions spaced apart from each other by a first angle θ1 when viewed in the circumferential direction of the first rotation axis R1 . For example, when the first rotational structure 510 rotates by the first angle θ1 , the frictional force f on the third concave portion 518 from the state in which the frictional force f acts on the third protrusion 516 . ) can be moved to a working state. For example, a state in which the frictional force f acts on the third protrusion 516 is a state having a relatively large friction torque Tf, and a state in which the frictional force is applied to the third recessed part 518 is a relatively small state. It may be in a state having a friction torque Tf.

In this way, the first rotational structure 510 provides various friction torques Tf according to the rotational state of the first rotational structure 510, and the third protrusion 516 and/or the third A depression 518 may be included.

In an embodiment, the second rotation structure 520 may include a second coupling portion 521 and a second extension portion 522 . The second extension portion 522 may extend in a direction parallel to the second rigid area RA2 of the display member 1000 in the unfolded state. The second coupling portion 521 may be formed in a cylindrical shape having a cross section of an arc shape. The second coupling portion 521 includes a second guide portion 523 coupled to the second guide rail 544 of the second fixing structure 540 , and a second cam contacting the second moving cam of the second cam member. structure 525 . A space in which at least a portion of the second guide rail 544 is accommodated may be formed between the second cam structure 525 and the second rotation shaft R2 .

In one embodiment, the second cam structure 525 may at least partially contact the second moving cam. When the second rotational structure 520 rotates about the second rotational shaft R2 , a frictional force f due to contact with the second moving cam may act on the second cam structure 525 . In this case, the frictional force f may act in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the second rotating structure 520 . For example, when the second rotation structure 520 rotates in a counterclockwise direction, the friction force f acting on the second cam structure 525 may act in a clockwise direction. The frictional force f may form a frictional torque Tf acting on the second rotating structure 520 . The friction torque Tf is the friction force f between the second cam structure 525 and the second moving cam, and the distance d from the second rotation shaft R2 to the point where the friction force f acts. Each can be proportional.

In an embodiment, the friction force f may be proportional to a normal drag force acting in the axial direction. For example, as the second elastic member 280 strongly presses the second cam member, the friction force f and the friction torque Tf may increase. That is, the frictional torque Tf acting on the second rotating structure 520 may increase as the second elastic member 580 is further compressed.

The hinge structure 500 according to an embodiment may be configured such that the second cam structure 525 is located farther than the second guide part 523 when viewed in the radial direction of the second rotation axis R2 . For example, the second cam structure 525 may be formed adjacent to an arc-shaped outer surface of the second rotation structure 520 when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction. Accordingly, assuming a constant magnitude of the friction force f, the distance d from the second rotation shaft R2 to the point where the friction force f is generated is increased, and the friction torque Tf is increased by the increased distance. can increase

In one embodiment, the second cam structure 525 may include a fourth substantially flat region 527 , a fourth protrusion 526 , and a fourth depression 528 . The fourth protrusion 526 may include a portion protruding from the fourth region 527 in the axial direction. The fourth recessed portion 528 may include a portion recessed in the axial direction from the fourth region 527 . In various embodiments, the fourth protrusion 526 and/or the fourth depression 528 may be formed at positions spaced apart from each other by the first angle θ1 when viewed in the circumferential direction of the second rotation axis R2 . For example, when the second rotational structure 520 rotates by the first angle θ1 , the frictional force f on the fourth recessed portion 528 from the state in which the frictional force f acts on the fourth protrusion 526 . ) can be moved to a working state. For example, the state in which the friction force f acts on the fourth protrusion 526 is a state having a relatively large friction torque Tf, and the state in which the friction force f acts on the fourth depression 528 is It may be in a state having a relatively small friction torque Tf.

In this way, the second rotating structure 520 provides various friction torques Tf according to the rotational state of the second rotating structure 520, and the fourth protrusion 526 and/or the fourth are formed at predetermined positions. It may include a depression 528 .

6 is a perspective view of a display member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

The display member 1000 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be an electronic device including an image display function, a piece of furniture, or a part of a building/structure. For example, the display member 1000 is a television, a digital video disk (DVD) player, a smart phone, a desktop PC (desktop personal computer), a tablet PC (tablet personal computer), a laptop PC (laptop personal computer), PDA (personal digital assistant), PMP (portable multimedia player), mobile medical device, camera (camera), wearable device (wearable device), TV box (for example, Samsung HomeSync™, Apple TV™, or Google TV™ for example, ), game consoles, electronic boards, electronic signature receiving devices, projectors, or various measuring instruments (e.g., water, electricity, gas, or radio wave measuring instruments, etc.) ) may include at least one of.

The display member 1000 may include at least one of a housing, a back cover, a battery, an audio module, a sensor module, a camera module, a key input device, an indicator, and a connector hole.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the display member 1000 may include a display panel 100 , a window member 200 , and a filler 300 . The display member 1000 may have a structure in which the display panel 100 , the pillar 300 , and the window member 200 are sequentially stacked.

The display member 1000 may be formed to be folded based on the central axis Y1 . Specifically, the display member 1000 includes a foldable area (FA), a first rigid area (RA1) provided adjacent to one side of the foldable area (FA), and a foldable area (FA). It may include a second rigid area RA2 provided adjacent to the other side of the . The foldable area FA may have higher ductility than the first and second rigid areas RA1 and RA2 .

When the display member 1000 is folded, the foldable area FA may be a bent area with a predetermined radius of curvature, and the first and second rigid areas RA1 and RA2 may be non-bendable areas.

A length in the X-axis direction of the foldable area FA may be determined by a radius of curvature of the bent display member 1000 . Specifically, the foldable area FA may be formed to be longer in the X-axis direction as the radius of curvature of the bent display member 1000 increases.

The display panel 100 is foldable and can display various contents (eg, text, image, video, icon and symbol, etc.) to the user. The display panel 100 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, a micro microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) displays, and electronic paper displays.

In addition, the display member 1000 may further include a touch screen panel and a printed circuit board. The touch screen panel may detect a touch event from the outside. Accordingly, the display panel 100, the touch screen panel, and the printed circuit board may constitute a display module.

The window member 200 may have a size corresponding to the display panel 100 and cover the front surface of the display panel 100 . The window member 200 may prevent the display panel 100 from being damaged due to an external impact caused by a user's repeated touch or an unintentional drop.

When the foldable display panel 100 is folded, the window member 200 may also be folded together with the display panel 100 in the same direction. That is, the window member 200 may have to have both durability for protecting the display panel 100 and flexibility for bending.

The window member 200 may be a substrate formed of a transparent material. Accordingly, the user can view the image provided by the display panel 100 covered by the window member 200 .

The window member 200 may be made of glass, hard plastic, or the like. For example, the window member 200 may be formed of a chemically strengthened glass material having improved strength, and thus the display panel 100 may be safely protected from external impact. However, the type of the window member 200 is not limited thereto, and it is sufficient if it is formed of a material having scratch resistance, transparency, and heat resistance.

The window member 200 may be folded based on the central axis Y1 . The window member 200 may be formed symmetrically with respect to the central axis Y1. The window member 200 may be formed to have a continuous thickness.

Also, the window member 200 may be formed symmetrically with respect to the center line Z1. The center line Z1 is orthogonal to the central axis Y1 and may meet each other at a point.

As the thickness of the window member 200 is increased, flexibility is reduced, so that it cannot be easily folded beyond a specific angle, and may be damaged by bending stress. In addition, as the window member 200 becomes thinner, strength, scratch resistance, and heat resistance may decrease. Accordingly, the foldable display member 1000 may require a window member 200 that simultaneously satisfies flexibility, strength, scratch resistance, heat resistance, and the like.

In the window member 200 , a first region 210 , a second region 220 , and a third region 230 may be sequentially disposed with respect to the central axis Y1 . Each of the front surfaces 211 , 221 , and 231 of the first to third regions 210 , 220 , and 230 may form a flat outer surface of the display member 1000 .

The first area 210 of the window member 200 may be disposed to correspond to the foldable area FA of the display member 1000 . That is, when the display member 1000 is folded, the first area 210 of the window member 200 may be bent with a predetermined radius of curvature. That is, the first region 210 may be flexible.

In addition, the first region 210 may have a plurality of grooves 213 formed on at least one surface of the front and rear surfaces to increase flexibility.

The second and third areas 220 and 230 of the window member 200 may correspond to the first and second rigid areas RA1 and RA2 of the display member 1000 . That is, when the display member 1000 is folded or unfolded, the second and third regions 220 and 230 of the display member 1000 may not be bent.

The thickness of the third region 230 may be greater than that of the first region 210 . In addition, the second region 220 is disposed between the first and third regions 210 and 230 , and the thickness thereof may gradually increase as the distance from the first region 210 increases.

7 and 8 are side views respectively illustrating an unfolded state and a folded state of the display member supported by the first and second housings.

7 and 8 , the electronic device 1 may include a first housing 10 , a second housing 20 , a hinge housing 30 , a hinge structure 500 , and a display member 1000 . .

The first and second housings 10 and 20 may support the rear surface of the display panel 100 . Specifically, the first housing 10 may support the first rigid area RA1 of the display panel 100 . Also, the second housing 20 may support the second rigid area RA2 of the display panel 100 .

The first and second rigid areas RA1 and RA2 of the display panel 100 may be seated in the first and second housings 10 and 20 , respectively.

The hinge structure 500 may be disposed between the first and second housings 10 and 20 . Specifically, the hinge structure 500 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the foldable area FA of the display member 1000 .

The hinge structure 500 may provide two rotation axes parallel to each other. Specifically, the hinge structure 500 is rotatably coupled to the first housing 10 and the first rotation axis R1 based on the second housing 20 and the second rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis R1. It may be rotatably coupled with respect to (R2).

Accordingly, the first housing 10 may rotate with respect to the hinge structure 500 based on the first rotation axis R1 . Also, the second housing 20 may rotate with respect to the hinge structure 500 based on the second rotation axis R2 . At this time, since the display member 1000 is also supported by the first and second housings 10 and 20 , it can rotate together with the first and second housings 10 and 20 .

Although the first and second rotation axes R1 and R2 are illustrated as being formed on the same layer as the display panel 100 , their positions are not limited thereto, and the positions are not limited thereto, and the positions are not limited thereto, and the positions are not limited thereto, and the positions are not limited thereto. 1000) may be formed in the upper air).

When the first and second housings 10 and 20 are arranged side by side without rotating, the electronic device 1 may be in an unfolded state as shown in FIG. 7 . When the first housing 10 rotates in the M1 direction with respect to the first rotational axis R1 and the second housing 20 rotates in the M2 direction with respect to the second rotational axis R2, the electronic device 1 is It may be in a folded state as shown in FIG. 8 .

The first region 210 of the window member 200 may be disposed between the first axis of rotation R1 and the second axis of rotation R2 . Specifically, the first region 210 may be disposed between the first axis of rotation R1 and the second axis of rotation R2 in a horizontal direction (a direction parallel to the X axis).

The third region 230 of the window member 200 may be disposed outside the first and second rotation axes R1 and R2 . Specifically, the third region 230 is located on the left side (-X direction) of the first rotation axis R1 (-X direction) and on the right side (+X direction) of the second rotation axis R2 based on the horizontal direction (direction parallel to the X axis). can be placed.

The second region 220 of the window member 200 may be disposed adjacent to the first and second rotation axes R1 and R2 . Specifically, the first and second rotation axes R1 and R2 may be disposed inside the second region 220 with respect to a horizontal direction (a direction parallel to the X-axis).

9 is a side view illustrating a state in which the display member of FIG. 6 is folded.

As shown in FIG. 9 , the first area 210 may have a curved front surface 211 in a state in which the display member 1000 is folded. In contrast, the front surfaces 221 and 231 of the second and third regions 220 and 230 may be flat even when the display member 1000 is folded.

A length in the X-axis direction of the first region 210 may be determined by a radius of curvature of the bent window member 200 . Specifically, as the radius of curvature of the bent window member 200 increases, the first region 210 may be formed to be longer in the X-axis direction.

10 is a cross-sectional view of the display member of FIG. 6 taken along line A-A. 11 is a graph illustrating a relationship between a radius of curvature and stress according to a thickness of a window member.

The first region 210 may be located at a central portion of the window member 200 . The first area 210 may be foldable with respect to the central axis Y1 . The thickness t1 of the first region 210 may be 50 μm to 200 μm.

Referring to FIG. 11 , the bending stress acting on the bent window member 200 may follow Equation 1 below.

σ may be a bending stress acting on the window member, E may be Young's modulus, T may be a thickness of the window member, and R may be a radius of curvature of the window member.

That is, as the thickness of the bent window member 200 increases and the radius of curvature decreases, the applied stress may be greater.

Specifically, in the folded state of the display member 1000 , the first region 210 has a minimum radius of curvature in the region corresponding to the central axis Y1 , and the curvature gradually increases as it approaches the second region 220 . It can be bent with a radius.

In order that the bending stress acting on the window member 200 does not exceed a threshold value at which the window member 200 is damaged, the first region 210 has the thinnest thickness at the central axis Y1 having the smallest radius of curvature, and the curvature A portion in contact with the second region 220 having a maximum radius may be the thickest.

Specifically, the thickness t1 of the first region 210 is the thinnest as the first thickness t1a at a position corresponding to the central axis Y1, and gradually thickens as it approaches the second region 220, A portion meeting the second region 220 may be the thickest with the second thickness t2a.

Accordingly, since the first region 210 sufficiently withstands the bending stress applied to the position corresponding to each of the variable radii of curvature, it can be stably bent without being damaged.

Meanwhile, the first thickness t1a , which is the minimum thickness of the first region 210 , may be variously set according to the minimum radius of curvature of the first region 210 in the central axis Y1 .

For example, in the first region 210 , the front surface 211 may be flat in parallel with the front surface of the display panel 100 , and the rear surface 212 may be convex toward the front (+X direction). Accordingly, since the first region 210 has the thinnest thickness at a position requiring high flexibility, it can be easily folded.

Also, in the first region 210 , a plurality of grooves 213 may be formed on at least one surface of the front surface 211 and the rear surface 212 . The plurality of grooves 213 may extend in a direction parallel to the central axis Y1. The plurality of grooves 213 may be formed to have a depth of 35 μm to 140 μm.

Even when the groove 213 is formed in the first region 210 , the overall thickness does not change, so durability may be maintained. Meanwhile, the flexibility of the first region 210 may be determined by a thickness obtained by subtracting the depth of the groove 213 from the total thickness. That is, since the first region 210 has a thickness that is sufficiently small for bending at the portion where the groove 213 is formed, flexibility may be increased. Accordingly, since the overall thickness of the first region 210 does not change, while maintaining sufficient durability, flexibility may be increased by the groove 213 .

For example, the plurality of grooves 213 may be formed at a predetermined depth on the rear surface 212 of the first region 210 . Accordingly, the plurality of grooves 213 on one surface of the first region 210 may be easily manufactured.

The second region 220 may be disposed on both sides of the first region 210 . The second region 220 may be gradually thickened as the thickness t2 is further away from the first region 210 . For example, in the second region 220 , the front surface 221 may be formed to be flat, and the rear surface 222 may be formed to be inclined upward toward the first area 210 .

The second area 220 may be disposed adjacent to the foldable area FA among the first and second rigid areas RA1 and RA2 of the display member 1000 .

The rear surface 222 of the second region 220 is formed to be flat, and the thickness of the second region 220 may vary linearly.

Also, the rear surface 222 of the second region 220 may be formed as a curved surface whose thickness is gradually changed. Accordingly, the window member may have a smoother surface, and the display member 1000 may implement a seamless screen in a portion corresponding to the second region 220 .

The horizontal length L of the second region 220 may be determined by the volumetric strain of the filler 300 between the folded state and the unfolded state. Specifically, the filler 300 may have a larger volume in the folded state than in the unfolded state, and the volumetric strain of the filler 300 may be smaller than a preset limit value (eg, 5%).

For example, when the display member 1000 is folded, the volume of the filler 300 corresponding to the first region 210 that is bent increases, and the filler 300 corresponding to the second region 220 that is not bent. ) may have the same volume. That is, as the horizontal length L of the second region 220 increases, the volume strain of the filler 300 may decrease.

Accordingly, the length L in the horizontal direction of the second region 220 may be sufficiently long so that the volume strain of the filler 300 does not exceed a predetermined limit value. Accordingly, the thickness of the second region 220 may be gradually changed from the first region 210 toward the third region 230 . For example, the horizontal length L of the second region 220 may be 5 mm to 20 mm.

The length L of the second region 220 in the horizontal direction will be described later in detail with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13 .

The thickness t3 of the third region 230 may be greater than the thickness t1 of the first region 210 . For example, the third region 230 may have a constant thickness t3. A thickness t3 of the third region 230 may be 0.25 mm to 1 mm.

The second region 220 is disposed between the third region 230 and the foldable first region 210 to prevent a sudden change in thickness of the window member 200 . For example, if the second region 220 is not disposed between the first and third regions 210 and 230 , the window member 200 may have a discontinuous thickness. Accordingly, a seam may be formed in a portion between the first and third regions 210 and 230 , and stress concentration may be generated.

Accordingly, as the second region 220 having a variable thickness is disposed between the first and third regions 210 and 230 , the display member 1000 may implement a seamless screen, and the window member ( 200) can be prevented.

In other words, in the window member 200 , a large-width recess is first formed in an area adjacent to the central axis Y1 , and a plurality of small-width recesses are formed in a portion requiring greater flexibility due to a small radius of curvature. can be

The filler 300 may be disposed between the display panel 100 and the window member 200 to adhere the window member 200 to the display panel 100 .

The filler 300 may include at least one of optically transparent OCA (Optical Clear Adhesive) and OCR (Optical Clear Resin). The filler 300 may be formed of an acrylate polymer and a silicone polymer, but is not limited thereto, and an optically transparent adhesive having excellent compressive and tensile strength is sufficient.

The filler 300 may be disposed to fill the plurality of grooves 213 , thereby reducing stress acting on the window member 200 during bending.

When the window member 200 is folded or unfolded, the plurality of grooves 213 shrink the filler 300 having relatively higher compressive resistance and stretching resistance than the window member 200 . or it can be relaxed, the reliability of the window member 200 may be improved.

When the window member 200 is folded, the front surface 211 of the first area 210 may be compressed, and the rear surface 212 of the first area 210 may be tensioned. Meanwhile, a tensile strength of the window member 200 may be less than a compressive strength. Accordingly, as the filler 300 is disposed in the plurality of grooves 213 disposed on the rear surface 212 of the first region 210, the window member 200 may better absorb the tensile force applied during folding. can withstand

Due to the plurality of grooves 213 formed in the window member 200 , light may be scattered at various angles depending on the shape of the grooves 213 . Accordingly, the filler 300 may have the same refractive index as that of the window member 200 and be disposed in the groove 213 . Accordingly, since the light irradiated from the display panel 100 is not scattered at the interface between the filler 300 and the window member 200, luminance uniformity is improved and a seamless screen can be realized.

Meanwhile, in the display member 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first and second rigid areas RA1 and RA2 are folded to face each other and are positioned inside the electronic device 1 . Although illustrated as being implemented in this way, it is not limited thereto. For example, the display member 1000 may be embodied in an out-folding method that is rotated in a direction opposite to that of the in-folding method and is positioned outside the electronic device 1 by being folded. In addition, the display member 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to a rollable method in which the display member 1000 is wound on a roll and expanded while being unfolded.

12 and 13 are diagrams for explaining the width of the second area. Here, the width of the second region may be a length in a direction perpendicular to both the folding axis and the normal vector of the front surface of the window member 200 .

12 and 13 , since the thickness of the third region 230 of the window member 200 is sufficiently small, the approximate expression [Equation 2] may be established as follows.

In addition, since the inner circumferential radius of curvature of the filler 300 is sufficiently small, the approximate expression [Equation 3] can be established as follows.

R is the outer circumferential radius of curvature of the pillar 300 , r is the inner circumferential radius of curvature of the pillar 300 , T is the thickness of the window member 200 , and T′ is the third region 230 of the pillar 300 . A thickness of the corresponding portion, W may be a width of the third region 230 , and W1 may be an inner circumferential length of the bent filler 300 .

Referring to [Equation 4] and [Equation 5], when the window member 200 includes the second region 220, the volume of the filler 300 before and after bending may be approximated as follows, respectively. .

l is the length in a direction parallel to the central axis of the filler 300, W2 is the outer peripheral length of the bent filler 300, V1 is the volume of the filler 300 before bending, and V2 is the filler 300 after bending. may be the volume of

Accordingly, referring to [Equation 6] and [Equation 7], the volume strain of the filler 300 may be as follows, and the volume strain must be smaller than the critical volume strain at which the filler 300 starts to break. can

δ may be the critical volumetric strain of the filler.

That is, in order to prevent the filler 300 from being damaged, the width WT of the second region 220 is determined such that as the thickness T of the window member 200 increases, the inner circumferential radius of curvature r of the filler 300 decreases. It may have to be formed longer.

For example, when the thickness T of the window member 200 is 0.5 mm, the inner circumferential radius of curvature r of the filler 300 is 2 mm, and the critical volumetric strain δ of the filler is 0.05 (5%) For example, the width WT of the second region 220 may be formed to be longer than about 9.42 mm.

14A to 14D are views illustrating a process of manufacturing the window member.

14A and 14B , the window member 200 may have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape before being processed. Thereafter, a single large recess having a symmetrical shape with respect to the center line Z1 may be formed on one surface of the window member 200 , and accordingly, the window member 200 may be connected to the third region 230 and the third region 230 . It can be divided into the remaining areas.

The rear surface 212 of the first region 210 may be formed as a curved surface, and the rear surface 222 of the second region 220 may be formed as an inclined plane. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the rear surfaces 212 and 222 of the first and second regions 210 and 220 may be formed as one continuous curved surface.

Referring to FIG. 14C , small recesses may be additionally formed only in a portion corresponding to the first region 210 among one large recess formed in the window member 200 . That is, a plurality of grooves 213 may be formed in the rear surface 212 of the first region 210 .

Accordingly, the first region 210 may have sufficient flexibility to be bent with a small radius of curvature by the plurality of grooves 213 . In addition, since a portion of the first region 210 in which the plurality of grooves 213 is not formed still has a thick thickness, the first region 210 may still have high durability.

Referring to FIG. 14D , the filler 300 may be disposed in the plurality of grooves 213 . Accordingly, stress acting on the window member 200 during bending can be reduced.

15A to 15F are views illustrating various shapes of grooves.

Referring to FIG. 15A , the cross section of the groove 213 may have a rectangular shape with curved corners.

Referring to FIG. 15B , the cross-section of the groove 213 may have a semicircular shape on the lower side, and may be formed by a computerized numerical control (CNC) process.

Referring to FIG. 15C , the cross section of the groove 213 may have a V-shape, which may be formed by a laser process.

Referring to FIG. 15D , a cross-section of the groove 213 may have a semicircular shape having a curved sidewall, which may be formed by an etching process.

15E and 15F , the cross section of the groove 213 may have a lower width greater than an upper width. In addition, since the filler 300 filled in the groove 213 has an increased area in contact with the window member 200 and is not easily removed from the groove 213 , the coupling between the window member 200 and the filler 300 . This can be strengthened.

16 to 19 are cross-sectional views of a display member according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components as those described above, and detailed descriptions of the overlapping components and/or structures may be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 16 , the thickness of the first region 210 may be constant, and the depth of the plurality of grooves 213 may increase as the distance from the second region 220 increases. Specifically, the plurality of grooves 213 may have the deepest first depth D1 at a position corresponding to the center line Z1 , and the smallest second depth D2 at a position closest to the second region 220 . ) can have

As described above, since the first region 210 bends with a smaller radius of curvature as it approaches the center line Z1, greater flexibility may be required. Since the depth of the groove 213 increases as it approaches the center line Z1, the thickness of the first region 210 becomes thinner as the portion where the groove 213 is formed approaches the center line Z1 to have greater flexibility. can

In addition, since the first region 210 has the same thickness as the entire region in which the groove 213 is not formed, a large thickness can be maintained even at a position adjacent to the center line Z1 , thereby increasing durability.

Referring to FIG. 17 , the front surface 221 of the second region 220 may be inclined downward toward the first region 210 . Also, in the first region 210 , the front surface 211 may be concave toward the front (+X direction). That is, the window member 200 may have a shape in which the front surface gradually protrudes forward from the first area 210 to the third area 230 .

In other words, in the window member 200, one large recess is formed in each of the front surfaces 211 and 221 of the first and second regions 210 and 220, and a plurality of small recesses are formed in the first region ( It may be formed on the rear surface 212 of the 210 .

Referring to FIG. 18 , the front surface 221 of the second area 220 is inclined downward toward the first area 210 , and the rear surface 222 of the second area 220 faces the first area 210 . It may be formed inclined upward toward the.

Also, in the first region 210 , the front surface 211 may be concave toward the front, and the rear surface 212 may be formed to be convex toward the front. The depths of the grooves 213 formed on the rear surface 212 of the first region 210 may decrease as the distance from the second region 220 and the center line Z1 approaches.

Specifically, the plurality of grooves 213 may have the smallest first depth D1 at a position corresponding to the center line Z1, opposite to that shown in FIG. It may have the largest second depth D2 at the location.

In other words, in the window member 200 , two large recesses are respectively formed in the front surfaces 211 and 221 and the rear surfaces 212 and 222 of the first and second regions 210 and 220 , respectively, and a plurality of Small recesses may be formed in the back surface 212 of the first region 210 .

Referring to FIG. 19 , a plurality of grooves 213 may be formed on the front surface 211 of the first region 210 . In addition, the display member 1000 may further include a first pillar 310 disposed between the window member 200 and the display panel 100 and a second pillar 320 inserted into the plurality of grooves 213 . have.

In other words, in the window member 200, one large recess is formed in each of the front surfaces 211 and 221 of the first and second regions 210 and 220, and a plurality of small recesses are formed in the first region ( It may be formed on the front surface 211 of the 210 .

Due to the groove 213 formed on the front surface 211 of the first region 210 , when the display member 1000 is folded, the first region 210 may have improved compressive strength.

In addition, since the second pillar 320 is inserted into the plurality of grooves 213 , and the second pillar 320 has the same refractive index as the window member 200 , the display member 1000 may implement a seamless screen. .

In addition, the display member 1000 may further include a transparent cover 400 disposed in front of the second pillar 320 . The transparent cover 400 may be formed in the form of a thin film, and may have the same properties as the window member 200 . The user may not touch the second filler 320 by the transparent cover 400 disposed in front of the second filler 320 .

In the above, a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure has been shown and described, but the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiment described above, and without departing from the gist of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, in the technical field to which the disclosure belongs Any person skilled in the art can make various modifications, of course, and such modifications are within the scope of the claims.

1: electronic device 100: display panel
200: window member 300: filler
400: transparent cover 500: hinge structure
1000: no display

Claims (20)

In an electronic device,
foldable display panel; and
and a window member covering the front surface of the display panel and having a first region, a second region, and a third region sequentially disposed with respect to a central axis;
The first area is flexible, and a plurality of grooves are formed on at least one surface of a front surface and a rear surface,
The second region is gradually thickened as the thickness is further away from the first region,
The third region has a thickness greater than that of the first region. According to claim 1,
The thickness of the first region is the thinnest at a position corresponding to the central axis, and the thickness of the first region is gradually increased as it approaches the second region. 3. The method of claim 2,
The plurality of grooves have a constant depth. According to claim 1,
The first region is an electronic device in which a rear surface is convex toward the front. The method of claim 1,
The second area has a rear surface inclined upward toward the first area. According to claim 1,
The plurality of grooves are formed to extend in a direction parallel to the central axis. According to claim 1,
The window member is formed symmetrically left and right with respect to the central axis. According to claim 1,
The plurality of grooves have a depth of 35 μm to 140 μm. According to claim 1,
The thickness of the first region is 50 μm to 200 μm. According to claim 1,
The thickness of the third region is 0.25 mm to 1 mm. According to claim 1,
a first housing and a second housing supporting a rear surface of the display panel;
It is disposed between the first and second housings, is rotatably coupled with the first housing and a first axis of rotation, and is rotatably coupled with the second housing and a second axis of rotation parallel to the first axis of rotation. A hinge structure coupled to; further comprising,
The first region is disposed between the first and second rotation shafts,
The third region is disposed outside the first and second rotation shafts. According to claim 1,
and a filler disposed between the display panel and the window member to adhere the window member to the display panel. 13. The method of claim 12,
The filler has the same refractive index as that of the window member. 13. The method of claim 12,
The filler includes at least one of optically transparent OCA (Optical Clear Adhesive) and OCR (Optical Clear Resin). According to claim 1,
The thickness of the first region is constant,
The depth of the plurality of grooves increases as the distance from the second area increases. According to claim 1,
The front surface of the second region is formed to be inclined downward toward the first region. According to claim 1,
The first area is an electronic device in which a front surface is concave toward the front. According to claim 1,
The plurality of grooves are formed on the entire surface of the first region,
a first pillar disposed between the window member and the display panel; and
The electronic device further comprising a; second filler inserted into the plurality of grooves. 19. The method of claim 18,
The electronic device further comprising; a transparent cover disposed in front of the second pillar. In the window member in which the first region, the second region, and the third region are sequentially arranged with respect to the central axis,
The first area is flexible, and a plurality of grooves are formed on at least one surface of a front surface and a rear surface,
The second region is gradually thickened as the thickness is further away from the first region,
The third region is a window member having a thickness greater than that of the first region.

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