KR20230153203A - Flexible glass and electronic device including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, flexible glass and/or an electronic device including the same includes a flexible region deformable into a planar shape and a curved shape around at least one folding axis extending along a first direction; A flat area provided on at least one side of the flexible area, and a plurality of first recesses or a plurality of first holes disposed in at least a portion of the flexible area, extending along the first direction and At least a portion of the flexible area (hereinafter referred to as 'arrangement area') includes the plurality of first grooves or the plurality of first holes arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and intersecting the folding axis. The first width of the array area measured along the second direction at at least one of the edges of the flexible area may be set to be larger than the second width of the array area measured at the center between the edges. . In addition, various embodiments are possible.

Description

Flexible glass and electronic devices including the same {FLEXIBLE GLASS AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME}

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to electronic devices, for example, flexible glass that is at least partially flexible and/or electronic devices including the same.

Electronic devices refer to devices that perform designated functions according to installed programs, such as home appliances, electronic notebooks, portable multimedia players, mobile communication terminals, tablet PCs, video/audio devices, desktop/laptop computers, or vehicle navigation devices. It can mean. For example, these electronic devices can output stored information as sound or video. As the degree of integration of electronic devices increases and high-speed, high-capacity wireless communication becomes more common, recently, various functions can be installed in a single electronic device such as a mobile communication terminal. For example, not only communication functions, but also entertainment functions such as games, multimedia functions such as music/video playback, communication and security functions for mobile banking, schedule management, and electronic wallet functions are being integrated into a single electronic device.

As the use of personal or portable communication devices such as smart phones becomes widespread, user demands for portability and ease of use are increasing. For example, a touch screen display is a screen, for example, an output device that outputs visual information, and can provide a virtual keypad that replaces a mechanical input device (for example, a button-type input device). As a result, portable communication devices or electronic devices can be miniaturized while providing the same or improved usability (eg, larger screen). On the other hand, as flexible displays, for example foldable or rollable, are commercialized, the portability and ease of use of electronic devices are expected to further improve. . Electronic devices including flexible displays can be carried with a plurality of different structures (e.g., housings) in a folded or rolled state, and can provide a large screen in an unfolded state, improving portability and convenience of use. It can be improved.

The above information may be provided as background technology for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may apply as prior art with respect to the present disclosure.

The display may include a window glass to protect the display panel (eg, a light emitting layer, an electrode layer, and/or an encapsulation layer). For example, window glass can protect the display panel from the external environment while transmitting light or screen output from the display panel. For example, window glass can suppress or prevent contamination of the display panel by foreign substances such as dust, and alleviate or prevent external pressure or impact from being applied to the display panel. However, in a flexible display that can be folded or rolled and/or an electronic device including the same, it may be difficult for the window glass to stably protect the display panel while having a deformable degree of flexibility.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to solve at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and provide at least the advantages described later, and provide flexible glass that can be transformed between a planar shape and a curved shape and/or an electronic device including the same. can do.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide flexible glass and/or an electronic device including the same, which is flexible and can stably protect a display panel.

Additional aspects according to various embodiments will be set forth throughout the detailed description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description or may be understood through the examples of implementations presented.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, flexible glass includes a flexible area deformable into a planar shape and a curved shape around at least one folding axis extending along a first direction, and provided on at least one side of the flexible area. A planar area, and a plurality of first recesses or a plurality of first holes disposed in at least a portion of the flexible area, extending along the first direction and at least a portion of the flexible area (hereinafter, 'arrangement area'), including the plurality of first grooves or the plurality of first holes arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and edges of the flexible region intersecting the folding axis. At least one first width of the array area measured along the second direction may be set to be larger than a second width of the array area measured at a central portion between the edges.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing coupled to the first housing and configured to move or rotate with respect to the first housing, and a first display disposed in the first housing. a flexible display including a region and a folding region that extends from the first display region and is configured to be transformed into a flat shape and a curved shape according to movement or rotation of the second housing, the flexible display comprising: a display panel; Flexible glass including a flat area disposed in a first display area and a flexible area disposed in the folding area, and a plurality of first recesses or a plurality of first holes disposed in at least a portion of the flexible area. (holes), the plurality of first grooves or the plurality of grooves extending along a first direction and arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction in at least a portion of the flexible area (hereinafter, 'arrangement area'). of the first holes, and the width of the array area measured along the second direction is set to be larger than the central portion between the edges of the flexible area at least one of the edges intersecting the first direction. You can.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, flexible glass can relieve stress generated from deformation into a curved shape by including a plurality of grooves or a plurality of holes formed in a folded or rolled portion. For example, in a flexible display or an electronic device including the same, an environment in which the display or the electronic device can be flexibly modified can be created. According to one embodiment, when the flexible glass is deformed, grooves or holes are not formed in areas where relatively low stress is generated, thereby ensuring the strength of the flexible glass. For example, the deformation of flexible glass can be smoothed while the display panel can be stably protected in areas where relatively low stress occurs. In addition, various effects that can be directly or indirectly identified through this document may be provided.

The above-described or other aspects, configurations and/or advantages of various embodiments of the present disclosure may become clearer through the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1 is a diagram illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a folded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 is a plan view showing flexible glass according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 is a plan view showing flexible glass according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 is a plan view showing flexible glass according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7 is a perspective view showing flexible glass according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the flexible glass cut along line S1 in FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the flexible glass cut along line S2 in FIG. 7.
Figures 10 and 11 are cross-sectional views showing modified examples of the flexible glass of Figure 7.
Figure 12 is a perspective view showing flexible glass according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the flexible glass cut along line S1 in FIG. 12.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the flexible glass cut along line S2 in FIG. 12.
Figures 15 and 16 are cross-sectional views showing modified examples of the flexible glass of Figure 12.
Figure 17 is a perspective view showing flexible glass according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the flexible glass cut along line S1 in FIG. 17.
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the flexible glass cut along line S2 in FIG. 17.
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the flexible glass of FIG. 17.
Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view showing flexible glass according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the flexible glass of FIG. 21.
Figures 23 and 24 are perspective views showing modified examples of flexible glass according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
Figure 25 is a diagram for explaining a process of manufacturing flexible glass according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating another example of a process for manufacturing flexible glass according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
Throughout the accompanying drawings, similar parts, components and/or structures may be assigned similar reference numbers.

The following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings may provide an understanding of various exemplary implementations of the present disclosure, including the claims and corresponding content. The example embodiments disclosed in the following description include numerous specific details to aid understanding, but are considered to be one of a variety of example embodiments. Therefore, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that various changes and modifications to the various implementations described in this document can be made without departing from the scope and technical idea of the disclosure. Additionally, for clarity and conciseness, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to a referential meaning and may be used to clearly and consistently describe various embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the following description of various implementations of public notices is provided for illustrative purposes and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of rights and public notices stipulating equivalents.

Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" shall be understood to include plural meanings. Thus, for example, “component surface” may be understood to include one or more of the surfaces of the component.

Electronic devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be of various types. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described devices.

The various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various changes, equivalents, or replacements of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numbers may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the above items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In the present disclosure, “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C”, and “A Each of phrases such as “at least one of , B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or any possible combination thereof. Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one element from another, and may be used to distinguish such elements in other respects, such as importance or order) is not limited. One (e.g. first) component is said to be “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g. second) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively”. Where mentioned, it means that any of the components can be connected to the other components directly (e.g. wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

The term “module” used in various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and is interchangeable with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. It can be used as A module may be an integrated part or a minimum unit of the parts or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, the module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are software (e.g., program) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory or external memory) that can be read by a machine (e.g., electronic device). It can be implemented as: For example, a processor (eg, processor) of a device (eg, electronic device) may call at least one instruction among one or more instructions stored from a storage medium and execute it. This allows the device to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. A storage medium that can be read by a device may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g. electromagnetic waves). This term refers to cases where data is stored semi-permanently in the storage medium. There is no distinction between temporary storage cases.

According to one embodiment, methods according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. Computer program products are commodities and can be traded between sellers and buyers. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g. compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)) or via an application store (e.g. Play Store ^TM ) or on two user devices (e.g. It can be distributed (e.g. downloaded or uploaded) directly between smartphones) or online. In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the above-described components may include a single or plural entity, and some of the plurality of entities may be separately placed in other components. there is. According to various embodiments, one or more of the components or operations described above may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (eg, modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each component of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component of the plurality of components prior to the integration. . According to various embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, or omitted. Alternatively, one or more other operations may be added.

1 is a diagram illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a folded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

1 and 2, in one embodiment, the electronic device 200 includes a housing 201, a hinge cover 230 that covers a foldable portion of the housing 201, and the housing 201. It may include a flexible or foldable display 240 (hereinafter, referred to as “display” 240) disposed in a space formed by . According to one embodiment, the surface on which the display 240 is placed is defined as the front surface (eg, the first front surface 210a and the second front surface 220a) of the electronic device 200. In addition, the surface opposite to the front is defined as the back of the electronic device 200 (eg, the first back 210b and the second back 220b). Additionally, the surface surrounding the space between the front and rear surfaces is defined as the side (eg, first side 211a and second side 221a) of the electronic device 200.

According to various embodiments, the housing 201 includes a first housing 210, a second housing 220 rotatably or rotatably coupled to the first housing 210, a first rear cover 280, It may include a second rear cover 290 and a hinge module (eg, hinge module 202 in FIG. 3). The hinge module 202 may provide at least one folding axis A that becomes the center of rotation of the first housing 210 and/or the second housing 220. The housing 201 of the electronic device 200 is not limited to the shape and combination shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and may be implemented by combining and/or combining other shapes or parts. For example, in another embodiment, the first housing 210 and the first rear cover 280 may be formed integrally, and the second housing 220 and the second rear cover 290 may be formed integrally. You can. According to various embodiments, the first housing 210 is connected to a hinge module (e.g., the hinge module 202 of FIG. 3), has a first front surface 210a facing a first direction, and a first front surface 210a facing away from the first direction. It may include a first rear surface 210b facing the second direction. The second housing 220 is connected to the hinge module 202 and includes a second front surface 220a facing a third direction, and a second rear surface 220b facing a fourth direction opposite to the third direction. and can rotate with respect to the first housing 210 around the hinge module 202. Accordingly, the electronic device 200 can change to a folded state or an unfolded state. In a folded state, the first front surface 210a of the electronic device 200 may face the second front surface 220a, and in an unfolded state, the third direction is aligned with the first direction. may be substantially parallel. Below, unless otherwise stated, the direction will be described based on the unfolded state of the electronic device 200.

According to various embodiments, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are disposed on both sides about the folding axis A, and may have an overall symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis A. . As will be described later, the angle or distance between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may vary depending on whether the electronic device 200 is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state. there is. According to one embodiment, the second housing 220, unlike the first housing 210, additionally includes a sensor area 224 where various sensors (e.g., front cameras) are placed, but in other areas, It may have a symmetrical shape with the first housing 210. According to one embodiment, the folding axis (A) may be multiple (eg, two) parallel folding axes. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the folding axis A is provided along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the electronic device 200, but the direction of the folding axis A is not limited thereto. For example, depending on the external design or the user's usage habits, the electronic device 200 may be understood as including a folding axis A extending along the width direction (eg, X-axis direction).

According to one embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a structure into which a digital pen can be inserted. For example, a hole 223 into which the digital pen can be inserted may be formed on the side of the first housing 210 or the second housing 220 of the electronic device 200.

According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be formed of a metallic material or a non-metallic material having a selected level of rigidity to support the display 240. At least a portion formed of the metal material may provide a ground plane of the electronic device 200 and may be electrically connected to a ground conductor provided on a printed circuit board (e.g., the substrate portion 260 of FIG. 3). there is.

According to various embodiments, the sensor area 224 may be formed to have a predetermined area adjacent to one corner of the second housing 220. However, the arrangement, shape, and size of the sensor area 224 are not limited to the illustrated example. For example, in other embodiments the sensor area 224 may be provided in another corner of the second housing 220 or in any area between the top and bottom corners or in the first housing 210 . According to one embodiment, components for performing various functions built into the electronic device 200 pass through the sensor area 224 or through one or more openings provided in the sensor area 224. It may be visually exposed on the front of the electronic device 200. In various embodiments, the components may include various types of sensors. The sensor may include, for example, at least one of a front camera, a receiver, or a proximity sensor.

According to various embodiments, the first rear cover 280 is disposed on one side of the folding axis A on the rear of the electronic device 200 and has, for example, a substantially rectangular periphery. The edge may be surrounded by the first housing 210. Similarly, the second rear cover 290 may be disposed on the other side of the folding axis A on the rear of the electronic device 200, and its edge may be wrapped by the second housing 220.

According to various embodiments, the first rear cover 280 and the second rear cover 290 may have a substantially symmetrical shape about the folding axis (A). However, the first rear cover 280 and the second rear cover 290 do not necessarily have mutually symmetrical shapes, and in another embodiment, the electronic device 200 includes the first rear cover 280 and the second rear cover 290 of various shapes. It may include a second rear cover 290.

According to various embodiments, the first rear cover 280, the second rear cover 290, the first housing 210, and the second housing 220 may be used as various components of the electronic device 200 (e.g. A space in which a printed circuit board (printed circuit board, or battery) can be placed can be formed. According to one embodiment, one or more components may be placed or visually exposed on the rear of the electronic device 200. For example, at least a portion of the sub-display (eg, sub-display 244 of FIG. 3) may be visually exposed through the first rear area 282 of the first rear cover 280. In another embodiment, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through the second rear area 292 of the second rear cover 290. In various embodiments, the sensor may include a proximity sensor and/or a camera module 206 (e.g., a rear camera).

According to various embodiments, the front camera or the second rear area 292 of the second rear cover 290 is visually exposed to the front of the electronic device 200 through one or more openings provided in the sensor area 224. ) The camera module 206 visually exposed through may include one or a plurality of lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. In some embodiments, two or more lenses (an infrared camera, a wide-angle and a telephoto lens) and image sensors may be placed on one side of the electronic device 200.

Referring to FIG. 2, the hinge cover 230 is disposed between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 to cover internal components (e.g., the hinge module 202 of FIG. 3). It can be configured. According to one embodiment, the hinge cover 230 includes the first housing 210 and the first housing 210 depending on the state (e.g., flat state or folded state) of the electronic device 200. 2 It may be covered by a part of the housing 220 or exposed to the outside. For example, in the unfolded state, the hinge cover 230 may be substantially covered by the first housing 210 and the second housing 220, and in the folded state, most of the outer surface of the hinge cover 230 is exposed to the outside. may be exposed.

According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, when the electronic device 200 is in an unfolded state, the hinge cover 230 is exposed and covered by the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. It may not work. As another example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the electronic device 200 is in a folded state (e.g., fully folded state), the hinge cover 230 is connected to the first housing 210 and It may be exposed to the outside between the second housing 220. As another example, when the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are in an intermediate state folded with a certain angle, the hinge cover 230 is folded with the first housing 210. ) and the second housing 220 may be partially exposed to the outside. However, in this case, the exposed area may be less than in the fully folded state. In one embodiment, the hinge cover 230 may include a curved surface.

According to various embodiments, the display 240 may be disposed in the space formed by the housing 201. For example, the display 240 is seated on a recess formed by the housing 201 and may constitute most of the front surface of the electronic device 200. Accordingly, the front of the electronic device 200 may include the display 240 and a partial area of the first housing 210 adjacent to the display 240 and a partial area of the second housing 220. And, the rear of the electronic device 200 includes a first rear cover 280, a partial area of the first housing 210 adjacent to the first rear cover 280, a second rear cover 290, and a second rear cover ( It may include a portion of the second housing 220 adjacent to 290).

According to various embodiments, the display 240 may refer to a display in which at least some areas can be transformed into a flat or curved surface. According to one embodiment, the display 240 includes a folding area 243 and a first display area disposed on one side of the folding area 243 (e.g., the left side of the folding area 243 shown in FIG. 1). 241 and a second display area 242 disposed on the other side (e.g., the right side of the folding area 243 shown in FIG. 1).

However, the division of the areas of the display 240 is illustrative, and the display 240 may be divided into a plurality of areas (for example, four or more or two) depending on the structure or function. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the area of the display 240 may be divided by the folding area 243 or the folding axis (A-axis) extending parallel to the Y-axis, but in another embodiment, the display 240 may be divided into regions based on different folding regions (eg, folding regions parallel to the X-axis) or different folding axes (eg, folding axes parallel to the X-axis). According to one embodiment, the display 240 is combined with a touch detection circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of touch, and/or a digitizer (not shown) configured to detect a magnetic field-type stylus pen. It can be placed or placed adjacent to it.

According to various embodiments, the first display area 241 and the second display area 242 may have an overall symmetrical shape with the folding area 243 as the center. According to one embodiment (not shown), the second display area 242, unlike the first display area 241, may include a notch cut according to the presence of the sensor area 224. However, other areas may have a symmetrical shape with the first display area 241. In other words, the first display area 241 and the second display area 242 may include a portion having a symmetrical shape and a portion having an asymmetrical shape.

Hereinafter, the operation and display of the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 according to the state of the electronic device 200 (e.g., flat state, or unfolded state) and folded state ( 240) explains each area.

According to various embodiments, when the electronic device 200 is in a flat state (e.g., Figure 1), the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 form an angle of substantially 180 degrees and the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 form an angle of substantially 180 degrees. The display area 241 and the second display area 242 may be arranged to face substantially the same direction. For example, in the unfolded state, the surface of the first display area 241 and the surface of the second display area 242 form an angle of 180 degrees to each other and may face the same direction (eg, the front direction of the electronic device). The folding area 243 may form substantially the same plane as the first display area 241 and the second display area 242 .

According to various embodiments, when the electronic device 200 is in a folded state (eg, Figure 2), the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be arranged to face each other. The surface of the first display area 241 and the surface of the second display area 242 of the display 240 form a narrow angle (eg, between 0 degrees and 10 degrees) and may substantially face each other. At least a portion of the folding area 243 may be formed as a curved surface with a predetermined curvature.

According to various embodiments, when the electronic device 200 is in an intermediate state (not shown), the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be disposed at a certain angle to each other. The surface of the first display area 241 and the surface of the second display area 242 of the display 240 may form an angle that is larger than in the folded state and smaller than in the unfolded state. At least a portion of the folding area 243 may be made of a curved surface with a predetermined curvature, and the curvature at this time may be smaller than that in the folded state.

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 200 may include a housing 201, a display 240, a hinge module 202, a battery 250, and a substrate 260. The housing 201 may include a first housing 210, a second housing 220, a first rear cover 280, and a second rear cover 290.

According to various embodiments, the housing 201 may include a first housing 210, a second housing 220, a hinge cover 230, a first rear cover 280, and a second rear cover 290. You can. The configuration of the first housing 210, the second housing 220, the hinge cover 230, the first rear cover 280, and the second rear cover 290 of FIG. 3 is the same as that of FIG. 1 and/or 2. It may be the same in whole or in part as the configuration of the first housing 210, the second housing 220, the hinge cover 230, the first rear cover 280, and the second rear cover 290. In one embodiment, a hinge module 202 providing a folding axis A is disposed inside the housing 201 to rotatably connect the first housing 210 and the second housing 220.

According to various embodiments, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be assembled to each other to be coupled to both sides of the hinge module 202. According to one embodiment, the first housing 210 has a first support area capable of supporting components of the electronic device 200 (e.g., the first circuit board 262 and/or the first battery 252). 212 (eg, a first support plate or a first support member) and a first side wall 211 surrounding at least a portion of the first support area 212 . The first side wall 211 may include the first side of the electronic device 200 (eg, the first side 211a of FIG. 2). According to one embodiment, the second housing 220 has a second support area capable of supporting components of the electronic device 200 (e.g., the second circuit board 264 and/or the second battery 254). 222 (eg, a second support plate or a second support member) and a second side wall 221 surrounding at least a portion of the second support area 222 . The second side wall 221 may include a second side of the electronic device 200 (eg, the second side 221a of FIG. 2).

According to various embodiments, the display 240 may include a first display area 241, a second display area 242, a folding area 243, and a sub-display 244. The configuration of the first display area 241, the second display area 242, and the folding area 243 in FIG. 3 is similar to the first display area 241 and the second display area 242 in FIGS. 1 and/or 2. and the configuration of the folding area 243 may be the same in whole or in part. In one embodiment, the display 240 may include a display panel 245 and window glass 247 (e.g., flexible glass), and the display panel 245 is located inside the window glass 247. By being placed as such, it can be protected from the external environment. The display panel 245 and/or the window glass 247 may be at least partially deformed between a planar shape and a curved shape depending on the relative movement or rotation of the first housing 210 and the second housing 220.

According to various embodiments, the sub-display 244 may display a screen in a different direction from the display areas 241 and 242. For example, the sub-display 244 may output a screen in a direction opposite to the first display area 241. According to one embodiment, the sub-display 244 may be disposed on the first rear cover 280.

According to various embodiments, the battery 250 may include a first battery 252 disposed within the first housing 210 and a second battery 254 disposed within the second housing 220. According to one embodiment, the first battery 252 may be disposed on the first circuit board 262, and the second battery 254 may be disposed on the second circuit board 264.

According to various embodiments, the substrate portion 260 may include a first circuit board 262 disposed in the first housing 210 and a second circuit board 264 disposed in the second housing 220. there is. According to one embodiment, the substrate unit 260 may include at least one flexible printed circuit board 266 for electrically connecting the first circuit board 262 and the second circuit board 264. According to one embodiment, at least a portion of flexible printed circuit board 266 may be disposed across hinge module 202. According to one embodiment, the first circuit board 262 and the second circuit board 264 include a first housing 210, a second housing 220, a first rear cover 280, and a second rear cover. It can be placed inside the space formed by (290). Components for implementing various functions of the electronic device 200 may be disposed on the first circuit board 262 and the second circuit board 264.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 may include a speaker module 208. According to one embodiment, the speaker module 208 can convert electrical signals into sound. According to one embodiment, the speaker module 208 is disposed inside the space formed by the first housing 210, the second housing 220, the first rear cover 280, and the second rear cover 290. It can be.

In the above description, a configuration in which the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are rotatably connected or coupled by a hinge module (or referred to as a 'hinge structure') is illustrated, but this embodiment is not included in the present disclosure. Note that the electronic devices according to the various embodiments are not limited. For example, an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include three or more housings, and “a pair of housings” in the above-described embodiments refers to “two of the three or more housings rotatably coupled to each other. It may mean “housing.”

Although the electronic device 200 disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 3 has the appearance of a foldable electronic device, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the illustrated electronic device may be a bar type, plate type, or rollable electronic device. The term “rollable electronic device” refers to a display (e.g. This may refer to an electronic device in which the display 240 of 3) is capable of bending and deformation, and at least a portion thereof can be wound or rolled or stored inside a housing (e.g., the housing 201 of FIG. 1). Depending on the user's needs, the rollable electronic device can be used by expanding the screen display area by unfolding the display or exposing a larger area of the display to the outside.

In the following detailed description, the plurality of grooves or the direction in which the plurality of grooves extend and/or the plurality of grooves or the direction in which the plurality of grooves are arranged may be described with reference to the orthogonal coordinate system of FIG. 3. This direction of extension or arrangement may be referred to as the 'first direction' or 'second direction', which refers to the direction in which the front and rear surfaces of the housing of Figure 1 or 2 are arranged. It may be different from the ‘second direction’. The 'first direction' or 'second direction' mentioned as the extension direction or arrangement direction is distinguished from the 'first direction' or 'second direction' in the description referring to Figures 1 and 2 by being accompanied by a reference number in the Cartesian coordinate system. It can be.

Figure 4 is a plan view showing flexible glass according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Although the embodiment of FIG. 4 illustrates a configuration in which the flexible glass 10a includes a glass layer 11a, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may include a compensation material (layer) for refractive index compensation (e.g., the compensation of FIG. 10 ). It may further include a coating layer (e.g., coating layer 11b in FIG. 12) to improve material 15) and/or strength. For example, various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to any one embodiment described below, and a plurality of grooves or a plurality of holes ( When the structure includes an array area (FA2) where 13) is arranged and the arrangement area (FA2) has a first width (W1) and a second width (W2), which will be described later, the flexible glass 10a has another Additional coatings or protective substances (layers) may be included.

Referring to FIG. 4, the flexible glass 10a (e.g., the window glass 247 in FIG. 3) includes a flexible area FA1 and planar areas PA1 and PA2 provided on at least one side of the flexible area FA1. can do. For example, the planar areas PA1 and PA2 may be provided on one side of the flexible area FA1 or may be provided on both sides of the flexible area FA1. When the flexible glass 10a is disposed as part of the flexible display 240 of FIG. 1 or 3, the flexible area FA1 may be disposed corresponding to the folding area 243, for example. In one embodiment, the flexible area FA1 may be transformed into a planar shape or a curved shape around a folding axis extending in one direction (eg, the folding axis A in FIG. 1 ). For example, the folding axis A of the electronic device (eg, the electronic device 200 of FIGS. 1 to 3 ) may be the center of the radius of curvature when the flexible area FA1 is deformed into a curved shape. However, the various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this, and the center of the radius of curvature when the flexible area FA1 is transformed into a curved shape may be set in various ways depending on the specifications of the electronic device to be actually manufactured.

According to one embodiment, among the planar areas PA1 and PA2, the first planar area PA1 is located in the first housing (e.g., the first housing 210 of FIGS. 1 to 3), for example, 1 may be arranged corresponding to the display area 241 , and the second flat area PA2 may be arranged corresponding to the second display area 242 . For example, the first planar area PA1 and the second planar area PA2 may be maintained in a flat shape regardless of the folding or unfolding operation of the electronic device 200. In one embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in a folded state, the second planar area PA2 is disposed to at least partially face the first planar area PA1, and when the electronic device 200 is in an unfolded state, the second planar area PA2 is disposed to at least partially face the first planar area PA1. The first planar area PA1 and the second planar area PA2 may be arranged side by side on one side of the other with the flexible area FA1 in between.

According to one embodiment, the second housing 220 may slide on the first housing 210 between a position accommodated in the first housing 210 and a position at least partially protruding from the first housing 210. . In this case, the flexible glass 10a may include one planar area (e.g., the planar area (PA) of FIG. 23 or 24), and the flexible area (e.g., the planar area (PA) of FIG. 23 or 24) may be divided according to the slide movement of the second housing 220. At least a portion of the flexible area (FA) of FIG. 23 or FIG. 24 may be accommodated inside the first housing 210 or the second housing 220. In the stored state, the flexible area FA can be transformed or moved to at least partially face the planar area PA. For example, in the case of a slideable or rollable electronic device configuration, the flexible area (FA) is positioned between a position arranged side by side on one side of the planar area (PA) and a position at least partially facing the planar area (PA). You can move. The movement or deformation of this flexible area (FA) will be examined with reference to FIG. 24.

According to one embodiment, as the thickness of the flexible glass 10a increases, the relative displacement between the inner surface and the outer surface during a deformation operation may increase. This relative displacement may generate stress inside the flexible glass 10a, and the internal stress may cause damage to the flexible glass 10a. For example, it may be useful to reduce the thickness of the flexible glass 10a to prevent damage while ensuring its flexibility. In another embodiment, when protecting a display panel (e.g., display panel 245 of FIG. 3) from external pressure or impact, the strength of the flexible glass 10a can be secured by increasing the thickness of the flexible glass 10a. . For example, since the flexibility and protection performance of the flexible glass 10a are mutually exclusive, it may be difficult to design the thickness of the flexible glass 10a.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the flexible glass 10a is disposed in at least a portion (hereinafter, “array area FA2”) of the flexible area FA1 (e.g., the flexible area FA in FIG. 23 or FIG. 24). By including a plurality of grooves or a plurality of holes 13, flexibility in the deformation operation can be secured, and a sufficient thickness of the flexible glass 10a can be secured in areas where relatively low stress is generated even in the deformation operation. For example, by forming a plurality of grooves or a plurality of holes 13, the average thickness is reduced in the flexible area FA1 to ensure flexibility of the flexible glass 10a in a folding or rolling operation, and at least a flat area ( In PA1, PA2) (e.g., the flat area PA in FIG. 23 or FIG. 24), the display panel 245 can be stably protected by ensuring a sufficient thickness of the flexible glass 10a.

According to one embodiment, when viewed in plan view, a plurality of grooves or a plurality of holes 13 (hereinafter referred to as 'hole(s)') extend along the folding axis A direction or the Y-axis direction, and the folding axis It may be arranged along a direction that intersects (A) (e.g., X-axis direction). The holes 13 may be located substantially within the flexible area FA1 and may be grooves penetrating both surfaces (e.g., inner and outer surfaces) of the flexible glass 10a or recessed from one side of the flexible glass 10a. It may be in a (recess) form. In the area where the holes 13 are arranged, for example, the arrangement area FA2, the average thickness of the flexible glass 10a is reduced, thereby improving flexibility compared to the remaining areas. For example, by arranging the array area FA2, internal stress due to relative displacement between the inner and outer surfaces of the flexible glass 10a during the deformation operation can be suppressed. As the internal stress caused by the deformation operation is reduced, the flexible glass 10a can secure durability and reliability even during repeated deformation operations.

According to one embodiment, when the plate-shaped flexible glass in which the holes 13 are not formed is deformed, the internal stress of the deformed portion may have a tendency to increase as it approaches the edge intersecting the folding axis A. . This means that in the direction of the folding axis A, the internal stress of the central part of the deformed part (e.g., the part indicated as 'second width (W2)') is greater than that of the edge (e.g., the part indicated as 'first width (W1)'). This is expected to be because it is distributed over a wider area than the internal stress. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the array area FA2 may have a first width W1 at the edge and a second width W2 that is smaller than the first width W1 at the center. For example, in the X-axis direction, a greater number of holes 13 may be formed at the edges of the flexible area FA1 than at the center.

According to one embodiment, at the edge portion of the flexible glass 10a, the average thickness of the flexible area FA1 is smaller than at other portions (the central portion) and may have higher flexibility. For example, the occurrence of internal stress due to a deformation operation can be alleviated throughout the flexible area FA1, and both ends of the array area FA2 have a first width W1, so that the edges of the flexible glass 10a are wider than the central part. The occurrence of internal stress can be further alleviated. In one embodiment, the central portion of the flexible glass 10a may generate relatively low stress during a deformation operation compared to the edge, and a decrease in protection performance can be suppressed by placing a small number of holes 13 in the central portion. .

As such, the flexible glass 10a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure has a hole in at least a portion of the area that is deformed into a curved shape (e.g., the folding area 243 in FIG. 3 or the flexible area FA1 in FIG. 4). By reducing the thickness of the flexible glass 10a using (13) or grooves, flexibility or durability can be secured in the deformation operation. In one embodiment, sufficient thickness can be secured by arranging a small number of holes 13 or grooves in a region of the flexible glass 10a that is not deformed or generates relatively small stress. For example, the display panel (eg, display panel 245 in FIG. 3) can be reliably protected. In one embodiment, the refractive index of the flexible glass 10a for transmitted light may be partially different due to the formation of holes 13 or grooves. The flexible glass 10a may compensate for a partial difference in refractive index by including a compensation material (layer) (eg, compensation material 15 in FIG. 10 ) filling at least a portion of the holes 13a or grooves.

According to one embodiment, the edge of the array area FA2, for example, the boundary between the array area FA2 and the remaining area in the flexible area FA1 or the flexible glass 10a, may include a curved section CS. there is. The curved section CS is the width of the array area FA2 measured in the It may take the form of gradually increasing as you go to the part indicated as 'W1)'. In some embodiments, in the direction of the folding axis A, both ends of the arrangement area FA2 may have a first width W1 that is larger than the second width W2. For example, when looking at the top view of FIG. 4, the holes 13 have the same width (e.g., width measured along the X-axis direction) and are located along the Can be arranged in larger numbers. In another embodiment, the same number of holes 13 may be arranged in the center and both ends of the arrangement area FA2, in which case the width of the holes 13 themselves (e.g., width measured along the X-axis direction) This may gradually increase as it approaches both ends of the array area (FA2).

According to one embodiment, the edge of the array area FA2 may include a straight section(s) or may be a combination of a curved section and a straight section. Let's take a look at this with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

Figure 5 is a plan view showing flexible glass according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 is a plan view showing flexible glass according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the edge of the array area FA2 may include a first straight section LS1(s) and a second straight section LS2(s). The first straight section (LS1)(s) may be, for example, substantially parallel to the folding axis (A) direction or the Y-axis direction, and the second straight section (LS2) (s) may be substantially parallel to the first straight section (LS2) ( LS1)(s) is formed at an angle so that the first width (e.g., the first width W1 in FIG. 4) at the edge of the flexible glass 10b becomes the second width (e.g., the second width W2 in FIG. 4). ) can be larger than that. For example, the second straight section LS2(s) may be arranged inclined in a direction to increase the width of the array area FA2 as it approaches the edge of the flexible glass 10b.

Referring to FIG. 6, the edge of the array area FA2 may include a straight section (LS)(s) and a curved section (CS)(s). The straight section LS (s) may be, for example, substantially parallel to the folding axis A direction or the Y-axis direction, and may have a first width (e.g., the first width in FIG. 4 ) at the edge of the flexible glass 10c. The curved section (CS)(s) may be extended from the straight section (LS)(s) in a direction or shape such that the first width (W1) is larger than the second width (e.g., the second width (W2) in FIG. 4). there is. For example, the curved section CS(s) may have a shape that increases the width of the array area FA2 as it approaches the edge of the flexible glass 10c.

Figure 7 is a perspective view showing flexible glass according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the flexible glass cut along line S1 in FIG. 7. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the flexible glass cut along line S2 in Figure 7.

The flexible glass 20a of FIGS. 7 to 9 may include a plurality of holes 13 penetrating both sides of the glass layer 11a in at least a portion of the flexible area FA1, and the holes 13 are formed. The area (e.g., array area (FA2) in Figure 4) includes curved sections (e.g., curved section (CS) in Figure 4), with edges or both ends indicated as 'S1' rather than the central part indicated as 'S2'. may have a larger width (e.g. width measured along the X-axis direction). For example, the average thickness of the flexible glass 20a at the center of the flexible area FA1 may be thicker than the average thickness of the flexible glass 20a at both ends. In one embodiment, the average thickness of the flexible glass 20a in the flexible area FA1 may be smaller than the average thickness of the flexible glass 20a in the planar areas PA1 and PA2. For example, the flexible area FA1 may have higher flexibility than the flat areas PA1 and PA2 and may be durable even against repeated deformation. According to some embodiments, in the flexible area FA1, the edges have higher flexibility than the central portion, thereby relieving or suppressing internal stress generated in the deformation operation. Since this arrangement area FA2 has been examined with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, further detailed description will be omitted.

According to another embodiment, the number of holes 13 arranged along the X-axis direction at the center and both ends of the flexible area FA1 may be substantially the same. In this case, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the third width W3 of the holes 13 at both ends of the flexible area FA1 is the third width W3 of the holes 13 at the center of the flexible area FA1. It may be larger than the fourth width W4. For example, even though the number of holes 13 arranged along the It may have a large first width W1, and the average thickness of the flexible glass 20a at both ends of the array area FA2 may be smaller than the average thickness of the central portion. In this way, the number of holes 13 arranged in the ) can be appropriately designed within the array area (FA2). In one embodiment, in a direction crossing the folding axis A, the spacing between the holes 13 may gradually decrease as it approaches the edge (eg, both ends) of the arrangement area FA2. For example, as the holes 13 are arranged more densely closer to both ends of the array area FA2, the thickness of the flexible glass at both ends of the array area FA2 may be smaller than other parts.

In examining the following embodiments, detailed descriptions of configurations that can be easily understood through previous embodiments may be omitted. Additional embodiments may be implemented by selectively combining some of the configurations of the preceding embodiments and/or the embodiments described below. For example, the arrangement area FA2 of the above-mentioned or later-described embodiments may be changed to any one of the curved section or straight section shapes illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6 to implement additional embodiments. In another embodiment, the coating layer described later (e.g., the coating layer 11b in FIG. 12) may be combined with a glass layer of another embodiment to implement flexible glass, depending on the specifications of the electronic device actually manufactured.

Figures 10 and 11 are cross-sectional views showing modified examples of the flexible glass of Figure 7.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11 , the flexible glass 20a may further include a protective material 15 filled in at least some of the holes 13 . Depending on the embodiment, the protective material 15 may be further disposed on one or both sides of the flexible glass 20a (eg, the glass layer 11a) and may be referred to as a 'protective material layer'. As the holes 13 are formed, the flexible glass 20a or the glass layer 11a may have a partial refractive index deviation. This refractive index deviation may cause deterioration of image quality when the flexible glass 20a is combined with the display panel 245. The flexible glass 20a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure includes a compensation material 15 filled in at least a portion of the holes 13, thereby compensating for the refractive index deviation caused by the holes 13 and preventing deterioration of image quality. It can be suppressed. In one embodiment, compensation material 15 may be applied to one or both sides of glass layer 11a.

Figure 12 is a perspective view showing flexible glass according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the flexible glass cut along line S1 in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the flexible glass cut along line S2 in FIG. 12.

Referring to FIGS. 12 to 14 , the flexible glass 20b may include an arrangement area in which straight sections and curved sections are combined (e.g., the arrangement area FA2 in FIGS. 4 to 6), and a glass layer ( It may further include a coating layer 11b provided on at least one surface of 11a). In one embodiment, the coating layer 11b can prevent surface damage such as scratches by strengthening the surface hardness of the flexible glass 20b. For example, the coating layer 11b may be provided on at least the outer surface of the flexible glass 20b. According to one embodiment, the holes 13 extend from one side of the flexible glass 20b (e.g., the outer surface of the coating layer 11b) to the other side of the flexible glass 20b (e.g., the outer surface of the glass layer 11a). It can be formed penetratingly. For example, the coating layer 11b can increase the surface hardness of the flexible glass 20b and alleviate a decrease in flexibility in the flexible area FA2 due to the coating layer 11b.

Figures 15 and 16 are cross-sectional views showing modified examples of the flexible glass of Figure 12.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the flexible glass 20b further includes a protective material 15 filled in at least a portion of the holes 13, thereby compensating for the refractive index deviation caused by the holes 13. there is. In one embodiment, compensation material 15 may be applied to one side of glass layer 11a and/or one side of coating layer 11b.

Figure 17 is a perspective view showing flexible glass according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the flexible glass cut along line S1 in FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the flexible glass cut along line S2 in FIG. 17. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the flexible glass of FIG. 17.

17 to 20, when the flexible glass 20c includes a coating layer 11b, holes 13 are formed in the coating layer 11b, and the glass layer 11a has the holes 13 or grooves. It may be a flat plate shape that does not include In one embodiment, when the glass layer 11a has a flat shape that does not include holes, the structure indicated by reference numeral '13' may be substantially a recess. For example, considering factors such as the overall thickness of the flexible glass 20c, the ease of processing the glass layer 11a for forming the holes 13, and/or the flexibility of the flexible glass 20c, the depth of the holes 13 is determined. can be appropriately selected. The flexible glass 20c can compensate for the refractive index deviation caused by the holes 13 by further including a protective material 15 filled in at least some of the holes 13. In one embodiment, compensation material 15 may be further applied to at least one side of glass layer 11a.

Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view showing flexible glass according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the flexible glass of FIG. 21.

Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22 , the flexible glass 20d may include recessed grooves 13 on one surface of the glass layer 11a. For example, holes that are penetrating structures in the previous embodiment may be replaced with grooves with one end closed in the flexible glass 20d of the present embodiment. In order to increase the flexibility of the flexible glass 20d in the arrangement area (e.g., the arrangement area FA2 in FIGS. 4 to 6), a hole or groove 13 is formed to form a hole or groove 13 in some area of the flexible glass 20d (e.g., the arrangement area FA2 in FIGS. 4 to 6). The thickness can be adjusted in the flexible area (FA1) or the array area (FA2) in FIGS. 4 to 6, and the depth of the groove 13 is adjusted in consideration of the actual thickness of the flexible glass 20d and the stress or flexibility in the deformation operation. can be appropriately selected. As seen in the previous embodiment, depending on the selected depth, these holes or grooves may substantially penetrate the glass layer 11a. In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible glass 20d may further include a compensation material 15 filled in at least a portion of the groove 13, and the compensation material 15 may be on one side of the glass layer 11a. When applied, the compensation material 15 may be disposed on the side where the inner space of the grooves 13 is exposed to the outside.

Figures 23 and 24 are perspective views showing modified examples of flexible glass according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, one area of the flexible glass 20e and 20f is set as a flat area (PA) and the other area is set as a flexible area (FA) including holes 13 (or grooves). It can be. The boundary between the area where the holes 13 are formed (eg, the arrangement area FA2 in FIGS. 4 to 6) and the area where the holes 13 are not formed may include at least one of a curved section or a straight section. Flexible glasses 20e and 20f, which include one planar area (PA) and one flexible area (FA), are useful for ensuring flexibility and strength in the construction of a slideable or rollable electronic device. can do. For example, when the second housing 220 of the electronic device 200 of FIGS. 1 to 3 is structured to slide on the first housing 210 and be selectively stored in the first housing 210, the flexible glass The flat area (PA) of (20e, 20f) (e.g., the flexible display 240 of FIG. 3) may remain visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device 200, and the flexible area (FA) may remain exposed to the outside of the electronic device 200 during the slide operation. may be gradually stored inside the electronic device 200 at the edge of one of the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 or may be visually exposed to the outside. In a state exposed to the outside, the flexible area FA may be disposed or aligned on substantially the same plane as the planar area PA.

In FIG. 24 , the flexible area FA illustrated with a dotted line illustrates the shape in a stowed state, and in the stowed state, the flexible area FA may be disposed to at least partially face the flat area PA. However, note that the various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this, and other structures or electronic components may be disposed between the flexible area FA and the planar area PA in the stored state. In the stored state, the central portions of the flexible glasses 20e and 20f may have a curved shape, and in the operation of gradually exposing them to the outside, the curved portions gradually move toward the edge of the flexible area FA, and the flexible area FA gradually becomes flat. It may be aligned on the same plane as the area PA.

Figure 25 is a diagram for explaining a process of manufacturing flexible glass according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 25, the P1 operation is an operation to prepare the glass layer 11a and may be an operation to manufacture a sheet or film made of glass. The glass layer 11a may be manufactured to a thickness that meets the specifications of the electronic device to be manufactured. In one embodiment, the P2 operation is an operation of irradiating a laser, which partially deteriorates the glass layer 11a by irradiating the laser to a portion where a hole or groove is to be formed (e.g., a portion indicated by reference numeral '33'). You can. In the P2 operation, the flexibility of the array area (e.g., array area FA2 in FIGS. 4 to 6) and/or the flexible area (e.g., flexible area FA1 in FIGS. 4 to 6) may be determined. In one embodiment, the P3 operation is an etching or cleaning operation, in which damaged portions of the glass layer 11a are substantially removed and holes (e.g., holes 13 in FIGS. 4 to 6) are removed. )s) and/or grooves may be formed. The P4 operation can be understood, for example, as a finishing operation, which is an operation for disposing a coating layer (e.g., coating layer 11b in FIG. 12) and/or a compensation material (e.g., compensation material 15 in FIG. 10). You can. The illustrated embodiment illustrates a structure in which the compensation material 15 is formed in the holes 13 and/or on one side of the glass layer 11a, but the compensation material 15 is disposed on both sides of the glass layer 11a. It can be easily understood through the above-described embodiments that the operation of forming the coating layer 11b can be added.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating another example of a process for manufacturing flexible glass according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 illustrates, for example, a manufacturing process of the flexible glass 20c further including a coating layer 11b. Referring to FIG. 26, the P5 operation is an operation to prepare the glass layer 11a and may be an operation to manufacture a sheet or film made of glass. The glass layer 11a may be manufactured to a thickness that meets the specifications of the electronic device to be manufactured. In one embodiment, the glass layer 11a may be processed through the manufacturing process of FIG. 25 to include holes 13 or grooves. In another embodiment, the glass layer 11a of FIG. 26 may be substantially the flexible glass 20a fabricated in FIG. 25.

According to one embodiment, the P6 operation is an operation of forming the coating layer 11b on the surface of the glass layer 11a, by applying and/or curing a polymer material such as ultraviolet curing resin to the surface of the glass layer 11a to form the coating layer 11b. ) can be formed. The P7a operation and the P7b operation are operations for forming holes 13 in the coating layer 11b, and a photolithography process may be used. The P7a operation uses the light source 41 and the first pattern mask 43a to irradiate light to the remaining portion excluding the portion to be removed, and then removes part of the coating layer 11b through etching to form holes 13. You can. For example, in the P7a operation, the portion of the coating layer 11b exposed to light from the light source 41 may remain on the surface of the glass layer 11a. In the P7b operation, holes 13 can be formed by irradiating light to the area to be removed using the light source 41 and the second pattern mask 43b, and then removing the exposed area by etching. In this photolithography process, the pattern masks 43a and 43b can be appropriately selected depending on the material of the coating layer 11b. According to one embodiment, if the glass layer 11a has a structure in which holes or grooves are formed, the holes 13 formed in the coating layer 11b may be arranged to substantially correspond to the holes in the glass layer 11a. The P8 operation may be understood as a finishing operation, for example, and may be an operation for disposing the compensation material 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the compensation material 15 is applied on one side of the flexible glass 20c (e.g., the outer surface of the coating layer 11b), so that the insides of the holes 13 can also be filled with the compensation material 15. there is.

Flexible glass (e.g., flexible glass 10a, 10b, and 10c in FIGS. 4 to 6) according to various embodiments is disposed as a part of a flexible display (e.g., display 240 in FIG. 1 or 3) to display A panel (eg, the display panel 245 in FIG. 3) can be protected. In one embodiment, the flexible area of the flexible glass (e.g., flexible area FA1 in FIGS. 4 to 6) may be disposed to correspond to the folding area (e.g., folding area 243 in FIG. 1 or 3). , the folding axis (e.g., according to the movement or rotation of the first housing (e.g., the first housing 210 in FIG. 1 or 3) and the second housing (e.g., the second housing 220 in FIG. 1 or 3). : It can be transformed into a planar shape or a curved shape around the folding axis (A) in Figure 1. According to one embodiment, a plurality of holes (e.g., holes 13 in FIGS. 4 to 6) or grooves are disposed in at least a portion of the flexible area (e.g., arrangement area FA2 in FIGS. 4 to 6). , the flexibility of the flexible area can be improved. According to one embodiment, the flexible glass can stably protect the display panel by securing sufficient strength or thickness in an area that is not deformed (e.g., the planar area PA1 and PA2 in FIGS. 4 to 6).

As described above, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, flexible glass (e.g., window glass 247 in Figure 3 or flexible glass 10a, 10b, 10c in Figures 4 to 6), A planar shape and a curved surface centered on at least one folding axis (e.g., folding axis A in Figs. 1 or 4-6) extending along a first direction (e.g., Y-axis direction in Figs. 4 to 6) A flexible area deformable into a shape (e.g., flexible area FA1 in FIGS. 4 to 6), a planar area provided on at least one side of the flexible area (e.g., planar areas PA1 and PA2 in FIGS. 4 to 6), and a plurality of first recesses or a plurality of first holes disposed in at least a portion of the flexible area (e.g., FIGS. 4 to 9, 12 to 14, 17 to 19, FIG. 21, the holes 13 of FIGS. 23 and/or 24), extending along the first direction and forming at least a portion of the flexible area (hereinafter referred to as ‘arrangement area (e.g., arrangement area FA2 of FIGS. 4 to 6 )). ))') and includes the plurality of first grooves or the plurality of first holes arranged along a second direction (e.g., the X-axis direction in FIGS. 4 to 6) crossing the first direction, and The first width of the array area (e.g., the first width W1 in FIG. 4) measured along the second direction at at least one of the edges of the flexible area intersecting the folding axis is the width between the edges. It may be set to be larger than the second width of the array area measured at the center (eg, the second width W2 in FIG. 4).

According to one embodiment, the edge of the array area is a straight section (e.g., straight section (LS1, LS2, LS) in Figure 5 or 6) or a curved section (e.g., curved section (CS) in Figure 4 or 6. ) may include at least one of

According to one embodiment, the width of the plurality of first grooves or the plurality of first holes gradually increases as the width measured along the second direction approaches the edge (e.g., the third width in FIGS. 8 and 9 (W3), see the fourth width (W4)).

According to one embodiment, the spacing between two adjacent first grooves among the plurality of first grooves or the spacing between two adjacent first grooves among the plurality of first holes gradually decreases as it approaches the edge. can do.

According to one embodiment, the flexible glass as described above further includes a compensation material (e.g., compensation material 15 in FIG. 10) filled in the plurality of first grooves or the plurality of first holes, and the compensation material may be configured to compensate for a refractive index deviation for transmitted light at least in the flexible area.

According to one embodiment, the compensation material may be further disposed on at least one side of the flexible glass.

According to one embodiment, the flexible glass as described above includes a glass layer (e.g., the glass layer 11a in FIGS. 12 to 14) provided from the flexible area to the flat area, and the glass layer of the glass layer. It may further include a coating layer (eg, coating layer 11b in FIGS. 12 to 14) disposed on at least one side.

According to one embodiment, the plurality of first grooves or the plurality of first holes may be formed in the coating layer.

According to one embodiment, the plurality of first grooves or the plurality of first holes are formed in the coating layer, and the glass layer has a second groove disposed corresponding to the plurality of first grooves or the plurality of first holes. It may include grooves or secondary holes.

According to one embodiment, the flexible glass as described above further includes a compensation material filled in the plurality of first grooves, the plurality of first holes, the second grooves, or at least a portion of the second holes, The compensation material may be configured to compensate for a refractive index deviation for transmitted light at least in the flexible region.

According to one embodiment, the planar areas are disposed on both sides of the flexible area, and as the flexible area is deformed, the planar areas are arranged side by side on one side of each other with the flexible area in between, or are at least partially It can be configured to face each other.

According to one embodiment, the flexible area may be arranged side by side on one side of the flat area, or may be configured to be transformed or moved to a position that at least partially faces the flat area at a specified interval.

An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 200 of FIGS. 1 to 3) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure includes a first housing (e.g., the first housing 210 of FIGS. 1 to 3) and the first housing (e.g., the first housing 210 of FIGS. 1 to 3). A second housing coupled to the housing and configured to move or rotate relative to the first housing (e.g., the second housing 220 in FIGS. 1 to 3), and a first display area (e.g., a first display area 241 of FIG. 1 or 3) and a folding area extending from the first display area and configured to be transformed into a flat shape and a curved shape according to movement or rotation of the second housing (e.g., FIG. 1 or a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display 240 of FIG. 1 or FIG. 3) including a folding area 243 in FIG. 3, and the flexible display includes flexible glass as described above (e.g., FIGS. 3 to 3). It includes window glass 247 or flexible glass 10a, 10b, and 10c in FIG. 6, and a flexible area of the flexible glass may be disposed in the folding area.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device as described above is a hinge module (e.g., hinge module 202 in FIG. 3) that provides the folding axis, and is disposed correspondingly in the folding area to form the first housing and the second housing. It further includes the hinge module that rotatably connects the housing, and the second housing rotates about the folding axis between a folded state facing the first housing and an unfolded state rotated by a specified angle from the folded state. It can be configured to do so.

According to one embodiment, the flexible display further includes a second display area (e.g., the second display area 242 in FIG. 1 or 3) extending from the folding area and disposed in the second housing, In the folded state, the second display area may be arranged to at least partially face the first display area.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 200 of FIGS. 1 to 3) includes a first housing (e.g., the first housing 210 of FIGS. 1 to 3), 1 A second housing coupled to the housing and configured to move or rotate relative to the first housing (e.g., the second housing 220 in FIGS. 1 to 3), and a first display area (e.g., : a first display area 241 in FIG. 1 or FIG. 3) and a folding area extending from the first display area and configured to be transformed into a flat shape and a curved shape according to the movement or rotation of the second housing (e.g., FIG. 1 or the folding area 243 of FIG. 3) and a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display 240 of FIG. 1 or 3), wherein the flexible display includes a display panel (e.g., the display panel of FIG. 3). (245)), a planar area disposed in the first display area (e.g., planar areas PA1 and PA2 in FIGS. 4 to 6), and a flexible area disposed in the folding area (e.g., FIGS. 4 to 6) Flexible glass (e.g., flexible glass 10a, 10b, 10c in FIGS. 4 to 6) including a flexible area FA1), and a plurality of first grooves disposed in at least a portion of the flexible area or a plurality of first holes (e.g., the hole 13 in FIGS. 4 to 9, 12 to 14, 17 to 19, 21, 23, and/or 24), It extends along one direction (e.g., Y-axis direction in FIGS. 4 to 6) and is located in at least a portion of the flexible area (hereinafter referred to as ‘array area (e.g., arrangement area FA2 in FIGS. 4 to 6)’). It includes the plurality of first grooves or the plurality of first holes arranged along a second direction (e.g., the X-axis direction in FIGS. 4 to 6) crossing one direction, and is measured along the second direction The width of the array area (e.g., the first width W1 or the second width W2 in FIG. 4) is a central portion between at least one of the edges of the flexible area crossing the first direction. It can be set larger.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device as described above includes a hinge module (e.g., FIG. The hinge module 202 of 3) further includes the hinge module disposed corresponding to the folding area and rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing, and in a folded state facing the first housing. The second housing may be configured to rotate about the folding axis between the folded state and the unfolded state rotated by a specified angle.

According to one embodiment, the flexible display includes a second display area (e.g., the second display area 242 in FIG. 1 or 3) extending from the folding area and disposed in the second housing, and the flexible glass. As a part of, it further includes a second flat area (e.g., the second flat area PA2 in FIGS. 4 to 6) extending from the flexible area and disposed in the second display area, and in the folded state, the second flat area The display area may be arranged to at least partially face the first display area.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device as described above further includes a compensation material (e.g., compensation material 15 of FIG. 10) filled in the plurality of first grooves or the plurality of first holes, and the compensation The material may be configured to compensate for a refractive index deviation for transmitted light at least in the flexible region.

According to one embodiment, the compensation material may be further disposed on at least one side of the flexible glass.

Although the present disclosure has been described by way of example with respect to various embodiments, it should be understood that the various embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in the format and detailed structure of the present disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents, without departing from the overall scope of the present disclosure.

200: Electronic device 201: Housing
202: Hinge module 240: Display
10a, 20a: flexible glass 11a: glass layer
11b: Coating layer PA1, PA2: Plane area
FA1: Flexible area FA2: Array area
13: groove or hole 15: compensation material

Claims (20)

In flexible glass,
a flexible area deformable into a planar shape and a curved shape around at least one folding axis extending along a first direction;
a flat area provided on at least one side of the flexible area; and
A plurality of first recesses or a plurality of first holes disposed in at least a portion of the flexible region, extending along the first direction and at least a portion of the flexible region (hereinafter referred to as ‘array region’) ), comprising the plurality of first grooves or the plurality of first holes arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction,
The first width of the arrangement area measured along the second direction at at least one of the edges of the flexible area intersecting the folding axis is greater than the second width of the arrangement area measured at a central portion between the edges. Flexible glass set large.
The flexible glass of claim 1, wherein an edge of the array area includes at least one of a straight section and a curved section.
The flexible glass of claim 1, wherein a width of the plurality of first grooves or the plurality of first holes, measured along the second direction, gradually increases as it approaches the edge.
The method of claim 1, wherein the spacing between two adjacent first grooves among the plurality of first grooves or the spacing between two adjacent first grooves among the plurality of first holes gradually decreases closer to the edge. flexible glass.
According to claim 1,
Further comprising a compensation material filled in the plurality of first grooves or the plurality of first holes,
The compensation material is configured to compensate for a refractive index deviation for transmitted light at least in the flexible region.
The flexible glass of claim 5, wherein the compensation material is further disposed on at least one surface of the flexible glass.
According to claim 1,
a glass layer provided from the flexible area to the planar area; and
Flexible glass further comprising a coating layer disposed on at least one surface of the glass layer.
The flexible glass of claim 7, wherein the plurality of first grooves or the plurality of first holes are formed in the coating layer.
According to clause 7,
The plurality of first grooves or the plurality of first holes are formed in the coating layer,
The glass layer is a flexible glass including second grooves or second holes disposed corresponding to the plurality of first grooves or the plurality of first holes.
According to clause 9,
Further comprising a compensation material filled in the plurality of first grooves, the plurality of first holes, the second grooves, or at least a portion of the second holes,
The compensation material is configured to compensate for a refractive index deviation for transmitted light at least in the flexible region.
According to claim 1,
The flat areas are disposed on both sides of the flexible area, respectively,
As the flexible area is deformed, the planar areas are arranged side by side on one side of each other with the flexible area in between, or are arranged to at least partially face each other.
The flexible glass of claim 1, wherein the flexible area is arranged side by side on one side of the flat area, or is configured to be deformed or moved at least partially to a position facing the flat area at a specified interval.
In electronic devices,
first housing;
a second housing coupled to the first housing and configured to move or rotate relative to the first housing; and
A flexible display comprising a first display area disposed in the first housing, and a folding area extending from the first display area and configured to be deformed into a planar shape and a curved shape according to movement or rotation of the second housing; ,
The flexible display includes the flexible glass according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
An electronic device in which a flexible area of the flexible glass is disposed in the folding area.
According to claim 13,
Further comprising a hinge module that provides the folding axis and is disposed corresponding to the folding area to rotatably connect the first housing and the second housing,
An electronic device configured to rotate the second housing about the folding axis between a folded state facing the first housing and an unfolded state rotated by a specified angle from the folded state.
The method of claim 14, wherein the flexible display further includes a second display area extending from the folding area and disposed in the second housing,
In the folded state, the second display area is arranged to at least partially face the first display area.
In electronic devices,
first housing;
a second housing coupled to the first housing and configured to move or rotate relative to the first housing; and
A flexible display comprising a first display area disposed in the first housing, and a folding area extending from the first display area and configured to be transformed into a flat shape and a curved shape according to movement or rotation of the second housing; ,
The flexible display,
display panel;
Flexible glass including a flat area disposed in the first display area and a flexible area disposed in the folding area; and
A plurality of first recesses or a plurality of first holes disposed in at least a portion of the flexible area, extending along a first direction and at least a portion of the flexible area (hereinafter referred to as ‘arrangement area’) comprising the plurality of first grooves or the plurality of first holes arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction,
The width of the array area measured along the second direction is set to be larger than a central portion between at least one of the edges of the flexible area that intersects the first direction.
According to claim 16,
It further includes a hinge module that provides a folding axis extending along the first direction and is disposed corresponding to the folding area to rotatably connect the first housing and the second housing,
An electronic device configured to rotate the second housing about the folding axis between a folded state facing the first housing and an unfolded state rotated by a specified angle from the folded state.
The method of claim 17, wherein the flexible display includes a second display area extending from the folding area and disposed in the second housing, and a portion of the flexible glass extending from the flexible area and disposed in the second display area. further comprising a second planar region,
In the folded state, the second display area is arranged to at least partially face the first display area.
According to claim 16,
Further comprising a compensation material filled in the plurality of first grooves or the plurality of first holes,
The compensation material is configured to compensate for a refractive index deviation for transmitted light at least in the flexible region.
The electronic device of claim 19, wherein the compensation material is further disposed on at least one surface of the flexible glass.

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