RU2774657C1 - Folding electronic device that includes many windows - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: computer technology.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to the field of computer technology, more specifically, to the elements of communication devices. The expected result is achieved due to the fact that the folding communication device contains a flexible display; a housing containing a flexible display; the first transparent element located on top of the flexible display; a layer of the first adhesive located between the flexible display and the first transparent element; a second transparent element located on top of the first transparent element and folded in accordance with the folding of the flexible display; and a layer of the second adhesive located between the first transparent element and the second transparent element, and the layer of the second adhesive has a thickness less than the thickness of the layer of the first adhesive; and at the same time, looking in a direction essentially perpendicular to the flexible display, the first edge section of the first transparent element is blocked by the upper part of the housing and spaced with it, and the second edge section of the second transparent element is blocked by the upper part and spaced with it.

EFFECT: increase in the durability of the folding communication device.

19 cl, 16 dwg

Description

Background of the invention

1. Scope of invention

[01] The disclosure relates to a foldable electronic device including a plurality of windows.

2. Description of the prior art

[02] Recently, due to the development of the electronic communication industry, portable electronic devices are rapidly proliferating. For example, such portable electronic devices may include various electronic devices that can be freely used on the move without being restricted to a place, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smartphone, a tablet PC, an MP3 player, a portable personal computer (PC), a digital camera and a wearable device in addition to a mobile communication terminal for communication.

[03] The shape of the electronic device is transformed into various shapes depending on the needs of the user. For example, the electronic device may be structured to be deformable so that it can be easily carried and used as a display having a large screen when in use. For example, the electronic device may include an electronic device having a collapsible shape in which certain areas (eg, a display area) can be folded or unfolded as needed.

[04] The above information is provided as background information only to assist in understanding the disclosure. No definitions are made and no representations are made as to whether any of the foregoing can be applied as prior art in relation to disclosure.

The essence of the invention

[05] Since the folding and unfolding operation of the flexible display of the foldable electronic device is repeated several times or more, the display panel is damaged first before other electronic parts expire. Accordingly, the entire life of the foldable electronic device may depend on the life of the display panel.

[06] A foldable electronic device design capable of minimizing damage to a flexible display may be desired, since the cost of replacing a flexible display can be much higher than the cost of replacing an existing flat panel display.

[07] Aspects of the disclosure are intended to address at least the aforementioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, the disclosure aspect is for providing a foldable electronic device including a plurality of windows (glazing panels, protective films).

[08] Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide a foldable electronic device including a window that can prevent damage to an inner window and help reduce costs by simply replacing a window adjacent to the outside among a plurality of windows.

[09] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description that follows and in part will be apparent from the description and may be learned from practice of the present embodiments.

[10] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a foldable electronic device is provided. The foldable electronic device includes a flexible display, a first window including a first surface facing the flexible display and a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface, the first surface being attached to at least some areas of the flexible display by means of the first adhesive, and a second window attached to at least some areas of the second surface of the first window with a second adhesive, and the first adhesive has a greater thickness than the second adhesive.

[11] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a foldable electronic device is provided. The foldable electronic device includes a hinged structure, a first housing structure connected to the hinged structure and made including a first surface, a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface, and a first housing sidewall surrounding at least a part of the first space between the first surface and the second surface, a second hull structure connected to the hinged structure, made including a third surface, a fourth surface facing in the direction opposite to the third surface, and a second hull sidewall surrounding at least a part of the second space between the third surface and the fourth surface , and folded together with the first body structure using the hinge structure as an axis, a flexible display located in the first space of the first body structure and the second space of the second body structure and made having them at least some of its areas visible in the first direction to the first surface and the third surface, the first window attached to at least some areas of one surface facing in the direction of the first direction of the flexible display, using the first adhesive, and the second window attached to at least some areas of one surface facing in the direction of the first direction of the first window, using the second adhesive.

[12] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method is provided for detecting damage to a window of an electronic device. The method includes an operation for the processor to determine a capacitance value for a plurality of patterns formed on the underside of a window covering the display using a touch detection circuit, and an operation for the processor to determine whether the window is damaged based on the determined capacitance value.

[13] According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device can minimize damage to the flexible display by including a plurality of window layers including a first window and a second window.

[14] According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device can prevent damage to the flexible display and the first flexible display protection window by making the adhesive strength of the second adhesive for connecting the first window and the second window less than the adhesive strength of the first adhesive for connecting the first window and the flexible display. display, and by simply replacing the second window if damage (such as a crack) has spread across the second window.

[15] According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device can prevent damage to the flexible display and the first window to protect the flexible display by automatically identifying whether the second window is damaged using a touch detection circuit and providing a notification to the user to replace the second window.

[16] Other aspects, advantages, and essential features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, discloses various embodiments of the disclosure.

Brief description of the drawings

[17] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments will be more apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[18] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an unfolded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[19] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a collapsed state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[20] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[21] FIG. 4A is a sectional view of an electronic device 10 according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[22] FIG. 4B is a sectional view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[23] FIG. 4C is a diagram for describing the location of a second window 720 in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[24] FIG. 4D and 4E are sectional views of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure;

[25] FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a layered structure of a display 100, a first window 710, and a second window 720 according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[26] FIG. 5B, 5C, and 5D are diagrams illustrating layered structures of display 100, first window 710, and second window 720, according to various embodiments of the disclosure;

[27] FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing damage to the display 100 of the electronic device 10 according to the embodiment of the disclosure;

[28] FIG. 7A and 7B are diagrams for describing a crack detection method in the second window 720 of the electronic device 10 according to various embodiments of the disclosure; and

[29] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an electronic device 801 (eg, electronic device 10 of FIG. 1 or 3) in a network environment 800 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[30] The same reference numbers are used to represent the same elements throughout the description.

Detailed description

[31] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in this understanding, but they are to be regarded as illustrative only. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes and modifications to the various embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for the sake of clarity and brevity.

[32] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to bibliographical meanings, but are merely used by the inventor to provide a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for purposes of illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[33] It should be understood that singular forms include plural entities unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to a "component surface" includes a reference to one or more such surfaces.

[34] Referring to FIG. 1 and 2, in an embodiment, the electronic device 10 may include a foldable housing 500, a hinge cover 530 that covers the foldable portion of the foldable housing 500, and a flexible or foldable display 100 (which may hereinafter be referred to as a "display") disposed in a space, bounded by the foldable body 500. In the disclosure, the surface on which the display 100 is located may, for example, be referred to as the first surface or front surface of the electronic device 10. In addition, the opposite surface of the front surface may, for example, be referred to as the second surface or back surface of the electronic device 10. In addition, the surface surrounding the space between the front and rear surfaces may, for example, be referred to as the third surface or side surface of the electronic device 10.

[35] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a decomposed state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[36] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the folded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[37] In an embodiment, the collapsible body 500 may include a first body structure (e.g., first body) 510, a second body structure (e.g., second body) 520 having a sensor area 524, a first back cover 580, and a second back cover 590. The folding body 500 of the electronic device 10 is not limited to the shape and configuration shown in FIG. 1 and 2, and may be implemented in any other shape and configuration. For example, but not limited to, in another embodiment, the first body 510 and the first back cover 580 may be integrally formed, and the second body 520 and the second back cover 590 may be integrally formed.

[38] In the illustrated embodiment, the first housing 510 and the second housing 520 are located on both sides of the folding axis (labeled "A") and may be generally symmetrical about the folding axis (A). As will be described in more detail below, the first and second housings 510 and 520 may have different angles or distances between them depending on whether the electronic device 10 is in a flat (eg, unfolded) state, a folded state, or an intermediate state. In the illustrated embodiment, the second housing 520 has a sensor area 524 in which various sensors are located. With the exception of sensor area 524, both housings may be substantially symmetrical in shape.

[39] Referring to FIG. 1, the first housing 510 and the second housing 520 may together include a recess for receiving the display 100 therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess may have two or more different widths in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A) due to the sensor area 524 .

[40] For example, the recess may have a first width (W ₁ ) between the first portion 510a of the first body 510 parallel to the folding axis (A) and the first portion 520a of the second body 520 formed at one edge of the sensor region 524, and a second width (W ₂ ) between the second section 510b of the first body 510 parallel to the folding axis (A) and the second section 520b of the second body 520 not corresponding to the sensor area 524 and parallel to the folding axis (A). In this example, the second width (W ₂ ) may be larger than the first width (W ₁ ). In other words, the first section 510a of the first body 510 and the first section 520a of the second body 520, which are asymmetrically shaped, define the first width (W ₁ ) of the recess, while the second section 510b of the first body 510 and the second section 520b of the second body 520, which are symmetrically shapes define the second width (W ₂ ) of the recess. In an embodiment, the first section 520a and the second section 520b of the second body 520 may have different distances from the folding axis (A). The width of the recess is not limited to the illustrated example. In various embodiments, the recess may have a variety of different widths depending on the shape of the sensor area 524 or the asymmetric shapes of the first and second housings 510 and 520.

[41] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the first and second housings 510 and 520 may comprise a metallic or non-metallic material having a selected stiffness value to support the display 100.

[42] In an embodiment, the sensor area 524 may occupy a specific area adjacent to one corner of the second housing 520. The location, shape, and size of the sensor area 524 is not limited to the illustrated example. For example, in other embodiments, the sensor area 524 may be located at any other corner of the second housing 520, or at any position between the top and bottom corners. In an embodiment, components for performing various functions may be incorporated into the electronic device 10 and exposed to the front surface of the electronic device 10 through the sensor area 524 or through one or more openings provided in the sensor area 524. In various embodiments, such components may include various types of sensors, which may include, for example, but not limited to, at least one of a front camera, a receiver, a proximity sensor (proximity sensor), or the like.

[43] The first back cover 580 is located on one side of the folding axis on the rear surface of the electronic device 10. The first back cover 580 may have, for example, a substantially rectangular outer perimeter surrounded by the first housing 510. Similarly, the second back cover 590 is located on the other side of the folding axis on the rear surface of the electronic device 10, and its substantially rectangular perimeter may be surrounded by a second housing 520.

[44] In the illustrated embodiment, the first back cover 580 and the second back cover 590 may have a substantially symmetrical shape about the folding axis (A). However, this is not required. In another embodiment, the electronic device 10 may include first and second back covers 580 and 590 having different shapes. In yet another embodiment, the first back cover 580 may be integrally formed with the first body 510, and the second back cover 590 may be integrally formed with the second body 520.

[45] In an embodiment, the first back cover 580, the second back cover 590, the first housing 510, and the second housing 520 may together define a space that accommodates various components of the electronic device 10 (eg, circuit board or battery). In an embodiment, one or more components may be positioned adjacent to and visually exposed to the rear surface of the electronic device 10. For example, at least a portion of the secondary display 190 may be visually exposed through the first rear region 582 of the first back cover 580. In another embodiment, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through the second rear region 592 of the second back cover 590. In various embodiments, implementation, such sensors may include, for example, but not limited to, a proximity sensor and/or a rear camera, or the like.

[46] Referring to FIG. 2, a hinge cover 530 is positioned between the first body 510 and the second body 520, and may be configured to cover an internal component (eg, a hinge). In an embodiment, depending on whether the electronic device 10 is in the flat state or in the folded state, the hinge cover 530 may be hidden by a portion of the first and second housings 510 and 520 or open outwards.

[47] For example, when the electronic device 10 is in a flat state, as shown in FIG. 1, the hinge cover 530 may be hidden by the first and second housings 510 and 520, thus not being exposed. In addition, when the electronic device 10 is in a folded state (for example, in a fully folded state), as shown in FIG. 2, the hinge cover 530 may be opened outwardly between the first and second bodies 510 and 520. In the case of an intermediate state in which the first and second bodies 510 and 520 are folded at a certain angle, the hinge cover 530 may be partially opened outwardly between the first and second bodies. 510 and 520. The open area in the intermediate state may be less than in the fully collapsed state. In an embodiment, the hinge cover 530 may have a curved surface.

[48] The display 100 may be positioned within the space defined by the folding body 500. For example, the display 100 may be mounted in a recess formed by the folding body 500 while forming the majority of the front surface of the electronic device 10.

[49] Therefore, the front surface of the electronic device 10 may include a display 100, a portion of the first housing 510 adjacent to the display 100, and a portion of the second housing 520. In addition, the rear surface of the electronic device 10 may include a first back cover 580, a portion of the first body 510 adjacent to the first back cover 580, a second back cover 590, and a portion of the second body 520 adjacent to the second back cover 590.

[50] Display 100 may refer to a display that allows at least a portion of it to be deformed into a curved surface. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the display 100 may include a fold area 103, a first area 101 located on one side of the fold area 103 (e.g., on the left side of the fold area 103 shown in FIG. 1), and a second area 102 located on the other side. relative to the folding area 103 (for example, on the right side of the folding area 103 shown in Fig. 1).

[51] The divided areas of the display 100 shown in FIG. 1 are only an example, and the display 100 may be divided into a plurality of areas (eg, two, four, or more) according to its design or function. For example, unlike the region division based on the folding region 103 or the folding axis (A), each of which is parallel to the y-axis in FIG. 1 embodiment, the display 100 in another embodiment may be divided into regions based on a different folding region or folding axis (eg, each is parallel to the x-axis).

[52] The first region 101 and the second region 102 may have a generally symmetrical shape with respect to the folding region 103. However, unlike the first region 101, the second region 102 may have a cut-out portion that exposes the sensor region 524, resulting in an asymmetric shape. Therefore, the first and second regions 101 and 102 may have a symmetrical part and an asymmetric part.

[53] Next, in each specific state of the electronic device 10, the operations of the first and second housings 510 and 520 and the respective areas of the display 100 will be described.

[54] In the embodiment, when the electronic device 10 is in a flat state (eg, FIG. 1), the first housing 510 and the second housing 520 are arranged forming an angle of 180 degrees and facing the same direction. Thus, the surfaces of the first and second regions 101 and 102 of the display 100 form an angle of 180 degrees with each other and face the same direction (eg, the front direction of the electronic device). In addition, the folding region 103 may form the same plane as the first and second regions 101 and 102.

[55] In an embodiment, when the electronic device 10 is in the folded state (eg, FIG. 2), the first case 510 and the second case 520 are positioned facing each other. Thus, the surfaces of the first and second areas 101 and 102 of the display 100 form a small angle (eg, 0 to 10 degrees) and face each other. Further, the folding region 103 may be formed to have a partially curved surface having a certain bend (curvature).

[56] In the embodiment, when the electronic device 10 is in an intermediate state, the first case 510 and the second case 520 are located at a certain angle. Thus, the surfaces of the first and second regions 101 and 102 of the display 100 form a certain angle which is greater than the angle in the folded state and less than the angle in the flat state. Further, the folding region 103 may be formed to have a partially curved surface having a certain curvature. This curvature is less than the curvature when folded.

[57] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[58] Referring to FIG. 3, in an embodiment, the electronic device 10 may include a display unit 20 (eg, including a display), a holder assembly 30 (eg, including a holder), a substrate unit 600 (eg, including a substrate), a first housing 510, a second body 520, a first back cover 580, and a second back cover 590. In the disclosure, the display unit 20 may also be referred to as a display module or a display unit.

[59] Display unit 20 may include display 100 and at least one plate or layer 140 on which display 100 is mounted. In an embodiment, plate 140 may be placed between display 100 and holder assembly 30. The display 100 may be located on at least a portion of one surface (for example, the top surface in Fig. 3) of the plate 140. The plate 140 may have a shape corresponding to the display 100. For example, a portion of the plate 140 may have a shape corresponding to the display area 104 of the display 100 .

[60] The holder assembly 30 may include a first holder 410, a second holder 420, a hinge structure (eg, including a hinge) positioned between the first and second holders 410 and 420, a hinge cover 530 covering the hinge structure, and wiring 430 (for example, a flexible printed circuit board (FPC)) intersecting with the first and second holders 410 and 420.

[61] In an embodiment, the holder assembly 30 may be located between the plate 140 and the substrate block 600. For example, the first holder 410 may be located between the first area 101 of the display 100 and the first substrate 610 of the substrate block 600 . The second holder 420 may be positioned between the second area 102 of the display 100 and the second substrate 620 of the substrate block 600 .

[62] In an embodiment, the wiring 430 and the hinge structure may be positioned at least partially within the holder assembly 30. The wire 430 may be positioned in a direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) that intersects the first and second holders 410 and 420. The wire 430 may be positioned in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (e.g., the y-axis or the folding axis (A) in FIG. 1) the folding area 103 of the electronic device 10.

[63] As mentioned above, the substrate block 600 may include a first substrate 610 located corresponding to the first holder 410 and a second substrate 620 located corresponding to the second holder 420. The first and second substrates 610 and 620 may be located in a space defined by all or substantially all of the holder assembly 30, the first housing 510, the second housing 520, the first back cover 580, and the second back cover 590. Electronic components may be mounted on the first substrate 610 and the second substrate 620 to implement various functions of the electronic device 10.

[64] The first body 510 and the second body 520 can be assembled to be combined with both sides of the holder assembly 30 in a state where the display unit 20 is combined with the holder assembly 30. As will be described below, the first body 510 and the second body 520 can be combined with the holder assembly 30 by sliding on both sides of the holder assembly 30.

[65] In an embodiment, the first housing 510 may have a first rotation bearing surface 512, and the second housing 520 may have a second rotation bearing surface 522 corresponding to the first rotation bearing surface 512. Each of the first and second rotation bearing surfaces 512 and 522 may have a curved surface corresponding to the curved surface included in the hinge cover 530.

[66] In an embodiment when the electronic device 10 is in a flat state (e.g., FIG. 1), the first and second bearing surfaces 512 and 522 for rotation cover the hinge cover 530, so that the hinge cover 530 may not be open or be open to a relatively small extent from the rear surface of the electronic device 10. Meanwhile, when the electronic device 10 is in the folded state (for example, Fig. 2), the first and second bearing surfaces 512 and 522 for rotation rotate along the curved surfaces included in the hinge cover 530 so that the hinge cover 530 can be opened from the rear surface of the electronic device 10.

[67] FIG. 4A is a sectional view of an electronic device 10 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Referring to FIG. 4A is a sectional view when the electronic device 10 of FIG. 1 or 3 is cut in the x direction.

[68] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 10 may include a collapsible case 500 and a display 100 (eg, a flexible display). The folding body 500 may include a first body structure 510 and a second body structure 520 that can be rotated by a pivoting hinge structure 536.

[69] According to various embodiments, the first hull structure 510 may surround a space formed by the first surface 501 in a first direction and the second surface 502 in a second direction opposite the first direction. The first housing structure 510 may include a first back plate 511 that defines a second surface 502. A first side member 532 extending in a first direction from the first back plate 511 may surround a portion of one space between the first surface 501 and the second surface 502. , constituting the electronic device 10, may be located in one space formed between the first surface 501 and the second surface 502. 510.

[70] For example, the first side member 532 may be extended along the side frame 411 of the first holder 410. The first side member 532 may be curved and extended to form a surface 531 that comes into contact with the end of the side frame 411 of the first holder 410. The first side member 532 may include a first frame 831 extending from a surface 531 that comes into contact with the end of the sidewall 411 of the first holder 410 in a direction in which at least some areas of the display 100 can be covered. so as to be structurally connected to the first side member 532.

[71] According to various embodiments, the second hull structure 520 may surround the space defined by the third surface 503 in a third direction and the fourth surface 504 in a fourth direction opposite the fourth direction. The second body structure 520 may include a second back plate 521 that defines a fourth surface 504. A second side member 542 extending from the second back plate 521 in a third direction may surround a portion of one space between the third surface 503 and the fourth surface 504. The electronic part , which constitutes the electronic device 10, may be located in the space (for example, the first space) formed by the first package structure 510 and in the space (second space) formed by the second package structure 520. For example, the display 100 or a printed circuit board (not shown) may be located in the spaces defined by the first housing structure 510 and the second housing structure 520. For example, the second holder 420 may be located in the space defined by the second housing structure 520.

[72] For example, the second side member 542 may be extended along the side frame 421 of the second holder 420. The second side member 542 may be curved and extended to form a surface 541 that comes into contact with the end of the side frame 421 of the second holder 420. The second side member 542 may include a second frame 841 extending in a direction in which at least some areas of the display 100 may be covered. In an embodiment, the second frame 841 may be individually designed to be structurally connected to the second side member 542.

[73] According to an embodiment, the first holder 410 may be located on the first back plate 511. In an embodiment, the end of the sidewall 411 of the first holder 410 may come into contact with the first side member 532 of the first body structure 510 and may be fixed by the first back plate 511. The first holder 410 can be connected to the first back plate 511 and move with the first back plate 511. For example, the first holder 410 can be connected to the hinge structure 536 and can be at least partially rotated by the hinge structure 536. The first back plate 511 can rotate together with the first holder 410.

[74] For example, the second holder 420 may be located on the second back plate 521. The end of the sidewall 421 of the second holder 420 may come into contact with the second side member 542 of the second body structure 520 and may be fixed by the second back plate 521. The second holder 420 may be connected to the second back plate 521 and move with the second back plate 521. The second holder 420 can be connected to the hinge structure 536 and can be at least partially rotated by the hinge structure 536. The second back plate 521 can rotate together with the second holder 420.

[75] According to various embodiments, the display 100 may be positioned on top of the first holder 410 and the second holder 420. For example, the first area 101 of the display 100 may be supported by the first holder 410, and the second area 102 of the display 100 may be supported by the second holder 420. The folding region 103 display 100 may be located at a location corresponding to the hinge structure 536 or hinge cover 530.

[76] According to various embodiments, electronic device 10 may include a first window 710 and a second window 720 that are located on top of the display 100 and cover at least some areas of the display 100. For example, the first window 710 may include a first surface, facing the display 100 and a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface. For example, the first surface of the first window 710 may be attached to at least some areas of the display 100. For example, the second window 720 may be attached to at least some areas of the second surface of the first window 710. For example, the first window 710 and the second window 720 may be are made of a substantially transparent material so that the display screen 100 can be seen from the outside.

[77] According to an embodiment, when the state of the electronic device 10 becomes a collapsed state due to the hinge structure 536, the first body structure 510 and the second body structure 520 may be positioned facing each other. For example, the first surface 501 of the foldable body 500 may be pivoted by the hinge structure 536 and may face the third surface 503 (eg, in an inward folding method).

[78] According to another embodiment, when the state of the electronic device 10 becomes the folded state, the second surface 502 of the folding body 500 can be rotated to face the fourth surface 504 (outward folding method). For example, when the state of the electronic device 10 is the collapsed state, the first area 101 and the second area 102 of the display 100 can be seen from the outside.

[79] In the embodiment, the disclosures of the design of the hinge structure 536 and the hinge cover 530 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 4A. For example, in an embodiment of the disclosure, the hinge structure 536 may not be an essential element, and a different number of hinge structures 536 may be located in different locations. For example, the hinge structure 536 may be located in the middle of the display 100 so that the plane of the display 100 folds symmetrically, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, but the disclosure is not limited to this.

[80] FIG. 4B is a sectional view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. According to various embodiments, the display 100 may include a display area 104 including a plurality of pixels and a non-display area 105, i. an area different from the display area 104 . For example, the display area 104 may mean an area (eg, an active area) in which image data can be displayed to the outside.

[81] According to various embodiments, the first window 710 may be located covering at least some areas of the display 100 on top of the display 100. For example, the first surface of the first window 710 facing the display 100 may be attached to at least some areas of the display 100 For example, the first window 710 may include an opaque area (eg, a black matrix (BM) print area) 111 for shielding at least some portions of the area 105 without displaying the display 100 outside in some areas of the first surface. Also, for example, the electronic device 10 may include a second opaque area formed on the display 100 instead of including the opaque area 111 in the first window 710 (or together with the opaque area 111 of the first window 710).

[82] According to various embodiments, the second window 720 may be positioned to cover at least some regions of the second surface, i. e. from a direction opposite the first surface of the first window 710. For example, the second window 720 may be attached to at least some portions of the second surface of the first window 710.

[83] According to various embodiments, the display 100 may be supported by a holder assembly (e.g., a second holder 420) located in the space formed by the folding body (e.g., a second back plate 521 of the second body structure 520, a second side member 542, and a second frame 841) .

[84] Referring to FIG. 4B, when the display 100 is viewed from above, the second window 720 may be positioned to overlap the display area 104 of the display 100 and at least some portions of the non-display area 105 (e.g., some areas of the non-transparent area 111 of the non-display area 105). Accordingly, at least some areas of the second window 720 may be shielded from the outside by a bezel (eg, second bezel 841) of the holder assembly (eg, second holder 420). For example, the edge of the second window 720 may be shielded by the second frame 841 and covered so as not to be visible from the outside. Likewise, the edge of the second window 720 may be covered by the first frame (eg, the first frame 831 in Fig. 4A) so as not to be visible from the outside.

[85] FIG. 4C is a diagram for describing the location of a second window 720 in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Referring to FIG. 4C is a plan view when the display 100 to which the first window 710 and the second window 720 are attached in FIG. 4B seen from above.

[86] For example, the display 100 may include a display area 104 from which image data can be output and a non-display area (eg, non-display area 105 in FIG. 4B), i. an area other than the display area. For example, the first window 710 overlaying the display 100 may include an opaque region 111 that shields at least some portions of the non-display area.

[87] For example, the second window 720 may cover the first window 710 from above. For example, the second window 720 may cover the display area 104 of the display 100 and at least some portions of the non-display area (eg, non-display area 105 in FIG. 4B). For example, the area of the second window 720 may include at least some portions of the area of the first window 710. areas 111) on the outer edges of the display 100.

[88] FIG. 4D and 4E are sectional views of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

[89] Referring to FIG. 4D, unlike the second window 720 shown in FIG. 4B, the second window 720 according to the embodiment may be positioned so as not to be shielded from the outside by a frame (eg, second frame 841).

[90] For example, the second window 720 according to the embodiment may cover the display area 104 of the display 100 and at least some portions of the non-display area 105. For example, the second window 720 may not cover the opaque area 111 formed on the first surface of the first window that faces the display 100.

[91] Referring to FIG. 4E, unlike the second windows 720 illustrated in FIG. 4B and 4D, the second window 720 according to another embodiment may not cover the area 105 without displaying the display 100.

[92] For example, the second window 720 may be positioned so as not to be covered by a frame (eg, the second frame 841). For example, the second window 720 may cover some portions of the display area 104 of the display 100 and may not cover the non-display area 105. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the second window 720 of the electronic device 10 may be replaced with another second window 720 separate from the first window 710 and the display 100. For example, in the electronic device 10, if the second window 720 is not replaced with a new second window 720, as illustrated in FIG. . 4B or 4D, the second window 720 may be located in an area capable of covering some portions of the display area 104 and the non-display area 105 of the display 100.

[93] For example, in the electronic device 10, if the already attached second window 720 is removed and replaced with a new second window 720, the second window 720 may be located in an area capable of covering some portions of the display area 104 of the display 100.

[94] In an embodiment, in the electronic device 10, if the already attached second window 720 is removed and replaced with a new second window 720, the second window 720 may be located in an area that includes the display area 104 of the display 100, and may cover at least some portions of area 105 are not displayed. For example, the replaced second window 720 may be located in an area capable of covering the display area 104 and/or at least some portions of the non-display area 105 of the display 100 that are included in the area not covered by the frame (eg, the second frame 841).

[95] FIG. 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E illustrate the layout relationships on the display 100 through the second cabinet structure 520. However, the layout relationships on the display 100 through the first cabinet structure 510 can also be substantially identical to the layout relationships illustrated in FIG. 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E.

[96] FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a layered structure of a display 100, a first window 710, and a second window 720 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[97] According to various embodiments, the first window 710 may include a first surface facing the display 100 and a second surface facing in a direction opposite the first surface.

[98] Referring to FIG. 5A, the first surface of the first window 710 according to various embodiments may be attached to the display 100 (e.g., at least some areas of the display 100) with the first adhesive 712. For example, one surface of the second window 720 may be attached to the second surface of the first window 710. (eg, at least some areas of the second surface) with the second adhesive.

[99] For example, the adhesive strength of the first adhesive 712 may be greater than the adhesive strength of the second adhesive 722. For example, the thickness of the area covered by the first adhesive 712 may be greater than the thickness of the area covered by the second adhesive 722. For example, the second window 720 may be separated from the first windows 710 without damaging the first window 710 and the display 100 in a state in which the first window 710 and the display 100 have been glued. In an embodiment, if the first adhesive 712 and the second adhesive 722 have the same bond strength, the thickness of the first adhesive 712 may be greater than the thickness of the second adhesive 722 so that the first adhesive 712 and the second adhesive 722 are configured to have different adhesive strengths.

[100] For example, the first window 710, the second window 720, the first adhesive 712, and the second adhesive 722 may be made from a substantially transparent material and may transmit light output from the display 100 to the outside. For example, the first window 710 and the second window 720 may be made from polymeric material. For example, the first window 710 and the second window 720 may be formed with at least one combination of polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane (PU), or cellulose triacetate (TAC). For example, the first window 710 may be composed of a plurality of polymer layers. The second window 720 may consist of a single polymer layer.

[101] FIG. 5B-5D are diagrams illustrating the layered structures of display 100, first window 710, and second window 720 in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.

[102] Referring to FIG. 5B, the electronic device 10 may further include a first coating layer 731 on the upper side of the first window 710 (eg, the surface facing the second window 720 from the first window 710). For example, the second window 720 may be attached to the first coating layer 731 applied to the top side of the first window 710 with the second adhesive 722.

[103] For example, the first coating layer 731 may include at least one of a non-fingerprint layer (AF layer, antifouling layer), a hard coating layer (HC layer), an anti-reflective (AR) layer (AR layer) ( LR layer or low reflective layer) or anti-reflective layer (AG layer).

[104] Referring to FIG. 5C, electronic device 10 includes a first coating layer 731 on the top side of the first window 710 (e.g., the surface facing the second window 720 from the first window 710) and may include a second coating layer 732 on the top side of the second window 720 (e.g., the surface facing in the opposite direction to the first window 710 from the second window 720). Unlike the electronic device 10 shown in FIG. 5C, the electronic device 10 according to yet another embodiment may not include the first coating layer 731, but may include only the second coating layer 732.

[105] For example, the first coating layer 731 and the second coating layer 732 may include at least one of a non-fingerprint layer (AF layer, antifouling layer, or non-fingerprint layer), a hard coating layer ( HC layer), antireflection layer (AR layer) (LR layer or low reflection layer), or anti-reflective layer (AG layer).

[106] Referring to FIG. 5D, the electronic device 10 may further include a third coating layer 733 on the underside of the first window 710 (e.g., the surface facing the display 100 from the first window 710) in addition to the first coating layer 731 and the second coating layer 732 in FIG. 5B and 5C. For example, the display 100 may be attached to the third coating layer 733 applied to the underside of the first window 710 with the first adhesive 712.

[107] For example, the third coating layer 733 may include at least one of a non-fingerprint layer (AF layer, anti-fouling layer, or non-fingerprint layer), a hard coating layer (HC layer), anti-reflection layer (AR layer) (LR layer or low reflection layer) or anti-glare layer (AG layer).

[108] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 10 may not include a coating layer on the underside of the second window 720 (eg, the surface facing the first window 710 from the second window 720). For example, the second adhesive 722 that bonds the first window 710 and the second window 720 may have less adhesive strength than the first adhesive 712 that bonds the first window 710 and the display 100. For example, the underside of the second window 720 may not include a coating layer. so that the second adhesive 722 does not peel off from the underside of the second window 720 although the unfolded state and the collapsed state of the electronic device 10 are repeated.

[109] FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing damage to a display 100 of an electronic device (eg, electronic device 10 in FIG. 1) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[110] Referring to FIG. 6, in step <601>, according to various embodiments, the electronic device (eg, the electronic device 10 in FIG. 1) may include a foldable electronic device that can be folded or unfolded about one axis. For example, the folding operation and the unfolding operation may be repeatedly performed on the electronic device (eg, the electronic device 10 in FIG. 1) about the folding axis (axis A).

[111] For example, an electronic device (eg, electronic device 10 in FIG. 1) may include a first window 710 located on the top side of the display 100 and a second window 720 located on the top side of the first window 710. For example, since the operation folding and unfolding operation are repeatedly performed on the electronic device (for example, the electronic device 10 in Fig. 1), on the second window 720 in the area adjacent to the folding axis (axis A) of the electronic device (for example, the electronic device 10 in Fig. 1) can a crack occurs.

[112] As illustrated in steps <602> and <603>, although a crack has occurred in some areas of the second window 720 if the folding operation and the unfolding operation are repeatedly performed on the electronic device (for example, the electronic device 10 in FIG. 1)) the pressure at direct folding may be applied to the area under the second window 720 in which the crack has occurred (e.g., the region corresponding to the folding axis in each of the first window 710 and display 100) without protection through the second window 720. For example, the crack may sequentially occur in the first windows 710 and display 100, and first window 710 and display 100 may be damaged.

[113] In an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 10 in FIG. 1) according to various embodiments of the disclosure, when a crack occurs in some areas of the second window 720, the first window 710 and the display 100 can be protected in a non-damaging manner by detaching the second window 720 from the first window 710 and attaching a new second window 720.

[114] FIG. 7A and 7B are diagrams for describing a method for detecting a crack in a second window 720 of an electronic device (eg, electronic device 10 in FIG. 1) according to various embodiments of the invention.

[115] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 10 in FIG. 1) may include a first window 710 covering the top side of the display 100 and a second window 720 covering the top side of the first window 710. For example, the top the side of the first window 710 may be attached to the underside of the second window 720 with the second adhesive 722.

[116] According to various embodiments, the second window 720 may include a plurality of patterns 725 on its underside (eg, the surface facing the first window 710 from the second window 720). For example, the patterns 725 formed on the underside of the second window 720 may be made from a hydrophilic polymeric material. For example, patterns 725 may be made from at least one of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyimide (PI), or cellulose. For example, if the patterns 725 are exposed to air, the dielectric constant of the patterns 725 can be significantly increased compared to another area in which no pattern is formed. For example, patterns 725 may be formed having a structure (eg, a porous structure or a nanograss-like structure) with a large surface area.

[117] According to an embodiment, the second window 720 and the patterns 725 formed on the underside of the second window 720 may be made from the same material (eg, polyimide (PI)). For example, patterns 725 may be formed by structuring some areas of the second window 720 in which patterns 725 will be formed such that some areas have a larger surface area than another area. According to another embodiment, the second window 720 may not include individual drawings 725.

[118] According to various embodiments, a plurality of patterns 725 may be formed in certain regions of the second window 720 where a crack is likely to occur. For example, patterns 725 may be formed at a location adjacent to an area corresponding to the folding axis (axis A). For example, at least some of the patterns 725 may be formed at a location corresponding to the edge region of the second window 720.

[119] According to another embodiment, a plurality of patterns 725 may be formed over the entire area of the second window 720. For example, a plurality of patterns 725 may be at least partially isolated at certain intervals and formed over the entire area of the second window 720.

[120] According to various embodiments of the invention, the display 100 of an electronic device (eg, electronic device 10 in FIG. 1) may include a touch detection circuit 740. For example, the touch detection circuit 740 may include a touch sensor and a touch sensor integrated circuit (IC) for controlling the touch sensor. For example, the touch sensor IC may control the touch sensor to detect touch input or hover input at a specific location on display 100. For example, touch detection circuit 740 may detect touch input or hover input by measuring a change in a signal (e. light, resistance, or number of charges) for a particular area of the display 100. The touch sensor IC may provide the processor or display control circuit with information (eg, location, area, sensitivity, pressure, or time) about the touch or hover input being detected. For example, the touch detection circuit 740 may be located between the pixels of the pixel layer in which the pixels of the display 100 are located, or on or below the pixel layer.

[121] Referring to FIG. 7A, step <701> is a diagram illustrating a structure in which the touch detection circuit 740 (for example, the touch detection circuit 740 included in the display 100), the first window 710, and the second window 720 (for example, the second window 720 in which no a crack occurred) including the second adhesive 722 and a plurality of patterns 725 are stacked in an electronic device (eg, electronic device 10 in FIG. 1) according to an embodiment.

[122] In step <702>, the processor (e.g., application processor (AP), communication processor (CP), sensor hub, touch sensor IC, etc.) of the electronic device (e.g., electronic device 10 in FIG. 1)) The electronic device 10 (eg, the electronic device 10 in FIG. 1) can determine the signal value (eg, capacitance value) corresponding to the drawings 725 using the touch detection circuit 740. For example, in step <702>, the electronic device 10 may check that the signal value (eg, capacitance value) corresponding to the patterns 725 formed on the underside of the second window 720 increases at a low rate based on the increase in the permittivity of the patterns 725, which increases at a low rate over time when no crack occurs in the second window 720.

[123] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 10 in FIG. 1) can identify whether a crack has occurred in the second window 720 by comparing the signal value corresponding to the patterns 725 with the signal value corresponding to the reference pattern.

[124] For example, the second window 720 may include a reference pattern in some areas (eg, some areas of the area without displaying the display 100). For example, the reference pattern may have a high permittivity regardless of whether a crack occurs in the second window 720. For example, a signal value (eg, capacitance value) corresponding to the reference pattern may be measured as greater than a signal value (eg, ) corresponding to the patterns 725 formed on the underside of the second window 720 in which no crack has occurred. An electronic device (eg, electronic device 10 in FIG. 1) can obtain a signal reference (eg, a capacitance reference) using a reference pattern.

[125] According to another embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 10 in FIG. 1) may previously store a signal reference value in a memory (e.g., a memory included in the touch detection circuit) and may identify whether the second window has been damaged. 720 (eg, a crack has occurred) by comparing the signal value corresponding to the second window 720 patterns 725 with a previously stored reference signal value.

[126] Referring to FIG. 7B, step <703> is a diagram illustrating a structure in which the touch detection circuit 740, the first window 710 and the second window 720 (for example, the second window 720 in which a crack has occurred), including the second adhesive 722 and a plurality of patterns 725, are stacked stacked in an electronic device (eg, electronic device 10 in FIG. 1) according to an embodiment.

[127] Referring to FIG. 7B, in step <704>, if a crack has occurred in the second window 720, the electronic device 10 may check that the signal value (eg, capacitance value) corresponding to the patterns 725' located in the region where the crack has occurred has increased at a high rate along compared to the signal value corresponding to Figures 725, which increases at a low rate over time in FIG. 7A.

[128] For example, the electronic device 10 can obtain a signal value (eg, a signal reference value) corresponding to a reference pattern generated in some regions of the second window 720 using the touch detection circuit 740. For example, if a crack occurred in the second window 720, the signal value corresponding to the pattern 725' located in the area where the crack occurred may be the same as the reference signal value corresponding to the reference pattern, within the error range.

[129] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 10 can obtain signal values (e.g., capacitance values) using the touch detection circuit 740 with respect to the patterns and reference pattern(s) formed on the underside of the second window 720 and can identify whether a crack in the second window 720 or where the crack occurred in the second window 720, based on the comparison result of the obtained values.

[130] For example, when the assigned event condition is satisfied, the electronic device 10 (eg, the processor of the electronic device 10) can obtain a signal value corresponding to the plurality of patterns 725 using the touch detection circuit 740.

[131] For example, when the electronic device 10 is turned on, when the state of the electronic device 10 changes from the folded state to the deployed state, when the state of the electronic device 10 changes from the sleep state to the wake-up state, or if the touch input is not applied for a predetermined time, the electronic device 10 may determine that the assigned event condition is satisfied and obtain a signal value for a plurality of patterns 725.

[132] For example, when obtaining a signal value for a plurality of patterns 725, if a touch input is applied outside or water (H ₂ O) is present on the upper side of the second window 720, it may be difficult to obtain an accurate signal value for patterns 725 due to an external factor. For example, upon receiving the signal value for patterns 725, the electronic device 10 may generate a user notification and output the user notification through the display 100 so that the touch input is not applied (or the signal value is obtained in a state in which there is no water on the electronic device 10). According to another embodiment, a notification to the user may be output in a step before the signal value reacquisition operation if the signal value for the pattern set 725 is obtained and it is determined that a crack 720 has occurred in the second window based on the obtained signal value.

[133] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 10 may display a notification screen related to the replacement of the second window 720 through the display 100 based on a result of determining whether a crack has occurred in the second window 720. For example, if the second window 720 has been damaged, the electronic the device 10 can increase the period that the electronic device 10 can be used by replacing the second window 720 before there is direct damage to the first window 710 or display 100 by providing the user with a replacement notice.

[134] Referring to FIG. 7A and 7B, in step <702> and step <704>, the electronic device 10 is illustrated as if it obtained the capacitance value in a mutual capacitive manner with the touch detection circuit 740, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. Electronic device 10 may obtain a signal value (eg, capacitance value) for patterns 725 using various methods, including the intrinsic capacitance method.

[135] In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, a structure is illustrated and described in which one window, which refers to two windows and which is located at a position remote from the display, is easily removed, but the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, in other embodiments of the disclosure, it is apparent that three or more windows may be stacked on a display, which may have a design in which at least one of the remaining windows, except for the window facing the display, is easily peelable using the technologies proposed in various embodiments of disclosure for service purposes.

[136] A foldable electronic device (e.g., electronic device 10 in FIG. 1) according to various embodiments may include a flexible display (e.g., flexible display 100 in FIG. 1), a first window (e.g., first window 710 in FIG. 5A) including a first surface facing the flexible display and a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface and having the first surface attached to at least some areas of the flexible display with a first adhesive (e.g., first adhesive 712 in Fig. 5A), and a second window (e.g., second window 720 in Fig. 5A) affixed to at least some areas of the second surface of the first window with a second adhesive (e.g., second adhesive 722 in Fig. 5A) having a smaller adhesive strength than the first adhesive.

[137] For example, the second window may have a plurality of patterns (eg, patterns 725 in FIG. 7A) formed on at least some areas of one surface toward the first window.

[138] For example, a plurality of patterns are made of a hydrophilic polymeric material and may have a dielectric constant that varies depending on whether the patterns are exposed to air.

[139] For example, at least some of the patterns may be located on at least a portion of an area corresponding to the folding axis of the flexible display or the edge area of the flexible display.

[140] A foldable electronic device (e.g., electronic device 10 in Fig. 1 or electronic device 801 in Fig. 8) according to various embodiments further includes a processor (e.g., processor 820 in Fig. 8) and a storage device (e.g., memory 830 in Fig. 8) operatively associated with the processor. The storage device may include instructions that allow the processor, when executed, to determine a capacitance value corresponding to the plurality of patterns using a touch detection circuit (e.g., touch detection circuit 740 in FIG. 7A) included in the flexible display and identify if the whether the second window, based on the capacity value.

[141] For example, the plurality of drawings includes a reference drawing. The instructions may include instructions that allow the processor to compare a capacitance reference value corresponding to a reference pattern and a capacitance value corresponding to patterns other than the reference pattern, and to identify that the second window is corrupted when the capacitance value matches the reference capacitance value.

[142] For example, the instructions may include instructions that allow the processor to display a notification screen associated with replacing the second window via the flexible display based on the identification of the damaged second window.

[143] For example, the flexible display includes a display area (e.g., display area 104 in FIG. 4B) including a plurality of pixels and a non-display area (e.g., non-display area 105 in FIG. 4B), i. an area other than the display area. The second window may be located in a display area of the flexible display and in an area corresponding to at least some portions of the non-display area.

[144] For example, the foldable electronic device may further include a frame covering at least a portion of the edge region of the second window.

[145] For example, the first window and the second window may be made of a polymeric material.

[146] A foldable electronic device (e.g., electronic device 10 in Fig. 4A) according to various embodiments may include a hinge structure (e.g., hinge structure 536 in Fig. 4A), a first case structure (e.g., first case structure 510 in Fig. 4A) connected to the hinge structure and made including a first surface (for example, the first surface 501 in Fig. 4A), a second surface (for example, the second surface 502 in Fig. 4A), facing in a direction opposite to the first surface, and a first body side (e.g., first side member 532 in FIG. 4A) surrounding at least a portion of the first space between the first surface and the second surface, a second body structure (e.g., second body structure 520 in FIG. 4A) connected to the hinge structure made including a third surface (for example, third surface 503 in Fig. 4A), a fourth surface (for example For example, fourth surface 504 in FIG. 4A) facing away from the third surface, and a second housing side (e.g., second side member 542 in FIG. 4A) surrounding at least a portion of the second space between the third surface and the fourth surface, and folded together with the first housing structure with using the hinge structure as an axis, a flexible display (for example, display 100 in Fig. 4A) located in the first space of the first housing structure and in the second space of the second housing structure and made having at least some of its sections visible in the first direction to the first surface and a third surface, a first window (e.g., first window 710 in FIG. 5A) attached to at least some areas of one surface facing the first direction of the flexible display with a first adhesive (e.g., first adhesive 712 in FIG. 5A) ), and a second window (e.g., second window 720 in FIG. 5A) attached to at least some other areas of the same surface facing the first direction of the first window with a second adhesive (eg, second adhesive 722 in FIG. 5A).

[147] For example, the second adhesive may have a lower adhesive strength than the first adhesive. The thickness of the area to which the second adhesive has been applied may be less than the thickness of the area to which the first adhesive has been applied.

[148] For example, the second window may have a plurality of patterns formed on at least some portions of the other surface in the second direction, i. in the direction opposite to the first direction.

[149] For example, a plurality of patterns may be made of a hydrophilic polymeric material and may have a dielectric constant much greater than a predetermined value based on contact with air.

[150] According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device (e.g., electronic device 10 in Fig. 1 or electronic device 801 in Fig. 8) further includes a touch detection circuit (e.g., touch detection circuit 740 in Fig. 7A), a processor (eg, processor 820 in FIG. 8); and a storage device (eg, storage device 830 in FIG. 8) operably coupled to the processor. The storage device may store instructions that allow the processor, upon execution, to determine the capacitance value for the areas in which the plurality of patterns are formed using the touch detection circuit, and to identify whether the second window is corrupted based on the determined capacitance value.

[151] For example, the instructions may include instructions that allow the processor to display a notification screen associated with replacing the second window via the flexible display based on identifying whether the second window is damaged.

[152] For example, the first surface and the third surface may be arranged to cover at least some areas of the second window.

[153] For example, the first window and the second window may be made of a polymeric material.

[154] A method for detecting a crack in a window of an electronic device according to various embodiments may include the operation of determining, by a processor, a capacitance value for a plurality of patterns formed on the underside of a window covering a display using a touch detection circuit; and an operation of identifying by the processor whether the window is corrupted based on the determined capacity value.

[155] For example, the method may further include an operation of outputting a notification screen related to window replacement via the display based on a result of identifying whether the window is damaged.

[156] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 801 (eg, the electronic device 10 described in FIG. 1 or FIG. 3) in a network environment 800 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[157] Referring to FIG. 8, an electronic device 801 in a network environment 800 may communicate with an electronic device 802 via a first network 898 (e.g., a short range wireless communication network) or an electronic device 804 or a server 808 via a second network 899 (e.g., a long range wireless communication network). ). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 801 may communicate with the electronic device 804 via a server 808. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 801 may include a processor 820, a storage device 830, an input device 850, an audio output device 855, a display device 860, an audio module 870, sensor module 876, interface 877, tactile module 879, camera module 880, power management module 888, battery 889, communications module 890, subscriber identity module (SIM) 896, or antenna module 897. In some embodiments, at least one ( for example, display device 860 or camera module 880) of the components may be omitted from the electronic device 801, or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device 801. In some embodiments, some of the components may be implemented as a single integrated circuit. For example, a sensor module 876 (eg, a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or a light sensor) may be implemented as embedded in a display device 860 (eg, a display).

[158] Processor 820 may execute, for example, software (eg, program 840) by controlling at least one other component (eg, hardware or software component) of electronic device 801 associated with processor 820, and may perform various processing or data calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of processing or computing data, processor 820 may load an instruction or data received from another component (eg, sensor module 876 or communication module 890) into volatile memory 832, process the instruction or data, stored in volatile memory 832 and store the received data in non-volatile memory 834. According to an embodiment, processor 820 may include a main processor 821 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)) and an auxiliary processor 823 ( for example, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)), which operates independently of or in conjunction with the main processor 821. Additionally or alternatively, auxiliary processor 823 may be adapted to consume less power than main processor 821 or be specific to a particular function. The auxiliary processor 823 may be implemented separately from the main processor 821 or as part of it.

[159] The auxiliary processor 823 may manage at least some functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., display device 860, sensor module 876, or communication module 890) among the components of the electronic device 801, instead of the main processor 821, when the main processor 821 is in an inactive (eg, sleeping) state, or together with the main processor 821 when the main processor 821 is in an active state (eg, executing an application). According to an embodiment, an auxiliary processor 823 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communications processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., a camera module 880 or a communication module 890) operably coupled to the auxiliary processor 823.

[160] Memory 830 may store various data used by at least one component (eg, processor 820 or sensor module 876) of electronic device 801. Various data may include, for example, software (eg, program 840) and input or the output for the command associated with them. The storage device 830 may include a volatile storage device 832 or a non-volatile storage device 834.

[161] Program 840 may be stored in storage device 830 as software and may include, for example, operating system (OS) 842, middleware 844, or application 846.

[162] Input device 850 may receive a command or data to be used by another component (eg, processor 820) of electronic device 801 outside (eg, from a user) of electronic device 801. Input device 850 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse , keyboard, or digital pen (such as a stylus).

[163] The audio output device 855 may output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device 801. The audio output device 855 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The loudspeaker can be used for general purposes such as media playback or recording playback, while the receiver can be used for incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the loudspeaker or as part of it.

[164] The display device 860 may visually output information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device 801. The display device 860 may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector, and a control circuit for controlling the respective ones of the display, the hologram device, and the projector. According to an embodiment, the display device 860 may include a touch detection circuit adapted to detect a touch, or a sensor circuit (eg, a pressure sensor) adapted to measure the intensity of a force generated by a touch.

[165] The audio module 870 can convert sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 870 may receive sound through an input device 850 or output sound through an audio output device 855 or headphones of an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 802), directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly connected to electronic device 801.

[166] The sensor module 876 may detect an operating state (eg, power or temperature) of the electronic device 801 or an environmental state (eg, user state) outside the electronic device 801, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, sensor module 876 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip force sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature, humidity sensor or light sensor.

[167] Interface 877 may support one or more of these protocols to be used for electronic device 801 to communicate with an external electronic device (eg, electronic device 802) either directly (eg, wired) or wirelessly. According to an embodiment, interface 877 may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

[168] The connection terminal 878 may include a connector (connector) through which the electronic device 801 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (eg, electronic device 802). According to an embodiment, connection terminal 878 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (eg, a headphone connector).

[169] The tactile module 879 can convert the electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (eg, vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that can be recognized by the user through their tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation. According to an embodiment, the tactile module 879 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[170] The camera module 880 may capture a still image or moving images. According to an embodiment, camera module 880 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[171] Power management module 888 may control power supplied to electronic device 801. According to one embodiment, power management module 888 may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[172] Battery 889 can supply power to at least one component of electronic device 801. According to an embodiment, battery 889 can include, for example, a primary cell that is not rechargeable, a secondary cell that is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

[173] The communication module 890 may support establishing a direct (eg, wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 801 and an external electronic device (eg, electronic device 802, electronic device 804, or server 808) and communicating over the established communication channel. . Communications module 890 may include one or more communication processors that are capable of operating independently of processor 820 (eg, an application processor (AP)) and support direct (eg, wired) communication or wireless communication. According to an embodiment, communication module 890 may include a wireless communication module 892 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 894 (e.g., a local computer communication module). network (LAN) or power line communication (PLC) module). A respective one of these communication modules may communicate with an external electronic device via a first network 898 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth™, Wireless Direct Connection (Wi-Fi), or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network 899 (e.g., a long distance network such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN)). These different types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip) or may be implemented as multiple components (eg, multiple chips) separate from each other.The wireless communication module 892 may identify and authenticate an electronic device 801 in a communication network, such as a first network 898 or a second network 899, using subscriber information (eg, International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)), stored in the Subscriber Identity Module 896.

[174] Antenna module 897 may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from (e.g., an external electronic device) electronic device 801. According to an embodiment, antenna module 897 may include an antenna including a radiating element composed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (eg, a PCB). According to an embodiment, antenna module 897 may include a plurality of antennas. In such a case, at least one antenna suitable for the communication scheme used in the communication network, such as the first network 898 or the second network 899, may be selected, for example, by the communication module 890 (e.g., wireless communication module 892) from a plurality of antennas. The signal or power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module 890 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, another component (eg, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be further formed as part of the antenna module 897.

[175] At least some of the components described above can interconnect and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other using a communication scheme between peripheral devices (e.g., bus, general purpose input/output interface (GPIO), serial peripheral interface ( SPI) or Mobile Industrial Processor Interface (MIPI)).

[176] According to an embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device 801 and the external electronic device 804 via a server 808 associated with the second network 899. Each of the electronic devices 802 and 804 may be the same type of device as the electronic device 801, or another type. According to an embodiment, all or some of the operations to be performed on the electronic device 801 may be performed on one or more external electronic devices 802, 804, or 808. For example, if the electronic device 801 is to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or other device, the electronic device 801, instead of or in addition to performing a function or service, may request said one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of the function or service. Said one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform said at least part of the requested function or service, or an additional function or additional service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device 801. The electronic device 801 may provide the result with further with or without processing the result as at least part of the response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing or client-server computing technology can be used.

[177] The electronic device according to various embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. Electronic devices may include, for example, a portable communications device (eg, smartphone), a computing device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or home appliances. According to an embodiment of the invention, the electronic devices are not limited to the devices described above.

[178] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to specific embodiments, and include various modifications, equivalents, or replacements for the respective embodiment. With regard to the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used to refer to like or related elements. It should be understood that the singular form of the noun corresponding to an element may include one or more things, unless the appropriate context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of such phrases as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least at least one of A, B, and C" and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any or all of the possible combinations of the elements listed together in the respective one of the phrases. As used here, terms such as "1st" and "2nd" or "first" and "second" may be used simply to distinguish the respective component from another, and do not limit the components in another aspect (e.g., importance or order). . It should be understood that if a reference is made to an element (e.g., the first element) with or without the term "operably" or "connectable" as "associated with", "attached to", "connected to", or "connected to" another element (eg, the second element), this means that the element can be connected to another element directly (eg, wired), wirelessly, or through a third element.

[179] As used herein, the term "module" may include a block implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms, e.g., "logic", "logic block", "part" or "scheme". A module may be a single integral component or a minimal unit or part of it adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, the module may be implemented as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[180] The various embodiments that are set forth herein may be implemented as software (eg, program 840) including one or more instructions that are stored on a storage medium (eg, internal storage 836 or external storage 838 ) that is machine-readable (eg, electronic device 801). For example, a processor (e.g., processor 820) of a machine (e.g., electronic device 801) may call at least one of said one or more instructions stored on a storage medium and execute it with or without assistance from one or more other components under control. processor. This enables the machine to operate by executing at least one function according to said at least one called instruction. One or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executed by an interpreter. The computer-readable storage medium may be provided as a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transient" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include a signal (eg, an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not distinguish between when data is semi-permanently stored on the storage medium and when when data is temporarily stored on a storage medium.

[181] According to an embodiment, a method according to various embodiments of the invention may be included in and provided in a computer program product. A computer program product may be sold as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed as a computer-readable storage medium (eg, CD-ROM) or distributed (eg, downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store (eg, PlayStore™) or between two user devices (e.g. smartphones) directly. When distributed online, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored on a computer-readable storage medium, such as a storage device of a manufacturer's server, an application store server, or a relay server.

[182] According to various embodiments, each component (eg, module or program) of the components described above may include a single object or multiple objects. According to various embodiments, one or more of the components described above may be omitted or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively, or additionally, a plurality of components (eg, modules or programs) may be combined into a single component. In such a case, according to various embodiments, the merged component can still perform one or more of the functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by the corresponding one of the plurality of components prior to the merger. According to various embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more operations may be performed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[183] While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the appended claims and its equivalents.

Claims (31)

1. Portable communication device, containing: flexible display; a housing accommodating a flexible display, the housing including a side portion and an upper portion protruding from the side portion; a first transparent element positioned on top of the flexible display and foldable in accordance with the folding of the flexible display; a first adhesive layer located between the flexible display and the first transparent element, the first adhesive layer having a first thickness; a second transparent element positioned on top of the first transparent element and folded in accordance with the folding of the flexible display; and a second adhesive layer located between the first transparent element and the second transparent element, wherein the second adhesive layer has a second thickness less than the first thickness, wherein the flexible display is visible through the first transparent element, the first adhesive layer, the second transparent element and the second adhesive layer; and wherein, when viewed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the flexible display, the first edge portion of the first transparent element is overlapped by and spaced apart from the top of the housing, and the second edge portion of the second transparent element is overlapped by and spaced from the top. 2. The portable communication device of claim 1, wherein the first adhesive layer has a first adhesive strength and the second adhesive layer has a second adhesive strength less than the first adhesive strength. 3. The portable communications device of claim 2, wherein the second adhesive layer is configured such that when an external force is applied, the second transparent element is able to separate from the first transparent element while the first transparent element remains attached to the flexible display through the first adhesive layer. . 4. The portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first edge portion is spaced apart from the side portion by a first distance, and the second edge portion is spaced apart from the side portion by a second distance greater than the first distance. 5. The portable communication device of claim 1, further comprising an opaque element disposed at the first edge portion such that the opaque element is overlapped by the top when viewed in said direction. 6. The portable communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a coating layer located on the second transparent element and forming a portion of the outer surface of the portable communication device. 7. The portable communication device according to claim 6, wherein the coating layer includes at least one of a non-fingerprint layer, a hard coating layer, an antireflection layer, or an anti-reflective layer. 8. The portable communications device of claim. 1, further comprising a coating layer located on the surface of the first transparent element facing the second transparent element. 9. The portable communication device according to claim 8, wherein the coating layer includes at least one of a non-fingerprint layer, a hard coating layer, an antireflection layer, or an anti-reflective layer. 10. The portable communications device of claim 1, wherein the first transparent element includes a polyimide (PI) layer. 11. The portable communications device of claim 1, wherein the second transparent element includes a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layer. 12. The portable communications device of claim 1, wherein the first transparent element includes a plurality of polymer layers and the second transparent element includes a single polymer layer. 13. The portable communications device of claim. 1, further comprising a sensor placed in the housing so that the sensor is not obstructed by the first transparent element or the second transparent element. 14. The portable communication device of claim. 1, wherein the first transparent element and the second transparent element are configured such that each of the first edge portion and the second edge portion remains at least partially covered by the upper portion when the folding state of the flexible display is changed from the unfolded state to the folded state. 15. A foldable electronic device, comprising: flexible display; a first transparent element comprising a first surface facing the flexible display and a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface, the first surface being attached to the flexible display with a first adhesive; and a second transparent element attached to at least some areas of the second surface of the first transparent element with a second adhesive, wherein the first adhesive has a greater thickness than the second adhesive. 16. The foldable electronic device of claim 15, wherein the first adhesive has a greater adhesive strength than the second adhesive. 17. The foldable electronic device of claim 15, further comprising a frame covering an edge region of the flexible display. 18. The foldable electronic device of claim 17, wherein the frame and the flexible display have a gap between each other. 19. The foldable electronic device of claim 15, wherein the first transparent element and the second transparent element are positioned over the flexible display.

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