WO2020226209A1 - Mobile terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a foldable mobile terminal comprising: a foldable body; a flexible display panel which is provided on one surface of the body and which folds together with the body; and a protective cover for covering the flexible display panel, wherein the protective cover comprises: a first cover which covers a first area in the flexible display panel where the flexible display panel folds; and second covers which cover second areas provided on the respective sides of the first area in the flexible display panel, the second covers being made of a different material from the first cover so as to have higher rigidity than the first cover.

Description

Mobile terminal

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal. Specifically, in a foldable mobile terminal, it can be applied to a technical field that protects the flexible display from external impact.

Terminals can be divided into mobile/portable terminals and stationary terminals depending on whether they can be moved. Again, mobile terminals can be divided into handheld terminals and vehicle mounted terminals depending on whether the user can directly carry them.

The functions of mobile terminals are diversifying. For example, there are functions of data and voice communication, taking pictures and videos through a camera, recording voice, playing music files through a speaker system, and outputting images or videos to the display. Some terminals add an electronic game play function or perform a multimedia player function. In particular, recent mobile terminals can receive multicast signals providing visual content such as broadcasting and video or television programs.

As functions are diversified, such a terminal is being implemented in the form of a multimedia player having complex functions such as, for example, taking pictures or videos, playing music or video files, and receiving game broadcasts.

In order to support and increase the function of the terminal, it may be considered to improve the structural part and/or the software part of the terminal.

The mobile terminal has a limited size in consideration of portability. As the size of the mobile terminal is limited, the size of the display may not be suitable for providing various visual contents to the user. In recent years, there is a trend in the development of a foldable mobile terminal in order to increase portability and provide visual content to users on a larger screen.

However, in the case of a foldable display, there is a problem that the folding flexible display is easily damaged by an external impact, so discussions for reinforcing the strength of the flexible display continue.

An object of the present invention is to reinforce the strength of a flexible display panel included in a foldable mobile terminal, which is a problem described above.

In order to achieve the object of the present invention, the present invention includes a foldable body, a flexible display panel provided on one side of the body and folded together with the body, and a protective cover covering the flexible display panel, according to an embodiment. And, the protective cover includes a first cover for covering a first area folded on the flexible display panel, and a second cover for covering a second area provided on both sides of the first area on the flexible display panel, The second cover is made of a material different from the first cover to provide a mobile terminal, characterized in that the rigidity is higher than that of the first cover.

In addition, the present invention provides a mobile terminal according to an embodiment, wherein the first cover is made of a silicone material or a soft plastic material.

In addition, the present invention provides a mobile terminal according to an embodiment, wherein the second cover is made of a glass material or a rigid plastic material.

In addition, the present invention provides a mobile terminal according to an embodiment, wherein the protective cover includes an adhesive film on one surface and is detachably attached to the flexible display panel.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the protective cover includes an adhesive layer integrally formed with the first cover on one surface, and the adhesive layer is made of a silicone material having an adhesive component with the first cover, It provides a mobile terminal, characterized in that the detachable attachment to the flexible display panel.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the flexible display panel provides a mobile terminal, wherein the front surface of the flexible display panel is made of a transparent polyimide (CPI) film.

In addition, the present invention provides a mobile terminal according to an embodiment, wherein the second area is provided on both sides of the first area to maintain a flat surface while the body is folded.

In addition, according to another embodiment, the present invention includes a foldable body, and a flexible display panel provided on one surface of the body and folded together with the body, wherein the flexible display panel includes a first region and the first region together with the body. The second region provided on both sides of the first region includes a stiffness reinforcing layer composed of a different material, and the stiffness reinforcement layer indicates that the material constituting the second region has a higher rigidity than the material constituting the first region. It provides a mobile terminal characterized by.

In addition, according to another embodiment, the present invention provides a mobile terminal, wherein the stiffness reinforcement layer constitutes a front surface of the flexible display panel.

In addition, according to another embodiment, the rigid reinforcing layer provides a mobile terminal, wherein a material corresponding to the first region is a silicon material or a soft plastic material.

Further, according to another embodiment, the rigid reinforcing layer provides a mobile terminal, wherein a material corresponding to the second area is a glass material or a rigid plastic material.

In addition, according to another embodiment, the second area is provided on both sides of the first area to provide a mobile terminal, wherein the second area is an area that maintains a plane while the body is folded.

In addition, according to another embodiment, in a protective cover attached to a flexible display panel, a first cover covering a first area folded in the flexible display panel, and both sides of the first area in the flexible display panel It provides a protective cover comprising a second cover for covering a second area provided in, wherein the second cover is made of a material different from that of the first cover and has a higher rigidity than the first cover.

In addition, according to another embodiment, the present invention provides a protective cover, wherein the second region is a region maintaining a flat state.

In addition, according to another embodiment, the first cover includes an adhesive layer formed integrally with the first cover on one surface, and the adhesive layer is composed of a silicone material having an adhesive component with the first cover. Thus, it provides a protective cover, characterized in that detachably attached to the display panel.

The effect of the mobile terminal according to the present invention will be described as follows.

The present invention can prevent the flexible display included in the foldable mobile terminal from being easily damaged by an external force.

According to the present invention, in a flexible display included in a foldable mobile terminal, strength of an area maintaining a flat surface can be reinforced without disturbing the folding mechanism of the folded area.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description below. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art, detailed description and specific embodiments such as preferred embodiments of the present invention are understood to be given by way of example only. Should be.

1A is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal related to the present invention.

1B and 1C are conceptual diagrams of an example of a mobile terminal according to the present invention viewed from different directions.

2 is a diagram illustrating an unfolded mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 shows a folding mechanism of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a partially exploded perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a front view and a side view of a protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a side view showing a protective cover and an adhesive film according to an embodiment of the present invention.

7 and 8 are cross-sectional views of a flexible display according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but identical or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals regardless of reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description are given or used interchangeably in consideration of only the ease of preparation of the specification, and do not have meanings or roles that are distinguished from each other by themselves. In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, when it is determined that a detailed description of related known technologies may obscure the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and the technical idea disclosed in the present specification is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and all modifications included in the spirit and scope of the present invention It should be understood to include equivalents or substitutes.

Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first and second, may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited by the terms. These terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component.

When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it is understood that it may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but other components may exist in the middle. Should be. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there is no other component in the middle.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In the present application, terms such as "comprises" or "have" are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but one or more other features. It is to be understood that the presence or addition of elements or numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof, does not preclude in advance.

Mobile terminals described in this specification include mobile phones, smart phones, laptop computers, digital broadcasting terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigation systems, and slate PCs. , Tablet PC (tablet PC), ultrabook (ultrabook), wearable device (wearable device, for example, smartwatch, glass-type terminal (smart glass), HMD (head mounted display)), etc. may be included. have.

However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the configuration according to the embodiment described in the present specification may also be applied to fixed terminals such as digital TVs, desktop computers, and digital signage, except when applicable only to mobile terminals. will be.

1A to 1C, FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal related to the present invention, and FIGS. 1B and 1C are conceptual diagrams of an example of a mobile terminal related to the present invention viewed from different directions.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an input unit 120, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, an interface unit 160, a memory 170, a control unit 180, and a power supply unit 190. ), etc. The components shown in FIG. 1A are not essential for implementing the mobile terminal, and thus, the mobile terminal described in the present specification may have more or fewer components than those listed above.

More specifically, among the components, the wireless communication unit 110 may be configured between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system, between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobile terminal 100, or between the mobile terminal 100 and an external server. It may include one or more modules that enable wireless communication between. In addition, the wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more modules for connecting the mobile terminal 100 to one or more networks.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include at least one of a broadcast reception module 111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, a short-range communication module 114, and a location information module 115. .

The input unit 120 includes a camera 121 or an image input unit for inputting an image signal, a microphone 122 for inputting an audio signal, or an audio input unit, and a user input unit 123 for receiving information from a user, for example, , A touch key, a mechanical key, etc.). The voice data or image data collected by the input unit 120 may be analyzed and processed as a user's control command.

The sensing unit 140 may include one or more sensors for sensing at least one of information in the mobile terminal, information on surrounding environments surrounding the mobile terminal, and user information. For example, the sensing unit 140 includes a proximity sensor 141, an illumination sensor 142, a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, and gravity. G-sensor, gyroscope sensor, motion sensor, RGB sensor, infrared sensor (IR sensor), fingerprint sensor (finger scan sensor), ultrasonic sensor (ultrasonic sensor) , Optical sensor (for example, camera (see 121)), microphone (microphone, see 122), battery gauge, environmental sensor (for example, barometer, hygrometer, thermometer, radiation detection sensor, It may include at least one of a heat sensor, a gas sensor, etc.), and a chemical sensor (eg, an electronic nose, a healthcare sensor, a biometric sensor, etc.). Meanwhile, the mobile terminal disclosed in the present specification may combine and utilize information sensed by at least two or more of these sensors.

The output unit 150 is for generating an output related to visual, auditory or tactile sense, and includes at least one of the display unit 151, the sound output unit 152, the hap tip module 153, and the light output unit 154 can do. The display unit 151 may implement a touch screen by forming a layer structure or integrally with the touch sensor. Such a touch screen can function as a user input unit 123 that provides an input interface between the mobile terminal 100 and a user, and can provide an output interface between the mobile terminal 100 and a user.

The interface unit 160 serves as a passage between various types of external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 connects a wired/wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired/wireless data port, a memory card port, and a device equipped with an identification module. It may include at least one of a port, an audio input/output (I/O) port, an input/output (video I/O) port, and an earphone port. The mobile terminal 100 may perform appropriate control related to the connected external device in response to the connection of the external device to the interface unit 160.

In addition, the memory 170 stores data supporting various functions of the mobile terminal 100. The memory 170 may store a plurality of application programs or applications driven by the mobile terminal 100, data for operation of the mobile terminal 100, and commands. At least some of these application programs may be downloaded from an external server through wireless communication. In addition, at least some of these application programs may exist on the mobile terminal 100 from the time of delivery for basic functions of the mobile terminal 100 (eg, incoming calls, outgoing functions, message reception, and outgoing functions). Meanwhile, the application program may be stored in the memory 170, installed on the mobile terminal 100, and driven by the controller 180 to perform an operation (or function) of the mobile terminal.

In addition to the operation related to the application program, the controller 180 generally controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100. The controller 180 may provide or process appropriate information or functions to a user by processing signals, data, information, etc. input or output through the above-described components or by driving an application program stored in the memory 170.

Also, in order to drive an application program stored in the memory 170, the controller 180 may control at least some of the components examined together with FIG. 1A. Furthermore, in order to drive the application program, the controller 180 may operate by combining at least two or more of the components included in the mobile terminal 100 with each other.

The power supply unit 190 receives external power and internal power under the control of the controller 180 and supplies power to each of the components included in the mobile terminal 100. The power supply unit 190 includes a battery, and the battery may be a built-in battery or a replaceable battery.

At least some of the components may operate in cooperation with each other to implement an operation, control, or control method of a mobile terminal according to various embodiments described below. In addition, the operation, control, or control method of the mobile terminal may be implemented on the mobile terminal by driving at least one application program stored in the memory 170.

Hereinafter, before examining various embodiments implemented through the mobile terminal 100 described above, the above-listed components will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 1A.

First, referring to the wireless communication unit 110, the broadcast reception module 111 of the wireless communication unit 110 receives a broadcast signal and/or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. Two or more broadcast receiving modules may be provided to the mobile terminal 100 for simultaneous broadcast reception or broadcast channel switching of at least two broadcast channels.

The mobile communication module 112 includes technical standards or communication methods for mobile communication (eg, GSM (Global System for Mobile communication), CDMA (Code Division Multi Access), CDMA2000 (Code Division Multi Access 2000)), EV -DO (Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only), WCDMA (Wideband CDMA), HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access), HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), etc.), transmits and receives radio signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server.

The wireless signal may include a voice call signal, a video call signal, or various types of data according to transmission/reception of text/multimedia messages.

The wireless Internet module 113 refers to a module for wireless Internet access, and may be built-in or external to the mobile terminal 100. The wireless Internet module 113 is configured to transmit and receive wireless signals in a communication network according to wireless Internet technologies.

Examples of wireless Internet technologies include WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) Direct, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), WiBro (Wireless Broadband), WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access), HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), etc., and the wireless Internet module ( 113) transmits and receives data according to at least one wireless Internet technology in a range including Internet technologies not listed above.

From the point of view that wireless Internet access by WiBro, HSDPA, HSUPA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE, LTE-A, etc. is made through a mobile communication network, the wireless Internet module 113 performs wireless Internet access through the mobile communication network. ) May be understood as a kind of the mobile communication module 112.

The short range communication module 114 is for short range communication, and includes Bluetooth (Bluetooth), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and NFC. Near field communication may be supported by using at least one of (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus) technologies. The short-distance communication module 114 is, between the mobile terminal 100 and a wireless communication system, between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobile terminal 100, or between the mobile terminal 100 through a wireless area network (Wireless Area Networks). ) And a network in which another mobile terminal 100 or an external server is located may support wireless communication. The local area wireless communication network may be a wireless personal area network (Wireless Personal Area Networks).

Here, the other mobile terminal 100 is a wearable device capable of exchanging (or interlocking with) data with the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention, for example, a smartwatch, a smart glasses. (smart glass), HMD (head mounted display)). The short-range communication module 114 may detect (or recognize) a wearable device capable of communicating with the mobile terminal 100 around the mobile terminal 100. Furthermore, when the sensed wearable device is a device that is authenticated to communicate with the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention, the controller 180 transmits at least part of the data processed by the mobile terminal 100 to the short-range communication module ( 114) can be transmitted to the wearable device. Accordingly, a user of the wearable device can use data processed by the mobile terminal 100 through the wearable device. For example, according to this, when a call is received by the mobile terminal 100, the user performs a phone call through the wearable device, or when a message is received by the mobile terminal 100, the user receives the received call through the wearable device. It is possible to check the message.

The location information module 115 is a module for obtaining a location (or current location) of a mobile terminal, and representative examples thereof include a GPS (Global Positioning System) module or a WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) module. For example, if the mobile terminal utilizes the GPS module, it can acquire the location of the mobile terminal by using a signal transmitted from a GPS satellite. As another example, if the mobile terminal utilizes the Wi-Fi module, the mobile terminal may acquire the location of the mobile terminal based on information of the Wi-Fi module and a wireless access point (AP) that transmits or receives a wireless signal. If necessary, the location information module 115 may perform any function among other modules of the wireless communication unit 110 in order to obtain data on the location of the mobile terminal as a substitute or additionally. The location information module 115 is a module used to obtain the location (or current location) of the mobile terminal, and is not limited to a module that directly calculates or obtains the location of the mobile terminal.

Next, the input unit 120 is for inputting image information (or signal), audio information (or signal), data, or information input from a user. For inputting image information, the mobile terminal 100 Alternatively, a plurality of cameras 121 may be provided. The camera 121 processes an image frame such as a still image or a video obtained by an image sensor in a video call mode or a photographing mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display unit 151 or stored in the memory 170. On the other hand, a plurality of cameras 121 provided in the mobile terminal 100 may be arranged to form a matrix structure, and through the camera 121 forming a matrix structure as described above, various angles or focal points are applied to the mobile terminal 100. A plurality of image information may be input. In addition, the plurality of cameras 121 may be arranged in a stereo structure to obtain a left image and a right image for realizing a stereoscopic image.

The microphone 122 processes an external sound signal into electrical voice data. The processed voice data may be variously utilized according to a function (or an application program being executed) being executed by the mobile terminal 100. Meanwhile, the microphone 122 may be implemented with various noise removal algorithms for removing noise generated in a process of receiving an external sound signal.

The user input unit 123 is for receiving information from a user, and when information is input through the user input unit 123, the controller 180 can control the operation of the mobile terminal 100 to correspond to the input information. . Such, the user input unit 123 is a mechanical (mechanical) input means (or a mechanical key, for example, a button located on the front, rear or side of the mobile terminal 100, a dome switch (dome switch), a jog wheel, Jog switch, etc.) and a touch-type input means. As an example, the touch-type input means comprises a virtual key, a soft key, or a visual key displayed on a touch screen through software processing, or a portion other than the touch screen It may be made of a touch key (touch key) disposed on. On the other hand, the virtual key or visual key can be displayed on the touch screen while having various forms, for example, graphic, text, icon, video, or these It can be made of a combination of.

Meanwhile, the sensing unit 140 senses at least one of information in the mobile terminal, information on a surrounding environment surrounding the mobile terminal, and user information, and generates a sensing signal corresponding thereto. The controller 180 may control the driving or operation of the mobile terminal 100 or perform data processing, functions, or operations related to an application program installed in the mobile terminal 100 based on such a sensing signal. Representative sensors among various sensors that may be included in the sensing unit 140 will be described in more detail.

First, the proximity sensor 141 refers to a sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object approaching a predetermined detection surface or an object existing in the vicinity using the force of an electromagnetic field or infrared rays without mechanical contact. In the proximity sensor 141, the proximity sensor 141 may be disposed in an inner area of the mobile terminal surrounded by the touch screen as described above or near the touch screen.

Examples of the proximity sensor 141 include a transmission type photoelectric sensor, a direct reflection type photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflection type photoelectric sensor, a high frequency oscillation type proximity sensor, a capacitive type proximity sensor, a magnetic type proximity sensor, an infrared proximity sensor, and the like. When the touch screen is a capacitive type, the proximity sensor 141 may be configured to detect the proximity of the object by a change in the electric field according to the proximity of the conductive object. In this case, the touch screen (or touch sensor) itself may be classified as a proximity sensor.

On the other hand, for convenience of explanation, the action of allowing an object to be recognized as being positioned on the touch screen by being approached without contacting an object on the touch screen is called "proximity touch", and the touch The act of actually touching an object on the screen is referred to as "contact touch". A position at which an object is touched in proximity on the touch screen means a position at which the object is vertically corresponding to the touch screen when the object is touched in proximity. The proximity sensor 141 may detect a proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (eg, proximity touch distance, proximity touch direction, proximity touch speed, proximity touch time, proximity touch position, proximity touch movement state, etc.). have. Meanwhile, as above, the controller 180 processes data (or information) corresponding to the proximity touch operation and the proximity touch pattern sensed through the proximity sensor 141, and further, provides visual information corresponding to the processed data. It can be output on the touch screen. Furthermore, the controller 180 may control the mobile terminal 100 to process different operations or data (or information) according to whether a touch to the same point on the touch screen is a proximity touch or a touch touch. .

The touch sensor applies a touch (or touch input) to the touch screen (or display unit 151) using at least one of various touch methods such as a resistive film method, a capacitive method, an infrared method, an ultrasonic method, and a magnetic field method. To detect.

As an example, the touch sensor may be configured to convert a pressure applied to a specific portion of the touch screen or a change in capacitance generated at a specific portion of the touch screen into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor may be configured to detect a location, an area, a pressure upon touch, a capacitance upon touch, and the like at which a touch object applying a touch on the touch screen is touched on the touch sensor. Here, the touch object is an object that applies a touch to the touch sensor, and may be, for example, a finger, a touch pen, a stylus pen, or a pointer.

In this way, when there is a touch input to the touch sensor, the signal(s) corresponding thereto is transmitted to the touch controller. The touch controller processes the signal(s) and then transmits the corresponding data to the controller 180. As a result, the controller 180 can know whether an area of the display unit 151 is touched. Here, the touch controller may be a separate component from the controller 180 or may be the controller 180 itself.

Meanwhile, the controller 180 may perform different controls or perform the same control according to the type of the touch object by touching the touch screen (or a touch key provided in addition to the touch screen). Whether to perform different controls or to perform the same control according to the type of the touch object may be determined according to an operating state of the mobile terminal 100 or an application program being executed.

Meanwhile, the touch sensor and the proximity sensor described above are independently or in combination, and a short (or tap) touch, a long touch, a multi touch, and a drag touch on the touch screen. ), flick touch, pinch-in touch, pinch-out touch, swipe touch, hovering touch, etc. You can sense the touch.

The ultrasonic sensor may recognize location information of a sensing target by using ultrasonic waves. Meanwhile, the controller 180 may calculate the location of the wave generator through information sensed from the optical sensor and the plurality of ultrasonic sensors. The location of the wave generator may be calculated by using a property that the light is much faster than the ultrasonic wave, that is, the time that the light reaches the optical sensor is much faster than the time that the ultrasonic wave reaches the ultrasonic sensor. More specifically, the position of the wave generator may be calculated using a time difference between a time when the ultrasonic wave arrives using light as a reference signal.

On the other hand, the camera 121, viewed as the configuration of the input unit 120, includes at least one of a camera sensor (eg, CCD, CMOS, etc.), a photo sensor (or image sensor), and a laser sensor.

The camera 121 and the laser sensor may be combined with each other to detect a touch of a sensing target for a 3D stereoscopic image. The photosensor may be stacked on the display device, and the photosensor is configured to scan a motion of a sensing object close to the touch screen. More specifically, the photo sensor scans the contents placed on the photo sensor by mounting a photo diode and a transistor (TR) in a row/column and using an electrical signal that changes according to the amount of light applied to the photo diode. That is, the photosensor calculates the coordinates of the sensing object according to the amount of light change, and through this, position information of the sensing object may be obtained.

The display unit 151 displays (outputs) information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, the display unit 151 may display execution screen information of an application program driven in the mobile terminal 100, or UI (User Interface) and GUI (Graphic User Interface) information according to such execution screen information. .

In addition, the display unit 151 may be configured as a three-dimensional display unit that displays a three-dimensional image.

A three-dimensional display method such as a stereoscopic method (glasses method), an auto stereoscopic method (no glasses method), and a projection method (holographic method) may be applied to the stereoscopic display unit.

The sound output unit 152 may output audio data received from the wireless communication unit 110 or stored in the memory 170 in a call signal reception, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like. The sound output unit 152 also outputs sound signals related to functions (eg, a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) performed in the mobile terminal 100. The sound output unit 152 may include a receiver, a speaker, and a buzzer.

The haptic module 153 generates various tactile effects that a user can feel. A typical example of the tactile effect generated by the haptic module 153 may be vibration. The intensity and pattern of vibrations generated by the haptic module 153 may be controlled by a user's selection or setting of a controller. For example, the haptic module 153 may synthesize and output different vibrations or sequentially output them.

In addition to vibration, the haptic module 153 is used for stimulation such as an arrangement of pins that move vertically with respect to the contact skin surface, blowing force or suction force of air through the injection or inlet, grazing against the skin surface, contact of electrodes, and electrostatic force. It can generate various tactile effects, such as the effect by the effect and the effect by reproducing the feeling of cooling and warming using an endothermic or heat generating element.

The haptic module 153 may not only deliver a tactile effect through direct contact, but may also be implemented so that a user can feel the tactile effect through muscle sensations such as a finger or an arm. Two or more haptic modules 153 may be provided depending on the configuration aspect of the mobile terminal 100.

The light output unit 154 outputs a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event using light from a light source of the mobile terminal 100. Examples of events occurring in the mobile terminal 100 may include message reception, call signal reception, missed call, alarm, schedule notification, email reception, and information reception through an application.

The signal output from the light output unit 154 is implemented as the mobile terminal emits a single color or multiple colors of light to the front or rear. The signal output may be terminated when the mobile terminal detects the user's event confirmation.

The interface unit 160 serves as a passage for all external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 receives data from an external device or receives power and transmits it to each component inside the mobile terminal 100, or transmits data inside the mobile terminal 100 to an external device. For example, a wired/wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired/wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device equipped with an identification module. (port), an audio input/output (I/O) port, a video input/output (I/O) port, an earphone port, and the like may be included in the interface unit 160.

Meanwhile, the identification module is a chip that stores various types of information for authenticating the right to use the mobile terminal 100, and includes a user identification module (UIM), a subscriber identity module (SIM), and universal user authentication. It may include a module (universal subscriber identity module; USIM). A device equipped with an identification module (hereinafter,'identification device') may be manufactured in the form of a smart card. Accordingly, the identification device may be connected to the terminal 100 through the interface unit 160.

In addition, the interface unit 160 serves as a path through which power from the cradle is supplied to the mobile terminal 100 when the mobile terminal 100 is connected to an external cradle, or is input from the cradle by a user. It may be a path through which various command signals are transmitted to the mobile terminal 100. Various command signals or the power input from the cradle may be operated as signals for recognizing that the mobile terminal 100 is correctly mounted on the cradle.

The memory 170 may store a program for the operation of the controller 180 and may temporarily store input/output data (eg, a phone book, a message, a still image, a video, etc.). The memory 170 may store data on vibrations and sounds of various patterns output when a touch input on the touch screen is performed.

The memory 170 is a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a solid state disk type, an SDD type, a multimedia card micro type. ), card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read (EEPROM) -only memory), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The mobile terminal 100 may be operated in connection with a web storage that performs a storage function of the memory 170 over the Internet.

Meanwhile, as described above, the controller 180 controls an operation related to an application program and, in general, an overall operation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the state of the mobile terminal satisfies a set condition, the controller 180 may execute or release a lock state limiting input of a user's control command for applications.

In addition, the controller 180 performs control and processing related to voice calls, data communication, video calls, etc., or performs pattern recognition processing capable of recognizing handwriting input or drawing input performed on the touch screen as characters and images, respectively. I can. Furthermore, in order to implement various embodiments described below on the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention, the controller 180 may control any one or a combination of a plurality of components described above.

The power supply unit 190 receives external power and internal power under the control of the controller 180 to supply power necessary for the operation of each component. The power supply unit 190 includes a battery, and the battery may be a built-in battery configured to be rechargeable, and may be detachably coupled to a terminal body for charging or the like.

Further, the power supply unit 190 may include a connection port, and the connection port may be configured as an example of an interface 160 to which an external charger supplying power for charging a battery is electrically connected.

As another example, the power supply unit 190 may be configured to charge the battery in a wireless manner without using the connection port. In this case, the power supply unit 190 uses at least one of an inductive coupling method based on a magnetic induction phenomenon or a magnetic resonance coupling method based on an electromagnetic resonance phenomenon from an external wireless power transmitter. Power can be delivered.

Meanwhile, hereinafter, various embodiments may be implemented in a recording medium that can be read by a computer or a similar device using, for example, software, hardware, or a combination thereof.

1B and 1C, the disclosed mobile terminal 100 includes a bar-shaped terminal body. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be applied to various structures such as a watch type, a clip type, a glass type, or a folder type in which two or more bodies are relatively movably coupled, a flip type, a slide type, a swing type, and a swivel type. . Although it will relate to a specific type of mobile terminal, the description of a specific type of mobile terminal may be generally applied to other types of mobile terminals.

Here, the terminal body may be understood as a concept referring to the mobile terminal 100 as at least one aggregate.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a case (for example, a frame, a housing, a cover, etc.) forming an exterior. As shown, the mobile terminal 100 may include a front case 101 and a rear case 102. Various electronic components are disposed in an inner space formed by the combination of the front case 101 and the rear case 102. At least one middle case may be additionally disposed between the front case 101 and the rear case 102.

As shown, recently, a mobile terminal having a structure in which a front case is omitted while a window 151a located in front of the display unit covers the entire front surface, and a side case 210 is provided that wraps around the side. You may. The window 151a, the side case 210, and the rear case 102 form an inner space, and in some cases, an electronic component may be mounted on the rear case 102 as well. Electronic components that can be mounted on the rear case 102 include a removable battery, an identification module, and a memory card. In this case, a rear cover for covering the mounted electronic component may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102. Accordingly, when the rear cover is separated from the rear case 102, the electronic components mounted on the rear case 102 are exposed to the outside.

These cases 102 and 210 may be formed by injection of synthetic resin or may be formed of a metal such as stainless steel (STS), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), or the like.

The side case 210 of the present invention includes a metal material, and the side case 210 may be used as an antenna radiator. A conductive material having a length suitable for the frequency characteristics of the transmitted/received signal should be used. A plurality of conductive members are formed by partitioning with a slit 220 in the middle of the metal side case 210, and a non-metallic material in the slit 220 The conductive member can be filled with a material and used as an antenna radiator.

Unlike the above example in which a plurality of cases provide an inner space for accommodating various electronic components, the mobile terminal 100 may be configured such that one case provides the inner space. In this case, a unibody mobile terminal 100 in which synthetic resin or metal is connected from the side to the rear may be implemented.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 100 may include a waterproof unit (not shown) that prevents water from permeating into the terminal body. For example, the waterproof unit is provided between the window 151a and the front case 101, between the front case 101 and the rear case 102, or between the rear case 102 and the rear cover 103, and the combination thereof It may include a waterproof member for sealing the inner space.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a display unit 151, first and second sound output units 152a and 152b, a proximity sensor 141, an illuminance sensor 142, a light output unit 154, and first and second sound output units. Cameras 121a and 121b, first and second operation units 123a and 123b, microphone 122, interface unit 160, and the like may be provided.

In the following, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, a display unit 151, a first sound output unit 152a, a proximity sensor 141, an illuminance sensor 142, and a light output unit ( 154), a first camera 121a and a first operation unit 123a are disposed, a second operation unit 123b, a microphone 122, and an interface unit 160 are disposed on the side of the terminal body, and the terminal body The mobile terminal 100 in which the second sound output unit 152b and the second camera 121b are disposed on the rear surface of will be described as an example.

However, these configurations are not limited to this arrangement. These configurations may be excluded or replaced as necessary, or may be disposed on different sides. For example, the first operation unit 123a may not be provided on the front surface of the terminal body, and the second sound output unit 152b may be provided on the side of the terminal body rather than on the rear surface of the terminal body.

The display unit 151 displays (outputs) information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, the display unit 151 may display execution screen information of an application program driven in the mobile terminal 100, or UI (User Interface) and GUI (Graphic User Interface) information according to such execution screen information. .

The display unit 151 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), and a flexible display. display), a 3D display, and an e-ink display.

In addition, two or more display units 151 may exist depending on the implementation type of the mobile terminal 100. In this case, the mobile terminal 100 may have a plurality of display units spaced apart or integrally disposed on one surface, or may be disposed on different surfaces.

The display unit 151 may include a touch sensor that senses a touch on the display unit 151 so as to receive a control command by a touch method. Using this, when a touch is made to the display unit 151, the touch sensor detects the touch, and the controller 180 may be configured to generate a control command corresponding to the touch based on this. Content input by the touch method may be letters or numbers, or menu items that can be indicated or designated in various modes.

On the other hand, the touch sensor is configured in the form of a film having a touch pattern and is disposed between the window 151a and a display (not shown) on the rear surface of the window 151a, or a metal wire patterned directly on the rear surface of the window 151a. Can be. Alternatively, the touch sensor may be integrally formed with the display. For example, the touch sensor may be disposed on a substrate of the display or may be provided inside the display.

As such, the display unit 151 may form a touch screen together with a touch sensor, and in this case, the touch screen may function as a user input unit 123 (see FIG. 1A). In some cases, the touch screen may replace at least some functions of the first manipulation unit 123a.

The first sound output unit 152a may be implemented as a receiver that transmits a call sound to the user's ear, and the second sound output unit 152b is a loud speaker that outputs various alarm sounds or multimedia playback sounds. ) Can be implemented.

A sound hole for emitting sound generated from the first sound output unit 152a may be formed in the window 151a of the display unit 151. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the sound may be configured to be emitted along an assembly gap between structures (eg, a gap between the window 151a and the front case 101). In this case, the externally formed hole for sound output is not visible or hidden, so that the appearance of the mobile terminal 100 may be more simple.

The light output unit 154 is configured to output light for notifying when an event occurs. Examples of the event include message reception, call signal reception, missed call, alarm, schedule notification, e-mail reception, and information reception through an application. When the user's event confirmation is detected, the controller 180 may control the light output unit 154 to terminate the light output.

The first camera 121a processes an image frame of a still image or moving image obtained by an image sensor in a photographing mode or a video call mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display unit 151 and may be stored in the memory 170.

The first and second manipulation units 123a and 123b are an example of the user input unit 123 operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100, and may also be collectively referred to as a manipulating portion. have. The first and second operation units 123a and 123b may be employed in any manner as long as the user operates while receiving a tactile feeling such as touch, push, and scroll. In addition, the first and second manipulation units 123a and 123b may also be employed in a manner in which the first and second manipulation units 123a and 123b are operated without a user's tactile feeling through proximity touch, hovering touch, or the like.

In this drawing, the first manipulation unit 123a is illustrated as being a touch key, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first operation unit 123a may be a push key (mechanical key) or may be configured as a combination of a touch key and a push key.

Contents input by the first and second manipulation units 123a and 123b may be variously set. For example, the first operation unit 123a receives commands such as menu, home key, cancel, search, etc., and the second operation unit 123b is output from the first or second sound output units 152a, 152b. Commands such as adjusting the volume of sound and switching to the touch recognition mode of the display unit 151 may be input.

Meanwhile, as another example of the user input unit 123, a rear input unit 123c may be provided on the rear surface of the terminal body. The rear input unit 123c is manipulated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100, and input contents may be variously set. For example, commands such as power on/off, start, end, scroll, etc., control the volume of sound output from the first and second sound output units 152a and 152b, and touch recognition mode of the display unit 151 You can receive commands such as conversion of. The rear input unit 123c may be implemented in a form capable of inputting by a touch input, a push input, or a combination thereof.

The rear input unit 123c may be disposed to overlap the front display unit 151 in the thickness direction of the terminal body. As an example, when the user holds the terminal body with one hand, the rear input unit 123c may be disposed on the rear upper end of the terminal body so that the user can easily manipulate the terminal body using the index finger. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and the position of the rear input unit may be changed.

When the rear input unit 123c is provided on the rear of the terminal body, a new type of user interface can be implemented using the rear input unit 123c. In addition, when the touch screen or the rear input unit described above replaces at least some functions of the first operation unit 123a provided on the front of the terminal body, and the first operation unit 123a is not disposed on the front of the terminal body, The display unit 151 may be configured with a larger screen.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 100 may be provided with a fingerprint recognition sensor for recognizing a user's fingerprint, and the controller 180 may use fingerprint information detected through the fingerprint recognition sensor as an authentication means. The fingerprint recognition sensor may be embedded in the display unit 151 or the user input unit 123.

The microphone 122 is configured to receive a user's voice and other sounds. The microphone 122 may be provided in a plurality of locations and configured to receive stereo sound.

The interface unit 160 becomes a passage through which the mobile terminal 100 can be connected to an external device. For example, the interface unit 160 is a connection terminal for connection with other devices (eg, earphones, external speakers), a port for short-range communication (eg, an infrared port (IrDA Port), a Bluetooth port (Bluetooth Port), a wireless LAN port, etc.], or at least one of a power supply terminal for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 may be implemented in the form of a socket for accommodating an external card such as a subscriber identification module (SIM) or a user identity module (UIM), or a memory card for storing information.

A second camera 121b may be disposed on the rear surface of the terminal body. In this case, the second camera 121b has a photographing direction substantially opposite to that of the first camera 121a.

The second camera 121b may include a plurality of lenses arranged along at least one line. The plurality of lenses may be arranged in a matrix format. Such a camera may be referred to as an'array camera'. When the second camera 121b is configured as an array camera, an image may be photographed in various ways using a plurality of lenses, and an image of better quality may be obtained.

The flash 124 may be disposed adjacent to the second camera 121b. The flash 124 illuminates light toward the subject when photographing the subject with the second camera 121b.

A second sound output unit 152b may be additionally disposed on the terminal body. The second sound output unit 152b may implement a stereo function together with the first sound output unit 152a, and may be used to implement a speakerphone mode during a call.

At least one antenna for wireless communication may be provided in the terminal body. The antenna may be embedded in the terminal body or may be formed in a case. For example, an antenna forming a part of the broadcast receiving module 111 (refer to FIG. 1A) may be configured to be retractable from the terminal body. Alternatively, the antenna may be formed in a film type and attached to the inner side of the rear cover 103, or a case including a conductive material may be configured to function as an antenna.

The terminal body is provided with a power supply unit 190 (refer to FIG. 1A) for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100. The power supply unit 190 may include a battery 191 built in the terminal body or configured to be detachable from the outside of the terminal body.

The battery 191 may be configured to receive power through a power cable connected to the interface unit 160. In addition, the battery 191 may be configured to enable wireless charging through a wireless charger. The wireless charging may be implemented by a magnetic induction method or a resonance method (magnetic resonance method).

On the other hand, in this drawing, the rear cover 103 is coupled to the rear case 102 so as to cover the battery 191 to limit the separation of the battery 191, and to protect the battery 191 from external shock and foreign substances. It is illustrated. When the battery 191 is configured to be detachably attached to the terminal body, the rear cover 103 may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102.

An accessory that protects the exterior of the mobile terminal 100 or assists or expands the function of the mobile terminal 100 may be added to the mobile terminal 100. An example of such an accessory may be a cover or a pouch that covers or accommodates at least one surface of the mobile terminal 100. The cover or pouch may be configured to interlock with the display unit 151 to expand functions of the mobile terminal 100. Another example of the accessory may be a touch pen for assisting or extending a touch input to a touch screen.

Hereinafter, embodiments related to a control method that can be implemented in a mobile terminal configured as described above will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit and essential features of the present invention.

2 is a diagram illustrating an unfolded mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 shows a folding mechanism of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. Herein, it is assumed that the mobile terminal is a foldable mobile terminal capable of repeatedly unfolding and folding the body of two areas forming the entire exterior.

The mobile terminal 100 may include a collapsible body 210. Specifically, the first body 211 and the second body 212 may be connected by a hinge portion to form a pair of bodies 210 that are folded.

Alternatively, the first body 211 and the second body 212 may be formed by injection of a synthetic resin, or may be formed of a metal such as stainless steel (STS), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), or the like. .

At least one of the first body 211 and the second body 212 may be a frame in which an inner space is provided to accommodate various electronic components.

In at least one of the first body 211 and the second body 212, the main board, sound output unit, proximity sensor, illuminance sensor, hall sensor, light output unit, camera, operation unit, microphone, as described in FIGS. An interface unit, a power supply unit, and the like may be provided.

The mobile terminal 100 may include a flexible display panel 240 on one surface of the body 210 so as to be folded together with a foldable body. Specifically, the flexible display panel may be provided on one surface in the same direction while the first body 211 and the second body 212 are unfolded.

The flexible display 240 may be deformed in shape by an external force. Here, the deformation of the shape may be at least one of bending and folding of the flexible display 240. Specifically, the shape of the flexible display 240 may be deformed in the first area 241 due to a folding mechanism of the mobile terminal.

The flexible display 240 may display execution screen information of an application program driven in the mobile terminal 100 or UI (User Interface) and GUI (Graphic User Interface) information according to the degree of such execution screen.

When the flexible display 240 is not deformed (eg, has an infinite radius of curvature), the display area of the flexible display 240 becomes a flat surface. The flexible display 240 may be changed from the first state to a state deformed by an external force (eg, a state having a flexible radius of curvature).

The flexible display 240 may include a first area 241 that is folded together with the body 240 and a second area 242 provided on both sides of the first area 241. The first area 241 may be an area that is folded or unfolded together with the body 240. Specifically, the first region may be a region corresponding to a hinge portion connecting the first body 211 and the second body 212 so that the first body 211 and the second body 212 can be folded. The second area 242 may be an area that forms a plane when the body 240 is unfolded, and forms a plane even when the body 240 is folded. That is, the second region 212 may be a region that always maintains a plane regardless of the folding mechanism of the body.

The flexible display panel 240 may be folded in an in-folding or out-folding manner. Specifically, FIG. 3 shows a folding mechanism of the in-folding method. The in-folding method refers to a method in which the flexible display panel 240 is folded onto a surface on which the flexible display panel 240 is provided so that the flexible display panel 240 is not exposed to the outside while the body is folded. (Fig. 3(b) and Fig. 3(d)). On the other hand, the out-folding method refers to a method in which the flexible display panel 240 is folded to the other surface where the flexible display panel 240 is not provided so that the flexible display panel 240 is exposed to the outside while the body is folded. The present invention described below can be applied irrespective of the in-folding method and the out-folding method.

The flexible display 240 may include a touch sensor that senses a touch on the flexible display 240 so as to receive a control command by a touch method. When a touch is made to the flexible display 240 using this, the touch sensor may sense the touch, and the controller may generate a control command corresponding to the touch based on this. The content input by the touch method may be letters or numbers, or menu items that can be indicated or designated in various modes. The touch sensor may be integrally formed with the flexible display 240. For example, the touch sensor may be disposed on a substrate of the flexible display 240 or may be provided inside the flexible display 240. In this way, the flexible display 240 may form a touch screen together with a touch sensor, and in this case, the touch screen may function as a user input unit. In some cases, the touch screen may replace at least some functions of the operating unit.

4 illustrates the protective cover 300 for protecting the flexible display panel 240 by separating according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a front view and a side view of a protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Existing display panels are manufactured to maintain a flat state and not be deformed, so that a glass substrate or cover is used. However, since the flexible display panel 240 needs to be changed, unlike the existing display panel, a substrate made of a flexible plastic material is used instead of a substrate made of a glass material, and the cover covering the front surface is also flexible to form a curvature. Plastic materials are used. A representative material used as a cover provided on the front of the flexible display panel 240 is transparent polyimide (Colorless PI, CPI). However, since the transparent polyimide (CPI) has low rigidity, there is a limit to protecting the flexible display panel 240. For example, in the flexible display panel 240 covered with transparent polyimide (CPI), the internal pixels are destroyed when the ballpoint pen is dropped from a height of 3cm.

An object of the present invention is to provide a protective cover 300 in which a folded area and a non-folded area are made of different materials so as not to interfere with the folding mechanism while protecting the flexible display panel 240 from external impact.

To this end, the present invention provides a foldable body 210, a flexible display panel 240 that is provided on one surface of the body 210 and is folded together with the body 310, a protective cover 300 covering the flexible display panel 240 Including, the protective cover 300 includes a first cover 310 covering the first area 241 folded in the flexible display panel 240, both sides of the first area 241 in the flexible display panel 240 It includes a second cover 320 that covers the second area 242 provided in, and the second cover 320 is made of a different material than the first cover 310, so that it is more rigid than the first cover 310. It provides a mobile terminal characterized in that it is high.

The protective cover 300 is provided on the front surface of the flexible display panel 240 and may be made of a transparent material so that a user can view visual content output from the flexible display panel 240.

The first cover 310 of the protective cover 300 may be made of a silicon material. The first cover 310 made of silicon may be folded together with the flexible display panel 240. That is, the first cover 310 may be made of a material that can be easily folded so as not to interfere with the folding mechanism of the flexible display panel 240. In some cases, the first cover 310 may be made of a flexible plastic material that can be easily bent.

The second cover 320 of the protective cover 300 may be made of a glass material. The second cover 320 covers an area that maintains a plane among the folding mechanisms of the mobile terminal 100, and can maintain a flat state regardless of the folding mechanism. That is, the second cover 320 may be made of a material having higher rigidity and/or strength than the first cover 310 to protect the flexible display panel 240. In some cases, the second cover 320 may be made of a plastic material having higher strength and/or rigidity than the first cover 320.

6 shows an embodiment of attaching the protective cover 300 to the flexible display panel according to the present invention.

The protective cover 300 may be attached to the front surface of the flexible display panel 240 (refer to FIG. 4) using the adhesive film 400 on the rear surface as shown in FIG. 6A. Since one side of the adhesive film 400 is made of an adhesive component, it may be attached to the rear surface of the protective cover 300, and detachably attached to the front surface of the flexible display panel 240 with the other surface of the adhesive component. Specifically, the adhesive film 400 is configured to cover the entire rear surface of the protective cover 300 and may be provided on the rear surfaces of the first cover 310 and the second cover 320. In some cases, the protective cover 300 may be attached and fixed to the front surface of the flexible display panel 240 using an adhesive film.

The protective cover 300 may include an adhesive layer 330 integrally formed with the first cover 310 as shown in FIG. 6B. The adhesive layer 330 and the first cover 310 may be integrally formed by curing a liquid silicone rubber (LSR). Specifically, the liquid silicone rubber LSR may be cured while being attached to the second cover 320 to form the first cover 310 and the adhesive layer 330. The adhesive layer 330 and the first cover 310 are formed of a silicone material having an adhesive component, so that the flexible display panel 240 may be detachably attached to one surface 330b of the adhesive layer 330. In this case, the other surface 310a of the first cover 310 may be partially masked during the curing process to remove the adhesive component.

7 and 8 are cross-sectional views of a flexible display according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the above, an embodiment of protecting the flexible display panel 240 by attaching the protective cover 300 to the front surface of the flexible display panel 240 has been disclosed.

However, in some cases, the flexible display panel 240 may include a rigid reinforcing layer 2404 corresponding to the protective cover 300.

The flexible display panel 240 may basically include an organic emission layer 2402 on a thin film transistor (TFT) 2401 and a polarizing plate 2403 on the organic emission layer 2402. In some cases, a layer including a touch sensor may be further provided, and a thin film transistor film (TFT, 2401) may be formed on a flexible plastic substrate. The organic light-emitting layer 2402 is an organic light-emitting device 2402a emitting light by a current applied through a thin film transistor film (TFT, 2401), a separation wall (bank, 2402b) formed around the organic light-emitting device 2402a, and an organic light-emitting device. It may include an encapsulation layer (encapsulation, 2402c) sealing (2402a).

The stiffness reinforcing layer 2404 is one of a plurality of layers constituting the flexible display panel 240 and may function to protect the organic light emitting device 2402a of the flexible display panel 240. To this end, the stiffness reinforcing layer 2404 is preferably stacked on the organic light emitting layer 2402. Specifically, the stiffness reinforcing layer 2404 includes a first region 241 folded together with the body in the flexible disply panel 240 and a second region 242 provided on both sides of the first region 241. It can be made of different materials. Specifically, the stiffness reinforcing layer 2404 may be configured such that a material constituting the second region has higher rigidity or strength than a material constituting the first region 241.

The stiffness reinforcing layer 2404 may be formed of a material corresponding to the first region 241 of a silicon material or a flexible plastic material that can be easily folded.

The stiffness reinforcing layer 2404 may be formed of a material corresponding to the second region 242 of a glass material or a plastic material having high strength and/or rigidity.

The stiffness reinforcing layer 2404 may be configured at the top of a plurality of layers constituting the flexible display panel 240 as illustrated in FIG. 7 to constitute the front surface of the flexible display panel 240.

Alternatively, the stiffness reinforcing layer 2404 may be provided between the organic light emitting layer 2402 and the polarizing layer 2403 as shown in FIG. 8. Considering that the stiffness reinforcing layer 2404 has the purpose of protecting the organic light-emitting device 2402a of the organic light-emitting layer 2402, it is preferable to be stacked on the organic light-emitting layer 2402. Accordingly, the stiffness reinforcing layer 2404 may constitute one of at least one layer stacked on the organic emission layer 2404.

The above detailed description should not be construed as restrictive in all respects and should be considered as illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by rational interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (15)

1. Collapsible body;

   A flexible display panel provided on one surface of the body and folded together with the body;

   Including; a protective cover covering the flexible display panel,

   The protective cover is

   A first cover covering a first area folded in the flexible display panel;

   Including; a second cover for covering a second area provided on both sides of the first area in the flexible display panel, and

   The second cover

   A mobile terminal comprising a material different from the first cover and having a higher rigidity than the first cover.
2. The method of claim 1,

   The first cover

   A mobile terminal comprising a silicone material or a soft plastic material.
3. The method of claim 1,

   The second cover

   A mobile terminal comprising a glass material or a rigid plastic material.
4. The method of claim 1,

   The protective cover is

   A mobile terminal comprising an adhesive film on one side and detachably attached to the flexible display panel.
5. The method of claim 1,

   The protective cover is

   Including an adhesive layer formed integrally with the first cover on one side,

   The adhesive layer is

   A mobile terminal comprising the first cover and a silicone material having an adhesive component, and being detachably attached to the flexible display panel.
6. The method of claim 1,

   The flexible display panel

   Mobile terminal, characterized in that the entire surface is composed of a transparent polyimide (Colorless PI, CPI) film.
7. The method of claim 1,

   The second area

   And an area provided on both sides of the first area to maintain a flat surface while the body is folded.
8. Collapsible body; And

   Including; a flexible display panel provided on one surface of the body and folded together with the body,

   The flexible display panel

   A first region and a second region provided on both sides of the first region together with the body include a stiffness reinforcing layer composed of a different material,

   The stiffness reinforcement layer

   A mobile terminal, wherein a material constituting the second area has a higher rigidity than a material constituting the first area.
9. The method of claim 8,

   The stiffness reinforcement layer

   A mobile terminal comprising the front of the flexible display panel.
10. The method of claim 8,

    The stiffness reinforcement layer

    A mobile terminal, characterized in that the material corresponding to the first area is a silicone material or a soft plastic material.
11. The method of claim 8,

    The stiffness reinforcement layer

    A mobile terminal, characterized in that the material corresponding to the second area is a glass material or a rigid plastic material.
12. The method of claim 8,

    The second area

    And an area provided on both sides of the first area to maintain a flat surface while the body is folded.
13. In the protective cover attached to the flexible display panel,

    A first cover covering a first area folded in the flexible display panel;

    And a second cover covering a second area provided on both sides of the first area in the flexible display panel,

    The second cover

    A protective cover, characterized in that it is made of a material different from the first cover and has a higher rigidity than that of the first cover.
14. The method of claim 13,

    The second area

    Protective cover, characterized in that the area maintains a flat state
15. The method of claim 13,

    The first cover

    Including an adhesive layer formed integrally with the first cover on one side,

    The adhesive layer is

    A protective cover comprising the first cover and a silicone material having an adhesive component, and being detachably attached to the flexible display panel.

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