Patent Description:
Flat (or 2D & <NUM>. 5D) or curved (or 3D) displays are typically adopted for mobile devices.

In designing a three-dimensional (3D) housing for mobile devices, e.g., a housing bent at <NUM> degrees or more, the housing should remain in the same thickness, rendering it difficult to implement various shapes.

Adopting a glass tube as a housing for mobile devices requires a new approach for mounting a display inside the housing.

<CIT> discloses a housing for a portable electronic device including a first transparent curved portion configured to curve from a front face of the housing to a first side face of the housing; a second transparent curved portion configured to curve from the front face of the housing to a second side face of the housing; a third transparent curved portion configured to curve from a rear face of the housing to the first side face of the housing; and a fourth transparent curved portion configured to curve from the rear face of the housing to the second side face of the housing.

Further aspects of the invention are outlined in the dependent claims. When the term embodiment is used for describing unclaimed combination of features, the term has to be understood as referring to examples useful for understanding the present invention.

Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses various example embodiments of the disclosure.

The above and/or other aspects, features and attendant advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and wherein;.

Hereinafter, various example embodiments of the present disclosure are described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited to the various example embodiments and the terminology used herein, and all changes and or replacements thereto also fall within the scope of the present disclosure. The same or similar reference denotations may be used to refer to the same or similar elements throughout the specification and the drawings.

As used herein, the terms "A or B" or "at least one of A and/or B" may include all possible combinations of A and B. As used herein, the terms "first" and "second" may modify various components regardless of importance and/or order and are used to distinguish a component from another without limiting the components. It will be understood that when an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being (operatively or communicatively) "coupled with/to," or "connected with/to" another element (e.g., a second element), it can be coupled or connected with/to the other element directly or via a third element.

As used herein, the terms "configured to" may be interchangeably used with other terms, such as "suitable for," "capable of," "modified to," "made to," "adapted to," "able to," or "designed to" in hardware and/or software in context. The term "configured to" may refer to a situation in which a device can perform an operation together with another device or parts. For example, the term "processor configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" may refer, for example, and without limitation, to a generic-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or application processor) that may perform the operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device or a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing the operations, or the like.

For example, examples of the electronic device according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of a smartphone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a mobile phone, a video phone, an e-book reader, a desktop PC, a laptop computer, a netbook computer, a workstation, a server, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a MP3 player, a medical device, a camera, or a wearable device. The wearable device may include at least one of an accessory-type device (e.g., a watch, a ring, a bracelet, an anklet, a necklace, glasses, contact lenses, or a head-mounted device (HMD)), a fabric- or clothes-integrated device (e.g., electronic clothes), a body attaching-type device (e.g., a skin pad or tattoo), or a body implantable device, or the like, but is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, examples of the smart home appliance may include at least one of a television, a digital video disk (DVD) player, an audio player, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a cleaner, an oven, a microwave oven, a washer, a drier, an air cleaner, a set-top box, a home automation control panel, a security control panel, a TV box (e.g., Samsung HomeSync™, Apple TV™, or Google TV™) , a gaming console (Xbox™, PlayStation™), an electronic dictionary, an electronic key, a camcorder, or an electronic picture frame, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may include at least one of various medical devices (e.g., diverse portable medical measuring devices (a blood sugar measuring device, a heartbeat measuring device, or a body temperature measuring device), a magnetic resource angiography (MRA) device, a magnetic resource imaging (MRI) device, a computed tomography (CT) device, an imaging device, or an ultrasonic device), a navigation device, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver, an event data recorder (EDR), a flight data recorder (FDR), an automotive infotainment device, an sailing electronic device (e.g., a sailing navigation device or a gyro compass), avionics, security devices, vehicular head units, industrial or home robots, drones, automatic teller's machines (ATMs), point of sales (POS) devices, or internet of things (IoT) devices (e.g., a bulb, various sensors, a sprinkler, a fire alarm, a thermostat, a street light, a toaster, fitness equipment, a hot water tank, a heater, or a boiler), or the like, but is not limited thereto. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, examples of the electronic device may at least one of part of a piece of furniture, building/structure or vehicle, an electronic board, an electronic signature receiving device, a projector, or various measurement devices (e.g., devices for measuring water, electricity, gas, or electromagnetic waves), or the like, but is not limited thereto. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device may be flexible or may be a combination of the above-enumerated electronic devices. As used herein, the term "user" may denote a human or another device (e.g., an artificial intelligent electronic device) using the electronic device.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an example electronic device <NUM> according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the electronic device of <FIG> viewed in a different direction.

In the three-axis rectangular coordinate system as illustrated in <FIG>, 'X,' 'Y,' and 'Z,' respectively, may denote the width, length, and height direction of the electronic device <NUM>. As used herein, "first direction (+Z)" may refer to a direction perpendicular to a front surface, and "second direction (-Z)" may refer to an opposite direction of "first direction (+Z).

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM> and a display device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing <NUM> includes a first surface <NUM> including a flat surface, a second surface <NUM> facing the first surface <NUM>, and a third surface <NUM> that extends from the first surface <NUM> or the second surface <NUM> and forms curved surfaces. For example, the first surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may be disposed to face in the first direction +Z, and the second surface <NUM> may be disposed to face in the second direction -Z which is opposite to the first direction +Z. As another example, the third surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> includes curved surfaces that extend from the first surface <NUM> to the second surface <NUM> in the opposite sides of the housing <NUM> and that are disposed in a third direction X.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the overall surface (e.g., the first surface <NUM>, the second surface <NUM>, and the third surface <NUM>) of the housing <NUM> comprises a light-transmitting material. As another example, the housing <NUM> may comprise, at least partially, a conductive material to retain metallic characteristics, and another portion of the housing <NUM> may comprise a light-transmitting material, such as glass.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where the housing <NUM> is formed overall of a transparent (or at least partially translucent) material, the transparent housing <NUM> may include, e.g., a transparent material, such as glass or plastic.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing <NUM> may be made in the form of a glass tube. The glass tube may be formed, for example, and without limitation by extrusion. The glass tubular housing <NUM> may be formed of reinforced glass and a material with radio wave transmittance enabling wireless communication.

As another example, at least a portion of the housing <NUM> may be formed to be opaque. For example, the portion of the housing <NUM> other than where the display device <NUM> is disposed may be formed to be opaque by an ink printing process, and this portion may be covered by an opaque metal or plastic.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may include a keypad (not shown) with physical or mechanical buttons or touch keys on a side portion of the housing <NUM> on the front surface of the housing <NUM>. The keypad may generate input signals as they are touched by the user's body. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the keypad may be implemented to include only mechanical buttons or only the touch keys. As another example, the keypad may be implemented in a mixed type of the mechanical button type and the touch type. The keypad may provide various screens on the display corresponding to a shorter or longer press or touch on the buttons.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing <NUM> may be an element for receiving various electronic parts. At least part of the housing <NUM> may be formed of a conductive material. The printed circuit board and/or a battery <NUM> may be received inside the housing <NUM>. For example, a processor, a communication module, various interfaces, or a power management module may be mounted on the printed circuit board in the form of an integrated circuit (IC) chip. For example, a control circuit may also be configured in an IC chip and mounted on the printed circuit board. For example, the control circuit may be part of the processor or the communication module. The housing <NUM> embeds the battery <NUM> to secure power.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, electronic parts <NUM>, e.g., a camera, which are exposed to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>, may be arranged on an upper portion of the first surface <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, a front camera, a light source unit, and an iris camera may be included in the electronic parts <NUM>. The light source unit may be an infrared (IR) light emitting diode (LED). The iris camera may take an image of the user's eye using, as a light source, near infrared light emitted from the IR LED, thereby recognizing iris information. As another example, the electronic parts <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may also include a light source indicating light, an illuminance sensor, or a proximity sensor. As another example, a rear camera 13a, a heart rate sensor (or heart rate monitor (HRM)) 13d or a flash 13b may be provided on the rear surface <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. A microphone (not shown) may be provided on an upper portion of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing <NUM> is made in the form of a tube having two open ends. The two open ends allows the display device <NUM> and various electronic parts mounted in the bracket (e.g., the brackets 330a and 330b of <FIG> and <FIG>) to be inserted. The bracket, electronic parts, and display device <NUM>, after inserted into the housing <NUM>, may be closed by the cover <NUM> (which is described below in detail with reference to <FIG>).

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may form a curved surface with a predetermined curvature. For example, the outer circumference of each end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may be formed to be smaller than the outer circumference of the middle portion of the housing <NUM>. Each end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may be formed to have the same curvature as an end of each of a plurality of covers <NUM>, presenting a better look in design and convenience in grip. The two ends <NUM> of the housing <NUM> each may have a different curvature from the other, and the two ends <NUM> may be formed to have different inclined surfaces according to the different curvatures.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display device <NUM> may be exposed through at least a surface of the housing <NUM>. For example, the overall surface (e.g., the first surface <NUM>, the second surface <NUM>, and the third surface <NUM>) of the housing <NUM> may be formed transparent, and a screen from the display device <NUM> may be outputted to the overall surface. To provide visual content to the overall surface, the display device <NUM> may be a flexible display device. The flexible display device <NUM> may display visual content in the form of continuous loops. As another example, an image displayed on the display device <NUM> may continuously be displayed in the first direction +Z perpendicular to the display device <NUM> and the third direction X perpendicular to the first direction +Z.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least part (e.g., the first surface <NUM>, the second surface <NUM>, or the third surface <NUM>) of the overall surface of the housing <NUM> is formed to be transparent, allowing the screen provided from the display device <NUM> to be output therethrough.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display device <NUM> may at least partially be formed of a material capable of transmitting radio waves or electromagnetic fields, and the display device <NUM> may be mounted on at least one surface of the housing <NUM>. The display device <NUM> may include a display panel that is mounted on an inner surface of the light-transmitting housing <NUM> formed of reinforced glass. A touch panel may be disposed between the housing <NUM> and the display panel. For example, the display device <NUM> may be utilized as an input device equipped with touchscreen functionality, not alone as an output device for outputting screen.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may include a dielectric layer that is disposed between the display device <NUM> and the housing <NUM> to attach the display device <NUM> with the housing <NUM>. The dielectric layer may be disposed in contact with the light transmissive housing <NUM>. The dielectric layer may include, e.g., silicone, air, a foam, a membrane, an optical clear adhesive (OCA), sponge, rubber, ink, or a polymer (e.g., polycarbonate (PC) or PET). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display device <NUM> may include an optical layer (not shown). The optical layer may be disposed on the rear surface of the dielectric layer. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical layer may be a layer to transmit a screen outputted from the display panel. At least one optical layer may be layered on the display panel. For example, the optical layer may include an optical compensation film to calibrate, e.g., the phase difference of the screen outputted from the display panel. As another example, when the display device has touchscreen capability, the optical layer may be an indium-tin-oxide (ITO) film to sense, e.g., the position of the user's contact. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical layer may include an optical compensation film, e.g., a polarizing film.

<FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams illustrating example electronic parts mounted on a first bracket 330a and a second bracket 330b inside an electronic device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of <FIG>, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to <FIG>, the housing <NUM>, display <NUM>, may, respectively correspond the housing <NUM> and display device 220of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first bracket 330a that is disposed inside the tubular housing <NUM>, is shaped to correspond to the housing <NUM>, and has two open ends and a second bracket 330b inserted into the inside of the first bracket 330a.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first bracket 330a may be formed of a metal or plastic, and the first bracket 330a may be attached to the display device <NUM> by way of an adhesive. For example, the first bracket 330a may be made in the form of a tube corresponding in shape to the light-transmitting housing.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first bracket 330a may include an inner space <NUM> where a printed circuit board <NUM> (e.g., the printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>), a battery <NUM> (e.g., the battery <NUM> of <FIG>), or other various electronic parts are mounted. The display device <NUM> may be attached to an outer surface of the first bracket 330a by an adhesive.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flexible display device <NUM> may be disposed to surround the first bracket 330a. For example, the flexible display device <NUM> may be formed to have a tube shape with two ends contacting each other, allowing the display device <NUM> to correspond in shape to the first bracket 330a. The tubular flexible display device <NUM> may externally display visual information in a continuous manner along the closed loop shape.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first bracket 330a may include a plurality of frames <NUM> formed to have a fixed shape and a length-adjustable adjusting member <NUM> disposed between the plurality of frames <NUM>. For example, the plurality of frames <NUM> each may be shaped as a plate corresponding to one of the first surface <NUM> or the second surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> or a plate including a curved shape corresponding to the third surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. As another example, the adjusting member <NUM> may include a structure expandable in multiple directions.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first bracket 330a may be structured to have four segments. Such segmental structure may firmly hold the first bracket 330a and the display device <NUM> in tight contact with the inside of the housing <NUM>. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may be manufactured in such a process as to join the first bracket 330a with the inner surface of the housing <NUM> by suction after inserting the first bracket 330a, with the display device <NUM> included therein, into the inside of the housing <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing <NUM>, the display device <NUM>, and the first bracket 330a may form the same tube structure, and they may the same center. In the electronic device <NUM>, the display device <NUM> and the first bracket 330a may sequentially be layered on the inner surface of the housing <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a dielectric layer may be disposed between the housing <NUM> and the display device <NUM> to join the housing <NUM> and the display device <NUM>. For example, the dielectric layer may include silicone, air, a foam, a membrane, an OCA, sponge, rubber, an ink, or a polymer (e.g., PC or PET). An adhesive layer may be disposed between the display device <NUM> and the first bracket 330a to join the display device <NUM> and the first bracket 330a.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second bracket 330b disposed in the inner space <NUM> of the first bracket 330a may have various electronic parts mounted inside, and the electronic parts may include the printed circuit board <NUM> and the battery <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second bracket 330b, along with the first bracket 330a, may prevent and/or reduce integrated circuit (IC) chips mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM> from contacting the display device <NUM> and may function as an electromagnetic shield, preventing and/or reducing electromagnetic interference between the IC chips.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second bracket 330b may reinforce the hardness of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the two end openings for placing the internal electronic parts or holes and/or recesses for a camera or sensors which are formed in the tubular housing <NUM> may deteriorate the hardness of the housing <NUM> or the electronic device <NUM>. The second bracket 330b may be provided in the first bracket 330a and/or housing <NUM>, increasing the hardness of the housing <NUM> or the electronic device <NUM>.

Although not shown in the drawings, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, various structures may be formed on the outer and inner surface of the housing <NUM> depending on the arrangement of electronic parts inside the electronic device <NUM> or connections between the housing <NUM> and the second bracket 330b. For example, the second bracket 330b may have a space for receiving each of the IC chips mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM>. The spaces for the IC chips may be formed in recessed shapes or ribs surrounding the IC chips.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the printed circuit board <NUM> disposed inside the second bracket 330b may have a circuit of the terminal, e.g., at least one of an application processor (AP), a communication processor (CP), a memory, and a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, mounted thereon, and the printed circuit board <NUM> may include a signal line (e.g., a RF signal line). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, power may be secured by placing the battery <NUM> in a mounting hole <NUM> that is provided inside the second bracket 330b.

Now described in greater detail is a segmental structure for the first bracket 330a.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example segmental bracket <NUM> according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example segmental bracket <NUM> and an arrangement of the bracket <NUM> and a display device <NUM> according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The brackets <NUM> and <NUM> and the display device <NUM> of <FIG> may be the brackets 330a, 330b and the display device <NUM>, respectively, of <FIG> and <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device may include a bracket <NUM> having a plurality of frames <NUM> and at least adjusting member <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the bracket <NUM> may be formed of a tube that has the frames <NUM> coupled together and each of which, at least partially, has a curved surface. The coupling of the frames <NUM> may be made by the adjusting member <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the bracket <NUM> may be configured to have four segmental frames. Each end of each segmental frame <NUM> may be connected with an end of the adjacent segmental frame <NUM> by the adjusting member <NUM>. The adjusting member <NUM> may be formed to surround the plurality of frames <NUM> along the outer surface of the frames <NUM>, and the adjusting member <NUM> may include a stretchable material shaped as a closed loop.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the adjusting member <NUM> may be adjusted for its length in the first direction +Z or the second direction -Z. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the adjusting member <NUM> may be length-adjusted along the third direction X which is perpendicular to the first direction +Z. As the adjusting member <NUM> is expanded and/or contracted, so may the overall bracket <NUM>. By so doing, the bracket <NUM> may be brought in tight contact and firmly fastened onto the inner surface of the housing.

Referring to <FIG>, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may include a bracket having a plurality of frames <NUM> and a plurality of adjusting members <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the bracket <NUM> may be configured to have four segmental frames. Each end of each segmental frame <NUM> may be connected with an end of the adjacent segmental frame <NUM> by the adjusting member <NUM>. For example, the adjusting members <NUM> may include a first adjusting member 533a and a second adjusting member 533b. The first adjusting member 533a and the second adjusting member 533b may be disposed between the frames <NUM>. The first and second adjusting members 533a and 533b may include an elastic material.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least a pair of first adjusting members 533a, which face each other, may be provided. At least a pair of second adjusting members 533b may be provided that are arranged to face each other in a direction different from the direction along which the first adjusting members 533a are arranged. The first adjusting members 553a may be length-adjustable in the first direction +Z or the second direction -Z, and the second adjusting members 553b may be length-adjustable in the third direction X perpendicular to the first direction +Z. As the adjusting member <NUM> is expanded and/or contracted, so may the overall bracket <NUM>. Thus, the bracket <NUM> and the display device <NUM> disposed on the outer surface of the bracket <NUM> may be brought in tight contact and firmly fastened onto the inner surface of the housing.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may have the display device <NUM> disposed on the outer surface of the bracket <NUM>. The display device <NUM> may be the flexible display device <NUM>. For example, the flexible display device <NUM> may be disposed to wrap around the overall outer surface of the tubular bracket <NUM> in contact with the tubular bracket <NUM>. An adhesive may be provided between the outer surface of the bracket <NUM> and the flexible display device <NUM> to join the bracket <NUM> with the flexible display device <NUM>. For example, the adhesive may include a light-cured resin layer. The light-cured resin may be a photosensitizer that is instantaneously cured, dried, or attached when irradiated with an ultraviolet (UV) beam. The processes of curing, drying, and attaching may simultaneously be performed by applying the light-cured resin and radiating UV light with a short wavelength causing a chemical reaction. The light-cured resin may be changed in structure responsive to the flexible structure of the housing and display device <NUM>, advantageously enabling joining.

Although the bracket <NUM> is illustrated and described herein to have four curved segmental plates or frames, the structure of the bracket <NUM> is not limited thereto, and other various types plates or segmental structures may be provided in various numbers or positions to expand or shrink the bracket <NUM> in an effective manner.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an example segmental bracket <NUM> according to an example of the present disclosure not forming part of the claimed invention. <FIG> are cross-sectional views illustrating an example adjusting member <NUM> of the bracket <NUM> of <FIG>. The bracket <NUM> of the electronic device as shown in <FIG> may be the same in structure as the first bracket 330a of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device may include a bracket <NUM> having a plurality of frames <NUM> and a plurality of adjusting members <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the bracket <NUM> may be formed of a tube that has the frames <NUM> coupled together and each of which, at least partially, has a curved surface. The coupling of the frames <NUM> may be made by the adjusting member <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each adjusting member <NUM> may have a hinge structure. The hinge structure of the adjusting member <NUM> may be disposed between two adjacent frames <NUM> to couple them together.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the hinge structure in a contracted state where the hinge structure enables the bracket <NUM> to have a minimum circumference. For example, in the contracted state, electronic parts may be mounted in the inner space <NUM> of the bracket <NUM>, and a display device (the display device <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed on the outer surface of the bracket <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the hinge structure in an expanded state where the hinge structure enables the bracket <NUM> to have a maximum circumference. For example, after the display device is placed in the bracket <NUM>, the bracket <NUM> may be inserted into the housing and may then be attached to the inner surface of the housing by suction through the hole of the housing. The suction allows the bracket <NUM> to expand according to the hinge structure.

As such, the bracket <NUM> is stretchable by expanding or contracting the hinge-structured adjusting members <NUM>, and thus, the bracket <NUM> and the display device disposed on the outer surface of the bracket <NUM> may firmly be fastened onto the inner surface of the housing.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an example structure for supporting a printed circuit board <NUM> inside a bracket <NUM> in an electronic device and an example in which a keypad is mounted according to an example of the present disclosure not forming part of the claimed invention; <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of <FIG>. The housing <NUM> and bracket <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> may be the same in structure as the housing <NUM> and first bracket 330a, respectively, of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a flexible display device-mounted bracket <NUM> may be placed in the electronic device <NUM>. A printed circuit board <NUM> may be mounted in the inner space <NUM> of the bracket <NUM>. The bracket <NUM> may include at least one supporting member <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>) to firmly support the printed circuit board <NUM> in the inner space <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the bracket <NUM> may include a connecting member <NUM> for connecting the printed circuit board <NUM> to the display device and the supporting member <NUM> for supporting the printed circuit board <NUM> on the side surface.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a hole <NUM> may be formed in a portion of the front surface of the housing <NUM> to provide a keypad <NUM> with a physical or mechanical button or touch key. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, after the printed circuit board <NUM>-mounted bracket <NUM> is placed in the housing <NUM>, the keypad <NUM> may be inserted through the hole <NUM> in the second direction -Z. The keypad <NUM> may contact the printed circuit board <NUM>, forming an electrical connection.

<FIG> shows the connecting member <NUM> and the supporting members <NUM> inside the bracket <NUM>.

According to an example of the present disclosure not forming part of the claimed invention, the connecting member <NUM> may be disposed on the rear inner surface of the bracket <NUM> to face in the first direction +Z to electrically connect the printed circuit board <NUM> with the display device. The connecting member <NUM> may be a flexible printed circuit board. The configuration of the connecting member <NUM> is not limited as disposed on the rear surface of the printed circuit board <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one or more connecting members <NUM> of various shapes may be provided on the front or rear surface of the printed circuit board <NUM> to make connections with the display device. The supporting members <NUM> may project from the inner surface of the bracket <NUM> in the third direction X perpendicular to the first direction +Z to support both sides of the printed circuit board <NUM>. For example, the supporting members <NUM> may be arranged at two opposite sides inside the bracket <NUM>, and each of the supporting members <NUM> may have a step or recess to fit over its corresponding side of the printed circuit board <NUM>. The structure of each supporting member <NUM> is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the supporting members <NUM> may be provided in various shapes or numbers in the bracket <NUM> to provide a space for mounting electronic parts on the top and/or bottom of the printed circuit board <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the connecting member <NUM>, supporting members <NUM>, printed circuit board <NUM>, and keypad <NUM> in the bracket <NUM>. According to an example of the present disclosure not forming part of the claimed invention, the keypad <NUM> may be disposed on the front surface of the housing <NUM> to enable entry of data information and delivery of an electrical signal to the inside of the electronic device to allowing the user to obtain his/her desired information. The keypad <NUM> may be fitted from the outside through the hole (the hole <NUM> of <FIG>) formed in the housing <NUM>, and at least part of the keypad <NUM> may be connected with the printed circuit board <NUM>. For example, the keypad may be formed of a dome button. The flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may convert a pressure transferred from the dome button into an electrical signal, assisting in the user's desired function. For example, the keypad may be formed of a touch pad. The flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may convert a pressure transferred from the touch pad into an electrical signal, assisting in the user's desired function. As another example, the keypad <NUM> may be disposed on a side and/or rear surface of the housing <NUM> and connect with the printed circuit board to delivery electrical signals.

<FIG> is a front view illustrating an example cover <NUM> coupled to a housing <NUM> of the electronic device according to an example of the present disclosure not forming part of the claimed invention. <FIG> is an expanded view illustrating a portion of the cover <NUM> according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The housing <NUM> and cover <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> may be the housing <NUM> and cover <NUM>, respectively, of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a plurality of covers <NUM> disposed on the top and bottom of the housing <NUM>.

According to an example of the present disclosure not forming part of the claimed invention, the covers <NUM> may be formed of caps that may close the top and bottom openings of the housing <NUM>. The covers <NUM> may include a first cover <NUM> disposed at the top and a second cover (not shown) disposed at the bottom. The first cover <NUM> and the second cover may be shaped to correspond to the top and bottom, respectively, of the housing <NUM>.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the first cover <NUM> may have a first step <NUM> that may, at least partially, be inserted into the top of the housing <NUM>. For example, the first step <NUM> may be fitted into a stepped portion of the housing <NUM>, and the first step <NUM> and the end of the housing <NUM> may be joined together by bonding or using an adhesive film. As another example, the second cover may have a second step that may, at least partially, be inserted into the bottom of the light-transmitting housing <NUM>. For example, the second step may be fitted into a stepped portion of the housing <NUM>, and the second step and the end of the housing <NUM> may be joined together by bonding or using an adhesive film. The first cover <NUM> and the second cover (not shown) may have the same shape.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the cover <NUM> may be formed of a material different from the housing <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may include a rigid, elastic material to prevent and/or reduce the likelihood that the electronic device <NUM> being broken, e.g., upon dropping. The cover <NUM> may include a soft material, e.g., at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic silicone vulcanizate (TPSiV), or silicone.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the cover <NUM> may be shaped to give a uni-body look along with the housing <NUM>. For example, the housing <NUM> may have a curved and/or slopping surface with a predetermined curvature R in each end edge as set forth above. Corresponding to such structure of the housing <NUM>, a lower portion of each cover <NUM> which is fitted to the end of the housing <NUM> may be formed to have a curved and/or slopping surface with the same curvature R' as the curvature R of the housing. Accordingly, the covers and the housing may be fitted together seamlessly and evenly, allowing the electronic device <NUM> a better look.

Now described in greater detail below, is a process for manufacturing an electronic device.

<FIG> are views illustrating an example process for manufacturing an electronic device according to an example of the present disclosure not forming part of the claimed invention. The electronic device of <FIG> may be the same in structure as the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example process for an outer edge portion of a tube-shaped housing <NUM> according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. As set forth above, the housing <NUM> may be manufactured by a process commonly known, e.g., extrusion. The housing <NUM> may be formed to have openings in the ends, and the housing <NUM> may include a transparent material, e.g., glass or plastic. For example, the housing <NUM> may be formed of a glass tube.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the housing <NUM> may be formed to have the end outer edges <NUM> inclined to have a predetermined curvature to present a better design look and gripping convenience in operation <NUM>. For example, the outer surface of both the ends of the light-transmitting housing <NUM> may be formed in a <NUM>. 5D edge shape using a ball bite B. The ball bite B may perform such a process on the edge <NUM> of each end of the light-transmitting housing <NUM> as to form continuous loops. Although <FIG> illustrates only the upper portion of the light-transmitting housing <NUM>, the same process may also be performed on the lower portion, and the upper and lower portions may be formed to have different curvatures R depending on the user's preference.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example process for forming a hole of the housing <NUM> according to an example of the present disclosure not forming part of the claimed invention. A plurality of holes <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed in the housing <NUM> to expose at least some of, e.g., a button, camera, or sensor disposed inside.

Referring to <FIG>, a hole computer numerical control (CNC) jig J1 may be prepared to set the position of the holes in the housing <NUM>. The hole CNC jig J1 has holes corresponding to where holes for the housing <NUM> are to be formed in the outer surface of the housing <NUM>. The hole CNC jig J1 may be shaped as a cylinder having an inner diameter corresponding to an outer diameter of the housing <NUM> to allow the housing <NUM> to be placed therein.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the housing <NUM> is loaded and fitted into the hole CNC jig J1 as illustrated in the middle figure of <FIG>. Thereafter, holes <NUM> and <NUM> may be processed to be formed in the housing <NUM>, corresponding in position to the holes formed in the hole CNC jig J1. The holes <NUM> formed in the upper portion of the front surface of the housing <NUM> may be ones for a camera, sensor, and/or light, and the hole <NUM> formed in the lower portion of the front surface of the housing <NUM> may be one for a mechanical or touch button, e.g., a home button. An additional hole(s) may be formed for, e.g., a rear camera, in the rear surface of the housing <NUM>.

<FIG>, respectively, are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view illustrating an example process for polishing an inner surface of the housing <NUM> according to an example of the present disclosure not forming part of the claimed invention. The operations illustrated in <FIG> may leave, e.g., undesired substances or drawing marks, on the inner surface of the housing <NUM>, causing the inner surface to be uneven or unclean. Since the bracket (the bracket 330a of <FIG>) and the display device (e.g., the display device <NUM> of <FIG>) are to be mounted on the inner surface of the housing <NUM>, and the display device is to be attached onto the inner surface of the housing <NUM>, the inner surface of the housing <NUM> is required to be clean.

Referring to <FIG>, a polishing pad J2 may be prepared to polish the inner surface of the housing <NUM>. The polishing pad may be formed of a material including a cerium oxide powder. Guide rods J21 may be provided on the side surfaces of the polishing pad J2. Other various materials, e.g., zirconia, alumina, or diamonds, than the cerium oxide powder may also be adopted for the polishing pad J2 to effectively polish the inner surface of the housing <NUM>.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the polishing pad J2 may be shaped as a cylinder having an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the housing <NUM>, allowing the polishing pad J2 to be seated in the housing <NUM>.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the polishing pad J2 may be loaded and fitted into the housing <NUM>. Thereafter, the polishing pad J2 may be moved back and forth in the directions of the end openings of the housing <NUM>, with the housing <NUM> fastened, polishing the inner surface of the housing <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of <FIG>. In the polishing operation, the housing <NUM> may be disposed on the outer surface of the polishing pad. As an example, the polishing pad and the housing <NUM> may be arranged to leave a gap O of about <NUM> therebetween. Leaving the gap O allows the polishing to be done evenly over the entire inner surface of the housing <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an example process for coating an outer surface of the housing <NUM> according to an example of the present disclosure not forming part of the claimed invention. The outer surface of the housing <NUM> requires a front coating to protect against scratches or external impacts. In this case, an anti-inner coating jig J3 needs to be provided to prevent and/or reduce the inner surface of the housing <NUM> from being coated and resultantly interrupting the attachment of the display device to the housing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a coating jig J3 may be prepared to allow the outer surface of the housing <NUM> to be coated while preventing and/or reducing the inner surface from being coated. The coating jig J3 may be manufactured in a form sized to be able to simultaneously coat a plurality of housings <NUM>, and a rotation guide rod J31 may be provided on a side of the coating jig J3 to rotate the coating jig J3. The coating jig J3 connected with the rotation guide jig J31 may be rotated <NUM> degrees to coat the overall outer surface of each housing <NUM>.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the housing <NUM> may be loaded and fitted over the coating jig J3 in operation <NUM>. Thereafter, the outer surface of the housing <NUM> fastened to the coating jig J3 may be coated while the coating jig J3 is rotated at <NUM> degrees. The coating may be performed, for example, by AF thermal sputtering. A plurality of housings <NUM> may simultaneously be processed by a single coating jig J3.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the outer surface of the housing <NUM> may be, e.g., oleophobic-coated, leaving less fingerprint or other marks on the glass housing. As another example, the glass housing <NUM> may be anti-reflection coated, preventing and/or reducing glare, or may also be chemically reinforced to prevent and/or reduce, e.g., scratches. As still another example, the coated housing <NUM> may provide a silky surface, preventing and/or reducing the influx of contaminants or moisture into the inside of the device.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example process for placing a flexible display device <NUM> in a bracket <NUM> and a process for inserting the bracket <NUM> into the inside the housing <NUM> according to an example of the present disclosure not forming part of the claimed invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the bracket <NUM> may be provided, and the display device <NUM> may be disposed on the outer surface of the bracket <NUM>. According to an example of the present disclosure, the bracket <NUM> may include a plurality of frames formed to have a fixed shape and length-adjustable adjusting members disposed between the plurality of frames. For example, the bracket <NUM> may be formed of a tube that has the frames coupled together and each of which, at least partially, has a curved surface. The coupling of the frames may be made by the adjusting members.

As an example, the adjusting members may be adjusted for its length in the first direction +Z or the second direction -Z. As another example, the adjusting members may be length-adjusted along the third direction X which is perpendicular to the first direction +Z. As the adjusting members are expanded and/or contracted, so may the overall bracket <NUM>. By so doing, the bracket <NUM> may be brought in tight contact and firmly fastened onto the inner surface of the housing. A space <NUM> may be formed inside the bracket <NUM> to mount a printed circuit board <NUM>, battery (not shown), or other various electronic parts.

For example, the flexible display device <NUM> may be attached onto the outer surface of the bracket <NUM> through an adhesive film. The flexible display device <NUM> may be disposed to surround the bracket <NUM> along the outer surface. For example, the flexible display device <NUM> may be formed to have a tube shape with two ends contacting each other, allowing the display device <NUM> to correspond in shape to the bracket. The tubular flexible display device <NUM> may externally display visual information in a continuous manner along the closed loop shape.

Thereafter, the display device <NUM>-disposed bracket <NUM> may be loaded and inserted into the inside of the housing <NUM>. For example, the display device <NUM>-disposed bracket <NUM> may be shrunken by the adjusting members and inserted into the inside of the housing <NUM>.

<FIG> are perspective views illustrating a process for sucking a display device (<NUM>)-disposed bracket <NUM> (see <FIG>) inside a housing <NUM> according to an example of the present disclosure not forming part of the claimed invention. <FIG> illustrates a process for joining the bracket <NUM> (see <FIG>) with the housing <NUM> by suction through the holes 910a and 910b formed in the first surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a process for joining the bracket <NUM> (see <FIG>) with the housing <NUM> by suction through the hole 910c formed in the second surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the bracket <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>) may include a length-adjustable adjusting member. For example, the adjusting member may include a material or hinge structure that may be stretchable as the length is adjusted.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the bracket <NUM> inserted in the shrunken state may be expanded by suction through the holes 910a, 910b, and 910c. For example, the bracket <NUM> may be stretched in the first direction +Z, second direction -Z, and/or third direction X through the adjusting member. Accordingly, the bracket <NUM> stretched by suction may directly be attached to the inner surface of the light-transmitting housing <NUM> with the display device <NUM> disposed therebetween.

A dielectric layer may be disposed between the housing <NUM> and the display device <NUM> to join the housing <NUM> and the display device <NUM>. For example, the dielectric layer may include silicone, air, a foam, a membrane, an OCA, sponge, rubber, an ink, or a polymer (e.g., PC or PET), or the like, but is not limited thereto.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example process for joining the housing <NUM> with a segmental bracket <NUM> according to an example of the present disclosure not forming part of the claimed invention. The housing <NUM> may be attached to the display device <NUM> through the dielectric layer, and the display device <NUM> may be attached to the bracket <NUM> through an adhesive film.

Referring to <FIG>, a light-cured resin layer, as the adhesive film, may be disposed between the housing <NUM> and the bracket <NUM>. The light-cured resin may be a photosensitizer that is instantaneously cured, dried, or attached when irradiated with an ultraviolet (UV) beam. The processes of curing, drying, and attaching may simultaneously be performed by applying the light-cured resin and radiating UV light with a short wavelength causing a chemical reaction. As another example, the light-cured resin may be changed in structure responsive to the flexible structure of the housing <NUM> and display device <NUM>, advantageously enabling joining.

According to an example of the present disclosure, UV radiation may be performed with the bracket <NUM> contacting the inner surface of the housing <NUM> as tight as possible. In this operation, UV rays may be radiated from above and under the housing <NUM> to the housing <NUM> to evenly reach the entire area of the housing <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example process for placing a cover <NUM> on an open end of the housing <NUM> according to an example of the present disclosure not forming part of the claimed invention. Although <FIG> illustrates an example of fitting the cover <NUM> into only the top of the housing <NUM>, the same process may also be performed on the bottom of the housing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the open ends of the housing <NUM> may be closed with all the electronic parts mounted inside the housing <NUM>. According to an example of the present disclosure, the covers <NUM> may be formed of caps that may close the top and bottom openings of the housing <NUM>. The covers <NUM> may include a first cover disposed at the top and a second cover disposed at the bottom. The first cover and the second cover may be shaped to correspond to the top and bottom, respectively, of the housing <NUM>.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the first cover <NUM> may have a first step <NUM> that may, at least partially, be inserted into the top of the housing <NUM> having the inclined outer edges <NUM>. As another example, the second cover may have a step that may, at least partially, be inserted into the bottom of the housing <NUM>.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the first step <NUM> of the first cover <NUM> may be fitted into the stepped portion of the housing <NUM>, and the first step <NUM> and the end of the housing <NUM> may be joined together by bonding or using an adhesive film. As another example, the second cover may likewise be fitted into the bottom of the housing <NUM> by bonding or an adhesive film.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the cover <NUM> may be formed of a different material from the housing <NUM> and may include an elastic substance that may prevent the electronic device from being broken when dropped. The cover <NUM> may include a soft material, e.g., at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic silicone vulcanizate (TPSiV), or silicone.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the cover <NUM> may be shaped to give a uni-body look along with the housing <NUM>. For example, the housing <NUM> may have a curved and/or slopping surface <NUM> with a predetermined curvature R in each end edge as set forth above.

An alternative process is described below.

<FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams illustrating part of an example process for manufacturing an electronic device <NUM> according to an example of the present disclosure not forming part of the claimed invention. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, among operations described above in connection with <FIG>, the operation of forming the housing may differ but the other operations may be alike. Operations which are different from above are described below.

<FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams illustrating an example process for making use of only a portion of the tubular housing <NUM> according to an example of the present disclosure. As set forth above, the housing <NUM> may be manufactured by a process commonly known, e.g., extrusion.

Referring to <FIG>, the housing <NUM> may be formed to have openings in the ends, and the housing <NUM> may include a transparent material, e.g., glass or plastic. For example, the housing <NUM> may be formed of a glass tube.

The housing <NUM> formed according to an example of the present disclosure may undergo a CNC process, getting rid of the other portion 1010b than the portion 1010a which is intended for the electronic device. According to an example of the present disclosure, the housing may be manufactured using the tubular glass housing 1010a for the portion corresponding to the front and sides of the electronic device while using a metal and/or plastic structure for the other portion. The portion for which the tubular glass housing 1010a is used may be varied depending on the appearance of the electronic device and the portion for which the display device is used.

<FIG> illustrates a process for adjusting the thickness of a portion of the inner surface of the tubular glass housing <NUM>. According to an example of the present disclosure not forming part of the claimed invention, at least a portion of the inner surface of the housing 1010a, which corresponds to the necessary portion, may be formed by a CNC process to have different thicknesses. For example, more cutting may be done to the portion of the inner surface of the tubular glass housing 1010a, corresponding to the front surface of the electronic device, for which the user desires to feel thinner, and no or relatively less cutting may be done to the portions of the inner surface of the tubular glass housing 1010a, corresponding to the side surfaces of the electronic device, for which the user desires to feel thicker. Accordingly, the front and side portion of the housing 1010a may be formed to have different thicknesses.

However, examples of the present disclosure are not limited to such process. For example, the portion of the tubular glass housing that is required to have more hardness or to be reinforced may be formed to be relatively thicker than the other in the process of manufacturing the housing.

Forming the portions of the tubular glass housing to differ in thickness may prevent damage to the electronic device while allowing the electronic device a better look.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example process for attaching the display <NUM> onto the inner surface of the tubular glass housing 1010a. According to an example of the present disclosure not forming part of the claimed invention, unlike in the above-described embodiment, the flexible display device <NUM> may directly be attached onto the inner surface of the glass tube. Use of separate silicone pads J5 may enable the display device <NUM> to be completely attached onto the inner surface of the curved glass tube.

Referring to <FIG>, a portion of the glass tube may be used as the housing 1010a, and the sides of the housing 1010a may be curved. In conventional manners, it is hard to completely attach a flexible display device onto the inner surface of the housing bent or curved at <NUM> degrees or more.

According to an example of the present disclosure, after the flexible display device <NUM> is preliminarily attached onto the inner surface of the tubular glass housing 1010a, they may completely be attached together by the separate silicone pads. The separate silicone pads J5 may approach the front inner surface of the tubular glass housing 1010a to pressurize the display device that has been preliminarily attached. The silicone pads J5 may then spread from each other to reach the inner side curved surfaces of the tubular glass housing 1010a, pressurizing the display device. The use of the separate silicone pads enables attachment of the flexible display device onto the inner surface of the tubular glass housing in an efficient way.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> are diagrams illustrating part of an example process for manufacturing an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, among operations described above in connection with <FIG>, the operation of forming the housing may differ but the other operations may be alike. An operation which is different from above is described below.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> illustrate a process for separately processing a glass tube and then attaching, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As set forth above, the housing <NUM> may be manufactured by a process commonly known, e.g., extrusion.

Referring to <FIG>, the housing <NUM> is formed to have openings in the ends, and the housing <NUM> may include a transparent material, e.g., glass or plastic. For example, the housing <NUM> may be formed of a glass tube.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the formed housing <NUM> is be cut into two portions. For example, the housing <NUM> includes a first housing part 1110a with the front surface and curved side surfaces of the housing <NUM> and a second housing part 1110b with the rear surface and curved side surfaces of the housing <NUM>.

Thereafter, the separated tubular glass housing <NUM> is joined together. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the order of process. For example, the joining process may also be performed after mounting electronic parts and the display device in the bracket.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, the bracket <NUM> may be provided, and the display device <NUM> may be disposed on the outer surface of the bracket <NUM>. In the joining process, the first housing part 1110a and the second housing part 1110b are end-to-end aligned with each other, and the gap along the joining line between the housings 1110a and 1110b is filled with an adhesive material F. The adhesive material F is subject to a curing process to firmly join the first and second housing parts 1110a and 1110b. The adhesive material F may include an optically clear resin (OCR).

Thereafter, the adhesive material cured along the joining line is polished off not to spoil the appearance of the housing <NUM>. The polishing process reinforces attachment between the silky surface and a coating agent that is to be applied.

Then, a coat layer H is formed on the polished portion to have a curvature corresponding to the curvatures of the first housing part 1110a and the second housing part 1110b. The coat layer H may be a hard coat or ceramic coat. The coat layer H may protect the internal electronic parts from external impacts. The coat layer H may also keep the first housing part 1110a and the second housing part 1110b jointed together more securely and firmly.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device comprises a housing including two opposite open ends and at least a portion comprising a light-transmitting material, a bracket disposed inside the housing and having a shape corresponding to the housing, a flexible display device disposed between the housing and the bracket and configured to display information to an outside through the light-transmitting portion of the housing, and a plurality of covers closing the open ends of the housing and supporting two opposite ends of the bracket, wherein the bracket comprises an inner space for mounting electronic parts, and the bracket is length-adjustable in at least one direction.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing may include a first surface facing in a first direction, a second facing in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a third surface extending from the first surface to the second surface and forming a curved surface, wherein at least a portion of the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface comprise transparent glass.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the bracket may include a plurality of frames and length-adjustable adjusting members disposed between the plurality of frames or respective surfaces of the plurality of frames and configured to connect the plurality of frames in a closed loop shape.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of frames may be formed of four segments, wherein each of the plurality of frames at least partially includes a curved structure, and a support may be formed at a side in the inner space to support a printed circuit board.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the adjusting members may include a pair of first adjusting members facing each other and a pair of second adjusting members facing each other in a different direction from the first adjusting members.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the first adjusting members are length-adjustable in the first direction or the second direction, and the second adjusting members are length-adjustable in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the adjusting members of the bracket may include one or more of an elastic material and a hinge structure.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the adjusting members of the bracket may be formed to surround the plurality of frames and to include an elastic material shaped as a closed loop.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the two opposite ends of the housing each may have a slope and are smaller in circumference than a middle portion of the housing.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of covers each may include a step that is at least partially internally fitted to an end of the housing, and an end of each of the plurality of covers may have the same curvature as one of the two opposite ends of the housing.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of covers may comprise at least one thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic silicone vulcanizate (TPSiV), and silicone.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing may overall be formed of a glass tube, and the flexible display device may be formed in a closed loop shape corresponding to the glass tube of the housing to allow visual content displayed on the display device to form continuous loops.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a dielectric layer may be disposed between the housing and the display device, an adhesive film may be disposed between the display device and the bracket, and the housing, the display device, and the bracket may be attached together by the dielectric layer and the adhesive film.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the supporting member may project from an inner surface of the bracket to support the printed circuit board in parallel with a surface of the bracket, and the electronic device may further comprise a connecting member electrically connecting the printed circuit board inserted into the inner space of the bracket with the display device disposed on an outer surface of the bracket.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing may be formed of a glass tube including an upper housing part and a lower housing part, a dielectric layer may be disposed between the upper housing part and the lower housing part to join the upper housing part and the lower housing part, and a coat layer may be formed on an outer surface of the dielectric layer to have a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the upper housing part and the lower housing part.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing an electronic device may comprise preparing a housing that includes two opposite open ends and at least a portion comprising a light-transmitting material, preparing a bracket having a shape corresponding to the housing and that is length-adjustable in a plurality of directions, placing a flexible display device to surround at least a portion of the bracket, attaching the housing with the bracket after inserting the bracket into an inside of the housing, with the bracket attached with the flexible display device and an electronic part mounted therein, and closing the open ends of the housing with covers.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing may be a glass tube, and wherein the glass tube may be used as a whole or part of the housing in preparing the housing.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, preparing the housing may include forming a slope with a predetermined curvature in each of the two opposite ends of the housing, forming at least one hole in a front surface and a rear surface of the housing, polishing an inner surface of the housing, and coating an outer surface of the housing, wherein the polishing includes polishing the housing by moving back and forth a polishing pad formed of a material including a cerium oxide powder on the inner surface of the housing and the coating may include loading the housing on a coating jig rotatable at <NUM> degrees and coating the overall outer surface of the loaded housing by a jet process.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the attaching the housing with the bracket may include stretching the bracket and attaching the bracket onto the inner surface of the bracket by suction through a hole prepared in the housing after inserting the flexible display device-disposed bracket in the inner space of the housing and joining the housing and the bracket by curing, drying, and attaching a light-cured resin layer disposed between the housing and the bracket by radiating an ultraviolet (UV) ray to the light-cured resin layer.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, in closing the covers, the covers each may include a step to fit into each of the ends of the housing, and a curvature of each cover may be the same as a curvature of each end of the housing.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing may be formed of a glass tube including an upper housing part and a lower housing part. The method may further comprise attaching the upper housing part with the lower housing part. Attaching the upper housing part with the lower housing part may include applying and curing an adhesive layer between the upper housing part and the lower housing part, polishing the cured adhesive layer, and placing a coat layer that has a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the upper housing part and the lower housing part on the polished adhesive layer.

While the present disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various example embodiments thereof, it will be understood that the example embodiments are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various modifications, alternatives and/or variations are possible and fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

An example provides an electronic device, comprising: a housing including two opposite open ends and at least a portion of the housing comprising a light-transmitting material; a bracket disposed inside the housing and having a shape corresponding to the housing; a flexible display device disposed between the housing and the bracket and configured to display information to an outside through the light-transmitting portion of the housing; and a plurality of covers closing the open ends of the housing and supporting two opposite ends of the bracket, wherein the bracket includes an inner space for mounting electronic parts, and the bracket is length-adjustable in at least one direction.

In some examples, the housing comprises a first surface facing a first direction, a second surface facing a second direction opposite the first direction, and a third surface extending from the first surface to the second surface and forming a curved surface, wherein at least a portion of the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface comprise transparent glass.

In some examples, the bracket includes a plurality of frames and length-adjustable adjusting members disposed between the plurality of frames and connecting the plurality of frames in a closed loop shape.

In some examples, the plurality of frames comprise four segments, wherein each of the four segments of the plurality of frames at least partially include a curved structure, and the electronic device further comprising a support disposed at a side in the inner space and configured to support a printed circuit board.

In some examples, the adjusting members comprise a pair of first adjusting members facing each other and a pair of second adjusting members facing each other in a different direction from the first adjusting members.

In some examples, the first adjusting members are length-adjustable in the first direction or the second direction, and the second adjusting members are length-adjustable in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction.

In some examples, the adjusting members of the bracket include an elastic material and/or a hinge structure.

In some examples, the adjusting members of the bracket are formed to surround the plurality of frames and to include an elastic material shaped as a closed loop.

In some examples, the two opposite ends of the housing each have a slope and have a smaller circumference than a middle portion of the housing.

In some examples, the plurality of covers each include a step configured to be at least partially internally fitted to an upper end and/or a lower end of the housing, and wherein an end of each of the plurality of covers has a same curvature as one of the two opposite ends of the housing.

In some examples, the plurality of covers include at least one of: thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic silicone vulcanizate (TPSiV), and silicone.

In some examples, the housing comprises a glass tube, and wherein the flexible display device is formed in a closed loop shape corresponding to the glass tube of the housing, and is configured to allow visual content displayed on the display device to form continuous loops.

In some examples, a dielectric layer is disposed between the housing and the display device, wherein an adhesive film is disposed between the display device and the bracket, and wherein the housing, the display device, and the bracket are attached together by the dielectric layer and the adhesive film.

In some examples, the support projects from an inner surface of the bracket to support the printed circuit board in parallel with a surface of the bracket, and wherein the electronic device further comprises a connecting member electrically connecting the printed circuit board inserted into the inner space of the bracket with the display device disposed on an outer surface of the bracket.

Claim 1:
An electronic device, comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) including two opposite open ends and including an upper housing (1110a) and a lower housing (1110b);
an adhesive material (F) disposed between the upper housing and the lower housing to couple the upper housing and the lower housing;
a coating layer (H) formed on an outer surface of the adhesive material to have a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the upper housing part and the lower housing part; and
a display device (<NUM>) disposed inside the housing and configured to display information to the outside through a portion of the housing;
wherein the upper housing includes a first surface facing in a first direction, a first side surface extending from the first surface and forming a curved surface, and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface, extending from the first surface and forming a curved surface; wherein the lower housing includes a second surface facing in a second direction opposite to the first direction, a third side surface extending from the second surface and forming a curved surface, and a fourth side surface opposite to the third side surface, extending from the first surface and forming a curved surface;
wherein the first side surface and the third side surface have the same curvature and the second side surface and the fourth side surface have the same curvature;
wherein the adhesive material is disposed along a joining line between the first side surface and the third side surface and between the second side surface and the fourth side surface;
wherein the adhesive material is configured to join the first side surface and the third side surface, and the second side surface and the fourth side surface through a curing process;
wherein the cured adhesive material along the joining line is polished through a polishing process; and
wherein the coating layer is formed on the polished adhesive material.