Patent Description:
Electronic devices such as mobile devices are the trend of being increasingly miniaturized, but even demand for large screen display devices is increasing. In response to the demand for the large screen display devices, the mobile devices can miniaturize a bezel of a surface where the display device is disposed.

Even though the bezel is miniaturized, screen expansion is difficult because of a limitation of a size of the electronic device, so the electronic device can have a foldable display device. The foldable display device can be folded or unfolded according to need, and a user can select and use the foldable display device as a large screen or a small screen. <CIT> relates to A flexible display apparatus includes a bending area and a non-bending area. <CIT> relates to a display device including an anti-reflection film. <CIT> relates to a display apparatus includes a flexible display panel. <CIT> relates to a flexible display device including: a flexible display panel display.

A foldable region of a foldable display device can suffer a compressive force and a tensile force by a use of an electronic device and thus, can suffer strain resulting from stress. The strain of the foldable region can generate a step portion, and this step portion can change a path of reflected light and therefore, the strain of the foldable region can be acknowledged externally. An electronic device of various embodiments can offer a way of preventing the step portion generated by the strain from being acknowledged externally, and reducing an internal stress which is the cause of forming the step portion.

An electronic device of an embodiment can include a display panel of which at least a portion is flexible, a window disposed above at least the portion of the display panel, an anti-reflection layer (AR/LR) disposed on at least a portion of the window, and an anti-glare layer (AG) disposed beneath at least the portion of the window.

A display device of an embodiment can include a display panel of which at least a portion is flexible, a window disposed above at least the portion of the display panel, an anti-glare layer (AG) disposed on at least the portion of the window, and an anti-reflection layer (AR/LR) disposed on the anti-glare layer.

An electronic device of an embodiment can prevent the deformation of a window provided in a foldable region of a flexible display device from being acknowledged externally.

An electronic device of various embodiments can miniaturize the deformation of a flexible display device by decreasing an internal stress of a deformed portion.

The program 1040may be stored in the memory <NUM> as software, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS) <NUM>, middleware <NUM>, or an application <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram <NUM> of a display device <NUM> according to various embodiments. Referring to <FIG>, the display device <NUM> can include a display <NUM>, and a display driver IC (DDI) <NUM> to control the same. The DDI <NUM> can include an interface module <NUM>, a memory <NUM> (e.g., a buffer memory), an image processing module <NUM>, or a mapping module <NUM>. The DDI <NUM> can receive image information that includes image data or an image control signal corresponding to a command to control the image data, from another component of the electronic device <NUM> via the interface module <NUM>. For example, according to an embodiment, the image information can be received from the processor <NUM> (e.g., the main processor <NUM> (e.g., an application processor)) or the auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., a graphics processing unit) operated independently from the function of the main processor <NUM>. The DDI <NUM> can communicate with a touch circuitry <NUM> or a sensor module <NUM>, etc. via the interface module <NUM>. Also, the DDI <NUM> can store at least part of the received image information in the memory <NUM>, for example, on a frame by frame basis. The image processing module <NUM> can, for example, perform pre-processing or post-processing (e.g., resolution, brightness, or size adjustment) for at least part of the image data, based at least on a characteristic of the image data or a characteristic of the display <NUM>. The mapping module <NUM> can provide a voltage value or current value corresponding to the image data which has been pre-processed or post-processed by the image processing module <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the provision of the voltage value or current value, for example, can be performed based at least in part on an attribute of pixels of the display <NUM> (e.g., an array (RGB stripe or Pentile structure) of the pixels, or a size of each of sub pixels). At least some pixels of the display <NUM>, for example, can be driven based at least in part on the voltage value or the current value wherein visual information (e.g., a text, an image, or an icon) corresponding to the image data can be displayed via the display <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the display device <NUM> can further include the touch circuitry <NUM>. The touch circuitry <NUM> can include a touch sensor <NUM>, and a touch sensor IC <NUM> to control the same. The touch sensor IC <NUM>, for example can control the touch sensor <NUM> to obtain a touch input or a hovering input with respect to a specific position on the display <NUM>. For example, by measuring a change in a signal (e.g., a voltage, a quantity of light, a resistance, or a quantity of electric charges) with respect to a specific position on the display <NUM>, the touch sensor IC <NUM> can obtain a touch input or a hovering input. The touch sensor IC <NUM> can offer information (e.g., a position, an area, a pressure, or a time) on the obtained touch input or hovering input, to the processor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least a portion (e.g., the touch sensor IC <NUM>) of the touch circuitry <NUM> can be included as a portion of the display driver IC <NUM> or the display <NUM> or as a portion of another component (e.g., the auxiliary processor <NUM>) disposed outside the display device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the display device <NUM> can further include at least one sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, a pressure sensor, or an illuminance sensor) of the sensor module <NUM>, or a control circuit for the same. In such a case, the at least one sensor or the control circuit for the same can be embedded in a portion (e.g., the display <NUM> or the DDI <NUM>) of the display device <NUM> or a portion of the touch circuitry <NUM>. For example, when the sensor module <NUM> embedded in the display device <NUM> includes a biometric sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor), the biometric sensor can acquire biometric information (e.g., a fingerprint image) associated with a touch input via a partial region of the display <NUM>. For another example, when the sensor module <NUM> embedded in the display device <NUM> includes a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor can acquire pressure information associated with a touch input via a partial or whole area of the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the touch sensor <NUM> or the sensor module <NUM> can be disposed between pixels in a pixel layer of the display <NUM>, or over or under the pixel layer.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a flat state of an electronic device according to an embodiment, and <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a folded state of the electronic device according to an embodiment.

The electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> can be the same as or similar with the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> can include a foldable housing <NUM>, a hinge cover <NUM> covering a foldable portion of the foldable housing <NUM>, and a flexible or foldable display <NUM> (below, abbreviated to a "display" <NUM>) disposed within a space offered by the foldable housing <NUM>. The present document defines a surface where the display <NUM> is disposed, as a first surface, or a front surface of the electronic device <NUM>. And, a surface opposite to the front surface is defined as a second surface, or a rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. Also, a surface surrounding a space between the front surface and the rear surface is defined as a third surface, or a lateral surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the foldable housing <NUM> can include a first housing structure <NUM>, a second housing structure <NUM> including a sensor region <NUM>, a first back cover <NUM>, and a second back cover <NUM>. The foldable housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> is not limited to the form and coupling illustrated <FIG> and <FIG>, and can be implemented by a combination and/or coupling of other shapes or components. For example, in another embodiment, the first housing structure <NUM> and the first back cover <NUM> can be integrally formed, and the second housing structure <NUM> and the second back cover <NUM> can be integrally formed.

In an embodiment illustrated, the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> can be disposed at both sides centering on a folding axis (axis A), and have a shape symmetric entirely with respect to the folding axis A. As described later, the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> can be different in mutually formed angle or distance according to whether a state of the electronic device <NUM> is a flat state, a folded state, or an intermediate state. In an embodiment illustrated, the second housing structure <NUM>, unlike the first housing structure <NUM>, additionally includes the sensor region <NUM> where various sensors are disposed, but can have a mutually symmetric shape in other regions.

In an embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> can offer a recess which accepts the display <NUM>, together. In an embodiment illustrated, because of the sensor region <NUM>, the recess can have mutually different two or more widths in a direction being vertical with respect to the folding axis A.

For example, the recess can have (<NUM>) a first width (w1) between a first portion 510a parallel with the folding axis A among the first housing structure <NUM> and a first portion 520a formed in a periphery of the sensor region <NUM> among the second housing structure <NUM>, and (<NUM>) a second width (w2) formed between a second portion 510b of the first housing structure <NUM> and a second portion 520b which does not correspond to the sensor region <NUM> among the second housing structure <NUM> and is parallel with the folding axis A. In this case, the second width (w2) can be formed longer than the first width (w1). In other words, the first portion 510a of the first housing structure <NUM> and the first portion 520a of the second housing structure <NUM> having a mutually asymmetric shape can form the first width (w1) of the recess, and the second portion 510b of the first housing structure <NUM> and the second portion 520b of the second housing structure <NUM> having a mutually symmetric shape can form the second width (w2) of the recess. In an embodiment, the first portion 520a, and the second portion 520b, of the second housing structure <NUM> can be mutually different in distance from the folding axis A. The width of the recess is not limited to the illustrated example. In various embodiments, the recess can have a plurality of widths, by the form of the sensor region <NUM> or asymmetric shape portions of the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM>.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> can be formed of metal materials or non-metal materials having a rigidity of a selected strength so as to support the display <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the sensor region <NUM> can be formed to have a certain region in adjacent to a corner of the second housing structure <NUM>. However, an arrangement, shape, and size of the sensor region <NUM> are not limited to the illustrated example. For example, in another embodiment, the sensor region <NUM> can be offered to another corner of the second housing structure <NUM> or an arbitrary region between an upper corner and a lower corner. In an embodiment, components for performing various functions embedded in the electronic device <NUM> can be exposed to a front surface of the electronic device <NUM> via the sensor region <NUM>, or via one or more openings prepared in the sensor region <NUM>. In various embodiments, the components can include various kinds of sensors. The sensor, for example, can include at least one of a front camera, a receiver, or a proximity sensor.

The first back cover <NUM> can be disposed at one side of the folding axis (A) in the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>, and can, for example, have a periphery which is a substantially rectangular shape, and the periphery can be surrounded by the first housing structure <NUM>. Similarly, the second back cover <NUM> can be disposed at the other side of the folding axis (A) in the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>, and its periphery can be surrounded by the second housing structure <NUM>.

In an embodiment illustrated, the first back cover <NUM> and the second back cover <NUM> can have a shape which is substantially symmetric centering on the folding axis (axis A). However, the first back cover <NUM> and the second back cover <NUM> do not necessarily have a mutually symmetric shape, and in another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> can include the first back cover <NUM> and the second back cover <NUM> of various shapes. In further embodiment, the first back cover <NUM> can be formed integrally with the first housing structure <NUM>, and the second back cover <NUM> can be formed integrally with the second housing structure <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first back cover <NUM>, the second back cover <NUM>, the first housing structure <NUM>, and the second housing structure <NUM> can offer a space where various components (e.g., a printed circuit board or a battery) of the electronic device <NUM> can be disposed. In an embodiment, one or more components can be disposed in the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM> or be visually exposed. For example, at least a portion of a sub display <NUM> can be visually exposed via a first back region <NUM> of the first back cover <NUM>. In another embodiment, one or more components or sensors can be visually exposed via a second back region <NUM> of the second back cover <NUM>. In various embodiments, the sensor can include a proximity sensor and/or a rear camera.

Referring to <FIG>, the hinge cover <NUM> can be disposed between the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM>, and be constructed to cover an internal component (for example, a hinge structure). In an embodiment, the hinge cover <NUM> can be covered with a portion of the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> or be exposed to the external, according to a state (a flat state or a folded state) of the electronic device <NUM>.

In one example, as illustrated in <FIG>, in response to the electronic device <NUM> being in a flat state, the hinge cover <NUM> can be covered with the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> and not be exposed. In one example, as illustrated in <FIG>, in response to the electronic device <NUM> being in a folded state (e.g., a fully folded state), the hinge cover <NUM> can be exposed to the external between the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM>. In one example, when the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> are in an intermediate state of being folded at a certain angle, the hinge cover <NUM> can be partially exposed to the external between the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM>. However, in this case, the exposed region can be less than in the fully folded state. In an embodiment, the hinge cover <NUM> can include a curved surface.

The display <NUM> can be disposed on a space offered by the foldable housing <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> can be safely mounted on a recess formed by the foldable housing <NUM>, and construct most of the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

Accordingly, the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> can include the display <NUM>, a partial region of the first housing structure <NUM> adjacent to the display <NUM>, and a partial region of the second housing structure <NUM>. And, the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM> can include the first back cover <NUM>, a partial region of the first housing structure <NUM> adjacent to the first back cover <NUM>, the second back cover <NUM>, and a partial region of the second housing structure <NUM> adjacent to the second back cover <NUM>.

The display <NUM> can refer to a display of which at least a partial region can be deformed into a flat surface or a curved surface. In an embodiment, the display <NUM> can include a folding region <NUM>, a first region <NUM> disposed at one side (the left side of the folding region <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>) with a criterion of the folding region <NUM>, and a second region <NUM> disposed at the other side (the right side of the folding region <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>).

The division of the region of the display <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is an example, and the display <NUM> can be divided into a plurality of (for example, four or more or two) regions according to a structure or function. In an example, in an embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the region of the display <NUM> can be divided by the folding region <NUM> or folding axis (axis A) extending in parallel with a y axis, but in another embodiment, the region of the display <NUM> can be divided with a criterion of another folding region (e.g., a folding region being parallel with an x axis) or another folding axis (e.g., a folding axis being parallel with the x axis) as well.

The first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM> can have a shape which is entirely symmetric centering on the folding region <NUM>. However, the second region <NUM> can, unlike the first region <NUM>, include a notch which is cut according to the existence of the sensor region <NUM>, but can have a shape being symmetric with that of the first region <NUM> in other regions. In other words, the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM> can include a portion having a mutually symmetric shape, and a portion having a mutually asymmetric shape.

Below, a description is made for operations of the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> dependent on a state (e.g., a flat state and a folded state) of the electronic device <NUM>, and each region of the display <NUM>.

In an embodiment, in response to the electronic device <NUM> being in the flat state (e.g., <FIG>), the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> can be disposed to form an angle of <NUM> degrees and go in the same direction. A surface of the first region <NUM> of the display <NUM> and a surface of the second region <NUM> can form <NUM> degrees mutually, and go in the same direction (e.g., a front direction of the electronic device). The folding region <NUM> can form the same plane as the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM>.

In an embodiment, in response to the electronic device <NUM> being in the folded state (e.g., <FIG>), the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> can be disposed to face each other. The surface of the first region <NUM> of the display <NUM> and the surface of the second region <NUM> can form a mutually narrow angle (e.g., <NUM> degree to <NUM> degrees), and face each other. The folding region <NUM> can be formed by a curved surface of which at least a portion has a certain curvature.

In an embodiment, in response to the electronic device <NUM> being in the intermediate state (not shown), the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> can be disposed at a certain angle. The surface of the first region <NUM> of the display <NUM> and the surface of the second region <NUM> can form an angle which is greater than in the folded state and is less than in the flat state. The folding region <NUM> can be formed by a curved surface of which at least a portion has a certain curvature, and at this time, the curvature can be less than that of the folded state.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> can include a display unit <NUM>, a bracket assembly <NUM>, a substrate unit <NUM>, the first housing structure <NUM>, the second housing structure <NUM>, the first back cover <NUM>, and the second back cover <NUM>. In the present document, the display unit <NUM> can be called a display module or a display assembly.

The display unit <NUM> can include the display <NUM>, and one or more plates or layers <NUM> in which the display <NUM> is safely mounted. In an embodiment, the plate <NUM> can be disposed between the display <NUM> and the bracket assembly <NUM>. The display <NUM> can be disposed in at least a portion of one surface (e.g., a top surface with a criterion of <FIG>) of the plate <NUM>. The plate <NUM> can be formed in a shape corresponding to the display <NUM>. For example, a partial region of the plate <NUM> can be formed in a shape corresponding to a notch <NUM> of the display <NUM>.

The bracket assembly <NUM> can include a first bracket <NUM>, a second bracket <NUM>, a hinge structure disposed between the first bracket <NUM> and the second bracket <NUM>, a hinge cover <NUM> covering the hinge structure when viewing outside, and a wiring member <NUM> (e.g., a flexible printed circuit (FPC)) going across the first bracket <NUM> and the second bracket <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the bracket assembly <NUM> can be disposed between the plate <NUM> and the substrate unit <NUM>. In an example, the first bracket <NUM> can be disposed between the first region <NUM> of the display <NUM> and a first substrate <NUM>. The second bracket <NUM> can be disposed between the second region <NUM> of the display <NUM> and a second substrate <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the wiring member <NUM> and at least a portion of the hinge structure can be disposed within the bracket assembly <NUM>. The wiring member <NUM> can be disposed in a direction (e.g., an x-axis direction) of going across the first bracket <NUM> and the second bracket <NUM>. The wiring member <NUM> can be disposed in a direction (e.g., an x-axis direction) vertical to a folding axis (e.g., the y axis or the folding axis (A) of <FIG>) of the folding region <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>.

The substrate unit <NUM> can, as mentioned above, include the first substrate <NUM> disposed at a first bracket <NUM> side, and the second substrate <NUM> disposed at a second bracket <NUM> side. The first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM> can be disposed within a space which is offered by the bracket assembly <NUM>, the first housing structure <NUM>, the second housing structure <NUM>, the first back cover <NUM>, and the second back cover <NUM>. Components for implementing various functions of the electronic device <NUM> can be mounted in the first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM>.

The first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> can be mutually assembled to be coupled to both sides of the bracket assembly <NUM>, in a state in which the display unit <NUM> is coupled to the bracket assembly <NUM>. As described later, the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> can be slid at both sides of the bracket assembly <NUM> and be coupled to the bracket assembly <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first housing structure <NUM> can include a first rotation support surface <NUM>, and the second housing structure <NUM> can include a second rotation support surface <NUM> corresponding to the first rotation support surface <NUM>. The first rotation support surface <NUM> and the second rotation support surface <NUM> can include a curved surface corresponding to the curved surface included in the hinge cover <NUM>.

In an embodiment, in response to the electronic device <NUM> being in the flat state (e.g., the electronic device of <FIG>), the first rotation support surface <NUM> and the second rotation support surface <NUM> can cover the hinge cover <NUM> and thus, the hinge cover <NUM> is not exposed, or can be exposed minimally, to the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. On the other hand, in response to the electronic device <NUM> being in the folded state (e.g., the electronic device of <FIG>), the first rotation support surface <NUM> and the second rotation support surface <NUM> can rotate along the curved surface included in the hinge cover <NUM> and thus, the hinge cover <NUM> can be exposed maximally to the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

The electronic device of various embodiments disclosed in the present document can be various types of devices. The electronic device, for example, can include a portable communication device (e.g., a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. The electronic device of an embodiment of the present document is not limited to the aforementioned devices.

<FIG> is a cross section of a display according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the display <NUM> can include a display panel <NUM>, a window <NUM>, an anti-reflection layer <NUM>, and an anti-glare layer <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the display panel <NUM> can be a display panel of which at least a portion is flexible. The display panel <NUM> can be an active light-emitting device such as an organic light-emitting display device. According to various embodiments, the display panel <NUM> can include a foldable panel, and can be formed to be foldable in a partial region of the display panel <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the display panel <NUM> can include a base substrate, a thin film transistors (TFT) layer formed in the base substrate, and a pixel layer (or an organic light-emitting layer) receiving a signal voltage from the thin film transistors layer. The display panel <NUM> can further include arbitrary proper components such as a thin film encapsulation (TFE) layer encapsulating the pixel layer, a back film for supporting the base substrate, etc. The base substrate of an embodiment can be formed of polymer materials (e.g., polyimide (PI), etc.) to secure the flexibility of the substrate, but an embodiment is not limited to this.

According to an embodiment, the substrate can include at least one of polyehyleneterephthalate, polymethylmethacrylate, polyamide, polyimide, polypropylene or polyurethane.

According to an embodiment, the substrate can be formed by a plurality of layers.

According to an embodiment, the window <NUM> can be formed above the display panel <NUM>, and the window <NUM> can be a flexible window. The window <NUM> can transmit light emitted from the pixel layer of the display panel <NUM> and forward the same to the external.

According to an embodiment, the window <NUM> can be formed of transparent member, and the transparent member can be formed of at least one of polymer materials such as polycarbonate (PC) of high molecular substance, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene terephthalate (PPT), etc., and can be formed of flexible glass. According to an embodiment, the window <NUM> can include a multilayered structure of various materials.

According to an embodiment, the anti-reflection layer (AR layer) <NUM> can be disposed on the window <NUM>. The anti-reflection layer <NUM> can destructively interfere reflected light to prevent incident light from being reflected and forwarded to a user, and can decrease the reflected light by the light incident from the external.

According to an embodiment, the anti-glare layer (AG layer) <NUM> can be disposed beneath the window <NUM>. The anti-glare layer <NUM> can diffused-reflect light traveling from the external. The anti-glare layer <NUM> can form a ruggedness surface inside or add minute particles, to scatter external light in the rugged surface or a minute particle surface. The ruggedness surface can be included in another layer forming the display <NUM>, not the anti-glare layer <NUM>, as well.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are cross sections illustrating a laminated structure of a display according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the display <NUM> can be the same as or be similar with the display <NUM> of <FIG>.

According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> can include a display panel <NUM>, a window <NUM>, an anti-reflection layer <NUM>, and an anti-glare layer <NUM>. The window <NUM> can have ductility to be pliable. According to various embodiments, the window <NUM> can be formed by a plurality of layers. The window <NUM> can include a first window <NUM> and a second window <NUM> of mutually different materials. The second window <NUM> can be disposed above the display panel <NUM>, and the first window <NUM> can be disposed on the second window <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, because the first window <NUM> is disposed more outside than the second window <NUM>, in an in-foldable display, the first window <NUM> can suffer greater compressive stress than the second window <NUM>, and compressive strain can be large. In an out-foldable display, the first window <NUM> can suffer greater tensile stress than the second window <NUM>, and tensile strain can be large. The first window <NUM> can have a higher elongation than the second window <NUM>, and can have lower Young's modulus.

According to various embodiments, the first window <NUM> can include polyimide (PI). The second window <NUM> can include polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The first window <NUM> and the second window <NUM> can be formed transparent. The first window <NUM> including polyimide disposed outside can have higher strain than the second window <NUM> including polyethylene terephthalate.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the display <NUM> can include a display panel <NUM>, a window <NUM>, an anti-reflection layer <NUM>, and an anti-glare layer <NUM>, and can further include a polarization layer <NUM> and an optical clear adhesive (OCA) layer <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the polarization layer <NUM> can be disposed on the display panel <NUM>, and the optical clear adhesive layer <NUM> can be disposed on the polarization layer <NUM>. The polarization layer <NUM> can grant a directivity of light emitted from the display panel <NUM>, and can increase a definition of an image or video forwarded. The optical clear adhesive layer <NUM> can be joined to the polarization layer <NUM>, the window <NUM> or other layers.

According to an embodiment, the anti-glare layer <NUM> can be disposed between the second window <NUM> and the optical clear adhesive layer <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the anti-glare layer <NUM> can be disposed between the optical clear adhesive layer <NUM> and the polarization layer <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the anti-glare layer <NUM> can be disposed between the first window <NUM> and the second window <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the anti-reflection layer <NUM> can be disposed on the outskirts of the display <NUM>, and the anti-glare layer <NUM> can be disposed between layers which are laminated between the anti-reflection layer <NUM> and the display panel <NUM>. By a destructive interference of light reflected from the surface of the anti-reflection layer <NUM> and an interface between the anti-reflection layer <NUM> and the window <NUM>, most light can be prevented from being reflected externally. According to various embodiments, partial light having passed through the anti-reflection layer <NUM> among light incident from the external can be diffused-reflected or scattered by the anti-glare layer <NUM>. When external light is incident on the anti-glare layer <NUM> earlier than the anti-reflection layer <NUM>, most light is scattered by the anti-glare layer <NUM> and thus, an anti-reflection effect of the anti-reflection layer <NUM> can be decreased.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating the deformation of a display dependent on the use of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the display <NUM> including a display panel <NUM>, a window <NUM>, an anti-reflection layer <NUM> and an anti-glare layer <NUM> can include a flexible region (Sb) and the remnant region (Sr).

According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> can be a flexible display, and can be bent in the flexible region (Sb). The display <NUM> can be bent in the flexible region (Sb), and in the flexible region (Sb), stress can be accumulated. Stress applied to the flexible region (Sb) can cause strain in each interlayer of the display <NUM>, and a step portion can be formed minutely in the flexible region (Sb) of the display <NUM>. The step portion formed in the flexible region (Sb) can be acknowledged as fine lines from the external.

According to an embodiment, to prevent the step portion from being acknowledged externally, the anti-reflection layer <NUM> can be laminated on the window <NUM>, and the anti-glare layer <NUM> can be disposed below the anti-reflection layer <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating a reflection of light incident on a surface of a display according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the display <NUM> can include a window <NUM> deformed in a flexible region (Sb). While the display <NUM> goes through a folding or unfolding process, each layer including the window <NUM> can suffer deformation, and a step portion can be formed in the flexible region (Sb).

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating the principle of an anti-reflection layer according to an embodiment, and <FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams illustrating the principle of an anti-glare layer according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a window <NUM> can be coated with the anti-reflection layer <NUM>. Light incident on the anti-reflection layer <NUM> can be reflected from a surface of the anti-reflection layer <NUM>, and some can pass through the anti-reflection layer <NUM> and be reflected from an interface between the anti-reflection layer <NUM> and the window <NUM>. The light reflected from the surface of the anti-reflection layer <NUM> and the light reflected from the interface between the anti-reflection layer <NUM> and the window <NUM> can induce mutual interference mutually. In response to adjusting a thickness of the anti-reflection layer <NUM>, the light reflected from the surface of the anti-reflection layer <NUM> and the light reflected from the interface between the anti-reflection layer <NUM> and the window <NUM> can induce destructive interference mutually.

According to an embodiment, in response to the thickness of the anti-reflection layer <NUM> corresponding to <NUM>/<NUM> of a wavelength (λ) of light traveling in the anti-reflection layer <NUM>, there may not be reflected light. According to various embodiments, the thickness of the anti-reflection layer <NUM> can be (<NUM>+<NUM>)λ/<NUM> ('m' is a natural number). According to various embodiments, in response to incident light not being single light, the anti-reflection layer <NUM> cannot offset wavelengths of all light and thus, can be formed by a plurality of layers to decrease a reflectance of a wavelength of light of a visible light range.

According to various embodiments, by suppressing the reflection of incident light, the anti-reflection layer <NUM> can decrease the external acknowledgement of a deformed portion formed in the flexible region (Sb) of the display <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the anti-glare layer <NUM> can include minute particles <NUM> inside. Light traveling to the minute particles <NUM> existing inside can be scattered. Referring to <FIG>, the anti-glare layer <NUM> can form a ruggedness surface <NUM> inside, and even light traveling to the ruggedness surface <NUM> can be scattered. A surface of the ruggedness surface <NUM> can be formed coarsely wherein diffused reflection takes place. The ruggedness surface <NUM> can be disposed irregularly, and can be disposed regularly at specific intervals as well.

According to various embodiments, the anti-glare layer <NUM> can scatter incident light, to decrease the external acknowledgement of the deformed portion formed in the flexible region (Sb) of the display <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are cross sections of a display according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the display <NUM> can include a display panel <NUM>, a window <NUM>, an anti-reflection layer <NUM>, and an anti-glare layer <NUM>. The window <NUM> can have ductility to be pliable. According to various embodiments, the window <NUM> can be formed by a plurality of layers. The window <NUM> can include a first window <NUM> and a second window <NUM> of mutually different materials. The second window <NUM> can be disposed above the display panel <NUM>, and the first window <NUM> can be disposed on the second window <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> can include a flexible region (Sb) and the remnant region (Sr). When taking the anti-reflection layer <NUM> upwardly, the flexible region (Sb) can be folded up or down with a criterion of a folding axis (A).

According to various embodiments, the first window <NUM> can include polyimide (PI). The second window <NUM> can include polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The first window <NUM> and the second window <NUM> can be formed transparent.

According to various embodiments, the anti-reflection layer <NUM> can be disposed on the window <NUM>, and the anti-glare layer <NUM> can be disposed between the window <NUM> and the display panel <NUM>. The anti-reflection layer <NUM> can be disposed to surround the entire of the window <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the anti-glare layer <NUM> can be disposed wherein a region including a minute particle or a ruggedness surface is overlapped with the flexible region (Sb), and the anti-glare layer <NUM> can be disposed to include the minute particle or ruggedness surface only in the flexible region (Sb), and may not include the minute particle or ruggedness surface in the remnant region (Sr). The remnant region (Sr) of the anti-glare layer <NUM> can be formed integrally with the window <NUM>, or be formed by an adhesive layer, etc..

According to various embodiments, when a step is formed with a criterion of the folding line (A) included in the flexible region (Sb), the anti-glare layer <NUM> can scatter light to decrease an amount of reflected light and thus, prevent a step portion formed in the display panel <NUM> from being acknowledged externally.

Referring to <FIG>, the display <NUM> can include a display panel <NUM>, a window <NUM>, an anti-reflection layer <NUM>, and an anti-glare layer <NUM>. The window <NUM> can have ductility to be pliable. Unlike <FIG>, the anti-glare layer <NUM> can be disposed between a first window <NUM> and a second window <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the anti-reflection layer <NUM> can be disposed on the window <NUM> (i.e. the first window <NUM>), and the anti-glare layer <NUM> can be disposed between the window <NUM> and the display panel <NUM>. The anti-reflection layer <NUM> can be disposed to surround the entire of the window <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, when a step is formed with a criterion of the folding line (A) included in the flexible region (Sb), the anti-glare layer <NUM> can scatter light to decrease an amount of reflected light and thus, prevent a step portion formed in the display panel <NUM> and the second window <NUM> from being acknowledged externally.

<FIG> and <FIG> are cross sections of a display according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the display <NUM> can include a display panel <NUM>, a window <NUM>, an anti-reflection layer <NUM>, and an anti-glare layer <NUM>. The window <NUM> can have ductility to be pliable. According to various embodiments, the window <NUM> can be formed by a plurality of layers. The window <NUM> can include a first window <NUM> and a second window <NUM> of mutually different materials. The second window <NUM> can be disposed on the display panel <NUM>, and the first window <NUM> can be disposed on the second window <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the anti-glare layer <NUM> can be disposed between the window <NUM> and the anti-reflection layer <NUM>. The anti-glare layer <NUM> can be formed to surround the entire of the window <NUM>, and the anti-glare layer <NUM> can be formed to surround a portion of the window <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the display <NUM> can include a flexible region (Sb) and the remnant region (Sr). When taking the anti-glare layer <NUM> upwardly, the flexible region (Sb) can be folded up or down with a criterion of a folding axis (A).

According to various embodiments, the anti-glare layer <NUM> can be laminated only in a partial region of the window <NUM>, or be formed and laminated to have an anti-glare function only in a partial region. The partial region can be the flexible region (Sb) including the folding axis (A).

According to various embodiments, when a step is formed with a criterion of a folding line (A) included in the flexible region (Sb), the anti-glare layer <NUM> can scatter light to decrease an amount of reflected light and thus, prevent a step portion from being acknowledged externally.

According to various embodiments, the anti-glare layer <NUM> can be disposed between the window <NUM> and the anti-reflection layer <NUM>. The anti-glare layer <NUM> can be disposed on the first window <NUM>. Light incident from the external can be partly reflected from and partly pass through the anti-reflection layer <NUM>. The light reflected from the anti-reflection layer <NUM> and light reflected from an interface between the anti-reflection layer <NUM> and the anti-glare layer <NUM> can be destructively interfered. The light passing through the anti-reflection layer <NUM> and traveling to the anti-glare layer <NUM> can be scattered within the anti-glare layer <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the anti-glare layer <NUM> is disposed beneath the anti-reflection layer <NUM> and thus, the step portion formed in the window <NUM> and the display panel <NUM> may not be acknowledged externally.

According to various embodiments, the anti-reflection layer <NUM> may reduce reflectance by reflecting light reflected from the surface of the antireflection layer and light reflected from the lower interface of the antireflection layer, thereby causing destructive interference. Only partial light passing through the anti-reflection layer <NUM> can be scattered in the anti-glare layer <NUM>, so the anti-reflection layer <NUM> can be positioned on the outskirts of the display <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the anti-glare layer <NUM> can scatter partial light passing through the anti-reflection layer <NUM>, to prevent the acknowledgment of a step portion formed in a bent portion. The anti-glare layer <NUM> can be disposed on a layer in which strain is formed distinctly, to prevent the strain of the layer forming the display <NUM> from being acknowledged externally.

According to various embodiments, as described above, the anti-glare layer <NUM> can be disposed on at least one layer among the first window <NUM>, the second window <NUM>, the polarization layer <NUM>, the optical clear adhesive layer <NUM> or the display panel <NUM>. The anti-glare layer <NUM> can be disposed for all the respective layers constructing the display <NUM>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are schematic diagrams and cross sections of a display according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the display <NUM> can include a window <NUM> and an anti-reflection layer <NUM>. The anti-reflection layer <NUM> can be located in a flexible region of the window <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> represent diagrams the display <NUM> of <FIG> taken along line B-B'. The window <NUM> can be formed thinner in a folding region than another region. The anti-reflection layer <NUM> can be formed in a groove of the window <NUM> formed to be bent. An anti-glare layer <NUM> can be included between the window <NUM> and a display panel <NUM> disposed below the window <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the anti-glare layer <NUM> can be disposed in a bending region of the window <NUM>, and the anti-reflection layer <NUM> can be laminated on the anti-glare layer <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the groove of the window <NUM> positioned in the folding region can be filled up with the anti-reflection layer <NUM>, and the anti-glare layer <NUM> can be formed in a portion of the groove, and the anti-reflection layer <NUM> can fill up a portion of the remnant of the groove.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an anti-reflection layer <NUM> can be formed at a specific thickness along a bent surface of the window <NUM>. The anti-reflection layer <NUM> can include a first anti-reflection layer <NUM> formed in a groove of the window <NUM> located in a bending region, and a second anti-reflection layer <NUM> formed in the remnant region. The first anti-reflection layer <NUM> and the second anti-reflection layer <NUM> can be formed integrally. The first anti-reflection layer <NUM> can fill up the groove of the window <NUM> located in the folding region.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a window <NUM> can be formed thin at a folding axis (A), and can be formed thicker as it goes to a flat region. In the flat region, the window <NUM> can be formed at a specific thickness. An upper surface of the window <NUM> can be formed as a curved surface in a foldable region, and a lower surface can be formed as a curved surface in the foldable region.

According to various embodiments, in the foldable region, the upper surface and lower surface of the window <NUM> all can be formed as the curved surfaces and thus, the window <NUM> can get thinner as it goes to the folding axis.

<FIG> is a cross section of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> can include a display <NUM>, brackets <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., a first bracket <NUM> and a second bracket <NUM> of <FIG>), and plates <NUM> and <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the display <NUM> can be a flexible display. The display <NUM> can be formed by a panel including polyimide (PI). The plates <NUM> and <NUM> can be disposed between the display <NUM> and the brackets <NUM> and <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the plate can be formed by the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM>, and one surface of the first plate <NUM> can come in touch with the first bracket <NUM>, and the other surface of the first plate <NUM> can come in touch with one region of the display <NUM>. One surface of the second plate <NUM> can come in touch with the second bracket <NUM>, and the other surface of the second plate <NUM> can come in touch with the remnant region of the display <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, because the flexible display has ductility, the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> can be attached to a rear surface of the display <NUM> and support the display <NUM>, wherein they can keep the form of the display <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, in response to the display <NUM> being folded, the first plate <NUM> and second plate <NUM> supporting the display <NUM> can be detached from each other, and can be coupled with the first bracket <NUM> and the second bracket <NUM> respectively and moved.

<FIG> and <FIG> are cross sections illustrating a folded state of the electronic device of <FIG> according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, in response to the display <NUM> being bent, a first plate <NUM> and a second plate <NUM> supporting the display <NUM> can be spaced apart, and can be coupled with a first bracket <NUM> and a second bracket <NUM> respectively and deformed.

According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> can be in a state of being adhered in a partial region of the first plate <NUM> and not being adhered in the remnant region of the first plate <NUM>. The display <NUM> can be in a state of being adhered in a partial region of the second plate <NUM> and not being adhered in the remnant region of the second plate <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the second plate <NUM> can be slid or slipped from the second bracket <NUM> and be moved down by a specific distance (ds). In response to the display <NUM> being bent, a bent portion suffers compressive stress at its inner side, and suffers tensile stress at its outer side and thus, interlayer deformation of the display <NUM> can take place, and a deformed portion can be acknowledged externally.

According to various embodiments, in response to the second plate <NUM> being slid or slipped, it can decrease stress applied to a bending region of the display <NUM>, and reduce the interlayer deformation of the display <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the second bracket <NUM> can include a guide groove to guide the sliding of the second plate <NUM>, and the second plate <NUM> can include a protrusion portion corresponding to the guide groove of the second bracket <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the second plate <NUM> can include a guide groove to slide along the second bracket <NUM>, and the second bracket <NUM> can include a protrusion portion corresponding to the guide groove of the second plate <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the second plate <NUM> can be coupled with the second bracket <NUM>. A portion of the second plate <NUM> can be coupled with the display <NUM>, and the remnant portion of the second plate <NUM> can be spaced apart from the display <NUM> wherein the bending of the display <NUM> is made easy.

According to an embodiment, the second plate <NUM> and the second bracket <NUM> can be slid or slipped together with the display <NUM> and be moved by a specific distance (ds) with a criterion of the first plate <NUM> and the second bracket <NUM>. In response to the display <NUM> being bent, a bent portion suffers compressive stress at its inner side, and suffers tensile stress at its outer side and thus, interlayer deformation of the display <NUM> can take place, and a deformed portion can be acknowledged externally.

According to various embodiments, in response to the second plate <NUM> and the second bracket <NUM> being slid or slipped, it can decrease stress applied to a bending region of the display <NUM>, and reduce interlayer deformation of the display <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the second plate <NUM> and the second bracket <NUM> can be slid within a housing structure (e.g., the second housing structure <NUM> of <FIG>), and the housing structure <NUM> can include a guide groove wherein the second plate <NUM> and the second bracket <NUM> are slidable. The guide groove can be formed in the second plate <NUM> or the second bracket <NUM> wherein sliding can be made within the housing structure <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, a slip layer can be included wherein slip is possible between the second bracket <NUM> and the housing structure <NUM>. The slip layer can be formed of deformable materials, and can be formed of materials having an excellent restoring force. The slip layer can include a rubber having an excellent restoring force, a foam resin, a spring having a high modulus of elasticity, a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), etc..

<FIG> is a cross section of an electronic device according to various embodiments, and <FIG> is a cross section illustrating a folded state of the electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> can include a display <NUM>, brackets <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., the first bracket <NUM> and the second bracket <NUM> of <FIG>), plates <NUM> and <NUM>, and slip layers <NUM> and <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the display <NUM> can be a flexible display. The plates <NUM> and <NUM> can be disposed between the display <NUM> and the brackets <NUM> and <NUM>. The slip layers <NUM> and <NUM> can be disposed between the plates <NUM> and <NUM> and the brackets <NUM> and <NUM>, and the plates <NUM> and <NUM> can be separated from the brackets <NUM> and <NUM> and be floated.

According to various embodiments, the plate can be formed by the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM>, and one surface of the first plate <NUM> can come in touch with the first bracket <NUM>, and the other surface of the first plate <NUM> can come in touch with one region of the first slip layer <NUM>. One surface of the second plate <NUM> can come in touch with the second bracket <NUM>, and the other surface of the second plate <NUM> can come in touch with the remnant region of the second slip layer <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in response to the display <NUM> being bent, the first plate <NUM> and second plate <NUM> supporting the display <NUM> can be spaced apart. The first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> can be coupled with the first slip layer <NUM> and the second slip layer <NUM>, and can be slipped from the first bracket <NUM> and the second bracket <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first slip layer <NUM> and the second slip layer <NUM> can include a void space inside wherein deformation is made easy. The first slip layer <NUM> and the second slip layer <NUM> can be formed of deformable materials, and can be formed of materials having an excellent restoring force. The slip layer can include a rubber having an excellent restoring force, a foam resin, a spring having a high modulus of elasticity, a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), etc..

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are cross sections illustrating various pattern layers of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, a first slip layer <NUM> and a second slip layer <NUM> can include a pattern having various spaces. Referring to <FIG>, the first slip layer <NUM> and the second slip layer <NUM> can include an opening 188b formed in a region 188a constructing the slip layers. The opening 188b has been formed in a rectangular shape, but can be formed in various forms such as a circle shape, an oval shape, etc. In response to being formed in the oval shape, a long axis of the oval can be disposed in a direction vertical to a direction in which the plate (the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> of <FIG>) is slid. In response to being formed in the rectangular shape, a long side of the rectangular shape can be disposed in a direction vertical to a direction in which the plate is slid.

Referring to <FIG>, in a first slip layer <NUM> and a second slip layer <NUM>, slippable materials 188a of a long rectangular shape can be iteratively disposed putting a void space 188b of a specific width. In the slippable materials 188a of the long rectangular shape, a long side of the rectangular shape can be disposed in a direction vertical to a direction in which a plate is slid. According to various embodiments, in the slippable materials formed in the long rectangular shape, the long side of the rectangular shape can be iteratively disposed in an oblique (diagonal) direction in the first slip layer <NUM> and the second slip layer <NUM>. In response to the plate being slid, the first slip layer <NUM> and the second slip layer <NUM> can be deformed into a void space and thus slip can take place easily. As illustrated in <FIG>, a shape of the slip layer can be formed to be the rectangular shape, and can be a zigzag shape bent in a multistage. According to various embodiments, the slip layer can be formed in various patterns in which the slippable materials 188a can be disposed putting the void space 188b.

Referring to <FIG>, a first slip layer <NUM> and a second slip layer <NUM> are formed of slippable materials 188a, and can include an irregular opening 188b (e.g., the void space 188b of <FIG>) inside.

According to various embodiments, a display (the display <NUM> of <FIG>) can select a pattern differently according to a required degree of slip, and the first slip layer <NUM> and the second slip layer <NUM> can be formed in the same pattern.

According to various embodiments, the first slip layer <NUM> and the second slip layer <NUM> can be formed in a mutually different pattern. For example, in response to the first plate <NUM> less needing slip, the first slip layer <NUM> can be formed by a layer not having a pattern, and in response to the second plate <NUM> much needing slip, the second slip layer <NUM> can be formed by a layer including a pattern easily deformable. According to various embodiments, intervals of the patterns formed by the slippable materials 188a and the void space 188b can be different from each other, and intervals of at least some patterns can be the same as each other.

Referring to <FIG>, slippable materials 188a forming patterns, and void spaces 188b forming intervals between the patterns can be formed. The slippable materials 188a can be formed in a pattern of a square shape. Unlike the shape of the shown pattern, the slippable materials 188a it can be formed in a circle shape or a rectangular shape, and can differently form a width or length of each pattern. According to various embodiments, intervals of the patterns formed by the slippable materials 188a and the void space 188b can be different from each other, and intervals of at least some patterns can be the same as each other.

Referring to <FIG>, in a first slip layer <NUM> and a second slip layer <NUM>, slippable materials 188a of a long rectangular shape can be iteratively disposed interposing void spaces 189a, 189b, and 189c therebetween. In the slippable materials 188a of the long rectangular shape, a long side of the rectangular shape can be disposed in a direction vertical to a direction in which a plate is slid. According to various embodiments, in the slippable materials of the long rectangular shape, a long side of the rectangular shape can be iteratively disposed in an oblique (diagonal) direction in the first slip layer <NUM> and the second slip layer <NUM>. In response to the plate being slid, the first slip layer <NUM> and the second slip layer <NUM> can be deformed into a void space and thus slip can take place easily.

According to various embodiments, widths of the void space 189a positioned in a periphery and the adjacent void space 189b can be different from each other. The void space 189c positioned at the center can be wider or narrower in width than the other void spaces 189a and 189b. The void spaces 189a and 189b formed between the slippable materials 188a can be disposed at a width mutually symmetric with a criterion of the void space 189c located at the center. The void spaces 189a and 189b formed between the slippable materials 188a can be formed more widely in a region where stress applied by strain is large when the display <NUM> is folded.

<FIG> is a cross section of an electronic device according to various embodiments, and <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a folded state of the electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> can include a display panel <NUM>, a protection layer <NUM>, brackets <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., the first bracket <NUM> and the second bracket <NUM> of <FIG>), and plates <NUM> and <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the display panel <NUM> can be formed by a panel including polyimide (PI), and can be a flexible display panel. The plates <NUM> and <NUM> can be disposed between the display panel <NUM> and the brackets <NUM> and <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the protection layer <NUM> can be disposed on the display panel <NUM>, and can be formed by a plurality of layers. The protection layer <NUM> can include a polarization layer, a window, an anti-reflection layer, an anti-glare layer, or an anti-fingerprint layer. Similarly with the display panel <NUM>, the respective layers forming the protection layer <NUM> can include materials having ductility.

According to various embodiments, the plate can be formed by the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM>, and one surface of the first plate <NUM> can come in touch with the first bracket <NUM>, and the other surface of the first plate <NUM> can come in touch with one region of the display panel <NUM>. One surface of the second plate <NUM> can come in touch with the second bracket <NUM>, and the other surface of the second plate <NUM> can come in touch with the remnant region of the display panel <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, because the flexible display has ductility, the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> can be attached to a rear surface of the display panel <NUM> and support the display panel <NUM> and the protection layer <NUM>, wherein they can keep the form of the display panel <NUM> and the protection layer <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, in a state in which the display panel <NUM> and the protection layer <NUM> are folded, the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> can be detached from each other, and can be coupled with the first bracket <NUM> and the second bracket <NUM> respectively and moved.

Referring to <FIG>, in response to the display <NUM> being bent, the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> supporting the display <NUM> can be spaced apart, and can be coupled with the first bracket <NUM> and the second bracket <NUM> respectively and deformed.

The display <NUM> can include the display panel <NUM> and the protection layer <NUM>. The protection layer <NUM> can be formed by a plurality of layers, and in response to the display <NUM> being bent, stress is concentrated in a bending region <NUM> and thus the respective layers of the protection layer <NUM> can be deformed. Also, strain can occur even in an interface between the display panel <NUM> and the protection layer <NUM>, and in response to using a flexible device continuously, damage can occur in the bending region <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross section modifying the electronic device of <FIG> according to various embodiments, and <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a folded state of the electronic device of <FIG> according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, adhesive layers <NUM> and <NUM> can be formed wherein a void space <NUM> can be formed between a display panel <NUM> and a protection layer <NUM>. A first plate <NUM> can be disposed in a region corresponding to one region of the display panel <NUM>, and a second plate <NUM> can be disposed in a region corresponding to the remnant region of the display panel <NUM>. The first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> can be coupled with the first bracket <NUM> and the second bracket <NUM>, respectively.

According to various embodiments, stress in a bending region can increase according to thicknesses of the protection layer <NUM> and the display panel <NUM> that exist in the bending region. According to an embodiment, the protection layer <NUM> and the display panel <NUM> in the bending region are spaced apart from each other and thus, stress resulting from strain of the protection layer <NUM> and the display panel <NUM> may not be applied, so stress occurring in the entire bending region of the electronic device <NUM> can be decreased.

According to various embodiments, the internal space <NUM> can be formed by an air layer. To prevent a deterioration of light characteristic caused by a difference of refractive indexes between air, a protection layer, and adhesive layers, an anti-reflection layer can be additionally formed in a protection layer region corresponding to the internal space <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams illustrating an attachment region of a protection layer of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the display <NUM> can include a first adhesive layer <NUM> and a second adhesive layer <NUM> on a display panel <NUM>. The first adhesive layer <NUM> and the second adhesive layer <NUM> can bond the display panel <NUM> and the protection layer. The first adhesive layer <NUM> and the second adhesive layer <NUM> can be optical clear adhesive layers.

According to various embodiments, to form a void space in a bending region of the display panel <NUM> by spacing the display panel <NUM> apart from the protection layer, the first adhesive layer <NUM> and the second adhesive layer <NUM> may not be formed around a folding axis.

According to an embodiment, the first adhesive layer <NUM> and the second adhesive layer <NUM> can be formed along a periphery of the display panel <NUM>, and the first adhesive layer <NUM> and the second adhesive layer <NUM> can be disposed to be spaced apart centering on the folding axis.

According to various embodiments, the first adhesive layer <NUM> and the second adhesive layer <NUM> can be disposed to be spaced apart centering on the folding axis and thus, a void space can be formed around the folding axis. The first adhesive layer <NUM> and the second adhesive layer <NUM> can be formed in regions corresponding to regions of the rest of the display panel <NUM>.

An electronic device of various embodiments, described above, can include a display panel (e.g., the display panel <NUM> of <FIG>) of which at least a portion is flexible, a window (e.g., the window <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed above at least the portion of the display panel, an anti-reflection layer (AR/LR) (e.g., the anti-reflection layer <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed on at least a portion of the window, and an anti-glare layer (AG) (e.g., the anti-glare layer <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed beneath at least the portion of the window.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device can further include a shock protection layer (PET) (e.g., the second window <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed beneath the window.

According to an embodiment, the display panel can include a foldable region, and flat regions at both sides of the foldable region.

According to an embodiment, the anti-glare layer can be overlapped at least with the foldable region.

According to an embodiment, the window can include a polyimide (PI) resin.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device can further include a polarization layer (e.g., the polarization layer <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed below the window.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device can further include an optical clear adhesive layer (OCA) (e.g., the optical clear adhesive layer <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed between the polarization layer and the window.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device can include a plate (e.g., the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> of <FIG>) of which one surface comes in touch with the respective flat regions disposed at the both sides of the foldable region, a bracket (e.g., the first bracket <NUM> and the second bracket <NUM> of <FIG>) looking at the other surface of the plate, and a slip layer (e.g., the slip layers <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed between the bracket and the plate.

According to an embodiment, the slip layer can include an iterative pattern which is formed by slippable materials (e.g., the slippable materials of <FIG>) and void spaces (e.g., the opening 188b of <FIG> or the void space 188b of <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, in the foldable region, a void space can be offered between the display panel and the window.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device can further include an adhesive layer disposed in at least a portion of the flat region and spacing the display panel and the window apart.

A display device of various embodiments can include a display panel (e.g., the display panel <NUM> of <FIG>) of which at least a portion is flexible, a window (e.g., the window <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed above at least the portion of the display panel, an anti-glare layer (AG) (e.g., the anti-glare layer <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed on at least the portion of the window, and an anti-reflection layer (AR/LR) (e.g., the anti-reflection layer <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed on the anti-glare layer.

According to an embodiment, the window can include a first window (e.g., the first window <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed beneath the anti-glare layer, and a second window (e.g., the second window <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed beneath the first window.

According to an embodiment, the first window and the second window can be formed of heterogeneous materials.

According to an embodiment, the first window can include a polyimide resin.

According to an embodiment, the display device can further include a polarization layer disposed below the window.

According to an embodiment, the anti-reflection layer can destructively interfere at least a portion of light reflected from the anti-reflection layer.

According to an embodiment, the anti-reflection layer can include a plurality of layers, and the destructively interfered light can include a visible light range.

Methods of embodiments mentioned in claims or a specification of the present disclosure can be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

In response to being implemented by software, a computer-readable storage media storing one or more programs (software modules) can be offered. The one or more programs stored in the computer-readable storage media are configured to be executable by one or more processors within an electronic device. The one or more programs include instructions for enabling the electronic device to execute methods of embodiments mentioned in the claims or specification of the present disclosure.

These programs (i.e., software modules and/or software) can be stored in a random access memory (RAM), a non-volatile memory including a flash memory, a read only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a magnetic disc storage device, a compact disc - ROM (CD-ROM), digital versatile discs (DVDs), an optical storage device of another form, and/or a magnetic cassette. Or, it can be stored in a memory that is configured in combination of some or all of them. Also, each configured memory can be included in plural as well.

Also, the program can be stored in an attachable storage device that can access via a communication network such as the Internet, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN (WLAN) or a storage area network (SAN), or a communication network configured in combination of them. This storage device can access a device performing an embodiment of the present disclosure via an external port. Also, a separate storage device on the communication network can access the device performing the embodiment of the present disclosure as well.

In the above-described concrete embodiments of the present disclosure, components included in the disclosure have been expressed in the singular form or plural form according to a proposed concrete embodiment. But, the expression of the singular form or plural form is selected suitable to a given situation for description convenience's sake, and the present disclosure is not limited to singular or plural components. Even if it is a component expressed in the plural form, it can be constructed in the singular form, or even if it is a component expressed in the singular form, it can be constructed in the plural form.

Claim 1:
An electronic device comprising:
a display panel (<NUM>) of which at least a portion is flexible;
a window (<NUM>) disposed above at least the portion of the display panel;
an anti-reflection layer, AR/LR, (<NUM>) disposed above at least a portion of the window, wherein the anti-reflection layer is arranged to reflect light incident on the anti-reflection layer, such that light reflected by the anti-reflection layer destructively interferes with light reflected from an interface between the anti-reflection layer (<NUM>) and the window (<NUM>); and
an anti-glare layer, AG, (<NUM>) disposed below at least the portion of the window.