Patent Description:
Electronic devices may display a large amount of information through their displays. As technology develops, the size of the display in an electronic device has gradually increased, and the bezel region around the outer portion of the display has become increasingly thinner. The electronic device may partially bend an outer portion of the display (e.g. left and right edges) such that the area occupied by the display in the front portion of the electronic device is enlarged. A display having a bent outer portion may be a flexible display (e.g., edge display). The electronic device may employ a flexible display based on aesthetic and functional considerations.

Various devices with bent and/or flexible displays are described in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

The display of the electronic device may be implemented as a structure in which a plurality of panels are stacked. The flexible display may be formed by partially bending the plurality of stacked panels by applying a force. When the force is removed, the plurality of panels may be restored to their original shape. This phenomenon of being restored back to their original shape may be referred to as the spring back phenomenon.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides an electronic device including a flexible display in which a window at least partially enclosing the flexible display is attached to one surface of the flexible display in order to prevent the phenomenon (e.g., spring back phenomenon) that restores the original shape of at least one bent panel.

In one or more embodiments, the present disclosure further provides an electronic device capable of forming a curved surface structure of a flexible display in order to prevent the spring back phenomenon of at least one panel.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided according to any of the appended claims.

According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device can prevent spring back phenomenon occurring in a flexible display by using a window at least partly enclosing the flexible display. According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device can prevent foreign material from entering into the periphery of the flexible display when the window partially encloses the flexible display. According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, in the electronic device, when the window encloses the display, the corresponding bezel region may be minimized.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although various example embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and related detailed descriptions are discussed in the disclosure, the present disclosure may have various modifications and several embodiments. However, certain embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to a specific implementation form and it should be understood that the present disclosure includes all changes and/or equivalents and substitutes included in the certain embodiments of the present disclosure. In connection with descriptions of the drawings, similar components are designated by the same reference numeral.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms such as "include," "have," "may include," or "may have" may be construed to denote a certain characteristic, number, step, operation, constituent element, component or a combination thereof, but may not be construed to exclude the existence of or a possibility of addition of one or more other characteristics, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the expression "or" or "at least one of A or/and B" includes any or all of combinations of words listed together. For example, the expression "A or B" or "at least A or/and B" may include A, may include B, or may include both A and B.

The expression "<NUM>," "<NUM>," "first," or "second" used in certain embodiments of the present disclosure may be used for various components of the certain embodiments but does not limit the corresponding components. For example, the above expressions do not limit the sequence and/or importance of the components. The expressions may be used for distinguishing one component from other components. For example, a first user device and a second user device indicate different user devices although both of them are user devices. Similarly, the second structural element also may be referred to as the first structural element.

When it is stated that a component is "(operatively or communicatively) coupled to" or "connected to" another component, the component may be directly coupled or connected to another component or a new component may exist between the component and another component. On the other hand, when it is stated that a component is "directly coupled to" or "directly connected to" another component, a new component does not exist between the component and another component.

In the present disclosure, the expression "configured (or set) to do" may be used interchangeably with, for example, "suitable for doing," "having the capacity to do," "designed to do," "adapted to do," "made to do," or "capable of doing. " The expression "configured (or set) to do" may not necessarily be used to refer to only something in hardware for which it is "specifically designed to do. " Instead, the expression "a device configured to do" may indicate that the device is "capable of doing" something with other devices or parts. For example, the expression "a processor configured (or set) to do A, B and C" may refer to a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) or a generic-purpose processor (e.g., CPU or application processor or any other processing circuitry) that may execute one or more software programs stored in a memory device to perform corresponding functions.

According to certain embodiments, examples of the electronic device may include a smartphone, a tablet Personal Computer (PC), a mobile phone, a video phone, an electronic book reader, a desktop PC, a laptop PC, a netbook computer, a workstation, a server, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a Portable Multimedia Player (PMP), an MP3 player, a medical device, a camera, and a wearable device, or the like, but is not limited thereto. Examples of the wearable device may include an accessory type device (such as, watch, ring, bracelet, ankle bracelet, necklace, glasses, contact lens, and Head-Mount Device (HMD)), a textile or clothes type device (such as electronic clothes), a body-attached type (such as skin pad and tattoo), and a bio-implemented type, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, examples of the electronic device may include a television, a Digital Video Disc (DVD) player, an audio player, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a cleaner, an oven, a microwave oven, a laundry machine, an air purifier, a set-top box, a home automation control panel, a security control panel, a media box (such as Samsung HomeSyncTM, apple TVTM, and google TVTM), a game console (such as XboxTM and PlayStationTM), an electronic dictionary, an electronic key, a camcorder, and an electronic frame, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, examples of the electronic device may include a medical device (such as portable medical sensors (including glucometer, heart rate sensor, tonometer, and body thermometer), Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) device, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) device, Computed Tomography (CT) device, camcorder, and microwave scanner), a navigation device, a Global navigation Satellite System (GNSS), an Event Data Recorder (EDR), a Flight Data Recorder (FDR), an automotive infotainment device, marine electronic equipment (such as marine navigation system and gyro compass), aviation electronics (avionics), an automotive head unit, an industrial or household robot, an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM), a Point Of Sales (POS) terminal, and an Internet-of- Things (IoT) device (such as electric bulb, sensor, sprinkler system, fire alarm system, temperature controller, street lamp, toaster, fitness equipment, hot water tank, heater, and boiler), or the like, but is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, examples of the electronic device may include furniture, a building/structure, a part of a vehicle, an electronic board, an electronic signature receiving device, a projector, and a sensor (such as water, electricity, gas, and electric wave meters), or the like, but is not limited thereto. According to certain embodiments, the electronic device may be flexible or a combination of at least two of the aforementioned devices. According to an embodiment, the electronic device is not limited to the aforementioned devices.

In the disclosure, the term "user" may denote a person who uses the electronic device or a device (e.g., artificial intelligent electronic device) which uses the electronic device.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a front surface of a mobile electronic device according to an embodiment, and <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a rear surface of the electronic device of <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a housing <NUM> including a first surface (or front surface) 110A, a second surface (or rear surface) 110B, and a side surface 110C enclosing a space between the first surface 110A and the second surface 110B. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the housing <NUM> may refer to a structure made up of part of the first surface 110A, second surface 110B, and side surface 110C of <FIG>. According to an embodiment, the first surface 110A may be formed by a front plate <NUM> (e.g., a polymer plate or a glass plate including various coating layers) of which at least part is substantially transparent. The second surface 110B may be formed by a substantially opaque rear plate <NUM>. The rear plate <NUM> may be made of, for example, coating or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium) or a combination of at least two of these materials. The side surface 110C may be coupled to the front plate <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM> and be formed by a side bezel structure (or "side member") <NUM> including metal and/or polymer. In some embodiments, the rear plate <NUM> and the side bezel structure <NUM> may be integrally formed and be made of the same material (e.g., metal such as aluminum).

In an illustrated embodiment, the front plate <NUM> may include two first regions 110D bent from the first surface 110A toward the rear plate <NUM> and seamlessly extending the long edges (e.g. left and right edges) of the first surface 110A. In the illustrated embodiment (see <FIG>), the rear plate <NUM> may include two second regions 110E bent from the second surface 110B toward the front plate <NUM> and seamlessly extending the long edges (e.g. left and right edges) of the second surface 110B. In some embodiments, the front plate <NUM> (or the rear plate <NUM>) may include only one of the first regions 110D (or the second regions 110E). In other embodiments, some of the first regions 110D or the second regions 110E may not be included. In the above embodiments, when viewed from the side surface of the electronic device <NUM>, the side bezel structure <NUM> may have a first thickness (or width) at the side surface where the first regions 110D and/or the second regions 110E are absent (e.g. at the side surface towards the top and bottom of the electronic device. The side bezel structure <NUM> may further have a smaller second thickness smaller at the side surface where the first regions 110D and/or the second regions 110E are present.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of a display <NUM>, audio modules <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, sensor modules <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, camera modules <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, key input device <NUM>, light emitting device <NUM>, and connector holes <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may omit at least one (e.g., the key input device <NUM> or the light emitting device <NUM>) of the components or may additionally include other components.

The display <NUM> may be exposed, for example, through the substantially transparent portion of the front plate <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least part of the display <NUM> may be exposed through the front plate <NUM> forming the first region 110D and the first surface 110A. In some embodiments, edges of the display <NUM> may be formed to have substantially the same shape as the adjacent outer shape of the front plate <NUM>. In another embodiment (not illustrated), in order to enlarge an exposure area of the display <NUM>, a distance between an outer portion of the display <NUM> and an outer portion of the front plate <NUM> may be substantially the same.

The display <NUM> may be a flexible display. According to an embodiment, the flexible display may be a display where at least part of the display <NUM> may be bent. For example, the flexible display may have a flat central portion and a bent side surface. By virtue of the bent side surface of the display, the electronic device <NUM> having the flexible display may have the advantage of having a thin side bezel. Accordingly, the electronic device <NUM> having the flexible display may have an aesthetically pleasing external appearance.

In another embodiment (not illustrated), in a part of a screen display area of the display <NUM>, a recess or an opening may be formed, and at least one of the audio module <NUM>, sensor module <NUM>, camera module <NUM>, and light emitting device <NUM> may be included in the recess or the opening. In yet another embodiment (not illustrated), at least one of the audio module <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, a fingerprint sensor <NUM>, and the light emitting device <NUM> may be disposed behind the screen display area of the display <NUM>. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the display <NUM> may be coupled to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring intensity (e.g. pressure) of a touch, and/or a digitizer for detecting a the magnetic field of a stylus pen. In some embodiments, at least part of the sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> and/or at least part of the key input device <NUM> may be disposed in the first regions 110D and/or the second regions 110E.

The audio modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a microphone hole <NUM> and speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM>. The microphone hole <NUM> may provide outlet for a microphone that detects sound from outside the electronic device, and in some embodiments, a plurality of microphones may be disposed. The speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> may include an external speaker hole <NUM> and a communication receiver hole <NUM>. In some embodiments, the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> and the microphone hole <NUM> may be implemented into a single hole, or a speaker (e.g., piezo speaker) may be included without the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM>.

The sensor modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may generate electrical signals or data values corresponding to operating states inside the electronic device <NUM> or external environment states. The sensor modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include, for example, a first sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a proximity sensor) and/or a second sensor module (not illustrated) (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the first surface 110A of the housing <NUM>. The sensor modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may further include a third sensor module <NUM> (e.g., heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor) and/or a fourth sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the second surface 110B of the housing <NUM>. The fingerprint sensor may be disposed on the second surface 110B as well as the first surface 110A (e.g., under the display <NUM>) of the housing <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include other sensor modules, such as at least one of gesture sensor, gyro sensor, atmospheric pressure sensor, magnetic sensor, acceleration sensor, grip sensor, color sensor, infrared (IR) sensor, biometric sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, or illuminance sensor <NUM>.

The camera modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a first camera device <NUM> disposed on the first surface 110A of the electronic device <NUM> and a second camera device <NUM> disposed on the second surface 110B, and/or a flash <NUM>. The camera devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include one or more lenses, image sensors, and/or image signal processors. The flash <NUM> may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In some embodiments, two or more lenses (infrared camera, wide angle and telephoto lens) and image sensors may be disposed on one surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

The key input device <NUM> may be disposed on the side surface 110C of the housing <NUM>. In another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may not include a hardware key input device <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, and the key input device <NUM> may be implemented as a soft key displayed on the display <NUM>. In some embodiments, the key input device <NUM> may include a sensor module <NUM> disposed on the second surface 110B of the housing <NUM>.

The light emitting device <NUM> may be disposed, for example, on the first surface 110A of the housing <NUM>. The light emitting device <NUM> may optically provide, for example, status information of the electronic device <NUM>. In another embodiment, the light emitting device <NUM> may provide a light source for the camera module <NUM> (e.g. as a flash for the camera module <NUM>). The light emitting device <NUM> may be, for example, a light emitting diode (LED), an infrared (IR) LED, and a xenon lamp.

The connector holes <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first connector hole <NUM> that may receive a connector (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) connector) for transmitting and receiving power and/or data to and from an external electronic device and/or a second connector hole (e.g., an earphone jack) <NUM> that may receive a connector for transmitting and receiving an audio signal to and from an external electronic device.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating the electronic device of <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a side bezel structure <NUM>, first support member <NUM> (e.g., bracket), front plate <NUM>, display <NUM>, printed circuit board <NUM>, battery <NUM>, second support member <NUM> (e.g., rear case), antenna <NUM>, and rear plate <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may omit at least one (e.g., the first support member <NUM> or the second support member <NUM>) of the components or may further include other components. Some of the components of the electronic device <NUM> may be the same as or similar to corresponding components of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted hereinafter.

The first support member <NUM> may be disposed inside the electronic device <NUM> to be connected to the side bezel structure <NUM> or may be formed integrally with the side bezel structure <NUM>. The first support member <NUM> may be made of, for example, a metal material and/or a non-metal (e.g., polymer) material. A display <NUM> may be coupled to one surface of the first support member <NUM>, and a printed circuit board <NUM> may be coupled to the other surface of the first support member <NUM>. On the printed circuit board <NUM>, a processor, memory, and/or interface may be mounted. The processor may include, for example, at least one of a central processing unit, application processor, graphic processing unit, image signal processor, sensor hub processor, or communication processor.

According to an embodiment, the front plate <NUM> may include a window (e.g., a film, tempered glass) for protecting the internal components of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may be implemented as a series of stacked panels. The panels may include a touch sensitive panel and an organic light emitting layer and be flexible. The window of the front plate <NUM> may be attached to one surface (e.g. upper surface) of the flexible display. For example, the window may be a member for protecting the panels included in the flexible display from external impact. According to an embodiment, the window may be partially bent along the edges (e.g. the longer left and right edges). The present disclosure does not restrict the shape of the window and it may be made of an easily bendable material. For example, the window may be made of a material such as polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), polyether sulfone (PES), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), and glass fiber reinforced plastic (FRP).

According to an embodiment, an electronic device having a flexible display may have the effect of making the side bezel structure <NUM> visually thin.

The memory may include, for example, a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory.

The interface may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), universal serial bus (USB) interface, secure digital (SD) card interface, and/or audio interface. The interface may, for example, electrically or physically connect the electronic device <NUM> with an external electronic device and may include a USB connector, an SD card/multi-media card (MMC) connector, or an audio connector.

The battery <NUM> is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device <NUM> and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. At least part of the battery <NUM> may be disposed, for example, substantially flush with the printed circuit board <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be integrally disposed within the electronic device <NUM> and be detachably disposed from the electronic device <NUM>.

The antenna <NUM> may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, wireless charging antenna, and/or magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna <NUM> may perform, for example, short-range communication with an external device or may transmit and receive wirelessly power necessary for charging. In other embodiments, the antenna structure may be formed by part of the first support member <NUM> and/or the side bezel structure <NUM> or a combination thereof.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a display device <NUM> according to an embodiment.

With reference <FIG>, the display device <NUM> may include a display <NUM> and a display driver IC (DDI) <NUM> for controlling the display <NUM>. The DDI <NUM> may include an interface module <NUM>, memory <NUM> (e.g., a buffer memory), image processing module <NUM>, or mapping module <NUM>. The DDI <NUM> may receive, for example, image data or image information including an image control signal corresponding to a command for controlling the image data from another component of an electronic device through the interface module <NUM>. For example, according to an embodiment, the image information may be received from a processor (e.g., a main processor) (e.g., an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (e.g., graphic processing device) operated independently of a function of the main processor. The DDI <NUM> may communicate with a touch circuit <NUM> or a sensor module <NUM> through the interface module <NUM>. Further, the DDI <NUM> may store at least part of the received image information in, for example, a frame unit in the memory <NUM>. The image processing module <NUM> may perform, for example, a pre-processing or a post-processing (e.g., resolution, brightness, and size adjustment) of at least some of the image data based on at least part of characteristics of image data or characteristics of the display <NUM>. The mapping module <NUM> may generate a voltage value or a current value corresponding to the pre-processed or post-processed image data through the image processing module <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a voltage value or a current value may be generated based on, for example, at least some of properties of pixels (e.g., array of pixels (RGB stripe or pentile structure or size of each of subpixels) of the display <NUM>. As at least some of pixels of the display <NUM> are driven, for example, based on at least part of the voltage value or current value, visual information (e.g., text, image, icon) corresponding to the image data may be displayed through the display <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the display device <NUM> may further include a touch circuit <NUM>. The touch circuit <NUM> may include a touch sensor <NUM> and a touch sensor IC <NUM> for controlling the touch sensor <NUM>. The touch sensor IC <NUM> may control the touch sensor <NUM>, for example, in order to detect a touch input or a hovering input to a specific position of the display <NUM>. For example, the touch sensor IC <NUM> may measure a change of a signal (e.g., voltage, light quantity, resistance, or charge quantity) to a specific position of the display <NUM> to detect a touch input or a hovering input. The touch sensor IC <NUM> may provide information (e.g., position, area, pressure, or time) about the detected touch input or hovering input to the processor. According to an embodiment, at least a portion (e.g., the touch sensor IC <NUM>) of the touch circuit <NUM> may be included as part of the DDI <NUM> or the display <NUM> or as part of another component (e.g., auxiliary processor) disposed outside the display device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the display device <NUM> may further include at least one sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, iris sensor, pressure sensor, or illuminance sensor) of the sensor module <NUM> or a control circuit therefor. In this case, the at least one sensor or the control circuit thereof may 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 circuit <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 may obtain biometric information (e.g., a fingerprint image) related to a touch input through some area of the display <NUM>. As another example, when the sensor module <NUM> embedded in the display device <NUM> includes a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor may obtain pressure information related to a touch input through some area or an entire area of the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the touch sensor <NUM> or the sensor module <NUM> may be disposed between pixels of a pixel layer of the display <NUM> or above or below the pixel layer.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a flexible display and a display support member according to an embodiment.

With reference to <FIG>, in an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>), a flexible display <NUM> may be mounted, and the electronic device <NUM> may display various screens or content through the flexible display <NUM>. The flexible display <NUM> may include at least one panel (e.g., the panels included in the display <NUM> of <FIG>), and at least one end <NUM> thereof may be bent. According to an embodiment, the other end opposite the one end <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> may also be bent. The shape of the flexible display <NUM> may be formed to correspond to the shape of a component disposed at the periphery of the display support member <NUM> (e.g., a bracket) that supports the panel.

A cross-sectional view <NUM> of <FIG> illustrates the electronic device <NUM> taken along line A-A'.

With reference to the cross-sectional view <NUM>, a flexible display <NUM> may be disposed between a window <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>. For example, the window <NUM> may be a film for protecting the flexible display <NUM>. For example, the window <NUM> may be a protective film made of at least one of polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), polyether sulfone (PES), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), and glass fiber reinforced plastic (FRP). The window <NUM> according to certain embodiments is not limited to the above-mentioned materials.

The display support member <NUM> may be made of a metal, an injection product, or a film and may be an additional plate attached to the lower portion of the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the display support member <NUM> may be seated in a first support member <NUM> (e.g., the first support member <NUM> of <FIG>). The window <NUM>, the flexible display <NUM>, and the display support member <NUM> may be stacked, and the shape of the display support member <NUM> may determine the shape of the flexible display <NUM>. The window <NUM> may be at least partially attached to an upper portion (e.g., one side) of the flexible display <NUM>, and the display support member <NUM> may be at least partially attached to a lower portion (e.g., the side opposite the one side) of the flexible display <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the window <NUM> may be at least partially attached to the display support member <NUM> so that the window <NUM> at least partly encloses the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM> in order to prevent the spring back phenomenon of the flexible display <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, when the window <NUM> does not enclose the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>, the spring back phenomenon may occur in the flexible display <NUM>, which may damage the electronic device. For example, when the spring back phenomenon occurs, the stacked structure between the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM> may be exposed to the outside of the electronic device. Further, peeling may occur in which at least some of the layers forming the flexible display <NUM> are separated. A gap (e.g., separated space) may occur between the housing enclosing the window <NUM>, the flexible display <NUM>, and the display support member <NUM>, and when a sharp material such as a nail enters into the generated gap, the window <NUM> and the flexible display <NUM> may be damaged. Foreign materials (e.g., fine dust, moisture) may also enter into the generated gap, causing additional damages to the window <NUM>, the flexible display <NUM>, and/or the display support member <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the window <NUM> may be at least partially attached to the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM> in a form that at least partially encloses the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the window <NUM> partially enclose a lower portion of the display support member <NUM> and the flexible display <NUM> in order to prevent the spring back phenomenon of the flexible display <NUM>. For example, the window <NUM> may be inserted between the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM> to be partially attached to the lower portion of the flexible display <NUM>. As another example, the window <NUM> may be partially attached to the lower portion of the display support member <NUM> so as to enclose the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the window <NUM> may be partially attached to the lower portion of the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM> using a first adhesive member <NUM> (e.g., adhesive or double-sided tape). According to an embodiment, the first adhesive member <NUM> may be disposed on the lower portion of the display support member <NUM>, and the display support member <NUM> and the window <NUM> may be at least partially attached by the first adhesive member <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, when the window <NUM> encloses the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>, a space <NUM> may be formed between one end of the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM> and the window <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a second adhesive member <NUM> (e.g., organic compound, resin) may be injected into the formed space <NUM>, and the formed space <NUM> may be filled with the second adhesive member <NUM>. The second adhesive member <NUM> may be, for example, at least partially opaque. According to an embodiment, the second adhesive member <NUM> may help maintain the shape in which the window <NUM> encloses the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM> and help keep the window <NUM>, the flexible display <NUM>, and the display support member <NUM> in place. According to an embodiment, the window <NUM> may maintain a curved structure formed at one end of the flexible display <NUM> using the second adhesive member <NUM>, and minimize gaps generated between the flexible display <NUM>, the display support member <NUM>, and the first support member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second adhesive member <NUM> may fill a gap (e.g., separated space) between the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM> and prevent delamination between panels included in the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second adhesive member <NUM> may prevent foreign materials from entering into the gap between the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, when the window <NUM> encloses the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>, a bezel region <NUM> positioned at both sides of the electronic device <NUM> may be made to be relatively thin. For example, the window <NUM> may at least partially enclose the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM> and may be at least partially attached to a lower surface of the display support member <NUM>. A display assembly formed with the window <NUM>, the flexible display <NUM>, and the display support member <NUM> may be seated at an upper surface of the first support member <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the window <NUM> may be at least partially attached to an upper surface of the first support member <NUM>. The first support member <NUM> attached to the lower surface of the display support member <NUM> may be include a minimized bezel region <NUM>.

The present disclosure does not limit the radius of curvature of the window <NUM> (e.g., the radius of curvature formed when the window <NUM> encloses the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>). In order to enclose the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>, the window <NUM> may be formed in various shapes corresponding to structures disposed at the periphery of the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating various methods of bending one end of a window attached to an upper portion of a flexible display according to certain embodiments.

With reference to <FIG>, a flexible display <NUM> (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed between a window <NUM> (e.g., the window <NUM> of <FIG>) and a display support member <NUM> (e.g., the display support member <NUM> of <FIG>). <FIG> illustrates two embodiments and a comparative example in which the window <NUM> encloses at least a portion of the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, the window <NUM> may enclose the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM> in various forms depending on how the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM> are disposed.

With reference to a first embodiment <NUM> in <FIG>, there is a space <NUM> to which the window <NUM> can be partially attached in the lower portion of the display support member <NUM>, and when the window <NUM> is attached to the space <NUM>, the window <NUM> encloses the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the window <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may at least partially enclose the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM> and be partially attached to the space <NUM> of the display support member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the space <NUM> may have the same thickness as the window <NUM>, and when the window <NUM> is attached to the space <NUM>, the bottom surface of the window <NUM> may be flush with the bottom surface of the display support member <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the space <NUM> may have a thickness larger than that of the window <NUM>. Thus, a margin space may be provided such that the display support member <NUM> is stably seated in the first support member (e.g., the first support member <NUM> of <FIG>). The margin space may be filled using a separate pillar member, and the pillar member may reinforce seating stability and impact resistance for the first support member <NUM> by using a member having elasticity different from that of the window <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the space <NUM> may have a thickness thinner than that of the window <NUM>. In this case, the first support member <NUM> may be formed to further include a margin space for attachment of the window <NUM>. The margin space may be filled with a separate pillar member, and the pillar member may reinforce seating stability and impact resistance for the first support member <NUM> by using a member having elasticity different from that of the window <NUM>.

With reference to a second embodiment <NUM>, the shape of a display support member <NUM> may be such that a space <NUM> (e.g., a hole) exists between a flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>. The window <NUM> may be inserted into and attached to the space <NUM> formed between the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM> while partially enclosing the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the window <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may at least partially enclose the flexible display <NUM> and be partially attached to the space <NUM> formed between the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the thickness of the space <NUM> may be substantially the same as the thickness of the window <NUM>, so that the window <NUM> can be inserted into the space <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the thickness of the space <NUM> may be greater than the thickness of the window <NUM> so that a margin space is provided between the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>. The margin space may be filled using a separate pillar member, and the pillar member may reinforce seating stability and impact resistance to the window <NUM> by using a member having elasticity lower than that of the window <NUM>.

With reference to comparative example605, the electronic device <NUM> may have a structure in which an internal component <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> is disposed under a flexible display <NUM>. The display support member <NUM> may be disposed on a side portion of the internal component <NUM>. The shape of the display support member <NUM> may be such that there is a space <NUM> to which the window <NUM> is partially to be attached. The window <NUM> may be attached to the space 643so that it is partially covering the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>. Thus, according to this example, the window <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may at least partially enclose the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM> and be partially attached to the space <NUM> formed at one surface of the display support member <NUM>. According to this example, the thickness of the space <NUM> may be substantially the same as the thickness of the window <NUM>, so that when the window <NUM> is attached to the space <NUM>, the outer surface of the window <NUM> may be flush with the outer surface of the display support member <NUM>. According to another example, the thickness of the space <NUM> may be greater than the thickness of the window <NUM> so as to provide a margin space such that the window <NUM> may be stably attached to the display support member <NUM>. The margin space may be filled using a separate pillar member, and the pillar member may reinforce seating stability and impact resistance to the window <NUM> by using a member having lower elasticity than that of the window <NUM>. In the comparative example <NUM>, by attaching the window <NUM> to the space <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> can improve its waterproof performance.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a structure for maintaining a form of a window <NUM> attached to a flexible display <NUM> according to an embodiment.

With reference to <FIG>, in the electronic device <NUM>, the flexible display <NUM> (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed between the window <NUM> and a display support member <NUM> (e.g., the display support member <NUM> of <FIG>), and the window <NUM> (e.g., the window <NUM> of <FIG>) may enclose at least part of the display support member <NUM> and the flexible display <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the display support member <NUM> may include a structure (e.g., fixing member <NUM>) for help fix the window <NUM> on the bottom surface of the display support member <NUM>, where the bottom surface of the display support member <NUM> is opposite the surface of the display support member <NUM> that is attached to the flexible display <NUM>. For example, the display support member <NUM> may include the fixing member <NUM>. The fixing member <NUM> may be integrally formed as part of the display support member <NUM> or may be an initially separate component that is at least partially coupled to the display support member <NUM>. The fixing member <NUM> may have a fastening structure corresponding to a screw, riveting, or fusion fixing. The first support member (e.g., the first support member <NUM> of <FIG>) may be fastened and fixed to the fixing member <NUM> based on the fastening structure formed in the fixing member <NUM>. The window <NUM> attached to at least part of the bottom surface of the display support member <NUM> may have an opening so that the fixing member <NUM> may pass through. The fixing member <NUM> may partly penetrate the window <NUM> and thus help fix the window <NUM> in place.

According to an embodiment, the window <NUM> may be formed to enclose the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>. The display support member <NUM> may include at least one fixing member <NUM> for preventing the window <NUM> from springing back. The first support member (e.g., the first support member <NUM> of <FIG>) positioned below the display support member <NUM> may include a fastening structure for fastening the fixing member <NUM> to the first support member. The fastening structure formed in the first support member may be coupled to the fixing member <NUM> and prevent the spring back phenomenon of the flexible display <NUM> and the window <NUM>.

<FIG> are diagrams illustrating a method of attaching a window to correspond to various forms of housing according to certain examples.

<FIG> illustrates a structure of a housing <NUM> (e.g., the side bezel structure <NUM> of <FIG>) for fixing a position of a flexible display <NUM> (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> of <FIG>) and a display support member <NUM> (e.g., the display support member <NUM> of <FIG>). The shape of the housing <NUM> may correspond to the shapes of the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>, and the housing <NUM> may be produced in a fitting structure or an undercut form using a production tool <NUM>. The shape of the production tool <NUM> may correspond to the shapes of the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate three examples in which the window <NUM> is attached to the housing <NUM>.

According to a first example described in relation to <FIG>, a window <NUM> disposed on the upper surface of the flexible display <NUM> may be at least partially attached to the housing <NUM> (e.g., the side bezel structure <NUM> of <FIG>). The housing <NUM> may be formed such that a member <NUM> of an outer portion in which one end of the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM> are disposed is higher than the window <NUM>. Because the member <NUM> of an outer portion of the housing <NUM> is higher than the window <NUM>, the outer portion of the housing <NUM> may be formed to enclose the window <NUM>, the flexible display <NUM>, and the display support member <NUM>. An adhesive member <NUM> (e.g., elastic rubber or tape) may be used between the outer portion of the window <NUM> and the housing <NUM> to partially attach the window <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. A space <NUM> may be formed between the flexible display <NUM>, the display support member <NUM>, and the housing <NUM>, and the space <NUM> may be filled with an organic compound material such as a resin.

According to a second example described in relation to <FIG>, the housing <NUM> (e.g., the side bezel structure <NUM> of <FIG>) may be produced in a form in which the window <NUM> may be extended to be partially attached to the housing <NUM>. The window <NUM> may have a size larger than that of the flexible display <NUM> and may be partially attached to the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may be formed to include a step <NUM>, where the step <NUM> is higher than the outer surface of the window <NUM> when the window <NUM> is mounted on the housing <NUM>. Because the step <NUM> is higher than the window <NUM>, peeling between the window <NUM> and the flexible display <NUM> may be prevented. The window <NUM> and the housing <NUM> may be partially attached by using a first adhesive member <NUM> (e.g., the first adhesive member <NUM> of <FIG>, rubber, or tape) therebetween. A space <NUM> may be formed between the flexible display <NUM> and the housing <NUM>, and the space <NUM> may be filled with a second adhesive member (e.g., the second adhesive member <NUM> of <FIG> (e.g., organic compounds, resins)).

According to a third example described in relation to <FIG>, a housing <NUM> (e.g., the side bezel structure <NUM> of <FIG>) may be produced in a form in which the window <NUM> may be extended to be partially attached to a side surface of the housing <NUM>. The window <NUM> may have a size larger than that of the flexible display <NUM> and may be extended to be attached to the side surface of the housing <NUM>. For example, the window <NUM> may be at least partially attached to the side portion of the housing <NUM> that corresponds to a bezel region. The housing <NUM> may be include a step <NUM> that is higher than the outer surface of the window <NUM>. Because the step <NUM> is higher than the window <NUM>, peeling between the window <NUM> and the flexible display <NUM> may be prevented. The window <NUM> and the housing <NUM> may be partially attached by using a first adhesive member <NUM> (e.g., the first adhesive member <NUM> of <FIG>, rubber, tape) therebetween. The fixture of the window <NUM> in the <FIG> embodiment may be stronger than the embodiments of <FIG>. Thus, the example of <FIG> may more efficiently prevent delamination of the flexible display <NUM>. A space <NUM> may be formed between the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM> and the housing <NUM>, and the space <NUM> may be filled with a second adhesive member (e.g., the second adhesive member <NUM> of <FIG> (e.g., an organic compound, a resin)).

<FIG> are a flowchart and diagrams illustrating an operation of forming a display module according to an embodiment.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an operation of bending a window of a display module.

With reference to <FIG>, in operation <NUM>, a display module including a window (e.g., window <NUM> of <FIG>) and a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> of <FIG>)) and a display support member (e.g., the display support member <NUM> of <FIG>) may be provided. Although not illustrated, at least one jig and roller for bending the display module may also be provided.

In operation <NUM>, the display module (e.g., an assembly formed based on the window <NUM> and the flexible display <NUM>) and the display support member <NUM> may be disposed in a stack structure to correspond to an upper frame (e.g., a first jig). The window <NUM> included in the display module may be larger in size than the flexible display <NUM> so as to at least partly enclose the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>. For example, the window <NUM> may have an extended length to correspond to one end so as to enclose the one end of the flexible display <NUM>. The window <NUM> may have an extended length to correspond to the other end so as to enclose the other end of the flexible display <NUM> corresponding to an opposite direction of the one end.

In operation <NUM>, at least a portion of the window <NUM> may be bent using a side frame (e.g., a second jig). For example, in the window <NUM> having an extended length to correspond to one end and the other end of the flexible display <NUM>, some areas having an extended length may be bent by the side frame. Some areas having an extended length may be bent in the form partly enclosing the flexible display <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, some areas (e.g., the edge of the window <NUM>) of the bent window <NUM> may be partially adhered and pressed to one surface of the display support member <NUM> using a lower frame (e.g., a third jig). For example, some areas having an extended length of the window <NUM> may be bent by the lower frame and be partially attached to one surface (e.g., a lower portion of the display support member <NUM>) of the display support member <NUM>. The fabrication process illustrated in <FIG> may be a fabrication process in which the window <NUM> included in the display module is bent to at least partly enclose the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams illustrating a production process of a display module including a window <NUM> and a flexible display <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, a window <NUM> (e.g., the window <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed in a first structure <NUM>. For example, the surface where the first structure <NUM> and the window <NUM> are touching may be the front portion of the window <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the window <NUM> may be made of a flexible material (e.g., a film) that may be freely bent. The shape of the window <NUM> may be formed based on the shape of the first structure <NUM>. For example, the window <NUM> may be deformed or partially bent using heat generated by the first structure.

With reference to <FIG>, in a state in which the window <NUM> is disposed in the first structure <NUM>, a flexible display <NUM> (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed onto the window <NUM>. A second structure <NUM> may be disposed on one surface of the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the window <NUM> and the flexible display <NUM> disposed between the first structure <NUM> and the second structure <NUM> may be pressed by a force generated between the first structure <NUM> and the second structure <NUM> so as to be pressed into the same shape. Accordingly, the shape of the display module (e.g., the window <NUM> and the flexible display <NUM>) may be formed based on the shape of the first structure <NUM> and the second structure <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate process operations for enclosing a flexible display using a window according to an embodiment.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a window <NUM> (e.g., the window <NUM> of <FIG>) and a flexible display <NUM> (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may be disposed between the window <NUM> and the display support member (e.g., the display support member <NUM> of <FIG>). For example, at least a portion of the window <NUM> may be attached to at least a portion of the display support member to enclose the flexible display <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the display support member may include a fixing member (e.g., the fixing member <NUM> of <FIG>) for fixing the window <NUM>, and at least one opening <NUM> corresponding to the fixing member may be formed in the window <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the size of the window <NUM> may be greater than that of the flexible display <NUM>. For example, the window <NUM> may be extended beyond a side of the flexible display <NUM> and may be bent to partially enclose that side of the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the other end corresponding to an opposite direction of the one end may be extended further than a length to the other end of the flexible display <NUM>, and the window <NUM> may be bent to partially enclose the other end of the flexible display <NUM> to correspond to an extended length of the other end. According to an embodiment, the window <NUM> may enclose the bent portion <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the flexible display <NUM> may be disposed between the window <NUM> and a display support member <NUM> (e.g., the display support member <NUM> of <FIG>). The window <NUM> and the flexible display <NUM> may constitute a display module. According to an embodiment, the display support member <NUM> may include a fixing member <NUM> for partially fixing the location of the window <NUM> with respect to the bottom surface of the display support member <NUM>. The fixing member <NUM> may, for example, penetrate the window <NUM>. The window <NUM> may include one or more openings (e.g., opening <NUM> of <FIG>) corresponding to the fixing member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the window <NUM> may be penetrated by the fixing member <NUM> while at least partially enclosing the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>, and the window <NUM> may be fixed by the fixing member <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an operation of bending the window <NUM> to be fixed by the fixing member <NUM> while at least partially enclosing the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an operation <NUM> of bending the window <NUM> without a jig and an operation <NUM> of bending the window <NUM> using at least one jig (e.g., an upper jig <NUM> (first jig), a side jig <NUM> (second jig), and a lower jig <NUM> (third jig)).

According to an embodiment, the window <NUM> may be larger than the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM> so that edges of the window <NUM> extend beyond those of the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>. The extended edges of the window <NUM> may partially enclose ends of the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>. The window <NUM> may have an extended length to correspond to the other ends so as to partially enclose the other ends corresponding to an opposite direction of the one end of the flexible display <NUM> and the one end of the display support member <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the window <NUM> may be bent to at least partially enclose the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM> by the upper jig <NUM>. The window <NUM> may be bent by the side jig <NUM> such that the window <NUM>'s extended edges at least partly enclose the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>. The window <NUM> may be bent by the lower jig <NUM> such that its extended edges face the bottom surface of the display support member <NUM>. The window <NUM>'s extended edges may be at least partly attached and pressed to the bottom surface of the display support member <NUM> by the lower jig <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the window <NUM> is bent by the lower jig <NUM>, the fixing member <NUM> included in the display support member <NUM> may penetrate an opening (e.g., the opening <NUM> of <FIG>) formed in the window <NUM>. The fixing member <NUM> of the display support member <NUM> may keep the window <NUM> in place with respect to the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>. The window <NUM>, the flexible display <NUM>, and the display support member <NUM> may be prevented from springing back by the fixing member <NUM>. A display assembly formed with the window <NUM>, the flexible display <NUM>, and the display support member <NUM> may be fastened to the housing (e.g., the first support member <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device based on the fixing member <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an operation of compressing/attaching the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM> using the first assembly jig <NUM> (e.g., an upper frame) and the second assembly jig <NUM> (e.g., a lower frame) so that the window <NUM> at least partially encloses the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>. For example, the window <NUM>, the flexible display <NUM>, and the display support member <NUM> may be stacked to correspond to the first assembly jig <NUM>. The stacked window <NUM>, flexible display <NUM>, and display support member <NUM> may be attached to each other by the first assembly jig <NUM> and the second assembly jig <NUM>. As explained above, the display support member <NUM> may include a fixing member <NUM> to help fix the window <NUM>, and the fixing member <NUM> may have a fastening structure corresponding to a screw, riveting, or fusion fixing. The fixing member <NUM> may penetrate the opening <NUM> formed in the window <NUM> to keep the window <NUM>, the flexible display <NUM>, and the display support member <NUM> in place. A first support member <NUM> (e.g., the first support member <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed below the display support member <NUM>, and the first support member <NUM> may include a fastening structure <NUM> for fastening to the fixing member <NUM>. As the fixing member <NUM> and the fastening structure <NUM> of the first support member <NUM> are fastened to each other, the window <NUM>, the flexible display <NUM>, and the display support member <NUM> may be maintained in place, and springing back may be prevented.

According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM> may be attached to each other by an adhesive member, and the window <NUM> may be at least partially attached to the bottom surface of the display support member <NUM> using another adhesive member.

<FIG> illustrates the window <NUM> at least partially enclosing the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the window <NUM> may be at least partially attached to one surface of the display support member <NUM> while enclosing the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>. An adhesive member <NUM> (e.g., the first adhesive member <NUM> of <FIG>) may be used between the window <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>, and the adhesive member may be made of a material that does not damage the window <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, while the window <NUM> encloses the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM>, a space <NUM> may be generated in some area in which the window <NUM> is bent. According to an embodiment, the space <NUM> may be filled with a second adhesive member (e.g., the second adhesive member <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the second adhesive member may prevent a foreign material from entering into the space <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate structures in which a flexible display is bent according to certain embodiments.

<FIG> illustrates a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>). In the electronic device <NUM>, at least part of a flexible display <NUM> (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> of <FIG>) may be bent. The electronic device <NUM> may be formed with a first structure <NUM> (e.g., a main device) and a second structure <NUM> (e.g., an auxiliary device), and the first structure <NUM> may be at least partially coupled to the second structure <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may display contents on its exposed area.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may have an open state and a closed state. The open state may be a state in which at least part of a bendable portion <NUM> is exposed to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>, and the closed state may be a state in which the bendable portion <NUM> is not exposed to the outside. When the electronic device <NUM> is in the closed state, at least a partial area of the bendable portion <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> may be positioned between the first structure <NUM> and the second structure <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may transition from the closed state to the open state when the user moves the first structure <NUM> apart from the second structure <NUM> using a sliding action. When the electronic device <NUM> is in the open state, at least a partial area of the bendable portion <NUM> may be extended and be exposed. For example, the first structure <NUM> may move in a first direction (e.g., a direction ①). The first structure <NUM> and the second structure <NUM> may move by a predetermined distance d1, and the display area of the flexible display <NUM> may be extended by the predetermined distance d1. Thus, the display area of the flexible display <NUM> may be extended by an area of the bendable portion <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may use a flexible window (e.g., the window <NUM> of <FIG>) that may be attached to the bent portion of the flexible display <NUM> (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> of <FIG>), and the window may at least partially enclose the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member (e.g., the display support member <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, when the flexible display <NUM> forms an edge design to correspond to an opposite direction of the bendable portion <NUM>, the window (e.g., the window <NUM> of <FIG>) may be formed to at least partially enclose the flexible display <NUM> (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> of <FIG>) and the display support member (e.g., the display support member <NUM> of <FIG>). According to various embodiments, the window <NUM> may be formed to enclose the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM> to correspond to one edge having an edge design, and the window <NUM> may be formed in an enclosing form to correspond to the other end corresponding to an opposite direction of the one end.

<FIG> illustrates a front perspective view <NUM> and a rear perspective view <NUM> of an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>). In the electronic device <NUM>, at least part of a flexible display <NUM> (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> of <FIG>) may be bent. The electronic device <NUM> may be formed with a first structure <NUM> (e.g., a main device) and a second structure <NUM> (e.g., an auxiliary device), and the first structure <NUM> may be coupled partially to the second structure <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may display contents on its exposed area.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may have an open state and a closed state. The open state may be a state in which at least part of a bendable portion <NUM> is exposed to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>, and the closed state may be a state in which the bendable portion <NUM> is not exposed to the outside. A side region (e.g., left side, right side) of the flexible display <NUM> may be bent. When the electronic device <NUM> is in the closed state, at least a partial area of the bendable portion <NUM> may be positioned between the first structure <NUM> and the second structure <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may transition from the closed state to the open state when the user moves the first structure <NUM> apart from the second structure <NUM> using a sliding action. When the electronic device <NUM> is in the open state, at least a partial area of the bendable portion <NUM> may be extended and be exposed. For example, the first structure <NUM> may move in a third direction (e.g., direction ③), and the second structure <NUM> may move in a fourth direction (e.g., direction ④). The first structure <NUM> and the second structure <NUM> may move by a predetermined distance d2, and the display area of the flexible display <NUM> may be extended to correspond to the predetermined distance d2.

According to an embodiment, when the flexible display <NUM> forms an edge design to correspond to an opposite direction of the bendable portion <NUM>, the window (e.g., the window <NUM> of <FIG>) may at least partially enclose the flexible display <NUM> (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> of <FIG>) and the display support member (e.g., the display support member <NUM> of <FIG>). According to various embodiments, the window <NUM> may be formed to enclose the flexible display <NUM> and the display support member <NUM> to correspond to one edge having an edge design, and the window <NUM> may be formed in an enclosing form to correspond to the other end corresponding to an opposite direction of the one end.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a structure <NUM> in which the display is bent. The bending structure <NUM> of <FIG> may correspond to the bending structure <NUM> of <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG>, the bending structure <NUM> may include a hinge <NUM> and at least one rail <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the hinge <NUM> may be partially enclosed by at least one rail <NUM>. The hinge <NUM> may be configured to bend at least one of the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> of <FIG>), a support member <NUM> (e.g., the display support member <NUM> of <FIG>) that supports the flexible display, and at least one rail <NUM>. In the bending structure <NUM>, the support member <NUM> and the at least one rail <NUM> may be bent to correspond to a bending direction of the hinge <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the window (e.g., the window <NUM> of <FIG>) attached to an upper portion of the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> of <FIG>) may at least partially enclose the flexible display. According to an embodiment, even if there is a bending operation, the window of a form that encloses the flexible display may be fixed.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a housing (e.g., the first support member <NUM> of <FIG>) including a recess; an internal structure (e.g., the display support member <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed in the recess, and a display (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed in the recess and supported by the internal structure <NUM>, wherein the display <NUM> includes a display panel including a first region and a second region, wherein the second region forms at least part of an edge of the display panel; and a flexible polymer layer (e.g., the window <NUM> of <FIG>) forming an outer surface of the display panel, wherein the flexible polymer layer includes a first portion covering the first region and the second region, and a second portion extending from the first portion, enclosing the at least part of an edge of the display panel, and extending inward.

According to an embodiment, the display panel may further include a resin (e.g., the second adhesive member <NUM> of <FIG>) between the at least part of the edge of the display panel and the second portion of the flexible polymer layer <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the resin may be at least partially opaque.

According to an embodiment, the flexible polymer layer <NUM> may include at least one of polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), polyether sulfone (PES), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), or glass fiber reinforced plastic (FRP).

According to certain embodiments, the second region of the display panel may be at least partially curved or bent.

According to an embodiment, the housing (e.g., the first support member <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a side member integrally formed with the internal structure <NUM>, and the side member surrounds the recess.

According to an embodiment, the display panel may include a touch sensitive panel and an organic light emitting layer.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further include an adhesive member configured to adhere the flexible polymer layer <NUM> to at least one of the internal structure <NUM> and the display panel.

According to an embodiment, the adhesive member <NUM> may include elastic rubber and tape.

According to an embodiment, the internal structure <NUM> may include a fixing member (e.g., the fixing member <NUM> of <FIG>) configured to keep the flexible polymer layer <NUM> in place with respect to the internal structure <NUM>, and the flexible polymer layer <NUM> may include at least one opening penetrated by the fixing member <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the shape of the housing (e.g., the first support member <NUM> of <FIG>) corresponds to the shape of the display <NUM>, and the flexible polymer layer <NUM> may be at least partially attached to the housing.

An electronic device in which a bent display <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a bending structure (e.g., the bending structure <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed on one end of the display <NUM>, and an internal structure <NUM> disposed on one surface of the display <NUM> ; wherein the display <NUM> is bent by the bending structure <NUM>, supported by the internal structure <NUM>, and includes a display panel including a first region and a second region, wherein the second region forms at least part of an edge of the display panel; and a flexible polymer layer <NUM> configured to form an outer surface of the display panel, wherein the flexible polymer layer <NUM> includes a first portion enclosing the first region and the second region of the display panel and a second portion extending from the first portion, enclosing an edge of the display panel and at least a portion of the bending structure <NUM>, and extending inward.

According to an embodiment, the display panel may further include a resin between the edge and the second portion of the flexible polymer layer <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the second region of the display panel may be at least partially curved or bent to correspond to the bending structure.

According to an embodiment, a display area of the display <NUM> may be extended or reduced based on a bending direction of the bending structure <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further include an adhesive member <NUM> configured to adhere the flexible polymer layer <NUM> to at least one of the internal structure <NUM> and the display panel.

According to an embodiment, the internal structure <NUM> may include a fixing member (e.g., the fixing member <NUM> of <FIG>) configured to keep the flexible polymer layer <NUM> in place with respect to the internal structure <NUM>, and the flexible polymer layer <NUM> may include at least one opening (e.g., the openings <NUM> of <FIG>) penetrated by the fixing member <NUM>.

The term "module" used in this disclosure may refer to a certain unit that includes one of hardware, software and firmware or any combination thereof. The module may be interchangeably used with unit, logic, logical block, component or circuit, for example. The module may be the minimum unit, or part thereof, which performs one or more particular functions. The module may also be formed mechanically or electronically. For example, the module disclosed herein may include at least one of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and programmable-logic device, which have been known or are to be developedAt least part of the device (e.g., modules or functions thereof) or method (e.g., operations) according to various embodiments may be implemented as commands stored, e.g., in the form of program modules, in a computer-readable storage medium. In case commands are executed by at least one processor, this processor may then be configured to perform a particular function corresponding to the commands. The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, the memory. At least some of the program modules may be implemented (e.g., executed) by, for example, the processor. At least some of the program modules may include, for example, a module, a program, a routine, a set of instructions, and/or a process for performing one or more functions.

The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium may include magnetic media such as a hard disk, a floppy disk, and a magnetic tape, optical media such as a compact disc-ROM (CD-ROM) and a DVD, magneto-optical media such as a floptical disk, and hardware devices specially configured to store and perform a program instruction. In addition, the program instructions may include high class language codes, which can be executed in a computer by using an interpreter, as well as machine codes made by a compiler. The aforementioned hardware device may be configured to operate as one or more software modules in order to perform the operation of various embodiments of this disclosure, and vice versa.

A module or programming module according to various embodiments may include or exclude at least one of the above-discussed elements or further include other elements or combinations thereof. The operations performed by the module, programming module or any other element according to various embodiments may be executed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or by a heuristic method. Additionally, some operations may be executed in different orders or omitted, or other operations may be added.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
a housing including a recess;
a flexible display panel (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a first region and a second region, wherein the second region forms an edge of the flexible display panel and a portion of the second region is curved or bent;
a display panel support member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) disposed in the recess, the display panel support member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) having a first major surface and a second major surface, said first major surface being disposed opposite to and on a first surface of the flexible display panel, supporting the flexible display panel (<NUM>); and
a flexible polymer layer (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a first portion covering the first region and the second region, and a second portion extending from the first portion;
wherein:
the display panel support member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is configured to have a shape either such that a space (<NUM>) exists between the flexible display panel (<NUM>) and the first major surface of the display panel support member (<NUM>), and the second portion of the flexible polymer layer (<NUM>) has been bent around the edge of the flexible display panel and inserted into and attached within the space (<NUM>) so as to enclose the edge of the flexible display panel; or
such that the second portion of the flexible polymer layer (<NUM>) is bent around the edge of the flexible display panel and the display panel support member (<NUM>) and is partially attached to the second major surface of the display panel support member (<NUM>) so as to enclose the edge of the flexible display panel and the display panel support member (<NUM>), and
the flexible polymer layer (<NUM>) is configured to prevent the spring back phenomenon of the flexible display panel (<NUM>, <NUM>).