Patent Description:
Electronic devices may include a display to function as both an input means and a screen output means.

The edge of the display of a recent electronic device may provide a curved display area. A curved window applies as a display of the curved display area, and an inner display with the same curvature may be attached to the inside of the curved window.

<CIT> describes an electronic device including a window panel having a front area and a curved area extending from the front area, a display panel disposed beneath the window panel, and a fixed part which supports a curved area of the display panel. The display panel includes a front display area, a side display area extending from the front display area so as to be curved, and a wiring area extending from the side display area, and the fixed part supports a curved shape of the side display area or the wiring area.

<CIT> describes A window member for a curved display device comprises: a flat part; and a window body having a curved part. The first curvature radius of the inner surface of the curved part of the window body is different from the second curvature radius of the outer surface of the same.

<CIT> describes a substrate bonding apparatus capable of bonding a concave substrate having a concave surface and a thin substrate having flexibility through an adhesive with good precision.

It may be difficult to laminate or attach a display with the same curvature as an undercut-shaped curved window to the inside of the window. The curved window and the curved display are assembled with a main body after allowing the undercut areas therebetween to be filled with a separate structure. Such a structure results in tricky assembly, weak curved display area of the display, and lowering in rigidity.

Accordingly, according to various embodiments of the present invention, there are provided an electronic device including a display with curved areas, in which a first curvature of a window is formed to be different from a second curvature of the display, and a filling member fills the space produced by the difference between the first and second curvatures and a method of manufacturing the same.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, an electronic device comprises a window including a flat area and a curved area bent from the flat area at a first curvature and a display including a first area disposed under at least a portion of the flat area and a second area extending from the first area and bent at a second curvature different from the first curvature under at least a portion of the curved area, wherein a first filling member is included in a first space between the flat area and the first area of the display, and a second filling member is included in a second space between the curved area and the second area.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, a method of manufacturing an electronic device comprises fastening a window including a curved area bent from a flat area at a first curvature to an upper jig and fastening a display including a second area bent from a first area at a second curvature larger than the first curvature to a lower jig, coupling the upper jig and the lower jig together and allowing the window and the display to face each other, and filling a second space between the curved area and the second area with a filling member, filling a first space between the flat area and the first area with the filling member, and then curing the window and the display.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, a display with a second curvature different from a first curvature of a window is applied, and the space between the first and second curvatures is filled with a filling member formed of an optical adhesive member. Thus, there is no need for a separate structure which would otherwise be provided in the space. This may simplify the assembly process of the product, shorten the assembly time, reduce the number of internal structure of the product, and increase the rigidity of the set.

As used herein, the terms "have," "may have," "include," or "may include" a feature (e.g., a number, function, operation, or a component such as a part) indicate the existence of the feature and do not exclude the existence of other features.

As used herein, the terms "A or B," "at least one of A and/or B," or "one or more of A and/or B" may include all possible combinations of A and B. For example, "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B" may indicate all of (<NUM>) including at least one A, (<NUM>) including at least one B, or (<NUM>) including at least one A and at least one B.

As used herein, the terms "first" and "second" may modify various components regardless of importance and/or order and are used to distinguish a component from another without limiting the components. For example, a first user device and a second user device may indicate different user devices from each other regardless of the order or importance of the devices. For example, a first component may be denoted a second component, and vice versa without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

It will be understood that when an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being (operatively or communicatively) "coupled with/to," or "connected with/to" another element (e.g., a second element), it can be coupled or connected with/to the other element directly or via a third element. In contrast, it will be understood that when an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being "directly coupled with/to" or "directly connected with/to" another element (e.g., a second element), no other element (e.g., a third element) intervenes between the element and the other element.

As used herein, the terms "configured (or set) to" may be interchangeably used with the terms "suitable for," "having the capacity to," "designed to," "adapted to," "made to," or "capable of" depending on circumstances. The term "configured (or set) to" does not essentially mean "specifically designed in hardware to. " Rather, the term "configured to" may mean that a device can perform an operation together with another device or parts. For example, the term "processor configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" may mean a generic-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or application processor) that may perform the operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device or a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing the operations.

The terms as used herein are provided merely to describe some embodiments thereof, but not to limit the scope of other embodiments of the present disclosure. The terms including technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments of the present disclosure belong. In some cases, the terms defined herein may be interpreted to exclude embodiments of the present disclosure.

For example, examples of the electronic device according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of a smartphone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a mobile phone, a video phone, an e-book reader, a desktop PC, a laptop computer, a netbook computer, a workstation, a server, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a MP3 player, a mobile medical device, a camera, or a wearable device. According to various embodiments, the wearable device may include at least one of an accessory-type device (e.g., a watch, a ring, a bracelet, an anklet, a necklace, glasses, contact lenses, or a head-mounted device (HMD)), a fabric- or clothes-integrated device (e.g., electronic clothes), a body attaching-type device (e.g., a skin pad or tattoo), or a body implantable device (e.g., an implantable circuit).

According to some embodiments, the electronic device may be a home appliance. Examples of the home appliance may include at least one of a television, a digital video disk (DVD) player, an audio player, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a cleaner, an oven, a microwave oven, a washer, a drier, an air cleaner, a set-top box, a home automation control panel, a security control panel, a TV box (e.g., Samsung HomeSync™ , Apple TV™ , or Google TV™) , a gaming console (Xbox™, PlayStation™), an electronic dictionary, an electronic key, a camcorder, or an electronic picture frame.

According to other embodiments, examples of the electronic device may include at least one of various medical devices (e.g., diverse portable medical measuring devices (a blood sugar measuring device, a heartbeat measuring device, or a body temperature measuring device), a magnetic resource angiography (MRA) device, a magnetic resource imaging (MRI) device, a computed tomography (CT) device, an imaging device, or an ultrasonic device), a navigation device, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver, an event data recorder (EDR), a flight data recorder (FDR), an automotive infotainment device, an sailing electronic device (e.g., a sailing navigation device or a gyro compass), avionics, security devices, vehicular head units, industrial or home robots, automatic teller's machines (ATMs), point of sales (POS) devices, or internet of things (IoT) devices (e.g., a bulb, various sensors, an electric or gas meter, a sprinkler, a fire alarm, a thermostat, a street light, a toaster, fitness equipment, a hot water tank, a heater, or a boiler).

According to some embodiments, examples of the electronic device may at least one of part of a piece of furniture or building/structure, an electronic board, an electronic signature receiving device, a projector, or various measurement devices (e.g., devices for measuring water, electricity, gas, or electromagnetic waves). According to various embodiments, the electronic device may be one or a combination of the above-listed devices. According to some embodiments, the electronic device may be a flexible electronic device. According to an embodiment, the electronic device disclosed herein is not limited to the above-listed devices, and may include new electronic devices depending on the development of technology.

Hereinafter, electronic devices are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, according to various embodiments. As used herein, the term "user" may denote a human or another device (e.g., an artificial intelligent electronic device) using the electronic device.

Referring to <FIG>, according to various embodiments, an electronic device <NUM> is included in a network environment <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may include a bus 11a, a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an input/output interface <NUM>, a display <NUM>, and a communication interface <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may exclude at least one of the components or may add another component. The bus 11a may include a circuit for connecting the components <NUM> to <NUM> with one another and transferring communications (e.g., control messages or data) between the components. The processor <NUM> may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), or a communication processor (CP). The processor <NUM> may perform control on at least one of the other components of the electronic device <NUM>, and/or perform an operation or data processing relating to communication.

The memory <NUM> may include a volatile and/or non-volatile memory. For example, the memory <NUM> may store commands or data related to at least one other component of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the memory <NUM> may store software and/or a program <NUM>. The program <NUM> may include, e.g., a kernel 14a, middleware 14b, an application programming interface (API) 14c, and/or an application program (or "application") 14d. At least a portion of the kernel 14a, middleware 14b, or API 14c may be denoted an operating system (OS). For example, the kernel 14a may control or manage system resources (e.g., the bus 11a, processor <NUM>, or a memory <NUM>) used to perform operations or functions implemented in other programs (e.g., the middleware 14b, API 14c, or application program 14d). The kernel 14a may provide an interface that allows the middleware 14b, the API 14c, or the application 14d to access the individual components of the electronic device <NUM> to control or manage the system resources.

The middleware 14b may function as a relay to allow the API 14c or the application program 14d to communicate data with the kernel 14a, for example. Further, the middleware 14b may process one or more task requests received from the application program 14d in order of priority. For example, the middleware 14b may assign a priority of using system resources (e.g., bus 11a, processor <NUM>, or memory <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM> to at least one of the application programs 14d and process one or more task requests. The API 14c is an interface allowing the application 14d to control functions provided from the kernel 14a or the middleware 14b. For example, the API 14c may include at least one interface or function (e.g., a command) for filing control, window control, image processing or text control. For example, the input/output interface <NUM> may transfer commands or data input from the user or other external device to other component(s) of the electronic device <NUM> or may output commands or data received from other component(s) of the electronic device <NUM> to the user or other external devices.

The display <NUM> may include, e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, or a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) display, or an electronic paper display. The display <NUM> may display, e.g., various contents (e.g., text, images, videos, icons, or symbols) to the user. The display <NUM> may include a touchscreen and may receive, e.g., a touch, gesture, proximity or hovering input using an electronic pen or a body portion of the user. The display <NUM> may include a flexible board (<NUM> of <FIG>) which is described below. The display <NUM> may include a display driver IC (DDI) to generate signals to drive the display. According to various embodiments, the display driver IC (DDI) may be electrically connected with the display <NUM>.

For example, the communication interface <NUM> may set up communication between the electronic device <NUM> and an external electronic device (e.g., a first electronic device <NUM>, a second electronic device <NUM>, or a server <NUM>). For example, the communication interface <NUM> may be connected with the network 16a through wireless or wired communication to communicate with the external electronic device (e.g., the second external electronic device <NUM> or server <NUM>).

The wireless communication may include cellular communication which uses at least one of, e.g., long term evolution (LTE), long term evolution-advanced (LTE-A), code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), wireless broadband (WiBro), or global system for mobile communication (GSM). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication may include at least one of, e.g., wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, light-fidelity (Li-Fi), Bluetooth low power (BLE), Zigbee, near-field communication (NFC), magnetic secure transmission (MST), radio frequency (RF), or body area network (BAN) as denoted with denotation 16b of <FIG>. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the wireless communication may include global navigation satellite system (GNSS). The GNSS may be, e.g., global positioning system (GPS), global navigation satellite system (Glonass), Beidou navigation satellite system (hereinafter, "Beidou") or Galileo, or the European global satellite-based navigation system. Hereinafter, the terms "GPS" and the "GNSS" may be interchangeably used herein. The wired connection may include at least one of, e.g., universal serial bus (USB), high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), recommended standard (RS)-<NUM>, power line communication (PLC), or plain old telephone service (POTS). The network 16a may include at least one of telecommunication networks, e.g., a computer network (e.g., local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN)), Internet, or a telephone network.

The first and second external electronic devices <NUM> and <NUM> each may be a device of the same or a different type from the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, all or some of operations executed on the electronic device <NUM> may be executed on another or multiple other electronic devices (e.g., the electronic devices <NUM> and <NUM> or server <NUM>). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the electronic device <NUM> should perform some function or service automatically or at a request, the electronic device <NUM>, instead of executing the function or service on its own or additionally, may request another device (e.g., electronic devices <NUM> and <NUM> or server <NUM>) to perform at least some functions associated therewith. The other electronic device (e.g., electronic devices <NUM> and <NUM> or server <NUM>) may execute the requested functions or additional functions and transfer a result of the execution to the electronic device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may provide a requested function or service by processing the received result as it is or additionally.

The electronic device <NUM> described below may be any one of the above-mentioned wearable device, portable terminal, laptop computer, net book, smartphone, tablet personal computer (PC), GalaxyTAB™, Ipad™, and wireless charger. In the instant embodiment, the electronic device may be a smartphone or portable terminal with a flexible display.

A configuration of an electronic device <NUM> including a display <NUM> with a curved area is described below in detail according to various embodiments of the present invention.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device including a display with a curved area according to various embodiments of the present invention. <FIG> is a front view illustrating an electronic device including a display with a curved area according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, according to various embodiments of the present invention, an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> of <FIG>) may include, e.g., a flexible display <NUM>. The display (e.g., <NUM> of FIG. 2C0 may extend to the side surfaces as well as to the front surface thereof. A window <NUM> to protect the display (e.g., <NUM> of <FIG>) may be implemented in the form of covering the side surfaces B2 as well as the front surface B1 similarly to the display (e.g., <NUM> of FIG. For example, the side surfaces of the display may be expandingly implemented as screen areas, and such screen areas arc formed of curved areas which are in a curved form with curvature. The window <NUM> may be configured in the form of covering the overall surface, or at least a portion, of the display to protect the display <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the side surfaces B2 of the window <NUM> to cover the display (e.g., <NUM> of <FIG>) forms curved areas <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> of <FIG>) may include, e.g., a window <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a front case <NUM>, various components <NUM> (H/W components) provided in the electronic device <NUM>, and a rear case <NUM>. The front case <NUM> may constitute the outer appearance of the electronic device <NUM> and may be disposed on the rear surface of the display <NUM> to fasten and support the display <NUM>. The rear case <NUM> may be disposed on the rear surface of the front case <NUM> to constitute the outer appearance of the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. various components <NUM> (H/W components) of the electronic device <NUM> may be placed in a space between the front case <NUM> and the rear case <NUM> to be able to operate the electronic device <NUM>. various components (H/W components) of the electronic device <NUM> may include, e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB), a battery, and a USB connector.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an assembled state of an electronic device <NUM> including a display with a curved area according to various embodiments of the present invention. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of <FIG>. <FIG> are enlarged cross-sectional views of portion A of <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the window <NUM> may be disposed on the front surface of the display <NUM> to protect the display <NUM> described below and has curved areas <NUM> at outer edges. The curved areas <NUM> are bent at a first curvature from one surface.

The first curvature <NUM> may be one curvature or may be in a spline shape with two or more curvatures. For example, the spline shape may be in the form of a curvature with one R value or may be in the form of a large curve set formed by connecting two or more curves with different R values.

The display <NUM> may be formed of a flexible display <NUM>, and the display <NUM> may be disposed on one surface of the window <NUM> and on the rear surfaces of the curved areas <NUM> and to extend up to the internal side surfaces of the window <NUM>. The display <NUM> includes a first area 121a disposed under at least a portion of the flat area 111a of the window <NUM> and second areas <NUM> extending from the first area 121a and bent at a second curvature <NUM> different from the first curvature <NUM> under at least a portion of the curved areas <NUM>. For example, the second curvature <NUM> may be formed to be larger than the first curvature <NUM>. The second curvature <NUM> may be one curvature or may be in a spline shape with two or more curvatures. For example, the spline shape may be in the form of a curvature with one R value or may be in the form of a large curve set formed by connecting two or more curves with different R values.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a state in which the first and second areas are filled with a first filling member and a second filling member formed of the same material.

Referring to <FIG>, a first space L1 may be formed between the flat area 111a of the window <NUM> and the first area 121a of the display <NUM>, and second spaces L2 may be formed between the curved areas <NUM> and the second areas <NUM>. The first and second spaces L1 and L2 may be filled with one filling member <NUM>. For example, the filling member <NUM> may attach the display <NUM> with the second curvature <NUM> different from the first curvature <NUM> of the window <NUM> to the window <NUM>. The filling member <NUM> formed of an optical clear resin (OCR) fills the first and second spaces L1 and L2 between the window <NUM> and the display <NUM> to attach them, simplifying the assembly process of the produce without the need for separate equipment as in the prior art. This may increase rigidity.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, the second spaces L2 between the curved areas <NUM> of the window <NUM> and the second areas <NUM> of the display <NUM> may be filled with the filling member <NUM>, and the first space L1 between the flat area 111a and the first area 121a may be filled with the filling member <NUM> already filling the second spaces L2. Thus, the first and second spaces L1 and L2 may be overall filled with one filling member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, when the filling member (OCR) <NUM> is first injected into the second spaces L2, the filling member (OCR) may be injected at the ends of the second spaces L2 formed on the left/right side surfaces because the second spaces L2 formed on the side surfaces are relatively larger than the first space L1. The filling member (OCR) filling the second spaces L2 may move to, and fill, the first space L1. Thus, the first space L1 and second spaces L2 both may be filled with a single filling member (OCR). The properties (e.g., viscosity) of the filling member (OCR) may be varied and applied depending on the shape and size of the first and second spaces L1 and L2.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, the filling member <NUM> may contain a resin-type OCR to be able to attach the window <NUM> and the display <NUM>. In the instant embodiment, the filling member <NUM> is described as an OCR, but is not limited thereto. In other words, various types of the filling member <NUM> may be applied as long as they may attach the window <NUM> and the display <NUM>. For example, the filling member <NUM> may include any one of film-type optical clear adhesives (OCA), adhesives, double-side tapes, and silicone.

The filling member <NUM> may include an optical adhesive member formed of a resin-type OCR.

The filling member <NUM> may support the spaces between the curved areas <NUM> of the window <NUM> and the second areas <NUM> of the display <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a state in which first and second spaces are filled with a first filling member and a second filling member formed of different materials.

Referring to <FIG>, the first space L1 between the flat area 111a of the window <NUM> and the first area 121a of the display <NUM> may be filled with a first filling member <NUM>, and the second spaces L2 between the curved areas <NUM> and the second areas <NUM> may be filled with second filling members <NUM>. For example, the first and second filling members <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed of the same material, e.g., OCR, or may be formed of the OCR and a different material, e.g., OCA, respectively. If the first filling member <NUM> is formed of an OCR, the second filling members <NUM> may be formed of a different material, e.g., OCA. In contrast, if the first filling member <NUM> is formed of an OCA, the second filling members <NUM> may be formed of a different material, e.g., OCR. The first and second filling members <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed of the same or different materials.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a process of manufacturing an electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the window <NUM> is fixed to an upper jig <NUM>. One surface 110a of the window <NUM> is a flat area <NUM><NUM>1a, and side surfaces of the window <NUM> include curved areas <NUM> bent from the flat area 111a at a first curvature <NUM>.

The display <NUM> is fixed to a lower jig <NUM>. The first area 121a of the display <NUM> is a flat surface, and side surfaces of the display <NUM> include second areas <NUM> bent at a second curvature <NUM> larger than the first curvature <NUM> of the window <NUM>.

In this state, the upper and lower jigs <NUM> and <NUM> are coupled together. The upper and lower jigs allow one surface 110a of the window <NUM> to face one surface 120a of the display <NUM> and side surfaces of the window <NUM> to face side surfaces of the display <NUM> while simultaneously forming a first space L1 between the flat area 111a of the window <NUM> and the first area 121a of the display <NUM> and second spaces L2 between the curved areas <NUM> of the window <NUM> and the second areas <NUM> of the display <NUM>. For example, the second space L2 may denote a space between the curved area <NUM> of the window <NUM> and the second area <NUM> of the display <NUM>.

In this state, one filling member <NUM> formed of a resin-type OCR may be injected to fill the second spaces L2 which are relatively broad, and the filling member <NUM> injected into the second spaces L2 may also fill the first space L1. The filling member <NUM> so injected into the second spaces L2 may simultaneously fill the first and second spaces L1 and L2. The filling member <NUM> may be injected into one pair of second spaces L2 formed on the left/right side surfaces of the window <NUM> and the display <NUM> or into only one of the two second spaces L2. The so-filled filling member <NUM> may be hardened to attach the window <NUM> and the display <NUM>.

Thus, as set forth above in connection with <FIG>, the window <NUM> formed of glass may be disposed at one surface and side surfaces of the electronic device <NUM>, and the display <NUM> with the second curvature <NUM> of the first curvature <NUM> of the window <NUM> may be disposed under the window <NUM>. An optical adhesive layer formed of a resin-type OCR may be positioned between the window <NUM> and the display <NUM>.

The window <NUM> and display <NUM> so prepared may be positioned on the front surface of the front case <NUM>. The rear case <NUM> may be positioned on the rear surface of the front case <NUM>, and various components <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may be positioned between the front case <NUM> and the rear case <NUM>.

Accordingly, assembly of the electronic device <NUM> including the display <NUM> with curved areas may be complete.

A method of manufacturing an electronic device <NUM> including a display <NUM> with a curved area is described below in detail according to various embodiments of the present invention.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing an electronic device <NUM> including a display <NUM> with curved areas according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the window <NUM> with curved areas <NUM> bent from the flat area 111a at a first curvature <NUM> is fixed to the upper jig <NUM>, and the display <NUM> including second areas <NUM> bent at a second curvature <NUM> larger than the first curvature <NUM> of the window <NUM> may be fixed to the lower jig <NUM> (S1).

The upper and lower jigs <NUM> and <NUM> are coupled together (S2). The upper and lower jigs <NUM> and <NUM> allow one surface 110a of the window <NUM> to face one surface 120a of the display <NUM> and side surfaces of the window <NUM> to face side surfaces of the display <NUM> while simultaneously forming a first space L1 between the flat area 111a of the window <NUM> and the first area <NUM> of the display <NUM> and second spaces L2 between the curved areas <NUM> of the window <NUM> and the second areas <NUM> of the display <NUM>.

In this state, the filling member <NUM> formed of a resin-type OCR may be injected to fill the second spaces L2 at one time, and the filling member <NUM> injected into the second spaces L2 may also fill the first space L1. The filling member <NUM> injected into the second spaces L2 may simultaneously fill the first space L1 as well as the second spaces L2. The filling member <NUM> may be injected into one pair of second spaces L2 formed on the left/right side surfaces of the window <NUM> and the display <NUM> or into only one of the two second spaces L2. After injected into the first and second spaces L1 and L2, the filling member <NUM> may be cured to attach the window <NUM> and the display <NUM> (S3).

For example, after the filling member <NUM> formed of a resin-type OCR is simultaneously injected to fill the first and second spaces L1 and L2, the window <NUM> and the display <NUM> may be attached together. The window <NUM> and display <NUM> so prepared may be positioned on the front surface of the front case <NUM>. The rear case <NUM> may be positioned on the rear surface of the front case <NUM>, and various components <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may be positioned between the front case <NUM> and the rear case <NUM>. Therefore, the product is assembled, with the window <NUM> and the display <NUM> prepared as a single part. This may simplify the assembly process of the product, shorten the assembly processing time, and reduce the number of internal structures in the product to thereby increase rigidity.

A configuration of an electronic device <NUM> including a display <NUM> with a curved area is described below in detail according to other various embodiments of the present invention.

<FIG> is a side cross-sectional view illustrating an assembled state of an electronic device <NUM> according to other various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include, e.g., a window <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a front case <NUM>, various components <NUM> (H/W components) provided in the electronic device <NUM>, and a rear case <NUM>.

The window <NUM> may be disposed on the front surface of the display <NUM> to protect the display <NUM> described below and has curved areas <NUM> at outer edges. The curved areas <NUM> are bent at a first curvature <NUM> from one surface.

The display <NUM> may be formed of a flexible display <NUM>, and the display <NUM> may be disposed on a flat area 210a of the window <NUM> and on the rear surfaces of the curved areas <NUM> and to extend up to the internal side surfaces of the window <NUM>. The display <NUM> includes a first area 220a disposed under at least a portion of the flat area 210a of the window <NUM> and second areas <NUM> extending from the first area 220a and bent at a second curvature <NUM> different from the first curvature <NUM> under at least a portion of the curved areas. For example, the second curvature <NUM> may be formed to be larger than the first curvature <NUM>.

various components <NUM> (H/W components) of the electronic device <NUM> may be arranged in a space between the front case <NUM> and the rear case <NUM>. various components (H/W components) of the electronic device <NUM> may include, e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB), a battery, and a USB connector.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating a window <NUM>, a display <NUM>, and first and second filling members <NUM> and 202a among components of an electronic device <NUM> according to other various embodiments of the present invention. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an assembled state of a window <NUM>, a display <NUM>, and first and second filling members <NUM> and 202a among components of an electronic device <NUM> according to other various embodiments of the present invention. <FIG> is a side cross-sectional view illustrating an assembled state of a window <NUM>, a display <NUM>, and first and second filling members <NUM> and 202a among components of an electronic device <NUM> according to other various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, a first filling member <NUM> formed of a film-type OCA may be attached in a first space L1 between a flat area 210a of the window <NUM> and a first area 220a of the display <NUM>, and a second filling member <NUM> may be attached in second spaces L2 between curved areas <NUM> of the window <NUM> and second areas <NUM> of the display <NUM>. The first filling member <NUM> is simultaneously attached in the first and second spaces L1 and L2. Second filling members 202a formed of a resin-type OCR are included in spaces between the first filling member <NUM> and the curved areas <NUM> of the window <NUM>.

The first filling member <NUM> includes a film-type OCA, and the second filling members 202a includes a resin-type OCR.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a state in which an assembly of a window <NUM>, a display <NUM>, and first and second filling members normal state among components of an electronic device <NUM> is cured according to other various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the window <NUM> and the display <NUM> may be coupled together by the first and second filling members normal state in which state they may be cured to attach the window <NUM> and the display <NUM>. Thus, the window <NUM> and the display <NUM> may be assembled as a single set part.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a process of manufacturing an electronic device <NUM> according to other various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the window <NUM> is fixed to an upper jig <NUM>. A flat area 210a of the window <NUM> is a flat surface, and side surfaces of the window <NUM> include curved areas <NUM> bent from the flat area 210a at a first curvature <NUM>.

The first filling member <NUM> formed of a film-type OCA may be attached to the first area 220a and second areas <NUM> of the display <NUM>. The single first filling member <NUM> may be attached to the flat area 210a of the display <NUM> and extended and attached to the second areas <NUM> formed at side surfaces of the display <NUM>.

The display <NUM> having the first filling member <NUM> attached thereto may be fixed to the lower jig <NUM>. Side surfaces of the display <NUM> may include second areas <NUM> bent at a second curvature <NUM> larger than the first curvature <NUM> of the window <NUM>.

In this state, the upper and lower jigs <NUM> and <NUM> may be coupled together. The upper and lower jigs <NUM> and <NUM> allow the flat area 210a of the window <NUM> to face the first filling member <NUM> of the display <NUM> and the side surfaces of the window <NUM> to face the first filling member <NUM> of the display <NUM> while simultaneously forming the spaces L2 between the sides surfaces of the window <NUM> and the first filling member <NUM> of the display <NUM>.

In this state, the window <NUM> and the display <NUM> may be firstly attached by the first filling member <NUM> formed of a film-type OCA. After the window <NUM> and the display <NUM> are attached together, the second filling members 202a formed of a resin-type OCR are injected into the spaces L2 and cured, and the window <NUM> and the display <NUM> may be secondly attached together.

Upon injecting the second filling members 202a formed of a resin-type OCR into the spaces L2, the second filling members 202a formed of a resin-type OCR may be injected at the ends of the side surfaces of the window <NUM> and the display <NUM> because the spaces L2 are relatively broader at the side surfaces of the display <NUM> and the window <NUM> than at the one surface. The resin-type OCR of different viscosities may be applied depending on the shape and size of the spaces. For example, the viscosity of the resin-type OCR may be adjusted depending on the shape and size of the spaces.

Thus, the window <NUM> formed of glass may be disposed at one surface and side surfaces of the electronic device <NUM>, and the display <NUM> with the second curvature <NUM> of the first curvature <NUM> of the window <NUM> may be disposed under the window <NUM>. An optical adhesive layer formed of a film-type OCA and optical adhesive layers formed of a resin-type OCR may be positioned between the window <NUM> and the display <NUM>. For example, the first filling member <NUM> may include an optical adhesive layer formed of a film-type OCA, and the second filling members 202a may include optical adhesive layers formed of a resin-type OCR.

A method of manufacturing an electronic device <NUM> including a display <NUM> with a curved area is described below in detail according to other various embodiments of the present invention.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing an electronic device <NUM> including a display <NUM> with curved areas according to other various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the window <NUM> may be fixed to the upper jig <NUM>, the display <NUM> may be fixed to the lower jig <NUM>, and the first filling member <NUM> formed of a film-type OCA may be attached to the first areas 220a and the second areas <NUM> of the display <NUM> (S11).

In this state, the upper and lower jigs <NUM> and <NUM> may be coupled together (S12). The first filling member <NUM> provided on the first area 220a of the display <NUM> and the flat area 210a of the window <NUM> may be rendered to face each other while being simultaneously attached together, and simultaneously when the first filling member <NUM> of the display <NUM> and the flat area 210a of the window <NUM> may be rendered to face each other, the spaces L2 may be formed between the side surfaces of the window <NUM> and the first filling member <NUM> of the display <NUM>, and the second filling members 202a formed of a resin-type OCR may be injected into the spaces L2 and cured (S13).

For example, the window <NUM> and the display <NUM> may be firstly attached by the first filling member <NUM> formed of a film-type OCA. After the window <NUM> and the display <NUM> are attached together, the second filling members 202a formed of a resin-type OCR are injected into the spaces L2 and cured, and the window <NUM> and the display <NUM> may be secondly attached together.

The window <NUM> may be disposed on the front surface of the display <NUM> to protect the display <NUM> described below and may have curved areas <NUM> at outer edges. The curved areas <NUM> are bent at a first curvature <NUM> from one surface.

The display <NUM> may be formed of a flexible display <NUM>, and the display <NUM> may be disposed on a flat area <NUM>10a of the window <NUM> and on the rear surfaces of the curved areas <NUM> and to extend up to the internal side surfaces of the window <NUM>. The display <NUM> may include second areas <NUM> bent at a second curvature <NUM> different from the first curvature <NUM>. For example, the second curvature <NUM> may be formed to be larger than the first curvature <NUM>.

Various components <NUM> (H/W components) of the electronic device <NUM> may be arranged in a space between the front case <NUM> and the rear case <NUM>.

A resin-type first OCR <NUM> may be included in the second space L2 between the curved area <NUM> of the window <NUM> and the second area <NUM> of the display <NUM>.

A resin-type second OCR <NUM> may be applied in the first space L1 between the flat area <NUM>10a of the window <NUM> and the first area 320a of the display <NUM>. The second OCR <NUM> may be extended and applied to the second space L2 between the curved area <NUM> of the window <NUM> and the second area <NUM> of the display <NUM>. The second OCR <NUM> may be applied onto the top surface of the first OCR <NUM>. For example, the single second OCR <NUM> may be applied to all of the first and second spaces L1 and L2.

According to an embodiment, after the resin-type first OCRs <NUM> fills and hardens at the side surfaces of the window <NUM>, the second OCR <NUM> may be applied to the entire window <NUM> including the first OCRs <NUM>. Then, the display <NUM> may be assembled, cured, and attached to the window <NUM>.

The resin-type first OCRs <NUM> fill the second spaces L2 between the curved areas <NUM> and the second areas <NUM> and are then cured. Then, the resin-type second OCR <NUM> is applied onto the entire surface of the window <NUM> including the first OCRs <NUM> and then the display <NUM> may be assembled with the window <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the window <NUM> may be fixed to an upper jig <NUM> and a lower jig <NUM>. A flat area 310a of the window <NUM> may be a flat surface, and side surfaces of the window <NUM> may include curved areas <NUM> bent from the flat area 310a at a first curvature <NUM>.

In this state, the second spaces L2 formed on the curved areas <NUM> of the window <NUM> may be filled with a resin-type first OCR <NUM> which may then be cured. Then, the window <NUM> may be removed from the upper and lower jigs <NUM> and <NUM>.

In this state, as shown in <FIG>, the window <NUM> including the first OCR <NUM> may be flipped over, and the second OCR <NUM> formed of a resin may be applied in a zig-zag shape on the entire flat surface of the window <NUM> including the first OCR <NUM>. The second OCR <NUM> may be applied in various shapes, e.g., a zigzag, letter (e.g., XX, YY, and ZZZ), number, symbol, and figure. The second OCR <NUM> is described as being applied in a zigzag, letter, number, symbol, or figure shape as an example, but is not limited thereto. Various shapes of resin are applicable as long as they may evenly apply to a broad area.

The display <NUM> may be coupled, cured, and attached to the second OCR <NUM> applied to the window <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

Thus, as set forth above in connection with <FIG>, the window <NUM> formed of glass may be disposed at one surface and side surfaces of the electronic device <NUM>, and the display <NUM> with the second curvature <NUM> of the first curvature <NUM> of the window <NUM> may be disposed under the window <NUM>. First, the resin-type first OCRs <NUM> may fill the second spaces L2 between the window <NUM> and the display <NUM> and be then cured. The resin-type second OCR <NUM> may be applied to the first OCR <NUM> and the first space L1 between the window <NUM> and the display <NUM>. For example, the second OCR <NUM> may be applied to all of the first OCRs <NUM> and the first space L1.

Referring to <FIG>, the window <NUM> may be fixed to an upper jig <NUM> and a lower jig <NUM> (S21). For example, the window <NUM> may be fastened to the upper and lower jigs <NUM> and <NUM>. A flat area 310a of the window <NUM> may be a flat surface, and side surfaces of the window <NUM> may include curved areas <NUM> bent from the flat area 310a at a first curvature <NUM>.

The second spaces L2 formed on the curved areas <NUM> of the window <NUM> may be filled with a resin-type first OCR <NUM> which may then be cured (S22).

For example, the second spaces L2 formed on the curved areas <NUM> of the window <NUM> may be filled with a resin-type first OCR <NUM> which may then be cured. Then, the window <NUM> may be removed from the upper and lower jigs <NUM> and <NUM>.

In this state, the resin-type second OCR <NUM> may be applied to all of the first OCRs <NUM> and the first space L1 formed on the flat area 310a of the window (S23).

For example, the window <NUM> including the first OCRs <NUM> may be flipped over, and the resin-type second OCR <NUM> may be applied to the overall flat area of the window <NUM> and the first OCRs <NUM> included at the side surfaces of the window <NUM>. For example, the second OCR <NUM> may be applied to the entire area of the window.

The display <NUM> may be coupled, cured, and attached to the second OCR <NUM> applied to the window <NUM> (S24).

The window <NUM> and display <NUM> so prepared may be positioned on the front surface of the front case <NUM>. The rear case <NUM> may be positioned on the rear surface of the front case <NUM>, and various components <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may be positioned between the front case <NUM> and the rear case <NUM>. Therefore, the product is assembled, with the window <NUM> and the display <NUM> prepared as a single part. This may simplify the assembly process of the product, shorten the assembly processing time, and reduce the number of internal structures in the product to thereby increase rigidity.

An electronic device <NUM> including a display <NUM> with a curved area is described below in detail according to other various embodiments of the present invention.

<FIG> is a side cross-sectional view illustrating an assembled state of an electronic device <NUM> including a display <NUM> with curved areas according to other various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include, e.g., a window <NUM> formed of glass, a display <NUM>, a front case <NUM>, various components <NUM> (H/W components) provided in the electronic device <NUM>, and a rear case <NUM>.

The window <NUM> may include a flat area 410a and curved areas <NUM> bent from the flat area 410a at a first curvature <NUM>.

The display <NUM> may include a first area 420a under at least a portion of the flat area 410a and second areas <NUM> extending from the first area 420a and bent at a second curvature <NUM>. For example, the second curvature <NUM> may be formed to be larger than the external side of the first curvature <NUM> and to be the same as the internal side of the first curvature <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the curved areas <NUM> of the window <NUM> may be formed to have a larger thickness than the thickness of the second areas <NUM> of the display <NUM> to fill between the curved areas <NUM> and the second areas <NUM>. For example, formation or treatment may be performed to allow the curved areas <NUM> of the window <NUM> to have a different thickness without forming a separate internal space between the curved areas <NUM> of the window <NUM> and the second areas <NUM> of the display <NUM>. Accordingly, by allowing the curved areas <NUM> of the window <NUM> to be thicker than the second areas <NUM> of the display <NUM>, the window <NUM> may have an outside curvature 411a and an inside curvature 411b formed to be different from each other. For example, the outside curvature 411a of the curved areas <NUM> of the window <NUM> may be formed to be smaller than the second curvature <NUM> of the display <NUM>, and the inside curvature 411b of the curved areas <NUM> of the window <NUM> may be formed to be the same or similar to the second curvature <NUM> of the display <NUM>. The window <NUM> and the display <NUM> may be attached together via a film-type OCA.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>), comprising:
a window including a flat area (111a) and a curved area (<NUM>) bent from the flat area (<NUM>1a) at a first radius of curvature (<NUM>);
a display including a first area (121a) disposed under at least a portion of the flat area (111a) and a second area (<NUM>) extending from the first area (121a) and bent at a second radius of curvature (<NUM>) different from the first radius of curvature (<NUM>) under at least a portion of the curved area (<NUM>);
a first space (L1) formed between the flat area (111a) and the first area (121a); and
a second space (L2) formed between the curved area (<NUM>) and the second area (<NUM>);
characterized in that a second filling member (202a) is formed to be thicker than a first filling member (<NUM>), and
wherein the second space (L2) is formed to be thicker than the first space (L1), and
wherein the first filling member (<NUM>) of a film-type optical clear adhesive, OCA, is disposed in the first space (L1) and the second space (L2), and wherein the second filling member (202a) of a resin-type optical clear resin, OCR, is disposed in the second space (L2) between the first filling member (<NUM>) of the film-type OCA disposed to the second space (L2) and the curved area (<NUM>).