Patent Description:
An electronic device, such as a smartphone, a wearable device, or the like, which includes a display has been widely used with the development of mobile communication technology. The display may include a display panel, such as a liquid crystal display panel and an organic light emitting display panel, and a plurality of layers for performing additional functions.

The following publications are generically relevant to electronic devices comprising foldable or bent displays:.

The thickness of the electronic device may be determined based on the arrangement of the display panel and the plurality of layers included in the electronic device. Recently, in order to increase user portability, an electronic device having a small thickness and strong impact resistance is required.

The display may include a display driver IC (DDI) that transfers signals for driving pixels of the display panel. The display driver IC may be disposed in various forms in the display. In particular, the display driver IC may be located on a substrate of the display panel. In this case, a partial area of the substrate on which the display driver IC is located may be bent, and therefore a bezel of the display may be reduced.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an electronic device that is capable of reducing the area of a dead space and that has a small thickness and improved impact resistance.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes a display panel including a first area, a second area facing the first area, and a bending area located between the first area and the second area, a cover layer that is located under the first area of the display panel and that includes at least one of a light blocking layer, a buffer layer, a lower sheet, or a metal layer, and a spacer located between the second area of the display panel and the cover layer. The cover layer includes a first cover area that overlaps the spacer in a first direction and a second cover area that does not overlap the spacer in the first direction, the first direction being a thickness direction of the first area. A thickness of the cover layer in the first direction in the first cover area is smaller than a thickness of the cover layer in the first direction in the second cover area.

Preferably, the buffer layer includes a first buffer layer located in the first cover area and a second buffer layer located in the second cover area, and a thickness of the first buffer layer in the first direction is smaller than a thickness of the second buffer layer in the first direction.

Preferably, the first buffer layer is spaced apart from the second buffer layer.

Preferably, the first buffer layer is integrally formed with the second buffer layer.

Preferably, the first buffer layer and the second buffer layer contain different materials.

Preferably, the spacer does not overlap at least one of the lower sheet or the metal layer in the first direction.

Preferably, the lower sheet contains polyimide or graphite.

Preferably, the cover layer further includes a sensing panel.

Preferably, the electronic device further comprises a display driver IC located in the second area of the display panel.

Preferably, the electronic device further comprises: a first protective film located between the first area of the display panel and the cover layer; and a second protective film located between the second area of the display panel and the spacer.

Preferably, the lower sheet is located under the buffer layer wherein the lower sheet does not overlap the spacer in the first direction.

Preferably, the metal layer is located under the buffer layer.

Preferably, the metal layer does not overlap the spacer in the first direction.

Preferably, the light blocking layer is located between the first area of the display panel and the buffer layer, wherein the light blocking layer includes an embo pattern.

According to the embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device may achieve a reduction in thickness and dead space and an improvement in impact resistance.

With regard to description of the drawings, identical or similar reference numerals may be used to refer to identical or similar components.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the disclosure may be described with reference to accompanying drawings. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that modification, equivalent, and/or alternative on the various embodiments described herein can be variously made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a housing <NUM> that includes a first surface (or, a front surface) 110A, a second surface (or, a rear surface) 110B, and a side surface 110C surrounding a space between the first surface 110A and the second surface 110B. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the housing may refer to a structure that forms some of the first surface 110A, the second surface 110B, and the side surface 110C of <FIG>. According to an embodiment, the first surface 110A may be formed by a front plate <NUM>, at least a portion of which is substantially transparent (e.g., a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate). The second surface 110B may be formed by a back plate <NUM> that is substantially opaque. The back plate <NUM> may be formed of, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, a polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the aforementioned materials. The side surface 110C may be formed by a side bezel structure (or, a "side member") <NUM> that is coupled with the front plate <NUM> and the back plate <NUM> and that contains metal and/or a polymer. In some embodiments, the back plate <NUM> and the side bezel structure <NUM> may be integrally formed with each other and may contain the same material (e.g., a metallic material such as aluminum).

In the illustrated embodiment, the front plate <NUM> may include, at opposite long edges thereof, two first areas 110D that curvedly and seamlessly extend from the first surface 110A toward the back plate <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment (refer to <FIG>), the back plate <NUM> may include, at opposite long edges thereof, two second areas 110E that curvedly and seamlessly extend from the second surface 110B toward the front plate <NUM>. In some embodiments, the front plate <NUM> (or, the back plate <NUM>) may include only one of the first areas 110D (or, the second areas 110E). In another embodiment, a part of the first areas 110D or the second areas 110E may not be included. In the embodiments, when viewed from a side of the electronic device <NUM>, the side bezel structure <NUM> may have a first thickness (or, width) at sides not including the first areas 110D or the second areas 110E and may have a second thickness at sides including the first areas 110D or the second areas 110E, the second thickness being smaller than the first thickness.

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 devices <NUM>, a light emitting element <NUM>, and connector holes <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least one component (e.g., the key input devices <NUM> or the light emitting element <NUM>) among the aforementioned components may be omitted from the electronic device <NUM>, or other component(s) may be additionally included in the electronic device <NUM>.

The display <NUM>, for example, may be exposed through most of the front plate <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the display <NUM> may be exposed through the front plate <NUM> that forms the first surface 110A and the first areas 110D of the side surface 110C. In some embodiments, the periphery of the display <NUM> may be formed to be substantially the same as the shape of the adjacent outside edge of the front plate <NUM>. In another embodiment (not illustrated), to expand the area by which the display <NUM> is exposed, the gap between the outside edge of the display <NUM> and the outside edge of the front plate <NUM> may be formed to be substantially constant.

In another embodiment (not illustrated), a recess or opening may be formed in a portion of a screen display area of the display <NUM>, and the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of the audio module <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, or the light emitting element <NUM> that is aligned with the recess or the opening. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the electronic device <NUM> may include, on the rear surface of the screen display area of the display <NUM>, at least one of the audio module <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, the fingerprint sensor <NUM>, or the light emitting element <NUM>. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the display <NUM> may be coupled with, or disposed adjacent to, touch detection circuitry, a pressure sensor for measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and/or a digitizer for detecting a stylus pen of a magnetic field type. In some embodiments, at least a part of the sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> and/or at least a part of the key input devices <NUM> may be disposed in the first areas 110D and/or the second areas 110E.

The audio modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include the microphone hole <NUM> and the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM>. A microphone for obtaining external sound may be disposed in the microphone hole <NUM>, and in some embodiments, a plurality of microphones may be disposed in the microphone hole <NUM> to sense the direction of sound. The speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> may include the external speaker hole <NUM> and the receiver hole <NUM> for telephone call. In some embodiments, the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> and the microphone hole <NUM> may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker (e.g., a piezoelectric speaker) may be included without the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM>.

The sensor modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may generate an electrical signal or a data value that corresponds to an operational state inside the electronic device <NUM> or an environmental state external to the electronic device <NUM>. The sensor modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include, for example, the first sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a proximity sensor) and/or the second sensor module (not illustrated) (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) that is disposed on the first surface 110A of the housing <NUM>, and/or the third sensor module <NUM> (e.g., an HRM sensor) and/or the fourth sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) that is disposed on the second surface 110B of the housing <NUM>. The fingerprint sensor may be disposed not only on the first surface 110A of the housing <NUM> (e.g., the display <NUM>) but also on the second surface 110B. The electronic device <NUM> may further include a non-illustrated sensor module, for example, at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor <NUM>.

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

The key input devices <NUM> may be disposed on the side surface 110C of the housing <NUM>. In another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may not include all or some of the aforementioned key input devices <NUM>, and the key input devices <NUM> not included may be implemented in a different form, such as a soft key, on the display <NUM>. In some embodiments, the key input devices may include the sensor module <NUM> disposed on the second surface 110B of the housing <NUM>.

The light emitting element <NUM>, for example, may be disposed on the first surface 110A of the housing <NUM>. The light emitting element <NUM>, for example, may provide state information of the electronic device <NUM> in the form of light. In another embodiment, the light emitting element <NUM> may provide, for example, a light source that operates in conjunction with operation of the camera module <NUM>. The light emitting element <NUM> may include, for example, an LED, an IR LED, and a xenon lamp.

The connector holes <NUM> and <NUM> may include the first connector hole <NUM> capable of accommodating a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for transmitting and receiving power and/or data with an external electronic device, and/or the second connector hole (e.g., an earphone jack) <NUM> capable of accommodating a connector for transmitting and receiving audio signals with an external electronic device.

In some embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may be a foldable electronic device in which the screen display area of the display <NUM> can be folded. When the electronic device <NUM> is a foldable electronic device, the electronic device <NUM> may include a foldable housing, a hinge cover that covers a foldable portion of the foldable housing, and a flexible or foldable display disposed in a space formed by the foldable housing.

Hereinafter, an electronic device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> is a perspective view of a display panel included in the electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the display panel <NUM> included in the electronic device according to an embodiment may include a first area A1, a second area A2, and a bending area BA located between the first area A1 and the second area A2.

The bending area BA may extend from the first area A1 and may be bent in one direction. The second area A2 may extend from the bending area BA and may face the first area A1. That is, the bending area BA of the display panel <NUM> may be bent such that the first area A1 and the second area A2 face each other. For example, the center of curvature of the bending area BA may be located between the first area A1 and the second area A2.

The first area A1 of the display panel <NUM> may include a first surface S1 and a second surface S2 facing each other. The display panel <NUM> may include a display area DA on the first surface S1 of the first area A1. The display area DA may include at least one pixel and may display an image. The second area A2 of the display panel <NUM> may include a third surface S3 facing the second surface S2 of the first area A1 and a fourth surface S4 facing the third surface S3.

In <FIG>, the width w1 of the first area A1, the width w2 of the bending area BA, and the width (not illustrated) of the second area A2 of the display panel <NUM> are illustrated as being all the same. However, the width of the display panel <NUM> is not limited thereto. For example, the width w2 of the bending area BA and the width (not illustrated) of the second area A2 of the display panel <NUM> may be smaller than the width w1 of the first area A1 of the display panel <NUM>.

Hereinafter, an electronic device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> is a sectional view taken along line A-A' of <FIG> in the electronic device according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a plan view illustrating components included in a cover layer and a spacer in the electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a display panel <NUM>, a protective film <NUM>, the cover layer <NUM>, the spacer <NUM>, an optically clear adhesive layer <NUM>, a window <NUM>, a bending part protection layer <NUM>, a display driver IC (DDI) <NUM>, a DDI protection layer <NUM>, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) <NUM>, and a conductive adhesive layer <NUM>.

The display panel <NUM> may include a first area A1, a second area A2, and a bending area BA located between the first area A1 and the second area A2. The first area A1 of the display panel <NUM> may include a first surface S1 (refer to <FIG>) and a second surface S2 (refer to <FIG>) that face each other. The second area A2 of the display panel <NUM> may include a third surface S3 (refer to <FIG>) and a fourth surface S4 (refer to <FIG>) that face each other. The bending area BA may be bent about one axis, and thus the second surface S2 of the first area A1 of the display panel <NUM> may face the third surface S3 of the second area A2.

The protective film <NUM> may include a first protective film <NUM> located on the second surface S2 of the first area A1 included in the display panel <NUM> and a second protective film <NUM> located on the third surface S3 of the second area A2 included in the display panel <NUM>. That is, the first protective film <NUM> may be located under the first area A1 of the display panel <NUM> (e.g., a second direction D2), and the second protective film <NUM> may be located over the second area A2 of the display panel (e.g., a first direction D1). In this case, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 may correspond to the thickness direction of the first area A1 of the display panel <NUM>. Furthermore, the first direction D1 may be a direction toward the front surface of the display device <NUM>, and the second direction D2 may be a direction toward the rear surface of the display device <NUM> (the direction opposite to the first direction D1). The protective film <NUM> may be located on one surface of the display panel <NUM> to prevent infiltration of foreign matter, such as air or moisture, from the outside and protect the display panel <NUM> from an external impact.

The cover layer <NUM> may include a light blocking layer <NUM>, a buffer layer <NUM>, a lower sheet <NUM>, and a metal layer <NUM>. The cover layer <NUM> may include a first cover area C1 overlapping the spacer <NUM>, which will be described below, in the first direction D1 and a second cover area C2 not overlapping the spacer <NUM> in the first direction D1. Alternatively, the first cover area C1 of the cover layer <NUM> may be an area in which a first buffer layer 433a to be described below is located, and the second cover area C2 of the cover layer <NUM> may be an area in which a second buffer layer 433b to be described below is located. The thickness t1 of the first cover area C1 of the cover layer <NUM> in the first direction D1 may be smaller than the thickness t2 of the second cover area C2 of the cover layer <NUM> in the first direction D1.

The light blocking layer <NUM> (e.g., an embo layer) may be located between the protective film <NUM> and the buffer layer <NUM>. The light blocking layer <NUM> may be located in the first cover area C1 and the second cover area C2. The light blocking layer <NUM> may be a double-sided adhesive sheet. For example, one surface of the light blocking layer <NUM> may be attached to the protective film <NUM>, and an opposite surface of the light blocking layer <NUM> may be attached to the buffer layer <NUM>. The light blocking layer <NUM> may include an embo pattern including fine convex portions and concave portions to prevent bubbles and improve adhesive force. Furthermore, the light blocking layer <NUM> may block light travelling in the direction from the display panel <NUM> to the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

The buffer layer <NUM> (e.g., a cushion layer or a sponge) may be located on one surface (e.g., the rear surface) of the light blocking layer <NUM> and may be attached to the protective film <NUM> by the light blocking layer <NUM>. That is, the buffer layer <NUM> may be located under the light blocking layer <NUM> (e.g., the second direction D2). The buffer layer <NUM> may absorb shock applied to the electronic device <NUM> and may protect other components in the electronic device <NUM>.

The buffer layer <NUM> may include the first buffer layer 433b overlapping the spacer <NUM> in the first direction D1. In the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment, the thickness t3 of the first buffer layer 433a in the first direction D1 may be smaller than the thickness t4 of the second buffer layer 433b in the first direction D1. In other words, the shortest distance t5 from the first area A1 of the display panel <NUM> to the rear surface of the first buffer layer 433a may be smaller than the shortest distance t6 from the first area A1 of the display panel <NUM> to the rear surface of the second buffer layer 433b.

In the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment, the first buffer layer 433a and the second buffer layer 433b may be spaced apart from each other. However, in some embodiments, partial areas of the first buffer layer 433a and the second buffer layer 433b may make contact with each other. The first buffer layer 433a and the second buffer layer 433b may contain the same material. Alternatively, the first buffer layer 433a and the second buffer layer 433b may contain different materials. For example, the first buffer layer 433a may contain a polymer such as polyimide (PI), and the second buffer layer 433b may contain a sponge. In other words, in the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment, the first buffer layer 433a may be replaced with a polymer layer containing a polymer such as polyimide (PI).

The lower sheet <NUM> may be located on one surface (e.g., the rear surface) of the buffer layer <NUM>. That is, the lower sheet <NUM> may be located under the buffer layer <NUM> (e.g., the second direction D2). The lower sheet <NUM> may not overlap the spacer <NUM> in the first direction D1. The lower sheet <NUM> may be located in at least a portion of the second cover area C2 and may not be located in the entire region of the first cover area C1. That is, the lower sheet <NUM> may include an opening including a region corresponding to the entire region of the first cover area C1. The lower sheet <NUM> may contain at least one of polyimide (PI) or graphite. The lower sheet <NUM> may alleviate an impact applied to the electronic device <NUM> and may radiate heat generated from the electronic device <NUM>.

The metal layer <NUM> may be located on one surface (e.g., the rear surface) of the lower sheet <NUM>. That is, the metal layer <NUM> may be located under the lower sheet <NUM> (e.g., the second direction D2). The metal layer <NUM> may be located in both the first cover area C1 and the second cover area C2. The metal layer <NUM> may contain metal such as copper (Cu). The metal layer <NUM> may include a bent portion 437a that is bent by a step between the first buffer layer 433a and the second buffer layer 433b. The metal layer <NUM> may diffuse heat generated from the inside of the electronic device <NUM> to limit a temperature rise in the electronic device <NUM> and may shield electromagnetic noise.

The spacer <NUM> may be located between the metal layer <NUM> and the second protective film <NUM> and may attach the metal layer <NUM> and the second protective film <NUM> to each other. The spacer <NUM> may be located between the first area A1 and the second area A2 of the display panel <NUM> and may maintain a predetermined distance between the first area A1 and the second area A2. The spacer <NUM> may overlap the first cover area C1 of the cover layer <NUM> in the first direction D1. The spacer <NUM> may not overlap the second cover area C2 of the cover layer <NUM> in the first direction D1. The spacer <NUM> may overlap the first buffer layer 433a in the first direction D1. The spacer <NUM> may not overlap the second buffer layer 433b in the first direction D1. In the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment, the thickness of the first cover area C1 of the cover layer <NUM> that overlaps the spacer <NUM> may be smaller than the thickness of the second cover area C2, and thus the spacer <NUM> may have a predetermined thickness or more. In other words, as compared with when the thickness of the first cover area C1 is equal to the thickness of the second cover area C2, the spacer <NUM> may be formed to be thicker in the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment in which the thickness of the first cover area C1 is smaller than the thickness of the second cover area C2. Thus, the adhesive force of the spacer <NUM> may be improved, and delamination or separation between layers may be prevented.

The optically clear adhesive (OCA) layer <NUM> and the window <NUM> may be located on the first surface S1 of the first area A1 of the display panel <NUM> (e.g., the first direction D1). The window <NUM> may be attached to the display panel <NUM> by the optically clear adhesive layer <NUM>. The window <NUM> may transmit light generated from the display panel <NUM>. For example, the window <NUM> may contain reinforced glass, reinforced plastic, a flexible polymer material, or the like. In some embodiments, the window <NUM> may include a plurality of layers. The electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may further include a coating layer (or, a protective layer) located on one surface of the window <NUM>. For example, the coating layer may contain a polymer such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). For example, the coating layer may be a single layer, or may include a plurality of layers.

The bending part protection layer <NUM> may be located on the bending area BA of the display panel <NUM>. The bending part protection layer <NUM> may alleviate stress applied to the bending area BA of the display panel <NUM> by bending.

The display driver IC <NUM> may be located on the fourth surface S4 of the second area A2 of the display panel <NUM>. That is, the display driver IC <NUM> may be located under the second area A2 of the display panel <NUM> (e.g., the second direction D2). In response to data and control signals supplied from the outside, the display driver IC <NUM> may transfer signals for driving pixels to the pixels of the display panel <NUM>.

The DDI protection layer <NUM> may be located on the display driver IC <NUM> and may protect the display driver IC <NUM>. The DDI protection layer <NUM> may be located on a side surface of the display driver IC <NUM>. For example, the DDI protection layer <NUM> may cover an exposed area of the display driver IC <NUM> to protect the display driver IC <NUM>.

The flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be attached to one surface (e.g., the rear surface) of the metal layer <NUM> by the conductive adhesive layer <NUM>. The flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be connected with one end of the second area A2 of the display panel <NUM>. The flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be electrically connected with the display driver IC <NUM> and a processor (not illustrated) and may transfer signals related to driving the pixels (e.g., image data, an image control signal for controlling the image data, a touch control signal, and other control signals) to the display driver IC <NUM> and the processor.

Referring to <FIG>, the light blocking layer <NUM> may be located in both the first cover area C1 and the second cover area C2. The light blocking layer <NUM> may include a plurality of openings <NUM> in which sensor modules, such as a fingerprint sensor module or a camera sensor module, are located.

The buffer layer <NUM> may include the first buffer layer 433a located in the first cover area C1 and the second buffer layer 433b located in the second cover area C2. The first buffer layer 433a and the second buffer layer 433b may be spaced apart from each other. The second buffer layer 433b may include a plurality of openings <NUM> in which the sensor modules are located.

The lower sheet <NUM> may be located in at least a portion of the second cover area C2 and may not be located in the first cover area C1. The lower sheet <NUM> may include a plurality of openings <NUM> in which the sensor modules are located.

The metal layer <NUM> may be located in both the first cover area C1 and the second cover area C2. The metal layer <NUM> may include a plurality of openings <NUM> in which the sensor modules are located. The metal layer <NUM> may include the bent portion 437a located between the first cover area C1 and the second cover area C2.

The spacer <NUM> may be located in an area overlapping the first cover area C1 of the cover layer <NUM> and may not overlap the second cover area C2.

<FIG> is a sectional view illustrating display panels depending on the sizes of radii of curvature. Specifically, <FIG> illustrates a first display panel 310a bent with a first radius of curvature R1 and a second display panel 310b bent with a second radius of curvature R2.

The first display panel 310a may have a first dead space DS1 due to a bending area and a first distance d1 that is the distance between the top and the bottom of the first display panel 310a. The second display panel 310b may have a second dead space DS2 due to a bending area and a second distance d2 that is the distance between the top and the bottom of the second display panel 310b.

The first radius of curvature R1 may be greater than the second radius of curvature R2. The distances from bending start points BO to the outermost portions of the bending areas of the display panels may be determined based on the radii of curvature. When the first display panel 310a and the second display panel 310b are compared with each other, it can be seen that the length of the second dead space DS2 of the second display panel 310b that has a relatively small radius of curvature is shorter than the length of the first dead space DS1 of the first display panel 310a. In addition, it can be seen that the second distance d2 is shorter than the first distance d1. In other words, as the radii of curvature of the bending areas of the display panels are decreased, the dead spaces and the thicknesses may be decreased. In an electronic device according to an embodiment, the radius of curvature of a bending area of a display panel may be decreased by making a first cover area C1 of a cover layer <NUM> thinner. Accordingly, a dead space of the electronic device and the thickness thereof may be decreased.

Hereinafter, an electronic device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> is a sectional view taken along line A-A' of <FIG> in the electronic device according to an embodiment. Repetitive detailed descriptions identical to ones given with reference to <FIG> will hereinafter be omitted. Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a display panel <NUM>, a protective film <NUM>, a cover layer <NUM>, a spacer <NUM>, an optically clear adhesive layer <NUM>, a window <NUM>, a bending part protection layer <NUM>, a display driver IC (DDI) <NUM>, a DDI protection layer <NUM>, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) <NUM>, a conductive adhesive layer <NUM>, a housing <NUM>, and an adhesive member <NUM>. The cover layer <NUM> may include a light blocking layer <NUM>, a buffer layer <NUM>, a lower sheet <NUM>, and a metal layer <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> may include a rear portion <NUM> located on a rear surface of a display, a side portion <NUM> extending from the rear portion <NUM> and surrounding a side surface of the display, and a first protruding portion <NUM> that protrudes from the side portion <NUM> in a first direction D1 and that is located on a side of the window <NUM>.

The adhesive member <NUM> may be located between the window <NUM> and the side portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and may fix the window <NUM> to the housing <NUM>.

Hereinafter, an electronic device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> is a sectional view taken along line A-A' of <FIG> in the electronic device according to an embodiment. Repetitive detailed descriptions identical to ones given with reference to <FIG> will hereinafter be omitted. Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a display panel <NUM>, a protective film <NUM>, a cover layer <NUM>, a spacer <NUM>, an optically clear adhesive layer <NUM>, a window <NUM>, a bending part protection layer <NUM>, a display driver IC (DDI) <NUM>, a DDI protection layer <NUM>, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) <NUM>, a conductive adhesive layer <NUM>, and a housing <NUM>. The cover layer <NUM> may include a light blocking layer <NUM>, a buffer layer <NUM>, a lower sheet <NUM>, and a metal layer <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least one of the components may be omitted, or other component(s) (e.g., a metal support layer) may be additionally included.

Unlike in <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may not include the adhesive member <NUM>. For example, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may be a foldable electronic device in which a partial area of a display can be folded.

The housing <NUM> may include a rear portion <NUM> located on a rear surface of the display, a side portion <NUM> extending from the rear portion <NUM> and surrounding a side surface of the display, a first protruding portion <NUM> that protrudes from the side portion <NUM> in a first direction D1 and that is located on a side of the window <NUM>, a second protruding portion <NUM> extending and protruding from the first protruding portion <NUM>, and a groove <NUM> formed by the side portion <NUM>, the first protruding portion <NUM>, and the second protruding portion <NUM>. One end portion of the window <NUM> may be located in the groove <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Accordingly, the window <NUM> may not be separated from the housing <NUM> even though the window <NUM> is not attached to the housing <NUM>. The window <NUM> and the first protruding portion <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and a separation space 819a in which the window <NUM> is movable may be located between the window <NUM> and the first protruding portion <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include the separation space 819a, and thus the display panel <NUM> and components stacked on the display panel <NUM> may move in the housing <NUM>. For example, when the foldable electronic device performs a folding motion or an unfolding motion, the display panel <NUM> and the components stacked on the display panel <NUM> may slide in the separation space 819a of the housing <NUM>.

Hereinafter, an electronic device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> is a sectional view taken along line A-A' of <FIG> in the electronic device according to an embodiment. Repetitive detailed descriptions identical to ones given with regard to the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> will hereinafter be omitted Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a display panel <NUM>, a protective film <NUM>, a cover layer <NUM>, a spacer <NUM>, an optically clear adhesive layer <NUM>, a window <NUM>, a bending part protection layer <NUM>, a display driver IC (DDI) <NUM>, a DDI protection layer <NUM>, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) <NUM>, and a conductive adhesive layer <NUM>.

The cover layer <NUM> may include a light blocking layer <NUM>, a buffer layer <NUM>, a lower sheet <NUM>, and a metal layer <NUM>. The cover layer <NUM> may include a first cover area C1 overlapping the spacer <NUM> in a first direction D1 and a second cover area C2 not overlapping the spacer <NUM> in the first direction D1. Alternatively, the first cover area C1 of the cover layer <NUM> may be an area in which a first buffer layer 433a is located, and the second cover area C2 of the cover layer <NUM> may be an area in which a second buffer layer 433b is located. The thickness t1 of the first cover area C1 of the cover layer <NUM> in the first direction D1 may be smaller than the thickness t2 of the second cover area C2 of the cover layer <NUM> in the first direction D1.

The buffer layer <NUM> may include the first buffer layer 433a and the second buffer layer 433b. In the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment, the thickness t3 of the first buffer layer 433a in the first direction D1 may be smaller than the thickness t4 of the second buffer layer 433b in the first direction D1. In other words, the shortest distance t5 from a first area A1 of the display panel <NUM> to the rear surface of the first buffer layer 433a may be smaller than the shortest distance t6 from the first area A1 of the display panel <NUM> to the rear surface of the second buffer layer 433b. Unlike in <FIG>, the first buffer layer 433a and the second buffer layer 433b may make contact with each other. The first buffer layer 433a and the second buffer layer 433b may contain the same material and may be integrally formed with each other. In some embodiments, the first buffer layer 433a and the second buffer layer 433b may contain different materials and may make contact with each other.

The spacer <NUM> may overlap the first cover area C1 of the cover layer <NUM> in the first direction D1. The spacer <NUM> may not overlap the second cover area C2 of the cover layer <NUM> in the first direction D1. The spacer <NUM> may overlap the first buffer layer 433a in the first direction D1. The spacer <NUM> may not overlap the second buffer layer 433b in the first direction D1.

Hereinafter, an electronic device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> is a sectional view taken along line A-A' of <FIG> in the electronic device according to an embodiment. Repetitive detailed descriptions identical to ones given with regard to the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> will hereinafter be omitted Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a display panel <NUM>, a protective film <NUM>, a cover layer <NUM>, a spacer <NUM>, an optically clear adhesive layer <NUM>, a window <NUM>, a bending part protection layer <NUM>, a display driver IC (DDI) <NUM>, a DDI protection layer <NUM>, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) <NUM>, a conductive adhesive layer <NUM>, and a sensing panel <NUM>.

The cover layer <NUM> may include a light blocking layer <NUM>, a buffer layer <NUM>, the sensing panel (e.g., a digitizer) <NUM>, and a metal layer <NUM>. The cover layer <NUM> may include a first cover area C1 overlapping the spacer <NUM> in a first direction D1 and a second cover area C2 not overlapping the spacer <NUM> in the first direction D1. Alternatively, the first cover area C1 of the cover layer <NUM> may be an area in which a first buffer layer 433a is located, and the second cover area C2 of the cover layer <NUM> may be an area in which a second buffer layer 433b is located. The thickness t1 of the first cover area C1 of the cover layer <NUM> in the first direction D1 may be smaller than the thickness t2 of the second cover area C2 of the cover layer <NUM> in the first direction D1.

The buffer layer <NUM> may include the first buffer layer 433a overlapping the spacer <NUM> in the first direction D1 and the second buffer layer 433b not overlapping the spacer <NUM> in the first direction D1. In the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment, the thickness t3 of the first buffer layer 433a in the first direction D1 may be smaller than the thickness t4 of the second buffer layer 433b in the first direction D1. In other words, the shortest distance t5 from a first area A1 of the display panel <NUM> to the rear surface of the first buffer layer 433a may be smaller than the shortest distance t6 from the first area A1 of the display panel <NUM> to the rear surface of the second buffer layer 433b. In the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment, the first buffer layer 433a and the second buffer layer 433b may be spaced apart from each other. However, in some embodiments, partial areas of the first buffer layer 433a and the second buffer layer 433b may make contact with each other.

The sensing panel <NUM> may be located on one surface (e.g., the rear surface) of the buffer layer <NUM>. That is, the sensing panel <NUM> may be located under the buffer layer <NUM> (e.g., a second direction D2). The sensing panel <NUM> may be located in the first cover area C1 and the second cover area C2. The sensing panel <NUM> may sense a touch by a pen input device (e.g., a stylus pen). The sensing panel <NUM> may sense not only a direct contact input by the pen input device but also a proximity input or a hovering input to the electronic device <NUM>. The sensing panel <NUM> may be configured in various types, such as an electromagnetic resonance (EMR) type, a pressure sensitive type, and a capacitive type. The sensing panel <NUM> may include a bent portion 1031a that is bent by a step between the first buffer layer 433a and the second buffer layer 433b.

The metal layer <NUM> may be located on one surface of the sensing panel <NUM>. That is, the metal layer <NUM> may be located under the sensing panel <NUM> (e.g., the second direction D2). The metal layer <NUM> may be located in the first cover area C1 and the second cover area C2. The metal layer <NUM> may include a bent portion 437a that is bent by the step between the first buffer layer 433a and the second buffer layer 433b.

Hereinafter, an electronic device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> is a sectional view taken along line A-A' of <FIG> in the electronic device according to an embodiment. Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a display panel <NUM>, a protective film <NUM>, a cover layer <NUM>, a spacer <NUM>, an optically clear adhesive layer <NUM>, a window <NUM>, a bending part protection layer <NUM>, a display driver IC (DDI) <NUM>, a DDI protection layer <NUM>, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) <NUM>, and a conductive adhesive layer <NUM>.

The buffer layer <NUM> may include the first buffer layer 433a overlapping the spacer <NUM> in the first direction D1 and the second buffer layer 433b not overlapping the spacer <NUM> in the first direction D1.

The lower sheet <NUM> may be located on one surface (e.g., the rear surface) of the buffer layer <NUM>. That is, the lower sheet <NUM> may be located under the buffer layer <NUM> (e.g., a second direction D2). The lower sheet <NUM> may be located in the second cover area C2 and may not be located in the first cover area C1. The lower sheet <NUM> may not overlap the spacer <NUM> in the first direction D1. The lower sheet <NUM> may contain polyimide (PI) or graphite. The lower sheet <NUM> may alleviate an impact applied to the electronic device <NUM> and may radiate heat generated from the electronic device <NUM>.

The metal layer <NUM> may be located on one surface (e.g., the rear surface) of the lower sheet <NUM>. That is, the metal layer <NUM> may be located under the lower sheet <NUM> (e.g., the second direction D2). The metal layer <NUM> may be located in the second cover area C2 and may not be located in the first cover area C1. The metal layer <NUM> may not overlap the spacer <NUM> in the first direction D1. The metal layer <NUM> may contain metal such as copper (Cu). The metal layer <NUM> may diffuse heat generated from the inside of the electronic device <NUM> to limit a temperature rise in the electronic device <NUM> and may shield electromagnetic noise.

The spacer <NUM> may overlap the first cover area C1 of the cover layer <NUM> in the first direction D1. The spacer <NUM> may not overlap the second cover area C2 of the cover layer <NUM> in the first direction D1. The spacer <NUM> may overlap the first buffer layer 433a in the first direction D1. The spacer <NUM> may not overlap the second buffer layer 433b in the first direction D1. The spacer <NUM> may not overlap the lower sheet <NUM> and the metal layer <NUM> in the first direction D1.

According to the situation, the expression "adapted to or configured to" used in this disclosure may be used interchangeably with, for example, the expression "suitable for", "having the capacity to", "adapted to", "made to", "capable of", or "designed to" in hardware or software. The expression "a device configured to" may mean that the device is "capable of" operating together with another device or other components. For example, a "processor set to (or configured to) perform A, B, and C" may mean a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing corresponding operations or a generic-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or an AP) that performs corresponding operations by executing one or more programs stored in a memory device (e.g., the memory <NUM>).

The "module" may be implemented mechanically or electronically and may include, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a programmable-logic device for performing some operations, which are known or will be developed.

At least a part of an apparatus (e.g., modules or functions thereof) or a method (e.g., operations) according to various embodiments may be implemented by instructions stored in computer-readable storage media (e.g., the memory <NUM>) in the form of a program module. The instructions, when executed by a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM>), may cause the processor to perform functions corresponding to the instructions. The computer-readable storage media may include a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic media (e.g., a magnetic tape), an optical media (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD, magneto-optical media (e.g., a floptical disk)), an embedded memory, and the like. The instructions may include a code made by a compiler or a code executable by an interpreter.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a display panel (<NUM>) including a first area (A1), a second area (A2) facing the first area (A1), and a bending area (BA) located between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2);
a cover layer (<NUM>) located under the first area (A1) of the display panel (<NUM>), the cover layer (<NUM>) including at least one of a light blocking layer (<NUM>), a buffer layer (<NUM>), a lower sheet (<NUM>), or a metal layer (<NUM>); and
a spacer (<NUM>) located between the second area (A2) of the display panel (<NUM>) and the cover layer (<NUM>),
wherein the cover layer (<NUM>) includes a first cover area (C1) configured to overlap the spacer (<NUM>) in a first direction and a second cover area (C2) configured so as not to overlap the spacer (<NUM>) in the first direction, the first direction being a thickness direction of the first area (A1), and
wherein a thickness of the cover layer (<NUM>) in the first direction in the first cover area (C1) is smaller than a thickness of the cover layer (<NUM>) in the first direction in the second cover area (C2).