ES2774442T3 - Electronic device that includes a glass cover - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic device (101a) comprising: a housing comprising a first surface oriented towards a first direction and a second surface oriented towards a second, opposite direction; a glass cover (20) that forms at least a portion of the first surface; a screen (10) exposed through the glass cover (20); a carcass frame (955) that forms a portion of the carcass, the carcass frame (955) surrounding at least a portion of an area between the first surface and the second surface of the carcass; and a bulge (30) configured to absorb impact external to the electronic device (101a), the bulge (30) projecting from the first surface and projecting through a hole (980) in the glass cover (20); wherein the protrusion (30) projects beyond the frame (955) of the housing in the first direction; and wherein the protrusion (30) is an extension of a portion of the housing frame (955) that coincides with the hole (980).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Electronic device including a glass cover

Background of the invention

1. Field of the invention

The present disclosure relates to a structure and manufacture of a portable electronic device having a glass cover.

Document EP-2381654-A1 relates to a mobile display device. The movable display device may include a body, a screen disposed on the body, a window disposed in the display unit, and a shield member coupled to the window and extending beyond an outer periphery of the window to protect the screen. window from an external impact or shock.

Document EP-2709283-A1 refers to a protection device for a mobile terminal that includes a glass window and a glass case housed in the mobile terminal and formed with glass of a three-dimensional curved surface shape having a circumferential edge lower than the center, the protection device includes: a first peripheral protection portion housed along a circumferential edge of the glass window and in which a tangent line in which a portion thereof contacts a surface of the glass window makes an angle of 0 ° or more with a horizontal line; and a second peripheral protection portion housed along a circumferential edge of the glass box and in which a tangent line in which a portion thereof contacts a surface of the glass box forms an angle of 0 ° or more with a horizontal line.

2. Background of the invention

Portable electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, can be implemented through various materials. In recent years, tempered glass has been used mainly on the exterior of electronic devices, for example, to form a glass cover over a screen on the front surface of the device. Likewise, the rear surfaces, as well as the front surfaces of the devices, have increasingly been finished through separate tempered glass.

Some conventional electronic devices prevent a glass cover from receiving an external impact directly by surrounding the glass cover with a case that is thicker than the glass cover. Therefore, when viewed from the front of the device, the glass cover is recessed from a peripheral region of the housing. In this way, if the device is dropped and the front surface touches the ground, the impact usually occurs on the periphery of the case rather than the glass.

Electronic devices with curved screens have recently been introduced to the market. Furthermore, electronic devices have been developed with an "expanded" display, in which a main viewing region is provided on a main front side of the device and an auxiliary viewing region is provided on the left and right side sides of the device. As the screen expands or curves, the glass covering that covers the screen also expands or curves. Such electronic devices can be more vulnerable to external impact than a flat type, and can be even more vulnerable to external impact due to a curved shape between a flat area and a curved area.

The above information is presented as background information only to aid an understanding of this disclosure. No determination has been made, and no claim has been made, as to whether any of the foregoing might be applicable as prior art with respect to the present disclosure.

Summary of the invention

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided comprising a housing with a first surface facing a first direction and a second surface facing a second, opposite direction. A glass cover forms at least a portion of the first surface. A screen is exposed through the glass cover. A frame of the housing forms a portion of the housing, the frame of the housing surrounds at least a portion of an area between the first surface and the second surface of the housing. At least one protrusion is configured to absorb shock external to the electronic device. The protrusion protrudes from the first surface and / or protrudes through a hole in the glass cover, in which the protrusion protrudes beyond the housing frame in the first direction, and in which the protrusion is an extension of a portion of the housing frame that matches the hole.

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

Brief description of the drawings

The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1A illustrates a perspective view of an electronic device and examples of sectional views thereof along lines A-A ', according to various embodiments;

Figure 1B illustrates a perspective view of an electronic device and a sectional view of a protrusion on a surface thereof, in accordance with various embodiments;

Figure 2 is a flow chart of an exemplary procedure for forming a bulge using an ultraviolet curing resin in accordance with various embodiments;

Figure 3 is a view of a process illustrating example steps of the process of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of forming a bulge using a different material from that of a glass cover in accordance with various embodiments;

Figure 5 is an exemplary process view illustrating steps of the process outlined in Figure 4; FIG. 6 is an exemplary procedure view illustrating a procedure for forming a bulge in a curved area in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of forming a bulge using foil and UV molding in accordance with various embodiments;

Figure 8 is an exemplary process view illustrating steps of the process outlined in Figure 7; FIG. 9A is a flow chart of an exemplary method of bonding a hump through surface machining in accordance with various embodiments;

Figure 9B is an exemplary process view illustrating steps in the process outlined in Figure 9A;

Figure 9C illustrates an electronic device in which a protrusion is formed using a hole formed in a glass cover in accordance with various embodiments;

Figures 9D and 9E illustrate a protrusion formed within a hole in accordance with various embodiments;

Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of an electronic device and a sectional view of a shock absorber according to various embodiments;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of forming a shock absorber by using a shock absorbing film in accordance with various embodiments;

Figure 12 is an exemplary process view illustrating steps in the process outlined in Figure 11;

Figure 13 is a perspective view and a sectional view of an electronic device in which an impact absorbing material is applied to a bevel area according to various embodiments;

Figure 14 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of forming an impact absorption area by a silver screen printing process;

Figure 15 is an exemplary process view illustrating steps of the process outlined in Figure 14;

Figure 16 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of forming an impact absorbing area using a roller;

Figure 17 is an exemplary process view illustrating steps of the process outlined in Figure 16;

Figure 18 illustrates a perspective view and a sectional view of an electronic device including an impact absorbing structure according to various embodiments;

Fig. 19 is an exemplary process view illustrating an operation of forming an impact absorbing structure in accordance with various embodiments;

Figure 20 is an exemplary view of an electronic device that includes a shock absorber in the form of a three-dimensional film in accordance with various embodiments;

Figure 21 illustrates a film covering a peripheral area of a glass cover of an electronic device in accordance with various embodiments;

Figure 22A illustrates an electronic device that includes a film covering the entire area of a glass cover in accordance with various embodiments;

Figures 22B and 22C illustrate a film covering the entire area of a glass cover in accordance with various embodiments;

Figure 23A illustrates a film having a slit in accordance with various embodiments; and

Figure 23B illustrates a method of making a film having a slit in accordance with various embodiments.

Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numerals are used to represent the same or like elements, features, and structures.

Detailed description of embodiments of the present invention

The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, is provided to aid in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. It includes several specific details to aid in that understanding, but these should be considered merely exemplary. Additionally, descriptions of known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and clarity. conciseness.

In the disclosure disclosed herein, the terms "has", "may have", "includes" and "comprises", or "may include" and "may comprise" used herein indicate the existence of corresponding characteristics ( for example, elements such as numerical values, functions, operations or components) but do not exclude the presence of additional characteristics.

In the disclosure disclosed herein, the terms "A or B", "at least one of A or / and B", or "one or more of A or / and B", and the like used herein they can include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, the term "A or B", "at least one of A and B", or "at least one of A or B" can refer to all cases (1) in which at least one A is included, the case (2) in which at least one B is included, or the case (3) in which both at least one A and at least one B are included.

Terms, such as "first", "second", and the like used herein may refer to various elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, but do not limit the elements. For example, such terms are used only to distinguish one item from another item and do not limit the order and / or priority of items. For example, a first user device and a second user device can represent different user devices regardless of sequence or importance. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first element can be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element can be referred to as a first element.

Herein, the term "substantially" used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, and in the appended claims, may mean "almost", "about", or "almost" in reference to a dimension, characteristic, parameter, value. , etc.

It will be understood that when an element (eg a first element) is called "(operatively or communicatively) coupled with / a" or "connected to" another element (eg a second element), it can be directly coupled with / a or connect to the other element or to an intermediate element (eg a third element) may be present. Instead, when an element (eg a first element) is called "directly coupled to / a" or "directly connected to" another element (eg a second element), it should be understood that there is no intermediate element (for example, a third element).

According to the situation, the expression "configured for" used herein may be used as, for example, the expression "suitable for", "having the capacity of", "designed for", "adapted to for "," made for "or" capable of ". The term "configured for (or set for)" does not necessarily mean only "specifically designed for" in hardware. Instead, the expression "a device configured to" can mean that the device is "capable of" working in conjunction with another device or other components. CPU, for example, a "processor configured to (or configured to) perform A, B and C" can mean a dedicated processor (for example, an embedded processor) to perform a corresponding operation or a generic processor (for example, a unit central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor) that can perform corresponding operations by running one or more software programs that are stored on a memory device.

Terms used in this specification are used to describe specific embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Terms in a singular form can include plural forms unless otherwise specified. Unless otherwise defined herein, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as is generally understood by a person skilled in the art. It will be further understood that terms, which are defined in a dictionary and are commonly used, are also to be interpreted as is customary in the relevant related art and not in an idealized or overly formal manner unless expressly defined herein in various ways. embodiments of the present disclosure. In some cases, even if the terms are defined in the specification, they cannot be construed to exclude embodiments of the present disclosure.

An electronic device in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of smartphones, tablet personal computers (PCs), mobile phones, videophones, e-book readers, desktop PCs, portable PCs, netbook computers, workstations. workstations, servers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable media players (PMP), MP3 players, mobile medical devices, cameras and portable devices. In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, wearable devices can include accessories (eg, watches, rings, bracelets, ankle bracelets, glasses, contact lenses, or head-mounted devices (HMD)), types embedded in fabric. (eg, electronic clothing), body-attached types (eg, skin pads or tattoos), or implantable types (eg, implantable circuits).

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device can be one of household appliances. Household appliances may include, for example, at least one of a digital video disc (DVD) player, an audio player, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a cleaner, an oven, a microwave oven, a washing machine, a air cleaner, a television decoder, a home automation control panel, a security control panel, a TV box (for example, Samsung Home-SyncTM, Apple TVTM or Google TVTM), a game console (for example , XboxTM or PlayStationTM), an electronic dictionary, an electronic key, a camcorder or an electronic panel.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may include at least one of several medical devices (e.g., various portable medical measuring devices (a blood glucose meter, a device for measuring heart rate, a measuring device blood pressure measurement and body temperature measurement device), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, computed tomography (CT) device, photography device and an ultrasonic device), a navigation system, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), an event data recorder (EDR), a flight data recorder (FDR), a vehicular infotainment device, electronic devices for watercraft (e.g. boat navigation device and gyro), avionics, safety device, main unit main vehicle, an industrial or domestic robot, an automated teller machine (ATM) of a financial company, a point of sale (POS) of a store or an internet of things (for example, a light bulb, various sensors, an electricity meter or gas, spring cooling device, fire alarm device, thermostat, electric pole, toaster, sports appliance, hot water tank, heater and boiler).

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device may include at least one of furniture or part of a building / structure, an electronic board, an electronic signature receiving device, a projector or various measuring devices (for example, a water utility, electricity, gas or electric wave measurement device). In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device can be one or a combination of the devices mentioned above. The electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may be a flexible electronic device. Also, the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to the devices mentioned above, but may include new electronic devices produced due to the development of technologies.

Hereinafter, electronic devices in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The term "user" used herein may refer to a person using an electronic device or it may refer to a device (eg, an artificial electronic device) that uses an electronic device.

Figure 1A illustrates a perspective view of an electronic device, 101a, along with examples of sectional views thereof, according to various examples not forming part of the invention. The electronic device 101a may include a housing frame 5, a screen 10, and a glass cover 20. The screen 10 and the glass cover 20 can be mounted on the frame 5 of the housing. The glass cover 20 may have a central region through which images are emitted from the screen 10 located behind the glass cover 20, and a peripheral region outside the central region, as illustrated in FIG. 1A. The glass cover 20 (shown as a front cover of the device 101a), the housing frame 5 and a rear cover together can form a housing of the device 101a. A circuit board, various sensors and modules can be mounted inside and therefore protected by the housing. A portion of the housing frame 5 may form a portion of the outer surface of the electronic device 101a. The back cover can be another glass cover, as in the example sectional views of Figure 1A, or it can be composed of a different material. The back cover can also be integral with the frame 5 of the case. Therefore, in various embodiments, the housing frame 5 may surround all external areas of the electronic device 101a other than an area surrounded by the glass cover 20. That is, the housing frame 5 can form a portion of the outer surface of the electronic device 101a while the glass cover forms the remaining portion of the outer surface of the device 101a.

In the example of Figure 1A, the electronic device 101a has a generally solid rectangular shape (which may also be called a blackboard shape or a bar shape), with a front side, a back side, and four side sides. (The corners can be rounded, as illustrated, or alternatively they can have sharp right angles.) The electronic device 101a can be thin, such that the length and width of each of the front and back sides can be significantly greater than the thickness of the device. Other ways are also possible. As illustrated, the screen 10 can output images through the front side of the electronic device 101a. Screen 10 may display content associated with various functions performed by electronic device 101a. When the screen 10 includes a touch panel, it can perform both an input function and an output function. In various embodiments, the screen 10 may be divided into an active area for displaying content and a partial area behind a black matrix (BM) area of the glass cover 20, that is, the peripheral region of the glass cover 20. The partial area of the screen 10 may include peripheral wiring lines of the active area and the like.

In the following description, terms such as "curved screen", "flat screen" or "expanded screen" may be used to refer to screen 10 and glass cover 20 collectively. For example, a "curved screen" may collectively include an image-emitting screen component, such as the screen 10 located behind the glass cover 20, together with the glass cover 20 configured with curves on the sides thereof.

Although FIG. 1A illustrates by way of example the electronic device 101a with a flat panel display, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, an "expanded screen" may be provided to output a main image from the front side of the electronic device 101a, as well as auxiliary images from an area (side) of the electronic device 101a. In this case, the expanded screen may include a flat area that forms a front surface of the electronic device 101a, a curved area folded and expanded from the flat area into a curvature, and a side area.

As mentioned before, the glass cover 20 can form at least part of the housing of the electronic device 101a. The glass cover 20 can cover and protect a peripheral area (eg, elements within the active area and the BM area) and the screen 10. The glass cover 20 can be formed of tempered glass. It should be noted that the glass cover 20 may alternatively be called a glass box or a glass housing.

The glass cover 20 may be disposed not only on the front electronic device 101a that coincides with the screen 10, but also on the rear side (thus defining a rear surface opposite the front surface of the electronic device 101a). Cross-sectional views 41 to 44 taken along line A-A 'of electronic device 101a illustrate respective example configurations in which glass cover 20 may form the exterior of electronic device 101a in various ways. In each of views 41 to 44, the front and rear covers shown can be collectively considered examples of the glass cover 20. (In these cross-sectional views, the front and rear covers are illustrated with sharp corners at the interfaces with the housing frame, but can generally be tapered at those interfaces.)

Referring to the sectional view 41, the electronic device 101a may include a front cover 41a, a rear cover 41b, and a housing frame 41c. The front cover 41a and the rear cover 41b can be implemented in flat shapes. The housing frame 41c can be arranged between the front cover 41a and the rear cover 41b, and can mount and fix the front cover 41a and the rear cover 41b.

Referring to the sectional view 42, the electronic device 101a may include a front cover 42a, a rear cover 42b, and a housing frame 42c. The front cover 42a and the rear cover 41b can be implemented in curved shapes having curved areas at opposite ends thereof. Each of the front cover 42a and rear cover 42b may include a central flat area and curved areas at opposite ends, bent to extend from the flat area.

When the front cover 42a and the rear cover 42b are implemented in curved shapes, this can facilitate gripping of the electronic device 101a by the user. Also, the side area of the electronic device 101a can be used to output content and receive a touch input. A housing frame 42c can be arranged between the front cover 42a and the rear cover 42b, and can mount and fix the front cover 42a and the rear cover 42b.

In sectional view 43, a housing frame 43c is arranged between and fixes a curved front cover 43a and a flat rear cover 43b. In sectional view 44, a flat front cover 44a, a housing frame 44c, and a curved rear cover 44b are used. Depending on design needs, various forms of glass covers 20 can be used.

Hereinafter, it will be mainly discussed that the glass cover 20 is arranged on a front side of the electronic device 101a and is implemented in a flat or curved shape, although the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

According to various examples that are not part of the invention, the glass cover 20 may include one or more protrusions 30. The protrusions 30 may be disposed on a surface of the glass cover 20. Although FIG. 1A illustrates by way of example that the protrusions 30 are disposed on a front surface of the electronic device 101a, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, when the protrusions 30 are disposed on a rear surface of the electronic device 101a, they may be separately disposed on a surface of the rear cover 41b, 42b, 43b, or 44b. Additional details on example shapes and functions of the protrusions 30 are provided throughout Figure 1B.

Figure 1B illustrates a perspective view of an electronic device and a cross-sectional view of a protrusion according to various examples not forming part of the invention. Electronic device 101b may include a housing frame 105, a screen 110, and a glass cover 120. The operations or functions of the housing frame 105 and screen 110 may be the same or similar to the operations or functions of the housing frame 5 and screen 10 of FIG. 1a.

Although Figure 1B illustrates by way of example that the glass cover 120 is arranged on the front side of the device 101b, another part of the glass cover 120 may be arranged on the rear side (as in section examples 41-44 of figure 1A). The glass cover 120 may include one or more protrusions 130. The protrusions 130 may be disposed at points on a surface of the glass cover 120, the points being near or adjacent to the frame 105 of the housing. The bumps 130 can be arranged in areas (eg, a bezel area) that do not overlap an active area of the screen 110 (note that the active area may also be called a view area or image exit area) .

As seen in the cross-sectional view taken along lines B-B ', the protrusions 130 may protrude from the surrounding regions of the glass cover 120, i.e., protrude outwardly at the front side of the device 101b. electronic. When an external impact is applied to the electronic device 101b (for example, when the electronic device 101b falls on the front or back side), the protrusions 130 may first absorb an impact applied to the glass cover 120 or receive the impact instead. to prevent the glass cover 120 from breaking or scratching.

In general, a condition in which the glass cover is broken may be a case where a local impact is applied from the outside to the glass cover (generation of a dent) or a bending load of one level is applied. default or higher than the glass cover. The protrusions 130 can block a point of origin, to which an external impact occurring on a surface of the glass cover 120 is applied, to prevent the glass cover 120 from breaking.

Although Figure 1B illustrates by way of example that the sections of the protrusions 130 may be generally semi-elliptical or hemispherical, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In Figure 1B, a bulge 130 is approximately symmetrical about an axis Ax and extends a height H above the surrounding surface of the glass cover 120. If the front surface "f" of the glass cover 120 is flat along a plane P, the axis Ax of the bulge 130 may coincide with a normal to the plane P, so that the bulge 130 can be said to be oriented in the same direction as the front surface f, that is, the direction of the normal. If the bulge is in a region of the front surface that is curved, as in some of the examples below, its axis Ax may point in the same direction as a normal to the tangent plane at a central point of that region. However, even in this case, it can generally be said that the protrusion is oriented in the same or roughly the same direction as the front surface of the glass cover 120. The protrusions 130 can be formed of various materials in various manufacturing processes and can be configured with dimensions sufficient to achieve certain metrics in protecting the glass cover 120 from breakage.

According to various examples that are not part of the invention, the protrusions 130 may be disposed close to or adjacent to the corners of the electronic device 101b. Because a corner portion of the electronic device 101b mainly receives an external impact when the impact is applied due to a drop or the like, the protrusion 130 may be arranged adjacent to the corners of the electronic device 101b to prevent the glass cover 120 it breaks.

Other exemplary details of the protrusions 130 are provided throughout Figures 2 through 9.

Figure 2 is a flow chart of an example procedure for forming a bulge using an ultraviolet curing resin in accordance with various examples that are not part of the invention. Figure 3 is a process view illustrating example steps of this procedure.

With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the protrusions may be formed of an ultraviolet curing resin. The ultraviolet curing resin can easily maintain at least a specific hardness, and the hardness can be strengthened through a separate hard coating operation. In various embodiments, the UV curing resin can have a color and transparency that are the same or similar to that of the glass cover.

In step 210, a mold 310 can be prepared for UV molding. The mold 310 may include protrusion areas 310a by which protrusions 340 are formed, and a glass area 310b on which the glass cover 330 sits. The protrusion areas 310a may be recesses formed within the mold 310.

In step 220, a UV resin 320 can be filled into the protrusion areas 310a of the mold 310. The UV 320 resin can be applied via a drip pipette or other procedures. The UV 320 resin can be cured with an ultraviolet beam to form the bumps 340. In various embodiments, when the UV 320 resin is cured, a high hardness material can be obtained having a pencil hardness of 3H or higher.

In step 230, the glass cover 330 may be seated on the glass area 310b within the mold 310. In this example, the glass cover 330 is exemplified as a curved glass cover; however, the procedure is equally applicable to a glass cover that is completely flat (with the mold 310 designed to correspond to the shape of the glass cover accordingly).

In step 240, a masking film 335 may be seated on an internal surface of the glass cover 330. The masking film 335 is printed on the remaining areas of the inner surface of the glass cover 330, apart from the bulge areas 310a to block the passage of an ultraviolet ray through the remaining areas of the mold 310. In various embodiments , the masking film 335 can be maintained to be a specific thickness or less. Masking film 335 can be attached to glass cover 330 using 1) a method of placing mold 310 in a sealed chamber and pulling mold 310 by suction, and 2) a method of pressing mold 310 using a pad or a roller.

In step 250, an ultraviolet ray can be irradiated into the mold 310, and the UV resin 320 can be cured. In the ultraviolet ray irradiation process, mercury, metal, and a UV lamp can be used. Lightning Ultraviolet can be blocked in an area in which the masking film 335 is seated, and can pass through the protrusion areas 310a that are not blocked by the masking film 335. An ultraviolet ray is irradiated to the filled UV resin 320 in the bump areas 310a, the UV 320 resin can be cured to form the bumps 340.

In step 260, the mold 310 can be detached from the glass cover 330 (including the protrusions 340). The masking film 335 can also be separated from the glass cover 330.

In step 270, the glass cover 330 can be polished using an alcohol-based cleaning liquid (methyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol), ultrasonic waves, immersion, or other water washing procedures.

According to various examples that are not part of the invention, the protrusions 340 can be processed through a hard coating. Hardcoat film 340a can be formed using SiO2 or scratch resistant hardcoat or acrylurethane-based AF coating.

According to various examples that are not part of the invention, the UV curing resin can be cured by thermosetting, in addition to UV curing, to increase the bond strength of the glass cover 330. Also, a surface of the glass cover 330 may be plasma processed prior to bonding, to increase the bond strength between the ultraviolet curing resin and the glass cover 330.

According to various embodiments, the UV curing resin can be molded directly onto a surface of the glass cover 330 (direct glass molding: GDM), or a polymeric film can be disposed between the UV curing resin and the cover 330 of glass. The polymeric film can be any of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC).

Figure 4 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of forming a bulge using a different material than a glass cover in accordance with various examples not forming part of the invention. Figure 5 is a process view illustrating example steps of this procedure.

With reference to Figures 4 and 5, the protrusions 540 may be formed of glass, which is the same material as that of the glass cover, or may be formed of a material, such as ceramic or sapphire, that is different from that of the glass cover. For example, the protrusions can be formed of a ceramic material. Ceramic-based material such as sapphire may have a surface hardness or strength greater than that of glass and, in particular, because the protrusion shapes can be stubby (with a height H smaller than its base dimension), they can have high durability against damage due to bending after sinking.

In step 410, a masking jig 520 can be seated on a surface of the glass cover 510. The positioning of the masking template 520 can determine locations where the protrusions 540 are attached, and can prevent the protrusions 540 from being separated, in the bonding operation.

In step 420, an adhesive 530 can be applied to the areas on which the bumps 540 sit. The adhesive 530 can be a thermoset adhesive, a pressure reducing adhesive, or an ultraviolet bonding adhesive. The adhesive 530 can be introduced into the masking template 520 through a variety of procedures, such as a drop pipet type.

In step 430, the protrusions 540 may be seated in recesses of the masking template 520, to which the adhesive 530 is applied. The protrusions 540 may be a transparent material such as sapphire or ceramic. By configuring the bumps 540 with a stubby profile, it can be more advantageous in resistance to damage.

In step 440, the adhesive 530 can be cured within a curing unit 550 using heat, high pressure, or ultraviolet rays. As the adhesive 530 cures, a bonding force between the protrusions 540 and the glass cover 510 can be strengthened. The curing unit 550 can generate heat, pressure, or ultraviolet rays from the outside to the inside of the masking template 520 according to the type of adhesive 530. In step 450, the masking template 520 can be removed, and the glass cover 510 to which protrusions 540 are attached.

Figure 6 is an exemplary process view illustrating a process of forming a bulge in a curved area in accordance with various examples not forming part of the invention. In this process, when protrusions 650 are formed at the corners of a glass cover 610 having a curved shape, the curvature of the bonding surfaces can be mainly attenuated using a curing resin and the protrusions 650 can be bonded to the formed surface by through the curing resin. In this case, the jolt due to a difference in curvature can be reduced compared to the case where the protrusions 650 are directly attached to the glass cover 610.

At step 601, a curing agent template 620 can be attached to the glass cover 610. The curing agent template 620 may be attached to a side surface of the glass cover 610 so that a space can be formed to insert a curing agent 630 into the curved area. Curing agent 630 can be injected in the space.

In step 602, the curing agent 630 can be dried primarily in a semi-cured state, primarily radiating heat or an ultraviolet ray by a curing apparatus 635.

At step 603, a curing agent template 620 can be removed, and a masking template 640 can be attached. Masking jig 640 may be attached to opposing surfaces of curing agent 630, or may affix protrusions 650 in the bonding operation. After this, the protrusions 650 can be attached to the curing agent 630, and additionally, the curing agent 630 can be fully cured by applying additional heat or an ultraviolet ray.

At step 604, after the curing agent 630 is fully cured, the masking template 640 can be removed. The protrusions 650 can sit on the curved surface of the glass cover 610.

Figure 7 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of forming a bulge using foil and UV molding according to various examples not forming part of the invention. Figure 8 is a process view showing example steps of this process.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the bulge may be formed through a sheet 820 attached to a surface of a glass plate 810 and a UV molding portion 840 around the sheet 820.

In step 710, the sheet 820 may be attached to a surface of the glass cover 810 through a tie layer 830. Sheet 820 can be an impact absorbing film, such as clear PET or TPU.

In step 720, a mold for UV molding can be prepared around the sheet 820, and a UV resin can be filled in the protrusion area of the mold. UV resin can be applied through a drop pipet or other procedures.

In step 730, the glass cover 810 may be seated within the mold.

In step 740, a masking film may be seated on an internal surface of the glass cover 810. The masking film can be printed on remaining areas of the glass cover 810 other than the bulge area, and can block the passage of an ultraviolet ray through the remaining areas of the glass cover 810.

In step 750, an ultraviolet ray can be irradiated into the mold and the UV resin can be cured. As the UV resin cures, the sheet 820 and the UV molding portion 840 covering a peripheral area of the sheet 820 can be formed. In step 760, the mold and the glass cover 810 can be spaced apart. . In this case, the sheet 820 is covered by the UV molding 840 and cannot be exposed to the outside.

In step 770, the glass cover 810 can be polished. In this case, the UV molding 840 can be removed to a specific line 850. As the UV molding 840 is removed, an upper end of the sheet 820 can be exposed and a UV molding 840a can be left in a peripheral area of the sheet 820. Through this, a passage that is formed when The sheet 820 is attached to a surface of the glass cover 810 and can be changed to a soft surface through the UV molding 840a. Through the UV molding piece 840a, the bulge can be smoothed out and thus prevent a hand or the user's clothing from catching it.

FIG. 9A is a flow chart of a protrusion setting method through surface machining according to various examples not forming part of the invention. FIG. 9B is a process view showing example steps in this procedure.

Referring to Figures 9A and 9B, a protrusion can be attached to the surface of a glass cover by machining the glass cover without using a separate adhesive.

At step 901, a projecting member 920 can be prepared. The protruding member 920 may be formed of glass that is the same material as that of the glass cover 910, or it may be formed of a material, such as ceramic or sapphire, that is different from that of the glass cover 910 (operation 905 of Figure 9B).

In step 902, the projecting member 920 may be arranged to contact a surface of the glass cover 910. After this, the protruding member 920 can be attached to the glass cover 910 using a fusing tool (eg, a heated press) (step 906 of Figure 9B).

In step 903, the projecting member 920 and the surface of the glass cover 910 can be machined into a smooth curved surface 930 using a polishing tool. The polishing tool can use a surface machining method, for example, using a machining tool or a grinding tool (step 907 of FIG. 9B).

In step 904, a portion of the upper end surface of the glass cover 910 can be removed, and the protruding member 920 can be changed to a protrusion 920a in a smoothly curved shape. In accordance with various embodiments, the surfaces of the glass cover 910 and the protrusion 920a may be fingerprint (AF) or anti-reflective (AR) coated through a separate post-machining procedure (step 908 of FIG. 9B).

Figure 9C illustrates an electronic device in which a protrusion is formed using a hole formed in a glass cover according to various embodiments. The electronic device 951 includes a housing frame 955, a screen 960, and a glass cover 970. The functions or shapes of the housing frame 955 and screen 960 may be the same or similar to the functions or shapes of the housing frame 5 or 105 and the screen 10 or 110 of Figures 1A and 1B.

The glass cover 970 forms at least a portion of the outer surface of the electronic device 951. In various embodiments, the glass cover 970 can cover and protect the front side of the electronic device 951, including the display 960.

In various embodiments, the glass cover 970 can include a curved area at least a portion thereof. For example, the glass cover 970 may be flat in a central area that matches the screen 960 (hereinafter, a "screen display area" or "active area") that transmits the light output from the screen 960, and may have a convex curved surface in a bevel area around the 960 screen.

The glass cover 970 includes one or more holes 980. Figure 9C illustrates that the holes 980 are circular, although the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the holes 980 may alternatively have a polygonal shape such as a pentagonal shape or a hexagonal shape.

In various embodiments, the holes 980 may be disposed in peripheral areas of the glass cover 970, which are areas adjacent to the frame 955 of the housing. One or more holes 980 may be provided in areas of the glass cover 970 outside of the viewing area of the glass screen 970.

In various embodiments, the holes 980 can be formed at points that are spaced from the side housing 955 of the electronic device 951 by a specific distance (eg, 2.5mm) or more. In various embodiments, the holes 980 may be disposed at the respective corners (or points adjacent to the corners of the electronic device 951) of the rectangular glass cover 970.

The protrusions 990 are disposed within the holes 980. The protrusions 990 may be formed of a material that is the same or different from the glass cover 970. In various embodiments, the protrusions 990 can be implemented in a color that is the same or different from that of the glass cover 970.

The protrusions 990 are formed as extensions of the housing frame 955. The interior portions of the housing frame 955 protrude at locations corresponding to the holes 980, and the interior portions of the housing frame 955 are exposed to the exterior through the holes 980.

In various embodiments, the protrusions 990 may be formed of a separate material bonded to an interior surface of the housing frame 955. For example, the protrusions 990 may be formed of a different material than the housing frame 955, and the recesses for mounting the protrusions 990 may be formed on the inner surface of the housing frame 955. As another example, the protrusions 990 can be structures (eg, rotary screws) that are inserted into the holes 980 from the exterior of the electronic device 951. More exemplary details on the shape, material, and type of mounting of the protrusions 990 are provided through Figure 9D or Figure 9E.

In various embodiments, the protrusions 990 may protrude from the outer surface of the glass cover 970. For example, the protrusions 990 may protrude from the outer surface of the glass cover 970 by 0.1 mm. When the electronic device 951 falls to the ground on its back or front or collides with an external object, the protrusions 990 may absorb an impact from the ground or external object first to protect the glass cover 970.

Figures 9D and 9E illustrate a protrusion extending from inside a hole in a glass cover in accordance with various embodiments.

Referring to Figures 9D and 9E, the protrusions 990 extend from inside the holes 980 when the electronic device is finally mounted. The protrusions 990 protrude from the outer surface of the glass cover 970 to receive an impact before the glass cover 970. The protrusions 990 may be formed of a material separate from that of the glass cover 970. The external impact applied to the bumps 990 can be effectively absorbed by the bumps 990, while part of the impact energy can be indirectly transferred to the glass cover 970, but at a reduced level, thus preventing breakage.

The glass cover 970 can be mounted on the frame 955 of the housing. A tie layer 975 may be disposed between the housing frame 955 and the glass cover 970. The bonding layer 975 can prevent the glass cover 970 from separating. (Enlargement view CC 'is an angled cropped perspective view illustrating layer 975 of Union).

As shown in Figure 9D, the carcass frame 955 may include protrusions 990a to form the protrusions 990 at a point corresponding to the locations of the holes 980. For example, when the carcass frame 955 is a molding product. By plastic injection, it can be integrally formed with the protrusions 990a through an injection molding process.

The projections 990a may have a sectional area corresponding to that of the holes 980 (with a slightly smaller circumference to partially penetrate the holes 980). In various embodiments, the projections 990a may have a height corresponding to the glass cover 970 and the tie layer 975. At least parts of the projections 990a can be exposed to the outside through the holes 980.

According to various embodiments, separate materials can be mounted on an upper surface of the outwardly exposed projections 990a to form "caps" on the projections 990a and thus ultimately form the protrusions 990. For example, materials that are Similar to the glass cover 970 in an outward appearance aspect can be mounted on the upper surfaces of the projections 990a.

Referring to FIG. 9E, the protrusions 990 may be formed of a material that is separate from the material of the housing frame 955. The housing frame 955 may have recesses 955a for mounting the protrusions 990 on an internal surface thereof. The recesses 955a may be provided on the inner surface of the housing frame 955 at locations corresponding to the locations of the holes 980 . The protrusions 990 formed of a material separate from the housing frame 955 can be mounted in the recesses 955a. The lower ends of the protrusions 990 may have shapes corresponding to the recesses 955a.

In accordance with various embodiments, each of the protrusions 990 may include a first part mounted in the recess 955a and a second part coupled to the first part, such that a part thereof is exposed through the hole 980. The second part part may have an appearance that is the same or similar to that of the glass cover 970, and may protrude outwardly from the outer surface of the glass cover 970.

Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of an electronic device, 1001, and a sectional view of a shock absorber according to various examples not forming part of the invention. Electronic device 1001 may include a housing frame 1005, a display 1010, and a glass cover 1020. The functions or shapes of the housing frame 1005 and screen 1010 may be the same or similar to the functions or shapes of the housing frame 5 or 105 and the screen 10 or 110 of Figures 1A and 1B.

According to various examples that are not part of the invention, the glass cover 1020 may include one or more shock absorbers 1030. Shock absorbers 1030 may be arranged in areas (eg, a bevel area) that do not overlap the screen 1010 of the glass cover 1020. Unlike the protrusions 130 of FIG. 1, shock absorbers 1030 can be formed in areas from which at least a portion of the surface of the glass cover 1020 is removed. In various embodiments, the shock absorbers 1030 may project, on the front side of the electronic device 1001, from a surrounding outer surface of the glass cover 1020. Alternatively, the shock absorbers 1030 may be flush with the outer surface of the glass cover 1020 as seen in cross-sectional view along lines D-D '. Similar to the protrusions 130 of Figures 1A and 1B, the shock absorbers 1030 may first absorb an impact applied to the glass cover 1020 or receive most of the impact to prevent the glass cover 1020 from breaking when it generates an external impact, for example, when the electronic device 1001 falls to the ground. Shock absorbers 1030 can be formed of various materials in various manufacturing processes.

According to various examples that are not part of the invention, when the glass cover 1020 is part of an "expanded screen", with portions on the left and right side surfaces of the electronic device, the shock absorbers 1030 may be arranged in the joints of the flat area and the curved area of the glass cover 1020. Because the bonding areas can be outwardly curved parts or vulnerable to impact, they can be points of origin where cracks are generated when an external impact is applied to the electronic device 1001 (for example, due to a drop). Shock absorbers 1030 may be disposed at the joint or adjacent to the joint to protect the glass cover 1020 from cracks.

Figure 11 is a flow chart of a method of forming a shock absorber using an impact absorbing film according to various examples not forming part of the invention. Fig. 12 is a process view showing example steps of such a process.

Referring to Figures 11 and 12, in step 1110, the glass cover 1020 can be washed using ultrasonic waves. Impurities on a surface of the glass cover 1020 can be removed by ultrasonic washing.

In step 1120, a masking film 1220 may be attached to the surface of the glass cover 1210. The masking film 1220 may cover the remaining areas of the glass cover 1210 other than the etching areas 1210a which is an area in which a shock absorber is formed. Masked Movie 1220 You can avoid etching the covered area. In various embodiments, masking film 1220 can be bonded by dedicated 3D curved surface equipment.

In step 1130, a portion of the surface of the glass cover 1210 may be etched with an etching liquid. The surface area of the glass cover 1210, which is covered by the masking film 1220, may not be etched, and the areas (etching areas 1210a) that are not covered by the masking film 1220 may be etched with a liquid. engraving. The degree of engraving of the engraving areas 1210a can be adjusted by adjusting the engraving time.

In step 1140, after the etching liquid dries, the masking film 1220 may be delaminated. The surfaces of the etching areas 1210a of the glass cover 1210 may be partially etched, and an uneven surface may be formed.

At step 1150, an impact absorbent film 1230 may be attached to the etching area 1210a. The shock absorbing film 1230 may be a transparent impact relieving film corresponding to the etching thickness.

Figure 13 shows a perspective view of an electronic device, 1301, in which a shock absorbing material is applied to an area of the bezel in accordance with various examples that are not part of the invention. A sectional view along lines E-E 'is also shown. The front surface area of the electronic device 1301 can be divided into a screen display area 1330a of a glass cover 1330 and bezel areas 1320. The screen display area 1330a may be an area on a screen 1310 that generates an image or text. The bevel areas 1320 may be an area in which a wiring line is arranged to drive the display 1310 and may be opaquely processed.

According to various examples not forming part of the invention, in the glass cover 1330, the shock absorbing areas 1330b can be formed by applying a resin to an area corresponding to the area 1320 of the bevel. The shock absorbing areas 1330b may correspond to points adjacent to the corners of the electronic device 1301 in a similar manner to the shock absorbers 1030 of FIG. 10, and may expand to areas other than the screen display area 1330a.

The shock absorbing areas 1330b can diminish an area of the glass cover 1330 that collides with an external object (eg, the ground when it falls onto its front side). Also, the shock absorbing area 1330b can be distinguished from the display area 1310 so that the user can use the electronic device 1301 without any difficulty.

In various embodiments, the shock absorption areas 1330b may be higher than the screen display area 1330a when the electronic device 1301 is oriented with its rear surface down. In this case, the possibility that the display area 1330a directly collides with an external object can be reduced. The shock absorbing areas 1330b may have a sloping structure in which the heights of the shock absorbing areas 1330b gradually increase with increasing distance from the screen display area 1330a.

In several examples that are not part of the invention, the shock absorbing areas 1330b can be applied using a resin having a color rather than a transparent resin. The bezel area is usually processed with a black color, but the design features of the bezel area can be emphasized when a separate colored resin is applied.

According to various examples that are not part of the invention, the shock absorbing areas 1330b can be formed using an ultraviolet curing resin. In this case, a silver screen printing procedure or a procedure using a roller can be used. Exemplary details of operations not forming part of the invention are provided with reference to Figures 14 to 17.

Figures 14 and 15 are a flow chart and exemplary process view, respectively, illustrating a process of forming a shock absorbing area by a silver screen printing process. In step 1410, an area of a surface of the glass cover 1510, in which a shock absorbing area will be formed, can be etched. The engraved area can be an area that corresponds to the areas of the bezel around the screen or is smaller than the areas of the bezel. The engraving depth can be restricted to a range that does not influence the strength of the glass.

In step 1420, a masking film 1520 may be attached to the glass cover 1510. The masking film 1520 may include masking areas 1520a in which a display area, a button, a speaker, and an application area 1520b are mounted.

In operation 1430, an ultraviolet curing resin 1530 can be applied to the glass cover 1510 via screen printing. UV curing resin 1530 can be applied to application area 1520b in addition to masking areas 1520a. The UV curing resin 1530 can be expanded through a printing press 1540. In step 1440, the applied ultraviolet curing resin 1530 can be cured with an ultraviolet beam.

The shock absorbing area can be formed on the surface of the glass cover 1510 corresponding to the application area 1520b.

In operation 1450, a masking film 1520 can be delaminated from the surface of the glass cover 1510.

Figure 16 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of forming a shock absorbing area using a roller in accordance with various embodiments. Figure 17 is a process view of exemplary steps in such a process.

With reference to Figures 16 and 17, in step 1610, an area of the glass cover 1710, in which a shock absorbing area will be formed, may be etched. The etched area can be an area that corresponds to the areas of the bezel around the screen 1310 or is smaller than the areas of the bezel. In step 1620, an ultraviolet curing resin 1730 can be applied to a surface of the glass cover 1710. Unlike the screen printing process of Figures 14 and 15, the UV curing resin 1730 can be applied directly to a surface of the glass cover 1710. In operation 1630, the masking film 1720 can cover the upper side of the UV curing resin 1730, and the UV curing resin 1730 can be flattened through a roller 1740. The masking film 1720 can include masking areas 1720a and an application area 1720b. In step 1640, the applied ultraviolet curing resin 1730 can be cured with an ultraviolet beam. The shock absorbing area can be formed on the surface of the glass cover 1710 corresponding to the area 1720b of application. In step 1650, the masking film 1720 can be delaminated and the operation can be completed.

Figure 18 illustrates a perspective view of an electronic device, 1801, including a shock absorbing structure in accordance with various examples not forming part of the invention. Also shown is a cross-sectional view taken along lines F-F '. Electronic device 1801 may include a display 1805, a glass cover 1810, shock absorbing frames 1820, and a housing frame 1830. At least a portion (eg, a corner area) of the glass cover 1810 may be protected by the shock absorbing structure 1820. When an impact is applied from the outside, the glass cover 1810 may not be directly impacted, but the impact (at a reduced level) can be transferred indirectly to the glass cover 1810 through the shock absorbing structures 1820.

Shock absorbing structures 1820 may be disposed between the glass cover 1810 and the housing frame 1830. The shock absorbing structures 1820 may be disposed adjacent to the corners of the electronic device 1801, to which the greatest impact due to a fall or the like can be applied. Although Figure 18 illustrates that shock absorbing structures 1820 surround the ends of the glass cover 1810, the present disclosure is not limited to this. Shock absorbing structures 1820 can be implemented in a variety of ways taking into account manufacturing features or design features.

According to various examples that are not part of the invention, when the glass cover 1810 has a flat area and a curved area, the shock absorbing structures 1820 may be arranged at a junction between the flat area and the curved area, or at points adjacent to the joint. When the electronic device 1801 receives an impact due to a fall or the like, the housing frame 1830 or the shock absorbing structure 1820 can directly receive the impact, and the glass cover 1810 can indirectly receive a reduced impact through the 1830 carcass frame or 1820 shock absorbing frame.

Fig. 19 is an exemplary process view illustrating an operation of forming a shock absorbing structure in accordance with various examples not forming part of the invention. In operation 1901, an area (hereinafter, an etching area 1910a) of the glass cover 1910 can be etched. The engraving depth can be restricted to a range that does not influence the strength of the glass. After this, the glass cover 1910 can be seated in a mold to mold an impact absorbent structure.

In step 1902, an adhesive 1920 may be applied to the etching area 1910a. The adhesive 1920 can reinforce the coupling of the shock absorbing structure 1930, which will be formed later, and the glass cover 1910. In various embodiments, the adhesive 1920 can be a urethane-based bond. In operation 1903, the shock absorbing structure 1930 can be injection molded by direct molding in a mold. The shock absorbing structure 1930 may be implemented in a shape that surrounds one end of the glass cover 1910. The shock absorbing structure 1930 can cushion an external impact by preventing one end of the glass 1910 from directly contacting the housing frame.

Figures 20A and 20B are perspective views of exemplary electronic devices, 2001 and 2002, each including a shock absorber in the form of a three-dimensional film in accordance with various examples not forming part of the invention.

Referring to Figures 20A and 20B, electronic devices 2001, 2002 may each include a case frame 2005, a screen 2010, and a glass cover 2020. The functions or shapes of the housing frame 2005 and screen 2010 may be the same or similar to the functions or shapes of the housing frame 5 or 105 and the screen 10 or 110 of Figures 1A and 1B. The glass cover 2020 can form at least a part of the surface exterior of the 2001 or 2002 electronic device. In various embodiments, the glass cover 2020 can include a curved area at least a portion thereof. For example, the glass cover 2020 can be flat in a display area of the screen that transmits the light output from the screen 2010, and can have a convex curved surface in a bevel area around the screen 2010.

According to various examples that are not part of the invention, the glass cover 2020 may have one or more shock absorbers 2030 attached thereto. Shock absorbers 2030 may be films in three-dimensional form that are bonded to a surface of the glass cover 2020. According to another embodiment, the shock absorbers 2030 may be a form of coating layer that is coated on a surface of the glass cover 2020.

For example, shock absorbers 2230 can be formed of a material such as SiO2, SiON, SiN, Al2O3, AlON, AlN, ZnO, or SnO2. As another example, shock absorber 2030 can be formed through a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating material (eg, ta-C, a-C: H, and ta-C: H).

In various examples that are not part of the invention, the structure of the shock absorbers 2030 may be a multilayer coating structure in which the above materials are combined, and the shock absorbers 2030 may have a single layer film with a thickness of 10 nm or more. The properties of the 2030 shock absorbers can be implemented by a surface hardness of a coating layer of 5 GPa or more (nanoindentation measurement). Shock absorbers 2030 may be curved to have a first curvature in a first direction (eg, G ^ G 'or! □ I' direction) and may be curved to have a second curvature different from the first curvature in a second direction ( for example, address H ^ H 'or J ^ J').

According to various examples that are not part of the invention, the glass cover 2020 may include a flat area that mainly corresponds to the viewing area and a curved area surrounding the flat area. According to various embodiments, when the flat area of the glass cover 2020 is arranged in the XY plane, the shock absorbers 2030 may be arranged in the curved area of the glass cover 2020 and may have an outer surface with a component of curvature in the Z direction. For example, shock absorbers 2030 may have a first curvature (or a first rate of change of curvature) that is convex in an outward direction in G ^ G 'or! □ I', and they can have a second curvature (or a second rate of change of curvature) that is outwardly convex in H ^ H 'or J ^ J'. The second curvature can be greater than the first curvature.

In various examples that are not part of the invention, the shock absorbers 2030 may be disposed at the respective corners (or points adjacent to the corners of the electronic device 2001) of the rectangular glass cover 2020. In various embodiments, the shock absorbers 2030 may be arranged in areas corresponding to a junction between the flat area and the curved area of the glass cover 2020. The junction between the flat area and the curved area of the glass cover 2020 can receive an external impact before its other regions, and the shock absorbers 2030 can protect the glass cover 2020 from external impact. In various embodiments, the shock absorbers 2030 may be arranged to cover an area of the glass cover 2020 in which a change in curvature is a specific value or more. For example, shock absorbers 2030 may be attached primarily to areas where the glass cover 2020 protrudes in a curved surface shape that is convex. In the example of Figure 20A, the shock absorbers 2030 may each have a C-shape at a respective corner, while in Figure 20B, the shock absorbers 2030 may each have a "finger" shape.

Figure 21 illustrates a film covering a peripheral area of a glass cover of an electronic device according to various examples that are not part of the invention. An electronic device 2101 may include a housing frame 2105, a screen 2110, and a glass cover 2120. The functions or shapes of the housing 2105 and the screen 2110 may be the same or similar to the functions or shapes of the housing 5 or 105 and the screen 10 or 110 of Figures 1A and 1B.

At least a portion of the glass cover 2120 may include a curved area. The central area of the glass cover 2120 that coincides with the center of the screen 2110 can be a flat area, while a peripheral area (eg, a side "expansion area", a bezel area, and a buttons on the screen 2110) surrounding the flat area can be a curved area. A first film 2130a and a second film 2130b having three-dimensional shapes can be attached to the curved area of the glass cover 2120. The first film 2130a and the second 2130b film may have holes to expose a speaker or button.

According to various examples that are not part of the invention, the first film 2130a and the second film 2130b may have a three-dimensional shape in which a first curvature in a first direction is different from a second curvature in a second direction. The first film 2130a and the second film 2130b can be stably attached to the curved area of the glass cover 2120 through the three-dimensional shapes. In various embodiments, the first film 2130a may be disposed at an upper end of the electronic device 2101, and the second film 2130b may be disposed at a lower end of the device 2101. The first film 2130a may cushion an external impact that may be generated in a first corner and a second corner at the upper end of the device 2101. The second film 2130b can cushion an external impact that can be generated at a third corner and a fourth corner at the lower end of the device 2101.

Figure 22A illustrates an electronic device, 2201, that includes a film that covers the entire area of a glass cover in accordance with various examples that are not part of the invention. In electronic device 2201, a film 2230 can be attached to the entire area of the glass cover 2220.

The glass cover 2220 may include a curved area (eg, a peripheral area of a front surface of the electronic device 2201) in at least a portion thereof. The area of the glass cover 2220 that is adjacent to the center of the screen 2210 can be a flat area, while a peripheral area (e.g., a side expansion area, a bezel area, a screen button area 2210) can surround the flat area.

According to various examples that are not part of the invention, the film 2230 may have a shape corresponding to the glass cover 2220. For example, the film 2230 may have a flat shape in the flat area of the glass cover 2220, and it may have a curved shape in the curved area of the glass cover 2220. Film 2230 may include a hole to expose a speaker or button.

According to various examples that are not part of the invention, the film 2230 may have a shape that includes a curved surface rather than a flat shape in at least a portion thereof. Film 2230 may be stably seated on glass cover 2220 that includes a curved area in at least a portion thereof. The film 2230 can mainly absorb an impact from an external object, and can cushion the impact applied to the glass cover 2220.

Figures 22B and 22C illustrate a film, 2230, covering the entire area of a glass cover of an electronic device in accordance with various examples not forming part of the invention. The 2230 film can be attached to the entire area of the glass cover. Film 2230 may include a hole to expose a speaker or button. The film 2230 may have a shape corresponding to a surface of the glass cover. Film 2230 may have a flat shape in a central portion thereof, and may have a curved shape in a peripheral area thereof. For example, the film 2230 may be curved in a first curvature in the KK 'direction (e.g., a direction facing the right side from the center thereof), and may be curved in a second curvature in the LL' direction (for example, a direction that looks from the center to a corner of it). The film 2230 can be curved in a third curvature in the M-M 'direction (eg, a direction looking from the center to a lower end thereof). The first to third curvature can have different values.

Referring to FIG. 22C, film 2230 may include a cover layer 2231, a film layer 2232, and a tie layer 2233. The coating layer 2231 may be a protective layer to prevent the surface scratched by an external object. The film layer 2232 can be a PET layer to fix the shape of the film 2230. The tie layer 2233 can be a layer to fix the film 2230 to the glass cover 2220. Figures 22B and 22C are exemplary and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

According to various examples that are not part of the invention, film 2230 may include only cover layer 2231 without tie layer 2233 and film layer 2232 (not illustrated). Cover layer 2231 can be formed of a material such as SiO2, SiON, SiN, Al2O3, AlON, AlN, ZnO, or SnO2. As another example, cover layer 2231 can be formed through a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating material (eg, ta-C, a-C: H, and ta-C: H).

In various examples that are not part of the invention, the structure of the cover layer 2231 can be a multi-layer cover structure in which the above materials are combined, and the cover layer 2231 can be a single layer film with a thickness of 10 nm or more. The properties of the coating layer 2231 can be implemented by a surface hardness of the coating layer 2231 of 5 GPa or more (nanoindentation measurement).

The coating layer 2231 can maintain a visual ray transmission rate of a specific value or more such that a visual ray (400 nm to 700 nm) from a screen that transmits the glass cover 2220 to the outlet can be transferred to the user. For example, cover layer 2231 can be implemented to maintain an average visual ray transmission rate of 85% or more when coated on glass cover 2220. According to various embodiments, the coating layer 2231 can maintain a color of a specific value or lower after being coated on the glass cover 2220, to implement a screen color. For example, the coating layer 2231 can maintain color values, including CIE, L *, a *, and b *, of -4 <a * <4 and -4 <b * <4 after coating the glass cover 2220 (L * indicates lightness, a * indicates a stronger red color as the value gets larger and a stronger green color as the value gets smaller, and b * indicates a stronger yellow color as the value gets smaller. value gets larger and a stronger blue color as the value gets smaller).

Figure 23A illustrates a film 2330 having a slit, for covering a glass cover of an electronic device in accordance with various examples that are not part of the invention. Film 2330 can be attached to a cover 2320 of glass. Film 2330 may include a curved area (eg, a peripheral area of a front surface of an electronic device 2301) in at least a portion thereof. For example, an area of the movie 2330 Adjacent to the center of the screen can be a flat area and a peripheral area (eg, a side expansion area, a bezel area, a screen button area) surrounding the flat area can be a curved area.

In various examples that are not part of the invention, the film 2330 may have a solid shape (or a 3D shape) corresponding to the glass cover 2320. For example, the film 2330 may have a flat shape in the flat area of the glass cover 2320, and it may have a curved shape in the curved area of the glass cover 2320. Film 2330 may include a hole or aperture to expose a speaker or button. The film 2330 can mainly absorb an impact from an external object, and can alleviate the impact applied to the glass cover 2320.

The film 2330 may include at least one slit 2340 in a corner portion (or a portion of the glass cover 2320 having the greatest curvature) of the electronic device 2301. The slit 2340 can prevent the generation of bubbles that can be generated in a mounting procedure of the film 2330 on the glass cover 2320. The arrangement direction of the slot 2340 may be a diagonal direction facing a corner of the electronic device 2301. For example, slit 2340 may be disposed from a point having the greatest curvature of glass cover 2320 in a direction facing a corner of electronic device 2301.

According to various examples that are not part of the invention, the slot 2340 may include a first distal end 2341 that faces in an external direction of the electronic device 2301 along the diagonal direction thereof and a second distal end 2342 that faces faces an internal address of electronic device 2301. The first distal end 2341 can be opened, and the second distal end 2342 can be closed (not opened) unlike the first distal end 2341. The width T1 of the slit 2340 between the first distal end 2341 and the second distal end 2342 may be constant (eg, 0.41 mm) during the manufacturing process of the film 2330, and may be widened or narrowed according to the curved shape of the glass cover 2320 after the film 2330 is attached to the electronic device 2301. For example, the width T1 can be made gradually smaller from the first distal end 2341 toward the second distal end 2342 after the film 2330 is attached to the electronic device 2301. For example, the width T1 can be gradually made larger from the first distal end 2341 toward the second distal end 2342 after the film 2330 is attached to the electronic device 2301.

According to various examples that are not part of the invention, the second distal end 2342 may have a gap that is greater than the width T1 of the slit 2340. According to various embodiments, the second distal end 2342 may have a circular shape. (or elliptical). When the second distal end 2342 has a circular (or elliptical) shape, a force (tension) applied to the second distal end 2342 in the process of attaching the film 2330 to the glass cover 2320 can be uniformly dispersed to avoid a phenomenon in whether the 2330 film tears or comes off.

According to various examples that are not part of the invention, the film 2330 may include an opening extending from the outside to the inside of the electronic device 2301, from which an area is removed, in a corner (or a portion of the glass cover 2320 having the greatest curvature) of the electronic device 2301. In various embodiments, the aperture may have a slit shape in a first range and a circular (or elliptical) shape in a second range, from the outside to the inside of the electronic device 2301.

Fig. 23B illustrates a method of making a film having a slit according to various examples not forming part of the invention. However, Figure 23 is exemplary and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 23B, the film 2330a may be flat before being formed. The outer shape of the film 2330a before it is formed can be determined by considering the disposition locations of a button, a camera lens, a sensor, and the like arranged in the electronic device 2301. In various embodiments, the 2330a film prior to being formed may include a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) lamination.

According to various examples that are not part of the invention, the film 2330a before being formed may include a slit 2340a. Slit 2340a may have a constant width T0, and may include a first distal end 2341a and a second distal end 2342a. The second distal end 2342a may have a circular space, the width of which is greater than the width T0. Film 2330 after formation can be formed to a 3D solid shape by applying heat or pressure to film 2330a prior to formation. The film 2330 after being formed may have a solid shape (or a 3D shape) corresponding to the glass cover 2320. The film 2330 after being formed may have a flat shape in a central portion thereof, and may have a curved shape in a peripheral area thereof. The film 2330 after forming may include a slit 2340. The width T1 of the slit 2340 can be equal to or greater than the width T0 of the slit 2340a prior to being formed. For example, the width T1 can be made gradually smaller from the first distal end 2341 towards the second distal end 2342.

Claims (6)

1. An electronic device (101a) comprising: a housing comprising a first surface facing a first direction and a second surface facing a second, opposite direction; a cover (20) of glass that forms at least a portion of the first surface; a screen (10) exposed through the glass cover (20); a housing frame (955) forming a portion of the housing, the housing frame (955) surrounding at least a portion of an area between the first surface and the second surface of the housing; and a bulge (30) configured to absorb shock external to the electronic device (101a), the bulge (30) projecting from the first surface and projecting through a hole (980) in the glass cover (20); wherein the protrusion (30) projects beyond the frame (955) of the housing in the first direction; and wherein the protrusion (30) is an extension of a portion of the housing frame (955) that coincides with the hole (980). The electronic device (101a) of claim 1, wherein the protrusion (30) is formed of the same material as that of the glass cover (20) or contains at least partially a second material. The electronic device (101a) of claim 2, wherein the hardness of the second material is equal to or less than the hardness of the material of the glass cover (20). The electronic device (101a) of claim 1, wherein the housing frame (955) comprises a bezel area around the display (10). The electronic device (101a) of claim 1, wherein the glass cover (20) comprises a first area corresponding to an active area in which an image is displayed on the screen (10) and a second area that surrounds the first area, and the protrusion (30) is disposed in at least a portion of the second area. The electronic device (101a) of claim 1, wherein the protrusion (30) is formed by filling a separate material attached to the housing frame (955) in the hole (980).