Electronic device including flexible display

An electronic device may include: a first housing capable of being slid; a second housing; a flexible display including a first region mounted on one surface of the first housing and a second region extending from the first region, wherein the second region is at least partially accommodated inside the first housing or the second housing or exposed to an outside of the first housing or the second housing based on a sliding movement of the first housing; a driving unit disposed in the second housing and configured to provide power for sliding the first housing; and a rail unit including a rail configured to receive the power from the driving unit and to move together with the first housing when the first housing slides.

BACKGROUND

Field

The disclosure relates to a sliding-type rollable electronic device including a flexible display.

Description of Related Art

As the demand for mobile communication increases and the degree of integration of electronic devices increases, portability of electronic devices such as mobile communication terminals may be improved, and convenience in using multimedia functions may be improved. For example, by replacing a traditional mechanical (button-type) keypad with a display in which a touch screen function is integrated, an electronic device can be miniaturized while maintaining the function of the input device thereof. For example, when a mechanical keypad is removed from an electronic device, the portability of the electronic device can be improved. In an embodiment, when a display is expanded by the region in which the mechanical keypad is removed, an electronic device including a touch screen function can provide a larger screen compared to an electronic device including the mechanical keypad, even when the electronic device including the touch screen function has the same size and weight as the electronic device including the mechanical keypad.

In using a web surfing or multimedia function, it may be more convenient for a user to use an electronic device that outputs a large screen. A larger display may be mounted on an electronic device in order to output a large screen. However, considering the portability of the electronic device, there may be restrictions in increasing the size of the display. A display using an organic light-emitting diode or the like may make it possible to ensure portability of an electronic device while providing a larger screen. For example, a display using an organic light-emitting diode (or an electronic device equipped with the display) may make it possible to implement a stable operation even if it is made very thin so that the display can be mounted on an electronic device in a foldable, bendable, or rollable form. The rollable electronic device described herein may include a rolling-type rollable electronic device in which the display can be wound several times or more around a guide member (e.g., a roller) and a rollable electronic device of a sliding-type rollable electronic device in which the display is slidable. As described above, by mounting a display on an electronic device in a foldable, slidable, or rollable form, it is possible to provide an electronic device that outputs a larger screen to the user.

In an existing sliding-type electronic device, the operation of expanding or contracting a display may be performed in a manual method in which the user directly presses the display with his/her hand and applies a force to the display. However, when the display is expanded or contracted through a manual method as described above, a load may be applied to the flexible display to cause damage, or a structure supporting the flexible display and/or an internal component of the electronic device may be damaged. Accordingly, an automatic method using a motor may be considered instead of a manual method in which the user applies a force to expand or contract the display.

A sliding-type rollable electronic device may include an multi-articular hinge structure configured to support at least a portion of a flexible display inside a housing, and a guide member (e.g., a roller) configured to support the display and the multi-articular hinge structure and to guide a sliding movement of the same. In this case, a motor module for providing a large driving force may be required in consideration of a repulsive force of the flexible display and a frictional force between structures supporting the flexible display. Here, the motor module may generally include one motor and one reduction gear.

When the motor module is mounted inside the housing, the size and arrangement of the motors may be limited due to the limitation of the internal space of the electronic device and the mounting of components mounted inside the electronic device. For example, it may be considered to connect and arrange two motor modules in parallel inside the electronic device. In this case, due to the parallel arrangement of the motor modules, a printed circuit board mounting space or a battery mounting space in the internal space of the electronic device may become insufficient. In addition, for example, it may be considered to connect and arrange the two motor modules in series inside the electronic device or to arrange the two motor modules independently to be separated from each other.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an electronic device in which, a driving unit for expansion or contraction of a display, spatial mountability for a printed circuit board and a battery is not restricted even if the driving unit includes at least two motor modules.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided, the electronic device including a flexible display, wherein the electronic device comprises: a first housing configured to slide; a second housing; a flexible display including a first region mounted on one surface of the first housing and a second region extending from the first region, wherein the second region is at least partially accommodated inside the first housing or the second housing or exposed to an outside of the first housing or the second housing according to a sliding movement of the first housing; a driving unit comprising circuitry disposed in the second housing and configured to provide power for sliding the first housing; a rail unit including a rail configured to receive the power from the driving unit and to move together with the first housing based on the first housing sliding, wherein the driving unit includes a pinion engaged with the rail of the rail unit and a plurality of motor modules including at least one motor disposed on a same rotation shaft as the pinion.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device including a flexible display is provided, wherein the electronic device includes: a first housing including a first front plate oriented in a first direction and a first rear plate oriented in a second direction opposite the first direction; a second housing including a second front plate oriented in the first direction and a second rear plate oriented in the second direction opposite the first direction, wherein the second housing is coupled to surround at least a portion of the first housing and configured to guide a sliding movement of the first housing; a flexible display including a first region mounted on one surface of the first housing and a second region extending from the first region, wherein the second region is at least partially accommodated inside the first housing or exposed to the outside of the first housing based on the sliding movement of the first housing; a guide disposed at one side edge of the housing, wherein the guide is configured to guide the flexible display to move in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction while maintaining a predetermined curvature; a driving unit including circuitry fixedly coupled to one side edge of the second housing and disposed at least partially parallel to the guide, wherein the driving unit is configured to provide power for sliding the first housing; and a rail unit including a rail configured to receive the power from the driving unit and to move together with the first housing when the first housing slides, wherein the driving unit includes a pinion engaged with the rail of the rail unit and a plurality of motor modules including at least one motor disposed on a same rotation shaft as the pinion.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, since the display can be expanded or contracted using a motor and a gear structure, it is possible to improve user convenience.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, when a motor module including a motor and a reduction gear is dually applied, it is possible to improve spatial mountability of a component inside a housing without increasing the size of the electronic device.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, it is possible to provide an electronic device conforming to a trend of reducing an electronic device in size and thickness.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, various example embodiments of the disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG.2is a diagram illustrating an electronic device200in the state in which a portion of a flexible display250(e.g., an alpha region α (seeFIG.4)) is accommodated in a second structure220according to various embodiments.FIG.3is a diagram illustrating the electronic device in the state in which most of the flexible display250is exposed to the outside of the second structure220according to various embodiments.

The electronic device200ofFIGS.2and3is an example of the electronic device101illustrated inFIG.1, and may be a rollable electronic device. The rollable electronic device may include a rolling-type electronic device in which a display is rolled along a guide member such as a roller, and a sliding-type electronic device in which the display is slidable. In the embodiments to be described below, a sliding-type electronic device will be mainly described. It should be noted that the following description is also applicable to other types of rollable electronic devices (e.g., a rolling-type electronic device) without a separate description.

The state illustrated inFIG.2may be referred to, for example, as the state in which as the first structure210is closed relative to the second structure220(the terms first and second structure may be used interchangeably with the terms first and second support, first and second housing, first and second slidable housing, etc.), and the state illustrated inFIG.3may be referred to, for example, as the state in which the first structure210is open relative to the second structure220. According to an embodiment, the “closed state” or the “open state” may refer, for example, to the state in which the electronic device is closed or the state in which the electronic device is open. According to an embodiment, the closed state of the electronic device200may refer, for example, to a state in which the width of the slidable housing201of the electronic device200is the minimum, and the open state of the electronic device200may be referred to as a state in which the width of the slidable housing201of the electronic device200is maximum. According to an embodiment, the closed state of the electronic device200may be referred to as a state in which the area of the portion of the display250exposed to the outside is minimized, and the open state of the electronic device200may be referred to as a state in which the region of the display250exposed to the outside is maximized.

Referring toFIGS.2and3together, the electronic device200may include a first structure210and a second structure220disposed to be movable on the first structure210. In various embodiments, the electronic device200may be interpreted as a structure in which the first structure210is disposed to be slidable on the second structure220. According to an embodiment, the first structure210may be disposed to be reciprocable by a predetermined distance in the illustrated direction (e.g., the direction indicated by arrow {circle around (1)}) relative to the second structure220.

According to various embodiments, the first structure210may be referred to as, for example, a first housing structure, a slide unit, a slidable housing, a support or a slide housing, and may be disposed to be reciprocable on the second structure220. In an embodiment, the second structure220may be referred to as, for example, a second housing structure, a main unit, a second housing, a second support or a main housing, and may accommodate various electrical and electronic components such as a printed circuit board (e.g., a main circuit board) and a battery. A portion of the display250(e.g., the first region A1) may be seated on the first structure210. According to an embodiment, when the first structure210moves (e.g., slides) relative to the second structure220, another portion of the display250(e.g., the second region A2) may be accommodated inside the second structure220(e.g., a slide-in operation) or exposed to the outside of the second structure220(e.g., a slide-out operation). Here, a portion of the display250(e.g., the first region A1) may be a basic use region when the display250is in the slid-in state, and another portion of the display250(e.g., the second region A2) may be an expanded region in the slid-out state.

InFIGS.2and3, an embodiment in which the basic use region of the display250(e.g., the first region A1) in the slid-in state is seated on the first structure210is illustrated. In addition, according to the embodiment illustrated inFIG.3, the basic use region (e.g., the first region A1) in the slid-out state of the display250is disposed on the right side in the direction in which the display250is expanded and the expanded region (e.g., the second region A2) is disposed on the left side of the display250. However, the disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. In comparison to that illustrated inFIG.3, the basic use region (e.g., the first region A1) in the slid-out state of the display250may be disposed on the left side, which is opposite to the direction in which the display250is expanded, and the extended area (e.g., the second region A2) may be disposed on the right side of the display250.

According to various embodiments, the first structure210may include a first plate211(e.g., a slide plate), and a first surface F1(refer toFIG.4) including at least a portion of the first plate211and a second surface F2facing away from the first surface F1may be included. According to an embodiment, the second structure220may include a second plate221a(e.g., a rear case), a first side wall223aextending from the second plate221a, a second side wall223bextending from the first side wall223aand the second plate221a, a third side wall223cextending from the first side wall223aand the second plate221aand parallel to the second side wall223b, and/or a rear plate221b(e.g., a rear window). In various embodiments, the second side wall223band the third side wall223cmay be perpendicular to the first side wall223a. According to an embodiment, the second plate221a, the first side wall223a, the second side wall223b, and the third side wall223cmay be open on one side (e.g., the front surface) to accommodate (or surround) at least a portion of the first structure210. For example, the first structure210is coupled to the second structure220in a state of being at least partially surrounded and is slidable in a direction parallel to the first surface F1(e.g., the front surface) or the second surface F2(e.g., the rear surface), for example, in the direction indicated by arrow {circle around (1)}), while being guided by the second structure220.

According to various embodiments, the second side wall223bor the third side wall223cmay be omitted. According to an embodiment, the second plate221a, the first side wall223a, the second side wall223b, and/or the third side wall223cmay be configured as separate structures and coupled or assembled to each other. The rear plate221bmay be coupled to surround at least a portion of the second plate221a. In an embodiment, the rear plate221bmay be substantially integrated with the second plate221a. According to an embodiment, the second plate221aor the rear plate221bmay cover at least a portion of the flexible display250. For example, the flexible display250may be at least partially accommodated inside the second structure220, and the second plate221aor the rear plate221bmay cover a portion of the flexible display250accommodated inside the second structure220.

According to various embodiments, the first structure210is movable to the open state or the closed state relative to the second structure220in a first direction (e.g., direction {circle around (1)}) so that the first structure210is located at a first distance from the first side wall223ain the closed state and at a second distance, which is greater than the first distance, from the first side wall223ain the open state. In various embodiments, in the closed state, the first structure210may be positioned to surround a portion of the first side wall223a.

According to various embodiments, the first sidewall223amay move integrally with the first structure210. The second structure220may include a fourth sidewall (not illustrated) located opposite to the first sidewall223a, and may be applied in a form in which, in the state in which the fourth side wall (not illustrated) is fixed, the first side wall223amoves away from the fourth sidewall (not illustrated) along with the movement of the first structure210. In addition, the expansion of the slidable housing according to the sliding movement of the first structure210may vary depending on embodiments.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device200may include a display250, a key input device, a connector hole, an audio module, or a camera module. Although not illustrated, the electronic device200may further include an indicator (e.g., an LED device) or various sensor modules. Here, the display250may be coupled to or disposed adjacent to a touch detection circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring a touch intensity (pressure), and/or a digitizer configured to detect a magnetic-field-type stylus pen.

According to various embodiments, the display250may include a first region A1and a second region A2. In an embodiment, the first region A1may extend substantially across at least a portion of the first plate211to be disposed on the first surface F1. The second region A2extends from the first region A1and may be inserted or accommodated into the second structure220(e.g., the main housing) according to the sliding movement of the first structure210, or may be exposed to the outside of the second structure220. As will be described later, the second region A2is moved while substantially being guided by a guide member235(e.g., a roller) mounted on the second structure220to be accommodated in the inside of the second structure220or exposed to the outside of the second structure220. For example, while the first structure210slides, a portion of the second region A2may be deformed into a curved shape at a position corresponding to the guide member. According to various embodiments, when viewed from above the first plate211(e.g., the slide plate), if the first structure210moves from the closed state to the open state, the second region A2may define a substantially flat surface with the first region A1while being gradually exposed to the outside of the second structure220. In various embodiments, the second region A2may be at least partially accommodated inside the second structure220, and a portion of the second region A2may also be exposed to the outside even in the state illustrated inFIG.2(e.g., the closed state). In various embodiments, irrespective of the closed state or the open state, a portion of the exposed second region A2may be located on the guide member (not illustrated), and at a position corresponding to the guide member (not illustrated), a portion of the second region A2may maintain a curved shape. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS.2and3, an embodiment in which the guide member is disposed opposite to the direction in which the display of the electronic device200is expanded is illustrated, but the disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. An embodiment in which the guide member is disposed in the direction in which the display of the electronic device200is expanded may also be applied.

FIG.4is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electronic device200according to various embodiments.

InFIG.4and subsequent drawings, a spatial coordinate system defined by the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis orthogonal to each other is illustrated. Here, the X axis may represent a width direction of the electronic device, the Y axis may represent a longitudinal direction of the electronic device, and the Z axis may represent a height (or thickness) direction of the electronic device. In the following description, the “first direction” may refer, for example, to a direction parallel to the Z axis.

Referring toFIG.4, the electronic device200may include a first structure (e.g., first housing)210, a second structure220(e.g., a main housing), a display250(e.g., a flexible display), a guide member (e.g., a roller235), a support sheet236, and/or an multi-articular hinge structure214. A portion of the display250(e.g., the alphas region α, which will be described with reference toFIG.5below) may be accommodated inside the second structure220while being guided by the roller235.

According to various embodiments, the first structure210may include a first plate211(e.g., a slide plate or a first front plate), and a first bracket212and/or a second bracket213, which are mounted on the first plate211. The first structure210, for example, the first plate211, the first bracket212, and/or the second bracket213, may be made of a metal material and/or a non-metal material (e.g., a polymer). The first plate211may be mounted on the second structure220(e.g., the main housing) to be linearly reciprocable in one direction (e.g., the direction indicated by arrow {circle around (1)} inFIG.2orFIG.3) while being guided by the second structure220. In an embodiment, the first bracket212may be coupled to the first plate211to define the first surface F1of the first structure210together with the first plate211. The first region A1of the display250may be substantially mounted on the first surface F1to maintain a flat plate shape. The second bracket213may be coupled to the first plate211to define the second surface F2of the first structure210together with the first plate211. According to an embodiment, the first bracket212and/or the second bracket213may be integrated with the first plate211. This may be appropriately designed in consideration of the assembly structure or manufacturing process of a manufactured product. The first structure210or the first plate211may be coupled to the second structure220to be slidable relative to the second structure220.

According to various embodiments, the multi-articular hinge structure214may include a plurality of bars (multiple bars) or rods and may be connected to one end of the first structure210. For example, as the first structure210slides, the multi-articular hinge structure214may move relative to the second structure220, and in the closed state (e.g., the state illustrated inFIG.2), the first structure210may be substantially accommodated inside the second structure220. In various embodiments, even in the closed state, a portion of the multi-articular hinge structure214may not be accommodated inside the second structure220. For example, even in the closed state, a portion of the multi-articular hinge structure214may be positioned to correspond to the roller235outside the second structure220. The plurality of rods may linearly extend to be disposed parallel to the rotation axis R of the roller235, and may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis R, for example, the direction in which the first structure210slides.

Accordingly, as the first structure210slides, the plurality of rods may be arranged to define a curved surface or a flat surface shape. For example, as the first structure210slides, the multi-articular hinge structure214may define a curved surface in a portion facing the roller235, and the multi-articular hinge structure214may define a flat surface in a portion not facing the roller235. In an embodiment, a portion of the display250(e.g., the alpha region α to be described later with reference toFIG.5) may be mounted or supported on the multi-articular hinge structure214, and in the open state (e.g., the state illustrated inFIG.3), the portion of the display250may be exposed to the outside of the second structure220together with the first region A1. In the state in which the second region A2(e.g., the second region A2inFIG.3) is exposed to the outside of the second structure220, the multi-articular hinge structure214may support or maintain the second region A2(e.g., the second region A2inFIG.3) in the flat state by defining a substantially flat surface.

According to various embodiments, the second structure220(e.g., the main housing) may include a second plate221a(e.g., the rear case or the second rear plate), a printed circuit board (not illustrated), a rear plate221b, a third plate (221c) (e.g., the front case or the second front plate), and/or a support member221d. The second plate221a(e.g., the rear case) may be disposed to face away from the first surface F1of the first plate211and may substantially provide the external shape of the second structure220or the electronic device200. In an embodiment, the second structure220may include a first side wall223aextending from the second plate221a, a second side wall223bextending from the second plate221ato be substantially perpendicular to the first side wall223a, and a third side wall223cextending from the second plate221ato be substantially perpendicular to the first side wall223aand parallel to the second side wall223b. In the illustrated embodiment, a structure in which the second side wall223band the third side wall223care manufactured as components separate from the second plate221aand mounted on or assembled to the second plate221ais exemplified. However, the second side wall223band the third side wall223cmay be manufactured integrally with the second plate221a. The second structure220may accommodate an antenna for proximity wireless communication, an antenna for wireless charging, or an antenna for magnetic secure transmission (MST) in a space that does not overlap the multi-articular hinge structure214.

According to various embodiments, the rear plate221bmay be coupled to the outer surface of the second plate221a, and the rear plate221bmay be manufactured integrally with the second plate221adepending on an embodiment. In an embodiment, the second plate221amay be made of a metal or polymer material, and the rear plate221bmay be made of a material such as metal, glass, a synthetic resin, or ceramic to provide a decoration effect in the exterior of the electronic device200. According to an embodiment, the second plate221aand/or the rear plate221bmay be made of a material that transmits light through at least a portion (e.g., an auxiliary display region). For example, in the state in which a portion of the display250(e.g., the second region A2) is accommodated in the second structure220, the electronic device200may output visual information using a partial region of the display250accommodated inside the second structure220. The auxiliary display region may provide the visual information output from the region accommodated inside the second structure220to the outside of the second structure220.

According to various embodiments, the third plate221cmay be made of a metal or polymer material and may be coupled to the second plate221a(e.g., the rear case), the first side wall223a, the second side wall223b, and/or the third side wall223cto define an internal space of the second structure220. According to an embodiment, the third plate221cmay be referred to as a “front case”, and the first structure210(e.g., the first plate211) may slide in the state of substantially facing the third plate221c. In various embodiments, the first side wall223amay be configured by a combination with a first side wall portion223a-1extending from the second plate221aand a second side wall portion223a-2disposed at a side edge of the third plate221c. In an embodiment, the first side wall portion223a-1may be coupled to surround one side edge of the third plate221c(e.g., the second side wall portion223a-2), and in this case, the first side wall portion223a-1itself may be the first side wall223a.

According to various embodiments, the support member221dmay be disposed in a space between the second plate221aand the third plate221cand may have a flat plate shape made of a metal or polymer material. The support member221dmay provide an electromagnetic shielding structure in the internal space of the second structure220or may improve mechanical rigidity of the second structure220. In an embodiment, when received inside the second structure220, the multi-articular hinge structure214and/or a partial region (e.g., the second region A2) of the display250may be located in a space between the second plate221aand the support member221d.

According to various embodiments, although not illustrated in the drawings, the first structure210may further include a fourth plate (e.g., the fourth plate316ofFIG.5) (or the first rear plate) facing away from the first plate211(or the first front plate). The fourth plate will be described in detail with reference toFIG.5and subsequent drawings.

According to various embodiments, a printed circuit board (not illustrated) may be disposed in a space between the third plate221cand the support member221d. For example, the printed circuit board may be accommodated in a space separated, by the support member221d, from a space in which the multi-articular hinge structure214and/or a partial region of the display250is accommodated inside the second structure220. A processor (e.g., the processor120inFIG.1), a memory (e.g., the memory130inFIG.1), and/or an interface (e.g., the interface177inFIG.1) may be mounted on the printed circuit board. The processor may include one or more of, for example, a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphics processor, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor.

The memory may include, for example, a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory.

According to various embodiments, the display250is a flexible display based on an organic light-emitting diode and is at least partially deformable into a curved shape while being generally maintained in a flat shape. In an embodiment, the first region A1of the display250may be mounted or attached to the first surface F1of the first structure210to maintain a substantially flat plate shape. The second region A2extends from the first region A1and may be supported on or attached to the multi-articular hinge structure214. For example, the second region A2may extend along the sliding movement direction of the first structure210, may be accommodated inside the second structure220together with the multi-articular hinge structure214, and may be deformed in an at least partially curved shape according to the deformation of the multi-articular hinge structure214.

According to various embodiments, as the first structure210slides on the second structure220, the area of the display250exposed to the outside may vary. The electronic device200(e.g., a processor) may change the region of the display250that is activated based on the area of the display250exposed to the outside. For example, in the open state or at a position intermediate between the closed state and the open state, the electronic device200may activate the region exposed to the outside of the second structure220in the total area of the display250. In the closed state, the electronic device200may activate the first region A1of the display250and deactivate the second region A2of the display250. In the closed state, when there is no user input for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 30 seconds or 2 minutes), the electronic device200may deactivate the entire area of the display250. In various embodiments, in the state in which the entire area of the display250is deactivated, the electronic device200may provide visual information through an auxiliary display region (e.g., a portion of the second plate221aand/or the rear plate221bmade of a material that transmits light) by activating a partial region of the display250as needed (e.g., providing a notification or a missed call/message arrival notification according to a user setting).

According to various embodiments, in the open state (e.g., the state illustrated inFIG.2), substantially the entire region (e.g., the first region A1and the second region A2) of the display250may be exposed to the outside, and the first region A1and the second region A2may be disposed to define a plane. In an embodiment, even in the open state, a portion (e.g., one end) of the second region A2may be located to correspond to the roller235, and the portion corresponding to the roller235in the second region A2may be maintained in a curved shape. For example, in various embodiments disclosed herein, even if it is stated that “in the open state, the second region A2is disposed to define a plane”, a portion of the second region A2may be maintained in a curved shape. Similarly, although it is stated that “in the closed state, the multi-articular hinge structure214and/or the second region A2are accommodated in the second structure220”, a portion of the multi-articular hinge structure214and/or the second region A2may be located outside the second structure220.

According to various embodiments, a guide member (e.g., the roller235) may be rotatably mounted on the second structure220at a position adjacent to one side edge of the second structure220(e.g., the second plate221a). For example, the roller235may be disposed adjacent to the edge of the second plate221aparallel to the first side wall223a(e.g., the portion indicated by reference numeral “IE”). Although reference numerals are not given in the drawings, another side wall may extend from an edge of the second plate221aadjacent to the roller235, and the side wall adjacent to the roller235may be substantially parallel to the first side wall223a. As mentioned above, the side wall of the second structure220adjacent to the roller235may be made of a material that transmits light, and a portion of the second region A2may provide visual information through a portion of the second structure220in the state of being accommodated in the second structure220.

According to various embodiments, one end of the roller235may be rotatably coupled to the second side wall223b, and the other end may be rotatably coupled to the third side wall223c. For example, the roller235may be mounted on the second structure220to rotate about the rotation axis R (or the rotation axis R parallel to the longitudinal direction of the electronic device200) perpendicular to the sliding direction of the first structure210(e.g., the direction indicated by arrow {circle around (1)} inFIG.2orFIG.3). The rotation axis R may be disposed substantially parallel to the first side wall223a, and may be located, for example, at one edge of the second plate221afar from the first side wall223a. In an embodiment, the gap provided between the outer circumferential surface of the roller235and the inner surface of the edge of the second plate221amay define an inlet through which the multi-articular hinge structure214or the display250enters the inside of the second structure220.

According to various embodiments, when the display250is deformed into a curved shape, the roller235is able to suppress excessive deformation of the display250by maintaining the radius of curvature of the display250to a certain degree. “Excessive deformation” may refer, for example, to the display250being deformed to have an excessively small radius of curvature to the extent that pixels or signal wires included in the display250are damaged. For example, the display250may be moved or deformed while being guided by the roller235and may be protected from damage due to excessive deformation. In various embodiments, the roller235may rotate while the multi-articular hinge structure214or the display250is inserted into or extracted from the second structure220. For example, by suppressing friction between the multi-articular hinge structure214(or the display250) and the second structure220, the multi-articular hinge structure214(or the display250) is able to smoothly perform the insertion/extraction operation of the second structure220.

According to various embodiments, the support sheet236may be made of a flexible and somewhat elastic material, for example, a material including an elastic body such as silicone or rubber. The support sheet236may be mounted on or attached to the roller235and may be selectively wound around the roller235as the roller235rotates. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of (e.g., four) support sheets236may be arranged along the direction of the rotation axis R of the roller235. For example, the plurality of support sheets236may be mounted on the roller235such that adjacent support sheets236are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval, and may extend in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis R. In an embodiment, one support sheet may be mounted on or attached to roller235. For example, one support sheet may have a size and shape corresponding to the region in which the support sheets236are disposed and the regions between the support sheets236inFIG.4. In this way, the number, size, or shape of the support sheets236may be appropriately changed depending on an actually manufactured product. In various embodiments, the support sheet236may be rolled on the outer circumferential surface of the roller235as the roller235rotates or may be spread out from the roller235in a flat plate shape from the gap between the display250and the third plate221c. In an embodiment, the support sheet236may be referred to as a “support belt”, an “auxiliary belt”, a “support film”, or an “auxiliary film”.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device200may include at least one elastic member231or232made of a low-density elastic body, such as a sponge, or a brush. For example, the electronic device200may include a first elastic member231mounted on one end of the display250, and may further include a second elastic member232mounted on the inner surface of an edge of the second plate221adepending on an embodiment. The first elastic member231may be substantially disposed in the internal space of the second structure220, and in the open state (e.g., the state illustrated inFIG.3), the first elastic member231may be located to correspond to the edge of the second plate221a. In an embodiment, the first elastic member231may move in the internal space of the second structure220according to the sliding movement of the first structure210. When the first structure210moves from the closed state to the open state, the first elastic member231may move toward the edge of the second plate221a. When the first structure210reaches the open state, the first elastic member231may come into contact with the inner surface of the edge of the second plate221a. For example, in the open state, the first elastic member231may seal the gap between the inner surface of the edge of the second plate221aand the surface of the display250. In an embodiment, when moving from the closed state to the open state, the first elastic member231may move while being in contact with the second plate221a(e.g., slide contact). For example, when foreign matter is introduced into the gap between the second region A2and the second plate221ain the closed state, the first elastic member231may discharge the foreign matter to the outside of the second structure220while moving to the open state.

According to various embodiments, the second elastic member232may be attached to the inner surface at the edge of the second plate221aand may be disposed to substantially face the inner surface of the display250. In the closed state, the gap (e.g., the arrangement gap) between the surface of the display250and the inner surface of the edge of the second plate221amay be substantially determined by the second elastic member232. According to an embodiment, in the closed state, the second elastic member232may substantially seal the arrangement gap by coming into contact with the surface of the display250. According to an embodiment, the second elastic member232may be made of a low-density elastic body, such as a sponge, or a brush, so that the surface of the display250may not be damaged even if it comes into direct contact with the display250. In an embodiment, the arrangement gap may increase as the first structure210gradually moves to the open state. For example, the second region A2of the display250may be gradually exposed to the outside of the second structure220without substantially coming into contact with or rubbing against the second elastic member232. When the first structure210reaches the open state, the first elastic member231may come into contact with the second elastic member232. For example, in the open state, the first elastic member231and the second elastic member232may block the inflow of foreign matter by sealing the arrangement gap.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device200may further include a guide rail(s)237and/or an actuating member(s)238. The guide rail(s)237may be mounted on the second structure220(e.g., the third plate221c) to guide the sliding movement of the first structure210(e.g., the first plate211or slide plate). The actuating member(s)238may include a spring or a spring module that provides an elastic force in a direction to move opposite ends thereof away from each other. One end(s) of the actuating member(s)238may be rotatably supported by the second structure220, and the other end(s) may be rotatably supported by the first structure210. When the first structure210slides, the opposite ends of the actuating member(s)238may be located closest to each other at any one point between the closed state and the open state (hereinafter, referred to as a “closest point”). For example, in the section between the closest point and the closed state, the actuating member(s)238may provide an elastic force to the first structure210in a direction to move toward the closed state and in the section between the closest point and the open state, the actuating member(s)238may provide an elastic force to the first structure210in a direction to move toward the open state.

In the following detailed description, the components, which can be easily understood through the preceding embodiments, may be denoted by the same reference numerals as the preceding embodiments or the reference numerals may be omitted, and the detailed description thereof may also be omitted. An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device200ofFIGS.2,3and4) according to various embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented by selectively combining configurations of different embodiments, and the configuration of an embodiment may be replaced by that of an embodiment. For example, it is noted that the disclosure is not limited to specific drawings or embodiments.

FIGS.5A,5B and5Care diagrams illustrating example behaviors of a display350in a slide-in operation and a slide-out operation of a first structure310according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device300(e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1or the electronic device200ofFIGS.2to4) may include a housing301that includes a first surface, a second surface facing away from the first surface, a first side surface310asurrounding at least a portion of the space between the first surface and the second surface, and a second side surface320afacing away from the first side surface. At least a portion of the housing301may slide so that the distance between the first side surface310aand the second side surface320ais variable. Here, the first surface and the second surface may be defined by the first structure310. For example, the first surface may be defined by the first plate311(or the first front plate) of the first structure310, and the second surface may be defined by the fourth plate316(or the first rear plate) of the first structure310. According to an embodiment, the first surface and/or the second surface may be defined here by the first structure310, or may be additionally or alternatively defined by the second structure320. According to an embodiment, the first side surface310amay be defined by one side surface of the first structure310, and the second side surface320amay be defined by one side surface of the second structure320.

Hereinafter, a plurality of portions (or a plurality of regions) of the display350according to various embodiments of the disclosure will be described with reference toFIG.5.

According to an embodiment, the display350(e.g., the display250inFIGS.2to4) may include a first portion351and a second portion352. Here, the first portion351and the second portion352are separated for convenience of description and are not functionally or physically separated from each other. According to an embodiment, the display350may include a first region A1and a second region A2. Here, it should be noted that the first region A1and the second region A2are also separated for convenience of description and are not necessarily functionally or physically separated from each other. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, portions referred to by the terms of “first portion” and “second portion” or “first region” and “second region” for the display are substantially the same as or similar to each other in configuration.

The display350may include a first portion351that is a region visible from the outside through at least one surface of the housing301. In addition, the display350may include a second portion352that is at least partially surrounded by the housing301to be invisible from the outside. When the first portion351is expanded based on the slide-out operation of the first structure310, the second part352may be contracted. When the first portion351is contracted based on the slide-in operation of the first structure310, the second portion352is expanded.

The display350may include a first region A1, which is the basic use region in the state in which the first structure310is accommodated in the second structure320, and a second region A2, which is a region expanded based on the sliding movement of the first structure310.

The first region A1may be a region that is visually recognized from the outside in the state in which the first structure310is accommodated in the second structure320and the display is not expanded. The second region A2may be a region that is not visually recognized by being at least partially surrounded by the housing in the state in which the first structure310is accommodated in the second structure320, but is visually recognized from the outside through at least one surface of the housing when the first structure310is extracted from the second structure320by the slide-out operation. In the slide-out operation of the first structure310, the first region A1and the second region A2may configure a first portion351that is a region visible from the outside through at least one surface of the housing.

According to various embodiments, in the case in which the maximum expansible length of the display350is “Δl2”, the display350moves by “Δl1” that is smaller than the maximum expansible length “Δl2”, it is possible to reduce the current consumption of the electronic device300by turning on the display350(ON) only as much as the externally recognized region in the second region A2and turning off the remaining portion invisible from the outside off (OFF) or adjusting touch input sensitivity in the remaining portion.

According to various embodiments, the display350may include a third region A3. The third region A3may be a portion that is not visually recognized from the outside when the first structure310is accommodated in the second structure320or even when the first structure310is extracted from the second structure320by a slide-out operation. For example, inFIGS.5B and5C, the dotted lines may indicate a boundary between the first region A1and the second region A2. InFIGS.5B and5C, the alternated long and short dash lines may indicate the boundary of the third region A3. As illustrated inFIGS.5B and5C, when the display350of the electronic device300is viewed from above, the first region A1and the second region A2may be exposed to the outside. However, the third region A3is in the state of being located on the rear surface of the second region A2and may not be visually recognized from the outside. In the display350, the third region A3may be a portion provided to have a predetermined curvature together with the second region A2. According to an embodiment, the second region A2and the third region A3may surround at least a portion of a guide member (e.g., the guide member235inFIG.4). The second region A2and the third region A3may have a curved shape at a position corresponding to the guide member. At least one portion of the second region A2and the third region A3may be supported by an multi-articular hinge structure (e.g., the multi-articular hinge structure214inFIG.4).

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the second region A2and the third region A3may be referred to as an “alpha region α”. According to an embodiment, the alpha region α may move in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction around the guide member in the state of being supported by the multi-articular hinge structure (e.g., the multi-articular hinge structure214inFIG.4).

FIG.6is a diagram illustrating an electronic device300in the state in which the first structure310is slid in according to various embodiments.FIG.7is a view illustrating the electronic device300in the state in which the first structure310is slid out according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIGS.6and7, the electronic device300may further include a first structure310, a second structure320(e.g., a main housing), a display (e.g., the display350inFIG.5), and a driving unit400. In addition, the electronic device300may further include a printed circuit board360, a bracket370, at least one electronic component380, and a link member390. For example, the electronic component380may include, for example, a battery381. In addition, the electronic device300may or may not further include other components (e.g., a plate) of the electronic device200described above with reference toFIGS.2,3and4. Regarding the electronic device300, redundant descriptions of the same components as those of the above-described electronic device200may not be repeated.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device300may include a first structure310and a second structure320coupled to surround at least a portion of the first structure310and guiding the sliding movement of the first structure310. The first structure310and the second structure320may define the housing301of the electronic device300, and one side surface of the first structure310and one side surface of the second structure320may define a first side surface310aand a second side surface320aof the housing301, respectively. According to an embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.7, the edges of the first structure310may include a first side surface310adefining a portion of the exterior of the electronic device and a third side surface310blocated opposite to the first side surface310aand surrounded in the internal space of the second structure320. According to an embodiment, the edges of the second structure320may include a second side surface320adefining a portion of the exterior of the electronic device and a fourth side surface320blocated opposite to the second side surface320aand defining the exterior of the housing together with the first side surface310ain the state in which the first structure310is accommodated in the second structure320.

When the display (e.g., the display350inFIG.5) is expanded, the first side surface310aand the second side surface320aof the housing301move away from each other, and when the display (e.g., the display350inFIG.5) is contracted, the first side surface310aand the second side surface320aof the housing301may come closer to each other.FIG.6illustrates the slid-in state of the first structure310, in which case the distance between the first side surface310aand the second side surface320aof the housing301may be the minimum.FIG.7illustrates the slid-out state of the first structure310, in which case the distance between the first side surface310aand the second side surface320aof the housing301may be the maximum.

When the display (e.g., the display350isFIG.5) is expanded or contracted, the distance between the first side surface310aand the second side surface320aof the housing301may be increased or decreased in the state of being supported by the link member390included inside the housing301. For example, the link member390may include foldable components, and as a result, when the link member390is folded, the display of the electronic device300(e.g., the display350inFIG.5) can be contracted, and when the link member390is unfolded, the display of the rollable electronic device300can be expanded. According to various embodiments, the link member390may be disposed between one side of a printed circuit board360and/or a bracket370disposed inside the second structure320and the first side surface310a. For example, one end of the link member390may be connected to the bracket370disposed inside the second structure320, and the other end may be connected to the inner surface of the first structure. The link member390may include a first arm391rotatably coupled to one side of the printed circuit board360and/or the bracket370and a second arm392rotatably coupled to the first arm391and also rotatably connected to the inner surface of the first structure. For example, in the state in which the link member390is folded, the first arm391and the second arm392may be oriented parallel to each other, and when the link structure390is unfolded, the first arm391and the second arm392may be inclined relative to each other to form a predetermined angle therebetween. A plurality of such link members390may be provided inside the housing301, and when the distance between the first side surface310aand the second side surface320aof the housing301is variable, the link member390may serve to secure the endurance of the electronic device during the sliding movement by supporting at least a portion of the first structure310.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device300may include a driving unit400configured to provide power for the sliding movement of the first structure310. In addition, the electronic device300may include a rail unit450configured to receive power from the driving unit400and move along with the first structure310when the first structure310slides. Here, the rail unit450may have a shape that is perpendicular to the direction of the driving axis of the driving unit400and extends to be long in the width direction of the electronic device300. The rail unit450may include a rack gear configured to mesh with a power transmission element (e.g., the pinion410) of the driving unit400. Accordingly, the driving unit400and the rail unit450may define a kind of rack and pinion structure. By the engagement between the driving unit400and the rail unit450, the rotation motion of the driving unit400may be changed to a linear sliding motion of the first structure310.

The driving unit400may include a pinion410configured to be engaged with the rail and a plurality of motor modules disposed on the same rotating shaft as the pinion410. According to an embodiment, the plurality of motor modules may include a first motor module430and a second motor module440. In addition, each of the first motor module430and the second motor module440may include a motor unit431or441and a reduction gear unit432or442.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of motor modules may be disposed on one side and the other side of the pinion410, respectively. With reference to the pinion410, the first motor module430may be disposed on one side, and the second motor module440may be disposed on the other side. The motor units431and441and the reduction gear parts432and442, which are respective components included in the first motor module430and the second motor module440, may be disposed in series on one side and the other side of the pinion410, respectively. For example, with reference to the pinion410, the first reduction gear unit432and the first motor unit431may be sequentially disposed along the longitudinal direction of the electronic device300(the Y-axis direction), and with reference to the pinion420, the second reduction gear unit442and the second motor unit432may be sequentially disposed.

When the display (e.g., the display350inFIG.5) is expanded or contracted, the first structure310may receive power from the driving unit400to be slid in and accommodated in the inside of the second structure320or slid out and exposed to the outside of the second structure320. As illustrated inFIGS.6and7, in the slid-in and slid-out states of the first structure310, the position of the driving unit400may be fixed, but the position of the rail unit450may be variable.

FIG.8Ais a diagram illustrating the rail unit450in the state in which the first structure310is slid out, according to various embodiments.FIG.8Bis a view illustrating the rail unit450in the state in which the first structure310is slid in, according to various embodiments.FIG.8Cis a view illustrating a cross-section of the electronic device300in the state in which the first structure310is slid in, according to various embodiments.FIGS.8A and8Bare views in which other components (e.g., electronic components) inside the housing301are omitted.FIG.8Cillustrates a cross-section of the electronic device300taken along line A-A′ inFIG.8B.

Referring toFIGS.8A,8B and8C, the rail unit450may include a rail451and a frame452. The rail451is configured to be engaged with the pinion410of the driving unit400illustrated inFIGS.6and7, and may be configured as, for example, a rack gear. The rail451may extend to be long in the width direction of the electronic device300(e.g., the X-axis direction), and one side of the electronic device300, the first plate311may be fixedly coupled to, for example, the frame452provided at an end of the first plate311of the first structure310. According to an embodiment, the rail451may be configured as one-body with the frame452.

Referring toFIGS.8A and8B, the rail451may move with the first structure310when the first structure310slides to be accommodated in the second structure320or to be exposed to the outside of the second structure320. According to an embodiment, the second structure320may include a recess453configured to accommodate the rail451in the state in which the first structure310is at least partially accommodated in the second structure320. The recess453may be provided adjacent to one side of the first structure310, for example, the first side surface310aand may have a shape for accommodating the rail451in the slide-in or slide-out operation of the first structure310relative to the second structure320. For example, to correspond to the rail451, the recess453may have a shape that extends to be long in the width direction of the electronic device (e.g., the x-axis direction) and may have a groove or opening structure having a length corresponding to the extending length of the rail451.

FIG.8Cillustrate the electronic device300in the state in which the first structure310is slid in to the second structure320.FIG.8Cillustrates a state in which at least a portion316of the first structure310(e.g., the fourth plate316inFIG.5) is surrounded by the rear plate321bof the second structure320(e.g., the third plate221binFIG.4).

The electronic device300may further include an multi-articular hinge structure314and a bracket313supporting at least a portion of the multi-articular hinge structure314. A portion of the display350is mounted or supported on the multi-articular hinge structure314, and the bracket313may be configured to support a part of a plurality of bars or rods of the multi-articular hinge structure314. The bracket313is a component that is fixedly disposed on one side of the first structure310, and may be, for example, a roller housing in which a roller (e.g., the roller235inFIG.4) is accommodated. In the disclosure, the rail451and/or the frame452may be coupled to the bracket313. As illustrated inFIG.8C, the rail451and/or the frame452may be coupled to one end of the bracket213to move together with the first structure310when the first structure310moves.

FIG.9is a perspective view illustrating a driving unit400in the state of being engaged with the rail451according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device300inFIG.5) may include a driving unit400including a plurality of motor modules. Hereinafter, as an example of the plurality of motor modules, a driving unit400including dual motors will be described. According to an embodiment, the driving unit400including the dual motors may be implemented by providing two substantially identical motor modules430and440to one side and the other side of the pinion410, respectively.

The electronic device (e.g., the electronic device300inFIG.5) may further include a pinion housing411at least partially surrounding the pinion410. According to an embodiment, the first motor module430and the second motor module440may be coupled to the pinion410by being coupled to a shaft (not illustrated) that forms a rotation shaft of the pinion outside the pinion housing411. According to an embodiment, the rail451may be configured to be engaged with the pinion inside the pinion housing411.

FPCBs433and443, each of which is configured to control driving of a motor, may be connected to the plurality of motor modules, respectively. For example, a first FPCB433may be connected to the first motor module430, and a second FPCB443may be connected to the second motor module440. The first motor module430and the second motor module440may be independently controlled by external control signals received via the first FPCB433and the second FPCB443, respectively.

FIG.10Ais a diagram illustrating the state in which the first motor module430and the second module440are independently controlled by external control signals received via the first FPCB433and the second FPCB443, respectively, according to various embodiments.FIG.10Bis a diagram illustrating the state in which a rail unit450moves due to a driving force of the first motor module430and the second motor module440, according to various embodiments of the disclosure.FIG.10Cincludes graphs illustrating properties of a torque generated in each of the first motor module430and the second motor module440.

When the first structure (e.g., the first structure310inFIG.5) slides, the display (e.g., the display350inFIG.5) may be expanded or contracted. A direction in which the display is contracted may correspond to the −X direction inFIG.10A, and a direction in which the display is expanded may correspond to the +X inFIG.10A. Of course, these embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the disclosure.

When the first motor unit431of the first motor module430rotates in a first direction R1and the second motor unit441of the second motor module440rotates in a second direction R2, the rail451may linearly move in the +X direction while the pinion410rotates. When the first motor unit431rotates in the direction opposite to the first direction R1and the second motor unit441of the second motor module440rotates in the second direction R2, or when the first motor unit431rotates in the first direction R1and the second motor unit441of the second motor module440rotates in the direction opposite to the second direction R2, the rail451may linearly move in the −X direction.

Referring toFIG.10B, the first motor module430, which serves as a first power source, and the second motor module440, which serves as a second power source, may be symmetrically arranged in the Y-axis direction, and may be disposed parallel to the rotation axis R formed by the pinion410. Accordingly, the first motor module430and the second motor module440may be disposed to move on the same rotation axis. The first motor module430, which serves as the first power source, and the second motor module440, which serves as the second power source, may rotate in different directions (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) to cause the rail unit450to linearly move in the X-axis direction. As such, according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the rotation shaft of the motor and the driving shaft of the rail may be disposed to be orthogonal to each other.

Referring toFIG.10C, the torque of the first motor431and the torque of the second motor432may be summed and implemented as a total torque acting on the rail.

In order to enable this driving, the configurations of the first motor unit431and the first reduction gear unit432included in the first motor module430may have the same specification as the configurations of the second motor unit441and the second reduction gear unit442included in the second motor module440, and may be arranged symmetrical to each other about the pinion410.

FIG.11is an exploded view illustrating a state in which the components of the driving unit400are disassembled, according to various embodiments.FIG.12is an exploded perspective view corresponding toFIG.11according to various embodiments.FIG.13is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the components of the driving unit400are assembled, according to various embodiments of the disclosure. Components of the driving unit400will be described in greater detail below with reference toFIGS.11,12and13.

Referring toFIGS.11,12and13, two motor modules430and440may be coupled to the pinion410. The two motor modules430and440may be symmetrically disposed on one side and the other side of the pinion410. For example, in the first motor module430, a first motor unit431and a first reduction gear unit432may be arranged side by side in a first direction (e.g., the −Y-axis direction) with reference to the pinion410, and in the second motor module440, a second motor unit441and a second reduction gear unit442may be arranged side by side in a second direction (e.g., the +Y-axis direction) opposite to the first direction with reference to the pinion410.

The first motor module430may include a first motor unit431configured to provide a driving force for rotating the pinion410in a first rotation direction and a first reduction gear unit432disposed between the first motor unit431and the pinion410to rotate the pinion410at an appropriate speed. The second motor module440may include a second motor unit441configured to provide a driving force for rotating the pinion410in a second rotation direction and a second reduction gear unit442disposed between the second motor unit441and the pinion410to rotate the pinion410at an appropriate speed.

The first motor unit431may configured as an assembly of a plurality of components accommodated inside the first motor unit housing431e, for example, an assembly of a first motor shaft431a, a first permanent magnet431b, a first yoke431c, and a first coil431d. As an example of the assembly of the plurality of parts, the first motor shaft431amay be coupled to the first permanent magnet431b, and a plurality of yokes431c-1and431c-2may be arranged around the first permanent magnet431balong the longitudinal direction of the first permanent magnet431b. The first coil431dmay include a bobbin431d-1disposed to surround at least one first yoke431cand a coil431d-2wound around the bobbin431d-1. The first reduction gear unit432may be configured as an assembly of a plurality of components accommodated inside the first reduction gear unit housing432c, for example, a first gear shaft432aand a plurality of first reduction gears432b. A first FPCB433configured to apply an electrical signal to the first coil431dmay be connected to one side of the first motor unit431. In relation to a method of operating the first motor module430, when an electrical signal is applied to the first coil431d, a magnetic field may be formed around the first coil431dand cause a change in a magnetic flux inside the first yoke431c. An N pole or an S pole is switched on a claw of the first yoke431cdepending on the direction of the current flowing in the first coil431d, which generates a force to rotate the first permanent magnet431b. The first motor shaft431ais coupled to the first permanent magnet431bso that the first motor shaft431acan be rotated according to the rotation of the first permanent magnet431b. The first reduction gear unit432may serve to reduce the rotation speed of the first motor shaft431aand to increase the torque generated by the first motor unit431. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, depending on how many stages the torque and rotation speed of the first reduction unit432can be adjusted, the number and structure of the first reduction gears432bmay be variously determined in various ways. For example, inFIGS.11to13, since the first reduction gear unit432configured to control the torque and speed in two stages is disclosed, the first reduction gears including four sets of gears432b-1,432b-2,432b-3, and432b-4are illustrated, but are not limited thereto. The rotation speed of the first motor shaft431amay be reduced via the plurality of first reduction gears432b, and the increased rotational force of torque may be transmitted to the pinion410via the first gear shaft432a. According to an embodiment, a first bushing may be disposed at one end of the first gear shaft432ato be coupled to the shaft of the pinion410, but the disclosure is also not necessarily limited thereto.

The second motor unit432may be configured as an assembly of a plurality of components accommodated inside the second motor unit housing441e, for example, an assembly of a second motor shaft441a, a second permanent magnet441b, a second yoke.441c, and a second coil441d. As an example of the assembly of the plurality of parts, the second motor shaft441amay be coupled to the second permanent magnet441b, and a plurality of yokes441c-1and441c-2may be arranged around the second permanent magnet441balong the longitudinal direction of the second permanent magnet441b. The second coil441dmay include a bobbin441d-1disposed to surround at least one second yoke441cand a coil441d-2wound around the bobbin441d-1. The second reduction gear unit442may be configured as an assembly of a plurality of components accommodated inside the second reduction gear unit housing442c, for example, a second gear shaft442aand a plurality of second reduction gears442b. A second FPCB443configured to apply an electrical signal to the second coil441dmay be connected to one side of the second motor unit441. The above-described method of operating the first motor module430may be equally applied to the method of operating the second motor module440. In addition, inFIGS.11to13, since the second reduction gear unit442configured to control the torque and speed in two stages is disclosed, the second reduction gears including four sets of gears442b-1,442b-2,442b-3, and442b-4are illustrated, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, a second bushing may be disposed at one end of the second gear shaft442ato be coupled to the shaft of the pinion410, but the disclosure is also not necessarily limited thereto.

It should be noted that the above-described embodiment ofFIGS.11to13is an embodiment of detailed components of the driving unit400including, for example, a dual motor, and does not limit the scope of the disclosure. According to the above-described embodiments, configurations relating to dual motors including stepping yokes are disclosed, but not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the driving unit400according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include other various types of motors, such as BLDC and linear actuator types of motors. In addition, the reduction gear included in the electronic device is illustrated as having two stages, but is not limited thereto, and may include a reduction gear configured to be reduced to three stages or to four or more stages.

FIG.14is a diagram illustrating a pinion410and components around the same, according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, the pinion shaft413may be assembled with the pinion410, and the ends of the first reduction gear part432and the second reduction gear part442, which are provided on one side and the other side of the pinion410, may be assembled with the pinion410via the pinion shaft413. At this time, since the high torques generated by the motor units431and441are simultaneously transmitted to one pinion shaft413, a structure for increasing the rigidity of the pinion410may be required.

Referring toFIG.14, a structure in which a first base cover414aand a first side cover416aare coupled to each other may be disposed on one side of the pinion shaft413, and an elastic member415amay be disposed inside the first base cover414aand the first side cover415a. The assembly of the first base cover414a, the first side cover416a, and the first elastic member415amay be coupled to a seating portion410aprovided on one side of the pinion410, and may push one end of the pinion shaft413toward the pinion410. A structure in which a second base cover414band a second side cover416bare coupled to each other may be disposed on the other side of the pinion shaft413, and a second elastic member415bmay be disposed inside the second base cover414band the second side cover416b. The assembly of the second base cover414b, the second side cover416b, and the second elastic member415bmay be coupled to a seating portion (not illustrated) provided on the other side of the pinion410, and may push the other end of the pinion shaft413toward the pinion410.

FIG.15is a perspective view illustrating a pinion410and a pinion housing411according to various embodiments.

The pinion shaft413may be coupled to a hole provided in the pinion housing411through a bushing417(e.g., the first bushing417aand the second bushing417binFIG.11). According to an embodiment, the surface of the bushing417may include a graphite component having a low coefficient of friction, and thus, it is possible to minimize and/or reduce wear due to friction when the pinion shaft413rotates. In addition, by providing the bushing417having high rigidity, it is possible to prevent and/or reduce twisting of the pinion shaft413. According to various embodiments, a ball bearing may be used in placement of the bushing417.

FIG.16is a diagram illustrating a pinion410and a gear shaft according to various embodiments.

The embodiment illustrated inFIG.16may provide a pinion410different from the pinion410described above with reference toFIGS.14and15.

For example, the pinion410according to the embodiment illustrated inFIGS.14and15includes a base cover, a washer, a side cover, and a bushing in the pinion housing411. However, in the pinion410according to the embodiment illustrated inFIG.16, instead of the base cover, the washer, the side cover, and the bushing, gear shafts432aand442aare directly connected to the pinion410.

Referring toFIG.16, with the pinion410, it is possible to further increase the rigidity of the connection structure and the coupling precision of components since the first gear shaft432aand the second gear shaft442aof the first reduction gear unit432and the second reduction gear unit442are directly coupled to the seating portion (e.g., the seating portion410ainFIG.14). According to an embodiment, a spline S.P. may be provided on the seating portion (e.g., the seating portion410ainFIG.14) of the pinion410, and key structures provided at the ends of the first gear shaft432aand the second gear shaft442amay be fitted thereto.

FIG.17is a diagram illustrating example signal flow for controlling a driving unit (e.g., the driving unit400inFIG.6) including a dual motor according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device may include a processor500and at least one control circuit510for controlling the dual motors in addition to the processor. For example, the control circuit510may be a motor drive IC. When respective motors module included in the dual motors are used, a drive deviation may occur due to, for example, gear dephosporization between respective motor modules or wear of gears. Therefore, a correction for synchronization of the motor modules may be required.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the dual motors may be designed to be symmetrical with reference to the rotation axis thereof and may have a wiring structure for equally transmitting electrical signals corresponding thereto. For example, the control circuit510configured to control the dual motors may include wires having the same length from the control circuit510to respective motor modules.

The processor500may transmit a PWM signal for motor control to the control circuit510. In this case, a DC/DC converter520may provide a power source for a rated output of the motors. In addition, the control circuit510may apply a current to the coils A and B included in respective motor modules to rotate the motor. In this case, the application of the current may be implemented via a plurality of switching transistors511included in the control circuit510. Accordingly, the coils A and B of respective motor modules are magnetized so that the rotors of the motors can be rotated. According to various embodiments, in the disclosure, equal voltage and current are applied to each of the motor modules included in the dual motor. However, in this case, since the motor modules have to rotate in different directions, an inversely symmetric wiring structure may be applied in order to rotate the motor module in different directions.

Referring toFIG.17, according to an embodiment, an electronic device may include a first motor unit431including a (1-1)thcoil A and a (1-2)thcoil B and a second motor unit441including a (2-1)thcoil A and a (2-2)thcoil B. Here, when signals are applied to the signal line A1and the signal line A2connected to the (1-1)thcoil A, the polarity of the yoke wrapped by the first coil A may have an N pole or an S pole. In the disclosure, since the signal line A1and the signal line A2connected to the (2-1)thcoil A branch such that signals opposite to those applied to the signal lines connected to the (1-1)thcoil are applied thereto, respective yokes included in the first motor unit431and the second motor unit441can be magnetized to have different polarities. Since opposite signals are also applied to a (1-2)thcoil B and a (2-2)thcoil B, respective yokes included in the first motor unit431and the second motor unit441corresponding to the coils can be magnetized to have different polarities. In this way, it may be possible to control the driving unit including the dual motors that require rotation in different directions.

FIG.18Ais a diagram illustrating wiring from the control circuit510to the first motor unit431and the second motor unit441, according to various embodiments.FIG.18Bis a diagram illustrating wiring from the control circuit510to the first motor unit431and the second motor unit441, according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIGS.18A and18B, according to an example embodiment, the control circuit510may be mounted on a board530. The first motor unit431and the second motor unit432receive electrical signals of opposite phases, respectively, and rotate in different directions. However, it may be necessary to apply electrical signals of equal voltage and current to the first and second motor units to generate power of the same magnitude. As illustrated inFIG.18A, the control circuit510may be connected to the first motor unit431and the second motor unit432using a connector in the state in which wires connected to the first motor unit431and the second motor unit432are at least partially embedded in the board530. Alternatively, as illustrated inFIG.18B, the wires of the control circuit510may be directly connected to the first motor unit431and the second motor unit432. In both the embodiments ofFIGS.18A and18B, the wires for electrical connection from the control circuit510to the first motor unit431and the second motor unit441may have substantially the same length.

FIG.19is a block diagram illustrating an example driving unit400and a system for controlling and compensating the same, according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device may control the first motor module430including the first motor unit431and the first gear reduction unit432and the second motor module440including the second motor unit441and the second gear reduction unit442via the control circuit510, for example, a motor drive IC. In addition, the electronic device may further include a feedback system540to compensate for damage caused by a physical external force and/or chemical damage to the motor unit.

As illustrated inFIG.19, the electronic device may further include, at respective ends of the first motor module430and the second motor module440, a first sensor435and a second sensor445each configured to measure the number of rotations of a motor. According to an embodiment, information on the performance change of the motor measured via the first sensor435and the second sensor445is transmitted to the feedback system540, the feedback system540may cause the motors to operate at the number of rotations corresponding to a preset number of rotations via the control circuit510based on this information.

FIG.20is a diagram illustrating an apparatus for detecting the number of rotations of a driving unit400, according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.20, the electronic device may further include a comparator460as a device for detecting the number of rotations of the driving unit400. The comparator460may be disposed at the front end of the coil (e.g., the coil A) described above with reference toFIG.17, and electrical signals input through two signal lines input to the coil may be compared using the comparator. The currents and/or voltages input to the motors may be compared using the comparator460, and when a problem such as output degradation occurs in a specific motor, it may be identified. According to various embodiments, a plurality of comparators460may be provided to compare phase currents or voltages of a plurality of motor modules.

FIG.21is a diagram illustrating a closed-loop system configured to compensate for the number of rotations of a driving unit400, according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment, it is possible to identify whether a motor is abnormal by detecting the number of rotations output from the motor.

For example, the control circuit510controls the torques of the first motor module430and the second motor module440, and it is possible to detect whether or not the first motor unit of the first motor module430and the second motor unit of the second motor module440using the feedback system540are abnormal. The feedback system540may detect the numbers of rotations via rotation speed detection sensors435and445(e.g., the first sensor435and the second sensor445inFIG.19) or may detect the actual numbers of motors by detecting the currents and/or voltages of the motors via a motor phase comparator460(e.g., the comparator460inFIG.20). The detected actual numbers of rotations are compared with predetermined numbers of rotations at the time of normal operation of the motors, wherein predetermined numbers of rotations are input to the processor500, and compensation for a rotation error value at this time may be reflected when driving the first module430and the second motor module440via the control circuit510.

FIG.22is a diagram illustrating an electronic device300in the state in which the first structure310is slid in according to various embodiments.FIG.23is a view illustrating the electronic device300in the state in which the first structure310is slid out according to various embodiments.FIG.24is a perspective view illustrating a driving unit600in the state of being engaged with the rail651according to various embodiments.

The components of the electronic device300ofFIG.22andFIG.23may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the electronic device300ofFIG.6andFIG.7, and redundant description will be omitted below.

Hereinafter, as an example of the plurality of motor modules, a driving unit600including dual motors in series will be described.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device300may include a driving unit600configured to provide power for the sliding movement of the first structure310. In addition, the electronic device300may include a rail unit650configured to receive power from the driving unit600and move along with the first structure310when the first structure310slides. Here, the rail unit650may have a shape that is perpendicular to the direction of the driving axis of the driving unit600and extends to be long in the width direction of the electronic device300. The rail unit650may include a rack gear configured to mesh with a power transmission element (e.g., the pinion610) of the driving unit600. Accordingly, the driving unit600and the rail unit650may define a kind of rack and pinion structure. By the engagement between the driving unit600and the rail unit650, the rotation motion of the driving unit600may be changed to a linear sliding motion of the first structure310.

The electronic device300may further include a pinion housing611at least partially surrounding the pinion610. According to an embodiment, the first motor module and the second motor module may be coupled to the pinion610by being coupled to a shaft (not illustrated) that forms a rotation shaft of the pinion outside the pinion housing611. According to an embodiment, the rail651may be configured to be engaged with the pinion inside the pinion housing611.

FPCBs633and643, each of which is configured to control driving of a motor, may be connected to the plurality of motor modules, respectively. For example, a first FPCB633may be connected to the first motor unit631, and a second FPCB643may be connected to the second motor module641. The first motor module and the second motor module may be independently controlled by external control signals received via the first FPCB633and the second FPCB643, respectively.

The driving unit600may include a pinion610configured to be engaged with the rail and a plurality of motor modules disposed on the same rotating shaft as the pinion610. According to an embodiment, the plurality of motor modules may include a first motor module and a second motor module. In addition, each of the first motor module and the second motor module may include a motor unit631or641. The driving unit600may include a reduction gear unit630. According to an embodiment, the reduction gear unit630may be formed to decelerate both the first motor unit631and the second motor unit641.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of motor modules may be disposed on one side of the pinion610. With reference to the pinion610, the first motor unit631and the second motor unit641may be disposed in series on one side. For example, with reference to the pinion610, the first reduction gear unit630, the first motor unit631and the second motor unit641may be sequentially disposed along the longitudinal direction of the electronic device300(the Y-axis direction).

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, it is possible to provide an electronic device including a flexible display, wherein the electronic device includes: a first housing (e.g., the first structure210inFIG.1, or the first structure310inFIG.5) capable of being slid; a second housing (e.g., the second structure220inFIG.1, or the second structure320inFIG.5); a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display350inFIG.5) including a first region mounted on one surface of the first housing and a second region extending from the first region, wherein the second region is at least partially accommodated inside the first housing or the second housing or exposed to an outside of the first housing or the second housing according to a sliding movement of the first housing; a driving unit (e.g., the driving unit400inFIG.6) disposed in the second housing and configured to provide power for sliding the first housing; and a rail unit including a rail (e.g., the rail unit450inFIG.6) configured to receive the power from the driving unit and to move together with the first housing when the first housing slides, wherein the driving unit includes a pinion (e.g., the pinion410inFIG.6) disposed to be engaged with the rail of the rail unit and a plurality of motor modules (e.g., the motor modules430and440inFIG.6) disposed on a same rotation shaft as the pinion.

According to various example embodiments, the plurality of motor modules may include: a first motor module (e.g., the first motor module430inFIG.6) including a first motor unit comprising a motor (e.g., the first motor unit431inFIG.6) and a first reduction gear (e.g., the first reduction gear unit432inFIG.6) disposed between the first motor unit and the pinion, wherein the first motor unit and the first reduction gear are disposed in series on one side of the pinion; and a second motor module (e.g., the second motor module440inFIG.6) including a second motor unit comprising a motor (e.g., the second motor unit441inFIG.6) and a second reduction gear (e.g., the second reduction gear unit442inFIG.6) disposed between the second motor unit and the pinion, wherein the second motor unit and the second reduction gear unit are disposed in series on the other side of the pinion.

According to various example embodiments, the plurality of motor modules may be symmetrically disposed with reference to the pinion.

According to various example embodiments, the driving unit may be fixedly disposed at one side edge of the second housing.

According to various example embodiments, the rail may be fixedly disposed on the first housing.

According to various example embodiments, the first housing may include a first front plate oriented in a first direction and a first rear plate (e.g., the fourth plate316inFIG.5) oriented in a second direction opposite the first direction, and the second housing may include a second front plate oriented in the first direction and a second rear plate (e.g., the second rear plate221ainFIG.4) oriented in the second direction opposite the first direction.

According to various example embodiments, the pinion may be fixedly coupled to one side edge of the second housing.

According to various example embodiments, the rail may be fixedly disposed on the first front plate (e.g., the first plate211ofFIG.4) defining the first surface of the first housing.

According to various example embodiments, the electronic device may further include a guide member including a guide rail disposed at one side edge of the first housing, wherein the guide member is configured to guide the flexible display such that the flexible display moves in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction while maintaining a predetermined curvature.

According to various example embodiments, the electronic device may further include an multi-articular hinge structure comprising a hinge configured to support the flexible display.

According to various example embodiments, the electronic device may further include a processor and a control circuit configured to control the plurality of motor modules.

According to various example embodiments, wires configured to electrically connect the control circuit to the plurality of motor modules have a substantially equal length.

According to various example embodiments, the electronic device may further include sensors configured to detect numbers of rotations of the plurality of motor modules, respectively.

According to various example embodiments, the electronic device may further include a plurality of comparators (e.g., the comparators inFIG.20) configured to compare phase currents or voltages of the plurality of motor modules.

According to various example embodiments, the electronic device may further include a feedback system including various circuitry (e.g., the feedback system540inFIG.19) configured to estimate numbers of rotations of the plurality of motor modules by comparing the numbers of rotations of the plurality of motor modules or the phase currents or voltages of the plurality of motor modules, and to compensate for an abnormality of a motor based on the estimated actual numbers of rotations.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, it is possible to provide an electronic device including a flexible display, wherein the electronic device includes: a first housing including a first front plate oriented in a first direction and a first rear plate oriented in a second direction opposite the first direction; a second housing including a second front plate oriented in the first direction and a second rear plate oriented in the second direction opposite the first direction, wherein the second housing is coupled to surround at least a portion of the first housing and configured to guide a sliding movement of the first housing; a flexible display including a first region mounted on one surface of the first housing and a second region extending from the first region, wherein the second region is at least partially accommodated inside the first housing or exposed to the outside of the first housing according to sliding movement of the first housing; a guide member including a guide rail disposed at one side edge of the first housing, wherein the guide member is configured to guide the flexible display such that the flexible display moves in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction while maintaining a predetermined curvature; a driving unit including circuitry fixedly coupled to one side edge of the second housing and disposed at least partially parallel to the guide member, wherein the driving unit is configured to provide power for sliding the first housing; and a rail unit comprising a rail configured to receive the power from the driving unit and to move together with the first housing when the first housing slides, wherein the driving unit includes a pinion disposed to be engaged with a rail of the rail unit and a plurality of motor modules including at least one motor disposed on a same rotation shaft as the pinion.

According to various example embodiments, the plurality of motor modules may include: a first motor module including a first motor and a first reduction gear disposed between the first motor and the pinion, wherein the first motor and the first reduction gear are disposed in series on one side of the pinion; and a second motor module including a second motor and a second reduction gear disposed between the second motor and the pinion, wherein the second motor and the second reduction gear are disposed in series on another side of the pinion.

According to various example embodiments, the plurality of motor modules may be symmetrically disposed with reference to the pinion.

According to various example embodiments, the electronic device may further include a processor and a control circuit configured to control the plurality of motor modules.

According to various example embodiments, the electronic device may further include a feedback system (e.g., the feedback system540inFIG.19) including circuitry configured to estimate numbers of rotations of the plurality of motor modules by comparing the numbers of rotations of the plurality of motor modules or the phase currents or voltages of the plurality of motor modules, and to compensate for an abnormality of a motor based on the estimated actual numbers of rotations.