Electronic device including flexible display

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing coupled to an edge of the first housing and configured to rotate about a folding axis extending in a first direction, a third housing coupled to the first housing and disposed to be slidable toward or away from the folding axis, and a flexible display including a first area disposed on the third housing and a second area extending from the first area and disposed through the first housing to the second housing. As the third housing slides, the second area may slide on the first housing or the second housing, and a portion of the second area may be selectively received in the second housing.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to an electronic device. More particularly, the disclosure relates to an electronic device with a flexible display.

BACKGROUND ART

Developing electronic information communication technology integrates various functionalities into a single electronic device or portable communication device. For example, smartphones pack the functionalities of a sound player, imaging device, and scheduler, as well as the communication functionality and, on top of that, may implement more various functions by having applications installed thereon.

The user of a portable communication device or electronic device may search, screen, and obtain more information by accessing a network, but rather than simply using the own functionalities or information (e.g., applications) of the electronic device. Direct access to the network (e.g., wired communication) may enable quick and stable communication establishment but its usability may be limited to a fixed location or space. In accessing a network, wireless communication is free from locational or spatial limitations and its transmission speed or stability approaches that of direct access. In the near future, wireless communication is expected to establish communication more rapidly and stably than direct access.

As smartphones or other personal/portable communication devices spread, users' demand for portability and use convenience is on the rise. For example, a touchscreen display may not only serve as an output device of visual information but also provide a virtual keyboard that replaces a mechanical input device (e.g., a button input device). As such, portable communication devices or electronic devices may be made compact while delivering further enhanced applicability (e.g., a larger screen). Flexible displays, e.g., foldable or rollable displays (hereinafter, ‘flexible displays’), will come in commerce and electronic devices may deliver better portability and use convenience.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Technical Problem

As flexible displays come onto the market, more competition arises for developing electronic devices that may transform into various shapes while providing better portability and use convenience. For example, there have been proposed electronic devices with a flexible display whose two different parts are folded to overlap each other or unfolded side by side or electronic devices with a flexible display that may selectively slide in the housing while moving on the electronic device. However, the proposed electronic devices may merely expand or contract the screen and, although diversifying user interfaces in such a manner as to split and use the expanded screen, still have limitations in use.

Aspects of the disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide an electronic device including a flexible display which may be used in more diversified manners.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide an electronic device including a flexible display that may transform its exterior in various forms and provide various user experiences and/or user interfaces accordingly.

Technical Solution

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing coupled to an edge of the first housing and configured to rotate about a folding axis extending in a first direction, a third housing coupled to the first housing and disposed to be slidable toward or away from the folding axis, and a flexible display including a first area disposed on the third housing and a second area extending from the first area and disposed through the first housing to the second housing. As the third housing slides, the second area may slide on the first housing or the second housing, and a portion of the second area may be selectively received in the second housing.

Advantageous Effects

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the folding operation of the first housing and the second housing and the sliding operation of the third housing may be performed independently of each other. For example, according to a selective combination of the folding operation and the sliding operation, various screen output areas or screen output directions of the flexible display and/or various user interfaces using the same may be set. For example, the electronic device may be deformed into various shapes and, according to deformed states, different user experiences and/or user interfaces may be provided.

MODE FOR INVENTION

In the following detailed description, “+X/−X direction”, “+Y/−Y direction” or “+Z/−Z direction” may be mentioned, and it should be noted that the Cartesian coordinate system as described below is described based on the width direction X, the length direction Y, or the thickness direction Z of the housings101,102, and103inFIG.3. For example, various changes may be made to the above definitions according to embodiments or when another structure of the electronic device100is set as the reference. Further, in the following detailed description, ‘front surface’ or ‘rear surface’ may be mentioned for the electronic device100or the housings101,102, and103and, regardless of the relative positions (e.g., unfolded position or folded position) of the housings101,102, and103, the surface where the foldable display105ofFIGS.1to3is disposed may be defined as the front surface of the electronic device100(or housings101,102, and103), and the surface opposite to the surface where the foldable display105is disposed may be defined as the rear surface of the electronic device100(or housings101,102, and103).

FIG.1is a view illustrating a folded position of an electronic device100with the flexible display105exposed, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.2is a view illustrating an unfolded position of an electronic device100with a flexible display exposed according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, an electronic device100may include a first housing101and a second housing102rotatably coupled to each other, a third housing103(e.g., a sliding housing) slidably coupled to the first housing101, and/or a flexible display105. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the flexible display105may include a first area A1disposed on the third housing103and a second area A2extending from the first area A1. The second area A2may be disposed through the first housing101to the second housing102. In another embodiment of the disclosure, as the third housing103slides, the second area A2may slide on the first housing101and/or the second housing102. A portion of the second area A2may be selectively received in the second housing102. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first area A1may be interpreted as including an area disposed on the third housing103and an area sliding on the first housing101. For example, the first area A1illustrated inFIG.1may be partially disposed on the third housing103, and the remaining portion of the first area A1may slide on the first housing101. As such, it should be noted that the division of the flexible display105into the ‘first area A1’ and the ‘second area A2’ is for the sake of brevity of description, and various embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, in some embodiments of the disclosure, an area (e.g., the attachment area AA ofFIG.13or15) disposed on the third housing103, of the flexible display, may be defined as the ‘first area A1’, and the remaining area may be defined as the ‘second area A2’.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the first housing101and/or the second housing102may receive at least a portion of the flexible display105on the front surface thereof and may include a rear plate(s)101bor102bdisposed on the rear surface. In the space between the flexible display105and the rear plates101band102b(e.g., inside the first housing101and/or the second housing102), a plurality of electrical components may be included, such as a circuit board (e.g., the printed circuit board161ofFIG.3), various sensor modules (e.g., the optical module169ofFIG.3), a battery (e.g., the battery163ofFIG.3), an audio input/output module, a camera module, a haptic module, an antenna, and/or a connecting terminal.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the first housing101and the second housing102may be coupled to each other to be rotatable between a first position (e.g., the state illustrated inFIG.1) in which they are disposed to face each other and a second position (e.g., the state illustrated inFIG.2) in which they are unfolded at a designated angle (e.g.,180) from the first position. Here, the ‘first position’ may be defined as a position in which the first housing101and the second housing102are folded to face each other regardless of whether the third housing103is moved. For example, as compared withFIG.2,FIG.1illustrates an example of a state before the third housing103moves in an M1 direction. However, the ‘first position’ is not limited to the position of the third housing103illustrated inFIG.1. Although the third housing103is moved in the M1 direction as illustrated inFIG.2, if the first housing101and the second housing102are folded to face each other, it may be defined as the ‘first position’. The ‘second position’ may be defined as a position in which the second housing102is rotated to be unfolded parallel to one side of the first housing101(under the first housing inFIG.2) regardless of whether the third housing103is moved. For example, as compared withFIG.1,FIG.2illustrates an example of a state in which the third housing103is moved in the M1 direction. However, the ‘second position’ is not limited to the position of the third housing103illustrated inFIG.2. Even before the third housing103moves in the M1 direction, if the first housing101and the second housing102are aligned side by side, the state may be defined as the ‘second position’.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device100may further include a hinge structure104disposed between the first housing101and the second housing102. The hinge structure104may be disposed or coupled to one edge of the first housing101and may couple the second housing102to one edge of the first housing101. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the hinge structure104may provide at least one folding axis F. The first housing101and/or the second housing102may rotate about the folding axis F between the first position and the second position. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first housing101and/or the second housing102may be disposed in an inclined state with respect to each other in an intermediate position between the first position and the second position. In the intermediate position, the angle between the first housing101and/or the second housing102may be appropriately selected by the user. In the illustrated embodiment of the disclosure, a configuration provided with one folding axis F is exemplified. However, various embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a folding axis of the first housing101and a folding axis of the second housing102may be disposed in parallel to each other, spaced apart at a designated interval (e.g., disposed at the second points P2-1and P2-2ofFIG.11).

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the third housing103may be coupled to the other side of the first housing101and may slide along the length direction on the first housing101while being guided by the first housing101. For example,FIG.1illustrates an example in which the third housing103is partially received or hidden by the first housing101, andFIG.2illustrates an example in which the third housing103slides in the length direction, e.g., the M1 direction so that the hidden portion inFIG.1is exposed to the external space. In one embodiment of the disclosure, as the rotating operation of the second housing102and the sliding operation of the third housing103are independent of each other, the electronic device100may be deformed in various shapes. For example, in the state illustrated inFIG.1, the third housing103may slide in the length direction, and/or the second housing102may be rotated relative to the first housing101to the second position while the third housing103remains stationary. In another embodiment of the disclosure, in the state illustrated inFIG.2, the third housing103may slide in a direction opposite to the M1 direction and/or the second housing102may be rotated relative to the first housing101to the first position while the third housing103remains stationary. In the following detailed description, when the third housing103moves in the M1 direction may be referred to as a ‘slide out operation’, and when the third housing103moves in the direction opposite to the M1 direction may be referred to as a ‘slide in operation’.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a portion of the first area A1may be substantially attached to at least a portion of the third housing103. Another portion of the first area A1and the second area A2may be disposed to be slidable on the first housing101and/or the second housing102. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the second area A2may be disposed to at least partially face away from the first area A1in the first position ofFIG.1and may be disposed substantially parallel to one side of the first area A1in the second position ofFIG.2. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the flexible display105may be attached to any one of the housings (e.g., the first housing101or the second housing102) that rotate with respect to each other and may be disposed to be slidable on the sliding housing (e.g., the third housing103). This is described in more detail in connection withFIGS.19to23. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in a state in which the third housing103is substantially received in the first housing101(e.g., the state illustrated inFIG.1), a portion of the flexible display105(e.g., the second area A2) may be received in the second housing102. In some embodiments of the disclosure, in a state in which the third housing103is moved in the M1 direction (e.g., the state illustrated inFIG.2), the flexible display105(e.g., the second area A2) may be substantially exposed to the outside of the second housing102.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the hinge structure104may include a hinge module141(seeFIG.3), a multi-bar assembly143, and/or a hinge cover145. Although the illustrated embodiment exemplifies a configuration in which the multi-bar assembly143is visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device100, the multi-bar assembly143may be substantially hidden by the hinge cover145. The hinge module141may be disposed between the first housing101and the second housing102to rotatably couple the first housing101and the second housing102and substantially provide a folding axis F. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the multi-bar assembly143may include a plurality of rods or bars143adisposed substantially parallel to the folding axis F, connecting one surface of the first housing101and one surface of the second housing102. For example, the multi-bar assembly143may be disposed between the hinge module141and the flexible display105(e.g., a portion of the second area A2). The hinge cover145may be disposed to face the multi-bar assembly143with the hinge module141interposed therebetween. For example, the hinge cover145may connect the other surface of the first housing101and the other surface of the second housing102. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the hinged cover145may be substantially hidden by the first housing101and the second housing102in the first position and, in the second position, may be exposed from the rear surface of the electronic device100.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the bars143aof the multi-bar assembly143may extend in a direction parallel to the folding axis F and be arranged in a direction crossing the folding axis F and each bar143amay be rotated with respect to another bar143a. For example, the multi-bar assembly143may have a multi joint hinge structure (articulated hinge structure). The multi-bar assembly143may be deformed into various shapes, e.g., a flat shape and a curved shape. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the multi-bar assembly143may support a portion of the flexible display105(e.g., the second area A2) while forming a shape having a designated radius of curvature in the first position and, in the second position, be disposed to substantially form a plane with one surface of the first housing101and/or one surface of the second housing102to support a portion of the second area A2. In one embodiment of the disclosure, when the flexible display105is deformed into a shape having an excessively small radius of curvature, the light emitting layer or various signal lines may be damaged. The multi-bar assembly143may prevent the flexible display105from being damaged by maintaining a designated radius of curvature when the flexible display105is deformed.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the hinge cover145may include a plurality of cover plates145a. The cover plates145amay be arranged substantially parallel to the folding axis F and may be arranged along the length direction of the electronic device100(e.g., the M1 direction or the Y-axis direction ofFIG.3). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in the first position, the cover plates145amay be disposed so that each cover plate145asubstantially overlap an adjacent cover plate145aand, in the second position, each cover plate145amay be disposed to partially overlap an adjacent cover plate145a. For example, an area in which the cover plates145aare disposed may be larger in the second position than in the first position. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the cover plate145aand/or the hinge cover145is configured to substantially conceal the hinge module141between the housings101and102(e.g., the back plates101band102b). In another embodiment of the disclosure, the hinge cover145may include one cover plate formed of an elastic material and may be contracted in the first position and extended in the second position.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, even when the second housing102is rotated between the first position and the second position, the length L (e.g., the length measured in parallel to the M1 direction inFIG.2) from the front surface of the first housing101through the multi-bar assembly143to the front surface of the second housing102may remain substantially constant. For example, even when the second housing102is rotated, substantially no tension may be applied to the flexible display105in the M1 direction or the opposite direction. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the length from the rear surface of the first housing101through the hinge cover145to the rear surface of the second housing102may be smaller in the second position than in the first position. This change in length (or area) at the rear surface may be substantially permitted by deformation of the hinge cover145.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, to keep the length L at the front surface constant, the first housing101and/or the second housing102may be moved in the direction close to or away from the folding axis F with respect to the hinge structure104. For example, to keep the length L constant on the surface on which the flexible display105is disposed in the rotating operation of the second housing102, the area of the hinge cover145may be changed, or the housings101and102may be moved with respect to the hinge structure104. In another embodiment of the disclosure, to keep maintain the length L constant on the surface on which the flexible display105is disposed in the rotating operation of the second housing102, the structure in which the area of the hinge cover145is changed and the structure in which the housings101and102are moved with respect to the hinge structure104may be combined. According to another embodiment of the disclosure, to keep the length L constant on the surface on which the flexible display105is disposed in the rotating operation of the second housing102, the hinge structure104may provide a plurality of folding axes F. The spacing between the folding axes F or the relative positions of the folding axes F with respect to the flexible display105may be designed to differ.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the housings101and102may be fixed to the hinge module141so as not to move with respect to the hinge structure104. In this case, when the housings101and102move toward the second position, a portion of the flexible display105(e.g., the second area A2) may be gradually received into the second housing102. In a structure in which the housings101and102do not move relative to the hinge structure104, when the housings101and102move toward the first position, a portion of the flexible display105(e.g., the second area A2) may be gradually drawn out from the second housing102to be exposed to the outside.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device100further may include a plurality of sound holes151a,151b,151c, and151d, e.g., sound output holes151aand151band sound input holes151cand151d. The sound output holes151aand151bmay include, e.g., a receiver hole151afor voice calls and an acoustic radiation hole151bfor a loudspeaker. The sound input holes151cand151dmay include a microphone hole151cfor voice calls and/or a microphone hole151dfor recording to obtain ambient sound. In the illustrated embodiment of the disclosure, the sound holes151a,151b,151c, and151dare exemplified in a configuration in which they are formed in the third housing103and the second housing102, but various embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto, the sound holes151a,151b,151c, and151dmay be formed in various positions considering the appearance or actual use environment of the electronic device100. At least one of the exemplified sound holes may be omitted, or sound holes not shown may be added.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device100may further include an optical hole(s)153formed in the rear surface (e.g., the rear surface of the third housing103). For example, an optical module (e.g., the optical module169ofFIG.3) aligned with the optical hole(s)153may be disposed inside the third housing103. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the optical module169may be disposed to face away from the first area A1. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the optical module169may include at least one camera, an infrared projector, an infrared receiver, a flash, a proximity sensor, and/or an illuminance sensor. For example, the electronic device100may be configured to detect external environment information (e.g., whether an object approaches or ambient brightness information) or capture a subject through the optical hole(s)153. The electronic device100may be configured to at least partially activate the flexible display105based on the detected environment information and, when capturing a subject, be configured to detect a distance to the subject or provide additional illumination by an infrared projector, an infrared receiver, and/or a flash. In some embodiments of the disclosure, a sensor module (not shown), such as a camera, an iris recognition sensor, a fingerprint recognition sensor, a proximity sensor, and/or an illuminance sensor may be disposed to overlap a portion of the flexible display105to capture the subject or detect ambient environment information through the flexible display105. According to another embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device100may further include sensor modules not shown, e.g., at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a temperature sensor, or a humidity sensor.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the optical module169may capture the subject or detect environment information in a direction opposite to the first area A1of the flexible display105. For example, if the first area A1outputs a screen from the front surface of the electronic device100, the optical module169may operate at the rear surface of the electronic device100. In the first position, the optical module169may be disposed in parallel with one side of the second housing102and/or the second area A2and may capture the subject or detect environment information in substantially the same direction as the second area A2. For example, when the user shoots herself using the optical module169, the electronic device100may be configured to output a live view image using the second area A2. In another embodiment of the disclosure, when the user captures a subject using the optical module169, the electronic device100may be configured to output the live view image using the first area A1and/or the first area A1and at least a portion of the second area A2.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device100may further include at least one connector hole155formed in side surface(s) thereof. In the illustrated embodiment of the disclosure, the connector hole155is exemplified as formed in one side surface of the third housing103, but the electronic device100may further include an additional connector hole not shown. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the connector hole155may receive or couple a cable or connector for charging, connecting to an external electronic device, and/or connecting to an audio device. In some embodiments of the disclosure, if the electronic device100includes functions, such as wireless charging, Bluetooth communication, Wi-Fi direct, or IrDA, the connector hole155may be omitted. The electronic device100may connect to another electronic device, such as a personal computer or a smart phone, and/or an additional device, such as a wireless charging pad or an earphone, through a wireless scheme.

Although not shown, the electronic device100may include at least one key input device disposed on a side surface of the first housing101(the second housing102and/or the third housing103). The key input device may include, e.g., a volume control key, a power key, and/or a function key for activating a camera mode or a voice assistant service. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device100may further include a soft key provided through the flexible display105.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated inFIG.1, in the folded state of the electronic device100(e.g., the first housing101and the second housing102), the first area A1and the second area A2may be disposed to face in different directions. In the folded state, the electronic device100may be configured to select and activate at least one of the first area A1and the second area A2. For example, in the folded state, the electronic device100may be configured to activate the first area A1in a video or Internet mode and may be configured to activate the second area A2in a video call or selfie taking mode. If the electronic device100is in the folded state and the multitasking mode, the first area A1and the second area A2may be set to be simultaneously activated to output different application screens. In another embodiment of the disclosure, as illustrated inFIG.2, in the unfolded state of the electronic device100, the first area A1and the second area A2may be disposed to face in substantially the same direction. In the unfolded state, the electronic device100may be configured to activate substantially all of the first area A1and the second area A2and be configured to output a screen using the whole or selected partial area of the flexible display105according to the operation mode.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in the unfolded position, the first housing101and the second housing102may be disposed to form a designated angle, e.g., 180 degrees, therebetween. When the electronic device100unfolds to the designated angle, the foldable display105may output a screen through substantially the entire area. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the first housing101and the second housing102may be obliquely unfolded between a position (e.g., the first position illustrated inFIG.1) in which the first housing101and the second housing102are folded to face each other and a position at a designated angle (e.g., the second position illustrated inFIG.2). In the obliquely unfolded position, the first area A1and the second area A2of the flexible display105may output screens in different directions. For example, when unfolded obliquely, the electronic device100may provide screens to two users who sit facing each other. When the screen is output in the obliquely unfolded position, the screen output from the first area A1and the screen output from the second area A2may be the same as or different from each other.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in the folded state, the flexible display105may be substantially visually exposed to the outside. For example, the electronic device100may output a screen using the first area A1and/or the second area A2. In some embodiments of the disclosure, in the standby mode, the electronic device100may deactivate the screen of the flexible display105and activate a partial area according to a designated setting. For example, in the standby mode, the electronic device100may at least partially activate one of the first area A1and the second area A2to output daily information, such as time or weather. According to another embodiment of the disclosure, in the standby mode, the electronic device100may activate a portion positioned corresponding to the multi-bar assembly143in the second area A2to provide information about the operation state or notification information, e.g., messages or news.

In the following description, the components easy to understand from the description of the components in the above-described embodiments are denoted with or without the same reference numerals and their detailed description may be skipped.

FIG.3is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electronic device100according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.3, an electronic device100may include a first housing101, a second housing102rotatably connected to the first housing101, and a third housing103slidably coupled to the first housing101and/or a flexible display105. A hinge structure104may be disposed between the first housing101and the second housing102to rotatably couple the first housing101and the second housing102. The flexible display105may be partially attached to any one of the first housing101, the second housing102, and/or the third housing103, and the remaining portion of the flexible display105may be disposed to slide on the housings101,102, and103or deformable into a curved shape or flat shape.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first housing101may include a first housing member101aand a first rear plate101bcoupled to the first housing member101a. The second housing102may include a second housing member102aand a second rear plate102bcoupled to the second housing member102a. The first housing101and the second housing102may have substantially the same structure and may partially differ depending on the electric components disposed therein. For example, the third housing103may be disposed in the first housing101at an end or edge away from the folding axis (e.g., the folding axis F ofFIG.1orFIG.2) and, in the second housing102, a structure for guiding the entry/exit of the flexible display may be disposed. Accordingly, at least portions of the ends or edges of the first housing101and the second housing102may have different shapes or structures. In some embodiments of the disclosure, either of the rear plates101band102bmay be provided with an optical module and/or an optical hole, not shown. The first housing101and the second housing102may partially have different shapes depending on the placement of another component, such as an optical module.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the first housing member101asubstantially forms the appearance of the electronic device100(e.g., the first housing101) and may include a flat shape portion supporting the flexible display105and may form at least a portion of the side surface of the electronic device100. The first housing member101amay include a metal and/or a polymer. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first housing101amay be electrically connected with a processor or a communication module of the electronic device100. For example, the first housing member101amay at least partially include a metal and/or an electrically conductive material, thereby serving as an antenna of the electronic device100. In some embodiments of the disclosure, at least a portion of the first housing member101a(e.g., a portion forming a side surface of the electronic device100) may include various coating layers, thereby providing a decorative effect on the appearance of the electronic device100or an electrically insulating structure.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first rear plate101bmay be formed by laminated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two thereof). In some embodiments of the disclosure, the first rear plate101bmay be formed substantially integrally with the first housing member101a. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first rear plate101bmay at least partially include a curved area. For example, an edge portion of the first rear plate101badjacent to the first housing member101amay include a portion that is bent towards the front surface (e.g., the surface where the foldable display105is disposed) of the electronic device100and seamlessly extended. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the first rear plate101bmay be disposed to be inclined with respect to the first area A1of the flexible display105. For example, the distance between the first area A1of the flexible display105and the first rear plate101bmay gradually decrease away from the folding axis F ofFIG.2.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the third housing103may be slidably coupled to the first housing101and may be partially received in or exposed outside of the first housing101according to the sliding operation. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device100may further include a printed circuit board161on which a processor, a memory, and/or an interface are disposed. The printed circuit board161may be disposed inside the first housing101while being mounted on the third housing103. Although not shown, in addition to the printed circuit board161, various electrical components, such as a haptic module, camera module, sensor module(s) and/or connecting terminals, may be provided in the first housing101(or the second housing102).

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the second housing102may include a second housing member102aand a second rear plate102b. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a slit123may be formed or defined in a portion of the second housing member102a. The configuration of the slit123is described with reference toFIG.18and, since the rest of the structure of the second housing102may be similar to the structure of the first housing101, no detailed description thereof will be given. In some embodiments of the disclosure, it should be noted that since different electrical components may be disposed in the first housing101and/or the second housing102as described above, the second housing102may partially differ in shape or structure from the first housing101.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device100may further include at least one battery163, a roller171, and/or an interlocking member173received in the second housing102. The battery163may be a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device100. The battery189may include, e.g., a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell. The battery163may be integrally (built-in) or detachably disposed inside the electronic device100. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device100may include electrical wiring (e.g., the flexible printed circuit board261ofFIG.9) connecting the battery163to the printed circuit board161. The electrical wiring may extend from the battery163through the hinge structure104to the printed circuit board161inside the first housing101.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the hinge structure104may include a hinge module141, a multi-bar assembly143, and/or a hinge cover rotatably coupling the second housing102to the first housing101. The hinge module141has two different parts coupled to the first housing101and the second housing102(e.g., the housing members101aand102a), respectively, providing at least one folding axis (e.g., the folding axis F ofFIG.1or2).

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the hinge module141may allow the first housing101and the second housing102to interlock with each other to rotate in opposite directions thereto. For example, when the first housing101rotate clockwise, the hinge module141may be configured to rotate the second housing102counterclockwise. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the housings101and102may move relative to the hinge module141in a direction approaching the folding axis F when rotating toward the first position illustrated inFIG.1and move relative to the hinge module141in a direction away from the folding axis F when rotating toward the second position illustrated inFIG.2. For example, as the housings101and102move with respect to the hinge module141according to the rotating operation, tension may be prevented from being applied to the flexible display105, and the area or length of the rear surface (e.g., the hinge cover145ofFIGS.2and/or3) of the electronic device100may be contracted or extended.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the multi-bar assembly143may be disposed between the hinge module141and the flexible display105and may be configured to connect the first housing101and the second housing102. For example, the multi-bar assembly143, together with the housing members101aand102a, may form a surface supporting the flexible display105. As mentioned above, a plurality of bars143a(refer toFIG.1orFIG.2) forming the multi-bar assembly143may be arranged along the moving direction of the third housing103while being positioned in parallel to the folding axis F, and the multi-bar assembly143may be deformed into various shapes between a flat shape and a curved shape according to the relative positions of the adjacent bars143a.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the hinge cover145may be disposed to face the multi-bar assembly143with the hinge module141interposed therebetween. For example, the hinge cover145may form a portion of the rear surface of the electronic device100and hide or protect components disposed inside the electronic device100and/or the hinge module141and the multi-bar assembly143on the rear surface of the electronic device100. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the hinge cover145may be formed of a combination of a plurality of cover plates145a(seeFIG.2) or an elastic material to be contracted or extended as the first housing101and/or the second housing102rotates.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the roller171may be disposed on one edge of the second housing102(e.g., an edge farther from the folding axis F ofFIG.2), guiding movement or deformation of the flexible display105(e.g., the second area A2). In one embodiment of the disclosure, if the folding axis (e.g., the folding axis F ofFIGS.1and/or2) is positioned adjacent one end of the second housing102, the roller171may be rotatably positioned at the other end of the second housing102away from the folding axis F. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the second housing102may further include a guide member121coupled to the second housing member102aand/or the second rear plate102bwhile surrounding the roller171. The roller171may be disposed inside the second housing102, a designated gap apart from the guide member121. The flexible display105may be drawn in or gradually out of the second housing102through the gap between the roller171and the guide member121. For example, when the flexible display105moves, the roller171may guide the movement of the flexible display105or deformation into a curved shape. According to another embodiment of the disclosure, as the roller171is rotatably disposed in the second housing102, it is possible to suppress or prevent frictional force from being generated when the flexible display105moves.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the interlocking member173may interlock the rotation of the roller171and the slide of the flexible display105with respect to the housings101and102. The interlocking member173may include, e.g., a flat belt, a timing belt, and/or a timing chain, and may be formed of an elastic material. The configuration of the interlocking member173is described in more detail in connection withFIGS.16to18.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device100may include a sensor module and/or an optical module169disposed in the third housing103. The optical module169may include, e.g., at least one camera, an infrared projector, an infrared receiver, a flash, a proximity sensor, and/or an illuminance sensor and may be disposed corresponding to the optical hole (e.g., the optical hole153inFIGS.1and/or2) in the third housing103.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the flexible display105may include a display panel157and a display protection layer159joined to the display panel157. Although not shown, the flexible display105may further include a window layer. Further, the window layer may be disposed on one surface (e.g., a surface facing in the +Z direction) of the display panel157. The display panel157may include a light emitting layer and may include an electrical circuit, such as a touch sensor. For example, the display panel157may be formed of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) or micro LEDs to output visual information, and may detect the user's direct contact to the display panel157or the user's motion within a certain distance. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the display protection layer159prevents the display panel157from directly contacting or interfering with a mechanical structure (e.g., the first housing101and/or the second housing102) and may be slidably coupled to the housings101and102. A structure in which the display protection layer159is fastened to the housings101and102is described again with reference toFIGS.7and8. In another embodiment of the disclosure, a portion of the display protection layer159may be attached to the third housing103. For example, when the third housing103slides with respect to the first housing101, the flexible display105may slide on the first housing101and/or the second housing102while maintaining a substantially flat shape. A portion of the flexible display105may be deformed into a curved shape in a position corresponding to the hinge structure104and/or the roller171.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the flexible display105may include a first area A1positioned in the first housing101and/or the third housing103and a second area A2positioned in the second housing102. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the second area A2may extend from the first area A1and be disposed on the second housing102through the area where the hinge structure104is disposed and may be at least partially received inside the second housing102. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first area A1may mean a portion that substantially maintains a flat shape, and the second area A2may mean a portion that may be at least partially deformed into a flat shape and a curved shape. As the third housing103slides, a portion of the second area A2may be selectively positioned on the first housing101. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the first area A1may mean a portion (e.g., the attachment area AA ofFIG.13or15) of the flexible display105attached to the third housing103, and a portion, which is positioned on the first housing101while maintaining a flat shape but is not attached to the third housing103(e.g., the first area A1ofFIG.13or15not corresponding to the attachment area) may be included in the second area A2.

Although not shown, the electronic device100may further include a support plate(s) disposed inside the first housing101and/or the second housing102. The support plate may be formed of, e.g., a metal or polymer material. The support plate may maintain the rigidity of the electronic device100and/or, when containing a metal or electrically conductive material, it may provide a ground plane or electromagnetic shielding structure. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device100may further include an antenna (not shown) disposed inside the first housing101and/or the second housing102. The antenna may be manufactured in the form of a sheet or a flat plate and be disposed on at least one of the rear plates101band102band may be used for proximity wireless communication, wireless charging and/or magnetic secure transmission.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, a processor, memory, communication module, and/or interface in the form of electrical components, e.g., integrated circuit chips or connectors, may be disposed on the printed circuit board161. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, various electrical components may be disposed in a space other than the printed circuit board161in the first housing101and/or the second housing102. The processor may include one or more of, e.g., a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphic processing device, an image signal processing, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor.

The memory may include, e.g., a volatile or non-volatile memory.

FIG.4is a perspective view illustrating a folded position of an electronic device100according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.4, in the folded state (e.g., the first position illustrated inFIG.1), the electronic device100may be configured to activate either the first area A1or the second area A2. For example, while watching a video or accessing the Internet, selected one of the first area A1and the second area A2may be activated. In another embodiment of the disclosure, in a selfie taking mode, e.g., when the user captures herself through the optical hole153ofFIG.1or the optical module169ofFIG.3, the electronic device100may be configured to activate the second area A2. In another embodiment of the disclosure, if the optical module169detects that an external object is positioned near the rear surface of the third housing103using the proximity sensor in the first position, the electronic device100may be configured to deactivate, at least, the second area A2of the first area A1and the second area A2.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, in the slide-in state of the third housing103, the second housing102(e.g., the second rear plate102bofFIG.3) may be folded to the first housing101to face the first housing101(e.g., the first rear plate101bofFIG.3). In the folded state and the slide-in state, a substantial portion of the second area A2may be received in the second housing102. Even in the folded state and the slide-in state, another portion of the second area A2may be exposed to the external space in a direction opposite to that of the first area A1. In one embodiment of the disclosure, as the third housing103moves relative to the first housing101and slides out, a portion of the second area A2adjacent to the first area A1gradually moves to the front surface of the first housing101, and the second area A2may be gradually drawn out on the second housing102.

FIG.5is a perspective view illustrating an unfolded position of a portion of an electronic device100according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.6is a perspective view illustrating an unfolded position of an electronic device100according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the second housing102may rotate with respect to the first housing101irrespective of the slide-in and/or slide-out state. For example,FIG.5illustrates a state in which the second housing102is rotated to the second position in the slide-in state, andFIG.6illustrates a state in which the second housing102is rotated to the second position in the slide-out state.

Referring toFIG.5, the second area A2is partially received inside the second housing102, and the portion exposed to the outside may output a screen in substantially the same direction (e.g., +Z direction) as the first area A1.

Referring toFIG.6, the second area A2may be substantially exposed to the outside. The electronic device100may output a screen in the +Z direction using the entire area of the flexible display105.

FIG.7is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of the electronic device100, taken along line A-A′ ofFIG.6according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.8is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of the electronic device100, taken along line B-B′ ofFIG.6according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.7and8, the first housing101and/or the second housing102may have a guide slit(s)119or129extending along the moving direction of the third housing103(e.g., the M1 direction ofFIG.2). The flexible display105, e.g., the display protection layer159, has an edge portion movably fastened to the guide slit119or129and may thus be slid on the first housing101and/or the second housing102while being guided by the guide slit119or129. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the display panel157may be disposed a predetermined interval apart so as not to directly contact the mechanical structures of the housings101and102. In another embodiment of the disclosure, as the flexible display102moves, the display protection layer159may partially rub against the housings101and102. In some embodiments of the disclosure, portions of the display protection layer159, which are in friction with the housings101and102, may be coated with a material having a mechanical lubricity.

FIG.9is a perspective view illustrating an inside of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.9, it illustrates, e.g., a state in which the first housing101and the second housing102are in the second position and the third housing103is in a slide-out state. The position indicated by ‘PI’ denotes an edge of the printed circuit board161in the slide-in state. Referring toFIG.9, the first housing101and the second housing102(e.g., the housing members101aand102a) may be rotatably coupled with each other through a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure104ofFIG.3), e.g., the hinge module141, and the third housing103may be slidably disposed at one end of the first housing101. The printed circuit board161may be mounted in the third housing103and, along with the third housing103, reciprocate linearly along the length direction (e.g., Y-axis direction).

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the multi-bar assembly143may be disposed between the first housing member101aand the second housing member102aand may include a plurality of bars143ato, together with the first housing member101aand/or the second housing member102a, form a flat or curved surface supporting the flexible display105. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the multi-bar assembly143may prevent the flexible display105from being deformed by an external force (e.g., a force according to the user's contact) in the second area A2.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the roller171may be rotatably coupled to the second housing102in a position adjacent to the guide member121. At least one battery163may be disposed inside the second housing102. The battery(ies)163may be electrically connected with the printed circuit board161through the flexible printed circuit board261disposed across the hinge structure (e.g., the multi-bar assembly143). In one embodiment of the disclosure, the flexible printed circuit board261may be disposed (B) to be at least partially curved in a position adjacent to the printed circuit board161and, as the third housing103slides, the curved shape of the flexible printed circuit board261may be deformed.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the interlocking member173may include a flat belt, a timing belt, and/or a timing chain, and may be formed of an elastic material. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the interlocking member173may be disposed to surround a portion of the roller171and may transfer the rotational force of the roller171to another structure (e.g., a pulley179ofFIG.18) and/or rotate the roller171according to the movement or rotation of the other structure. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the interlocking member173may rotate the roller171when the flexible display105moves on the second housing102. For example, when the flexible display105slides, the interlocking member173and the roller171operate, guiding the slide of the second area A2into or out of the second housing102.

FIG.10is a cross-sectional view illustrating a folded position of an electronic device100according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.11is a cross-sectional view illustrating an unfolded position of a portion of an electronic device100according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.12is a cross-sectional view illustrating an unfolded position of an electronic device100according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.10, according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the flexible display105may provide a 4:3 ratio screen in the +Z direction. In the state illustrated inFIG.11, the flexible display105may provide a 16:9 ratio screen in the +Z direction and a 21:9 ratio screen in the state illustrated inFIG.12.

Referring toFIGS.10and11, as rotating about the folding axis F, the first housing101and/or the second housing102may be moved with respect to the hinge structure104and may thus getting closer to or farther from the folding axis F. The movement of the housings101and102with respect to the hinge structure104may maintain the same length (e.g., the length L ofFIG.2) or area in which the flexible display105is exposed to the outside in, e.g., the folded state ofFIG.10or the unfolded state ofFIG.11. This has been described above in connection with the configuration in which no tension is applied to the flexible display105.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, when the folding axis F is formed at the first point P1ofFIG.11(e.g., inside the electronic device100), the housings101and102may be moved closer to or farther away from the folding axis F while rotating about the folding axis F. In another embodiment of the disclosure, when at least one folding axis F is formed at a second point P2-1or P2-2ofFIG.11(e.g., outside the electronic device100), the length (e.g., the length L ofFIG.2) or area in which the flexible display105is exposed to the outside may remain the same although the housings101and102are not moved with respect to the hinge structure104while rotating about the folding axis F. The configuration in which the first housing101and the second housing102rotate about different folding axes has been described above. As such, depending on the number or positions P1, P2-1, and P2-2of the folding axes F, various modifications may be made to the configuration in which the housings101and102move closer to or away from the folding axes F. The configuration of moving closer or away from the folding axis F may be more clearly identified by comparing the position of the battery163or the position of the printed circuit board161inFIGS.10and11.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, since the flexible display105is substantially slidably disposed with respect to the first housing101and/or the second housing102, the flexible display105may be freed from the load (e.g., tension) according to the rotation of the housings101and102. For example, when the housings101and102are rotated, a portion of the flexible display105(e.g., the second area A2ofFIG.2) may enter the second housing102, and even when the length L illustrated inFIG.2is different from the first position illustrated inFIG.1, no load (e.g., tension) may be applied to the flexible display105. For example, in the electronic device100according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the positions and number of folding axes F and whether the housings101and102are moved with respect to the hinge structure104may not be limited to the above-described embodiments.

Referring toFIG.12, from comparison betweenFIGS.11and12, if the third housing103slides out in the M1 direction and/or the +Y direction in the unfolded state, the printed circuit board161may also move in the M1 direction and/or +Y direction inside the first housing101. As the third housing103gradually moves in the M1 direction, the second area A2may be drawn out from the second housing102so that the exposed area of the flexible display105may gradually increase in the +Z direction. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in the flexible printed circuit board261, the length in the Y-axis direction of the curved portion B may be smaller in the slide-out state than in the slide-in state. As the shape or size of the curved portion B is changed in a deforming operation of the electronic device100, such as a slide of the third housing103, a load (e.g., tension) may be prevented from being applied to the printed circuit board261although the distance between the battery163and the printed circuit board161is varied.

FIG.13is a cross-sectional view illustrating one of use states of an electronic device100according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.14is a cross-sectional view illustrating a use state of use states of an electronic device100according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.15is a cross-sectional view illustrating a use state of use states of an electronic device100according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.13, the attachment area AA may mean an area, disposed on the third housing103, of the flexible display105and may be a portion of the first area A1. In one embodiment of the disclosure, in the folded state of the first housing101and the second housing102, the third housing103may slide out. In this state, a portion of the second area A2, along with at least a portion of the first area A1, may be positioned on the front surface of the first housing101.

Referring toFIGS.14and15, the first housing101and the second housing102may be stopped in an inclined state with respect to each other, and one of the first housing101and the second housing102may be mounted on a plane. For example, as illustrated inFIGS.14and15, if the second housing102is mounted on a plane, the first housing101may be positioned in an inclined state with respect to the plane. Referring toFIG.14, if the first housing101is mounted on a plane and is in the slide-in state, the electronic device100may be configured to output a screen using the first area A1of the flexible display105. Referring toFIG.15, if the first housing101is mounted on a plane and is in the slide-out state, the electronic device100may be configured to output a screen using a portion of the first area A1and the second area A2.

FIG.16is a cross-sectional view illustrating a guide structure of a flexible display in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.16, the electronic device100may further include at least one second roller271disposed on and/or adjacent to the hinge structure104. The second roller(s)271, along with, e.g., the roller171, may guide movement or deformation of the flexible display105. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in the folded state, the flexible display105may be deformed into a curved shape at two places. For example, in the folded state, the flexible display105may have curved shapes at a portion adjacent to the roller171and a portion adjacent to the hinge structure104. In another embodiment of the disclosure, when the third housing103slides while maintaining the folded state, the rollers171and271may guide deformation or movement of at least the curved portion of the flexible display105.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, when the second roller271is included, the second roller271, along with the roller171, may be disposed in the second housing102and adjacent to the hinge structure104. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the interlocking member173may be disposed to interlock the roller171and the second roller271. When the plurality of second rollers271are included, the electronic device100may further include a second interlocking member273. One of the second rollers271may be disposed on the second housing102and interlocked with the roller171by an interlocking member173, and the other one of the second rollers271may be disposed on the first housing101and interlocked with the second roller271of the second housing102by the second interlocking member273. The second interlocking member273may include, e.g., a flat belt, a timing belt, and/or a timing chain. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the interlocking member173and/or the second interlocking member273may interlock the roller171and the second roller(s)271to rotate in the same direction. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device100may further include a driving motor (not shown) for rotating at least one of the rollers171and271. For example, to guide the movement or deformation of the flexible display105when the third housing103and/or the flexible display105slides, the electronic device100may rotate the rollers171and271using the driving motor.

FIG.17is a cross-sectional view illustrating a guide structure of a flexible display105in an electronic device100according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.18is an enlarged, perspective view illustrating portion ‘E1’ ofFIG.17according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.17and18, the electronic device100may further include a guide structure or an interlocking structure for interlocking the slide of the flexible display105and the rotation of the roller171. The interlocking structure may include rack-and-pinion gears277and275for converting rotation into linear motion and/or linear motion into rotation and/or an interlocking member (e.g., the interlocking member173ofFIG.3) for interlocking rotation of the pinion gear275and the roller171. For example, the interlocking structure may interlock the slide of the flexible display105and the rotation of the roller171.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the pinion gear275may be rotatably disposed within the second housing102and may include a pulley179provided on one side thereof. Referring toFIG.18, the pinion gear275is rotatably coupled to the hinge module141, but various embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the pinion gear275may be rotatably coupled to another structure formed in the second housing member102a. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the rack gear277may be disposed on the flexible display105and may be engaged with the pinion gear275through the slit123(e.g., the slit123ofFIG.3). In another embodiment of the disclosure, the rack gear275may be disposed on the inner surface of the flexible display105in an area, maintaining a flat shape, of the flexible display105(e.g., the second area A2). For example, when the third housing103and/or the flexible display105slides, the rack gear277may linearly reciprocate on the front surface of the second housing102.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the pinion gear275may be engaged with the rack gear277outside of the second housing member102awhile being disposed inside the second housing member102a. For example, the pinion gear275may be positioned at a substantially fixed point with respect to the slit123, and the rack gear277may be moved with respect to the slit123or the pinion gear275according to the sliding operation of the flexible display105or the rotation of the pinion gear275. In the illustrated embodiment of the disclosure, the slit123extends in one direction as does the rack gear277, but it should be noted that various embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the slit123may be sized so that the pinion gear275may partially protrude outside the second housing member102a(e.g., an area or space in which the rack gear277is disposed) and, when viewed from inside of the second housing member102a, the rack gear277may be substantially invisible.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, as the interlocking member173is disposed to surround a portion of the roller171and the pulley179, the roller171and the pulley179may rotate in substantially the same direction. For example, if the roller171rotates, the pinion gear275rotates to slide the rack gear277and/or the flexible display105on the second housing102. When the rack gear277and/or the flexible display105slide on the second housing102, the pinion gear275may be rotated, rotating the roller171. As such, the interlocking structure may slide the flexible display105with respect to the second housing102in at least a section between the roller171and the point where the rack gear277is disposed. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the ratio of the rotation angle of the roller171to the moving distance of the rack gear277may be set so that no load is applied to the flexible display105in the section between the roller171and the point where the rack gear277is disposed. For example, the speed at which the flexible display105enters the second housing102or is drawn out of the second housing102may be substantially the same as the speed at which the rack gear277moves.

FIG.19is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device100ofFIGS.1to6) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.20is a cross-sectional view illustrating one of use states of an electronic device ofFIG.19according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.21is a cross-sectional view illustrating a use state of use states of an electronic device ofFIG.19according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.22is a cross-sectional view illustrating a use state of use states of an electronic device ofFIG.19according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.23is a cross-sectional view illustrating a use state of use states of an electronic device ofFIG.19according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.19to23, an electronic device300may include a first housing101, a second housing102, a third housing103, and/or a flexible display105. The illustrated electronic device300may be different from the electronic device100ofFIGS.1to6in the placement or operation of the flexible display105. The structure or arrangement of the first housing101, the second housing102, and/or the third housing103may be similar to the above-described embodiment. Therefore, in the instant embodiment of the disclosure, no detailed description is given of the configuration of the housings101,102, and103, and placement of the flexible display105or deformation of the flexible display105according to the deformation of the electronic device300(e.g., a folded/unfolded state and/or a slide-in/out state) is described below.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the flexible display105may include a first area A1disposed on the first housing101and/or the second housing102and a second area A1disposed on the third housing103. As exemplified inFIGS.19and21, in the folded state, a portion of the first area A1may be disposed to face in the −Z direction and another portion thereof may be disposed to face in the +Z direction. In the folded state, still another portion of the first area A1may have a curved shape between the portion facing in the −Z direction and the portion facing in the +Z direction. As illustrated inFIGS.20and22, when the first housing101and/or the second housing102are rotated to be in an unfolded state, the first area A1may be disposed to face substantially in the +Z direction.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated inFIGS.19and20, in the slide-in state, the second area A2may be disposed to substantially surround the third housing103so that a portion of the second area A2may be disposed to face in the −Z direction, and the remaining portion of the second area A2may be disposed to face in the +Z direction. As illustrated inFIGS.21and22, in the slide-out state, the second area A2may be disposed to substantially face in the +Z direction. For example, as the third housing103slides with respect to the first housing101, the second area A2may slide with respect to the third housing103. In some embodiments of the disclosure, in the slide-in state, at least a portion of the second area A2may be received inside the third housing103.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the first housing101and the second housing102may remain stationary in an inclined state with respect to each other. For example, when one of the housings is mounted on a plane in a state in which the first housing101and the second housing102are inclined, a portion (e.g., a portion of the first area A1ofFIG.23) of the flexible display105positioned in the other housing may be activated. InFIG.23, a configuration in which the first housing101and/or the third housing103are mounted on a plane is exemplified, but it will be easily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that as inFIG.14or15, in the electronic device300ofFIG.23, the second housing102may be mounted on a plane.

Although not shown, the electronic device100may further include a sensor (e.g., the optical hole153or optical module169ofFIGS.1to3) disposed adjacent to the flexible display105on the surface where the flexible display105is disposed. For example, a sensor (not shown) may be disposed in the second housing102to face in the same direction as the flexible display105. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the flexible display105may be disposed on an entire surface of the second housing102. The sensor may face in the −Z direction while being disposed in the third housing103. In this case, the area or size of the portion of the second area A2facing in the −Z direction on the third housing103may be smaller than that illustrated in the drawings.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, according to deformed states (e.g., a folded/unfolded state and/or a slide-in/out state), the electronic device300may provide various operation modes. For example, in the state illustrated inFIG.19(e.g., a folded/slide-in state), the electronic device300may activate the areas of the flexible display105facing in the −Z direction. In this state, the electronic device300may be configured to output a first application screen in the first area A1facing in the −Z direction ofFIG.19and a second application screen in the second area A2facing in the −Z direction. In some embodiments of the disclosure, if a sensor (e.g., a camera) is disposed in the second housing102, in a video call, the first area A1in the −Z direction ofFIG.19may be configured to output the user's face, and the second area A2in the −Z direction may be configured to output the counterpart's face.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, in the state illustrated inFIGS.19to21, the area of the flexible display105facing in the +Z direction may be configured to output an application screen (e.g., a video, image, document and/or file list), and the area of the flexible display facing in the −Z direction may be configured to provide a user interface, such as a slider (e.g., a slide bar and button), volume control, screen zoom in/out, and/or scroll functions. According to another embodiment of the disclosure, in the state illustrated inFIG.21, the flexible display105may provide a 4:3 ratio screen in the +Z direction. In the state illustrated inFIG.20, the flexible display105may provide a 16:9 ratio screen in the +Z direction and a 21:9 ratio screen in the state illustrated inFIG.22.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device300may be configured to differently use a whole display area or a portion of the whole display area including the first area A1and the second area A2for each use state based on deformation of the electronic device300.

For example, in the state illustrated inFIG.19(e.g., the folded/slide-in state), the electronic device300may identify a first display area1960-1, a second display area1960-2, and a sixth display area1960-6and may display a screen on at least a portion of the first display area1960-1, the second display area1960-2, and the sixth display area1960-6.

For example, in the state illustrated inFIG.20(e.g., the unfolded/slide-in state), the electronic device300may identify the third display area1960-3and the sixth display area1960-6and may output a screen on at least a portion of the third display area1960-3and the sixth display area1960-6.

For example, in the state illustrated inFIG.21(e.g., the folded/slide-out state), the electronic device300may identify the first display area1960-1and the fourth display area1960-4and may output a screen on at least a portion of the first display area1960-1and the fourth display area1960-4.

For example, in the state illustrated inFIG.22(e.g., the unfolded/slide-out state), the electronic device300may identify the fifth display area1960-5and may output a screen on at least a portion of the fifth display area1950-5.

For example, in the state illustrated inFIG.23(e.g., in a state in which one of the housings is mounted on a plane while the first housing101and the second housing102are inclined), the electronic device300may identify the first display area1960-1and may output a screen on at least a portion of the first display area1960-1.

Referring toFIG.24, an electronic device2401(e.g., the electronic device100ofFIGS.1to6) in the network environment2400may communicate with an electronic device2402via a first network2498(e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or an electronic device2404or a server2408via a second network2499(e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device2401may communicate with the electronic device2404via the server2408. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device2401may include a processor2420, memory2430, an input module2450, a sound output module2455, a display module2460, an audio module2470, a sensor module2476, an interface2477, a connecting terminal2478, a haptic module2479, a camera module2480, a power management module2488, a battery2489, a communication module2490, a subscriber identification module (SIM)2496, or an antenna module2497. In some embodiments of the disclosure, at least one (e.g., the connecting terminal2478) of the components may be omitted from the electronic device2401, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device101. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, some (e.g., the sensor module2476, the camera module2480, or the antenna module2497) of the components may be integrated into a single component (e.g., the display module2460).

The processor2420may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program2440) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device2401coupled with the processor2420, and may perform various data processing or computation. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor2420may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module2476or the communication module2490) in volatile memory2432, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory2432, and store resulting data in non-volatile memory2434. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor2420may include a main processor2421(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), or an auxiliary processor2423(e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor121. For example, when the electronic device2401includes the main processor2421and the auxiliary processor2423, the auxiliary processor2423may be configured to use lower power than the main processor2421or to be specified for a designated function. The auxiliary processor2423may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor2421.

The auxiliary processor2423may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display module2460, the sensor module2476, or the communication module2490) among the components of the electronic device2401, instead of the main processor2421while the main processor2421is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor2421while the main processor2421is in an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the auxiliary processor2423(e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module2480or the communication module2490) functionally related to the auxiliary processor123. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the auxiliary processor2423(e.g., the neural processing unit) may include a hardware structure specified for artificial intelligence model processing. The artificial intelligence model may be generated via machine learning. Such learning may be performed, e.g., by the electronic device2401where the artificial intelligence is performed or via a separate server (e.g., the server2408). Learning algorithms may include, but are not limited to, e.g., supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), deep Q-network or a combination of two or more thereof but is not limited thereto. The artificial intelligence model may, additionally or alternatively, include a software structure other than the hardware structure.

The memory2430may store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor2420or the sensor module2476) of the electronic device2401. The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program2440) and input data or output data for a command related thereto. The memory2430may include the volatile memory2432or the non-volatile memory2434.

The program2440may be stored in the memory2430as software, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS)2442, middleware2444, or an application2446.

The input module2450may receive a command or data to be used by other component (e.g., the processor2420) of the electronic device2401, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device2401. The input module2450may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, keys (e.g., buttons), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The sound output module2455may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device2401. The sound output module2455may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record. The receiver may be used for receiving incoming calls. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

The display module2460may visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device2401. The display module2460may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, hologram device, and projector. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the display module2460may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

The audio module2470may convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the audio module2470may obtain the sound via the input module2450, or output the sound via the sound output module2455or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device2402) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device2401.

The interface2477may support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device2401to be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device2402) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the interface2477may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

A connecting terminal2478may include a connector via which the electronic device2401may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device2402). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the connecting terminal2478may include, for example, a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module2479may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., a vibration or motion) or electrical stimulus which may be recognized by a user via his tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the haptic module2479may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

The camera module2480may capture a still image or moving images. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the camera module2480may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module2488may manage power supplied to the electronic device2401. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the power management module2488may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery2489may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device2401. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the battery2489may include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

The communication module2490may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device2401and the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device2402, the electronic device2404, or the server2408) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module2490may include one or more communication processors that are operable independently from the processor2420(e.g., the application processor (AP)) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the communication module2490may include a wireless communication module2492(e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module2494(e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device2404via a first network2498(e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network2499(e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module2492may identify or authenticate the electronic device2401in a communication network, such as the first network2498or the second network2499, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module2496.

The antenna module2497may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the antenna module2497may include one antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the antenna module2497may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an antenna array). In this case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in a communication network, such as the first network2498or the second network2499, may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, e.g., the communication module2490. The signal or the power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module2490and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, other parts (e.g., radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) than the radiator may be further formed as part of the antenna module2497.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device2401and the external electronic device2404via the server2408coupled with the second network2499. The external electronic devices2402or2404each may be a device of the same or a different type from the electronic device2401. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, all or some of operations to be executed at the electronic device2401may be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices2402,2404, or2408. For example, if the electronic device2401should perform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device2401, instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or the service, may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or the service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform the at least part of the function or the service requested, or an additional function or an additional service related to the request, and transfer an outcome of the performing to the electronic device2401. The electronic device2401may provide the outcome, with or without further processing of the outcome, as at least part of a reply to the request. To that end, a cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device2401may provide ultra low-latency services using, e.g., distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the external electronic device2404may include an internet-of-things (IoT) device. The server2408may be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or a neural network. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the external electronic device2404or the server2408may be included in the second network2499. The electronic device2401may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or health-care) based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technology.

As described above, according to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1to6or the electronic device2401ofFIG.24) may comprise a first housing (e.g., the first housing101ofFIGS.1to6), a second housing (e.g., the second housing102ofFIGS.1to6) coupled to an edge of the first housing and configured to rotate about a folding axis (e.g., the folding axis F ofFIGS.1and/or2) extending in a first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction ofFIG.3), a third housing (e.g., the third housing103ofFIGS.1to6) coupled to the first housing and disposed to be slidable toward or away from the folding axis, and a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display105ofFIGS.1to6) including a first area (e.g., the first area A1ofFIGS.1to3) disposed on the third housing and a second area (e.g., the second area A2ofFIGS.1to3) extending from the first area and disposed through the first housing to the second housing. As the third housing slides, the second area may slide on the first housing or the second housing, and a portion of the second area may be selectively received in the second housing.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the second housing may be configured to be pivotable between a first position (e.g., the position ofFIGS.1and/or4) where the second housing is disposed to face the first housing and a second position (e.g., the position ofFIGS.2,5, and/or6) in which the second housing is unfolded at a designated angle from the first position.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the second area may be disposed (e.g., refer toFIG.13) to at least partially face away from the first area in the first position and is disposed (e.g., refer toFIGS.2,5, and/or6) at least partially in parallel to a side of the first area in the second position.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, as the second housing pivots to the second position, a portion of the second area may be gradually received in the second housing.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device may further comprise a sensor module (e.g., the optical module169ofFIG.3) disposed in the third housing and disposed to face away from the first area.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, in the first position, at least a portion of the second area may be disposed adjacent to the sensor module.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, in the first position, as the third housing slides, the second area may be configured to gradually expand or contract at a side of the first area.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device may further comprise a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure104ofFIGS.1to6) providing the folding axis and pivotably coupling the first housing and the second housing. The second area may be disposed to partially cross the hinge structure between the first housing and the second housing.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the hinge structure may include at least one hinge module (e.g., the hinge module141ofFIG.3), a multi-bar assembly (e.g., the multi-bar structure143ofFIGS.1to3) disposed between the hinge module and the flexible display and configured to support a portion of the second area between the first housing and the second housing, and a hinge cover (e.g., the hinge cover145ofFIGS.2and/or3) disposed to face the multi-bar assembly with the hinge module disposed therebetween.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device may further comprise a roller (e.g., the roller171ofFIG.3) rotatably mounted to an edge of the second structure. The second area may be configured to be gradually received in or exposed to an outside of the second housing while being guided by the roller.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device may further comprise a rack gear (e.g., the rack gear277ofFIGS.17and/or18) disposed in the second area, a pinion gear (e.g., the pinion gear275ofFIGS.17and/or18) rotatably disposed in the second housing and engaged with the rack gear, and an interlocking member (e.g., the interlocking member173ofFIGS.3,17, and/or18) interlocking rotation of the roller and the pinion gear. The pinion gear may be configured to be rotated in conjunction with the roller by the interlocking member to move the rack gear or the second area relative to the second housing.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device may further comprise a printed circuit board (e.g., the printed circuit board161ofFIGS.3and/or9to12) coupled to the third housing and disposed in the first housing, at least one battery (e.g., the battery163ofFIGS.3and/or9to12) disposed in the second housing, and a flexible printed circuit board (e.g., the flexible printed circuit board261ofFIGS.9to12) extending from the battery and connected to the printed circuit board.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the flexible printed circuit board may be disposed to be partially curved (e.g., the curved portion B of FIG.9or12) and may be configured so that the curved shape of the flexible printed circuit board is deformed as the third housing slides.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device may further comprise at least one processor (e.g., the processor2420ofFIG.24) operatively connected with the flexible display. The at least one processor may be configured to identify one of a plurality of use states of the electronic device based on a deformation of the electronic device based on pivoting of the second housing and a slide of the third housing and activate at least a partial area among a plurality of display areas of the flexible display based on the use state.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the at least one processor may be configured to identify a running application and activate at least one display area corresponding to the identified use state and the identified application among the plurality of display areas.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device may further comprise a camera module (e.g., the camera module2480ofFIG.24). The at least one processor may be configured to recognize a user's face using the camera module and activate at least one display area corresponding to a direction in which the face is recognized and the identified use state among the plurality of display areas based on the identified use state and a result of recognition of the user's face.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the plurality of use states of the electronic device may include at least one of a first use state in which the third housing is slid in away from the folding axis in a folded state of the second housing with respect to the first housing, a second use state in which the third housing is slid in away from the folding axis in an unfolded state of the second housing with respect to the first housing, a third use state in which the third housing is slid out toward the folding axis in the folded state of the second housing with respect to the first housing, a fourth use state in which the third housing is slid out toward the folding axis in an unfolded state of the third housing with respect to the first housing, or a fifth use state in which the third housing is mounted on a plane in a state in which the third housing is partially unfolded to be inclined with respect to the first housing.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the plurality of display areas may include at least two areas among a first display area (e.g.,1960-1ofFIG.19), a second display area (e.g.,1960-2ofFIG.19), a third display area (e.g.,1960-3ofFIG.19), a fourth display area (e.g.,1960-4ofFIG.19), a fifth display area (e.g.,1960-5ofFIG.19), or a sixth display area (e.g.,1960-6ofFIG.19). The at least one processor may be configured to activate at least one display area among the first display area, the second display area, the third display area, the fourth display area, the fifth display area, and the sixth display area based on the use state identified among the first use state, the second use state, the third use state, the fourth use state, or the fifth use state.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the at least one processor may be configured to display a first video call screen on the first display area during a video call in the first use state, display a second video call screen on the third display area based on identification of a switch from the first state to the second use state, and display a third video call screen on the fifth display area based on identification of a switch from the second state to the third use state. The third video call screen may include an execution image of an application executed on the electronic device.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the at least one processor may be configured to display call reception notification information in the second display area when a call is received in the first use state, connect the call based on identification of a switch from the first state to the second use state, and display a call connection screen in the third display area.

FIG.25is a flowchart illustrating a display control operation according to a use state of an electronic device based on deformation of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.25, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, a processor (e.g., the processor2420ofFIG.24) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device100ofFIGS.1to6) may perform all or some of operations2510to2550.

In operation2510, the processor2420according to an embodiment may identify the use state of the electronic device based on the deformation of the electronic device2401. For example, the processor2420may identify the use state of the electronic device2401according to the deformation (e.g., a folded/unfolded state and/or a slide-in/out state) of the electronic device2401. For example, the processor2420may identify whether the electronic device2401is in a first use state (e.g.,FIG.19) in which the electronic device2401is folded and slid in, a second use state (e.g.,FIG.20) in which the electronic device2401is unfolded and slid in, a third user state (e.g.,FIG.21) in which the electronic device2401is folded and slid out, a fourth use state (e.g.,FIG.22) in which the electronic device2401is unfolded and slid out, and a fifth use state (e.g.,FIG.23) in which the first housing101and the second housing102of the electronic device2401are inclined while one of the housings is mounted on a plane.

In operation2520, the processor2420according to an embodiment may identify a first display area (e.g.,1960-1inFIG.19), a second display area (e.g.,1960-2inFIG.19), and a sixth display area (e.g.,1960-6inFIG.19) of the display module2460(e.g., the flexible display105ofFIGS.1to6, hereinafter, flexible display) based on the first use state (e.g.,FIG.19) and may output a screen on at least a portion of the first display area1960-1, the second display area1960-2, and the sixth display area1960-6. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor2420may output a screen on at least a portion of the first display area1960-1, the second display area1960-2, and the sixth display area1960-6based on the first use state and at least one of the running application, whether the user's face is recognized using the camera module2480, and/or a result of illuminance sensing using the sensor module2476. For example, the processor2420may select a display area based on the size of the screen to be displayed in the running application and activate (or turn on) the selected display area or output a screen on the selected display area. For example, the processor2420may recognize the face using the camera module2480and activate (or turn on) the display area corresponding to the direction of the recognized face or output a screen on the display area corresponding to the direction of the recognized face. For example, the processor2420may output a screen on the display area corresponding to the direction in which the user is highly likely to view (or the illuminance sensing value is high) based on the result of sensing (result of illuminance sensing) using the sensor module2476.

In operation2530, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor2420may identify the third display area1960-3and the sixth display area1960-6of the display module2460based on the second use state (e.g.,FIG.20) and may output a screen on at least a portion of the third display area1960-3and the sixth display area1960-6. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor2420may output a screen on at least a portion of the third display area1960-3and the sixth display area1960-6based on the first use state and at least one of the running application, whether the user's face is recognized using the camera module2480, and/or a result of illuminance sensing using the sensor module176.

In operation2540, the processor2420according to an embodiment may identify the first display area1960-1and the fourth display area1960-4of the display module2460based on the third use state (e.g.,FIG.21) and may output a screen on at least a portion of the first display area1960-1and the fourth display area1960-4. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor2420may output a screen on at least a portion of the first display area1960-1and the fourth display area1960-4based on the first use state and at least one of the running application, whether the user's face is recognized using the camera module2480, and/or a result of illuminance sensing using the sensor module2476.

In operation2550, the processor2420according to an embodiment may identify the fifth display area1560-5of the display module2460based on the fourth use state (e.g.,FIG.22) and may output a screen on at least a portion of the fifth display area1560-5. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor2420may output a screen on at least a portion of the fifth display area1960-5based on the fourth use state and at least one of the running application, whether the user's face is recognized using the camera module2480, and/or a result of illuminance sensing using the sensor module2476.

In operation2560, the processor2420according to an embodiment may identify the first display area1960-1of the display module2460based on the fifth use state (e.g.,FIG.23) and may output a screen on at least a portion of the first display area1960-1. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor2420may output a screen on at least a portion of the first display area1960-1based on the fifth use state and at least one of the running application, whether the user's face is recognized using the camera module2480, and/or a result of illuminance sensing using the sensor module2476.

FIG.26is a view illustrating a screen being displayed in a first use state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.26, a processor (e.g., the processor2420ofFIG.24) of an electronic device2601(e.g., the electronic device100ofFIGS.1to6or the electronic device2401ofFIG.24) according to an embodiment may identify a first display area2660-1(e.g.,1960-1inFIG.19) and a second display area2660-2(e.g.,1960-2inFIG.19) of the display2660in the first use state. The processor2620of the electronic device2601according to an embodiment may display a captured image (e.g., a selfie image) in the first display area2660-1corresponding to the first surface of the first and second display areas2660-1and2660-2in a selfie taking mode using the camera module2680disposed on the first surface (e.g., the rear surface or the surface in the −Z direction) in the first use state. In the first use state, the processor2420of the electronic device2601according to an embodiment may display a screen of a designated application (or a screen of an application selected by the user) (e.g., a photo application, an SNS application, a scheduler application, a memo application, or other applications executable on the electronic device2601) in the first display area2660-1corresponding to the first surface in the standby mode (e.g., the standby state, idle state, or power saving mode).

FIG.27Ais a view illustrating a first application screen being displayed on a first surface in a first use state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.27Bis a view illustrating a second application screen being displayed on a second surface in a first use state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.27A, the processor2420of the electronic device2601according to an embodiment may display a screen2710of a first application (e.g., a map application) on a first display area2660-1corresponding to a first surface (e.g., the rear surface or the surface in the −Z direction) in the first use state.

Referring toFIG.27B, the processor2420of the electronic device2601according to an embodiment may display a screen2720of a second application (e.g., a clock application), different from the first application, on a second display area2660-2corresponding to a second surface (e.g., the front surface or the surface in the +Z direction) in the first use state.

FIG.28Ais a view illustrating a first application screen being displayed on a first surface in a first use state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.28Bis a view illustrating a same first application screen as that displayed on a first surface being displayed on a second surface in a first use state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.28A and28B, the processor2420of the electronic device2601according to an embodiment may control to display one application screen2810on the display area2660including the first display area2660-1corresponding to the first surface (e.g., the rear surface or the surface in the −Z direction) and the second display area2660-2corresponding to the second surface (e.g., the front surface or the surface in the +Z direction) in the first use state. For example, in the first use state, the processor2420of the electronic device2601according to an embodiment may display the application screen2810to allow the display area2660including the first display area2660-1and the second display area2660-2to represent an exterior design (e.g., color-material-finish (CMF)) as an exterior surface surrounding the electronic device2601.

FIG.29Ais a view illustrating an electronic device switching from a first use state to a second use state according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.29A, the processor (e.g., the processor2420ofFIG.24) of the electronic device2601according to an embodiment may display a screen2910of a first application (e.g., a contacts application) on a first display area2660-1corresponding to a first surface (e.g., the rear surface or the surface in the −Z direction) in the first use state (e.g., the folded/slide-in state). The processor2420of the electronic device2601according to an embodiment may identify a switch (or change) to the second use state (e.g., the unfolded/slide-in state) based on a deformation of the electronic device2601while displaying the screen2910of the first application in the first display area2660-1in the first use state. Based on the switch from the first use state to the second use state according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor2420of the electronic device2601may identify the third display area2660-3of the second surface (e.g., the front surface or the surface in the +Z direction) and display the screen2910of the first application and an application selection panel2920on the third display area2660-3. For example, an icon of at least one application different from the first application may be displayed at the bottom of the screen2910of the first application on the application selection panel2920.

FIG.29Bis a view illustrating a screen display upon a first user input to an application selection panel according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.29B, the processor2420of the electronic device2601according to an embodiment may identify whether a first user input (e.g., a flick down) is input to at least a portion (e.g., a handler)2922of the application selection panel2920while displaying the application selection panel2920and the first application screen2910. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, based on reception of the first user input to at least a portion (e.g.,2922) of the screen2910of the first application, the processor2420of the electronic device2601may display, in the third display area2660-3(in a full-view manner)2930, the screen2910of the first application without the application selection panel2920(or with the application selection panel2920disappearing) in screen2930.

FIG.29Cis a view illustrating a screen display upon a second user input to an application selection panel according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.29C, the processor2420of the electronic device2601according to an embodiment may identify whether a second user input (e.g., a touch or long-touch) is input to one icon2924among at least one application icon included in the application selection panel2920while displaying the application selection panel2920and the first application screen2910in the third display area2660-3. Based on the reception of the second user input to one icon (e.g., the first icon)2924among at least one application icon included in the application selection panel2920according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor2420of the electronic device2601may execute a second application corresponding to the first icon2924and display the screen2910of the first application and the screen2920of the second application in the third display area2660-3(in a multiple window manner).

FIG.30Ais a view illustrating a screen display for each use state of an electronic device during a video call in a first use state of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.30A, the processor (e.g., the processor2420ofFIG.24) of the electronic device2601(e.g., the electronic device100ofFIGS.1to6or the electronic device2401ofFIG.24) according to an embodiment may display a first video call screen3010in the first display area2660-1of the first surface (e.g., the rear surface or the surface in the −Z direction) in the first use state (e.g., the folded/slide-in state) during the video call. For example, the first video call screen3010may include a first image area3012that displays an image of the user of the electronic device2601and a second image area3014that displays an image of the counterpart conducting the video call with the user of the electronic device2601. For example, the processor2420of the electronic device2601may display the first video call screen3010, which includes the first image area3012and the second image area3014in a picture-in-picture manner, due to the limited size of the first display area2660-1.

The processor2420of the electronic device2601according to an embodiment may identify a switch (or change) to the second use state (e.g., the unfolded/slide-in state) based on a deformation of the electronic device2601while displaying the first video call screen3010in the first display area2660-1in the first use state. Based on the switch from the first use state to the second use state according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor2420of the electronic device2601may identify the third display area2660-3of the second surface (e.g., the front surface or the surface in the +Z direction) and display the second video call screen3020on the third display area2660-3. For example, the second video call screen3020may include a first image area3022that displays an image of the user of the electronic device2601and a second image area3024that displays an image of the counterpart conducting the video call with the user of the electronic device2601. For example, the processor2420of the electronic device2601may display the second video call screen3020, which includes the first image area3022and the second image area3024in a multi-window manner, based on the third display area2660-3which has a larger size than the first display area2660-1.

The processor2420of the electronic device2601according to an embodiment may identify a switch (or change) to the fourth use state (e.g., the unfolded/slide-out state) based on a deformation of the electronic device2601while displaying the second video call screen3020in the third display area2660-3in the second use state. Based on the switch from the second use state to the fourth use state according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor2420of the electronic device2601may identify the fifth display area2660-5of the second surface (e.g., the front surface or the surface in the +Z direction) and display the third video call screen3030on the fifth display area2660-5. For example, the third video call screen3030may further include a third image area3033other than the first image area3032that displays an image of the user of the electronic device2601and the second image area3034that displays an image of the counterpart conducting the video call with the user of the electronic device2601.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the third image area3033may be an area that displays a third image corresponding to content included in the electronic device2601. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the third image, along with the first image of the user conducting the video call, may be transmitted to the counterpart's electronic device (not shown). The user's image (e.g., the first image), the counterpart's image (e.g., the second image), and the third image may be displayed on the counterpart's electronic device. For example, the third image may include an icon of at least one application executable on the electronic device2601. For example, the at least one application may include a music application, a camera application, a search application, and/or other applications executable on the electronic device. The processor2420of the electronic device2601according to an embodiment may execute a first application selected based on selection of one (e.g., an icon of the first application) of at least one application icon of the third image area3033during the video call and display the execution image of the first application in the third image area3033.

FIG.30Bis a view illustrating an electronic device displaying a music application execution image in a third image area during a video call according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.30B, the processor2420of the electronic device2601may display a third video call screen3030on the fifth display area2660-5in the fourth use state during the video call and may display the user's image in the first image area3032of the third video call screen3030, the counterpart's image in the second image area3034, and the execution image3033-1of the music application executed on the electronic device2601in the third image area3033. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor2420of the electronic device2601may transmit the user's image and the music application execution image3033-1to the counterpart's electronic device (not shown) through a communication module (e.g., the communication module2490ofFIG.24), allowing the counterpart's electronic device to display the user's image, counterpart's image, and music application execution image3033-1together. In other words, the processor2420of the electronic device2601may allow the content of the electronic device2601(e.g., the music application execution image or the image played as the music application runs) to be shared with the counterpart through the third image area3033during the video call between the user and the counterpart.

FIG.30Cis a view illustrating an electronic device displaying a camera application execution image in a third image area during a video call according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.30C, the processor2420of the electronic device2601may display a third video call screen3030on the fifth display area2660-5in the fourth use state during the video call and may display the user's image in the first image area3032of the third video call screen3030, the counterpart's image in the second image area3034, and the execution image3033-2of the camera application executed on the electronic device2601in the third area3033. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor2420of the electronic device2601may transmit the user's image and the camera application execution image3033-2to the counterpart's electronic device (not shown) through a communication module (e.g., the communication module2490ofFIG.24), allowing the counterpart's electronic device to display the user's image, counterpart's image, and camera application execution image3033-2together. In other words, the processor2420of the electronic device2601may allow the content of the electronic device2601(e.g., the camera application execution image or the image captured by the camera) to be shared with the counterpart through the third image area3033during the video call between the user and the counterpart.

FIG.31is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device in which a sensor module and/or an optical module being disposed in a second housing according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.31, an electronic device3101(e.g., the electronic device2401ofFIG.24) according to an embodiment may include, in a second housing3102rather than the third housing3103, a sensor module and/or optical module (e.g., the sensor module and/or optical module169ofFIG.3or the camera module2480ofFIG.24).

The processor (e.g., the processor2420ofFIG.24) of the electronic device3101according to an embodiment may identify a first use state (e.g., the folded/slide-in state). The first use state may be a state in which the second housing3102(e.g., the second housing102ofFIG.3) is folded on the first housing3101to face the first housing3101(e.g., the first housing101ofFIG.3) through the hinge structure3104(e.g., the hinge structure104ofFIG.3) in the slide-in state of the third housing3103(e.g., the third housing103ofFIG.3).

In the first use state, the processor2420of the electronic device3101according to an embodiment may identify the first display area3160-1, the second display area3160-2, and the sixth display area3160-6of the display area3160and may output a screen on at least a portion of the first display area3160-1, the second display area3160-2, and the sixth display area3160-6.

FIG.32Ais a view illustrating a camera preview screen being displayed in a first display area, and a camera effect setting screen being displayed in a sixth display area, in a first use state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.32A, in the first use state, a processor (e.g., the processor2420ofFIG.24) of the electronic device3101according to an embodiment may display a preview screen3112captured by the camera module3180in the first display area3160-1and display a camera effect setting screen3114for setting the camera effects of the preview screen in the sixth display area3160-6. The processor2420of the electronic device3101according to an embodiment may apply a camera effect set through the camera effect setting screen3114of the sixth display area3160-6and display a camera effect-applied preview screen3112in the first display area3160-1.

FIG.32Bis a view illustrating a user image screen being displayed in a first display area, and a counterpart image screen being displayed in a sixth display area, in a first use state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.32B, in the first use state, the processor2420of the electronic device3101according to an embodiment may display a user image screen3116, captured by the camera module3180, in the first display area3160-1and the counterpart's image screen3118in the sixth display area3160-6during the video call. Conversely, in the first use state, the processor2420of the electronic device3101according to an embodiment may display the counterpart's image screen3118in the first display area3160-1and the user image screen3116, captured by the camera module3180, in the sixth display area3160-6during the video call.

FIG.32Cis a view illustrating a first application screen being displayed in a first display area, and a second application screen being displayed in a sixth display area, in a first use state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.32C, in the first use state, the processor2420of the electronic device3101according to an embodiment may display a first application screen3117in the first display area3160-1and a second application screen3119in the sixth display area3160-6. The first application and the second application may be different applications. For example, the first application may be a video playback application, and the second application may be a message (alarm or notification) application. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the first application and/or the second application may be any application that may be executed on the electronic device3031.

FIG.33is a view illustrating using a use state upon receiving a call on an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.33, the processor (e.g., the processor2420ofFIG.24) of the electronic device3101according to an embodiment may identify the use state when receiving a call and, if the use state is the first use state, display information3310for indicating reception of a call in the second display area3160-2.

The processor2420of the electronic device3101according to an embodiment may identify a switch (or change) to the second use state (e.g., the unfolded/slide-in state) based on a deformation of the electronic device3101while displaying the information for indicating the call reception in the second display area3160-2. The processor2420of the device3101according to an embodiment may start phone talk based on the switch to the second use state while displaying the information3310for indicating call reception in the second display area3160-2and identify the third display area3160-3corresponding to the second use state. The processor2420of the device3101according to an embodiment may display the call screen3320in the third display area3160-3.

The processor2420of the device3101according to an embodiment may identify a switch (or change) from the second use state to the first use state while displaying the call screen3320in the third display area3160-3. The processor2420of the device3101according to an embodiment may terminate the phone call based on the identification of the second use state while displaying the call screen3320in the third display area3160-3and end the call screen3320and turn off the entire display area3160.

FIG.34is a view illustrating using a second use state upon a video call on an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.34, the processor2420of the electronic device3101according to an embodiment may display screens associated with a video call in the third display area3160-3in the second use state during the video call. For example, the screens associated with the video call may further include a first image area3432displaying the image of the user of the electronic device3101, a second image area3434displaying the image of the counterpart conducting the video call with the user of the electronic device3101, and a third image area3433. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the third image area3433may be an area that displays a third image corresponding to content included in the electronic device3101. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the third image, along with the first image of the user conducting the video call, may be transmitted to the counterpart's electronic device (not shown). The user's image (e.g., the first image), the counterpart's image (e.g., the second image), and the third image may be displayed on the counterpart's electronic device. For example, the third image may include an icon of at least one application executable on the electronic device3101. For example, the at least one application may include a music application, a camera application, a search application, and/or other applications executable on the electronic device. The processor2420of the electronic device3101according to an embodiment may execute a first application selected based on selection of one (e.g., an icon of the first application) of at least one application icon of the third image area3433during the video call and display the execution image of the first application in the third image area3433.

FIG.35is a view illustrating using a use state upon camera capturing on an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.35, the processor2420of the electronic device3101according to an embodiment may display a captured image in the second display area3160-2during capturing using the camera module3180(e.g.,2480ofFIG.24) in the first use state. The processor2420of the electronic device3101according to an embodiment may identify a switch (or change) of the use state of the electronic device3101from the first use state to the third use state (e.g., the third use state (folded/slide-out state) ofFIG.21) while displaying the captured image in the second display area3160-2. The processor2420of the electronic device3101according to an embodiment may display the captured image in the third display area3160-3based on the identification of the switch from the first use state to the third use state. As the first state is switched to the third use state, the camera module3180(or the lens of the camera module3180) may be placed to the center with respect to the Y-axis direction of the electronic device3101. The captured image may be displayed in the third display area3160-3, which is expanded as compared with the second display area3160-2, allowing the user to more stably take a photo.

While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. For example, additional embodiments may be implemented by selectively combining configurations of different embodiments among the various embodiments described above. For example, the embodiment ofFIG.16orFIG.17may be combined with any other embodiment to implement a new embodiment. Additional embodiments may be implemented by combining the embodiments ofFIGS.16and17. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the interlocking member ofFIG.3or the interlocking structure ofFIGS.16and17may be omitted and, in this case, the plurality of batteries illustrated inFIG.9may be formed as a single battery.