ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING ELASTIC MEMBER

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device may include: a housing including a first housing and a second housing configured to guide sliding movement of the first housing, a display configured to be at least partially unfolded based on the sliding movement of the first housing, and including a first display area disposed on the first housing and a second display area extending from the first display area, a battery disposed in the first housing, a driver configured to provide a driving force for the sliding movement to the first housing, and including a motor disposed in the first housing and a gear structure including a gear at least partially disposed in the second housing and connected to the motor, and an elastic member comprising a material arranged to be compressible and to provide an elastic restoring force disposed in the second housing. The gear structure may be disposed adjacent to one end of the battery, and the elastic member may be disposed adjacent to the other end of the battery facing a direction opposite to the one end of the battery.

BACKGROUND

Field

The disclosure relates to an electronic device, for example, an electronic device including an elastic member.

Description of Related Art

Due to the development of information and communication technology and semiconductor technology, various functions have been integrated into one portable electronic device. For example, an electronic device may implement not only a communication function but also an entertainment function such as a game, a multimedia function such as music/video playback, a communication and security function for mobile banking, schedule management, and an electronic wallet function. Such electronic devices are being miniaturized so that users may conveniently carry them.

As the mobile communication services extend to the multimedia service area, there is a need to increase the size of the display of the electronic device to allow a user to fully use multimedia services as well as voice calls or short messages. However, the size of the display of the electronic device is placed in a trade-off relationship with the miniaturization of the electronic device.

An electronic device (e.g., a mobile terminal) includes a display having a flat surface or both a flat surface and a curved surface. The electronic device including the display may have limitations in implementing a screen larger than the size of the electronic device due to a fixed display structure. Accordingly, an electronic device including a rollable display has been studied.

In an electronic device including a rollable display, rolling or sliding of the electronic device may be performed manually by a user's force, or automatically or semi-automatically by a driving force generated from a component (e.g., a motor) of the electronic device.

An electronic device including an automatic or semi-automatic rollable display may require a motor capable of providing a driving force equal to greater than a repulsive force (or frictional force) generated by the internal structure of the electronic device or the repulsive force (or frictional force) of the display, when the electronic device performs a sliding operation.

When performing the slide operation, the electronic device including the rollable display may need a higher driving force in a specific section than the other sections without requiring a driving force for sliding in every section. The electronic device requires a motor having an output higher than a maximum driving force available in the specific section. The resulting use of a high-power motor is not favorable in terms of cost and miniaturization of the electronic device.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an electronic device including an elastic member capable of reducing a maximum driving force that may be generated in a specific section, based on sliding movement of the electronic device.

However, the problems addressed in the disclosure are not limited to the above problem, and may be variously determined without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device may include: a housing including a first housing and a second housing accommodating at least part of the first housing and configured to guide sliding movement of the first housing, a display configured to be at least partially unfolded based on the sliding movement of the first housing, and including a first display area disposed on the first housing and a second display area extending from the first display area, a battery disposed in the first housing, a driver configured to provide a driving force for the sliding movement to the first housing, and including a motor disposed in the first housing and a gear structure including a gear at least partially disposed in the second housing and connected to the motor, and an elastic member comprising a material arranged to be compressible and to provide an elastic restoring force disposed in the second housing. The gear structure may be disposed adjacent to one end of the battery, and the elastic member may be disposed adjacent to the other end of the battery facing a direction opposite to the one end of the battery.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device may include: a housing including a first housing and a second housing accommodating at least part of the first housing and configured to guide sliding movement of the first housing, wherein the first housing is configured to slidingly move in a first movement direction and a second movement direction opposite to the first movement direction, on the second housing, a display configured to be at least partially unfolded based on the sliding movement of the first housing, and including a first display area disposed on the first housing and a second display area extending from the first display area, a battery disposed in at least one of the first housing or the second housing, a driver configured to provide a driving force for the sliding movement to the first housing, and including a motor disposed in the first housing and a gear structure including a gear at least partially disposed in the second housing and connected to the motor, and a first elastic member comprising a material arranged to be compressible and to provide an elastic restoring force disposed in the second housing, and configured to be elastically deformed by the first housing, based on the first housing moving in the first movement direction, and to provide an elastic restoring force to the first housing in the second movement direction, based on the first housing moving in the second movement direction. The gear structure may be disposed adjacent to one end of the battery, and the first elastic member may be disposed adjacent to the other end of the battery facing a direction opposite to the one end of the battery.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device may include: a first housing including a first side surface facing a first direction and a second side surface facing a second direction opposite to the first side surface, a second housing accommodating part of the first housing and configured to guide sliding movement of the first housing, a display configured to be at least partially unfolded based on the sliding movement of the first housing, and including a first display area disposed on the first housing and a second display area extending from the first display area, a driver configured to provide a driving force for the sliding movement to the first housing, and including a motor disposed in one of the first housing and the second housing, a pinion gear connected to the motor, and a rack gear disposed in the other of the first housing and the second housing and connected to the pinion gear, and an elastic member comprising a material arranged to be compressible and to provide an elastic restoring force disposed on at least one of the first housing or the second housing. The rack gear may be disposed between the first side surface of the first housing and the second side surface of first housing, and closer to the first side surface between the first side surface and the second side surface, and the elastic member may be disposed between the rack gear and the second side surface.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device may receive an elastic restoring force from an elastic member, when a first housing slidingly moves. Since the elastic restoring force of the elastic member is provided as a force for the sliding movement of the first housing, a driving force of a motor required for opening or closing the electronic device may be reduced.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, the elastic member and a gear structure of a driver are disposed at symmetrical positions, thereby reducing tilting during the sliding movement of the first housing. According to various example embodiments, since the elastic member is provided inside the electronic device, the elastic member may absorb an impact applied to the electronic device, and thus the durability and maintainability of the electronic device may be improved.

The effects that may be obtained by the disclosure are not limited to the above effects, and other unmentioned effects may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating an example electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments.

As used in connection with various embodiments of the disclosure, the term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, or any combination thereof, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, logic, logic block, part, or circuitry. A module may be a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, the module may be implemented in a form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

FIG.2is a diagram illustrating an electronic device in a closed state according to various embodiments.FIG.3is a diagram of an electronic device in an open state according to various embodiments. For example,FIG.2is a diagram illustrating a state in which a first display area A1is accommodated in a second housing202.FIG.3is a diagram illustrating a state in which at least part of the first display area A1is visually exposed (e.g., visible; as used herein, the terms “visually exposed” and “visible” are used interchangeably) to the outside of the second housing202.

The state illustrated inFIG.2may refer to a first housing201being closed with respect to the second housing202, and the state illustrated inFIG.3may refer to the first housing201being open with respect to the second housing202. According to various embodiments, the “closed state” or the “opened state” may be defined as a state in which the electronic device is closed or opened.

Referring toFIGS.2and3, the electronic device101(e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) may include a housing200. According to various embodiments, the housing200may include the second housing202and the first housing201movable with respect to the second housing202. In various embodiments, it may be interpreted as a structure in which the second housing202is slidably disposed on the first housing201in the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the first housing201may be disposed to reciprocate by a predetermined distance in a direction illustrated with respect to the second housing202, for example, a direction indicated by an arrow {circle around (1)}. The configuration of the electronic device101ofFIGS.2and3may be partially or wholly identical to that of the electronic device101ofFIG.1.

According to an embodiment, the first housing201may be referred to as, for example, a first structure, a slide unit, or a slide housing, and disposed to reciprocate with respect to the second housing202. According to an embodiment, the second housing202may be referred to as, for example, a second structure, a main unit, or a main housing. According to an embodiment, the second housing202may accommodate at least part of the first housing201and guide sliding movement of the first housing201. According to an embodiment, at least part (e.g., a second display area A2) of a display203may be visually exposed to the outside of the housing200. According to an embodiment, the housing200may accommodate various electrical and electronic components such as a main circuit board or a battery. According to an embodiment, a motor, a battery, a speaker, a SIM socket, and/or a sub-circuit board electrically connected to the main circuit board may be disposed in the first housing201. The main circuit board on which electrical components such as an AP or a CP are mounted may be disposed in the second housing202.

According to various embodiments, the first housing201may include a first plate211(e.g., a slide plate). According to an embodiment, the first plate211may support at least part (e.g., the second display area A2) of the display203. According to an embodiment, the first plate211may include first sidewalls211a,211band211cto surround at least part of the display203and/or a multi-bar structure (e.g., a multi-bar structure213ofFIG.4). According to an embodiment, the first sidewalls211a,211b, and211cmay extend from the first plate211. According to an embodiment, the first sidewalls211a,211b, and211cmay include a (1-2)thsidewall211b, a (1-3)thsidewall211cfacing a direction opposite to the (1-2)thsidewall211b, and a (1-1)thsidewall211aextending from the (1-2)thsidewall211bto the (1-3)thsidewall211c. According to an embodiment, the (1-1)thsidewall211amay be substantially perpendicular to the (1-2)thsidewall211band/or the (1-3)thsidewall211c. According to an embodiment, in the closed state (e.g.,FIG.2) of the electronic device101, the (1-2)thsidewall211bmay face a (2-2)thsidewall221bof the second housing202, and the (1-3)thsidewall211cmay face a (2-3)thsidewall221cof the second housing202. According to an embodiment, the first plate211, the (1-1)thsidewall211a, the (1-2)thsidewall211b, and/or the (1-3)thsidewall211cmay be integrally formed. According to an embodiment, the first plate211, the (1-1)thsidewall211a, the (1-2)thsidewall211b, and/or the (1-3)thsidewall211cmay be formed as separate housings and coupled or assembled with each other.

According to various embodiments, the second housing202may include second sidewalls221a,221b, and221cto surround at least part of the first housing201. According to an embodiment, the second sidewalls221a,221b, and221cmay extend from a second plate221and/or a cover member (e.g., a cover member222ofFIG.4). According to an embodiment, the second sidewalls221a,221b, and221cmay include the (2-2)thsidewall221b, the (2-3)thsidewall221cfacing a direction opposite to the (2-2)thsidewall221b, and a (2-1)thsidewall221aextending from the (2-2)thsidewall221bto the (2-3)thsidewall221c. According to an embodiment, the (2-1)thsidewall221amay be substantially perpendicular to the (2-2)thsidewall221band/or the (2-3)thsidewall221c. According to an embodiment, the (2-2)thsidewall221bmay face the (1-2)thsidewall211b, and the (2-3)thsidewall221cmay face the (1-3)thsidewall211c. For example, in the closed state (e.g.,FIG.2) of the electronic device101, the (2-2)thsidewall221bmay cover at least part of the (1-2)thsidewall211b, and the (2-3)thsidewall221cmay cover at least part of the (1-3)thsidewall211c.

According to various embodiments, the second housing202may be formed in a shape in which a portion (e.g., a front surface) is opened to accommodate (or surround) at least part of the first housing201. For example, the first housing201may be connected to the second housing202, while surrounded at least partially by the (2-1)thsidewall221a, the (2-2)thsidewall221b, and the (2-3)thsidewall221c, and slidingly move in the direction of the arrow {circle around (1)} with the guidance of the second housing202. According to an embodiment, the cover member222(e.g., the cover member222ofFIG.4), the (2-1)thsidewall221a, the (2-2)thsidewall221b, and/or the (2-3)thsidewall221cmay be integrally formed. According to an embodiment, the cover member222, the (2-1)thsidewall221a, the (2-2)thsidewall221b, and the (2-3)thsidewall221cmay be formed as separate housings and coupled or assembled with each other.

According to various embodiments, the second housing202may include a rear plate223. According to an embodiment, the rear plat223may form at least part of the exterior of the electronic device101. For example, the rear plate223may provide a decorative effect to the exterior of the electronic device101.

According to various embodiments, the cover member222(e.g., the cover member222ofFIG.4) and/or the (2-1)thsidewall221amay cover at least part of the display203. For example, at least part of the display203(e.g., the first display area A1) may be accommodated in the second housing202, and the cover member222and/or the (2-1)thsidewall221amay cover part of the display203accommodated in the second housing202.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may include the display203. For example, the display203may be interpreted as a flexible display or a rollable display. According to an embodiment, at least part (e.g., the first display area A1) of the display203may slidingly move based on sliding movement of the first housing201. According to an embodiment, the display203may include or be disposed adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and/or a digitizer that detects a magnetic field-type stylus pen. The configuration of the display203illustrated inFIGS.2and3may be wholly or partially identical to that of the display module160ofFIG.1.

According to various embodiments, the display203may include the first display area A1and the second display area A2. According to an embodiment, the second display area A2may be an area that is always visible to the outside. According to an embodiment, the second display area A2may be interpreted as an area that may not be located inside the housing200and/or the second housing202. According to an embodiment, the first display area A1may extend from the second display area A2, and may be inserted or accommodated into the second housing202or visually exposed to the outside of the second housing202according to sliding movement of the first housing201. According to an embodiment, the second display area A2may be seated on part of the first housing201(e.g., the first plate211).

According to various embodiments, the first display area A1may be accommodated in a space formed inside the housing202or between the first housing201and the second housing202or visually exposed to the outside by moving substantially with the guidance of the multi-bar structure (e.g., the multi-bar structure213ofFIG.4) mounted in the first housing201. According to an embodiment, the first display area A1may move based on the sliding movement of the first housing201in a width direction (e.g., the direction indicated by the arrow {circle around (1)}) of the first housing201. For example, at least part of the first display area A1may be unfolded or rolled along with the multi-bar structure (e.g., the multi-bar structure213ofFIG.4) based on the sliding movement of the first housing201.

According to various embodiments, when the first housing201moves from the closed state to the open state, the first display area A1may be gradually made visible to the outside of the housing202, and form a substantially flat surface together with the second display area A2, when viewed from above the first housing201. In an embodiment, the first display area A1may be at least partially accommodated in the first housing201and/or the second housing202.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may include at least one key input device241, a connector hole243, audio modules247aand247b, or camera modules249aand249b. While not shown, the electronic device101may further include an indicator (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED) device) or various sensor modules. The configurations of the audio modules247aand247band/or the camera modules249aand249binFIG.2and/orFIG.3may be partially or wholly identical to that of the audio module170and/or the camera module180ofFIG.1.

According to various embodiments, the key input devices241may be located in one area of the second housing202. The electronic device101may be designed to be without at least one of the illustrated key input devices241or to include additional key input device(s) depending on its appearance and use state. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include a key input device (not shown), for example, a home key button or a touch pad disposed in the vicinity of the home key button. According to an embodiment (not shown), at least some of the key input devices241may be disposed on the first housing201.

According to various embodiments, the connector hole243may be omitted, and may accommodate a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for transmitting/receiving power and/or data to and from an external electronic device. While not shown, the electronic device101may include a plurality of connector holes243, and some of the plurality of connector holes243may function as connector holes for transmitting and receiving audio signals to and from an external electronic device. Although the connector hole243is disposed on the (2-3)thsidewall221cin the illustrated embodiment, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the connector hole243or a connector hole (not shown) may be disposed on the (2-1)thsidewall221aor the (2-2)thsidewall221b.

According to various embodiments, the audio modules247aand247bmay include at least one speaker hole247aand247band/or at least one microphone hole. At least one of the speaker holes247aand247bmay be provided as an external speaker hole. At least one of the speaker holes247aand247bmay be provided as a receiver hole for a voice call. The electronic device101may include a microphone for obtaining a sound, and the microphone may obtain an external sound of the electronic device101through the microphone hole. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include a plurality of microphones to detect the direction of a sound. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include an audio module in which the speaker holes247aand247band the microphone hole are implemented as one hole, or may include a speaker (e.g. a piezo speaker) in which the speaker hole247ais excluded.

According to various embodiments, the camera modules249aand249bmay include a first camera module249aand/or a second camera module249b. The second camera module249bmay be located in the second housing202and capture a subject in a direction opposite to the second display area A2of the display203. The electronic device101may include a plurality of camera modules249aand249b. For example, the electronic device101may include at least one of a wide-angle camera, a telephoto camera, or a close-up camera. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include an IR projector and/or an IR receiver to measure a distance to a subject. Each of the camera modules249aand249bmay include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The electronic device101may further include another camera module (the first camera module249a, for example, a front camera) for capturing a subject in a direction opposite to the second camera module249b. For example, the first camera module249amay be disposed around the second display area A2or in an area overlapping with the second display area A2. When the first camera module249ais disposed in the area overlapping with the display203, it may capture a subject through the display203.

According to various embodiments, the indicator (e.g., an LED device) of the electronic device101may be disposed in the first housing201and/or the second housing202, and as the electronic device101includes an LED, the LED may provide state information about the electronic device101as a visual signal. The sensor module (e.g., the sensor module176ofFIG.1) of the electronic device101may generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to an internal operation state or external environmental state of the electronic device101. The sensor module may include, for example, a proximity sensor, a fingerprint sensor, or a biometric sensor (e.g., an iris/face recognition sensor or a heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor). In an embodiment, the electronic device101may further include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an IR sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor. The configurations of the display203, the audio modules247aand247b, and the camera modules249aand249bofFIGS.2and3may be wholly or partially identical to those of the display module160, the audio module170, and the camera module180ofFIG.1.

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

For convenience of description, inFIGS.4to13, an X-axis direction may be defined and/or interpreted as a width direction of the electronic device101and components of the electronic device101and/or a sliding movement direction of the first housing201, a Y-axis direction may be defined and/or interpreted as a longitudinal direction of the electronic device101and the components of the electronic device101, and a Z-axis direction may be defined and/or interpreted as a height and/or thickness direction of the electronic device101and the components of the electronic device101.

Referring toFIG.4, the electronic device101may include the first housing201, the second housing202, the display203, and/or the multi-bar structure213. Part (e.g., the first display area A1) of the display203may be accommodated in the electronic device101with the guidance of the multi-bar structure213. The configuration of the first housing201, the second housing202, and/or the display203illustrated inFIG.4may be partially or wholly identical to that of the first housing201, the second housing202, and/or the display203illustrated inFIGS.2and/or3.

According to various embodiments, the first housing201may include the first plate211and a slide cover212. The first plate211and the slide cover212(e.g., a first cover) may linearly reciprocate in one direction (e.g., the direction indicated by the arrow {circle around (1)} inFIG.3or the X-axis direction inFIG.4) with the guidance of the second housing202. According to an embodiment, the first plate211together with the slide cover212may slidingly move with respect to the second housing202. For example, at least part of the display203and/or at least part of the multi-bar structure213may be disposed between the first plate211and the slide cover212. According to an embodiment, the slide cover212may be coupled with the first plate211and configured to cover at least part of the first display area A1.

According to an embodiment, the first plate211may support at least part (e.g., the first display area A1) of the display203. For example, the first plate211may include a curved surface250, and the first display area A1(e.g., the first display area A1ofFIGS.2and3) of the display203may be located on the curved surface250. According to an embodiment, the first plate211may be interpreted as a display support bar (DSB).

According to an embodiment, the slide cover212may protect the display203located on the first plate211. For example, at least part of the display203may be located between the first plate211and the slide cover212. According to an embodiment, the first plate211and the slide cover212may be formed of a metal material and/or a non-metal (e.g., polymer) material.

According to various embodiments, the first housing201may include a first guide rail215. According to an embodiment, the first guide rail215may be connected to the first plate211and/or the slide cover212. For example, the first guide rail215may slidingly move with respect to the second housing202, together with the first plate211and the slide cover212.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may include the multi-bar structure213. According to an embodiment, the multi-bar structure213may support the display203. For example, the multi-bar structure213may be connected to the display203. According to an embodiment, at least part of the display203and the multi-bar structure213may be located between the first plate211and the slide cover212. According to an embodiment, as the first housing201slidingly moves, the multi-bar structure213may move with respect to the second housing202. In the closed state (e.g.,FIG.2), most of the multi-bar structure213may be accommodated in the second housing202. According to an embodiment, at least part of the multi-bar structure213may move in response to the curved surface250located at an edge of the first plate211.

According to various embodiments, the multi-bar structure213may include a plurality of bars (or rods)214. The plurality of rods214may extend in a straight line, be disposed parallel to a rotation axis R formed by the curved surface250, and be arranged along a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis R (e.g., a sliding movement direction of the first housing201).

According to various embodiments, each rod214may revolve around another adjacent rod214, while remaining parallel to the other adjacent rod214. According to an embodiment, as the first housing201slidingly moves, the plurality of rods214may be arranged in a curved shape or a flat shape. For example, as the first housing201slidingly moves, part of the multi-bar structure213facing the curved surface250may form a curved surface, whereas the other part of the multi-bar structure, which does not face the curved surface250, may form a flat surface. According to an embodiment, the first display area A1of the display203may be mounted or supported on the multi-bar structure213, and at least part of the first display area A1together with the second display area A2may be visible to the outside of the second housing202in the open state (e.g.,FIG.3). In the state in which the first display area A1is visible to the outside of the second housing202, the multi-bar structure213may form a substantially flat surface and thus support or maintain the first display area A1in a flat state. According to an embodiment, the multi-bar structure213may be replaced with a flexible integrated support member (not shown). According to an embodiment, the multi-bar structure213may be interpreted as display-supporting multiple bars or a multi-joint hinge structure.

According to various embodiments, the first guide rail215may guide movement of the plurality of rods214. According to an embodiment, the first guide rail215may include an upper guide rail adjacent to the (1-2)thsidewall (e.g., the (1-2)thsidewall211binFIG.3) and a lower guide rail adjacent to the (1-3)thsidewall (e.g., the (1-3)th211cinFIG.3). According to an embodiment, the first guide rail215may include a groove-shaped rail215aformed inside the first guide rail215and a protrusion portion215blocated inside the guide rail. At least part of the protrusion portion215bmay be surrounded by the rail215a. According to an embodiment, the multi-bar structure213may be located between the upper guide rail and the lower guide rail, and move while being kept fitted in the upper guide rail and the lower guide rail. For example, top portions and/or bottom portions of the plurality of rods214may slidingly move along the rail215a, while being fitted in the rail215a.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101is opened (e.g., a slide-out operation), the size of an area of the display203visible to the outside may be increased. For example, the first plate211connected to a motor261may slide out by driving of the motor261(e.g., driving for display slide-out) and/or an external force provided by a user, the protrusion portion215binside the first guide rail215may push the top portions and/or bottom portions of the plurality of rods214. Accordingly, the display203accommodated between the first plate211and the slide cover212may extend to the front surface.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101is closed (e.g., a slide-in operation), the size of the area of the display203visible to the outside may be reduced. For example, the first plate211with the motor disposed thereon may slide in by driving of the motor261(e.g., driving for display slide-in) and/or an external force provided by the user, and an outer portion (e.g., a portion other than the protrusion215b) of the rail215may push the top portions and/or bottom portions of the plurality of rods214. Accordingly, the extended display203may be accommodated between the first plate211and the slide cover212.

According to various embodiments, the second housing202may include the second plate221, the cover member222(e.g., a second cover), and the rear plate223. According to an embodiment, the second plate221may support at least part (e.g., the second display area A2) of the display203. The second plate221may be disposed between the display203and the main circuit board204. According to an embodiment, the cover member222may accommodate components (e.g., a battery289(e.g., the battery189ofFIG.1) and the main circuit board204) of the electronic device101and protect the components of the device101. According to an embodiment, the cover member222may be referred to as a book cover. According to an embodiment, the second plate221may include one surface facing at least part of the display203and the other surface facing the cover member222in a direction opposite to the one surface.

According to various embodiments, a plurality of boards may be accommodated in the second housing202. A processor, memory, and/or an interface may be mounted on the main circuit board204. The processor may include, for example, at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), an AP, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a CP. According to various embodiments, the main circuit board204may include a flexible printed circuit board type radio frequency cable (FRC). For example, the main circuit board204may be disposed in the cover member222and electrically connected to an antenna module (e.g., the antenna module197ofFIG.1) and a communication module (e.g., the communication module190ofFIG.1).

According to an embodiment, the memory may include, for example, volatile memory or non-volatile memory.

According to an embodiment, the interface may include, for example, an HDMI, a USB interface, an SD card interface, and/or an audio interface. The interface may, for example, electrically or physically connect the electronic device101to an external electronic device, and include a USB connector, an SD card/multimedia card (MMC) connector, or an audio connector.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may further include a separate sub circuit board290spaced apart from the main circuit board204in the second housing202. The sub circuit board290may be electrically connected to the main circuit board204through a flexible board291. The sub circuit board290may be electrically connected to the battery289or electrical components disposed at an end of the electronic device101, such as a speaker and/or a SIM socket, and transmit signals and power.

According to various embodiments, the battery289, which is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device101, may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary cell, or a rechargeable secondary cell, or a fuel cell. At least part of the battery289may be disposed on substantially the same plane as the main circuit board204, for example. The battery289may be integrally disposed inside the electronic device101or may be disposed detachably from the electronic device101.

According to various embodiments, the battery289may be formed as one integrated battery or include a plurality of separate batteries (e.g., a first battery289aand a second battery289b). According to an embodiment, when the integrated battery is located on the first plate211, the integrated battery may move along with sliding movement of the first plate211. According to an embodiment, when the integrated battery is located on the second plate221, the integrated battery may be fixedly disposed on the second plate221, regardless of the sliding movement of the first plate211. According to an embodiment, when the first battery289aamong the separate batteries is located on the first plate211, and the second battery289bamong the separate batteries is fixed on the second plate221, the first battery289amay move along with the sliding movement of the first plate211.

According to various embodiments, the rear plate223may form substantially at least part of the exterior of the second housing202or the electronic device101. For example, the rear plate223may be coupled with the outer surface of the cover member222. According to an embodiment, the rear plate223may be integrally formed with the cover member222. According to an embodiment, the rear plate223may provide a decorative effect to the exterior of the electronic device101. The second plate221and the cover member222may be formed of at least one of a metal or a polymer, and the rear plate223may be formed of at least one of a metal, glass, a synthetic resin, or ceramic. According to an embodiment, the second plate221, the cover member222, and/or the rear plate223may be formed of a material that transmits light at least partially (e.g., to an auxiliary display area). For example, with part (e.g., the first display area A1) of the display203accommodated in the electronic device101, the electronic device101may output visual information using the first display area A1. The auxiliary display area may be part of the second plate221, the cover member222, and/or the rear plate223, on which the display203accommodated in the second housing202is located.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include a driver260configured to provide a driving force for sliding movement to the first housing201. According to an embodiment, the driver260may include the motor261and a gear structure262(e.g., a rack gear and/or a pinion gear) connected to the motor261. For example, the electronic device101may include the motor261connected to and/or coupled with the first housing201(e.g., the first plate211). According to an embodiment, the gear structure262may include the rack gear connected to and/or coupled with the second housing202(e.g., the second plate221) and/or the pinion gear connected to the motor. According to an embodiment, the pinion gear may rotate by receiving a driving force from the motor261, the pinion gear and the motor261may slidingly move on the rack gear in one direction (e.g., the X-axis direction inFIG.4), and the first housing201(e.g., the first plate211) connected to the motor261may slidingly move in the one direction (e.g., the X-axis direction inFIG.4) together with the motor261.

According to an embodiment, the motor261may be connected to and/or coupled with the second housing202(e.g., the second plate221), and the gear structure262(e.g., the rack gear) may be connected to and/or coupled with the first housing201(e.g., the first plate211). According to an embodiment, the pinion gear may be rotated according to rotation of the motor261, the rack gear connected to the pinion gear may slidingly move in one direction (e.g., the X-axis direction inFIG.4), and the first housing (e.g., the first plate211) connected to the rack gear may slidingly move in the one direction (e.g., the X-axis direction inFIG.4), together with the rack gear.

While the electronic device101illustrated inFIGS.2,3and4has the appearance of a rollable or slidable one, the disclosure is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment (not shown), at least part of the illustrated electronic device may be rolled into the shape of a scroll.

Referring toFIGS.2,3and4, when viewed from the front of the electronic device101, the display203may extend to the right of the electronic device101. However, the structure of the electronic device101is not limited thereto. For example, according to an embodiment, the display203may extend to the left of the electronic device101.

FIG.5Ais a diagram illustrating a first housing and a second housing in a closed state of an electronic device according to various embodiments.FIG.5Bis a diagram illustrating a first housing and a second housing in an open state of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.5Aand/orFIG.5B, the electronic device101(e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1to4) may include a first housing301, a second housing302, an elastic member330, and/or a driver360.

The configuration of the first housing301, the second housing302, and/or the driver360ofFIGS.5A and/or5Bmay be partially or wholly identical to that of the first housing201, the second housing202, and/or the driver260ofFIG.4.

According to various embodiments, the first housing301(e.g., the first housing201ofFIG.4) may include a first plate311(e.g., the first plate211and the slide plate ofFIG.4). According to various embodiments, the second housing302(e.g., the second housing202ofFIG.4) may include a second plate321(e.g., the second plate221ofFIG.4). According to an embodiment, the first plate311may slidingly move on the second plate321in a first movement direction (e.g., a +X direction inFIG.5) or in a second movement direction (e.g., a −X direction inFIG.5) opposite to the first movement direction.

According to various embodiments, the first plate311may include a (1-1)thplate area312and/or a (1-2)thplate area313. According to an embodiment, the (1-1)thplate area312and the (1-2)thplate area313may be integrally formed. According to an embodiment, the (1-1)thplate area312and the (1-2)thplate area313may be formed as separate members and coupled or assembled with each other.

According to various embodiments, at least part of the (1-1)thplate area312may support the display (not shown) (e.g., the display203ofFIG.4). According to an embodiment, the (1-1)thplate area312may support at least part of the second display area (not shown) (e.g., the second display area A2ofFIGS.2,3and4) in the closed state (e.g.,FIG.2) of the electronic device101, and at least part of the first display area (not shown) (e.g., the first display area A1ofFIGS.2,3and4) in the open state (e.g.,FIG.3) of the electronic device101. According to various embodiments, the (1-1)thplate area312may simultaneously support at least part of the first display area A1and at least part of the second display area A2.

According to an embodiment, the (1-1)thplate area312may include a first surface312afacing a first direction (e.g., the −Z direction inFIG.4) in the closed state (e.g.,FIG.2) of the electronic device101, and a second surface (e.g., a second surface312bofFIG.6b) facing a second direction (e.g., the +Z direction inFIG.4) opposite to the first direction (e.g., the −Z direction inFIG.4).

According to an embodiment, the first surface312aof the (1-1)thplate area312may be a surface facing the cover member (not shown) (e.g., the cover member222ofFIG.4) of the second housing302in the closed state (e.g.,FIG.2) of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the second surface (e.g., the second surface312bofFIG.6B) of the (1-1)thplate area312may be a surface supporting at least part of the display (not shown) (e.g., the display203ofFIG.4) in the closed state (e.g.,FIG.2) or the open state (e.g.,FIG.3) of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, in the closed state of the electronic device101, at least part of the (1-1)thplate area312may be disposed between the second plate321and the cover member (not shown) (e.g., the cover member222ofFIG.4).

According to various embodiments, the (1-2)thplate area313may extend to protrude from part of the (1-1)thplate area312. According to an embodiment, the (1-2)thplate area313may include a first surface313afacing the first direction (e.g., the −Z direction inFIG.4) and a second surface (e.g., a second surface313bofFIG.6B) facing the second direction (e.g., the +Z direction inFIG.4) opposite to the first direction (e.g., the −Z direction inFIG.4) in the closed state (e.g.,FIG.2) of the electronic device101.

According to an embodiment, the first surface313aof the (1-2)thplate area313may be a surface facing the cover member (not shown) (e.g., the cover member222ofFIG.4) of the second housing302in the closed state (e.g.,FIG.2) of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the second surface (e.g., the second surface313bofFIG.6B) of the (1-2)thplate area313may be a surface supporting at least part of the display (not shown) (e.g., the display203ofFIG.4) in the closed state (e.g.,FIG.2) or the open state (e.g.,FIG.3) of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, a motor361(e.g., the motor361ofFIG.4) may be coupled with and/or connected to the first surface313aof the (1-2)thplate area313. According to various embodiments (not shown), the motor361may be coupled with and/or connected to the second surface (e.g., the second surface313bofFIG.6B) of the (1-2)thplate area313.

According to various embodiments, the driver360(e.g., the driver260ofFIG.4) may include the motor361(e.g., the motor261ofFIG.4) and/or a gear structure362(e.g., the gear structure262ofFIG.4). According to various embodiments, the driver360may provide a driving force for sliding movement to the first housing301(e.g., the first plate311).

According to various embodiments, the gear structure362may include a pinion gear363connected to a rotation shaft of the motor361and/or a rack gear364connected to the pinion gear363.

According to an embodiment, the motor361may be coupled with and/or connected to the (1-2)thplate area313of the first plate311. In an embodiment, the motor361may be coupled with and/or connected to the first surface313aof the (1-2)thplate area313. In an embodiment, the motor361may be coupled with and/or connected to the second surface (e.g., the second surface313bofFIG.6B) of the (1-2)thplate area313. For example, the motor361may have a fixed position on the first plate311. According to an embodiment, the rack gear364may be coupled with and/or connected to the second plate321. For example, the rack gear364may have a fixed position on the second plate321. According to an embodiment, the pinion gear363may be rotated together with the motor361according to rotation of the motor361. As the pinion gear363rotates on the rack gear364, the motor361may slidingly move in the sliding movement direction (e.g., the X-axis direction ofFIGS.5A and5B). Accordingly, the first housing301(e.g., the first plate311) connected to the motor361may slidingly move together with the motor361in the sliding movement direction (e.g., the X-axis direction inFIGS.5A and5B).

According to an embodiment (not shown), the motor361may be coupled with and/or connected to the second plate321. For example, the motor361may have a fixed position on the second plate321. According to an embodiment, the rack gear364may be coupled with and/or connected to the first plate311. For example, the rack gear364may have a fixed position on the first plate311. According to an embodiment, the pinion gear363may be rotated together with the motor361according to rotation of the motor361. As the pinion gear363rotates on the rack gear364, the rack gear364may slidingly move in the sliding movement direction (e.g., the X-axis direction ofFIGS.5A and5B). Accordingly, the first housing301(e.g., the first plate311) connected to the rack gear364may slidingly move together with the rack gear364in the sliding movement direction (e.g., the X-axis direction inFIGS.5A and5B).

Referring toFIG.5B, the elastic member330may be disposed in the second housing302(e.g., the second plate321). According to various embodiments, when the electronic device101is opened (e.g., the slide-out operation) or closed (e.g., the slide-in operation), the elastic member330may be compressed by the first housing301(e.g., the first plate311). According to various embodiments, the elastic member330may include a first elastic member (not shown) (e.g., a first elastic member331ofFIG.7) and/or a second elastic member332.

A sliding movement operation of the electronic device101will be described with reference toFIGS.5A and5B.

Referring toFIG.5A, an arrangement relationship between the first plate311and the second plate321in the closed state of the electronic device101(e.g.,FIG.2orFIG.5A) is illustrated. For example, according to rotation of the motor361in the first direction, the first plate311may slidingly move in a direction in which the first plate311moves away from the second plate321(e.g., the +X direction inFIGS.5A and5B).

Referring toFIG.5B, an arrangement relationship between the first plate311and the second plate321in the open state of the electronic device101(e.g.,FIG.3orFIG.5B) is illustrated. For example, according to rotation of the motor361in the second direction opposite to the first direction, the first plate311may slidingly move in a direction in which the first plate311moves nearer to the second plate321(e.g., the −X direction inFIGS.5A and5B).

FIG.6Ais a diagram illustrating a front view of a first plate according to various embodiments.FIG.6Bis a diagram illustrating a rear view of a first plate according to various embodiments.FIG.6Cis an partial enlarged perspective view illustrating a part C ofFIG.6Baccording to various embodiments. For example,FIG.6Amay be a view viewed from the −Z direction to the +Z direction inFIG.4, andFIG.6Bmay be a view viewed from the +Z direction to the −Z direction inFIG.4.

Referring toFIG.6Aand/orFIG.6B, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1to5B) may include the first plate311, a bracket319, the driver360, and/or a battery389.

The configuration of the first plate311and/or the driver360ofFIG.6Aand/orFIG.6Bmay be partially or wholly identical to that of the first plate311and/or the driver360ofFIG.5Aand/orFIG.5B. The configuration of the battery389ofFIG.6Aand/orFIG.6Bmay be partially or wholly identical to that of the battery289ofFIG.4.

According to various embodiments, the first plate311(e.g., the first plate311ofFIGS.5A and5B) may include the (1-1)thplate area312(e.g., the (1-1)thplate area312ofFIGS.5A and5B) and/or the (1-2)thplate area313(e.g., the (1-2)thplate area313ofFIGS.5A and5B).

According to various embodiments, the (1-1)thplate area312may face the first surface312a(e.g., the first surface312aofFIGS.5A and5B) and the second surface312bfacing the direction opposite to the first surface312a.

According to various embodiments, the (1-2)thplate area313may face the first surface313a(e.g., the first surface313aofFIGS.5A and5B) and the second surface313bfacing the direction opposite to the first surface313a.

According to various embodiments, the driver360(e.g., the driver360ofFIGS.5A and5B) may include the motor361(e.g., the motor361ofFIGS.5A and5B) coupled with and/or connected to the (1-2)thplate area313, and the gear structure362(e.g., the gear structure362ofFIGS.5A and5B) connected to the motor361.

According to various embodiments, the gear structure362may include the pinion gear363(e.g., the pinion gear363ofFIGS.5A and5B) connected to the rotation shaft of the motor361and/or the rack gear364(e.g., the rack gear364ofFIGS.5A and5B) connected to the pinion gear363. According to an embodiment, the rack gear364may be coupled with and/or connected to the second plate (not shown) (e.g., the second plate321ofFIGS.5A and5B).

According to an embodiment, the first plate311may further include the bracket319connected to the first plate311. According to an embodiment, the bracket319may support at least part of the rack gear364. According to an embodiment, the bracket319may support at least part of one surface (e.g., the surface illustrated inFIG.6Aor the surface facing the +Z direction inFIG.4) of the rack gear364and at least part of the other surface (e.g., the surface illustrated inFIG.6Bor the surface facing the −Z direction inFIG.4) of the rack gear364. According to an embodiment, the bracket319may simultaneously support at least parts of one surface and the other surface of the rack gear364. Accordingly, movement of the bracket319in a thickness direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction inFIG.4or the Z-axis direction ofFIGS.6A and6B) of the rack gear364may be restricted, and when the first plate311coupled with the bracket319slidingly moves on the second plate321, movement of the first plate311in the thickness direction (e.g., in the Z-axis direction inFIG.4or the Z-axis direction ofFIGS.6A and6B) of the rack gear364may be restricted.

According to various embodiments, the battery389(e.g., the battery289ofFIG.4) may be coupled with and/or disposed on the first plate311. According to an embodiment, the battery389may be coupled with and/or disposed on the first surface312aof the (1-1)thplate area312. According to an embodiment (not shown), the battery389may be coupled with and/or disposed on the second surface312bof the (1-1)thplate area312. According to an embodiment (not shown), the battery389may be coupled with and/or disposed on the second plate (not shown) (e.g., the second plate321ofFIGS.5A and5B).

Referring toFIG.6C, the first plate311may include an accommodation groove316which is at least partially recessed, and a first protrusion member315protruding from the accommodation groove316.

According to an embodiment, the accommodation groove316may be in the shape of a groove recessed from the second surface312bof the (1-1)thplate area312toward the first surface312aof the (1-1)thplate area312. According to an embodiment, the accommodation groove316may extend along the sliding movement direction (e.g., the X-axis direction ofFIGS.6A,6B and6C) of the first plate311. According to an embodiment, the accommodation groove316may be partitioned into a first accommodation groove316alocated in a first direction (e.g., the +X direction inFIG.6C) with respect to the first protrusion member315, and a second accommodation groove316blocated in a second direction (e.g., the −X direction inFIG.6C) opposite to the first direction (e.g., the +X direction inFIG.6C) with respect to the first protrusion member315. According to an embodiment, the first accommodation groove316aand the second accommodation groove316bmay have a second guide rail (not shown) (e.g., a second guide rail322ofFIG.7) disposed therein.

According to an embodiment, the first protrusion member315may protrude from at least part of the accommodation groove316. According to an embodiment, a pair of first protrusion members315may be provided, and each of the first protrusion members315may protrude from one of sidewalls of the accommodation groove316facing each other toward the other sidewall in the opposite direction. According to an embodiment, the first protrusion member315may extend in the thickness direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction inFIG.4or the Z-axis direction inFIGS.6A and6B) of the first plate311. According to an embodiment (not shown), the first protrusion member315may be provided as a single member, and protrude from any one of the sidewalls of the accommodation grooves316facing each other toward the other sidewall in the opposite direction. According to an embodiment (not shown), a plurality of first protrusion members315may be provided, and each of the first protrusion members315may protrude from one of the sidewalls facing each other toward the other sidewall in the opposite direction. The plurality of first protrusion members315may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the sliding movement direction (e.g., the X-axis direction ofFIGS.6A,6B and6C) of the first plate311.

According to an embodiment, the gear structure362may be disposed adjacent to one end (e.g., an end facing the −Y direction ofFIGS.6A and6B) of the battery389, and an elastic member (not shown) (e.g., the elastic member330ofFIG.7) may be disposed adjacent to the other end (e.g., the end facing the +Y direction ofFIGS.6A and6B) of the battery389facing the opposite direction to the one end of the battery389.

According to an embodiment, at least part of the gear structure362(e.g., the rack gear364) may be disposed between a first side surface311afacing a first direction (e.g., the −Y direction ofFIGS.6A and6B) and a second side surface311bfacing a second direction (e.g., the +Y direction ofFIGS.6A and6B) opposite to the first direction. The gear structure362may be disposed closer to the first side surface311abetween the first side surface311aand the second side surface311b, and the elastic member (not shown) (e.g., the elastic member330ofFIG.7) may be disposed between the gear structure362and the second side surface311b. For example, in the electronic device101without the elastic member330, the gear structure362(e.g., the rack gear364) may be disposed adjacent to the first side surface311aof the first housing (e.g., the first plate311), and when the first housing (e.g., the first plate311) slidingly moves, the first housing (e.g., the first plate311) may slidingly move, while tilted to the second housing (e.g., the second plate321). According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device101may include the elastic member330at a position symmetrical to the gear structure362, and the elastic member330may provide an elastic restoring force for the sliding movement to the first housing (e.g., the first plate311). Accordingly, the first housing (e.g., the first plate311) may slidingly move without tilting.

FIG.7is a diagram illustrating a front view of a second plate according to various embodiments. For example,FIG.7may be a view viewed from the −Z direction to the +Z direction inFIG.4.

Referring toFIG.7, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1to5B) may include the second plate321, the elastic member330, and/or a guide wall340.

The configuration of the second plate321and/or the elastic member330ofFIG.7may be partially or wholly identical to that of the second plate321and/or the elastic member330ofFIG.5Aand/orFIG.5B.

According to various embodiments, the second plate321(e.g., the second plate321ofFIGS.5A and5B) may include the second guide rail322and/or a support wall323.

According to various embodiments, the second guide rail322may extend in the sliding movement direction (e.g., an X-axis direction inFIG.7) of the first plate (not shown) (e.g., the first plate311ofFIGS.5A and5B) on the second plate321. According to an embodiment, a pair of second guide rails322may be provided, and disposed spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (e.g., a Y-axis direction inFIG.7) of the second plate321. According to an embodiment, the pair of second guide rails322may be coupled with the second plate321, and form a space in which the elastic member330may be disposed therebetween. According to an embodiment, when the first plate (not shown) (e.g., the first plate311ofFIGS.5A and5B) and the second plate321are coupled with each other, the second guide rail322may be disposed in the accommodation groove (not shown) (e.g., the accommodation groove316ofFIG.6C) of the first plate (not shown) (e.g., the first plate311ofFIGS.5A and5B).

According to various embodiments, the support wall323may be coupled with the second guide rail322. According to an embodiment, the support wall323may include a first support wall323aconnecting one ends (e.g., ends facing the +X direction inFIG.7) of a pair of second guide rails322, and/or a second support wall323bconnecting the other ends (e.g., ends facing the −X direction inFIG.7) of the pair of second guide rails322.

According to various embodiments, the elastic member330may include the first elastic member331supported by the first support wall323aand/or the second elastic member332supported by the second support wall323b. According to an embodiment, the first elastic member331and/or the second elastic member332may include a spring. According to various embodiments, the first elastic member331and/or the second elastic member332may include various elastic members having an elastic restoring force. According to an embodiment, the elastic member330may be disposed in a space formed by the pair of second guide rails322. According to an embodiment, when the first plate (not shown) (e.g., the first plate311ofFIGS.5A and5B) and the second plate321are coupled with each other in the closed state (e.g.,FIG.5A), the first elastic member331may be disposed in the first accommodation groove (not shown) (e.g., the first accommodation groove316aofFIG.6C), and the second elastic member332may be disposed in the second accommodation groove (not shown) (e.g., the second accommodation groove316bofFIG.6C).

According to various embodiments, the guide wall340may include a first guide wall341coupled with and/or connected to the first elastic member331and/or a second guide wall346coupled with and/or connected to the second elastic member332. According to an embodiment, the first guide wall341and/or the second guide wall346may slidingly move on the second guide rail322. According to an embodiment, when the first plate (not shown) (e.g., the first plate311ofFIGS.5A and5B) and the second plate321are coupled with each other, the first protrusion member (not shown) (e.g., the first protrusion member315ofFIGS.6A,6B and6C) of the first plate311(e.g., the first plate311ofFIGS.6A,6B and6C) may be disposed between the first guide wall341and the second guide wall346.

FIG.8Ais a combined perspective view illustrating a guide rail, an elastic member, and a guide wall according to various embodiments.FIG.8Bis an exploded perspective view illustrating a guide rail, an elastic member, and a guide wall according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.8Aand/orFIG.8B, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1to4) may include the second guide rail322, the support wall323, the elastic member330, and/or or the guide wall340.

The configuration of the second guide rail322, the support wall323, the elastic member330, and/or the guide wall340ofFIG.8Aand/orFIG.8Bmay be partially or wholly identical to that of the second guide rail322, the support wall323, the elastic member330, and/or the guide wall340ofFIG.7.

According to various embodiments, the second plate (not shown) (e.g., the second plate321ofFIG.7) may include the second guide rail322(e.g., the second guide rail322ofFIG.7) and/or or the support wall323(e.g., the support wall323ofFIG.7) coupled with the second guide rail322.

According to an embodiment, each of a pair of second guide rails322may include a guide slit324extending along the sliding movement direction (e.g.,FIG.5A) of the first plate (not shown) (e.g., the first plate311ofFIGS.5A to5B). According to an embodiment, the guide slit324may be shaped into a slit penetrating from one surface of the second guide rail322to the other surface thereof.

According to an embodiment, the support wall323may include the first support wall323a(e.g., the first support wall323aofFIG.7) coupled with one ends of the pair of second guide rails322, and the second support wall323b(e.g., the second support wall323bofFIG.7) coupled with the other ends of the pair of second guide rails322. According to an embodiment, the first support wall323amay support the first elastic member331(e.g., the first elastic member331ofFIG.7), and the second support wall323bmay support the second elastic member332(e.g., the second elastic member332ofFIG.7).

According to an embodiment, the elastic member330(e.g., the elastic member330ofFIG.7) may include the first elastic member331and the second elastic member332.

According to an embodiment, the guide wall340(e.g., the guide wall340ofFIG.7) may include the first guide wall341(e.g., the first guide wall341ofFIG.7) coupled with the first elastic member331, and the second guide wall346(e.g., the second guide wall346ofFIG.7) coupled with the second elastic member332.

According to an embodiment, the first elastic member331may have one end (e.g., the end facing the +X direction inFIG.7) coupled with and/or connected to the first support wall323a, and the other end (e.g., the end facing the −X direction inFIG.7) coupled with and/or connected to the first guide wall341. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1to5B) is opened (e.g., the slide-out operation inFIG.3orFIG.5B), the first guide wall341may be pressed in the first direction (e.g., a +X direction inFIGS.8A and8B) by the first protrusion member (not shown) (e.g., the first protrusion member315ofFIG.6C) of the first plate (not shown) (e.g., the first plate311ofFIGS.6A,6B and6C), and the first elastic member331may be compressed by being pressed in the first movement direction (e.g., the +X direction inFIGS.8A and8B) by the first guide wall341. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device is closed (e.g., the slide-in operation inFIG.2orFIG.5A), the first elastic member331may be elastically restored and press the first guide wall341in the second movement direction (e.g., a −X direction inFIGS.8A and8B), and the first protrusion member may slidingly move by being pressed by the first guide wall341in the second movement direction.

According to an embodiment, the second elastic member332may have one end (e.g., the end facing the −X direction inFIG.7) coupled with and/or connected to the second support wall323b, and the other end (e.g., the end facing the +X direction inFIG.7) coupled with and/or connected to the second guide wall346. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1to5B) is closed (e.g., the slide-in operation inFIG.2orFIG.5A), the second guide wall346may be pressed in the second direction (e.g., a −X direction inFIGS.8A and8B) by the first protrusion member (not shown) (e.g., the first protrusion member315ofFIG.6C) of the second plate (not shown) (e.g., the second plate321ofFIGS.6A,6B and6C), and the second elastic member332may be compressed by being pressed in the second movement direction (e.g., the −X direction inFIGS.8A and8B) by the second guide wall346. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device is opened (e.g., the slide-out operation inFIG.3orFIG.5B), the second elastic member332may be elastically restored and press the second guide wall346in the first direction (e.g., a +X direction inFIGS.8A and8B), and the first protrusion member may slidingly move by being pressed by the second guide wall341in the second direction.

FIG.9Ais an exploded perspective view illustrating a guide wall and an elastic member according to various embodiments.FIG.9Bis a diagram illustrating a guide wall according to various embodiments. WhileFIGS.9A and/or9Billustrate the first guide wall341and the first elastic member331by way of example for convenience of description, a description of the first guide wall341and the first elastic member331may be equally applied to the second guide wall (not shown) (e.g., the second guide wall346ofFIGS.7,8A and8B) and the second elastic member332(e.g., the second elastic member332ofFIGS.7,8A and8B).

Referring toFIG.9Aand/orFIG.9B, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1to4) may include the first guide wall341and the first elastic member331.

The configuration of the first guide wall341and/or the first elastic member331ofFIGS.9A and/or9Bmay be partially or wholly identical to that of the first guide wall341and/or the first elastic member331ofFIGS.7,8A and8B.

According to various embodiments, the first guide wall341(e.g., the first guide wall341ofFIGS.7,8A and8B) may include a first coupling member342, a first connecting member343, a first wing member344, and a first guide groove345.

According to an embodiment, the first coupling member342may include a first coupling groove342awhich is at least partially recessed. According to an embodiment, the first coupling groove342amay be in the shape of a groove recessed in at least part of the first coupling member342. According to an embodiment, one end of the first elastic member331may be coupled with and/or connected to the first coupling groove342a. According to an embodiment, the first elastic member331may be coupled with the first coupling groove342aby an attachment member, press-fitted into the first coupling groove342a, or welded to the first coupling groove342a. According to an embodiment, the first coupling groove342amay be in the shape of a circle to correspond to the shape of the first elastic member331. However, the first coupling groove342amay be in various shapes, not limited to the circle. According to an embodiment, the first coupling member342may be pressed by the first protrusion member (not shown) (e.g., the first protrusion member315ofFIGS.6A,6B and6C) of the first plate (not shown) (e.g., the first plate311ofFIGS.6A,6B and6C). According to an embodiment, the first coupling member342may be disposed in a space formed between a pair of second guide rails (not shown) (e.g., the pair of second guide rails322ofFIGS.8A and8B).

According to an embodiment, the first connecting member343may be a member connecting the first coupling member342to the first wing member344. According to an embodiment, a pair of first connecting members343may be provided, which are connected to one side and the other side of the first coupling member342, respectively. According to an embodiment, the first connecting member343may be disposed in the guide slit (not shown) formed in the second guide rail (not shown) (e.g., the second guide rail322ofFIGS.8A and8B).

According to an embodiment, the first wing member344may be coupled in an outer direction (e.g., a +Y direction inFIG.9Bor a −Y direction inFIG.9B) of the first connecting member343. According to an embodiment, the height of the first wing member344(e.g., a length in the Z-axis direction inFIG.9B) may be greater than the height of the first connecting member343(e.g., a length in the Z-axis direction inFIG.9B). According to an embodiment, a pair of first wing members344may be provided, which are coupled with the pair of first connecting members343, respectively. According to an embodiment, the first wing member344may be disposed outside the second guide rail (not shown) (e.g., the second guide rail322ofFIGS.8A and8B).

According to an embodiment, the first guide wall341may include the first guide groove345which is at least partially recessed. According to an embodiment, the first guide groove345may be in the shape of a groove into which at least part of the first guide wall341is recessed. According to an embodiment, the first guide groove345may be a space surrounded by the first coupling member342, the first connecting member343, and the first wing member344. According to an embodiment, a plurality of first guide grooves345may be provided. According to an embodiment, when the first connecting member343is disposed in the guide slit (not shown) (e.g., the guide slit324ofFIGS.8A and8B), the plurality of first guide grooves345may have portions of the second guide rail (not shown) (e.g., the second guide rail322ofFIGS.8A and8B) with no guide slit disposed therein.

In an embodiment, the first coupling member342, the first coupling member343, and/or the first wing member344may be formed as a separate member, and the first guide wall341may be prepared by coupling or assembling these members. In an embodiment, the first coupling member342, the first connecting member343, and/or the first wing member344may be formed as a single member, and the first guide wall341may be prepared by processing the first guide groove345and/or the first coupling groove342ain the single member.

FIG.10is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first plate and a second plate according to various embodiments. For example,FIG.10illustrates a state in which a guide rail formed in the second plate is disposed in an accommodation groove formed in the first plate.

Referring toFIG.10, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1to5B) may include the first plate311, the second plate321, the elastic member330, and/or the guide wall340.

The configuration of the first plate311ofFIG.10may be partially or wholly identical to that of the first plate311ofFIGS.6A,6B and/or6C. The configuration of the second plate321, the elastic member330, and/or the guide wall340ofFIG.10may be partially or wholly identical to that of the second plate321, the elastic member330, and the guide wall340ofFIGS.7,8A and/or8B.

According to various embodiments, the first plate311(e.g., the first plate311ofFIGS.6A,6B and6C) may include the (1-1)thplate area312(e.g., the (1-1)thplate area312ofFIGS.6A,6B and6C). According to an embodiment, the first plate311may include the accommodation groove316(e.g., the accommodation groove316inFIG.6C) into which at least part of the (1-1)thplate area312(e.g., the (1-1)thplate area ofFIGS.6A,6B and6C) is recessed. According to an embodiment, the first plate311may include the first protrusion member315(e.g., the first protrusion member315ofFIG.6C) protruding from the accommodation groove316.

According to various embodiments, the second plate321(e.g., the second plate321ofFIGS.7,8A and8B) may include the second guide rail322(e.g., the second guide rail322ofFIGS.7,8A and8B), the guide slit324(e.g., the guide slit324ofFIGS.8A and8B) formed in the second guide rail322, and the support wall323(e.g., the support wall323ofFIGS.7,8A and8B) coupled with the second guide rail322. According to an embodiment, the support wall323may include the first support wall323a(e.g., the first support wall323aofFIGS.7,8A and8B) and the second support wall323b(e.g., the second support wall323bofFIGS.7,8A and8B).

According to various embodiments, the elastic member330(e.g., the elastic member330ofFIGS.7,8A and8B) may include the first elastic member331(e.g., the first elastic member331ofFIGS.7,8A and8B) having one end coupled with the first support wall323a, and the second elastic member332(e.g., the second elastic member332ofFIGS.7,8A and8B) having one end coupled with the second support wall323b.

According to various embodiments, the guide wall340(e.g., the guide wall340ofFIGS.7,8A and8B) may include the first guide wall341(e.g., the first guide wall341FIGS.7,8A and8B) coupled with the other end of the first elastic member331, and the second guide wall346(e.g., the second guide wall346ofFIGS.7,8A and8B) coupled with the other end of the second elastic member332.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device is closed (e.g., the slide-in operation inFIG.2orFIG.5A), the first plate311may slidingly move in the second movement direction (e.g., a −X direction inFIG.10), and the first protrusion member315formed on the first plate311may press the second guide wall346in the second movement direction. Accordingly, the second guide wall346may slidingly move on the second guide rail322in the second movement direction, and press the second elastic member332in the second movement direction. At this time, the second elastic member332supported by the second support wall332bmay be compressed by being pressed by the second guide wall346.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device is opened from the closed state (e.g., the slide-out operation inFIG.3orFIG.5B), the second elastic member332may be elastically restored and press the second guide wall346in the first movement direction (e.g., a +X direction inFIG.10). The second guide wall346pressed by the second elastic member332may slidingly move in the first movement direction and press the first protrusion member315in the first movement direction. While not shown, the first plate311may slidingly move in the first movement direction (e.g., the +X direction inFIG.10), and the first protrusion member315formed on the first plate311may press the first guide wall341in the first movement direction. Accordingly, the first guide wall341may slidingly move in the first movement direction on the second guide rail322and press the first elastic member331in the first movement direction. At this time, the first elastic member331supported by the first support wall323amay be compressed by being pressed by the first guide wall341.

While not shown, when the electronic device is closed from the open state (e.g., the slide-in operation inFIG.2orFIG.5A), the first elastic member331may be elastically restored and press the first guide wall341in the second movement direction (e.g., the −X direction inFIG.10). The first guide wall341pressed by the first elastic member331may slidingly move in the second movement direction and press the first protrusion member315in the second movement direction.

FIG.11Ais a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′ ofFIG.5Aaccording to various embodiments.FIG.11Bis a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B′ ofFIG.5Baccording to various embodiments. For example,FIG.11Ais a cross-sectional view illustrating an arrangement relationship between a first plate and a second plate in a closed state of an electronic device, andFIG.11Bis a cross-sectional view illustrating an arrangement relationship of the first plate and the second plate in an open state of the electronic device.

Referring toFIG.11Aand/orFIG.11B, the electronic device101(e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1to5B) may include the first plate311, the second plate321, the elastic member330, and/or the guide wall340.

The configurations of the first plate311and the second plate321ofFIGS.11A and11Bmay be partially or wholly identical to those of the first plate311and the second plate321ofFIGS.5A and5Band/or those of the first plate311and the second plate321ofFIG.10. The configurations of the elastic member330and the guide wall340ofFIGS.11A and11Bmay be partially or wholly identical to those of the elastic member330and the guide wall340ofFIGS.7to10.

According to various embodiments, the first plate311(e.g., the first plate311ofFIGS.5A and5B) may include the (1-1)thplate area312(e.g., the (1-1)thplate area312ofFIGS.5A and5B) including the first surface312a(e.g., the first surface312aofFIGS.5A,5B and6A) and the second surface312b(e.g., the second surface312bofFIGS.6B and6C).

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101is in the closed state (e.g., the slide-in operation inFIG.2orFIG.11A), the first surface312aof the (1-1)thplate area312may face the cover member (not shown) (e.g., the cover member222ofFIG.4) or the rear plate (not shown) (e.g., the rear plate223ofFIG.4). According to an embodiment, the second surface312bof the (1-1)thplate area312may support at least part of the display (not shown) (e.g., the display203ofFIG.4). According to an embodiment, the first plate311(e.g., the (1-1)thplate area312) has a curved surface314(e.g., the curved surface250ofFIG.4) which is at least partially curved. According to an embodiment, the multi-bar structure (not shown) (e.g., the multi-bar structure213ofFIG.4) may move in response to the curved surface314located at an edge of the first plate311.

According to an embodiment, the second plate321(e.g., the second plate321ofFIGS.5A to5B) may include the second guide rail322(e.g., the second guide rails322ofFIGS.8A and8B) having the guide slit324(e.g., the guide slit324ofFIGS.8A and8B) formed thereon, and the support wall323(e.g., the support wall323ofFIGS.8A and8B) coupled with the second guide rail322. According to an embodiment, at least part of the second plate321(e.g., at least part of a flat surface of the second plate321facing the +Z direction inFIGS.11A and11B) may support at least part of the display (not shown) (e.g., the display203ofFIG.4).

According to an embodiment, the second guide rail322may extend in the sliding movement direction (e.g., the X-axis direction ofFIGS.11A and11B) of the first plate311, and the guide slit324may be formed along the sliding movement direction of the first plate311on the guide rail322. According to an embodiment, a pair of second guide rails322may be provided, and form a space therebetween, in which the elastic member330(e.g., the elastic member330ofFIGS.8A and8B) may be disposed.

According to an embodiment, the support wall323(e.g., the support wall323ofFIGS.8A and8B) may include the first support wall323acoupled with one side of the second guide rail322and supporting the first elastic member331(e.g., the first elastic member331ofFIGS.8A and8B), and the second support wall323bcoupled with the other side of the second guide rail322and supporting the second elastic member332(e.g., the second elastic member332ofFIGS.8A and8B).

According to an embodiment, the elastic member330(e.g., the elastic member330ofFIGS.8A and8B) may include the first elastic member331connected to the first support wall323aand the first guide wall341(e.g. the first guide wall341ofFIGS.8A and8B), and the second elastic member332connected to the second support wall323band the second guide wall346(e.g., the second guide wall346ofFIGS.8A and8B). According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101is opened (e.g., the slide-out operation), the first elastic member331may be compressed, whereas when the electronic device101is closed (e.g., the slide-in operation), the second elastic member332may be compressed.

According to an embodiment, the guide wall340(e.g., the guide wall340ofFIGS.8A and8B) may include the first guide wall341with which the first elastic member331is coupled, and the second guide wall346with which the second elastic member is coupled. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101is opened (e.g., the slide-out operation), the first guide wall341may be pressed by the first protrusion member (not shown) (e.g., the first protrusion member315ofFIG.6C) of the first plate311, and when the electronic device101is closed (e.g., the slide-in operation), the second guide wall346may be pressed by the first protrusion member of the first plate311.

With reference toFIGS.11A and11B, an operation of the electronic device101when the electronic device101switches from the closed state (e.g.,FIG.2orFIG.11A) to the open state (e.g.,FIG.3or11B) will be described below.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101switches from a fully closed state (e.g.,FIG.2orFIG.11A) to a fully open state (e.g.,FIG.3or11B), the first plate311may slidingly move on the second plate321by a first slide length H in the first movement direction (e.g., the +X direction ofFIGS.11A and11B). According to an embodiment, the first slide length H may include a (1-1)thslide length h1, a (1-2)thslide length h2, and a (1-3)thslide length h3. According to an embodiment, the (1-1)thslide length h1may be a length value obtained by subtracting a minimum compressed length of the second elastic member332from a maximum uncompressed length of the second elastic member332, and the (1-3)thslide length h3may be a length value obtained by subtracting a minimum compressed length of the first elastic member331from a maximum uncompressed length of the first elastic member331.

According to an embodiment, in the fully closed state (e.g.,FIG.2orFIG.11A) of the electronic device101, the second guide wall346may be pressed in the second movement direction (e.g., the −X direction inFIG.11A) by the first protrusion member (not shown) of the first plate311and press the second elastic member332in the second movement direction (e.g., the −X direction inFIG.11A), and the second elastic member332may be compressed, while being supported by the second support wall323b.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101moves from the closed state (e.g.,FIG.2orFIG.11A) to the open state (e.g.,FIG.3orFIG.11B), the driver (not shown) (e.g., the driver360ofFIGS.5A and5B) may provide a driving force to the first plate311so that the first plate311may move in the first movement direction (e.g., the +X direction ofFIGS.11A and11B). According to an embodiment, the second elastic member332may be elastically restored and press the second guide wall346, and the second guide wall346may press the first protrusion member (not shown) of the first plate311, while sliding in the first movement direction (e.g., the +X direction ofFIGS.11A and11B) by the (1-1)thslide length h1. For example, the first plate311may slidingly move in the first movement direction (e.g., the +X direction inFIGS.11A and11B) in a section of the (1-1)thslide length h1under simultaneous action of the elastic restoring force of the second elastic member332and the driving force of the driver (not shown)).

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101moves to the open state (e.g.,FIG.3orFIG.11B), the first plate311may slidingly move in the first movement direction (e.g., the +X direction inFIGS.11A and11B) in a section of the (1-2)thslide length h2under the action of the driving force of the driver (not shown)).

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101passes the section of the (1-2)thslide length h2and then enters the section of the (1-3)thslide length h3, the first protrusion member (not shown) of the first plate311may press the first guide wall341in the first movement direction (e.g., the +X direction inFIGS.11A and11B), and the first guide wall341may press the first elastic member331in the first movement direction, while slidingly moving in the first movement direction. At this time, the first elastic member331may be compressed by being pressed in the first movement direction (e.g., the +X direction ofFIGS.11A and11B) by the first guide wall341.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101is in the fully open state (e.g.,FIG.3orFIG.11B), the first elastic member331may be compressed by the (1-3)thslide length h3.

With reference toFIGS.11A and11B, when the electronic device101switches from the open state (e.g.,FIG.3orFIG.11B) to the closed state (e.g.,FIG.2orFIG.11A), an operation of the electronic device will be described.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101switches from the fully open state (e.g.,FIG.3orFIG.11B) to the fully closed state (e.g.,FIG.2orFIG.11A), the first plate311may slidingly move on the second plate321by the first slide length H in the second movement direction (e.g., the −X direction inFIGS.11A and11B). According to an embodiment, the first slide length H may include the (1-1)thslide length h1, the (1-2)thslide length h2, and the (1-3)thslide length h3. According to an embodiment, the (1-1)thslide length h1may be the length value obtained by subtracting the minimum compressed length of the second elastic member332from the maximum uncompressed length of the second elastic member332, and the (1-3)thslide length h3may be the length value obtained by subtracting the minimum compressed length of the first elastic member331from the maximum uncompressed length of the first elastic member331.

According to an embodiment, in the fully open state (e.g.,FIG.3orFIG.11B) of the electronic device101, the first guide wall341may be pressed in the first movement direction (e.g., the +X direction inFIG.11A) by the first protrusion member (not shown) of the first plate311and press the first elastic member331in the first movement direction (e.g., the +X direction inFIG.11A), and the first elastic member331may be compressed, while being supported by the first support wall323a.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101moves from the open state (e.g.,FIG.3orFIG.11B) to the closed state (e.g.,FIG.2orFIG.11A), the driver (not shown) (e.g., the driver360ofFIGS.5A and5B) may provide a driving force to the first plate311so that the first plate311may move in the second movement direction (e.g., the −X direction ofFIGS.11A and11B). According to an embodiment, the first elastic member331may be elastically restored and press the first guide wall341, and the first guide wall341may press the first protrusion member (not shown) of the first plate311, while slidingly moving in the second movement direction (e.g., the +X direction ofFIGS.11A and11B) by the (1-3)thslide length h3. For example, the first plate311may slidingly move in the second movement direction (e.g., the −X direction inFIGS.11A and11B) in the section of the (1-3)thslide length h3under simultaneous action of the elastic restoring force of the first elastic member331and the driving force of the driver (not shown)).

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101moves to the closed state (e.g.,FIG.2orFIG.11A), the first plate311may slidingly move in the second movement direction (e.g., the −X direction inFIGS.11A and11B) in the section of the (1-2)thslide length h2under the action of the driving force of the driver (not shown)).

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101passes the section of the (1-2)thslide length h2and then enters the section of the (1-1)thslide length h1, the first protrusion member (not shown) of the first plate311may press the second guide wall346in the second movement direction (e.g., the −X direction inFIGS.11A and11B), and the second guide wall346may press the second elastic member332in the second movement direction, while slidingly moving in the second movement direction. At this time, the second elastic member332may be compressed by being pressed in the second movement direction (e.g., the +X direction ofFIGS.11A and11B) by the second guide wall346.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101is in the fully closed state (e.g.,FIG.2orFIG.11A), the second elastic member332may be compressed by the (1-1)thslide length h1.

FIG.12is a partial perspective view illustrating a guide rail and an elastic member according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.12, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1to4) may include the second plate321, the second elastic member332, and/or the second guide wall346.

The configuration of the second plate321, the second elastic member332, and/or the second guide wall346ofFIG.12may be partially or wholly identical to that of the second plate321, the second elastic member332, and/or the second guide wall346ofFIGS.8A and8B.

According to various embodiments, the second plate321(e.g., the second plate321ofFIGS.8A and8B) may include the second guide rail322(e.g., the second guide rail322ofFIGS.8Aa and8B), the second support wall323b(e.g., the second support wall323bofFIGS.8A and8B), and/or the guide slit324(e.g. the guide slit324inFIGS.8A and8B).

According to an embodiment, the second plate321may further include a second protrusion member328formed in the guide slit324. According to an embodiment, the second protrusion member328may be formed on at least one of a first portion322aof the second guide rail322, which forms the bottom of the guide slit324or a second portion322bof the second guide rail322, which forms the ceiling of the guide slit324. While the second protrusion member328is shown as formed only on the first portion322ain the illustrated embodiment (FIG.12), the second protrusion member328may be formed only on the second portion322bor on both of the first portion322aand the second portion322b. According to an embodiment, the second protrusion member328may be shaped into, but not limited to, a hemisphere. The second protrusion member328may be formed in various shapes. According to an embodiment, the second protrusion member328may be formed of, but not limited to, an elastic material including a urethane material. The second protrusion member328may be formed of various elastically deformable materials.

According to an embodiment, the second elastic member332(e.g., the second elastic member332ofFIGS.8A and8B) may be supported by the second support wall323band coupled with the second guide wall346(e.g., the second guide wall346ofFIGS.8A and8B).

According to an embodiment, when the first plate (not shown) (e.g., the first plate311ofFIGS.5A and5B) moves in the second movement direction (e.g., a —X direction inFIG.12), the second guide wall346may slidingly move in the second movement direction, with a second wing member349(e.g., the wing member344ofFIG.9B) of the second guide wall346being pressed by the first protrusion member (not shown) (e.g., the first protrusion member315ofFIG.6C) of the first plate (not shown).

According to an embodiment, when the second guide wall346crosses a portion of the guide slit324in which the second protrusion member328is formed, the second guide wall346may slidingly move in the second movement direction, while the second protrusion member328is elastically deformed.

According to an embodiment, in the fully open state (e.g.,FIG.3orFIG.5B) of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1to4), the second elastic member332is in a compressed state. Therefore, the second elastic member332may apply an elastic restoring force to the second guide wall346in the first movement direction (e.g., the +X direction inFIG.12). In this case, the motor (not shown) (e.g., the motor361ofFIGS.5A and5B) has a back drive force (e.g., a force required to rotate an internal reduction gear, when the motor stops). Therefore, even when the second guide wall346presses the first protrusion member (not shown) of the first plate (not shown), movement of the first plate in the first movement direction may be restricted. According to an embodiment, a force that the second guide wall346applies to the first protrusion member (not shown) of the first plate (not shown) may be reduced in view of the formation of the second protrusion member328in the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1to4). For example, in the open state of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1to4), the elastic restoring force of the second elastic member332may be counterbalanced by the frictional force of the second protrusion member328acting on the second guide wall346and the back drive force acting on the motor (not shown). For example, when the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1to4) moves to the closed state, the first plate (not shown) may slidingly move in the second movement direction (e.g., the +X direction inFIG.12). At this time, the second guide wall346may be instantaneously spaced apart from the first protrusion member (not shown) of the first plate (not shown), and cross over the second elastic member332, overcoming the frictional force of the second protrusion member328through the elastic restoring force of the second protrusion member328. In this case, the second guide wall346may contact the first protrusion member (not shown) of the first plate (not shown) again and press the first protrusion member in the first movement direction.

While not shown, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1to4) may include a third protrusion member (not shown) at a portion of the guide slit324, adjacent to the first elastic member (not shown) (e.g., the first elastic member331ofFIGS.8A and8B). The description of the second protrusion member may be equally applied to the third protrusion member.

FIG.13is a partial perspective view illustrating a partial area of a first plate according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.13, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1to4) may include the first plate311including the (1-1)thplate area312and a first protrusion member317.

The configurations of the first plate311and the (1-1)thplate area312ofFIG.13may be partially or wholly identical to those of the first plate311and the (1-1)thplate area312ofFIGS.6A,6B and6C.

According to various embodiments, the (1-1)thplate area312(e.g., the (1-1)thplate area312ofFIGS.6A,6B and6C) may have the first surface312a(e.g., the first surface312aofFIGS.6A,6B and6C), and the second surface312b(e.g., the second surface312bofFIGS.6A,6B and6C) facing the direction opposite to the first surface312a.

According to an embodiment, the (1-1)thplate area312may include the accommodation groove316(e.g., the accommodation groove316ofFIGS.6A,6B and6C) recessed from the second surface312bof the (1-1)thplate area312toward the first surface312a.

According to an embodiment, the first protrusion member317may protrude from at least part of the accommodation groove316. According to an embodiment, a pair of first protrusion members317may be provided, and each of the pair of first protrusion members317may protrude from one of sidewalls of the accommodation groove316facing each other toward the other sidewall in an opposite direction. According to an embodiment, the first protrusion member317may include a first portion317aextending in the thickness direction of the first plate311and a second portion317bextending from the first portion317ain the sliding movement direction (e.g., an X-axis direction inFIG.13) of the first plate311. According to an embodiment, a pair of second portions317bmay be provided. According to an embodiment, the first portion317aand the second portion317bmay form a fixing groove318having a groove shape. According to an embodiment, the fixing groove318may include a first fixing groove318aand a second fixing groove318b.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1to4) is opened, the first wing member (not shown) (e.g., the first wing member344ofFIG.9B) of the first guide wall (not shown) (e.g., the first guide wall341ofFIG.9B) may be inserted into the first fixing groove318a, and the first portion317aof the first protruding member317may press the first wing member (not shown) of the first guide wall (not shown). At this time, since the first wing member (not shown) is inserted into the first fixing groove318aand surrounded by the first portion317aand the second portions317b, tilting of the first guide wall (not shown) may be restricted.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1to4) is closed, the second wing member (not shown) (e.g., the second wing member349ofFIG.12) of the second guide wall (not shown) (e.g., the first guide wall346ofFIG.12) may be inserted into the second fixing groove318b, and the first portion317aof the first protrusion member317may press the second wing member (not shown) of the second guide wall (not shown). At this time, since the second wing member (not shown) is inserted into the second fixing groove318band surrounded by the first portion317aand the second portions317b, tilting of the second guide wall (not shown) may be restricted.

FIG.14Ais a graph illustrating required driving forces according to sliding distances of a first plate when an electronic device is opened according to various embodiments.FIG.14Bis a graph illustrating required driving forces according to sliding distances of a first plate when an electronic device is closed according to various embodiments.

With reference toFIGS.11A,11B and14A, when the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1to4) is opened, a required driving force of the driver for slidingly moving the first plate311(e.g., the driver360ofFIGS.5A and5B) will be described.

A horizontal axis ofFIG.14Arepresents the movement distance of the first plate311in unit movement distances d1to d7, and a vertical axis ofFIG.14Arepresents a required driving force for slidingly moving the first plate311, an elastic restoring force of the first elastic member331, or an elastic restoring force of the second elastic member332in unit forces F1to F8according to movement distances of the first plate311. For example, a distance (e.g., a distance from d1to d2) of one section among the unit movement distances may be about 3.2 mm to about 7.6 mm. For example, a force (e.g., a force from F1to F2) of one section among the unit forces may be about 0.18 kgf to about 0.25 kgf.

“G1” ofFIG.14Amay refer to a driving force of the driver for slidingly moving the first plate311according to a movement distance of the first plate311in an electronic device to which the first elastic member331and the second elastic member332are not applied.

“G2” ofFIG.14Amay refer to an elastic restoring force that the second elastic member332acts on the second guide wall346according to a movement distance of the first plate311.

“G3” ofFIG.14Amay refer to an elastic restoring force that the first elastic member331acts on the first guide wall341according to a movement distance of the first plate311.

“G4” ofFIG.14Amay refer to a driving force of the driver for slidingly moving the first plate311according to a movement distance of the first plate311in an electronic device to which the second elastic member332is applied.

“G5” ofFIG.14Amay refer to a driving force of the driver for slidingly moving the first plate311according to a movement distance of the first plate311in an electronic device to which the first elastic member331is applied.

The driving forces G1, G4, and G5of the drivers inFIG.14Amay be driving forces required to slidingly moving the first plate311, and a required driving force may refer to a minimum driving force having a greater value than a frictional force (e.g., a repulsive frictional force from the display or a frictional force from the second plate) acting on the first plate311.

When the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1to4) moves from the closed state (e.g.,FIG.2orFIG.11A) to the open state (e.g.,FIG.3orFIG.11B), the first plate311may move in the first movement direction (e.g., the +X direction inFIGS.11A and11B).

In the section of the (1-1)thslide length h1, the elastic restoring force of the second elastic member332and the driving force of the driver (not shown) may simultaneously act on the first plate311.

In the case of the electronic device to which the second elastic member332is not applied, the driving force G1of the driver may be required to slidingly move the first plate311in the section of the (1-1)thslide length h1.

In the case of the electronic device to which the second elastic member332according to various embodiments of the disclosure is applied, the elastic restoring force G2of the second elastic member332may act on the first plate311in a direction for slidingly moving the first plate311in the section of the (1-1)thslide length h1, and accordingly, the driving force G4of the driver may be required to slidingly move the first plate311. The driving force G4of the driver may be a driving force reduced from the driving force G1of the driver by the elastic restoring force G2of the second elastic member332.

In the section of the (1-2)thslide length h2, the first plate311may slidingly move only by the driving force of the driver. In this case, the driving force of the driver for slidingly moving the first plate311may be equal to the driving force G1of the driver.

In the section of the (1-3)thslide length h3, the elastic restoring force of the second elastic member332and the driving force of the driver (not shown) may simultaneously act on the first plate311.

In the case of the electronic device to which the first elastic member331is not applied, the driving force G1of the driver may be required to slidingly move the first plate311in the section of the (1-3)thslide length h3.

In the case of the electronic device to which the first elastic member331is applied according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the elastic restoring force G3of the first elastic member331may act on the first plate311in the direction opposite to the direction in which the first plate311is to slidingly move, and accordingly, the driving force G5may be required to slidingly move the first plate311, in the section of the (1-3)thslide length h3. The driving force G5of the driver may be a driving force increased from the driving force G1of the driver by the elastic restoring force G3of the first elastic member331.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, when the electronic device is opened (e.g.,FIG.3orFIG.11B), a driving force required to move the first plate311may have a maximum value in the section of the (1-1)thslide length h1. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device may decrease the maximum value of the driving force required in the section of the (1-1)thslide length h1through the elastic restoring force of the second elastic member332(G4). Accordingly, compared to the case without the second elastic member332, the driver (e.g., the motor361ofFIGS.5A and5B) may slidingly move the first plate311with a relatively low output, which enables miniaturization of the driver. In the electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure, a required maximum driving force of the driver may act in the section of the (1-1)thslide length h1, and thus, an extra driving force generated in the section of the (1-3)thslide length h3may be used to compress the first elastic member331.

With reference toFIGS.11A,11B and14B, when the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1to4) is closed, a required driving force of the driver (e.g., the driver360ofFIGS.5A and5B) for slidingly moving the first plate311will be described below.

A horizontal axis ofFIG.14Brepresents the movement distance of the first plate311in unit movement distances d1to d7, and a vertical axis ofFIG.14Brepresents a required driving force for slidingly moving the first plate311, an elastic restoring force of the first elastic member331, or an elastic restoring force of the second elastic member332in unit forces F1to F8according to movement distances of the first plate311. For example, a distance (e.g., a distance from d1to d2) of one section among the unit movement distances may be about 3.2 mm to about 7.6 mm. For example, a force (e.g., a force from F1to F2) of one section among the unit forces may be about 0.18 kgf to about 0.25 kgf.

“G1” ofFIG.14Bmay refer to a driving force of the driver for slidingly moving the first plate311according to a movement distance of the first plate311in an electronic device to which the first elastic member331and the second elastic member332are not applied.

“G2” ofFIG.14Bmay refer to an elastic restoring force that the second elastic member332acts on the second guide wall346according to a movement distance of the first plate311.

“G3” ofFIG.14Bmay refer to an elastic restoring force that the first elastic member331acts on the first guide wall341according to a movement distance of the first plate311.

“G4” ofFIG.14Bmay refer to a driving force of the driver for slidingly moving the first plate311according to a movement distance of the first plate311in an electronic device to which the second elastic member332is applied.

“G5” ofFIG.14Bmay refer to a driving force of the driver for slidingly moving the first plate311according to a movement distance of the first plate311in an electronic device to which the first elastic member331is applied.

The driving forces G1, G4, and G5of the drivers inFIG.14Bmay be driving forces required to slidingly moving the first plate311, and a required driving force may refer to a minimum driving force having a greater value than a frictional force (e.g., a repulsive frictional force from the display or a frictional force from the second plate) acting on the first plate311.

When the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1to4) moves from the open state (e.g.,FIG.3orFIG.11B) to the closed state (e.g.,FIG.2orFIG.11A), the first plate311may move in the second movement direction (e.g., the −X direction inFIGS.11A and11B).

In the section of the (1-3)thslide length h3, the elastic restoring force of the first elastic member331and the driving force of the driver (not shown) may simultaneously act on the first plate311.

In the case of the electronic device to which the first elastic member331is not applied, the driving force G1of the driver may be required to slidingly move the first plate311in the section of the (1-3)thslide length h3.

In the case of the electronic device to which the first elastic member331according to various embodiments of the disclosure is applied, the elastic restoring force G3of the first elastic member331may act on the first plate311in a direction for slidingly moving the first plate311in the section of the (1-3)thslide length h3, and accordingly, the driving force G5of the driver may be required to slidingly move the first plate311. The driving force G5of the driver may be a driving force reduced from the driving force G1of the driver by the elastic restoring force G3of the first elastic member331.

In the section of the (1-2)thslide length h2, the first plate311may slidingly move only by the driving force of the driver. In this case, the driving force of the driver for slidingly moving the first plate311may be equal to the driving force G1of the driver.

In the section of the (1-1)thslide length h1, the elastic restoring force of the second elastic member332and the driving force of the driver (not shown) may simultaneously act on the first plate311.

In the case of the electronic device to which the second elastic member332is not applied, the driving force G1of the driver may be required to slidingly move the first plate311in the section of the (1-1)thslide length h1.

In the case of the electronic device to which the second elastic member332is applied according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the elastic restoring force G3of the second elastic member332may act on the first plate311in the direction opposite to the direction in which the first plate311is to slidingly move, and accordingly, the driving force G2may be required to slidingly move the first plate311, in the section of the (1-1)thslide length h1. The driving force G2of the driver may be a driving force increased from the driving force G1of the driver by the elastic restoring force G2of the first elastic member331.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, when the electronic device is closed (e.g.,FIG.2orFIG.11A), a driving force required to move the first plate311may have a maximum value in the section of the (1-3)thslide length h3. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device may decrease the maximum value of the driving force required in the section of the (1-3)thslide length h3through the elastic restoring force of the first elastic member331(G5). Accordingly, compared to the case without the first elastic member331, the driver (e.g., the motor361ofFIGS.5A and5B) may slidingly move the first plate311with a relatively low output, which enables miniaturization of the driver. In the electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure, a required maximum driving force of the driver may act in the section of the (1-3)thslide length h3, and thus, an extra driving force generated in the section of the (1-1)thslide length h1may be used to compress the second elastic member331. The maximum driving force required for slidingly moving the first housing (or the first plate) when the electronic device is opened or closed may be generated in the (1-3)thslide length h3when the electronic device is closed.

According to various example embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1to4) may include: a housing including a first housing (e.g., the first housing201ofFIG.4or the first plate311ofFIGS.5A and5B) and a second housing (e.g., the second housing202ofFIG.4or the second plate321ofFIGS.5A and5B) configured to guide sliding movement of the first housing; a display (e.g., the display203ofFIG.4) configured to be at least partially unfolded based on the sliding movement of the first housing, and including a first display area (e.g., the first display area A1ofFIG.4) disposed on the first housing and a second display area (e.g., the second display area A2ofFIG.4) extending from the first display area; a battery (e.g., the battery289ofFIG.4or the battery389ofFIG.6A) disposed in the first housing; a driver (e.g., the driver360ofFIGS.5A and5B) configured to provide a driving force for the sliding movement to the first housing, and including a motor (e.g., the motor361ofFIGS.5A and5B) disposed in the first housing and a gear structure including a gear (e.g., the gear structure362ofFIGS.5A and5B) at least partially disposed in the second housing and connected to the motor; and an elastic member (e.g., the elastic member330ofFIGS.5A and5B) comprising a material arranged to be compressible and to provide an elastic restoring force disposed in the second housing. The gear structure may be disposed adjacent to one end of the battery, and the elastic member may be disposed adjacent to the other end of the battery facing a direction opposite to the one end of the battery. The gear may include pinion gear (e.g., the pinion gear363ofFIGS.5A and5B), and a rack gear (e.g., the rack gear364ofFIGS.5A and5B).

According to various example embodiments, the elastic member may include: a first elastic member (e.g., the first elastic member331ofFIG.7) configured to be elastically deformed by the first housing based on the first housing moving in a first movement direction; and a second elastic member (e.g., the second elastic member332ofFIG.7) configured to be elastically deformed by the first housing based on the first housing moving in a second movement direction opposite to the first movement direction.

According to various example embodiments, the first elastic member and the second elastic member may be disposed in a straight line.

According to various example embodiments, the first elastic member may be configured to provide an elastic restoring force to the first housing in the second movement direction based on the first housing moving in the second movement direction, and the second elastic member may be configured to provide an elastic restoring force to the first housing in the first movement direction with respect to the first housing moving in the first movement direction.

According to various example embodiments, the second housing (e.g., the second plate321ofFIG.7) may include a guide rail (e.g., the second guide rail322ofFIG.7) extending along a sliding movement direction of the first housing, and having the elastic member disposed therein, and the first housing (e.g., the first plate311ofFIGS.6A,6B and6C) may include an accommodation groove (e.g., the accommodation groove316ofFIG.6C) at least partially recessed and having the guide rail disposed therein.

According to various example embodiments, the electronic device may further include a guide wall (e.g., the guide wall340ofFIG.7) configured to slide on the guide rail based on being pressed by the sliding movement of the first housing.

According to various example embodiments, the elastic member may include: a first elastic member (e.g., the first elastic member331ofFIG.7) configured to be elastically deformed by the first housing based on the first housing moving in the first movement direction; and a second elastic member (e.g., the second elastic member332ofFIG.7) configured to be elastically deformed by the first housing based on the first housing moving in the second movement direction opposite to the first movement direction. The guide wall may include: a first guide wall (e.g., the first guide wall341ofFIG.7) coupled with the first elastic member; and a second guide wall (e.g., the second guide wall346ofFIG.7) coupled with the second elastic member.

According to various example embodiments, the guide rail may include a guide slit (e.g., the guide slit324ofFIG.8A) extending along the sliding movement direction of the first housing. The guide wall may include: a coupling portion (e.g., the first coupling member342ofFIG.9B) disposed inside the guide rail and coupled with the elastic member; a coupling groove (e.g., the first coupling groove342aofFIG.9B) recessed in at least part of the coupling portion and having the elastic member disposed therein; a connecting portion (e.g., the connecting member343ofFIG.9B) extending from the coupling portion and at least partially disposed in the guide slit; and a wing (e.g., the first wing member344ofFIG.9B) extending outside the connecting portion and configured to be pressed by at least part of the first housing based on the first housing moving.

According to various example embodiments, the first housing (e.g., the first plate311ofFIGS.6A,6B and6C) may include a first protrusion (e.g., the first protrusion member315ofFIG.6Cor the first protrusion member317ofFIG.13) protruding from at least part of the accommodation groove and configured to press the wing.

According to various example embodiments, the first protrusion may be recessed in a shape corresponding to the wing, and include a fixing groove (e.g., the fixing groove318ofFIG.13) configured to fix the wing.

According to various example embodiments, the second housing (e.g., the second plate321ofFIG.12) may include a second protrusion (e.g., the second protrusion member328ofFIG.12) protruding from at least part of the guide slit and configured to provide a frictional force to the connecting portion.

According to various example embodiments, the first housing (e.g., the first housing201ofFIG.4) may include: a first plate (e.g., the first plate211ofFIG.4or the first plate311ofFIGS.5A and5B) configured to at least partially support the display by; and a first cover (e.g., the slide cover212ofFIG.4) coupled with the first plate and configured to cover at least part of the first display area. The first plate may include: a first first plate area (e.g., the (1-1)thplate area312ofFIGS.5A and5B) configured to support at least part of the display; and a second first plate area (e.g., the (1-2)thplate area313ofFIGS.5A and5B) extending from the first first plate area and having the motor disposed therein.

According to various example embodiments, the first first plate area may include a first surface (e.g., the first surface312aofFIG.6) and a second surface (e.g., the second surface312bofFIG.6B) facing a direction opposite to the first surface and configured to support the display, wherein the battery may be disposed on the first surface of the first first plate area.

According to various example embodiments, the second first plate area may include a first surface (e.g., the first area313aofFIG.6) and a second surface (e.g., the second surface312bofFIG.6B) facing a direction opposite to the first surface and configured to support the display, wherein the motor may be disposed on the first surface of the second first plate area.

According to various example embodiments, the gear structure may include a pinion gear (e.g., the pinion gear363ofFIGS.5A and5B) connected to the motor, and a rack gear (e.g., the rack gear364ofFIGS.5A and5B) connected to the pinion gear and disposed in the second housing. The first housing may include a bracket (e.g., the bracket319ofFIGS.6A and6B) coupled with the second first plate area and configured to support the rack gear by at least part thereof.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1to4) may include: a housing including a first housing (e.g., the first housing201ofFIG.4or the first plate311ofFIGS.5A and5B) and a second housing (e.g., the second housing202ofFIG.4or the second plate321ofFIGS.5A and5B) configured to guide sliding movement of the first housing, wherein the first housing is configured to slidingly move in a first movement direction (e.g., the +X direction inFIGS.5A and5B) and a second movement direction (e.g., the −X direction inFIGS.5A and5B) opposite to the first movement direction, on the second housing; a display (e.g., the display203ofFIG.4) configured to be at least partially unfolded based on the sliding movement of the first housing, and including a first display area (e.g., the first display area A1ofFIG.4) disposed on the first housing and a second display area (e.g., the second display area A2ofFIG.4) extending from the first display area; a battery (e.g., the battery289ofFIG.4or the battery389ofFIG.6A) disposed in at least one of the first housing or the second housing; a driver (e.g., the driver360ofFIGS.5A and5B) configured to provide a driving force for the sliding movement to the first housing, and including a motor (e.g., the motor361ofFIGS.5A and5B) disposed in the first housing and a gear structure including a gear (e.g., the gear structure362ofFIGS.5A and5B) at least partially disposed in the second housing and connected to the motor; and a first elastic member (e.g., the first elastic member311ofFIG.7) comprising a material arranged to be compressible and to provide an elastic restoring force disposed in the second housing (e.g., the second plate321ofFIG.7), and configured to be elastically deformed by the first housing based on the first housing moving in the first movement direction, and to provide an elastic restoring force to the first housing in the second movement direction based on the first housing moving in the second movement direction. The gear structure may be disposed adjacent to one end of the battery, and the first elastic member may be disposed adjacent to the other end of the battery facing a direction opposite to the one end of the battery. The gear may include pinion gear (e.g., the pinion gear363ofFIGS.5A and5B), and a rack gear (e.g., the rack gear364ofFIGS.5A and5B).

According to various example embodiments, the electronic device may further include a second elastic member (e.g., the second elastic member332ofFIG.7) disposed in the second housing (e.g., the second plate321ofFIG.7), and configured to be elastically deformed by the first housing based on the first housing sliding in the second movement direction, and provide an elastic restoring force to the first housing in the first movement direction with respect to the first housing moving in the first movement direction.

According to various example embodiments, the first housing may include: a first plate (e.g., the first plate211ofFIG.4or the first plate311ofFIGS.5A and5B) configured to at least partially support the display, and a first cover (e.g., the slide cover212ofFIG.4) coupled with the first plate and configured to cover at least part of the first display area. The second housing may include: a second plate (e.g., the second plate221ofFIG.4or the second plate321ofFIGS.5A and5B) configured to at least partially support the display, and coupled with the first plate to enable the first plate to slidingly move; and a second cover (e.g., the book cover222ofFIG.4) coupled with the second plate. The first elastic member may be disposed in a portion facing the second cover in the second plate.

According to various example embodiments, at least part of the gear structure may be disposed in the portion facing the second cover in the second plate.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device ofFIGS.1to4) may include: a first housing (e.g., the first housing201ofFIG.4or the first plate311ofFIGS.5A to6C) including a first side surface (e.g., the first side surface311aofFIGS.6A and6B) facing a first direction (e.g., the −Y direction inFIGS.6A and6B) and a second side surface (e.g., the second side surface311bofFIGS.6A and6B) facing a second direction (e.g., the +Y direction inFIGS.6A and6B) opposite to the first side surface; a second housing (e.g., the second housing202ofFIG.4or the second plate321ofFIGS.5A to6C) configured to guide sliding movement of the first housing; a display (e.g., the display203ofFIG.4) configured to be at least partially unfolded based on the sliding movement of the first housing, and including a first display area (e.g., the first display area A1ofFIG.4) disposed on the first housing and a second display area (e.g., the second display area A2ofFIG.4) extending from the first display area; a driver (e.g., the driver360ofFIGS.5A and5B) configured to provide a driving force for the sliding movement to the first housing, and including a motor (e.g., the motor361ofFIGS.5A and5B) disposed in one of the first housing and the second housing, a pinion gear (e.g., the pinion gear363ofFIGS.5A and5B) connected to the motor, and a rack gear (e.g., the rack gear364ofFIGS.5A and5B) disposed in the other of the first housing and the second housing and connected to the pinion gear; and an elastic member (e.g., the elastic member330ofFIGS.5A and5B) comprising a material arranged to be compressible and to provide an elastic restoring force disposed on at least one of the first housing or the second housing. The rack gear may be disposed between the first side surface of the first housing and the second side surface of the first housing, and closer to the first side surface between the first side surface and the second side surface, and the elastic member may be disposed between the rack gear and the second side surface.