Patent Description:
An electronic device including a flexible display has been introduced or developed. The electronic device may have the form (a foldable electronic device) in which a housing is folded around a hinge or the form (a rollable electronic device) in which the flexible display is unfolded or received inside the housing while being bent.

The rollable electronic device may be used in the form of a tablet personal computer (PC) through an expanded display when the display is unfolded. The rollable electronic device may be used in the form of a typical smartphone and may have an enhanced portability, when the display is received inside while being bent.

When at least a portion of the housing and a flexible display are moved, the electronic device may use a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), a c-clip, or a pogo pin such that the at least the portion of the housing maintains the contact with a surrounding component. In this case, the contact structure may be deformed due to friction, or the FPCB, the c-clip, or the pogo may not be applied to the rollable electronic device due to spatial constrains.

Such conventional electronic devices with moveable flexible displays are disclosed in documents (<CIT>, <CIT>).

An aspect of the disclosure is to provide an electronic device including a rotary contact structure in which at least a portion of the electronic device including a flexible display maintains contact with a sliding housing to correspond to a slide-in operation or a slide-out operation.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a flexible display, a first housing moving corresponding to change in a shape of the flexible display and including a contact region, a second housing sliding in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first housing moves of the first housing and to mount the flexible display, a rotary contact structure making contact with the contact region, and a printed circuit board (PCB) electrically connected with the at least one rotary contact structure. The at least one rotary contact structure may include a rotating part maintaining contact with the contact region while rotating in a process of changing a shape of the flexible display, a central part disposed inside the rotating part, a conductive member interposed between the rotating part and the central part, and a support part supporting the central part and electrically connecting the central part with the PCB.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device may continuously maintain the electrical contact with the specified contact region, to correspond to the sliding operation of the housing by using the rotary contact structure.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device may prevent the contact region from being deformed or broken, by using the rotary contact structure.

<FIG> illustrates an electronic device, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> includes a first housing <NUM>, a second housing <NUM>, and a flexible display <NUM>.

The first housing <NUM> may function as a stationary cover to which one side of the flexible display <NUM> is fixed. When the flexible display <NUM> is unfolded, the first housing <NUM> may be in a stationary status or may move in an opposite to a direction in which the flexible display <NUM> is unfolded.

The second housing <NUM> may function as a movable cover to which another side of the flexible display <NUM> is fixed. When the flexible display <NUM> is unfolded, the second housing <NUM> may move in a direction the same as the direction in which the flexible display <NUM> moves.

The flexible display <NUM> may be received in the first housing <NUM> while being at least partially bent. When the flexible display <NUM> is received, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be disposed to overlap with each other, and the minimum area of the flexible display <NUM> may be exposed to the outside. In this case, the electronic device <NUM> may be used in the form of a bar-type smartphone.

When the flexible display <NUM> is unfolded to the maximum extent (hereinafter, a fully unfolded status), the movement of the second housing <NUM> is complemented in a direction in which the flexible display <NUM> is expanded. In the fully unfolded status, the overlap part between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be minimized. In the fully unfolded status, a display region of the flexible display <NUM> may be exposed to the maximum extent, and the electronic device <NUM> may be used in the form of a tablet PC.

Although not illustrated in <FIG>, the flexible display <NUM> may be used while being partially unfolded (hereinafter, a partially unfolded status). In the partially unfolded status, the display region of the flexible display <NUM> may be larger than a display region of the flexible display <NUM> which is received (hereinafter, a received status), and may be smaller than a display region of the flexible display <NUM> in the fully unfolded status.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> includes the first housing <NUM>, the second housing <NUM>, the flexible display <NUM>, a printed circuit board <NUM>, and a rotary contact structure <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may include a display support part <NUM>, a first rail <NUM>, a second rail <NUM>, a roller <NUM>, an inner housing <NUM>, a rotary contact structure <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, and a back cover <NUM>.

The first housing <NUM> may function as a stationary cover to which one side of the flexible display <NUM> is fixed. The first housing <NUM> may cover a rear surface of the electronic device <NUM> and remaining side surfaces of the flexible display <NUM>, other than an expanded side surface of the flexible display <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> may fix the first rail <NUM> and the second rail <NUM> to move the flexible display <NUM>.

The first housing <NUM> includes a contact region (or a contact pattern) formed on an inner surface thereof and electrically connected with the rotary contact structure <NUM> (see <FIG> or <FIG>). According to the invention, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the fully unfolded status, the partially unfolded status, or the received status, the contact region of the first housing <NUM> maintains the contact with the rotary contact structure <NUM> (see <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing <NUM> may include a conductive material, and may be used as an antenna radiator. A signal transmitted or received through the first housing <NUM> may be transmitted to a wireless communication circuit inside the electronic device <NUM> through the rotary contact structure <NUM>.

The second housing <NUM> may function as a movable cover to which another side of the flexible display <NUM> is fixed. When the flexible display <NUM> is unfolded, the second housing <NUM> may move in the direction the same as the direction in which the flexible display <NUM> moves. The second housing <NUM> may be coupled to the inner housing <NUM>.

The inner housing (or a front cover, a bracket, a third housing) <NUM> may support the flexible display <NUM>. When the flexible display <NUM> is unfolded or received, the inner housing <NUM> may move in the direction the same as the direction in which the flexible display <NUM> moves. The display support part <NUM>, the printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM>, and various components (e.g., a camera module or a sensor module) may be positioned on the inner housing <NUM>.

The flexible display (or the rollable display) <NUM> may display content such as a text or an image. In the received status, the flexible display <NUM> may be received in the electronic device <NUM> while being bent or wound. In this case, the display region, which displays the content, of the flexible display <NUM>, may be smaller than the display region of the flexible display <NUM> withdrawn and expanded from the electronic device <NUM>. The display region, which displays the content, of the expanded flexible display <NUM>, may be larger than the display region of the flexible display <NUM> received in the electronic device <NUM>.

The display support part (e.g., the multi-bar) <NUM> may be in a structure in which a plurality of bars are arranged at regular distances in parallel to each other. The display support part <NUM> may be interposed between the flexible display <NUM> and the inner housing <NUM>. The display support part <NUM> may be coupled to each of the flexible display <NUM> and the inner housing <NUM> through separate adhesive members.

The display support part <NUM> may include a rack gear provided at an end portion thereof and coupled to the first rail <NUM> or the second rail <NUM> to operate. The display support part <NUM> is maintained in a specified curve shape in a region in which the flexible display <NUM> is bent, thereby preventing the flexible display <NUM> from being broken.

The first rail <NUM> and the second rail <NUM> may guide the movement of the display support part <NUM>. The first rail <NUM> may be coupled to a first portion (upper portion) of the first housing <NUM>, and the second rail <NUM> may be coupled to a second portion (lower portion) of the first housing <NUM>. The first rail <NUM> and the second rail <NUM> may function as bases to be assembled to the rack gear of the display support part <NUM>.

The roller <NUM> may reduce the friction with the display support part <NUM> and may support bars constituting the display support part <NUM>.

The printed circuit board <NUM> may have various electronic parts mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM> and necessary for driving the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the printed circuit board <NUM> may have various electronic components, such as a processor, a memory, and a communication circuit mounted, which are mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM>.

According to the invention, the printed circuit board <NUM> has the rotary contact structure <NUM> mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM>. In the received status, the partially unfolded status or the fully unfolded status, the printed circuit board <NUM> maintains the electrical connection with the contact region of the first housing <NUM> through the rotary contact structure <NUM>.

The rotary contact structure <NUM> may electrically connect the printed circuit board <NUM> with the contact region of the first housing <NUM>. When the flexible display <NUM> is unfolded or received, the rotary contact structure <NUM> may maintain the contact status with the contact region of the first housing <NUM> while rotating (see <FIG>).

The battery <NUM> may supply power necessary for the operation of the electronic device <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be received in the first housing <NUM> and may be electrically connected with the printed circuit board <NUM>.

The back cover <NUM> may cover a hole formed in the second housing <NUM>. The hole may be formed to assemble the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the contact between a contact region of a first housing and a rotary contact structure, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the rotary contact structure <NUM> may electrically connect a contact region (or the contact pattern) <NUM> of the first housing (or the sliding housing) <NUM> with the printed circuit board <NUM>. The rotary contact structure <NUM> may be fixed to and electrically connected with the printed circuit board <NUM>.

The first housing <NUM> may include the contact region <NUM>. The contact region <NUM> may contact the rotary contact structure <NUM>. The contact region <NUM> may be in the form of a rod extending in the direction in which the first housing <NUM> moves (e.g., a first direction "A" or a second direction "B") of the first housing. According to an embodiment, the contact region <NUM> may be a contact point (e.g., a feeding point or a grounding point) allowing at least a portion of the first housing <NUM> to serve as an antenna radiator.

According to various embodiments, the contact region <NUM> may have an elastic structure. In this case, the contact region <NUM> may easily make contact with the rotary contact structure <NUM> due to the elastic force of the contact region <NUM>. For example, the contact region <NUM> may be a spring structure protruding toward the rotary contact structure <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, when the first housing <NUM> linearly moves in the first direction "A" or the second direction "B", the rotary contact structure <NUM> may maintain the contact with the contact region <NUM> while rotating counterclockwise or clockwise. For example, the first direction "A" may be a direction in which the flexible display <NUM> is unfolded, and the second direction "B" may be a direction in which the flexible display <NUM> is received.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of a rotary contact structure, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a sectional view of a rotary contact structure taken along line I-I' of <FIG>, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the rotary contact structure <NUM> includes a rotating part (or outer ring) <NUM>, a conductive member (or a conductive bearing, a conductive circular structure, or a conductive ball) <NUM>, a central part (or an inner ring) <NUM>, and a support part (or a support shaft) <NUM>.

The rotating part (or the outer ring) <NUM> rotates while making contact with the contact region <NUM>. The contact region <NUM> may linearly move to correspond to change in the shape (the received status, the partially unfolded status, or the fully unfolded status) of the electronic device <NUM>, and the rotating part <NUM> may maintain contact with the contact region <NUM> through the rotation movement.

According to an embodiment, the rotating part <NUM> may include a first guide <NUM> which is formed on an inner surface of the rotating part <NUM> to provide a path allowing the conductive member <NUM> to move or rotate.

The conductive member <NUM> is interposed between the rotating part <NUM> and the central part <NUM>. The conductive member <NUM> may reduce friction, which may occur due to rotation of the rotating part <NUM>, by movement or rotation. The conductive member <NUM> may be at least partially realized with a conductive material, and may electrically connect the rotating part <NUM> with the central part <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the conductive member <NUM> may be realized with one material. For example, the conductive member <NUM> may include a plurality of metal balls (see <FIG>).

According to another embodiment, the conductive member <NUM> may be realized with a plurality of materials. For example, the conductive member <NUM> may be in the form in which a metal ball having a conductive property and a ceramic ball are alternately arranged (see <FIG>). Accordingly, the durability (abrasion resistance) of the conductive member <NUM> may be enhanced.

The central part (or inner ring) <NUM> is disposed inside the rotating part <NUM>. The central part <NUM> may be realized with a conductive material, and may be a contact part having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the rotating part <NUM>. The central part <NUM> may be electrically connected with the rotating part <NUM> through the conductive member <NUM>. When the rotating part <NUM> or the conductive member <NUM> rotates, the central part <NUM> may be in a stationary status without rotating.

According to an embodiment, the central part <NUM> may include a second guide <NUM> which is formed on an outer surface of the central part <NUM> to provide a path for allowing the conductive member <NUM> to move or rotate.

According to an embodiment, the central part <NUM> may include a hole (or an opening part) <NUM> to couple the central part <NUM> to the support part <NUM>. Although <FIG> illustrates the shape of the hole <NUM>, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the central part <NUM> may include a groove formed in a surface facing the support part <NUM>.

A first end <NUM> of the support part <NUM> may be inserted into and fixed to the hole <NUM> of the central part <NUM>. A second end <NUM> of the support part <NUM> may be coupled to and fixed to the printed circuit board <NUM>. The support part <NUM> may be realized with a conductive material. The support part <NUM> may be an elastic structure formed in an axial direction perpendicular to the rotating part <NUM>. The support part <NUM> may be realized in a form having elasticity or with a material having elasticity. For example, the support part <NUM> may be bent similarly to a spring to have elastic force.

According to an embodiment, when external force is not applied, the support part <NUM> may allow the rotating part <NUM> or the central part <NUM> to maintain the contact with the contact region <NUM> at a specified angle (e.g., about <NUM> degrees).

According to an embodiment, when external force is applied to the electronic device <NUM> to change the structure of the electronic device <NUM> (depending on the received status, the partially unfolded status, or the fully unfolded status), the shape or the compression degree of the support part <NUM> may be varied.

The printed circuit board <NUM> may fix the second end <NUM> of the support part <NUM> to the printed circuit board <NUM> and may be electrically connected with the support part <NUM>. The printed circuit board <NUM> may be electrically connected with the contact region <NUM> through the rotating part <NUM>, the conductive member <NUM>, the central part <NUM>, and the support part <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the configuration of a rotary contact structure inside an electronic device, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the inner housing <NUM> may fix the printed circuit board <NUM> and various components (e.g., a camera module <NUM> or the sensor module). The printed circuit board <NUM> may have the rotary contact structure <NUM> mounted at a region (or at an end portion adjacent to the first housing <NUM>) thereof adjacent to the first housing <NUM>. The printed circuit board <NUM> may receive power from the battery <NUM>.

The first housing <NUM> may include the contact region (or the contact pattern) <NUM>. The contact region <NUM> may linearly move to correspond to the change in the structure of the electronic device <NUM> (depending on the received status, the partially unfolded status, or the fully unfolded status). The rotary contact structure <NUM> may maintain the contact with the contact region <NUM> while rotating to correspond to a linear movement distance of the contact region <NUM> (or the first housing <NUM>).

<FIG> illustrates a slide-out operation for a flexible display, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, when external force is applied to the flexible display <NUM> such that the flexible display <NUM> is withdrawn, the display region of the flexible display <NUM> is unfolded while being expanded, as the flexible display <NUM> is gradually withdrawn (slid) out of the first housing <NUM> (a slide-out operation). When the flexible display <NUM> undergoes the slide-out operation, the first housing (or the sliding housing) <NUM> may gradually move in the first direction "A" which is opposite to the direction in which the flexible display <NUM> is unfolded (or the first housing <NUM> does not move, and the inner housing <NUM>, the printed circuit board <NUM>, and the rotary contact structure <NUM> move in the direction opposite to the first direction "A").

The rotary contact structure <NUM> may be in the contact with a first point 115a of the contact region <NUM>, in the state that the flexible display <NUM> is received in the first housing <NUM> before the flexible display <NUM> undergoes the slide-out operation at operation <NUM>. When the second housing <NUM> and the flexible display <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> undergo the slide-out operation, the rotary contact structure <NUM> may rotate counterclockwise to correspond to the linear movement of the contact region <NUM> in the first direction "A".

The rotary contact structure <NUM> may maintain the contact with one point between the first point 115a of the contact region <NUM> and a second point 115b of the contact region <NUM>, in the state that the flexible display <NUM> partially undergoes the slide-out operation, that is, the flexible display <NUM> is partially unfolded at operation <NUM>. When the slide-out operation is maintained, the rotary contact structure <NUM> may continuously rotate counterclockwise.

When the slide-out operation for the flexible display <NUM> is terminated, so the flexible display <NUM> is fully unfolded at operation <NUM>, the rotary contact structure <NUM> may maintain the contact with the second point 115b of the contact region <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a slide-in operation for a flexible display, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, when external force is applied to the flexible display <NUM> such that the flexible display <NUM> is introduced, the display region of the flexible display <NUM> may be reduced, as the flexible display <NUM> is gradually received (slid) into the first housing <NUM> (a slide-in operation). When the flexible display <NUM> undergoes the slide-in operation, the first housing (or the sliding housing) <NUM> may gradually move in the second direction "B" which is opposite to the direction in which the flexible display <NUM> is received (or the first housing <NUM> does not move, and the inner housing <NUM>, the printed circuit board <NUM>, and the rotary contact structure <NUM> move in the opposite direction to the second direction "B").

The rotary contact structure <NUM> may be in the contact with the second point 115b of the contact region <NUM>, in the state that the flexible display <NUM> is fully unfolded at operation <NUM>. When the flexible display <NUM> undergoes the slide-in operation, the rotary contact structure <NUM> may rotate clockwise to correspond to the linear movement of the contact region <NUM> in the second direction "B".

The rotary contact structure <NUM> may maintain the contact with one point between the first point 115a of the contact region <NUM> and the second point 115b of the contact region <NUM>, in the state that the flexible display <NUM> partially undergoes the slide-in operation, that is, the flexible display <NUM> is partially unfolded at operation <NUM>. When the slide-in operation is maintained, the rotary contact structure <NUM> may continuously rotate clockwise.

When the slide-in operation for the flexible display <NUM> is terminated, so the flexible display <NUM> is received at operation <NUM>, the rotary contact structure <NUM> may be in the contact with the first point 115a of the contact region <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates arrangement of a plurality of contact regions, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Although <FIG> illustrates that two contact regions are disposed on the inner surface of a first housing <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

Referring to <FIG>, a first rollable electronic device <NUM> may include a sliding housing (first housing) <NUM>, a first rotary contact structure <NUM>-<NUM>, a second rotary contact structure <NUM>-<NUM>, and a printed circuit board <NUM>. The first rollable electronic device <NUM> may be realized identically to or similarly to the electronic device <NUM>.

The sliding housing <NUM> may include a first contact region 911a and a second contact region 911b. The first contact region 911a may make contact with the first rotary contact structure <NUM>-<NUM>. The second contact region 911b may make contact with the second rotary contact structure <NUM>-<NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first contact region 911a and the second contact region 911b may have different lengths. For example, the first contact region 911a may have a first length "L1" and the second contact region 911b may have a second length "L2" shorter than the first length "L1".

According to various embodiments, time for which the first contact region 911a makes contact with the first rotary contact structure <NUM>-<NUM> may differ from time for which the second contact region 911b makes contact with the second rotary contact structure <NUM>-<NUM>, depending on the change in the shape of the first rollable electronic device <NUM> (depending on the received status, the partially unfolded status, or the fully unfolded status).

The first contact region 911a may continuously make contact with the first rotary contact structure <NUM>-<NUM>, depending on the change in the structure of the first rollable electronic device <NUM> (depending on the received status, the partially unfolded status, or the fully unfolded status). For example, when the first rotary contact structure <NUM>-<NUM> makes communication in a first frequency band, the first rollable electronic device <NUM> may continuously transmit or receive a signal of the first frequency band regardless the received status of the flexible display <NUM>.

When the first rollable electronic device <NUM> is in the received status or the partially unfolded status, the second contact region 911b may maintain contact with the second rotary contact structure <NUM>-<NUM>. When the first rollable electronic device <NUM> is in the fully unfolded status, the second contact region 911b may not maintain contact with the second rotary contact structure <NUM>-<NUM>. For example, when the second rotary contact structure <NUM>-<NUM> makes communication in a second frequency band or a third frequency band, the first rollable electronic device <NUM> may transmit or receive a signal of the second frequency band through the second rotary contact structure <NUM>-<NUM> in the received status or the partially unfolded status, and may transmit or receive a signal in the third frequency band in the fully unfolded status.

Although <FIG> illustrates that the first rotary contact structure <NUM>-<NUM> and the second rotary contact structure <NUM>-<NUM> have different conduction statuses in the respective contact regions depending on the status of the electronic device resulting from the movement of the sliding housing <NUM>, the first rotary contact structure <NUM>-<NUM> and the second rotary contact structure <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed to rotate in the same direction.

According to various embodiments, a second rollable electronic device <NUM> may include a sliding housing <NUM>, a rotary contact structure <NUM>, and a printed circuit board <NUM>. The second rollable electronic device <NUM> may be realized identically to or similarly to the electronic device <NUM>.

The sliding housing <NUM> may include a first contact region 912a and a second contact region 912b. The rotary contact structure <NUM> may include a first rotating part <NUM>-<NUM>, an insulating part 982a, and a second rotating part <NUM>-<NUM>. The first contact region 912a may make contact with the first rotating part <NUM>-<NUM>. The second contact region 912b may make contact with the second rotating part <NUM>-<NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the insulating part 982a may be positioned between the first rotating part <NUM>-<NUM> and the second rotating part <NUM>-<NUM>. The first rotating part <NUM>-<NUM> and the second rotating part <NUM>-<NUM> may independently make contact with the first contact region 912a and the second contact region 912b, respectively, while moving, due to the insulating part 982a.

According to an embodiment, the first contact region 912a and the second contact region 912b may have equal lengths. The first contact region 912a and the second contact region 912b may transmit and receive signals for performing different functions. For example, the first contact region 912a and the first rotating part <NUM>-<NUM> transmit and receive a signal of the first frequency band, and the second contact region 912b and the second rotating part <NUM>-<NUM> may transmit and receive a signal of the second frequency band.

According to various embodiments, the first contact region 912a may continuously maintain the contact with the first rotating part <NUM>-<NUM>, and the second contact region 912b may continuously maintain the contact with the second rotating part <NUM>-<NUM>, depending on the change in the structure of the second rollable electronic device <NUM> (depending on the received status, the partially unfolded status, or the fully unfolded status).

According to various embodiments, a third rollable electronic device <NUM> may include a sliding housing <NUM>, a rotary contact structure <NUM>, and a printed circuit board <NUM>. The third rollable electronic device <NUM> may be realized identically to or similarly to the electronic device <NUM>.

The sliding housing <NUM> may include a first contact region 913a and a second contact region 913b. The rotary contact structure <NUM> may include a first rotating part <NUM>-<NUM>, an insulating part 983a, and a second rotating part <NUM>-<NUM>. The first contact region 913a may make contact with the first rotating part <NUM>-<NUM>. The second contact region 913b may make contact with the second rotating part <NUM>-<NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the insulating part 983a may be interposed between the first rotating part <NUM>-<NUM> and the second rotating part <NUM>-<NUM>. The first rotating part <NUM>-<NUM> and the second rotating part <NUM>-<NUM> may independently make contact with the first contact region 913a and the second contact region 913b, respectively, while moving, due to the insulating part 983a.

According to an embodiment, the first contact region 913a and the second contact region 913b may have different lengths. For example, the first contact region 913a may have a first length "L3" and the second contact region 913b may have a second length "L4" shorter than the first length "L3".

The first contact region 913a and the second contact region 913b may transmit and receive signals for performing different functions. For example, the first contact region 913a and the first rotating part <NUM>-<NUM> transmit and receive a signal associated with the operation of the antenna, and the second contact region 913b and the second rotating part <NUM>-<NUM> may transmit and receive a signal associated with the operation of a display. For example, the first contact region 913a and the first rotating part <NUM>-<NUM> make communication in the first frequency band, and the second contact region 913b and the second rotating part <NUM>-<NUM> may make communication in the second frequency band.

According to various embodiments, the first contact region 913a may continuously maintain the contact with the first rotating part <NUM>-<NUM>, and the second contact region 913b may maintain the contact with the second rotating part <NUM>-<NUM> for a specific time and may not maintain the contact with the second rotating part <NUM>-<NUM> for another specific time, depending on the change in the structure of the third rollable electronic device <NUM> (depending on the received status, the partially unfolded status, or the fully unfolded status).

<FIG> illustrates a rotary contact structure having a curved contact surface, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a rotary contact structure <NUM> may electrically connect a printed circuit board <NUM> with a contact region <NUM> of a sliding housing. The rotary contact structure <NUM> may have a curved contact surface. Accordingly, the rotary contact structure <NUM> may stably maintain the contact status with the contact region <NUM> to correspond to the change in the structure of an electronic device (to correspond to the received status, the partially unfolded status, or the fully unfolded status).

For example, when the structure of the electronic device is changed (to be in the received status, the partially unfolded status, or the fully unfolded status), the contact angle ("a") between a rotating part of the rotary contact structure <NUM> and the contact region <NUM> may be variously changed. The rotary contact structure <NUM> may stably maintain the contact with the contact region <NUM> to correspond to various pressing statuses, such as a first status <NUM> in which the contact angle "a" is a right angle, a second status <NUM> in which the contact angle "a" is an obtuse angle, or a third status <NUM> in which the contact angle "a" is an acute angle. When an assembly tolerance is present between parts, a stable contact between the rotating part of the rotary contact structure <NUM> and the contact region <NUM> may be maintained.

<FIG> illustrates various types of conductive members, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, conductive members (such as conductive bearings, conductive circular structures, or a conductive balls) interposed between rotating parts <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and central parts <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the rotary contact structure may be realized with various conductive materials.

For example, the conductive members may be realized with a plurality of metal balls <NUM> arranged at uniform distances (bearing structures). Although <FIG> illustrates that eight metal balls <NUM> are arranged at uniform distances, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

For another example, the conductive members may be realized with a plurality of conductive rubbers (or a plurality of conductive sponges) <NUM> disposed at uniform distances. The conductive rubbers <NUM> may more easily absorb an impact and may reduce a friction or a sound, as compared to the plurality of metal balls <NUM>. Although <FIG> illustrates that four conductive rubbers <NUM> are arranged at uniform distances, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

For another example, the conductive members may be realized with a plurality of leaf springs <NUM> arranged at uniform distances. The leaf springs <NUM> may be lighter than the plurality of metal balls <NUM>, and may rotate more rapidly than the plurality of metal balls <NUM>. Although <FIG> illustrates that four leaf springs <NUM> are arranged at uniform distances, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

According to various embodiments, a material (e.g., thermal grease) for securing lubricity may be coated on an inner part of the conductive member.

<FIG> illustrates that a conductive ball and a non-conductive ball are mixed and arranged, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a rotary contact structure <NUM> may include a rotating part <NUM>, conductive members <NUM> and <NUM>, a central part <NUM>, and a support part <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the conductive members <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first type ball <NUM> realized with a first material (e.g., a ceramic) and a second type ball <NUM> realized with a second material (e.g., metal). When the first type ball <NUM> and the second type ball <NUM> are alternately arranged, the durability (abrasion resistance) of the conductive members <NUM> and <NUM> may be enhanced.

The first type ball <NUM> and the second type ball <NUM> may be alternately arranged between the rotating part <NUM> and the central part <NUM>. When the first type ball <NUM> is interposed between second type balls <NUM>, noise caused by the rotation or the movement of the rotating part <NUM> or the conductive members <NUM> and <NUM> may be reduced, and the durability against the abrasion of the conductive members <NUM> and <NUM> may be enhanced.

According to an embodiment, the first type ball <NUM> and the second type ball <NUM> may be arranged in specific number at less than a specified arrangement angle "b". For example, when the arrangement angle is <NUM> degrees, one first type ball <NUM> and one second type ball <NUM> may be arranged at less than the arrangement angle "b". Accordingly, even if abrasion is caused by the friction between the conductive members <NUM> and <NUM>, stable electrical connection may be maintained.

<FIG> illustrates a rotary contact structure having a fixed-type support structure, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a shape of a rotary contact structure when the rotary contact structure of <FIG> is viewed in a direction "P", according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a rotary contact structure <NUM> may electrically connect a printed circuit board <NUM> with a sliding housing <NUM>. The rotary contact structure <NUM> may include a rotating part <NUM>, a conductive member (or a plurality of conductive balls) <NUM>, a central part <NUM>, a first support part <NUM>, a second support part <NUM>, and a support structure <NUM>.

The first support part <NUM> and the second support part <NUM> may be interposed between the central part <NUM> and the support structure <NUM>, respectively. According to an embodiment, the first support part <NUM> and the second support part <NUM> may be separately formed or may be integrally formed through the central part <NUM>. The first support part <NUM> and the second support part <NUM> may fix the central part <NUM> to the support structure <NUM>.

The rotary contact structure <NUM> may be fixed through a separate support structure <NUM> without being directly fixed to the printed circuit board <NUM>. The support structure <NUM> may be interposed between a contact region <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM> and the sliding housing <NUM>. The support structure <NUM> may support the rotating part <NUM> such that the rotating part <NUM> rotates in a fixed position.

When the sliding housing <NUM> linearly moves in a first direction (direction "A") or a second direction (direction "B") to correspond to the change (the received status, the partially unfolded status, or the fully unfolded status) in the structure of the electronic device, the rotating part <NUM> may maintain the contact status with the sliding housing <NUM> while rotating counterclockwise or clockwise.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> in a network environment <NUM> may communicate with an electronic device <NUM> via a first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or at least one of an electronic device <NUM> or a server <NUM> via a second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, an input module <NUM>, a sound output module <NUM>, a display module <NUM>, an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a connecting terminal <NUM>, a haptic module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, a power management module <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a communication module <NUM>, a subscriber identification module (SIM) <NUM>, or an antenna module <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least one of the components (e.g., the connecting terminal <NUM>) may be omitted from the electronic device <NUM>, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device <NUM>. In some embodiments, some of the components (e.g., the sensor module <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, or the antenna module <NUM>) may be implemented as a single component (e.g., the display module <NUM>).

The wireless communication module <NUM> may support a high-frequency band (e.g., the millimeter (mm) Wave band) to achieve, e.g., a high data transmission rate.

The electronic device <NUM> may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on <NUM> communication technology or loT-related technology.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a flexible display, a first housing moving to correspond to change in a shape of the flexible display, and including a contact region, a second housing sliding in a direction opposite to a direction of the first housing and mounting the flexible display, at least one rotary contact structure making contact with the contact region, and a printed circuit board (PCB) electrically connected with the at least one rotary contact structure. The at least one rotary contact structure may include a rotating part maintaining contact with the contact region while rotating in a process of changing a shape of the flexible display, a central part disposed inside the rotating part, a conductive member interposed between the rotating part and the central part, and a support part to support the central part and to electrically connect the central part with the PCB.

According to various embodiments, the rotating part may include a contact surface making contact with the contact region, and the contact surface is a curved surface.

According to various embodiments, the contact region linearly moves to correspond to the change in the shape of the flexible display.

According to various embodiments, the contact region may include a first end portion and a second end portion, the at least one rotary contact structure may make contact with the first end portion, when the flexible display is slid into the first housing, and the at least one rotary contact structure may make contact with the second end portion, when the flexible display is slid out of the first housing.

According to various embodiments, the contact region may include a first contact region and a second contact region separated from the first contact region and disposed in parallel to the first contact region.

According to various embodiments, the at least one rotary contact structure may further include an insulating part to divide the rotating part into a first contact part and a second contact part, the first contact part may make contact with the first contact region, and the second contact part may make contact with the second contact region.

According to various embodiments, the at least one rotary contact structure further may include a first rotary contact structure and a second rotation contact structure, and the first contact region may make contact with the first rotary contact structure, and the second contact region makes contact with the second rotary contact structure.

According to various embodiments, the first contact region and the second contact region may have mutually different lengths.

According to various embodiments, the first contact region may transmit or receive a signal for performing a first function, and the second contact region may transmit or receive a signal for performing a second function.

According to various embodiments, the support part may be an elastic structure formed in an axial direction perpendicular to the rotating part.

According to various embodiments, the support part may include a shaft passing through the central part.

According to various embodiments, the conductive member may include a plurality of conductive balls disposed at specified distances.

According to various embodiments, the conductive member may be disposed such that a non-conductive ball and a conductive ball are alternately arranged.

According to various embodiments, the conductive member may be disposed such that the non-conductive ball and the conductive ball are disposed in specified number at less than a specified angle.

According to various embodiments, the conductive member may include a plurality of conductive sponges or a plurality of conductive leaf springs.

According to various embodiments, the rotating part may include a guide which is formed on an inner surface of the rotating part to move or rotate the conductive members.

According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the first housing may function as an antenna for wireless communication, and the at least one rotary contact structure may transmit a wireless communication signal to the PCB.

According to various embodiments, the contact region may have an elastic structure protruding toward the at least one rotary contact structure.

According to various embodiments, a rotary contact structure may include a rotating part at least partially including a conductive section, a central part disposed inside the rotating part, a conductive member interposed between the rotating part and the central part, and a support part to support the central part and to electrically connect the central part with an external PCB.

According to various embodiments, the support part may be formed to have elastic force in an axial direction perpendicular to the rotating part.

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
a flexible display (<NUM>);
a first housing (<NUM>) configured to move to correspond to change in a shape of the flexible display (<NUM>), and including a contact region (<NUM>) formed on an inner surface thereof;
a second housing (<NUM>) configured to slide in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first housing (<NUM>) moves and to mount the flexible display (<NUM>);
at least one rotary contact structure (<NUM>) making contact with the contact region (<NUM>); and
a printed circuit board, PCB, (<NUM>) electrically connected with the at least one rotary contact structure (<NUM>),
wherein the at least one rotary contact structure (<NUM>) comprises:
a rotating part (<NUM>) configured to maintain electrical connection with the contact region (<NUM>) while rotating in a process of changing the shape of the flexible display (<NUM>),
a central part (<NUM>) disposed inside the rotating part (<NUM>),
a conductive member (<NUM>) interposed between the rotating part (<NUM>) and the central part (<NUM>), and
a support part (<NUM>) configured to support the central part (<NUM>) and to electrically connect the central part (<NUM>) with the PCB (<NUM>).