Patent Description:
Electronic devices are gradually becoming slimmer, becoming more rigid, being strengthened in design aspects, and being improved in functional elements thereof to be differentiated from each other. Electronic devices are being gradually transformed from a uniform rectangular shape into various shapes. An electronic device may have a deformable structure that is capable of using a large-screen display while being convenient to carry. For example, as a type of a deformable structure, an electronic device may have a structure capable of varying the display area of a flexible display by supporting housings that operate in a sliding manner with respect to each other (e.g., a rollable structure or a slidable structure). Such an electronic device may require function control in consideration of a slid-in state and/or a slid-out state of the housing operating in the sliding manner.

The document <CIT> discloses an electronic device comprising a first and second housing movable relative to each other. The second housing supports a flexible display which may be at least partially exposed to an exterior, and at least partially stowed within the first housing based on the movement of the housings. A processor implements the method including detecting movement of the housings based on detecting the position of dielectric post fixed in the first housing by the sliding touch screen sensor.

The document <CIT> discloses an electronic device including upper and lower board bodies, a first metal part positioned on the upper board body and connected to a capacitive touch sensor; and a second metal part positioned on the lower board body and connected to a ground end (terminal); the first and second metal parts are respectively positioned at the same end of the upper board body and the lower board body and constitute a capacitor, the capacitance of which provides for detecting the open/close mode of the device.

Electronic devices may include a deformable slidable electronic device (e.g., a rollable electronic device) having a display area that is expandable when used. The slidable electronic device may include a first housing (e.g., a first housing structure, a base housing, a base bracket, or a base structure) and a second housing (e.g., a second housing structure, a slide housing, a slide bracket, or a slide structure), which are movably coupled to each other in a manner of being at least partially fitted together. For example, the first housing and the second housing are slidably operated with respect to each other and support at least a portion of a flexible display (or an expandable display), so that, in a slid-in state, the flexible display may be induced to have a first display area, and in a slid-out state, the flexible display may be induced to have a second display area that is larger than the first display area.

The slidable electronic device may include a sensing structure configured to detect the slid-in state and/or the slid-out state. The electronic device may control the display of an object or a related application program to correspond to the variable display area of the flexible display through the sensing structure. Such a sensing structure may include a member to be detected (e.g., a conductor and/or a dielectric material) disposed at a position close to the flexible display in the inner space of the housing, and may be configured to detect a member to be detected through the touch sensor of the flexible display that transitions to the slid-in state and/or the slid-out state.

However, in order to ensure that the touch sensor of the flexible display detects the member to be detected, a black matrix (BM) area may be thickened, which may go against the slimming effect of the electronic device. In addition, since the distance between the member to be detected and the flexible display may fluctuate non-uniformly during operation, the detection resolution is lowered, which may cause a sensing malfunction.

Various embodiments of the disclosure may provide an electronic device including a sensing structure.

Various embodiments may provide an electronic device including a sensing structure configured to have high detection resolution to be capable of accurately detecting the slid-in state and/or the slid-out state of the electronic device.

Various embodiments may provide an electronic device including a sensing structure that is capable of contributing to reducing of a manufacturing cost by using existing electronic components as a part of the sensing structure, and contributing to slimming of the electronic device by providing an efficient mounting space.

According to the invention, there is provided an electronic device comprising a first housing including a first space; a second housing coupled to the first housing so as to be slidable in a first direction and including a second space; a bendable member connected to the first housing, wherein the bendable member is at least partially accommodated in the second space in a slid-in state and is at least partially coplanar to the first housing in a slid-out state; a flexible display including a first portion disposed to be visible from outside in the slid-in state and a second portion extending from the first portion and accommodated in the second space through at least a portion of the bendable member; a sensing member disposed in at least one of the first space and the second space; and a bendable conductive member including one end connected to the first housing and another end connected to the second housing, wherein the conductive member is arranged such that contact with the sensing member varies according to the sliding operation of the second housing. The sensing member is configured to detect the contact with the conductive member which varies according to the sliding operation of the second housing.

In the electronic device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the conductive member arranged to be bendable is in physical contact with the sensing member, and the conductive member, which is variable through the movement of the slide structure (e.g., the second housing) comes into substantial contact with the sensing member, so that the slid-in state and/or the slid-out state of the electronic device may be detected with high detection resolution.

In addition, various effects directly or indirectly identified through the disclosure may be provided.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device <NUM> in a network environment <NUM> according to certain embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> in the 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>).

According to certain embodiments, the antenna module <NUM> may form a mmWave antenna module.

<FIG> is a view illustrating the front and side surfaces of an electronic device according to certain embodiments in the slid-in state , and <FIG> is a view illustrating the front and side surfaces of the electronic device according to certain embodiments in the slid-out state. <FIG> is a view illustrating the rear surface of the electronic device according to certain embodiments in the slid-in state , and <FIG> is a view illustrating the rear surface of the electronic device according to certain embodiments in the slid-out state.

The electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> may be at least partially similar to the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>, or may further include other embodiments of the electronic device.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> includes a first housing <NUM>, and a second housing <NUM> coupled to the first housing <NUM>. The second housing is movable by up to a predetermined reciprocating distance from the first housing <NUM> in a first direction①. The electronic device includes a flexible display <NUM> supportable by at least a portion of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> can be referred to as a first housing structure or a base housing. The second housing <NUM> can be referred to as a second housing structure or a slide housing. The electronic device <NUM> includes a bendable member or a bendable support member (e.g., the bendable member <NUM> in <FIG>,<FIG> or a multi-joint hinge module). At least a portion of the bendable member <NUM> forms substantially the same plane as a surface of the first housing <NUM> in the slid-out state. In certain embodiments, the bendable member <NUM> and a surface of the first housing <NUM> can form sufficiently the same plane as the surface of the first housing <NUM> such that a flexible display <NUM> disposed on the surface of the first housing <NUM> and the bendable member <NUM> appears continuous surface. In the slid-in state, the bendable member is at least partially accommodated into the internal space (e.g., the second space <NUM> in <FIG>) of the second housing 220slid-in. The foregoing shall be collectively referred to as "substantially the same plane. " In the slid-in state, at least a portion of the flexible display <NUM> may be accommodated into the internal space of the second housing <NUM> (e.g., the second space <NUM> in <FIG>) while being supported by the bendable member. As a result, the flexible display <NUM> is invisible from the outside. At least a portion of the flexible display <NUM> may be disposed to be visible from the outside while being supported by the bendable member.

The electronic device <NUM> may include a front surface, or a first surface 200a, a rear surface, or a second surface 200b facing away from the front surface 200a, and a side surface (not illustrated) surrounding the space between the front surface 200a and the rear surface 200b. The electronic device <NUM> may include a first housing <NUM> including a first side member <NUM> and a second housing <NUM> including a second side member <NUM>. The first side member <NUM> may include a first side surface <NUM> having a first length along a first direction (the x-axis direction), a second side surface <NUM> extending from the first side surface <NUM> in a direction substantially perpendicular or sufficiently perpendicular so as to appear perpendicular to the naked eye (now collectively referred to as "substantially perpendicular"), thereto and having a second length that is longer than the first length, and a third side surface <NUM> extending from the second side surface <NUM> to be substantially parallel, or sufficiently parallel so as to appear parallel to the naked eye (now collectively referred to as "substantially parallel"), to the first side surface <NUM> and having a length substantially equal to the first length, or within a deviation of the first length that is not perceivable to the naked eye (now collectively referred to as "substantially equal"). At least a portion of the first side member <NUM> may be formed of a conductive material, such as metal, and may be used as an antenna radiator. At least a portion of the first side member <NUM> may include a first support member <NUM> extending to at least a portion of the internal space of the first housing <NUM> (e.g., the first space <NUM> in <FIG>).

The second side member <NUM> may include a fourth side surface <NUM> at least partially corresponding to the first surface <NUM> and having a third length, a fifth side surface <NUM> extending from the fourth side surface <NUM> in a direction substantially parallel to the second side surface <NUM> and having a fourth length that is longer than the third length, and a sixth side surface <NUM> extending from the fifth side surface <NUM> to correspond to the third side surface <NUM> and having a length substantially equal to the third length. At least a portion of the second side member <NUM> may be formed of a conductive material, such as metal and used as an antenna radiator. At least a portion of the second side member <NUM> may include a second support member <NUM> extending to at least a portion of the internal space of the second housing <NUM> (e.g., the second space <NUM> in <FIG>). The first side <NUM> and the fourth side <NUM> may be slidably coupled to each other, and the third side <NUM> and the sixth side <NUM> may be slidably coupled to each other. In the slid-in state, at least a portion of the first side surface <NUM> may overlap at least a portion of the fourth side surface <NUM>, whereby the remaining portion of the first side <NUM> may be visible from the outside. In the slid-in state , at least a portion of the third side surface <NUM> may overlap at least a portion of the sixth side surface <NUM>, whereby the remaining portion of the third side <NUM> may be visible from the outside. In the slid-in state, at least a portion of the first support member <NUM> may overlap at least a portion of the second support member <NUM>, and the remaining portion of the first support member <NUM> may be visible from the outside. Accordingly, the first support member <NUM> includes a non-overlapping portion 212a that does not overlap the second support member <NUM> in the slid-in state and an overlapping portion 212b that overlaps the second support member <NUM> in the slid-in state. In some embodiments, the non-overlapping portion 212a and the overlapping portion 212b may be integrally formed. In some embodiments, the non-overlapping portion 212a and the overlapping portion 212b may be provided separately, and may be structurally coupled to each other.

In the first space <NUM>, the first housing <NUM> may include a first sub-space A corresponding to the non-overlapping portion 212a and a second sub-space corresponding to the overlapping portion 212b. The first sub-space A and the second sub-space B may be disposed so as to be at least partially connected to each other or to be separated from each other. The first sub-space A may have a larger spatial volume than the second sub-space B. This may be due to an overlapping structure in which the second support member <NUM> and the first support member <NUM> overlap in an area corresponding to the second sub-space B. The electronic device <NUM> may include multiple electronic components (e.g., a camera module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, a flash <NUM>, a main board (e.g., the main board <NUM> in <FIG>) or a battery (e.g., the battery <NUM> in <FIG>)) disposed in the first space of the first housing <NUM> (e.g., the first space <NUM> in <FIG>). The first sub-space A may be used as an area in which, for example, electronic components that require a relatively large mounting space (a relatively large mounting height) or have to be operated in the state of avoiding an overlapping structure (e.g., a camera module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, or a flash <NUM>) are disposed. The second sub-space B may be used as an area in which, for example, electronic components that require a relatively small mounting space (a relatively small mounting height) or are capable of operating regardless of an overlapping structure (e.g., the main board (PCB) <NUM> in <FIG> or a battery (e.g., the battery <NUM> in <FIG>)) are disposed.

The areas of the front surface 200a and the rear surface 200b of the electronic device <NUM> may vary according to the sliding-in state and the sliding-out state. In some embodiments, on the rear surface 200b, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first rear cover (e.g., the first rear cover <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in at least a portion of the first housing <NUM> and a second rear cover (e.g., the second rear cover <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in at least a portion of the second housing <NUM>. In this case, the first rear cover <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> may be integrally formed with the side members <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. In some embodiments, the first rear cover <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> may be separately disposed on the first support member <NUM> and the second support member <NUM>, respectively. According to an embodiment, the first rear cover <NUM> and/or the second rear cover <NUM> may be formed of a polymer, coated or colored glass, ceramic, or a metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of two or more of these materials. In some embodiments, the first rear cover <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> may extend to at least a portion of the side member <NUM> and at least a portion of the side member <NUM>, respectively. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first support member <NUM> may be replaced with the first rear cover <NUM>, and at least a portion of the second support member <NUM> may be replaced with the second rear cover <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> may include a flexible display <NUM> supported by at least a surface of the first housing <NUM> and at least a portion of the second housing <NUM>. The flexible display <NUM> includes a first portion 230a (e.g., a flat portion) that is always visible from the outside, and a second portion 230b (e.g., a bendable portion) extending from the first portion 230a and at least partially slid into the internal space of the second housing <NUM> (e.g., the first space <NUM> in <FIG>). The second portion 230b can be slid into the internal space of the second housing <NUM> to be invisible from the outside in the slid-in state. The first portion 230a may be disposed so as to be supported by a surface of the first housing <NUM>, and the second portion 230b may be disposed so as to be at least partially supported by the bendable member (e.g., the bendable member <NUM> in <FIG>). In the state in which the second housing <NUM> is slid out along a predetermined first direction (direction ①), the flexible display <NUM> may extend from the first portion 230a while being supported by the bendable member (e.g., the bendable member <NUM> in <FIG>), may form substantially the same plane as the first portion 230a, and may be disposed to be visible from the outside. In the state in which the second housing <NUM> is slid-in along a predetermined second direction (-X axis direction), the second portion 230b of the flexible display <NUM> may be slid into the internal space of the second housing <NUM> (e.g., the second space <NUM> in <FIG>), and may not be visible from the outside. Accordingly, in the electronic device <NUM>, as the second housing <NUM> moves in a sliding manner along a predetermined direction from the first housing <NUM>, the display area of the flexible display <NUM> may be variable.

The first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be operated with respect to each other in a sliding manner such that the entire width is variable. The electronic device <NUM> may be configured to have a first width W1 from the second side surface <NUM> to the fourth side surface <NUM> in the slid-in state. The electronic device <NUM> may be configured such that, in the slid-out state, a portion of the bendable member (e.g., the bendable member <NUM> in <FIG>) slides into the internal space of the second housing <NUM> (e.g., the second space <NUM> in <FIG>) is moved so as to have an additional second width W2, whereby the electronic device <NUM> has a third width W3 that is greater than the first width W1. For example, in the slid-in state, the flexible display <NUM> may have a display area substantially corresponding to the first width W1, and in the slid-out state, the flexible display <NUM> may have an expanded display area substantially corresponding to the third width W3.

According to certain embodiments, the slid-out operation of the electronic device <NUM> may be performed through a user's manipulation. For example, the second housing <NUM> may be slid out in the predetermined first direction (e.g., direction ①) through the manipulation of a lock <NUM> exposed through the rear surface 200b of the electronic device. In this case, the lock <NUM> may be disposed on the first housing <NUM>, and the second housing <NUM> may be regulated such that the second housing <NUM>, which is always pressed in the slid-out direction (e.g., direction ①) by a support assembly (e.g., the support assembly <NUM> in <FIG>) to be described later, is maintained in the slid-in state. In some embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may be shifted from the slid-in state to the slid-out state through the user's manipulation that presses the outer surface of the flexible display <NUM> in the predetermined first direction (direction ①). In some embodiments, the second housing <NUM> may be automatically operated by a drive mechanism (e.g., a drive motor, a reduction module, and/or a gear assembly) disposed in the internal space of the first housing <NUM> (e.g., the first space <NUM> in <FIG>) and/or the internal space of the second housing <NUM> (e.g., the second space <NUM> in <FIG>). The electronic device <NUM> may be set to control the operation of the second housing <NUM> via the drive mechanism when an event for shifting between the slid-in state and the slid-out state of the electronic device is detected via a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> in <FIG>). In some embodiments, the processor of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the processor <NUM> in <FIG>) may control the flexible display <NUM> to display an object in various ways and execute an application in response to the display area of the flexible display <NUM> changed according to the slid-in state, the slid-out state, or the intermediate state (e.g., including a free stop state).

The electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of an input device <NUM>, sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM>, sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM>, camera modules <NUM> and <NUM>, a connector port <NUM>, a key input device (not illustrated), or an indicator (not illustrated) disposed in the first space of the first housing <NUM> (e.g., the first space <NUM> in <FIG>). In another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may be configured such that at least one of the above-mentioned components is omitted or other components are additionally included.

The input device <NUM> may include a microphone. In some embodiments, the input device <NUM> may include multiple microphones <NUM> arranged to sense the direction of sound. The sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include speakers. The sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include a call receiver <NUM> and an external speaker <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in the slid-out state, the external speaker <NUM> may face the outside through a first speaker hole 207a disposed in the first housing <NUM>. In the slid-in state, the external speaker <NUM> may face the outside through the first speaker hole 207a and a second speaker hole 207b disposed in the second housing <NUM> to correspond to the first speaker hole 207a. In the slid-out state, the connector port <NUM> may face the outside through a connector port hole 208a disposed in the first housing <NUM>. In the slid-in state, the connector port <NUM> may be covered by the second housing <NUM> so as to be invisible from the outside. In some embodiments, even in the slid-in state, the connector port <NUM> may face the outside through another connector port hole disposed in the second housing <NUM> so as to correspond to the connector port hole 208a. In some embodiments, the sound output device <NUM> may include a speaker that is operated without a separate speaker hole (e.g., a piezo speaker).

The sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> may generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to the internal operating state of the electronic device <NUM> or an external environmental state. The sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include, for example, a first sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a proximity sensor or an illuminance sensor) disposed on the front surface 200a of the electronic device <NUM> and/or a second sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a heart rate monitoring (HRM) sensor) disposed on the rear surface 200b. According to an embodiment, the first sensor module <NUM> may be disposed under the flexible display <NUM> in the front surface 220a of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first sensor module <NUM> and/or the second sensor module <NUM> may include at least one of a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a fingerprint recognition sensor, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, or a humidity sensor.

The camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first camera module <NUM> disposed on the front surface 200a of the electronic device <NUM> and a second camera module <NUM> disposed on the rear surface 200b. The electronic device <NUM> may include a flash <NUM> disposed in the vicinity of the second camera module <NUM>. The camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The first camera module <NUM> may be disposed under the flexible display <NUM>, and may be configured to image an object through a portion of an active area of the flexible display <NUM>. The flash <NUM> may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp.

The first camera module <NUM> among the camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> and the sensor module <NUM> among the sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed so as to the external environment through the flexible display <NUM>. For example, the first camera module <NUM> or the sensor module <NUM> may be disposed in the internal space of the electronic device <NUM> to be in contact with the external environment through a transmission area or an opening perforated in the flexible display <NUM>. The area of the flexible display <NUM>, which faces the first camera module <NUM>, may be formed as a transmission area having a predetermined transmittance as a portion of a content display area. The transmission area may have a transmittance in the range of about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%. The transmission area may include an area overlapping the effective area (e.g., the view angle area) of the first camera module <NUM> through which light imaged by an image sensor to generate an image passes. For example, the transmission area of the flexible display <NUM> may include an area having a lower pixel density and/or a lower wiring density than the surrounding area. For example, the transmission area may replace the above-mentioned opening. For example, the first camera module <NUM> may include an under display camera (UDC). In some embodiments, the sensor module <NUM> may be disposed to perform the function thereof without being visually exposed through the flexible display <NUM> in the internal space of the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to certain embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> includes a first housing <NUM> including a first space (e.g., the first space <NUM> in <FIG>), and a second housing <NUM> slidably coupled to the first housing <NUM> and including a second space (e.g., the second space <NUM> in <FIG>). A bendable member <NUM> is disposed in the second space (e.g., the second space <NUM> in <FIG>) to be at least partially rotatable, and a flexible display <NUM> disposed so as to be supported on at least a portion of the bendable member <NUM> and the first housing <NUM>. The first space of the first housing <NUM> (e.g., the first space <NUM> in <FIG>) may be provided through the coupling of the first bracket housing 210a and the second bracket housing 210b. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first bracket housing 210a may include a first support member (e.g., the first support member <NUM> in <FIG>), or may be replaced by the first support member <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may include a main board <NUM> disposed in the first space (e.g., the first space <NUM> in <FIG>). The electronic device <NUM> may include a camera module (e.g., the camera module <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed on the board <NUM> or a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> in <FIG>) in the first space (e.g., the first space <NUM> in <FIG>). One end of the bendable member <NUM> is fixed to the first housing <NUM> and the other end is disposed so as to be at least partially rotatably accommodated in the second space of the second housing <NUM> (e.g., the second space <NUM> in <FIG>). In the slid-in state, the bendable member <NUM> is at least partially accommodated in the second space (e.g., the second space <NUM> in <FIG>), and in the slid-out state, the bendable member <NUM> is at least partially slid out from the second space (e.g., the second space <NUM> in <FIG>) to form substantially the same plane as a surface of the first housing <NUM>. Accordingly, the display area of the flexible display <NUM> supported by surface of the first housing <NUM> and the bendable member <NUM> may vary according to the sliding operation. The electronic device <NUM> may further include guide rails <NUM> disposed on the side surfaces of the coupled first and second bracket housings 210a and 210b to be guided into the internal space of the second housing <NUM> (e.g., the second space <NUM> in <FIG>). In some embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may further include a cover member (not illustrated) disposed so as to cover both sides of the second support member of the second housing <NUM> (e.g., the second support member <NUM> in <FIG>).

The electronic device <NUM> may include a support assembly <NUM> disposed so as to face the second space (e.g., the second space <NUM> in <FIG>) from the first housing <NUM> and pressing the second housing <NUM> in the slid-out direction. The support assembly <NUM> may reduce sagging of the flexible display <NUM> by supporting the bendable member <NUM> during operation. The support assembly <NUM> may be fixed to the first housing <NUM>, and may guide the second housing <NUM> in the slid-out direction by pressing the rear surface of the bendable member <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may include a lock <NUM> for maintaining the electronic device <NUM> in the slid-in state while regulating the pressing force applied by the support assembly <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the lock <NUM> may be disposed so as to be movable in the first housing <NUM>, and may regulate the movement of the second housing <NUM> in the slid-out direction from the slid-in state.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device according to certain embodiments taken along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> includes a first housing <NUM> having a first space <NUM>, a second housing <NUM> having a second space <NUM>, a bendable member <NUM> connected to the first housing and at least partially accommodated in the second space <NUM> in the slid-in state, a flexible display <NUM> disposed so as to be supported by at least a portion of the bendable member <NUM> and at least a portion of the first housing <NUM>, and a support assembly <NUM> disposed in the first housing <NUM> and pressing the second housing <NUM> in the slid-out direction (direction ①). The electronic device <NUM> may include multiple electronic components therein. The multiple electronic components may be disposed in the first space <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. The first space <NUM> may include a first sub-space A having a first space volume and a second sub-space B connected to the first sub-space A and having a second space volume that is smaller than the first space volume. The second sub-space B may include a space corresponding to an area in which a portion of the first housing <NUM> overlaps a portion of the second housing <NUM> when the electronic device is in the slid-in state.

Electronic components having a relatively large mounting height, first electronic components, in the electronic device <NUM>, may be disposed in the first sub-space A. The first electronic components may include a camera module <NUM>, a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> in <FIG>), or a flash (e.g., the flash <NUM> in <FIG>). In this case, at least some of the first electronic components may be disposed to face the external environment through the first support member <NUM> and/or the first rear cover <NUM>. Electronic components using a relatively small mounting space, second electronic components, or capable of operating regardless of the overlapping structure of the two housings <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed in the second sub-space B. The second electronic components may include a main board <NUM> and/or a battery <NUM>. In some embodiments, when the first sub-space A and the second sub-space B are connected to each other, some of the multiple electronic components (e.g., the main board <NUM> or an FPCB) may be disposed together in the two sub-spaces.

In the electronic device <NUM>, electronic components may be disposed to correspond to the sub-spaces A and B having different space volumes in the first space <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. Thus, an efficient arrangement structure may be helpful for making the electronic device <NUM> thinner and improving the performance of the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating the configuration of an electronic device including a support assembly according to certain embodiments. <FIG> is a rear side perspective view of an electronic device, illustrating the arrangement configuration of a lock according to certain embodiments. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device according to certain embodiments, taken along line 6c-6c in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a support assembly <NUM> fixed to the first housing <NUM> and disposed so as to be physically expandable in the first direction ①, thereby expanding the second space <NUM>. The support assembly <NUM> may be fixed to an end of the second bracket housing 210b of the first housing <NUM>, and may be disposed so as to press the bendable member <NUM> via multiple links, e.g., first link <NUM> and second link <NUM> that operate to be expandable via an elastic member <NUM> and a pressing member <NUM>. In this case, by being disposed so as to be at least partially in contact with the rear surface of the bendable member <NUM>, the multiple links <NUM> and <NUM> are capable of preventing the flexible display <NUM> from sagging into the second space <NUM> during the shifting from the slid-in state to the slid-out state and capable of always maintaining the flat surface of the flexible display <NUM>, thereby helping to improve the surface quality of the flexible display <NUM>. In addition, the coupling structure of the support assembly <NUM> that presses the second housing <NUM> in the slid-out state may provide a support function for an external force in the slid-out state.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device according to certain embodiments taken along line 6d-6d in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may be induced to maintain the slid-out state via the pressing structure of the bendable member <NUM> by the support assembly <NUM>. Accordingly, the electronic device <NUM> may include a regulation structure for continuously maintaining the slid-in state while holding the pressing force by the support assembly <NUM>. According to an embodiment, as the regulation structure, the electronic device <NUM> may include a lock <NUM> disposed in the first housing <NUM> to be movable, and an engagement step <NUM> provided in the second housing <NUM> so as to be engaged with the lock <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the lock <NUM> may be pressed from the rear surface of the first housing <NUM> (e.g., the rear surface 200b in <FIG>) in a third direction (direction ③) perpendicular to a first direction in which the second housing <NUM> is slid out (direction ①) and a second direction in which the second housing <NUM> is slid in (direction ②). According to an embodiment, the lock <NUM> may include a hook <NUM> formed at an end thereof. Accordingly, in the electronic device <NUM>, by causing the hook <NUM> of the lock <NUM> to be engaged with the engagement step <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> while the pressing force applied in the first direction (direction ①) via the support assembly <NUM> is maintained, the slid-in state can be continuously maintained. According to an embodiment, when the lock <NUM> is pressed in the third direction (direction ③) through the user's manipulation, the engagement step <NUM> is released from the hooking structure <NUM>, and the second housing <NUM> moves in the first direction (direction ①) by the pressing force of the support assembly <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may be shifted to the slid-out state.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the state in which a support assembly is coupled to a bracket housing according to certain embodiments. <FIG> is an enlarged view of the area 7b in <FIG> according to certain embodiments.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the support assembly <NUM> may include one or more support structures <NUM> movably fixed to the second bracket housing 210b and pressed in the direction in which the second housing <NUM> is slid out (direction ①), and a pressing member <NUM> movably fixed to the one or more support structures <NUM> and configured to press a bendable member (e.g., the bendable member <NUM> in <FIG>) in a contact manner. Multiple support structures <NUM> may be disposed at predetermined intervals in the first bracket housing 210b. The multiple support structures <NUM> may be configured to at least partially have different shapes and/or functions. In some embodiments, the multiple support structures <NUM> may be disposed at substantially the regular or irregular intervals. The pressing member <NUM> may be simultaneously connected to the multiple support structures <NUM>. The pressing member <NUM> may be disposed to press the bent portion of the bendable member <NUM> in the second space (e.g., the second space <NUM> in <FIG>). Accordingly, the pressing member <NUM> may have a curved surface that is brought into contact with the rear surface of the bendable member <NUM>. The pressing member may be formed of a metal material and/or a polymer. In some embodiments, the pressing member <NUM> may include rollers movably coupled to the multiple support structures <NUM>, respectively.

According to certain embodiments, at least one support structure <NUM> may include a first link <NUM> rotatably coupled to the first bracket housing 210b, and a second link <NUM> rotatably coupled to the first link <NUM>, and an elastic member (e.g., the elastic member <NUM> in <FIG>) that urges the first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM> in the unfolding direction. The pressing member <NUM> may be movably coupled to the second link <NUM>. In the folded state (e.g., the slid-in state), the first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM> may be disposed so as to be close to or to be at least partially in contact with the second bracket housing 210b. In the unfolded state (e.g., the slid-out state), the first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM> may be unfolded from each other by a predetermined angle (e.g., the angle θ in <FIG>), and may expand from the second bracket housing 210b toward the second space (direction ①).

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a support structure in the state in which two links according to certain embodiments are unfolded by a predetermined angle. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a support structure in the state in which two links according to certain embodiments are folded. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an elastic member according to certain embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the support structure <NUM> may include a first link <NUM> having a predetermined length and including a first hinge arm <NUM> and a second hinge arm <NUM> at opposite ends thereof, a second link <NUM> having a predetermined length and including a third hinge arm <NUM> and a fourth hinge arm <NUM> at opposite ends thereof, and an elastic member <NUM> disposed between the first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM> and configured to press the first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM> to unfold by a predetermined angle θ. According to an embodiment, the first hinge arm <NUM> and the second hinge arm <NUM> may be integrally formed with the first link <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the third hinge arm <NUM> and the fourth hinge arm <NUM> may be integrally formed with the second link <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the predetermined angle θ may be determined within a range of less than <NUM> degrees in order to induce a smooth folding operation of the first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM> may be formed of a metal material and/or a polymer. According to an embodiment, the first link <NUM> may be disposed so as to rotatably couple the first hinge arm <NUM> to the second bracket housing (e.g., the second bracket housing 210b in <FIG>), and the second link <NUM> may be disposed so as to rotatably couple the third hinge arm <NUM> to the second hinge arm <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the pressing member (e.g., the pressing member <NUM> in <FIG>) may be rotatably coupled to the fourth hinge arm <NUM> of the second link <NUM>. Respective hinge arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be rotatably coupled via an E ring. According to an embodiment, the first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM> may include first friction reduction members <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, which are disposed on a portion that comes into contact with and support the bendable member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first friction reduction members <NUM> and <NUM> may include at least one of a POM layer, an acetal layer, or a Teflon layer. Therefore, when the first link <NUM> and/or the second link <NUM> are in contact with the bendable member <NUM>, friction with the bendable member <NUM> is reduced via the first friction reduction members <NUM> and <NUM>, which may be helpful for performing a smooth sliding operation of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the elastic member <NUM> is a torsion spring, and may include a fixing portion <NUM> fixed to a rotation axis A1 formed by the second hinge arm <NUM> of the first link <NUM> and the third hinge arm <NUM> of the second link <NUM>, and a first free end <NUM> and a second free end <NUM>, which extend toward the first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM> from opposite ends of the fixing portion <NUM>, respectively. According to an embodiment, the first free end <NUM> is accommodated in a first spring accommodation groove <NUM> provided in the first link <NUM>, the second free end <NUM> is accommodated in a second spring accommodation groove <NUM> provided in the second link <NUM>, and the first and second free ends <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed so as not to protrude to the outside, which may be helpful for the operation of the links <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a support member, illustrating an angle regulation structure for regulating the unfolding angle between two links according to certain embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the support structure may include an angle regulation structure provided on the first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM> and configured to regulate the unfolding angle θ between the two links <NUM> and <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the angle regulation structure may include a first engagement portion 2622a provided in the second hinge arm <NUM> of the first link <NUM> and a second engagement portion 2631a provided in the third hinge arm <NUM> of the second link <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first engagement portion 2262a and the second engagement portion 2631a may have shapes for determining the predetermined unfolding angle θ between the two links <NUM> and <NUM> about the rotation axis A1 by an elastic member <NUM>. For example, the first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM> may be prevented from being further unfolded beyond the predetermined angle by the structure in which the first engagement portion 2622a and the second engagement portion 2631a are brought into contact with each other while the first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM> are unfolded from each other about the rotation axis A1 by the elastic member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of an electronic device including a support assembly according to certain embodiments in a slid-in state.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include an arrangement structure that is capable of being helpful for slimming down the electronic device <NUM> by reducing the volume of the support assembly <NUM> in the slid-in state. In the slid-out state, the first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM> may be arranged to have a gap g1 for accommodating the bendable member <NUM>, which at least partially supports the flexible display <NUM>. The gap g1 may include a space provided between the flexible display <NUM> and the links <NUM> and <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the pressing member <NUM> may include a recess <NUM> having a predetermined accommodation depth g2 provided at a corresponding position in order to accommodate at least a portion of the second link <NUM> folded to the first link <NUM> in the slid-in state. The electronic device <NUM> may be slimmed with the help of the accommodation structure of the second link <NUM> which is at least partially accommodated in the recess <NUM> in the pressing member <NUM> in the slid-in state.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a bendable member according to certain embodiments. <FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of a bendable member according to certain embodiments taken along line 10b-10b in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the bendable member <NUM> may include multiple bars <NUM>, which are rotatably connected to each other. According to an embodiment, the bendable member <NUM> may include a top surface <NUM> by the multiple bars <NUM> and a rear surface <NUM> facing away from the top surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the top surface <NUM> may face a flexible display <NUM>, and the rear surface <NUM> may face the internal space of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the first internal space <NUM> and/or the second internal space <NUM> in <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the multiple bars <NUM> may be formed of a metal material and/or a polymer. Each of the multiple bars <NUM> may include guide protrusions <NUM> protruding at opposite ends thereof to be guided along a guide structure (e.g., the guide rails <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM> in the internal space of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, each of the multiple bars <NUM> may include a second friction reduction structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second friction reduction structure <NUM> may be disposed on the rear surface <NUM> of the bendable member <NUM>, which faces the support structure <NUM> of the support assembly (e.g., the support assembly <NUM> in <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the second friction reduction structure <NUM> may also include at least one of a POM layer, an acetal layer, or a Teflon layer disposed on each of the multiple bars <NUM>. Therefore, when the bendable member <NUM> is supported by the support structure <NUM> of the support assembly <NUM>, the first friction reduction members <NUM> and <NUM> disposed on the first links (e.g., the first link <NUM> in <FIG>) and/or the second links (e.g., the second link <NUM> in <FIG>) and the second friction reduction structure <NUM> disposed on the bendable member <NUM> are brought into contact with each other, whereby the frictional resistance between the first links <NUM> and/or the second links <NUM> and the bendable member <NUM> according to the sliding operation can be reduced.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the state in which a support assembly is coupled to a bracket housing according to certain embodiments.

In describing the support assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, the components that are substantially the same as those of the support assembly <NUM> of <FIG> are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the support assembly <NUM> may include support structures <NUM> movably fixed to the second bracket housing 210b and pressed in the direction in which the second housing <NUM> is slid out (direction ①), and a pressing member <NUM> movably fixed to the support structures <NUM> and configured to press a bendable member (e.g., the bendable member <NUM> in <FIG>) in a contact manner. According to an exemplary embodiment, the pressing member <NUM> may include multiple pressing members 265a, 265b, 265c, and 265d coupled to correspond to the support members <NUM>, respectively.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a slid-out prevention structure of a second housing provided between a support assembly and a bracket housing according to certain embodiments;.

Referring to <FIG>, the support assembly <NUM> may include support structures <NUM> movably fixed to the second bracket housing 210b and pressed in the direction in which the second housing <NUM> is slid out (direction ①), and a pressing member <NUM> movably fixed to the support structures <NUM> and configured to press a bendable member (e.g., the bendable member <NUM> in <FIG>) in a contact manner. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a slid-out prevention structure disposed between the support assembly <NUM> and the second bracket housing 210b so as to maintain the slid-in state of the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the slid-out prevention structure may be replaced with the regulation structure of the second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> in <FIG>) using a lock (e.g., the lock <NUM> in <FIG>).

According to certain embodiments, the slid-out prevention structure may include at least one first magnet <NUM> disposed in the second bracket housing 210d and at least one second magnet <NUM> disposed at a corresponding position of the pressing member <NUM> at which the at least one second magnet <NUM> is affected by the magnetic force of the at least one first magnet <NUM> in the slid-in state. According to an embodiment, the first magnet <NUM> and the second magnet <NUM> may be arranged such that an attractive force acts therebetween in the slid-in state. According to an embodiment, the attractive force between the first magnet <NUM> and the second magnet <NUM> may be set to the strength of magnetic force capable of overcoming the force applied when the support structures <NUM> are to be unfolded from the slid-in state. Accordingly, when the electronic device <NUM> is shifted from the slid-out state to the slid-in state by the user, the slid-in state may be maintained by the attractive force between the first magnet <NUM> and the second magnet <NUM>. Meanwhile, when the electronic device <NUM> is pressed with a force greater than the attractive force between the two magnets <NUM> and <NUM> along the direction in which the flexible display <NUM> is slid out by the user from the slid-in state, the attractive force applied by the two magnets <NUM> and <NUM> can be released, and the electronic device <NUM> can be shifted to the slid-out state by the pressing force applied when the support structures <NUM> are to be unfolded. In some embodiments, the second magnet <NUM> may be disposed in at least a portion of the support structure <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first magnet <NUM> and/or the second magnet <NUM> may be replaced with an electromagnet.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electronic device including a component assembly according to certain embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> includes a first housing <NUM> and a second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> in <FIG>), which is coupled to be slidable by a designated reciprocating distance. According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> may include a first bracket housing 210a and a second bracket housing 210b coupled to the first bracket housing 210a. According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> may include a first space (e.g., the first space <NUM> in <FIG>) provided by coupling the first bracket housing 210a and the second bracket housing 210b. According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> may include at least one electronic component disposed in the first space <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the at least one electronic component may include a main board <NUM>, a camera module <NUM> disposed on the main board <NUM>, a battery <NUM> disposed near the main board <NUM>, and a component assembly <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the component assembly <NUM> may be configured as a single assembly by arranging at least two electronic components (e.g., an antenna module <NUM> and a socket module <NUM> in <FIG>) to be stacked on each other. According to an embodiment, at least one first electronic component included in the component assembly <NUM> may perform a corresponding function in the first space <NUM> of the first housing.

According to an embodiment, at least one second electronic component included in the component assembly <NUM> may be disposed to face the outside through at least one opening (e.g., the opening 212d in <FIG>) provided in the first housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the at least one first electronic component may perform a corresponding function in the first space <NUM> regardless of the opening. For example, the at least one first electronic component may include an antenna module (e.g., the antenna module <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the at least one second electronic component may include at least one of the speaker module (e.g., the speaker <NUM> in <FIG>), a microphone module (e.g., the microphone <NUM> in <FIG>), a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> in <FIG>), a socket module (e.g., the socket module <NUM> in <FIG>), and a connector port (e.g., the connector port <NUM> of <FIG>), each of which faces the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through an opening (e.g., the opening 212d in <FIG>) so as to perform a corresponding function.

<FIG> is a plan view illustrating the rear surface of an electronic device according to certain embodiments in which a component assembly is arranged. <FIG> is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the area 14b in <FIG> according to certain embodiments.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> includes a first housing <NUM> including a first space (e.g., the first space <NUM> in <FIG>) and a second housing <NUM>, which is disposed so as to be slidable by a predetermined reciprocating distance from the first housing <NUM> and includes a second space (e.g., the second space <NUM> in <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> may include a first support member <NUM> at least a portion of which extends into the first space <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second housing <NUM> may include a second support member (e.g., the second support member <NUM> in <FIG>) extending into the second space <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first support member <NUM> may include a non-overlapping portion 212a extending from the non-overlapping portion 212a and disposed so as to be visible from the outside in the slid-in state, an overlapping portion 212b disposed so as to be invisible from the outside by being disposed so as to overlap at least a portion of the second support member <NUM>, and a stepped portion 212c connecting the non-overlapping portion 212a and the overlapping portion 212b to each other. According to an embodiment, in the slid-in state, the stepped portion 212c may be covered so as to be invisible from the outside through the second support member <NUM>. In some embodiments, the rear surface (e.g., the rear surface 200b in <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> may form a substantially flat surface when the second support member <NUM> is connected to the first support member 212a via the stepped portion 212c.

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include an opening 212d disposed in the stepped portion 212c of the first support member <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and connects the first space <NUM> to the outside. According to an embodiment, in the slid-out state, the opening 212d may face the outside, and in the slid-in state, the opening 212d may be closed by the second support member <NUM> so as to be disconnected from the outside. According to an embodiment, at least some electronic components (e.g., a socket module) of the component assembly (e.g., the component assembly <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in the first space <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> may be disposed to be connected to the opened 212d. Accordingly, some electronic components included in the component assembly <NUM> may perform functions related to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> while the electronic device <NUM> is in the slid-out state. For example, when some electronic components included in the component assembly <NUM> include a socket module (e.g., the socket module <NUM> in <FIG>), an external card member (e.g., a SIM card or a memory card) may be mounted on or removed from the socket module <NUM> through the opening 212d while the electronic device <NUM> is in the slid-out state. According to an embodiment, while the electronic device <NUM> is in the slid-in state, the opening 212d is covered by the second support member <NUM> so as to be invisible from the outside, which may be helpful for improving the aesthetics of the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of a component assembly according to certain embodiments. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the state in which the component assembly according to certain embodiments is connected to a main board.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the component assembly <NUM> may include a board including a first board surface <NUM>, a second board surface <NUM> facing away from the first board surface <NUM>, an antenna module <NUM> as a first electronic component disposed on the first board surface <NUM>, and a socket module <NUM> as a second electronic component disposed on the second board surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the board <NUM> may be electrically connected to the main board <NUM> via an extension (e.g., an FPCB) that is drawn out or extends from the board <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the antenna module <NUM> may include a dielectric structure 312a (e.g., an antenna carrier) disposed on the first board surface <NUM> and at least one conductive pattern <NUM> (e.g., an antenna pattern) disposed on the dielectric structure 312a. The at least one conductive pattern <NUM> may be set to transmit and/or receive a wireless signal in a predetermined frequency band via a wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication module <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in the first space of the first housing <NUM> (e.g., the first space <NUM> in <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the conductive pattern <NUM> may include at least one of a laser direct structuring (LDS) pattern provided on the dielectric structure 312a, a conductive plate attached to the outer surface of the dielectric structure 312a, or an FPCB including an antenna pattern. In some embodiments, the at least one conductive pattern <NUM> may be disposed directly on the board <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the socket module <NUM> may be fixed to the second board surface <NUM> through an electrical connection process such as soldering, and may be finished by a bracket <NUM> made of a nonconductive material.

According to certain embodiments, the component assembly <NUM> may be disposed in the first space <NUM> at a position at which the component assembly <NUM> does not overlap other electronic components, such as the main board <NUM> and the battery <NUM> when the first substrate surface <NUM> is viewed from above. In some embodiments, the component assembly <NUM> may be disposed so as to at least partially overlap the main substrate <NUM> when the first board surface <NUM> is viewed from above. In some embodiments, the component assembly <NUM> may be disposed to overlap the battery <NUM> when the first substrate surface <NUM> is viewed from above. According to an embodiment, the board <NUM> of the component assembly <NUM> may be disposed in the first space <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, and may be electrically connected to the main board <NUM> via the extension <NUM> extending from the board <NUM>. Accordingly, the antenna module <NUM> and the socket module <NUM> mounted on the board <NUM> may also be electrically connected to the main board <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to certain embodiments taken along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a component assembly <NUM> disposed in the first space <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the component assembly <NUM> may be disposed in the first space <NUM> such that the antenna module <NUM> disposed on the board <NUM> faces the first rear cover <NUM> and the socket module <NUM> faces the battery <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the socket module <NUM> may be disposed to be connected to the opening 212d provided in the stepped portion 212c of the first support member <NUM>. Accordingly, while the electronic device <NUM> is in the slid-in state, the opening 212d is covered so as to be invisible from the outside through the second support member <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>, which may be helpful for forming a beautiful appearance of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, while the electronic device <NUM> is in the slid-out state, the opening 212d is exposed so as to be visible from the outside. Thus, the opening 212d may serve as a space for inserting or removing at least one card device into or from the socket device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a portion of an electronic device according to certain embodiments in the slid-out state, and <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a portion of an electronic device according to certain embodiments in the slid-in state, and <FIG> is an enlarged view of the area 18c in <FIG> according to certain embodiments;.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> includes a first housing <NUM> including a first side member (e.g., the first side member <NUM> in <FIG>) and a second side housing <NUM> coupled to the first housing <NUM> to be slid by a predetermined reciprocating distance and including a second side member (e.g., the second side member <NUM> in <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a speaker <NUM> disposed in the first space <NUM> and configured to output sound through a first speaker hole 207a, which is an opening provided in the first side surface <NUM> of the first side member <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, and a connector port <NUM> connected to the outside through a first connector port hole 208a, which is another opening provided in the first side surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first speaker hole 207a and the first connector port hole 208a may be disposed so as to be visible from the outside through the first side surface <NUM> in the slid-out state. According to one embodiment, in the slid-in state, the first speaker hole 207a and the first connector port hole 208a may be covered by at least a portion of the fourth side surface <NUM> of the second side member <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second housing <NUM> may include a second speaker hole 207b, which is disposed at a corresponding position in the fourth side surface to correspond to the first speaker hole 207a in the first side surface <NUM> in the slid-in state. According to an embodiment, the size of the second speaker hole 207b may be equal to or larger than the size of the first speaker hole 207a so as to prevent the sound performance of the speaker <NUM> from being deteriorated, which may be caused when the first speaker hole 207a is partially covered by the fourth side surface <NUM> in the slid-in state. Accordingly, the speaker <NUM> disposed in the first space <NUM> emits sound to the outside through the first speaker hole 207a and the second speaker hole 207b, even in the slid-in state, whereby the convenience of use of the electronic device can be improved. According to an embodiment, the first connector port hole 208a may be invisible from the outside by being covered by the fourth side surface <NUM> in the slid-in state.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a sliding structure in which at least a portion of the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> in <FIG>) is accommodated in the second space of the second housing <NUM> (e.g., the second space <NUM> in <FIG>) according to a sliding operation, and the speaker <NUM> is disposed in the first space <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, whereby the speaker <NUM> can be firmly fixed in the first space <NUM> without considering the arrangement relationship with the flexible display <NUM>. In addition, even in the slid-in state, it is possible to prevent performance degradation of the speaker by providing an external connection structure using the first speaker hole 207a in the first housing <NUM> and the second speaker hole 207b in the second housing <NUM> as openings.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a portion of an electronic device according to certain embodiments in the slid-out state , and <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a portion of an electronic device according to certain embodiments in the slid-in state.

In describing the electronic device of <FIG> and <FIG>, the components that are substantially the same as those of the electronic device of <FIG> and <FIG> are denoted by the same referential numerals, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a second connector port hole 208b disposed in the fourth side surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second connector port hole 208b may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first connector port hole 208a disposed in the first side surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> while the electronic device is in the slid-in state. Accordingly, even in the slid-in state, the connector port <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> is capable of accommodating a connector of an external device (e.g., a charging device) through the first connector port hole 208a and the second connector port hole 208b, which makes it possible to smoothly perform data transmission and/or charging operation. According to an embodiment, the second connector port hole 208b is larger than the first connector port hole 208a. Thus, a connector of an external device can be accommodated in the first connector port hole 208a through the second connector port hole 208b.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a portion of an electronic device according to certain embodiments in the slid-out state , and <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a portion of an electronic device according to certain embodiments in the slid-in state.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> includes a protective cover <NUM> disposed on the fourth side surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> so as to seal the second connector port hole 208b in the slid-in state. According to an embodiment, the protective cover <NUM> may be disposed in the second housing <NUM> in a sliding manner so as to move to open or close the second connector port hole 208b. According to an embodiment, the protective cover <NUM> may include an operation unit <NUM> (e.g., a handle) protruding from one side thereof to the outside, thereby enhancing the convenience of operation. Accordingly, when the connector port <NUM> is not used, the second connector port hole 208b is maintained in the state of being closed by the protective cover <NUM>, which makes it possible to prevent the introduction of foreign matter from the outside. In some embodiments, the protective cover <NUM> may be disposed to be removable from the second housing <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating the configuration of an electronic device, in which an arrangement relationship between an electrical structure and a conduit structure is illustrated in the slid-in state according to certain embodiments; <FIG> is an enlarged view illustrating an arrangement relationship of a conductive member in the state in which a conduit structure is omitted in an area 21b of <FIG> according to certain embodiments.

<FIG> is a view illustrating the configuration of an electronic device, in which an arrangement relationship between an electrical structure and a conduit structure is illustrated in the slid-out state according to certain embodiments; <FIG> is an enlarged view illustrating an arrangement relationship of a conductive member in the state in which a conduit structure is omitted in the area 22b of <FIG> according to certain embodiments.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> includes a first housing <NUM> and a second housing <NUM> coupled to the first housing <NUM> to be slidable by a predetermined reciprocating distance. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a main board <NUM> and at least one electronic component (e.g., a camera module <NUM>), which are disposed in the first space <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include an electrical structure <NUM> disposed in the second space <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> and electrically connected to the main board <NUM> via a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the FPCB <NUM> may extend from the electrical structure <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> to the first space <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the FPCB <NUM> may be have a bendable shape so as to accommodate a sliding distance in which the second housing <NUM> is shifted from the slid-in state to the slid-out state. According to an embodiment, the electrical structure <NUM> may include an antenna disposed in the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electrical structure <NUM> may include an antenna for wireless power consortium (WPC), magnetic secure transmission (MST), or near field communication (NFC). In some embodiments, the electrical structure <NUM> may be disposed between the second support member <NUM> and the second rear cover (e.g., the second rear cover <NUM> in <FIG>) in the second housing <NUM>.

According to the invention, the electronic device <NUM> includes a sensing structure configured to detect the position of the second housing <NUM> during the slid-in state, the slid-out state, and/or the operating state of the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, as the sensing structure, the electronic device <NUM> may include an FPCB <NUM> extending from the electrical structure <NUM> to the main board <NUM> and disposed in a curved shape, and a sensing member (e.g., the sensing member <NUM> in <FIG>) configured to detect contact with the second housing <NUM> varying according to the sliding operation of the FPCB <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the FPCB <NUM> may include a conductive portion (e.g., a ground layer or a separate conductive pattern), and the sensing member <NUM> may include a touch sensor configured to detect the conductive portion of the FPCB <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sensing member <NUM> may have a sensing structure including multiple channels for detecting the conductive portion, rather than the touch sensor. According to an embodiment, the sensing member <NUM> may include multiple channels (e.g., <NUM> or more channels) configured to detect a change amount of a capacitance value that varies depending on a contact area that comes into contact with the conductive portion of the FPCB <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sensing member <NUM> may be disposed in a manner in which multiple conductive channels are disposed on the main board <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sensing member <NUM> may detect only a portion (e.g., an end) of the conductive portion of the FPCB <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sensing member <NUM> may be disposed separately from the main board <NUM>, and may be electrically connected to the main board <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the FPCB <NUM> may be disposed to be at least partially in contact with the sensing member <NUM>. For example, the FPCB <NUM> may be formed in a "U" shape, in which one end of the FPCB <NUM> may be electrically connected to the electrical structure <NUM> and the other end may be electrically connected to the main board <NUM>. In some embodiments, the FPCB <NUM> may extend integrally from electrical structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the FPCB <NUM> is disposed to be substantially in contact with the sensing member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the FPCB <NUM> is arranged such that the contact of the sensing member <NUM> is variable according to the movement of the second housing <NUM>. Accordingly, the FPCB <NUM> may be disposed in the state of being curved in a "U" shape such that opposite ends thereof are oriented in the same first direction (direction ①).

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a protruding/receding conduit structure <NUM> disposed so as to induce the contact between the FPCB <NUM> and the sensing member <NUM> to be uniformly changed according to the movement of the first housing <NUM> and to protect the sensing member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the conduit structure <NUM> may be coupled such that multiple conduits <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, which are open at one sides thereof and have different sizes, protrude and recede with respect to each other. Accordingly, the length of the conduit structure <NUM> may be varied depending on whether the electronic device is in the slid-in state or in slid-out state. According to an embodiment, the conduit structure <NUM> may be disposed on the main board <NUM> in the first space <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the conduit structure <NUM> may include an internal space (e.g., the internal space <NUM> in <FIG>) for accommodating the FPCB <NUM>, and may prevent the FPCB <NUM> from being separated from the sensing member <NUM> during operation by being disposed to cover the sensing member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the conduit structure <NUM> may include a coupling structure for the conduits <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, in which the coupling structure has an internal space (e.g., the internal space <NUM> in <FIG>), the size of which gradually decreases in the first direction (direction ①). In some embodiments, the conduit structure <NUM> may include a coupling structure for the conduits, in which the conduit structure <NUM> has an internal space (e.g., the internal space <NUM> in <FIG>), the size of which gradually decreases in a direction opposite to the first direction (direction ①). In some embodiments, the conduit structure <NUM> may include a coupling structure for the conduits, in which the coupling structure has an internal space (e.g., the internal space <NUM> in <FIG>), the size of which is always constant regardless of protruding and receding of the conduits. According to an embodiment, the conduit structure <NUM> may include a first conduit <NUM> fixed to the second housing <NUM>, a second conduit <NUM>, which accommodates the first conduit <NUM> to be capable of protruding and receding, and a third conduit <NUM>, which accommodates the second conduit <NUM> to be capable of protruding and receding and is fixed to the first housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first conduit <NUM> may be fixed to the second support member <NUM> of the second housing. According to an embodiment, the third conduit <NUM> may be fixed to the first support member <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the conduit structure <NUM> may have a coupling structure in which two conduits or four or more conduits are coupled to be capable of protruding and receding.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a portion of an electronic device including a sensing member according to certain embodiments. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a portion of an electronic device including a conduit structure according to certain embodiments.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a main board <NUM> disposed in the first space <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and a sensing member <NUM> disposed on the main board <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sensing member <NUM> may be disposed on another board (e.g., an FPCB) disposed separately from the main board <NUM> in the first space <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the sensing member <NUM> may include a sensor <NUM> (e.g., a touch sensor) including multiple channels each having a length for detecting a conductive portion of the FPCB <NUM> that is substantially at least partially in contact therewith. According to an embodiment, the sensing member <NUM> has a capacitance that is changed when the conductive portion of the FPCB <NUM> comes into surface contact, line contact, or point contact with the sensing member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second housing <NUM> includes an opening portion 222a through which the FPCB <NUM> is drawn out from the electrical structure <NUM> disposed in the second space <NUM> to the first space <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the opening portion 222a may be formed by changing the shape of the second support member <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a protruding/receding conduit structure <NUM> disposed in an area overlapping the sensing member <NUM> when the main board <NUM> is viewed from above, and configured to accommodate the FPCB <NUM> in the internal space thereof (e.g., the internal space <NUM> in <FIG>). Accordingly, the FPCB <NUM> is disposed to be supported by the conduit structure <NUM>, which may be helpful for preventing the FPCB <NUM> from being separated from the sensing member <NUM> during operation.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an arrangement relationship of a conductive member according to a protruding and receding operation of a conduit structure according to certain embodiments and <FIG> is a view illustrating an arrangement relationship of a conductive member according to a protruding and receding operation of a conduit structure according to certain embodiments.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the FPCB <NUM> may be disposed in the internal space <NUM> of the conduit structure <NUM> to be at least partially in contact with the sensing member <NUM> of the main board <NUM>. According to one embodiment, in the internal space <NUM> of the conduit structure <NUM>, with respect to a bent portion 2551a, one side portion 2551b of the FPCB <NUM> may be in contact with the inner surface of the conduit structure <NUM>, and the other side portion 2551c of the FPCB <NUM> may be contact in contact with the sensing member <NUM> of the main board <NUM>. Accordingly, the one side portion 2551b and the other side portion 2551c of the FPCB <NUM> may be in tight contact with the inner wall of the conduit structure <NUM> and the outer surface of the main board <NUM> by the elastic force of the bent portion 2551a, which is to be unfolded. Through the tight contact structure of the FPCB <NUM>, the FPCB <NUM> can be in contact with the main board <NUM>, in which, when the one side portion 2551b of the FPCB <NUM> is moved, the other side portion <NUM> can also be moved by substantially the same amount. According to an embodiment, one end of the FPCB <NUM> may be fixed to the main board <NUM> using a fixing member <NUM> (e.g., a connector).

According to certain embodiments, when the electronic device is shifted from the slid-in state (the state of <FIG>) to the slid-out state (the state of <FIG>), the one side portion 2551b of the FPCB <NUM> connected to the electrical structure <NUM> disposed in the second housing <NUM> may be moved in the first direction (direction ①) along the inner surface of the conduit structure <NUM> by the protruding/receding operation structure of the conduits <NUM> and <NUM>. At the same time, the contact of the other side portion 2551c of the FPCB <NUM> with the sensor member <NUM> disposed on the main board <NUM> may be variable. For example, the sensing member <NUM> may detect a change in contact with the FPCB <NUM> so as to determine the slid-out state of the electronic device <NUM>. In some embodiments, while the electronic device <NUM> is being shifted from the slid-in state to the slid-out state, the sensing member <NUM> may detect the sliding position of the second housing <NUM> in real time.

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> in <FIG>) operatively connected to the sensing member <NUM> and the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> in <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the at least one processor <NUM> may determine the slid-in state, the slid-out state, or a state during the shifting operation of the electronic device <NUM> using a sensing member <NUM>, which detects contact with the FPCB <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the at least one processor <NUM> may detect the current display area of the flexible display <NUM> using the sensing member <NUM>, which detects contact with the FPCB <NUM>, and may control the flexible display <NUM> to display at least one object in the current display area. According to an embodiment, the at least one processor <NUM> may control at least one application using the sensing member <NUM>, which detects contact with the FPCB <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the at least one application may include a program related to sound input/output through a speaker and/or a microphone and/or a program related to tactile output through a vibration motor.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a portion of an electronic device including a conduit structure according to certain embodiments. <FIG> is a view illustrating an arrangement relationship of a conductive member according to a protruding and receding operation of a conduit structure including a support roller according to certain embodiments, and <FIG> is a view illustrating an arrangement relationship of a conductive member according to a protruding and receding operation of a conduit structure including a support roller according to certain embodiments.

In describing the sensing structure of <FIG>, the components that are substantially the same as those of the sensing structure of <FIG> and <FIG> are denoted by the same referential numerals, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the sensing structure may include a support roller <NUM> disposed in the internal space <NUM> of the conduit structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the support roller <NUM> may be disposed between the bent portion 2551a and the one side portion 2551b and the other side portion 2551c of the FPCB <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the support roller <NUM> continuously supports the bent portion 2551a of the FPCB <NUM> in the internal space of the conduit <NUM> fixed to the second housing <NUM> among the multiple pipes <NUM> and <NUM> such that the movement amount of the FPCB <NUM> is substantially the same as the movement amount of the second housing <NUM>, which may be helpful for inducing a high sensing resolution.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an arrangement member of a conductive member when an electronic device is in the slid-in state according to certain embodiments, and <FIG> is a view illustrating an arrangement relationship of a conductive member when an electronic device is in the slid-out state.

In describing the sensing structure of <FIG> and <FIG>, the components that are substantially the same as those of the sensing structure of <FIG> and <FIG> are denoted by the same referential numerals, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, as a member to be detected that is detected by the sensing member <NUM>, the FPCB <NUM> may be replaced by a separately disposed conductive member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the conductive member <NUM> may include an elastic metal plate or a conductive film. Accordingly, in the state of being bent in a "U" shape, one end of the conductive member <NUM> may be fixed to the second support member <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>, and the other end may be fixed to the fixing portion <NUM> of the main board <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in the internal space <NUM> of the conduit structure <NUM> including the multiple conduit lines <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, which are coupled to be capable of protruding and receding, with reference to the bend portion 258a, one side portion 258b of the conductive member <NUM> may be in contact with the inner surface of the conduit structure, and the other side portion 258c of the conductive member <NUM> may be in contact with the sensing member <NUM> of the main board. Accordingly, the one side portion 258b and the other side portion 258b of the conductive member may be in tight contact with the inner wall of the conduit structure <NUM> and the outer surface of the main board <NUM> by the elastic force of the bent portion 258a, which is to be unfolded, and may be moved by a predetermined reciprocating distance T1 while being in contact with the sensing member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the at least one application program may include a program related to sound output and/or a program related to tactile output.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
a first housing (<NUM>) comprising a first space (<NUM>);
a second housing (<NUM>) coupled to the first housing (<NUM>) so as to be slidable in a first direction ① and comprising a second space (<NUM>);
a bendable member (<NUM>) connected to the first housing (<NUM>), wherein the bendable member (<NUM>) is at least partially accommodated in the second space (<NUM>) in a slid-in state and is at least partially coplanar to the first housing (<NUM>) in a slid-out state;
a flexible display (<NUM>) comprising a first portion (230a) disposed to be visible from outside in the slid-in state and a second portion (230b) extending from the first portion (230a) and accommodated in the second space (<NUM>) through at least a portion of the bendable member (<NUM>);
a sensing member (<NUM>) disposed in at least one of the first space (<NUM>) and the second space (<NUM>); and
a bendable conductive member (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising one end connected to the first housing (<NUM>) and another end connected to the second housing (<NUM>), wherein the conductive member (<NUM>, <NUM>) is arranged such that contact with the sensing member (<NUM>) varies according to the sliding operation of the second housing (<NUM>),
wherein the sensing member (<NUM>) is configured to detect the contact with the conductive member (<NUM>, <NUM>) which varies according to the sliding operation of the second housing (<NUM>).