Patent Description:
Recently, with a significant decrease in a technological gap of each manufacturer, electronic devices have become slimmer to satisfy purchasing needs of consumers and have been developed to improve convenience of use. The electronic device increases in a size of a display region to display a more variety of content. For example, since the electronic device has become smaller and slimmer, a technique for securing a display region having a large screen is developed.

In general, portable electronic devices have been advanced in various forms to ensure a more extended display region without affecting portability. For example, the electronic device may be a slide type electronic device in which a first construction and a second construction are open in a sliding manner with respect to each other when used in a position at which the first and second constructions overlap or a foldable type electronic device in which a first construction and a second construction are disposed in an overlapping or unfolded manner. However, since the electronic devices are disposed in such a manner that the first construction and the second construction are moved with respect to each other, a freedom degree of mounting an electronic component (e.g., an antenna) is limited, which may lead to an increase in total volume of the electronic device. In addition, since the first construction and the second construction are installed movably with respect to each other, performance of internal electronic components may deteriorate due to a frequent movement.

<CIT> and <CIT> each disclose electronic devices having expandable displays.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide an electronic device including a movable flexible display.

According to various embodiments, it is possible to provide an electronic device including a movable flexible display capable of contributing to making the electronic device slim while increasing a degree of freedom of mounting an electronic component.

According to various embodiments, it is possible to provide an electronic device including a movable flexible display for ensuring performance of an electronic component disposed inside the electronic device.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an electronic device according to claim <NUM>.

According to the present disclosure, an electronic device may include: a first assembly including a first plate having a first face and a second face facing away from the first face; a second assembly including a second plate facing the second face of the first plate, a first lateral wall extending from a first end portion of the second plate, a second lateral wall extending from the first lateral wall and the second plate, and a third lateral wall extending from the first lateral wall and the second plate and parallel to the second lateral wall, wherein the second plate, the first lateral wall, the second lateral wall, and the third lateral wall together define a trough, one side of the trough being open to accommodate at least part of the first assembly, wherein the first assembly is movable between an open state and a closed state with respect to the second assembly in a first direction with respect to the second plate, and wherein the second assembly is located at a first distance from the first lateral wall when the first assembly is in the closed state, and the second assembly is located at a second distance greater than the first distance from the first lateral wall when the first construction is in the open state; and a flexible touchscreen display. The flexible touchscreen display may include a planar portion extending across at least part of the first face and mounted to the first face, and a bendable portion extending to a space between the first lateral wall and the first assembly from the planar portion or between the second plate and the second face of the first plate when the first assembly is in the closed state.

When the first assembly transitions from the closed state to the open state, at least part of the bendable portion extending to the space may be moved to be visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device from the space to substantially define a plane between the planar portion and the first lateral wall. When the first assembly is in the closed state, the bendable portion may be bent along an axis extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a first portion of the bendable portion being inserted to a corresponding region of the space between the second plate and the second face of the first plate, and a second portion of the bendable portion being located between the axis and the second plate. A third distance between the second plate and the first portion may be greater than a fourth distance between the second plate and the second portion.

An electronic device may include a first assembly comprising at least part of a rear face of the electronic device, a second assembly at least partially accommodated by the first assembly and movable with respect to the rear face, and a flexible touchscreen display at least partially accommodated by the first assembly, and coupled to the second assembly so that a size of a display region visually exposed to the outside in a direction of a front face of the electronic device is adjustable in response to a movement of the second assembly. The flexible touchscreen display may include a flat display region always visually exposed to the outside, and a bendable display region exposed visually to the outside by being extended from an inner space defined by the first assembly when the second assembly is moved in a first direction, and not exposed visually by being retracted to the inner space when the second assembly is moved in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A first portion of the bendable display region may be substantially parallel to the flat display region. When the second portion is retracted to the inner space so as to be bent with respect to the flat display region, a first distance between the first portion and an interior surface of the rear face may be greater than a second distance between the second portion and the interior surface.

According to various example embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include a flexible display which is movable (e.g., rollable or slidable) to extend or reduce a display region visually exposed to the outside. If the flexible display is moved (e.g., rolled or slided), a shape of at least part thereof may be transformed (e.g., bended). Since an electronic component (e.g., an antenna, an antenna contact component, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), a Flexible Printed Circuit Board (FPCB), a connector, or a lighting device) is disposed around the display region, the electronic component may be mounted with an improved degree of freedom, and may be slim in size. In addition to having a slim size, performance of the electronic component can be ensured.

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:.

In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., the camera module <NUM>) of the components may be omitted from the electronic device <NUM>, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the connecting terminal <NUM> may include, for example, a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector),.

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

It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term "operatively" or "communicatively", as "coupled with," "coupled to," "connected with," or "connected to" another element (e.g., a second element), the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

As used herein, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combinations thereof, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, "logic," "logic block," "part," or "circuitry".

Wherein, the term "non-transitory" may refer, for example, to a storage medium that is a tangible device. This term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

According to an embodiment, a method consistent with various embodiments of the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product.

<FIG> an <FIG> are diagrams illustrating a front face and rear face, respectively, of an example electronic device <NUM> including a movable display <NUM> according to various embodiments. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example state where the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> is extended according to various embodiments.

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

<FIG> illustrates a state where a first construction (the terms "assembly" and the term "construction" may be used interchangeably in the present disclosure) <NUM> is closed with respect to a second construction (assembly) <NUM>, and <FIG> illustrates a state where the first construction (assembly) <NUM> is open with respect to the second construction (assembly) <NUM>. In the closed state, a region visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> from a display region of a display <NUM> may, for example, have a first size (e.g., length or width). In the open state, a region visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> from the display region of the display <NUM> may, for example, have a second size (e.g., length or width) different from the first size (e.g., greater than the first size).

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> includes the first construction (assembly) <NUM> and the second construction (assembly) <NUM> movably disposed with respect to the first construction (assembly) <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a first plate <NUM> of the first construction <NUM> may include a first face <NUM> (e.g., a front face) and a second face <NUM> (e.g., a rear face) facing away from the first face <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second construction <NUM> may include a second plate <NUM>, a first lateral wall <NUM> extending from the second plate <NUM>, a second lateral wall <NUM> extending from the second plate <NUM> and the first lateral wall <NUM>, a third lateral wall <NUM> extending from the first lateral wall <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> and parallel to the second lateral wall <NUM>, or a second rear plate <NUM> (e.g., a rear window). According to an embodiment, the second plate <NUM>, the first lateral wall <NUM>, the second lateral wall <NUM>, and the third lateral wall <NUM> may be constructed such that one side thereof is open to accommodate at least part of the first construction (assembly) <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second lateral wall <NUM> or the third lateral wall <NUM> may be omitted. According to an embodiment, the second plate <NUM>, the first lateral wall <NUM>, the second lateral wall <NUM>, and/or the third lateral wall <NUM> may be manufactured as an integral construction (assembly). For another example, the second plate <NUM>, the first lateral wall <NUM>, the second lateral wall <NUM>, or the third lateral wall <NUM> may be combined by being formed or manufactured as separate constructions (assemblies). According to an embodiment, the second rear plate <NUM> may cover at least part of the display <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> includes, for example, and without limitation, at least one of the display <NUM>, audio modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, camera modules <NUM> and <NUM>, an indicator <NUM> (e.g., LED device), sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM>, connector holes <NUM> and <NUM>, and the like.

According to embodiments, the display <NUM> includes a planar portion <NUM> extending across at least part of the first face <NUM> and disposed to the first face <NUM> and a bendable portion extending to a space between the first lateral wall <NUM> and the first construction (assembly) <NUM> from the planer portion <NUM> in a closed state. According to an embodiment, when viewed from above the first plate <NUM>, if the first construction (assembly) <NUM> is moved from the closed state to the open state, at least part of the bendable portion of the display may be configured to move by a specific display region EA in a direction of the planar portion to substantially provide a plane between the planar portion <NUM> and the first lateral wall <NUM>. The display <NUM> may, for example, and without limitation, be disposed adjacent to and/or bonded to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring touch strength (pressure), a digitizer for detecting a stylus pen of a magnetic field type, or the like.

According to various embodiments, the audio modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> and/or the microphone hole <NUM>. The speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> may include the receiver hole <NUM> and/or the external speaker hole <NUM>. The microphone hole <NUM> may have a microphone disposed inside thereof to acquire external sound, and in some embodiments, may have a plurality of microphones disposed to sense a sound direction. In some embodiments, the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> and the microphone hole <NUM> may be implemented with one hole, or a speaker (e.g., a Piezo speaker) may be included without the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the receiver hole <NUM> may be disposed to the first construction (assembly) <NUM>, and the external speaker hole <NUM> or the microphone hole <NUM> may be disposed to the second construction (assembly) <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the external speaker hole <NUM> may be disposed to the second face <NUM> of the first plate <NUM> or the lateral face of the first construction (assembly) <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the microphone <NUM> may be disposed to the lateral face of the first construction (assembly) <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> may generate an electrical signal and/or data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device <NUM> and/or an external environmental state. The sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include, for example, the first sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a proximity sensor) disposed to the first face <NUM> of the first plate <NUM> and/or a second sensor module (not shown) (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed to the second face <NUM> of the first plate <NUM> and/or the third sensor module <NUM> (e.g., an HRM sensor). The electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one of a sensor module (not shown), for example, and without limitation, 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, a humidity sensor, an illumination sensor, or the like.

According to various embodiments, the camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first camera device disposed to the first face <NUM> of the first plate <NUM> and the second camera device <NUM> disposed to the second face <NUM>. The first camera device <NUM> or the second camera device <NUM> may include, for example, and without limitation, one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. According to an embodiment, the second camera device <NUM> may be disposed to one face of the second construction <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, a key input device <NUM> may be disposed to the second lateral wall <NUM> and/or third lateral wall <NUM> of the second construction <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may include a key input device (not shown), such as, for example, and without limitation, a home button key and/or a touch pad disposed around the home key button. According to another embodiment, at least part of the key input device <NUM> may be located in one region of the first construction <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the indicator <NUM> may be disposed to the first face <NUM> of the first plate <NUM>. The indicator <NUM> may provide, for example, and without limitation, state information of the electronic device <NUM> in an optical form, and may include an LED.

According to various embodiments, the connector holes <NUM> and <NUM> may, for example, include the first connector hole <NUM> capable of accommodating a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for transmitting/receiving power and/or data with respect to an external electronic device and the second connector hole (or earphone jack) <NUM> capable of accommodating a connector for transmitting/receiving an audio signal with respect to the external electronic device. According to an embodiment, the first connector hole <NUM> and/or the second connector hole <NUM> may be disposed to the first lateral wall <NUM> of the second construction (assembly) <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the first connector hole <NUM> and/or the second connector hole <NUM> may be disposed to the lateral wall of the first construction <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the rear window <NUM> may be disposed to the second face <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> and may be disposed such that the display <NUM> and the extended bendable portion are at least partially exposed to the outside. According to an embodiment, the rear window <NUM> may be disposed to the second construction (assembly) <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first construction <NUM> may be disposed to be reciprocally movable by a specific distance d1 with respect to the second construction <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may have an extended region EA of an extended display due to an extension of the first construction <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first construction <NUM> is movable in an open state or closed state with respect to the second construction <NUM> in a first direction (e.g., a direction ① of <FIG>) parallel to the second plate <NUM> and the second lateral wall <NUM>, and thus the first construction <NUM> may be moved so as to be placed at a first distance (e.g., a first distance L1 of <FIG>) from the first lateral wall <NUM> in a closed state, and to be placed at a second distance L2 greater than the first distance from the first lateral wall <NUM> in an open state.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments.

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

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first construction <NUM> including a first plate <NUM> having a first face <NUM> facing a display <NUM> and a second face <NUM> facing away from the first face <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a second construction <NUM> including a second plate <NUM> facing the second face <NUM> of the first plate <NUM>, a first lateral wall <NUM> extending from the second plate <NUM>, a second lateral wall <NUM> extending from the first lateral wall <NUM> and the second plate <NUM>, and a third lateral wall <NUM> extending from the first lateral wall <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> and parallel to the second lateral wall <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second plate <NUM>, the first lateral wall <NUM>, the second lateral wall <NUM>, and/or the third lateral wall <NUM> may be constructed in an integrated or combined manner. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include the display <NUM> (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed to the first face <NUM> of the first plate <NUM> and provided at least partially in a space between the second plate <NUM> and the second face <NUM> of the first plate <NUM> via the first lateral wall <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a supporting construction <NUM> for coupling the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> in a slidable manner and for guiding a movement of the display <NUM> disposed via the first lateral wall <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first construction <NUM> may be movable in an open state and a closed state with respect to the second construction <NUM> in a first direction (e.g., a direction ①) parallel to the second plate <NUM> and the second lateral wall <NUM>, and thus may be placed at a first distance from the first lateral wall <NUM> when the first construction <NUM> is in the closed state, and may be placed at a second distance longer than the first distance from the first lateral wall <NUM> in the open state.

According to various embodiments, the display <NUM> may include a planar portion <NUM> extending across at least part of the first face <NUM> of the first plate <NUM> such that the extended portion is disposed to the first face <NUM> of the first plate <NUM>, and a bendable portion <NUM> extending to a space between the first lateral wall <NUM> and the first construction <NUM> from the planar portion <NUM> in a closed state. According to an embodiment, when viewed from above the first plate <NUM>, if the first construction <NUM> is moved from the closed state to the open state, the display <NUM> may be moved by a specific amount from a space between the first lateral wall <NUM> and the first construction <NUM> to substantially define a plane between the planar portion <NUM> and the first lateral wall <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first construction <NUM> may include a battery <NUM> mounted to the second face <NUM> of the first plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first construction <NUM> may include a PCB <NUM> (e.g., a main board) mounted to the second face <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the PCB <NUM> and battery <NUM> disposed to the second face <NUM> may be protected by the supporting cover <NUM> mounted to an upper portion thereof. According to an embodiment, at least part of the second face <NUM>, including the supporting cover <NUM>, may be disposed to be protected by the first rear cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first rear cover <NUM> may be constructed of various materials such as metal, synthetic resin, or glass. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a front supporting member (support) <NUM> disposed between the first face <NUM> of the first plate <NUM> and the planar portion <NUM> of the display <NUM> to support the planar portion <NUM> of the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the front supporting member <NUM> may be attached to the first face <NUM> by means of, for example, and without limitation, screwing, boding, taping, or the like.

According to embodiments, the second construction <NUM> includes the second plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second plate <NUM> may be comprised of at least one material, and at least one region thereof differs from the remaining other regions. For example, a first region of the second plate <NUM> may be of a first material, and a second region of the second plate <NUM> may be of a second material. In another embodiment, the second plate <NUM> may be provided in such a manner that a conductive member and a non-conductive member are insert-injected. According to an embodiment, the first lateral wall <NUM> of the second plate <NUM> may be comprised of a conductive member. According to an embodiment, the first lateral wall <NUM> may include a conductive unit lateral wall <NUM> electrically decoupled from a neighboring conductive member due to a first non-conductive portion <NUM> and/or second non-conductive portion <NUM> disposed to be spaced apart by a specific interval. According to an embodiment, the conductive unit lateral wall <NUM> may operate as an antenna radiator by being electrically coupled to a wireless communication circuit of the PCB <NUM> disposed inside the electronic device. However, without being limited thereto, at least part of the second lateral wall <NUM> and/or third lateral wall <NUM> of the second construction <NUM> may be used as an antenna radiator. According to various embodiments, a second rear cover <NUM> is disposed to an exterior surface of the second plate <NUM> to provide at least part of an exterior of the electronic device. According to an embodiment, the second rear cover <NUM> may be comprised of various materials such as, for example, and without limitation, metal, synthetic resin, glass, or the like.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first supporting member (support) <NUM> and second supporting member (support) <NUM> disposed to a space between the second plate <NUM> and the first face <NUM> of the first plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first supporting member <NUM> may include a first planer portion <NUM> and a second planar portion <NUM> extending to have a step difference with respect to a height of the first planar portion <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first supporting member <NUM> may include a pair of side hinge arms <NUM> and <NUM> disposed to have a constant interval from one end of the first planar portion <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the pair of side hinge arms <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed to have a length in a direction (e.g., a direction ①) perpendicular to the second lateral wall <NUM> and parallel to the first lateral wall <NUM>, and may include a first through-hole <NUM> and a second through-hole <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second supporting member <NUM> may include a third planar portion <NUM> having an area corresponding to at least the first planar portion <NUM> and second planar portion <NUM> of the first supporting member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second supporting member <NUM> may include a center hinge arm <NUM> extending from the second planar portion <NUM> so as to be inserted to a space <NUM> between the pair of hinge arms <NUM> and <NUM> of the first supporting member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the center hinge arm <NUM> may include a third through-hole <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first supporting member <NUM> and the second supporting member <NUM> may be mutually fixed by a shaft <NUM> disposed to penetrate both the first through-hole <NUM> of the pair of side hinge arms <NUM> and <NUM> and the third through-hole <NUM> of the sensor hinge arm <NUM>, in a state where the pair of side hinge arms <NUM> and <NUM> and the sensor hinge arm <NUM> are coupled temporarily.

According to various embodiments, the second planar portion <NUM> of the first supporting member <NUM> may have a step difference and be closer to the second plate <NUM> than the first planar portion <NUM>. For example, when the first supporting member <NUM> and the second supporting member <NUM> are coupled by the shaft <NUM>, a space may be provided between the second planar portion <NUM> of the first supporting member <NUM> and the third planar portion <NUM> of the second supporting member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a sub PCB <NUM> may be disposed to the space. According to an embodiment, the sub PCB <NUM> may be electrically coupled, for example, and without limitation, to at least one conductive construction <NUM> (e.g., an antenna module, a microphone module, a speaker module, an interface connector port, a variety of sockets, an ear-jack assembly, or the like) disposed to the second construction <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the conductive construction <NUM> may include a dummy portion <NUM> disposed to the second plate <NUM> and/or a conductive coupling member <NUM> (e.g., FPCB) to be electrically coupled to the sub PCB <NUM> by being coupled from the dummy portion <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the conductive construction <NUM> may be electrically coupled to the second construction <NUM> using an additional electrical coupling member (e.g., a screw, a shaft, or the like). According to an embodiment, the sub PCB <NUM> may be electrically coupled to the PCB <NUM> disposed to the first construction <NUM> via an electrical coupling member (e.g., the electrical coupling member <NUM> of <FIG>) having a bendable property. For example, the conductive construction <NUM> disposed to the second construction <NUM> may be electrically coupled to the PCB <NUM> disposed to the first construction <NUM> via the sub PCB <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a bar supporting member (support) <NUM> disposed to at least partially overlap with the second supporting member <NUM> between the second plate <NUM> and the first supporting member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the bar supporting member <NUM> may be disposed movably in the direction ① with respect to the first supporting member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the bar supporting member <NUM> may include a fourth planar portion <NUM> overlapping with the first planar portion <NUM> of the first supporting member <NUM> and a fifth planar portion <NUM> extending from the fourth planar portion <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the fourth planar portion <NUM> may guide the supporting construction <NUM> for supporting at least part of the display <NUM>, and the fifth planar portion <NUM> may be guided with respect to the second planar portion <NUM> of the first supporting member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first supporting member <NUM>, the second supporting member <NUM>, the sub PCB <NUM>, and the shaft <NUM> may be fixed to the second construction <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the bar supporting member <NUM> may be disposed movably with respect to the first supporting member <NUM> depending on a close state or open state of the first construction <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the supporting construction <NUM> may include a bar <NUM> coupled to the first planar portion <NUM> of the first supporting member <NUM>. For example, the bar <NUM> may be plural in number. According to an embodiment, the bar <NUM> may be disposed to extend from the first planar portion <NUM> of the first supporting member <NUM> to up to at least part of a space between the second supporting member <NUM> and the first face <NUM> of the first plate <NUM> along an outer circumferential surface of the center hinge arm <NUM> and the pair of side hinge arms <NUM> and <NUM> having a circular cross-section. According to an embodiment, the bendable portion <NUM> of the display <NUM> may be disposed to be attached to an exterior surface to which the bar <NUM> of the supporting construction <NUM> is coupled. According to an embodiment, the bar <NUM> of the supporting member <NUM> may be moved together with the bendable portion <NUM> of the display <NUM> along with a guide construction (e.g., the guide construction <NUM> of <FIG>) of the first supporting member <NUM> when the first construction <NUM> is moved to an open state or a closed state with respect to the second construction <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the conductive construction <NUM> may include the dummy portion <NUM> disposed to the second plate <NUM> and/or the conductive coupling member <NUM> to be electrically coupled to the sub PCB <NUM> by being coupled from the dummy portion <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the dummy portion <NUM> may include an injection portion and a board disposed to the injection portion. According to an embodiment, the conductive construction <NUM> may include an antenna module. According to an embodiment, the dummy portion <NUM> of the conductive construction <NUM> may be disposed to be physically in contact with the conductive unit lateral wall <NUM> of the second plate <NUM> used as an antenna radiator. According to an embodiment, the conductive unit lateral wall <NUM> may be electrically coupled to the sub PCB <NUM> via the dummy portion <NUM> and the conductive coupling member <NUM>. For example, the conductive unit lateral wall <NUM> may be electrically coupled to a wireless communication circuit <NUM> mounted to the PCB <NUM> by being electrically coupled to the PCB <NUM> disposed to the first construction <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>), cut along the line A-A' of <FIG>, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

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

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may have the first construction <NUM> disposed movably with respect to the second construction <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the first construction <NUM> is moved with respect to the second construction <NUM>, the bar supporting member <NUM> to which the bendable portion <NUM> of the display <NUM> is attached may be moved with respect to the first supporting member <NUM> of the second construction <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first space <NUM> formed between the second plate <NUM> and the second face <NUM> of a first plate <NUM> and a second space <NUM> coupled to the first space <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the first construction <NUM> is moved from a closed state to an open state, at least part of the bendable portion <NUM> of the display <NUM> may be moved from the first space <NUM> and the second place <NUM> to substantially define a plane between the planar portion <NUM> of the display <NUM> and the first lateral wall <NUM> of the second plate <NUM> when viewed from above the first plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in the closed state, the bendable portion <NUM> of the display <NUM> may be disposed such that a first portion <NUM> of the bendable portion <NUM> is inserted to the second space <NUM> along an outer circumferential surface of the supporting construction <NUM> from a space with respect to the first lateral walls <NUM>, and a second portion <NUM> of the bendable portion <NUM> is located between the second plate <NUM> and the pair of hinge arms <NUM> and <NUM> of the first supporting member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in the open state, the first portion <NUM> of the bendable portion <NUM> of the display <NUM> may be moved to the first space <NUM>, and the second portion <NUM> may be moved to substantially construct a plane by being pulled out to the first face <NUM> of the first plate <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, in the closed state, since the electronic device <NUM> is constructed such that a third distance d3 between the second plate <NUM> and the first portion <NUM> is greater than a fourth distance d4 between the second plate <NUM> and the second portion <NUM>, the conductive construction <NUM> may be disposed to a region having the third distance d3. According to an embodiment, it is possible to make the electronic device slim due to such a structure in which the conductive construction <NUM> is effectively disposed.

<FIG> are diagrams illustrating an example state where the first supporting member <NUM> and the second supporting member <NUM> are coupled according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the first supporting member <NUM> may include the first planer portion <NUM> and the second planar portion <NUM> which is extended to have a step difference with respect to a height of the first planar portion <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first supporting member <NUM> may include the pair of side hinge arms <NUM> and <NUM> disposed to have a substantially constant interval from one end of the first planar portion <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the pair of side hinge arms <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed to have a length in a direction (e.g., a direction ① of <FIG>) perpendicular to the second lateral wall <NUM> (e.g., the second lateral wall <NUM> of <FIG>) and parallel to the first lateral wall <NUM> (e.g., the first lateral wall <NUM> of <FIG>), and may include the first through-hole <NUM> and the second through-hole <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second supporting member <NUM> may include the third planar portion <NUM> having an area corresponding to at least the first planar portion <NUM> and second planar portion <NUM> of the first supporting member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second supporting member <NUM> may include the center hinge arm <NUM> extended from the second planar portion <NUM> so as to be inserted to a space <NUM> between the pair of hinge arms <NUM> and <NUM> of the first supporting member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the center hinge arm <NUM> may include the third through-hole <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first supporting member <NUM> and the second supporting member <NUM> may be mutually fixed by means of the shaft <NUM> disposed to penetrate both the first through-hole <NUM> of the pair of side hinge arms <NUM> and <NUM> and the third through-hole <NUM> of the sensor hinge arm <NUM>, in a state where the pair of side hinge arms <NUM> and <NUM> and the sensor hinge arm <NUM> are coupled temporarily. According to an embodiment, the pair of washers <NUM> may be disposed between the center hinge arm <NUM> and the pair of side hinge arms <NUM> and the <NUM> so that the coupling is achieved more firmly.

According to various embodiments, the second planar portion <NUM> of the first supporting member <NUM> may be disposed to have a step difference and to be closer to the second plate <NUM> (e.g., the second plate <NUM> of <FIG>) than the first planar portion <NUM>. For example, when the first supporting member <NUM> and the second supporting member <NUM> are coupled by means of the shaft <NUM>, a space <NUM> may be constructed between the second planar portion <NUM> of the first supporting member <NUM> and the third planar portion <NUM> of the second supporting member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sub PCB <NUM> may be disposed to the space <NUM>.

<FIG> are diagrams illustrating an example structure in which a supporting construction is disposed to the first supporting member <NUM> according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, the first supporting member <NUM> may include a guide <NUM> constructed in a lengthwise direction along an outer circumferential surface of the pair of side hinge arms <NUM> and <NUM> from at least part of the first planar portion <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the guide <NUM> may include a guide rib <NUM> having a guide groove <NUM> and extended to have a specific height from an exterior surface of the first planar portion <NUM> of the first supporting member <NUM> and the pair of side hinge arms <NUM> and <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the supporting construction <NUM> may include the bar <NUM> sequentially coupled to the guide rib of the first supporting member <NUM>. For example, the bar <NUM> may be plural in number. According to an embodiment, the bar <NUM> may include a guide protrusion <NUM> disposed at a location corresponding to a guide rib <NUM>. For example, the bar <NUM> may be sequentially coupled in such a manner that the guide protrusion <NUM> of the bar <NUM> is guided by the guide rib <NUM> and guide groove <NUM> of the guide <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the plurality of guide bars <NUM> may be disposed to be extended from the first planar portion <NUM> to up to at least part of a space between the first plate <NUM> and the second supporting member <NUM> along an outer circumferential surface of the pair of side hinge arms <NUM> and <NUM> having a circular cross-section and the center hinge arm <NUM> of the first supporting member <NUM>.

<FIG> are diagrams illustrating an example state where a display is disposed to a supporting construction according to various embodiments.

<FIG> illustrates a state where a first construction (e.g., the first construction <NUM> of <FIG>) is in a closed state with respect to a second construction (e.g., the second construction <NUM> of <FIG>), and <FIG> illustrates a state where the first construction (e.g., the first construction <NUM> of <FIG>) is in an open state with respect to the second construction (e.g., the second construction <NUM> of <FIG>).

Referring to <FIG>, the bendable portion <NUM> of the display <NUM> may be disposed to be attached to an exterior surface to which the bar <NUM> of the supporting construction <NUM> is coupled. According to an embodiment, the bar <NUM> of the supporting member <NUM> may be moved together with the bendable portion <NUM> of the display <NUM> along with a guide (e.g., the guide <NUM> of <FIG>) of the first supporting member <NUM> when the first construction <NUM> is moved to an open state or a closed state with respect to the second construction <NUM>. For example, the bendable portion <NUM> of the display <NUM> may be moved to correspond to a curved shape of a corresponding region to which a conductive construction (e.g., the conductive construction <NUM> of <FIG>) constructed by the bar <NUM> is disposed.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example state where the bar supporting member <NUM> is disposed to the first supporting member <NUM> according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, in a state where the first supporting member <NUM> and the second supporting member <NUM> are assembled by the shaft <NUM>, the bar <NUM> may be joined to the guide <NUM> of the first supporting member <NUM>. For example, the bar <NUM> may be plural in number. According to an embodiment, the bar supporting member <NUM> may be disposed to the first supporting member <NUM> in such a manner that at least part thereof overlaps. According to an embodiment, the bar supporting member <NUM> may be disposed movably in the direction ① of <FIG> with respect to the first supporting member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the bar supporting member <NUM> may include the fourth planar portion <NUM> overlapping with the first planar portion (e.g., the first planar portion <NUM> of <FIG>) of the first supporting member <NUM> and the fifth planar portion <NUM> extending from the fourth planar portion. According to an embodiment, the bar supporting member <NUM> may be disposed movably with respect to the first supporting member <NUM> according to a closed state or open state of the first construction <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the bar supporting member <NUM> may include a guide slit <NUM> constructed to be guided by a guide link <NUM> disposed to the first supporting member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may include at least one actuator <NUM> disposed between the bar supporting member <NUM> and the first supporting member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the first construction (e.g., the first construction <NUM> of <FIG>) is moved with respect to the second construction (e.g., the second construction of <FIG>), in case of passing a specific inflection point, the actuator <NUM> may provide pressing force to press the first construction (e.g., the first construction <NUM> of <FIG>) in a fully closed direction or a fully open direction with respect to the second construction (e.g., the second construction of <FIG>). However, without being limited thereto, the actuator <NUM> may provide a free stop and/or at least one stop section. According to an embodiment, one end of the actuator <NUM> may be movably fixed to the bar supporting member <NUM>, and the other end may be movably fixed to the first supporting member <NUM>. For another example, although there are two guide links <NUM>, two guide slits <NUM>, and two actuators <NUM> in <FIG>, the number of these components may be one or at least three.

<FIG> illustrates a structure of disposing the supporting construction <NUM> according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the bar <NUM> coupled along an outer circumferential surface of the pair of side hinge arms <NUM> and <NUM> of the first supporting member <NUM> and the center hinge arm <NUM> of the second supporting member <NUM> may have guide pieces <NUM> disposed to both end portions thereof. According to an embodiment, when the bar <NUM> is coupled, the guide pieces <NUM> are coupled to each other, thereby preventing the display <NUM> guided on an upper portion thereof from being detached. According to an embodiment, since the guide piece <NUM> is constructed to protrude relatively, when it is moved in a curved shape along the hinge arm, a gap `g' which becomes wider in a specific angle may be constructed as illustrated. The gap becomes wider when the bar <NUM> is moved to a curved portion of the hinge arm, and thus may not be able to guide the display. For example, since the guide piece <NUM> may be omitted in a portion <NUM> of the bar <NUM>, which corresponds to a bendable portion of the display, the gap may be prevented from occurring when moved to the hinge arm.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example structure in which the display <NUM> is disposed to the supporting construction <NUM> and the bar supporting member <NUM> according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the first supporting member <NUM> and the second supporting member <NUM> may be coupled by the shaft <NUM>, and thereafter the supporting construction <NUM> including the bar <NUM> may be disposed to the first supporting member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may be fixed in such a manner that the bendable portion <NUM> extended from the planar portion <NUM> is bent along an exterior surface of the bar <NUM> disposed along the hinge arms <NUM> and <NUM> of the first supporting member <NUM> and is attached to the fourth planar portion <NUM> of the bar supporting member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, when the first construction (e.g., the first construction <NUM> of <FIG>) is open with respect to the second construction (e.g., the second construction <NUM> of <FIG>), an area of the display <NUM> may be increased, and the bar supporting member <NUM> may be moved with respect to the first supporting member <NUM> while being moved along the bendable portion <NUM> of the display <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example structure of the second plate <NUM> according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the second construction <NUM> includes the second plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second plate <NUM> may comprise a heterogeneous material. For example, the second plate <NUM> may be constructed in such a manner that a conductive member <NUM> and a non-conductive member <NUM> are insert-injected. According to an embodiment, a first lateral wall <NUM> of the second construction <NUM> may be constructed of the conductive member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first lateral wall <NUM> may include the conductive unit lateral wall <NUM> electrically decoupled from a neighboring conductive member due to the first non-conductive portion <NUM> and/or second non-conductive portion <NUM> disposed to be spaced apart by a specific interval. According to an embodiment, the conductive unit lateral wall <NUM> may be extended up to a location at which a conductive construction (e.g., the conductive construction <NUM> of <FIG>) is disposed through a conductive coupling portion <NUM>. However, without being limited thereto, a conductive construction may also be disposed to the second lateral wall <NUM> and/or third lateral wall <NUM> of the second construction <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams illustrating an example structure in which the conductive construction <NUM> is disposed to the second plate <NUM> according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the conductive construction <NUM> may be disposed inside a trough <NUM> provided by the first lateral wall <NUM>, second lateral wall <NUM>, and third lateral wall <NUM> of the second plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the conductive construction <NUM> may include the dummy portion <NUM> and the electrical coupling member <NUM> (e.g., FPCB) pulled out by a specific length from the dummy portion <NUM> and electrically coupled to a sub PCB (e.g., the sub PCB <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the dummy portion <NUM> may include a board, and may be electrically coupled to the conductive coupling portion <NUM> exposed from the trough <NUM> directly or via a coupling member such as, for example, and without limitation, a c-clip, or the like. According to an embodiment, the dummy portion <NUM> may be fixed to the second plate <NUM> by means of a screw S joined via a screw joining hole <NUM> provided in the second plate <NUM>, and a screw joining portion may be hidden via the second rear cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the conductive unit lateral wall <NUM> may operate as an antenna radiator by being electrically coupled to a wireless communication circuit of a PCB (e.g., the PCB <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed inside the electronic device.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example state where the second plate <NUM> and the shaft <NUM> are joined according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the second plate <NUM> of the second construction <NUM> may be coupled to the shaft <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second plate <NUM> may be fixed by means of a screw S joined to a screw joining hole <NUM> disposed to the shaft <NUM> via a screw joining hole <NUM> constructed by using the second lateral wall <NUM> of the second construction <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the shaft <NUM> may be constructed of a conductive material, and a conductive portion of the second plate <NUM> may be electrically coupled to the shaft <NUM> constructed of the conductive material by means of a screw S by joining the second lateral wall <NUM> constructed as a conductive member by means of the screw S constructed of the conductive material. For example, the second plate <NUM> may be grounded via the conductive shaft <NUM>, thereby avoiding an electric shock accident and radiation performance deterioration of an antenna radiator due to gripping of the device.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example process of assembling an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> or the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to various embodiments. <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams illustrating the example assembling process based on the flowchart of <FIG> according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, in operation <NUM>, referring to <FIG>, the display <NUM> (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) may be assembled to the front supporting member <NUM>. According to embodiments, the display <NUM> includes the planar portion <NUM> and the bendable portion <NUM> extending from the planar portion <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may be assembled in such a manner that the planar portion <NUM> is attached to the front supporting member <NUM> through a process of, for example, and without limitation, screw fastening, taping, bonding, or the like.

In operation <NUM>, referring to <FIG>, the front supporting member <NUM> to which the display <NUM> is fixed may be assembled to the first face <NUM> of the first plate <NUM> of the first construction <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the front supporting member <NUM> may also be attached to a first face through the process of, for example, and without limitation, screw fastening (S), taping, bonding, or the like. According to an embodiment, the operations <NUM> and <NUM> may be performed together, or the operation <NUM> may be first performed, followed by the operation <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, referring to <FIG>, the PCB <NUM> and the battery <NUM> may be assembled to the second face <NUM> of the first plate <NUM> of the first construction <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the PCB <NUM> may be disposed by avoiding a battery disposition region, or may be disposed by overlapping with at least part of the battery disposition region.

In operation <NUM>, referring to <FIG>, the second supporting member <NUM> and the sub-PCB <NUM> may be assembled to the second face <NUM> of the first plate <NUM> of the first construction <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sub-PCB <NUM> may be electrically coupled to the PCB <NUM> through an electrical coupling member <NUM> (e.g., FPCB) including a bending portion having a bending property. The electrical coupling member <NUM> may be constructed to have a sufficiently enough length or shape to cover a movement distance by which the first plate <NUM> of the first construction <NUM> is moved between a closed state and open state with respect to the sub PCB <NUM> and second supporting member <NUM> fixed to the second construction (e.g., the second construction <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the bending portion of the electrical coupling member <NUM> may be constructed in a shape of, for example, and without limitation, a 'U', an 'S', or the like.

In operation <NUM>, referring to <FIG>, the first supporting member <NUM> and the shaft <NUM> may be assembled to the second supporting member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first supporting member <NUM> may be fixed to the second supporting member <NUM> since the shaft <NUM> penetrates the center hinge arm <NUM> disposed to the second supporting member <NUM> and the pair of side hinge arms <NUM> and <NUM> disposed to the first supporting member <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, after the bar <NUM> of the support construction <NUM> is assembled to the first supporting member <NUM>, the bar supporting member <NUM> may be assembled to an end portion thereof. According to an embodiment, the bar supporting member <NUM> may be disposed movably with respect to the first supporting member <NUM> in the same direction as a direction in which the first construction <NUM> is moved with respect to the second construction (e.g., the second construction <NUM> of <FIG>).

In operation <NUM>, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the bendable portion <NUM> of the display <NUM> may be attached to the bar supporting member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, an end portion of the bendable portion <NUM> may be attached to the bar supporting member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second plate <NUM> and the portion attached to the bar supporting member <NUM> of the bendable portion <NUM> may provide a specific separation distance (e.g., the third distance d3 of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the second plate <NUM> and the portion attached to the bar <NUM> of the bendable portion <NUM> may provide a distance (e.g., the fourth distance d4 of <FIG>) shorter than the separation distance. According to an embodiment, the distance (e.g., the third distance d3 of <FIG>) provided by the second plate <NUM> and the portion attached to the bar supporting member <NUM> of the bendable portion <NUM> is relatively greater than a surrounding region, and thus may be utilized as a space of disposing a conductive construction (e.g., the conductive construction <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the bendable portion <NUM> of the display <NUM> may be attached, for example, and without limitation, by taping, bonding, or the like, an end portion of the bar supporting member <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, referring to <FIG>, the conductive construction <NUM> may be assembled to the second plate <NUM> of the second construction <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the dummy portion <NUM> may be fixed to the conductive member disposed inside the trough <NUM> constructed by the first lateral wall <NUM>, second lateral wall <NUM>, and third lateral wall <NUM> of the second plate <NUM>, and the electrical coupling member <NUM> (e.g., FPCB) extended to be pulled out by a specific length from the dummy portion <NUM> may be disposed.

In operation <NUM>, referring to <FIG>, the second construction <NUM> may be assembled to the first construction <NUM>. In this case, the electrical coupling member <NUM> of the conductive construction <NUM> may be electrically coupled to a sub PCB (e.g. the sub PCB <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed between the first supporting member (e.g., the first supporting member <NUM> of <FIG>) and the second supporting member (e.g., the second supporting member <NUM> of <FIG>). The supporting cover <NUM> and the first rear cover <NUM> may be assembled to the first plate <NUM>. The second rear cover <NUM> may be assembled to the second plate <NUM>. Thereafter, assembling may be complete by joining a screw S to the shaft <NUM> via the screw joining hole <NUM> disposed to the second plate <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are cross-sectional views illustrating an electronic device having a conductive construction disposed thereto.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a first construction <NUM> and a second construction <NUM> coupled movably to the first construction <NUM>. The first construction <NUM> may be disposed movably with respect to the second construction <NUM>. The first construction <NUM> may include a display <NUM> supported by a supporting construction (support) <NUM> and disposed such that at least part thereof can be extended. The second construction <NUM> may include a second plate <NUM> and a first lateral wall <NUM>. The second plate <NUM> may be constructed in such a manner that at least part of a conductive member <NUM> and non-conductive member <NUM> may, for example, be insert-injected. However, without being limited thereto, the second plate <NUM> may be constructed in such a manner that the non-conductive member <NUM> is structurally coupled to the conductive member <NUM>. The second plate <NUM> may include a conductive construction <NUM> disposed inside thereof. The conductive construction <NUM> may include a conductive connector <NUM> mounted to a board <NUM> and physically in contact with an interior surface <NUM> constructed as the conductive member <NUM> exposed towards the inside of the electronic device <NUM> from the first lateral wall <NUM> of the second plate <NUM>.

The conductive construction <NUM> may be disposed to have a structure of a contact point in a Y-axis direction. In this case, since a space <NUM> between the supporting construction <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> can be decreased to the maximum extent possible, a thickness of the electronic device <NUM> can be decreased.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a first construction <NUM> and a second construction <NUM> coupled movably to the first construction <NUM>. The first construction <NUM> may be disposed movably with respect to the second construction <NUM>. The first construction <NUM> may include a display <NUM> supported by a supporting construction <NUM> and disposed such that at least part thereof can be extended. The second construction <NUM> may include a second plate <NUM> and a first lateral wall <NUM>. The second plate <NUM> may be constructed as a conductive member. The second plate <NUM> may include a conductive construction <NUM> disposed inside thereof. The conductive construction <NUM> may include a conductive connector <NUM> mounted to a board <NUM> and physically in contact with the second plate <NUM>.

The supporting construction (support) <NUM> may be substantially constructed as planar portions except for a curved portion which allows at least part of the display <NUM> to be inserted inside the electronic device <NUM>. The conductive construction <NUM> may be disposed to have a structure of a contact point of a Z-axis direction in a space <NUM> between the planar portion of the supporting construction <NUM> and the second plate <NUM>.

An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may include: a first assembly (e.g., the first construction <NUM> of <FIG>) comprising a first plate (e.g., the first plate <NUM> of <FIG>) having a first face (e.g., the first face <NUM> of <FIG>) and a second face (e.g., the second face <NUM> of <FIG>) facing away from the first face (e.g., the first face <NUM> of <FIG>); a second assembly (e.g., the second construction <NUM> of <FIG>) comprising a second plate (e.g., the second plate <NUM> of <FIG>) facing the second face of the first plate, a first lateral wall (e.g., the first lateral wall <NUM> of <FIG>) extending from a first end portion of the second plate, a second lateral wall (e.g., the second lateral wall <NUM> of <FIG>) extending from the first lateral wall and the second plate, and a third lateral wall (e.g., the third lateral wall <NUM> of <FIG>) extending from the first lateral wall and the second plate and parallel to the second lateral wall, wherein the second plate, the first lateral wall, the second lateral wall, and the third lateral wall together define a trough (e.g., the trough <NUM> of <FIG>) having one side open to accommodate at least part of the first assembly, wherein the first assembly is movable with respect to the second assembly between an open state (e.g., the state of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) and a close state (e.g., the state of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) in a first direction, and wherein the second assembly is located at a first distance (e.g., the first distance L1 of <FIG>) from the first lateral wall when the first assembly is in the closed state, and is located at a second distance (e.g., the second distance L2 of <FIG>) greater than the first distance from the first lateral wall when the first assembly is in the open state; and a flexible touch screen display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>). The flexible touchscreen display may include a planar portion (e.g., the planar portion <NUM> of <FIG>) extending across at least part of the first face and mounted to the first face, and a bendable portion (e.g., the bendable portion <NUM> of <FIG>) extending to a space between the first lateral wall and the first assembly from the planar portion or between the second plate and the second face of the first plate when the first assembly is in the closed state. When the first assembly (e.g., the first construction <NUM> of <FIG>) transitions from the closed state to the open state, at least part of the bendable portion (e.g., the bendable portion <NUM> of <FIG>) extending to the space may be moved to be visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device from the space to substantially define a plane between the planar portion (e.g., the planar portion <NUM> of FIG. ) and the first lateral wall (e.g., the first lateral wall <NUM> of <FIG>). When the first assembly (e.g., the first construction <NUM> of <FIG>) is in the closed state, the bendable portion (e.g., the bendable portion <NUM> of <FIG>) may be bent along an axis extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a first portion (e.g., the first portion <NUM> of <FIG>) of the bendable portion may be disposed in a corresponding region of the space between the second plate and the second face of the first plate, and a second portion (e.g., the second portion <NUM> of <FIG>) of the bendable portion may be disposed between the axis (e.g., the axis <NUM> of <FIG>) and the second plate (e.g., the second plate <NUM> of <FIG>). A third distance (e.g., the third distance d3 of <FIG>) between the second plate and the first portion may be greater than a fourth distance (e.g., the fourth distance d4 of <FIG>) between the second plate and the second portion.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a shaft (e.g., the shaft <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed inside the trough (e.g., the trough <NUM> of <FIG>), coupled to the second assembly (e.g., the second construction <NUM> of <FIG>), and extending in the second direction (e.g., the direction ② of <FIG>) perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., the direction ① of <FIG>)) to define the axis, and a supporting assembly (e.g., the supporting construction <NUM> of <FIG>) which can be bendably extended and which is coupled to a peripheral portion of the first assembly (e.g., the first construction <NUM> of <FIG>) in the vicinity of the first lateral wall (e.g., the first lateral wall <NUM> of <FIG>). The supporting construction which can be bendably extended may be extended into the space in the closed state to surround the shaft. When the first assembly transitions from the closed state to the open state, at least part of the supporting assembly which can be bendably extended may be moved to a space between the first lateral wall and the first construction or between the second place and the second face of the first plate so as to substantially define a plane between the first assembly and the first lateral wall. The bendable portion (e.g., the bendable portion <NUM> of <FIG>) of the display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) may be coupled to the supporting assembly which can be bendably extended.

According to various embodiments, the supporting assemblies (e.g., the supporting constructions <NUM> of <FIG>) which can be bendably extended may be coupled to be parallel to each other, and may include a bar (e.g., the bar <NUM> of <FIG>) extending in the second direction.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a guide assembly (e.g., the guide construction <NUM> of <FIG>) comprising a guide configured to guide the supporting construction (e.g., the supporting construction <NUM> of <FIG>) which can be bendably extended in order to provide the fourth distance (e.g., the fourth distance d4 of <FIG>).

According to various embodiments, the guide assembly (e.g., the guide construction <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed between the first plate (e.g., the first plate <NUM> of <FIG>) and the supporting assembly (e.g., the supporting construction <NUM> of <FIG>) which can be bendably extended.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a conductive assembly (e.g., the conductive construction <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed inside a space between the first portion (e.g., the first portion <NUM> of <FIG>) and the second plate (e.g., the second plate <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication circuit <NUM> of <FIG>) electrically coupled to the conductive assembly (e.g., the conductive construction <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a first support (e.g., the first supporting member <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed between the second face (e.g., the second face <NUM> of <FIG>) and the second plate (e.g., the second plate <NUM> of <FIG>), and a second support (e.g., the second supporting member <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed between the first supporting member and the second face and coupled to the first support. The shaft (e.g., the shaft <NUM> of <FIG>) may be coupled to penetrate at least part of the first support and the second support.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a screw joining hole (e.g., the screw joining hole <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed at both end portions of the shaft (e.g., the shaft <NUM> of <FIG>). The shaft may be fixed to the second plate (e.g., the second plate <NUM> of <FIG>) by means of a screw (e.g., the screw S of <FIG>) to be joined to the screw joining hole via a screw through-hole (e.g., the screw through-hole <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed to the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall.

According to various embodiments, the shaft (e.g., the shaft <NUM> of <FIG>) may comprise a conductive material, and may be electrically coupled to the second plate as a conductive member by means of the conductive screw (e.g., the screw S of <FIG>).

According to various embodiments, the first support (e.g., the first supporting member <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a first planar portion (e.g., the first planar portion <NUM> of <FIG>), a second planar portion (e.g., the second planar portion <NUM> of <FIG>) extending from the first planar portion and disposed to be closer to the second plate (e.g., the second plate <NUM> of <FIG>) than the first planar portion, and at least one side hinge arm (e.g., the side hinge arms <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG>) provided in the first planar portion along the axis direction and including a through-hole (e.g., the through-holes <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG>). The second support (e.g., the second supporting member <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a third planar portion (e.g., the third planar portion <NUM> of <FIG>) provided to at least partially overlap with the first planar portion and the second planar portion, and at least one center hinge arm (e.g., the sensor hinge arm <NUM> of <FIG>) provided in the third planar portion along the axis direction, in a shape of being aligned in parallel to the at least one side hinge arm, and including a through-hole (i.e., the through-hole <NUM> of <FIG>). The shaft (e.g., the shaft <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed to penetrate the through-hole of the side hinge arm and the through-hole of the center hinge arm.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a sub PCB (e.g., the sub PCB <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed to a space between the second planar portion (e.g., the second planar portion <NUM> of <FIG>) and the third planar portion (e.g., the third planar portion <NUM> of <FIG>). The sub PCB may be electrically coupled to a conductive assembly (e.g., the conductive construction <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed inside a trough of the second plate (e.g., the second plate <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to various embodiments, the sub PCB (e.g., the sub PCB <NUM> of <FIG>) may be electrically coupled to a PCB (e.g., the PCB <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed inside the first assembly (e.g., the first construction <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include a bar support (e.g., the bar supporting member <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed between the first support (e.g., the first supporting member <NUM> of <FIG>) and the second plate (e.g., the second plate <NUM> of <FIG>). The bar support may include a fourth planar portion (e.g., the fourth planar portion <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed at a location corresponding to the first planar portion (e.g., the first planar portion <NUM> of <FIG>), and a fifth planar portion (e.g., the fifth planar portion <NUM> of <FIG>) extending from the fourth planar portion. At least part of the bendable portion (e.g., the bendable portion <NUM> of <FIG>) of the display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) may be fixed to the fourth planar portion. The bar support may be moved with respect to the first supporting member in response to a movement of the first assembly (e.g., the first construction <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to various embodiments, the supports (e.g., the supporting constructions <NUM> of <FIG>) which can be bendably extended may be coupled to be parallel to each other and comprise a bar (e.g., the bar <NUM> of <FIG>) extending in the second direction. The bar may be disposed along an outer circumferential surface of the side hinge arm (e.g., the side hinge arms <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG>) and center hinge arm (e.g., the center hinge arm <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a guide (e.g., the guide construction <NUM> of <FIG>) configured to guide the support (e.g., the supporting construction <NUM> of <FIG>) which can be bendably extended in order to provide the fourth distance (e.g., the fourth distance d4 of <FIG>). The guide may include a guide groove (e.g., the guide groove <NUM> of <FIG>) extending from an outer circumferential surface of the side hinge arm (e.g., the side hinge arms <NUM> and <NUM> of AFIG. 6A) of the first support (e.g., the first supporting member <NUM> of <FIG>) to up to at least part of the first planar portion (e.g., the first planar portion <NUM> of <FIG>), and at least one guide protrusion (e.g., the guide protrusion <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed to protrude from the bar so as to be guided by the guide groove. The bar may be coupled to the first support (e.g., the first supporting member <NUM> of <FIG>) in such a manner that the guide protrusion is guided by the guide groove.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a conductive assembly (e.g., the conductive construction <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed inside the second space (e.g., the second space <NUM> of <FIG>) between the first portion (e.g., the first portion <NUM> of <FIG>) and the second plate (e.g., the second plate <NUM> of <FIG>). At least part of the second plate (e.g., the second plate <NUM> of <FIG>) may be constructed as a conductive member. The conductive assembly may be electrically coupled to the conductive member.

An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a first assembly (e.g., the first construction <NUM> of <FIG>) which provides at least part of a rear face (e.g., the second face <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device, a second assembly (e.g., the second construction <NUM> of <FIG>) at least partially accommodated by the first assembly and movable with respect to the rear face, and a flexible touchscreen display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) at least partially accommodated by the first assembly, and coupled to the second assembly so that a size of a display region visually exposed to the outside in a direction of a front face of the electronic device is adjustable in response to a relative movement of the second assembly with respect to the first assembly. The flexible touchscreen display may include a flat display region (e.g., the planar portion <NUM> of <FIG>) visually exposed to the outside, and a bendable display region (e.g., the bendable portion <NUM> of <FIG>) exposed visually to the outside by being extended from an inner space of the first assembly when the second assembly is moved in a first direction relative to the first assembly, and not exposed visually when retracted to the inner space when the second assembly is moved in a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the first assembly. A first portion (e.g., the first portion <NUM> of <FIG>) of the bendable display region may be substantially parallel to the flat display region, and when the second portion (e.g., the second portion <NUM> of <FIG>) is retracted to the inner space so as to be bent with respect to the flat display region, a first minimum distance (e.g., the third distance d3 of <FIG>) between the first portion and an interior surface of the rear face is greater than a second minimum distance (e.g., the fourth distance d4 of <FIG>) between the second portion and the interior surface.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a conductive assembly (e.g., the conductive construction <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed inside the inner space (e.g., the second space <NUM> of <FIG>). At least part of the first assembly (e.g., the first construction <NUM> of <FIG>) may be constructed as a conductive member. The conductive assembly may be electrically coupled to the conductive member.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication circuit <NUM> of <FIG>) electrically coupled to the conductive construction (e.g., the conductive construction <NUM> of <FIG>).

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
a first assembly (<NUM>) including a first plate (<NUM>);
a second assembly (<NUM>) including a second plate (<NUM>) facing the first plate (<NUM>), and configured to be slidable with respect to the first assembly (<NUM>) in a first direction; and
a flexible touchscreen display (<NUM>), wherein the flexible touchscreen display (<NUM>) includes:
a planar portion (<NUM>) extending across at least part of a first face (<NUM>) of the first plate (<NUM>); and
a bendable portion (<NUM>) extending from the planar portion (<NUM>) to a space when the first assembly (<NUM>) is in the open state or to a space between the second plate (<NUM>) and a second face (<NUM>) of the first plate when the first assembly (<NUM>) is in a closed state with respect to the second assembly (<NUM>),
wherein when the first assembly (<NUM>) transitions from the closed state to the open state at least part of the bendable portion (<NUM>) extending to the space is configured to be moved to be substantially coplanar with the planar portion (<NUM>) and to be visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device (<NUM>), and
wherein, when the first assembly (<NUM>) is in the closed state, the bendable portion (<NUM>) is bent about an axis extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a first portion (<NUM>) of the bendable portion (<NUM>) is provided in a corresponding region of the space between the second plate (<NUM>) and the second face (<NUM>) of the first plate (<NUM>), and a second portion (<NUM>) of the bendable portion (<NUM>) is disposed between at least the axis and the second plate (<NUM>), and
characterized in that a first distance (d3) between the second plate (<NUM>) and the first portion (<NUM>) of the flexible touchscreen display (<NUM>) is greater than a second distance (d4) between the second plate (<NUM>) and the second portion (<NUM>) of the flexible touchscreen display (<NUM>).