Patent Description:
With the development of flexible displays that are bendable while displaying image information thereon, studies are being conducted and developments are being made regarding a foldable type device in which a flexible display is applied to a device having two bodies and folding structures (for example, hinge units). In such a device, since the flexible display may be entirely disposed on the two bodies via a folding structure, a large sized display may be implemented in the device.

As another device using a flexible display, a rollable device having a structure in which a display is rolled has been studied and developed. In such a device, as the flexible display is rolled, the total size or area of the display may be reduced. Conversely, as the flexible display is unrolled, the size or area of the display may be increased.

As still another device using a flexible display, a device has been introduced in which, as the two bodies perform sliding movement relative to each other, the flexible display having a U-shape according to a curved middle part is modified such that an area of the display viewed from either side changes.

As one prior document using a flexible display in this regard, <CIT> (hereinafter referred to as 'Related Art') discloses a mobile terminal that includes a terminal body, a sliding member, a flexible display, and a rotation axis.

The mobile terminal according to the Related Art may be maintained in a relatively small size in a state in which the sliding member is not withdrawn from the terminal body, but may form a display of a relatively large screen by being maintained in a relatively large size in a state in which the sliding member is withdrawn from the terminal body.

Smartphones, which constitute the majority of mobile phones, are configured to have various functions. For this, smartphones include, for example, various sensors and cameras. In recent years, various smartphones equipped with a flexible display have also been introduced.

Accordingly, there is a constant need for development of a device (smartphone) that may have various functions, may be small in size so as to be portable, and may implement a large-screen display as needed.

<CIT> discloses a terminal device capable of switching between a collapsed state and an expanded state of a flexible screen. <CIT> discloses a mobile phone having a flexible screen, a hidden camera and a hidden fingerprint recognition device. <CIT> discloses an electronic device including an expanding flexible display. <CIT> discloses an electronic device comprising a flexible display. <CIT> discloses a mobile terminal having a flexible display.

<CIT> discloses a flexible display device comprising a body, the body comprising a first body, a second body configured to move relative to the first body between a first position and a second position, and a support coupled to the second body, wherein the support and the second body move together relative to the first body; a flexible display comprising: a first region disposed at a front of the first body, a second region extending from the first region and partially curved around the support, and a third region extending from the second region; and a camera disposed at a rear of the body fixed adjacent to an edge of the first body farthest from the support.

The present disclosure is directed to providing a flexible display device in which, since a camera may be mounted on a rear surface of the flexible display device and an exposed (visible) area of a flexible display on a front surface of the flexible display device may continuously change, the exposed area of the flexible display on the front surface of the flexible display device can be further increased.

The present disclosure is further directed to providing a flexible display device capable of further increasing an exposed area of a flexible display on a front surface of the flexible display device, without the flexible display interfering with a camera.

The present disclosure is still further directed to providing a flexible display device capable of increasing a range (stroke) of movement of a second body relative to a first body.

The present disclosure is still further directed to providing a flexible display device capable of stably modifying a flexible display, when a camera is mounted on either side on a rear surface of the flexible display device.

A flexible display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is made to be carried and held by a user.

The flexible display device may include a body, a flexible display, and a camera.

The body may include a first body, a second body, and a support.

The second body may be configured to move relative to the first body between a first position and a second position. The first position is a relative position of the second body relative to the first body, and the second position is also a relative position of the second body relative to the first body.

When the second body is at the first position relative to the first body, the state of the flexible display device is referred to as a first state. Further, when the second body is at the second position relative to the first body, the state of the flexible display device is referred to as a second state. Accordingly, in the description of the present disclosure, "the first position" may be used in the same sense as "the first state of the flexible display device", and "the second position" may be used in the same sense as "the second state of the flexible display device".

A movement direction of the second body relative to the first body may be parallel to a first direction.

The support is coupled to the second body, and moves together with the second body.

The support may be formed in the shape of a circular roller that has a uniform cross-section in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

The support may be configured to rotate in both directions about a central axis parallel to the second direction.

The flexible display may include a first region, a second region, and a third region that are sequentially connected to each other.

At least a portion of the flexible display is formed to be curved, and the flexible display changes in shape by being pushed by the support as the second body moves relative to the first body.

The first region may be parallel to the first and second directions. The first region may be disposed at a front of the first body. The first region may be fixed in front of the first body based on a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions.

The second region is configured to extend from the first region and to be partially curved around the support.

The second region may include a first connected region and a second connected region.

The first connected region is adjacent to the first region.

The second connected region is between the first connected region and the third region.

The third region is configured to extend from the second region on the opposite side of the first region.

The third region may be formed in the shape of a film that is flexibly curved.

The camera is disposed at a rear surface of the body.

The camera may be fixed to an outer surface of the first body toward an edge of the flexible display device away from the support.

The camera may be fixed behind the first body based on the third direction, and may be located away from the support. Further, two or more cameras may be arranged in the second direction.

In the flexible display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an area of the second region forming the same plane with the first region is larger when the second body is at the second position than when the second body is at the first position.

When the second body is at the first position, based on the first direction, the distance from the support to an edge of at least a portion of the third region may be greater than the distance from the support to the camera.

When the second body is at the first position, based on the first direction, the distance from the support to an end of at least a portion of the third region may be equal to or greater than the distance from the support to a center of the camera.

When the second body is at the first position, the first connected region is curved around the support, and a plane of the second connected region is parallel to a plane of the first region.

When the second body is at the first position, the third region may be located in the same line as the camera in the second direction when viewed from the third direction.

When the second body is at the second position, the first connected region may form the same plane with the first region, at least a portion of the second connected region may be curved around the support, and at least a portion of the third region may be curved around the support.

When the second body is at the second position, a part of the third region may be curved around the support and a plane of a remaining part thereof may be parallel to a plane of the first region.

When the second body is at the second position, the third region may be located in the same line as the support in the second direction when viewed from the third direction.

An outer surface of the first body and an outer surface of the second body may together form a rear surface of the flexible display device.

The second and third regions may be configured to move between the first body and the second body.

The second body may include a second transparent region and a second non-transparent region.

The second transparent region is made transparent such that the second region is visually exposed to the outside.

The second non-transparent region is made non-transparent such that the third region is not visually exposed to the outside.

The flexible display device may further include a touch panel coupled to the second transparent region. When the second body is at the first position, the second region, the second transparent region, and the touch panel may be arranged to overlap each other, and the second region and the touch panel may be combined to enable a touch input.

When the second body is at the first position, an inner surface of the first body may face an outer surface of the second body.

The flexible display device may further include a wireless transmission/reception part.

When the second body is at the first position, when viewed from the third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions, the wireless transmission/reception part overlaps with the third region, and is fixed to the inner surface of the first body.

The wireless transmission/reception part may include, for example, an antenna, a wireless communication module, and a wireless charging module. Accordingly, the flexible display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may perform wireless charging or wireless communication through the wireless transmission/reception part.

The flexible display device may further include a tension generator.

The tension generator may be configured to couple the first body or the second body to the third region and to pull the third region away from the support.

The tension generator may be configured to couple the first body to the third region, and provide a tensioning force to the flexible display when the second body is at the second position.

The third region may include a first end region and a second end region.

When the second body is at the first position, the first end region may be formed in the same line as the camera in the second direction when viewed from the third direction, and may have a uniform width in the second direction.

The second end region may be formed in the same line as the camera in the first direction when viewed from the third direction, may have a uniform width in the second direction, and may be coupled to the first end region.

The second body may be located behind the first body based on the third direction, and the second body may include a first support region and a second support region.

When the second body is at the first position, the first support region may be formed to shield the first end region.

When the second body is at the first position, the second support region may be formed to shield the second end region.

The flexible display device may further include a first rail, a second rail, a first slider, and a second slider.

The first rail may be configured to extend in the first direction, and may be fixed to the first support region away from the second support region.

The second rail may be configured to extend in the first direction, and may be fixed to the second support region away from the first support region.

The first slider may be coupled to perform sliding movement along the first rail, and may be fixed to the first body.

The second slider may be coupled to perform sliding movement along the second rail, and may be fixed to the first body.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, based on the first direction, the distance from the support to ends of the first and second rails may be greater than the distance from the support to an end of the second support region, respectively.

The flexible display device may further include a first tension generator and a second tension generator.

The first tension generator may be configured to couple the first body to the first end region, and provide a tensioning force to the flexible display when the second body is at the second position.

The second tension generator may be configured to couple the first body to the second end region, and provide a tensioning force to the flexible display when the second body is at the second position.

The tension generator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a tension housing, a spool, a spiral spring, and a wire.

The tension body is coupled to the first body.

The spool is configured to rotate inside the tension body.

The spiral spring is configured to provide an elastic rotational force to the spool. The spiral spring is received within the tension body.

One end of the wire is fixed to and wound around the spool and the other end of the wire is coupled to the third region.

The flexible display device may further include a coupling beam, a stopper, and a trigger.

The coupling beam is configured to mediate the coupling between the third region and the tension generator.

The stopper is configured to fix the coupling beam to the first body.

The trigger is configured to separate the coupling beam and the stopper from the first body.

In the flexible display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the flexible display may include the first region, the second region, and the third region. When the second body is at the first position, based on the first direction, the distance from the support to an end (edge) of the third region may be greater than the distance from the support to the camera, and when the second body is at the second position, the third region may move to the support. Accordingly, since the flexible display device may be configured such that the camera may be mounted on the rear surface thereof and an exposed (visible) area of the flexible display on the front surface thereof may continuously change, the exposed area of the flexible display on the front surface of the flexible display device can be further increased.

In the flexible display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the third region of the flexible display may include the first and second end regions, and the second body may include the first and second support regions. Accordingly, the flexible display device may be configured such that protection and support of the flexible display can be achieved by the second body and the exposed area of the flexible display on the front surface of the flexible display device can be further increased, without the flexible display interfering with the camera.

In addition, since the flexible display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include the first rail, the second rail, the first slider, and the second slider, and based on the first direction, the distance from the support to the ends of the first and second rails may be greater than the distance from the support to the end of the second support region, respectively, the range (stroke) of movement of the second body relative to the first body can be increased.

Since the flexible display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include the first and second tension generators, stable modification of the flexible display can be achieved, even when the camera is mounted on either side of the rear surface of the flexible display device.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and like reference numerals designate like elements, and redundant description thereof will be omitted. Suffixes "module" and "unit or portion" for elements used in the following description are merely provided for facilitation of preparing this specification, and thus they are not granted a specific meaning or function. In the following description, known functions or structures, which may confuse the substance of the present disclosure, are not explained. The accompanying drawings are used to help easily explain various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings.

Although the terms first, second, and the like, may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms.

When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present.

The singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

It should be understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "containing," "has," "having" or any other variation thereof specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components.

A flexible display device (hereinafter, referred to as a 'display device') described in the present specification may include a mobile terminal such as a portable phone, a smartphone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation, a slate PC, a tablet PC, an ultra-book, a wearable device, a smart watch, a smart glass, a head mounted display (HMD), and the like.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the configuration according to the embodiment disclosed in the present specification may be applied to a fixed terminal such as a digital TV, a desktop computer, a digital signage except for an example that is applied only to a mobile terminal. Hereinafter, in the present disclosure, for the convenience of description, the mobile terminal will be first described as an example of the display device.

<FIG> is a block diagram for explaining a mobile terminal <NUM> according to the present disclosure.

The mobile terminal <NUM> may include, for example, a wireless transceiver <NUM>, an input interface <NUM>, a sensor <NUM>, an output interface <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, and a power supply <NUM>. The components shown in <FIG> are not essential to implement the mobile terminal, and the mobile terminal described in the present disclosure may include more or fewer components than the components described above.

More specifically, the wireless transceiver <NUM> may include one or more modules that enable wireless communication between the mobile terminal <NUM> and a wireless communication system, between the mobile terminal <NUM> and another mobile terminal <NUM>, or between the mobile terminal <NUM> and an external server. Further, the wireless transceiver <NUM> may include one or more modules that connect the mobile terminal <NUM> to one or more networks.

The wireless transceiver <NUM> may include at least one of a broadcast receiving module <NUM>, a mobile communication module <NUM>, a wireless internet module <NUM>, a near field communication module <NUM>, or a position information module <NUM>.

The input interface <NUM> may include a camera <NUM> or an image input interface that inputs an image signal, a microphone <NUM> or an audio input interface that inputs an audio signal, and a user input interface <NUM> (for example, a touch key or a mechanical key) that receives information from a user. Voice data or image data collected by the input interface <NUM> may be analyzed and processed as a control command of the user.

The sensor <NUM> may include one or more sensors that sense at least one of information in the mobile terminal, surrounding environment information around the mobile terminal, or user information. For example, the sensor <NUM> may include at least one of a proximity sensor <NUM>, an illumination sensor <NUM>, a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, a G-sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a motion sensor, an RGB sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a finger scan sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor (for example, a camera <NUM>), a microphone <NUM>, a battery gauge, an environment sensor (for example, a barometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, a radiation sensor, a thermal sensor, a gas sensor, etc.), or a chemical sensor (for example, an electronic nose, a healthcare sensor, and a biometric sensor). Further, the mobile terminal disclosed in the present specification may combine and utilize information sensed by at least two sensors from the above-mentioned sensors.

The output interface <NUM> generates outputs related to visual, auditory, or tactile senses, and may include at least one of a display <NUM>, a sound output interface <NUM>, a haptic module <NUM>, or an optical output interface <NUM>. The display <NUM> forms a mutual layered structure with a touch sensor, or is formed integrally to be implemented as a touch screen. The touch screen simultaneously may serve as a user input interface <NUM> that provides an input interface between the mobile terminal <NUM> and the user while providing an output interface between the mobile terminal <NUM> and the user.

The interface <NUM> serves as a passage between the mobile terminal <NUM> and various types of external devices that are connected to the mobile terminal <NUM>. The interface <NUM> may include at least one of a wired/wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired/wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device equipped with an identification module, an audio input/output (I/O) port, a video input/output (I/O) port, or an earphone port. As the external device is connected to the interface <NUM>, the mobile terminal <NUM> may perform appropriate control on the connected external device.

Further, the memory <NUM> may store data that supports various functions of the mobile terminal <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may store a plurality of application programs (or applications) driven in the mobile terminal, and data and commands for operations of the mobile terminal <NUM>. At least some of the application programs may be downloaded from an external server through wireless communication. Further, at least some of the application programs for the basic functions of the mobile terminal <NUM> (for example, functions for receiving and making calls and receiving and sending messages) may be provided in the mobile terminal <NUM> from the time of manufacture. The application programs may be stored in the memory <NUM>, and may be installed on the mobile terminal <NUM> so as to be driven by the controller <NUM> to perform operations (or functions) of the mobile terminal.

In addition to the operations related to the application programs, the controller <NUM> may generally control overall operation of the mobile terminal <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may process a signal, data, or information that is inputted or outputted through the above-described components or drive the application programs stored in the memory <NUM> to provide or process appropriate information or functions to the user.

Further, in order to drive the application programs stored in the memory <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may control at least some of components described with reference to <FIG>. Moreover, the controller <NUM> may combine and operate at least two of components included in the mobile terminal <NUM> to drive the application programs.

Under the control of the controller <NUM>, the power supply <NUM> may be supplied with external power or internal power, and supply power to each component included in the mobile terminal <NUM>. The power supply <NUM> includes a battery, which may be a built-in battery or a replaceable battery.

At least some of the above-described components may operate in cooperation with each other to implement the operation, the control, or the control method of the mobile terminal according to various embodiments which will be described below. Further, the operation, the control, or the control method of the mobile terminal may be implemented on the mobile terminal by driving at least one application program stored in the memory <NUM>.

Hereinafter, prior to describing various embodiments implemented by the mobile terminal <NUM> described above, the above-mentioned components will be described in more detail with reference to <FIG>.

First, the wireless transceiver <NUM> will be described. The broadcast receiving module <NUM> of the wireless transceiver <NUM> receives a broadcast signal and/or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a ground wave channel. Two or more broadcast receiving modules for simultaneous broadcast reception or broadcast channel switching for at least two broadcast channels may be provided to the mobile terminal <NUM>.

The broadcast management sever may refer to a server that generates and transmits a broadcast signal and/or broadcast-related information or a server that is supplied with the previously generated broadcast signal and/or broadcast-related information to transmit the broadcast signal and/or the broadcast-related information to the terminal. The broadcast signal may include not only a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, and a data broadcast signal, but also a broadcast signal obtained by combining the TV broadcast signal or the radio broadcast signal with the data broadcast signal.

The broadcast signal may be encoded according to at least one of technical standards (or broadcast schemes, for example, ISO, IEC, DVB, or ATSC) for transmitting and receiving a digital broadcast signal, and the broadcast receiving module <NUM> may receive the digital broadcast signal using an appropriate method for the technical specification defined by the technical standards.

The broadcast-related information may refer to information related to a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, or a broadcast service provider. The broadcast-related information may also be provided over the mobile communication network. In this case, the broadcast-related information may be received by the mobile communication module <NUM>.

The broadcast-related information may exist in various types, such as an electronic program guide (EPG) of a digital multimedia broadcast (DMB) or an electronic service guide (ESG) of a digital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H). The broadcast signal and/or the broadcast-related information received by the broadcast receiving module <NUM> may be stored in the memory <NUM>.

The mobile communication module <NUM> may transmit/receive a wireless signal to/from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server over a mobile communication network established according to the technical standards or communication methods for mobile communication (for example, Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), Code Division Multi Access (CDMA), Code Division Multi Access <NUM> (CDMA2000), Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only (EV-DO), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A).

The wireless signal may include a voice call signal, a video call signal, or various types of data in accordance with transmission or reception of a text/multimedia message.

The wireless internet module <NUM> refers to a module for wireless internet connection, and may be embodied in the mobile terminal <NUM> or installed at the outside of the mobile terminal <NUM>. The wireless internet module <NUM> may be configured to transmit/receive a wireless signal over a communication network according to wireless internet technologies.

The wireless internet technologies include, for example, wireless LAN (WLAN), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi direct, digital living network alliance (DLNA), wireless broadband (WiBro), world interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), high speed uplink packet access (HSUPA), long term evolution (LTE), and long term evolution-advanced (LTE-A). The wireless internet module <NUM> may transmit or receive data in accordance with at least one wireless internet technology within a range including internet technology that have not been described above.

From the viewpoint that the wireless internet connection through, for example, WiBro, HSDPA, HSUPA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE, and LTE-A is performed over the mobile communication network, the wireless internet module <NUM> that performs the wireless internet connection over the mobile communication network may be understood as a type of the mobile communication module <NUM>.

The near field communication module <NUM> is for short range communication, and may support the short range communication using at least one of Bluetooth™, radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), ultra-wideband (UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, or Wireless Universal Serial Bus (Wireless USB). The near field communication module <NUM> may support wireless communication between the mobile terminal <NUM> and the wireless communication system, between the mobile terminal <NUM> and the other mobile terminal <NUM>, or between the mobile terminal <NUM> and a network in which the other mobile terminal <NUM> (or external server) is located, over the wireless local area network. The wireless local area network may be a wireless personal area network.

Here, the other mobile terminal <NUM> may be a wearable device (for example, a smart watch, a smart glass, or a head mounted display (HMD)) that is capable of exchanging data (or interworking) with the mobile terminal <NUM> according to the present disclosure. The near field communication module <NUM> may detect (or recognize) the wearable device that is capable of communicating with the mobile terminal <NUM>, in the vicinity of the mobile terminal <NUM>. Moreover, when the detected wearable device is authenticated to communicate with the mobile terminal <NUM> according to the present disclosure, the controller <NUM> may transmit at least a portion of data processed in the mobile terminal <NUM> to the wearable device through the near field communication module <NUM>. Therefore, the user of the wearable device may use the data processed in the mobile terminal <NUM>, through the wearable device. For example, according to this, when a phone call is received by the mobile terminal <NUM>, the user may make a phone call through the wearable device, or when a message is received by the mobile terminal <NUM>, the user may check the received message through the wearable device.

The position information module <NUM> is a module for obtaining a position (or a current position) of a mobile terminal, and its representative examples include a global positioning system (GPS) module or a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) module. For example, when the GPS module is utilized, the mobile terminal may obtain the position of the mobile terminal using a signal transmitted from the GPS satellite. As another example, when the Wi-Fi module is utilized, the mobile terminal may obtain the position of the mobile terminal based on information on a wireless access point (AP) that transmits and receives wireless signals with the Wi-Fi module. If necessary, the position information module <NUM> may alternatively or additionally perform a function of another module of the wireless transceiver <NUM> to obtain data on the position of the mobile terminal. The position information module <NUM> is a module used to obtain the position (or the current position) of the mobile terminal, and is not limited to a module that directly calculates or obtains the position of the mobile terminal.

Next, the input interface <NUM> is for inputting video information (or signal), audio information (or signal), data, or information inputted by the user, and the mobile terminal <NUM> may include one or a plurality of cameras <NUM> to input the video information. The camera <NUM> processes an image frame such as a still or moving image obtained by an image sensor in a video call mode or a photographing mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display <NUM>, or may be stored in the memory <NUM>. Further, the plurality of cameras <NUM> included in the mobile terminal <NUM> may be arranged to form a matrix structure, and a plurality of pieces of image information having various angles or focal points may be inputted to the mobile terminal <NUM> through the cameras <NUM> that form the matrix structure. Further, the plurality of cameras <NUM> may be arranged to form a stereo structure to obtain left and right images used to implement a stereoscopic image.

The microphone <NUM> processes an external sound signal as electrical voice data. The processed voice data may be utilized in various manners in accordance with the function (or an application program that is being executed) that is being performed by the mobile terminal <NUM>. Various noise removal algorithms for removing noise generated during the process of receiving the external sound signal may be implemented in the microphone <NUM>.

The user input interface <NUM> is for receiving information from the user, and when the information is inputted through the user input interface <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may control the operation of the mobile terminal <NUM> so as to correspond to the inputted information. The user input interface <NUM> may include a mechanical input interface (or a mechanical key, for example, a button, a dome switch, a jog wheel, and a jog switch that are located on a front, rear, or side surface of the mobile terminal <NUM>) and a touch type input interface. For example, the touch type input interface may be formed as a virtual key, a soft key, or a visual key that is displayed on the touch screen through a software process, or a touch key that is disposed on a part other than the touch screen. The virtual key or visual key may be displayed on the touch screen in various shapes, and, for example, may be formed as graphics, text, icons, video, or a combination thereof.

The sensor <NUM> senses at least one of information in the mobile terminal, surrounding environment information around the mobile terminal, or user information, and generates a sensing signal corresponding to the information. The controller <NUM> may control the driving or the operation of the mobile terminal <NUM> or perform data processing, functions, or operations related to the application program installed in the mobile terminal <NUM>, based on the sensing signal. Representative sensors among various sensors that may be included in the sensor <NUM> will be described in more detail below.

First, the proximity sensor <NUM> refers to a sensor that senses the presence of an object approaching a predetermined sensing surface or nearby objects, using an electromagnetic field force or infrared ray without any mechanical contact. The proximity sensor <NUM> may be disposed in an internal area of the mobile terminal that is enclosed by the above-described touch screen or in the vicinity of the touch screen.

Examples of the proximity sensor <NUM> may include, for example, a transmission type photoelectric sensor, a direct reflection type photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflection type photoelectric sensor, a high frequency oscillation type proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, and an infrared proximity sensor. When the touch screen is a capacitive type, the proximity sensor <NUM> may be configured to detect the proximity of an object with a change in the electric field in accordance with the proximity of the object having conductivity. In this case, the touch screen (or the touch sensor) itself may be classified as a proximity sensor.

For convenience of description, when the object approaches the touch screen without contacting the touch screen, and it is recognized that the object is located over the touch screen, it is referred to as a "proximity touch". When the object actually touches the touch screen, it is referred to as a "contact touch". A position at which the object proximately touches the touch screen refers to a position at which the object vertically corresponds to the touch screen when the object proximately touches the touch screen. The proximity sensor <NUM> may sense the proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (for example, a proximate touch distance, a proximate touch direction, a proximate touch speed, a proximate touch time, a proximate touch position, and a proximate touch movement state). As described above, the controller <NUM> may process data (or information) corresponding to the proximate touch operation and the proximate touch pattern sensed by the proximity sensor <NUM>, and may further display visual information corresponding to the processed data on the touch screen. Furthermore, the controller <NUM> may control the mobile terminal <NUM> to process different operations or data (or information) depending on whether the touch on the same point on the touch screen is the proximity touch or the contact touch.

The touch sensor senses a touch (or a touch input) applied to the touch screen (or the display <NUM>) using at least one of various touch types such as a resistive film type, a capacitive type, an infrared type, an ultrasonic type, and a magnetic field type.

For example, the touch sensor may be configured to convert a change in a pressure applied to a specific portion of the touch screen, or a capacitance generated in a specific portion, into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor may be configured to detect a position and area where a touch subject that applies a touch onto the touch screen is touched on the touch sensor, and a pressure and capacitance at the time of the touch. Here, the touch subject is an object that applies a touch to the touch sensor, and may include, for example, a finger, a touch pen, a stylus pen, and a pointer.

As described above, when there is the touch input to the touch sensor, corresponding signal(s) is transmitted to a touch controller. The touch controller processes the signal(s) and then transmits corresponding data to the controller <NUM>. By doing this, the controller <NUM> may confirm which area of the display <NUM> is touched. Here, the touch controller may be a separate component from the controller <NUM>, or may be the controller <NUM> itself.

The controller <NUM> may perform different control or the same control depending on a type of a touch subject that touches the touch screen (or a touch key provided other than the touch screen). Whether to perform the different or the same control depending on the type of touch subject may be determined in accordance with an operating state of the current mobile terminal <NUM> or an application program that is being executed.

The touch sensor and the proximity sensor that are described above may, independently or in combination, sense various types of touches on the touch screen, such as a short (or tap) touch, a long touch, a multi touch, a drag touch, a flick touch, a pinch-in touch, a pinch-out touch, a swipe touch, or a hovering touch.

The ultrasonic sensor may recognize position information on a sensing object using an ultrasonic wave. The controller <NUM> may calculate a position of a wave generating source by using information sensed by the optical sensor and the plurality of ultrasonic sensors. The position of the wave generating source may be calculated using the property that light is much faster than the ultrasonic wave, that is, the time in which light reaches the optical sensor is much faster than the time in which the ultrasonic wave reaches the ultrasonic sensor. More specifically, the position of the wave generating source may be calculated using a time difference of the time of arrival of the ultrasonic wave with respect to light that serves as a reference signal.

As seen from the configuration of the input interface <NUM>, the camera <NUM> includes at least one of a camera sensor (for example, a CCD and a CMOS), a photo sensor (or an image sensor), or a laser sensor.

The camera <NUM> and the laser sensor may be combined to sense a touch of a sensing object for a three-dimensional stereoscopic image. The photo sensor, which may be stacked on a display element, is configured to scan a motion of the sensing object proximate to the touch screen. More specifically, the photo sensor includes photo diodes and transistors (TR) in rows/columns so as to scan contents disposed on the photo sensor by using an electrical signal that changes in accordance with an amount of light applied to the photo diode. That is, the photo sensor calculates coordinates of the sensing object in accordance with a changed amount of light, and position information on the sensing object may be obtained through the coordinates.

The display <NUM> displays (outputs) information processed in the mobile terminal <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> may display execution screen information on an application program driven in the mobile terminal <NUM> and user interface (UI), or graphic user interface (GUI) information in accordance with the execution screen information.

Further, the display <NUM> may be configured as a stereoscopic display that displays a stereoscopic image.

A three-dimensional display type such as a stereoscopic type (a glass type), an autostereoscopic type (a glass-free type), and a projection type (a holographic type) may be applied to the stereoscopic display.

The sound output interface <NUM> may output audio data received from the wireless transceiver <NUM> or stored in the memory <NUM> in, for example, a call signal reception mode, a phone-call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, and a broadcasting reception mode. The sound output interface <NUM> may also output a sound signal (for example, a call signal reception sound and a message reception sound) related to a function performed in the mobile terminal <NUM>. Such a sound output interface <NUM> may include, for example, a receiver, a speaker, and a buzzer.

The haptic module <NUM> may generate various tactile effects that the user may feel. A representative example of the tactile effect generated by the haptic module <NUM> may be vibration. For example, an intensity and pattern of the vibration generated in the haptic module <NUM> may be controlled by the selection of the user or a setting of the controller <NUM>. For example, the haptic module <NUM> may compose different vibrations to output the composed vibrations, or sequentially output the different vibrations.

In addition to the vibration, the haptic module <NUM> may generate various tactile effects, such as effects by, for example, a pin arrangement that vertically moves to a contact skin surface, an injection force or a suction force of air through an injection port or a suction port, grazing on a skin surface, electrode contact, and stimulation of an electrostatic force or effects of reproducing a cold or hot sensation using a heat absorbing or heat emitting element.

The haptic module <NUM> may not only transmit a tactile effect by means of direct contact, but may also be implemented to allow the user to feel a tactile effect by muscular sensation of a finger or an arm. Two or more haptic modules <NUM> may be provided in accordance with a configuration aspect of the mobile terminal <NUM>.

The optical output interface <NUM> outputs a signal for notifying occurrence of an event by using light from a light source of the mobile terminal <NUM>. Examples of events generated in the mobile terminal <NUM> may include message reception, call signal reception, missed call, alarm, schedule notification, email reception, and information reception through an application.

The signal outputted from the optical output interface <NUM> is implemented as the mobile terminal emits single color or a plurality of color light on a front surface or a rear surface. When the mobile terminal senses the event confirmation of the user, the signal output may be completed.

The interface <NUM> serves as a passage with all external devices that are connected to the mobile terminal <NUM>. The interface <NUM> receives data from the external device or is supplied with power from the external device to supply power to each component in the mobile terminal <NUM>, or transmits data in the mobile terminal <NUM> to the external device. For example, the interface <NUM> may include, for example, a wired/wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired/wireless data port, a memory card port, a port that connects a device equipped with an identification module, an audio input/output (I/O) port, a video input/output (I/O) port, and an earphone port.

The identification module is a chip in which various pieces of information for authenticating a usage right of the mobile terminal <NUM> is stored, and may include, for example, a user identity module (UIM), a subscriber identity module (SIM), and a universal subscriber identity module (USIM). A device (hereinafter, referred to as "identification device") equipped with the identification module may be manufactured as a smart card. Therefore, the identification device may be connected to the terminal <NUM> through the interface <NUM>.

When the mobile terminal <NUM> is connected to an external cradle, the interface <NUM> may serve as a passage through which power is supplied from the cradle to the mobile terminal <NUM> or a passage through which various command signals inputted to the cradle by a user are transmitted to the mobile terminal <NUM>. Various command signals or power inputted from the cradle may operate a signal for recognizing that the mobile terminal <NUM> is precisely mounted in the cradle.

The memory <NUM> may store a program for an operation of the controller <NUM>, or temporarily store inputted/outputted data (for example, a phone book, a message, a still image, and a moving image). The memory <NUM> may store data related to vibrations or sounds of various patterns outputted when the touch is inputted onto the touch screen.

The memory <NUM> may include at least one type of storage medium of a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a solid state disk (SSD) type, a silicon disk drive (SDD) type, a multimedia card micro type, and card type memories (for example, SD or XD memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk. The mobile terminal <NUM> may operate in association with a web storage that performs a storage function of the memory <NUM> on the Internet.

As described above, the controller <NUM> may control an operation related to the application program and an overall operation of the mobile terminal <NUM>. For example, when the state of the mobile terminal satisfies a predetermined condition, the controller <NUM> may execute or release a locking state that restricts an input of a control command of a user regarding the applications.

Further, the controller <NUM> may perform control and processing related to, for example, voice call, data communication, and video call, or may perform a pattern recognition process that may recognize a handwriting input or a picture drawing input performed on the touch screen as a text or an image, respectively. Moreover, the controller <NUM> may control any one or a combination of a plurality of components described above to implement various embodiments which will be described below, in the mobile terminal <NUM> according to the present disclosure.

Under the control of the controller <NUM>, the power supply <NUM> is supplied with an external power or an internal power, and supplies power required for operating the components. The power supply <NUM> includes a battery, and the battery may be a chargeable embedded battery and be detachably coupled to a terminal body to be charged.

Further, the power supply <NUM> may include a connection port, and the connection port may be configured as one example of an interface <NUM> to which an external charger which supplies power to charge a battery is electrically connected.

As another example, the power supply <NUM> may be configured to wirelessly charge the battery without using the connection port. In this case, the power supply <NUM> may receive power from an external wireless power transmission device by using one or more of an inductive coupling scheme based on a self-induction phenomenon or a magnetic resonance coupling scheme based on an electromagnetic resonance phenomenon.

Various embodiments below may be implemented in a recording medium readable by a computer or a similar device using hardware, software, or a combination thereof, for example.

The display <NUM> displays (outputs) information processed in the mobile terminal <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> may display execution screen information on an application program driven in the mobile terminal <NUM> or user interface (UI) and graphic user interface (GUI) information in accordance with the execution screen information.

The display <NUM> may include at least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display, a three-dimensional display (3D display), or an electronic ink display (e-ink display).

Further, two or more displays <NUM> may be provided in accordance with an implementation type of the mobile terminal <NUM>. In this case, a plurality of displays may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other or integrally disposed on one surface of the mobile terminal <NUM> or may be disposed on different surfaces.

The display <NUM> may include a touch sensor that senses a touch on the display <NUM> so as to receive the control command by the touch method. Therefore, when the touch is made on the display <NUM>, the touch sensor senses the touch, and based on the touch, the controller <NUM> may generate a control command corresponding to the touch. Contents inputted by the touch method may be, for example, letters or numbers, or instructions or designated menu items in various modes.

The microphone <NUM> is configured to receive a voice of the user, or other sounds. The microphone <NUM> may be provided in a plurality of locations to receive stereo sounds.

The interface <NUM> serves as a passage through which the mobile terminal <NUM> is connected to the external device. For example, the interface <NUM> may be at least one of a connection terminal for connection with other devices (for example, an earphone or an external speaker), a port for near field communication (for example, an infrared port (IrDA port), a Bluetooth port, and a wireless LAN port) or a power supply terminal for supplying power to the mobile terminal <NUM>. The interface <NUM> may be implemented as a socket type which accommodates an external card, such as a subscriber identity module (SIM), a user identity module (UIM), and a memory card for information storage.

At least one antenna for wireless communication may be provided in a terminal body. The antenna may be embedded in the terminal body or formed in a case. For example, the antenna which forms a part of the broadcast receiving module <NUM> (see <FIG>) may be configured to be withdrawn from the terminal body. Alternatively, the antenna may be formed to be a film type to be attached onto an inner surface of a housing, or a case including a conductive material may serve as an antenna.

The terminal body includes the power supply <NUM> (see <FIG>) which supplies power to the mobile terminal <NUM>. The power supply <NUM> may be embedded in the terminal body, or may include a battery <NUM> which is configured to be detachable at the outside of the terminal body.

The battery <NUM> may be configured to be supplied with power through a power cable connected to the interface <NUM>. Further, the battery <NUM> may be configured to be wirelessly chargeable by a wireless charging device. The wireless charging may be implemented by a self-induction scheme or a resonance scheme (magnetic resonance scheme).

An accessory which protects an outer appearance of the mobile terminal <NUM> or supports or extends the function thereof may be added to the mobile terminal <NUM>. An example of the accessory may include a cover or a pouch which covers at least one surface of the mobile terminal <NUM> or accommodates the mobile terminal <NUM>. The cover or the pouch may interwork with the display <NUM> to extend the function of the mobile terminal <NUM>. Another example of the accessory may include a touch pen which supports or extends a touch input on the touch screen.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a first state of a flexible display device <NUM>, and <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a second state in which the flexible display device illustrated in <FIG> is modified.

<FIG> is a rear view illustrating the first state of the flexible display device <NUM>, and <FIG> is a rear view illustrating the second state in which the flexible display device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is modified. In <FIG> and <FIG>, a support <NUM> and a flexible display <NUM> are represented by dotted lines.

The flexible display device <NUM> may include a body <NUM>, a flexible display <NUM>, and at least one camera <NUM>. The body <NUM> may include a first body <NUM>, a second body <NUM>, and a support <NUM>.

In describing embodiments of the present disclosure, a first direction (X direction), a second direction (Y direction), and a third direction (Z direction) shown in the drawings are directions perpendicular to each other.

The flexible display device <NUM> may include two surfaces 1a and 1b which are opposite to each other. The flexible display device <NUM> may include a first surface 1a and a second surface 1b. The facing direction of the first surface 1a (direction perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the first surface 1a) is opposite to the facing direction of the second surface 1b (direction perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the second surface 1b). The flexible display device <NUM> may be disposed such that the first surface 1a faces the third direction (Z direction) while the second surface 1b faces the direction opposite to the third direction (Z direction). When the first surface 1a corresponds to a front surface of the flexible display device <NUM>, the second surface 1b may correspond to a rear surface of the flexible display device <NUM>.

Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, a front direction of the flexible display device <NUM> is referred to as the third direction (Z direction), and a rear direction of the flexible display device <NUM> refers to the direction opposite to the third direction (Z direction).

The body <NUM> may form the overall shape of the flexible display device <NUM>. The body <NUM> may form a frame of the flexible display device <NUM>. The body <NUM> may be made of a relatively hard material, for example, plastic, carbon, metal, or a combination thereof. Other components constituting the flexible display device <NUM> may be coupled to the body <NUM>.

The body <NUM> may be formed in various shapes to support other components coupled thereto.

The body <NUM> may be flat overall, or may be curved like a curved surface. The interior of the body <NUM> may be completely filled, or a part thereof may not be filled.

For example, when viewed from the front (Z direction), the body <NUM> may be formed in a quadrangular shape overall, and may flat overall.

The body <NUM> may be divided into two or more parts. The body <NUM> includes a first body <NUM> and a second body <NUM>, and the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM> move relative to each other (see <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>).

The second body <NUM> may perform sliding movement and reciprocating movement relative to the first body <NUM>. Accordingly, when viewed from the front (Z direction), the total area occupied by the body <NUM> may change.

The second body <NUM> may perform reciprocating movement relative to the first body <NUM> between a first position and a second position.

When viewed from the front (Z direction), when the second body <NUM> is at the first position, the total area occupied by the body <NUM> (the area of the body <NUM> projected in the Z direction) may be the smallest (see, for example, <FIG> and <FIG>), and when the second body <NUM> is at the second position, the total area occupied by the body <NUM> (the area of the body <NUM> projected in the Z direction) may be the largest (see, for example, <FIG> and <FIG>).

When viewed from the front (Z direction), when the second body <NUM> is at the first position, the overlapping area of the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM> may be the largest (see, for example, <FIG> and <FIG>), and when the second body <NUM> is at the second position, the overlapping area between the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM> may be the smallest (see, for example, <FIG> and <FIG>).

A movement direction of the second body relative to the first body may be parallel to the first direction (X direction).

The first body <NUM> may have a predetermined length in the first direction (X direction), and may also have a predetermined length in the second direction (Y direction) orthogonal to the first direction. The first body <NUM> may have a predetermined length in the third direction (Z direction) orthogonal to the first and second directions, but the length of first body <NUM> in the third direction may be sufficiently smaller than the length thereof in the first and second directions. Accordingly, the first body <NUM> may be flat or substantially flat in the first and second directions.

The first body <NUM> may be formed in the shape of a plate.

The second body <NUM> may have a predetermined length in the first and second directions. The second body <NUM> may have a predetermined length in the third direction, but the length of the second body <NUM> in the third direction may be sufficiently smaller than the length thereof in the first and second directions. Accordingly, the second body <NUM> may be flat or substantially flat in the first and second directions.

The second body <NUM> may be formed in the shape of a plate.

The first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM> may be formed in the shape of plates that are parallel to each other.

The support is coupled to the second body <NUM>. The support, together with the second body <NUM>, moves relative to the first body <NUM>.

The support may be provided inside the flexible display device <NUM>.

The support may cause the flexible display <NUM> to be curved to change direction. That is, the flexible display <NUM> formed in the first direction may be curved to form a curved surface on the support <NUM>, and may extend in the direction opposite to the first direction while passing the support <NUM>.

The support <NUM> may form a U- or C-shaped path through which the flexible display <NUM> moves, or may support an inner surface of the flexible display <NUM>.

When supporting the inner surface of the flexible display <NUM>, the support <NUM> may extend in the second direction (Y direction).

At least a portion of the support <NUM> may have a uniform cross-section in the second direction (Y direction). The outer circumferential surface of the support <NUM> that meets or contacts the flexible display <NUM> may form a curved surface, and the cross-section of the support <NUM> may be formed in, for example, a circular or semi-circular shape.

In an embodiment, the support <NUM> may be formed in a cylindrical shape having a uniform cross-section in the second direction (Y direction). In addition, the support <NUM> may be formed in the shape of a roller which is capable of rotating in both directions about the central axis <NUM> parallel to the second direction. That is, the support <NUM> may be coupled to the second body <NUM> in a state in which the support <NUM> is capable of rotating by using the central axis <NUM> as a rotation axis.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a flexible display <NUM> separated from the flexible display device <NUM> in the first state, and <FIG> and <FIG> are perspective views illustrating a modified state (second state) of the flexible display <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, respectively.

<FIG> may illustrate the state in which the second body <NUM> is at the above-described first position relative to the first body <NUM>, and <FIG> and <FIG> may illustrate the state in which the second body <NUM> is at the above-described second position relative to the first body <NUM>, respectively.

The flexible display <NUM> may be configured like the display <NUM> described above.

The flexible display <NUM> may be formed in the shape of a thin film, and may have an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface of the flexible display <NUM> is a surface facing the outside of the flexible display device <NUM>, and the inner surface thereof is a surface facing the inside of the flexible display device <NUM>. An image may be displayed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the flexible display <NUM>.

Since at least a portion of the flexible display <NUM> may be formed to be curved, when the second body <NUM> moves relative to the first body <NUM>, the flexible display <NUM> may change in shape. When switching from the first position to the second position is made, the middle part of the flexible display <NUM> is curved around the support <NUM>, and the flexible display <NUM> changes in shape by being pushed by the support <NUM>.

The flexible display <NUM> includes a first region <NUM>, a second region <NUM>, and a third region <NUM> that are sequentially connected to each other.

When the flexible display <NUM> is not coupled to the body <NUM> and is extended to be flat overall, the first region <NUM>, the second region <NUM>, and the third region <NUM> may all form the same plane.

In <FIG>, the dotted line b <NUM> is an imaginary line indicating the boundary between the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM> (a first connected region <NUM>).

The first region <NUM> may have a predetermined area, and may be coupled to the body <NUM> at either side of the body <NUM>. The first region <NUM> may be coupled to the first body <NUM>, or may be fixed to the first body <NUM>. That is, the first region <NUM> may not move relative to the first body <NUM>.

The first region <NUM> may be parallel to the first and second directions. The first region <NUM> may be fixed in front of the first body <NUM>. The first region <NUM> may be fixed in front of the first body <NUM> based on the third direction. The first region <NUM> and the first body <NUM> may be parallel to each other.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first region <NUM> may form a curved surface overall. In this case, the curvature of the first region <NUM> may be smaller than the curvature of the first connected region <NUM> described below, and the radius of curvature of the first region <NUM> may be greater than the radius of curvature of the first connected region <NUM>. The radius of curvature of the first region <NUM> may be sufficiently greater than the radius of curvature of the first connected region <NUM>. For example, when the radius of curvature of the first connected region <NUM> is "a", the radius of curvature of the first region <NUM> may be " <NUM>*a" or greater.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first region <NUM> may form a flat surface overall. The first region <NUM> may form an outer surface that is a flat surface, and may be disposed on the front surface of the body <NUM>. The first region <NUM> may have a uniform cross-section in the first and second directions.

Hereinafter, the flexible display device <NUM> will be described on the assumption that the first region <NUM> is formed in a flat surface.

The facing direction of the first region <NUM> (the facing direction of the outer surface of the first region <NUM>) may be the third direction. The first region <NUM> may form a part or the entirety of the first surface 1a of the flexible display device <NUM>.

The flexible display <NUM> may further include a fourth area <NUM>.

The fourth region <NUM> may be configured to extend from the first region <NUM>, and may form an end of the flexible display <NUM>. The fourth region <NUM> may have a uniform cross-section and be curved, in the second direction. An image may be displayed on the fourth region <NUM>.

The second region <NUM> is configured to extend from the first region <NUM>, and a part of second region <NUM> is curved around the support <NUM>. The second region <NUM> may have a uniform cross-section in the second direction.

The second region <NUM> may include the first connected region <NUM> and a second connected region <NUM>.

The first connected region <NUM> may be directly coupled to the first region <NUM>, and the second connected region <NUM> may be directly coupled to the first connected region <NUM> and the third region <NUM>.

When the second body <NUM> is at the first position, the first connected region <NUM> is curved around the support <NUM> along the outer circumferential surface of the support <NUM>. When the second body <NUM> is at the first position, the first connected region <NUM> may form an outer surface that is curved about a curvature center line L1. When the second body <NUM> is at the first position, the curvature center line L1 is an imaginary straight line that forms a center of curvature of the first connected region <NUM>, and is parallel to the second direction.

When the second body <NUM> is at the first position, a cross-section of the first connected region <NUM> may form a semicircular shape.

The curvature center line L1 may coincide with the central axis <NUM> of the support <NUM>.

When the second body <NUM> is at the second position, the curvature center line L1 may form a center of curvature of the curved second connected region <NUM>.

An image may be displayed on the first connected region <NUM> and the first region <NUM>.

The area of the first region <NUM> may be larger than that of the first connected region <NUM>.

When the second body <NUM> is at the first position, the second connected region <NUM> may form an outer surface that is an opposite surface of the first region <NUM>. That is, when the second body <NUM> is at the first position, when the first region <NUM> faces the third direction (Z direction), the second connected region <NUM> may face the direction opposite to the third direction (Z direction). An image may be displayed on the second connected region <NUM>.

The second connected region <NUM> may form a part of the second surface 1b of the flexible display device <NUM>.

The second connected region <NUM> may have a uniform cross-section in the second direction. When the second body <NUM> is at the first position, the second connected region <NUM> may have a uniform cross-section in the first direction.

The flexible display <NUM> is configured such that the first region <NUM>, the first connected region <NUM>, and the second connected region <NUM> are sequentially coupled to each other, and when the second body <NUM> is at the first position, the first region <NUM>, the first connected region <NUM>, and the second connected region <NUM> may be formed in a U-shape overall.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the second body <NUM> is at the first position, the second connected region <NUM> may form a curved surface overall. In this case, the curvature of the second connected region <NUM> may be smaller than the curvature of the first connected region <NUM>, and the radius of curvature of the second connected region <NUM> may be greater than the radius of curvature of the first connected region <NUM>. The radius of curvature of the second connected region <NUM> may be sufficiently greater than the radius of curvature of the first connected region <NUM>. For example, when the radius of curvature of the first connected region <NUM> is "a", the radius of curvature of the second connected region <NUM> may be "<NUM>*a" or greater.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, when the second body <NUM> is at the first position, the second connected region <NUM> may form a flat surface overall. In addition, the second connected region <NUM> may be parallel to the first region <NUM>. Hereinafter, the flexible display device <NUM> will be described on the assumption that when the second body <NUM> is at the first position, the second connected region <NUM> is formed in a flat surface and is parallel to the first region <NUM>.

The third region <NUM> is configured to extend from the second region <NUM> on the opposite side of the first region <NUM>. The third region <NUM> may be configured to extend from the second connected region <NUM>, and may form an end of the flexible display <NUM>.

In the flexible display <NUM>, an image may be displayed on the surfaces of the first region <NUM>, the second region <NUM>, and the fourth region <NUM>, but not on the surface of the third region <NUM>. In the flexible display <NUM>, the third region <NUM> may form an extended part of a display substrate, and may form a dummy part on which an image is not displayed.

The third region <NUM> may be formed separately from the flexible display <NUM> and then be coupled to the flexible display <NUM>, or may be integrally formed with the flexible display <NUM> in the manufacturing process of the flexible display <NUM>. The third region <NUM> may be formed as a substrate of the flexible display <NUM>.

The third region may be formed in the shape of a plastic film, and may be flexibly curved.

At least one camera <NUM> is fixed to a rear surface of the body <NUM>. The camera <NUM> may be coupled to the body <NUM> to face the direction opposite to the third direction (Z direction).

The camera <NUM> is fixed to a rear surface of the first body <NUM>.

The camera <NUM> is fixed to the body <NUM> away from the support <NUM>. That is, when the support <NUM> is coupled to the body <NUM> on the left side of the flexible display device <NUM>, the camera <NUM> is coupled to the body <NUM> on the right side of the flexible display device <NUM>. The camera <NUM> is fixed adjacent to an edge of the first body <NUM> farthest from the support <NUM>.

Two or more cameras <NUM> may be arranged in the second direction.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of <FIG>, and schematically illustrates the flexible display device <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of <FIG>, and schematically illustrates the flexible display device <NUM>. However, <FIG> illustrate a state in which a first cover <NUM> and a second cover <NUM> are additionally coupled to the flexible display device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the flexible display <NUM> separated from the flexible display device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the flexible display <NUM> separated from the flexible display device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

The first body <NUM> may include the first cover <NUM>. The first cover <NUM> may be formed in the shape of a flat plate to form a rear surface of the first body <NUM>. The first cover <NUM> may be fixed to or detachably coupled to the first body <NUM>. The first cover <NUM> may be made transparent or non-transparent.

The second body <NUM> may include the second cover <NUM>. The second cover <NUM> may be formed in the shape of a flat plate to form a rear surface of the second body <NUM>. The second cover <NUM> may be fixed to or detachably coupled to the second body <NUM>. The second cover <NUM> may be made transparent or non-transparent.

When the second body <NUM> is at the first position, the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> overlap each other. However, when switching from the first position to the second position is made, the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> perform sliding movement relative to each other.

The first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> may form a rearmost surface of the flexible display device <NUM>.

When the second body <NUM> is at the first position, based on the first direction, the distance d1' from the support <NUM> to an edge of at least a portion of the third region <NUM> may be greater than the distance d2' from the support <NUM> to the camera <NUM>.

When the second body <NUM> is at the first position, based on the first direction, the distance d1 from the support <NUM> to an end of the first end region (<NUM>) of the third region <NUM> is greater than the distance d2 from the support <NUM> to a center of the camera <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

When the second body <NUM> is at the first position, the third region <NUM> may be located in the same line as the camera <NUM> in the second direction when viewed from the third direction.

When the second body <NUM> is at the second position, the third region <NUM> may be located in the same line as the support <NUM> in the second direction when viewed from the third direction.

When the second body <NUM> is at the second position, the first connected region <NUM> may form the same plane with the first region <NUM>, and at least a portion of the second connected region <NUM> may be curved around the support <NUM> in the circumferential direction of the support <NUM>. When the second body <NUM> is at the second position, a part of the second connected region <NUM> may form the same plane with the first region <NUM>.

When the second body <NUM> is at the second position, the first connected region <NUM> may be located in front of the second body <NUM>, and a part of the second connected region <NUM> may also be located in front of the second body <NUM>.

Accordingly, a significant portion of the second region <NUM> located behind the second body <NUM> when the second body <NUM> is at the first position may move to the front of the second body <NUM> when the second body <NUM> is at the second position. In addition, an area of the second region <NUM> located in front of the second body <NUM> may be larger when the second body <NUM> is at the second position than when the second body <NUM> is at the first position.

When the second body <NUM> is at the second position, based on the third direction, the third region <NUM> may be located behind the support <NUM>. When the second body <NUM> is at the second position, a part of the third region <NUM> may be curved around the support <NUM> and a remaining part thereof may be parallel to the first region <NUM>.

When the second body <NUM> performs reciprocating movement relative to the first body <NUM> between the first position and the second position, an area of the flexible display <NUM> viewed from the third direction (Z direction) may be increased or reduced.

In the flexible display device <NUM>, when viewed from the third direction (Z direction), a projection area of the flexible display <NUM> may be larger when the second body <NUM> is at the second position than when the second body <NUM> is at the first position.

When the second body <NUM> is at the first position, the first connected region <NUM> may be curved to form a curved surface around the support <NUM>, the second connected region <NUM> may be parallel to the first region <NUM>, and the third region <NUM> may be located in the same line as the camera <NUM> in the second direction when viewed from the third direction.

When the second body <NUM> moves relative to the first body <NUM> such that switching from the first position to the second position is made, the first connected region <NUM> may form the same plane with the first region <NUM>, and a part of the second connected region <NUM> may be curved to form a curved surface around the support <NUM>.

In addition, when the second body <NUM> is at the second position, the third region <NUM> may be located in the same line as the support <NUM> in the second direction when viewed from the third direction.

In order to achieve a stable modification of the flexible display <NUM> when switching back from the second position to the first position is made, as will be described below, the third region <NUM> may be coupled to a tension generator (also referred to as a tensioner) <NUM>, and at least a portion of the third region <NUM> is located behind the support <NUM> based on the third direction.

When the second body <NUM> moves relative to the first body <NUM> such that switching from the second position to the first position is made, the first connected region <NUM> may be curved around the support <NUM> again, and the second connected region <NUM> may form a plane parallel to the first region <NUM>.

When switching from the first position to the second position is made, the movement distance d3 of the third region <NUM> is twice the movement distance d4 of the second body <NUM>.

When switching from the first position to the second position is made, the movement distance d5 of the third region <NUM> relative to the second body <NUM> may be equal to or greater than the distance d6 of the second connected region <NUM> based on the first direction when the second body <NUM> is at the first position, and the extent (length) of screen expansion of the flexible display <NUM> when viewed from the third direction (Z direction) may correspond to the movement distance d5.

In <FIG>, the dashed-dotted line b2 is an imaginary line indicating the boundary between the second region <NUM> and the third region <NUM>.

As described above, in the flexible display device <NUM>, when the second body <NUM> is at the first position, based on the first direction, the distance d1 from the support <NUM> to an end of the third region <NUM> is equal to or greater than the distance d2 from the support <NUM> to a center of the camera <NUM>, and when the second body <NUM> is at the second position, the third region <NUM> may move to the support <NUM>.

Accordingly, when the second body <NUM> is at the second position, the first connected region <NUM> may form the same plane with the first region <NUM>, as well as maximizing the size (area) of the second region <NUM> forming the same plane with the first region <NUM>.

Unlike the embodiments of the present disclosure, if the flexible display includes only the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM> and not the third region <NUM>, when switching from the first position to the second position is made, the extent (length) of screen expansion of the flexible display when viewed from the third direction (Z direction) is smaller than that of the embodiments of the present disclosure. The reason for this is that, when the flexible device does not include the third region <NUM>, a part of the second connected region <NUM> must be located behind the support <NUM> based on the third direction and form a flat surface, in order to cause switching back from the second position to the first position to be made.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the flexible display device <NUM> may be configured such that the camera <NUM> may be mounted on the rear surface thereof and an exposed area of the flexible display <NUM> on the front surface thereof may continuously change, the exposed area of the flexible display <NUM> on the front surface of the flexible display device <NUM> can be further increased.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the flexible display device <NUM>, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the flexible display device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is modified.

An outer surface of the first body <NUM> and an outer surface of the second body <NUM> may together form the rear surface of the flexible display device <NUM>. That is, when viewed from the direction opposite to the third direction, both the outer surface of the first body <NUM> and the outer surface of the second body <NUM> may be seen.

At least a portion of the first body <NUM> may be made transparent. Accordingly, stacked components inside the first body <NUM> may be visually exposed to the outside (back).

At least a portion of the second body <NUM> may also be made transparent. Accordingly, stacked components inside the second body <NUM> may be visually exposed to the outside (back).

The first body <NUM> may include a first transparent region <NUM> and a first non-transparent region <NUM>. The first transparent region <NUM> and the first non-transparent region <NUM> may form the rear surface of the flexible display device <NUM>. The first transparent region <NUM> and the first non-transparent region <NUM> may form the first cover <NUM> described above.

The first transparent region <NUM> may be made transparent using materials such as transparent plastic and glass. When the second body <NUM> is at the first position, when viewed from the third direction (Z direction), the first transparent region <NUM> may overlap the second region <NUM>, and may overlap the second connected region <NUM>.

The first non-transparent region <NUM> is made non-transparent. When the second body <NUM> is at the first position, when viewed from the third direction (Z direction), the first non-transparent region <NUM> may overlap the third region <NUM>.

The third region <NUM> may be formed in a dummy form so as not to display an image, and the first non-transparent region <NUM> may overlap the third region <NUM> to prevent unnecessary exposure of the inside of the flexible display device <NUM>.

The second body <NUM> may include a second transparent region <NUM> and a second non-transparent region <NUM>. The second transparent region <NUM> and the second non-transparent region <NUM> may form the rear surface of the flexible display device <NUM>. The second transparent region <NUM> and the second non-transparent region <NUM> may form the second cover <NUM> described above.

The second transparent region <NUM> may be made transparent using materials such as transparent plastic and glass. When the second body <NUM> is at the first position, when viewed from the third direction (Z direction), the second transparent region <NUM> may overlap the second region <NUM>, and may overlap the second connected region <NUM>.

The second non-transparent region <NUM> is made non-transparent. When the second body <NUM> is at the first position, when viewed from the third direction (Z direction), the second non-transparent region <NUM> may overlap the third region <NUM>. As described above, the third region <NUM> may be formed in a dummy form so as not to display an image, and the second non-transparent region <NUM> may overlap the third region <NUM> to prevent unnecessary exposure of the inside of the flexible display device <NUM>.

The flexible display <NUM> (the second region <NUM> and the third region <NUM>) may be formed to move inside the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM>. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second body <NUM> may be located behind the flexible display <NUM> (the second region <NUM> and the third region <NUM>), and the first body <NUM> may be located behind the second body <NUM>.

As described above, the first transparent region <NUM> and the second transparent region <NUM> may be made transparent to cause the second region <NUM> to be visually exposed to the outside. Accordingly, an image on the second region <NUM> may be viewed from behind the flexible display device <NUM>, through the first transparent region <NUM> and the second transparent region <NUM>.

When the first body <NUM> includes the first transparent region <NUM> and the second body <NUM> includes the second transparent region <NUM>, the flexible display device <NUM> may include a touch panel <NUM>. In this case, the touch panel <NUM> may be coupled to the first transparent region <NUM> by being stacked thereon, or may be coupled to the outer or inner surface of the first transparent region <NUM>. The touch panel <NUM> may be formed as a touch sensor.

In addition, the touch panel <NUM> may have the same area as the first transparent region <NUM> so as to be perfectly coupled thereto. When the second body <NUM> is at the first position, the second connected region <NUM>, the second transparent region <NUM>, the first transparent region <NUM>, and the touch panel <NUM> may be arranged to overlap each other, the second region <NUM> and the touch panel <NUM> may be combined to form a touch screen, and touch input (information input) may be performed through the second region <NUM>.

The flexible display <NUM> (the second region <NUM> and the third region <NUM>) may move between the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM>. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flexible display <NUM> (the second region <NUM> and the third region <NUM>) may be located behind the first body <NUM>, and the second body <NUM> may be located behind the flexible display <NUM> (the second region <NUM> and the third region <NUM>). Furthermore, in this case, the second body <NUM> may include the second transparent region <NUM> and the second non-transparent region <NUM>.

In addition, the flexible display device <NUM> may further include the touch panel <NUM> that is coupled to the second transparent region <NUM>. The touch panel <NUM> may be coupled to the second transparent region <NUM> by being stacked thereon, or may be coupled to the outer or inner surface of the second transparent region <NUM>. The touch panel <NUM> may have the same area as the second transparent region <NUM> so as to be perfectly coupled thereto. When the second body <NUM> is at the first position, the second region <NUM>, the second transparent region <NUM>, and the touch panel <NUM> may be arranged to overlap each other, the second region <NUM> and the touch panel <NUM> may be combined to form a touch screen, and touch input (information input) may be performed through the second region <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the flexible display device <NUM>, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the flexible display device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is modified, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the flexible display device <NUM>.

When the second body <NUM> is at the first position, the inner surface of the first body <NUM> may face the outer surface of the second body <NUM>. That is, the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM> may be combined in a stacked manner such that the first body <NUM> is located behind the second body <NUM>.

The flexible display device <NUM> may be configured to further include a wireless transmission/reception part <NUM>.

The wireless transmission/reception part <NUM> may include, for example, an antenna, a wireless communication module, and/or a wireless charging module, and may be formed like the wireless transceiver <NUM> described above. Accordingly, the flexible display device <NUM> may perform wireless charging or wireless communication through the wireless transmission/reception part <NUM>.

The wireless transmission/reception part <NUM> overlaps with the third region <NUM> when viewed from the third direction, and is fixed to the inner surface of the first body <NUM>. The first body <NUM> may include the first transparent region <NUM> and the first non-transparent region <NUM>, as described above, and the wireless transmission/reception part <NUM> may be located inside the first non-transparent region <NUM>.

In the flexible display device <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may be fixed inside the first body <NUM>, and may include a PCB substrate. Since the flexible display <NUM> may be electrically coupled to the controller <NUM> through the first region <NUM> or the fourth region <NUM> that is fixed to the first body <NUM>, and the wireless transmission/reception part <NUM> fixed to the first body <NUM> may also be fixedly coupled to the controller <NUM>, when the second body <NUM> moves relative to the first body <NUM>, the connection between the controller <NUM> and the flexible display <NUM> or between the controller <NUM> and the wireless transmission/reception part <NUM> may be stably performed.

The wireless transmission/reception part <NUM> may be electrically connected to the controller <NUM> while avoiding the first body <NUM>, or may be electrically connected to the controller <NUM> through a connection terminal <NUM> that passes through the first body <NUM>.

Furthermore, the wireless transmission/reception part <NUM> may overlap the first non-transparent region <NUM> to prevent visual exposure of the wireless transmission/reception part <NUM> to the outside, and may be coupled directly inside the first body <NUM> forming the rearmost surface to effectively perform wireless charging or wireless communication.

<FIG> and <FIG> are rear views illustrating the flexible display device <NUM>, respectively. In <FIG> and <FIG>, the support <NUM> and the flexible display <NUM> are represented by dotted lines.

When the second body <NUM> is at the first position, the third region <NUM> may be located at any one side of the camera <NUM> (see <FIG>).

Alternatively, when the second body <NUM> is at the first position, the third region <NUM> may be located at both sides of the camera <NUM> (see <FIG>). That is, the third region <NUM> may be divided into two parts 300a and 300b. As a result, when switching from the first position to the second position is made, it is possible to prevent or alleviate eccentricity acting on the flexible display <NUM>.

The flexible display device <NUM> may include the tension generator <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The tension generator <NUM> is configured to pull the flexible display <NUM> to apply tension to the flexible display <NUM>.

The tension generator <NUM> may be coupled to the third region <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> by being coupled to the body <NUM>, and may increase the tension applied to the flexible display <NUM>, when switching from the first position to the second position is made.

In an embodiment, the tension generator <NUM> may include a spring.

The tension generator <NUM> may be configured to couple the first body <NUM> to the third region <NUM>, and to apply an external force to the flexible display <NUM> to cause the third region <NUM> to move away from the support <NUM> again, when the third region <NUM> approaches the support <NUM> in the first direction. That is, the tension generator <NUM> may be configured to pull the third region <NUM> to cause the third region <NUM> to be close to the camera <NUM> in the first direction.

The tension generator <NUM> may be configured to couple the second body <NUM> to the third region <NUM>, and to apply an external force to the flexible display <NUM> to cause the third region <NUM> to move away from the support <NUM> again, when the third region <NUM> approaches the support <NUM> in the first direction. That is, the tension generator <NUM> may be configured to pull the third region <NUM> to cause the third region <NUM> to be close to the camera <NUM> in the first direction.

<FIG> is a rear view illustrating the flexible display device <NUM>, and <FIG> is a rear view illustrating a state in which the flexible display device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is modified.

In <FIG>, the second body <NUM> is represented by a dotted line, and in <FIG>, the support <NUM> is represented by a dotted line.

The third region <NUM> includes a first end region <NUM> and a second end region <NUM>.

When the second body <NUM> is at the first position, when viewed from the third direction, the first end region <NUM> may be formed in the same line as the camera <NUM> in the second direction, and may have a uniform width in the second direction.

When viewed from the third direction, the second end region <NUM> may be formed in the same line as the camera <NUM> in the first direction, may have a uniform width in the second direction, and may be coupled to the first end region <NUM>.

In the second direction, the first end region <NUM> has a relatively wide width, but the second end region <NUM> has a relatively narrow width.

Based on the third direction, the second body <NUM> may be located behind the first body <NUM>, and the second body <NUM> may include a first support region <NUM> and a second support region <NUM>.

When the second body <NUM> is at the first position, the first support region <NUM> may overlap the first end region <NUM> to support the first end region <NUM>.

When the second body <NUM> is at the first position, the second support region <NUM> may overlap the second end region <NUM> to support the second end region <NUM>.

In order to enable the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM> to perform relative movement (sliding movement), the flexible display device <NUM> may be configured to further include a first rail <NUM>, a second rail <NUM>, a first slider <NUM>, and a second slider <NUM>.

The first rail <NUM> is configured to extend in the first direction and to be fixed to the first support region <NUM> away from the second support region <NUM>. The first rail <NUM> may have a uniform cross-section in the first direction.

The second rail <NUM> is configured to extend in the first direction and to be fixed to the second support region <NUM> away from the first support region <NUM>. The second rail <NUM> may have a uniform cross-section in the first direction. The second rail <NUM> may be symmetric with the first rail <NUM> and may be the same as the first rail <NUM>.

The first slider <NUM> is coupled to the first rail <NUM> to perform sliding movement along the first rail <NUM>, and is fixed to the first body <NUM>. Based on the first slider <NUM>, the first rail <NUM> performs reciprocating movement in the first direction.

The second slider <NUM> is coupled to the second rail <NUM> to perform sliding movement along the second rail <NUM>, and is fixed to the first body <NUM>. Based on the second slider <NUM>, the second rail <NUM> performs reciprocating movement in the first direction.

The first slider <NUM> and the second slider <NUM> are fixed to the first body <NUM> away from the camera <NUM>. For example, when the camera <NUM> is coupled to the first body <NUM> on the right side of the flexible display device <NUM>, the first slider <NUM> and the second slider <NUM> are coupled to the first body <NUM> on the left side of the flexible display device <NUM>.

Based on the first direction, the distance d7 from the support <NUM> to ends of the first rail <NUM> and the second rail <NUM> may be greater than the distance d8 from the support <NUM> to an end of the second support region <NUM>, respectively.

As described above, the third region <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> includes the first end region <NUM> and the second end region <NUM>, and the second body <NUM> includes the first support region <NUM> and the second support region <NUM>. As a result, the flexible display device <NUM> may be configured such that protection and support of the flexible display <NUM> can be achieved by the second body <NUM> and an exposed area of the flexible display <NUM> on the front surface of the flexible display device <NUM> can be further increased, without the flexible display <NUM> interfering with the camera <NUM>.

In addition, since, based on the first direction, the distance from the support <NUM> to ends of the first rail <NUM> and the second rail <NUM> may be greater than the distance from the support <NUM> to an end of the second support region <NUM>, respectively, the range (stroke) of movement of the second body <NUM> relative to the first body <NUM> can be increased, and the area of the second region <NUM> forming the same plane with the first region <NUM> may be relatively larger.

<FIG> is a rear view illustrating the flexible display device <NUM>, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a state in which the first body <NUM>, the second body <NUM>, and the third region <NUM> are separated from each other, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a state in which the first body <NUM>, the second body <NUM>, and the third region <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> are combined.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating the tension generator <NUM>, 400a, and 400b.

In order to enable the second body <NUM> and the third region <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> to perform relative movement (sliding movement), the flexible display device <NUM> may be configured to further include a third rail <NUM>, a fourth rail <NUM>, a third slider <NUM>, and a fourth slider <NUM>.

The third rail <NUM> is configured to extend on the second body <NUM> in the first direction. The third rail <NUM> may have a uniform cross-section in the first direction, and may have a groove shape on a rear surface of the second body <NUM>.

The fourth rail <NUM> extends on the second body <NUM> in the first direction. The fourth rail <NUM> may have a uniform cross-section in the first direction, and may have a groove shape on a rear surface of the second body <NUM>.

The third rail <NUM> and the fourth rail <NUM> may have the same cross-section.

The third rail <NUM> and the fourth rail <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other to be parallel to each other. When the third rail <NUM> is provided on the lower side of the second body <NUM>, the fourth rail <NUM> may be provided on the upper side of the second body <NUM>.

The third slider <NUM> is coupled to the third rail <NUM> to perform sliding movement in a longitudinal direction of the third rail <NUM>, and is fixed to the flexible display <NUM>. The third slider <NUM> may be fixed to the third region <NUM>.

When the third rail <NUM> has a groove shape, the third slider <NUM> may be inserted into and coupled to the third rail <NUM> by having a protruding shape, and may be bound to the third rail <NUM> such that movement of the third slider <NUM> in a direction other than the first direction is prevented.

The fourth slider <NUM> is coupled to the fourth rail <NUM> to perform sliding movement in the longitudinal direction of the fourth rail <NUM>, and is fixed to the flexible display <NUM>. The fourth slider <NUM> may be fixed to the third region <NUM>.

When the fourth rail <NUM> has a groove shape, the fourth slider <NUM> may be inserted into and coupled to the fourth rail <NUM> by having a protruding shape, and may be bound to the fourth rail <NUM> such that movement the fourth slider <NUM> in a direction other than the first direction is prevented.

In the flexible display device <NUM>, the tension generator <NUM> may include a first tension generator (also referred to as a first tensioner) 400a and a second tension generator (also referred to as a second tensioner) 400b. The first tension generator 400a and the second tension generator 400b may respectively be configured like the tension generator <NUM> described above.

The first tension generator 400a may be configured to couple the first body <NUM> to the first end region <NUM>, and when the second body <NUM> is at the second position, to apply tension to the flexible display <NUM>.

The second tension generator 400b may be configured to couple the first body <NUM> to the second end region <NUM>, and when the second body <NUM> is at the second position, to apply tension to the flexible display <NUM>.

The tension generator <NUM>, the first tension generator 400a, and the second tension generator 400b may be configured to include a tension body <NUM>, a spool <NUM>, a spiral spring <NUM>, and a wire <NUM>, respectively.

In addition, the tension generator <NUM>, the first tension generator 400a, and the second tension generator 400b may be configured to include a tension housing <NUM> for receiving the spiral spring <NUM>, respectively.

Furthermore, the tension generator <NUM>, the first tension generator 400a, and the second tension generator 400b may be configured to include a pulley <NUM> around which the wire <NUM> may be wound so as to change the direction of the wire <NUM>.

The tension body <NUM> is fixed to the first body <NUM> so as not to rotate relative to the first body <NUM>.

The spool <NUM> is coupled to the tension body <NUM> so as to be able to rotate about a rotation axis <NUM>, and the wire <NUM> is wound around the spool <NUM>.

The spiral spring <NUM> may be received within the tension housing <NUM>, and have one end <NUM> fixed to the tension body <NUM> and the other end <NUM> fixed to the spool <NUM>. Accordingly, the spiral spring <NUM> elastically supports the spool <NUM> on the tension body <NUM>. That is, when the spool <NUM> is rotated relative to the tension body <NUM> by applying an external force to the spool <NUM>, the spiral spring <NUM> is elastically deformed and accordingly stores elastic energy, and when the external force is released, the rotation direction of the spool <NUM> on the tension body <NUM> is reversed.

One end <NUM> of the wire <NUM> is fixed to and wound around the spool <NUM> and the other end <NUM> of the wire <NUM> is coupled to the third region <NUM>. The wire <NUM> of the first tension generator 400a is coupled to the first end region <NUM> of the third region <NUM>, and the wire <NUM> of the second tension generator 400b is coupled to the second end region <NUM> of the third region <NUM>.

When an external force is applied to the flexible display device <NUM> to cause the second body <NUM> to switch from the first position to the second position relative to the first body <NUM>, the third region <NUM> is close to the support <NUM> in the first direction, and the spiral spring <NUM> is elastically deformed and stores elastic energy accordingly as the wire <NUM> is unwound from the spool <NUM>. Accordingly, a predetermined tension is applied to the flexible display <NUM>.

When the external force applied to the flexible display device <NUM> is removed, the wire <NUM> is again wound around the spool <NUM> by the elastic restoring force of the spiral spring <NUM>, such that the tension generators <NUM>, 400a, and 400b pull the third region <NUM> to cause the third region <NUM> to be close to the camera <NUM> in the first direction.

<FIG> is a rear view illustrating the flexible display device <NUM>, and <FIG> are cross-sectional views illustrating a part of the flexible display device <NUM>.

The flexible display device <NUM> may be configured to further include a hydraulic cylinder <NUM> having a variable length. The hydraulic cylinder <NUM> may be configured such that one end thereof is coupled to (or rotatably coupled to) the first body <NUM> and the other end thereof is coupled to (or rotatably coupled to) the third region <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM>.

The hydraulic cylinder <NUM> may be configured to prevent rapid movement (modification) of the flexible display <NUM> and to allow smooth movement (modification) thereof, when switching from the first position to the second position or vice versa is made,.

The flexible display device <NUM> may be configured to further include a coupling beam <NUM>, a stopper <NUM>, and a trigger <NUM>.

The coupling beam <NUM> is configured to mediate the coupling between the third region <NUM> and the tension generator <NUM>. The coupling beam <NUM> may be made of a material that is harder than that of the flexible display <NUM>. For example, the coupling beam <NUM> may be made of a material such as plastic, carbon fiber, or metal. The coupling beam <NUM> may be coupled to an end of the third region <NUM> in the second direction.

The stopper <NUM> may be configured to fix the coupling beam <NUM> to the first body <NUM> or the second body <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> may be movably coupled to the coupling beam <NUM>, and a stop hole <NUM> into which an end of the stopper <NUM> is inserted may be formed in the first body <NUM> or the second body <NUM>.

When the stopper <NUM> is inserted into the stop hole <NUM> by pressing the stopper <NUM>, movement (movement in the first direction) of the coupling beam <NUM> relative to the first body <NUM> or the second body <NUM> is prevented.

The trigger <NUM> may be configured to separate the coupling beam <NUM> and the stopper <NUM> from the first body <NUM> or the second body <NUM>. In an embodiment, the trigger <NUM> may be formed in the shape of a lever. In this case, when the trigger <NUM> is rotated by pressing of the trigger <NUM>, the stopper <NUM> inserted into the stop hole is withdrawn therefrom, such that movement (movement in the first direction) of the coupling beam <NUM> and the stopper <NUM> relative to the first body <NUM> may be performed.

In the foregoing, while specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described for illustrative purposes, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to other specific embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should be defined not by the above-described embodiments but by the technical idea defined in the following claims.

Claim 1:
A flexible display device, comprising:
a body (<NUM>) comprising: a first body (<NUM>), a second body (<NUM>) configured to move relative to the first body (<NUM>) between a first position and a second position, and a support (<NUM>) coupled to the second body (<NUM>), wherein the support (<NUM>) and the second body (<NUM>) move together relative to the first body (<NUM>);
a flexible display (<NUM>) comprising: a first region (<NUM>) disposed at a front of the first body (<NUM>), a second region (<NUM>) extending from the first region (<NUM>) and partially curved around the support (<NUM>), and a third region (<NUM>) extending from the second region (<NUM>); and
a camera (<NUM>) disposed at a rear of the body (<NUM>),
wherein an area of the second region (<NUM>) that is co-planar with the first region (<NUM>) is larger when the second body (<NUM>) is at the second position than when the second body (<NUM>) is at the first position,
wherein the camera (<NUM>) is located at an outer surface of the first body (<NUM>) toward a lateral edge of the flexible display device away from the support (<NUM>), and the camera (<NUM>) is fixed adjacent to an edge of the first body (<NUM>) farthest from the support (<NUM>),
characterised in that:
the third region (<NUM>) comprises a first end region (<NUM>) and a second end region (<NUM>),
wherein when the second body (<NUM>) is at the first position, the second end region (<NUM>) is disposed adjacent to the camera (<NUM>) in a direction which the second body (<NUM>) moves,
wherein when the second body (<NUM>) is at the first position, a distance from the support (<NUM>) to an end of the first end region (<NUM>) is greater than the distance from the support (<NUM>) to the center of the camera (<NUM>), and
wherein a distance from the support (<NUM>) to an end of the second end region (<NUM>) and the distance from the support (<NUM>) to the center of the camera (<NUM>) are arranged such that the second end region (<NUM>) does not interfere with the camera (<NUM>).