Patent Description:
Terminals can be generally classified as mobile/portable terminals or stationary terminals. Mobile terminals can also be classified as handheld terminals or vehicle mounted terminals.

In addition, a display device includes functions of receiving, processing and displaying user-viewable images. The display device, for example, receives broadcasting selected by a user from broadcast signals broadcasted by a broadcasting station, splits video signals from the received signals, and displays the split video signals on a display.

Recently, owing to the developments of broadcast and network technologies, functions of a display device have been considerably diversified and performance of the device has been improved correspondingly. Namely, the display device has been developed so as to provide a user with various contents as well as simply broadcasted contents. For example, the display device can provide game play, listening to music, Internet shopping, user-customized information and the like using various applications as well as programs received from broadcasting stations. In order to perform such extended functions, the display device is basically connected to other devices or a network using various communication protocols and can provide ubiquitous computing environments to a user. Thus, the display device has been evolved into a smart device that enables connectivity to a network and ubiquitous computing.

Recently, a flexible display capable of large deformation with sufficient elasticity has been developed. The size of the mobile terminal can thus be varied based on deformation of the flexible display. As described above, for a mobile terminal having a variable structure, the structure of the mobile terminal needs to be stably changed, and an issue may be raised in relation to the support structure of the variable display unit. <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> comprise relevant background art. <CIT> constitutes the closest background art, which differs from claim <NUM> in that it lacks at least the claimed slide frame and the claimed deceleration part.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a drive unit capable of providing a driving force for extension of a frame without a motor.

The invention is defined by the features of claim <NUM>. In one aspect of the present disclosure, a mobile terminal includes a first frame, a second frame configured to move from the first frame in a first direction to switch from a first state to a second state and to slidably move in a second direction to switch from the second state to the first state, the second direction being a direction opposite to the first direction, a slide frame configured to move in the first direction or the second direction with respect to the second frame, a flexible display comprising a first region coupled to the first frame, a second region coupled to the slide frame, and a third region disposed between the first region and the second region, the third region being bent by surrounding the second frame, and a drive unit configured to provide force for moving the second frame in the first direction, wherein the drive unit may include a driving elastic part having one end fixed to the first frame and an opposite end fixed to the second frame, the driving elastic part being configured to provide tension force, and a stopper configured to fix the driving elastic part in a compressed state.

The drive unit further may include a moving block fixed to the second frame, the opposite end of the driving elastic part being fixed to the moving block, wherein the stopper may include a first hook arranged on the moving block, and a second hook configured to selectively fix the first hook.

The stopper further may include a mode button arranged through the first frame, the second hook protruding from an inner side of the mode button, and a button elastic part configured to apply force to the mode button to keep the second hook engaged with the first hook.

The drive unit may further include a guide pole fixed to the first frame and extending in the first direction, wherein the guide pole may be arranged through the moving block in a penetrating manner such that the moving block may move along the guide pole in the first direction or the second direction.

The driving elastic part may include a compression spring through penetrated by the guide pole.

The first frame may include a deceleration part protruding toward the moving block, the deceleration part being positioned in a region in which the moving block is positioned in the second state.

The deceleration part may include an inclined surface lowered as the inclined surface extends in the second direction.

The deceleration part may include an elastic pin configured to apply force toward the moving block.

The mobile terminal may further include a torsion spring having one end coupled to the second frame and an opposite end coupled to the slide frame, wherein an angle between the one end and the opposite end may be variable.

The one end and the opposite end of the torsion spring may be rotatably coupled to the second frame and the slide frame.

A distance between the one end and the opposite end of the torsion spring may be the same in the first state and the second state.

As the bending point of a flexible display unit is not limited to a specific position, durability of the flexible display unit may be improved.

A drive unit capable of providing driving force for extension of a frame without a motor may be provided.

In addition, as a slide frame moves in operative connection with the movement of a second frame, deformation of the display unit may take place in operative connection with extension and retraction of the frame.

Further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description given below. However, various changes and modifications within scope of the present disclosure may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art, and therefore the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, should be understood as being given by way of example only.

Description will now be given in detail according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brief description with reference to the drawings, the same components may be provided with the same reference numbers, and description thereof will not be repeated. In general, a suffix such as "module" and "unit" may be used to refer to elements or components. Use of such a suffix herein is merely intended to facilitate description of the specification, and the suffix itself is not intended to give any special meaning or function. In the present disclosure, that which is well-known to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art has generally been omitted for the sake of brevity. The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings.

When an element is referred to as being "connected with" another element, the element can be directly connected with the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected with" another element, there are no intervening elements present.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a mobile terminal in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The mobile terminal <NUM> is shown having components such as a wireless communication unit <NUM>, an input unit <NUM>, a sensing unit <NUM>, an output unit <NUM>, an interface unit <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, and a power supply unit <NUM>. Implementing all of the illustrated components in The <FIG> is not a requirement, and that greater or fewer components may alternatively be implemented.

The mobile communication module <NUM> can transmit and/or receive wireless signals to and from one or more network entities. Typical examples of a network entity include a base station, an external mobile terminal, a server, and the like. Such network entities form part of a mobile communication network, which is constructed according to technical standards or communication methods for mobile communications (for example, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code Division Multi Access (CDMA), CDMA2000 (Code Division Multi Access <NUM>), EV-DO (Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), High Speed Downlink Packet access (HSDPA), HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), and the like).

Examples of such wireless Internet access include Wireless LAN (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), and the like.

In some embodiments, when the wireless Internet access is implemented according to, for example, WiBro, HSDPA, HSUPA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE, LTE-A and the like, as part of a mobile communication network, the wireless Internet module <NUM> performs such wireless Internet access.

Suitable technologies for implementing such short-range communications include BLUETOOTH TM, Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-WideBand (UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus), and the like.

Cameras <NUM> can process image frames of still pictures or video obtained by image sensors in a video or image capture mode. The processed image frames can be displayed on the display unit <NUM> or stored in memory <NUM>. In some cases, the cameras <NUM> may be arranged in a matrix configuration to permit a plurality of images having various angles or focal points to be input to the mobile terminal <NUM>. As another example, the cameras <NUM> may be located in a stereoscopic arrangement to acquire left and right images for implementing a stereoscopic image.

Further, the virtual key or the visual key may be displayed on the touch screen in various shapes, for example, graphic, text, icon, video, or a combination thereof.

The sensing unit <NUM> is typically implemented using one or more sensors configured to sense internal information of the mobile terminal, the surrounding environment of the mobile terminal, user information, and the like. For example,, the sensing unit <NUM> may alternatively or additionally include other types of sensors or devices, such as a proximity sensor <NUM> and 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, a ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor (for example, camera <NUM>), a microphone <NUM>, a battery gauge, an environment sensor (for example, a barometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, a radiation detection sensor, a thermal sensor, and a gas sensor, among others), and a chemical sensor (for example, an electronic nose, a health care sensor, a biometric sensor, and the like), to name a few. The mobile terminal <NUM> can utilize information obtained from sensing unit <NUM>, and in particular, information obtained from one or more sensors of the sensing unit <NUM>, and combinations thereof.

The display unit <NUM> can have an inter-layered structure or an integrated structure with a touch sensor in order to facilitate a touch screen.

For instance, the memory <NUM> can store application programs executed in the mobile terminal <NUM>, data or instructions for operations of the mobile terminal <NUM>, and the like.

The controller <NUM> typically functions to control overall operation of the mobile terminal <NUM>, in addition to the operations associated with the application programs. The controller <NUM> can provide or process information or functions appropriate for a user by processing signals, data, information and the like, which are input or output, or activating application programs stored in the memory <NUM>.

To drive the application programs stored in the memory <NUM>, the controller <NUM> can be implemented to control a predetermined number of the components mentioned above in reference with <FIG>. Moreover, the controller <NUM> can be implemented to combinedly operate two or more of the components provided in the mobile terminal <NUM> to drive the application programs.

The power supply unit <NUM> may include a battery, and the battery can be embedded in the terminal body, or configured to be detachable from the terminal body.

Next, <FIG> is a exploded perspective view of a mobile terminal according to the present disclosure, <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a first state and a second state of the mobile terminal viewed from one side, <FIG> is a rear view illustrating the first state and second state of the mobile terminal, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along lines A-A and B-B of <FIG>. Specifically, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> show the first state of the mobile terminal, and <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> show the second state of the mobile terminal.

As shown in the figures, a mobile terminal <NUM> in the first state is retracted to have a smaller size than in the second state. In the first state, the size of the display unit <NUM>, which is arranged on the front of the mobile terminal <NUM>, is also smaller than in the second state. Further, when the mobile terminal <NUM> in the first state is extended in a first direction D1, the mobile terminal <NUM> switches to the second state. In the second state, the size of the mobile terminal <NUM> and the size of the front portion of the display unit <NUM> are larger than those in the first state as shown in <FIG>, and the size of the rear portion of the display unit <NUM> is reduced as shown in <FIG>. That is, the display unit <NUM> positioned on the back of the mobile terminal <NUM> in the first state moves to the front of the mobile terminal <NUM> in the second state.

In the following description, the direction in which the mobile terminal <NUM> and the display unit <NUM> thereof are extended or enlarged is defined as a first direction D1, and the direction in which the mobile terminal contracts or retracts or is reduced to switch from the second state to the first state is defined as a second direction D2. A direction perpendicular to the first and second directions D1 and D2 is defined as a third direction.

In this way, a flexible display unit <NUM> which is bendable may be used as the display unit such that the position of the display unit may be varied. The flexible display means a display, which is manufactured on a thin and flexible substrate capable of being curved, bent, folded, twisted or rolled like paper, and is thus lightweight and robust as not to be easily broken while maintaining characteristics of the existing flat panel display.

Also, electronic paper is based on a display technique to which a feature of a general ink is applied, and is different from the existing flat panel display in that it uses reflective light. The electronic paper may change information by using electrophoresis that uses a twist ball or capsule.

When the flexible display unit <NUM> is not deformed (for example, the state that the flexible display unit <NUM> has an infinite radius of curvature, hereinafter, referred to as base state), a display area of the flexible display unit <NUM> becomes a plane. In a state (for example, the state having a finite curvature radius, hereinafter, referred to as a deformation state) deformed by an external force from the base state, the display area may be a curved surface. As shown, information displayed in the deformation state may be visual information output to the curved surface. This visual information is implemented as luminescence of unit sub-pixels arranged in a matrix arrangement is controlled independently. The unit sub-pixel means a minimum unit for implementing one color.

The flexible display unit <NUM> can be arranged in a bent state (for example, the state bent in a vertical or horizontal direction) not a flat state in the base state. In this instance, if an external force is applied to the flexible display unit <NUM>, the flexible display unit <NUM> can be deformed in a flat state (or less bent state) or a more bent state.

The flexible display unit <NUM> can implement a flexible touch screen in combination with a touch sensor. If a touch is performed for a flexible touch screen, the controller <NUM> (see <FIG>) can perform a control corresponding to such a touch input. The flexible touch screen can also be configured to sense a touch input even in the deformation state as well as the base state.

Further, the touch sensor senses a touch (or touch input) applied to the touch screen by using at least one of various touch modes such as a resistive film mode, a capacitance mode, an infrared mode, an ultrasonic mode, and a magnetic field mode.

As an example, the touch sensor can convert a change of a pressure applied to a specific portion of the touch screen or a change of capacitance occurring in the specific portion to an electric input signal. The touch sensor can allow a touch target, which performs a touch on the touch screen, to detect a touch position, a touch area, a touch pressure and touch capacitance on the touch sensor.

In addition, mobile terminal <NUM> may include a deformation detection mechanism configured to detect deformation of the flexible display unit <NUM>. Such deformation sensing mechanism may be included in the sensing unit <NUM> (see <FIG>). The deformation sensing mechanism may be provided in the flexible display unit <NUM> or a case (a first frame <NUM> and a second frame <NUM>, which will be described later) to detect information related to deformation of the flexible display unit <NUM>.

Here, the information related to the deformation may include a direction in which the flexible display unit <NUM> is deformed, a degree of deformation, a deformed position, a deformation time, and an acceleration at which the flexible display unit <NUM> returns from the deformed position to the original position. The information may further include various kinds of information that may be detected according to bending of the flexible display unit <NUM>.

Also, the controller <NUM> can modify information displayed on the flexible display unit <NUM> or generate a control signal for controlling functions of the mobile terminal <NUM>, based on the information related to deformation of the flexible display unit <NUM> sensed by the deformation sensing means. Switching of the flexible display unit <NUM> to a state (the first or second state), that is, change in size of the display unit <NUM> on the front and back of the mobile terminal <NUM> according to change in size of the mobile terminal <NUM> can be performed manually by the force exerted by the user, but is not limited to this manual operation.

For example, the mobile terminal <NUM> or the flexible display unit <NUM> in the first state can be deformed to switch to the second state by a command from a user or an application without external force applied by the user. In order to automatically deform the flexible display unit <NUM> without external force, the mobile terminal <NUM> includes a drive unit <NUM>, which will be described later.

The flexible display unit <NUM> of the present disclosure is bent <NUM> degrees by rolling around a side portion of the mobile terminal <NUM> facing in the first direction. Accordingly, a part of the display unit <NUM> is disposed on the front of the mobile terminal <NUM> with respect to the side portion of the mobile terminal <NUM>, and the other part of the display unit <NUM> is disposed on the back of the mobile terminal <NUM>. A part of the display unit <NUM> positioned on the front of the mobile terminal <NUM> can be immovably fixed on the front, and the other part thereof positioned on the back of the mobile terminal <NUM> can be movably arranged on the back.

In addition, the display unit <NUM> can be rolled or unrolled around the side portion, thereby moving a part thereof disposed on the back of the mobile terminal <NUM> to adjust the size of the region thereof disposed on the front of the mobile terminal <NUM>. The flexible display unit <NUM> has a predetermined area and includes one continuous body. Accordingly, as the area of the front portion of the flexible display unit <NUM> increases, the area of the rear portion of the flexible display unit <NUM> decreases. Further, the display unit <NUM> configured as described above can be rolled in a second frame <NUM>, which is movable with respect to a first frame <NUM>, more specifically, around one side portion of the second frame <NUM>, which will be described later. The display unit <NUM> can be withdrawn or pulled out or from the second frame <NUM> or inserted or pushed thereinto while being rolled around the second frame <NUM> according to movement of the second frame <NUM> to adjust the area of the display unit <NUM> on the front of the mobile terminal <NUM>. This operation will be described in more detail below in connection with the other related components of the mobile terminal <NUM>.

Typically, an antenna is provided in the case or housing of the mobile terminal <NUM>. However, a position where the antenna may be installed in the case or housing may be limited by the flexible display unit <NUM>, which covers the front and back of the mobile terminal <NUM>. For this reason, an antenna may be implemented on the flexible display unit <NUM>. The antenna on display (AOD) is an antenna of a transparent film formed by laminating a patterned electrode layer and a dielectric layer. The AOD may be implemented to be thinner than when implemented with the conventional laser direct structuring (LDS) technique, which is implemented with copper nickel plating. Accordingly, the AOD may neither affect the thickness nor be exposed to the outside. In addition, with the AOD, the display unit <NUM> can directly transmit and receive signals. Therefore, the mobile terminal <NUM> provided with the display unit <NUM> on both sides as in the present disclosure may employ an AOD.

The mobile terminal <NUM> includes frames <NUM> and <NUM> on which components are mounted. The size of the frames <NUM> and <NUM> of the present disclosure may vary in the first direction as shown in <FIG>. When at least one frame <NUM>, <NUM> makes a relative movement, the size thereof varies in the first direction. Electronic components are mounted inside the frames <NUM> and <NUM>, and the flexible display unit <NUM> is disposed outside of the frames <NUM> and <NUM>.

As the mobile terminal <NUM> of the present disclosure includes the flexible display unit <NUM>, the flexible display unit <NUM> can be coupled thereto by surrounding the front and rear surfaces of the frames <NUM> and <NUM>. The frames include a first frame <NUM> and a second frame <NUM> movable in the first direction with respect to the first frame <NUM>. The first frame <NUM> and the second frame <NUM> may also each include a front portion, a rear portion and a side portion, and be coupled to each other. Thus, the first frame <NUM> and the second frame <NUM> coupled to each other define the appearance of the mobile terminal <NUM>, which has a hexahedral shape.

In addition, the first frame <NUM> may correspond to the main body of the mobile terminal <NUM> and define a space therein to accommodate various components. In addition, the first frame <NUM> may accommodate, in the defined space, the second frame <NUM> movably coupled to the first frame <NUM>. More specifically, as best shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first frame <NUM> may include a first front portion <NUM> disposed on the front of the mobile terminal <NUM> to support the front portion of the display unit <NUM>, and a first rear portion <NUM> disposed on the rear side of the mobile terminal <NUM>, various components being mounted on the first rear portion <NUM>.

The first front portion <NUM> and the first rear portion <NUM> are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance so as to define a predetermined space therebetween and are connected to each other by a side portion <NUM>. In particular, the side portion <NUM> can be integrated with the first rear portion <NUM> or the first front portion <NUM>. In addition, the camera <NUM>, the audio output module <NUM>, an input/output terminal <NUM>, the controller <NUM> and the power supply unit <NUM>, which are components of the mobile terminal <NUM>, may be accommodated in the space in the first frame <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> can be a circuit board <NUM> including a processor and an electronic circuit configured to control the operation of the mobile terminal, and the power supply unit <NUM> may include a battery <NUM> and related components. A drive unit <NUM> configured to control slide movement of the second frame <NUM>, which will be described later, can also be accommodated in the first frame <NUM>.

As described above, the display unit <NUM> can have a continuous body and be disposed on both the front and back of the mobile terminal <NUM> while being rolled in the mobile terminal <NUM>. In more detail, the display unit <NUM> can include a front portion positioned on the front of the mobile terminal <NUM>, a rear portion positioned on the back of the mobile terminal <NUM>, and a lateral side portion positioned between the front portion and the rear portion to surround the lateral side of the mobile terminal. The front portion and the rear portion may be flat, and the lateral side portion may form a curved surface. In addition, the flexible display unit <NUM> may be broken when it is bent. Thus, the flexible display unit <NUM> can be configured to be bent with a predetermined curvature.

The display unit <NUM> can be divided into a fixed part and a variable part. In particular, the fixed part means a part fixed to the frame. Since it is fixed to the frame, the fixed part maintains a constant shape with a bending degree thereof unchanged. On the other hand, the variable part means a part in which the bending angle of the bent portion is variable or the position of the bent portion is changed. The variable part having a variable bending position or angle needs a structure to support the rear surface of the variable part according to the change.

In addition, the fixed part is coupled to the first frame of the display unit and is constantly positioned at the front to form part of the front portion. The variable part includes a side portion positioned on a side of the mobile terminal. The position of the side portion varies depending on the position of the second frame. Also, the areas of a region located on the front and a region located on the back with respect to the side portion vary. In other words, a portion of the variable part may be a front portion and the other part thereof may be a rear portion according to the first state and the second state. The variable part is positioned on the side facing in the first direction with respect to the fixed portion in the mobile terminal, and an end of the variable part is bent to the rear side of the mobile terminal while sliding on the rear surface of the second frame.

An end of the variable part of the display unit is coupled to a slide frame for guiding a slide movement on the rear surface of the second frame. The slide frame moves on the second frame in the first direction when the second frame moves in the first direction. As a result, the moving distance of the slide frame with respect to the first frame is twice the moving distance thereof with respect to the second frame. As shown in <FIG>, the first rear portion1012 of the mobile terminal <NUM> may include an exposed rear portion <NUM> that is not covered by the display unit <NUM> but is exposed to the outside even in the first state. The physical input units <NUM>, such as various buttons, switches, the camera <NUM>, and flash, and the sensing unit <NUM>, such as the proximity sensor <NUM> or a fingerprint sensor, may be disposed on the exposed rear portion <NUM>. Also, the first rear portion1012 except for the exposed rear portion1013 is covered by the display unit <NUM> in the first state as shown in <FIG>, and is exposed rearward in the second state as shown in <FIG>.

For a typical bar-type terminal, the display unit is arranged only on the front of the terminal. Therefore, a main camera is disposed on the back of the terminal to allow a user to photograph an object on the opposite side while viewing the object through the display unit <NUM>. In addition, an auxiliary camera is required to be arranged on the front of the terminal in order for the user to photograph himself while viewing his or her image through the display unit.

However, for the mobile terminal <NUM> of the present disclosure, the display unit <NUM> is arranged on both the front and back of the mobile terminal <NUM>. Accordingly, in photographing the user, a portion of the display unit <NUM> on the same surface as the camera <NUM>, that is, the display unit <NUM> on the back of the mobile terminal <NUM> in the figure can be used. In photographing an object on the side opposing to the user, a portion of the display unit <NUM> on the opposite side of the camera <NUM>, that is, the display unit <NUM> on the front of the mobile terminal <NUM> in the figure may be used. For this reason, the mobile terminal <NUM> can photograph an object located on the opposite side of the user or the user himself using one camera <NUM>. In addition, the camera may include a plurality of cameras having different angles of view, such as wide angle, ultra-wide angle, and telephoto angle. Not only the camera but also a proximity sensor and an audio output unit can be positioned on an exposed rear portion <NUM>, and an antenna <NUM> can be installed on the rear portion <NUM>. An exposed decor <NUM> can also be used to attach and protect the camera, sensor, or the like on the exposed rear portion <NUM> in consideration of the exterior design.

Further, the side portion <NUM> can extend along the edges of the first front portion <NUM> and the first rear portion <NUM> to surround the circumference of the first frame <NUM> and can define the appearance of the mobile terminal <NUM>. However, as mentioned above, the second frame <NUM> is accommodated in and movably coupled to the first frame <NUM>, and therefore a portion of the first frame <NUM> needs to be open to allow movement of the second frame <NUM> relative to the first frame <NUM>. As an example, as shown in <FIG>, the second frame <NUM> can be movably coupled to one of both side portions of the first frame <NUM>, and accordingly the side portion <NUM> is not formed on the lateral surface facing in the first direction and can thus be open. Accordingly, the first frame <NUM> may include a first side portion 101a, which is substantially closed, and a second side portion 101b, which is disposed to face away from the first side portion 101a so as to be open. Since the side portion <NUM> is exposed to the outside of the mobile terminal <NUM>, the interface unit <NUM> for connecting a power port or an ear jack or the user input unit <NUM>, such as a volume button, can be disposed on the side portion <NUM>. When the side portion <NUM> contains a metal material, the side portion <NUM> can serve as an antenna.

The second frame <NUM> may include a second front portion <NUM> disposed on the front side of the mobile terminal <NUM> and a second rear portion <NUM> disposed on the rear side of the mobile terminal <NUM>. Like the first front portion <NUM> and the first rear portion <NUM> of the first frame <NUM>, the second front portion <NUM> and the second rear portion <NUM> can be formed of a substantially flat plate member. In addition, the second frame <NUM> accommodates various components and should not interfere with the components accommodated in the first frame <NUM> during movement. Accordingly, the second front portion <NUM> and the second rear portion <NUM> can be coupled to each other with a predetermined space formed therebetween, and can have a shape that does not interfere with the components in the first frame <NUM>.

The display unit <NUM> can be bent <NUM> degrees by being rolled in the second frame <NUM> so as to be disposed on both the front and back of the mobile terminal <NUM>. To implement such an arrangement of the display unit <NUM>, the second frame <NUM> may include a roller <NUM> rotatably disposed therein. The roller <NUM> can be disposed at any position inside the second frame <NUM>. However, the display unit <NUM> should be spread flat on the front and back of the mobile terminal <NUM> in order to provide a good quality screen to the user. To implement such spreading, appropriate tension force should be applied to the display unit <NUM>. In order to apply appropriate tension force, the roller <NUM> can be disposed at an end of the second frame <NUM> facing in the first direction. The roller <NUM> can extends in the second direction and be rotatably coupled to the second frame <NUM>.

The display unit <NUM> can be rolled around the roller <NUM> while being gently curved at a predetermined curvature. The flexible display unit <NUM> can include a first surface configured to output an image and exposed to the outside and an inner surface arranged on the opposite side to face the frame. The roller <NUM> can be arranged to freely rotate on the second frame <NUM> while contacting the inner surface of the display unit <NUM>. Accordingly, the roller <NUM> can substantially move the display unit <NUM> in a lateral direction of the mobile terminal <NUM>, namely, a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. As will be described later, when the second frame <NUM> slides, the display unit <NUM> can be moved with respect to the second frame <NUM> in different directions (i.e., the first direction D1 or the second direction D2) toward the front or back of the mobile terminal <NUM> by the tension force applied by the second frame <NUM>. Such a movement can be guided by rotation of the roller <NUM>.

Further, the roller <NUM> is disposed on a first side portion 102a of the second frame <NUM>. The first side portion 102a may substantially correspond to the outermost side portion of the mobile terminal <NUM>. If the first side portion 102a of the second flame <NUM> is exposed, the display unit <NUM> rolled around the roller <NUM> can be damaged. Accordingly, the second frame <NUM> may include a side frame <NUM> disposed on the first side portion 102a.

The side frame <NUM> can extend in the longitudinal direction of the second frame <NUM> to cover the first side portion 102a, thereby protecting the roller <NUM> and the display unit <NUM> rolled therearound.

The position can be varied according to the state of the mobile terminal. Since the lateral side portion is rolled by the roller, the lateral side portion can be curved at a predetermined curvature, and the inner side surface of the side frame may include a curved surface corresponding to the curvature of the lateral side portion.

Also, the first side portion 102a of the second frame <NUM> can be substantially closed by the side frame <NUM>. Thus, the side frame <NUM> can substantially define the appearance of the mobile terminal <NUM> in cooperation with the side portion <NUM> of the first frame <NUM>. In addition, the second frame <NUM> may include a second side portion 102b that is open and disposed to face the first side portion 102a to minimize interference with the components arranged in the first frame <NUM> during movement.

The second frame <NUM> may be movably coupled to the first frame <NUM>, and can thus be configured to slide in the predetermined first or second direction D1 or D2 with respect to the first frame <NUM>. More specifically, as shown in the figure, the second frame <NUM> can be movably coupled to the first frame <NUM> via the side portion of the first frame <NUM>, more specifically, the second side portion 101b that is open. More specifically, the second side portion 102b of the second frame can be disposed relatively adjacent to the first side portion 101a of the first frame <NUM>, which is a closed portion, and thus the first side portion 102a of the second frame can be disposed to face the first side portion 101a. Thus, the second side portion 102b is inserted into the first frame <NUM> through the side portion of the first frame, namely, the second side portion 101b. The first side portion 102a can remain outside the first frame <NUM> without being inserted into the first frame <NUM>, thereby defining the appearance of the mobile terminal <NUM> as described above. However, when necessary, the first side portion 102b of the second frame <NUM> can also be inserted into the first frame <NUM>.

Due to such a positional relationship, the second frame <NUM> can extend or retract from or to the first frame <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the mobile terminal <NUM> or the first frame <NUM>. That is, the first and second directions D1 and D2 can be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the mobile terminal <NUM> or the first frame <NUM>. In other words, the first and second directions D1 and D2 may be the lateral direction or horizontal direction of the mobile terminal <NUM> or the first frame <NUM>. In addition, in the movement in the first direction D1, the second frame <NUM> can extend from the first frame <NUM>. Thus, the first direction D1 may be a direction in which the second frame <NUM> moves away from the first frame <NUM>, namely, outwardly of the mobile terminal <NUM> or the first frame <NUM>. In the movement in the second direction D2, the second frame <NUM> retracts into the first frame <NUM>. Accordingly, the second direction D2 may be a direction opposite to the first direction D1, and the second frame <NUM> can move closer to the second frame <NUM>, that is, inwardly of the mobile terminal <NUM> or the first frame <NUM> in the second direction D1. When the second frame <NUM> is moved in the first direction D1, the second frame <NUM> can be extended to apply force to a part of the display unit <NUM> disposed on the back of the mobile terminal <NUM> such that the display unit <NUM> is further disposed on the front of the mobile terminal <NUM>, and a region for such disposition can be formed. Accordingly, when moved in the first direction D1, the second frame <NUM> can switch the mobile terminal <NUM> to the second state in which the display unit <NUM> has a relatively extended front. On the other hand, when moved in the second direction D2, the second frame <NUM> can retract to the original position and apply force to a part of the display unit <NUM> disposed on the front of the mobile terminal <NUM> such that the display unit <NUM> returns to the back of the mobile terminal <NUM>. Accordingly, when moved in the second direction D2, the second frame <NUM> can switch the mobile terminal <NUM> to the first state in which the display unit <NUM> has a relatively reduced front. Accordingly, the second frame <NUM> can selectively expose the display unit <NUM> on the front of the mobile terminal <NUM> according to the movement direction (i.e., the first or second direction D1 or D2), thereby switching the mobile terminal <NUM> to the first or second state as defined above.

During the extension and retraction in the first and second directions D1 and D2, the second frame <NUM> can overlap the first frame <NUM>, more specifically, the first front portion <NUM> and the first rear portion <NUM> thereof so as not to interfere with the first frame <NUM>. More specifically, as described above, the display unit <NUM> can be coupled to and supported by the first front portion <NUM> of the first frame <NUM>, and accordingly does not need to be additionally supported by the second front portion <NUM> of the second frame <NUM>. However, when the second front portion <NUM> is interposed between the first front portion <NUM> and the display unit <NUM>, the display unit <NUM> can be deformed or broken due to friction against the second front portion <NUM>, which repeatedly moves. Thus, the second front portion <NUM> can be disposed below the first front portion <NUM> or can be inserted into the first front portion <NUM>, which consists of two layers. The second rear portion <NUM> of the second frame <NUM> can be disposed on the rear side of the first rear portion <NUM> of the first frame <NUM>. That is, the front surface of the second rear portion <NUM> can face the rear surface of the first rear portion <NUM>. In addition, the rear surface of the first rear portion <NUM> can contact the front surface of the second rear portion <NUM> to stably support the movement of the second frame <NUM>. By this arrangement, the second rear portion <NUM> can be exposed to the outside of the first frame, specifically, the first rear portion <NUM>, and can be coupled to the display unit <NUM>.

In addition, the second frame <NUM> can extend and retract in the first and second directions D1 and D2 to increase or reduce the size of the mobile terminal <NUM>, in particular, the front of the mobile terminal <NUM>. The display unit <NUM> is required to move as far as the extension or reduction of the front to obtain the first or second state as intended. However, when fixed to the second frame <NUM>, the display unit <NUM> may not be smoothly moved according to the extension or reduction of the front of the mobile terminal <NUM>. For this reason, the display unit <NUM> can be movably coupled to the second frame <NUM>.

More specifically, the display unit <NUM> may include a first end (a side edge or side end) 151d disposed on the front of the mobile terminal <NUM> and a second end 151e opposing the first end and disposed on the back of the mobile terminal <NUM>. The first end 151d can be disposed on the front surface of the first frame <NUM>, that is, the front surface of the first front portion <NUM> thereof, and arranged adjacent to the side portion of the mobile terminal <NUM>, that is, the first side portion 101a of the first frame <NUM>. Further, the second end 151e is adjacent to the back of the mobile terminal <NUM>, i.e., the second rear portion <NUM> of the second frame <NUM>, and accordingly can be coupled to the second rear portion <NUM> of the second frame <NUM> so as to move in the first and second directions D1 and D2. In addition, since the display unit <NUM> is not structurally strong, a slide frame <NUM> can be coupled to the second end 151e. The slide frame <NUM> can be formed of a plate member extending in the longitudinal direction of the mobile terminal <NUM>.

Accordingly, in place of the second end 151e, the slide frame <NUM> can be coupled to the second frame, that is, the second rear portion <NUM> thereof, so as to move in the first and second directions D1 and D2. The second frame <NUM> may include a slot <NUM> extending in the lateral direction of the mobile terminal <NUM> or the second frame <NUM>, that is, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction thereof. The slide frame <NUM> can be guided by the slot <NUM> to stably move. The slide frame <NUM> may include, for example, a protrusion inserted into the slot <NUM> for movement along the slot <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in relation to the configuration of the first to third frames <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the display unit <NUM> can include a first region 151a extending from one side thereof, that is, the first end 151d by a predetermined length toward the second end 151e opposite to the first end 151d, and a second region 151b arranged to face the first region 151a and extending from the second end 151e by a predetermined length toward the first end 151d. The display unit <NUM> can further include a third region 151c disposed between the first and second regions 151a and 151b. The first to third regions 151a, 151b, and 151c can be connected to each other to form a continuous body of the display unit <NUM>. In addition, as described above, in order to allow the third region 151c to move to the front or back of the mobile terminal <NUM> according to movement of the second frame <NUM>, the first region 151a can be immovably fixed to the front of the mobile terminal <NUM> and the second region 151b can be movably arranged on the back of the mobile terminal <NUM>. The display unit <NUM> configured as described above will be described in more detail below.

The first region 151a can be disposed on the front of the mobile terminal <NUM>, more specifically, the front surface of the first front portion <NUM> of the first frame <NUM>. The first region 151a can be fixed to the front surface of the first frame <NUM>, that is, the first front portion <NUM> such that the first region 151a does not move when the second frame <NUM> is moved. Thus, the first region 151a can be constantly exposed on the front of the mobile terminal <NUM>.

The third region 151c can be adjacent to the first region 151a toward the second end 151e and can be extended into the second frame <NUM> and rolled around the roller <NUM>. The third region 151c can continuously extend out of the second frame <NUM> to partially cover the second frame <NUM>, that is, the rear surface of the second rear portion <NUM>. Since the second frame <NUM>, that is, the second rear portion <NUM>, is arranged adjacent to the first frame <NUM>, that is, the first rear portion <NUM> to form the rear case of the mobile terminal <NUM> in conjunction therewith, the third region 151c can be disposed on the rear surface of the first frame <NUM>.

The second region 151b can be adjacent to the third region 151c toward the second end 151e and disposed on the back of the mobile terminal <NUM>, more specifically, the rear surface of the second rear portion <NUM> of the second frame. The second region 151b can be coupled to the slide frame <NUM> rather than being coupled directly to the second frame <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a slot <NUM> extending in a lateral direction (i.e., a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the mobile terminal <NUM>) can be formed in the second frame <NUM>, that is, the second rear portion <NUM>, such that the slide frame <NUM> can move along the slot <NUM>. While it is illustrated in <FIG> that the slot <NUM> is formed in the rear surface of the second frame <NUM>, the slot can be formed in the lateral side surface of the second frame <NUM>.

The second region 151b can move together with the third frame <NUM> in the first or second direction D1 or D2 with respect to the second frame <NUM>, but the slot <NUM> can limit the movement of the second region 151b such that the movement takes place within the rear surface of the mobile terminal <NUM>. That is, the second region 151b may not move beyond the second frame <NUM> when the second frame <NUM> extends or retracts. The second region 151b can move a distance of extension or retraction of the second frame <NUM> along the slot <NUM> within the second frame <NUM>. Accordingly, the second region 151b can be constantly exposed on the back of the mobile terminal <NUM>.

As a result, the first region 151a can be disposed on the front of the mobile terminal <NUM> to remain exposed on the front regardless of the movement of the second frame <NUM>, and the second region 151b can be disposed on the back of the mobile terminal <NUM> to remain exposed on the back regardless of the movement of the second frame <NUM>. In addition, the third region 151c can be arranged between the first and second regions 151a and 151b so as to be selectively disposed on the front or back of the mobile terminal <NUM> according to the movement direction D1, D2 of the second frame <NUM>.

Due to the selective disposition of the third region 151c, as shown in <FIG>, a part of the first rear portion <NUM> of the first frame <NUM> that is covered by the second and third regions 151b and 151c of the display unit <NUM> and the second rear portion <NUM> in the first state can be exposed to the outside of the mobile terminal <NUM> in the second state because the third region 151c moves to the front of the mobile terminal <NUM> and the second rear portion <NUM> moves in the first direction D1. In addition, the second front portion <NUM> of the second frame <NUM> can be hidden by the first front portion <NUM> of the first frame <NUM> in the first state, but can move out of the first frame <NUM> in the second state to support the third region 151c of the display unit <NUM> disposed on the front of the mobile terminal <NUM>.

A separation plate <NUM> can be further provided on the rear side of the second front portion <NUM> and fastened to the first front portion <NUM> to prevent the second front portion <NUM> from affecting the internal components during the slide movement. The second front portion <NUM> can move between the first front portion <NUM> and the separator <NUM> according to the slide movement of the second frame.

However, the third region 151c can be bent by being rolled around the roller <NUM> in the second frame <NUM>. In switching from the first state to the second state, the third region 151c can extend from the second frame <NUM> to the front of the mobile terminal <NUM> while being rolled around the roller <NUM> in one direction. Further, in switching from the second state to the first state, the third region 151c can retract from the front of the mobile terminal <NUM> into the second frame <NUM> while being rolled around the roller <NUM> in the opposite direction. Thereby, the third region 151c can return from the second frame <NUM> to the back of the mobile terminal <NUM>.

A foldable mobile terminal that is unfoldable like a book is likely to be broken at a specific position thereon because it is repeatedly folded only at the specific position. Further, a deformed portion of the flexible display unit <NUM>, that is, a portion rolled around the roller <NUM>, can vary according to the first and second states of the mobile terminal <NUM>, that is, movement of the second frame <NUM>. Therefore, the mobile terminal <NUM> of the present disclosure can significantly reduce deformation and fatigue repeatedly applied to a specific portion of the display unit <NUM>, thereby preventing damage to the display unit <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the overall operation of the mobile terminal <NUM> will be described based on the configuration described above. As an example, the state switching can be performed manually by a user. The operation of the mobile terminal <NUM> in the manual state switching is described below. However, the operation of the first to third frames <NUM> to <NUM> and the display unit <NUM> described below can be performed in the same manner even when a power source other than the force of the user, for example, a drive unit <NUM>, which will be described later, is employed.

A rear cover <NUM> can be further provided on the rear surface of the second rear portion <NUM> such that the rear portion of the display unit located on the back of the mobile terminal <NUM> is not exposed to the outside. When the rear cover <NUM> is formed of a transparent material, the rear portion is available even in the first state. When the rear cover is formed of an opaque material, it can cover the rear portion such that movement of the slide frame <NUM> is not exposed. That is, the second region and the third region of the slide frame <NUM> and the display unit <NUM> can move in the space between the second rear portion <NUM> and the rear cover <NUM> in the first and second directions. The exposed rear portion of the first rear portion <NUM> can be further provided with an exposed decor <NUM> to protect the camera <NUM>, the sensor <NUM>, or the like. A plate-shaped member of transparent glass can be partially coated with the exposed decor <NUM> such that internal components except are not visible, and the necessary parts may not be coated such that light can reach the camera <NUM>, the flash, or the sensing unit <NUM>.

It is difficult to arrange the user input unit on the side frame <NUM> positioned on the side of the first direction on which the second frame <NUM> is located because it is difficult to directly connect the side frame to the inside of the mobile terminal. Therefore, the user input unit <NUM> such as a volume button can be disposed on the side portion of the first frame <NUM> positioned on the side facing in the second direction.

<FIG> is a rear view of the mobile terminal <NUM> with the display unit <NUM> removed. <FIG> illustrates the first state, and <FIG> illustrates the second state. Since the figure shows the rear surface of the mobile terminal, the right side of the drawing corresponds to the first direction D1 and the left side of the drawing corresponds to the second direction. In the first state, the slide frame <NUM> is arranged on a side of the second frame <NUM> that faces in the second direction. When the second frame <NUM> moves in the first direction and switches to the second state, the slide frame <NUM> moves in the first direction with respect to the second frame <NUM>. The slide frame <NUM> can move a distance corresponding to the moving distance of the second frame <NUM> in the same direction and change the area of the front portion of the display unit <NUM>.

The slide frame <NUM> is coupled so as to move in the first direction or the second direction. Accordingly, if the slide frame <NUM> is not fixed in the first state, the display unit <NUM> can be separated when the slide frame <NUM> is pulled in the first direction. In order to prevent the display unit <NUM> from being separated, a torsion spring <NUM> configured to allow movement of the slide frame <NUM> while keeping the slide frame <NUM> pulled in the second direction can be further provided.

The torsion spring <NUM> can be a spring having a variable angle between one end and the opposite end thereof. The angle can be changed when force is applied to the torsion spring <NUM>. The torsion spring <NUM> can have elasticity that tends to maintain the initial angle, and thus can restore the initial angle when the force is removed. To obtain such elasticity, the torsion spring <NUM> can have a curved shape as shown in <FIG>, or can include a coil shape wound at least once between one end and the other end thereof.

In addition, one end of the torsion spring <NUM> can be coupled to the second frame <NUM> and the opposite end thereof can be coupled to the slide frame <NUM>. When the slide frame <NUM> slides with respect to the second frame <NUM>, the distance between one end and the opposite end of the torsion spring <NUM> can be changed, and thus the shape of the torsion spring <NUM> can be changed. As shown in <FIG>, the torsion spring <NUM> tends to maintain a reference angle, and thus it applies force such that the slide frame <NUM> is positioned at the end of the second frame <NUM> facing in second direction.

As shown in <FIG>, when the second frame <NUM> moves in the first direction to switch the mobile terminal to the second state, the distance between one end and the opposite end of the torsion spring <NUM> is reduced and the torsion spring <NUM> is compressed. When the slide frame <NUM> passes by a position of the second frame <NUM> at which the one end of the torsion spring <NUM> is coupled, the distance between the one end of the torsion spring <NUM> and the opposite end thereof can be increased, and the torsion spring <NUM> can restore the original shape, thereby changing the arrangement as shown in <FIG>. However, the distance between the one end and the opposite end of the torsion spring <NUM> can remain the same as in the first state.

Further, in switching from the second state to the first state, the torsion spring <NUM> returns to the original position from a compressed position and moves the slide frame <NUM> to the position shown in <FIG>. In the first state, the slide frame <NUM> can be fixed at the end of the second frame <NUM> facing in the second direction by the elasticity of the torsion spring <NUM>.

Since the arrangement of the torsion spring <NUM> differs between the first state and the second state, the one end and the opposite end of the torsion spring <NUM> can be rotatably coupled to the second frame <NUM> and the slide frame <NUM> so as not to interfere with change of the arrangement, and thus the arrangement can change as shown in <FIG>.

The movement of the slide frame <NUM> and the movement of the second frame <NUM> take place simultaneously, and a drive unit <NUM> provides a driving force to move the second frame <NUM> in the first direction or the second direction. In more detail, the second frame <NUM> can be slid and moved using a motor. However, the size of the space occupied by the motor can be large, and noise can be generated when the motor is driven. In addition, when the second frame <NUM> is moved using the motor, the user can feel uncomfortable due to the slow speed.

Accordingly, <FIG> is a view showing the drive unit <NUM> of the mobile terminal <NUM>. In order to overcome the issue related to the drive unit <NUM> of the motor type, a driving elastic part <NUM> having elasticity can be employed. The driving elastic part <NUM> has one end fixed to the first frame <NUM> and an opposite end fixed to the second frame <NUM>. The driving elastic part is compressed in the first state and provides force to the second frame <NUM> in the first direction to switch to the second state. The drive unit <NUM> may include a stopper configured to fix the driving elastic part <NUM> at a compressed position. When the stopper is released, the driving elastic part <NUM> is tensioned and is switched to the second state.

<FIG> is a view showing the structure of a stopper of the mobile terminal <NUM>. The stopper may include a moving block <NUM> coupled to the opposite end of the driving elastic part <NUM> and fixed to the second frame <NUM>, a first hook <NUM> formed on the moving block <NUM>, and a second hook <NUM> configured to fix the first hook <NUM> to maintain the first state. As the moving block <NUM> is fixed to the second frame <NUM>, the moving block <NUM> moves together with the second frame <NUM>.

The second hook <NUM> disposed to be engaged with the first hook <NUM> can protrude from the inside of a mode button <NUM> exposed to the outside. The mode button <NUM> is arranged through the first frame <NUM>. When it is pressed by the user, the engagement between the second hook <NUM> and the first hook <NUM> is released. To maintain the engagement between the second hook <NUM> and the first hook <NUM> when the button is not pressed by the user, a button elastic part <NUM> to apply force to the mode button <NUM> can be provided. When the user applies force greater than the elasticity of the button elastic part <NUM> to the mode button <NUM>, the second hook <NUM> can be separated from the first hook <NUM>, the driving elastic part <NUM> can be tensioned, and the mobile terminal <NUM> can switch from the first state to the second state.

A guide pole <NUM> can be further provided to allow the moving block <NUM> to move only in the first direction or the second direction and prevent the moving block from shaking in the thickness direction or the longitudinal direction. The guide pole <NUM> is fixed to the first frame <NUM> by extending in the first direction and, and is arranged through the moving block <NUM> in a penetrating manner as shown in <FIG>. The moving block <NUM> moves along the guide pole <NUM>, and therefore the second frame <NUM> can slide in the first direction or the second direction without shaking.

The driving elastic part <NUM> can employ a compression spring as shown in <FIG> and can be disposed to surround the guide pole <NUM>. When the second frame <NUM> moves in the second direction, the movement can be very fast because the movement is caused by elasticity of the driving elastic part <NUM>. The driving elastic part <NUM> can be stopped when it extends to a reference length, but can extend beyond the reference length by elasticity. In the case where the moving block <NUM> moves at the same speed, the moving block can strike hit the first frame <NUM> and generate noise and vibration when it reaches the maximum movement position of the second frame <NUM>.

The first frame <NUM> and the second frame <NUM> can degrade the usability of the mobile terminal <NUM>, thereby deteriorating durability. To address this issue, a deceleration part <NUM> to slow the movement caused by the elasticity of the driving elastic part <NUM> when the second state is reached is required.

The deceleration part <NUM> of the present embodiment can be formed on the first frame <NUM> at a position corresponding to the moving block <NUM> in the second state as shown in <FIG>. It has a shape protruding from the first frame <NUM>. Thus, as the moving block is fixed between the deceleration part <NUM> protruding from the first frame <NUM> and the second frame <NUM>, the movement speed of the second frame <NUM> can be naturally reduced.

<FIG> is a view showing the deceleration part <NUM> of the mobile terminal <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the deceleration part <NUM> may have a shape gradually rising in the first direction in which the moving block <NUM> moves. That is, the deceleration part may include an inclined surface 226a whose degree of protrusion is reduced as the inclined surface extends in the second direction. As the moving block <NUM> moves along the inclined surface 226a, the speed of the second frame <NUM> can be reduced. The deceleration part <NUM> can be formed of a soft material such as silicone that causes high friction to stably reduce the speed of the moving block <NUM> while reducing the noise generated when the deceleration part <NUM> contacts the moving block <NUM>.

Alternatively, as shown in <FIG>, an elastic pin 226b can be used to restrict the movement of the moving block <NUM>. When the moving block <NUM> is located at the deceleration part <NUM>, the elastic pin 226b can be pressed inward but may limit the movement of the moving block <NUM> by pushing the moving block <NUM> toward the second frame <NUM>.

As described above, the mobile terminal of the present disclosure does not limit the bending point of the flexible display unit to a specific position, and can therefore improve the durability of the flexible display unit.

In addition, as a drive unit configured to provide driving force for extension of a frame without a motor is provided, the mounting space required for the drive unit can be reduced and the frame can be moved at a faster speed than when a motor is used. Therefore, usability is improved.

Further, as the slide frame moves in operative connection with the movement of the second frame, deformation of the display unit can be performed in operative connection with extension and retraction of the frame.

Claim 1:
A mobile terminal (<NUM>) comprising:
a first frame (<NUM>) having a deceleration part (<NUM>);
a second frame (<NUM>) configured to move from the first frame (<NUM>) in a first direction to switch the mobile terminal (<NUM>) from a first state to a second state and to slidably move toward the first frame (<NUM>) in a second direction to switch the mobile terminal (<NUM>) from the second state to the first state;
a slide frame (<NUM>) configured to move in the first direction or the second direction with respect to the second frame (<NUM>);
a flexible display (<NUM>) including a first region (151a) coupled to the first frame (<NUM>), a second region (151b) coupled to the slide frame (<NUM>), and a third region (151c) disposed between the first region (151a) and the second region (151b), the third region (151c) flexibly bending around the second frame (<NUM>); and
a drive unit (<NUM>) configured to move the second frame (<NUM>) in the first direction,
wherein the drive unit (<NUM>) comprises:
a moving block (<NUM>) fixed to the second frame (<NUM>);
a driving elastic part (<NUM>) configured to provide a tension force and having one end fixed to the first frame (<NUM>) and an opposite end fixed to the moving block (<NUM>); and
a stopper configured to maintain the driving elastic part (<NUM>) in a compressed state when the mobile terminal (<NUM>) is in the first state,
wherein the deceleration part (<NUM>) is positioned in a region in which the moving block (<NUM>) is positioned in the second state and comprises an inclined surface (226a) downwardly inclining as the inclined surface (226a) extends in the second direction.