Patent Description:
Electronic devices are gradually becoming slimmer, becoming more rigid, being strengthened in design aspects, and being improved to differentiate functional elements thereof. Electronic devices are being gradually transformed from a uniform rectangular shape into various shapes. An electronic device may have a transformable structure that is capable of providing a large-screen display while being convenient to carry. For example, as part of the transformable structure, the electronic device may have a structure capable of varying the display area of a flexible display (e.g., a rollable structure or a slidable structure) by supporting housings that operate in a sliding manner relative to each other. Such an electronic device may require an operating structure that is not affected by external environments.

Documents (<CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>) disclose conventional electronic devices with slidable or rollable display.

The electronic device may include a transformable slidable electronic device (e.g., a rollable electronic device) that is capable of expanding the display area when used. The slidable electronic device may include a first housing (e.g., a first housing structure, a base housing, a base bracket, or a base structure) and a second housing (e.g., a second housing structure, a slide housing, a slide bracket, or a slide structure), which are movably coupled to each other in a manner of being at least partially fitted together. For example, the first housing and the second housing are slidably operated with respect to each other and support at least a portion of a flexible display (or an expandable display), whereby, in a slide-in state, the flexible display may be induced to have a first display area, and in a slide-out state, the flexible display may be induced to have a second display area that is greater than the first display area. Since at least a portion of the flexible display needs to be introduced into the inner space of the housing, the flexible display may be disposed to have a predetermined separation distance (e.g., a separation space) from the housing in order to minimize interference during a sliding motion.

However, the separation space acts as an inflow path through which external foreign materials are introduced, and the foreign materials introduced into the electronic device cause scratches on the flexible display and, in severe cases, damage to the flexible display. Furthermore, foreign materials introduced into the housing may cause malfunction of the electronic device by adversely affecting internal electrical elements.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, it is possible to provide an electronic device including a foreign material blocking structure.

According to various embodiments, it is possible to provide an electronic device including a foreign material blocking structure capable of preventing damage to a flexible display by blocking external foreign materials in a slide-in state and a slide-out state.

According to various embodiments, it is possible to provide an electronic device including a foreign material blocking structure capable of inducing smooth operation of a flexible display during an operation switching from a slide-in state to a slide-out state.

According to various embodiment, an electronic device may include a first housing, a second housing slidably connected to the first housing, a flexible display disposed to be supported by the first housing and at least partially supported by the second housing, wherein the flexible display includes a first portion disposed to be seen from outside in a slide-in state, and a second portion extending from the first portion, the second portion being at least partially accommodated in an inner space of the second housing in the slide-in state and exposed to be seen from outside in the slide-out state, a slide stopper fixed to the second portion and disposed to be slidable in the inner space of the second housing, and a blocking member included in the second housing and disposed to be movable in the inner space to be pressed by the first housing in the slide-in state and pressed by the slide stopper in the slide-out state. The blocking member may be configured to come into contact with an outer surface of the flexible display by being pressed by the first housing in the slide-in state and by being pressed by the slide stopper in the slide-out state.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes a blocking member disposed to be moved according to a sliding motion of a flexible display, and in a slide-in state and a slide-out state, the blocking member blocks foreign materials introduced into a separation space between a housing and a flexible display. As a result, damage to the flexible display caused by foreign materials can be reduced.

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

In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar components may be denoted by the same or similar reference numerals.

<FIG> illustrates an example electronic device in a network environment according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

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

The audio output device <NUM> may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>. The audio output device <NUM> may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

The audio module <NUM> may obtain the sound via the input device <NUM>, or output the sound via the audio output device <NUM> or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device <NUM>) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device <NUM>.

A connection terminal <NUM> may include a connector via which the electronic device <NUM> may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>). The connection terminal <NUM> may include, for example, a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The camera module <NUM> may capture an image or moving images.

The communication module <NUM> may include one or more communication processors that are operable independently from the processor <NUM> (e.g., the AP) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. The communication module <NUM> may include a wireless communication module <NUM> (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module <NUM> (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). The wireless communication module <NUM> may identify and authenticate the electronic device <NUM> in a communication network, such as the first network <NUM> or the second network <NUM>, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the SIM <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the antenna module <NUM> may include an antenna including a radiating element including a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)).

According to an embodiment, all or some of operations to be executed at the electronic device <NUM> may be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices 102and <NUM>, or the server <NUM>. In an embodiment, the external electronic device <NUM> may include an internet-of-things (IoT) device. The electronic device <NUM> may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on <NUM> communication technology or loT-related technology.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure in a slide-in state. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure in a slide-out state.

The electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> may further include embodiments that are at least partially similar to or different from the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> includes a first housing <NUM>, a second housing <NUM> slidably coupled to the first housing <NUM>, and a flexible display <NUM> (e.g., an expandable display) arranged to be supported by at least a portion of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a bendable member or a bendable support member (not illustrated) (e.g., a multi-joint hinge module), which at least partially forms the same plane as at least a portion of the first housing <NUM> in the slide-out state and is at least partially accommodated into the inner space (e.g., the second space <NUM> in <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> in the slide-in state. According to an embodiment, in the slide-in state, at least a portion of the flexible display <NUM> may be accommodated in the inner space (e.g., the second space <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> not to be seen from outside. According to an embodiment, in the slide-out state, at least a portion of the flexible display <NUM> may be disposed to be seen from the outside while being supported by at least a portion of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a front surface 200a (e.g., a first surface), a rear surface 200b (e.g., a second surface) facing a direction opposite to the front surface 200a, and a side surface 200c surrounding the space between the front surface 200a and the rear surface 200b. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first housing <NUM> including a first side surface member <NUM> and a second housing <NUM> including a second side surface member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first side surface member <NUM> may include a first side surface <NUM> having a first length along a predetermined direction (e.g., the y-axis direction), a second side surface <NUM> extending from the first side surface <NUM> along a direction (e.g., the -x-axis direction) substantially perpendicular to the first side surface <NUM> and having a second length shorter than the first length, and a third side surface <NUM> extending from the second side surface <NUM> to be substantially parallel to the first side surface <NUM> and having the first length. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the first side surface member <NUM> may be made of a conductive material (e.g., metal). According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the first side surface member <NUM> may include at least one conductive portion split by at least one split portion (e.g., a non-conductive portion). According to an embodiment, the at least one conductive portion may be electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication module <NUM> of <FIG>), thereby being used as an antenna operating in a predetermined frequency band (e.g., a legacy band or a sub-<NUM> band).

According to various embodiments, the second side surface member <NUM> may include a fourth side surface <NUM> at least partially corresponding to the first surface <NUM> and having a third length, a fifth side surface <NUM> extending from the fourth side surface <NUM> in a direction substantially parallel to the second side surface <NUM> and having a fourth length that is longer than the third length, and a sixth side surface <NUM> extending from the fifth side surface <NUM> to correspond to the third side surface <NUM> and having the third length. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the second side surface member <NUM> may be made of a conductive material (e.g., metal). According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the second side surface member <NUM> may include at least one conductive portion split by at least one split portion (e.g., a non-conductive portion). According to an embodiment, the at least one conductive portion may be electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication module <NUM> of <FIG>), thereby being used as an antenna operating in a predetermined frequency band (e.g., a legacy band or a sub-<NUM> band).

According to various embodiments, the first side surface <NUM> and the fourth side surface <NUM> may be slidably coupled to each other, and the third side surface <NUM> and the sixth side surface <NUM> may be slidably coupled to each other. According to an embodiment, in the slide-in state, at least a portion of the first side surface <NUM> overlaps at least a portion of the fourth side surface <NUM>, whereby the remaining portion of the first side <NUM> may be disposed to be seen from outside. According to an embodiment, in the slide-in state, at least a portion of the third side surface <NUM> overlaps at least a portion of the sixth side surface <NUM>, whereby the remaining portion of the third side <NUM> may be disposed to be seen from outside.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a flexible display <NUM> disposed to be supported by at least a portion of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may include a first portion 230a (e.g., a flat portion) that is always seen from outside, and a second portion 230b (e.g., a bendable portion) extending from the first portion 230a and at least partially slid into the inner space (e.g., the second space <NUM> in <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> not to be seen from outside in the slide-in state. According to an embodiment, the first portion 230a and the second portion 230b may be disposed to be supported by at least a portion the first housing <NUM> and of the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in the slide-out state in which the first housing <NUM> is moved from the second housing <NUM> along a predetermined first direction (direction ①), at least a portion of the second portion 230b may at least partially extend from the first portion 230a while being supported by the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> and may be disposed to form substantially the same plane as the first portion 230a and to be seen from outside. According to an embodiment, in the slide-in state in which the first housing <NUM> is moved into the second housing <NUM> along a predetermined second direction (direction ②), at least a portion of the second portion 230b may be slid into the inner space (e.g., the second space <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> and may be arranged not to be seen from outside. Accordingly, the display area of the flexible display <NUM> may be variable as the first housing <NUM> moves in a sliding manner along a predetermined direction.

According to various embodiments, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be operated relative to each other in a sliding manner such that the entire length is variable. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may be configured to have a first length L1 from the second side surface <NUM> to the fifth side surface <NUM> in the slide-in state. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may be configured such that in the slide-out state, the first housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> moves from the second housing <NUM> to have an additional second length L2, thereby having a third length L3 longer than the first length L1. For example, in the slide-in state, the flexible display <NUM> may have a display area substantially corresponding to the first length L1, and in the slide-out state, the flexible display <NUM> may have an expanded display area substantially corresponding to the third length L3.

According to various embodiments, the slide-out operation of the electronic device <NUM> may be performed through a user's manipulation. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may be switched from the slide-in state to the slide-out state through the user's manipulation that presses the outer surface of the flexible display <NUM> in the predetermined first direction (direction ①). In some embodiments, the first housing <NUM> may be slid out in the predetermined first direction (e.g., direction ①) through manipulation of a locker (not illustrated) exposed through the rear surface 200b of the electronic device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first housing <NUM> may be automatically operated by a drive mechanism (e.g., a drive motor, a reduction module, and/or a gear assembly) disposed in the inner space (e.g., the first space <NUM> in FIG. 5A) of the first housing <NUM> and/or the inner space of the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may be configured to control the operation of the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM> via the drive mechanism when an event for switching between the slide-in state and the slide-out state of the electronic device is detected via a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> in <FIG>). In some embodiments, the processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> in <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> may control the flexible display <NUM> to display an object in various ways and execute an application in response to the changed display area of the flexible display <NUM> depending on the slide-in state, the slide-out state, or an intermediate state (e.g., including a free-stop state).

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

According to various embodiments, the input device <NUM> may include a microphone. In some embodiments, the input device <NUM> may include a plurality of microphones arranged to detect the direction of sound. The sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include a speaker. The sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include a communication receiver <NUM> and an external speaker <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the external speaker <NUM> may be disposed in the inner space of the second housing <NUM> or the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the communication receiver <NUM> may include a speaker that is operated without a separate speaker hole (e.g., a piezo speaker).

According to various embodiments, at least one sensor module <NUM> may generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device <NUM> or an external environmental state. According to an embodiment, at least one sensor module <NUM> may be disposed to detect an external environment through, for example, at least a portion of the flexible display <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one additional sensor module disposed to detect an external environment through the rear surface 200b. According to an embodiment, the sensor module <NUM> may include at least one of a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a fingerprint recognition sensor, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, or a humidity sensor.

According to various embodiment, the at least one camera module <NUM> may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. According to an embodiment, the at least one camera module <NUM> may be disposed under the flexible display <NUM> and may be configured to photograph a subject through a portion of an active area of the flexible display <NUM>. For example, the at least one camera module <NUM> or the at least one sensor module <NUM> may be disposed in the inner space of the electronic device <NUM> to be in contact with the external environment through a transmission area or an opening perforated in the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the area of the flexible display <NUM>, which faces the at least one camera module <NUM>, may be configured as a transmission area having a predetermined transmittance as a portion of a content display area. According to an embodiment, the transmission area may have a transmittance ranging from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%. The transmission area may include an area overlapping the effective area (e.g., a view angle area) of the least one camera module <NUM> through which light imaged by an image sensor to generate an image passes. For example, the transmission area of the flexible display <NUM> may include an area having a lower pixel density and/or a lower wiring density than the surrounding area. For example, the transmission area may replace the above-mentioned opening. For example, the at least one camera module <NUM> may include an under-display camera (UDC). In some embodiments, the at least one sensor module <NUM> may be disposed to execute the functions thereof in the inner space of the electronic device <NUM> without being visually exposed through the flexible display <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one additional camera module disposed to photograph an external subject through the rear surface 200b.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> includes a first housing <NUM>, a second housing <NUM> slidably coupled to the first housing <NUM>, and a flexible display <NUM> disposed to be supported by at least a portion of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> may be configured through the coupling of the first bracket housing <NUM> and the second bracket housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> may include an inner space (e.g., the inner space <NUM> of <FIG>) provided through a coupling structure of the first bracket housing <NUM> and the second bracket housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a main board <NUM> disposed in an inner space (e.g., the inner space <NUM> of <FIG>) of the first housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a camera module (e.g., the camera module <NUM> in <FIG>) or a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed on the board <NUM> in the inner space (e.g., the inner space <NUM> in <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one battery <NUM> disposed near the main board <NUM> or disposed to at least partially overlap the main board <NUM> in the inner space (e.g., the inner space <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, by being fixed to the first housing <NUM> (e.g., the first bracket housing <NUM> of <FIG>), the flexible display <NUM> may be moved in conjunction with the sliding motion of the first housing and may not be fixed to the support plate <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the second housing <NUM> may include a first base housing <NUM> surrounding at least a portion of the first housing <NUM>, a second base housing <NUM> coupled to the first base housing <NUM>, and a support plate <NUM> coupled to the second base housing <NUM> and configured to support at least a portion of the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first base housing <NUM>, the second base housing <NUM>, and/or the support plate <NUM> may be configured integrally with each other or may be provided as separate components and structurally coupled to each other. In some embodiments, at least one of the first base housing <NUM>, the second base housing <NUM>, and/or the support plate <NUM> may be omitted. According to an embodiment, the second housing <NUM> may include a first space (e.g., the first space <NUM> of <FIG>) defined through the coupling of the first base housing <NUM> and the second base housing <NUM> and a second space (e.g., the second space <NUM> of <FIG>) defined through the coupling of the second base housing <NUM> and the support plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the second portion 230b of the flexible display <NUM> may be disposed to be movable along the second space <NUM> between the second base housing <NUM> and the support plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a support member <NUM> disposed on the support plate <NUM> and configured to guide at least a portion of the second portion 230b of the flexible display <NUM> to the second space <NUM> and to induce a smooth sliding motion of the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the support member <NUM> may include a support roller rotatably coupled to the support plate <NUM>. In some embodiments, the support member <NUM> may be disposed in a manner of being fixed to the support plate <NUM>. In this case, the support member <NUM> may be integrally configured with the support plate <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> includes a blocking member <NUM> disposed to be movable in the first space <NUM> between the first base housing <NUM> and the second base housing <NUM> and an elastic member <NUM> configured to press the blocking member <NUM> to a slide-out direction (e.g., the y-axis direction) opposite to the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the elastic member <NUM> may include at least one coil spring disposed to be supported by the first base housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the coil spring may be replaced with a similar resilient structure such as a resilient leaf spring or a torsion spring. In some embodiments, the elastic member <NUM> may include elastic bodies having the same or different shapes and/or sizes and arranged at one or more predetermined intervals to uniformly press the blocking member <NUM> for each area. According to an embodiment, the blocking member <NUM> operates to block a separation space (e.g., the separation space <NUM> in <FIG>) between the second housing and the flexible display by being in contact with the outer surface of the flexible display <NUM> when the electronic device <NUM> is in the slide-in state and the slide-out state. For example, in the slide-in state, the blocking member <NUM> blocks the separation space <NUM> by being maintained in the state of being in contact with the outer surface of the flexible display <NUM> by being pressed by the first housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in the slide-out state, the blocking member <NUM> blocks the separation space <NUM> by being maintained in the state of being in contact with the outer surface of the flexible display <NUM> by being pressed by the slide stopper <NUM> which moves together with the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, while the electronic device <NUM> is being switched from the slide-in state to the slide-out state, for example, the pressing force of the first housing <NUM> is released (e.g., an intermediate state) (e.g., including a free-stop state), the blocking member <NUM> may induce a smooth sliding motion of the flexible display <NUM> by being spaced apart from the outer surface of the flexible display <NUM> through the pressing force of the elastic member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, while the electronic device <NUM> is being switched from the slide-out state to the slide-in state, for example, while the pressing force of the slide stopper <NUM> is released, the blocking member <NUM> may induce a smooth sliding motion of the flexible display <NUM> by being spaced apart from the flexible display <NUM> by the pressing force of the elastic member <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the operation structure of the blocking member will be described in detail.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a configuration of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a view illustrating a state in which a flexible display is supported by a support plate and a support roller according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the flexible display <NUM> may include a first portion 230a disposed to be seen from outside when the electronic device <NUM> is in the slide-in state, and a second portion 230b extending from the first portion 230a, wherein, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the slide-in state, the second portion 230b is at least partially accommodated in the inner space (e.g., the second space <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> not to be seen from outside. According to an embodiment, in the slide-out state, at least a portion of the second portion 230b may be maintained in the state of being accommodated in the inner space (e.g., the second space <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> not to be seen from outside.

According to various embodiments, the flexible display <NUM> may include a protective layer <NUM> (e.g., a window layer), and a polarizer (POL) <NUM> (e.g., a polarizing film), a display panel <NUM>, a polymer member <NUM>, and a metal sheet layer <NUM>, which are sequentially laminated on the protective layer <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the protective layer <NUM> may include a polymer layer and/or a glass layer laminated with the polymer layer. According to an embodiment, the protective layer <NUM> may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyimide (PI) as the polymer layer, and may include ultra-thin glass (UTG) as the glass layer. According to an embodiment, the protective layer <NUM> may be made of a glass layer (e.g., UTG) and a polymer layer (PET or PI) that is laminated on the glass layer and corresponds to an external environment.

According to various embodiments, the protective layer <NUM>, the polarizer <NUM>, the display panel <NUM>, the polymer member <NUM>, and the metal sheet layer <NUM> may be bonded to each other via an adhesive P. For example, the adhesive P may include at least one of an optical clear adhesive (OCA), a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), a heat-responsive adhesive, a general adhesive, or a double-sided tape. According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may be bonded to the first housing <NUM> (e.g., the first bracket housing <NUM>) via another adhesive member. In some embodiments, the polarizer <NUM> may be replaced with a color filter and a black matrix (BM).

According to various embodiments, a dark color (e.g., black) may be applied to the polymer member <NUM> to help display a background when the display is turned off. According to an embodiment, the polymer member <NUM> may act as a cushion for preventing the flexible display <NUM> from being damaged by absorbing an impact from the outside of the electronic device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the polymeric member <NUM> may be disposed under the metal sheet layer <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the metal sheet layer <NUM> may help reinforce the rigidity of the electronic device <NUM>, and may be used to block ambient noise, dissipate heat emitted from surrounding heat-emitting components, and provide flexibility to the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the metal sheet layer <NUM> may include a pattern in which openings of are formed (e.g., a lattice pattern) and which is disposed in an area that faces at least a portion of the second portion 230b of the flexible display <NUM> to be capable of providing flexibility to the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the bending characteristic of the flexible display <NUM> may be determined through the shape or arrangement of the multiple openings. According to an embodiment, the metal sheet layer <NUM> may include at least one of steel use stainless (SUS) (e.g., stainless steel (STS)), Cu, Al, or a CLAD (e.g., a layered member in which SUS and Al are alternately disposed). In another embodiment, the metal sheet layer <NUM> may include other alloy materials. According to an embodiment, the metal sheet layer <NUM> may be made of a metal material that is affected by magnetic force to respond to the magnetic force of at least one first magnet <NUM> disposed on the support member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may help maintain a uniform space between the flexible display <NUM> and a surrounding structure (e.g., the support plate <NUM>) by executing a sliding operation in a closely attached state without lifting from the outer surface of the support member <NUM> by the metal sheet layer that responds to the at least one first magnet <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the slide stopper <NUM> may be fixed to an end of the second portion 230b and may be coupled to be slidable through left and right side surfaces of the support plate <NUM>. In some embodiments, the slide stopper <NUM> may be replaced with two or more structures arranged to press the blocking member <NUM> at a predetermined interval at an end of the flexible display <NUM>. Therefore, when the flexible display <NUM> is switched from the slide-in state to the slide-out state or from the slide-out state to the slide-out state, the slide stopper <NUM> may move only in the sliding direction through the guide coupling structure with the support plate <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the flexible display <NUM> may further include a detection member (not illustrated) configured to detect an input by an electromagnetic induction-type writing member. According to an embodiment, the detection member may include a digitizer. According to an embodiment, the detection member may be disposed between the display panel <NUM> and at least one polymer member <NUM>. In another embodiment, the detection member may be disposed under the metal sheet layer <NUM>, and the metal sheet layer <NUM> may have a structural shape (e.g., multiple openings) capable of detecting a signal (e.g., a resonant frequency) of the electronic pen by the detection member.

According to various embodiments, the flexible display <NUM> may include at least one functional member (not illustrated) disposed between the polymer member <NUM> and the metal sheet layer <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the functional member may include a graphite sheet for heat dissipation, a force touch FPCB, a fingerprint sensor FPCB, an antenna radiator for communication, a heat dissipation sheet, a conductive/non-conductive tape, and/or an open cell sponge.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of a second housing including a blocking member according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a first base housing <NUM> and a second base housing <NUM> coupled to the first base housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the blocking member <NUM> may be disposed to be movable in a first space (e.g., the first space <NUM> of <FIG>) defined by the first base housing <NUM> and the second base housing <NUM> while being pressed by an elastic member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the blocking member <NUM> may include a plate portion <NUM> and a bent portion <NUM> extending from the plate portion <NUM> and bent. According to an embodiment, the bent portion <NUM> may include a protrusion <NUM> that at least partially protrudes into a second space (e.g., the second space <NUM> in <FIG>) between the second base housing <NUM> and a support plate (e.g., the support plate <NUM> in <FIG>) through a through-slit <NUM> provided in the second base housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the protrusion <NUM> may be configured integrally with the bent portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the protrusion <NUM> may be separated from the bent portion <NUM> and may be structurally coupled with the bent portion <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the protrusion <NUM> may be placed at a position where the protrusion <NUM> is interfered with (or pressed by) a slide stopper (e.g., the slide stopper <NUM> of <FIG>) that slidably operates in the second space <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the blocking member <NUM> may include a contact member <NUM>, which is disposed on the plate portion <NUM> and selectively comes into contact with the outer surface of the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> of <FIG>) according to the movement of the blocking member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the contact member <NUM> may include a material that does not damage the outer surface of the flexible display <NUM> by the pressing force of the blocking member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the contact member <NUM> may include at least one of sponge, silicone, urethane, or rubber.

<FIG> and <FIG> are views illustrating a state in which the blocking member is coupled to the first housing according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the blocking member <NUM> may be disposed to be movable between the first base housing <NUM> and the second base housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the blocking member <NUM> may be disposed to be pressed in a predetermined first direction (direction ①) (e.g., the direction in which the first housing <NUM> is slid out) by at least one elastic member <NUM> disposed to be supported by the second base housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the drawn-in state and the slide-out state, the blocking member <NUM> may come into contact with the outer surface of the flexible display <NUM> via the contact member <NUM> by being pressed by the first housing <NUM> and the slide stopper (e.g., the slide stopper <NUM> of <FIG> ) in a second direction (direction ②) opposite to the first direction (direction ①) by the first housing <NUM> and the slide stopper (e.g., the slide stopper <NUM> in <FIG>). According to an embodiment, while the electronic device <NUM> is being switched from the slide-in state to the slide-out state or being switched from the slide-out state to the slide-in state, for example, while the pressing force of the first housing <NUM> or the stopper <NUM> is being released, the blocking member <NUM> may induce a smooth sliding motion of the flexible display <NUM> since the contact member <NUM> is spaced apart from the outer surface of the flexible display <NUM> by the pressing force of the elastic member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the moving distance (slide stroke D) of the blocking member <NUM> may be determined through the through-slit <NUM> provided in the second base housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the through-slit <NUM> may protect the outer surface of the flexible display <NUM> by preventing excessive movement of the blocking member <NUM> pressed by the first housing <NUM> and/or the slide stopper <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the slide stroke D of the blocking member <NUM> through the through-slit <NUM> may be set to about <NUM> or more.

<FIG> and <FIG> are partial cross-sectional views of the electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure taken along line 8a-8a in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a second magnet <NUM> disposed in the first housing <NUM>, a first magnetic force response member <NUM> disposed at a corresponding position of the second base housing <NUM> to be affected by the magnetic force of the second magnet <NUM> in the slide-in state, and a second magnetic force response member <NUM> disposed at a corresponding position of the second base housing <NUM> to be affected by the magnetic force of the second magnet <NUM> in the slide-out state. According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> may be continuously maintained in the slide-in state via the first magnetic force response member <NUM>, which responds to the magnetic force of the second magnet <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> may be continuously maintained in the slide-out state via the second magnetic force response member <NUM>, which responds to the magnetic force of the second magnet <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first magnetic force response member <NUM> and/or the second magnetic force response member <NUM> may include a metal that responds to the magnetic force and/or a magnet. In some embodiments, the first magnetic force response member <NUM> and/or the second magnetic force response member <NUM> disposed in the second base housing <NUM> may be replaced with a magnet, and the second magnet <NUM> disposed in the first housing <NUM> may be with a metal that responds to the magnetic force of the magnet. In some embodiments, the second magnet <NUM> may be replaced with an electromagnet.

According to various embodiments, the blocking member <NUM> may be pressed by the first housing <NUM> in the slide-in state. According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> may be continuously maintained in the slide-in state via the coupling force between the second magnet <NUM> and the first magnetic force response member <NUM>, which responds to the magnetic force of the second magnet <NUM>. For example, in order to prevent the first housing <NUM> from being arbitrarily moved, except for intended manipulation of the flexible display <NUM> by an external force for the sliding motion, the coupling force between the second magnet <NUM> and the first magnetic force response member <NUM> may be set to be greater than the pressing force of the elastic member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the blocking member <NUM> may move in the second direction (direction ②) toward the flexible display <NUM> while holding the pressing force of the elastic member <NUM> according to the movement of the first housing <NUM>, and the contact member <NUM> disposed on the blocking member <NUM> may come into contact with the outer surface of the flexible display <NUM>. Accordingly, in the slide-in state, the separation space <NUM> between the flexible display <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be blocked by the contact member <NUM> to prevent inflow of foreign materials.

<FIG> and <FIG> are cross-sectional views of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure in an intermediate state.

Among the components of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>, the same reference numerals may be assigned to components substantially the same as those of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may execute an operation of being switched from the slide-in state to the slide-out state. For example, the flexible display <NUM> may move in the first direction (① direction) through a user's manipulation. In this case, the coupling force between the second magnet <NUM> disposed on the first housing <NUM> and the first magnetic force response member <NUM> disposed on the second base housing <NUM> may be released. According to an embodiment, by the pressing force of the elastic member <NUM>, the blocking member <NUM> is moved in the first direction (direction ①), and the contact member <NUM> is spaced apart from the flexible display <NUM> so that a smooth sliding motion of the flexible display <NUM> can be induced.

<FIG> and <FIG> are partial cross-sectional views of the electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure taken along line 10a-10a in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the blocking member <NUM> may be pressed by the slide stopper <NUM> in the slide-out state. For example, the protrusion <NUM> of the blocking member <NUM> that protrudes from the first space <NUM> through the through-slit <NUM> of the second base housing <NUM> may be pressed by being brought into contact with the slide stopper <NUM> moving in the second space <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> may be continuously maintained in the slide-out state via the coupling force between the second magnet <NUM> and the second magnetic force response member <NUM>, which responds to the magnetic force of the second magnet <NUM>. For example, in order to prevent the first housing <NUM> from being arbitrarily moved, except for intended manipulation of the flexible display <NUM> by an external force for the sliding motion, the coupling force between the second magnet <NUM> and the second magnetic force response member <NUM> may be set to be greater than the pressing force of the elastic member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the blocking member <NUM> may move in the second direction (direction ②) toward the flexible display <NUM> while holding the pressing force of the elastic member <NUM> according to the movement of the slide stopper <NUM>, and the contact member <NUM> disposed on the blocking member <NUM> may come into contact with the outer surface of the flexible display <NUM>. Accordingly, in the slide-in state, the separation space <NUM> between the flexible display <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be blocked by the contact member <NUM> to prevent inflow of foreign materials.

According to various embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> of <FIG>), a second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> in <FIG>) slidably connected to the first housing, a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed to be supported by the first housing and at least partially supported by the second housing, wherein the flexible display includes a first portion (e.g., the first portion 230a in <FIG>) disposed to be seen from outside in a slide-in state and a second portion (e.g., the second portion 230b in <FIG>) extending from the first portion, the second portion being at least partially accommodated in an inner space (e.g., the second space <NUM> of <FIG>) of the second housing in the slide-in state and exposed to be seen from outside in the slide-out state, a slide stopper (e.g., the slide stopper <NUM> of <FIG>) fixed to the second portion and disposed to be slidable in the inner space of the second housing, and a blocking member (e.g., the blocking member <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed to be movable in the inner space to be pressed by the first housing in the slide-in state and pressed by the slide stopper in the slide-out state. The blocking member may be configured to come into contact with an outer surface of the flexible display in the slide-out state and the slide-in state by being pressed by the first housing and the slide stopper.

According to various embodiment, the blocking member may be spaced apart from the flexible display by a predetermined spacing during a sliding operation in which switching from the slide-in state to the slide-out state is performed.

According to various embodiment, the second housing may include a first base housing surrounding at least a portion of the first housing, a second base housing coupled to the first base housing, and a support plate coupled to the second base housing and configured to support at least a portion of the flexible display.

According to various embodiment, the inner space may include a first space defined by the first base housing and the second base housing, and a second space defined by the second base housing and the support plate, and at least a portion of the flexible display may be accommodated in the second space.

According to various embodiment, the first housing may be disposed to be slidable in the first space, and the blocking member is disposed to be movable by a predetermined distance in the first space.

According to various embodiment, the electronic device may include at least one elastic member disposed to be supported by the second base housing to press the blocking member in a first direction in which the first housing is slid out.

According to various embodiment, the blocking member may include a plate portion, a bent portion extending from the plate portion and including a protrusion at least partially protruding into the second space through a through slit provided in the second base housing, and a contact member disposed on the plate portion and configured to selectively come into contact with an outer surface of the flexible display according to movement of the blocking member.

According to various embodiment, the contact member may include sponge, silicone, urethane, or rubber.

According to various embodiment, the slide stopper may be guided through the support plate in the second space and may slide along with the flexible display according to movement of the flexible display.

According to various embodiment, in the slide-out state, the slide stopper may press the protrusion in a second direction opposite to the first direction in the second space, and the contact member may come into contact with the outer surface of the flexible display.

According to various embodiment, in the slide-in state, the first housing may press the bent portion in the second direction in the first space, and the contact member may come into contact with the outer surface of the flexible display.

According to various embodiment, the electronic device may include a first magnet disposed in the first housing, and a first magnetic force response member disposed at a corresponding position of the second base housing to be affected by the magnetic force of the first magnet in the slide-in state, and the slide-in state is maintained by the first magnetic force response member configured to respond to the magnetic force of the first magnet.

According to various embodiment, the electronic device may include a second magnetic force response member disposed at a corresponding position of the second base housing to be affected by the magnetic force of the first magnet in the slide-out state, and the slide-in state may be maintained by the second magnetic force response member configured to respond to the magnetic force of the first magnet.

According to various embodiment, the first magnetic force response member and/or the second magnetic force response member may include a metal that responds to a magnetic force and/or a magnet.

According to various embodiment, the electronic device may further include a support member disposed on the support plate, and at least a portion of the second portion of the flexible display may be guided to the second space through the support member.

According to various embodiment, the support member may include a support roller disposed to be rotatable on the support plate.

According to various embodiment, the support member may include at least one second magnet on an outer surface thereof, the flexible display may be disposed under a display panel and may include a metal sheet layer configured to respond to the magnetic force of the second magnet, and the flexible display may come into close contact with the support roller through the metal sheet layer configured to respond to the magnetic force of the second magnet.

According to various embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> of <FIG>), a second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> of <FIG>) slidably connected to the first housing, the second housing including a first base housing (e.g., the first base housing <NUM> in <FIG>) surrounding at least a portion of the first housing, a second base housing (e.g., the second base housing <NUM> in <FIG>) coupled to the first base housing to define a first space (e.g., the first space <NUM> in <FIG>), and a support plate (e.g., the support plate <NUM> in <FIG>) coupled to the second base housing to define a second space (e.g., the second space <NUM> in <FIG>) and configured to support at least a portion of the flexible display, a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> in <FIG>) arranged to be supported by the first housing and at least partially supported by the support plate, the flexible display including a first portion (e.g., the first portion 230a in <FIG>) disposed to be seen from outside in a slide-in state, and a second portion (e.g., the second portion 230b in <FIG>) extending from the first portion and at least partially accommodated in the second space in the slide-in state, a slide stopper (e.g., the slide stopper <NUM> in <FIG>) fixed to the second portion and disposed to be slidable in the second space, and a blocking member (e.g., the blocking member <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed to be movable in the first space and including a protrusion (e.g., the protrusion <NUM> in <FIG>) that protrudes to the second space, the blocking member being configured to be pressed in a direction away from the flexible display via an elastic member (e.g., the elastic member <NUM> in <FIG>). In the slide-in state, the blocking member may come into contact with the outer surface of the flexible display by being pressed by the first housing, and in the slide-out state, the blocking member may come into contact with the outer surface of the flexible display as the protrusion is pressed by the slide stopper.

According to various embodiment, the electronic device may include a magnet disposed in the first housing, and a first magnetic force response member disposed at a corresponding position of the second base housing to be affected by the magnetic force of the magnet in the slide-in state, and the slide-in state may be maintained by the first magnetic force response member configured to respond to the magnetic force of the magnet.

According to various embodiment, the electronic device may include a first magnetic force response member disposed at a corresponding position of the second base housing to be affected by the magnetic force of the magnet in the slide-out state, and the slide-out state may be maintained by the second magnetic force response member configured to respond to the magnetic force of the magnet.

Claim 1:
An electronic device comprising:
a first housing (<NUM>);
a second housing (<NUM>) slidably connected to the first housing (<NUM>);
a flexible display (<NUM>) disposed to be supported by the first housing (<NUM>) and at least partially supported by the second housing (<NUM>), the flexible display comprising
a first portion (230a) disposed to be seen from outside in a slide-in state, and
a second portion (230b) extending from the first portion (230a), the second (230b) portion being at least partially accommodated in an inner space of the second housing (<NUM>) in the slide-in state and exposed to be seen from outside in the slide-out state;
a slide stopper (<NUM>) fixed to the second portion (230b) and disposed to be slidable in the inner space of the second housing (<NUM>); and
a blocking member (<NUM>) included in the second housing and disposed to be movable in the inner space to be pressed by the first housing (<NUM>) in the slide-in state and pressed by the slide stopper (<NUM>) in the slide-out state,
wherein the blocking member (<NUM>) is configured to come into contact with an outer surface of the flexible display (<NUM>) by being pressed by the first housing (<NUM>) in the slide-in state and by being pressed by the slide stopper (<NUM>) in the slide-out state.