Patent Description:
Along with an increase in the demands for mobile communication and the integration level of electronic devices, the portability of electronic devices such as mobile communication terminals may increase, and various functions such as multimedia functions may be used with improved convenience. For example, as displays integrated with a touch screen function replace traditional mechanical (button) keypads, electronic devices may be miniaturized, while retaining an input device function. For example, the portability of an electronic device may be improved by removing a mechanical keypad from it. In another embodiment, if a display is extended by an area from which a mechanical keypad is removed, an electronic device including the touch screen function may provide a larger screen than an electronic device including a mechanical keypad, for the same size and weight.

A user may use web surfing or a multimedia function more conveniently with an electronic device that outputs a large screen. Although a larger display may be mounted on an electronic device to output a large screen, there may be limitations in increasing the size of the display in consideration of the portability of the electronic device. In an embodiment, a display using an organic light emitting diode may secure the portability of an electronic device, while providing a large screen. For example, the display using an organic light emitting diode (or an electronic device equipped therewith) may perform a stable operation even if it is made very thin. Accordingly, the display may be mounted in a foldable, bendable, or rollable form in the electronic device. Rollable electronic devices may include a rolling-type electronic device in which a display is rolled along a guide member such as a roller, and a sliding-type electronic device including a slidable display. An electronic device outputting a larger screen may be provided to a user by mounting a display using an organic light emitting diode in a foldable, slidable, or rollable form in the electronic device.

<CIT> describes a flexible display panel which includes a display substrate, a plurality of pixel units arranged in an array on the display substrate, and a strain sensor on the display substrate. The strain sensor is arranged corresponding to a region comprising at least one of the plurality of pixel units. The strain sensor is further configured to detect deformation in the region comprising at least one of the plurality of pixel units and to generate a detection signal.

<CIT> describes a rollable display panel which includes a display region in which an image is displayed, a non-display region surrounding the display region, and a resistance sensor which is arranged in the non-display region and has a resistance value which is different according to a curvature in a rolling process.

<CIT> describes a flexible display device which is configured to include a body, a moving plate, a flexible display, and a driving module. The driving module is configured to include a bracket, a sliding plate including a rack, a driving motor, and a driving gear. The driving module is coupled to a body and a moving plate after assembling the driving module so that it is possible to prevent a sliding plate which slidably moves together with a flexible display after assembling the flexible display device from being loosen and also prevent the idle operation of the driving gear.

<CIT> describes a flexible display device which comprises a shell, a first guiding track, a first sliding block and a flexible display screen; accommodating space is formed in the shell, and an opening of the accommodating space is formed in one end of the shell in the first direction; the first guiding track is fixed in the accommodating pace and extends in the first direction; at least two elastic clamping buckles which are sequentially arranged in the first direction are arranged on the first guiding track; the first sliding block is slidably mounted on the first guiding track; clamping teeth for being clamped with the elastic buckles on the first guiding track are arranged on the first guiding track; and at least part of the flexible display screen is accommodated in the accommodating space and connected with the first sliding block. According to the flexible display device, the display operating process is simple and convenient, stability is high, reliability is good, meanwhile, damage to the flexible display screen is not easy to occur, and the service life is long.

In an electronic device including a rollable display (hereinafter, referred to as a 'rollable electronic device'), a touch recognizable range as well as a user interface (UI) or current consumption may be changed according to an extended or contracted length (or area or area) of a display visible to a user. The rollable electronic device may measure the extended or contracted length of the display and thus output a screen corresponding to the extended or contracted display. Current consumption may be reduced by setting a display invisible to the user as an unused part and powering off this part. Therefore, it may be very important to accurately estimate the length (or movement distance) of the display according to extension or contraction of the display in the rollable electronic device.

According to a certain embodiment, when the display is automatically extended by driving a motor, the position of the display may be estimated based on the number of revolutions of the motor. According to another embodiment, a method of estimating a relative position to which a display is moved based on the position of a plate (e.g., a multi-bar plate) provided at the bottom of the display when the display is extended or contracted may also be applied. In addition, according to an embodiment, a method of measuring the distance between a basic position of a display and a position in an extended or contracted state by calculating the travel time of light using an optical sensor (e.g., a time of flight (ToF) sensor) may also be applied.

Among the above-described embodiments, the method using the number of revolutions of a motor may not be viable in a device that drives a display to be extended or contracted without a motor. The actual number of revolutions of the motor may not necessarily match an extended or contracted length of the display in the rollable electronic device. Moreover, if there is an error between the actual number of revolutions of the motor and the actual extended or contracted length of the rollable electronic device, and the error is not corrected, the difference between the measured number of revolutions and the actual position of the display may be gradually accumulated, resulting in a larger error. Among the above-described embodiments, in the case of the method of estimating a relative position to which a display is moved based on the position of a plate provided at the bottom of the display or in the case of using a ToF sensor, a 'mover' (a magnet moving along an extending display, a pipe structure for measurement with a TOF sensor, or the like) corresponding to an extended linear length of the display may be included. Because this is a method of measuring a variation of the 'mover', the size of the 'mover' may increase with the extended length of the display.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, it is intended to provide a structure capable of measuring an extended or contracted length of a display in a rollable electronic device.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, it is intended to provide a simple structure that measures an extended or contracted length of a display using the display itself without a separate 'mover' for measuring the extended or contracted length of the display.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, as covered by appended independent claim <NUM>, an electronic device including a flexible display comprises: a housing including a first surface, a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface, a first side surface surrounding at least part of a space between the first surface and the second surface, and a second side surface facing in a direction opposite to the first side surface, wherein a part of the housing is configured to perform a slide-in operation and a slide-out operation with respect to the housing, wherein the housing is configured such that, when the part of the housing slides, a distance between the first side surface and the second side surface varies; and a flexible display including a first portion visible to an outside through at least one surface of the housing and a second portion extending from the first portion, wherein as at least part of the second portion is visible to the outside through the at least one surface of the housing based on thepart of the housing performing the slide-out operation, the first portion is extendable. The second portion of the flexible display includes a dummy area invisible to the outside independent on the housing performing a slide-in operation or a slide-out operation, in which a strain gauge is wired as a resistance measurement sensor, and a structure to change resistance based on a sliding movement of the part of the housing is included in the dummy area.

According to an embodiment, the strain gauge includes an integrated wiring structure.

According to an embodiment, the strain gauge is wired in a zigzag shape in the dummy area.

According to an embodiment, the strain gauge is formed to have asymmetric wiring densities on one side and the other side of the dummy area.

According to an embodiment, the strain gauge is connected to a circuit unit disposed in a second dummy area included in the flexible display.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device further comprises a support member or a substrate disposed in a space of the housing, wherein the structure protrudes from the support member or the substrate toward the dummy area.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device further comprises: a multi-joint hinge structure configured to support the flexible display; and a guide member configured to guide the flexible display to move in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction while maintaining a specific curvature.

According to an embodiment, the dummy area is formed to extend to a position corresponding to the guide member and be bendable.

According to an embodiment, the structure has a bump shape.

According to an embodiment, the structure is configured to deform the dummy area in a direction perpendicular to a movement direction of the dummy area by pressing at least part of the multi-joint hinge structure in an opening operation or closing operation of the electronic device.

According to an embodiment, the structure has a rail shape.

According to an embodiment, the structure includes: a rod-shaped guide portion configured to linearly guide at least part of the dummy area in one direction; a rotation guide portion configured to guide the at least part of the dummy area to move in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction while maintaining a specific curvature; and a fastening end portion fixed to one end of the dummy area.

According to an embodiment, a diameter of the rotation guide portion is less than a diameter of the guide member.

According to an embodiment, a radius of curvature of the dummy area at a position corresponding to a center of the rotation guide portion is less than a radius of curvature of the display at a position corresponding to a center of the guide member.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, because an extended or contracted length of a display is measured using a dummy area of the display, an insufficient mounting space in an electronic device may be effectively utilized.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the use of a strain gauge sensor which is wired in a dummy area of a display enables measurement of an extended or contracted length of the display without increasing the size of an electronic device.

Various embodiments of the disclosure may be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, an input module <NUM>, a sound output module <NUM>, a display module <NUM>, an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a connecting terminal <NUM>, a haptic module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, a power management module <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a communication module <NUM>, a subscriber identification module(SIM) <NUM>, or an antenna module <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, at least one of the components (e.g., the connecting terminal <NUM>) may be omitted from the electronic device <NUM>, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, some of the components (e.g., the sensor module <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, or the antenna module <NUM>) may be implemented as a single component (e.g., the display module <NUM>).

According to various embodiments, the antenna module <NUM> may form an mmWave antenna module.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure, in which a flexible display <NUM> (e.g., an alpha area α; see <FIG>) is accommodated in a second structure <NUM>. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating the electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure, in which the flexible display <NUM> is mostly exposed to the outside of the second structure <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>, which is an example of the electronic device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, may be a rollable electronic device. The rollable electronic device may include a rolling-type electronic device in which a display is rolled along a guide member such as a roller, and a sliding-type electronic device in which a display is slidable. It should be noted that the following embodiments will be described mainly in the context of a sliding-type electronic device, and the following description is applicable to other types of rollable electronic devices (e.g., a rolling-type electronic device) without a separate description.

The state illustrated in <FIG> may be defined as a first structure <NUM> being closed with respect to the second structure <NUM>, and the state illustrated in <FIG> may be defined as the first structure <NUM> being opened with respect to the second structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a "closed state" or an "opened state" may be defined as a state in which an electronic device is closed or opened. According to an embodiment, the closed state of the electronic device <NUM> may be defined as a state in which a slidable housing <NUM> in the electronic device <NUM> has a minimum width, and the opened state of the electronic device <NUM> may be defined as a state in which the slidable housing <NUM> has a maximum width. According to another embodiment, the closed state of the electronic device <NUM> may be defined as a state in which the area of a part of the display <NUM> exposed to the outside is minimized, and the opened state of the electronic device may be defined as a state in which the area of the display <NUM> exposed to the outside is maximized. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may further include an intermediate state between the "closed state" and the "opened state". For example, the intermediate state may be understood as any state before switching is completed in a switching operation from the "closed state" to the "opened state" or from the "opened state" to the "closed state".

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> together, the electronic device <NUM> may include the first structure <NUM> and the second structure <NUM> movably disposed on the first structure <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, the first structure <NUM> may be interpreted as a structure slidably disposed on the second structure <NUM> in the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first structure <NUM> may be disposed to reciprocate by a predetermined distance in a direction illustrated with respect to the second structure <NUM>, for example, in a direction indicated by an arrow ①.

According to various embodiments, the first structure <NUM> may be referred to as, for example, a first housing structure, a slide part, or a slide housing and disposed reciprocably on the second structure <NUM>. In an embodiment, the second structure <NUM> may be referred to as, for example, a second housing structure, a main part, or a main housing, and accommodate various electric and electronic components such as a main circuit board or a battery. A part (e.g., a first area A1) of the display <NUM> may be seated on the first structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, as the first structure <NUM> moves (e.g., slides) relative to the second structure <NUM>, another part (e.g., a second area A2) of the display <NUM> may be accommodated into the second structure <NUM> (e.g., a slide-in operation) or exposed to the outside of the second structure <NUM> (e.g., a slide-out operation). The part (e.g., the first area A1) of the display <NUM> may be a basic use area in a slide-in state of the display <NUM>, and the other part (e.g., the second area A2) of the display <NUM> may be an extension area in a slide-out state.

In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the basic use area (e.g., the first area A1) is illustrated as seated on the first structure <NUM> in the slide-in state of the display <NUM>. According to the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the basic use area (e.g., the first area A1) is illustrated as formed on a right side toward which the display <NUM> is extended, and the extension area (e.g., the second area A2) is illustrated as formed on a left side of the display <NUM>, in the slide-out state of the display <NUM>. However, the disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and unlike <FIG>, the basic use area (e.g., the first area A1) may be formed on the left side opposite to the direction in which the display <NUM> is extended, and the extension area (e.g., the second area A2) may be formed on the right side of the display <NUM>, in the slide-out state of the display <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first structure <NUM> includes a first plate <NUM> (e.g., a slide plate), and include a first surface F1 formed to include at least part of the first plate <NUM> and a second surface F2 facing in an opposite direction to the first surface F1. According to an embodiment, the second structure <NUM> may include a second plate 221a (e.g., a rear case), a first sidewall 223a extending from the second plate 221a, a second sidewall 223b extending from the first sidewall 223a and the second plate 221a, a third sidewall 223c extending from the first sidewall 223a and the second plate 221a and parallel to the second sidewall 223b, and/or a rear plate 221b (e.g., a rear window). In a certain embodiment, the second sidewall 223b and the third sidewall 223c may be formed perpendicular to the first sidewall 223a. According to an embodiment, the second plate 221a, the first sidewall 223a, the second sidewall 223b, and the third sidewall 223c may be opened from one side (e.g., a front surface) to accommodate (or surround) at least part of the first structure <NUM>. For example, the first structure <NUM> may be coupled with the second structure <NUM>, while being at least partially surrounded, and slide in a direction parallel to the first surface F1 (e.g., the front surface) or the second surface F2 (e.g., a rear surface), for example, in the direction indicated by the arrow ① under the guidance of the second structure <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the second sidewall 223b or the third sidewall 223c may be omitted. According to an embodiment, the second plate 221a, the first sidewall 223a, the second sidewall 223b, and/or the third sidewall 223c may be formed as separate structures and then combined with or assembled to each other. The rear plate 221b may be coupled to cover at least part of the second plate 221a. In another embodiment, the rear plate 221b may be substantially integrally formed with the second plate 221a. According to an embodiment, the second plate 221a or the rear plate 221b may cover at least part of the flexible display <NUM>. For example, the flexible display <NUM> may be at least partially accommodated inside the second structure <NUM>, and the second plate 221a or the rear plate 221b may cover the part of the display <NUM> accommodated inside the second structure <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first structure <NUM> may move to the opened state and the closed state with respect to the second structure <NUM> in a first direction (e.g., the direction ①). The first structure <NUM> may move to a first distance from the first sidewall 223a in the closed state and to a second distance greater than the first distance from the first sidewall 223a in the opened state. In a certain embodiment, the first structure <NUM> may be located to surround part of the first sidewall 223a in the closed state.

According to various embodiments, the first sidewall 223a may move integrally with the first structure <NUM> unlike the above-described embodiments. The second structure <NUM> may include a fourth sidewall (not shown) located in an opposite direction to the first sidewall 223a, and with the fourth sidewall (not shown) fixed, the first sidewall 223a may recede from the fourth sidewall (not shown) along with the movement of the first structure <NUM>. Besides, extension of the slidable housing according to sliding movement of the first structure <NUM> may vary according to embodiments.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> includes the display <NUM> and may include a key input device, a connector hole, an audio module, or a camera module. Although not illustrated, the electronic device <NUM> may further include an indicator (e.g., an LED device) or various sensor modules. The display <NUM> may be coupled with or disposed adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the strength (pressure) of a touch, and/or a digitizer that detects a magnetic field-type stylus pen.

According to various embodiments, the display <NUM> includes the first area A1 and the second area A2. In an embodiment, the first area A1 is extended substantially across at least part of the first plate <NUM> and disposed on the first surface F1. According to the sliding movement of the first structure <NUM>, the second area A2 is inserted or accommodated into the second structure <NUM> (e.g., the main housing) or exposed to the outside of the second structure <NUM>. As described later, the second area A2 may move substantially under the guidance of a guide member (e.g., a roller) mounted in the second structure <NUM> to be accommodated into the second structure <NUM> or exposed to the outside of the second structure <NUM>. For example, while the first structure <NUM> slides, part of the second area A2 may be deformed into a curved shape at a position corresponding to the guide member. According to various embodiments, when the first structure <NUM> moves from the closed state to the opened state, the second area A2 may form a substantially flat surface together with the first area A1, while being gradually exposed to the outside of the second structure <NUM>, when viewed from above the first plate <NUM> (e.g., the slide plate). In a certain embodiment, the second area A2 is at least partially accommodated inside the second structure <NUM>, and part of the second area A2 is exposed to the outside even in the state illustrated in <FIG> (e.g., the closed state). In a certain embodiment, the exposed part of the second area A2 may be located on the guide member (not shown) and kept in the curved shape at the position corresponding to the guide member (not shown), regardless of the closed state or the opened state. Although the guide member is illustrated as disposed opposite to the direction in which the display of the electronic device <NUM> is extended in the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. An embodiment in which the guide member is disposed in the direction in which the display of the electronic device <NUM> is extended is also applicable.

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

<FIG> and its following drawings illustrate a spatial coordinate system defined by X, Y, and Z axes orthogonal to each other. The X axis may represent a width direction of an electronic device, the Y axis may represent a length direction of the electronic device, and the Z axis may represent a height (or thickness) direction of the electronic device. In the following description, a 'first direction' may mean a direction parallel to the Z axis.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> includes the display <NUM> (e.g., a flexible display) and may include the first structure <NUM>, the second structure <NUM> (e.g., the main housing), a guide member (e.g., a roller <NUM>), a support sheet <NUM>, and/or a multi-joint hinge structure <NUM>. Part (e.g., the alpha area α to be described below with reference to <FIG>) of the display <NUM> may be accommodated into the second structure <NUM> under the guidance of the roller <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first structure <NUM> may include the first plate <NUM> (e.g., the slide plate), a first bracket <NUM>, and/or a second bracket <NUM> mounted on the first plate <NUM>. The first structure <NUM>, for example, the first plate <NUM>, the first bracket <NUM>, and/or the second bracket <NUM> may be formed of a metal material and/or a non-metal (e.g., polymer) material. The first plate <NUM> may be mounted in the second structure <NUM> (e.g., the main housing) and linearly reciprocate in a direction (e.g., in the direction indicated by the arrow ① in <FIG>) under the guidance of the second structure <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first bracket <NUM> may be coupled with the first plate <NUM> to form the first surface F1 of the first structure <NUM> together with the first plate <NUM>. The first area A1 of the display <NUM> may be substantially mounted on the first surface F1 and maintained in a flat shape. The second bracket <NUM> may be coupled with the first plate <NUM> to form the second surface F2 of the first structure <NUM> together with the first plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first bracket <NUM> and/or the second bracket <NUM> may be integrally formed with the first plate <NUM>. This may be appropriately designed in consideration of the assembly structure or manufacturing process of a manufactured product. The first structure <NUM> or the first plate <NUM> may be coupled with the second structure <NUM> and slide with respect to the second structure <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the multi-joint hinge structure <NUM> may include a plurality of bars or rods <NUM> (see <FIG>) and be connected to one end of the first structure <NUM>. For example, as the first structure <NUM> slides, the multi-joint hinge structure <NUM> may move with respect to the second structure <NUM>, and be substantially accommodated into the second structure <NUM> in the closed state (e.g., the state illustrated in <FIG>). In a certain embodiment, part of the multi-joint hinge structure <NUM> may not be accommodated into the second structure <NUM> even in the closed state. For example, even in the closed state, part of the multi-joint hinge structure <NUM> may be located to correspond to the roller <NUM> outside the second structure <NUM>. The plurality of rods <NUM> may extend in a straight line, be disposed parallel to a rotation axis R of the roller <NUM>, and be arranged along a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis R, for example, a direction in which the first structure <NUM> slides.

Accordingly, as the first structure <NUM> slides, the plurality of rods <NUM> (see <FIG>) may be arranged in a curved shape or a flat shape. For example, as the first structure <NUM> slides, the multi-joint hinge structure <NUM> may form a curved surface at a part facing the roller <NUM> and a flat surface at a part that does not face the roller <NUM>. In an embodiment, part (e.g., the alpha area α described later with reference to <FIG>) of the display <NUM> may be mounted on or supported by the multi-joint hinge structure <NUM>, and exposed to the outside of the second structure <NUM> together with the first area A1 in the opened state (e.g., the state illustrated in <FIG>). In a state in which the second area (e.g., the second area A2 of <FIG>) is exposed to the outside of the second structure <NUM>, the multi-joint hinge structure <NUM> may substantially form a flat surface, thereby supporting or maintaining the second area (e.g., the second area A2 of <FIG>) in a flat state.

According to various embodiments, the second structure <NUM> (e.g., the main housing) may include the second plate 221a (e.g., the rear case), a printed circuit board (not shown), the rear plate 221b, and a third plate 221c (e.g., a front case), and/or a support member 221d. The second plate 221a, for example, the rear case may be disposed to face in an opposite direction to the first surface F1 of the first plate <NUM>, and substantially provide the outer appearance of the second structure <NUM> or the electronic device <NUM>. In an embodiment, the second structure <NUM> may include the first sidewall 223a extending from the second plate 221a, the second sidewall 223b extending from the second plate 221a and substantially perpendicular to the first sidewall 223a, and/or third sidewall 223c extending from the second sidewall 223b and the second plate 221a, substantially perpendicular to the first sidewall 223a, and parallel to the second sidewall 223b. Although the second sidewall 223b and the third sidewall 223c are manufactured as separate parts from the second plate 221a and mounted or assembled to the second plate 221a in the illustrated embodiment, they may be integrally formed with the second plate 221a. The second structure <NUM> may accommodate an antenna for near field communication, an antenna for wireless charging, or an antenna for magnetic secure transmission (MST) in a space that does not overlap with the multi-joint hinge structure <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the rear plate 221b may be coupled with an outer surface of the second plate 221a, and manufactured integrally with the second plate 221a according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the second plate 221a may be made of a metal or polymer material, and the rear plate 221b may be made of a material such as a metal, glass, a synthetic resin, or ceramic to provide a decorative effect to the exterior of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second plate 221a and/or the rear plate 221b may be made of a material that transmits light at least partially (e.g., an auxiliary display area). For example, in a state in which part (e.g., the second area A2) of the display <NUM> is accommodated inside the second structure <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may output visual information using a partial area of the display <NUM> accommodated inside the second structure <NUM>. The auxiliary display area may provide the visual information output from the area accommodated inside the second structure <NUM> to the outside of the second structure <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the third plate 221c may be made of a metal or polymer material, and coupled with the second plate 221a (e.g., the rear case), the first sidewall 223a, the second sidewall 223b, and/or the third sidewall 223c to form an inner space of the second structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the third plate 221c may be referred to as a "front case", and the first structure <NUM>, for example, the first plate <NUM> may slide while substantially facing the third plate 221c. In a certain embodiment, the first sidewall 223a may be formed by a combination of a first sidewall portion 223a-<NUM> extending from the second plate 221a and a second sidewall portion 223a-<NUM> formed at an edge of the third plate 221c. In another embodiment, the first sidewall portion 223a-<NUM> may be coupled to surround an edge of the third plate 221c, for example, the second sidewall portion 223a-<NUM>. In this case, the first sidewall portion 223a-<NUM> itself may form the first sidewall 223a.

According to various embodiments, the support member 221d may be disposed in a space between the second plate 221a and the third plate 221c and have the shape of a flat plate made of a metal or polymer. The support member 221d may provide an electromagnetic shielding structure in the inner space of the second structure <NUM> or improve the mechanical rigidity of the second structure <NUM>. In an embodiment, when accommodated inside the second structure <NUM>, the multi-joint hinge structure <NUM> and/or a partial area (e.g., the second area A2) of the display <NUM> may be located in a space between the second plate 221a and the support member 221d.

According to various embodiments, the printed circuit board (not shown) may be disposed in a space between the third plate 221c and the support member 221d. For example, the printed circuit board may be accommodated in a space separated by the support member 221d from the space in which the multi-joint hinge structure <NUM> and/or the partial area of the display <NUM> is accommodated inside the second structure <NUM>. A processor, memory, and/or an interface may be mounted on the printed circuit board. The processor may include, for example, one or more of a CPU, an AP, a GPU, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a CP.

The memory may include, for example, volatile memory or non-volatile memory.

The interface may include, for example, an HDMI, a USB interface, an SD card interface, and/or an audio interface. The interface may electrically or physically connect the electronic device <NUM> to an external electronic device and include a USB connector, an SD card/MMC connector, or an audio connector.

According to various embodiments, the display <NUM>, which is a flexible display based on an organic light emitting diode, is at least partially deformed into a curved shape while being kept in a flat shape as a whole. In an embodiment, the first area A1 of the display <NUM> is mounted on or attached to the first surface F1 of the first structure <NUM> and maintained in a substantially flat shape. The second area A2 is extended from the first area A1 and supported by or attached to the multi-joint hinge structure <NUM>. For example, the second area A2 is extended along the sliding direction of the first structure <NUM>, accommodated into the second structure <NUM> together with the multi-joint hinge structure <NUM>, and at least partially deformed into a curved shape according to deformation of the multi-joint hinge structure <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, as the first structure <NUM> slides on the second structure <NUM>, the area of the display <NUM> exposed to the outside varies. The electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the processor) may change an area of the display <NUM> that is activated based on the area of the display <NUM> exposed to the outside. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may activate the area exposed to the outside of the second structure <NUM> out of the entire area of the display <NUM> in the opened state or at an intermediate position between the closed state and the opened state. In the closed state, the electronic device <NUM> may activate the first area A1 of the display <NUM> and deactivate the second area A2. In the closed state, if there is no user input for a certain period of time (e.g., <NUM> seconds or <NUM> minutes), the electronic device <NUM> may deactivate the entire area of the display <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, in a state in which the entire area of the display <NUM> is deactivated, the electronic device <NUM> may provide visual information through the auxiliary display area (e.g., part of the second plate 221a and/or the rear plate 221b, which is manufactured of a light transmitting material) by activating a partial area of the display <NUM>, as needed (e.g., a notification based on user settings or a notification of missed calls/message arrival).

According to various embodiments, substantially the entire area (e.g., the first area A1 and the second area A2) of the display <NUM> may be exposed to the outside, and the first area A1 and the second area A2 may be disposed to form a flat surface, in the opened state (e.g., the state illustrated in <FIG>). In an embodiment, part (e.g., one end) of the second area A2 may be located to correspond to the roller <NUM>, and maintained in a curved shape, even in the opened state. For example, in various embodiments of the disclosure, even when it is said that "the second area A2 is disposed to form a flat surface in the opened state", part of the second area A2 may be maintained in the curved shape. Similarly, even though it is said that "the multi-joint hinge structure <NUM> and/or the second area A2 are accommodated inside the second structure <NUM> in the closed state", the multi-joint hinge structure <NUM> and/or part of the second area A2 may be located outside the second structure <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the guide member, for example, the roller <NUM> may be rotatably mounted in the second structure at a position adjacent to one edge of the second structure <NUM> (e.g., the second plate 221a). For example, the roller <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to an edge (e.g., a part indicated by reference numeral 'IE') of the second plate 221a parallel to the first sidewall 223a. Although a reference numeral is not given in the drawings, another sidewall may extend from the edge of the second plate 221a adjacent to the roller <NUM>, and the sidewall adjacent to the roller <NUM> may be substantially parallel to the first sidewall 223a. As described above, the sidewall of the second structure <NUM> adjacent to the roller <NUM> may be made of a light transmitting material, and part of the second area A2 may provide visual information through part of the second structure <NUM>, while being accommodated in the second structure <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, one end of the roller <NUM> may be rotatably coupled with the second sidewall 223b, and the other end of the roller <NUM> may be rotatably coupled with the third sidewall 223c. For example, the roller <NUM> may be mounted in the second structure <NUM> and rotate around the rotation axis R perpendicular to the sliding direction (e.g., the direction indicated by the arrow ① in <FIG> or <FIG>) of the first structure <NUM>. The rotation axis R may be disposed substantially parallel to the first side wall 223a and located far from the first side wall 223a, for example, at one edge of the second plate 221a. In an embodiment, a spacing between an outer circumferential surface of the roller <NUM> and an inner surface of the edge of the second plate 221a may form an inlet through which the multi-joint hinge structure <NUM> or the display <NUM> enters the second structure <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, when the display <NUM> is deformed into a curved shape, the roller <NUM> may maintain a radius of curvature of the display <NUM> at a specific level, thereby suppressing excessive deformation of the display <NUM>. The "excessive deformation" may mean that the display <NUM> is deformed to have so small a radius of curvature as to damage pixels or signal lines included in the display <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> may be moved or deformed under the guidance of the roller <NUM> and protected from damage caused by excessive deformation. In a certain embodiment, the roller <NUM> may rotate while the multi-joint hinge structure <NUM> or the display <NUM> is being inserted into or extracted from the second structure <NUM>. For example, the multi-joint hinge structure <NUM> (or the display <NUM>) may enable smooth insertion/extraction of the second structure <NUM> by suppressing friction between the multi-joint hinge structure <NUM> (or the display <NUM>) and the second structure <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the support sheet <NUM> may be made of a material having flexibility and a certain degree of elasticity, for example, a material including an elastic material such as silicone or rubber, and mounted on or attached to the roller <NUM> to be selectively wound around the roller <NUM> as the roller <NUM> rotates. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of (e.g., four) support sheets <NUM> may be arranged along the direction of the rotation axis R of the roller <NUM>. For example, the plurality of support sheets <NUM> may be mounted on the roller <NUM>, each spaced apart from an adjacent support sheet by a specific distance, and extend in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis R. In another embodiment, one support sheet may be mounted on or attached to the roller <NUM>. For example, one support sheet may have a size and shape corresponding to an area in which the support sheets <NUM> are disposed and an area between the support sheets <NUM> in <FIG>. As such, the number, size, or shape of support sheets <NUM> may be appropriately changed depending on an actual manufactured product. In a certain embodiment, as the roller <NUM> rotates, the support sheet <NUM> may be rolled around the outer circumferential surface of the roller <NUM> or unwound from the roller <NUM> to form a flat shape between the display <NUM> and the third plate 221c. In another embodiment, the support sheet <NUM> may be referred to as a "support belt", "auxiliary belt", "support film", or "auxiliary film".

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one elastic member <NUM> and <NUM> made of a low-density elastic material such as sponge or a brush. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first elastic member <NUM> mounted on one end of the display <NUM> and, according to an embodiment, further include a second elastic member <NUM> mounted on an inner surface of an edge of the second plate 221a. The first elastic member <NUM> may be disposed substantially in the inner space of the second structure <NUM>, and may be located to correspond to the edge of the second plate 221a in the opened state (e.g., the state illustrated in <FIG>). In an embodiment, the first elastic member <NUM> may move in the inner space of the second structure <NUM> according to the sliding movement of the first structure <NUM>. When the first structure <NUM> moves from the closed state to the opened state, the first elastic member <NUM> may move toward the edge of the second plate 221a. When the first structure <NUM> reaches the opened state, the first elastic member <NUM> may contact the inner surface of the edge of the second plate 221a. For example, in the opened state, the first elastic member <NUM> may seal a gap between the inner surface of the edge of the second plate 221a and a surface of the display <NUM>. In another embodiment, when moving from the closed state to the opened state, the first elastic member <NUM> may move while contacting the second plate 221a (e.g., sliding contact). For example, if a foreign material has been introduced into the gap between the second area A2 and the second plate 221a in the closed state, the first elastic member <NUM> may discharge the foreign material to the outside of the second structure <NUM>, when moving to the opened state.

According to various embodiments, the second elastic member <NUM> may be attached to the inner surface of the edge of the second plate 221a and disposed substantially to face the inner surface of the display <NUM>. In the closed state, the gap (e.g., arrangement gap) between the surface of the display <NUM> and the inner surface of the edge of the second plate 221a may be substantially determined by the second elastic member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second elastic member <NUM> may contact the surface of the display <NUM> to substantially seal the arrangement gap, in the closed state. According to an embodiment, because the second elastic member <NUM> is made of a low-density elastic material such as sponge or a brush, it may not damage the surface of the display <NUM> even though it directly contacts the display <NUM>. In another embodiment, as the first structure <NUM> gradually moves to the opened state, the arrangement gap may increase. For example, the display <NUM> may gradually expose the second area A2 to the outside of the second structure <NUM>, substantially without contact with or rubbing against the second elastic member <NUM>. When the first structure <NUM> reaches the opened state, the first elastic member <NUM> may contact the second elastic member <NUM>. In the opened state, for example, the first elastic member <NUM> and the second elastic member <NUM> may seal the arrangement gap, thereby blocking introduction of a foreign material.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may further include guide rail(s) <NUM> and/or actuating member(s) <NUM>. The guide rail(s) <NUM> may be mounted in the second structure <NUM>, for example, on the third plate 221c and guide the sliding movement of the first structure <NUM> (e.g., the first plate <NUM> or the slide plate). The actuating member(s) <NUM> may include a spring or spring module that provides elastic force in a direction in which both ends thereof move away from each other. One end of the actuating member(s) <NUM> may be rotatably supported on the second structure <NUM>, and the other end thereof may be rotatably supported on the first structure <NUM>. When the first structure <NUM> slides, both ends of the actuating member(s) <NUM> may be located closest to each other at any one point (hereinafter, referred to as a 'closest point') between the closed state and the opened state. For example, the actuating member(s) <NUM> may provide elastic force to the first structure <NUM> in a movement direction toward the closed state in a section between the closest point and the closed state, and in a movement direction toward the opened state in a section between the closest point and the opened state.

In the following detailed description, the same reference numerals or no reference numerals are assigned to components that may be easily understood from the preceding embodiments, and detailed descriptions thereof may also be avoided. An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented by selectively combining the configurations of different embodiments, and the configuration of an embodiment may be replaced by that of another embodiment. For example, it is to be noted that the disclosure is not limited to specific drawings or embodiments.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating states of a display <NUM> in a slide-in operation and a slide-out operation of a first structure <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a conceptual diagram illustrating a state in which the display <NUM> is partially lifted according to a certain embodiment. <FIG> is a conceptual diagram illustrating the display <NUM> including a dummy area A4 according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> or the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) includes a housing <NUM> including a first surface, a second surface facing in an opposite direction to the first surface, a first side surface surrounding at least part of a space between the first surface and the second surface, and a second side surface facing in an opposite direction to the first side surface. As at least part of the housing <NUM> slides, for example the first structure <NUM> of the housing <NUM> in relation to the second structure <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, a distance between the first side surface and the second side surface is changed. The first surface and the second surface may be defined by the first structure <NUM>. For example, the first surface may be defined by a first plate <NUM> (or a first front plate; as shown in <FIG>) of the first structure <NUM>, and the second surface may be defined by a fourth plate (or a first rear plate) of the first structure <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the first surface and/or the second surface may be defined by the first structure <NUM>, or additionally or alternatively, by the second structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first side surface may be defined by one side surface of the first structure <NUM> (e.g. a part of the housing <NUM> that is slid out), and the second side surface may be defined by one side surface of the second structure <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, a plurality of parts (or a plurality of areas) of the display <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure will be described.

The display <NUM> (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) includes a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> are separated for convenience of description, not functionally or physically. According to another embodiment, the display <NUM> includes the first area A1 and the second area A2. It should be noted that the first area A1 and the second area A2 are also separated for convenience of description, not necessarily functionally or physically. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, parts of a display referred to as 'a first portion and a second portion' or 'a first area and a second area' may be substantially the same or similar.

The display <NUM> includes the first portion <NUM> which is an area visible to the outside through at least one surface of the housing <NUM>. Further, the display <NUM> includes the second portion <NUM> which is at least partially surrounded by the housing and thus not visible to the outside. When the first portion <NUM> is extended based on a slide-out operation of the first structure <NUM>, the second portion <NUM> may be contracted. On the contrary, when the first portion <NUM> is contracted based on a slide-in operation of the first structure <NUM>, the second portion <NUM> may be extended.

With the first structure <NUM> accommodated in the second structure, the display <NUM> includes the first area A1 as a basic use area and the second area A2 as an extension area based on sliding movement of the first structure <NUM>.

The first area A1 is an area visible to the outside, when the first structure <NUM> is accommodated in the second structure <NUM> and thus the display is not extended. In a state in which the first structure <NUM> is accommodated in the second structure <NUM>, the second area A2 is at least partially surrounded by the housing and thus not visible to the outside. When the first structure <NUM> is extracted from the second structure <NUM> by the slide-out operation, it is visible to the outside through at least one surface of the housing. In the slide-out operation of the first structure <NUM>, the first area A1 and the second area A2 form the first portion <NUM> that is an area visible to the outside through the at least one surface of the housing.

According to various embodiments, given a maximum extendable length of the display <NUM> as 'Δl<NUM>', when the display <NUM> moves by 'Δl<NUM>' less than the maximum extendable length 'Δl<NUM>', as much of the display <NUM> as an area of the second area A2 visible to the outside may be turned on, while as much of the display <NUM> as an area of the second area A2 invisible to the outside may be turned off, or touch input sensitivity may be adjusted. Therefore, current consumption of the electronic device <NUM> may be reduced, and touch misrecognition may be improved.

Referring to <FIG>, the display <NUM> may include a third area A3. The third area A3 may be a part invisible to the outside, when the first structure <NUM> is accommodated in the second structure <NUM> or even when the first structure <NUM> is extracted from the second structure <NUM> by the slide-out operation. In the display <NUM>, the third area A3 may be a part formed to have a predetermined curvature together with the second area A2.

According to an embodiment, the second area A2 and the third area A3 may surround at least part of a guide member <NUM> (e.g., the guide member <NUM> of <FIG>). The second area A2 and the third area A3 may have a curved shape at a position corresponding to the guide member <NUM>. The second area A2 and the third area A3 may be at least partially supported by a multi-joint hinge structure <NUM> (e.g., the multi-joint hinge structure <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the second area A2 and the third area A3 may be referred to as the 'alpha area α'. According to an embodiment, the alpha area α may move around the guide member <NUM> in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, while being supported by the multi-joint hinge structure <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, a section in which the alpha area α moves in a curved shape around the guide member <NUM>, while being supported by the multi-joint hinge structure <NUM> may be defined as a 'rolling section'. According to an embodiment, a section in which the alpha area α moves in a flat shape may be defined as a 'flat section'. It may be preferred that the alpha area α moves while maintaining a specific curvature in the 'rolling section', and moves on an imaginary line L parallel to the front or rear surface of the electronic device, while being kept in a flat shape in the 'flat section'.

According to a certain embodiment, when the alpha area α moves from the 'flat section' to the 'rolling section' or from the rolling section' to the 'flat section', the display <NUM> may experience repulsive force, as illustrated in <FIG>. The repulsive force may cause a phenomenon in which at least part of the alpha area α is physically lifted. The repulsive force may be attributed to various factors including the physical properties of the display <NUM>, an environment (e.g., temperature) in which the electronic device <NUM> is placed, and a time during which the electronic device is left in the opened or closed state.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the display <NUM> includes a fourth area A4 as illustrated in <FIG>. Like the third area A3, the fourth area A4 is a part invisible to the outside, when the first structure <NUM> is accommodated in the second structure <NUM> or even when the first structure <NUM> is extracted from the second structure <NUM> by the slide-out operation. According to an embodiment, the fourth area A4 may be substantially the same as the third area A3 of the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the fourth area A4 may be formed by extending the third area A3 disclosed in the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> a little longer. According to the embodiment covered by the claims, the fourth area A4 is a part without a component for displaying a screen (e.g., a display element layer including at least one pixel and/or a TFT layer connected to the display element layer), unlike the third area A3.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the fourth area A4 is referred to as a 'dummy area'. According to an embodiment, as the dummy area is additionally included in the display <NUM>, part (e.g., the alpha area α) of the display <NUM> may move in a flat shape on an imaginary line (e.g., L in <FIG>) parallel to the front or rear surface of the electronic device, without being lifted.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating the display <NUM> with a strain gauge wired therein according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, at least one sensor capable of measuring a resistance change is provided in the dummy area A4 of the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the at least one sensor is embedded in the dummy area A4 of the display <NUM>. The at least one sensor capable of measuring a resistance change corresponds to a strain gauge <NUM>. When the display <NUM> includes a plurality of layers, the strain gauge <NUM> is wired. For example, the strain gauge <NUM> may be provided in the form of a transmission line or strip line (e.g., microstrip line) in at least one of the plurality of layers included in the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment not covered by the claims, the strain gauge <NUM> may be disposed between pixels of a pixel layer of the display <NUM> or over or under the pixel layer. The use of the strain gauge <NUM> provides a means for measuring a resistance change without increasing the size or volume of the display <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the strain gauge <NUM> may be connected to a circuit for sensing a resistance change in the strain gauge <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the strain gauge <NUM> may be connected to a display driver IC (DDI) <NUM> for controlling the display <NUM>. The DDI may be a means that receives, for example, image data or image information including an image control signal corresponding to a command for controlling the image data, communicates with a touch circuit or a sensor module, and stores at least part of the received image information in memory. In addition, the DDI may pre-process or post-process (e.g., adjust a resolution, a brightness, or a size) at least part of the image data, and generate a voltage value or current value corresponding to the pre-processed or post-processed image data. Visual information (e.g., text, an image, or an icon) corresponding to the image data may be displayed through the display <NUM> by driving pixels of the display <NUM> through the generated voltage or current value. The DDI may detect a resistance change of the strain gauge <NUM>. The DDI may provide information about the detected resistance change to a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to another embodiment, the strain gauge <NUM> may be connected to a control circuit (not shown) provided separately from the DDI. The control circuit (not shown) may detect the resistance change of the strain gauge <NUM> and provide the information about the detected resistance change to the processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>). The control circuit may be included as part of the display <NUM> or as part of another component (e.g., the auxiliary processor <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed outside the display <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the display <NUM> includes the first area A1, the alpha area α, and the dummy area A4 in which the strain gauge <NUM> is wired. Referring to <FIG>, the display <NUM> may further include a second dummy area A5 on one side of the first area A1. The second dummy area A5, which is an area corresponding to a bezel of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>), may be an unused area in which a screen is not displayed. According to an embodiment, the DDI <NUM> (or the control circuit) may be disposed in the second dummy area A5, and thus the strain gauge <NUM> disposed in the dummy area A4 may be extended to the second dummy area A5 and connected to the DDI <NUM> (or the control circuit).

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating the dummy area A4 of the display illustrated in <FIG>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the strain gauge <NUM> is formed in the dummy area A4 of the display <NUM> in the form of an integrated wiring rather than in the form of an array. The 'array' may mean the strain gauge divided into a plurality of pieces, and the 'integrated wiring' may mean one extended wiring without division of the strain gauge.

According to various embodiments, the strain gauge <NUM> may be formed to be an integrated wiring and disposed in a zigzag shape, when the dummy area A4 is viewed from above. A wiring density within a limited mounting space of the dummy area A4 may be increased by forming the strain gauge <NUM> in the dummy area A4 and disposing it in a zigzag shape.

According to various embodiments, the strain gage <NUM> may have a shape with different wiring densities on one side and the other side of the dummy area A4. According to an embodiment, the strain gauge <NUM> may be wired to have an asymmetrical pattern in the dummy area A4. For example, the strain gauge <NUM> may be formed such that the wiring density is relatively low on one side B1 of the dummy area A4 and relatively high on the other side B2 of the dummy area A4, as illustrated in <FIG>. The 'one side B1' of the dummy area A4 may be a part adjacent to the alpha area α of the display, and 'the other side B2' of the dummy area A4 may be a part located in an opposite direction to the part adjacent to the alpha area α of the display. As illustrated in <FIG>, a small number of wires <NUM> of the strain gauge <NUM> overlap on the one side B1 of the dummy area A4, and a large number of wires <NUM> of the strain gauge <NUM> overlap on the other side B2 of the dummy area A4. According to this, a resistance variation ΔRb measured on the other side B2 of the dummy area A4 may be much greater than a resistance variation ΔRa measured on the one side B1 of the dummy area A4. As such, the wiring density of the strain gauge <NUM> is different on the one side and the other side of the dummy area A4, which may enable easier detection of a resistance change during extension or contraction of the display <NUM>.

The wiring shape of the strain gauge may vary according to embodiments. For example, unlike <FIG>, the strain gauge <NUM> may be formed to have a relatively high wiring density on the one side B1 of the dummy area A4 and a relatively low wiring density on the other side B2 of the dummy area A4.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of measuring a resistance change in an electronic device will be described with reference to embodiments of <FIG>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an internal cross-section of the electronic device <NUM> in the slide-in state according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an internal cross-section of the electronic device <NUM> in the slide-out state according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) includes the display <NUM> and may include the first plate <NUM>, a multi-joint hinge structure (e.g., the multi-joint hinge structure <NUM> of <FIG>) including a plurality of rods <NUM>, the guide member <NUM>, and various electronic components <NUM> (e.g., a camera, a battery, and so on) included in the electronic device, a support member <NUM>, and/or a substrate <NUM>.

The display <NUM> may include a display panel which is at least partially bendable and a window member <NUM> forming the exterior of the display. The display panel may include a display element layer including at least one pixel and a TFT layer connected to the display element layer. According to various embodiments, the display panel may correspond to an LCD panel, an LED panel, or an AMOLED panel, and display various images according to various operation states of the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>, application execution, and content. The display <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure may refer to the display panel. At least part of the window member <NUM> may be made of a substantially transparent material. For example, it may be formed of a glass plate or polymer plate including various coating layers. According to an embodiment, the display panel may be exposed through a significant portion of the window member.

In an exemplary method of measuring a resistance change using a strain gauge (e.g., the strain gauge <NUM> of <FIG>), the electronic device <NUM> may be formed such that the dummy area A4 with the strain gauge wired therein surrounds at least part of the guide member <NUM> in the slide-in or slide-out state of the electronic device, as illustrated in <FIG>. When it is said that the dummy area A4 with the strain gauge wired therein surrounds at least part of the guide member <NUM>, this may mean that the dummy area A4 has a curved shape at a position corresponding to the guide member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, as the dummy area A4 is bent to have a curved shape, the strain gauge wired in the dummy area A4 may be deformed. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the dummy area A4 may be supported by the multi-joint hinge structure (e.g., the multi-joint hinge structure <NUM> of <FIG>) including the plurality of rods <NUM>. When the dummy area A4 is disposed at the position corresponding to the guide member <NUM>, some of the plurality of rods <NUM> included in the multi-joint hinge structure may also be disposed at the position corresponding to the guide member <NUM>. Among the plurality of rods <NUM>, the rods disposed at the position corresponding to the guide member <NUM> may be arranged closer to each other than when the plurality of rods are adj acent to each other in a flat state. For example, referring to <FIG>, when the cross-sections of the plurality of rods have trapezoidal shapes, the plurality of rods disposed at the position corresponding to the guide member <NUM> may be driven with their trapezoidal inclined surfaces facing each other. The dummy area A4 including the strain gauge may be located at a flat part (a flat portion) or at a bent part (a curved portion) which is the position corresponding to the guide member <NUM> according to the slide-in or slide-out state, as illustrated in <FIG>. When the dummy area A4 is located on the bent part (the curved portion), the strain gauge may be deformed due to the bending. A resistance change may be detected by detecting the deformation of the strain gauge.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, as described above with reference to <FIG>, the dummy area A4 with the strain gauge wired therein may be disposed adjacent to the guide member <NUM>, and a resistance change is detected using the wiring shape of the strain gauge in the dummy area A4.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an internal cross-section of the electronic device <NUM> in the slide-in state according to another embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an internal cross-section of the electronic device <NUM> in the slide-out state according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

In another exemplary method of measuring a resistance change using a strain gauge (e.g., the strain gauge <NUM> of <FIG>), the electronic device <NUM> includes a structure <NUM> for changing resistance in the dummy area A4 with the strain gauge wired therein, as illustrated in <FIG>. The structure <NUM> may protrude to a predetermined height from the support member <NUM> or the substrate <NUM> toward the dummy area, and have a bump shape.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, the dummy area A4 may also be supported by a multi-joint hinge structure (e.g., the multi-joint hinge structure <NUM> of <FIG>) including a plurality of rods <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, when the dummy area A4 moves in the slide-in or slide-out state of the electronic device, the structure <NUM> may press at least one rod <NUM> of the multi-joint hinge structure (e.g., the multi-joint hinge structure <NUM> of <FIG>) in a direction perpendicular to a movement direction of the dummy area A4. As a result, deformation may occur in the strain gauge wired in the dummy area A4. A resistance change may be detected by detecting the deformation of the strain gauge.

In another exemplary method of measuring a resistance change using a strain gauge (e.g., the strain gauge <NUM> of <FIG>), the electronic device <NUM> includes a structure <NUM> for changing resistance in the dummy area A4 with the strain gauge wired therein, as illustrated in <FIG>. The structure <NUM> may protrude to a predetermined height from the support member <NUM> or the substrate <NUM> toward the dummy area, and have a rail shape.

The dummy area A4 may be supported by a multi-joint hinge structure (e.g., the multi-joint hinge structure <NUM> of <FIG>) including a plurality of rods <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the structure <NUM> may be disposed substantially on the same plane as at least part of the multi-joint hinge structure (e.g., the multi-joint hinge structure <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the structure <NUM> may include a rod-shaped guide portion <NUM> that linearly guides at least part of the dummy area A4 in one direction, a rotation guide portion <NUM> that guides the at least part of the dummy area A4 to move in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction, while maintaining a specific curvature, and a fastening end portion <NUM> fixed to one end of the dummy area A4.

According to an embodiment, when the dummy area A4 moves in the slide-in or slide-out state of the electronic device, the dummy area A4 may be bent to have a specific curvature at a part corresponding to the rotation guide portion <NUM> of the structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the rotation guide portion <NUM> (e.g., a second roller) may have a smaller diameter than that of the guide member <NUM> (e.g., a first roller). According to another embodiment, the radius of curvature of the dummy area A4 at a position corresponding to a center R' of the rotation guide portion <NUM> (e.g., the second roller) may be less than the radius of curvature of the alpha area α at a position corresponding to a center R of the guide member <NUM> (e.g., the first roller). As the dummy area A4 is bent near the rotation guide portion <NUM>, the strain gauge wired in the dummy area A4 may be deformed. A resistance change may be detected by detecting the deformation of the strain gauge.

The strain gauge <NUM> may be connected to a control circuit (not shown) provided separately from the DDI. The control circuit (not shown) may detect a resistance change of the strain gauge <NUM> and provide information about the detected resistance change to a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>). The control circuit may be included as part of the display <NUM> or as part of another component (e.g., the auxiliary processor <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed outside the display <NUM>.

According to the various embodiments described above, since an extended or contracted length of a display is measured using a dummy area of the display, an insufficient mounting space in an electronic device may be effectively utilized. Further, the use of a strain gauge sensor that is wired in the dummy area of the display enables measurement of the extended or contracted length of the display without increasing the size of the electronic device.

According to various embodiments, which are not covered by the claims. the operation of measuring the extended or contracted length of the display using the dummy area of the display may also be applied to a rollable electronic device in the form of a scroll, in which a flexible display is extended by a specified distance from a housing or also to a rollable electronic device in the form of an appeal letter, in which a flexible display is extended from both ends of a housing in opposite directions with respect to each other.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure is an electronic device in which a display is extendable, and may include a sliding-type rollable electronic device in which at least part of a display is movable linearly.

As used herein, each of such phrases as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C", may include any one of, or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases. As used herein, such terms as "<NUM>st" and "<NUM>nd", or "first" and "second" may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other aspect (e.g., importance or order). It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term "operatively" or "communicatively", as "coupled with", "coupled to", "connected with", or "connected to" another element (e.g., a second element), it means that the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

As used in connection with various embodiments of the disclosure, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, logic, logic block, part, or circuitry.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) including a flexible display (<NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) including a first surface (F1), a second surface (F2) facing in a direction opposite to the first surface (F1), a first side surface surrounding at least part of a space between the first surface (F1) and the second surface (F2), and a second side surface facing in a direction opposite to the first side surface, wherein a part (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>) is configured to perform a slide-in operation and a slide-out operation with respect to the housing (<NUM>), wherein the housing (<NUM>) is configured such that, when the part (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>) slides, a distance between the first side surface and the second side surface varies; and
a flexible display (<NUM>, <NUM>) including a first portion (<NUM>) visible to an outside through at least one surface of the housing (<NUM>) and a second portion (<NUM>) extending from the first portion (<NUM>), wherein as at least a part of the second portion (<NUM>) is visible to the outside through the at least one surface of the housing (<NUM>) based on the part (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>) performing the slide-out operation, the first portion (<NUM>) is extendable,
wherein the second portion (<NUM>) of the flexible display (<NUM>, <NUM>) includes a dummy area (A4) invisible to the outside independent on the housing performing a slide-in operation or a slide-out operation, in which a strain gauge is wired as a resistance measurement sensor, and
wherein the electronic device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is further comprising a structure (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to change resistance on the dummy area (A4) based on a sliding movement of the part (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>).