Patent Description:
Electronic devices are gradually decreasing in thickness and are being improved to increase rigidity thereof, to strengthen design aspects thereof, and to differentiate functional elements thereof. Electronic devices are gradually being transformed from a uniform rectangular shape into various shapes. The electronic device may have a transformable structure capable of using a large screen display while being convenient to carry. For example, as part of a transformable structure, the electronic device may have a structure (e.g., rollable structure or slidable structure) capable of varying a display area of a flexible display through the support of housings operating in a sliding manner with respect to each other. The electronic device may include a drive motor capable of automatically sliding the housings, and an efficient disposition structure of the drive motor needs to be secured.

A display device is described in <CIT>, comprising a body, a moving plate, a bracket, a rack, an actuator and a driving gear. The bracket, rack, actuator and driving gear are coupled to one another to form a driving module, and the bracket comprises a moving guide, an upper cover and a heat dissipation fin. The display device can be manufactured in which the moving plate can move reciprocatively in a stable manner with respect to the body, the heat dissipation of the actuator can be effectively performed, and the thickness and size of the driving module can be minimized.

A an electronic device according to <CIT> comprises a first housing comprising a first plate having a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface, and a first side frame forming a first space and at least partially surrounding the first plate; and a second housing comprising a second plate comprising a third surface facing a same direction as the first surface and a fourth surface facing away from the third surface, and a second side frame forming a second space and at least partially surrounding the second plate, wherein at least a portion of the first side frame of the first housing is coupled to at least a portion of the second side frame to be slidable in a first direction, and the first housing movable between a slide-out state and a slide-in state relative to the second housing; a flexible display comprising: a first portion extending across at least a portion of the third surface; and a second portion extending from the first portion and located in the first space in the slide-in state of the first housing, wherein, when the first housing is switched from the slide-in state to the slide-out state, at least a portion of the second portion is exposed to an outside so as to form a substantially same plane as the first portion; and a clearance compensation structure disposed in the second space and configured to at least partially cover a clearance space generated between the second side frame and the flexible display when the first housing is switched from the slide-in state to the slide-out state.

<CIT> relates to electronic device and a driving mechanism. The electronic device comprises a shell assembly, a flexible display module and a driver, wherein the shell assembly comprises a first shell and a second shell, and the first shell is provided with a first end part. The flexible display module comprises a fixed part and a free part, the fixed part is connected with the first shell, the free part bypasses one end, far away from the first shell, of the second shell and extends into the shell assembly, and the free part is provided with a second end part. The driver is arranged at the first end part and used for driving the second shell to move relative to the first shell so that the flexible display module can be switched between the unfolded state and the folded state. In the unfolded state, the free part is unfolded on the second shell. The unfolded free part is retracted into the shell assembly in the folded state, and in the moving direction of the second shell relative to the first shell, the maximum thickness position in the thickness direction of the electronic equipment of the driver is located between the first end part and the second end part.

The electronic device may include a rollable electronic device (e.g., slidable electronic device) in which a display area of a flexible display may be expanded and/or reduced. The rollable electronic device may include a first housing (e.g., first housing structure, base housing, base bracket, fixing part, or base structure) and a second housing (e.g., second housing structure, slide housing, slide bracket, moving part, or slide structure) coupled to each other so as to be movable with respect to each other in at least a partially fitted together manner. For example, the first housing and the second housing may slidably operate with respect to each other, and support at least a portion of the flexible display (e.g., expandable display or stretchable display), thereby inducing the flexible display to have a first display area in a slide-in state and inducing the flexible display to have a second display area larger than the first display area in a slide-out state.

The electronic device may include a drive motor disposed in an internal space and for operating to automatically slide the second housing from the first housing. The drive motor may include a pinion gear, and the pinion gear may include a rack gear disposed in the second housing and gear-coupled to the pinion gear. When the pinion gear rotates through the gear support member, for example, the drive motor, the rack gear gear-coupled to the pinion gear moves; thus, the gear support member and the second housing may be moved to a designated reciprocating distance.

However, when the drive motor operates, in order to provide a stable driving force, the drive motor may be fixed to the first housing through a symmetrical fixing bracket, thereby deteriorating disposition efficiency of peripheral electronic components (e.g., battery or substrate) according to an installation space of the drive motor. Further, because the pinion gear and the rack gear are disposed in an internal space of the electronic device in a structure in which only the pinion gear and the rack gear are gear-coupled without a coupling structure of a module unit of the pinion gear and the rack gear of the drive motor, an operation thereof may be unstable. Further, frictional resistance may increase by surface to surface contact due to a sliding structure of the two housings; thus, an efficiency loss of the drive motor may be large.

Various embodiments of the disclosure may provide an electronic device including a drive motor disposition structure capable of contributing to decrease in thickness of the electronic device.

Various embodiments may provide an electronic device including a structure capable of inducing a stable operation of a pinion gear and a rack gear gear-coupled to each other.

Various embodiments may provide an electronic device including a structure capable of reducing an efficiency loss of a drive motor by reducing frictional resistance during sliding.

However, problems to be solved in the disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and may be variously extended without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

An electronic device according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure has a fixed structure in which a drive motor is fixed in series through a motor bracket at a side surface of a bracket housing, thereby helping decrease in thickness of the electronic device. Further, because a guide structure for guiding a gear support member through the motor bracket is provided, a stable operation can be induced, and frictional resistance is reduced through a friction reduction structure disposed between the motor bracket and the gear support member, thereby helping to reduce an efficiency loss of the drive motor.

Further, various effects identified directly or indirectly through this document can be provided.

In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an example electronic device <NUM> in a network environment <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> in the network environment <NUM> may communicate with an electronic device <NUM> via a first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or at least one of an electronic device <NUM> or a server <NUM> via a second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). 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 (or connection) 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 various embodiments, 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 various embodiments, 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>).

The non-volatile memory <NUM> may include an internal memory <NUM> and/or an external memory <NUM>.

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

A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device via the first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as BluetoothTM, Wi-Fi direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a legacy cellular network, a <NUM> network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN))).

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)).

In an embodiment, the external electronic device <NUM> may include an internet-of-things (IoT) device.

<FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams illustrating a front surface and a rear surface of an electronic device in a slide-in state according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams illustrating a front surface and a rear surface of an electronic device in a slide-out state according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

An electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> may be at least partially similar to the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> or may further include other components of the electronic device.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first housing <NUM> (e.g., first housing structure or base housing), a second housing <NUM> (e.g., second housing structure or slide housing) movably coupled to the first housing <NUM> in a designated direction (e.g., X-axis direction) and within a designated distance from the first housing <NUM>, and a flexible display <NUM> (e.g., expandable display or stretchable display) disposed to be supported through at least a portion of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the second housing <NUM> may be received in a first space <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, thereby changing to a slide-in state. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a support member (e.g., bendable member or bendable support member) (e.g., a support member <NUM> of <FIG>) (e.g., multi-joint hinge module or multi-bar assembly) at least partially forming the same plane as that of at least a portion of the first housing <NUM> in a slide-out state, and at least partially received in a second space <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> in a slide-in state. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible display <NUM> may be received in the internal space <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> while being supported by the support member (e.g., the support member <NUM> of <FIG>) in a slide-in state to be disposed to be invisible from the outside. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible display <NUM> may be disposed to be visible from the outside while being supported by a support member (e.g., the support member <NUM> of <FIG>) forming at least partially the same plane as that of the first housing <NUM> in the slide-out state.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a front surface 200a (e.g., first surface), a rear surface 200b (e.g., second surface) facing in a direction opposite to the front surface 200a, and a side surface (not illustrated) enclosing a 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 member <NUM> and a second housing <NUM> including a second side member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first side member <NUM> may include a first side surface <NUM> having a first length in a first direction (e.g., X-axis direction), a second side surface <NUM> extended to have a second length longer than the first length in a direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) substantially perpendicular to the first side surface <NUM>, and a third side surface <NUM> extended substantially parallel to the first side surface <NUM> from the second side surface <NUM> and having a first length. According to an embodiment, the first side member <NUM> may be at least partially made of a conductive material (e.g., metal). According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the first side member <NUM> may include a first extension member <NUM> (e.g., first support member) extended to at least a portion of the first space <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the second side member <NUM> may include a fourth side surface <NUM> at least partially corresponding to the first side surface <NUM> and having a third length, a fifth side surface <NUM> extended in a direction substantially parallel to the second side surface <NUM> from the fourth side surface <NUM> and having a fourth length longer than the third length, and a sixth side surface <NUM> extended to correspond to the third side surface <NUM> from the fifth side surface <NUM> and having a third length. According to an embodiment, the second side member <NUM> may be at least partially made of a conductive material (e.g., metal). According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the second side member <NUM> may include a second extension member <NUM> (e.g., second support member) extended to at least a portion of the second space <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first side surface <NUM>, the fourth side surface <NUM>, 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, the fourth side surface <NUM> may overlap the first side surface <NUM> to be disposed to be substantially invisible from the outside. According to an embodiment, in the slide-in state, the sixth side surface <NUM> may overlap the third side surface <NUM> to be disposed to be substantially invisible from the outside. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the fourth side surface <NUM> and the sixth side surface <NUM> may be disposed to be at least partially visible from the outside in a slide-in state. According to an embodiment, in the slide-in state, the second extension member <NUM> may overlap the first extension member <NUM> to be disposed to be substantially invisible from the outside. In some embodiments, in a slide-in state, a portion of the second extension member <NUM> may overlap the first extension member <NUM> to be disposed to be invisible from the outside, and a remaining portion of the second extension member <NUM> may be disposed to be visible from the outside. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include a rear cover <NUM> disposed in at least a portion of the first housing <NUM> at the rear surface 200b. According to an embodiment, the rear cover <NUM> may be disposed through at least a portion of the first extension member <NUM>. In some embodiments, the rear cover <NUM> may be integrally formed with the first side member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the rear cover <NUM> may be made of a polymer, coated or colored glass, ceramic, a metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the above materials. In some embodiments, the rear cover <NUM> may be extended to at least a portion of the first side member <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first extension member <NUM> may be replaced with the rear cover <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include another rear cover (e.g., second rear cover) disposed in at least a portion of the second extension member <NUM> or replaced with at least a portion of the second extension member <NUM> in the second housing <NUM>.

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., planar portion) always visible from the outside and a second portion 230b (e.g., bendable portion) extended from the first portion 230a and at least partially received in the second space <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> to be invisible from the outside in the slide-in state. According to an embodiment, the first portion 230a may be disposed to be supported by the first housing <NUM>, and the second portion 230b may be disposed to be at least partially supported by the support member (e.g., the support member <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may be disposed to be extended from the first portion 230a while being supported by the support member (e.g., the support member <NUM> of <FIG>) in a state in which the second housing <NUM> is slid-out in a designated direction (① direction), to form the substantially same plane as that of the first portion 230a, and to be visible from the outside. According to an embodiment, the second portion 230b of the flexible display <NUM> may be disposed to be received in the second space <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> in a state in which the second housing <NUM> is slid-in in a designated direction (② direction) and to be invisible from the outside. Accordingly, the electronic device <NUM> may induce a display area of the flexible display <NUM> to be changed as the second housing <NUM> is moved in a sliding manner in a designated direction (e.g., X-axis direction) from the first housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be operated in a sliding manner such that the entire width of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> varies with respect to each other. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may be configured to have a first width W1 from the second side surface <NUM> to the fourth side surface <NUM> in the slide-in state. According to an embodiment, in the slide-out state, as at least a portion of the support member (e.g., the support member <NUM> of <FIG>) received in the second space <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> may be moved to have an additional second width W2, the electronic device <NUM> may be configured to have a third width W3 greater than the first width W1. For example, the flexible display <NUM> may have a display area substantially corresponding to the first width W1 in the slide-in state, and have an expanded display area substantially corresponding to the third width W3 in the slide-out state.

According to various embodiments, the slide-in/slide-out operation of the electronic device <NUM> may be automatically performed. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may receive an operation request for changing from a slide-in state to a slide-out state or changing from a slide-out state to a slide-in state, and operate a drive module (e.g., the drive module <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed inside the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the operation request may be performed through a designated operation button disposed in the electronic device <NUM> and/or a touch manipulation of a corresponding object displayed on the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> detects an event for changing to the slide-in/slide-out state thereof through the processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>), the electronic device <NUM> may be configured to control an operation of the second housing <NUM> through the drive module. According to an embodiment, the processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> may display an object in various manners to correspond to a changed display area of the flexible display <NUM> according to a slide-in state, a slide-out state, or an intermediate state (e.g., free stop state), and control a display screen of the flexible display <NUM> so as to execute an application program.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of an input device (e.g., the microphone <NUM>), a sound output device (e.g., the call receiver <NUM> or the speaker <NUM>), sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM>, a camera module (the first camera module <NUM> or the second camera module <NUM>), a connector port <NUM>, a key input device (not illustrated), or an indicator (not illustrated) disposed in the first space <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. In another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may be constituted so that at least one of the above-described components may be omitted or other components may be additionally included. In another embodiment, at least one of the above-described components may be disposed in the second space <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the input device may include a microphone <NUM>. In some embodiments, the input device (e.g., the microphone <NUM>) may include a plurality of microphones disposed to detect a direction of a sound. The sound output device may include, for example, a call receiver <NUM> and a speaker <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in the slide-out state, the speaker <NUM> may face the outside through at least one speaker hole formed in the first housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in the slide-out state, a connector port <NUM> may face the outside through a connector port hole formed in the first housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the call receiver <NUM> may include a speaker (e.g., piezo speaker) operating while a separate speaker hole is excluded.

According to various embodiments, sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> may generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to an internal operation state of the electronic device <NUM> or an external environmental state. The sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include, for example, a first sensor module <NUM> (e.g., proximity sensor or illuminance sensor) disposed at the front surface 200a of the electronic device <NUM> and/or a second sensor module <NUM> (e.g., heart rate monitoring (HRM) sensor) disposed at the rear surface 200b thereof. According to an embodiment, the first sensor module <NUM> may be disposed under the flexible display <NUM> at the front surface 200a of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first sensor module <NUM> and/or the second 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 embodiments, the camera module may include a first camera module <NUM> disposed at the front surface 200a of the electronic device <NUM> and a second camera module <NUM> disposed at the rear surface 200b thereof. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a flash <NUM> located near the second camera module <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include one or a plurality of lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. According to an embodiment, the first camera module <NUM> may be disposed under the flexible display <NUM>, and be configured to photograph a subject through a part of an active area of the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the flash <NUM> may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp.

According to various embodiments, the first camera module <NUM> among the camera modules and some sensor module <NUM> of the sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed to detect an external environment through the flexible display <NUM>. For example, in the first space <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, the first camera module <NUM> or the some sensor module <NUM> may be disposed to contact an external environment through a transmission area or a perforated opening formed in the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, an area facing the first camera module <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> may be formed as a transmission area having a designated transmittance as a part of an area for displaying contents. According to an embodiment, the transmission area may be formed to have a transmittance in a range of about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%. Such a transmission area may include an area overlapping an effective area (e.g., view angle area) of the first camera module <NUM>, through which light for generating an image by being imaged by an image sensor 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 that of the periphery. For example, the transmission area may replace the above-described opening. For example, some camera module <NUM> may include an under display camera (UDC). In some embodiments, the some sensor module <NUM> may not be visually exposed through the flexible display <NUM> in the internal space of the electronic device <NUM> but may be disposed to perform a function thereof.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one antenna A1 and A2 electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication module <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed in the first space <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the at least one antenna A1 and A2 may include a first antenna A1 disposed in an upper area of the electronic device <NUM> and a second antenna A2 disposed in a lower area of the electronic device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electronic device may further include at least one additional antenna disposed at the second side surface of the first housing and/or the fifth side surface of the second housing. According to an embodiment, the first antenna A1 may include a first conductive portion <NUM> segmented through at least one non-conductive portion <NUM> and <NUM> at the third side surface <NUM> of the first side member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first conductive portion <NUM> may be disposed to be segmented through the first non-conductive portion <NUM> and the second non-conductive portion <NUM> spaced apart from each other at designated intervals, and be electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication module <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the second antenna A2 may include a second conductive portion <NUM> segmented through at least one non-conductive portion <NUM> and <NUM> at the first side surface <NUM> of the first side member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second conductive portion <NUM> may be disposed to be segmented through a third non-conductive portion <NUM> and a fourth non-conductive portion <NUM> spaced apart from each other at designated intervals, and be electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication module <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication module <NUM> of <FIG>) may be configured to transmit and/or receive a wireless signal in a designated frequency band (e.g., about <NUM> to <NUM>) through the first conductive portion <NUM> and/or the second conductive portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electronic device may further include at least one antenna module (e.g., <NUM> antenna module or antenna structure) disposed in the internal space and disposed to transmit and receive a wireless signal in a frequency band in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM> through another wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication module <NUM> of <FIG>).

The electronic device <NUM> according to example embodiments of the disclosure may include a drive module (e.g., the drive module <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed in an internal space for a slide-in/slide-out operation. According to an embodiment, the drive module (e.g., the drive module <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed in consideration of a relationship with a peripheral electronic component in an internal space of the electronic device <NUM>, thereby helping decrease in thickness of the electronic device <NUM>. Further, a gear support member (e.g., a gear support member <NUM> of <FIG>) and a drive motor (e.g., a drive motor <NUM> of <FIG>) of the drive module (e.g., the drive module <NUM> of <FIG>) are provided in units of modules and include a friction reduction structure for reducing a frictional force, thereby helping to improve operational reliability of the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device taken along line 5A-5A of <FIG> according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device taken along line 5B-5B of <FIG> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

With reference to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first housing <NUM> including a first space <NUM>, a second housing <NUM> slidably coupled to the first housing <NUM> and including a second space <NUM>, a support member <NUM> (e.g., multi-bar assembly) rotatably disposed at least partially in the second space <NUM>, and a flexible display <NUM> disposed to receive the support of at least a portion of the support member <NUM> and the first housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first space <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> may be provided through coupling of a cover housing <NUM> and a bracket housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the cover housing <NUM> may include a first extension member (e.g., the first extension member <NUM> of <FIG>) or may be replaced with the first extension member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the bracket housing <NUM> may include a first surface <NUM> facing in a first direction (e.g., Z-axis direction), a second surface <NUM> facing in a second direction (e.g., -Z-axis direction) opposite to the first surface <NUM>, and a side surface <NUM> enclosing between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include an auxiliary cover disposed in at least a portion of the first surface of the bracket housing under the flexible display to provide a flat surface.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a substrate <NUM> disposed in the first space <NUM> between the cover housing <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> of the bracket housing <NUM>, and at least one battery <NUM> and <NUM> disposed near the substrate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the at least one battery <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first battery <NUM> and a second battery <NUM> spaced apart from each other at designated intervals in the first space <NUM>. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the number of at least one battery may not be limited. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a camera module (e.g., the camera module <NUM> of <FIG>) or a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed in the first space <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the support member <NUM> may be disposed such that one end thereof is fixed to the first housing <NUM> and the other end thereof is at least partially movably received in the second space <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. For example, the support member <NUM> may be at least partially received in the second space <NUM> in the slide-in state, and be at least partially slid-out from the second space <NUM> so as to form substantially the same plane as that of the first housing <NUM> (e.g., the bracket housing <NUM>) in the slide-out state. Accordingly, the flexible display <NUM> supported by at least a portion of the support member <NUM> and the first housing <NUM> may vary a display area visible from the outside according to a sliding operation. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one guide rail <NUM> disposed between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> and for inducing a sliding operation of the second housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may further include a side cover (not illustrated) disposed to cover both side surfaces (e.g., the first side surface <NUM> and the third side surface <NUM> of <FIG>) of the first housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a sliding frame <NUM> disposed to be at least partially movable in a direction (① direction) of the second space (e.g., the second space <NUM> of <FIG>) from the first housing <NUM> and coupled to the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sliding frame <NUM> may include a plate <NUM> slidably coupled to the first housing <NUM> (e.g., the bracket housing <NUM>) and a sliding bar <NUM> extended from the plate <NUM> and for pressing a rear surface of the support member <NUM>. In some embodiments, the plate <NUM> and the sliding bar <NUM> may be separately provided and be structurally coupled. According to an embodiment, the sliding frame <NUM> may be included in the second housing <NUM>. For example, the sliding frame <NUM> may be integrally formed with the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when a structure of the sliding frame <NUM> is included in the second housing <NUM>, the sliding frame <NUM> may be omitted.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a drive module <NUM> disposed in an internal space (e.g., the first space <NUM> and the second space <NUM>) and for providing a driving force for moving the second housing <NUM> from the first housing <NUM> in a slide-out direction (① direction) and/or a slide-in direction (② direction). According to an embodiment, the drive module <NUM> may include a drive motor <NUM> including a first gear <NUM> (e.g., pinion gear) disposed in a first housing <NUM> (e.g., the bracket housing <NUM>), and a rack gear support member including a second gear <NUM> (e.g., rack gear) gear-coupled to the first gear <NUM> and disposed in the sliding frame <NUM> (e.g., the plate <NUM>). According to an embodiment, the second gear <NUM> may be integrally formed with the gear support member <NUM>. In some embodiments, the second gear <NUM> may be provided separately from the gear support member <NUM> and be fixed to the gear support member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the drive motor <NUM> may be fixed to a receiving part <NUM> formed at the side surface <NUM> of the bracket housing <NUM> through a motor bracket <NUM>, and be operatively coupled to the gear support member <NUM> fixed to the sliding frame <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in a slide-in state, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first section T1 in which a portion visible from the outside of the flexible display <NUM> and a portion slid-in at the internal space <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> and invisible from the outside are overlapped, and a second section T2 in which a portion visible from the outside of the flexible display <NUM> and a portion slid-in at the internal space <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> and invisible from the outside are not overlapped. According to an embodiment, the drive motor <NUM> of the drive module <NUM> may be disposed in at least a portion of the first section T1. In an embodiment, the drive motor <NUM> may be disposed at the side surface <NUM> of the bracket housing <NUM> corresponding to the sliding bar <NUM> of the sliding frame <NUM> in the first section T1.

According to various embodiments, the drive motor <NUM> may be fixed at the side surface <NUM> of the bracket housing <NUM> through the motor bracket <NUM>, thereby inducing relative thickness reduction of the electronic device <NUM> compared to that being disposed at the first surface <NUM> or the second surface <NUM> to help decrease in thickness of the electronic device. According to an embodiment, the motor bracket <NUM> may fix the drive motor <NUM> through a series fixing structure at the side surface <NUM> of the bracket housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the drive module <NUM> may be modularized such that the gear support member <NUM> may be guided through the motor bracket <NUM>, thereby providing convenience of assembly. According to an embodiment, the drive module <NUM> may include a friction reduction structure provided to reduce frictional resistance during a sliding operation between the motor bracket <NUM> and the gear support member <NUM>, thereby helping to reduce a loss of motor efficiency.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating a drive module according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a coupling perspective view illustrating a drive module according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a schematic view illustrating a disposition structure between a bearing member and a motor bracket according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

With reference to <FIG>, the drive module <NUM> may include a drive motor <NUM> including a first gear <NUM> and a gear support member <NUM> including a rack gear <NUM> gear-coupled to the first gear <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the drive motor <NUM> may include, for example, a motor unit 410a and a deceleration unit 410b (e.g., deceleration module) coupled to the motor unit 410a and for decelerating the number of revolutions of the motor unit 410a and including a plurality of gear assemblies for increasing a rotational force. According to an embodiment, the first gear <NUM> may be, for example, a pinion gear and be fixed to a shaft <NUM> rotatably installed based on a designated rotation axis A from the drive motor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the drive motor <NUM> may be electrically connected to a substrate (e.g., the substrate <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) through a motor FPCB <NUM>. For example, the drive motor <NUM> may include at least one conductive terminal 410d (e.g., feeding and/or signal transmitting terminal) at an outer circumferential surface thereof, and the motor FPCB <NUM> may be electrically connected to the drive motor <NUM> through a bonding process such as soldering, bonding, taping or conductive welding with at least one conductive terminal 410d. According to an embodiment, the gear support member <NUM> may be formed in a plate type, and include a second gear <NUM> formed to be gear-coupled to the first gear <NUM> at a surface corresponding to the first gear <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the drive motor <NUM> rotates the first gear <NUM> along a rotation axis A, the gear support member <NUM> may be moved in the slide-out direction (① direction) or the slide-in direction (② direction) through a gearing operation through the second gear <NUM> gear-coupled to the first gear <NUM>. Accordingly, the second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> of <FIG>) and the sliding frame (e.g., the sliding frame <NUM> of <FIG>) to which the gear support member <NUM> is fixed may be moved in a designated direction.

According to various embodiments, the drive motor <NUM> may be at least partially fixed through the motor bracket <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the drive motor <NUM> may be fixed by being inserted into at least a portion of the motor bracket <NUM>. In this case, the drive motor <NUM> may include an alignment protrusion 410c to be inserted into at least one alignment groove 431a formed in the motor bracket <NUM>. Therefore, when the drive motor <NUM> is connected to the motor bracket <NUM> through welding, bonding, screw fastening, or structural coupling, a position of the drive motor <NUM> may be prevented from being twisted or deformed until the drive motor <NUM> is fixed to the bracket housing <NUM> through coupling between the alignment groove 431a and the alignment protrusion 410c.

According to various embodiments, the motor bracket <NUM> may include a body <NUM>, and a fixing part <NUM> extended from the body <NUM> and for fixing the motor bracket <NUM> to the bracket housing (e.g., the bracket housing <NUM> of <FIG>) through the fastening member S (e.g., screw). According to an embodiment, the motor bracket <NUM> may include a space <NUM> formed in the body <NUM> and for receiving the first gear <NUM> after the shaft <NUM> is at least partially penetrated. According to an embodiment, the motor bracket <NUM> may include a first through hole 433a and a second through hole 433b formed at the left and right sides, respectively along an axial direction (direction of the rotation axis A) based on the space <NUM> of the body <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the motor bracket <NUM> may include an opening <NUM> formed in a designated direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) in order to induce a gear coupling with the second gear <NUM> by exposing at least a portion of the first gear <NUM> in the space <NUM>. Accordingly, when the drive motor <NUM> is assembled in the motor bracket <NUM>, the first gear <NUM> may be received in the space <NUM> of the motor bracket <NUM>. In this case, at least a portion of the first gear <NUM> may be exposed to the outside of the motor bracket <NUM> and/or be protruded from the motor bracket <NUM> through the opening <NUM> and be gear-coupled to operate with the second gear <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the drive module <NUM> may further include at least one bearing member <NUM> and <NUM> interposed between the shaft <NUM> and the motor bracket <NUM> and for reducing frictional resistance. According to an embodiment, the at least one bearing member <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first bearing member <NUM> interposed between the first through hole 433a and the shaft <NUM>, and a second bearing member <NUM> interposed between the second through hole 433b and the shaft <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the drive module <NUM> may further include a dummy bracket <NUM> for supporting the motor unit 410a in a direction (Y-axis direction) opposite to a shaft disposition direction (e.g., -Y-axis direction) of the drive motor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the dummy bracket <NUM> may also be fixed to a side surface (e.g., the side surface <NUM> of <FIG>) of the bracket housing (e.g., the bracket housing <NUM> of <FIG>) through the fastening member S (e.g., screw). According to an embodiment, the drive motor <NUM> may enable a fastening direction (e.g., X-axis direction) of the fixing part <NUM> of the motor bracket <NUM> fastened through the fastening members S and a fastening direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) of the dummy bracket <NUM> to be different from each other (e.g., perpendicular to each other), thereby reducing shaking (e.g., vibration) and receiving improved safety during operation.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a bearing member according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

With reference to <FIG>, the bearing members <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first ring member <NUM> (e.g., inner ring) including a hollow portion 4131a, a second ring member <NUM> (outer ring) disposed to enclose the first ring member <NUM>, and a plurality of ball members <NUM> disposed in a space between the first ring member <NUM> and the second ring member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the shaft <NUM> may be self-rotatably coupled to the motor bracket <NUM> through the bearing members <NUM> and <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first ring member <NUM> may be fixed to the shaft <NUM> penetrating the hollow portion 4131a, and the second ring member <NUM> may be fixed to the motor bracket <NUM>. Accordingly, the bearing members <NUM> and <NUM> may induce a rolling motion with the ring members through the ball members <NUM> disposed in a contact manner between the first ring member <NUM> and the second ring member <NUM>, thereby helping to reduce frictional resistance due to a rotation of the drive motor <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams illustrating a state in which a gear support member is coupled to a motor bracket according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the drive module <NUM> may have a modular structure in which the drive motor <NUM> and the gear support member <NUM> are coupled together through the motor bracket <NUM>. In some embodiments, the drive module <NUM> may have a modular structure in which the shaft <NUM> including the first gear <NUM>, the first and second bearing members 433a and 433b is assembled in the motor bracket <NUM>. For example, the drive motor <NUM> may be finally assembled in the shaft <NUM> of the modularized motor bracket <NUM>. Through such a modular structure, the first gear <NUM> and the second gear <NUM> may be stably gear-coupled to help to improve operation reliability of the drive module <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the gear support member <NUM> is a plate type and both ends of the gear support member <NUM> may be slidably fixed to a pair of guide grooves <NUM> formed in the body <NUM> of the motor bracket <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the gear support member <NUM> is seated to be guided in the guide groove <NUM>, the second gear <NUM> of the gear support member <NUM> may be naturally gear-coupled to the first gear <NUM> of the drive motor <NUM> exposed to the opening <NUM> of the motor bracket <NUM>.

<FIG> are diagrams illustrating a friction reduction structure between a motor housing and a gear support member according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a front view illustrating a state in which the motor bracket <NUM> and the gear support member <NUM> are coupled, and <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the motor bracket.

With reference to <FIG>, the friction reduction structure may include at least one ball bearing <NUM> disposed between the guide groove <NUM> of the motor bracket <NUM> and the gear support member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the at least one ball bearing <NUM> may be disposed between contact surfaces in which the guide groove <NUM> of the motor bracket <NUM> and the gear support member <NUM> contact, thereby reducing frictional resistance between the two contact surfaces. For example, the at least one ball bearing <NUM> may be disposed at an inner surface of the guide groove <NUM> in contact with the gear support member <NUM>. In some embodiments, the at least one ball bearing <NUM> may be disposed at a corresponding surface of the gear support member <NUM> in contact with the inner surface of the guide groove <NUM>. In some embodiments, the at least one ball bearing <NUM> may be disposed at both the inner surface of the guide groove <NUM> and the gear support member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the motor bracket <NUM>, <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating friction reduction members 438a and 438b, and <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the friction reduction members 438a and 438b are coupled to the motor bracket <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the friction reduction structure may include a motor bracket <NUM> coupled to the guide groove <NUM> and at least one friction reduction member 438a and 438b in contact with the gear support member (e.g., the gear support member <NUM> of <FIG>). The at least one friction reduction member 438a and 438b may include a guide groove <NUM>-<NUM> for guiding both ends of the gear support member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the at least one friction reduction member 438a and 438b may be made of a material (e.g., polyoxymethylene (POM)) for reducing frictional resistance in surface contact with the gear support member <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the friction reduction structure may include a friction reduction groove <NUM> for reducing a contact area of a lower contact surface <NUM> of the guide groove <NUM> in contact with the gear support member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a plurality of friction reducing grooves <NUM> may be formed at designated intervals in the lower contact surface <NUM> of the guide groove <NUM>. Accordingly, the contact surface between the gear support member <NUM> and the guide groove <NUM> of the motor bracket <NUM> may be reduced; thus, frictional resistance may be reduced.

With reference to <FIG>, the friction reduction structure may include at least one friction reduction groove <NUM> for reducing a contact area of the lower contact surface <NUM> of the guide groove <NUM> in contact with the gear support member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in order to reduce a contact area of an upper contact surface <NUM> of the guide groove <NUM> in contact with the gear support member <NUM>, the friction reduction structure may include a cutting portion <NUM> of at least partially formed groove shape. Accordingly, the contact surface between the gear support member <NUM> and the guide groove <NUM> of the motor bracket <NUM> may be reduced; thus, frictional resistance may be reduced.

In some embodiments, the gear support member <NUM> and/or the guide groove <NUM> of the motor bracket <NUM> may include a coating layer (e.g., Teflon coating layer or hard coating layer) for reducing friction formed at the contact surface.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device in which a drive module is disposed according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is an enlarged view illustrating an area 8B of <FIG> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a bracket housing <NUM> and a drive module <NUM> fixed to the bracket housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the bracket housing <NUM> is a partial component of the first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> of <FIG>) and may include a first surface <NUM> facing in the first direction (Z-axis direction), a second surface <NUM> facing in a direction (-Z-axis direction) opposite to the first surface <NUM>, and a side surface <NUM> enclosing a space between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the bracket housing <NUM> may include at least one electronic component (e.g., the camera module <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, the substrate <NUM>, and at least one battery <NUM> and <NUM>) disposed in a space (e.g., the first space <NUM> of <FIG>) provided in the second surface <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a drive module <NUM> (e.g., the drive module <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed at the side surface <NUM> of the bracket housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the drive module <NUM> may be fixed to the side surface <NUM> through the fixing part <NUM> extended from the body <NUM> of the motor bracket <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the drive module <NUM> may be fixed to the side surface <NUM> of the bracket housing <NUM> through the dummy bracket <NUM> supporting the drive motor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the drive module <NUM> may be disposed to be received in the receiving part <NUM> formed to be lower than the side surface <NUM> of the bracket housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the fixing part <NUM> may be formed to be lower than the side surface <NUM>, and be fixed to a first stepped part <NUM> extended from the receiving part <NUM> through the fastening member S (e.g., screw). According to an embodiment, the dummy bracket <NUM> supporting one end of the drive motor <NUM> may be formed to be lower than the second surface <NUM>, and be fixed to a second stepped part <NUM> extended from the receiving part <NUM> through the fastening member S (e.g., screw).

According to various embodiments, when the side surface <NUM> of the bracket housing <NUM> is viewed from the outside, the drive module <NUM> may be formed in a size that does not protrude upward or downward than the side surface <NUM>. For example, when the drive module <NUM> is fixed to the side surface <NUM>, the drive module <NUM> may be disposed not to be higher than the first surface <NUM> in a direction (Z-axis direction) in which the first surface <NUM> faces from the receiving part <NUM> and be disposed not to be higher than the second surface <NUM> in a direction (-Z-axis direction) in which the second surface <NUM> faces. According to an embodiment, the fixing part <NUM> of the motor bracket <NUM> may be fixed to the first stepped part <NUM> of the side surface <NUM> through the fastening member S fastened in a direction (X-axis direction) facing the side surface <NUM>. The dummy bracket <NUM> may be fixed to the second stepped part <NUM> of the side surface <NUM> through the fastening member S fastened in a direction (Z-axis direction) of the first surface <NUM> from the second surface <NUM>. For example, the drive module <NUM> may be fixed to the side surface <NUM> of the bracket housing <NUM> using the dummy bracket <NUM> and the fixing part <NUM> of the motor bracket <NUM> through the fastening members S fastened in different directions (e.g., X-axis direction and Z-axis direction), thereby helping in improving efficiency of a disposition structure for decrease in thickness of the electronic device <NUM> and providing improved safety for preventing shaking when operating the drive motor <NUM>. In some embodiments, the dummy bracket <NUM> and the fixing part <NUM> of the motor bracket <NUM> may be fastened to the side surface <NUM> in substantially the same fastening direction (e.g., X-axis direction or Z-axis direction) through the fastening member S. According to an embodiment, the motor FPCB <NUM> may have an electrical connection structure by having one end electrically connected to at least one conductive terminal 410d disposed at the outer circumferential surface of the drive motor <NUM> and the other end extended to the substrate <NUM> disposed in the bracket housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a disposition relationship between a bracket housing and a sliding frame in a slide-in state according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device taken along line 9B-9B of <FIG> according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a disposition relationship between a bracket housing and a sliding frame in a slide-out state according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

With reference to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a bracket housing <NUM> (e.g., first housing) including a first surface <NUM>, a second surface <NUM> facing in a direction opposite to the first surface <NUM>, and a side surface <NUM> enclosing a space between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>, and a sliding frame <NUM> slidably coupled to the bracket housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sliding frame <NUM> may include a plate <NUM> substantially facing the first surface <NUM> of the bracket housing <NUM>, and a sliding bar <NUM> extended from the plate <NUM> and for supporting a rear surface of the support member (e.g., the support member <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the gear support member <NUM> may be disposed at the plate <NUM> of the sliding frame <NUM> between the sliding frame <NUM> and the bracket housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the gear support member <NUM> may be disposed to be supported by a support <NUM> formed in at least a partial area of the plate <NUM>. In this case, because a base structure supporting the second gear <NUM> is essential, it may be difficult to reduce the thickness of the gear support member <NUM>; thus, the gear support member <NUM> may work against decrease in thickness of the electronic device <NUM>. Further, when the support <NUM> is removed to reduce the thickness, the sliding frame <NUM> does not support the gear support member <NUM>; thus, operational reliability of the gear-coupled two gears (e.g., the first gear <NUM> and the second gear <NUM>) may be deteriorated.

According to various embodiments, the gear support member <NUM> may include a plurality of through holes <NUM> spaced apart from each other at designated intervals. According to an embodiment, the gear support member <NUM> may form the second gear <NUM> using a separation portion through the plurality of through holes <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a cross-section of the plurality of through holes <NUM> may be formed to have a conical structure corresponding to a shape of the second gear <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a thickness of the gear support member <NUM> may be minimized by replacing the base structure supporting the second gear <NUM> formed by the through holes <NUM> with the support <NUM> formed in the plate <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a coupling structure between a gear support member and a sliding frame according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

With reference to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a bracket housing <NUM>, a sliding bar <NUM> slidably coupled to the bracket housing <NUM> and extended from the plate <NUM>, and a drive module <NUM> disposed in the bracket housing <NUM> and the sliding frame <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the drive module <NUM> may drive the sliding frame <NUM> from the bracket housing <NUM> in a slide-out direction (-X-axis direction) or a slide-in direction (X-axis direction). According to an embodiment, the drive module <NUM> may include a drive motor <NUM> including a first gear <NUM> fixed to the bracket housing <NUM>, and a gear support member <NUM> including a second gear <NUM> gear-coupled to the first gear <NUM> and fixed to the sliding frame <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the gear support member <NUM> may be supported through the plate <NUM> of the sliding frame <NUM>, and an end portion <NUM> may be fastened to the sliding bar <NUM> through the fastening member S (e.g., screw). According to an embodiment, the sliding bar <NUM> may include a recess <NUM> formed to be lower than the outer surface thereof, and the end portion <NUM> of the gear support member <NUM> may be seated on the recess <NUM> and then be fixed through the fastening member S. In this case, the end portion <NUM> of the gear support member <NUM> does not protrude to an outer surface of the sliding bar <NUM>, thereby helping decrease in thickness of the electronic device <NUM> and to improve operational stability of the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a disposition position of a drive module in the case that a bracket housing and a sliding frame are coupled according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a state in which an auxiliary cover is disposed in a bracket housing according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device taken along line 11C-11C of <FIG> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

With reference to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a bracket housing <NUM> (e.g., first housing) including a first surface <NUM>, a second surface <NUM> facing in a direction opposite to the first surface <NUM>, and a side surface <NUM> enclosing a space between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>, and a sliding frame <NUM> slidably coupled to the bracket housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sliding frame <NUM> may include a plate <NUM> substantially facing the first surface <NUM> of the bracket housing <NUM>, and a sliding bar <NUM> extended from the plate <NUM> and for supporting a rear surface of the support member (e.g., the support member <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include an auxiliary cover 215a disposed to correspond to the first surface <NUM> of the bracket housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the plate <NUM> of the sliding frame <NUM> may be disposed at the first surface <NUM> between the first surface <NUM> of the bracket housing <NUM> and the auxiliary cover 215a. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary cover 215a may provide a flat surface for the flexible display <NUM> disposed thereon.

According to various embodiments, the drive module <NUM> fixed to the side surface <NUM> of the bracket housing <NUM> may be exposed in a direction (Z-axis direction) in which the first surface <NUM> faces through an opening <NUM> formed in the plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary cover 215a may include a receiving hole 215b disposed at a position corresponding to the drive module <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the drive module <NUM> fixed to the side surface <NUM> of the bracket housing <NUM> may be at least partially received through the receiving hole 215b. For example, the drive module <NUM> may be received through the receiving hole 215b, but may be disposed to not contact the flexible display <NUM> disposed thereon. Accordingly, a stacking height of the drive module <NUM> is reduced through partial reception of the drive module <NUM> through the receiving hole 215b, thereby helping decrease in thickness of the electronic device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the auxiliary cover 215a may be replaced with a receiving groove formed lower than the outer surface instead of the receiving hole 215b.

<FIG> is a front perspective view illustrating an electronic device in which a drive module is disposed according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a rear perspective view illustrating an electronic device in which a drive module is disposed according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device in a slide-in state viewed along line 12C-12C of <FIG> according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device illustrating a slide-out state according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

The electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> illustrates an internal structure without the cover housing (e.g., the cover housing <NUM> of <FIG>) and the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> of <FIG>).

In the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>, a disposition structure of the drive module <NUM> may be substantially the same as the disposition structure of the drive module <NUM>, as described above, and repeated descriptions may be omitted.

With reference to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a bracket housing <NUM>, a sliding frame <NUM> slidably coupled to the bracket housing <NUM>, and a drive module <NUM> disposed in the bracket housing <NUM> and the sliding frame <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the drive module <NUM> may include a first drive motor (e.g., the first drive motor <NUM> of <FIG>) including a first gear (e.g., the first gear <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed to have a series disposition structure in the bracket housing <NUM>, a second drive motor (e.g., the second drive motor <NUM> of <FIG>) including a second gear (e.g., the second gear <NUM> of <FIG>), and a gear support member <NUM> including a third gear <NUM> (e.g., the second gear <NUM> of <FIG>) gear-coupled to the first gear <NUM> and the second gear <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first drive motor <NUM> and the second drive motor <NUM> may be driven at the same time, and provide an improved driving force to the gear support member <NUM>. This may be advantageous in the case that a repulsive force of the flexible display <NUM> increases as the thickness of the electronic device <NUM> becomes thinner; thus, a high driving force is required.

According to various embodiments, the drive module <NUM> may include a motor FPCB <NUM> (e.g., the third portion <NUM> of <FIG>) electrically connected to the first drive motor <NUM> and the second drive motor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the motor FPCB <NUM> may be electrically connected to a motor PCB <NUM> disposed in the first space <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the motor PCB <NUM> may be electrically connected to the substrate <NUM> disposed in the first space <NUM> through a connector FPCB <NUM>. In some embodiments, the motor FPCB <NUM> may be directly electrically connected to the substrate <NUM> disposed in the first space <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams illustrating a drive module according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the drive module <NUM> may include a first drive motor <NUM>, a second drive motor <NUM> disposed to have a series disposition structure with the first drive motor <NUM>, and a gear support member <NUM> disposed to simultaneously receive a driving force of the first drive motor <NUM> and the second drive motor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first drive motor <NUM> may include a first motor unit 410a, a first deceleration unit 410b connected to the first motor unit 410a, and a first gear <NUM> (e.g., pinion gear) rotatably coupled through the first deceleration unit 410b. According to an embodiment, the second drive motor <NUM> may include a second motor unit 510a, a second deceleration unit 510b connected to the second motor unit 510a, and a second gear <NUM> (e.g., pinion gear) rotatably coupled through the second deceleration unit 510b. According to an embodiment, the first drive motor <NUM> and the second drive motor <NUM> may be supported through one motor bracket <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first drive motor <NUM> and the second drive motor <NUM> may have a left-right symmetric series disposition structure based on the motor bracket <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the gear support member <NUM> may include a third gear <NUM> (e.g., the second gear <NUM> of <FIG>) slidably coupled to the motor bracket <NUM> in a designated direction (e.g., the X-axis direction or the -X-axis direction of <FIG>), and gear-coupled to the first gear <NUM> and the second gear <NUM> to be disposed to receive a driving force. In some embodiments, the first drive motor <NUM> and the second drive motor <NUM> may be simultaneously coupled in opposite directions of one gear (e.g., pinion gear).

According to various embodiments, the drive module <NUM> may include a motor FPCB <NUM> slid-out from the first drive motor <NUM> and the second drive motor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the motor FPCB <NUM> may include a first portion <NUM> electrically connected to the first drive motor <NUM>, a second portion <NUM> extended from the first portion <NUM> and electrically connected to the second drive motor <NUM>, and a third portion <NUM> branched to a designated length between the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the third portion <NUM> may be electrically connected to a substrate (e.g., the substrate <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the third portion <NUM> may be disposed in a manner of passing through at least a portion of the motor bracket <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial perspective view illustrating a bracket housing in which a drive module is disposed according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a partial cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a bracket housing viewed along line 14B-14B of <FIG> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the drive module <NUM> may be fixed to the bracket housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the bracket housing <NUM> may include a first surface <NUM>, a second surface <NUM> facing in a direction opposite to the first surface <NUM>, and a side surface <NUM> enclosing a space between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the drive module <NUM> may be disposed at the side surface <NUM> of the bracket housing <NUM> through the receiving part <NUM> formed to be lower than the side surface <NUM>. For example, the first drive motor <NUM> may be fixed to the side surface <NUM> of the bracket housing <NUM> through the first dummy bracket <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second drive motor <NUM> may be fixed to the receiving part <NUM> provided at the side surface <NUM> of the bracket housing <NUM> through the second dummy bracket <NUM>. According to an embodiment, because the motor bracket <NUM> supports the first drive motor <NUM> and the second drive motor <NUM>, the drive module <NUM> may be fixed to the bracket housing <NUM> by only a fixing structure of the first dummy bracket <NUM> and the second dummy bracket <NUM>. In some embodiments, the motor bracket <NUM> may also be fixed to a side surface of the bracket housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include an electrical connection structure for electrically connecting the drive module <NUM> and the substrate <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electrical connection structure may include a motor PCB <NUM> electrically connected to the third portion <NUM> of the motor FPCB <NUM> and disposed at the second surface <NUM> of the bracket housing <NUM>, and a connector FPCB <NUM> for electrically connecting the motor PCB <NUM> and the substrate <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the motor PCB <NUM> may include a motor driver IC and/or a DCDC IC. According to an embodiment, the motor PCB <NUM> may be electrically connected to the substrate <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> disposed at the second surface <NUM> of the bracket housing <NUM> through the connector FPCB <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the motor PCB <NUM> may be disposed in a space between the first battery <NUM> and the second battery <NUM> at the second surface <NUM> of the bracket housing <NUM>, thereby helping to secure an efficient disposition structure.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>), comprising:
a first housing (<NUM>);
a second housing (<NUM>) slidably coupled to the first housing (<NUM>);
a flexible display (<NUM>) configured to expand or contract based on a sliding-out or slide-in movement of the first housing (<NUM>);
a support member (<NUM>) configured to support at least a portion of the flexible display (<NUM>) and disposed at a rear surface of the flexible display (<NUM>);
at least one drive motor (<NUM>) disposed in the first housing (<NUM>), fixed by at least one bracket (<NUM>), and including a first gear (<NUM>), wherein the drive motor (<NUM>) is fixed in at least two different directions through the at least one bracket (<NUM>); and
a second gear (<NUM>) disposed in the second housing (<NUM>) and disposed to engage with the first gear (<NUM>),
wherein the first housing (<NUM>) is configured to slide-in or slide-out based on the first gear (<NUM>) and the second gear (<NUM>) being driven with engaged with each other when the drive motor (<NUM>) is driven.