Patent Description:
Electronic devices are gradually becoming slimmer, and are being improved to increase rigidity, strengthen design, and differentiate functional elements thereof. Electronic devices are being transformed from a uniform rectangular shape into a variety of shapes. Electronic devices may have a deformable structure enabling use of a large-screen display while providing convenient portability. For example, as an example of a deformable structure, an electronic device may have a structure in which the display area of a flexible display can be varied by supporting housings that slide with respect to each other (e.g., a rollable structure or a slidable structure). A rollable electronic device (or a slidable electronic device) may be configured such that a flexible display can be rolled up or unfolded, and a slidable electronic device may be configured such that a flexible display moves in a sliding manner, thereby expanding and contracting a screen.

<CIT> and <CIT> disclose conventional electronic devices including a flexible display, wherein the flexible display is enabled to slide while switching from the first state to the second state.

An electronic device may include a rollable electronic device (e.g., a slidable electronic device) in which the display area of a display can be expanded and/or reduced. The rollable electronic device may include a first housing (e.g., a first housing structure, a base housing, a base bracket, or a base structure) and a second housing (e.g., a second housing, a slide housing, a slide bracket, or a slide structure), which are coupled to each other to move relative to each other so as to be at least partially fitted together with each other. For example, the first housing and the second housing may operate to slide with respect to each other, and support and guide at least a portion of a flexible display (e.g., an expandable display or a stretchable display) such that the flexible display has a first display area in a slide-in state and such that the flexible display has a second display area, which is greater than the first display area, in a slide-out state.

The rollable electronic device may include a bendable member (e.g., a multi-bar assembly) for supporting at least a portion of the flexible display when the second housing moves by a specified distance from the first housing. At least a portion of the flexible display, when the electronic device is in a slide-in state, may slide in the inner space of the first housing or the inner space of the second housing to be bent while being supported by a bendable member. In addition, the electronic device may include at least one pressing member (e.g., a sliding frame) for pressing the rear surface of the bendable member in a slide-out direction while the electronic device is switching from the slide-in state to the slide-out state.

However, since such a pressing member provides a pressing force while being in contact with the bendable member, frictional resistance increases, and thus a relatively large driving force is required, which may reduce usability or cause much power consumption, and may cause a problem such as malfunction of the electronic device or noise.

Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide an electronic device including a flexible display capable of reducing frictional force between a bendable member supporting the flexible display and a pressing member pressing the same.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide an electronic device including a flexible display capable of providing an efficient driving force according to sliding-in/sliding-out by reducing the frictional force between the bendable member and the pressing member and helping in reducing noise.

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

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a flexible display including a first area disposed to be visible to the outside and a second area extending from the first area and disposed to be accommodated inside the electronic device in a first state and to be at least partially visible to the outside in a second state, a bendable member disposed on the rear surface of the flexible display and configured to support the flexible display in the first state and the second state, a case configured to support at least a portion of the flexible display, a sliding frame slidably coupled to the case and including a slide plate having a plurality of first guide slits formed therein and a sliding bar extending from the slide plate and coming into contact with the bendable member in the second state, and a plurality of driving bodies configured to enable sliding movement of the flexible display while switching from the first state to the second state. The plurality of driving bodies comprises a first driving bar rotatably coupled to the sliding bar, a second driving bar rotatably coupled to the case, a driving shaft configured to couple the first driving bar and the second driving bar to be movable, and an elastic member configured to press the first driving bar and the second driving bar to be unfolded at a predetermined angle with respect to each other. The guide slits on a first side of the center of the sliding frame, among the plurality of first guide slits, are formed to have a predetermined curvature in a first direction, and the guide slits on a second side thereof are formed to have a predetermined curvature in a second direction opposite the first direction. The driving shafts of the plurality of driving bodies are at least partially inserted into the plurality of first guide slits and move along curves of the plurality of first guide slits.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure may reduce friction between components supporting expansion and contraction of a screen when the screen of the display is expanded or contracted, thereby reducing the power required for expansion and contraction of the screen of the display.

In addition, various effects directly or indirectly recognized through this document may be provided.

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

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> in a network environment <NUM> may communicate with an electronic device <NUM> via a first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or an electronic device <NUM> or a server <NUM> via a second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). The electronic device <NUM> may communicate with the electronic device <NUM> via the server <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> includes a processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, an input device <NUM>, an audio output device <NUM>, a display device <NUM>, an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a haptic module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, a power management module <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a communication module <NUM>, a subscriber identification module (SIM) <NUM>, or an antenna module <NUM>.

Additionally, or alternatively, the auxiliary processor <NUM> may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor <NUM>, or to be specific to a specified function.

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

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

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

The interface <NUM> may support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device <NUM> to be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly.

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

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

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

According to an embodiment, the display module <NUM> shown in <FIG> may include a flexible display configured to be folded or unfolded.

According to an embodiment, the display module <NUM> shown in <FIG> may include a flexible display that is slidably disposed to provide a screen (e.g., a display screen).

For example, a display area of the electronic device <NUM> is an area that is visually exposed to output an image, and the electronic device <NUM> may adjust the width of the display area according to movement of a housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> in <FIG>) or movement of the display. An example of an electronic device including the display module <NUM> may be a rollable electronic device configured such that at least a portion (e.g., a housing) of the electronic device <NUM> is operated to be at least partially slidable, thereby promoting selective expansion of a display area. For example, the display module <NUM> may be referred to as a slide-out display or an expandable display.

<FIG> is a front perspective view of an electronic device illustrating a first state (e.g., a closed state or a slide-in state) according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a front perspective view of an electronic device illustrating a second state (e.g., an open state or a slide-out state) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The electronic device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> may be at least partially similar to the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>, or may further include other embodiments of the electronic device.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first housing <NUM>, a second housing <NUM>, and a flexible display <NUM>. In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may be implemented to expand the screen <NUM> in a sliding manner. For example, the screen <NUM> may include an area of the flexible display <NUM>, which is exposed to the outside.

According to an embodiment, <FIG> shows the electronic device <NUM> in the state in which the screen <NUM> is not expanded, and <FIG> shows the electronic device <NUM> in the state in which the screen <NUM> is expanded. The state in which the screen <NUM> is not expanded may be the state in which the second housing <NUM> does not slide out, and may be referred to as a first state, for example, a closed state, below. The state in which the screen <NUM> is expanded may be the state in which the screen <NUM> is maximally expanded and is no longer expanded by sliding-out of the second housing <NUM>, and may be referred to as a second state, for example, an open state, below.

In an embodiment, sliding-out may indicate that the second housing <NUM> at least partially moves in a first direction (e.g., a -x axis direction) when the electronic device <NUM> switches from the closed state to the open state. The open state may be defined as the state in which the screen <NUM> is expanded compared to the closed state, and provide various sizes of screens <NUM> according to the movement position of the second housing <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the state of the electronic device <NUM> may include a third state, for example, an intermediate state. The intermediate state may mean the state between the closed state in <FIG> and the open state in <FIG>. The screen <NUM> may include an active area of the flexible display <NUM>, which is visually exposed to output images, and the electronic device <NUM> may adjust the active area according to a change in the size of the screen <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> depending on the movement of the second housing <NUM>. In the following description, the open state may indicate the state in which the screen <NUM> is maximally expanded.

In various embodiments, the flexible display <NUM> slidably disposed on the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG> to provide the screen <NUM> may be referred to as a "slide-out display", a "stretchable display", or an "expandable display".

In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a sliding structure related to the flexible display <NUM>. For example, when the second housing <NUM> is moved by a configured distance by an external force in order to change the size of the screen <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM>, switching from the closed state to the open state or from the open state to the closed state may be performed due to an elastic structure included in the sliding structure (e.g., a semi-automatic sliding operation) even without further external force. In another embodiment, when a signal is generated through an input device included in the electronic device <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may switch from the closed state to the open state or from the open state to the closed state due to a driving device such as a motor or a hinge connected to the flexible display <NUM>. For example, when a signal is generated through a hardware button or a software button provided through a screen, the electronic device <NUM> may switch from the closed state to the open state or from the open state to the closed state.

In another embodiment, when a signal is generated from various sensors such as a pressure sensor, the electronic device <NUM> may switch from the closed state to the open state or from the open state to the closed state. For example, when the electronic device <NUM> is carried or held by a hand, the electronic device <NUM> may detect, through a sensor, a squeeze gesture in which a portion (e.g., the palm or finger) of the hand presses a specified section of the electronic device <NUM>, and may switch from the closed state to the open state or from the open state to the closed state in response thereto.

In an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may include a first section ① (or fixed section) and a second section ②. The first section ① (or fixed section) and the second section ② may be connected. The first section ① (or fixed section) may be fixed to the first housing <NUM> and/or at least one support member (e.g., the front case <NUM> in <FIG>) included inside the first housing <NUM>. When switching from the closed state in <FIG> to the open state in <FIG>, the second section ② connected to the first section ① may slide out due to the movement of the second housing <NUM>, thereby expanding the screen (e.g., see the screen <NUM> in <FIG>). The flexible display <NUM> may include the second section (or bendable section) ② (see <FIG>). The second section ② may include the expanded portion of the screen <NUM> when the electronic device <NUM> switches from the closed state to the open state. When the electronic device <NUM> switches from the closed state to the open state, the second section ② may slide out of the inner space of the electronic device <NUM> to be visible to the outside, thereby expanding the screen <NUM>. When the electronic device <NUM> switches from the open state to the closed state, at least a portion of the second section ② may slide in the inner space of the electronic device <NUM>, thereby contracting the screen <NUM>. As an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> switches from the open state to the closed state, at least a portion (e.g., the second section ② or the bendable section) of the flexible display <NUM> may be bent. When the electronic device <NUM> switches from the open state to the closed state, at least a portion of the second section ② may be bent and moved to the inner space (e.g., the inner space of the second housing <NUM>). For example, the flexible display <NUM> may include a flexible substrate (e.g., a plastic substrate) that is formed of a polymer material including polyimide (PI) or polyester (PET).

As an embodiment, when switching from the open state in <FIG> to the closed state in <FIG>, the second section ② may at least partially enter the electronic device <NUM> due to the movement of the second housing <NUM>, thereby contracting the screen (e.g., see the screen <NUM> in <FIG>). In an embodiment, the roller (e.g., the roller <NUM> in <FIG>, the roller <NUM> in <FIG>, or the roller <NUM> in <FIG>) may be positioned corresponding to the second section ②, and during the switching between the closed state in <FIG> and the open state in <FIG>, the roller (e.g., the roller <NUM> in <FIG>, the roller <NUM> in <FIG>, or the roller <NUM> of <FIG>) may be rotated due to the movement of the second section ②.

In an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> may include a back cover (not shown), a first side cover <NUM>, or a second side cover <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the back cover (not shown) may form at least a portion of a rear surface (not shown) of the electronic device <NUM>. In an embodiment, the back cover (not shown) may be substantially opaque. For example, the back cover (not shown) may be formed of coated or tinted glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two thereof.

In an embodiment, in the state (e.g., the closed state) in which the second section ② of the flexible display <NUM> slide in the inner space of the second housing <NUM>, at least a portion of the second section ② may be disposed so as to be visible to the outside through at least a portion of the back cover (not shown). In this case, the back cover (not shown) may be formed of a transparent material and/or a translucent material.

In an embodiment, the first side cover <NUM> and the second side cover <NUM> may be positioned on opposite sides. For example, the first side cover <NUM> and the second side cover <NUM> may be on opposite sides of the flexible display <NUM> in a second direction (e.g., a y axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., the -x axis direction) of the sliding-out of the second housing <NUM>. The first side cover <NUM> may form at least a portion of a first side surface (not shown) of the electronic device <NUM>, and the second side cover <NUM> may form at least a portion of a second side surface 214a of the electronic device <NUM>, which faces in the opposite direction of the first side surface (not shown). The first side cover <NUM> may include a first edge portion 213b that extends from the edge of the first side surface (not shown). For example, the first edge portion 213b may form at least a portion of one side bezel of the electronic device <NUM>. The second side cover <NUM> may include a second edge portion 214b that extends from the edge of the second side surface 214a. For example, the second edge portion 214b may form at least a portion of the opposite side bezel of the electronic device <NUM>. In an embodiment, the surface of the first edge portion 213b, the surface of the second edge portion 214b, and the surface of the second housing <NUM> may be smoothly connected in the closed state in <FIG>, thereby forming one side curved portion (not shown) corresponding to a first curved portion 230b of the screen <NUM>. In an embodiment, the surface of the first edge portion 213b or the surface of the second edge portion 214b may include the opposite side curved portion (not shown) corresponding to a second curved portion 230c of the screen <NUM>, which is positioned opposite the first curved portion 230b.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible display <NUM> may be disposed in the second housing <NUM>, and the closed state in <FIG> or the open state in <FIG> may be determined based on the position of the second housing <NUM> that moves based on the first housing <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the second housing <NUM> may include a third side cover <NUM>, a fourth side cover <NUM>, and a third edge portion 220b.

In an embodiment, the third side cover <NUM> and the fourth side cover <NUM> may be positioned on opposite sides. For example, the third side cover <NUM> and the fourth side cover <NUM> may be on opposite sides of the flexible display <NUM> in the second direction (e.g., the y axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., the -x axis direction) of the sliding-out of the second housing <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the third edge portion 220b may form an outer surface of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the surface exposed to the outside to form the exterior of the electronic device <NUM>). For example, the third edge portion 220b may form the bezel around the screen <NUM> together with the first edge portion 213b and the second edge portion 214b in the closed state in <FIG>. The third edge portion 220b may extend in the second direction (e.g., the y axis direction) in order to connect one end of the first side cover <NUM> and one end of the second side cover <NUM> in the closed state. For example, the surface of the third edge portion 220b may be smoothly connected to the surface of the first edge portion 213b and/or the surface of the second edge portion 214b in the closed state in <FIG>.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the second section ② may slide out of the inside of the electronic device <NUM> due to the sliding-out of the second housing <NUM>, thereby providing the state (e.g., the open state) in which the screen <NUM> is expanded as shown in <FIG>.

In an embodiment, in the closed state in <FIG>, the screen <NUM> may include a flat portion 230a, and a first curved portion 230b and/or a second curved portion 230c that are positioned on opposite sides of the flat portion 230a. For example, the first curved portion 230b and the second curved portion 230c may be substantially symmetrical with respect to the flat portion 230a positioned therebetween. In an embodiment, when the closed state in <FIG> is switched to the open state in <FIG>, the flat portion 230a may be expanded. For example, a partial area of the second section ②, which forms the first curved portion 230b in the closed state in <FIG>, may be included in the flat portion 230a that expands when switching from the closed state in <FIG> to the open state in <FIG>.

In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include an opening (not shown) of the second section ② for sliding-in or sliding-out and/or a roller (e.g., the roller <NUM> in <FIG>, the roller <NUM> in <FIG>, or the roller <NUM> in <FIG>) (or pulley) (not shown) positioned in the opening (not shown). The roller (e.g., the roller <NUM> in <FIG>, the roller <NUM> in <FIG>, or the roller <NUM> in <FIG>) may be positioned corresponding to the second section ②, and when switching between the closed state in <FIG> and the open state in <FIG>, movement of the second section ② and the movement direction thereof may be guided through rotation of the roller (e.g., the roller <NUM> in <FIG>, the roller <NUM> in <FIG>, or the roller <NUM> in <FIG>). The first curved portion 230b may be formed corresponding to the curved surface formed on one surface of the second housing <NUM>. The first curved portion 230b may be formed by the portion corresponding to the curved surface of the roller (e.g., the roller <NUM> in <FIG>, the roller <NUM> in <FIG>, or the roller <NUM> in <FIG>) in the second section ②. In another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may be implemented as a form in which the flat portion 230a is expanded without the second curved portion 230c.

In an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may further include a touch detection circuit (e.g., a touch sensor). Although not shown, in various embodiments, the flexible display <NUM> may be combined with or disposed adjacent to a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch and/or a digitizer for detecting a pen input device (e.g., a stylus pen) in a magnetic field type. For example, the digitizer may include a coil member that is disposed on a dielectric substrate in order to detect a resonance frequency in an electromagnetic induction type, which is applied from a pen input device.

In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a microphone hole <NUM> (e.g., the input module <NUM> in <FIG>), a speaker hole <NUM> (e.g., the sound output module <NUM> in <FIG>), and/or a connector hole <NUM> (e.g., the connection terminal <NUM> in <FIG>). In some embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may exclude at least one of the elements, or may further include other elements.

In an embodiment, the microphone hole <NUM> may be formed on at least a portion of the second side surface 214a so as to correspond to the microphone (not shown) positioned inside the electronic device <NUM>. The position of the microphone hole <NUM> is not limited to the embodiment in <FIG>, and may vary. In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a plurality of microphones capable of detecting the direction of sound.

In an embodiment, the speaker hole <NUM> may be formed on at least a portion of the second side surface 214a so as to correspond to a speaker (not shown) positioned inside the electronic device <NUM>. The position of the speaker hole <NUM> is not limited to the embodiment in <FIG>, and may vary. In various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include call receiver hole. In some embodiments, the microphone hole <NUM> and the speaker hole <NUM> may be implemented as one hole, or the speaker hole <NUM> may be omitted like a piezo speaker.

In an embodiment, the connector hole <NUM> may be formed on at least a portion of the second side surface 214a so as to correspond to a connector (e.g., a USB connector) positioned inside the electronic device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may transmit and/or receive power and/or data to and/or from an external electronic device that is electrically connected to the connector through the connector hole <NUM>. The position of the connector hole <NUM> is not limited to the embodiment in <FIG>, and may vary.

Although not shown, in various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a camera module (e.g., a front camera) that produces an image signal, based on the light received through one surface (e.g., the front surface 200A) of the electronic device <NUM> that is positioned in the direction in which the screen <NUM> faces. For example, the camera module (e.g., the front camera) (not shown) may be positioned inside the first housing <NUM> while being aligned with the opening (e.g., a through-hole or a notch) formed in the flexible display <NUM>. The camera module (e.g., the front camera) (not shown) may receive light through an opening and a portion of a transparent cover that overlaps the opening, thereby producing an image signal. The transparent cover may serve to protect the flexible display <NUM> from the outside, and include a material such as polyimide or ultra-thin glass (UTG).

In various embodiments, the camera module (e.g., the front camera) (not shown) may be disposed at the lower end of at least a portion of the screen <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM>, and perform related functions (e.g., an image shooting) while the position of the camera module (e.g., the front camera) (not shown) is not visually distinguished (or exposed). In this case, when viewed from above the screen <NUM>, the camera module (e.g., the front camera) (not shown) may be disposed to overlap at least a portion of the screen <NUM> to obtain the image of an external subject without being exposed to the outside. In an embodiment, as a portion of the area that displays the content, the area of the flexible display <NUM>, which faces the camera module, is a portion of the area displaying content, and may be formed as a transmissive area having a specified transmittance. According to an embodiment, the transmissive area may be formed to have a transmittance in the range of about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%. The transmissive area may include an area that overlaps the effective area (e.g., the angle-of-view area) of the camera module through which light to be received by an image sensor and produce an image passes. For example, the transmissive area of the flexible display <NUM> may include an area having a lower pixel density and/or wiring density than the surrounding area. For example, the transmissive area may replace the opening described above. For example, some of the camera modules may include an under display camera (UDC).

Although not shown, in various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may further include a key input device (e.g., the input module <NUM> in <FIG>). The key input device may be positioned on the first side surface (not shown) of the electronic device <NUM>, which is formed by the first side cover <NUM>. In various embodiments, the key input device may include at least one sensor module.

Although not shown, in various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include various sensor modules (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> in <FIG>). The sensor module may produce an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to the internal operation state of the electronic device <NUM> or the external environmental state. For example, the sensor module may include a proximity sensor for producing a signal regarding proximity of an external object, based on the light received through the front surface 200A of the electronic device <NUM>, which is disposed in the direction in which the screen <NUM> faces. For another example, the sensor module may include various biometric sensors such as a fingerprint sensor or an HRM sensor for detecting biometric information, based on the light received through the front surface 200A or rear surface (not shown) of the electronic device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of various other sensor modules, for example, 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, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

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

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) according to various embodiments of disclosure may include a flexible display <NUM> (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>), a bendable member <NUM> (e.g., a multi-bar assembly), a front case <NUM>, a sliding frame <NUM>, a driving body <NUM>, a guide rail <NUM>, a first housing <NUM> (e.g., the first housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>), a second housing <NUM> (e.g., the second housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>), a back cover <NUM> (e.g., a back glass), and a roller <NUM> (e.g., the roller <NUM> in <FIG>, the roller <NUM> in <FIG>, or the roller <NUM> in <FIG>). In addition, the electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure may have an inner space provided by the front case <NUM> and the first housing <NUM>, and include a battery (e.g., the battery <NUM> of <FIG>) and a printed circuit board that are disposed in the inner space. At least some of the processor <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, the input module <NUM>, the sound output module <NUM>, the audio module <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, the interface <NUM>, and the connection terminal <NUM>, the haptic module <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, the power management module <NUM>, and the communication module <NUM>, which are shown in <FIG>, and/or other components of the electronic device <NUM> may be disposed in the printed circuit board.

According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may be formed of a flexible material to be rolled up, and display an image according to an input image signal. The flexible display <NUM> may include a fixed section (e.g., the first section ① in <FIG>) that is exposed to the outside when the screen (e.g., the screen <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) is in a contracted state (e.g., the closed state in <FIG>) and a bendable section (e.g., the second section ② in <FIG>) that is exposed to the outside when the screen <NUM> is in an expanded state (e.g., the open state in <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, the bendable member <NUM> may include a plurality of guide bars (e.g., the plurality of guide bars <NUM> in <FIG>) that are rotatably combined with each other to enable the rolling operation of the flexible display <NUM>. The bendable member <NUM> may be attached to at least a portion of the rear surface of the flexible display <NUM> using an adhesive (e.g., a thermally reactive adhesive member, a photoreactive adhesive member, a general adhesive, and/or a double-sided tape), and the plurality of guide bars (e.g., the plurality of guide bars <NUM> in <FIG>) of the bendable member <NUM> may be disposed to have a predetermined gap therebetween. The bendable member <NUM> may support the bendable section (e.g., the bendable section ② in <FIG>) such that the bendable section (e.g., the bendable section ② in <FIG>) of the flexible display <NUM> may be maintained to be smoothly connected with the fixed section (e.g., the fixed section ① of <FIG>) of the flexible display <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, although not shown, the electronic device <NUM> may further include a support plate (not shown) that is connected to the bendable member <NUM>. For example, the support plate (not shown) may be connected to guide bar that is disposed in the outermost end of the plurality of guide bars (e.g., the plurality of guide bars <NUM> in <FIG>) in order to support the fixed section (e.g., the fixed section ① in <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, the front case <NUM> may support at least a portion of the flexible display <NUM> through an upper surface thereof, and provide a space in order for the electronic components such as a battery (e.g., the battery <NUM> in <FIG>) or a printed circuit board to be disposed.

According to an embodiment, the sliding frame <NUM> may include a slide plate <NUM> and a sliding bar <NUM>. The sliding frame <NUM> may be integrally formed with the sliding bar <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sliding frame <NUM> may be formed to be separate from the sliding bar <NUM>, and may be structurally coupled thereto. A plurality of guide slits <NUM> may be included in the slide plate <NUM>. Some guide slits 346b among the plurality of guide slits <NUM> may be formed by cutting a portion of the slide plate <NUM> to have a predetermined width, and the remaining guide slits 346a may be formed such that a portion of the driving body <NUM> is inserted thereto to be guided. The plurality of guide slits <NUM> may include a plurality of first guide slits 346a having a predetermined curvature and a plurality of second guide slits 346b having a linear shape. A driving shaft (e.g., the driving shaft <NUM> in <FIG>) of the driving body <NUM> may be inserted into the plurality of first guide slits 346a. For example, the driving shaft <NUM> may move along the curve formed to have a curvature in the plurality of the first guide slits 346a according to folding and unfolding of the driving body <NUM>. In addition, a first link portion (e.g., the first link portion 352a in <FIG>) and a second link portion (e.g., the second link portion 354a in <FIG>) of the driving body <NUM> may be at least partially inserted into the plurality of the second guide slits 356b. The first link portion <NUM> and the second link portion <NUM> may move along the second guide slit 346b according to folding or unfolding of the driving body <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the sliding frame <NUM> may slide in the x axis direction and the -x axis direction according to movement of the driving body <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM>, and expand or contract a screen (e.g., the screen <NUM> in <FIG>) of the flexible display <NUM>. For example, the sliding frame <NUM> may push the bendable member <NUM> in the -x axis direction to expand the screen (e.g., the screen <NUM> in <FIG>) of the flexible display <NUM>. Alternatively, in the expanded state (e.g., the open state) of the screen (e.g., the screen <NUM> in <FIG>), when the second housing <NUM> is moved in the x axis direction by an external force, the sliding frame <NUM> may push the bendable member <NUM> in the x axis direction to contract the screen (e.g., the screen <NUM> in <FIG>) of the flexible display <NUM>. The sliding frame <NUM> may support at least a portion of the bendable member <NUM> in a curved portion 300d (e.g., the first curved portion 230b in <FIG> and <FIG> or the curved portion 300d in <FIG>). In addition, when the screen (e.g., the screen <NUM> in <FIG>) of the flexible display <NUM> expands, the sliding frame <NUM> may support the bendable member <NUM> in a flat area (e.g., the flat area in <FIG> and <FIG>) other than the curved portion 300d.

According to an embodiment, the roller <NUM> may be inserted into a roller hole (e.g., the roller hole <NUM> in <FIG>) that is formed at regular intervals in the sliding bar <NUM>. The roller <NUM> may be self-rotatably coupled to the roller hole. Accordingly, when the sliding frame <NUM> moves from the closed state to the open state or from the open state to the closed state, the contact-frictional force between the bendable member <NUM> and the slide bar <NUM> may be reduced through the rotatable roller <NUM> in contact with at least a portion of the bendable member <NUM>.

According to a claimed embodiment, the driving body <NUM> includes a first driving bar <NUM>, a second driving bar <NUM>, a driving shaft <NUM>, and an elastic member (e.g., the elastic member <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>). The first driving bar <NUM> and the second driving bar <NUM> may be coupled by the driving shaft <NUM>, and the first driving bar <NUM> and the second driving bar <NUM> may pivot to each other with respect to the driving shaft <NUM>. The elastic member (e.g., the elastic member <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) may provide an elastic force enabling the first driving bar <NUM> and the second driving bar <NUM> to be unfolded. For example, the first driving bar <NUM> and the second driving bar <NUM> may be unfolded by a specified angle by the elastic member (e.g., the elastic member <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) in the case where no external force is applied. In an embodiment, the elastic member (e.g., the elastic member <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) may include a torsion spring. In some embodiments, the first driving bar <NUM> and the second driving bar <NUM> may have an angle limit structure that prevents the first driving bar <NUM> and the second driving bar <NUM> from being unfolded at a specified angle or more through the elastic member (e.g., the elastic member <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>). The angle limit structure may include a locking protrusion and a locking portion that are formed on the first driving bar <NUM> and the second driving bar <NUM>. The driving body <NUM> may be disposed such that the first driving bar <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the sliding frame <NUM> and such that the second driving bar <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the front case <NUM>. The disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first driving bar <NUM> of the driving body <NUM> may be coupled to the front case <NUM>, and the second driving bar <NUM> may be coupled to the sliding frame <NUM>.

For example, in order to provide a fastening force (or a fixing force) against the elastic force of the elastic member (e.g., the elastic member <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>), the electronic device <NUM> may include a locking device (e.g., the locking device <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) that is disposed on the rear surface (e.g., the surface opposite the surface on which the flexible display <NUM> is disposed) of the first housing <NUM>, and a locking jaw (e.g., the locking jaw <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) that is formed on the rear surface (e.g., the surface opposite the surface on which the flexible display <NUM> is disposed) of the second housing <NUM>. It is possible to suppress the state change of the electronic device <NUM> due to the elastic force of the elastic member (e.g., the elastic member <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) using the locking device (e.g., the locking device <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) and the locking jaw (e.g., the locking jaw <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>). For example, the first driving bar <NUM> and the second driving bar <NUM> may remain in the folded state through the locking structure in which the locking device is engaged with the locking jaw (e.g., the locking jaw <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>). In an embodiment, the first driving bar <NUM> and the second driving bar <NUM> may be coupled by the driving shaft <NUM>, and the first driving bar <NUM> and the second driving bar <NUM> may be folded or unfolded around the driving shaft <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the guide rail <NUM> may include a guide groove <NUM> (e.g., the guide groove <NUM> in <FIG>) on which at least a portion (e.g., the protrusion <NUM> in <FIG>) of the flexible display <NUM> and/or the bendable member <NUM> is supported. The guide rail <NUM> may provide a path through which the flexible display <NUM> and/or the bendable member <NUM> moves through the guide groove <NUM>. For example, it may be disposed inside the guide rail <NUM> in the y axis direction and the -y axis direction, respectively. The guide groove <NUM> may be formed to have a length in the x axis direction and the -x axis direction in the guide rail <NUM>. The guide rail <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to the shape of a third side cover (e.g., the third side cover <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) and/or a fourth side cover <NUM>. Accordingly, the bendable section (e.g., the bendable section ② in <FIG>) of the flexible display <NUM> may slide in the second housing <NUM> (e.g., move in the x axis direction) or slide out of the same (e.g., move in the -x axis direction) along the guideline <NUM> so that the flexible display <NUM> may slide in or slide out while being seamlessly connected to the side surface (e.g., the third edge portion 220b in <FIG> and <FIG>) of the second housing <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, when the bendable section (e.g., the bendable section ② in <FIG>) of the flexible display <NUM> moves, the second housing <NUM> may move together with the flexible display <NUM>, thereby forming the exterior of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> may be coupled to the front case <NUM>, provide a space for the electronic components (e.g., the printed circuit board, the battery, the sensor module, the sound module, or the camera module) disposed inside the electronic device <NUM>, and form at least a portion of the exterior of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the back cover <NUM> (e.g., back glass) may be coupled to at least a portion of the first housing <NUM>, and may be the external case of the electronic device <NUM>. The back cover <NUM> may be formed of polymer, coated or tinted glass, ceramic, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two thereof.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a front surface (e.g., a surface on which a screen is displayed) of an electronic device <NUM> in a first state (e.g., a closed state) according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a view illustrating a front surface (e.g., a surface on which a screen is displayed) of an electronic device <NUM> in a second state according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a view illustrating a rear surface of an electronic device <NUM> in a first state according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a view illustrating the configuration of a sliding module <NUM> of an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a view illustrating a bendable member of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The electronic device <NUM> in <FIG> may be at least partially similar to the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG> or the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>, or may further include other embodiments of the electronic device.

According to an embodiment, <FIG> is a cross-sectional perspective view of the electronic device <NUM> taken along the line A1-A2 in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, a slide module <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a bendable member <NUM> supporting at least a portion of a flexible display <NUM> (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> in <FIG>), a sliding frame <NUM> (e.g., the first housing), a driving body <NUM>, a guide rail <NUM>, and a second housing <NUM>. A screen (e.g., the screen <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) of the flexible display <NUM> may be expanded and contracted by the slide module <NUM>.

The bendable member <NUM> may include a plurality of guide bars <NUM> rotatably connected to each other. According to an embodiment, the bendable member <NUM> may include an upper surface 320a formed through a plurality of guide bars <NUM> and a rear surface 320b (e.g., a rear surface) facing in the direction opposite the upper surface 320a (e.g., a front surface). According to an embodiment, the upper surface 320a may face the flexible display <NUM>, and the rear surface 320b may face the inner space of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the second housing <NUM>).

According to an embodiment, the plurality of guide bars <NUM> may be formed of a metal material and/or polymer. Each of the plurality of guide bars <NUM> may include the guide protrusions <NUM> that protruding from both ends thereof to be guided along the guide rail <NUM> in the inner space of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, some or all of the plurality of guide bars <NUM> may include a friction reducing area (e.g., at least one of a polyoxymethylene (POM) layer, an acetal layer, or a Teflon layer) to reduce friction. For example, the friction reducing area may be included in the area in which contact (or friction) of at least one guide bar among the plurality of guide bars <NUM> occurs. For example, the friction reducing area may be included as a layer (e.g., a coating layer) in the area in contact with at least a portion of the slide plate <NUM>, the sliding bar <NUM>, the roller <NUM>, and/or the driving body <NUM>. Accordingly, frictional resistance with a corresponding structure (e.g., the slide plate <NUM>, the sliding bar <NUM>, the roller <NUM>, and/or the driving body <NUM>) according to the sliding operation of the bendable member <NUM> may be reduced.

The sliding frame <NUM> may be coupled to the second housing <NUM> that moves a specified reciprocating distance from the first housing <NUM> (or the front case <NUM>). At least a portion of the flexible display <NUM> may be attached to the bendable member <NUM> and may be supported by at least a portion of the bendable member <NUM>. The bendable member <NUM> may be supported by the front case <NUM> and/or the sliding frame <NUM>.

As an example, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the open state (e.g., the first state), one area (e.g., the area corresponding to the first housing <NUM> or the fixed area <NUM>) of the bendable member <NUM> may be supported by the front case <NUM>. In addition, another area (e.g., the area corresponding to the second housing <NUM> or the extension area <NUM>) may be supported by the sliding frame <NUM>. Accordingly, the fixed area <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> supported by the bendable member <NUM> may form a flat surface by the front surface (e.g., the surface facing the flexible display <NUM>) of the front case <NUM>. In addition, a portion of the extension area <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> may form a flat surface by the flat area (e.g., the slide plate <NUM> in <FIG>) of the sliding frame <NUM>, and another portion may form a curved surface by the curved area (e.g., the sliding bar <NUM> in <FIG>) of the sliding frame <NUM>.

For example, in the closed state (e.g., the first state) of the electronic device <NUM>, at least a portion of the bendable member <NUM> may be accommodated in the second housing <NUM>. The bendable member <NUM> may slide in the space between the sliding frame <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> while being supported by the sliding bar (e.g., the sliding bar <NUM> in <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM>. In this case, at least a partial area of the bendable member <NUM> may come into contact with the driving body <NUM>.

For example, when switching from the open state to the closed state or switching from the closed state to the open state, the bendable member <NUM> may have friction with the slide plate <NUM>, the sliding bar <NUM>, and/or the driving body <NUM> due to contact with at least a portion thereof. The electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure may reduce friction due to contact with at least a portion of the slide plate <NUM>, the sliding bar <NUM>, and/or the driving body <NUM>.

In an embodiment, although not shown, the area of the bendable member <NUM> substantially corresponding to the fixed area <NUM> may be formed of a plate (e.g., a support plate). At least a portion (e.g., the bendable section ② in <FIG>) of the flexible display <NUM> may be accommodated in the inner space of the second housing <NUM> while being supported by the bendable member <NUM> (or by the bendable member <NUM>) in the closed state to then be disposed to be invisible to the outside.

According to an embodiment, at least a portion (e.g., the bendable section ②) of the flexible display <NUM> may be disposed to be visible to the outside while being supported by the bendable member <NUM> in the open state.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a front surface 300a on which a screen of the display <NUM> is displayed, a rear surface 300b facing in the direction opposite the front surface 300a, and a side surface 300c surrounding the space between the front surface 300a and the rear surface 300b.

According to an embodiment, the areas of the front surface 300a and the rear surface 300b of the electronic device <NUM> may vary depending on the state of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the open state or the closed state). For example, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the open state (e.g., the open state in <FIG>), the bendable section ② of the flexible display <NUM> may slide out so that the area of the front surface 300a of the electronic device <NUM> may increase. For example, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the closed state (e.g., the closed state in <FIG>), the area of the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM> may include the area of the rear cover <NUM>. In addition, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the open state, the area of the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM> may include the area substantially corresponding to the bendable area ② among the area of the rear cover <NUM> and the rear surface of the second housing <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may include a fixed area <NUM> (e.g., the fixed section ① in <FIG>) always visible to the outside and an extension area <NUM> (e.g., the bendable section ② in <FIG>) that extends from the fixed area <NUM> and slides in the second housing <NUM> or slides out of the same according to movement of second housing <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the extension area <NUM> (e.g., the second area) (e.g., the bendable section ② in <FIG>) of the flexible display <NUM> may be extended along the first direction (e.g., the -x axis direction) while being supported by the bendable member <NUM> in the open state. In this case, at least a portion of the fixed area <NUM> (e.g., the first area) (e.g., the fixed section ① in <FIG>) and the extension area <NUM> (e.g., the second area) (e.g., the bendable section ② in <FIG>) may form substantially the same plane.

In the electronic device <NUM>, as the second housing <NUM> and the sliding frame <NUM> slide in a first direction (e.g., the -x axis direction) or in a second direction (e.g., the x axis direction) opposite the first direction (e.g., the -x axis direction), the size (or area) of the display area (e.g., the screen <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) of the flexible display <NUM> may vary.

According to an embodiment, an operation of expanding the screen (e.g., sliding-out) and/or contracting the screen (e.g., sliding-in) of the electronic device <NUM> may be manually performed through a user's manipulation.

According to an embodiment, an operation of expanding the screen (e.g., sliding-out) and/or contracting the screen (e.g., sliding-in) of the electronic device <NUM> may be performed automatically or semi-automatically using a driving device (e.g., a motor, a ball screw, a cam, a slider crank, or a hinge).

<FIG> is a view illustrating a sliding frame module <NUM> of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> and <FIG> are views showing that a driving body <NUM> is coupled to a sliding frame <NUM> and that a roller <NUM> is coupled to a sliding bar <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a sliding frame module <NUM> may include a sliding frame <NUM>, a driving body <NUM>, and a roller <NUM>.

A first driving bar <NUM> (e.g., the first driving bar <NUM> in <FIG>) may be self-rotatably coupled to the sliding frame <NUM> (e.g., the second housing), and a second driving bar <NUM> (e.g., the second driving bar <NUM> in <FIG>) may be self-rotatably coupled to the front case <NUM> (e.g., the first housing) so that the driving body <NUM> may be folded or unfolded. The first driving bar <NUM> and the second driving bar <NUM> may be pivotally connected by a driving shaft <NUM>. For example, the driving body <NUM> may be folded about the driving shaft <NUM> such that the first driving bar <NUM> and the driving bar <NUM> come into contact with each other or are unfolded to open at a specified angle.

The first driving bar <NUM> and the second driving bar <NUM> may have the same shape or different shapes from each other, and it should be noted that the driving bar coupled to the sliding frame <NUM> will be referred to as a first driving bar <NUM> and that the driving bar coupled to the front case <NUM> will be referred to as a second driving bar <NUM> below, regardless of the disposed direction and shape of the driving body <NUM>.

A plurality of guide slits <NUM> may include a plurality of first guide slits 346a having a predetermined curvature and a plurality of second guide slits 346b having a linear shape. The plurality of first guide slits 346a and the plurality of second guide slits 346b may be alternately disposed. In some embodiments, the plurality of first guide slits 346a and the plurality of second guide slits 346b may be irregularly disposed. The plurality of first guide slits 346a may have the same shape or different shapes from each other. For example, the plurality of first guide slits 346a may be formed to have the same shape, for example, to have a curve having the same direction and circumferential angle, but in this case, pressure may be applied to the sliding frame <NUM> in one direction, thereby causing distortion or deformation of the sliding frame <NUM>. In order to prevent distortion and deformation of the sliding frame <NUM>, the plurality of first guide slits 346a may be formed to be symmetrical with each other, based on the center line 340a (e.g., the center line 340a in <FIG>) of the sliding frame <NUM>. For example, at least one first guide slit 346a formed on a first side (e.g., the y axis direction) of the center line 340a and at least one first guide slit 346a formed on a second side thereof (e.g., the -y axis direction) may be disposed. At least one first guide slit 346a formed on the first side (e.g., the y axis direction) and at least one first guide slit 346a formed on the second side (e.g., the -y axis direction) may be formed to have a shape symmetrical with each other based on the center line 340a. For example, at least one first guide slit 346a formed on the first side of the center line 340a may be formed to have a predetermined curvature in a first direction, and at least one first guide slit 346a formed on the second side thereof may be formed to have a predetermined curvature in a second direction opposite the first direction.

The plurality of first guide slits 346a may include the same number of at least one first guide slit 356a on both sides of the center line 340a.

The plurality of second guide slits 346b may have a linear shape. Each of the second guide slits 356b may form an opening directed to the front case <NUM> on the slide plate <NUM>. A first link portion 352a and a second link portion 354a of the driving body <NUM> may be disposed in the second guide slit 356b to move linearly, and the second link portion 354a may be coupled to the front case <NUM> through the opening. The plurality of second guide slits 356b may include the same number of at least one second guide slit 356b on both sides of the center line 340a.

The plurality of driving bodies <NUM> may be disposed in the same direction, but in this case, distortion and/or deformation of the sliding frame <NUM> may occur as described above. To prevent this, the plurality of driving bodies <NUM> may be disposed to be symmetrical with each other based on the center line 340a of the sliding frame <NUM> (e.g., the center line 340a in <FIG>). For example, the driving bodies <NUM> on the first side of the center line 340a and the driving bodies <NUM> on the second side thereof may be disposed to be folded or unfolded in a symmetrical form.

A plurality of roller holes <NUM> may be formed at regular intervals in the sliding bar <NUM>. The roller hole <NUM> may have a predetermined width in order for the roller <NUM> to be inserted thereinto. Rollers <NUM> corresponding to the number of roller holes <NUM> may be coupled to the sliding bar <NUM>. For example, a corresponding number of rollers <NUM> may be disposed on both sides of the center line 340a. For example, in the case of including an odd number of rollers <NUM>, one roller <NUM> corresponding to the position of the center line 340a may be located at the center of the sliding bar <NUM>, and an equal number of remaining rollers <NUM> may be located on both sides of the center line 340a.

In an embodiment, the roller <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the roller hole <NUM>. For example, the width of the roller <NUM> may correspond to the width of the roller hole <NUM>, or may be smaller than the width of the roller hole <NUM> by a predetermined value (e.g., <NUM>). For example, the roller <NUM> may have a diameter corresponding to the sliding bar <NUM>. For example, when the roller <NUM> is coupled to the sliding bar <NUM> through the roller hole <NUM>, the roller <NUM> may not substantially protrude or be recessed. For example, when the roller <NUM> is coupled to the sliding bar <NUM> through the roller hole <NUM>, at least a portion (e.g., <NUM> to <NUM>) of the roller <NUM> may protrude. Accordingly, when the bendable member <NUM> moves on the sliding bar <NUM>, the bendable member may come into contact with the sliding bar <NUM> and the roller <NUM>, thereby producing frictional resistance. This frictional resistance may be reduced by the rotational force of the roller. In some embodiments, in the case where a relatively large number of rollers <NUM> are rotatably disposed in the sliding bar <NUM> and protrude above the outer surface of the sliding bar <NUM>, the bendable member <NUM> may come into contact with only a plurality of rollers <NUM>, which may further reduce the frictional resistance. In some embodiments, the roller <NUM> may have only a single roller that has a length similar to that of the sliding bar <NUM> and is rotatably fixed to the sliding bar.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a first guide slit 346a formed in a sliding frame and a driving body <NUM> coupled to the first guide slit 346a according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> and <FIG> are views showing that a roller <NUM> is coupled to a sliding bar <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, driving shafts <NUM> of a plurality of driving bodies <NUM> may be inserted and coupled to a plurality of first guide slits 346a of the sliding frame <NUM>. The driving body <NUM> may include a link <NUM> for convenience of assembly when a driving shaft <NUM> is inserted into the first guide slit 346a. When the driving shaft <NUM> is coupled to the first guide slit 346a, at least a portion of the driving shaft <NUM> may move along the first guide slit 346a. For example, when a first driving bar (e.g., the first driving bar <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) and a second driving bar (e.g., the second driving bar <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) of the driving body <NUM> are folded to come into contact with each other or unfolded to be spaced apart from each other, a first link portion 352a and a second link portion 354b may reciprocate in the second guide slit 346b to move away from or close to each other. Accordingly, the driving shaft <NUM> may move in a curve along the first guide slit 346a according to the positions of the first link portion 352a and the second link portion 354a.

A plurality of roller holes <NUM> may be formed at regular intervals in the sliding bar <NUM>. The roller hole <NUM> may be formed to have a predetermined width in order for the roller <NUM> to be inserted thereinto.

In an embodiment, the roller <NUM> may include a roller body <NUM> and a roller shaft <NUM>. A through-hole <NUM> passing through the roller body may be formed in the center of the roller body <NUM>, and the roller shaft <NUM> may be fitted into the through-hole <NUM> so that the roller body <NUM> may rotate. Alternatively, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the roller <NUM> may be formed by injecting the roller body <NUM> and the roller shaft <NUM> into a single component. The roller <NUM> may be fitted into each roller hole <NUM>, and the roller shaft <NUM> may be fitted into a roller shaft hole 348a formed in the sliding bar <NUM> so that the roller <NUM> may be rotatably mounted or coupled to the sliding bar <NUM>. It is possible to reduce friction produced in the bendable member <NUM> by the rotation of the roller <NUM> mounted or coupled to the sliding bar <NUM>. For example, the roller body <NUM> may protrude above the sliding bar <NUM> such that the bendable member <NUM> and the roller body <NUM> come into contact with each other, so that the bendable member <NUM> may move by the rotation of the roller <NUM>, thereby reducing frictional resistance produced in the bendable member <NUM>. As another example, in the case where friction occurs between the bendable member <NUM> and the sliding bar <NUM> because the outer surface of the sliding bar <NUM> is formed lower than the roller body <NUM>, rotational movement of the roller <NUM> may reduce the friction between the bendable member <NUM> and the sliding bar <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view showing that a driving body <NUM> coupled to a sliding frame <NUM> is unfolded to move the sliding frame <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a plurality of driving bodies <NUM> operates to be unfolded (e.g., sliding-out) (e.g., open state driving), thereby pushing the sliding bar <NUM> in a first direction (e.g., the -x axis direction) to guide the sliding frame <NUM> in the slide-out direction (e.g., the -x axis direction). Accordingly, the second housing <NUM> to which the sliding frame <NUM> is coupled may move in the first direction (e.g., the -x axis direction) together with the sliding frame <NUM>, and an extension area (e.g., the extension area <NUM> in <FIG>) of the flexible display <NUM> may slide out of the second housing <NUM> to be visible to the outside.

As an embodiment, the driving body <NUM> operates to be folded (e.g., sliding-in) (e.g., closed state driving), thereby moving the sliding bar <NUM> in a second direction (e.g., the x axis direction) opposite the first direction (e.g., -x axis direction) to guide the sliding frame <NUM> in the slide-in direction. Accordingly, the second housing <NUM> coupled to the sliding frame <NUM> may move together with the sliding frame <NUM>, and the extension area (e.g., the extension area <NUM> in <FIG>) of the flexible display <NUM> may slide in the second housing <NUM> to be invisible to the outside. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may switch from the closed state to the open state or from the open state to the closed state by automatically or semi-automatically pushing or pulling the sliding bar <NUM> using a driving force of the motor.

The plurality of driving bodies <NUM> may prevent the flexible display <NUM> from sagging by supporting the bendable member <NUM> during operation.

The sliding bar <NUM> of the sliding frame <NUM> may come into contact with a bent portion of the bendable member <NUM> in a curved portion (e.g., the curved portion 300d in <FIG>). For example, when the bendable member <NUM> moves, friction may occur between the guide bars <NUM> in contact with the curved portion of the sliding bar <NUM>, among the plurality of guide bars <NUM> included in the bendable member <NUM>, and the bendable member <NUM>. The sliding bar <NUM> may be formed of a metal material and/or polymer. According to an embodiment, in order to reduce friction against the bendable member <NUM>, the sliding bar <NUM> may be formed of a material that reduces friction, or may further include a layer (e.g., a Teflon-coated layer or a hard coated layer) for reducing friction. In some embodiments, the layer for reducing friction may be disposed on the surface in contact with the sliding bar <NUM> of the bendable member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a driving body <NUM> of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> are views illustrating a coupling structure between a sliding frame <NUM> and a driving body <NUM> and a coupling structure between a driving body <NUM> and a front case <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the driving body <NUM> may include a first driving bar <NUM> rotatably coupled to the sliding frame <NUM>, a second driving bar <NUM> rotatably coupled to the front case <NUM>, and an elastic member <NUM> for pressing the first driving bar <NUM> and the second driving bar <NUM> in the direction in which they are unfolded. The first driving bar <NUM> and the second driving bar <NUM> may be rotatably coupled through a driving shaft <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the driving body <NUM> and the sliding bar <NUM> may be rotatably coupled through a first coupling pin <NUM>. The driving body <NUM> and the front case <NUM> may be rotatably coupled through a second coupling pin <NUM>. For example, the first driving bar <NUM> and the driving shaft <NUM> may be integrally formed. For example, the second driving bar <NUM> and the driving shaft <NUM> may be integrally formed. For example, the driving shaft <NUM> may be formed as a separate configuration from the first driving bar <NUM> and the second driving bar <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the open state, the first driving bar <NUM> and the second driving bar <NUM> may be unfolded at a predetermined angle (e.g., the angle θ in <FIG>). In the open state, the sliding bar <NUM> may extend from the front case <NUM> in the first direction (e.g., the -X axis direction).

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the closed state, the first driving bar <NUM> and the second driving bar <NUM> may be disposed to be adjacent to or come into at least partial contact with the sliding bar <NUM> of the sliding frame <NUM>. For example, when the electronic device <NUM> switches from the open state to the closed state, the sliding bar <NUM> may move in the second direction (e.g., the X axis direction) to be disposed adjacent to the front case <NUM>. For example, the driving body <NUM> may be formed to have a predetermined length, and a first link portion 352a for a connection with the sliding bar <NUM> may be formed at the end of the first driving bar <NUM>, and a second link portion 354a for a connection with the front case <NUM> may be formed at the end of the second driving bar <NUM>. For example, a first coupling pin <NUM> may be inserted into the first link portion 352a of the first driving bar <NUM> and the sliding bar <NUM> so that the first driving bar <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the sliding bar <NUM>. For example, a second coupling pin <NUM> may be inserted into the second link portion 354a of the second driving bar <NUM> and the front case <NUM> so that the second driving bar <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the front case <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the predetermined angle θ may be determined within a range of less than <NUM> degrees in order to induce an effective folding operation of the first driving bar <NUM> and the second driving bar <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first driving bar <NUM> and the second driving bar <NUM> may be formed of a metal material and/or polymer.

According to an embodiment, the first driving bar <NUM> and/or the second driving bar <NUM> may include a friction reducing member or a friction reducing layer disposed on the portion in contact with the bendable member <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the elastic member <NUM> may be a torsion spring, and may be received inside a first spring receiving groove 352b formed in the first driving bar <NUM> and a second spring receiving groove 354b formed in the second driving bar <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> may be disposed so as not to protrude to the outside, and may provide an elastic force such that the first driving bar <NUM> and the second driving bar <NUM> may be unfolded.

<FIG> is a view illustrating the state in which a roller <NUM> is disposed in an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> shows that friction is reduced by a roller <NUM> when the electronic device <NUM> is in a closed state (e.g., a first state) (e.g., a screen contraction state) (e.g., rolling-in or sliding-in) and an open state (e.g., a second state) (e.g., a screen expansion state) (e.g., rolling-out or sliding-out) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, when the flexible display <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> moves, friction may occur in the bendable member <NUM> supporting the flexible display <NUM>. For example, when expanding or contracting a screen (e.g., the screen <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) of the flexible display <NUM>, friction may occur between the bendable member <NUM> and the slide plate <NUM>, between the bendable member <NUM> and the sliding bar <NUM>, and/or between the bendable member <NUM> and the driving body <NUM>. Accordingly, in order to reduce the friction, at least a portion of the bendable member <NUM>, the slide plate <NUM>, the sliding bar <NUM>, and/or the driving body <NUM> may use a friction reducing material or include a friction reducing layer. Alternatively, a component for reducing friction (e.g., the roller <NUM>) or a friction reducing member may be further disposed.

<FIG> and <FIG> are views showing that a closed state (e.g., a first state) is maintained by a locking device according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a view showing switching to an open state (e.g., a second state) by releasing a locking device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, according to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a locking device <NUM> and a locking jaw <NUM> that prevents the driving body (e.g., the driving body <NUM> in <FIG>) from being unfolded by an elastic body (e.g., the elastic member <NUM> in <FIG>) and maintains the electronic device <NUM> in the closed state.

The locking device <NUM> may be disposed on the rear surface (e.g., the surface opposite the surface on which the flexible display <NUM> is disposed) of the first housing <NUM> in order to provide a fastening force (or fixing force) against the elastic force of the elastic member <NUM>. The locking jaw <NUM> may be formed on the rear surface of the second housing <NUM> so as to be caught on the locking device <NUM>. When the locking device <NUM> is caught on the locking jaw <NUM>, switching of the state by the elastic force of the elastic member (e.g., the elastic member <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) may be suppressed.

In the closed state of the electronic device <NUM>, the locking device <NUM> may be caught on the locking jaw <NUM> to provide a fastening force (or fixing force) against the elastic force of the elastic member (e.g., the elastic member <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>), thereby maintaining the electronic device <NUM> in the closed state. At this time, the first driving bar <NUM> and the second driving bar <NUM> of the driving body (e.g., the driving body <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) may remain in the folded state.

In the open state of the electronic device <NUM>, when the locking device <NUM> is released (separated) from the locking jaw <NUM>, the first driving bar <NUM> and the second driving bar <NUM> of the driving body <NUM> may be unfolded at a predetermined angle by the elastic force of the elastic member (e.g., the elastic member <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>). The electronic device <NUM> may consistently remain in the open state (e.g., the second state) by the elastic force of the elastic member (e.g., the elastic member <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>).

In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include an open button <NUM> connected to the locking device <NUM>. When the user presses the open button <NUM> in the closed state of the electronic device <NUM>, the locking device <NUM> may be released from the locking jaw <NUM> so that the electronic device <NUM> may switch to the open state by the elastic force provided by the elastic member <NUM>.

In an embodiment, although not shown, the electronic device <NUM> may switch to the open state automatically or semi-automatically through a driving mechanism (e.g., a driving motor, a reducer module, and/or a gear assembly) disposed inside the electronic device <NUM>. Alternatively, the electronic device <NUM> may switch the state manually by a force to push or pull the housing, which is provided by the user, and the method of opening/closing the electronic device <NUM> is not limited.

In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may detect, through a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> in <FIG>), an event informing of switching to the closed state (e.g., the first state) or the open state (e.g., the second state) of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may detect the open state (e.g., the second state) or the closed state (e.g., the first state) of the electronic device <NUM> through at least one sensor (e.g., a hall sensor) included in the first housing <NUM> or the second housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, when an event notifying of switching to the open state (e.g., the second state) or the closed state (e.g., the first state) occurs, the electronic device <NUM> may adjust the image to be displayed on the flexible display <NUM> to fit the screen size.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a roller <NUM> and a bendable member <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the roller <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may include a roller body (e.g., the body <NUM> in <FIG>) and a roller shaft (e.g., the roller shaft <NUM> in <FIG>). The roller body (e.g., the body <NUM> in <FIG>) of the roller <NUM> may be formed of a material that produces low resistance or frictional force when rubbing against other objects. For example, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the material may be formed of, but not limited to, one of rubber, a urethane material, or Teflon. For example, a material providing a smooth surface or having elasticity may be included. For example, the roller body (e.g., the body <NUM> in <FIG>) of the roller <NUM> may be formed of general PC injection or a metal material.

Referring to <FIG>, the roller <NUM> may include a roller body <NUM> of a metal material, a friction reducing member <NUM> disposed to surround the outer surface of the roller body <NUM>, and a roller shaft <NUM>. The roller body <NUM> may be formed of a metal material. The friction reducing member <NUM> may be formed of a low friction rubber or Teflon tape.

<FIG> is a view illustrating the shape of a sliding bar according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the sliding bar <NUM> may include a protrusion <NUM> extending in length from the end of the sliding bar <NUM> so as to overlap at least a portion of the upper and lower portions of the roller <NUM>. For example, the protrusion <NUM> may be applied as an extension portion supporting the flexible display <NUM> and/or the bendable member <NUM>. In an embodiment, the protrusion <NUM> may be disposed to overlap at least a portion of the roller <NUM> when the sliding frame <NUM> is viewed from above. In an embodiment, the roller <NUM> may be formed to have a relatively small size (e.g., a diameter) through a protrusion <NUM> of a sliding bar <NUM> that extends near the roller <NUM> and is disposed to at least partially surround the roller <NUM>, so the small size may enable other components of the electronic device <NUM> to be disposed in a provided space.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a buffer member <NUM> disposed between a roller <NUM> and a bendable member <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a buffer member <NUM> may be disposed between the roller <NUM> and the bendable member <NUM> to reduce friction between the roller <NUM> and the bendable member <NUM>. The buffer member <NUM> may be in the form of a thin film capable of being inserted between the roller <NUM> and the bendable member <NUM>, and may be formed of a rubber material or a Teflon tape. Since the roller <NUM> and the bendable member <NUM> do not come into direct contact with each other by the buffer member <NUM>, frictional resistance may be reduced.

<FIG> is a view showing that a bearing <NUM> is applied to a sliding bar <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a plurality of bearings <NUM> may be disposed on the outer side of the sliding bar <NUM> in order to reduce friction produced when the sliding bar <NUM> and the bendable member <NUM> come into contact with each other. The frictional force produced when the sliding bar <NUM> and the bendable member <NUM> come into contact with each other may be reduced by the plurality of bearings <NUM>, and the plurality of bearings <NUM> may be separated from the sliding bar <NUM>. In order to prevent the plurality of bearings <NUM> from being separated from the sliding bar <NUM>, a buffer member <NUM> may be disposed to cover the plurality of bearings <NUM>.

As an embodiment, in order to reduce friction produced when the sliding bar <NUM> and the bendable member <NUM> come into contact with each other in the curved portion 300d of the electronic device <NUM>, a plurality of bearings <NUM> may be disposed on the sliding bar <NUM>. The plurality of bearings <NUM> may be disposed at regular intervals from the lower portion to the upper portion of the sliding bar <NUM> to correspond to the entire area in which the sliding bar <NUM> and the bendable member <NUM> come into contact with each other. Accordingly, friction during the movement of the sliding frame <NUM> may be reduced by the plurality of bearings <NUM> disposed at regular intervals on the sliding bar <NUM>. The buffer member <NUM> may be disposed between the sliding bar <NUM> and the bendable member <NUM>. The buffer member <NUM> may be in the form of a thin film capable of being inserted between the sliding bar <NUM> and the bendable member <NUM>, and may be formed of a rubber material or a Teflon tape. The sliding bar <NUM> and the bendable member <NUM> do not come into direct contact with each other by the buffer member <NUM>, thereby reducing friction. In addition, friction produced when the sliding bar <NUM> and the bendable member <NUM> come into contact with each other may be reduced by the buffer member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view showing that a friction reducing member <NUM> is applied to reduce friction between a driving shaft <NUM> and a sliding frame <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the driving shaft <NUM> of the driving body <NUM> may be inserted into the first guide slit 346a of the sliding frame <NUM> to move, and friction may occur in the portion where the sliding frame <NUM> and the driving shaft <NUM> come into contact with each other.

In order to reduce friction in the portion where the sliding frame <NUM> and the driving shaft <NUM> come into contact with each other when the screen (e.g., the screen <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) of the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> in <FIG>) is expanded or when the screen is contracted, a friction reducing member <NUM> may be disposed between the first guide slit 346a and the driving shaft <NUM>. The friction reducing member <NUM> may be formed of a rubber material or a Teflon tape to reduce friction. Alternatively, a friction reducing layer may be formed on the first guide slit 356a.

However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and a plurality of bearings may be disposed in the first guide slit 346a of the sliding frame <NUM>, thereby reducing friction in the portion where the guide slit <NUM> and the driving shaft <NUM> come into contact with each other.

Although not shown, a friction reducing member may be disposed or a friction reducing layer may be included in the second guide slit (e.g., the second guide slit 346b in <FIG>).

The electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure may reduce friction between a sliding bar and a bendable member during expansion and contraction of a screen of a display, thereby reducing power required for expansion and contraction of a screen of a flexible display.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
a flexible display (<NUM>) comprising a first area (①) disposed to be visible to the outside and a second area (②) extending from the first area(①) and disposed to be accommodated inside the electronic device (<NUM>) in a first state and to be at least partially visible to the outside in a second state;
a bendable member (<NUM>) disposed on the rear surface of the flexible display (<NUM>) and configured to support the flexible display (<NUM>) in the first state and the second state;
a case (<NUM>) configured to support at least a portion of the flexible display (<NUM>);
a sliding frame (<NUM>) slidably coupled to the case (<NUM>) and comprising a slide plate (<NUM>) having a plurality of first guide slits (<NUM>) formed therein and a sliding bar (<NUM>) extending from the slide plate (<NUM>) and coming into contact with the bendable member (<NUM>) in the second state; and
a plurality of driving bodies (<NUM>) configured to enable sliding movement of the flexible display (<NUM>) while switching from the first state to the second state;
characterised in that
the plurality of driving bodies (<NUM>) comprises:
a first driving bar (<NUM>) rotatably coupled to the sliding bar (<NUM>),
a second driving bar (<NUM>) rotatably coupled to the case (<NUM>),
a driving shaft (<NUM>) configured to couple the first driving bar (<NUM>) and the second driving bar (<NUM>) to be movable, and
an elastic member (<NUM>) configured to press the first driving bar (<NUM>) and the second driving bar (<NUM>) to be unfolded at a predetermined angle with respect to each other.