Patent Description:
In recent years, portable electronic devices have been manufactured in a form in which displays of various sizes are mounted in consideration of various purposes such as portability and usability. In addition, in order to meet various needs of users, electronic devices capable of adjusting the size of a display have been developed. As an example, research on flexible displays of a roll structure mounted on the electronic device has been increasingly conducted. The flexible display of the roll structure may be expanded to have a large area by unfolding a rolled region corresponding to the structural deformation of the electronic device. <CIT> discloses an electronic device including a movable flexible display. <CIT> discloses an expandable display device. <CIT> discloses an expandable mobile device.

The electronic device of the roll structure that supports sliding may have a state in which a portion of a display is wound, and a state in which the wound portion of the display is unfolded through the sliding. When the portion of the display changes from the unfolded state to the wound state, the repulsive force against the winding force may act on the wound part of the display. Accordingly, there is a limitation that deformation occurs in which at least a portion of the wound part of the display protrudes more than the surroundings. In addition, while sliding, the portion of the display may be damaged due to friction with other structures of the electronic device.

Various examples disclosed in the present disclosure provide an electronic device for supporting sliding, which is capable of preventing damage to a display while maintaining flatness of the display.

In accordance with an embodiment covered by the claimed invention, an electronic device is provided as defined in independent claim <NUM>.

It is an aim of certain examples of the disclosure to solve, mitigate or obviate, at least partly, at least one of the problems and/or disadvantages associated with the prior art. Certain examples aim to provide at least one of the advantages described below.

As described above, according to the examples of the present disclosure, it is possible to maintain the flatness of a display.

Besides, various effects may be provided that are directly or indirectly identified through the present disclosure.

With respect to the description of the drawings, the same reference numbers may be assigned for the same or corresponding elements.

Hereinafter, an electronic device according to various examples will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the disclosure, the term user may refer to a person using an electronic device or a device using the electronic device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device).

The scope of protection is defined by the appended independent claim. Further features are specified by the appended dependent claims.

The embodiments covered by the claims correspond to <FIG> and <FIG>, whereas the embodiments of <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> are not covered by the claimed invention. The embodiments of the remaining figures are examples useful for understanding the invention.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an external shape of an electronic device according to an example of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM>, includes display <NUM> (e.g., a flexible display having at least a portion of flexibility), a first cover <NUM>, and a second cover <NUM>. The first cover <NUM> may serve as a fixed cover to which one side of the display <NUM> is fixed. The second cover <NUM> may be moved in a first direction (e.g., x-axis direction) or in a second direction (e.g., -x-axis direction opposite to the first direction), based on the first cover <NUM>. As in a state <NUM>, when the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> overlap by a first width, a first display region 160a of the first size may be disposed to be directed upward (z-axis direction). Alternatively, in the state <NUM>, the display <NUM> may include the first display region 160a of the first size that is exposed to the outside. The first cover <NUM> may be disposed to surround at least a portion of one side edge of the first display region 160a (e.g., based on the illustrated drawing, at least a portion of the first display region 160a in the second direction (-x-axis direction), at least a portion in a third direction (y-axis direction), at least a portion in a fourth direction (-y-axis direction), and at least a portion in a fifth direction (-z-axis direction, which is opposite to the z-axis direction)). In the state <NUM>, the first display region 160a and at least a portion of a second display region 160b to be extended may be disposed to be wound on the inner side of at least one of the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM>, or may be disposed to be unfolded. In this state, pixels of the first display region 160a may be disposed such that the surface thereof emitting light is directed toward the front (z-axis direction), and at least a portion of the upper surface of the second display region 160b on which pixels are disposed is directed toward the back (-z-axis direction). A portion of the second display region 160b may be disposed to be bent.

If the second cover <NUM> is moved in the first direction (x-axis direction) based on the first cover <NUM>, the exposed region of the display <NUM> may be expanded. For example, as in a state <NUM> (e.g., a state in which the second cover <NUM> has slid in order to expand the region of the display <NUM>), when the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> overlaps by a second width (e.g., width smaller than the first width), the display <NUM> may include the first display region 160a of the first size and the second display region 160b of a second size, which are exposed to the outside (directed upward (z-axis direction)). In the state <NUM>, the first size of the first display region 160a and the second size of the second display region 160b may be the same. Alternatively, the first size may be larger than the second size. According to various examples of the disclosure, the second size may vary according to a sliding distance or a moving distance of the second cover <NUM>.

The display <NUM> maintains a partially wound state in the state <NUM>, and in the state <NUM>, at least a portion that has been in the wound state may have an unfolded state. The second cover <NUM> may be disposed to surround at least a portion of the second display region 160b in the first direction (x-axis direction), at least a portion in the third direction (y-axis direction), at least a portion in the fourth direction (-y-axis direction), and at least a portion in the fifth direction (-z-axis direction). The second cover <NUM> is at least partially connected to the inside of the first cover <NUM>, and slides along the inner surface of the first cover <NUM> in any one of the first direction (x-axis direction) and the second direction (-x-axis direction). The first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> may be disposed to surround an edge of the display <NUM> while the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> are sliding. Various electronic elements related to driving the display <NUM>, electronic elements related to various user functions supported by the electronic device <NUM>, batteries, and so on may be disposed on the inner side of the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an exploded perspective view of configurations of an electronic device based on a first direction according to an example of the disclosure. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an exploded perspective view of configurations of an electronic device based on a second direction according to an example of the disclosure. For example, <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a structure in which the display <NUM> is disposed on the covers <NUM> and <NUM> from the fifth direction (-z-axis direction) to a sixth direction (z-axis direction), and <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a structure in which the covers <NUM> and <NUM> and the display <NUM> are disposed in a direction opposite to that in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an example may include the display <NUM>, a first display support member <NUM>, a sliding structure <NUM>, a first sliding support member 121a, a first sliding member 121b, a second sliding support member 122a, a second sliding member 122b, an actuator <NUM>, an actuator support member <NUM>, the first cover <NUM>, and the second cover <NUM>.

According to an example of the disclosure, the display <NUM> may have a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix form, and at least a portion of the display <NUM> may be provided in a flexible form. According to an example of the disclosure, the display <NUM> may include a panel layer on which a plurality of pixels are arranged and a screen is displayed, and an outer protective layer over the panel layer. The outer protective layer may be formed of a polymer structure (e.g., polyimide) or glass. Additionally, the display <NUM> may further include a touch panel layer. As described in <FIG>, the display <NUM> may include the first display region 160a and the second display region 160b. At least a portion of the second display region 160b may be disposed to be wound on the inner side of the second cover <NUM> in the state <NUM>, and may be exposed outside the second cover <NUM> in the state <NUM>. While at least a portion of the second display region 160b is disposed to be wound and thus to be bent relative to a first rotation shaft <NUM> (or a rolling gear part or a rotation shaft member), the remaining portion may be disposed on the back surface of the first display region 160a.

One side of the display <NUM> (e.g., at least a portion of the second display region 160b) may be mounted on the inner side of at least one of the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM>. In this state, one side end of the display <NUM> disposed on the inner side of the electronic device <NUM> may be coupled (or fastened, or connected, or engaged)) to an elastic member.

The elastic force of the elastic member acts on the display <NUM> as a tension while the second display region 160b of the display <NUM> is exposed to the outside, and thus the repulsive force in the bent portion of the display <NUM> is canceled out. In this way, the wound portion of the display <NUM> may be maintained uniformly.

The first display support member <NUM> may have a specified rigidity and may support the display <NUM>. For example, at least a portion of the first display support member <NUM> may be provided as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and a surface thereof facing the display <NUM> may be formed to be flat. According to an example of the disclosure, at least a portion of the first display support member <NUM> may be provided as an injection material (e.g., a structure containing magnesium). In the state <NUM>, a first surface of the first display support member <NUM> (e.g., a surface observed in the z-axis direction) may face the back surface of the first display region 160a (e.g., a surface observed in the -z-axis direction). A second surface of the first display support member <NUM> (e.g., a surface observed in the - z-axis direction) may be disposed to face the upper surface of the sliding structure <NUM> (e.g., a surface observed in the z-axis direction).

The first display support member <NUM> may have a sidewall 140a formed on one side, and may include a flat region 140b perpendicular to the sidewall 140a and supporting the portion of the display <NUM>. Accordingly, a cross-section of the first display support member <NUM> may be provided in an "L" shape. The sidewall 140a may be coupled with at least one of a guard member <NUM> of the first cover <NUM> and a fixing part <NUM> of the sliding structure <NUM>. According to various examples of the disclosure, additional sidewalls for supporting the first sliding member 121b and the second sliding member 122b may be disposed on both side edges of the first display support member <NUM> (e.g., both side edges adjacent to the sidewall 140a), respectively.

At least one guide rail 140c may be formed on the back surface of the first display support member <NUM> (a surface observed in the -z-axis direction). The guide rail 140c may be provided as a groove having a predetermined length on the back surface of the first display support member <NUM>. At least portions of the first sliding support member 121a and the second sliding support member 122a may be seated on the guide rail 140c.

At least a portion of the sliding structure <NUM> may be coupled with the second cover <NUM>, and may be slid with sliding of the second cover <NUM>. Alternatively, the sliding structure <NUM> may be moved by an actuator. In this regard, a separate physical button capable of instructing the driving of the actuator may be disposed in the electronic device <NUM> or a menu related to driving the actuator may be output on the display screen of the display <NUM>. As at least a portion of the sliding structure <NUM> is moved in the first direction while the second cover <NUM> is moved in the first direction (x-axis direction), the disposition direction of the second display region 160b of the display <NUM> fixed to the sliding structure <NUM> may be changed from the sixth direction (-z-axis direction) to the fifth direction (z-axis direction).

The sliding structure <NUM> may include the fixing part <NUM>, a second display support member <NUM>, a first panel support <NUM>, the first rotation shaft <NUM>, and a connecting part <NUM>.

The fixing part <NUM> may be formed to have a predetermined length in the third direction (y-axis direction) (e.g., a length corresponding to the long axis of the sidewall 140a of the first display support member <NUM>). The fixing part <NUM> may be disposed side by side with the guard member <NUM> of the second cover <NUM>. Alternatively, the fixing part <NUM> may be disposed side by side with the sidewall 140a of the first display support member <NUM>. At least a portion of the fixing part <NUM> may be coupled with at least one of the guard member <NUM> and the sidewall 140a. In this regard, at least one hole penetrating the front and back surfaces (e.g., from the y-axis direction to the -y-axis direction) may be disposed on one side of the fixing part <NUM>.

The second display support member <NUM> may be disposed such that the upper surface (e.g., a surface observed in the z-axis) faces the lower surface (e.g., a surface observed in the -z-axis) of the first display support member <NUM> in the state <NUM>. The lower surface of the second display support member <NUM> (e.g., the surface observed in the -z-axis) may be disposed to face at least a portion of the inner side of the first cover <NUM> or the inner side of the second cover <NUM>. At least one hardware (e.g., a printed circuit board and a battery) related to driving the electronic device <NUM> may be disposed on the inner side of the second display support member <NUM>. The second display support member <NUM> may be moved together with the movement of the second cover <NUM>. While the second display support member <NUM> is moved in the first direction (x-axis direction), at least a portion of the first panel support <NUM>, which has been in a state of being disposed on the lower surface of the second display support member <NUM>, may be moved to the upper surface of the second display support member <NUM>.

The first panel support <NUM> may have a shape in which a plurality of protrusions (or pillars, long bars, or slates) with a predetermined length in the third direction (y-axis direction) are disposed at certain intervals. At least a portion of the first panel support <NUM> may form a track, and may move (or slide) a portion of the display (e.g., the second display region 160b) disposed on the track. The length of one side of the protrusions may correspond to the length of one side of the display <NUM>. The first panel support <NUM> may be disposed to surround at least a portion of the second display support member <NUM>. The plurality of protrusions constituting the first panel support <NUM> may be disposed such that the surface facing the back surface of the display <NUM> is flat, and the part disposed to be directed toward the inner side of the sliding structure <NUM> (e.g., the part facing the first rotation shaft <NUM>) may be formed to protrude. For example, on the lower surface (e.g., one surface of the protrusions facing the sliding structure) of the first panel support <NUM>, peaks and troughs of gear may be repeatedly formed. With the sliding, among the plurality of protrusions constituting the first panel support <NUM>, the protrusions disposed on the upper surface of the second display support member <NUM> may be continuously disposed with other neighboring protrusions, forming a flat surface. Among the plurality of protrusions constituting the first panel support <NUM>, protrusions disposed at the position facing the first rotation shaft <NUM> may be disposed to be spaced apart from neighboring protrusions at certain intervals. The first panel support <NUM> may include a connecting chain or connecting shaft connecting a plurality of protrusions. At least one of the plurality of protrusions may be provided as a material that reacts to magnetic force (e.g., a magnetic material (an object that forms an attractive force in reaction to magnetic force) or a magnet).

The first rotation shaft <NUM> (or a rolling gear part, or the rotation shaft member) may have a length similar to the length of one side of the second display support member <NUM> and may be disposed side by side with one side edge of the second display support member <NUM>. The first rotation shaft <NUM> may be provided in a cylindrical rod shape. The centers of both sides of the first rotation shaft <NUM> may be formed to protrude more than the surroundings. The protruding centers of both sides of the first rotation shaft <NUM> may be mounted on one side of the second cover <NUM>. Accordingly, the first rotation shaft <NUM> may rotate while the second cover <NUM> is moved in the first direction (x-axis direction). At least a portion of the first rotation shaft <NUM> may be geared with the first panel support <NUM>. Alternatively, the first rotation shaft <NUM> may contact at least a portion of the first panel support <NUM>. The disposition form of the first panel support <NUM> may be changed while the first rotation shaft <NUM> rotates. For example, while the first rotation shaft <NUM> rotates in the first rotating direction (e.g., the right hand winding direction), at least a portion of the first panel support <NUM> may be moved to the upper surface (the surface observed in the z-axis direction) of the second display support member <NUM>. While the first rotation shaft <NUM> rotates in the second rotating direction (e.g., the left hand winding direction), at least a portion of the first panel support <NUM> may be moved between the lower surface of the second display support member <NUM> (or second display support member <NUM>) and the second cover <NUM>.

The connecting part <NUM> may connect the fixing part <NUM> and the second display support member <NUM>. In this regard, one side of the connecting part <NUM> may be fixed to a certain position of the fixing part <NUM> (e.g., the center of the fixing part <NUM>), and the other side may be coupled (or fastened, or connected, or engaged) to the lower surface of the second display support member <NUM> (e.g., surface that may be observed in the z-axis). The connecting part <NUM> may include a gear pattern having at least one peak and trough. According to various examples of the disclosure, the connecting part <NUM> may be implemented in a rack form. The second display support member <NUM> may be moved in the first direction (x-axis direction) and the second direction (-x-axis direction) with being coupled (or fastened, or connected, or engaged) to the connecting part <NUM>.

The first sliding support member 121a may be mounted on one side of the first display support member <NUM> and may be coupled to the first sliding member 121b such that the first sliding member 121b is movable. In this regard, the first sliding support member 121a may be disposed side by side with one side of the second display support member <NUM> (e.g., a side surface observed in the -y-axis direction) and may include a support part seated on the guide rail 140c and a protruding part protruding from the support part to allow at least a portion to fasten to the first sliding member 121b.

At least a portion of the first sliding member 121b may be coupled to the first sliding support member (121a) seated on the guide rail (140c), and may be coupled with the second display support member <NUM>. The first sliding member 121b may be formed to correspond at least partially to the shape of one side of the second display support member <NUM> (e.g., a side surface observed in the -y-axis direction).

The second sliding support member 122a has the same shape as the first sliding support member 121a, but may be disposed at a position spaced apart from the first sliding support member 121a by a predetermined distance. For example, the second sliding support member 122a may be disposed at a position opposite to the first sliding support member 121a based on the sliding structure <NUM>. The second sliding support member 122a may be seated at least partially on the guide rail 140c formed on the first display support member <NUM> and may be coupled to the second sliding member 122b.

The second sliding member 122b may be coupled to one side of the second sliding support member 122a and may be coupled with the second display support member <NUM>. The second sliding member 122b may be disposed at a position opposite to the first sliding member 121b based on the sliding structure <NUM>.

The actuator <NUM> may generate power by receiving electric power from a battery included in the electronic device <NUM>. A pinion gear may be disposed on one side of the actuator <NUM>, and the pinion gear may operate on a rack formed on one side of the sliding structure <NUM>. Accordingly, according to the operation, the actuator <NUM> may operate to be disposed close to the guard member <NUM> in the state <NUM>, and may operate to be moved in a direction away from the guard member <NUM> (or a direction toward the second cover <NUM>) in the state <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> may be disposed in the longitudinal direction (e.g., y-axis or -y-axis direction) of the sliding structure <NUM>. In the illustrated drawing, two actuators are illustrated as being arranged on the same axis.

The actuator support member <NUM> may support one side of the body of the actuator <NUM>. The actuator support member <NUM> may be moved together with the movement of the actuator <NUM>.

The first cover <NUM> may include a cover base 181a including a bottom surface on which at least a portion of the sliding structure <NUM> is seated and sidewalls disposed to surround edges of the sliding structure <NUM> (e.g., side portions disposed at the ends in the y-axis direction and the -y-axis direction), the guard member <NUM> fixing the first display support member <NUM> and the fixing part <NUM> in a state where the sidewall 140a of the first display support member <NUM> and the fixing part <NUM> are disposed, and a fastening part 181b fastening the guard member <NUM>. The fastening part 181b is disposed on the side of the first cover <NUM> in the second direction (-x-axis direction), and at least a portion of the first cover <NUM> in the second direction (-x-axis direction) may be closed as the guard member <NUM> is coupled to the fastening part 181b. The first cover <NUM> may be in an open state in the first direction (x-axis direction), and the second cover <NUM> may be coupled to the first cover <NUM> in the first direction (x-axis direction).

The second cover <NUM> may be coupled to the first cover <NUM> in the first direction (x-axis direction). The second cover <NUM> may include a bottom surface on which at least a portion of the sliding structure <NUM> is seated and sidewalls (e.g., sidewalls disposed in the x-direction, the y-axis direction, and the -y-axis direction) that surround side surfaces of the sliding structure <NUM>. The second cover <NUM> may be moved in the first direction (x-axis direction) or the second direction (-x-axis direction) in a state in which the sliding structure <NUM> is seated thereon. In this case, the disposition form and position of the second cover <NUM> may be changed according to the actuator operation.

In the electronic device <NUM> according to an example having the above-described structure, at least some of the plurality of protrusions constituting the first panel support <NUM> may include a magnet member or a magnetic material. Further, at least a portion of the first rotation shaft <NUM> may include a magnet member or a magnetic material. Accordingly, the first panel support <NUM> on which the display <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> is seated may prevent the display <NUM> from being lifted by magnetic force in the process of coming into contact with the first rotation shaft <NUM> (or offset the repulsive force caused by warping of the display). As a result, the flatness of the display <NUM> around the first rotation shaft <NUM> may be maintained within a specified range.

Meanwhile, in the above description, a structure in which various components of the electronic device <NUM> are disposed has been described; however, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device <NUM> according to an example of the disclosure may include a display, a first cover surrounding one side of the display, a panel support disposed on one side of the display, a rotation shaft contacting the panel support, and a second cover coupled to the first cover and the rotation shaft, and other components may be added or excluded as necessary. In addition, at least one of the elastic members, magnetic force-related members (at least one of a magnetic material that reacts to magnetic force or a magnet), and gear structures described in <FIG> may be selectively further added or excluded. The electronic device <NUM> described above may include an actuator, and may operate such that the second display region 160b is automatically expanded or reduced according to the actuator control. Alternatively, in the electronic device <NUM>, as the second cover <NUM> is moved in the first direction (x-axis direction) by the external pressure applied to the second cover <NUM>, the sliding structure <NUM> and the first rotation shaft <NUM>, which are engaged with the second cover <NUM>, may be rotated, which may, in turn, make the second display region 160b expanded or reduced in a manual manner.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a portion of an internal structure of an electronic device according to an example of the disclosure. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating at least a portion of a cross-section of an electronic device taken along line A-A' of <FIG> according to an example of the disclosure. Here, <FIG> is a diagram illustrating at least a portion of the back surface of the electronic device with the cover removed.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an example may include at least the first display support member <NUM>, the first panel support <NUM>, the actuator <NUM>, and the first rotation shaft <NUM>, and an elastic member <NUM>. According to various examples of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may further include the display <NUM>, the first cover <NUM>, and the second cover <NUM>, as described above with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

On one side of the first display support member <NUM>, a fixing groove <NUM> allowing one side of the elastic member <NUM> to be fixed may be disposed. For example, when the elastic member <NUM> is provided in a spring shape, at least a portion of the fixing groove <NUM> may have a ring shape on which one side of the elastic member is mounted to fix one side of the elastic member <NUM>. The fixing groove <NUM> may also be provided in a hole shape including a ring.

One side of the elastic member <NUM> may be fixed to the first display support member <NUM>, and the other side of the elastic member <NUM> may be fixed to one side of the first panel support <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> may have a stretched state. In this way, the stretched elastic member <NUM> may exert a greater elastic force to the first panel support <NUM>. As the elastic force of the elastic member <NUM> acts such that one side end of the first panel support <NUM> is directed in the second direction (-x-axis direction), at least a portion of the display <NUM> and the first panel support <NUM> may maintain a predetermined flatness.

One or more elastic members <NUM> may be disposed based on at least one of the size of the first panel support <NUM> and the stretching characteristics of the first panel support <NUM> (e.g., the magnitude of the stretching force or the amount of the tension). For example, two elastic members <NUM> may be disposed on both side edges of the first panel support <NUM>, respectively, as illustrated. Alternatively, one elastic member <NUM> may be disposed at a central position of the first panel support <NUM>. Alternatively, three or more elastic members <NUM> may be connected to the first panel support <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> may be formed of at least one of various materials capable of providing an elastic force of a specified magnitude or more, such as spring and rubber.

The first panel support <NUM> may include connecting holes <NUM> through which the elastic member <NUM> is possible to be connected. As described above, the first panel support <NUM> may be constituted by a plurality of protrusions which are sequentially disposed. Among the plurality of protrusions, protrusions disposed on one side (e.g., an end in the -x-axis direction) may have a wider width than other adjacent protrusions in order to form the connecting holes <NUM>. The number of connecting holes <NUM> may be formed to correspond to the number of elastic members <NUM>. For example, if a plurality of the elastic members <NUM> are disposed, a plurality of the connecting holes <NUM> may also be disposed.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a portion of a configuration of an electronic device related to maintenance of flatness according to an example of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an example may include the display <NUM>, the first panel support <NUM>, and the first rotation shaft <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates only a portion of the configuration of the electronic device <NUM>, and may further include at least some of other configurations of the electronic device described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

The display <NUM> may correspond to the display <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. For example, the display <NUM> may include the first display region 160a whose disposition state is fixed regardless of sliding of the second cover <NUM>, and the second display region 160b whose the disposition state is changed with sliding of the second cover <NUM>.

The first panel support <NUM> may be disposed under the second display region 160b of the display <NUM> to support the second display region 160b. The first panel support <NUM> may include a plurality of protrusions 170a,. , and 170b. The plurality of protrusions 170a,. , and 170b may be formed such that the upper surface (the surface facing the second display region 160b) and the lower surface (the surface opposite to the second display region 160b) have the same area. In this case, the plurality of protrusions 170a,. , and 170b may be disposed to be spaced apart at certain intervals. According to various examples of the disclosure, in the plurality of protrusions 170a,. , and 170b, the upper surface may have a relatively wide surface as compared to the lower surface. In this case, the first gap 501a between individual upper surfaces of the plurality of protrusions 170a,. , and 170b may be formed to be smaller than a second gap 501b between individual lower surfaces. Corresponding to the movement of the second cover <NUM>, the lower surfaces of the plurality of protrusions 170a,. , and 170b may move while contacting the first rotation shaft <NUM>.

According to an example of the disclosure, at least some of the plurality of protrusions 170a,. , and 170b included in the first panel support <NUM> may be formed of a magnetic material (e.g., an iron, an iron alloy, or an object magnetized to a magnet, which forms an attractive force in reaction to a magnetic force). According to an example of the disclosure, among the plurality of protrusions 170a,. , and 170b of the first panel support <NUM>, at least one protrusion disposed adjacent to the boundary between the first display region 160a and the second display region 160b may be formed of a magnetic material. Alternatively, a first protrusion group 170a (or at least one first protrusion) disposed close to the side edge of the first display region 160a in the first direction (x-axis direction) may be formed of a magnetic material. Accordingly, in the rolled state (e.g., the state <NUM> of <FIG>), where the electronic device <NUM> is disposed such that only the first display region 160a is exposed, the first protrusion group 170a may maintain the contact state with the first rotation shaft <NUM>. As the first protrusion group 170a maintains the contact state with the first rotation shaft <NUM> based on the magnetic force, the first display region 160a may maintain flatness within a specified size. In the illustrated drawing, the first protrusion group 170a and a second protrusion group 170b are illustrated in a form including a plurality of protrusions, respectively; however, the disclosure is not limited thereto. At least one of the first protrusion group 170a and the second protrusion group 170b may include a plurality of protrusions, respectively, or may include only one protrusion, respectively, and when the first protrusion group 170a (or the second protrusion group 170b) includes one protrusion, the second protrusion group 170b (or the first protrusion group 170a) may include a plurality of protrusions.

According to various examples of the disclosure, in an unfolded state (e.g., the state <NUM> of <FIG> ), where the electronic device <NUM> is disposed such that the first display region 160a and at least a portion of the second display region 160b are exposed together, the second protrusion group 170b including at least one protrusion disposed on one side edge of the second display region 160b (e.g., an end edge in the opposite direction based on a boundary with the first display region 160a) may maintain the contact state with the first rotation shaft <NUM>. As the second protrusion group 170b maintains the contact state with the first rotation shaft <NUM> based on the magnetic force, the first display region 160a and the second display region 160b may maintain flatness within a specified range.

At least a portion of the first rotation shaft <NUM> may be in contact with at least some of the plurality of protrusions of the first panel support <NUM>. The first rotation shaft <NUM> may rotate with the operation of the actuator <NUM>. Alternatively, the first rotation shaft <NUM> may rotate with the movement of the second cover <NUM> in the x-axis direction. While the first rotation shaft <NUM> rotates, the positions of the protrusions of the first panel support <NUM> contacting the first rotation shaft <NUM> may be changed. At least a portion of the first rotation shaft <NUM> may be formed of a magnetic member (or permanent magnet or electromagnet). According to an example of the disclosure, the first rotation shaft <NUM> may be provided in a cylindrical rod shape. The first rotation shaft <NUM> may at least partially include a magnet member that contacts an upper end (end in the y-axis direction) and a lower end (end in the -y-axis direction) of the second display region 160b. For example, in the first rotation shaft <NUM>, at least one of a certain portion 155a disposed close to the end of the second display region 160b in the y-axis direction, a certain portion 155b disposed close to the end of the second display region 160b in the -y-axis direction, and the central part 155c of the second display region 160b may include a magnet member of a specified size.

According to various examples of the disclosure, the first rotation shaft <NUM> may be provided in a cylindrical rod shape, may include a coil wound a certain number of times on the inner side, and may become an electromagnet by using electric power supplied from a battery of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an example of the disclosure, the processor of the electronic device <NUM> may perform control such that at least a portion of the first rotation shaft <NUM> becomes an electromagnet by supplying electric power to the first rotation shaft <NUM> in at least one of a state in which the second display region 160b is wound (e.g., the state <NUM> in <FIG>) and a state in which the second display region 160b is unfolded (e.g., the state <NUM> of <FIG>). Accordingly, the first panel support <NUM> including a plurality of protrusions, at least a portion of which is formed of a magnetic material, contacts the first rotation shaft <NUM> based on the magnetic force in the state <NUM> and the state <NUM>, respectively, thereby making it possible to maintain the flatness of the specified size.

In the illustrated drawing, the plurality of protrusions are divided into the first protrusion group 170a and a second protrusion group 170b; however, the number of protrusions belonging to each protrusion group is not limited. For example, the first protrusion group 170a may include protrusions disposed relatively close to the first display region 160a, and the second protrusion group 170b may include protrusions disposed relatively far away from the first display region 160a. The first protrusion group 170a and the second protrusion group 170b may be described as including all the plurality of protrusions, or additional protrusions may be disposed between the first protrusion group 170a and the second protrusion group 170b. According to various examples of the disclosure, in a state in which a portion of the display <NUM> is wound (e.g., a state before the sliding of the second cover <NUM> for expanding the display region), protrusions at least partially contacting the first rotation shaft <NUM> may belong to the first protrusion group 170a. Accordingly, the number of protrusions belonging to the first protrusion group 170a may be changed according to the size of the first rotation shaft <NUM> or the size of the protrusions and the interval between the protrusions.

The first panel support <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> may further include at least one elastic member <NUM>, which has been described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. In this case, as the elastic member <NUM> pulls the first panel support <NUM> in the second direction (-x-axis direction), the lifting of the second display region 160b is eliminated (or the bending repulsion is eliminated), and thus the display <NUM> may maintain flatness within a specified size. In this state, at least one of the plurality of protrusions contacts the first rotation shaft <NUM> by magnetic force, and as a result, the flatness of the display <NUM> may be further enhanced in addition to the elasticity of the elastic member <NUM>.

Meanwhile, an example has been described above in which, among the plurality of protrusions included in the first panel support <NUM>, the first protrusion group 170a disposed close to the first display region 160a and the second protrusion group 170b disposed far away from the first display region 160a (or relatively close to the elastic member <NUM>) are formed of a magnetic material; however, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, all the protrusions included in the first panel support <NUM> may be formed of a magnetic material, or when a protrusion disclosed closet to the first display region 160a among a plurality of continuously disposed protrusions is designated as first, odd-numbered (or even-numbered) or the N-th protrusions may be formed of a magnetic material and the remaining protrusions may be formed of a non-magnetic material. In addition, the first rotation shaft <NUM> may be formed of a magnetic material, and at least some of the plurality of protrusions disposed on the first panel support <NUM> may be formed of a magnetic member (e.g., permanent magnet).

According to various examples of the disclosure, at least a portion of at least one of the first rotation shaft <NUM> and the first panel support <NUM> may be provided as a magnetic member (e.g., a magnet), and at least a portion of at least one of the rests one may be a magnetic material that generates an attractive force with the magnetic material. For example, if at least a portion of the first rotation shaft <NUM> is formed of a magnetic member, at least a portion of the first panel support <NUM> may be formed of a magnetic material. Alternatively, at least one of the protrusions constituting the first panel support <NUM> or at least some of specific protrusions may be formed of a magnetic material. Alternatively, if at least a portion of the first rotation shaft <NUM> is formed of a magnetic material, at least a portion of the first panel support <NUM> may be formed of a magnetic member. Alternatively, at least portions of the first rotation shaft <NUM> and the first panel support <NUM> may be all a magnetic member.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a portion of a configuration of an electronic device related to prevention of display damage according to an example of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an example may include the display <NUM>, the first display support member <NUM>, the sliding structure <NUM>, the first panel support <NUM>, and the first rotation shaft <NUM>, the second cover <NUM>, the elastic member <NUM>, and the first magnetic force-related member <NUM>. Furthermore, the electronic device <NUM> may further include the first cover <NUM> and the protective member <NUM>.

The display <NUM> may include the first display region 160a and the second display region 160b. When the electronic device <NUM> is in the state of being wound (e.g., the state <NUM> of <FIG> or the state before the sliding of the second cover <NUM> for expanding the display <NUM>), the first display region 160a may include, for example, as illustrated, a region exposed upward (e.g., in the z-axis direction), and the second display region 160b may include a region disposed between the sliding structure <NUM> and the second cover <NUM>. The first protrusion group 170a disposed at one side end of the first panel support <NUM> (e.g., a left region of the second display region 160b, (e.g., a region disposed adjacent to the first display region 160a)) may be disposed to be in contact with the first rotation shaft <NUM>. Here, at least one of the one or more protrusions included in the first protrusion group 170a may be formed of a magnetic material, and the first rotation shaft <NUM> may be formed of a magnet member. Alternatively, at least one of one or more protrusions included in the first protrusion group 170a may be formed of a magnetic member and the first rotation shaft <NUM> may be formed of a magnetic material, as described above with reference to <FIG>.

The first magnetic force-related member <NUM> is disposed on one side of the sliding structure <NUM>, and, may be disposed at a position adjacent to the back portion of the first panel support <NUM> in a wound state. The first magnetic force-related member <NUM>, may include, for example, a member capable of generating an attractive force to at least some of the plurality of protrusions included in the first panel support <NUM> (e.g., the second protrusion group 170b). According to an example of the disclosure, the first magnetic force-related member <NUM> may be formed of a permanent magnet. The first magnetic force-related member <NUM> may move the second display region 160b upward (e.g., the z-axis direction) while the second display region 160b is disposed between the sliding structure <NUM> and the second cover <NUM>, which makes it possible to prevent at least a portion of the second display region 160b from contacting the second cover <NUM>. Accordingly, the electronic device <NUM> may prevent the second display region 160b from being damaged by the second cover <NUM>. In this regard, at least some of the plurality of protrusions (e.g., the second protrusion group 170b) disposed in the second display region 160b may be provided in a configuration capable of forming an attractive force to the first magnetic force-related member <NUM> (e.g., a magnetic material (an object that forms an attractive force in reaction to magnetic force) or a magnet (an object that directly generates magnetic force)). In the above description, the second protrusion group 170b may include at least some of the remaining protrusions other than those of the first protrusion group 170a.

The elastic member <NUM> pulls the second display region 160b in a second direction (-x-axis direction), thereby providing tension to the second display region 160b while reducing friction between the second display region 160b and the second cover <NUM>, which makes it possible to provide support such that the display region of the part on which the first rotation shaft <NUM> is disposed has a flatness of a specified size or more.

The protective member <NUM> may be disposed between the sliding structure <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> or between the second display region 160b and the second cover <NUM>. Alternatively, the protective member <NUM> is formed on at least a portion of the inner surface of the second cover <NUM> (e.g., a surface observed in the z-side direction), and may be disposed in a region facing the second display region 160b. The protective member <NUM> may protect at least a portion of the second display region 160b when the display <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> is wound (e.g., the state <NUM> of <FIG>). The protective member <NUM> may be formed of a material having a friction force equal to or less than a specified size, such as velvet, leather, paper, and wool. At least one component <NUM> (e.g., battery or printed circuit board (PCB)) related to driving the electronic device <NUM> may be disposed under the protective member <NUM> (e.g., in the -z-axis direction). According to various examples of the disclosure, the at least one component <NUM> related to driving the electronic device <NUM> may be disposed in the inner side of the sliding structure <NUM>. The protective member <NUM> may be disposed between the second display region 160b and the at least one component <NUM> of the electronic device, which makes it possible to prevent at least one of damage to the second display region 160b or damage to the at least one component <NUM> of the electronic device, caused by friction between the second display region 160b and the at least one component <NUM> of the electronic device.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment covered by the claims includes the first display support member <NUM>, the sliding structure <NUM>, the display <NUM>, a second panel support 170a, a second rotation shaft 155a, and may include a second magnetic force-related member 158a. Alternatively, the electronic device <NUM> may further include the protective member <NUM>. According to various examples of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one of the components described with reference to <FIG>. According to various examples of the disclosure, the protective member <NUM> may be disposed between the second display region 160b and the at least one component <NUM> of the electronic device, which makes it possible to prevent damage caused by friction between the second display region 160b and the at least one component <NUM> of the electronic device.

The display <NUM> includes the first display region 160a whose position is fixed, and the second display region 160b whose position is changed. An upper surface (e.g., a surface directed to the z-axis) of the first display support member <NUM> may be disposed under the display <NUM>. The second panel support 170a including a plurality of protrusions is disposed under the second display region 160b of the display <NUM>.

The lower surface of each protrusion included in the second panel support 170a (e.g., the surface directed to the -z axis) includes a hook pattern. The hook pattern includes a hook ring 170a_1 protruding in a direction opposite to the protruding direction of the hook pattern formed on the second rotation shaft 155a. According to an example of the disclosure, the hook ring 170a_1 of the second panel support 170a may be disposed in the second direction (-x axis) based on the upper surface (e.g., the surface exposed in the z-axis) of the second display region 160b. According to various examples of the disclosure, when the second display region 160b is disposed between the second cover <NUM> and the sliding structure <NUM>, the hook ring 170a_1 of the second panel support 170a disposed in the second display region 160b may be disposed to be directed in the first direction (the x-axis direction). The hook ring 170a_1 may be formed on one side of the lower surface of the corresponding protrusion.

The second rotation shaft 155a is provided in a cylindrical rod shape, and at least one hook pattern 155a_1 may be regularly disposed on the outer surface at certain intervals. The hook pattern 155a_1 is formed to correspond to the hook ring 170a_1 formed on the second panel support 170a. According to various examples of the disclosure, the hook pattern 155a_1 may be partially disposed on the second rotation shaft 155a. For example, the hook pattern 155a_1 may be formed on at least one of one side edge, the other side edge, and the center of the second rotation shaft 155a provided in a cylindrical rod shape.

The second magnetic force-related member 158a may play the same role as the first magnetic force-related member <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>. For example, the second magnetic force-related member 158a may be disposed adjacent to the second panel support 170a, and may generate an attractive force to at least one of the plurality of protrusions disposed on the second panel support 170a. In this regard, the second magnetic force-related member 158a may be provided as a magnet or a magnetic material, and at least a portion of the second panel support 170a may be provided as a magnetic material or a magnet. Alternatively, both the second magnetic force-related member 158a and the second panel support 170a may be formed of a magnet. The second magnetic force-related member 158a may include a plurality of magnetic materials or magnets spaced apart at specified intervals. The second magnetic force-related member 158a may be provided in a plate shape with a relatively long length in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the longitudinal direction of the rod of the second rotation shaft 155a).

In the electronic device <NUM> having the above-described structure, the second panel support 170a and the second rotation shaft 155a are temporarily ring-coupled in the process of contacting each other, making them to come into close contact with each other. Accordingly, as the second panel support 170a maintains a stable contact state with the second rotation shaft 155a, the second display region 160b in the vicinity of the second rotation shaft 155a does not protrude or bend outward (e.g., z-axis direction), and thus flatness may be kept constant.

Meanwhile, in the above description, the shape of the hook pattern 155a_1 protruding from the surface of the cylindrical rod includes hook grooves (or recesses) that are cut into a surface of the outside of the cylindrical rod. At least some of the hook grooves are temporarily coupled to hook rings disposed on the panel support while the display <NUM> is expanded or returned to its original state. Alternatively, when the expansion or reduction of the display <NUM> is stopped, at least some of the hook holes may maintain a fastened state with the hook rings of the panel support.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an example may include the sliding structure <NUM>, a third panel support 170b, and a third rotation shaft 155b. Furthermore, the electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one of the components of the electronic device <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>.

The third panel support 170b may include peaks protruding at a specified interval and troughs recessed at a specified interval, below the display <NUM>. In the third panel support 170b, for example, a substrate portion 170b_1 and protrusions 170b_2 may be integrated with each other. For example, at least a portion of the third panel support 170b may be formed of a rubber material or a polymer material. As the substrate portion 170b_1 of the third panel support 170b maintains a constant thickness, it is possible to prevent the issue that the third panel support 170b is viewed when the display <NUM> is seen from the outside of the second display region 160b (in the z-axis direction). For example, as described with reference to <FIG>, when the gear patterns are disposed at certain intervals directly on a lower portion of the display <NUM>, the certain intervals are visually recognized as a stripe when viewed from the outside, which may result in deterioration in quality of the display <NUM> in uniformity. As in the third panel support 170b illustrated in <FIG>, if the protrusions 170b_2 are integrally formed with the substrate portion 170b_1, the above-mentioned uniformity quality may be improved.

The third rotation shaft 155b may be provided in a form corresponding to the pattern of the protrusions 170b_2 of the third panel support 170b. For example, the third rotation shaft 155b may be provided in a cylindrical rod shape, and a plurality of stripe-shaped protrusions may be disposed on the rod surface. The plurality of stripe-shaped protrusions may be partially formed for each position of the rod.

According to various examples of the disclosure, at least portions of the third panel support 170b and the third rotation shaft 155b may have magnetism. For example, at least portions of the third panel support 170b and the third rotation shaft 155b may be formed of a rubber magnet. Based on this, as the third panel support 170b comes in close contact to the third rotation shaft 155b by magnetic force, the bending of the third panel support 170b on the part of the third rotation shaft 155b is removed, which makes it possible to maintain the flatness of the display <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a structure of an electronic device related to maintenance of flatness according to an example of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> according to an example may include a first cover <NUM>, a second cover <NUM>, and a display <NUM>. The second cover <NUM> may be moved in a vertical axis (e.g., an arrow direction in the illustrated drawing). In this case, as illustrated, the display <NUM> may be expanded and thus a second display region 260b may be secured in addition to an initial first display region 260a. The above-described electronic device <NUM> may employ structures of the panel support and the rotation shaft described above with reference to <FIG>. Accordingly, the electronic device <NUM> may be a roll-type electronic device capable of being expanded in a vertical direction. The electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one of the protective member, the magnetic force-related member, the panel support made of rubber or polymer, and the elastic member mentioned in the above drawings.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating different structures of extension and reduction of an electronic device according to an example of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> according to an example may include at least a display <NUM>, a first cover <NUM>, a second cover <NUM>, a display support member <NUM>, a sliding structure <NUM>, a panel support <NUM>, a first driving unit <NUM> (or configuration including the actuators described in <FIG> and <FIG>), and a second driving unit <NUM> (or configuration including the rotation shaft described in <FIG> and <FIG>).

A display <NUM> may have a configuration substantially the same as or similar to the display <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. For example, the display <NUM> may be provided in a flexible form, may include a panel layer on which a screen is displayed and an outer protective layer (e.g., a polymer structure or ultra-thin glass) disposed over the panel layer, and additionally, may further include a touch panel layer. The display <NUM> may include a first display region 1160a whose region size and position are fixed, and a second display region 1160b whose region size and position are changed. One side edge of the first display region 1160a and one side edge of the second display region 1160b may be continuously disposed. For example, the second display region 1160b may disposed to extend from one side edge of the first display region 1160a. The second display region 1160b may be disposed to be at least partially rolled into the inner side of the second cover <NUM> or to be taken out from the inner side of the second cover <NUM> to be directed in the same direction as the first display region <NUM>. The display support member <NUM> may be disposed under the first display region 1160a, and the panel support <NUM> may be disposed at a back surface of the second display region 1160b.

The first cover <NUM> may include a bottom surface on which at least a portion of the sliding structure <NUM> is seated and sidewalls disposed to surround side edges of the sliding structure <NUM>. The first cover <NUM> may have substantially the same configuration as the first cover <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. The first cover <NUM> may have an open state in the first direction (e.g., the right direction in the illustrated drawing), and the second cover <NUM> may be coupled to the first cover <NUM> in the first direction so as to be slidable.

The second cover <NUM> may be coupled to the first cover <NUM> in the first direction. The second cover <NUM> may have substantially the same configuration as the second cover <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. For example, the second cover <NUM> may include a bottom surface on which at least a portion of the sliding structure <NUM> is seated and sidewalls surrounding the side surfaces of the sliding structure <NUM>. The second cover <NUM> may be moved in a first direction or in a second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., the left direction based on the illustrated drawing) in a state in which the sliding structure <NUM> is seated. In this case, the disposition form or position of the second cover <NUM> may be changed according to the operations of the first driving unit <NUM> and the second driving unit <NUM>.

The display support member <NUM> may have a specified rigidity and may support the display <NUM>. For example, as at least a portion of the surface of the display support member <NUM> facing the display <NUM> is formed to be flat, the display support member <NUM> may be disposed to face the back surface of the display <NUM>. At least a portion of the display support member <NUM> may be seated and fixed in the first cover <NUM>. For example, the display support member <NUM> may be disposed and fixed between the first cover <NUM> and the back surface of the display <NUM>. At least a portion of such a display support member <NUM> may be formed of a metal material (e.g., aluminum or aluminum alloy). According to an example of the disclosure, at least a portion of the display support member <NUM> may be provided as an injection material (e.g., a structure containing magnesium). In a state <NUM>, a first surface of the display support member <NUM> (e.g., a surface facing the back surface of the display <NUM>) may be disposed to face the back surface of the first display region 1160a, and a second surface of the display support member <NUM> opposite to the first surface of the display support member <NUM> may be disposed to face the upper surface of the sliding structure <NUM>. The display support member <NUM> may be provided to have a cross section of an "L" shape which is rotated by <NUM> degrees in the counterclockwise direction.

At least one guide rail 1140c may be formed on the back surface of the display support member <NUM> (e.g., at least a portion of the display support member <NUM> facing the first driving unit <NUM>). The at least one guide rail 1140c may be provided in a repeated pattern of peaks and troughs of a gear having a predetermined length on the back surface of the display support member <NUM>. At least a portion of a ring gear of the first driving unit <NUM> having gear grooves on the outer surface may be seated on the at least one guide rail 1140c. The at least one guide rail 1140c may be disposed on at least a portion of the back surface of the display support member <NUM> (e.g., a surface opposite to the surface directed toward the display <NUM>). For example, two guide rails may be disposed biasedly toward both edges of the display support member <NUM>. The width of the at least one guide rail 1140c may have a size corresponding to the width of the ring gear of the first driving unit <NUM> (e.g., size equal to or greater than the size of the ring gear). The length of the at least one guide rail 1140c may have a length corresponding to the maximum extension length of the second cover <NUM>.

At least a portion of the sliding structure <NUM> may be coupled with the second cover <NUM>, and may be slid with the sliding of the second cover <NUM>. Alternatively, the sliding structure <NUM> may be moved by the operation of the first driving unit <NUM>. In this regard, a separate physical button capable of instructing the driving of the first driving unit <NUM> may be disposed in the electronic device <NUM> or a menu related to driving the first driving unit <NUM> may be output on the display screen of the display <NUM>. As at least a portion of the sliding structure <NUM> is moved in the first direction as in a state <NUM> while the second cover <NUM> is moved in the first direction, the disposition direction of the second display region 1160b of the display <NUM> fixed to the sliding structure <NUM> may be changed from a display back surface direction (e.g., a direction opposite to the direction in which the first display region 1160a is directed) to a display front surface direction (e.g., a direction in which the first display region 1160a is directed).

The sliding structure <NUM> may be disposed between the display support member <NUM> and the first cover <NUM> or at least partially side by side with the display support member <NUM>, and may have at least some of various structures related to driving the electronic device <NUM> disposed inside. For example, a portion of the sliding structure <NUM> may have an upper surface facing the back surface of the display support member <NUM>, and may have at least one of a battery, a printed circuit board, a camera, and a sensor disposed inside. The sliding structure <NUM> may move together with the second cover <NUM> in the first direction or in the second direction opposite to the first direction, with the operation of the first driving unit <NUM>. The sliding structure <NUM> may have the same structure as at least a portion of the sliding structure <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

The panel support <NUM> may have a shape in which a plurality of protrusions (or pillars, long bars, or slates) having a predetermined length in the third direction, which is opposite to the direction in which the first display region 1160a is directed, are disposed at certain intervals. At least a portion of the panel support <NUM> may form a track, and may move (or slide) a portion of the display (e.g., the second display region 1160b) disposed on the track. The plurality of protrusions constituting the panel support <NUM> may be disposed such that the surface facing the back surface of the display <NUM> is flat, and the part disposed to be directed toward the inner side of the sliding structure <NUM> (e.g., the part contacting the gear pattern of the second driving unit <NUM>) may be formed to protrude. For example, on the lower surface (e.g., one surface of the protrusions facing the sliding structure <NUM>) of the panel support <NUM>, peaks and troughs of the gear may be repeatedly formed. Among the plurality of protrusions constituting the panel support <NUM>, protrusions disposed at the position facing the gear pattern of the second driving unit <NUM> may be disposed to be spaced apart from neighboring protrusions at certain intervals. The panel support <NUM> may include a connecting chain or connecting shaft connecting a plurality of protrusions. As described above, at least one of the plurality of protrusions of the panel support <NUM> may be provided as a material that reacts to magnetic force (e.g., a magnetic material (an object that forms an attractive force in reaction to magnetic force) or a magnet).

The first driving unit <NUM> may generate power by receiving electric power from a battery included in the electronic device <NUM>. The first driving unit <NUM> may be at least partially coupled to the at least one guide rail 1140c formed on the back surface of the display support member <NUM>, and may use the generated power to make the gear work for movement along the at least one guide rail 1140c in the first direction (or the second direction opposite to the first direction). The first driving unit <NUM> may operate in conjunction with the second driving unit <NUM>. For example, at least some operations of the first driving unit <NUM> may include an operation of rotating the gear in the same direction as the second driving unit <NUM>.

The second driving unit <NUM> may be disposed to be at least partially coupled to the panel support <NUM>. Accordingly, at least a portion of the second driving unit <NUM> may be disposed under the display <NUM> and an operation for extending and winding the second display region 1160b may be performed. In this regard, at least a portion of the second driving unit <NUM> may include a gear pattern, and the gear pattern may be coupled (or fastened) to at least a portion of the panel support <NUM>. The second driving unit <NUM> may receive electric power from a battery, rotate a body including the gear pattern, and move the panel support <NUM> coupled (or fastened) to the gear pattern in the first direction or the second direction, thereby making it possible to control the extension and reduction of the second display region 1160b. The second driving unit <NUM> may operate in conjunction with the first driving unit <NUM>. For example, at least some operations of the second driving unit <NUM> may operate in the same direction as some operations of the first driving unit <NUM>.

As described above, the electronic device <NUM> according to an example may include the first driving unit <NUM> and the second driving unit <NUM>, and while the electronic device <NUM> changes from the state <NUM> to the state <NUM>, the first driving unit <NUM> may rotate in a first rotation direction (e.g., a rotating direction causing the second cover <NUM> to move in the first direction) and the second driving unit <NUM> may also rotate in the first rotation direction in the same manner. Accordingly, the electronic device <NUM> more stably extends the second cover <NUM> by receiving the force required for the extension of the second cover <NUM> from the first driving unit <NUM> and the second driving unit <NUM>. Similarly for the first driving unit <NUM> and the second driving unit <NUM>, in the process of the electronic device <NUM> returning from the state <NUM> to the state <NUM>, while the first driving unit <NUM> rotates in the second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, the second driving unit <NUM> may also rotate in a second rotation direction. Accordingly, the electronic device <NUM> according to an example may provide enough power to move the second cover <NUM> while changing from the extended state to the reduced state, thereby making it possible to provide more stable support for winding of the display <NUM> and moving of the second cover <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating at least some of components related to driving units among components of an electronic device according to an example of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an example may include the first driving unit <NUM>, the second driving unit <NUM>, a printed circuit board <NUM>, a processor <NUM>, and a memory <NUM>.

The first driving unit <NUM> may include a first ring gear 1030_1a, a second ring gear 1030_1b, a first motor 1030_2, a first connecting shaft 1030_3, and a first wire 1030_4. Additionally, a first ring gear body 1030_5a connected to the first ring gear 1030_1a and a second ring gear body 1030_5b connected to the second ring gear 1030_1b may be included.

The first ring gear 1030_1a is provided in a circular band shape having a predetermined thickness, and may have a shape in which irregularities are regularly arranged on an outer circumferential surface. The first motor 1030_2 may be connected to a side surface of the first ring gear 1030_1a. Accordingly, the first ring gear 1030_1a may rotate in the clockwise direction or in the counterclockwise direction, according to the operating direction of the first motor 1030_2. The irregularities formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first ring gear 1030_1a may be coupled (or fastened) to the at least one guide rail 1140c formed on the back surface of the display support member <NUM> as described above. Accordingly, when the first motor 1030_2 is operated and the first ring gear 1030_1a rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the first ring gear 1030_1a may rotate in the first direction.

In the first motor 1030_2, one side of the central shaft may be coupled with one side surface of the first ring gear 1030_1a. The first motor 1030_2 may operate by receiving electrical power from a battery (not illustrated) connected to the printed circuit board <NUM> via the first wire 1030_4. In this case, the first motor 1030_2 may rotate in the clockwise direction or in the counterclockwise direction according to the operation of the processor <NUM>. The other side of the central shaft of the first motor 1030_2 may be connected to the first connecting shaft 1030_3.

The first connecting shaft 1030_3 may be connected to the other side of the central shaft of the first motor 1030_2 and one side surface of the second ring gear 1030_1b. The first connecting shaft 1030_3 may serve to transmit, to the second ring gear 1030_1b, the force generated while the first motor 1030_2 rotates.

One side of the first wire 1030_4 may be connected to the first motor 1030_2 via the first connecting shaft 1030_3. The other side of the first wire 1030_4 may be connected to one side of the printed circuit board <NUM>. The first wire 1030_4 may transmit, to the first motor 1030_2, electric power from the battery of the electronic device <NUM>. Further, the first wire 1030_4 may transmit, to the first motor 1030_2, a control signal of the processor <NUM> mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM>. The first wire 1030_4 may be provided in various forms, such as a cable or an FPCB.

The second ring gear 1030_1b may be disposed at a position symmetrical to the first ring gear 1030_1a based on a point where the first wire 1030_4 and the first connecting shaft 1030_3 are connected. The second ring gear 1030_1b may be provided in substantially the same shape as or similar shape to the first ring gear 1030_1a. For example, the second ring gear 1030_1b may be provided in a disc-belt shape having a predetermined width, and irregularities may be regularly formed on the outer circumferential surface. The irregularity pattern of the second ring gear 1030_1b may be coupled (or fastened) to the at least one guide rail 1140c formed on the back surface of the display support member <NUM>. The second ring gear 1030_1b may receive, via the first connecting shaft 1030_3, power according to the operation of the first motor 1030_2, and may rotate in the same direction as the first ring gear 1030_1a.

The second driving unit <NUM> may be driven in conjunction with the first driving unit <NUM>. The second driving unit <NUM> may include a first gear part 1055_1a, a second gear part 1055_1b, a second motor 1055_2, a second connecting shaft 1055_3, and a second wire 1055_4.

The outer surface of the first gear part 1055_1a may be formed in a gear pattern. The second motor 1055_2 may be disposed inside the first gear part 1055_1a. The second motor 1055_2 is connected inside the first gear part 1055_1a, and may be disposed to rotate in a specific direction according to the operation of the second motor 1055_2. In this regard, the second motor 1055_2 includes a central shaft, and the central shaft of the second motor 1055_2 may be fastened to or coupled with an inner end of the first gear part 1055_1a.

The second motor 1055_2 may be disposed inside the first gear part 1055_1a, and the central shaft of the second motor 1055_2 may be coupled (or fastened) to the first gear part 1055_1a. The other side of the second motor 1055_2 may be connected to the second connecting shaft 1055_3. The second motor 1055_2 may operate depending on electric power transmitted via the second wire 1055_4, and may transmit power generated according to the operation to the first gear part 1055_1a.

The second connecting shaft 1055_3 may have one end connected to the central shaft of the second motor 1055_2, and the other end connected to one end of the second gear part 1055_1b. In addition, the second wire 1055_4 may be disposed in at least either inside or outside the second connecting shaft 1055_3.

The second wire 1055_4 has one end connected to the second motor 1055_2 via the second connecting shaft 1055_3, and the other end connected to the printed circuit board <NUM>. The second wire 1055_4 may transmit, to the second motor 1055_2, electric power from the battery of the electronic device <NUM>, and may transmit, to the second motor 1055_2, a control signal of the processor <NUM>, which is similar to the first wire 1030_4.

On the other hand, in the above description, an example in which the first motor 1030_2 is disposed on the inner side of the first ring gear 1030_1a, and the second motor 1055_2 is disposed inside the first gear part 1055_1a has been described; however, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the first motor 1030_2 may be disposed outside the first ring gear 1030_1a and may be disposed in a structure in which a rotating force is transmitted to the first ring gear 1030_1a. Similarly to the first motor 1030_2, the second motor 1055_2 may also be disposed outside the first gear part 1055_1a, and may be disposed in a structure in which the force generated by the operation is transmitted to the first gear part 1055_1a.

The printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed between the first driving unit <NUM> and the second driving unit <NUM>. According to an example of the disclosure, the printed circuit board <NUM> may be connected to the first wire 1030_4 for supplying electric power and control signals to the first driving unit <NUM>. In addition, the printed circuit board <NUM> may be connected to the second wire 1055_4 for supplying electric power and control signals to the second driving unit <NUM>. According to various examples of the disclosure, the printed circuit board <NUM> may be at least partially disposed in the sliding structure <NUM> described above, and may move in the first direction or in the second direction opposite to the first direction with the movement of the sliding structure <NUM>. The processor <NUM> and the memory <NUM> may be mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may be mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM>, generate a control signal according to a user input, and transmit the generated signal to the first motor 1030_2 and the second motor 1055_2. For example, the processor <NUM> may generate control signals for controlling the rotation speed and direction of the first motor 1030_2, and the rotation speed and direction of the second motor 1055_2, and transmit the generated control signals to the first motor 1030_2 and the second motor 1055_2 via the first wire 1030_4 and the second wire 1055_4, respectively. According to various examples of the disclosure, the processor <NUM> may generate control signals for controlling the first motor 1030_2 and the second motor 1055_2 to rotate in the same direction to transmit the control signals to the first motor 1030_2 and the second motor 1055_2, respectively. Alternatively, the processor <NUM> may generate a control signal for making the rotation direction of one of the first motor 1030_2 or the second motor 1055_2 different, and supply the generated control signal to the first motor 1030_2 and the second motor 1055_2.

The memory <NUM> may store various setting values related to driving the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the memory <NUM> may store setting values for controlling the first motor 1030_2 and the second motor 1055_2 when the electronic device <NUM> switches between the state <NUM> and the state <NUM>. Alternatively, the memory <NUM> may store event values set to perform expansion or reduction of the second display region 1160b (e.g., automatic expansion when a camera function is executed, automatic reduction when a call function is executed, selection expansion or reduction when an internet search function is executed, and so on).

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an electronic device according to an example of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, regarding the method of operating the electronic device <NUM> according to an example of the disclosure, the processor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may maintain a reduced state of the display <NUM> in operation <NUM>. In the reduced state of the display <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may adjust the rotation directions of the first motor 1030_2 and the second motor 1055_2 such that the second display region 1160b moves to the inner side of the second cover <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may control the first motor 1030_2 and the second motor 1055_2 such that they rotate in the clockwise direction. In this operation, the processor <NUM> may determine the number of rotations of the first motor 1030_2 and the second motor 1055_2. For example, the processor <NUM> may determine, according to the user setting, the first number of rotations used to perform control such that the whole second display region 1160b is displayed on the inner side of the second cover <NUM>, or the numbers of rotations of at least one of the first motor 1030_2 and the second motor 1055_2 used such that a portion of the second display region 1160b is disposed to be directed in the same direction as the first display region 1160a and only a portion is disposed on the inner side of the second cover <NUM>.

According to various examples of the disclosure, the processor <NUM> may adjust the numbers of rotations of the first motor 1030_2 and the second motor 1055_2 corresponding to receiving the user input. In this regard, the display <NUM> may output a screen interface related to size adjustment of the second display region 1160b. The processor <NUM> may determine the size adjustment of the second display region 1160b corresponding to the touch input of the user, and may determine the numbers of rotations of the motors corresponding to the size adjustment. The processor <NUM> may fix the first motor 1030_2 and the second motor 1055_2 after the size adjustment of the second display region 1160b is determined. Alternatively, the processor <NUM> may perform control such that the first motor 1030_2 is fixed and the second motor 1055_2 further rotates by a predetermined angle in a direction opposite to the reduction direction of the second display region 1160b. For example, the processor <NUM> may perform control such that the first motor 1030_2 and the second motor 1055_2 rotates by the same number of rotations, and then the second motor 1055_2 further rotates by a predetermined angle in the clockwise direction. By increasing the tension of the second display region 1160b placed between the first driving unit <NUM> and the second driving unit <NUM> through this, the processor <NUM> may perform control such that the second display region 1160b maintain the flat state without lifting. According to various examples of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may further include a stopper for fixing the second driving unit <NUM> after the second driving unit <NUM> is driven by the additional angle in the clockwise direction. The stopper may serve to temporarily fix the second driving unit <NUM> after the second driving unit <NUM> is further rotated by the additional angle. If the electronic device <NUM> is extended, the stopper may be disposed to temporarily release the fixing of the second driving unit <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may identify whether or not an input signal for extending the display <NUM> is generated. If there is no reception of the input signal for extending the display <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may perform control to maintain the state <NUM>. If the input signal (e.g., a user input) requesting extension of the display <NUM> is generated, the processor <NUM> may control the first driving unit <NUM> and the second driving unit <NUM> to be driven in the counterclockwise direction for a first time period in operation <NUM>. Alternatively, the processor <NUM> may control the numbers of rotations of the first motor 1030_2 of the first driving unit <NUM> and the second motor 1055_2 of the second driving unit <NUM> such that they are rotated by a specified number of rotations. While the first driving unit <NUM> and the second driving unit <NUM> operate for the first time period (or by a first number of rotations), the first driving unit <NUM> moves in the first direction , and the second driving unit <NUM> also moves in the first direction as in the first driving unit <NUM>, rotating the panel support <NUM>, which, in turn, the second display region 1160b positioned on the panel support <NUM> may be repositioned to be directed in the same direction as that of the first display region 1160a.

In operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may stop the first driving unit <NUM> and drive the second driving unit <NUM> by a first angle in a clockwise direction. The first angle may vary depending on the tension of the second display region 1160b. As described above, the processor <NUM> may increase the overall tension of the display <NUM> by driving the second driving unit <NUM> by the first angle in the clockwise direction, which makes it possible to provide support for maintaining a more flat state.

In operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may identify whether or not a signal requesting that the display <NUM> is to be reduced occurs. For example, the processor <NUM> may identify whether or not a user input or a specified application execution event occurs that requests that the display <NUM> is to be reduced. If there is no event requesting that the display is to be reduced, the processor <NUM> may perform control to maintain the extended state of the display <NUM> in operation <NUM>.

If the event requesting that the display <NUM> is to be reduced (e.g., the user input or the specific function execution event) occurs, in operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may drive the second driving unit <NUM> by the first angle in the counterclockwise direction, and drive the first driving unit <NUM> and the second driving unit <NUM> for a second time (or by a second number of rotations) in the clockwise direction, thereby changing the display <NUM> into the reduced state. Here, the second time (or the second number of rotations) may include, for example, a time period substantially the same as the first time period (or the first number of rotations) described above.

As described above, the control method of the electronic device <NUM> according to an example may process the movement of the second display region 1160b and the second cover <NUM> covering it more smoothly by generating and operating power required to expand or reduce the second display region 1160b using the first driving unit <NUM> and the second driving unit <NUM>. In addition, the electronic device <NUM> increases the tension of the display <NUM> by fixing the first driving unit <NUM> and further rotating the second driving unit <NUM> (or the second motor 1055_2) by a specified angle in a clockwise direction in the process of extending or reducing the display <NUM>, which makes it possible to control the display <NUM> to maintain a more flat state.

As described above, an electronic device according to various examples may include a first cover, a second cover coupled (or fastened) to the first cover to slide, a display in which a size of an exposed region is changed corresponding to the sliding of the second cover, a display support member supporting a first region of the display, a sliding structure at least partially disposed under the display support member, a first driving unit at least partially coupled (or fastened) to a guide rail formed on the bottom of the display support member and moving the sliding structure in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction, a panel support including a plurality of protrusions disposed on a back surface of a second region of the display based on a front surface of the display on which a screen is displayed, a second driving unit contacting at least a portion of the panel support and performing a rotation required for winding of the panel support, and at least one processor configured to control operations of the first driving unit and the second driving unit.

According to various examples of the disclosure, the processor may control the first driving unit and the second driving unit to operate in a counterclockwise direction for a same time or by a same number of rotations when an event requesting extension of the display occurs.

According to various examples of the disclosure, the processor may be configured to control the first driving unit to be fixed and the second driving unit to further rotate by the first angle in a clockwise direction, after completing the extension of the display.

According to various examples of the disclosure, the processor may control the first driving unit and the second driving unit to operate in a clockwise direction for a same time or by a same number of rotations when an event requesting reduction of the display occurs.

Claim 1:
An electronic device for supporting sliding, the electronic device comprising:
a first cover (<NUM>);
a second cover (<NUM>) coupled to the first cover (<NUM>) to slide;
a display (<NUM>) in which a size of an exposed region is changed corresponding to the sliding of the second cover;
a panel support (170a) disposed on one side of a back surface of the display with respect to a front surface of the display on which a screen is displayed; and
a rotation shaft (155a) rotating corresponding tc the sliding of the second cover while a portion of the rotation shaft (155a) contacts at least a portion of the panel support (170a),
wherein the portion of the panel support (170a) comprises a plurality of protrusions, and
wherein an attractive force is formed between the portion of the rotation shaft and at least some of the plurality of protrusions,
characterized in that:
the rotation shaft (155a) comprises hook grooves (155a_1) temporarily coupled with the plurality of protrusions when contacting the one side of the panel support (170a) while the exposed region of the display (<NUM>) changes,
wherein the plurality of protrusions include a hook ring (170a_1) protruding in a direction opposite to the protruding direction of the hook grooves (155a_1) formed on the rotation shaft (155a).