Patent ID: 12219719

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device101in a network environment100according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.1, the electronic device101in the network environment100may communicate with an electronic device102via a first network198(e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or at least one of an electronic device104or a server108via a second network199(e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may communicate with the electronic device104via the server108. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include a processor120, memory130, an input module150, a sound output module155, a display module160, an audio module170, a sensor module176, an interface177, a connecting terminal178, a haptic module179, a camera module180, a power management module188, a battery189, a communication module190, a subscriber identification module (SIM)196, or an antenna module197. In some embodiments, at least one of the components (e.g., the connecting terminal178) may be omitted from the electronic device101, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device101. In some embodiments, some of the components (e.g., the sensor module176, the camera module180, or the antenna module197) may be implemented as a single component (e.g., the display module160).

The processor120may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program140) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device101coupled with the processor120, and may perform various data processing or computation. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor120may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module176or the communication module190) in volatile memory132, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory132, and store resulting data in non-volatile memory134. According to an embodiment, the processor120may include a main processor121(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), or an auxiliary processor123(e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor121. For example, when the electronic device101includes the main processor121and the auxiliary processor123, the auxiliary processor123may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor121, or to be specific to a specified function. The auxiliary processor123may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor121.

The auxiliary processor123may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display module160, the sensor module176, or the communication module190) among the components of the electronic device101, instead of the main processor121while the main processor121is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor121while the main processor121is in an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor123(e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module180or the communication module190) functionally related to the auxiliary processor123. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor123(e.g., the neural processing unit) may include a hardware structure specified for artificial intelligence model processing. An artificial intelligence model may be generated by machine learning. Such learning may be performed, e.g., by the electronic device101where the artificial intelligence is performed or via a separate server (e.g., the server108). Learning algorithms may include, but are not limited to, e.g., supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), deep Q-network or a combination of two or more thereof but is not limited thereto. The artificial intelligence model may, additionally or alternatively, include a software structure other than the hardware structure.

The memory130may store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor120or the sensor module176) of the electronic device101. The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program140) and input data or output data for a command related thereto. The memory130may include the volatile memory132or the non-volatile memory134.

The program140may be stored in the memory130as software, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS)142, middleware144, or an application146.

The input module150may receive a command or data to be used by another component (e.g., the processor120) of the electronic device101, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device101. The input module150may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The sound output module155may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device101. The sound output module155may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record. The receiver may be used for receiving incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

The display module160may visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device101. The display module160may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, hologram device, and projector. According to an embodiment, the display module160may include a touch sensor adapted to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred by the touch.

The audio module170may convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module170may obtain the sound via the input module150, or output the sound via the sound output module155or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device101.

The sensor module176may detect an operational state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device101or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device101, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module176may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The interface177may support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device101to be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly. According to an embodiment, the interface177may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

A connecting terminal178may include a connector via which the electronic device101may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102). According to an embodiment, the connecting terminal178may include, for example, a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module179may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., a vibration or a movement) or electrical stimulus which may be recognized by a user via his tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation. According to an embodiment, the haptic module179may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

The camera module180may capture a still image or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module180may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module188may manage power supplied to the electronic device101. According to one embodiment, the power management module188may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery189may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the battery189may include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

The communication module190may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device101and the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102, the electronic device104, or the server108) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module190may include one or more communication processors that are operable independently from the processor120(e.g., the application processor (AP)) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module190may include a wireless communication module192(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 module194(e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device via the first network198(e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network199(e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module192may identify and authenticate the electronic device101in a communication network, such as the first network198or the second network199, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module196.

The wireless communication module192may support a 5G network, after a 4G network, and next-generation communication technology, e.g., new radio (NR) access technology. The NR access technology may support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communications (mMTC), or ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC). The wireless communication module192may support a high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band) to achieve, e.g., a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module192may support various technologies for securing performance on a high-frequency band, such as, e.g., beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (massive MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module192may support various requirements specified in the electronic device101, an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device104), or a network system (e.g., the second network199). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module192may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for implementing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or a round trip of 1 ms or less) for implementing URLLC.

The antenna module197may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device) of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the antenna module197may include an antenna including a radiating element composed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, the antenna module197may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas). In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in the communication network, such as the first network198or the second network199, may be selected, for example, by the communication module190(e.g., the wireless communication module192) from the plurality of antennas. The signal or the power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module190and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module197.

According to various embodiments, the antenna module197may form a mmWave antenna module. According to an embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, a RFIC disposed on a first surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the first surface and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on a second surface (e.g., the top or a side surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the second surface and capable of transmitting or receiving signals of the designated high-frequency band.

At least some of the above-described components may be coupled mutually and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).

According to an embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device101and the external electronic device104via the server108coupled with the second network199. Each of the electronic devices102or104may be a device of a same type as, or a different type, from the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, all or some of operations to be executed at the electronic device101may be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices102,104, or108. For example, if the electronic device101should perform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device101, instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or the service, may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or the service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform the at least part of the function or the service requested, or an additional function or an additional service related to the request, and transfer an outcome of the performing to the electronic device101. The electronic device101may provide the outcome, with or without further processing of the outcome, as at least part of a reply to the request. To that end, a cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device101may provide ultra low-latency services using, e.g., distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device104may include an internet-of-things (IoT) device. The server108may be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or a neural network. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device104or the server108may be included in the second network199. The electronic device101may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technology.

FIG.2Ais a front view of a first state of an electronic device according to an embodiment,FIG.2Bis a rear view of a first state of an electronic device according to an embodiment,FIG.2Cis a front view of a second state of an electronic device according to an embodiment, andFIG.2Dis a rear view of a second state of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.2A,FIG.2B,FIG.2C, andFIG.2D, according to an embodiment, an electronic device200(e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1) may include a first housing210, a second housing220, a display230(e.g., the display module160inFIG.1), and a camera240(e.g., the camera module180inFIG.1). According to an embodiment, the second housing220may be slidable with respect to the first housing210. For example, the second housing220may move within a designated distance along the first direction (e.g., the +y direction) with respect to the first housing210. When the second housing220moves along the first direction, a distance between a side surface220aof the second housing220facing the first direction and the first housing210may increase. For another example, the second housing220may move within a designated distance along a second direction (e.g., the −y direction) opposite to the first direction with respect to the first housing210. When the second housing220moves in the second direction, the distance between the side surface220aof the second housing220facing the first direction and the first housing210may decrease. According to an embodiment, the second housing220may reciprocate linearly with respect to the first housing210by sliding relative to the first housing210. For example, at least a part of the second housing220may be inserted into the first housing210or may be pulled from the first housing210.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device200may be referred to as a “slidable electronic device” as the second housing220is designed to be slidable with respect to the first housing210. According to an embodiment, the electronic device200may be referred to as a “rollable electronic device” as at least a part of the display230is designed to be rolled inside the second housing220(or the first housing210) based on the slide movement of the second housing220.

According to an embodiment, a first state of the electronic device200may be defined as a state in which the second housing220moves in the second direction (e.g., a contracted state or a slide-in state). For example, in the first state of the electronic device200, the second housing220may be movable in the first direction, but may not be movable in the second direction. In the first state of the electronic device200, a distance between the side surface220aof the second housing220and the first housing210may increase as the second housing220moves, but may not decrease. For another example, in the first state of the electronic device200, a part of the second housing220may be pulled out from the first housing210, but may not be inserted. According to an embodiment, the first state of the electronic device200may be defined as a state in which the second area230bof the display230is not visually exposed outside the electronic device200. For example, in the first state of the electronic device200, the second area230bof the display230may be located inside the inner space (not shown) of the electronic device200formed by the first housing210and/or the second housing220, and thus may not be visible from the outside of the electronic device200.

According to an embodiment, the second state of the electronic device200may be defined as a state in which the second housing220moves in the first direction (e.g., an extended state or a slide-out state). For example, in the second state of the electronic device200, the second housing220may be movable in the second direction but may not be movable in the first direction. In the second state of the electronic device200, a distance between the side surface220aof the second housing220and the first housing210may decrease as the second housing220moves, but may not increase. For another example, in the second state of the electronic device200, a part of the second housing220may be inserted into the first housing210, but may not be pulled out from the first housing210. According to an embodiment, the second state of the electronic device200may be defined as a state in which the second area230bof the display230is visually exposed from the outside of the electronic device200. For example, in the second state of the electronic device200, the second area230bof the display230may be pulled out from the inner space of the electronic device200and thus visible from the outside of the electronic device200.

According to an embodiment, when the second housing220moves in the first direction from the first housing210, at least a part of the second housing220and/or the second area230bof the display230may be pulled out from the first housing210by a pulled-out length d1 corresponding to the moving distance of the second housing220. According to an embodiment, the second housing220may reciprocate within a designated distance d2. According to an embodiment, the pulled-out length d1 may have a size of approximately 0 to designated distance d2.

According to an embodiment, the state of the electronic device200may be convertible between the second state and/or the first state by manual operation by a user or automatic operation by a driving module (not shown) disposed inside the first housing210or the second housing220. According to an embodiment, the driving module may trigger an operation based on a user input. According to an embodiment, the user input for triggering the operation of the driving module may include a touch input, a force touch input, and/or a gesture input through the display230. According to another embodiment, the user input for triggering the operation of the driving module may include an audio input (voice input) or an input of a physical button exposed to the outside of the first housing210or the second housing220. According to an embodiment, the driving module may be driven in a semi-automatic manner, in which an operation is triggered when a manual operation due to an external force of the user is detected.

According to an embodiment, the first state of the electronic device200may be referred to as a first shape, and the second state of the electronic device200may be referred to as a second shape. For example, the first shape may include a normal state, a contracted state, or a closed state, and the second shape may include an open state. According to an embodiment, the electronic device200may form a third state (e.g., an intermediate state) that is a state between the first state and the second state. For example, the third state may be referred to as a third shape, and the third shape may include a free stop state.

According to an embodiment, the display230may be visible (or viewable) from the outside through a front direction (e.g., the −z direction) of the electronic device200so that visual information may be displayed to the user. For example, the display230may include a flexible display. For another example, the display230may be referred to as a rollable display in that at least a part of the display230may be bent inside the first housing210. According to an embodiment, the display230may be disposed in the second housing220and may be pulled out from the inner space (not shown) of the electronic device200or inserted into the inner space of the electronic device200according to the movement of the second housing220. The inner space of the electronic device200may indicate a space in the first housing210and the second housing220formed by the combination of the first housing210and the second housing220. For example, in the first state of the electronic device200, at least a part of the display230may be rolled into and inserted into the inner space of the electronic device200. When the second housing220moves in the first direction while at least a part of the display230is inserted into the inner space of the electronic device200, at least a part of the display230may be pulled out from the inner space of the electronic device200. For another example, when the second housing220moves in the second direction, at least a part of the display230may be rolled into the inner space of the electronic device200, and thus may be inserted into the inner space of the electronic device200. As at least a part of the display230is pulled out or inserted, the region of the display230visible from the outside of the electronic device200may be expanded or contracted. According to an embodiment, the display230may include a first region230aand a second region230b.

According to an embodiment, the first region230aof the display230may be or include a region of the display230that may be fixedly visible from the outside of the electronic device200, regardless of whether the electronic device200is in the second state or the first state. For example, the first region230amay indicate a partial region of the display230that is not rolled into the inner space of the electronic device200. According to an embodiment, when the second housing220moves, the first region230amay move together with the second housing220. For example, when the second housing220moves in the first or second direction, the first region230amay move in the first or second direction on the front surface of the electronic device200together with the second housing220.

According to an embodiment, the second region230bof the display230may be connected to the first region230a, and may be inserted into the inner space of the electronic device200or pulled out from the inner space of the electronic device200as the second housing220moves. For example, in the first state of the electronic device200, the second region230bof the display230may be in a rolled state and inserted into the inner space of the electronic device200. In the first state of the electronic device200, the second region230bof the display230may be inserted into the inner space of the electronic device200and thus may not be visible from the outside. For another example, in the second state of the electronic device200, the second region230bof the display230may be pulled out from the inner space of the electronic device200. The second region230bof the display230may be visible from the outside of the electronic device200in the second state.

According to an embodiment, in the first state of the electronic device200, the region of the display230visible from the outside of the electronic device200may include only the first region230aof the display230. The region of the display230visible from the outside of the electronic device200in the second state of the electronic device200may include at least a part of the first region230aand the second region230bof the display230.

According to an embodiment, the first housing210of the electronic device200may include a book cover211surrounding the inner space of the first housing210and a rear plate212surrounding the rear surface of the book cover211. The second housing220of the electronic device200may include a front cover221surrounding the inner space of the electronic device200.

According to an embodiment, the front cover221may include a first cover region221aof the front cover221that is not inserted into the first housing210, and a second cover region221that is inserted into the first housing210or pulled out from the inside of the first housing210. Regardless of whether the electronic device200is in the second state and the first state, the first cover region221aof the front cover221may be always visible. According to an embodiment, at least a part of the first cover region221aof the front cover221may form a side surface220aof the second housing220. According to an embodiment, the second cover region221bof the second housing220may not be visible in the first state, but may be visible in the second state.

The camera240may obtain an image of a subject based on receiving light from the outside of the electronic device200. According to an embodiment, the camera240may include one or a plurality of lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. According to an embodiment, the camera240may be disposed in the second housing220to face the rear surface of the electronic device200opposite to the front surface of the electronic device200on which the first area230aof the display230is disposed. For example, the camera240may be disposed on the front cover221of the second housing220and may be visible from the outside of the electronic device200through an opening211aformed in the book cover211when the electronic device200is in the first state. For another example, the camera240may be disposed on the front cover221of the second housing220and may not be visible from the outside of the electronic device200because it is covered by the book cover211and/or the rear plate212when the electronic device200is in the first state.

According to an embodiment, the camera240may include a plurality of cameras. For example, the camera240may include a wide-angle camera, an ultra-wide-angle camera, a telephoto camera, a proximity camera, and/or a depth camera. However, the camera240is not necessarily limited to including a plurality of cameras, and may include one camera.

According to an embodiment, the camera240may further include a camera (not shown) facing the front of the electronic device200on which the first region230aof the display230is disposed. When the camera240faces the front of the electronic device200, the camera240may be an under display camera (UDC) disposed under the display230(e.g., the +z direction from the display230), but is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device200may include a sensor module (not shown) and/or a camera module (not shown) disposed under the display230. The sensor module may detect an external environment based on information (e.g., light) received through the display230. According to an embodiment, the sensor module may include at least one of a receiver, a proximity sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an air 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, a motor encoder, or an indicator. According to an embodiment, at least a part of sensor module of the electronic device200may be visually exposed to the outside through a part of regions of the display230. According to an embodiment, the electronic device200may detect a pulled out length (e.g., a length A) by using the sensor module. According to an embodiment, the electronic device200may generate pulled-out information on the degree of pulled-out detected by the sensor. For example, the electronic device200may detect and/or identify the degree to which the second housing220is pulled out by using the pulled out information. According to an embodiment, the pulled-out information may include information on a pulled-out length of the second housing220.

According to an embodiment, the coupling shape of the first housing210and the second housing220is not limited to the shapes and coupling shown inFIGS.2A,2B,2C, and2D, and may be implemented by a combination and/or coupling of other shapes or components.

FIG.3Ais an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment, andFIG.3Bis a cross-sectional view illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to an embodiment is cut along A-A′ ofFIG.2A.

Referring toFIGS.3A and3B, an electronic device200according to an embodiment may include a first housing210, a second housing220, a display230, a camera240, a battery250(e.g., the battery189ofFIG.1), and a driving part260. According to an embodiment, the first housing210and the second housing220may be coupled to each other to form an inner space201of the electronic device200. For example, in the first state of the electronic device200, the second region230bof the display230may be accommodated in the inner space201.

According to an embodiment, the first housing210may include a book cover211, a rear plate212, and a frame cover213. According to an embodiment, the book cover211, the rear plate212, and the frame cover213included in the first housing210may be coupled to each other and may not move with the second housing220when the second housing220moves with respect to the first housing210.

According to an embodiment, the book cover211may form at least a part of an outer surface of the electronic device200. For example, the book cover211may form at least a part of the side surface of the electronic device200and at least a part of the rear surface of the electronic device200. According to an embodiment, the book cover211may provide a surface on which the rear plate212is seated. The rear plate212may be seated on one surface211bof the book cover211.

According to an embodiment, the frame cover213may support internal components of the electronic device200. For example, the frame cover213may accommodate at least a part of the battery250and the driving portion260. The battery250and the driving portion260may be accommodated in at least one of a recess or a hole included in the frame cover213. According to an embodiment, the frame cover213may be surrounded by the book cover211. For example, in the first state of the electronic device200, a surface213aof the frame cover213on which the battery250is disposed may face the book cover211and/or the second region230bof the display230. For another example, in the first state of the electronic device200, another surface213bof the frame cover213facing the one surface213aof the frame cover213may face the first region230aof the display230or the front cover221. For example, the frame cover213may include aluminum as a material, but is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the second housing220may include the front cover221, a rear cover222, and a slide cover223. According to an embodiment, the front cover221, the rear cover222, and the slide cover223are coupled to each other and may move together with the second housing220when the second housing220moves relative to the first housing210. The front cover221may support internal components of the electronic device200. For example, the camera240may be disposed on one surface221cof the front cover221facing the inner space201. Another surface221dof the front cover221facing the one surface221cof the front cover221may face the first region230aof the display230when the electronic device200is in the first state. According to an embodiment, the rear cover222may be coupled to the front cover221to protect components of the electronic device200disposed on the front cover221. For example, the rear cover222may cover at least a part of one surface221cof the front cover221. According to an embodiment, the slide cover223may be disposed on the rear cover222to form an outer surface of the electronic device200together with the rear plate212and the book cover211. The slide cover223may be coupled to one surface of the rear cover222to protect the rear cover222and/or the front cover221.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device200is in the first state, the display230may be bent by at least partially being rolled into the inner space201. According to an embodiment, the display230may cover at least a part of the frame cover213and at least a part of the front cover221. For example, when the electronic device200is in the first state, the display230may cover the other surface221dof the front cover221, and extend toward the inner space201by passing between the front cover221and the book cover211. After passing between the front cover221and the book cover211, the display230may surround the frame cover213. The display230may cover one surface213aof the frame cover213in the inner space201. According to an embodiment, when the second housing220moves in the first direction, the second region230bof the display230may be pulled out from the inner space201. For example, as the second housing220moves in the first direction, the display230may pass between the front cover221and the book cover211, and thus be pulled out from the inner space201.

According to an embodiment, the first region230aof the display230may be in contact with the other surface221dof the front cover221. For example, the first region230amay extend parallel to the other surface221dof the front cover221while contacting the other surface221dof the front cover221. The first region230amay extend in parallel to the other surface221dof the front cover221, and thus may have a substantially plane shape. According to an embodiment, the first region230aof the display230may not be deformed according to the movement of the second housing220. For example, the first region230amay move as the second housing220moves while maintaining the shape of a plane surface.

According to an embodiment, the second region230bof the display230may be deformed according to the movement of the second housing220. For example, when the electronic device200is in the first state, the second region230bmay be bent with a curvature in the inner space201of the electronic device200. When the second housing220moves in the first direction (e.g., the +y direction), at least a part of the second region230bmay be pulled out from the inner space201of the electronic device200and may be parallel to the other surface221dof the front cover221. When at least a part of the second region230bis parallel to the other surface221dof the front cover221, at least a part of the second region230bmay not have a curvature and may have a shape of a plane surface on the other surface221dof the print cover221. For another example, when the second housing220moves in the second direction (e.g., the −y direction), at least a part of the second region230bmay be inserted into the inner space201of the electronic device200. At least a part of the second region230bmay be bent to have a curvature while being inserted into the inner space201of the electronic device200.

According to an embodiment, the second region230bof the display230may be deformed according to the movement of the second housing220. For example, when the electronic device200is in the first state, the second region230bmay be bent with a curvature in the inner space201of the electronic device200. When the second housing220moves in the first direction (e.g., the +y direction), at least a part of the second region230bmay be pulled out from the inner space201of the electronic device200and may be parallel to the other surface221dof the front cover221. When at least a part of the second region230bis parallel to the other surface221dof the front cover221, at least a part of the second region230bmay not have a curvature and may have a shape of a plane surface. For another example, when the second housing220moves in the second direction (e.g., the −y direction), at least a part of the second region230bmay be inserted into the inner space201of the electronic device200. At least a part of the second region230bmay be bent to have a curvature while being inserted into the inner space201of the electronic device200.

According to an embodiment, a guide rail232may guide the movement of a guiding member231. For example, as the display230moves, the guiding member231may move along the guide rail232coupled to the frame cover213. According to an embodiment, the guide rail232may include a plurality of guide rails232disposed to be spaced apart from each other at both peripheries of the frame cover213spaced apart from each other in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., the +x direction).

According to an embodiment, the driving portion260may provide a driving force to the second housing220so that the second housing220may move relative to the first housing210. According to an embodiment, the driving portion260may include a motor261, a pinion gear262, and a rack gear263. The motor261may receive power from the battery250and provide a driving force to the second housing220. According to an embodiment, the motor261may be disposed in the first housing210and may not move together with the second housing220when the second housing220moves with respect to the first housing210. For example, the motor261may be disposed in a recess formed in the frame cover213. According to an embodiment, the pinion gear262may be coupled to the motor261and may be rotated by a driving force provided from the motor261. According to an embodiment, the rack gear263may be engaged with the pinion gear262and may move according to rotation of the pinion gear262. For example, the rack gear263may reciprocate linearly in the first direction or the second direction according to the rotation of the pinion gear262. According to an embodiment, the rack gear263may be disposed in the second housing220. For example, the rack gear263may be coupled to the front cover221included in the second housing220. According to an embodiment, the rack gear263may be movable inside the operating space213pformed in the frame cover213.

According to an embodiment, when the pinion gear262rotates in the first rotation direction (e.g., clockwise inFIG.3B), the rack gear263may move in the first direction (e.g., the +y direction). When the rack gear263moves in the first direction, the second housing220coupled to the rack gear263may move in the first direction. When the pinion gear262rotates in a second rotation direction (e.g., counterclockwise inFIG.3B), the rack gear263may move in a second direction (e.g., the −y direction). When the rack gear263moves in the second direction, the second housing220coupled to the rack gear263may move in the second direction. As the second housing220moves in the second direction, the area of the display230visible from the outside of the electronic device200may be contracted.

In the above description, it has been described that the motor261and the pinion gear262are disposed in the first housing210, and the rack gear263is disposed with the second housing220, but embodiments are not limited thereto. According to embodiments, the motor261and the pinion gear262may be disposed in the second housing220, and the rack gear263may be disposed in the first housing210.

As the electronic device200is exposed to various environments, a user may request a structure in which the operating state of the driving part260may be changed according to a situation. For example, since the second housing420cannot be moved as much as the user intended through the motor261in case that the battery250lacks power, the user may manually or semi-automatically move the second housing420with respect to the first housing410. Since the motor261and the pinion gear262are always maintained in a connected state in case that the second housing420is moved by manual operation, damage to components (e.g., deceleration gear) in the motor261may occur by the rotation of the pinion gear262by an external force. For another example, the electronic device200may require a structure in which the driving force of the driving part260provided in the second housing220may be converted according to the temperature of the surrounding environment of the electronic device200. Hereinafter, the electronic device200including a structure for changing the operating state of the driving part260will be described in detail.

FIG.4Ais a rear view of a first state of an electronic device according to an embodiment,FIG.4Bis a rear view of a second state of an electronic device according to an embodiment, andFIG.4Cis a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.4A,FIG.4B, andFIG.4C, according to an embodiment, the electronic device400(e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1and/or the electronic device200inFIG.3AandFIG.3B) may include a first housing410, a second housing420, a display430, a battery450, a driving part460, a processor470, a sensor module480, a memory490, and a switching structure500. The first housing410, the second housing420, the display430, the battery450, and the driving part460ofFIGS.4A and4Bmay be substantially the same as the first housing210, the second housing220, the display230, the battery250, and the driving part260ofFIGS.3A and3B, respectively, and thus repeated descriptions will be omitted. Since the processor470, the sensor module480and the memory490ofFIG.4Cmay be substantially the same as the processor120, the sensor module176, and the memory130ofFIG.1, repeated descriptions will be omitted.

According to an embodiment, the first housing410may form at least a part of an outer surface of the electronic device400gripped by a user. The first housing410may surround at least a part of the second housing420. For example, the second housing420may be coupled to the first housing410so that at least a part thereof may be inserted into the first housing or may be pulled out from the first housing410. According to an embodiment, the first housing410may include a frame cover413for accommodating components. Since the frame cover413ofFIGS.4A and4Bmay be substantially the same as the frame cover213ofFIGS.3A and3B, repeated descriptions will be omitted.

According to an embodiment, the second housing420may be coupled to the first housing410to be slidable with respect to the first housing410. For example, the second housing420may be movable in a first direction (e.g., in the +y direction) or a second direction (e.g., in the −y direction) opposite to the first direction with respect to the first housing410. The first direction may be a direction in which the area of the display430viewable from the outside of the electronic device400is expanded according to the movement of the second housing420. The second direction may be a direction in which the area of the display430viewable from the outside of the electronic device400is contracted according to the movement of the second housing420.

According to an embodiment, the state of the electronic device400may include a first state in which the second housing420may move in the first direction among the first direction and the second direction, and a second state in which the second housing420may move in the second direction among the first direction and the second direction. For example, when the electronic device400is in the first state, the second housing420may only be movable in the first direction and may not be movable in the second direction. For another example, when the electronic device400is in the second state, the second housing420may only be movable in the second direction and may not be movable in the first direction.

According to an embodiment, the display430may be disposed in the second housing420and may move together with the second housing420according to the movement of the second housing420. For example, at least a part of the display430may be bent with a curvature inside the electronic device400when the electronic device400is in the first state. When the second housing420moves in the first direction, at least a part of the display430may be pulled out to the outside of the electronic device400. At least a part of the display430pulled out to the outside of the electronic device400may have a substantially plane shape. For another example, when the second housing420moves in the second direction opposite to the first direction, at least a part of the display430pulled out outside the electronic device400may be inserted into the electronic device400. At least a part of the inserted display430may be rolled into the electronic device400and bent with a curvature.

According to an embodiment, the battery450may supply power to components (e.g., a motor461) of the electronic device400. The battery450may be disposed on the frame cover413of the first housing410. For example, the battery450may be accommodated in a recess or hole formed in the frame cover413.

According to an embodiment, the driving part460may provide a driving force to the second housing420so that the second housing420may move with respect to the first housing410. According to an embodiment, the driving part460may include a motor461, a pinion gear462, and a rack gear463. The motor461may be disposed in the first housing410and may provide driving force to the second housing420through the power supplied from the battery450. For example, the motor461may be disposed at the periphery of the frame cover413facing the first direction. The pinion gear462may be disposed on the first housing410. The pinion gear462may be rotatable by receiving a driving force from the motor461. The rack gear463may be disposed in the second housing420and may be engaged with the pinion gear462. The rack gear463may be movable according to rotation of the pinion gear462. For example, the rack gear463may move the second housing420in the first direction with respect to the first housing410, by moving in the first direction (e.g., the +y direction) by rotation of the pinion gear462. For another example, the rack gear463may move the second housing420in the second direction with respect to the first housing410, by moving in a second direction (e.g., in the −y direction) opposite to the first direction by rotation of the pinion gear462.

According to an embodiment, the processor470may control components of at least one electronic device400operatively coupled to the processor470, and may perform various data processing. For example, the processor470may be operatively coupled to the display430, the motor461of the driving part460, and the actuator510of the switching structure500.

According to an embodiment, the sensor module480may detect an operating state of the electronic device400or an external environmental state of the electronic device400and obtain an electrical signal or data corresponding to the detected state. For example, the sensor module480may include an acceleration sensor481and a gyro sensor482for sensing the motion state of the electronic device400. The acceleration sensor481and the gyro sensor482may be referred to as a motion sensor for sensing the motion of the electronic device400. The acceleration sensor481may detect the acceleration of the electronic device400to obtain data on the motion state of the electronic device400. The gyro sensor482may measure the angular velocity of the electronic device400to obtain data on a posture of the electronic device400. For another example, the sensor module480may include a first temperature sensor483and a second temperature sensor484for sensing the temperature of components of the electronic device400.

According to an embodiment, the memory490may record various data used by the processor470or the sensor module480. For example, the data may include input data or output data for software (e.g., program140ofFIG.1) and commands related thereto. As another example, the data may include one or more instructions executed when the processor470is operated.

The switching structure500may be connected to at least a part of the driving part460, and may change the operating state of the driving part460. According to an embodiment, the switching structure500may be disposed between the motor461and the pinion gear462. According to an embodiment, the switching structure500may be changed to a gear-connected state in which the motor461and the pinion gear462are connected or a gear-released state in which the motor461and the pinion gear462are disconnected. The gear-connected state may indicate a state in which a driving force of the motor461may be transmitted to the pinion gear462. The gear-connected state may be referred to as a driving state in that the second housing420may be moved. For example, the gear-connected state may include a first gear-connected state and a second gear-connected state having a higher gear ratio than the first gear-connected state. The gear ratio may correspond to the magnitude of the driving force of the pinion gear462moving the rack gear463. As the gear ratio of the switching structure500increases, the magnitude of the driving force of the pinion gear462moving the rack gear463may increase. According to an embodiment, the gear ratio may be defined by the product of the gear teeth number of each of the gears521,541, and551of the switching structure500disposed between the motor461and the pinion gear462. For example, in the first gear-connected state, part of the gears521,541, and551of the switching structure500may be engaged. In the second gear-connected state, other part of the gears521,541, and551of the switching structure500may be engaged. A product of the gear teeth numbers of a part of the gears521,541, and551of the switching structure500engaged with each other within the first gear-connected state may be defined as the first gear ratio, and a product of gear teeth numbers of a part of the gears521,541, and551of the switching structure500engaged with each other within the second gear-connected state may be defined as a second gear ratio higher than the first gear ratio. According to an embodiment, the switching structure500may be referred to as a gear box in terms of including a plurality of gears521,541, and551. The switching structure500may be referred to as a transmission in that the connection relationship between the plurality of gears521,541, and551may be changed.

According to an embodiment, the gear-released state may indicate a state in which the driving force of the motor461is not transmitted to the pinion gear462because the motor461and the pinion gear462are disconnected. In the gear-released state, the connection of the motor461and the pinion gear462is disabled. The gear-released state may be referred to as a neutral state in terms of being blocked power transmission of the motor461and the pinion gear462. For example, when the switching structure500is in a gear-released state, the pinion gear462may not be rotated by the driving force of the motor461despite the operation of the motor461. For another example, when the switching structure500is in a gear-released state, the pinion gear462may be independently rotatable with respect to the motor461. As the pinion gear462can be rotated independently with respect to the motor461, the second housing420may be moved manually with respect to the first housing410without affecting the motor461when the switching structure500is in a gear-released state. For example, as the pinion gear462is rotated by an external force manually operating the second housing420when the connection between the pinion gear462and the motor461is always maintained, the driving force by the rotation of the pinion gear462may be transmitted to the motor461. When the driving force by the rotation of the pinion gear462is transmitted to the motor461, components inside the motor461may be damaged. According to an embodiment, the electronic device400may provide a structure in which the second housing420may manually move without damage to the motor461by the switching structure500that may be changed to a gear-released state in which the motor461and the pinion gear462are disconnected.

According to an embodiment, the switching structure500may include an actuator510, a first axis520, a cover housing530, a second axis540, and a third axis550. The actuator510may be disposed in the first housing410and may change the state of the switching structure500. For example, the actuator510may be disposed at the periphery of the frame cover413facing the first direction (e.g., the +y direction).

According to an embodiment, the first axis520may be rotatably connected to the motor461. For example, one end of the first axis520may be inserted into the motor461. According to an embodiment, at least one driving gear521may be coupled to the first axis520and transmit the driving force of the motor461. For example, the first axis520may penetrate at least one driving gear521. When the first axis520is rotated by the motor461, at least one driving gear521may be rotated by the rotation of the first axis520. According to an embodiment, the first axis520may be disposed in the first housing410and may be rotatable with respect to the first housing410.

According to an embodiment, the cover housing530may accommodate the components moved by the actuator510. The cover housing530may be connected to the actuator510and may be moved by the actuator510. The cover housing530may be movable in a direction parallel to the first axis520by the actuator510. For example, the cover housing530may be movable in a third direction (e.g., +x direction) that is a direction from the motor461toward the pinion gear462or a fourth direction (e.g., −x direction) opposite to a third direction from that is a direction the pinion gear462toward the motor461.

According to an embodiment, the second axis540may be coupled to the cover housing530and may move together with the cover housing530. The second axis540may be coupled to the cover housing530to be rotatable with respect to the cover housing530. At least one connection gear set541may be coupled to the second axis540and rotatable with respect to the cover housing530. For example, the second axis540may penetrate at least one connection gear set541. When the switching structure500is in a gear-connected state, at least a part of the connection gear set541may be engaged with at least one driving gear521and thus rotated by the rotation of the driving gear521. As at least a part of the connection gear set541rotates, the second axis540may rotate with respect to the cover housing530. When the switching structure500is in a gear-released state, the engagement of at least one connection gear set541and at least one driving gear521may be released. As engagement with at least one driving gear521is released, at least one connection gear set541may not be rotated by at least one driving gear521.

According to an embodiment, the third axis550may be coupled to the pinion gear463. For example, the third axis550may penetrate the pinion gear462. According to an embodiment, the third axis550may be disposed in the first housing410and may be rotatable with respect to the first housing410. At least one transmitting gear551may be coupled to the third axis550For example, the third axis550may penetrate at least one transmitting gear551. When the switching structure500is in a gear-connected state, at least one transmitting gear551may be rotated by at least one other part of the connection gear set541, by being engaged with the other part of the at least one connection gear set541. As at least one connection gear set541rotates, the third axis550may rotate with respect to the first housing410. As the third axis550rotates, the pinion gear462connected to the third axis550rotates, and the rack gear463may move with respect to the first housing410. When the rack gear463moves, the second housing420connected to the rack gear463moves, and thus the display430may be expanded or contracted.

According to an embodiment, the state of the switching structure500may be changed according to the movement of the cover housing530by the actuator510. For example, when the cover housing530is moved by the actuator510, the connection relationship between the gears521,541, and551in the switching structure500is changed, and thus the state of the switching structure500may be changed. For example, the state of switching structure500may be changed from a first gear-connected state in which some of the gears521,541, and551are engaged with each other to a gear-released state in which engagement of the gears521,541, and551is released. For another example, the state of the switching structure500may be changed from the first gear-connected state in which some of the gears521,541, and551are engaged with each other and to a second gear-connected state having a higher gear ratio than the first gear-connected state.

According to an embodiment, the processor470may be configured to change the switching structure500to a gear-connected state or a gear-released state through the actuator510based on identifying a designated event. For example, the processor470may be configured to change the switching structure500from the gear-connected state (e.g., a first gear-connected state or a second gear-connected state) to the gear-released state based on identifying a designated event. For another example, the processor470may be configured to change the switching structure500from the first gear-connected state to the second gear-connected state or the second gear-connected state to the first gear-connected state based on identifying the designated event.

According to an embodiment, the designated event may include a case in which a user input for changing the state of switching structure500is received or an abnormal state of the electronic device400is detected through sensor module480. For example, the abnormal state of the electronic device400may include a case in which the electronic device400falls, a case in which the electronic device400is in a low power state, a case in which the electronic device400is overheated, and a case in which the electronic device400is exposed to a low temperature environment.

According to an embodiment, the processor470may be configured to change the state of switching structure500to the gear-connected state or the gear-released state through actuator510, based on receiving a user input requesting a change in the state of switching structure500. For example, the user input may include at least one of an input through an input module (e.g., the input module150ofFIG.1) and an input through the display430.

According to an embodiment, when switching structure500is in the gear-connected state, the processor470may be configured to change the switching structure500from the gear-connected state to a gear-released state through the actuator510based on identifying that the data obtained from the motion sensor exceeds the designated value. For example, when an acceleration value of the electronic device400obtained from the acceleration sensor481exceeds a first designated value, the processor470may change the switching structure500from the gear-connected state to the gear-released state through actuator510. The first designated value may be set to correspond to the acceleration value obtained by the acceleration sensor481when the electronic device400falls. The processor470may identify that the electronic device400is falling based on identifying that the acceleration value obtained from the acceleration sensor481exceeds the first designated value. For another example, when an angular velocity value of the electronic device400obtained from the gyro sensor482exceeds a second designated value, the processor470may change the switching structure500from the gear-connected state to the gear-released state through actuator510. The second designated value may be set to correspond to the angular velocity value obtained by the gyro sensor482when the electronic device400falls. The processor470may identify that the electronic device400is falling based on identifying that the angular velocity value obtained by the gyro sensor482exceeds the second designated value. For example, when the switching structure500is in a gear-connected state, the pinion gear462may be rotated by an impact generated when the electronic device400freely falls and collides with the ground. Since the motor461and the pinion gear462are connected when the switching structure500is in the gear-connected state, the driving force by the rotation of the pinion gear462may be transmitted to the motor461. When the driving force by the rotation of the pinion gear462is transmitted to the motor461, components inside the motor461may be damaged. The electronic device400according to an embodiment may prevent or reduce damage to the motor461by the processor470configured to change the state of the switching structure500from the gear-connected state to the gear-released state when the electronic device400falls.

According to an embodiment, when the switching structure500is in the gear-connected state, the processor470may be configured to change the switching structure500from the gear-connected state to the gear-released state through actuator510based on identifying that the power of battery450is less than a third designated value. When the amount of power of the battery450is less than the third designated value, the processor470may identify the electronic device400as being in a low power state. For example, when the electronic device400is in the low power state, the second housing420may not be moved by the motor461as power supplied to the motor461becomes insufficient. When the second housing420is manually moved by a user in the gear-connected state of the switching structure500connected to the motor461and the pinion gear462, the internal components of the motor461may be damaged. The electronic device400according to an embodiment may prevent or reduce the likelihood of damage to the motor461by the processor470configured to change the switching structure500from the gear-connected state to the gear-released state when the electronic device400is in the low power state.

According to an embodiment, the processor470may be configured to change the state of the switching structure500through the actuator510based on identifying that the temperature obtained through the first temperature sensor483for sensing the temperature of the motor461exceeds a fourth designated value. The processor470may identify that the motor461is overheated based on identifying that the temperature obtained by the first temperature sensor483exceeds the fourth designated value. For example, when the temperature of the motor461exceeds the fourth designated value, the processor470may be configured to change the switching structure500from the first gear-connected state to the second gear-connected state having a gear ratio higher than the first gear-connected state through the actuator510. Since the load of the motor461is reduced as the switching structure500is changed to the second gear-connected state having a higher gear ratio, the temperature of the overheated motor461may be reduced. For another example, when the temperature of the motor461exceeds the fourth designated value, the processor470may be configured to change the switching structure500from the gear-connected state (e.g., a first gear-connected state or a second gear-connected state) to the gear-released state through the actuator510.

According to an embodiment, the processor470may be configured to change the switching structure500from the first gear-connected state to the second gear-connected state based on identifying that the temperature obtained from the second temperature sensor484for sensing the temperature of the display430is less than a fifth designated value. For example, the fifth designated value may be a Celsius temperature of −10° C. or less, but is not limited thereto. The processor470may identify that the electronic device400is exposed to a low temperature environment based on identifying that the temperature of the display430is less than the fifth designated value. When the temperature of the display430is less than the fifth designated value, as the repulsive force of the display430increases, a driving force required to expand the display430may increase. The electronic device400according to an embodiment may smoothly be expanded or contracted the display430in a relatively low temperature environment by the processor470configured to change the switching structure500from the first gear-connected state to the second gear-connected state when the temperature of the display430is less than the fifth designated value.

As described above, according to an embodiment, the electronic device400may provide a structure in which the second housing420may be manually operated without damaging components of the electronic device400by the switching structure500capable of connecting or releasing the motor461and the pinion gear462. The electronic device400according to an embodiment may smoothly expand or contract the display430while preventing or reducing the likelihood of damage to components of the electronic device400in various environments, by the processor470configured to change the state of switching structure500based on identifying the designated event.

FIG.5Aillustrates a first gear-connected state of a switching structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment,FIG.5Billustrates a second gear-connected state of a switching structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment, andFIG.5Cillustrates a gear-released state of a switching structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.5A,5B, and5C, the switching structure500according to an embodiment may further include a first gear housing522and a second gear housing552.

According to an embodiment, the first gear housing522may support a first axis520. The first gear housing522may be disposed in a first housing (e.g., the first housing410ofFIGS.4A and4B). The first axis520and at least one driving gear521may be coupled to the first gear housing522. For example, the first axis520and at least one driving gear521may be rotatable with respect to the first gear housing522by the motor461. According to an embodiment, a part of the first gear housing522facing the cover housing530may be opened. For example, in a case of the cylindrical first gear housing522, at least a part of an area facing the cover housing530among a circumferential surface of the first gear housing522may be opened. For another example, in a case of the rectangular first gear housing522, one surface of the first gear housing522facing the cover housing530may be opened. As one surface of the first gear housing522is opened, the gear of at least one connection gear set541in the cover housing530may be engaged with at least one driving gear521in the first gear housing522.

According to an embodiment, at least one driving gear521may include a first driving gear521aand a second driving gear521b. The first driving gear521amay be disposed at one end of the first axis520facing the motor461. The second driving gear521bmay be disposed at another end of the first axis520facing the one end of the first axis520facing the motor461. The second driving gear521bmay have a gear teeth number greater than the first driving gear521a. For example, a situation in which one gear has a gear teeth number greater than the other gear may indicate that a gear teeth number formed in the one gear is greater than the gear teeth number formed in the other gear. For another example, a situation in which one gear has a gear teeth number greater than the other may indicate that the angular velocity of the one gear is less than the angular velocity of the other gear when the one gear and the other gear rotate while engaged with each other, and the above expression may be used in the same manner hereinafter unless otherwise stated. According to an embodiment, the second driving gear521bmay be spaced apart from the first driving gear521a.

According to an embodiment, at least one connection gear set541may include a first connection gear set542disposed at one end of the second axis540facing the actuator510and a second connection gear set543disposed at the other end of the second axis540facing the one end of the second axis540facing the actuator510. The second connection gear set543may be spaced apart from the first connection gear set542.

According to an embodiment, when the switching structure500is in the gear-connected state, the first connection gear set542may be engaged with at least one driving gear521, and the second connection gear set543may be engaged with at least one transmitting gear551. For example, when the switching structure500is in the gear-connected state, at least one driving gear521may be rotated as the first axis520is rotated by the motor461. By rotation of at least one driving gear521, gears of the first connection gear set542engaged with at least one driving gear521may be rotated. When gears of the first connection gear set542are rotated, the second axis540may be rotated with respect to the cover housing530. The gears of the second connection gear set543engaged with at least one transmitting gear551may rotate at least one transmitting gear551by rotating by the rotation of the second axis540. The third axis550may rotate the pinion gear (e.g., the pinion gear462ofFIGS.4A and4B) by rotating by at least one transmitting gear551.

According to an embodiment, the first connection gear set542may include a first connection gear542aand a second connection gear542bdistinct from the first connection gear542a. For example, the second connection gear542bmay have gear teeth different from the first connection gear542a. As another example, the second connection gear542bmay have the same gear teeth number as the first connection gear542a. According to an embodiment, the second connection gear set543may include a third connection gear543aand a fourth connection gear543bdistinct from the third connection gear543a. For example, the fourth connection gear543bmay have gear teeth different from the third connection gear543a. For another example, the fourth connection gear543bmay have the same gear teeth number as the third connection gear543a.

According to an embodiment, the second gear housing552may support the third axis550. The second gear housing552may be disposed in the first housing410. The third axis550and at least one transmitting gear551may be coupled to the second gear housing552. For example, the third axis550and at least one transmitting gear551may be rotatable with respect to the second gear housing552. According to an embodiment, a part of the second gear housing552facing the cover housing530may be opened. For example, in the case of a cylindrical second gear housing552, at least a portion of the circumferential surface of the second gear housing552facing the cover housing530may be opened. For example, in a case of the cylindrical second gear housing552, at least a part of the area facing the cover housing530among the circumferential surfaces of the second gear housing552may be opened. For another example, in a case of the rectangular second gear housing552, one surface of the second gear housing552facing the cover housing530may be opened. As a part of the second gear housing552is opened, the gears of at least one connection gear set541in the cover housing530may be engaged with at least one transmitting gear551in the second gear housing552.

According to an embodiment, a part of the cover housing530facing the first gear housing522and the second gear housing552may be opened. For example, in the case of a cylindrical cover housing530, at least a part of the area facing the first gear housing522and the second gear housing552among the circumferential surfaces of the cover housing530may be opened. For another example, in the case of a rectangular cover housing530, one surface of the cover housing530may be opened, facing the first gear housing522and the second gear housing552.

According to an embodiment, at least one transmitting gear551may include a first transmitting gear551adisposed at one end of a third axis550facing the second driving gear521band a second transmitting gear551bdisposed at the other end of the third axis550facing the one end of the third axis550and having a gear teeth number smaller than the first transmitting gear551.

According to an embodiment, when the switching structure500is in the first gear-connected state, the second connection gear542bof the first connection gear set542may be engaged with the second driving gear521band the fourth connection gear543bof the second connection gear set543may be engaged with the second transmitting gear551b. When the first axis520is rotated by the motor461in case that the switching structure500is in the first gear-connected state, the second driving gear521bmay be rotated. The second connection gear542bengaged with the second driving gear521bmay be rotated by the second driving gear521b. The fourth connection gear543bmay be rotated by rotation of the second connection gear542b. The second transmitting gear551bengaged with the fourth connection gear543bmay be rotated by the fourth connection gear543bto rotate the pinion gear462.

According to an embodiment, when the switching structure500is in the second gear-connected state, the first connection gear542amay be engaged with the first driving gear521a, and the third connection gear543amay be engaged with the first transmitting gear551a. When the switching structure500is in the first gear-connected state in case that the first axis520is rotated by the motor461, the first driving gear521amay be rotated. The first connection gear542aengaged with the first driving gear521amay be rotated by the first driving gear521a. The third connection gear543amay be rotated by rotation of the first connection gear542a. The first transmitting gear551aengaged with the third connection gear543amay rotate the pinion gear462by rotating by the third connection gear543a.

The gear ratio of each of the first gear-connected state and the second gear-connected state of the switching structure500may be defined by each gear teeth number of at least one driving gear521, at least one connection gear set541, and/or at least one transmitting gear551. For example, in the first gear-connected state of switching structure500, the first gear ratio of switching structure500may be expressed as Equation 1 below.

[Equation⁢1]The⁢first⁢gear⁢ratio=(gear⁢teeth⁢number⁢of⁢the⁢second⁢connection⁢gear)×(gear⁢teeth⁢number⁢of⁢the⁢second⁢transmitting⁢gear)(gear⁢teeth⁢number⁢of⁢the⁢second⁢driving⁢gear)×(gear⁢teeth⁢number⁢of⁢the⁢fourth⁢connection⁢gear)

For another example, in the second gear-connected state of the switching structure500, the second gear ratio of the switching structure500may be expressed as Equation 2 below.

[Equation⁢2]The⁢second⁢gear⁢ratio=(gear⁢teeth⁢number⁢of⁢the⁢second⁢driving⁢gear)×(gear⁢teeth⁢number⁢of⁢the⁢first⁢transmitting⁢gear)(gear⁢teeth⁢number⁢of⁢the⁢first⁢driving⁢gear)×(gear⁢teeth⁢number⁢of⁢the⁢third⁢connection⁢gear)

According to an embodiment, a gear ratio of the switching structure500in the second gear-connected state may be greater than a gear ratio of the switching structure500in the first gear-connected state. For example, in case that the gear teeth number of each of the first connection gear542a, the second connection gear542b, the third connection gear543b, and the fourth connection gear543bare the same, the gear teeth number of the second driving gear521bis greater than the gear teeth number of the first driving gear521a, and the gear teeth number of the first transmitting gear551bis greater than the gear teeth number of the second transmitting gear551b, the first gear ratio may be smaller than the second gear ratio. As the gear ratio of the switching structure500in the second gear-connected state is greater than the gear ratio of the switching structure500in the first gear-connected state, the driving force of the pinion gear462in the second gear-connected state may be greater than the driving force of the pinion gear462in the first gear-connected state.

According to an embodiment, when the switching structure500is in a gear-released state, engagement of the gears of the first connection gear set542and at least one driving gear521may be released, and engagement of the gears of the second connection gear set543and at least one transmitting gear551may be released.

According to an embodiment, the state of the switching structure500may be changed based on the moving distance and direction of the actuator510. For example, when the switching structure500is in the gear-released state, as the actuator510moves by the first designated distance in the third direction (e.g., the +x direction) toward the pinion gear462, the switching structure500may be changed to the first gear-connected state. For another example, when the switching structure500is in a gear-released state, as the actuator510moves by the second designated distance in the fourth direction (e.g., the −x direction) toward the motor461, the switching structure500may be changed to the second gear-connected state.

According to an embodiment, the processor (e.g., processor470ofFIG.4C) may be configured to identify whether the state change of the switching structure500is completed, based on identifying the moving distance of the actuator510after driving the actuator510. The processor470may drive the actuator510in response to receiving a signal for changing the state of the switching structure500. The processor470may identify whether the moving distance of the actuator510corresponds to the designated distance based on receiving data related to driving of the actuator510after driving the actuator510. For example, the processor470may obtain data related to the driving of the actuator510through an encoder of the actuator510, or data related to the driving of the actuator510through a phase change of the current received in the driving integrated circuit of the actuator510. For example, the processor470may drive the actuator510based on receiving a signal for changing the state of switching structure500from the gear-released state to the first gear-connected state. In order for the state of the switching structure500to change from the gear-released state to the first gear-connected state, the actuator510may have to move in the third direction (e.g., the +x direction) by a distance corresponding to the first designated distance. The processor470may identify that the state change of the switching structure500is incomplete based on identifying that the moving distance of the actuator510identified through data related to the driving of the actuator510is less than the first designated distance. For example, in a state that at least one driving gear521and at least one gear of the first connection gear set542are misaligned, when the actuator510moves in the third direction, at least one driving gear521and at least one gear of the first connection gear set542may be not engaged with each other and may collide. As at least one driving gear521collides with the first connection gear set542, the actuator510may not move by the designated distance. When the moving distance of the actuator510is less than the designated distance, the processor470may identify at least one driving gear521and at least one gear of the first connection gear set542as misaligned.

According to an embodiment, the processor470may be configured to align at least one driving gear521and at least one of the first connection gear set542through the motor461so that at least one gear of the first connection gear set542be engaged with at least one driving gear521, based on identifying that the moving distance of actuator510is less than the designated distance. For example, the processor470may be configured to rotate the motor461at a designated angle based on identifying that the moving distance of the actuator510is less than the designated distance. At least one driving gear521connected to the second axis520may be rotated by rotation of the motor461. When at least one driving gear521rotates, the gear teeth of at least one driving gear521may be aligned to be able to be engaged with gear teeth of the first connection gear set524. After alignment of at least one driving gear521with the first connection gear set524, the processor470may retry the state change of the switching structure500through the actuator510. When the state change of switching structure500is re-identified as incomplete, the processor470may re-perform an operation of aligning at least one driving gear521and at least one gear of the first connection gear set524through the motor461.

Based on when the state of the switching structure500is changed from the gear-released state to the first gear-connected state, the operation of the processor470for aligning the gears of the at least one driving gear521and the first connection gear set524described above has been described, but this is for convenience of explanation. The above-described operation of the processor470may be applied substantially the same when the state of the switching structure500is changed from a gear-released state to a second gear-connected state.

According to an embodiment, the first connection gear set542may include a first magnet544disposed on one surface of the first connection gear542aor the second connection gear542bfacing at least one driving gear521. For example, the first magnet544may be disposed on one surface of the second connection gear542bfacing the second driving gear521b. According to an embodiment, at least one driving gear521may include a second magnet523facing the first magnet544. For example, the second magnet523may be disposed on one surface of the second driving gear521bfacing the second connection gear542b. The first magnet544and the second magnet523may align at least one of the gears among the at least one driving gear521and the gears of the first connection gear set542by interacting with each other. For example, in the first magnet544and the second magnet523in which surfaces having the same polarity face each other, at least one of the gears of the driving gear521and the first connection gear set542may be aligned, by applying a repulsive force to each other when at least one driving gear521and the first connection gear set542are misaligned. For another example, in the first magnet544and the second magnet523in which surfaces having different polarities face each other, at least one of the gears of the driving gear521and the first connection gear set542may be aligned, by applying an attractive force to each other when at least one driving gear521and the first connection gear set542are misaligned.

FIG.5Cillustrates that the first magnet544and the second magnet523are disposed in the second connection gear542band the second driving gear521b, respectively, but are not limited thereto. For example, the first magnet544and the second magnet523may be disposed in the first connection gear542aand the first driving gear521a, respectively. As another example, the first magnet544and the second magnet523may be disposed in the second connection gear set543and at least one transmitting gear551, respectively.

As described above, according to an embodiment, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device400ofFIGS.4A,4B, and4C) may provide a structure capable of stably expanding or contracting the display (e.g., the display430ofFIGS.4A,4B, and4C) in various environments by the switching structure500whose state may be changed by the movement of the actuator510. The electronic device400according to an embodiment may stably change the state of the switching structure500by a processor470capable of aligning at least one driving gear521and the first connection gear set542.

FIG.6Aillustrates a switching structure and a driving unit of an electronic device according to an embodiment,FIG.6Bis a cross-sectional view illustrating the inside of a switching structure and a driving unit of an electronic device according to an embodiment, andFIG.6Cis a cross-sectional view illustrating the inside of a switching structure and a driving unit of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.6A,6B, and6C, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device400ofFIGS.4A,4B, and4C) according to an embodiment may further include a switching structure600. The electronic devices400ofFIGS.6A,6B, and6Cmay be the electronic devices400in which the structures of the switching structure500in the electronic devices400ofFIGS.4A,4B, and4C are changed, and thus a repeated description thereof will be omitted.

According to an embodiment, the switching structure600may be disposed between a motor461and a pinion gear462. According to an embodiment, the switching structure600may be changed to a gear-connected state in which the motor461and the pinion gear462are connected or a gear-released state in which the motor461and the pinion gear462are disconnected.

According to an embodiment, the switching structure600may include an actuator610, a first axis620, a second axis630, a cover housing640, and at least one bearing650. The actuators610ofFIGS.6A,6B, and6Cmay be substantially the same as the actuators510ofFIGS.4A,4B, and4C, and thus repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

According to an embodiment, the actuator610may be movable in a third direction (e.g., +x direction), which is a direction toward the pinion gear462, or a fourth direction (e.g., −x direction), which is a direction toward the motor461. The actuator610may be coupled to the cover housing640to move the cover housing640.

According to an embodiment, one end of the first axis620may be coupled to the motor461to be rotatable by the motor461. For example, the one end of the first axis620may be inserted into the motor461. According to an embodiment, the driving gear621may be coupled to the first axis620. When the first axis620is rotated by the motor461, the driving gear621may be rotated together with the first axis620.

According to an embodiment, the second axis630may be spaced apart from the first axis620, and one end of the second axis630may be coupled to the pinion gear462. For example, a part of the second shaft axis630may penetrate the pinion gear462. According to an embodiment, the transmitting gear631may be coupled to the second axis630. When the second axis630is rotated by the rotation of the transmitting gear631, the pinion gear462may be rotated. By the rotation of the pinion gear462, the rack gear463may be movable in a first direction (e.g., the +y direction) or a second direction (e.g., the −y direction) opposite to the first direction.

According to an embodiment, the cover housing640may accommodate at least a part of components of the switching structure600. The cover housing640may surround at least a part of the first axis620and the second axis630. The driving gear621coupled to the first axis620and the transmitting gear631coupled to the second axis630may be surrounded by the cover housing640. According to an embodiment, the cover housing640may be movable by the actuator610. For example, the cover housing640may be movable in a third direction (e.g., +x direction) toward the pinion gear or a fourth direction (e.g., −x direction) toward the motor461by the actuator610. According to an embodiment, the cover housing640may include a coupling groove640bformed by denting at least a part of the outer surface640aalong the circumference of the outer surface640aof the cover housing640. A part of the actuator610may be accommodated in the coupling groove640b. Since the coupling groove640bis formed along the circumference of the cover housing640, the cover housing640may be rotatable with respect to the actuator610.

According to an embodiment, the cover housing640may include a first ring gear641disposed on the inner surface of the cover housing640, and a second ring gear642spaced apart from the first ring gear641. The second ring gear642may be spaced apart from the first ring gear641in a third direction parallel to the first axis620. According to an embodiment, the first ring gear641may be engaged with the driving gear621when the switching structure600is in a gear-connected state, and may be spaced apart from the driving gear621when the switching structure600is in a gear-released state. According to an embodiment, the second ring gear642may be engaged with the transmitting gear631when the switching structure600is in the gear-connected state, and may be spaced apart from the transmitting gear631when the switching structure600is in the gear-released state.

According to an embodiment, at least one bearing650may include a first bearing651, a second bearing652, and a third bearing653. The first bearing651may be disposed in the cover housing640and may support the first axis620and the second axis630within the cover housing640. According to an embodiment, the first bearing651may surround another end of the first axis620spaced apart from the motor461and another end of the second axis630spaced apart from the pinion gear462. The first bearing651may be rotatable independently of the first axis620and the second axis630. For example, the first bearing651may rotate independently to the first axis620and the second axis630without transmitting the driving force of the first axis620to the second axis630.

According to an embodiment, the second bearing652may support the first axis620and a part of the cover housing640facing the motor461. The second bearing652may be disposed between the motor461and the first ring gear641. The second bearing652may surround at least a portion of the first axis620and may be rotatable independently to the first axis620. According to an embodiment, the size of the one end of the second bearing651facing the motor461may be smaller than the size of the other end of the second bearing651disposed in the cover housing640. For example, the size of the other end of the second bearing651may correspond to the inner diameter of the cover housing640.

According to an embodiment, the third bearing653may support a part of the cover housing640facing the second axis630and the pinion gear462. The third bearing653may be disposed between the second ring gear642and the pinion gear462. The third bearing653may surround at least a part of the second axis630and may be rotatable independently to the second axis630. According to an embodiment, the size of the one end of the third bearing653facing the pinion gear462may be smaller than the size of the other end of the third bearing653disposed in the cover housing640. For example, the size of the other end of the third bearing653may correspond to the inner diameter of the cover housing640.

According to an embodiment, the state of the switching structure600may be changed to the gear-released state or the gear-connected state according to the movement of the actuator610. For example, in case that the switching structure600is in the gear-connected state, when the cover housing640moves in a fourth direction (e.g., the −x direction), which is a direction toward the motor461by the actuator610, the switching structure600may be changed to the gear-released state. For example, when the switching structure600is in the gear-connected state, the first ring gear641may be engaged with the driving gear621, and the second ring gear642may be engaged with the transmitting gear631. When the cover housing640is moved in the fourth direction by the actuator610, the first ring gear641and the second ring gear642may move in the fourth direction and be spaced apart from the driving gear621and the transmitting gear631, respectively. As the first ring gear641and the second ring gear642are respectively spaced apart from the driving gear621and the transmitting gear631, the state of the switching structure600may be changed to the gear-released state. According to an embodiment, in the gear-released state of the switching structure600, since the driving force by the rotation of the first axis620is not transmitted to the cover housing640as the first ring gear641and the driving gear621are separated, the cover housing640may not rotate. When the switching structure600is in the gear-released state, the driving gear621may be disposed between the first ring gear641and the second ring gear642.

According to an embodiment, in case that the switching structure600is in a gear-released state, when the cover housing640is moved in a third direction (e.g., +x direction), which is a direction toward the pinion gear462by the actuator610, the switching structure600may be changed to the gear-connected state. When the switching structure600is in the gear-released state, the first ring gear641may be spaced apart from the driving gear621, and the second ring gear642may be spaced apart from the transmitting gear631. When the cover housing640moves in the third direction, the first ring gear641and the second ring gear642may move in the third direction to engage the driving gear621and the transmitting gear631, respectively. As the first ring gear641and the second ring gear642engage with the driving gear621and the transmitting gear631, respectively, the state of the switching structure600may be changed to the gear-connected state. According to an embodiment, in the gear-connected state of the switching structure600, when the first axis620is rotated by the motor461, the driving gear621coupled to the first axis620may be rotated. The first ring gear641engaged with the driving gear621may be rotated by the driving gear621, so that the cover housing640and the second ring gear642may be rotated with respect to the actuator610. The transmitting gear631engaged with the second ring gear642may be rotated by the second ring gear642. The second axis630may be rotated by the transmitting gear631, and the pinion gear462may be rotated by the rotation of the second axis630to move the rack gear463.

According to an embodiment, the state of the switching structure600may be changed based on the moving distance and direction of the actuator610. For example, when switching structure600is in the gear-released state, as the actuator610moves by the first designated distance in the third direction (e.g., the +x direction) toward the pinion gear463, the switching structure600may be changed to the gear-connected state. For another example, when switching structure600is in the gear-connected state, as the actuator610moves by the second designated distance in the fourth direction (e.g., the −x direction) toward the motor461, the switching structure500may be changed to the gear-released state.

According to an embodiment, the processor (e.g., processor470ofFIG.4C) may be configured to identify whether the state change of the switching structure600is completed based on identifying the moving distance of actuator610after driving the actuator610. The processor470may drive the actuator610in response to receiving a signal for changing the state of the switching structure600. The processor470may identify whether the moving distance of the actuator610corresponds to the designated distance based on receiving data related to driving of the actuator610after driving the actuator610. For example, the processor470may obtain data related to the driving of the actuator610through an encoder of the actuator610, or data related to driving of the actuator610through a phase change of the current received in the driving integrated circuit of the actuator610. For example, in order for the state of switching structure600to change from the gear-released state to the gear-connected state, the actuator610may have to move by the first designated distance in the third direction. When the actuator610moves in the third direction while the driving gear621and the first ring gear641are misaligned, the driving gear621and the first ring gear641may be not engaged with each other and may collide. As the driving gear621collides with the first ring gear641, the actuator610may not move by the designated distance. The processor may identify that the driving gear621and the first ring gear641are misaligned based on identifying that the moving distance of the actuator610is less than the designated distance.

According to an embodiment, based on identifying the moving distance of the actuator610is less than the designated distance, the processor470may be configured to align the driving gear621and the first ring gear641through the motor461so that the driving gear621and the first ring gear641engaged with each other. For example, the processor470may be configured to rotate motor461at a designated angle based on identifying that the moving distance of actuator610is less than the designated distance. When the driving gear621is rotated by the motor461, the gear teeth of the driving gear621may be aligned to be engaged with the gear teeth of the first ring gear641. After alignment of the driving gear621and the first ring gear641, the processor470may retry changing the state of the switching structure600through the actuator610. When the state change of the switching structure600is re-identified as incomplete, the processor470may re-perform the driving gear621and the first ring gear641through the motor461.

As described above, according to an embodiment, the electronic device400may provide a structure capable of manually expanding or contracting a display (e.g., the display430ofFIGS.4A,4B, and4C) without damaging a component of the electronic device400by the switching structure600capable of connecting or releasing the motor461and the pinion gear462. The electronic device400according to an embodiment may stably change the state of the switching structure600by the processor470capable of aligning the driving gear621and the first ring gear641.

FIG.7Ais a cross-sectional view illustrating a gear-connected state of a switching structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment, andFIG.7Bis a cross-sectional view illustrating a gear-connected state of a switching structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.7A and7B, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device400ofFIGS.4A,4B, and4C) according to an embodiment may include a switching structure700. Since the switching structure700ofFIGS.7A and7Bmay be a switching structure700in which the structure of the second ring gear642is changed in the switching structure600ofFIGS.6A,6B, and6C, and thus repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

According to an embodiment, the switching structure700may include an actuator710, a first axis720, a second axis730, a cover housing740, and at least one bearing750. The actuator710, the first axis720, the second axis730, the cover housing740, and at least one bearing750inFIGS.7A and7Bmay be substantially the same as the actuators610inFIGS.6A,6B, and6C, the first axis620, the second axis630, the cover housing640, and at least one bearing650, respectively, and thus repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

According to an embodiment, the actuator710may be movable in a third direction (e.g., +x direction), which is a direction toward the pinion gear462, or a fourth direction (e.g., −x direction), which is a direction toward the motor461. The actuator710may be coupled to the cover housing740to move the cover housing740.

According to an embodiment, the first axis720may be rotatable by the motor461as the one end of the first axis720is coupled to the motor461. For example, the one end of the first axis720may be inserted into the motor461. According to an embodiment, the driving gear721may be coupled to the first axis720. When the first axis720is rotated by the motor461, the driving gear721may be rotated together with the first axis720.

According to an embodiment, the second axis730may be spaced apart from the first axis720, and one end of the second axis730may be coupled to the pinion gear462. For example, a part of the second axis730may penetrate the pinion gear462. According to an embodiment, the transmitting gear731may be coupled to the second axis730. When the second axis730is rotated by the rotation of the transmitting gear731, the pinion gear462may be rotated. By the rotation of the pinion gear462, the rack gear463may be movable in a first direction (e.g., the +y direction) or a second direction (e.g., the −y direction) opposite to the first direction.

According to an embodiment, the cover housing740may accommodate at least a part of the components of the switching structure700. The cover housing740may surround at least a part of the first axis720and the second axis730. The driving gear721coupled to the first axis720and the transmitting gear731coupled to the second axis730may be surrounded by the cover housing740. According to an embodiment, the cover housing740may be movable by the actuator710. For example, the cover housing740may be movable in a third direction (e.g., +x direction) toward the pinion gear by the actuator710or a fourth direction (e.g., −x direction) toward the motor471. According to an embodiment, the cover housing740may include a first ring gear741disposed on the inner surface of the cover housing740and a second ring gear742spaced apart from the first ring gear741. The second ring gear742may be spaced apart from the first ring gear741in a third direction parallel to the first axis720. According to an embodiment, the first ring gear741may be engaged with the driving gear721when the switching structure700is in the gear-connected state, and may be spaced apart from the driving gear721when the switching structure700is in the gear-released state. According to an embodiment, the second ring gear742may be engaged with the transmitting gear731when the switching structure700is in the gear-released state and in the gear-connected state. For example, the second ring gear742may maintain an engaged state with the transmitting gear731, regardless of the state of the switching structure700.

According to an embodiment, at least one bearing750may include a first bearing751, a second bearing752, and a third bearing753. According to an embodiment, the first bearing751may surround another end of the first axis720spaced apart from the motor471and another end of the second axis730spaced apart from the pinion gear472. The first bearing751may be rotatable independently to the first axis720and the second axis730. According to an embodiment, the second bearing752may be disposed between the motor471and the first ring gear741. The second bearing752may surround at least a part of the first axis720and may be rotatable independently to the first axis720. According to an embodiment, the third bearing753may be disposed between the second ring gear742and the pinion gear472. The third bearing753may surround at least a part of the second axis730and may be rotatable independently to the second axis730.

According to an embodiment, when the switching structure700is in the gear-connected state, as the actuator710moves in the fourth direction (e.g., the −x direction), which is a direction toward the motor461, the switching structure700may be changed to a gear-released state. For example, when the switching structure700is in the gear-connected state, the first ring gear741may be engaged with the driving gear721, and the second ring gear742may be engaged with the transmitting gear731. When the cover housing740is moved in the fourth direction by the actuator710, the first ring gear741may move in the fourth direction and be spaced apart from the driving gear721. The second ring gear742may move in the fourth direction while maintaining an engaged state with the transmitting gear731. When the switching structure700is in the gear-released state, as the motor461rotates, the first axis720and the driving gear721may rotate. As the driving gear721and the first ring gear741are spaced apart from each other, the cover housing740may not be rotated by the driving gear721. When the cover housing740does not rotate, the pinion gear462may not rotate because the driving force of the first axis720is not transmitted to the second axis730.

According to an embodiment, when the switching structure700is in the gear-released state, as the actuator710moves in a third direction (e.g., +x direction), which is a direction toward the pinion gear462, the switching structure700may be changed to the gear-connected state. For example, when the switching structure700is in the gear-released state, the first ring gear741may be spaced apart from the driving gear721, and the second ring gear742may be engaged with the transmitting gear731. When the cover housing740is moved in the third direction by the actuator710, the first ring gear741may move in the third direction and be engaged with the driving gear721. The second ring gear742may move in the third direction while maintaining an engaged state with the transmitting gear731. When the switching structure700is in the gear-connected state, as the motor461rotates, the first axis720and the driving gear721may rotate. The first ring gear741engaged with the driving gear721may be rotated by the driving gear721. As the first ring gear741rotates, the cover housing740and the second ring gear742may rotate with respect to the actuator710. The transmitting gear731engaged with the second ring gear742may rotate by rotation of the second ring gear742to rotate the second axis730. The pinion gear462connected to the second axis730may be rotated by the second axis730to move the rack gear463.

As described above, according to an embodiment, the electronic device400may provide a structure capable of manually expanding or contracting a display (e.g., the display430ofFIGS.4A,4B, and4C) without damaging a component of the electronic device400by the switching structure700capable of connecting or releasing the motor461and the pinion gear462.

FIG.8is a cross-sectional view of a switching structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.8, a cover housing740according to an embodiment may include a first magnet743disposed on an inner surface of the cover housing740. The first magnet743may be spaced apart from a first ring gear741. For example, the first magnet743may be disposed between a second bearing752and the first ring gear741.

According to an embodiment, the switching structure700may further include a second magnet722disposed on the first axis720. The second magnet722may align the first ring gear741and the driving gear721by interacting with the first magnet743disposed in the cover housing740. For example, the second magnet722may align the first ring gear741and the driving gear721, by applying an attractive force to the first magnet743, so that the first ring gear741and the driving gear721are engaged with each other. For another example, the second magnet722may align the first ring gear741and the driving gear721, by applying a repulsive force to the first magnet743, so that the first ring gear741and the driving gear721are engaged with each other.

The first magnet743and the second magnet722ofFIG.8are illustrated based on the switching structure700ofFIGS.7A and7B, but are not limited thereto. For example, the first magnet743and the second magnet722may be disposed in the switching structure600ofFIGS.6A,6B, and6C.

As described above, according to an embodiment, the electronic devices (e.g., the electronic devices400ofFIGS.4A,4B, and4C) may provide a structure in which a state of the switching structure700may be stably changed by the first magnet743and the second magnet722which aligns the first ring gear741and the driving gear721.

FIG.9Aillustrates a first gear-connected state of a switching structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment,FIG.9Billustrates a second gear-connected state of a switching structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment,FIG.9Cillustrates a gear-released state of a switching structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment, andFIG.9Dis a partial perspective view illustrating a transmitting axis of an electronic device and a second axis of a switching structure according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.9A,9B,9C, and9D, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device400ofFIGS.4A,4B, and4C) according to an embodiment may include a switching structure900. The switching structure900ofFIGS.9A,9B, and9Cmay be substantially the same as the switching structure500ofFIGS.4A,4B, and/or4C, and thus a repeated description thereof will be omitted.

According to an embodiment, the switching structure900may include an actuator910, a first axis920, a first gear housing922, a cover housing930, and/or a second axis940. Since the actuator910, the first axis920, and/or the cover housing930ofFIGS.9A,9B, and9Cmay be substantially the same as the actuator510, the first axis520, and/or the cover housing530of FIG.4A and/orFIG.4B, and thus repeated descriptions will be omitted. The first gear housing922ofFIGS.9A,9B, and9Cmay be substantially the same as the first gear housing522ofFIGS.5A,5B, and/or5C, and thus a repeated description will be omitted.

According to an embodiment, the actuator910may change the state of the switching structure500. For example, the actuator910may be movable in a third direction (e.g., +x direction) from the motor461to the pinion gear462or a fourth direction (e.g., −x direction) from the pinion gear462to the motor461.

According to an embodiment, the first axis920may be coupled to the motor461to be rotatable by the motor461. For example, the one end of the first axis920may be inserted into the motor461. According to an embodiment, at least one driving gear921may be coupled to the first shaft axis920. For example, the first shaft axis920may penetrate at least one driving gear921. At least one driving gear921may be rotatable according to rotation of the first axis920. At least one driving gear921may transmit the driving force of the motor461to at least one transmitting gear941.

According to an embodiment, at least one driving gear921may include a first driving gear921aconnected to one end of the first axis920facing the motor461, and a second driving gear921bspaced apart in the third direction from the first driving gear921a. The second driving gear921bmay have a gear teeth number different from the first driving gear921a. For example, the second driving gear921bmay have a gear teeth number greater than the first driving gear921a.

According to an embodiment, the first gear housing922may surround the first axis920and at least one driving gear921. A first axis920may penetrate the first gear housing922and may be rotatable with respect to the first gear housing922by the motor461. According to an embodiment, a part of the first gear housing922facing the cover housing930may be opened. For example, when the cross section of the first gear housing922is quadrangular, one surface of the first gear housing922facing the cover housing930may be opened. For another example, when the cross section of the first gear housing922is circular, at least a portion of the area facing the cover housing930may be opened.

According to an embodiment, the cover housing930may be connected to the actuator910and may be movable in a direction parallel to the first axis920by the actuator910. For example, the cover housing930may be movable in a third direction or a fourth direction opposite to the third direction by the actuator910. According to an embodiment, the cover housing930may surround the second axis940and at least one transmitting gear941. According to an embodiment, a part of the cover housing930facing the first gear housing922may be opened. For example, when the cross section of the cover housing930is quadrangular, one surface of the cover housing930facing the first gear housing922may be opened. For another example, when the cross section of the cover housing930is quadrangular, at least a part of the area facing the first gear housing922may be opened.

According to an embodiment, the second axis940may be coupled to the cover housing930to be rotatable with respect to the cover housing930. For example, the second axis940may penetrate the cover housing930. According to an embodiment, at least one transmitting gear941may be coupled to the second axis940. The second axis940may be rotatable by rotation of at least one transmitting gear941. The second axis940may be rotated by the at least one transmitting gear941to rotate the pinion gear462. According to an embodiment, the second axis940may be movable in the third direction or the fourth direction opposite to the third direction by the actuator910.

According to an embodiment, at least one transmitting gear941may include a first transmitting gear941acoupled to one end of the second axis940facing the motor461, and a second transmitting gear941bspaced apart from the first transmitting gear941ain the third direction. The second transmitting gear941bmay have a gear teeth number different from the first driving gear941a. For example, the second transmitting gear941bmay have a smaller number of gear teeth than the first driving gear941b.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device400may further include a transmitting axis464connected to the pinion gear462and the second axis940. The transmitting axis464may rotate the pinion gear462by rotation of the second axis940. For example, the transmitting axis464may penetrate the pinion gear462. For another example, the transmitting axis464may cover the other end of the second axis940facing the one end of the second axis940facing the motor461. According to an embodiment, at least a part of the second axis940may be movable inside the transmitting axis464by the actuator910. The transmitting axis464may include an empty space such that the second axis940is movable therein. For example, the second axis940may be inserted into the transmitting axis464as it moves in the third direction (e.g., the +x direction) by the actuator910. For another example, the second axis940may be pulled out from the transmitting axis464as it moves in the fourth direction (e.g., the −x direction) opposite to the third direction by the actuator910.

According to an embodiment, the transmitting axis464may include an accommodating protrusion464adisposed on the inner surface of the transmitting axis464surrounding the second axis940. The accommodating protrusion may guide the movement of the second axis940. According to an embodiment, the accommodating protrusion464amay protruded from the inner surface of the transmitting axis464and extended along the inner surface of the transmitting axis464. For example, the accommodating protrusion464amay be extended in the third direction along the inner surface of the transmitting axis464. The length of the accommodating protrusion464ain the third direction may correspond to the moving range of the actuator910.

According to an embodiment, the second axis940may include an accommodating groove940athat guides the movement of the second axis940along with the accommodating protection464a. According to an embodiment, the accommodating groove940amay be disposed on the outer surface of the second axis940surrounded by the transmitting axis464. The accommodating groove940amay be extended along the outer surface of the second axis940. For example, the accommodating groove940amay be extended in the third direction along the outer surface of the second axis940. The length of the accommodating groove940ain the third direction may correspond to the moving range of the actuator910and the length of the accommodating protection464ain the third direction. According to an embodiment, the accommodating groove940amay be relatively movable with respect to the accommodating protection464aby the actuator910. For example, as the second axis940is moved by the actuator910, the accommodating groove940amay be slidable with respect to the accommodating protection464a.

FIG.9Dillustrates that the accommodating groove940ais disposed on the second axis940and the accommodating protection464ais disposed on the transmitting axis464, but it is for the convenience of explanation. According to embodiments, the accommodating groove940amay be disposed on the transmitting axis464, and the accommodating protection464amay be disposed on the second axis940.

According to an embodiment, when the switching structure900is in the gear-connected state (e.g., the first gear-connected state or the second gear-connected state), at least one transmitting gear941may be engaged with at least one driving gear921. For example, when the switching structure900is in the first gear-connected state, the second driving gear921bmay be engaged with the second transmitting gear941b. When the switching structure900is in the first gear-connected state, the first driving gear921amay be spaced apart from the second driving gear921b. When the switching structure900is in the first gear-connected state, the first driving gear921aand the first driving gear921bmay be in a state in which engagement is released. For another example, when the switching structure900is the second gear-connected state having a gear ratio higher than the first gear-connected state, the first driving gear921amay be engaged with the first transmitting gear941a. When the switching structure900is in the second gear-connected state, the second driving gear921bmay be spaced apart from the second transmitting gear941b. When the switching structure900is in the second gear-connected state, the engagement of the second driving gear921band the second transmitting gear941bmay be released.

According to an embodiment, when the switching structure900is in the gear-connected state (e.g., the first gear-connected state or the second gear-connected state), the first axis920may be rotated by the motor461. At least one driving gear921may rotate at least one transmitting gear941engaged with at least one driving gear921by rotation of the first axis920. The second axis940may be rotated by rotation of at least one transmitting gear941. The accommodating groove940adisposed on the second axis940may rotate the accommodating protrusion464aof the transmitting axis464by rotating by the rotation of the second axis940. The transmitting axis464may be rotated by the accommodating protection464ato rotate the pinion gear462. As the pinion gear462rotates, the rack gear463may move with respect to the first housing (e.g., the first housing410ofFIGS.4A and4B) in a first direction (e.g., the +y direction) or a second direction (e.g., the −y direction) opposite to the first direction. The second housing (e.g., the second housing420ofFIGS.4A and4B) may expand or contract the display (e.g., the display430ofFIGS.4A,4B, and4C) by moving in the direction of movement of the rack gear463by the movement of the rack gear463.

According to an embodiment, when the switching structure900is in the gear-released state, engagement of at least one transmitting gear941and at least one driving gear921may be released. For example, when the switching structure900is in the gear-released state, each of the first transmitting gear941aand the second transmitting gear941bmay be spaced apart from the first driving gear921aand the second driving gear921bwithout being engaged with the first driving gear921aand the second driving gear921b. For example, when the switching structure900is in the gear-released state, the first transmitting gear941aand the second transmitting gear941bmay be disposed between the first driving gear921aand the second driving gear921b. According to an embodiment, when the switching structure900is in the gear-released state, the second axis940may be rotatable independently with respect to the first axis920. When the switching structure900is in the gear-released state, the second axis940may not be rotated by the motor461. As the second axis940is independently rotatable to the first axis920, the second housing420may be movable with respect to the first housing410by manual operation.

According to an embodiment, the state of the switching structure900may be changed based on the moving distance and direction of the actuator910. For example, when the switching structure900is in the gear-released state, as the actuator910moves by the third designated distance in the third direction (e.g., the +x direction), the switching structure900may be changed to the first gear-connected state. For another example, when switching structure900is in the gear-released state, as the actuator910moves by the fourth designated distance in the fourth direction (e.g., the −x direction), the switching structure900may be changed to the second gear-connected state.

According to an embodiment, the processor (e.g., processor470ofFIG.4C) may be configured to identify whether the state change of the switching structure900is completed based on identifying the moving distance of the actuator910after driving the actuator910. The processor470may identify whether the moving distance of the actuator910corresponds to the designated distance based on receiving data related to driving of the actuator910after driving the actuator910. For example, the processor470may obtain data related to the driving of the actuator910through an encoder of the actuator910, or data related to the driving of the actuator910through a phase change of current received in the driving integrated circuit of actuator910. For example, the processor470may drive the actuator910based on receiving a signal for changing the state of switching structure900from the gear-released state to the first gear-connected state. In order to change the state of switching structure900from the gear-released state to the first gear-connected state, the actuator910may have to move in the third direction (e.g., the +x direction) by a distance corresponding to the third designated distance. The processor470may identify that the state change of the switching structure900is incomplete based on identifying that the moving distance of the actuator910identified through data related to the driving of the actuator910is less than the third designated distance. When the moving distance of the actuator910is less than the designated distance, the processor470may identify that the at least one driving gear921and the at least one transmitting gear941are in a misaligned state.

According to an embodiment, the processor470may be configured to align at least one transmitting gear941and at least one driving gear921through the motor461so that at least one transmitting gear941and at least one driving gear921engage with each other based on identifying that the moving distance of actuator910is less than the designated distance. For example, the processor470may be configured to rotate motor461at a designated angle based on identifying that the moving distance of actuator910is less than the designated distance. After alignment of at least one driving gear921and at least one transmitting gear941, the processor470may retry changing the state of the switching structure900through the actuator910. When the state change of switching structure900is re-identified as incomplete, the processor470may re-perform an operation of aligning at least one driving gear921and at least one transmitting gear941through the motor461.

As described above, according to an embodiment, the electronic device400may provide a structure capable of stably expanding or contracting the display430in various environments by the switching structure900in which the state may be changed by the movement of the actuator910.

FIG.10illustrates an example of an operation of a processor of an electronic device according to an embodiment, andFIG.11illustrates an example of an operation of a processor of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

The operations illustrated inFIGS.10and11may be performed by the electronic device400ofFIGS.4A,4B,4C,6A,6B,6C,7A,7B,9A,9B and/or9C.

Referring toFIG.10, in operation1001, the processor (e.g., the processor470ofFIG.4C) may drive the actuator (e.g., the actuator510ofFIGS.4A,4B, and4C) to change the state of the switching structure (e.g., the switching structure500ofFIGS.4aand4B) based on identifying a designated event. According to an embodiment, the designated event may include a case where a user input for changing the state of switching structure500is received or an abnormal state of the electronic device400is detected through a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module480ofFIG.4C). For example, the processor120may obtain sensing data through the sensor module480. The sensing data may include data related to an acceleration of the electronic device from an acceleration sensor (e.g., the acceleration sensor481ofFIG.4C), data related to an angular velocity of the electronic device from a gyro sensor (e.g., the gyro sensor482ofFIG.4C), data related to a temperature of the motor (e.g., the motor461ofFIG.4C) from a first temperature sensor (e.g., the first sensor483ofFIG.4C), and/or data related to a temperature of the display430from a second temperature sensor (e.g., the second sensor484ofFIG.4C).

According to an embodiment, the processor120may identify an abnormal state among the designated events based on sensing data obtained through the sensor module480. For example, an abnormal state of the electronic device400may include a state in which the electronic device400falls, a low power state of the electronic device400, an overheated state of the electronic device400, and a state in which the electronic device400is exposed to a low temperature environment.

According to an embodiment, the processor470may change the state of the switching structure500through the actuator510based on obtaining a signal for changing the state of the switching structure500. The signal for changing the state of the switching structure may include a signal indicating an abnormal state during the designated event or a signal related to a user input for requesting a state change of the electronic device. For example, the processor470may change the switching structure500from the gear-connected state (e.g., the first gear-connected state or the second gear-connected state) to the gear-released state. For another example, the processor470may change the switching structure500from the gear-released state to the gear-connected state. For still another example, the processor470may change the switching structure500from the first gear-connected state to the second gear-connected state or from the second gear-connected state to the first gear-connected state.

In operation1003, the processor470may control the motor (e.g., the motor461ofFIGS.4A,4B, and4C) based on the state of the switching structure500. The processor470may identify the changed state of the switching structure500. For example, the processor470may control the motor461so that the motor461does not operate based on the switching structure500identifying the gear-released state. For another example, the processor470may drive the motor461to move the second housing (e.g., the second housing420ofFIG.4AandFIG.4B) based on identifying that switching structure500is the gear-connected state (e.g., the first gear-connected state or the second gear-connected state).

According to an embodiment, the flowchart ofFIG.11may be a flowchart illustrating operation1001ofFIG.10.

Referring toFIG.11, in operation1101, the processor470may obtain sensing data related to the state of the electronic device400from the sensor module480. For example, the state of the electronic device400may include motion (e.g., acceleration or angular velocity) of the electronic device400and the temperature of the electronic device400, but it is not limited thereto.

In operation1103, the processor470may identify whether the electronic device400is in an abnormal state based on the sensing data obtained from the sensor module480. For example, the processor470may identify that the electronic device400is falling when the acceleration value of the electronic device400obtained from the acceleration sensor (481inFIG.4C) exceeds the first designated value. For another example, the processor470may identify that the electronic device400is falling when the angular velocity value of the electronic device400obtained from the gyro sensor (e.g., the gyro sensor482ofFIG.4C) exceeds the second designated value. For still another example, the processor470may identify that the motor461is overheated when the temperature obtained by the first temperature sensor483for sensing the temperature of the motor461exceeds the fourth designated value. For still another example, when the temperature obtained from the second temperature sensor484for sensing the temperature of the display430is less than the fifth designated value, the processor470may identify that the electronic device400is exposed to the low temperature environment.

In operation1105, the processor470may drive the actuator510to change the state of the switching structure500based on identifying the abnormal state of the electronic device400. For example, the processor470may change the switching structure500from the gear-connected state to the gear-released state through the actuator510based on identifying that the acceleration value of the electronic device400obtained from the acceleration sensor481exceeds the first designated value. For another example, the processor470may change the switching structure500from the gear-connected state to the gear-released state through the actuator510based on identifying that the angular velocity value of the electronic device400obtained from the gyro sensor482exceeds the second designated value. For still another example, the processor470may be configured to change the switching structure500from the first gear-connected state to the second gear-connected state having a gear ratio higher than the first gear-connected state through the actuator510, based on identifying that the temperature of the motor461obtained by the first temperature sensor483exceeds the fourth designated value. For still another example, the processor470may be configured to change the switching structure500from the first gear-connected state to the second gear-connected state based on identifying that the temperature obtained from the second temperature sensor484for sensing the temperature of the display430is less than the fifth designated value.

In operation1107, the processor470may identify whether the state of the switching structure500is changed based on identifying the moving distance of actuator510after the operation of actuator510. The processor470may drive the actuator510in response to receiving a signal for changing the state of the switching structure500. The processor470may identify whether the moving distance of the actuator510corresponds to the designated distance based on receiving data related to driving of the actuator510after driving the actuator510. For example, the processor470may obtain data related to the driving of the actuator510through an encoder of the actuator510, or data related to the driving of the actuator510through a phase change of the current received in the driving integrated circuit of the actuator510. The processor470may identify the state change of the switching structure500as incomplete based on identifying that the moving distance of the actuator510identified through data related to the operation of the actuator510is less than the designated distance. According to an embodiment, the processor470may align the gears (e.g., at least one driving gear521and a first connection gear set542or driving gear621, and a first ring gear641) inside the switching structure500through the motor461, based on identifying that the moving distance of the actuator510is less than the designated distance. For example, the processor470may be configured to rotate the motor461at a designated angle based on identifying that the moving distance of the actuator510is less than the designated distance.

As described above, according to an embodiment, the electronic device400may provide a structure capable of stably expanding or contracting a display (e.g., the display430ofFIGS.4A,4B, and4C) in various environments by the switching structure500in which the state may be changed by the movement of the actuator510. The electronic device400according to an embodiment may smoothly expand or contract the display430in various environments by the processor470configured to change the state of switching structure500based on identifying the designated event.

According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device400ofFIGS.4A,4B, and4C) may include a first housing (e.g., the first housing410ofFIGS.4A and4B); a second housing (e.g., the second housing420ofFIGS.4A and4B) disposed movably with respect to the first housing; a display (e.g., the display430ofFIG.4C) disposed on (e.g., supported by), directly or indirectly, the second housing and sliding into the first housing or sliding out from the first housing by the movement of the second housing; a motor (e.g., the motor461ofFIGS.4A and4B) disposed in the first housing; at least one pinion gear (e.g., pinion gears462ofFIGS.4A and4B) rotatable by receiving driving force from the motor; and a rack gear (e.g., the rack gear463ofFIGS.4A and4B) disposed in the second housing, engaged with the at least one pinion gear and movable by the rotation of the at least one pinion gear. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include a switching structure (e.g., the switching structure500ofFIGS.4A,4B, and4C) disposed between the motor and the pinion gear and changeable to a gear-connected state in which the motor and the pinion gear are connected, directly or indirectly, or a gear-released state in which the motor and the pinion gear are disconnected. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include an actuator (e.g., the actuator510ofFIGS.4A,4B, and4C) connected, directly or indirectly, to the switching structure and changing a state of the switching structure. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include a processor (e.g., the processor470ofFIG.4C) operatively coupled to the motor and the actuator. According to an embodiment, the processor may be configured to change the switching structure to the gear-connected state or the gear-released state through the actuator based on identifying the designated event. According to an embodiment, the driving force of the motor may be blocked from being transmitted from the motor to the pinion gear in the gear-released state.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a motion sensor (e.g., an acceleration sensor481ofFIG.4C) or a gyro sensor482for detecting motion of the electronic device. According to an embodiment, the processor may be configured to change the state of the switching structure from the gear-connected state to the gear-released state, based on identifying that a data obtained from the motion sensor exceeds a designated value.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a battery (e.g., the battery450ofFIGS.4A,4B, and4C) for supplying power to the motor, and according to an embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to change the state of the switching structure from the gear-connected state to the gear-released state, based on identifying that the power of the battery is lower than a designated value.

According to an embodiment, the state of the switching structure may be changeable to a second gear-connected state having higher gear ratio than the first gear-connected state.

According to an embodiment, an electronic device may include a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the display, and wherein the at least one processor may be configured to change the state of the switching structure from the first gear-connected state to the second gear-connected state, based on identifying that the temperature obtained from the temperature sensor is less than a designated value.

According to an embodiment, the switching structure may further include a first axis (e.g., the first axis520ofFIGS.4A and4B) to which the at least one driving gear is coupled, and rotatable coupled to the motor. According to an embodiment, the switching structure may further include a cover housing (e.g., the cover housing530ofFIGS.4A and4B) coupled to the actuator and movable in a first direction parallel to the first axis by the actuator. According to an embodiment, the switching structure may include a second axis (e.g., the second axis540ofFIGS.5A,5B, and5C) coupled to the cover housing to be rotatable with respect to the cover housing, and coupled to a first connection gear set (e.g., the first connection gear set542ofFIGS.5A,5B, and5C) including a first connection gear (e.g., the first connection gear542aofFIGS.5A,5B, and5C) and a second connection gear (e.g., the second connection gear542bofFIGS.5A,5B, and5C) distinct from the first connection gear, and a second connection gear set (e.g., the second connection gear set543ofFIGS.5A,5B, and5C) including a third connection gear (e.g., the third connection gear543aofFIGS.5A,5B, and5C) spaced apart from the first direction from the first connection gear set and a fourth connection gear (e.g., the fourth connection gear543bofFIGS.5A,5B, and5C) distinct from the third connection gear. According to an embodiment, the switching structure may include a third axis (e.g., a third axis550ofFIGS.5A,5B, and5C) coupled to at least one transmitting gear (e.g., at least one transmitting gear551ofFIGS.5A,5B, and5C) and coupled to the pinion gear. According to an embodiment, in the switching structure, the first connection gear set may be engaged with the at least one driving gear, and the second connection gear set may be engaged with the at least one transmitting gear within the gear-connected state, and according to an embodiment, in the switching structure, engagement between the first connection gear set and the at least one driving gear may be released, and engagement between the second connection gear set and the at least one transmitting gear may be released within the gear-released state.

According to an embodiment, the state of the switching structure may be changeable to a second gear-connected state having higher gear ratio than the first gear-connected state. According to an embodiment, the at least one driving gear (e.g., the first driving gear521aofFIG.5A,5B, andFIG.5C) may include a first driving gear disposed on, directly or indirectly, one end of the first axis facing the motor. According to an embodiment, the at least one driving gear may include a second driving gear (e.g., the second driving gear521bofFIG.5A,5B, andFIG.5C) disposed on, directly or indirectly, the other end of the first axis facing the one end of the first axis and having a gear teeth number greater than the first driving gear. According to an embodiment, the at least one transmitting gear (e.g., the first transmitting gear551aofFIGS.5A,5B, and5C) may include a first transmitting gear disposed on, directly or indirectly, one end of the third axis facing the second driving gear. According to an embodiment, the at least one transmitting gear may include a second transmitting gear (e.g., a second transmitting gear551bofFIGS.5A,5B, and5C) disposed on, directly or indirectly, the other end of the third axis facing the one end of the third axis and having a gear teeth number smaller than the first transmitting gear. According to an embodiment, the first gear-connected state, the second connection gear may be engaged with the second driving gear, and the fourth connection gear may be engaged with the second transmitting gear within the first gear-connected state. According to an embodiment, the first connection gear may be engaged with the first driving gear, and the fourth connection gear may be engaged with the first transmitting gear within the second-gear connection state.

According to an embodiment, the at least one of processor may be configured to, in response to receiving a signal for changing the state of the switching structure, drive the actuator. According to an embodiment, the processor may identify whether a moving distance of the actuator corresponds to a designated distance, based on receiving data related to a driving of the actuator. According to an embodiment, the processor may be configured to align the first connection gear set and the at least one driving gear through the motor for an engagement of the first connection gear set and the at least one driving gear, based on identifying the moving distance of the actuator is less than the designated distance.

According to an embodiment, the processor may be configured to rotate the motor at a designated angle based on identifying that the moving distance of the actuator is less than the designated distance.

According to an embodiment, the first connection gear set may include a first magnet (e.g., a first magnet544ofFIG.5C) disposed on, directly or indirectly, one surface of the first connection gear or the second connection gear facing the at least one driving gear. According to an embodiment, the at least one driving gear may include a second magnet (e.g., the first magnet523ofFIG.5C) for aligning the at least one driving gear with the first connection gear set by facing the first magnet and interacting with the first magnet.

According to an embodiment, the switching structure may include a first gear housing (e.g., the first gear housing522ofFIGS.5A,5B, and5C) disposed in the first housing and on which the at least one driving gear and the first axis are disposed. According to an embodiment, the switching structure may be disposed between the first gear housing (e.g., the first gear housing552ofFIGS.5A,5B, and5C) and the pinion gear, and include a second gear housing in which the at least one transmitting gear and the third axis are disposed.

According to an embodiment, one surface of the first gear housing and the second gear housing may face the cover housing and at least a part thereof may be opened toward the cover housing.

According to an embodiment, the cover housing may be movable in a direction toward the motor or toward the pinion gear.

According to an embodiment, the switching structure may include a first axis (e.g., the first axis620ofFIGS.6B, and6C) to which the at least one driving gear (e.g., the driving gear621inFIGS.6B, and6C) is coupled, and rotatable by the motor, one end of the first axis is coupled to the motor. According to an embodiment, the switching structure may include a second axis (e.g., a second axis630ofFIGS.6A,6B, and6C) spaced apart from the first axis, coupled to the transmitting gear (e.g., the transmitting gear631ofFIGS.6B, and6C) spaced apart from the driving gear, and penetrating the pinion gear. According to an embodiment, the switching structure may include a first ring gear (e.g., a first ring gear641inFIGS.6B, and6C), and a second ring gear (e.g., a second ring gear642inFIGS.6B, and6C) parallel to the first axis, and a cover housing (e.g., the cover housing640ofFIGS.6A,6B, and6C) movable by the actuator, surrounding at least a part of the first axis and the second axis. According to an embodiment, the first ring gear may be engaged with the driving gear when the gear-connected state is in the gear-connected state, and may be spaced apart from the driving gear when the gear-released state is in the gear-released state. According to an embodiment, the second ring gear may be engaged with the transmitting gear in the gear-connected state, and may be spaced apart from the transmitting gear in the gear-released state.

According to an embodiment, the cover housing may rotate the transmitting gear engaged with second ring gear and second axis, by rotating by the at least one driving gear engaged with the first ring gear, within the gear-connection state. According to an embodiment, the pinion gear may rotate by a rotation of the second axis to move the rack gear.

According to an embodiment, the at least one driving gear may be disposed between the first ring gear and the second ring gear within the gear-released state.

The switching structure may further include a first bearing (e.g., a first bearing651ofFIG.6B, andFIG.6C) surrounding one end of the first axis spaced apart from the motor and one end of the second axis spaced apart from the pinion gear, and disposed in the cover housing.

According to an embodiment, the switching structure may further include a second bearing (e.g., a second bearing652ofFIGS.6B, and6C) disposed between the motor and the first ring gear and supporting the cover housing.

According to an embodiment, the switching structure may further include a third bearing (e.g., a third bearing653ofFIGS.6B, and6C) disposed between the second ring gear and the pinion gear and supporting the cover housing.

According to an embodiment, the cover housing may further include a coupling groove (e.g., a coupling groove640bofFIGS.6B, and6C) formed by recessing at least a part of the outer surface along a periphery of the outer surface of the cover housing. According to an embodiment, a part of the actuator may be accommodated in the coupling groove.

According to an embodiment, the cover housing may be movable in a direction toward the motor or in a direction toward the pinion gear by the actuator. According to an embodiment, the switching structure may be changed from the gear-connected state to the gear-released state when the cover housing moves in a direction toward the motor. According to an embodiment, the switching structure may be changed from the gear-released state to the gear-connected state when the cover housing moves in a direction toward the pinion gear.

According to an embodiment, the processor may drive the actuator in response to receiving a signal for changing the switching structure from the gear-released state to the gear-connected state. According to an embodiment, the processor may identify whether the moving distance of the actuator corresponds to a designated distance based on receiving data related to the driving of the actuator. According to an embodiment, the processor may be configured to align the driving gear and the first ring gear in order to engage the driving gear and the first ring gear through the motor, based on identifying that the moving distance of the actuator is less than the designated distance.

According to an embodiment, the cover housing may further include a first magnet spaced apart from the first ring gear and disposed on an inner surface of the cover housing. According to an embodiment, the first axis may further include a second magnet facing the first magnet and aligning the first ring gear and the driving gear by interacting with the first magnet.

According to an embodiment, the switching structure (e.g., the switching structure900ofFIGS.9A,9B, and9C) may further include a first axis (e.g., the first axis920ofFIGS.9A,9B, and9C) in which the at least one driving gear (e.g., at least one driving gear921ofFIGS.9A,9B, and9C) is coupled, coupled to the motor to be rotatable by the motor. According to an embodiment, the switching structure may further include a cover housing (e.g., the cover housing930ofFIGS.9A,9B, and9C) coupled to the actuator and movable along a first direction parallel to the first axis by the actuator. According to an embodiment, the switching structure may include a second axis (e.g., a second axis940ofFIG.9A,FIG.9B, andFIG.9C) rotatably coupled to the cover housing and coupled to at least one transmitting gear (e.g., at least one transmitting gear941ofFIGS.9A,9B, and9C). According to an embodiment, the at least one transmitting gear may be engaged with the at least one driving gear in the gear-connected state of the switching structure. According to an embodiment, in the gear-released state of the switching structure, engagement of at least one transmitting gear and at least one driving gear may be released.

According to an embodiment, the state of the switching structure may be changeable to a second gear-connected state having higher gear ratio than the first gear-connected state. According to an embodiment, the at least one driving gear may include a first driving gear (e.g., the first driving gear921aofFIG.9A,9B, andFIG.9C) disposed at one end of the first axis facing the motor. According to an embodiment, the at least one driving gear may include a second driving gear (e.g., the second drive gear921bofFIGS.9A,9B, and9C) spaced apart from the first driving gear in the first direction and having a gear teeth number different from the first driving gear. According to an embodiment, the at least one transmitting gear may include a first transmitting gear (e.g., the first transmitting gear941aofFIGS.9A,9B, and9C) disposed at one end of the second axis facing the actuator. According to an embodiment, the at least one transmitting gear may include a second transmitting gear (e.g., the second transmitting gear941bofFIGS.9A,9B, and9C) spaced apart from the first connection gear in the first direction and having a gear teeth number different from the first transmitting gear. According to an embodiment, in the first gear-connected state of the switching structure, the second driving gear may be engaged with the second transmitting gear. According to an embodiment, in the second gear-connected state of the switching structure, the first driving gear may be engaged with the first transmitting gear.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a transmitting axis (e.g., the transmitting axis464ofFIGS.9A,9B, and9C) connected, directly or indirectly, to the pinion gear and the second axis and rotating the pinion gear by rotation of the second axis. According to an embodiment, the second axis may be inserted into the transmitting axis as it moves in the first direction by the actuator, and pulled out from the transmitting axis as it moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device400ofFIGS.4A,4B, and4C) may include a first housing (e.g., the first housing410ofFIGS.4A and4B); a second housing (e.g., the first housing410ofFIGS.4A and4B) disposed movably with respect to the first housing; a display (e.g., the display430ofFIG.4C) disposed on the second housing and sliding into the first housing or sliding out from the first housing by the movement of the second housing; a motor (e.g., the motor461ofFIG.4AandFIG.4B) disposed in the first housing; a pinion gear disposed in the first housing, rotatable by receiving driving force from the motor; and a rack gear (e.g., rack gear463ofFIGS.4A and4B) disposed in the second housing, engaged with the pinion gear, movable by a rotation of the pinion gear. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include a switching structure (e.g., switching structure500ofFIGS.4A,4B, and4C) disposed between the motor and the pinion gear, and changeable to a gear-connected state in which the motor and the pinion gear are connected, directly or indirectly, or a gear-released state in which the motor and the pinion gear are disconnected. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include an actuator connected to the switching structure and changing a state of the switching structure. According to an embodiment, the switching structure may include a first axis (e.g., the first axis720ofFIG.7AandFIG.7B) in which a driving gear (e.g. driving gear721inFIGS.7A and7B) is coupled and one end is coupled to a motor to be rotatable by the motor. According to an embodiment, the switching structure may include a second axis (e.g., the second axis730ofFIG.7AandFIG.7B) spaced apart from the first axis, coupled to the transmitting gear (e.g., transmitting gear731inFIGS.7A and7B) spaced apart from the driving gear, and penetrating the pinion gear. According to an embodiment, the switching structure may include a cover housing (e.g., the cover housing740ofFIG.7AandFIG.7B) including a first ring gear (e.g., a first ring gear741ofFIGS.7A and7B) and a second ring gear (e.g., the first ring gear742ofFIGS.7A and7B) spaced apart from the first ring gear along a direction parallel to the first axis, surrounding at least a part of the first axis and the second axis, and coupled to the actuator to be movable by the actuator. According to an embodiment, the first ring gear may be engaged with the driving gear within the gear-connected state, may be spaced apart from the driving gear within the gear-released state. According to an embodiment, the second ring gear may be engaged with the driving gear within the gear-connected state and the gear-released state.

According to an embodiment, the cover housing may rotate the transmitting gear engaged with second ring gear and second axis, by rotating by the at least one driving gear engaged with the first ring gear, within the gear-connection state. According to an embodiment, the pinion gear may rotate by a rotation of the second axis to move the rack gear.

According to an embodiment, the driving gear may be disposed between the first ring gear and the second ring gear when the gear-released state is in the gear-released state.

According to an embodiment, the switching structure may further include a first bearing (e.g., the first bearing651ofFIGS.6A,6B, and6C) surrounding one end of the first axis spaced apart from the motor and one end of the second axis spaced apart from the pinion gear, and disposed in the cover housing.

According to an embodiment, the cover housing may further include a coupling groove (e.g., a coupling groove640bofFIGS.6A,6B, and6C) formed by recessing at least a part of the outer surface along a periphery of the outer surface of the cover housing. According to an embodiment, a part of the actuator may be accommodated in the coupling groove.

According to an embodiment, the cover housing may be movable in a direction toward the motor or in a direction toward the pinion gear by the actuator. According to an embodiment, the switching structure may be changed from the gear-connected state to the gear-released state when the cover housing moves in a direction toward the motor. According to an embodiment, the switching structure may be changed from the gear-released state to the gear-connected state when the cover housing moves in a direction toward the pinion gear.

The electronic device according to various embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic devices may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic devices are not limited to those described above.

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment. With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It is to be understood that a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of such phrases as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C,” may include any one of, or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases. As used herein, such terms as “1st” and “2nd,” or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other aspect (e.g., importance or order). It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term “operatively” or “communicatively”, as “coupled with,” “coupled to,” “connected with,” or “connected to” another element (e.g., a second element), it means that the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

As used in connection with various embodiments of the disclosure, the term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, “logic,” “logic block,” “part,” or “circuitry”. A module may be a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, the module may be implemented in a form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., the program140) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory136or external memory138) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device101). For example, a processor (e.g., the processor120) of the machine (e.g., the electronic device101) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it, with or without using one or more other components under the control of the processor. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction invoked. The one or more instructions may include a code generated by a complier or a code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Wherein, the term “non-transitory” simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

According to an embodiment, a method according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store (e.g., PlayStore™), or between two user devices (e.g., smart phones) directly. If distributed online, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in the machine-readable storage medium, such as memory of the manufacturer's server, a server of the application store, or a relay server.

According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately disposed in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components before the integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, the program, or another component may be carried out sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added. While the disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood that the various embodiments are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. It will further be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the true spirit and full scope of the disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood that any of the embodiment(s) described herein may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) described herein.