Patent ID: 12204381

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The terms as used in this disclosure are provided to merely describe specific embodiments, not to limit the scope of other embodiments. Singular forms include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms and words as used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meanings as generally understood by those skilled in the art. The terms as generally defined in dictionaries may be interpreted as having the same or similar meanings as or to contextual meanings of the relevant art. Unless otherwise defined, the terms should not be interpreted as ideally or excessively formal meanings. Even though a term is defined in the disclosure, the term should not be interpreted as excluding other embodiments of the disclosure.

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 connection 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 various embodiments, at least one of the components (e.g., the connection terminal178) may be omitted from the electronic device101, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device101. In various 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 an embodiment, as at least a 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 connection 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 connection 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 an embodiment, the power management module188may be implemented as at least a 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 including 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 a 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 a 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 an 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.2is a block diagram200illustrating the power management module188and the battery189according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.2, the power management module188may include a charging circuit210, a power regulator220, or a power gauge230(or a fuel gauge). The charging circuit210may charge the battery189with power supplied from an external power source for the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the charging circuit210may select a charging method (e.g., normal charging or rapid charging) based on at least some of the type of an external power source (e.g., a power adapter, a USB, or wireless charging), the magnitude (e.g., 20 watts or more) of power suppliable from the external power source, or the property of the battery189, and charge the battery189using the selected charging method. The external power source may be coupled to the electronic device101, for example, by a cable through the connection terminal178or wirelessly through the antenna module197. For example, the charging circuit210may charge the battery189with power wirelessly received from the external electronic device102.

The power regulator220may, for example, generate power having different voltage levels or different current levels by adjusting the voltage level or current level of power received from the external power source or the battery189. The power regulator220may adjust the power of the external power source or the battery189to a voltage level or current level suitable for each of some of the components included in the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the power regulator220may be implemented in the form of a low drop out (LDO) regulator or a switching regulator. The power gauge230may measure use state information about the battery189(e.g., the capacity, number of times of charging and discharging, voltage, or temperature of the battery189).

The power management module188may, for example, determine charging state information (e.g., a lifetime, overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, overcharge, over discharge, overheat, short circuit, or swelling) related to charging of the battery189based on at least a part of the measured use state information, using the voltage regulator220or the power gauge230. The power management module188may determine whether the battery189is normal or abnormal based at least a part of the determined charging state information. When determining that the state of the battery189is abnormal, the power management module188may adjust charging of the battery189(e.g., decrease a charging current or voltage or discontinue the charging). According to an embodiment, at least some of the functions of the power management module188may be performed by an external control device (e.g., the processor120).

The battery189may include a battery protection circuit module (PCM)240according to an embodiment. The battery protection circuit240may perform one or more of various functions (e.g., a pre-blocking function) to prevent performance deterioration or burnout of the battery189. Additionally or alternatively, the battery PCM240may be configured as at least a part of a battery management system (BMS) capable of performing various functions including cell balancing, battery capacity measurement, measurement of the number of times of charging and discharging, temperature measurement, or voltage measurement.

According to an embodiment, at least a part of the use state information or charging state information about the battery189may be measured using a corresponding sensor (e.g., a temperature sensor) of the sensor module176, the power gauge230, or the power management module188. According to an embodiment, the sensor (e.g., the temperature sensor) of the sensor module176may be included as a part of the battery PCM240, or disposed as a separate device in the vicinity of the battery189.

According to an embodiment, the power management module188may further include a power transmission circuit211. The power transmission circuit211may include a power adapter that receives a power voltage (or power) from the battery189and appropriately converts the received power voltage, a power generation circuit that generates power, and/or a matching circuit that wirelessly transmits the generated power to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102ofFIG.1). The power transmission circuit211may transmit the generated power to the external electronic device by maximizing the efficiency between a transmission coil and a reception coil of the external electronic device through the matching circuit.

According to various embodiments, the external electronic device102may include the same components as included in the electronic device101, and wirelessly supply power to the electronic device101.

FIG.3Ais a diagram illustrating a state in which a second display area of a flexible display is accommodated in a second housing according to an embodiment.FIG.3Bis a diagram illustrating a state in which the second display area of the flexible display is exposed outward from the second housing according to an embodiment.FIGS.3A and3Billustrate a structure extending in the right direction of a flexible display303, when viewed from the front of the electronic device101. The state illustrated inFIG.3Amay, for example, correspond to closing a first housing301with respect to a second housing302, and the state illustrated inFIG.3Bmay, for example, correspond to opening the first housing302with respect to the second housing302. According to an embodiment, a “closed state” or an “open state” may be defined as a state in which the electronic device is closed or opened.

Referring toFIGS.3A and3B, the electronic device101may include the housings301and302. The housings301and302may include a second housing302, and a first housing301disposed movably with respect to the second housing302. In various embodiments, this configuration may refer, for example, to a structure in which the second housing302is slidably disposed on the first housing301in the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the first housing301may be disposed to reciprocate with respect to the second housing302by a certain distance in illustrated directions, for example, directions indicated by arrows {circle around (1)}. The configuration of the electronic device101illustratedFIGS.3A and3Bmay be wholly or partially identical to that of the electronic device101illustrated inFIG.1.

According to an embodiment, the first housing301may be referred to as, for example, a first structure, a slide unit, or a slide housing, and may be reciprocally disposed on the second housing302. According to an embodiment, the first housing301may accommodate various electric and electronic components such as a circuit board or a battery. The second housing302may be referred to as, for example, a second structure, a main unit, or a main housing, and may guide movement of the first housing301. A part (e.g., a first display area A1) of the display303may be mounted in the first housing301. According to an embodiment, as the first housing301moves (e.g., slides) with respect to the second housing302, the other part (e.g., a second display area A2) of the display303may be accommodated inside the second housing302(e.g., a slide-in operation) or exposed outward from the second housing302(e.g., a slide-out operation). According to an embodiment, a motor, a speaker, a SIM socket, and/or a sub-circuit board electrically coupled to a main circuit board may be disposed in the first housing301. The main circuit board on which electrical components such as an AP or a CP are mounted may be disposed in the second housing302.

According to an embodiment, the first housing301may include a first plate311(e.g., a slide plate). The first plate311may include a first surface (e.g., a first surface F1ofFIG.3B) forming at least a part of the first plate311and a second surface F2facing the opposite direction of the first surface F1. According to an embodiment, the first plate311may support at least a part (e.g., the first display area A1) of the display303. According to an embodiment, the first housing301may include the first plate311, a (1-1)thsidewall311aextending from the first plate311, a (1-2)thsidewall311bextending from the first plate311and the sidewall311a, and a (1-3)thsidewall311cextending from the first plate311and the sidewall311a, and parallel to the sidewall311b.

According to an embodiment, the second housing302may include a second plate331(a main case), a (2-1)thsidewall331aextending from the second plate331, a (2-2)thsidewall331bextending from the second plate331and the sidewall331a, and a (2-3)thsidewall331cextending from the sidewall331aand the second plate331, and parallel to the sidewall331b. According to an embodiment, the sidewall331band the sidewall331cmay be formed to be perpendicular to the sidewall331a. According to an embodiment, the second plate331, the sidewall331a, the sidewall331b, and the sidewall331cmay be formed into a shape open at a portion (e.g., a front surface) to accommodate at least a part of the first housing301. For example, the first housing301may be coupled with the second housing302, at least partially surrounded by the second housing302, and may make a sliding movement in directions parallel to the first surface F1or the second surface F2, for example, in the directions indicated by the arrows {circle around (1)}. According to an embodiment, the second plate331, the sidewall331a, the sidewall331b, and/or the sidewall331cmay be integrally formed. According to an embodiment, the second plate331, the sidewall331a, the sidewall331b, and/or the sidewall331cmay be formed as separate housings and combined or assembled.

According to an embodiment, the second plate331and/or the sidewall331amay cover at least a part of the flexible display303. For example, at least a part of the flexible display303may be accommodated inside the second housing302, and the second plate331and/or the sidewall331amay cover the part of the flexible display303accommodated inside the second housing302.

According to various embodiments, the first housing301may move in first directions (e.g., the directions {circle around (1)}) parallel to the sidewall331bor the sidewall331cto be in the open state and the closed state with respect to the second housing302, and may be located at a first distance from the sidewall331ain the closed state and at a second distance larger than the first distance from the sidewall331ain the open state. In various embodiments, when placed in the closed state, the first housing301may surround a part of the sidewall331a.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include the display303, key input devices341, a connector hole343, audio modules347a, or camera modules349aand349b. While not shown, the electronic device101may further include an indicator (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED) device) or various sensor modules. The configurations of the display303, the audio modules347a, and the camera modules349aand349bofFIGS.3A and3Bmay be wholly or partially identical to those of the display module160, the audio module170, and the camera module180ofFIG.1.

According to various embodiments, the display303may include the first display area A1and the second display area A2. According to an embodiment, the first display area A1may be disposed on the first housing301. For example, the first display area A1may extend substantially across at least a part of the first surface F1to be disposed on the first surface F1. The second display area A2may extend from the first display area A1and be inserted or accommodated into the second housing302(e.g., a structure) or exposed outward from the second housing302, according to the sliding movement of the first housing301.

According to various embodiments, the second display area A2may move substantially under the guidance of an area (e.g., a curved surface312ofFIG.5) of the first housing301to be accommodated into or exposed outward from the second housing302or a space formed between the first housing301and the second housing302. According to an embodiment, the second display area A2may move based on the sliding movement of the first housing301in the first directions (e.g., the directions indicated by the arrows {circle around (1)}). For example, while the first housing301is making a sliding movement, a part of the second display area A2may be deformed into a curved shape at a position corresponding to the curved surface312of the first housing301.

According to various embodiments, when the first housing301moves from the closed state to the open state, the second display area A2may form substantially a flat surface with the first display area A1, while being exposed gradually outward from the second housing302, when viewed from above the first housing301(e.g., the slide plate). The display303may be coupled with or disposed adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and/or a digitizer that detects a magnetic field type stylus pen. In an embodiment, the second display area A2may be at least partially accommodated inside the second housing302, and even in the state (e.g., the closed state) illustrated inFIG.3A, a part of the second display area A2may be visually exposed to the outside. According to an embodiment, irrespective of the closed state or the open state, a part of the exposed second display area A2may be located on a part (e.g., the curved surface312ofFIG.5) of the first housing301, and a part of the second display area A2may be maintained curved at a position corresponding to the curved surface312.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include at least one hinge structure. The hinge structure may couple the first housing301and the second housing302to each other. For example, the hinge structure may be coupled to the first plate311and the second plate331. According to an embodiment, the hinge structure may transmit a driving force for guiding the sliding movement of the first housing301to the first housing301. For example, the hinge structure may include an elastic material (e.g., a spring) and provide an elastic force in the first directions (e.g., the directions {circle around (1)} inFIG.3B) based on the sliding movement of the first housing301. According to an embodiment, the hinge structure may be excluded.

According to an embodiment, the key input devices341may be located in one area of the first housing301. Depending on the appearance and use state, the electronic device101may be designed to be without the illustrated key input devices341or to include additional key input device(s). According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include a key input device which is not shown, for example, a home key button or a touch pad disposed around the home key button. According to an embodiment, at least some of the key input devices341may be disposed on the sidewall331a, the sidewall331b, or the sidewall331cof the second housing302.

According to various embodiments, the connector hole343may be omitted in various embodiments, and may accommodate a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for transmitting and receiving power and/or data to and from an external electronic device. While not shown, the electronic device101may include a plurality of connector holes343, and some of the plurality of connector holes343may function as connector holes for transmitting and receiving audio signals to and from an external electronic device. While the connector hole343is disposed on the sidewall331cin the illustrated embodiment, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the connector hole343or a connector hole which is not shown may be disposed on the sidewall331aor the sidewall331b.

According to various embodiments, the audio modules347amay include at least one speaker hole or at least one microphone hole. One of the speaker holes may be provided as a receiver hole for a voice call, and the other may be provided as an external speaker hole. The electronic device101may include a microphone for obtaining sound, and the microphone may obtain sound from the outside of the electronic device101through the microphone hole. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include a plurality of microphones to detect the direction of sound. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include an audio module in which the speaker hole and the microphone hole are implemented as a single hole, or a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) in which the speaker hole is excluded.

According to various embodiments, the camera modules349aand349bmay include a first camera module349aand a second camera module349b. The second camera module349bmay be located in the second housing302and capture a subject in a direction opposite to the first display area A1of the display303. The electronic device101may include a plurality of camera modules349aand349b. For example, the electronic device101may include at least one of a wide-angle camera, a telephoto camera, or a close-up camera, and according to an embodiment, may include an IR projector and/or an IR receiver to measure the distance to the subject. The camera modules349aand349bmay include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The first camera module349amay be disposed to face the same direction as the display303. For example, the first camera module349amay be disposed around the first display area A1or in an area overlapping with the display303, and when disposed in the area overlapping with the display303, the first camera module349amay capture the subject through the display303.

According to various embodiments, an indicator (not shown) of the electronic device101may be disposed in the first housing301or the second housing302, and include an LED to provide state information about the electronic device101as a visual signal. A sensor module (not shown) of the electronic device101may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device101or an external environmental state. The sensor module may include, for example, a proximity sensor, a fingerprint sensor, or a biometric sensor (e.g., an iris/face recognition sensor or a heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor). In an embodiment, the sensor module may further include, for example, at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an IR sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

According to an embodiment, the first housing301may include the first plate311and a slide cover (not shown). The first plate311and the slide cover (not shown) may be mounted in (e.g., at least partially coupled to) the second housing302and linearly reciprocate in directions (the directions of the arrows {circle around (1)}) under the guidance of the second housing302. According to an embodiment, the first plate311may support the display303. For example, the first plate311may include the first surface F1, and the first display area A1of the display303may be substantially located on the first surface F1to be maintained in the shape of a flat plate. The slide cover may protect the display303located on the first plate311. For example, at least a part of the display303may be located between the first plate311and the slide cover. According to an embodiment, the first plate311and the slide cover may be formed of or include a metal material and/or a non-metal (e.g., polymer) material. According to an embodiment, the first plate311may accommodate at least some (e.g., the battery189ofFIG.1), a motor430ofFIG.4, and a rack410ofFIG.4) of the components of the electronic device101.

According to various embodiments, at least one board or a plurality of boards may be accommodated in the second housing302. For example, the second housing302may include a circuit board (or main circuit board)304(seeFIG.4), and a processor, a memory, and/or an interface may be mounted on the main circuit board304. The processor may include, for example, at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor, a graphics processing unit, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor. According to various embodiments, the circuit board304may include a flexible printed circuit board-type radio frequency cable (FRC). For example, the circuit board304may be disposed on at least a part of the second plate331, and electrically coupled to an antenna module (e.g., the antenna module197ofFIG.1) and a communication module (e.g., the communication module190ofFIG.1).

According to an embodiment, the memory may include, for example, volatile memory or non-volatile memory.

According to an embodiment, the interface may include, for example, an HDMI, a USB interface, an SD card interface, and/or an audio interface. The interface may, for example, electrically or physically couple the electronic device101to an external electronic device, and include a USB connector, an SD card/multimedia card (MMC) connector, or an audio connector.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may further include a separate sub-circuit board390(seeFIG.4) spaced apart from the circuit board304in the second housing302. The sub-circuit board390may be electrically coupled to the circuit board304through a connecting flexible board391. The sub-circuit board390may be electrically coupled to a battery or electronic components disposed in an edge area of the electronic device, such as a speaker and/or a SIM socket, to transmit signals and power.

According to an embodiment, the battery, which is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device101, may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. At least a part of the battery may be disposed substantially on the same plane with, for example, the circuit board304. The battery may be integrally disposed inside the electronic device101, or disposed detachably from the electronic device101.

According to an embodiment, the battery may be formed as one integrated battery or may include a plurality of separate batteries. For example, when the integrated battery is located on the first plate311, it may move along with the sliding movement of the first plate311. In another example, when the integrated battery is located on the second plate331, it may be fixedly disposed on the second plate331, regardless of the sliding movement of the first plate311. In an embodiment, when a first battery among removable batteries is located on the first plate311, and a second battery among the removable batteries is fixedly located on the second plate331, only the first battery may move along with the slide movement of the first plate311. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may further include a third plate323(seeFIG.5) coupled with an outer surface of the second plate331. The third plate323may substantially form at least a part of the second housing302or the exterior of the electronic device101. For example, the third plate323may be coupled to the outer surface of a second plate cover322. According to an embodiment, the third plate323may be formed integrally with the second plate cover322. According to an embodiment, the third plate323may provide a decorative effect on the exterior of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include a rack (e.g., the rack410ofFIG.4) disposed in the second housing302(e.g., the second plate331), and guiding the sliding movement of the first housing301(e.g., the first plate311), and a motor (e.g., the motor430ofFIG.4) transmitting a driving force to a gear420for rotational movement along the rack.

FIG.4is a rear view illustrating a structure with a cover of the second housing partially removed therein in the closed state of the electronic device according to an embodiment, andFIG.5is a sectional view taken along line A-A′ ofFIG.4according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.4and5, a projection view of internal components with an external rear cover (e.g., the third plate323) of the electronic device101removed according to an embodiment is illustrated. The internal components of the electronic device101according to an embodiment may include components (e.g., a camera module, a battery, and other modules or components) corresponding to various components illustrated inFIG.1, and a driving structure.

Referring toFIGS.4and5, as the first housing301and the flexible display303coupled to the first housing301slide in with respect to the second housing302through the driving structure, the closed state may be obtained. On the contrary, as the first housing301and the flexible display303coupled to the first housing301slide out with respect to the second housing302through the driving structure, the open state may be obtained.

The driving structure according to an embodiment may perform a driving operation for automatically or semi-automatically providing a slide operation (a slide in or slid-out operation) of the display303in the electronic device101. For example, when the user presses an open trigger button (e.g., a key input device341ofFIG.3A) exposed outward from the electronic device101, the display303may automatically slide in or out (an automatic operation). In another example, when the user slides out the display303of the electronic device101by pushing the display303up to a specified section, the remaining section may be completely slide out by the force of an elastic member mounted in the electronic device101(a semi-automatic operation). The slide-in operation of the electronic device101may also be performed to correspond to the slide-out operation (a semi-automatic operation).

Referring toFIGS.4and5, the driving structure according to an embodiment may include the motor430, the gear420mounted at an end of the motor430, the rack410, and a connecting board440electrically coupled to the motor430. The motor430according to an embodiment may be disposed in the first housing301to be slidable with respect to the second housing302. The motor430may transmit a driving force to the gear420coupled to the end of the motor430. The motor430according to an embodiment may be disposed so as not to overlap with the second display area A2of the display303. For example, an axis P1of the gear420mounted at an end of the motor430may be disposed perpendicularly to a sliding movement direction, and although one surface of the motor430facing a +Z-axis direction overlaps with the first display area A1, one surface of the motor430facing a −Z-axis direction may be disposed so as not to overlap with the second display area A2, regardless of slide-in/slide-out of the display303. The surface of the motor430facing the −Z-axis direction may face the first housing301in the slide-in state of the display303, and face the second housing302in the slide-out state of the display303.

According to an embodiment, considering the repulsive force of the flexible display, the motor430may provide a specified thrust (force) (e.g., a force of about 3 kgf), and the motor430may have a specified diameter (e.g., about 6.2 T or larger) to provide the force.

According to an embodiment, the motor430may be disposed in parallel with at least a part of the battery and electrically coupled to the connecting board440disposed adjacent to the motor430.

According to an embodiment, the rack410may be disposed in the second housing302, and guide the sliding movement of the first housing301and the display303. The rack410may be fixedly disposed on one surface (e.g., the surface facing the −Z axis) of the second plate331of the second housing302, and guide the gear420such that the gear420may make a rotational movement in a sliding movement direction. At least a part of one surface of the rack410facing the −Z-axis direction may face the second display area A2in the slide-in state of the display303, and may not face the second display area A2in the slide-out state of the display303.

According to an embodiment, the rack410may be disposed not to overlap with the battery. According to an embodiment, the gear420may be located on the axis P1, and slide the first housing301and the display303while rotationally moving along the rack410. When the first housing301slides by the rotation of the gear420, a component (hereinafter, referred to as a first electrical component) mounted in the first housing301may also slide. For example, the first electrical component may be at least one of the motor430, a component disposed on the connecting board440, a speaker, or a SIM socket. In an embodiment, the first electrical component may be a battery. In the case of removable batteries, the first electrical component may be at least one of the removable batteries.

According to an embodiment, the connecting board440may be disposed adjacent to the motor430and/or the rack410in the first housing301. The connecting board440may be configured to be electrically coupled to the main circuit board304disposed in the second housing302. The main circuit board304may have an electrical structure (e.g., a processor) mounted thereon to control driving of the motor430or to supply power to the motor430. The connecting board440may be electrically coupled to the main circuit board304to control driving of the motor430or transmit a signal for controlling power. According to an embodiment, the connecting board440and the main circuit board304may be rigid boards, and the electronic device101may further include a separate connecting flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) for coupling the connecting board440to the main circuit board304. According to an embodiment, power from a separate battery disposed adjacent to the motor430may be supplied directly through the connecting board440. According to an embodiment, the connecting board440coupled to the motor430may be disposed in the first housing301and move together along with the sliding movement of the first housing301. The main circuit board304and the sub-circuit board390spaced apart from the main circuit board304may be disposed in the second housing302. In addition, the connecting flexible board391may be disposed in the second housing302to electrically couple the main circuit board304and the sub-circuit board390to each other. The connecting flexible board391may have a connector disposed at each end thereof to form an electrical contact with the main circuit board304and the sub-circuit board390, and may be disposed to at least partially overlap with the driving structure. For example, when the inside of the electronic device is projected toward the rear cover (e.g., the third plate), a top end of the connecting flexible board391and a part of the rack410may be disposed to overlap with each other.

FIG.6is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.6, an electronic device601(e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to an embodiment may include a flexible display660, a motor665, a gear667, a sensor module676(e.g., including at least one sensor), a power management module688(e.g., including power management circuitry), a battery689, a communication module690(e.g., including communication circuitry), at least one processor620(e.g., including processing circuitry and hereinafter, referred to as a processor), and/or a memory630. The electronic device601according to an embodiment is not limited thereto, and may be configured to further include various components or to be without some of the components. The electronic device601according to an embodiment may further include all or a part of the electronic device101illustrated inFIG.1.

The flexible display660(e.g., the display160ofFIG.1or the display303ofFIGS.3A,3B,4, and5) according to an embodiment may be implemented in the form of a touch screen. When the flexible display660is implemented together with an input module in the form of a touch screen, it may display various pieces of information generated according to a user's touch action. According to an embodiment, the flexible display660may be configured to be rollable during a slide-in or slide-out operation. A screen of the flexible display660may contract or extend based on the slide-in or slide-out operation of the flexible display660.

The motor665(e.g., the motor430ofFIG.4) according to an embodiment may be driven by receiving electric power (or current), and provide a driving force to the gear667(e.g., the gear420ofFIG.4) coupled to the motor665. The motor665according to an embodiment may be implemented to provide a specified thrust (force) (e.g., a force of about 3 kgf) based on a repulsive (or opposing) force generated when the flexible display slides in or out. The motor430may have a specified diameter (e.g., equal to or larger than about 6.2 T) to provide the specified force. The gear667according to an embodiment may enable the flexible display660to slide in or out based on the driving force from the motor665.

A sensor module676(e.g., the sensor module176ofFIG.1) according to an embodiment may include at least one sensor. According to an embodiment, the at least one sensor may include a temperature sensor, and further include other sensors required for identifying the state or use scenario of the electronic device601. For example, the temperature sensor may sense the internal temperature of the electronic device601(e.g., at least one specified part or space inside the electronic device601) and provide sensed temperature information to the processor620.

The power management module688(e.g., the power management module188ofFIGS.1and2) according to an embodiment may manage power supplied to the electronic device601. The power management module688according to an embodiment may charge the battery689with power supplied from an external power source for the electronic device601. According to an embodiment, the power management module688may measure use state information about the battery689(e.g., the capacity, number of times of charging and discharging, voltage, or temperature of the battery689). The power management module688according to an embodiment may determine charging state information related to charging of the battery689(e.g., a lifetime, overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, overcharge, over discharge, overheat, short circuit, or swelling) based on at least part of the measured use state information. The power management module688may provide the use state information and the charging state information to the at least one processor620. The power management module688according to an embodiment may include a battery current sensor, a battery voltage sensor, an internal consumption current sensor, and/or a component (or circuit, or module) having the functions of the battery current sensor, the battery voltage sensor, the internal consumption current sensor, and/or the battery capacity sensor, and provide battery current information, battery voltage information, internal consumption current information, and/or battery capacity information, sensed by each sensor to the processor220. For example, the battery current sensor, the battery voltage sensor, and the battery capacity sensor may be included in or provided separately from a power gauge (e.g., the power gauge230ofFIG.2). For example, the battery current sensor may sense a current received from the battery689and provide sensed battery current information to the processor620. The battery voltage sensor may sense the voltage of the battery689and provide sensed battery voltage information to the processor620. The battery capacity sensor may sense the remaining capacity (or battery level) of the battery689and provide sensed remaining battery capacity information (or battery level) to the processor620. For example, the internal consumption current sensor may be included in a power regulator (e.g., the power regulator220ofFIG.2) or may be provided separately. For example, the internal consumption current sensor may sense a consumption current consumed inside the electronic device601(e.g., a consumption current consumed in the entire electronic device601, a current consumed in a specified component among the components included in the electronic device601, or a current consumed for a function or operation being performed by the electronic device), and provide sensed internal consumption current information to the processor620. According to an embodiment, at least some or all of the battery current sensor, the battery voltage sensor, the internal consumption current sensor, and/or the battery capacity sensor may be implemented as a single sensor and provided separately from the power management module688.

The communication module690(e.g., the communication module190ofFIG.1) according to an embodiment may communicate with the external electronic device104through the first network198(a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi direct, or IrDA) or the second network199(e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network (e.g., new radio (NR) access technology), the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a telecommunication network such as a LAN or WAN) under the control of the at least one processor620.

The processor620(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) according to an embodiment may provide overall control to the operations of the components included in the electronic device601. The processor620according to an embodiment may identify a slide operation (a slide-in or slide-out operation) start event of the flexible display660. For example, the processor620may identify (automatic) slide-in or slide-out start of the flexible display660based on the user's pressing an open trigger button (e.g., a key input device341ofFIG.3A) exposed outward from the electronic device101. In another example, when the user slides out the flexible display660by pushing the electronic device101up to a specified section or slides in the flexible display660up to a specified section in a direction opposite to the slide-out direction in the slide-out state, the processor620may identify (semi-automatic) slide-in start.

The processor620according to an embodiment may identify a battery current, a battery voltage, an internal consumption current, a remaining battery capacity, and/or an electronic device temperature sensed through at least one sensor, based on the occurrence of the slide operation start event of the display660. In addition to the battery current, the battery voltage, the internal consumption current, the remaining battery capacity, and/or the electronic device temperature, the processor620according to an embodiment may further identify use scenario information (e.g., high-power communication (e.g., 5G communication), power supply to an external device, or on-the-go (OTG) device connection).

The processor620according to an embodiment may control the speed of the motor665or restrict an operation of the motor665based on at least one or more or all of the battery current, the battery voltage, the internal consumption current, the remaining battery capacity, and the electronic device temperature. The processor620according to an embodiment may control the speed of the motor665or restrict the operation of the motor665based on high-power communication (e.g., 5G communication) or whether charging power is supplied, in addition to at least one or more or all of the battery current, the battery voltage, the internal consumption current, the remaining battery capacity, and the electronic device temperature. According to an embodiment, the processor620may control the speed of the motor665to one of a plurality of different speeds or may lock the motor665not to be driven. For example, the plurality of speeds may include first to fourth speeds. The first speed may include a speed (e.g., a very low speed) equal to or lower than (or lower than) a specified speed, the second speed may include a speed (e.g., a low speed) higher than the first speed and lower than the third speed, the third speed may include a speed (e.g., a general speed) higher than the second speed and lower than the fourth speed, and the fourth speed may include a speed (e.g., a high speed) higher than the third speed. According to an embodiment, the general speed, which is a normal speed, may be obtained by accumulating and learning speeds specified (used) by the user or predetermined in the process of manufacturing the electronic device601. According to an embodiment, when powered on, the electronic device601may automatically set the speed of the motor430to the general speed, and upon occurrence of a slide operation start event, adjust the general speed to the first speed, the second speed, or the fourth speed according to each state.

The processor620according to an embodiment may identify (or determine or set or control) the speed of the motor665based on a speed control table stored in the memory630or identify discontinuation of the driving of the motor665, and control the magnitude of power supplied to the motor665based on the identified speed or the driving discontinuation. For example, when the driving is discontinued, the power supply may be stopped, and as the speed increases, the magnitude of supplied power may be increased.

Table 1 below lists an example of a plurality of speeds for the motor665according to states of the electronic device according to an embodiment.

TABLE 1State of electronic deviceSpeed of motorOCP warning state or SMPL warning stateFirst speed ordrivingdiscontinuationHeat state or state in which remaining battery capacitySecond speedis equal to or less than specified capacity5G connection state, state of supplying power to theThird speedoutside, or OTG device connection stateNone of the above statesFourth speed

Referring to Table 1, an overcurrent protection (OCP) warning state according to an embodiment may be a state in which, when a battery current flowing from the battery689into the electronic device (or at least one component of the electronic device, or some module or circuit of the electronic device) is larger than a specified battery current threshold, the circuit or battery of the electronic device may be damaged due to the overcurrent flow inside the electronic device. The processor620according to an embodiment may receive the battery current flowing from the battery689into the electronic device (or at least one component of the electronic device, or some module or circuit of the electronic device), measured through the power management module688or the battery current sensor, and identify the OCP warning state, when the battery current is greater than the specified battery current threshold. The processor820according to an embodiment may identify (or determine or set or control) the speed of the motor665as the first speed in the OCP warning state, or identify discontinuation of the driving of the motor665.

According to an embodiment, the sudden momentary power loss (SMPL) warning state may be a state in which system power is down because a battery voltage is lowered to or below (or below) a specified voltage (e.g., about 2V). The processor620according to an embodiment may receive a battery voltage measured through the power management module688or the battery voltage sensor, and identify the SMPL warning state, when the battery voltage is equal to or lower than a specified voltage. The processor620according to an embodiment may identify (or determine or set or control) the speed of the motor665as the first speed in the SMPL warning state, or identify discontinuation of the driving of the motor665.

The processor620according to an embodiment may identify a heat state, when the internal temperature of the electronic device is equal to or higher than (or exceeds) a specified temperature based on an electronic device temperature. The processor620according to an embodiment may identify (or determine or set or control) the speed of the motor665as the second speed in the heat state.

The processor620according to an embodiment may identify a state in which the remaining battery capacity is less than or equal to (or less than) a specified capacity (15% of the total capacity of the battery) based on a remaining battery capacity. The processor620according to an embodiment may identify (or determine or set or control) the speed of the motor665as the second speed in the state in which the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than the specified capacity.

The processor620according to an embodiment may receive an internal consumption current measured through the power management module688or the internal consumption current sensor, and identify a state in which the internal consumption current is equal to or larger than (or exceeds) a specified internal consumption current threshold, based on the internal consumption current.

The processor620according to an embodiment may identify (or determine or set or control) the speed of the motor665as the second speed in a state in which the internal consumption current is equal to or larger than the specified internal consumption current threshold.

The processor620according to an embodiment may identify whether the state of the electronic device601is the 5G connection state, the external power supply state, or the OTG device connection state. The processor620according to an embodiment may identify (or determine or set or control) the speed of the motor665as the third speed, when the state of the electronic device601is the 5G connection state, the external power supply state, or the OTG device connection state.

In a state other than the OCP warning state, the SMPL warning state, the heat state, the state in which the remaining battery capacity is less than or equal to the specified capacity, and/or the state in which the internal consumption current is equal to or greater than the specified internal consumption current threshold, and other than the 5G connection state, the state in which power is being supplied to the outside, and the state in which an OTG device is connected, the processor620may identify (or determine or set or control) the speed of the motor665as the fourth speed.

The memory630according to an embodiment may store an application program and data. For example, the memory630may store an application (a function or a program) associated with control of a motor driving speed and/or discontinuation of motor driving. According to an embodiment, the memory630may store information (e.g., Table 1) corresponding to a plurality of specified states and a driving speed for each of the plurality of states. The memory630according to an embodiment may store various data generated during execution of the program140, as well as a program (e.g., the program140ofFIG.1) used for a functional operation. The memory630may largely include the program area140and a data area (not shown). The program area140may store related program information for driving the electronic device601, such as an OS (e.g., the OS142ofFIG.1) for booting the electronic device601. The data area (not shown) may store transmitted and/or received data and generated data according to various embodiments. In addition, the memory630may be configured to include at least one storage medium of a flash memory, a hard disk, a multimedia card micro type memory (e.g., SD or extreme digital (XD) memory), random access memory (RAM), or read only memory (ROM).

According to an embodiment, the electronic device601is not limited to the configuration illustrated inFIG.6, and may further include various components. According to an embodiment, the electronic device601may further include an image processing module (not shown). The image processing module may perform two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) image processing and/or rendering operations under the control of the processor620.

In the above-described embodiment, the main components of an electronic device have been described in the context of the electronic device601ofFIG.6. However, in various embodiments, all of the components shown inFIG.6are not essential components, and the electronic device601may be implemented with more components or fewer components than the illustrated components.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1or the electronic device601ofFIG.6) may include a first housing (e.g., the first housing301ofFIGS.3A and3B), a second housing (e.g., the second housing302ofFIGS.3A and3B) configured to accommodate at least a part of the first housing301and guide sliding movement of the first housing301, a flexible display (e.g., the display303ofFIGS.3A and3Bor the flexible display660ofFIG.6) including a first display area A1coupled to the first housing and a second display area A2extending from the first display area, a gear (e.g., the gear420ofFIG.4) disposed inside the second housing and configured to move the flexible display, a motor (e.g., the motor430ofFIG.4) configured to rotate the gear, at least one sensor (e.g., the sensor module176ofFIG.1or the sensor module676ofFIG.6), and at least one processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1or the processor620ofFIG.6). The at least one processor may be configured to identify a state of the electronic device including at least one of a battery current, a battery voltage, an internal consumption current, a battery level, or an electronic device temperature, based on information sensed through the at least one sensor, and control a speed of the motor or discontinue driving of the motor based on the identified state of the electronic device.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to further identify whether the electronic device performs specified communication, whether the electronic device supplies power to an external device, or whether the electronic device is connected to an OTG device, and control the speed of the motor or discontinue the driving of the motor further based on whether the electronic device performs the specified communication, whether the electronic device supplies power to the external device, or whether the electronic device is connected to the OTG device.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to identify an OCP warning state of the electronic device based on the battery current or identify an SMPL warning state based on the battery voltage, and control the speed of the motor to a first speed lower than a specified speed or discontinue the driving of the motor, in the OCP warning state or the SMPL warning state.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to identify a heat state, when an internal temperature of the electronic device is equal to or higher than a specified first temperature based on the electronic device temperature, and control the speed of the motor to a second speed lower than a specified speed or discontinue the driving of the motor, in the heat state.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to identify a low temperature state, when an internal temperature of the electronic device is lower than a specified second temperature based on the electronic device temperature, and control the speed of the motor to a second speed lower than a specified speed in the low temperature state.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to identify a state in which the battery level is equal to or lower than a specified level based on the battery level, and control the speed of the motor to a second speed lower than a specified speed or discontinue the driving of the motor, in the state in which the battery level is equal to or lower than the specified level.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to identify a state in which the internal consumption current is equal to or greater than a specified internal consumption current threshold, based on the internal consumption current, and control the speed of the motor to a second speed lower than a specified speed or discontinue the driving of the motor, in a state in which the internal consumption current is equal to or greater than the specified internal consumption current threshold.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to control the speed of the motor to a specified third speed, when the electronic device is performing a specified communication, is supplying power to the external device, or is connected to the OTG device in a state other than an OCP warning state, an SMPL warning state, a heat state, a state in which the battery level is equal to or lower than a specified level, and a state in which the internal consumption current is equal to or greater than a specified internal consumption current threshold.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to control the speed of the motor to a fourth speed higher than the specified third speed, when the electronic device is not performing a specified communication, is not supplying power to the external device, and is not connected to the OTG device in the state other than the OCP warning state, the SMPL warning state, the heat state, the state in which the battery level is equal to or lower than the specified level, and the state in which the internal consumption current is equal to or greater than the specified internal consumption current threshold.

FIG.7is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling motor driving in an electronic device including a flexible display according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.7, a processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1or the processor620ofFIG.6) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1or the electronic device601ofFIG.6) according to an embodiment may perform at least one of operations710,720and730.

In operation710, the processor620according to an embodiment may identify a slide operation (slide-in or slide-out operation) start event of the flexible display660. For example, the processor620may identify (automatic) slide-in or slide-out start of the flexible display660based on the user's pressing of an open trigger button (e.g., a key input device341ofFIG.3AandFIG.3B) exposed outward from the electronic device601. In another example, when the user slides out the flexible display660by pushing the electronic device601up to a specified section or slides in the flexible display660up to a specified section in a direction opposite to a slide-out direction in the slide-out state, the processor620may identify (semi-automatic) slide-in start.

In operation720, the processor620according to an embodiment may identify a battery current, a battery voltage, an internal consumption current, a remaining battery capacity, and/or an electronic device temperature sensed through at least one sensor, based on the occurrence of the slide operation start event of the display660. In addition to the battery current, the battery voltage, the internal consumption current, the remaining battery capacity, and/or the electronic device temperature, the processor620according to an embodiment may further identify use scenario information (e.g., high-power communication (e.g., 5G communication), power supply to an external device, or OTG device connection).

In operation730, the processor620according to an embodiment may control the speed of the motor665or restrict (or discontinue) an operation of the motor665based on at least one or more or all of the battery current, the battery voltage, the internal consumption current, the remaining battery capacity, and the electronic device temperature. The processor620according to an embodiment may control the speed of the motor665or restrict the operation of the motor665based on high-power communication (e.g., 5G communication) or whether charging power is supplied, in addition to at least one or more or all of the battery current, the battery voltage, the internal consumption current, the remaining battery capacity, and the electronic device temperature.

According to an embodiment, the processor620may control the speed of the motor665to one of a plurality of different speeds or may lock the motor665not to be driven. For example, the plurality of speeds may include first to fourth speeds. The first speed may include a speed (e.g., a very low speed) equal to or lower than (or lower than) a specified speed, the second speed may include a speed (e.g., a low speed) higher than the first speed and lower than the third speed, the third speed may include a speed (e.g., a general speed) higher than the second speed and lower than the fourth speed, and the fourth speed may include a speed (e.g., a high speed) higher than the third speed.

The processor620according to an embodiment may identify, based on the battery current, a state in which, when a battery current flowing from the battery into the electronic device is equal to or greater than a specified threshold, a circuit or battery of the electronic device may be damaged due to the overcurrent flow in the electronic device (e.g., the OCP warning state). In the OCP warning state, the processor620according to an embodiment may identify (or determine or set or control) the speed of the motor665as the first speed or identify discontinuation of driving of the motor665. The processor620according to an embodiment may identify, based on the battery voltage, a system power down state (e.g., the SMPL warning state) in which the internal voltage of the electronic device is lowered to or below (or below) a specified voltage (e.g., about 2V). In the SMPL warning state, the processor620according to an embodiment may identify (or determine or set or control) the speed of the motor665as the first speed or identify discontinuation of the driving of the motor665. When the internal temperature of the electronic device is equal to or higher than (or exceeds) a specified temperature, based on the electronic device temperature, the processor620according to an embodiment may identify a heat state. In the heat state, the processor620according to an embodiment may identify (or determine or set or control) the speed of the motor665as the second speed or identify discontinuation of the driving of the motor665. The processor620according to an embodiment may identify, based on the remaining battery capacity, a state in which the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than (or less than) a specified capacity (15% of the total capacity of the battery). The processor620according to an embodiment may identify (or determine or set or control) the speed of the motor665as the second speed in the state in which the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than the specified capacity. The processor620according to an embodiment may identify, based on the internal consumption current, a state in which the internal consumption current is equal to or greater than (or exceeds) a specified internal consumption current threshold. The processor620according to an embodiment may identify (or determine or set or control) the speed of the motor665as the second speed in a state in which the internal consumption current is equal to or greater than the specified internal consumption current threshold. The processor620according to an embodiment may identify a network connection state, a state in which power is being supplied to the outside, or a state in which an external device is connected. For example, the network connection state may be a state in which the electronic device601is connected to a 5G network or a state in which the electronic device601is connected to a 6G network, and/or a state in which the electronic device601is connected to an external server through the 5G and/or 6G network (e.g., a server with a specific IP address or a MEC edge computing server). For example, the state in which power is being supplied to the outside may include a state in which power is being transmitted to an external electronic device by a wireless method (e.g., a wireless resonance method) or a wired method (a USB power transmission method or a power cable power transmission method). The state in which an external device is connected may include a state in which an OTG device (e.g., an OTG keyboard or a USB device) is connected.

In the network connection (e.g., 5G connection) state, the state in which power is being supplied to the outside, or the state in which the electronic device is connected to an external device (an OTG device), the processor620according to an embodiment may identify (or determine or set or control) the speed of the motor665as the third speed. In a state other than the OCP warning state, the SMPL warning state, the heat state, the state in which the remaining battery capacity is less than or equal to the specified capacity, and/or the state in which the internal consumption current is equal to or greater than the specified internal consumption current threshold, and other than the 5G connection state, the state in which power is being supplied to the outside, and the state in which the OTG device is connected, the processor620may identify (or determine or set or control) the speed of the motor665as the fourth speed.

According to various embodiments, a method of controlling motor driving in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1or the electronic device601ofFIG.6) including a flexible display (e.g., the display303ofFIG.3AandFIG.3Bor the flexible display660ofFIG.6) may include identifying a slide operation start event of the flexible display, identifying at least one of a battery current, a battery voltage, an internal consumption current, a battery level, or an electronic device temperature based on information sensed through at least one sensor, based on the slide operation start event of the flexible display, and controlling a speed of a motor performing a slide operation of the flexible display or discontinuing driving of the motor, based on the at least one of the battery current, the battery voltage, the internal consumption current, the battery level, or the electronic device temperature.

According to various embodiments, the method may further include identifying whether the electronic device performs specified communication, whether the electronic device supplies power to an external device, or whether the electronic device is connected to an OTG device, and controlling the speed of the motor or discontinuing the driving of the motor further based on whether the electronic device performs the specified communication, whether the electronic device supplies power to the external device, or whether the electronic device is connected to the OTG device.

According to various embodiments, the method may further include identifying an OCP warning state of the electronic device based on the battery current or identifying an SMPL warning state based on the battery voltage, and controlling the speed of the motor to a first speed lower than a specified speed or discontinuing the driving of the motor, in the OCP warning state or the SMPL warning state.

According to various embodiments, the method may further include identifying a heat state, when an internal temperature of the electronic device is equal to or higher than a specified first temperature based on the electronic device temperature, and controlling the speed of the motor to a second speed lower than a specified speed or discontinuing the driving of the motor, in the heat state.

According to various embodiments, the method may further include identifying a low temperature state, when an internal temperature of the electronic device is lower than a specified second temperature based on the electronic device temperature, and controlling the speed of the motor to a second speed lower than a specified speed in the low temperature state.

According to various embodiments, the method may further include identifying a state in which the battery level is equal to or lower than a specified level based on the battery level, and controlling the speed of the motor to a second speed lower than a specified speed or discontinuing the driving of the motor, in the state in which the battery level is equal to or lower than the specified level.

According to various embodiments, the method may further include identifying a state in which the internal consumption current is equal to or greater than a specified internal consumption current threshold, based on the internal consumption current, and controlling the speed of the motor to a second speed lower than a specified speed or discontinuing the driving of the motor, in a state in which the internal consumption current is equal to or greater than the specified internal consumption current threshold.

According to various embodiments, the method may further include controlling the speed of the motor to a specified third speed, when the electronic device is performing the specified communication, is supplying power to the external device, or is connected to the OTG device in a state other than an OCP warning state, an SMPL warning state, a heat state, a state in which the battery level is equal to or lower than a specified level, and/or a state in which the internal consumption current is equal to or greater than a specified internal consumption current threshold.

According to various embodiments, the method may further include controlling the speed of the motor to a fourth speed higher than the specified third speed, when the electronic device is not performing the specified communication, is not supplying power to the external device, and is not connected to the OTG device in the state other than the OCP warning state, the SMPL warning state, the heat state, the state in which the battery level is equal to or lower than the specified level, and/or the state in which the internal consumption current is equal to or greater than the specified internal consumption current threshold.

FIG.8is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling motor driving based on identification of a plurality of states in an electronic device including a flexible display according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.8, a processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1or the processor620ofFIG.6) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1or the electronic device601ofFIG.6) according to an embodiment may perform at least one of operations810to864.

In operation810, the processor620according to an embodiment may identify whether the state of the electronic device601is an OCP warning state or an SMPL warning state. For example, when a battery current is greater than a specified battery current threshold, the processor620according to an embodiment may identify the OCP warning state. For example, in the system power down state in which a battery voltage is lowered to or below (or below) a specified voltage (e.g., about 2V), the processor620according to an embodiment may identify the state of the electronic device601as the SMPL warning state.

If the state of the electronic device601is an OCP warning state or an SMPL warning state (operation810: YES), in operation812, the processor620according to an embodiment may control the speed of the motor to a first speed. For example, the first speed (e.g., a very low speed) may be lower than or equal to (or lower than) a specified speed.

If the state of the electronic device601is not an OCP warning state or an SMPL warning state (operation810: NO), in operation820, the processor620according to an embodiment may identify whether the internal temperature of the electronic device is equal to or greater than a specified first temperature (Temp≥Temp Th1). For example, when the internal temperature is equal to or higher than the specified first temperature, the state of the electronic device601may be a heat state.

In operation822, when the state of the electronic device601is neither the OCP warning state nor the SMPL warning state, and the internal temperature of the electronic device is equal to or higher than the specified first temperature (Temp≥Temp Th1), the processor620according to an embodiment may control the speed of the motor665to a second speed. For example, the second speed may be higher than the first speed and lower than a third speed which is a general speed.

If the state of the electronic device601is not an OCP warning state or an SMPL warning state (operation810: NO), in operation830, the processor620according to an embodiment may identify whether the internal temperature of the electronic device is equal to or lower than a specified second temperature (Temp≤Temp Th2). For example, the specified second temperature may be lower than the first temperature, and may be a low temperature that affects the performance of the electronic device601. When the state of the electronic device801is neither the OCP warning state nor the SMPL warning state, and the internal temperature of the electronic device is equal to or lower than the specified second temperature, the processor620according to an embodiment may proceed to operation822to control the speed of the motor665to the second speed.

If the internal temperature is neither higher than Temp Th1nor lower than Temp Th2, (operation820: NO and operation830:NO), in operation840, the processor620according to an embodiment may identify whether a remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than a specified capacity (e.g., 15%) (Bat lv.≤BatTh(15%)). When the state of the electronic device801is neither the OCP warning state nor the SMPL warning state, the internal temperature of the electronic device is lower than the specified first temperature and higher than the specified second temperature, and the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than the specified capacity (e.g., 15%), the processor620according to an embodiment may proceed to operation822to control the speed of the motor665to the second speed in operation822.

If the battery level is not equal to or less than BatTh (operation840:NO), in operation850, the processor620according to an embodiment may identify whether the internal consumption current is equal to or greater than a specified consumption current threshold iTh. In the state in which the state of the electronic device601is neither the OCP warning state nor the SMPL warning state, the internal temperature of the electronic device is lower than the specified first temperature and higher than the specified second temperature, and the remaining battery capacity is greater than the specified capacity (e.g., 15%), when the internal consumption current is equal to or greater than the specified consumption current threshold iTh, the processor620according to an embodiment may proceed to operation822to control the speed of the motor665to the second speed.

If the internal consumption current is not greater than or equal to iTh (operation850:NO), in operation860, the processor620according to an embodiment may identify whether the electronic device601is connected to 5G (or is communicating with 5G), is supplying charging power (sharing power), or is connected to an OTG device.

In operation862, in the state in which the state of the electronic device601is neither the OCP warning state nor the SMPL warning state, the internal temperature of the electronic device is lower than the specified first temperature and higher than the specified second temperature, the remaining battery capacity is greater than the specified capacity (e.g., 15%), the internal consumption current is less than the specified consumption current threshold iTh, and the electronic device601is communicating with 5G, is supplying charging power, or is connected to an OTG device, the processor620according to an embodiment may control the speed of the motor665to the third speed. For example, the third speed may be a normal speed higher than the second speed.

In operation864, in the state in which the state of the electronic device601is neither the OCP warning state nor the SMPL warning state, the internal temperature of the electronic device is lower than the specified first temperature and higher than the specified second temperature, the remaining battery capacity is greater than the specified capacity (e.g., 15%), and the internal consumption current is less than the specified consumption current threshold iTh, when the electronic device601is not communicating with 5G, is not supplying charging power, or is not connected to an OTG device, the processor620according to an embodiment may control the speed of the motor665to a fourth speed. For example, the fourth speed may be higher than the third speed.

FIG.9is a flowchart illustrating an example operation, when it is identified whether the internal temperature of the electronic device is less than or equal to a specified second temperature after identification of a 5G connection state, a charging power supply state, or an OTG connection state, during control of motor driving in an electronic device including a flexible display according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.9, a processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1or the processor620ofFIG.6) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1or the electronic device601ofFIG.6) according to an embodiment may perform at least one of operations910to964.

In operation910, the processor620according to an embodiment may identify whether the state of the electronic device601is an OCP warning state or an SMPL warning state. For example when a battery current is greater than a specified battery current threshold, the processor620according to an embodiment may identify the state of the electronic device601as the OCP warning state. For example, in a system power down state in which a battery voltage is lowered to or below (or below) a specified voltage (e.g., about 2V), the processor620according to an embodiment may identify the state of the electronic device601as the SMPL warning state.

If the state of the electronic device601is an OCP warning state or an SMPL warning state (operation910: YES), in operation912, the processor620according to an embodiment may control the speed of the motor to a first speed. For example, the first speed may be a speed (e.g., a very low speed) equal to or lower than (or lower than) a specified speed.

If the state of the electronic device601is not an OCP warning state or an SMPL warning state (operation910: NO), in operation920, the processor620according to an embodiment may identify whether the internal temperature of the electronic device is equal to or greater than a specified first temperature (Temp≥Tempth1).

In operation922, when the state of the electronic device601is neither the OCP warning state nor the SMPL warning state, and the internal temperature of the electronic device is equal to or higher than the specified first temperature (Temp≥Temp Th1), the processor620according to an embodiment may control the speed of the motor665to a second speed. For example, the second speed may be higher than the first speed and lower than a third speed which is a general speed.

If the internal temperature is not higher than Temp Th1(operation920: NO), in operation930, the processor620according to an embodiment may identify whether a remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than a specified capacity (e.g., 15%) (Bat lv.≤BatTh(15%)). When the state of the electronic device601is neither the OCP warning state nor the SMPL warning state, the internal temperature of the electronic device is lower than the specified first temperature, and the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than the specified capacity (e.g., 15%), the processor620according to an embodiment may proceed to operation922to control the speed of the motor665to the second speed.

If the battery level is not equal to or less than BatTh (operation930:NO), in operation940, the processor620according to an embodiment may identify whether an internal consumption current is equal to or greater than a specified consumption current threshold iTh. In the state in which the state of the electronic device601is neither the OCP warning state nor the SMPL warning state, the internal temperature of the electronic device is lower than the specified first temperature, and the remaining battery capacity is greater than the specified capacity (e.g., 15%), when the internal consumption current is equal to or greater than the specified consumption current threshold iTh, the processor620according to an embodiment may proceed to operation922to control the speed of the motor665to the second speed.

If the internal consumption current is not greater than or equal to iTh (operation940:NO), in operation950, the processor620according to an embodiment may identify whether the electronic device601is connected to 5G (or communicating with 5G), is supplying charging power (sharing power), or is connected to an OTG device.

In operation960, in the state in which the state of the electronic device601is neither the OCP warning state nor the SMPL warning state, the internal temperature of the electronic device is lower than the specified first temperature, the remaining battery capacity is greater than the specified capacity (e.g., 15%), the internal consumption current is less than the specified consumption current threshold iTh, when the electronic device601is connected to 5G (or communicating with 5G), is supplying charging power, or is connected to an OTG device, the processor620according to an embodiment may identify whether the internal temperature of the electronic device is equal to or less than a specified second temperature (Temp≤Temp Th2).

In operation962, in the state in which the state of the electronic device601is neither the OCP warning state nor the SMPL warning state, the internal temperature of the electronic device is lower than the specified first temperature and lower than the specified second temperature, the remaining battery capacity is greater than the specified capacity (e.g., 15%), the internal consumption current is less than the specified consumption current threshold iTh, and the electronic device601is communicating with 5G, is supplying charging power, or is connected to an OTG device, the processor620according to an embodiment may control the speed of the motor665to the third speed. For example, the third speed may be a general speed higher than the second speed.

In operation964, in the state in which the state of the electronic device601is neither the OCP warning state nor the SMPL warning state, the internal temperature of the electronic device is lower than the specified first temperature and higher than the specified second temperature, the remaining battery capacity is greater than the specified capacity (e.g., 15%), the internal consumption current is less than the specified consumption current threshold iTh, and the electronic device601is not connected to 5G (or communicating with 5G), is not supplying charging power, or is not connected to an OTG device, the processor620according to an embodiment may control the speed of the motor665to a fourth speed. For example, the fourth speed may be higher than the third speed.

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, a home appliance, or the like. 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 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), 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, or any combination thereof, 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 compiler or a code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. The term ‘non-transitory’ storage medium may refer, for example, to a tangible device, and may 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 a 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.

According to various embodiments, a non-transitory storage medium may store instructions, and the instructions may be configured to, when executed by at least one processor, enable the at least one processor to perform at least one operation. The at least one operation may include identifying a slide operation start event of a flexible display, identifying at least one of a battery current, a battery voltage, an internal consumption current, a battery level, or an electronic device temperature based on information sensed through at least one sensor, based on the slide operation start event of the flexible display, and controlling a speed of a motor performing a slide operation of the flexible display or discontinuing driving of the motor, based on the at least one of the battery current, the battery voltage, the internal consumption current, the battery level, or the electronic device temperature.

The embodiments of the disclosure in the present specification and drawings are intended only to provide specific examples, for easy description of the technical ideas according to the embodiments of the disclosure and helping the understanding of the embodiments of the disclosure, not limiting the scope of the embodiments of the disclosure. Therefore, all changes or modifications derived from the technical ideas of various embodiments of the disclosure as well as the embodiments set forth herein should be interpreted as encompassed in the scope of various embodiments of the disclosure.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various example embodiments, it will be understood that the various example embodiments are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. It will be further 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.