Mobile Terminal

Abstract

A mobile terminal includes: a main body, which includes a first frame and a second frame that can slide relative to the first frame in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction; a flexible display unit, which surrounds a part of the main body and changes the area located on the front surface according to the sliding movement of the second frame; a rivet track, which is formed on the second frame and extends in the first direction; and a sliding rivet, which protrudes from a surface of the flexible display unit facing the main body and moves along the rivet track when the second frame slides, so that the lifting phenomenon of the variable part of the flexible display unit can be minimized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mobile terminal, and more particularly, to a mobile terminal having a flexible display and capable of extending the size of a screen while the display is rolled and slid simultaneously. Background Art

[0002] Terminals can be roughly classified into mobile / portable terminals or stationary terminals according to their mobility. Mobile terminals can also be classified into handheld terminals or vehicle-mounted terminals according to whether users can directly carry the terminals.

[0003] In recent years, due to the development of broadcasting technology and network technology, the functions of display devices have also been quite diversified, and the performance of display devices has also been improved accordingly. That is, display devices have been developed to provide users with not only broadcast content but also various other content.

[0004] For example, the display device can provide games, music listening, Internet shopping, user customized information, etc., as well as programs received from broadcasting stations using various applications. In order to perform these extended functions, the display device can basically be connected to other devices or networks using various communication protocols, and a ubiquitous computing environment can be provided to the user. In other words, the display device has evolved into a smart device that allows connection to a network and continuous computing.

[0005] Recently, a flexible display having sufficient elasticity and capable of large deformation has been developed. The deformable property of the flexible display can be used to change the size of the mobile terminal. For a mobile terminal having such a variable structure, changing the size of the mobile terminal should be performed stably, and a structure supporting the extended display unit to maintain the flat state of the display unit is required. Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a mobile terminal for improving durability of a flexible display by preventing a point at which the flexible display is bent from being limited to a specific position.

[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to improve the practicality of a flexible display by preventing the flexible display from undulating.

[0009] Technical Solution

[0010] To achieve these objectives and other advantages and in accordance with the purposes of the present disclosure, as specifically implemented and broadly described herein, a mobile terminal may include: a main body, which includes a first frame and a second frame, the second frame being configured to slide in a first direction relative to the first frame and to slide in a second direction opposite to the first direction; a flexible display, which is configured to cover a portion of the main body, wherein a front surface area of ​​the flexible display is configured to change according to sliding of the second frame; a rivet track formed in the second frame and extending in the first direction; and a sliding rivet, which protrudes from a surface of the flexible display facing the main body and is configured to move along the rivet track when the second frame slides.

[0011] The flexible display may include: a first area which is always located on the front surface; a second area which is always located on the rear surface; and a third area which is disposed between the first area and the second area, wherein the third area is located on the front surface or the rear surface according to the sliding of the second frame. The sliding rivet may be located in the second area or the third area.

[0012] The mobile terminal may further include a rolling hinge disposed on a rear surface of the third region and bent in response to bending deformation of the third region, wherein the third region is bent so that the third region covers an end of the body facing the first direction. The sliding rivet may include a first sliding rivet protruding from the rolling hinge.

[0013] The rolling hinge may include a plurality of support rods arranged side by side along a first direction, each support rod extending in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first sliding rivet may be fastened to the support rod.

[0014] A plurality of first sliding rivets may be arranged in a first direction.

[0015] The mobile terminal may include a connection sheet configured to connect the plurality of first sliding rivets.

[0016] The connection sheet may include a thin metal plate having a cutout pattern.

[0017] At least one of the plurality of support rods may be disposed between the plurality of first sliding rivets.

[0018] The first sliding rivet may be disposed adjacent to the second region.

[0019] The mobile terminal may further include a sliding frame configured to move in the first direction or the second direction relative to the second frame, wherein the sliding frame is coupled to the second region. The sliding rivet may include a second sliding rivet protruding from the sliding frame.

[0020] The mobile terminal may further include a roller coupled to the second frame, wherein the flexible display is rolled on the roller. The plurality of rollers may be arranged in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and spaced apart from each other, and the rivet track may be disposed so that the rivet track does not overlap the roller.

[0021] The rivet track may have a first width. The sliding rivet may include: a body portion that is smaller than the first width; and a wing portion that is larger than the first width, wherein the wing portion is disposed on an end of the body portion.

[0022] The mobile terminal may further include a washer having a ring shape, wherein the washer is disposed on an outer circumference of the body portion of the sliding rivet. Both the washer and the sliding rivet may be disposed on the rivet track.

[0023] The rivet track may further include an extension groove formed on a front surface of a rear portion of the second frame in a width direction. A width of the extension groove may be greater than a diameter of the wing portion.

[0024] The rivet track may include: a straight track formed at a rear portion of the second frame;

[0025] and a curved rail extending from the straight rail and disposed on a side of the second frame facing the first direction.

[0026] The rivet track may include a pair of rails arranged in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and spaced apart from each other, wherein one side of each rail is fixed to the rear surface of the second frame and the other side thereof is fixed to the front surface of the second frame. Each rail may be bent into a curved shape of a side surface of the second frame facing the first direction.

[0027] Individual rail strips may extend from a curved rail to a straight rail.

[0028] The mobile terminal may include a belt coupling portion having steps for mounting a pair of rail belts on both sides of the straight rail.

[0029] The pair of track strips may be spaced apart from each other by a first width, and the straight track may have a second width greater than the first width.

[0030] The sliding rivet may include: a body portion having a width smaller than a first width; and a wing portion having a width greater than the first width and less than a second width, wherein the wing portion extends from an end of the body portion.

[0031] Beneficial Effects

[0032] The mobile terminal according to the present disclosure can adjust the size of the screen as needed, thereby satisfying both portability and practicality.

[0033] Since stress is not concentrated at a specific point of the display, the mobile terminal according to the present disclosure can prevent the display from being damaged.

[0034] When the second frame moves, the mobile terminal can prevent the display from rising and falling, that is, maintain the flatness of the display when the second frame moves.

[0035] The mobile terminal includes a structure for guiding the parallel movement of the frame, thereby achieving a stable state transition. The further scope of application of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description given below. However, it should be understood that since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description for those skilled in the art, the detailed description and specific examples are only given by way of illustration while indicating the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 2 are front views of a first state and a second state of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 3 are rear views of a first state and a second state of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment.

[0040] Figure 6 It is a side view of the mobile terminal when viewed from a third direction.

[0041] Figure 7 is a view showing a driving unit of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment.

[0042] Figure 8 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along lines AA and BB.

[0043] Fig. 9 is a view showing a display unit and a rolling plate of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment.

[0044] Fig.10 is a view illustrating a problem occurring in an expandable mobile terminal.

[0045] Fig.11 It is along Figure 2 Cross-sectional view taken along lines CC and DD.

[0046] Fig.12 It is along Fig.11 A cross-sectional view taken along lines EE and FF.

[0047] Fig.13is a view showing an expanded side portion and a guide hook of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment.

[0048] Fig.14 is a view illustrating a slide frame and a second frame of a mobile terminal.

[0049] Fig.15 is a graph showing phase distortion in a mobile terminal.

[0050] Fig.16 It is used to illustrate Fig.15 Conceptual diagram of the cause of phase distortion.

[0051] Fig.17 is a rear exploded perspective view showing that a rolling hinge and a display unit are detached from a main body of the mobile terminal.

[0052] Fig.18 is a front perspective view showing the first frame and the second frame when the mobile terminal is in the second state.

[0053] Fig.19 is an enlarged view of the rivet track and sliding rivet.

[0054] Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a rivet track and a sliding rivet arranged in a second state.

[0055] Fig.21 is a view showing a portion of a rivet track.

[0056] Fig. 22 is a view showing one embodiment of a track.

[0057] Fig.23 It is along Fig. 20 Cross-sectional views taken along lines II, JJ and KK.

[0058] Fig.24 is a view showing one embodiment of a first sliding rivet of a mobile terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Now, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a description will be given in detail according to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. In order to be briefly described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals may be provided for the same or equivalent components, and their descriptions will not be repeated. Generally, suffixes such as "module" and "unit" can be used to refer to elements or components. This suffix is ​​used herein only to facilitate the description of the specification, and the suffix itself is not intended to give any special meaning or function. In the present disclosure, for the sake of simplicity, the content well known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant field has been omitted. The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features, and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. Therefore, in addition to those specifically shown in the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure should be interpreted as extending to any modified forms, equivalent forms and alternative forms.

[0060] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are generally used only to distinguish one element from another.

[0061] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, the element may be directly connected to the other element, or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected to" another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0062] A singular expression may include a plural expression unless it clearly indicates a different meaning from the context.

[0063] When terms such as “including” or “having” are used herein, it should be understood that they are intended to indicate that there are a plurality of components, functions or steps disclosed in the specification, and it should also be understood that more or fewer components, functions or steps may be used as well.

[0064] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to the present disclosure.

[0065] The mobile terminal 100 is shown to have components such as a wireless communication unit 110, an input unit 120, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, an interface unit 160, a memory 170, a controller 180, and a power supply unit 190. Referring now to FIG. Figure 1 , the mobile terminal 100 is shown with a wireless communication unit 110 configured with a number of commonly implemented components. It will be understood that implementing all of the components shown is not a requirement, and greater or fewer components may alternatively be implemented.

[0066] More specifically, the wireless communication unit 110 typically includes one or more modules that allow communication (e.g., wireless communication between the mobile terminal 100 and a wireless communication system, communication between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobile terminal, communication between the mobile terminal 100 and an external server). In addition, the wireless communication unit 110 typically includes one or more modules that connect the mobile terminal 100 to one or more networks.

[0067] To facilitate these communications, the wireless communication unit 110 includes one or more of a broadcast receiving module 111 , a mobile communication module 112 , a wireless Internet module 113 , a short-range communication module 114 , and a location information module 115 .

[0068] With respect to the wireless communication unit 110, the broadcast receiving module 111 is generally configured to receive broadcast signals and / or broadcast related information from an external broadcast management entity via a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel, a terrestrial channel, or both. In some embodiments, two or more broadcast receiving modules 111 may be used to facilitate simultaneous reception of two or more broadcast channels or to support switching between broadcast channels.

[0069] The mobile communication module 112 may send wireless signals to and / or receive wireless signals from one or more network entities. Typical examples of network entities include base stations, external mobile terminals, servers, etc. These network entities form a part of a mobile communication network, which is constructed according to a technical standard or communication method for mobile communication (e.g., Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), CDMA 2000 (Code Division Multiple Access 2000), EV-DO (Enhanced Voice Data Optimization or Enhanced Voice Data Only), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), HSUPA (High Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A (Advanced Long Term Evolution), etc.).

[0070] Examples of wireless signals transmitted and / or received via the mobile communication module 112 include audio call signals, video (telephony) call signals, or data in various formats supporting communication of text and multimedia messages.

[0071] The wireless Internet module 113 is configured to facilitate wireless Internet access. This module may be internally or externally coupled to the mobile terminal 100. The wireless Internet module 113 may send and / or receive wireless signals via a communication network according to wireless Internet technologies.

[0072] Examples of such wireless Internet access include wireless LAN (WLAN), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), wireless broadband (WiBro), world interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), HSUPA (high-speed uplink packet access), long term evolution (LTE), LTE-A (long term evolution-advanced), etc. The wireless Internet module 113 may transmit / receive data according to one or more of these wireless Internet technologies as well as other Internet technologies.

[0073] In some embodiments, when wireless Internet access is implemented according to (for example) WiBro, HSDPA, HSUPA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE, LTE-A, etc., the wireless Internet module 113 performs such wireless Internet access as part of a mobile communication network. Therefore, the Internet module 113 can cooperate with the mobile communication module 112 or serve as the mobile communication module 112.

[0074] The short-range communication module 114 is configured to facilitate short-range communications. Suitable technologies for implementing such short-range communications include BLUETOOTH TM , Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus), etc. The short-range communication module 114 generally supports wireless communication between the mobile terminal 100 and a wireless communication system, communication between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobile terminal 100, or communication between a mobile terminal and a network where another mobile terminal 100 (or an external server) is located via a wireless local area network. An example of a wireless local area network is a wireless personal area network.

[0075] The location information module 115 is generally configured to detect, calculate, derive or identify the location of the mobile terminal. As an example, the location information module 115 includes a global positioning system (GPS) module, a Wi-Fi module or both. If necessary, the location information module 115 may alternatively or additionally work with any other module of the wireless communication unit 110 to obtain data related to the location of the mobile terminal. As an example, when the mobile terminal uses a GPS module, the location of the mobile terminal can be obtained using a signal sent from a GPS satellite. As another example, when the mobile terminal uses a Wi-Fi module, the location of the mobile terminal can be obtained based on information related to a wireless access point (AP), and the wireless access point (AP) sends a wireless signal to the Wi-Fi module or receives a wireless signal from the Wi-Fi module.

[0076] The input unit 120 includes a camera 121 for obtaining images or videos, a microphone 122 (which is an audio input device for inputting audio signals), and a user input unit 123 (e.g., a touch key, a key, a mechanical key, a soft key, etc.) for allowing a user to input information. Data (e.g., audio, video, image, etc.) is obtained through the input unit 120 and can be analyzed and processed by the controller 180 according to device parameters, user commands, and combinations thereof.

[0077] These cameras 121 can process image frames of still pictures or videos obtained by an image sensor in a video or image capture mode. The processed image frames can be displayed on the display unit 151 or stored in the memory 170. In some cases, the cameras 121 can be arranged in a matrix configuration so that multiple images with various angles or focal points can be input to the mobile terminal 100. As another example, the cameras 121 can be arranged in a stereoscopic arrangement to obtain left and right images for realizing a stereoscopic image.

[0078] The microphone 122 is typically implemented to allow audio input to the mobile terminal 100. The audio input may be processed in various ways according to functions executed in the mobile terminal 100. If necessary, the microphone 122 may include various noise removal algorithms to remove unwanted noise generated in the process of receiving external audio.

[0079] The user input unit 123 is a component that allows user input. Such user input can enable the controller 180 to control the operation of the mobile terminal 100. The user input unit 123 may include one or more of a mechanical input element (e.g., a key, button, membrane switch, roller, touch switch, etc. located on the front and / or back or side of the mobile terminal 100) or a touch-sensitive input. As an example, the touch-sensitive input may be a virtual key or soft key displayed on the touch screen by software processing, or a touch key set at a position other than the touch screen on the mobile terminal. On the other hand, the virtual key or visual key may be displayed on the touch screen in various shapes (e.g., graphics, text, icon, video, or a combination thereof).

[0080] The sensing unit 140 is generally implemented using one or more sensors configured to sense internal information of the mobile terminal, the surrounding environment of the mobile terminal, user information, etc. For example, the sensing unit 140 may alternatively or additionally include other types of sensors or devices, such as proximity sensors 141 and illumination sensors 142, touch sensors, acceleration sensors, magnetic sensors, gravity sensors, gyroscope sensors, motion sensors, RGB sensors, infrared (IR) sensors, finger scan sensors, ultrasonic sensors, optical sensors (e.g., camera 121), microphone 122, battery gauges, environmental sensors (e.g., barometers, hygrometers, thermometers, radiation detection sensors, thermal sensors, and gas sensors, etc.), and chemical sensors (e.g., electronic noses, health sensors, biosensors, etc.), etc. The mobile terminal 100 may be configured to utilize information obtained from the sensing unit 140, specifically, information obtained from one or more sensors of the sensing unit 140 and combinations thereof.

[0081] The output unit 150 is generally configured to output various types of information, such as audio, video, tactile output, etc. The output unit 150 is shown to have a display unit 151, an audio output module 152, a tactile module 153, and an optical output module 154. The display unit 151 may have an intermediate layer structure or an integrated structure with a touch sensor to facilitate a touch screen. The touch screen may provide an output interface between the mobile terminal 100 and the user, and may be used as a user input unit 123 providing an input interface between the mobile terminal 100 and the user.

[0082] The audio output module 152 is generally configured to output audio data. These audio data can be obtained from any of a variety of different sources, so that the audio data can be received from the wireless communication unit 110 or can be stored in the memory 170. The audio data can be output in modes such as signal reception mode, call mode, recording mode, voice recognition mode, broadcast reception mode, etc. The audio output module 152 can provide audible output related to a specific function performed by the mobile terminal 100 (for example, a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, etc.). The audio output module 152 can also be implemented as a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, etc.

[0083] The haptic module 153 may be configured to generate various tactile effects that the user feels, perceives, or experiences. A typical example of the tactile effect generated by the haptic module 153 is vibration. The intensity, pattern, etc. of the vibration generated by the haptic module 153 may be controlled by user selection or setting of the controller. For example, the haptic module 153 may output different vibrations in a combined manner or in a sequential manner.

[0084] The optical output module 154 may output a signal for indicating the occurrence of an event using light from a light source. Examples of events occurring in the mobile terminal 100 may include message reception, call signal reception, missed call, alarm, schedule notification, email reception, information reception through an application, and the like.

[0085] The interface unit 160 serves as an interface with various types of external devices that can be connected to the mobile terminal 100. For example, the interface unit 160 may include any wired or wireless port, an external power port, a wired or wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device with an identification module, an audio input / output (I / O) port, a video I / O port, a headphone port, etc. In some cases, the mobile terminal 100 may perform various control functions associated with the connected external device in response to the external device being connected to the interface unit 160.

[0086] The memory 170 is generally implemented to store data for supporting various functions or features of the mobile terminal 100. For example, the memory 170 may be configured to store applications executed in the mobile terminal 100, data or instructions for the operation of the mobile terminal 100, etc. Some of these applications may be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication. Other applications may be installed in the mobile terminal 100 at the time of manufacture or shipment, which is usually the case for the basic functions of the mobile terminal 100 (e.g., answering calls, making calls, receiving messages, sending messages, etc.). It is common that the application is stored in the memory 170, installed in the mobile terminal 100, and executed by the controller 180 to perform the operation (or function) of the mobile terminal 100.

[0087] In addition to operations associated with applications, controller 180 is generally used to control the overall operation of mobile terminal 100. Controller 180 may provide or process information or functions suitable for the user by processing input or output signals, data, information, etc. or activating applications stored in memory 170.

[0088] In order to drive the application programs stored in the memory 170, the controller 180 may be implemented as a controller as described above with reference to Figure 1 Also, the controller 180 may be implemented to operate two or more components provided in the mobile terminal 100 in combination to drive an application.

[0089] The power supply unit 190 may be configured to receive external power or provide internal power in order to supply appropriate power required to operate elements and components included in the mobile terminal 100. The power supply unit 190 may include a battery, which may be configured to be embedded in the terminal body or configured to be detachable from the terminal body.

[0090] Some or more components may cooperate to implement the operation, control or control method of the mobile terminal according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition, the operation, control or control method of the mobile terminal may be implemented on the mobile terminal by driving one or more applications stored in the memory 170.

[0091] Figure 2 is a front view of a mobile terminal in a first state and a second state according to an embodiment, Figure 3 are rear views of a first state and a second state of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment. Figure 2 (a) and Figure 3 (a) is a view showing a first state in which the mobile terminal is contracted, Figure 2 (b) and Figure 3 (b) is a view showing a second state in which the mobile terminal is extended.

[0092] As shown in the figure, the mobile terminal 100 in the first state is in a retracted position and has a size smaller than that of the mobile terminal 100 in the second state. In addition, the size of the display unit 151 located in front of the mobile terminal 100 is also smaller than that in the second state. The mobile terminal 100 in the first state can be extended in the first direction D1 to switch to the second state. In the second state, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , the size of the mobile terminal 100 and the size of the display unit 151 located in front of the mobile terminal 100 are larger than in the first state, while the size of the display unit 151 located behind the mobile terminal 100 is reduced, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 That is, a portion of the display unit 151 located behind the mobile terminal 151 in the first state moves to the front of the mobile terminal 100 in the second state.

[0093] In the following description, the direction in which the mobile terminal 100 and its display unit 151 extend or expand is defined as the first direction D1, and the direction in which the mobile terminal contracts or retracts or decreases to switch from the second state to the first state is defined as the second direction D2. Directions perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are defined as the third direction and the fourth direction. The description will be made under the assumption that the first direction and the second direction are horizontal directions and the third direction and the fourth direction are vertical directions. However, depending on the arrangement of the mobile terminal 100, the first direction and the second direction may be vertical directions, and the third direction may be horizontal directions.

[0094] Therefore, the bendable flexible display unit 151 can be used as a display unit so that the position of the display unit can be changed. The flexible display unit 151 can be a display unit that can maintain a flat state like a conventional flat panel display and can be warped, bent, folded, twisted or curled like paper. The flexible display unit 151 refers to a display that is manufactured on a thin and flexible substrate and is therefore lightweight and strong because it is not easy to break. The flexible display unit according to the present disclosure can be bent in a specific direction and can be arranged so that its curvature can be changed in a first direction.

[0095] In addition, electronic paper is a display technology that applies the properties of ordinary ink. Electronic paper can be different from traditional flat panel displays in using reflected light. Electronic paper can use twisting balls or electrophoresis using capsules to change information.

[0096] In a state where the flexible display unit 151 is not deformed (e.g., a state with an infinite radius of curvature, hereinafter referred to as a basic state), the display area of ​​the flexible display unit 151 becomes flat. In a state where the flexible display unit 151 is deformed from the basic state by an external force (e.g., a state with a finite radius of curvature, hereinafter referred to as a deformed state), the display area may become a curved surface. As shown, the information displayed in the deformed state may be visual information output on the curved surface. This visual information is achieved by independently controlling the light emission of sub-pixels arranged in an array. A sub-pixel refers to the smallest unit for realizing a color. When an external force is applied to the flexible display unit 151, the flexible display unit 151 may be deformed to switch from a default state, which is a flat state, to a curved state, which is not a flat state.

[0097] The flexible display unit 151 can be combined with a touch sensor to implement a flexible touch screen. When a touch is made on the flexible touch screen, the controller 180 (see Figure 1 ) can perform control corresponding to such touch input. The flexible touch screen can be configured to detect touch input in a deformed state as well as a basic state.

[0098] The touch sensor detects a touch (or touch input) applied to the touch screen using at least one of various touch schemes such as a resistive film scheme, a capacitive scheme, an infrared scheme, an ultrasonic scheme, a magnetic field scheme, and the like.

[0099] As an example, the touch sensor may be configured to convert pressure applied to a specific portion of the touch screen, a change in capacitance generated at the specific portion, etc. into an electric input signal. The touch sensor may be configured so that a touch object applying a touch on the touch screen can detect a touched position and area on the touch sensor, pressure during the touch, capacitance during the touch, etc.

[0100] In addition, the mobile terminal 100 may have a deformation detection device for detecting deformation of the flexible display unit 151. Such a deformation detection device may be included in the sensing unit 140 (see Figure 1 ).

[0101] The deformation detection device may be provided in the flexible display unit 151 or the housing (the first frame 101 to the second frame 102 described later) to detect information related to the deformation of the flexible display unit 151. In this regard, the information related to the deformation may include the direction of deformation of the flexible display unit 151, the degree of deformation, the deformation position, the deformation time, the acceleration of the deformed flexible display unit 151 to recover, etc. In addition, the information related to the deformation may include various types of information detectable due to the bending of the flexible display unit 151.

[0102] In addition, the controller 180 may change information displayed on the flexible display unit 151 or generate a control signal for controlling a function of the mobile terminal 100 based on information related to the deformation of the flexible display unit 151 detected by the deformation detecting device.

[0103] The deformation of the flexible display unit 151 may vary according to the positions of the first frame 101 and the second frame 102. Figure 2 As shown, since the bending position on the flexible display unit 151 is determined according to the positions of the first frame and the second frame, the deformation detection device of the flexible display unit 151 can be replaced to calculate the bending deformation position and area of ​​the flexible display unit 151 located in the front based on the positions of the first frame 101 and the second frame 102.

[0104] The state conversion (first state or second state) of the flexible display unit 151 (i.e., the size change of the display unit 151 on the front and back of the mobile terminal 100 based on the size change of the mobile terminal 100) can be manually performed by the force applied by the user, but may not be limited to such a manual scheme. For example, when the mobile terminal 100 or the flexible display unit 151 is in the first state, the mobile terminal 100 or the flexible display unit 151 may be converted to the second state by the user or application command without the user applying an external force. Therefore, in order to automatically deform the flexible display unit 151 without an external force, the mobile terminal 100 may include a driving unit 200 (to be described later).

[0105] The flexible display unit 151 of the present disclosure is bent 180 degrees by curling around the side of the mobile terminal 100 facing the first direction. Therefore, based on the side of the mobile terminal 100, a part of the flexible display unit 151 is arranged in front of the mobile terminal 100, and another part of the flexible display unit 151 is arranged behind the mobile terminal 100. For simplicity, the part of the flexible display unit 151 located in the front is referred to as the front side, and the other part of the flexible display unit 151 located in the back is referred to as the back side. Figure 2 As shown, the mobile terminal can be extended in a first direction or contracted in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In this case, the area of ​​the flexible display unit 151 located in the front changes. That is, the size of the front and back sides can change according to the state change of the mobile terminal.

[0106] A portion of the flexible display unit 151 located in front of the mobile terminal 100 may be unmovably fixed to the front surface of the first frame 101 , and another portion thereof located behind the mobile terminal 100 may be movably disposed behind the mobile terminal 100 .

[0107] In addition, the flexible display unit 151 can be rolled or released on the side of the mobile terminal in the first direction. Therefore, the back of the display unit 151 moves so that the size of the front of the display unit 151 can be adjusted. Since the size of the flexible display unit 151 is determined and the flexible display unit 151 is formed by a continuous body, as the area of ​​the front of the display unit 151 increases, the area of ​​the back of the display unit 151 decreases. Such a display unit 151 can be rolled in the second frame 102, more precisely, rolled on one side of the second frame 102, and the second frame 102 can be moved relative to the first frame 101 (described later). The display unit 151 can be extracted or pulled out of the second frame 102 or inserted or pushed into the second frame 102 while rolling in the second frame 102 along the moving direction of the second frame 102 to adjust the area of ​​the display unit 151 on the front of the mobile terminal 100. This operation will be described in more detail below together with other related components of the mobile terminal 100.

[0108] Typically, the antenna is disposed in the shell or housing of the mobile terminal 100, but due to the flexible display unit 151 that covers not only the front of the mobile terminal 100 but also the back thereof, the portion in which the antenna is installed in the shell or housing may be limited. Therefore, the antenna may be implemented on the flexible display unit 151. The antenna on display (AOD) is an antenna that forms a transparent film by stacking electrode layers and dielectric layers that are respectively engraved with patterns. The antenna on display may be implemented to be thinner than an antenna implemented using laser direct structuring (LDS) technology using a conventional copper-nickel plating scheme, so that the antenna on display may not be exposed to the outside without affecting the thickness. In addition, the antenna on display may directly send or receive signals to or from the display unit 151. Therefore, the antenna on display may be used in a mobile terminal 100 in which the display unit 151 is located on both sides of the mobile terminal 100 as in the present disclosure.

[0109] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the mobile terminal when viewed from the front side, Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view of the mobile terminal when viewed from the rear side.

[0110] The mobile terminal 100 of the present disclosure includes frames 101 and 102 on which components are mounted, and the sizes of the frames 101 and 102 of the present disclosure in a first direction may vary, such as Figure 2 As shown. One or more frames 101 and 102 are movable relative to each other, and their sizes can be changed in a first direction. Electronic components are installed in the frames 101 and 102, and the flexible display unit 151 is located outside the frames 101 and 102.

[0111] Since the mobile terminal 100 of the present disclosure includes the flexible display unit 151, the flexible display unit 151 may be combined in the form of surrounding the front and rear surfaces of the frames 101 and 102. The frame may include a first frame 101 and a second frame 102 that moves relative to the first frame 101 in a first direction. The first frame 101 and the second frame 102 include a front portion, a rear portion, and a side portion, respectively, and are coupled to each other.

[0112] First, the first frame 101 corresponds to the body of the mobile terminal 100, and may have a space between a first front portion 1011 and a first rear portion 1012 therein for accommodating various components. In addition, the first frame 101 may accommodate a second frame 102 movably coupled to the first frame 101 in such a space. More specifically, as Figure 2 and Figure 5As shown, the first frame 101 may include a first front portion 1011 disposed at the front of the mobile terminal 100 and supporting the front face of the display unit 151 and a first rear portion 1012 disposed at the rear of the mobile terminal and having various components mounted thereon. The front decoration 1016 may cover the front edge of the first area 151a to protect the edge of the first area 151a.

[0113] The first front portion 1011 and the first rear portion 1012 may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval to define a predetermined space therebetween, and may be connected to each other by the first side portion 1013. The first side portion 1013 may be formed integrally with the first rear portion 1012 or the first front portion 1011. The camera 121, the audio output module 152 and the input / output terminal, the controller 180, and the power supply unit 190 may be accommodated in the space in the first frame 101 as components of the mobile terminal 100. For example, the controller 180 may be a circuit board 181 including a processor and an electronic circuit for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal, and the power supply unit 190 may be a battery 191 and related components. In addition, a drive unit 200 (to be described later) that controls the sliding movement of the second frame 102 may also be accommodated in the first frame 101.

[0114] As described above, the display unit 151 has a continuous body and thus can be disposed on both the front and back sides of the mobile terminal 100 while being rolled in the mobile terminal 100. The display unit 151 may include a front side located at the front side of the mobile terminal 100, a back side located at the back side of the mobile terminal 100, and a side side located between the front side and the back side thereof and surrounding the side side of the mobile terminal. The front and back sides of the display unit 151 are flat, and the side sides of the display unit 151 may be formed as a curved surface. The flexible display unit 151 may be damaged when bent at a certain angle. Therefore, the flexible display unit 151 may be formed to be bent at a predetermined curvature at the side.

[0115] The display unit 151 may be divided into fixed parts 151a and 151b and a variable part 151c. The fixed parts 151a and 151b refer to parts fixed to the frame. Due to being fixed to the frame, the fixed parts 151a and 151b maintain a constant shape without changing the degree of bending. On the other hand, the variable part 151c refers to a part in which the bending angle or position of the bending part changes. The variable part 151c in which the position or bending angle of the bending part changes requires a structure for supporting the back side of the variable part 151c in response to the change.

[0116] The fixed parts 151a, 151b are connected to the first frame of the display unit and are always located in front of the display unit to form a part of the front of the display unit. The variable part 151c includes a side located at the side of the mobile terminal, and the position of the side changes according to the position of the second frame. Based on the side, the area of ​​the part set on the front of the display unit and the area of ​​the part set on the back of the display unit change. That is, based on the first state and the second state, a part of the variable part 151c can be the front, and another part of the variable part 151c can be the back. The variable part 151c is located in a first direction relative to the mobile terminal with respect to the fixed parts 151a, 151b, and the end of the variable part 151c is bent toward the back of the mobile terminal and slides on the back of the second frame.

[0117] The end of the variable part of the display unit is connected to a sliding frame that guides the sliding movement of the variable part on the back of the second frame, and the sliding frame moves in the first direction while the second frame moves in the first direction. As a result, the moving distance of the sliding frame relative to the first frame is twice the moving distance of the second frame relative to the first frame. In addition, as Figure 3 As shown, the first rear portion 1012 of the mobile terminal 100 includes an exposed rear portion 1015 that is exposed to the outside and not covered by the display unit 151 even in the first state. A physical input unit 120 (such as various buttons, switches, camera 121, and flash) and a sensing unit 140 (such as a proximity sensor 141 or a fingerprint sensor) for manipulation of the mobile terminal 100 may be arranged on the exposed rear portion 1015. The first rear portion 1012 other than the exposed rear portion 1015 may be provided as shown in FIG. Figure 3 In the first state shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , the display unit 151 is covered, and the display unit 151 can be displayed as shown in FIG. Figure 3 In the second state shown in (b), it is exposed backwards.

[0118] In a conventional bar-type terminal, a display unit is only provided on the front side of the terminal. Therefore, a main camera is placed on the back side of the terminal so that a user can take a picture of an object opposite to the terminal while viewing the display unit. On the other hand, an additional auxiliary camera needs to be provided on the front side of the terminal so that a user can take a picture of himself while viewing himself through the display unit.

[0119] On the other hand, in the mobile terminal 100 of the present disclosure, the display unit 151 is arranged on the front and back of the mobile terminal 100. Therefore, when the user takes a selfie, the portion of the display unit 151 located on the same surface as the camera 121 (i.e., the back of the display unit 151) can be used. When the user shoots an object around the user, the portion of the display unit 151 on the side away from the camera 121 (i.e., the front of the display unit 151) can be used. Therefore, the mobile terminal 100 can shoot the user or the object around the user using one camera 121. The camera may include a plurality of cameras with different viewing angles (e.g., wide angle, ultra wide angle, and telephoto angle). Not only the camera but also the proximity sensor and the audio output unit may be provided on the exposed rear portion 1015, and the antenna may be installed on the rear portion 1015. The rear portion 1015 may be used to protect the camera, sensor, etc. on the exposed rear portion 1015 and not deteriorate the external design. A portion of the rear portion 1015 corresponding to the camera 121 or the sensor 140 may be configured to be transparent, and other portions may have a predetermined pattern or color without exposing internal parts in consideration of design aspects.

[0120] The first side portion 1013 may extend along the edges of the first front portion 1011 and the first rear portion 1012 to surround the outer circumference of the first frame 101, and may define the appearance of the mobile terminal 100. However, as described above, the second frame 102 is accommodated in the first frame 101 and movably coupled to the first frame 101, so a portion of the first frame 101 needs to be opened to allow the second frame 102 to move relative to the first frame 101. As an example, Figure 2 As best shown in , the second frame 102 may be movably coupled to a side of the first frame 101 facing the first direction, and thus the first side portion 1013 may not be formed on the side surface facing the first direction, such that the side surface is open. Since the first side portion 1013 is exposed to the outside of the mobile terminal 100, an interface unit 160 for connecting a power port or an earphone jack or a user input unit 120 such as a volume control button may be disposed on the first side portion 1013. When the first side portion 1013 includes a metal material, the first side portion 1013 may be used as an antenna.

[0121] The second frame 102 may include a second front portion 1021 disposed at the front of the mobile terminal 100 and a second rear portion 1022 disposed at the rear of the mobile terminal 100. Similar to the first front portion 1011 and the first rear portion 1012 of the first frame 101, the second front portion 1021 and the second rear portion 1022 may be formed by a substantially flat plate-shaped member. In addition, the second frame 102 also accommodates various components and must not interfere with the components accommodated in the first frame 101 during movement. Therefore, the second front portion 1021 and the second rear portion 1022 may be coupled to each other in a state where they are spaced apart from each other to define a predetermined space therebetween, and may have a shape that does not interfere with the components in the first frame 101.

[0122] Figure 6 It is a side view of the mobile terminal when viewed from a third direction. Figure 6 The first side portion 1013 of the first frame 101 and the second side portion 1023 of the second frame 102 are shown. Since the flexible display unit 151 is located at the end of the second frame 102 facing the first direction, the end of the second frame 102 facing the first direction should not be exposed to the outside. The end of the second frame 102 facing the second direction should be open so as not to interfere with the first frame 101. In the first state, the second side portion 1023 of the second frame 102 located on the side facing the third direction (in the figure, it refers to the upward or downward direction, or may include both the upward and downward directions) may not be exposed to the outside because it overlaps with the first side portion 1013 of the first frame. However, in the second state, it may be exposed to the outside because the second frame 102 is pulled out.

[0123] In addition, the display unit 151 can be bent 180 degrees while curling in the second frame 102 to be set on both the front and back sides of the mobile terminal 100. For such an arrangement of the display unit 151, the second frame 102 may include a roller 210 rotatably arranged therein. The roller 210 may be arranged at any position within the second frame 102. However, the display unit 151 should be unfolded flat on the front and back sides of the mobile terminal 100 to provide a good quality screen to the user. In addition, for such unfolding, appropriate tension must be provided on the display unit 151. In order to provide appropriate tension, the roller 210 may be arranged at the first direction end of the second frame 102. The roller 210 may extend in the third direction and may be rotatably coupled to the second frame 102.

[0124] The display unit 151 can be curled around the roller 210 while being softly bent with a predetermined curvature. The flexible display unit 151 may include a first surface that outputs a video and is exposed to the outside and an inner surface facing the frame on the opposite side. The roller 210 may be installed to rotate freely in the second frame 102 while in contact with the inner surface of the display unit 151. Therefore, the roller 210 can actually move the display unit 151 in the transverse direction of the mobile terminal 100 (i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction). As will be described later, when the second frame 102 slides, due to the tension applied by the second frame 102, the display unit 151 moves to the front or back of the mobile terminal 100 in different directions (i.e., the first direction D1 or the second direction D2) relative to the second frame 102. The roller 210 can guide this movement while rotating.

[0125] The roller 210 may be disposed adjacent to an end portion of the second frame 102 facing the first direction. A side frame 1024 may be disposed at an end portion of the second frame 102 facing the first direction to prevent damage to the display unit 151 rolled around the roller 210.

[0126] The side frame 1024 may extend in the longitudinal direction (third direction) of the second frame 102 to cover the side facing the first direction, thereby protecting the roller 210 and the display unit 151 rolled thereabout.

[0127] The side portion is curved with a predetermined curvature, and an inner surface of the side frame may include a curved surface corresponding to the curvature of the side portion.

[0128] The side frame 1024 may substantially define an appearance of the mobile terminal 100 in cooperation with the first side portion 1013 of the first frame 101. In addition, a side portion of the second frame 102 facing the second direction may be omitted to minimize interference with components arranged in the first frame 101 during movement.

[0129] During such expansion and contraction in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, the second frame 102 may overlap with the first frame 101 (more precisely, the first front portion 1011 and the first rear portion 1012 thereof) so as not to interfere with the first frame 101. More specifically, as described above, the display unit 151 may be coupled to and supported by the first front portion 1011 of the first frame 101. Therefore, the display unit 151 does not need to be additionally supported by the second front portion 1021 of the second frame 102. On the contrary, when the second front portion 1021 is inserted between the first front portion 1011 and the display unit 151, the display unit 151 may be deformed or damaged due to friction with the second front portion 1021 that moves repeatedly. Therefore, the second front portion 1021 may be disposed below the first front portion 1011, or may be inserted between the two first front portions 1011. The second rear portion 1022 of the second frame 102 may be disposed behind the first rear portion 1012 of the first frame 101. That is, the front side of the second rear portion 1022 may face the rear side of the first rear portion 1012. In addition, the rear side of the first rear portion 1012 may contact the front side of the second rear portion 1022 to stably support the movement of the second frame 102. Due to this arrangement, the second rear portion 1022 may be exposed to the outside of the first frame (more accurately, the first rear portion 1012) and may be coupled to the display unit 151.

[0130] In addition, the second frame 102 can be extended and contracted in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 to change the size of the mobile terminal 100, in particular, to extend or contract the front of the mobile terminal 100. Therefore, the display unit 151 must move such an expanded or reduced front size to obtain the expected first state and second state. However, when fixed to the second frame 102, the display unit 151 may not be able to move smoothly to adapt to the extended or contracted front of the mobile terminal 100. Therefore, the display unit 151 may be movably coupled to the second frame 102.

[0131] More specifically, the display unit 151 may include a first area 151a disposed in front of the mobile terminal 100, a second area 151b coupled to the slide frame 103 located behind the mobile terminal 100, and a third area 151c located between the first area 151a and the second area 151b and bent around the roller 210. The third area 151c may move forward or backward according to a state change of the mobile terminal 100.

[0132] The slide frame 103 may be formed of a plate-shaped member extending in the longitudinal direction (third direction) of the mobile terminal 100 , and may be coupled to the second rear portion 1022 to be movable in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 .

[0133] The first to third regions 151a, 151b, and 151c may be connected to each other and may form a continuous body of the display unit 151. In addition, as described above, in order to make the third region 151c move toward the front or back of the mobile terminal 100 according to the moving direction of the second frame 102, the first region 151a may be fixed so as not to move toward the front of the mobile terminal 100, and the second region 151b may be set to be movable on the back of the mobile terminal. Such a configuration of the display unit 151 will be described in more detail below.

[0134] The first region 151a may be disposed on the front of the mobile terminal 100 (more specifically, the first frame 101) (i.e., on the front of the first front portion 1011). The first region 151a is fixed to the first frame 101 (i.e., the front of the first front portion 1011) so as not to move during movement of the second frame 102, and thus, the first region 151a may be always exposed to the front of the mobile terminal 100.

[0135] The third region 151c may be adjacent to the first region 151a in the direction of the second end 151e. The third region 151c may extend into the second frame 102 and curl on the roller 210. The third region 151c may extend out of the second frame 102 and partially cover the second frame 102 (i.e., the front and rear of the second rear portion 1022). Since the second frame 102 (i.e., the second rear portion 1022) is adjacent to the first frame 101 (i.e., the first rear portion 1012), and the first frame 101 and the second frame 102 form the rear housing of the mobile terminal 100, it can be said that the third region 151c is also disposed in front and rear of the first frame 101).

[0136] The second region 151b may be adjacent to the third region 151c and may be disposed on the back of the mobile terminal 100, more specifically, on the second frame 102 (ie, the back of the second rear portion 1022 thereof). The second region 151b may be coupled to the sliding frame 103 without being directly coupled to the second frame 102.

[0137] As a result, the first area 151a may be disposed on the front of the mobile terminal 100 and may be always exposed to the front regardless of the movement of the second frame 102, and the second area 151b may be disposed on the back of the mobile terminal 100 and may be always exposed to the back regardless of the movement of the second frame 102. In addition, the third area 151c may be disposed between the first area 151a and the second area 151b and may be selectively placed on the front or back of the mobile terminal 100 according to the movement directions D1 and D2 of the second frame 102.

[0138] Due to such selective placement of the third region 151c, the first rear portion 1012 of the first frame 101 can be exposed to the outside of the mobile terminal 100 because the first rear portion 1012 is covered by the second region 151b and the third region 151c of the display unit 151 and the second rear portion 1022 in the first state, but in the second state, the third region 151c moves to the front of the mobile terminal 100 and the second rear portion 1022 also moves in the first direction D1. In addition, the second front portion 1021 of the second frame 102 is hidden by the first front portion 1011 of the first frame 101 in the first state, but moves out of the first frame 101 in the second state to support the third region 151c of the display unit 151 disposed on the front of the mobile terminal 100.

[0139] To prevent the second front portion 1021 from affecting internal components during sliding movement, a separation plate 1017 may be further disposed behind the second front portion 1021 and fastened to the first front portion 1011. The second front portion 1021 may move between the first front portion 1011 and the separation plate 1017 based on sliding movement of the second frame.

[0140] However, the third region 151c may be rolled on the roller 210 and bent in the second frame 102. When converted from the first state to the second state, the third region 151c may extend from the second frame 102 to the front of the mobile terminal 100 while being rolled in one direction on the roller 210. On the other hand, when converted from the second state to the first state, the third region 151c may be retracted from the front of the mobile terminal 100 to the second frame 102 while being rolled in the opposite direction on the roller 210, and at the same time, may return from the second frame 102 to the back of the mobile terminal 100.

[0141] A specific position of a foldable mobile terminal in a form that unfolds like a book is easily damaged because only the specific position is repeatedly folded. On the other hand, the deformed portion of the flexible display unit 151 (i.e., the portion curled on the roller 210) can change based on the first state and the second state of the mobile terminal 100 (i.e., the movement of the second frame 102). Therefore, the mobile terminal 100 of the present disclosure can significantly reduce the deformation and fatigue repeatedly applied to the specific portion of the display unit 151, thereby preventing damage to the display unit 151.

[0142] Based on the above configuration, the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100 will be described as follows. As an example, the state transition may be manually performed by the user, and the operation of the mobile terminal 100 during such manual state transition will be described. However, when a power source other than the user's force is used (for example, when the driving unit 200 described below is applied), the operation of the first frame 101 to the third frame 103 and the display unit 151 described below may be performed in the same manner.

[0143] A back cover 1025 may be further provided on the back of the second rear portion 1022 so that the back of the display unit located on the back of the mobile terminal 100 is not exposed to the outside. When the back cover 1025 uses a transparent material, the back of the display unit can be used in the first state, and when the back cover 1025 uses an opaque material, the back of the display unit can be covered so that the movement of the sliding frame 103 is not exposed. That is, the sliding frame 103 and the second area and the third area of ​​the display unit 151 can move in the first direction and the second direction in the space between the second rear portion 1022 and the back cover 1025.

[0144] Figure 7 is a view showing the driving unit 200 of the mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 7 (a) shows the first state, Figure 7 (b) in the figure shows the second state. The mobile terminal 100 of the present disclosure can switch between states in a manner in which a user manually pulls the second frame 102 in a first direction D1 or pushes the second frame 102 in a second direction D2 relative to the first frame 101. However, in the manual method, applying excessive force to the body of the mobile terminal 100 may damage the mobile terminal 100. Therefore, a driving unit 200 using a motor 201 may be further provided to allow the second frame 102 to move stably without deformation.

[0145] As the motor 201, the following can be used: Figure 7 The motor 201 configured to provide a rotational force or the linear motor 201 configured to perform a linear motion is shown. The motor 201 configured to provide a rotational force should have a large diameter to provide a large force. Figure 7 As shown, two motors 201 are used to provide a predetermined size or more of driving force in a limited space of the mobile terminal 100 without increasing the thickness. If the second frame 102 moves too fast, damage or failure may occur. Therefore, a planetary gear configured to reduce the speed of the motor 201 to ensure movement at a stable speed may be further provided. The planetary gear 202 is used to amplify or attenuate the number of revolutions of the motor 201 using a plurality of disc gears with different numbers of teeth. Figure 7 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , the motor 201 may be fixed to the first frame 101. Figure 7 As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , even when the second frame 102 moves in the first direction to switch the mobile terminal 100 to the second state, the position of the motor 201 is fixed.

[0146] Since the second frame 102 moves linearly in the first direction or the second direction relative to the first frame 101, a rack and pinion configured to convert the rotational force of the motor 201 into a linear motion can be used. The pinion receiving the rotational force of the motor 201 can be arranged to mesh with a rack gear 205 composed of teeth arranged continuously in the first direction. The pinion can be fixed to the first frame 101 together with the motor 201, and the rack gear 205 can be located on the second frame 102. Alternatively, the rack gear 205 can be located on the first frame 101, and the motor 201 and the pinion can be arranged on the second frame 102. Since the motor 201 holds the pinion so that the pinion does not rotate, the second frame 102 can maintain the first state and the second state. However, when a large external force is applied, the second frame 102 can be displaced as the pinion rotates.

[0147] A stopper (not shown) configured to fix the position of the second frame 102 or the rack gear 205 and the first frame 101 may be further provided to fix the mobile terminal 100 in the first state or the second state. When current flows through the motor 201 to drive the motor 201, the stopper may be released to allow movement of the second frame 102. When power is not applied to the motor 201 and thus the motor 201 does not rotate, the first frame 101 and the second frame 102 may be fastened so that their positions are fixed.

[0148] When a pair of drive units 200 are symmetrically arranged in the vertical direction (third direction), stable movement can be performed. Figure 7 As shown in (a) in FIG. 1 , considering the limited installation space of the mobile terminal 100, the drive unit 200 should be arranged to one side. According to this asymmetric arrangement of the drive unit 200, the second frame 102 may be deformed during movement due to the difference in moving speed between the upper end and the lower end. In order to solve this problem, a linear guide 230 may be further provided.

[0149] The linear guide 230 may be provided at both ends of the mobile terminal 100 facing the third direction (i.e., the upper side and the lower side of the mobile terminal 100) so as to supplement the function of one driving unit 200 biased to one side in the third direction. The linear guide 230 may include a guide rail 231 extending in the first direction and a guide block 232 configured to move along the guide rail 231. The guide rail 231 may be provided on the first frame 101, and the guide block 232 may be provided on the second frame 102, or vice versa. In this embodiment, the guide rail 231 may be provided on the second frame 102 to cover the upper side and the lower side of the extended portion of the second frame 102 in the second state.

[0150] After the guide block 232 is coupled to the first frame 101 and the guide rail 231 is coupled to the second frame 102, the guide block 232 and the guide rail 231 may be slidably fastened to each other. However, for the convenience of fastening, the guide block 232 and the guide rail 231 are fastened to each other. Then, the guide block 232 may be first fixed to the first frame 101, and then the second frame 102 may be coupled to the guide rail 231.

[0151] The guide block 232 may be provided with a guide groove into which the guide rail 231 is inserted. Alternatively, the guide rail 231 may be provided with a rail groove into which a portion of the guide block 232 is inserted. The fastening portions of the guide rail 231 and the guide block 232 may be formed to be concave and convex. Therefore, the mobile terminal 100 may be moved in the first direction or the second direction without being displaced in the thickness direction. In order to reduce the friction between the guide block 232 and the guide rail 231, a self-lubricating member having high wear resistance and low friction resistance, such as a bearing or polyoxymethylene (POM), may be added to the inside of the guide groove.

[0152] Figure 8 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken along the lines AA and BB in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, when the second frame 102 is switched to the second state by moving in the first direction, the third area 151c located at the rear side moves to the front, so a structure is required to support the rear surface of the third area 151c moved to the front. In the second state, the second front portion 1021 located on the front surface of the second frame 102 may be located on the rear surface of the third area 151c. However, in the first state, the second front portion 1021 is arranged to overlap with the first front portion 1011 of the first frame 101, so the first front portion 1011 and the second front portion 1021 form a step. The step formed by the first front portion 1011 and the second front portion 1021 forms a boundary between the first area 151a and the third area 151c of the flexible display unit 151. The rolling hinge 104 may be used as a supporting structure to fill the gap between the second front portion 1021 and the third area 151c of the flexible display unit 151.

[0153] The rolling hinge 104 may be located on the rear surface of the flexible display unit 151 and have a thickness corresponding to the gap between the second front portion 1021 and the flexible display unit 151 in the second state. Figure 8 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , in the first state, the rolling hinge 104 is rolled around the roller 210 and is located at the lateral side and the rear side of the mobile terminal 100. The flexible display unit 151 and the rolling hinge 104 may be located between the second rear portion of the second frame 102 and the back cover 1025 configured to cover the back side of the display unit 151. Figure 8 As shown in (b) in FIG. 1 , when switching to the second state occurs, the rolling hinge 104 may move to the front, and the rolling hinge 104 may be located at the front of the second frame 102 .

[0154] The third region 151c of the display unit 151 where the rolling hinge 104 is provided is a portion that undergoes bending deformation when switching from the first state to the second state occurs. Therefore, the rolling hinge 104 may be deformed according to the deformation of the third region 151c. Here, the rolling hinge 104 needs to have a predetermined rigidity to maintain a flat state when the flexible display unit 151 is located in front of or behind the mobile terminal. That is, the rolling hinge 104 needs a structure that can maintain a flat state in the third direction and perform bending deformation in the first direction.

[0155] Fig. 9 1 is a view showing a display unit 151 and a rolling hinge 104 of a mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment. The rolling hinge 104 may include a plurality of support bars 1041 extending in a third direction. The plurality of support bars 1041 may be arranged side by side in the first direction and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. Therefore, even when the flexible display unit 151 is curled around the roller 210 and thus bent, interference between the support bars 1041 may be avoided. The support bars 1041 may be implemented using an injection molding material having a predetermined thickness for rigidity, and may include a material such as SUS or FeSi.

[0156] A plurality of support bars 1041 may be directly attached to the rear surface of the display unit 151. However, this operation may take a long time and generate a large number of defects, resulting in low productivity. In addition, directly handling the display unit 151 is very likely to damage the display unit 151. Therefore, a curling sheet 1045 for fixing a plurality of support bars 1041 may be further provided. The curling sheet 1045 may include a metal material, and a superelastic material that can be bent and deformed and can restore a flat state after bending and deformation may be adopted. For example, a superelastic metal sheet such as a thin STS sheet of 0.05 mm or less may be used. An adhesive tape may be attached to both surfaces of the curling sheet 1045 to bond the curling sheet 1045 to the support bars 1041 and to bond the rear surface of the display unit 151 to the curling sheet 1045.

[0157] The curling sheet 1045 may be provided with a cutout pattern in which a plurality of grooves extending in a third direction are formed in a first direction. The grooves in the cutout pattern may be formed between a plurality of support bars 1041. The grooves may be formed on the surface of the curling sheet 1045 to which the support bars 1041 are bonded. The cutout pattern may be formed in a wedge shape formed by gradually narrowing from a surface portion of the curling sheet 1045.

[0158] Instead of the curling sheet 1045, an elastic material such as silicone may be provided between the support bars 1041 to couple adjacent support bars 1041. In this case, the angle between the support bars 1041 may vary. The elastic connector may be bent at a position corresponding to the roller 210. When located in front of or behind the mobile terminal, the elastic connector may be unfolded so that the support bars 1041 are arranged to form a flat surface.

[0159] The support bar 1041 may form a flat surface corresponding to the rear surface of the display unit 151. Figure 8 As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , the support bar 1041 may be formed into a shape having a predetermined curvature. When the rolling hinge 104 is curled around the roller 210, the curved support bar 1041 may be in close contact with the curved surface of the roller 210. Alternatively, one surface of the support bar 1041 in contact with the display unit 151 maintains a flat state, and the other surface on the opposite side thereof may include a curved surface corresponding to the curvature of the roller 210. In this case, the support bar 1041 may be thicker at its ends facing the first direction and the second direction, and have a thinnest portion in the middle thereof.

[0160] The rolling hinge 104 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the third region 151c and curled and bent around the roller 210. Thus, the rolling hinge 104 may span the front surface and the rear surface. The rolling hinge 104 is connected to the first front portion 1011 of the first frame 101 at the front side and to the sliding frame 103 at the rear side. In order to form a continuous surface without steps for the flexible display unit 151, the first front portion 1011 of the first frame 101 located on the rear surface of the first region 151a, the sliding frame 103 located on the rear surface of the second region 151b, and the rolling hinge 104 located on the rear surface of the third region 151c may be arranged so that the surface thereof in contact with the display unit 151 is at the same height. In particular, since the sliding frame 103 moves behind the mobile terminal 100 and moves in the same space as the rolling hinge 104, the rolling hinge 104 may have a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the sliding frame 103.

[0161] Fig.10 2 is a view showing a problem that occurs in the expandable mobile terminal 100. The figure shows the end of the second frame 102 facing the third direction when the second frame 102 located overlapping the first frame 101 is extended as the switching from the first state to the second state occurs. Since the display unit 151 includes a flexible material, the display unit 151 can be bent at a position corresponding to the roller 210. However, when the display unit 151 is located in front of the mobile terminal 100 in the second state, it should be maintained in a flat state. Since the rolling hinge 104 is not fixed to the second frame 102, the display unit 151 may be bent as shown in FIG. Fig.10 As shown in (a) in the figure, it droops downward or Fig.10 As shown in (b), it rises upward.

[0162] When the support bar 1041 of the rolling hinge 104 supports the rear surface of the third area 151c of the display unit 151 and the front portion of the second frame 102 supports the support bar 1041, the sagging problem of the display unit 151 can be solved ( Fig.10 However, in order to solve the problem Fig.10 In order to solve the problem that the display unit 151 moved to the front as shown in (b) is not arranged flatly but is separated from the second frame 102, the rolling hinge 104 and the second frame 102 may further include sliding structures 1043 and 1027. The sliding structures 1043 and 1027 may secure the rolling hinge 104 (display unit 151) so as not to be separated from the second frame 102 in the thickness direction of the mobile terminal 100, while allowing it to move only in the first direction or the second direction.

[0163] Figures 11 to 13 104 and 1027 are views showing sliding structures 1043 and 1027 provided on the rolling hinge 104 and the second frame 102 . Fig.11 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken along lines CC and DD in Fig.12 It is along Fig.10 The cross-sectional view taken along lines EE and FF in FIG. Fig.13 is a view illustrating an expansion side portion 1042 and a guide hook 1043 of the mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment.

[0164] like Fig.13 As shown, the rolling hinge 104 may include a sliding hook 1043 protruding toward the second side portion 1023 located on the side of the second frame 102 facing the third direction. Fig.11 As shown, the second side portion 1023 of the second frame 102 may include a slide rail 1027 into which the slide hook 1043 may be movably inserted. Fig.11 The slide rail 1027 formed on the second side portion 1023 of the second frame 102 is shown. The slide rail 1027 may include a pair of horizontal portions 1027a and 1027b arranged side by side in the thickness direction and a curved portion 1027c connecting the ends of the horizontal portions 1027a and 1027b facing the first direction. The pair of horizontal portions 1027a and 1027b and the curved portion 1027c may form a U-shape, and the slide hook 1043 may move along the slide rail 1027.

[0165] In the first state, if Fig.11 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , the sliding hook 1043 may be located in the horizontal portions 1027a and 1027b located at the rear side. Fig.11As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , the sliding hook 1043 may move to the horizontal parts 1027a and 1027b located at the front side. When moving from the rear horizontal parts 1027a and 1027b to the front horizontal parts 1027a and 1027b, the sliding hook 1043 may pass through the curved part 1027c. When the sliding hook 1043 passes through the curved part 1027c, the rolling hinge 104 may bend and the space between the sliding hooks 1043 may be narrowed.

[0166] The slide rail 1041 along which the slide hook 1043 moves can simultaneously guide the movement of the slide hook 1043 and the movement of the slide frame 103. Since the slide frame 103 is also disposed adjacent to the support rod, a slide hook 1033 protruding from the slide frame 103 can be further disposed.

[0167] Fig.12 (a) shows the second frame 102 in a first state where the first frame 101 and the second frame 102 overlap each other, Fig.12 (b) in FIG. 1 shows the second frame 102 moved in the first direction from the first frame 101 in the second state. Fig.12 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , the support rod 1041 and the sliding hook 1043 are located at the rear in the first state. Fig.12 As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , the support bar 1041 and the slide hook 1043 are located at the front. The distance from the front of the display unit 151 to the front horizontal portions 1027a and 1027b may be equal to the distance from the back of the display unit 151 to the rear horizontal portions 1027a and 1027b.

[0168] When large friction occurs during the movement of the sliding hook 1043 along the slide rail 1027, a large load may be applied to the drive unit 200, thereby generating friction noise or affecting the durability of the product. A self-lubricating member (e.g., polyoxymethylene (POM)) having high wear resistance and low friction resistance may be used to facilitate the movement of the sliding hook 1043 on the slide rail 1027. By forming the sliding hook 1043 into a cylindrical shape, the area in contact with the slide rail 1027 may be minimized.

[0169] like Fig.13 As shown, a slide roller 1044 may be further provided to be fitted to the slide hook 1043. The slide roller 1044 may be fitted to the cylindrical slide hook 1043 to rotate around an axis extending in a direction in which the slide hook 1043 protrudes. The slide roller 1044 may rotate when the slide hook 1043 moves along the slide rail 1027, thereby reducing friction generated between the slide roller 1044 and the slide rail 1027.

[0170] The bearing structure may help reduce friction, but it may increase the overall size. Therefore, a simple annular sliding roller 1044 may be used. A fastening groove 1043a and a fastening protrusion 1044a may be further provided to prevent the sliding roller 1044 from being separated from the sliding hook 1043. When the fastening protrusion 1044a is inserted into the fastening groove 1043a, the fastening groove 1043a formed in an annular shape on the outer peripheral surface of the sliding hook 1043 and the annular fastening protrusion 1044a protruding from the inner surface of the sliding roller 1044 are fastened to each other.

[0171] The second side portion 1023 of the second frame 102 is overlapped with the first side portion 1013 of the first frame 101 in the first state, and is exposed to the outside in the second state. Since the second side portion 1023 is located inside the first side portion 1013 of the first frame 101 in the first state, it may be difficult to connect the interface unit 160, the user input unit 123, the audio output module 152, the antenna, etc. located on the first side portion 1013 to the printed circuit board 181 located inside.

[0172] The second side portion 1023 may include an opening 1023a formed by omitting at least a portion of the second side portion 1023 to connect the component located on the first side portion 1013 to the printed circuit board 181 located within the first frame 101. Through the opening 1023a, a connector may be disposed between the component located on the first side portion 1013 and the printed circuit board. The opening 1023a may have a shape elongated in the first direction to prevent interference between the connector and the second side portion 1023 of the second frame 102 even when the second frame 102 moves.

[0173] However, in order to prevent the interior of the mobile terminal 100 from being exposed through the opening 1023a in the second state, the expansion side portion 1042 may be formed at the end of the support rod 1041 to cover the opening 1023a in the second state. The expansion side portion 1042 may have a larger area than the cross-section of the support rod 1041 at the end of the support rod 1041. The slide hook 1043 may be formed on the first expansion side portion 1042a extending in a direction away from the display unit 151. When the slide hook 1043 is arranged parallel to the support rod 1041, the second side portion 1023 of the second frame 102 should extend adjacent to the display unit 151, which may make it difficult to form the opening 1023a. Therefore, the slide hook 1043 may be formed at a position spaced apart from the display unit 151 by a predetermined distance. The first expansion side portion 1042a may be formed in a fan shape to have a width that decreases as the first expansion side portion 1042a extends in a direction away from the display unit 151. Fig.13is a view showing an embodiment of the rolling hinge 104 of the mobile terminal 100. Since the rolling plates at positions spaced apart from the display unit 151 on the curved portion 1027c of the slide rail 1027 are disposed adjacent to each other, the first expansion side portion 1042a may be formed in a fan shape to prevent the rolling plates from overlapping each other.

[0174] When the rolling hinge 104 is located in the curved portion 1027c of the slide rail 1027, the adjacent expansion side portions 1042 are close to each other in a portion spaced apart from the display unit 151 (i.e., where the slide hook 1043 is provided). The expansion side portions 1042 may have a fan shape, in which the width thereof decreases as the expansion side portions 1042 are away from the support rod 1041, to prevent overlap between the first expansion portions 1042a.

[0175] The expansion side portion 1042 may also extend in the left-right direction, thereby covering the space between adjacent support rods 1041. Fig.13 As shown, the expansion side portion 1042 may further include a second expansion side portion 1042b that forms a step relative to the first expansion side portion 1042a. The second expansion side portion 1042b may be arranged to overlap with the adjacent first expansion side portion 1042a to cover the space between the support rods 1041. The second expansion side portion 1042b may have a size corresponding to the thickness direction size of the opening 1023a formed in the second side portion 1023 of the second frame 102. The second expansion side portion 1042b may be formed to be shorter than the first expansion side portion 1042a on a side spaced apart from the display unit 151.

[0176] The second expansion side portion 1042b may be formed to be shorter than the first expansion side portion 1042a to prevent the second expansion side portions 1042b from overlapping each other when the curling plate passes through the curved portion 1027c of the slide rail 1027. The second expansion side portion 1042b may be formed to have a size corresponding to that of the opening 1023a to cover the space between the first expansion side portions 1042a to prevent the interior of the second frame 102 from being exposed to the outside.

[0177] Fig.14 1 is a view showing a sliding frame 103 and a second frame 102 of a mobile terminal 100. Similar to the rolling hinge 104, the sliding frame 103 is located on the rear surface of the display unit 151 and moves with the display unit 151. The rolling hinge 104 moves to the back and front of the mobile terminal 100, but the sliding frame 103 moves only behind the mobile terminal 100 (i.e., on the second rear portion 1022 of the second frame 102). A structure for guiding the sliding frame 103 to move linearly in the first direction or the second direction without deformation is required. A guide groove extending in the first direction may be formed in the rear surface of the second frame 102, and the sliding frame 103 may be configured to move along the guide groove.

[0178] However, since the second side portion 1023 of the second frame 102 includes the slide rail 1027 extending in the first direction as described above, the movement of the sliding frame 103 can be guided by the slide rail 1027 into which the slide hook 1043 of the rolling hinge 104 is inserted without forming a separate guide rail. Fig.15 As shown, the slide hooks 1033 may be formed at both ends of the sliding frame 103 to guide the sliding frame 103 to move along the slide rail 1027. The slide hooks 1033 of the sliding frame 103 may have a shape similar to the slide hook 1043 of the rolling hinge 104. The slide hooks 1033 protrude from the display unit 151 in a direction away from the display unit 151. However, since the slide hooks 1033 of the sliding frame 103 do not move forward, they move only on the first horizontal portion.

[0179] Since the sliding frame 103 and the rolling hinge 104 move along the slide rail 1027, the movement in the first direction and the movement in the second direction can be stably guided, and the problem of the display unit 151 being separated from the second frame 102 can be solved. However, since the slide rail 1027 is located at the end facing the third direction, the middle part of the sliding frame 103 in the third direction can be separated from the second frame 102. In order to prevent separation at the middle part of the sliding frame 103 while fixing both ends of the sliding frame 103 to the frame 102, a magnetic material may be used.

[0180] Fig.15 is a graph showing phase distortion in the mobile terminal 100, Fig.16 It is used to illustrate Fig.15 Conceptual diagram of the cause of phase distortion.

[0181] The flexible display unit 151 may include a portion (fixed portion) attached to the first frame 101 and a portion (variable portion) or a bending portion not attached to the first frame 101. The first region 151a is fixed to the first frame 101, but the second region 151b is not fixed to the first frame 101 so that it can be bent or moved to the front and rear sides.

[0182] exist Fig.15 , ①, ② and ③ respectively show the phase distortion in the top, middle and bottom display units 151 of the fixed part, and ④, ⑤ and ⑥ respectively show the phase distortion in the top, center and bottom display units 151 of the variable part. Since the fixed part is fixed to the first frame 101, the amount of phase distortion is relatively low. In particular, since the center part is more stably attached to the first frame 101 than the top and bottom, the amount of phase distortion at the center part is lower than that at the top and bottom.

[0183] However, since the end in the second direction (i.e., the left end in the figure) is Fig.16The fixed portion is bent while being attached to the first frame 101, so it may have a repulsive force on the flatness of the display unit 151. As a result, phase distortion may occur at the end in the second direction. In addition, the end of the fixed portion facing the first direction is adjacent to the variable portion, where phase distortion may occur due to deformation of the variable portion.

[0184] The rear surface of the variable part is supported by the rolling hinge 104. However, since the rolling hinge 104 has a deformable structure unlike the frame, the phase distortion at the fixed part may increase. The phase distortion may increase at a point where the supporting structure (e.g., frame or rolling hinge) is partially omitted on the rear surface between the fixed part and the variable part. In addition, the phase distortion may also increase at a point where the variable part is curled on the roller 210.

[0185] Reference Fig.16 , the phase distortion at the end of the fixed part facing the second direction, the point between the fixed part and the variable part, and the point where the variable part is curled on the roller 210 may bulge outward, while the phase distortion at the center of the fixed part attached to the first frame 101 may be opposite to the previous distortion.

[0186] The phase distortion at the center of the variable part is similar to that of the fixed part. A line distinguishing the support bar 1041 and a portion on the rear surface combined with the support bar 1041 of the rolling hinge 104 may appear on the display unit 151 .

[0187] To minimize the phase distortion, the display unit 151 needs to be in a taut state. To reduce the vertical distortion in the display unit 151, the variable portion of the display unit 151 should be flat.

[0188] Since the end of the third region (variable portion) facing the vertical direction (third direction) is fixed by the linear guide 230, there may be no ups and downs. However, since there may be ups and downs at the center thereof facing the third direction, the rivet track 1029 or the sliding rivets 1049 and 1039 may be used to prevent the second region 151b or the third region 151c from being separated from the second frame 102.

[0189] Fig.17 is a rear exploded perspective view showing that the rolling hinge 104 and the display unit 151 are detached from the main body of the mobile terminal, Fig.18 1 is a front perspective view showing the first frame 101 and the second frame 102 when the mobile terminal 100 is in the second state. Specifically, Fig.17 It is shown that when the mobile terminal 100 is in the first state, the first frame 101 overlaps the second frame 102. Fig.18 It is shown that the second frame 102 is furthest away from the first frame 101 by moving in the first direction, that is, the second frame 102 is fully extended.

[0190] The rolling hinge 104 is disposed at a position corresponding to the third region 151c of the display unit 151, and the sliding frame 103 is disposed at a position corresponding to the second region 151b of the display unit 151. The first region 151a of the display unit 151 is coupled to the front surface of the first frame 101.

[0191] The third region 151c may be located on the front surface or the rear surface of the mobile terminal 100 according to the movement of the second frame 102. The third region 151c may be supported by the rolling hinge 104 including a plurality of support bars 1041.

[0192] The rolling hinge 104 may move to the front surface or the rear surface along the slide rail 1027 formed in the second frame 102. Since the slide hooks 1043 coupled to the slide rail 1027 are included at both ends of the rolling hinge 104 facing the third direction, the rolling hinge 104 may not be separated from the second frame 102 in the thickness direction. However, since the center thereof is not fixed to the frame in the third direction, there may be ups and downs. Therefore, the rivet track 1029 and the sliding rivets 1049 and 1039 may be used to prevent the rolling hinge 104 from being separated from the second frame 102 and to assist the rolling hinge 104 in sliding therein.

[0193] The rivet track 1029 is formed in the second frame 102 and extends in the first direction. Fig.17 and Fig.18 As shown, a plurality of rivet tracks 1029 may be disposed in the third direction and spaced apart from each other. The rivet tracks 1029 may be disposed so as not to overlap the roller 210 and the driving unit 200 coupled to the end of the second frame 102 facing the first direction.

[0194] The rivet track 1029 may include a straight track formed in the second rear portion 1022 of the second frame 102 and a curved track formed on a curved surface where the display unit 151 is folded on an end portion of the second frame 102 facing the first direction.

[0195] Fig.19 is an enlarged view of the rivet track 1029 and the sliding rivets 1049 and 1039. Fig.19 (a) shows sliding rivets 1049 and 1039, Fig.19 (b) and (c) are stereoscopic views showing sliding rivets 1049 and 1039, respectively. Fig.19 (a) shows Fig.17 The rolling hinge 104 is in a flipped state. The sliding rivets 1049 and 1039 may be coupled to the rear surface of the display unit 151. Specifically, each of the sliding rivets 1049 and 1039 may protrude from the opposite side of the image display surface and be coupled to the support rod 1041 of the rolling hinge 104.

[0196] Wing portions 1049b and 1039b are respectively included at the ends of the sliding rivets 1049 and 1039. The wing portions 1049b and 1039b extend longer than the body portions 1049a and 1039a coupled to the support rod 1041. The wing portions 1049b and 1039b may engage with the rivet track 1029 and prevent the sliding rivets 1049 and 1039 from being disengaged from the rivet track 1029.

[0197] The sliding rivets 1049 and 1039 may be divided into a first sliding rivet 1049 formed on the support rod 1041 and a second sliding rivet 1039 formed on the sliding frame 103. Both the first sliding rivet 1049 and the second sliding rivet 1039 may be arranged side by side in the first direction and move along the rivet track 1029.

[0198] The plurality of first sliding rivets 1049 may be arranged side by side in the first direction. The plurality of first sliding rivets 1049 may be coupled to the support rods 1041 at least alternately. This is to prevent the sliding rivets 1049 and 1039 from contacting each other in the curling portion (i.e., in the portion curled on the roller 210). In this embodiment, the sliding rivets 1049 and 1039 may be coupled to the third, fifth, and seventh support rods 1041.

[0199] Fig.19 (b) and (c) in FIG. 1 show implementations of sliding rivets 1049 and 1039 . Fig.19 (b) shows the first sliding rivet 1049, Fig.19 (c) in FIG. 1 shows a second sliding rivet 1039 .

[0200] The sliding rivets 1049 and 1039 may include body parts 1049a and 1039a, wing parts 1049b and 1039b, and fastening parts, respectively. Specifically, the body parts 1049a and 1039a are inserted into the rivet track 1029. The width of the wing parts 1049b and 1039b is greater than the width of the rivet track 1029. The fastening parts are provided at opposite sides of the wing parts 1049b and 1039b and are fastened to the sliding frame 103 or the support rod 1041.

[0201] Fig.19 The first sliding rivet 1049 shown in (b) may include a fastening portion coupled to the support rod 1041 and a wing portion 1049b engaged with the rivet track 1029. Fig.19 (b) shows that the fastening portion has two protruding portions and is coupled to the support rod 1041 in the first and second directions, but it may be inserted into a hole formed in the support rod 1041 or coupled to the support rod 1041 using a hook.

[0202] Fig.19 The second sliding rivet 1039 shown in (c) in FIG. 1 may be inserted into a hole formed in the sliding frame 103 or the support rod 1041. The second sliding rivet 1039 may further include a washer 1039c having a ring shape, which is disposed on the outer periphery of the main body portion 1039a. When the second sliding rivet 1039 moves along the rivet track 1029, the washer 1039c may protect the second sliding rivet 1039 or the rivet track 1029 from wear.

[0203] like Fig.19 As shown in (c) of FIG. 1 , a washer 1039c may be inserted into the rivet track 1029 and act as a buffer to prevent the main body portion 1039a of the second sliding rivet 1039 from directly contacting the rivet track 1029. The washer 1039c may be made of a friction-resistant material such as POM.

[0204] Fig. 20 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion where a rivet track 1029 and slide rivets 1049 and 1039 of the mobile terminal 100 are provided.

[0205] Fig. 20 (a) shows that the mobile terminal 100 is in the first state, that is, both the first sliding rivet 1049 and the second sliding rivet 1039 are located in the rear surface direction of the mobile terminal 100 . Fig. 20 (b) shows that the mobile terminal 100 is in the second state, that is, the first sliding rivet 1049 is located in the side surface or front surface direction of the mobile terminal 100.

[0206] Since the second sliding rivet 1039 is always located on the rear surface of the mobile terminal 100, the second sliding rivet 1039 does not disengage from the rivet track 1029 formed in the second rear portion 1022. However, the first sliding rivet 1049 coupled to the rolling hinge 104 may not be on the rear surface of the mobile terminal 100, that is, may be movable on the curved surface of the second frame 102 facing the first direction.

[0207] The first sliding rivet 1049 may be moved from the rear surface of the mobile terminal 100 to the side surface or the front surface of the mobile terminal 100. However, the first sliding rivet 1049 should be within the rivet track 1029. In order to prevent the first sliding rivet 1049 from being disengaged from the rivet track 1029, the sliding rivets 1049 and 1039 may be disposed close to the second region 151b (i.e., the sliding frame 103 within the third region 151c).

[0208] Fig.21 is a view showing a portion of the rivet track 1029 . Fig.21 (a) in the equation is Fig.171029 is an enlarged view of G. The rivet track 1029 may be elongated from the second rear portion 1022 of the second frame 102 in the first direction. Specifically, the rivet track 1029 may extend out of the second rear portion 1022. More specifically, the rivet track 1029 may extend to the end of the second frame 102 and the front surface thereof. For convenience of description, the rivet track 1029 formed in the second rear portion 1022 is referred to as a straight track 10291, and the rivet track 1029 extending to the side surface and the front surface of the mobile terminal 100 is referred to as a curved track 10292.

[0209] The second rear portion 1022 of the second frame 102 may be made of a metal plate. Specifically, the second rear portion 1022 may be realized by forming a long groove on the metal plate. Since the roller 210 needs to be coupled to the end of the second frame 102 facing the first direction, the end of the second frame 102 may be made of a thick material to increase rigidity. Therefore, it may be difficult to form a hole in the second frame 102 compared to forming a straight rail 10291 in the second rear portion 1022. In order to overcome this problem, a track belt 262 may be used.

[0210] The track belt 262 may refer to a member in the form of a belt made of a rigid metal such as SUS. When a pair of track belts 262 are arranged in parallel in the third direction, the sliding rivets 1049 and 1039 may move between the track belts 262. In other words, a pair of track belts 262 may be used to realize the curved track 10292.

[0211] Fig.21 (b) in the Fig.18 102 is an enlarged view of H. One side of the track 262 is disposed on the rear surface of the mobile terminal 100 and extends so that it surrounds the end of the second frame 102 facing the first direction, and the other side of the track 262 is disposed on the front surface of the mobile terminal 100. In order to prevent the sliding rivets 1049 and 1039 from detaching from the rivet track 1029, a pair of tracks 262 may be connected to each other at one side of the rivet track 1029.

[0212] like Fig.21 As shown in (b) of the figure, the curved rail 10292 can be formed by connecting the rail 262 to the straight rail 10291 formed in the second rear portion 1022. In order to continuously connect the straight rail 10291 formed in the second rear portion 1022 and the curved rail 10292 formed by the rail 262, the rail 262 can be connected to the second frame 102 using screws 2623.

[0213] If the ends of the track 262 are not flat, the sliding rivets 1049 and 1039 may be blocked while moving between the straight rail 10291 and the curved rail 10292. To solve this problem, the track 262 may cover the straight rail 10291, such as Fig. 22 shown.

[0214] Fig. 22 2 is a view showing one embodiment of the track belt 262. The rivet track 1029 can be implemented using the track belt 262 so that it has no step from the straight track 10291 to the curved track 10292.

[0215] When Fig.21 When the track 262 is used as shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , since the straight rail 10291 needs to be connected to the curved rail 10292, one side of the track 262 provided on the rear surface of the mobile terminal 100 is open. Fig. 22 When extended to the straight rail 10291 as shown in (a), one side of the track belt 262 can be closed.

[0216] When the track 262 is Fig. 22 When a closed curve is formed as shown in (b) in FIG. 1 , the track 262 can maintain its shape so that it can be easily coupled to the second frame 102. The track 262 is folded and coupled to the curved portion of the second frame 102. The straight rail 10291 of the track 262 can be tightly coupled to the second rear portion 1022 of the second frame 102, but both ends of the curved rail 10292 of the track 262 can be fixed to the second frame 102 so that the curved rail 10292 is spaced apart from the second side portion 1023 of the end portion of the second frame 102 facing the first direction where the curved surface is provided.

[0217] Fig.23 It is along Fig. 20 Cross-sectional views taken along lines II, JJ and KK. Fig.23 (a) shows that the first sliding rivet 1049 is connected to the straight rail 10291 in the first state, Fig.23 (b) shows that the first sliding rivet 1049 is connected to the curved rail 10292 in the second state. Fig.23 (c) in FIG. 1 shows that the second sliding rivet 1039 is located on the straight rail 10291. Since the second sliding rivet 1039 is always located on the rear surface of the mobile terminal 100, its cross section is always the same regardless of the state of the mobile terminal 100.

[0218] Fig.23 (a) in the sliding rivet type is similar to Fig.23 (b) is similar to that in that the first sliding rivet 1049 is shown, Fig.23 (a) is similar to Fig.23 2 is similar to (c) in that a straight track 10291 is shown. In this embodiment, the track belt 262 is used to implement the straight track 10291. However, when Fig.21 When the track belt 262 shown in (a) is not used to realize the straight rail 10291 , the second rear portion 1022 of the second frame 102 may protrude at a position corresponding to the track belt 262 to realize the straight rail 10291 .

[0219] To install the rail band 262, a step may be formed in a groove formed in the second rear portion 1022 and extending in the first direction. The body portion 1049a of the first sliding rivet 1049 may be disposed between the rail bands 262, and the width (w2) of the groove formed in the second rear portion 1022 may be greater than the width (w1) between the rail bands 262. The wing portion 1049b of the first sliding rivet 1049 may be disposed in the groove formed in the second rear portion 1022, and the body portion 1049a of the first sliding rivet 1049 may be disposed between the rail bands 262.

[0220] As Fig.23 shown in (b) of [], the bent rail 10292 may be implemented only by using the rail band 262, rather than being directly formed in the second frame 102. The wing portion 1049b may be disposed between the rail band 262 and the side portion 1023 of the second frame 102.

[0221] Fig.23 (c) in [] is Fig.19 a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in (c) of []. The washer 1039c may be disposed between the body portion 1039a and the straight rail 10291.

[0222] The diameter (d1) of the body portion 1039a may be smaller than the width (w1) of the rivet track 1029, and the diameter (d2) of the wing portion 1039b may be greater than the width (w1) of the rivet track 1029 (d1 < w1 < d2). Since the diameter of the wing portion 1039b is greater than the width (w1) of the rivet track 1029, the second sliding rivet 1039 may be fastened to the rivet track 1029. In addition, the sliding frame 103 may slide on the rear surface of the second frame 102.

[0223] To prevent the wing portion 1039b of the second sliding rivet 1039 from protruding to the front of the second rear portion 1022 of the second frame 102, the rivet track 1029 may further include an extension groove 1029b formed on the front surface of the second rear portion 1022 of the second frame 102.

[0224] The extension groove 1029b may mean a stepped portion extending in the width direction of the rivet track 1029. The wing portion 1039b may be inserted into the extension groove 1029b. The extension groove 1029b may have a size equal to the diameter of the wing portion 1039b. In particular, considering the tolerance, the extension groove 1029b may be slightly larger than the diameter of the wing portion 1039b (d2 ≤ w2). The thickness of the extension groove 1029b may be greater than the thickness of the wing portion 1039b to prevent the wing portion 1039b from protruding to the front surface of the second rear portion 1022 of the second frame 102.

[0225] Fig.24is a view showing one embodiment of a first sliding rivet 1049 of the mobile terminal 100. When a plurality of first sliding rivets 1049 are arranged in the first direction, a connecting piece 263 for connecting the first sliding rivets 1049 to allow each first sliding rivet 1049 to move along the rivet track 1029 may be further included.

[0226] like Fig.24 As shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 1 , the connecting piece 263 can be realized by forming holes into which the sliding rivets 1049 and 1039 are inserted. Here, Fig.24 (b) in the Fig.24 Alternatively, as Fig.24 As shown in (c) and (d) in FIG. 1 , the connecting piece 263 may be coupled to the main bodies 1049a and 1039a of the sliding rivets 1049 and 1039 and then serve as the wing portions 1049b and 1039b thereof. Here, Fig.24 (c) in Fig.24 The connection sheet 263 may be made of a flexible material or have a cutout pattern so that it can be deformed in response to bending deformation of the display unit 151. The cutout pattern may mean a pattern in which a plurality of grooves elongated in the third direction are arranged side by side in the first direction.

[0227] In both embodiments, since the connecting piece 263 corresponds to the surface in contact with the rivet track 1029, it can be made of a friction-resistant material such as POM. Alternatively, the connecting piece 263 can be made of a thin metal sheet so that it can be easily deformed. As described above, the mobile terminal 100 according to the present disclosure can adjust the size of the screen as needed, thereby satisfying both portability and practicality.

[0228] Since stress is not concentrated at a specific point of the display unit 151 , the mobile terminal 100 according to the present disclosure can prevent the display unit 151 from being damaged.

[0229] The mobile terminal 100 may prevent the display unit 151 from rising and falling when the second frame moves, that is, maintain the flatness of the display unit 151 when the second frame moves.

[0230] The mobile terminal 100 includes a structure for guiding the frame to move in parallel, thereby achieving a stable state transition.

[0231] The above embodiments should be interpreted in all aspects as illustrative rather than restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the above description, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A mobile terminal, comprising: First frame; as well as a second frame configured to slide relative to the first frame in a first direction or in a second direction opposite to the first direction; A flexible display, the flexible display comprising a front surface as an image display surface, wherein an area of ​​the front surface of the flexible display is configured to change according to a sliding position of the second frame, the flexible display comprising: a first area positioned to face the front of the mobile terminal in all relative positions of the first frame and the second frame; a second area positioned to face the rear of the mobile terminal in all relative positions of the first frame and the second frame; and a third area disposed between the first area and the second area, wherein the third area is positioned to face the front or rear of the mobile terminal according to the sliding position of the second frame relative to the first frame, a sliding frame configured to slide in the first direction or the second direction relative to the second frame, wherein the second region is coupled to the sliding frame; a rolling hinge disposed inside the third region of the flexible display and configured to bend according to a curvature of the third region; a rivet track formed at the second frame and extending longitudinally in the first direction; and A sliding rivet is coupled to an inner side of the flexible display and is configured to move along the rivet track as the second frame slides relative to the first frame, wherein the sliding rivet includes a first sliding rivet protruding from the rolling hinge and a second sliding rivet protruding from the sliding frame.

2. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein: The first sliding rivet is one of a plurality of first sliding rivets arranged along the first direction.

3. The mobile terminal according to claim 2, wherein: The rolling hinge comprises a plurality of support rods arranged side by side along the first direction, wherein each of the plurality of support rods extends longitudinally in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction, and Wherein, each first sliding rivet is connected to one of the plurality of support rods.

4. The mobile terminal according to claim 2, comprising a connection piece, wherein: The plurality of first sliding rivets are mounted to the connecting piece.

5. The mobile terminal according to claim 4, wherein: The connection sheet includes a flexible metal plate having a cutout pattern.

6. The mobile terminal according to claim 3, wherein: At least one of the plurality of support rods is disposed between two of the plurality of first sliding rivets.

7. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein: The first sliding rivet is disposed adjacent to the second region.

8. The mobile terminal of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of rollers arranged in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction at the second frame and spaced apart from each other, wherein: The flexible display is configured to bend about the plurality of rollers, Wherein, the rivet track is arranged not to overlap with the plurality of rollers.

9. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein: The rivet track has a first width, and the sliding rivet comprises: a main body portion having a second width less than the first width; and A wing portion is disposed at an end of the main body portion and has a third width greater than the first width.

10. The mobile terminal according to claim 9, wherein: The sliding rivet also includes an annular washer disposed about the body portion of the sliding rivet to be located between the sliding rivet and the rivet track as the sliding rivet slides along the rivet track.

11. The mobile terminal according to claim 9, wherein: The rivet track also includes an elongated slot configured to receive the wing portion of the slide rivet, wherein a fourth width of the elongated slot is greater than the third width of the wing portion.

12. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein: The rivet track comprises: a straight rail formed at a rear portion of the second frame; and A curved rail extends from the straight rail and is disposed around a side of the second frame.

13. The mobile terminal according to claim 12, wherein: The curved track includes a pair of track strips spaced apart from each other in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein a first side of each track is fixed to the rear of the second frame and a second side of each track is fixed to the front of the second frame, and Wherein, each rail is bent around the side surface of the second frame.

14. The mobile terminal according to claim 13, wherein: Each track strip extends from the curved track to the straight track. 15 . The mobile terminal of claim 14 , comprising a pair of belt coupling portions formed as grooves at the second frame, the pair of belt coupling portions being configured to mount each of the pair of rail belts.

16. The mobile terminal according to claim 15, wherein: The distance between the pair of rail strips is smaller than the width of the straight rail.

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