Flexible display assembly and electronic device including the same

Abstract

An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a flexible display including a flat area and a bending area, the bending area being a selectively bending area other than the flat area; and a support structure including a plurality of rods arranged to be spaced apart from each other, on a rear surface of a bending area included in the flexible display, in which at least one rod among the plurality of rods has a central portion having a width that may be larger than a width of one end of the at least one rod.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a flexible display assembly and an electronic device including the flexible display assembly. Background Art

[0002] As electronic devices become slimmer and more design-oriented, efforts are being made to increase rigidity while also differentiating their functional elements. In addition to their stereotypical rectangular shape, electronic devices are evolving to have various shapes. Electronic devices may have a deformable structure that allows for the use of a larger display and is easy to carry. The deformable structure in the electronic device may be, for example, a flexible display, the display area of ​​which may vary. The flexible display may be operated so that the housings are slidable relative to each other by supporting each other. The flexible display may be implemented, for example, by a rollable structure or a slidable structure.

[0003] The rollable electronic device (or slidable electronic device) can be configured to allow the flexible display (or rollable display) to be rolled up or unfolded. The slidable electronic device can be configured to allow the flexible display to slide to expand or reduce the screen.

[0004] The slidable electronic device may have a structure in which a housing moves in a sliding manner to expand or reduce a screen size through a flexible display. In the slidable electronic device, a rod may be attached to a rear surface of the flexible display so that the flexible display is movable along a track frame. The rod may be mounted to be movable on the track frame. When moving along the track frame, some of the rods may be bent due to a repulsive force generated in some sections. Summary of the invention

[0005] Means of solving the problem

[0006] Various embodiments may provide a support structure supporting a flexible display in a slidable electronic device and having different widths of a rod.

[0007] An electronic device according to an embodiment may include: a flexible display including a flat area and a curved area, the curved area selectively moving along the curved surface; and a support structure including a plurality of rods arranged to be spaced apart from each other on a rear surface of the curved area included in the flexible display. In at least one of the plurality of rods, a width of a central portion may be greater than a width of an end portion.

[0008] An electronic device according to one embodiment may include: a flexible display including a flat area and a selectively bent curved area, which is an area other than the flat area; and a support plate in which stretchable areas 810 corresponding to the curved areas and including a plurality of holes or slits 811 and support areas 820 corresponding to the curved areas and not including the plurality of holes or slits 811 are alternately formed, wherein the support area 820 may have a central portion having a width greater than a width of an outer side of the support plate in a short direction.

[0009] According to various embodiments proposed in the present disclosure, a slidable electronic device may enhance rigidity by providing a support structure having a differentiated width, thereby preventing some rods from being bent at specific portions.

[0010] The effects that can be achieved in the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above effects, but ordinary technicians in the field to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong can obviously derive and understand other effects not mentioned from the following description. In other words, ordinary technicians in this field can also derive unexpected effects in practicing the embodiments of the present disclosure from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 2 is a diagram illustrating electronic devices in a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0012] Figure 2 is a view illustrating a state in which a second display area of ​​a display is received in a second housing according to one of various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 3 is a view illustrating a state in which a second display area of ​​a display is exposed to the outside of a second housing according to one of various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 5a is a cross-sectional view illustrating a related configuration of a gear connected to a motor and a rack in a closed state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 5b is a cross-sectional view illustrating an arrangement relationship between a motor and a battery in a closed state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 6a is a cross-sectional view illustrating a related configuration of a gear connected to a motor and a rack in an opened state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 6b is a cross-sectional view illustrating an arrangement relationship between a motor and a battery in an opened state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 7 is a view schematically showing a display assembly having a flexible structure in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 8 is a plan view showing a support plate included in a display assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Fig. 9 is a plan view showing a support structure coupled to a support plate in a display assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Fig.10 It is along Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA' shows the center portion of the rod.

[0023] Fig.11 It is along Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view taken along line BB' shows the end of the rod.

[0024] Fig.12 It shows that Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of a state in which a portion AA' is bent shows a central portion of a rod located in a portion of an electronic device.

[0025] Figures 13 to 17 2 are views illustrating a supporting structure according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] In the following description, reference may be made to the accompanying drawings, and specific examples that may be practiced are shown in the drawings as examples. Other examples may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various examples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs can easily practice the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in various other forms and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Throughout the specification and the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used to refer to the same or similar elements. In addition, for the sake of clarity and brevity, the well-known functions and configurations in the accompanying drawings and the related descriptions are not described.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs can easily practice the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in various other forms and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Throughout the specification and the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used to refer to the same or similar elements. In addition, for the sake of clarity and brevity, the well-known functions and configurations in the accompanying drawings and the related descriptions are not described.

[0029] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to various embodiments. Figure 1 , the electronic device 101 in the network environment 100 may perform at least one of the following: communicate with the electronic device 102 via the first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or communicate with the electronic device 104 or the server 108 via the second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104 via the server 108. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a processor 120, a memory 130, an input module 150, a sound output module 155, a display module 160, an audio module 170, a sensor module 176, an interface 177, a connection terminal 178, a haptic module 179, a camera module 180, a power management module 188, a battery 189, a communication module 190, a user identification module (SIM) 196, or an antenna module 197. In an embodiment, at least one of the components (e.g., the connection terminal 178) may be omitted from the electronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, some of the components (eg, the sensor module 176, the camera module 180, or the antenna module 197) may be integrated into a single component (eg, the display module 160).

[0030] The processor 120 may run, for example, software (e.g., program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware component or software component) of the electronic device 101 connected to the processor 120, and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or calculation, the processor 120 may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) in the volatile memory 132, process the command or data stored in the volatile memory 132, and store the resultant data in the non-volatile memory 134. According to one embodiment, the processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)) or an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is independent of or combined with the main processor 121 in operation. For example, when the electronic device 101 includes a main processor 121 and an auxiliary processor 123, the auxiliary processor 123 may be configured to use less power than the main processor 121, or to be dedicated to a specified function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from the main processor 121, or as part of the main processor 121.

[0031] When the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, the auxiliary processor 123 (rather than the main processor 121) may control at least some of the functions or states related to at least one component among the components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., display module 160, sensor module 176, or communication module 190), or when the main processor 121 is in an active state (e.g., running an application), the auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of the functions or states related to at least one component among the components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., display module 160, sensor module 176, or communication module 190) together with the main processor 121. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., a camera module 180 or a communication module 190) that is functionally related to the auxiliary processor 123. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a neural processing unit) may include a hardware structure dedicated to artificial intelligence model processing. The artificial intelligence model may be generated via machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, by the electronic device 101 where the artificial intelligence is executed or via a separate server (e.g., server 108). The learning algorithm may include, but is not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, for example. The artificial intelligence model may include multiple artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q network, or a combination of two or more thereof, but is not limited thereto. Additionally or optionally, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure in addition to a hardware structure.

[0032] The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 or the sensor module 176). The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program 140) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory 130 may include a volatile memory 132 or a non-volatile memory 134.

[0033] The program 140 may be stored as software in the memory 130 , and may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 142 , middleware 144 , or applications 146 .

[0034] The input module 150 may receive commands or data to be used by other components (e.g., the processor 120) of the electronic device 101 from outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device 101. The input module 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus).

[0035] The sound output module 155 can output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output module 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes such as playing multimedia or playing records. The receiver may be used to receive incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented as a separate part from the speaker, or as part of the speaker.

[0036] The display module 160 may visually provide information to the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user). The display 160 may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and a control circuit for controlling a corresponding one of the display, the holographic device, and the projector. According to an embodiment, the display 160 may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch or a pressure sensor configured to measure the strength of a force caused by a touch.

[0037] The audio module 170 can convert sound into an electrical signal, and vice versa. According to one embodiment, the audio module 170 can obtain sound via the input module 150, or output sound via the sound output module 155 or an earphone of an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 101.

[0038] The sensor module 176 may detect an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or an environmental state (e.g., a user's state) outside the electronic device 101, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illumination sensor.

[0039] The interface 177 may support one or more specific protocols to be used to connect the electronic device 101 directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102). According to an embodiment, the interface 177 may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

[0040] The connection end 178 may include a connector, through which the electronic device 101 may be physically connected to an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 102). According to an embodiment, the connection end 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (eg, a headphone connector).

[0041] The haptic module 179 may convert the electric signal into mechanical stimulation (eg, vibration or motion) or electric stimulation recognizable by the user via his sense of touch or kinesthetic sense. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

[0042] The camera module 180 may capture still images or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.

[0043] The power management module 188 may manage power supplied to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0044] The battery 189 may power at least one component of the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0045] The communication module 190 may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102, electronic device 104, or server 108), and perform communication via the established communication channel. The communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors capable of operating independently from the processor 120 (e.g., an application processor (AP)) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module 190 may include a wireless communication module 192 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth TM The wireless communication module 192 may communicate with the external electronic device 104 through a wireless communication network (e.g., a wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) Direct connection, or an Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., a long-distance communication network such as a traditional cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN))). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multiple components (e.g., multiple chips) separated from each other. The wireless communication module 192 may identify and authenticate the electronic device 101 in a communication network (such as the first network 198 or the second network 199) using user information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in the user identification module 196.

[0046] The wireless communication module 192 can support 5G networks after 4G networks and next-generation communication technologies, such as new radio (NR) access technology. NR access technology can support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communication (mMTC), or ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC). The wireless communication module 192 can support high-frequency bands (e.g., millimeter wave bands) to achieve, for example, high data transmission rates. The wireless communication module 192 can support various technologies for ensuring performance on high-frequency bands, such as, for example, beamforming, massive multiple-input multiple-output (massive MIMO), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, or massive antennas. The wireless communication module 192 can support various requirements specified in the electronic device 101, an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 104), or a network system (e.g., a second network 199). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module 192 may support a peak data rate for implementing eMBB (e.g., 20 Gbps or greater), loss coverage for implementing mMTC (e.g., 164 dB or less), or U-plane delay for implementing URLLC (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of the downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for a round trip).

[0047] The antenna module 197 may transmit a signal or power to the outside (e.g., an external electronic device) or receive a signal or power from the outside (e.g., an external electronic device). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include one antenna including a radiator formed by a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an antenna array). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network (such as the first network 198 or the second network 199) may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module 190. Then, a signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, other parts (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiator may be further formed as part of the antenna module 197.

[0048] According to various embodiments, the antenna module 197 may form a millimeter wave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the millimeter wave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC, and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas), wherein the RFIC is disposed on a first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board, or is adjacent to the first surface and is capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., millimeter wave band), and the plurality of antennas are disposed on a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board, or is adjacent to the second surface and is capable of transmitting or receiving signals of the specified high frequency band.

[0049] At least some of the above components may be connected to each other via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, a general purpose input output (GPIO), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), or a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)) and communicatively transfer signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween.

[0050] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be sent or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 via the server 108 connected to the second network 199. Each of the external electronic devices 102 or 104 may be a device of the same or different type as the electronic device 101. According to one embodiment, all or some operations to be run in the electronic device 101 may be run in one or more of the external electronic devices 102, 104 or 108. For example, if the electronic device 101 should automatically perform a function or service or should perform a function or service in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of running the function or service, or the electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service in addition to running the function or service. The one or more external electronic devices that receive the request may perform the requested at least part of the function or service, or perform another function or another service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 may provide the result as at least a partial reply to the request with or without further processing the result. To this end, cloud computing technology, distributed computing technology, mobile edge computing (MEC) technology, or client-server computing technology, for example, may be used. The electronic device 101 may provide ultra-low latency services using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device 104 may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device 104 or the server 108 may be included in the second network 199. The electronic device 101 may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars, or health care) based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technologies.

[0051] The electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a household appliance. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those electronic devices described above.

[0052] Figure 2 is a view of a state in which a second display area of ​​a display is received in a second housing according to one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a view illustrating a state in which a second display area of ​​a display is exposed to the outside of a second housing according to one of various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The structure in which the display 203 (e.g., a flexible display) is extended to the right when the electronic device 101 is viewed from the front is shown. However, the extension direction of the display 203 is not limited to one direction (e.g., the left direction), but the design change can be made so that the display 203 can be extended in the upward direction, the downward direction, and / or the left direction.

[0054] Figure 2 The state shown can be defined as the first housing 201 being closed relative to the second housing 202. Figure 3 The state shown may be defined as the first housing 201 being open relative to the second housing 202. According to an embodiment, a "closed state" or an "open state" may be defined as a closed or open state of the electronic device.

[0055] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the electronic device 101 may include housings 201 and 202. The housings 201 and 202 may include a second housing 202 and a first housing 201 movably disposed relative to the second housing 202. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may be interpreted as having a structure in which the second housing 202 is slidably disposed on the first housing 201. According to an embodiment, the first housing 201 may be configured to perform a reciprocating motion of a predetermined distance in a predetermined direction (e.g., a direction indicated by arrow ①) relative to the second housing 202.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the first housing 201 may be referred to as, for example, a first structure, a sliding unit, or a sliding housing, and may be configured to reciprocate on the second housing 202. According to an embodiment, the first housing 201 may receive various electrical / electronic components, such as a circuit board or a battery. The second housing 202 may be referred to as, for example, a second structure, a main part, or a main housing, and may guide the movement of the first housing 201. A portion of the display 203 (e.g., a first display area A1) may be disposed on the first housing 201. According to an embodiment, as the first housing 201 moves (e.g., slides) relative to the second housing 202, another portion of the display 203 (e.g., a second display area A2) may be received in the interior of the second housing 202 (e.g., a slide-in movement) or exposed to the exterior of the second housing 202 (e.g., a slide-out movement). According to an embodiment, a motor, a speaker, a sim slot, and / or a sub-circuit board electrically connected to the main circuit board may be provided in the first housing 201. The main circuit board on which electrical components such as an application processor (AP) and a communication processor (CP) are mounted may be provided in the second housing 202. The first housing 201 may include a first surface (eg, Figure 3The sliding cover 212 includes a first surface F1 and a second surface F2 that forms at least a portion of the sliding cover 212 and faces the first surface F1.

[0057] According to various embodiments, the first housing 201 may include a first plate 211 (e.g., a sliding plate). According to one embodiment, the first plate 211 may support at least a portion of the display 203 (e.g., a first display area A1). According to one embodiment, the first housing 201 may include a first plate 211, a 1-1 side wall 211a extending from the first plate 211, a 1-2 side wall 211b extending from the 1-1 side wall 211a and the first plate 211, and a 1-3 side wall 211c extending from the 1-1 side wall 211a and the first plate 211 and positioned substantially parallel to the 1-2 side wall 211b.

[0058] According to various embodiments, the second housing 202 may include a second plate 221 (e.g., a main housing), a 2-1 sidewall 221a extending from the second plate 221, a 2-2 sidewall 221b extending from the 2-1 sidewall 221a and the second plate 221, and a 2-3 sidewall 221c extending from the 2-1 sidewall 221a and the second plate 221 and disposed substantially parallel to the 2-2 sidewall 221b. According to one embodiment, the 2-2 sidewall 221b and the 2-3 sidewall 221c may be formed substantially perpendicular to the 2-1 sidewall 221a. According to one embodiment, the second plate 221, the 2-1 sidewall 221a, the 2-2 sidewall 221b, and the 2-3 sidewall 221c may be formed to have an opening in one surface (e.g., a front surface) to receive at least a portion of the first housing 201. For example, the first housing 201 may be coupled to the second housing 202 in a state where it is at least partially surrounded, and the first housing 201 may slide in a direction parallel to the first surface F1 or the second surface F2 (e.g., the direction ① indicated by the arrow). According to one embodiment, the second plate 221, the 2-1 side wall 221a, the 2-2 side wall 221b, and / or the 2-3 side wall 221c may be integrally formed. According to another embodiment, the second plate 221, the 2-1 side wall 221a, the 2-2 side wall 221b, and / or the 2-3 side wall 221c may be formed as separate housings and may be combined or assembled.

[0059] According to various embodiments, the second plate 221 and / or the 2-1st sidewall 221a may cover at least a portion of the display 203. For example, at least a portion of the display 203 may be received in the second housing 202. The second plate 221 and / or the 2-1st sidewall 221a may cover a portion of the flexible display 203 received in the second housing 202.

[0060] According to various embodiments, the first housing 201 can be moved to an open state and a closed state relative to the second housing 202 in a first direction (e.g., direction ①) parallel to the 2-2 side wall 221b or the 2-3 side wall 221c. In the closed state, the first housing 201 can be moved to a first distance from the 2-1 side wall 221a. In the open state, the first housing 201 can be moved to a second distance from the 2-1 side wall 221a, the second distance being greater than the first distance. In some embodiments, in the closed state, the first housing 201 can surround a portion of the 2-1 side wall 221a.

[0061] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 101 may include a display 203, a key input device 241, a connector hole 243, audio modules 247a and 247b, or camera modules 249a and 249b. Although not shown, the electronic device 101 may further include an indicator (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED) device) or various sensor modules.

[0062] According to various embodiments, the display 203 may include a first display area A1 and a second display area A2. According to one embodiment, the first display area A1 may be provided on the second housing 202. The second display area A2 may extend from the first display area A1, and as the first housing 201 slides, the second display area A2 may be inserted or received in the second housing 202 (e.g., structure) or exposed to the outside of the second housing 202.

[0063] According to various embodiments, the second display area A2 may be substantially within the area defined by the first housing 201 (eg, Figure 4 The second display area A2 may be moved while being guided by the curved surface 250 of the first housing 201 and may be received in the second housing 202 or in a space formed between the first housing 201 and the second housing 202, or may be exposed to the outside of the second housing 202 or to the outside of the space formed between the first housing 201 and the second housing 202. According to an embodiment, the second display area A2 may be moved in a first direction (e.g., a direction indicated by arrow ①) of the first housing 201 based on the sliding of the first housing 201. For example, when the first housing 201 slides, a portion of the second display area A2 may be deformed into a curved shape at a position corresponding to the curved surface 250 of the first housing 201.

[0064] According to various embodiments, when viewed from above the first plate 211 (e.g., a sliding plate), if the first structure 201 moves from a closed state to an open state, the second display area A2 may be exposed to the outside of the second housing 202 to be substantially coplanar with the first display area A1. The display 203 may be provided to be coupled to or adjacent to a touch detection circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and / or a digitizer for detecting a magnetic field type stylus. In one embodiment, the second display area A2 may be at least partially received inside the second housing 202, and even when Figure 2 In the state shown (e.g., closed state), a portion of the second display area A2 may also be visually exposed to the outside. According to one embodiment, regardless of the closed state or the open state, the exposed portion of the second display area A2 may be located at a portion of the first housing (e.g., Figure 4 The second display area A2 may be on a curved surface 250 , and a portion of the second display area A2 may maintain a curved shape at a position corresponding to the curved surface 250 .

[0065] According to various embodiments, the key input device 241 may be located in an area of ​​the first housing 201. Depending on the appearance and the use state, the electronic device 101 may be designed to omit the key input device 241 shown, or include an additional key input device. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a key input device (not shown), such as a home key button or a touch pad arranged around the home key button. According to another embodiment, at least a portion of the key input device 241 may be arranged on the 2-1 side wall 221a, the 2-2 side wall 221b, or the 2-3 side wall 221c of the second housing 202.

[0066] According to various embodiments, the connector hole 243 may be omitted and may receive a connector (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) connector) for sending and receiving power and / or data with an external electronic device. Although not shown, the electronic device 101 may include a plurality of connector holes 243, and some of the plurality of connector holes 243 may be used as connector holes for sending / receiving audio signals with an external electronic device. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector hole 243 is disposed in the 2-3 side wall 221c, but is not limited thereto. The connector hole 243 or a connector hole not shown may be disposed in the 2-1 side wall 221a or the 2-2 side wall 221b.

[0067] According to various embodiments, the audio modules 247a and 247b may include at least one speaker hole 247a or at least one microphone hole 247b. One of the speaker holes 247a may be provided as a receiver hole for voice calls, and the other may be provided as an external speaker hole. The electronic device 101 may include a microphone for obtaining sound. The microphone may obtain external sound of the electronic device 101 through the microphone hole 247b. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a plurality of microphones to detect the direction of the sound. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include an audio module in which the speaker hole 247a and the microphone hole 247b are implemented as one hole, or may include a speaker (e.g., a piezoelectric speaker) without the speaker hole 247a.

[0068] According to various embodiments, the camera modules 249a and 249b may include a first camera module 249a and a second camera module 249b. The second camera module 249b may be located in the first housing 201 and may capture an object in a direction opposite to the first display area A1 of the display 203. The electronic device 101 may include a plurality of camera modules 249a and 249b. For example, the electronic device 101 may include at least one of a wide-angle camera, a telephoto camera, or a close-up camera, and according to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may measure the distance to the object by including an infrared projector and / or an infrared receiver. The camera modules 249a and 249b may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. The first camera module 249a may be arranged to face the same direction as the display 203. For example, the first camera module 249a may be arranged in an area overlapping with the display 203 or around the first display area A1, and when arranged in an area overlapping with the display 203, the first camera module 249a may capture an object through the display 203. According to an embodiment, the first camera module 249 a may include an under display camera (UDC) having a screen display area (eg, the first display area A1 ), which may not be visually exposed but hidden.

[0069] According to various embodiments, an indicator (not shown) of the electronic device 101 may be provided on the first housing 201 or the second housing 202, and the indicator may include a light emitting diode to provide status information about the electronic device 101 as a visual signal. A sensor module (not shown) of the electronic device 101 may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state or an external environmental state of the electronic device. The sensor module may include, for example, a proximity sensor, a fingerprint sensor, or a biometric sensor (e.g., an iris / face recognition sensor or a heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor). According to another embodiment, the sensor module may also include, for example, at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illumination sensor.

[0070] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0071] Reference Figure 4 , the electronic device 101 may include a first housing 201, a second housing 202, a display 203 (e.g., a flexible display, a foldable display, or a rollable display) or a support structure 213 (e.g., a hinge structure with an articulation). A portion of the display 203 (e.g., the second display area A2) may be received in the electronic device 101 along a curved surface 250 of the first housing 201.

[0072] Figure 4 The configuration of the first housing 201, the second housing 202 and the display 203 may be the same as Figure 2 and Figure 3 The configurations of the first housing 201, the second housing 202 and the display 203 are completely or partially the same.

[0073] According to various embodiments, the first housing 201 may include a first plate 211 and a sliding cover 212. The first plate 211 and the sliding cover 212 may be mounted (eg, at least partially connected) on the second housing 202 and guided by the second housing 202 in one direction (eg, Figure 2 and Figure 31). According to one embodiment, the first plate 211 can support the display 203. For example, the first plate 211 can include a first surface F1. The first display area A1 of the display 203 can be substantially located on the first surface F1 to maintain a flat plate shape. The sliding cover 212 can protect the display 203 located on the first plate 211. For example, at least a portion of the display 203 can be located between the first plate 211 and the sliding cover 212. According to one embodiment, the first plate 211 and the sliding cover 212 can be formed of a metal material and / or a non-metallic (e.g., polymer) material. According to one embodiment, the first plate 211 can receive at least some of the components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., a battery 289, a drive motor 286, and a bracket 287).

[0074] According to various embodiments, the support structure 213 may be connected to the first housing 201. For example, the support structure 213 may be located between the first plate 211 and the sliding cover 212. According to one embodiment, as the first housing 201 slides, the support structure 213 may move relative to the second housing 202. In the closed state of the support structure 213 (for example, Figure 2 ), most of the structure may be received in the second housing 202. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the support structure 213 may move corresponding to the curved surface 250 located at the edge of the first housing 201.

[0075] According to various embodiments, the support structure 213 may include a plurality of rods 214 (or bars) and guide rails 215. The plurality of rods 214 may extend in a straight line and be arranged parallel to the rotation axis R formed by the curved surface 250, and the plurality of bars 214 may be arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis R (e.g., a direction in which the first housing 201 slides).

[0076] According to various embodiments, the guide rail 215 may guide the movement of the plurality of rods 214. The guide rail 215 may include an upper guide rail coupled to the upper end of the first plate 211 and connected to the upper ends of the plurality of rods 214, and a lower guide rail coupled to the lower end of the first plate 211 and connected to the lower ends of the plurality of rods 214. According to an embodiment, referring to the first enlarged area S1, when the plurality of rods 214 slide while moving along the curved surface 250, the upper ends and / or lower ends of the plurality of rods 214 may move while remaining fitted into the guide rail 215. For example, the plurality of rods 214 may slide along a groove-shaped rail 2151 formed inside the guide rail 215, into which the upper ends and / or lower ends of the plurality of rods 214 are fitted.

[0077] According to one embodiment, when the motor 286 is driven (e.g., driven to slide the display out), the first plate 211 provided with the motor 286 can slide out, and the protrusion 2152 inside the guide rail 215 can push the upper end and / or lower end of the bent multiple rods 214. Therefore, the display 203 received between the first plate 211 and the sliding cover 212 can be extended forward. According to one embodiment, when the motor 286 is driven (e.g., driven to slide the display in), the first plate 211 provided with the motor 286 can slide in, and the outer side portion of the guide rail 215 (e.g., the portion other than the protrusion 2152) can push the upper end and / or lower end of the bent multiple rods 214. Therefore, the extended display 203 can be received between the first plate 211 and the sliding cover 212.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the rack 287 may be provided in the second housing 202 and guide the sliding of the first housing 201 and the display 203. The second magnified area S2 represents the rear surface of the second plate 221 (e.g., the surface facing the -Z axis). Referring to the second magnified area S2, the rack 287 may be fixedly provided on one surface of the second plate 221 of the second housing 202 (e.g., one surface facing the -Z axis), and may guide the gear connected to the drive motor 286 to move while rotating in the sliding direction. According to another embodiment, the rack 287 may be provided in the first housing 201, and the motor 286 may be provided in the second housing 202. The rack 287 may guide the sliding movement of the first housing 202 and the display 203. For example, the rack 287 may be fixedly provided on the first plate 211 of the first housing 201, and may slide with the rotation of the gear connected to the drive motor 286, which is provided on the second plate 221 of the second housing 202.

[0079] According to various embodiments, the second housing 202 may include a second plate 221, a second plate cover 222, and a third plate 223. The second plate 221 may support the electronic device 101 as a whole. The first plate 211 may be disposed on one surface of the second plate 221, and the printed circuit board 204 may be coupled to the other surface of the second plate 221. According to an embodiment, the second plate 221 may receive components (e.g., a battery 289 and a circuit board 204) of the electronic device 101. The third plate cover 222 may protect various components located on the second plate 221.

[0080] According to various embodiments, the third plate 223 may substantially form at least a portion of the exterior of the second housing 202 or the electronic device 101. For example, the third plate 223 may be coupled to the outer surface of the second plate cover 222. According to an embodiment, the third plate 223 may be formed integrally with the second plate cover 222. According to an embodiment, the third plate 223 may provide a decorative effect on the exterior of the electronic device 101. The second plate 221 and the second plate cover 222 may be formed of at least one of a metal or a polymer, and the third plate 223 may be formed of at least one of a metal, a glass, a synthetic resin, or a ceramic. According to an embodiment, the second plate 221, the second plate cover 222, and / or the third plate 223 may be formed of a material that at least partially transmits light (e.g., an auxiliary display area). For example, in a state where a portion of the display 203 (e.g., the second display area A2) is received in the electronic device 101, the electronic device 101 may output visual information using the second display area A2. The auxiliary display area may be a portion of the second plate 221, the second plate cover 222, and / or the third plate 223, in which the display 203 received in the second housing 202 is located.

[0081] According to various embodiments, a plurality of circuit boards may be received in the second housing 202. The processor, memory and / or interface may be mounted on the circuit board 204, which is a main board. The processor may include, for example, one or more of a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphics processing device, an image signal processing, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor. According to various embodiments, the circuit board 204 may include a flexible printed circuit board type radio frequency cable (FRC). For example, the circuit board 204 may be disposed on at least a portion of the second board 221 and may be electrically connected to the antenna module and the communication module.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the memory may include, for example, volatile or non-volatile memory.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the interface may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, and / or an audio interface. The interface may electrically or physically connect, for example, the electronic device 101 to an external electronic device, and may include a USB connector, an SD card / multimedia card (MMC) connector, or an audio connector.

[0084] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 101 may further include a separate sub-circuit board 290 spaced apart from the circuit board 240 in the second housing 202. The sub-circuit board 290 may be electrically connected to the circuit board 240 through the flexible circuit board 291. The sub-circuit board 290 may be electrically connected to an electrical component (such as a battery 289 or a speaker and / or a SIM slot) disposed in an end region of the electronic device, and may transmit signals and power.

[0085] According to an embodiment, the battery 289 may be a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device 101. The battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery 289 may be disposed on substantially the same plane as the circuit board 204. The battery 289 may be integrally or detachably disposed inside the electronic device 101.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the battery 289 may be formed of a single embedded battery, or may include a plurality of detachable batteries. For example, when the embedded battery is located on the first plate 211, the embedded battery may move as the first plate 211 slides.

[0087] Figure 5a is a cross-sectional view illustrating a related configuration of a gear connected to a motor and a rack in a closed state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5b is a cross-sectional view illustrating an arrangement relationship between a motor and a battery in a closed state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6a is a cross-sectional view illustrating a related configuration of a gear connected to a motor and a rack in an opened state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6b is a cross-sectional view illustrating an arrangement relationship between a motor and a battery in an opened state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0088] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 101 may include a first housing 201, a second housing 202, a display 203, and a driving structure. The electronic device 101 may also include various components (eg, a camera module and a battery) disposed in the first housing 201 or the second housing 202.

[0089] Figures 5a to 6b The configuration of the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 may be Figure 2 a to Figure 4 The configurations of the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 are completely or partially the same.

[0090] According to various embodiments, as the first housing 201 (and the flexible display 203 connected to the first housing 201 ) slides in and out relative to the second housing 202 , the second housing 202 may be in a closed state or an open state.

[0091] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 101 may include a driving structure for automatically or semi-automatically providing a slide-in / slide-out operation of the display 203. For example, when a user presses an opening trigger button (eg, Figure 2When the user slides the display 203 of the electronic device 101 upward to a designated section, the display 203 can be completely slid out by the force of an elastic member installed in the electronic device 101 for the remaining section (semi-automatic operation). The slide-in operation of the electronic device 101 can also be performed corresponding to the slide-out operation (semi-automatic operation).

[0092] According to an embodiment, the driving structure may include a driving motor 330 , a gear 320 mounted on an end of the driving motor 330 , a rack 310 , and a connection substrate (not shown) electrically connected to the driving motor 330 .

[0093] According to an embodiment, the driving motor 330 may be provided in the first housing 201 to be slidable relative to the second housing 202. The driving motor 330 may transmit a driving force to the gear 320 connected to the end portion.

[0094] According to an embodiment, the drive motor 330 may be arranged not to overlap with the second display area A2 of the display 203. For example, the axis P1 of the drive motor 330 may be arranged to be perpendicular to the sliding direction, and one surface of the drive motor 330 facing the +Z axis direction may overlap with the first display area A1, but one surface of the motor structure 286 facing the -Z axis direction may not overlap with the second display area A2, regardless of the sliding in / out of the display 203. One surface of the drive motor 330 facing the -Z axis direction may face the first housing 201 in the slid-in state of the display 203, and may face the second housing 202 in the slid-out state of the display 203. According to an embodiment, the drive motor 330 may be arranged in parallel with at least a portion of the battery 289, and may be electrically connected to a connection substrate arranged adjacent thereto.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the rack 310 may be provided in the second housing 202 and guide the sliding of the first housing 201 and the display 203. The rack 310 may be fixedly provided on one surface (e.g., one surface facing the -Z axis) of the second plate 221 of the second housing 202, and may guide the gear 320 to move while rotating in the sliding direction. At least a portion of one surface of the rack 310 facing the -Z axis direction may face the second display area A2 when the display 203 is slid in, and may not face the second display area A2 when the display 203 is slid out. According to one embodiment, the rack 310 may be provided so as not to overlap with the battery 289. For example, a removable battery may be provided in the electronic device 101, and the rack 310 may be located between the batteries when viewed toward the rear surface.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the gear 320 may be located on the axis P1 of the drive motor 330, and may slide the first housing 201 and the display 203 while rotating along the rack 310. When the first housing 201 slides due to the rotation of the gear 320, an electrical component (hereinafter referred to as a first electrical component) installed in the first housing 201 may also slide. For example, the first electrical component may be at least one of the drive motor 330, a component provided on the connection substrate 340, a speaker, or a SIM slot. As another example, the first electrical component may be a battery 289. When it is a detachable battery, it may be at least one of the detachable batteries.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the connection substrate may be disposed adjacent to the drive motor 330 and / or the rack 310 in the first housing 201. The connection substrate 340 may be electrically connected to a main circuit board (eg, Figure 4 The main circuit board may be mounted with an electrical structure (e.g., a processor) to control the driving of the drive motor 330 or to provide power to the drive motor 330. The connecting substrate may be electrically connected to the main circuit board 204 to control the driving of the drive motor 330 or to transmit a signal for controlling power. According to one embodiment, the connecting substrate and the main circuit board 204 may be rigid boards, and the electronic device 101 may further include a separate connecting FPCB for connecting the connecting substrate and the main circuit board 204. According to another embodiment, the power of the battery 289 disposed adjacent to the drive motor 330 may be directly provided through the connecting substrate.

[0098] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device (eg, Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a view of a display assembly 70 having a flexible structure in an electronic device 101 .

[0099] supply Figure 7 To describe the connection relationship between the flexible display 700, the support plate 800 or the support structure 900, and there may be other additional components or connection structures of these components. However, when describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, they are determined to be not directly related, and in Figure 7 Its detailed description is omitted.

[0100] Reference Figure 7 In one embodiment, the display assembly 70 may be a structure for providing a flexible display in the electronic device 101. The structure may have a flexible structure. The display assembly 70 may include a flexible display 700, a support plate 800, or a support structure 900. The support structure 900 may have, for example, a hinge module with an articulation, a bendable member, or a multi-rod structure. The flexible display 700, the support plate 800, or the support structure 900 may replace Figures 2 to 6b The display 203 or the support structure 213 of the electronic device 101 is shown in FIG.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the flexible display 700 may include a first display area A1 or a second display area A2. The first display area A1 may be, for example, a flat area that is exposed to the outside and maintains a flat surface regardless of the slide-in or slide-out operation of the electronic device 101. The second display area A2 may be received into the housing (e.g., Figure 2 The second housing 202 may be in the housing 202, or may be exposed to the housing by a sliding operation (eg, Figure 2 In one embodiment, the second display area A2 may be a curved area in which a portion of the second display area A2 is surrounded by a portion of the electronic device 101 (eg, Figure 4 In the flexible display 700, the first display area A1 may have a relatively large area compared to the second display area A2.

[0102] According to an embodiment, the support plate 800 may be disposed on the rear side of the flexible display 700. The rear side of the flexible display 700 may refer to a side opposite to a side from which light is emitted from a display panel including a plurality of pixels. The support plate 800 may be attached, for example, so that one side of the support plate 800 faces the flexible display 700. The support plate 800 may contribute to the durability of the flexible display 700. The support plate 800 may reduce the impact of loads or stresses on the flexible display 700 that may occur when the flexible display 700 slides in or out. The support plate 800 may also help protect the flexible display 700 from being used as a first housing (e.g., Figure 3 The support plate 800 may be configured such that, for example, a portion corresponding to the second display area A2 (eg, the bending area) of the flexible display 700 is bendable.

[0103] According to an embodiment, the support plate 800 may be formed of various metal materials and / or non-metal materials (e.g., polymers). The support plate 800 may include, for example, stainless steel. The support plate 800 may include, for example, engineering plastics. According to an embodiment, the support plate 800 may be implemented integrally with the flexible display 700.

[0104] According to an embodiment, the support plate 800 may make electronic components (eg, the support structure 900 ) located inside the electronic device 101 substantially invisible from the outside through the flexible display 700 .

[0105] According to one embodiment, the support plate 800 may include a support sheet including a touch panel or a pen recognition panel. The touch panel may detect a user's finger gesture input. The touch panel may output a touch event value corresponding to a touch signal of the touch. The touch panel may be implemented as one of a capacitive type or a resistive type. Here, the capacitive touch panel may calculate the touch coordinates by detecting the fine electricity caused by the user's human body. Here, the resistive touch panel may include two embedded electrode plates, and may calculate the touch coordinates by detecting the flow of current caused by the upper plate and the lower plate at the touch point contacting each other. The pen recognition panel may detect the user's pen gesture input according to the operation of the user's touch pen (e.g., a stylus or a digitizer pen). The pen recognition panel may output a pen proximity event value or a pen touch event value in response to the user's pen gesture. The pen recognition panel may be implemented, for example, in an EMR method. The pen recognition panel applying the EMR method may detect a touch or proximity input according to a change in the electromagnetic field strength caused by the proximity or touch of the touch pen.

[0106] According to an embodiment, the support structure 900 may be disposed on the rear side of the flexible display 700 corresponding to the area of ​​the support plate 800 supporting the second display area A2. For example, according to the slide-in operation or slide-out operation of the electronic device 101, the support structure 900 may pass through a portion (e.g., Figure 4 The support structure 900 may be attached to a partial area of ​​the rear side of the support plate 800. In an embodiment, the support plate 800 may be arranged so that one side of the support plate 800 faces the rear side of the flexible display 700 and at least a portion of the other side of the support plate 800 contacts the support structure 900. In an embodiment, the support structure 900 may include a plurality of rods 910. The plurality of rods 910 may be arranged at regular intervals, or may be arranged at irregular intervals.

[0107] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a display assembly (eg, Figure 7 The display assembly 70) includes a support plate (eg, Figure 7 A plan view of a support plate 800). Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a display assembly (eg, Figure 7 The display assembly 70) is connected to a support plate (eg, Figure 7 The support structure (eg, Figure 7 A plan view of the support structure 900).

[0108] Reference Figure 8 and Fig. 9According to an embodiment, the support plate 800 may include a first plate area B1 or a second plate area B2. In an embodiment, the support plate 800 may include a long side 800a and a short side 800b. The direction parallel to the long side 800a may be referred to as the long direction, and the direction parallel to the short side 800b may be referred to as the short direction. The first plate area B1 may be, for example, parallel to the flexible display (e.g., Figure 7 The second panel area B2 may be, for example, an area corresponding to the rear side of the first display area A1 of the flexible display 700. The second panel area B2 may be, for example, an area corresponding to the rear side of the second display area A2 of the flexible display 700.

[0109] Hereinafter, for convenience of description, it should be noted that the sizes of the second plate area B2 of the support plate 800 and the support structure 900 are slightly exaggerated.

[0110] According to an embodiment, the plurality of holes or slits 811 may be omitted from the first plate area B1 of the support plate 800 , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0111] According to an embodiment, the second plate area B2 of the support plate 800 may include a plurality of holes or slits 811. Due to the plurality of holes or slits 811 formed in the second plate area B2, the stretchability (or bending performance) of the second plate area B2 may be improved. The plurality of holes or slits 811 may provide stretchability so that, for example, a portion of the second plate area B2 may be placed in a position located at an electronic device (e.g., Figure 2 A portion of the electronic device 101) (eg, Figure 4 The support plate 800 is bent when being placed on the curved surface 250). Hereinafter, the region in which the plurality of holes or slits 811 are formed is referred to as a stretchable region 810. A plurality of stretchable regions 810 may be provided in the second plate region B2. As the area occupied by the stretchable regions 810 in the second plate region B2 increases, the stretchability of the support plate 800 may be improved.

[0112] According to an embodiment, the second plate area B2 of the support plate 800 may include a plurality of support areas 820. The support area 820 may be formed between the stretchable areas 810. The support area 820 may be an area contacted by one of the plurality of rods 910 included in the support structure 900. The support area 820 may support the second display area A2 of the flexible display 700 together with the support structure 900. For example, the plurality of holes or slits 811 may not be formed in the support area 820. The rods 910 included in the support structure 900 may be attached to the support area 820 using an adhesive, but are not limited thereto.

[0113] According to an embodiment, each of the plurality of rods 910 may include a first side (eg, Fig.10a first side 911 (or an upper side) and a second side 912 (eg, Fig.10 The second side 912 (or the lower side) or the side 913 having a plurality of surfaces between the first side 911 and the second side 912 (eg, Fig.10 The first side 911 may be, for example, a side in contact with the support plate 800. The second side 912 may be, for example, a side farthest from the support plate 800. For example, a portion of the side 913 may extend perpendicularly to the first side 911 or the second side 912, but is not limited thereto.

[0114] Hereinafter, the widths W1 and W2 of the rod 910 may refer to the dimensions of the rod 910 with respect to a direction parallel to the long direction of the support plate 800 (e.g., the left / right direction in the drawings). The length L of the rod 910 may refer to the dimensions of the rod 910 with respect to a direction parallel to the short direction of the support plate 800 (e.g., the up / down direction in the drawings). The height of the rod 910 (e.g., Fig.10 The height H) may represent a dimension of the rod 910 with respect to a direction perpendicular to the plane of the support plate 800 .

[0115] According to an embodiment, at least one rod 910 included in the support structure 900 may have a variable width structure. In an embodiment, in at least one rod 910 among the plurality of rods of the support structure 900, a first width W1 of a central portion 915 may be greater than a second width W2 of an end portion 919. For example, the at least one rod 910 may have a variable width structure in which the width gradually decreases as it approaches the end portion 919 from the central portion 915. Here, the end portion 919 may refer to an end of the rod 910 farthest from the central portion 915. For example, the at least one rod 910 may have a symmetrical structure with respect to the central portion 915.

[0116] The rod 910 located at a position corresponding to a portion of the electronic device 101 (eg, the curved surface 250) may bend when a repulsive force is applied thereto in a radially outward direction of the curved surface 250. The rod 910 should have sufficient rigidity to counteract the repulsive force.

[0117] Methods for ensuring the rigidity of the rod 910 include providing a thick rod 910 by increasing the height H of the rod 910. When the height H of the rod 910 increases, the battery (e.g., Figure 4The size of the battery 289 of the electronic device 101 should be reduced, or the size of the electronic device 101 itself should be increased to ensure space in the electronic device 101. When the size of the battery 289 is reduced, the storage capacity of the battery 289 is reduced, and when the size of the electronic device 101 itself is increased, portability may be deteriorated. In the present disclosure, by applying a differential width structure without increasing the height H of the rod 910, it is possible to maintain appropriate extensibility of the support plate 800 while enhancing the rigidity of the rod 910.

[0118] In addition, in the support structure 900 of the present disclosure, the first width W1 of the central portion 915 of the rod 910 can be increased, so the area of ​​contact between the support structure 900 and the support region 820 of the support plate 800 can be increased. As a result, the adhesion between the support structure 900 and the support plate 800 can be enhanced.

[0119] According to an embodiment, the length L of the rod 910 may be longer than the length in the short direction of the support plate 800. For example, the end 919 of the rod 910 may protrude from the long side 800a of the support plate 800. However, for the embodiments proposed in the present disclosure, the end 919 of the rod 910 does not have to protrude.

[0120] According to an embodiment, the support region 820 may have a varying width. Here, the width of the support region 820 may refer to a length measured relative to the long direction of the support plate 800. In the support region 820, for example, a width 821 of a central portion of the support region 820 may be greater than a width 822 of an end portion in a short direction. Here, the central portion of the support region 820 may be a portion corresponding to the central portion 915 of the rod 910.

[0121] According to an embodiment, the shape of the support area 820 may correspond to the shape of the surface to which the one of the plurality of rods 910 is attached. For example, the shape of the support area 820 may correspond to the shape of the first side 911 of the rod 910. According to an embodiment, the support area 820 may be larger or smaller than the area of ​​the first side 911 of the rod 910.

[0122] Corresponding to the varying width of the support region 820, the width of the center portion in the stretchable region 810 may be smaller than the width of the end portion in the short direction. In a portion of the support plate 800 corresponding to a portion of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the curved surface 250), the stress due to bending may be the largest on the outside in the short direction. Therefore, a stretchable region 810 having a sufficient width may be provided to ensure the stretchability of the outside in the short direction where the maximum stress is generated. The center portion where relatively small stress is generated may have a small width to increase the width of the support region 820.

[0123] Fig.10 It is along Fig. 9The cross-sectional view taken along the line AA' shows the central portion of the rod 910 (eg, Fig. 9 center portion 915). Fig.11 It is along Fig. 9 The cross-sectional view taken along the line BB' shows the end of the rod 910 (eg, Fig. 9 end 919).

[0124] Reference Fig.10 and Fig.11 , according to an embodiment, a plurality of rods 910 may include a randomly selected first rod 910a and a second rod 910b adjacent to the first rod 910a. The first rod 910a or the second rod 910b or the first rod 910a and the second rod 910b may be formed so that some of the sides facing the adjacent rods 910 are inclined. For example, near the center portion 915 of the first rod 910a or the second rod 910b or the first rod 910a and the second rod 910b, the surface facing the adjacent rod 910 may be formed to be inclined. The adjacent rod 910 may correspond to, for example, a rod disposed on the right side of the first rod 910a or the second rod 910b in the drawings. For example, the adjacent rod 910 facing the inclined surface of the first rod 910a may be the second rod 910b.

[0125] According to an embodiment, the first rod 910a and / or the second rod 910b may be formed so as to face the flexible display (eg, Figure 7 The width of the first side 911 of the flexible display 700 is greater than the width of the second side 912. Here, the width of the first side 911 of the first rod 910a and / or the second rod 910b may correspond to Fig. 9 A portion near the center portion 915 of the rod 910 may be a portion having a width difference between the first side 911 and the second side 912. At the end 919 of the rod 910, the width of the first side 911 and the width of the second side 912 may be substantially the same or similar.

[0126] Since one surface of the central portion 910 of the rod 910 (eg, the first rod 910a) corresponding to the side surface 913 has an inclined structure, the rod 910 can be prevented from being moved when the rod 910 is located at an electronic device (eg, Figure 2 A portion of the electronic device 101) (eg, Figure 4 When the rod 910 is on the curved surface 250 ), it is physically interfered with by an adjacent rod 910 (eg, the second rod 910 b ).

[0127] In one embodiment, no inclined surface may be formed near the end 919 of the first rod 910a and / or the second rod 910b. The side surface of the rod 910 may be formed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the support plate 800 near the end 919 of the first rod 910a and / or the second rod 910b.

[0128] According to one embodiment, all rods 910 included in the support structure 900 may have the same shape. However, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. According to one embodiment, rods 910 having a variable width structure and rods 910 not having a variable width structure may be alternately arranged in the support structure 900. According to one embodiment, rods 910 having one surface of an inclined side surface 913 and rods 910 having a side surface 913 perpendicular to the support plate 800 may be alternately arranged in the support structure 900.

[0129] Fig.12 It shows that Fig. 9 The cross-sectional view of the bent state of the portion AA' shows a state in which an electronic device (eg, Figure 2 The central portion 915 of the rod 910 is located in a portion (eg, the curved surface 250 ) of the electronic device 101 .

[0130] Reference Fig.12 In the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment, the plurality of rods 910 may be spaced apart from adjacent rods 910 by a sufficient distance so as not to cause physical interference when located on a portion (e.g., the curved surface 250). In order to ensure a sufficient distance, the support plate 800 may have a structure in which an extendable region 810 having a predetermined width is located between the support regions 820.

[0131] In one embodiment, the width of the support region 820 increases by a first width (eg, Fig. 9 The first width W1 of the stretchable region 810 may be reduced, and as a result, the width of the stretchable region 810 may be reduced. One surface of the side surface 913 may be inclined to prevent physical interference between adjacent rods 910 on the curved surface 250 due to the reduction in the width of the stretchable region 810.

[0132] Figures 13 to 17 2 are views illustrating a supporting structure according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0133] according to Figures 13 to 17 The support structures of the various embodiments shown may be provided in the electronic device 101, instead of Figures 2 to 6b The support structure 213 of the electronic device 101 is shown. Figures 13 to 17 The supporting structures of the various embodiments shown are omitted from the description with reference to Figures 2 to 12 Portions of the support structures 213 and 900 described are repeated portions.

[0134] Figures 13 to 15 The cross-sectional view may correspond to Fig. 9 For example, Figures 13 to 15 The cross-sectional view may be along the center portion of the rod (e.g., Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view taken at the center portion 915).

[0135] When compared to Fig. 9 When the cross section is taken at the position corresponding to the line B-B', refer to Figures 13 to 15 The described embodiments may be used with Fig.11 In other words, the reference Figures 13 to 15 The support structure described according to various embodiments may have reference Figures 8 to 11 The support structures described have different width structural features.

[0136] Reference Fig.13 , according to an embodiment of the support structure 1300 (eg, Figure 7 The support structure 900) has a rod 1310 (eg, Figure 7 According to an embodiment, the rod 1310 constituting the support structure 1300 may include a first side 1311 (or an upper side), a second side 1312 (or a lower side) located opposite to the first side 1311, or a side 1313 located between the first side 1311 and the second side 1312.

[0137] According to an embodiment, at least one of the surfaces of the side surface 1313 of one rod 1310 facing another adjacent rod 1310 may have a curved surface slope. As an embodiment, at least one of the surfaces (e.g., side surfaces) constituting the side surface 1313 of one rod 1310 may have a curved surface slope. For example, at least one of the surfaces constituting the side surface 1313 may have an inclined curved shape so that the width of the first surface 1311 is greater than the width of the second side 1312. For example, at least one of the surfaces constituting the side surface 1313 may have a curved shape so that the width of the rod 1310 decreases as it approaches the second side 1312 from the first side 1311. Here, among the surfaces constituting the side surface 1313, the at least one surface forming the curved surface may be a surface parallel to the short side surface 800b of the support plate 800.

[0138] Fig.13 It is shown that the inclined curved surface is formed on the right side with respect to the drawing, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the inclined curved surface may be formed on the left side with respect to the drawing.

[0139] Reference Fig.14 , according to an embodiment of the support structure 1400 (eg, Figure 7 The support structure 900) has a rod 1410 (eg, Figure 7According to an embodiment, the rod 1410 constituting the support structure 1400 may include a first side 1411 (or an upper side), a second side 1412 (or a lower side) located opposite to the first side 1411, or a side 1413 located between the first side 1411 and the second side 1412.

[0140] According to an embodiment, the side surface 1413 may be formed of four surfaces. The side surface 1413 may include a first side surface 1413a and a second side surface 1413b located opposite to each other. The first side surface 1413a and the second side surface 1413b may extend in a direction parallel to the short side surface 800b of the support plate 800.

[0141] According to an embodiment, the first side surface 1413a and the second side surface 1413b may be formed to be inclined. The side surface 1413 may be formed so that the first side surface 1413a and the second side surface 1413b become closer to each other as it moves away from the first side 1411 of the rod 1410. For example, the first side surface 1413a and the second side surface 1413b may be formed to be inclined inwardly as they approach the second side 1412 from the first side 1411 of the rod 1410.

[0142] According to an embodiment, the first side surface 1413 a or the second side surface 1413 b may be formed to extend a predetermined length in a vertical direction from the first side 1411 and then be inclined as it approaches the second side 1412 while passing the predetermined length.

[0143] According to an embodiment, the first side surface 1413 a or the second side surface 1413 b may be formed of a curved surface.

[0144] Reference Fig.15 , according to one embodiment, a support structure 1500 (eg, Figure 7 The support structure 900 has at least one rod 1510 (eg, Figure 7 The rod 190 may have a portion facing the flexible display (eg, Figure 7 The rough surface (or textured surface) of the rear side of the flexible display 700 of the at least one rod 1510 may be formed as a rough surface (or textured surface). For example, the first side 1511 (or upper side) of the at least one rod 1510 may be formed as a rough surface (or textured surface). For example, the center portion (e.g., Fig. 9 The center portion 915 of the embodiment may be formed of a rough surface (or a textured surface), but is not limited thereto. Here, the rough surface (or a textured surface) may be formed in a regular or irregular pattern in which the protruding portions 1511a and the concave portions 1511b are alternately arranged, but is not limited thereto.

[0145] According to one embodiment, due to the at least one rod 1510 and the support plate (eg, Figure 7 The first side 1511 contacting the support plate 800) is roughened or textured, so the bonding surface area can be increased and the bonding force can be enhanced.

[0146] According to various embodiments, referring to Fig.15 The described rough surface structure (or textured surface structure) of the rod 1510 may be applied to rods according to various embodiments described throughout the disclosure. According to various embodiments, the rod 1510 may have a second side 1512 (eg, lower surface) or a side surface 1513 of various shapes.

[0147] Reference Fig.16 , according to one embodiment, a support structure 1600 (eg, Figure 7 The support structure 900 has at least one rod 1610 (eg, Figure 7 The rod 910) may be formed to have at least one stepped jaw 1611 whose width decreases from the center portion 1615 toward the end portion 1619. For example, the width of the at least one rod 1610 may decrease from the center portion 1615 toward the end portion 1619, and may decrease in a stepwise manner. For example, the support structure 1600 may include, but is not limited to, three stepped jaws 1611a, 1611b, and 1611c, creating a width difference between the center portion 1615 and the end portion 1619.

[0148] Reference Fig.17 , according to one embodiment, a support structure 1700 (eg, Figure 7 The support structure 900 has at least one rod 1710 (eg, Figure 7 The rod 910) may be formed such that the width decreases at a predetermined slope as it approaches the end 1719 from the center portion 1715. For example, the width of the at least one rod 1710 may gradually decrease from the center portion 1715 toward the end 1719. For example, the at least one rod 1710 may have an inclined surface 1711 whose width gradually decreases from the center portion 1715 toward the end 1719.

[0149] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 2 The supporting structure of the electronic device 101 (eg, Figure 7 The support structure 900 may include Figures 8 to 17 A combination of one or more of the various shapes of rods shown.

[0150] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (eg, Figure 2 The electronic device 101 may include a flexible display (eg, Figure 7The flexible display 700 includes a flat area (eg, Figure 7 A flat area A1) and a configuration along a curved surface (e.g., Figure 4 The curved surface 250) moves the curved area (eg, Figure 7 bending area A2); and a supporting structure (eg, Figure 7 The support structure 900 includes a plurality of rods disposed to be spaced apart from each other, on the rear side of the bending area A2 included in the flexible display 700. At least one of the plurality of rods (e.g., Figure 7 The rod 910), the central portion (eg, Fig. 9 The width of the center portion 915) may be greater than the width of the end portions (eg, Fig. 9 The width of the end portion 919).

[0151] According to an embodiment, the at least one rod 910 may have a variable width structure in which the width gradually decreases from the center portion 915 toward the end portion 919 .

[0152] According to one embodiment, the at least one rod (e.g. Fig.16 The rod 1610 in the embodiment may be formed to have at least one stepped jaw (eg, Fig.16 The jaws 1611 are such that the width is from the center portion (eg, Fig.16 The center portion 1615) toward the end portion (eg, Fig.16 end) is reduced.

[0153] According to an embodiment, the at least one rod 910 may have a symmetrical structure with respect to the central portion 915 .

[0154] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a support plate 800 having one surface facing the rear side of the flexible display 700 and another surface having at least a portion provided to contact the support structure 900 .

[0155] According to an embodiment, in an area corresponding to the bending area A2 of the flexible display 700, the support plate 800 may have a plurality of holes or slits (eg, Figure 8 holes or slits 811).

[0156] According to one embodiment, in a portion of the support plate 800, the stretchable area (e.g., Figure 8 stretchable region 810) and a support region (e.g., Figure 8 The support areas 820 of the embodiment may be arranged alternately. The stretchable area 810 may include a plurality of holes or slits 811.

[0157] According to an embodiment, the support plate 800 may include a support area 820 to which the at least one rod 910 is to be adhered. The shape of the support area 820 may correspond to the shape of the surface to which the at least one rod 910 is to be adhered.

[0158] According to an embodiment, the at least one rod 1510 may have a rough surface facing the rear side of the flexible display 700 .

[0159] According to an embodiment, the plurality of rods may include a first rod (eg, Fig.10 A first rod 910a) and a second rod adjacent to the first rod 910a (eg, Fig.10 At least one of the first rod 910a or the second rod 910b may have a portion of a surface facing the adjacent rod, the portion being formed by the inclined surface 913 or 1313.

[0160] According to an embodiment, the inclined surface 913 or 1313 may be a flat surface 913 or a curved surface 1313 .

[0161] According to an embodiment, the plurality of rods may include a first rod 910a and a second rod 910b adjacent to the first rod 910a. At least one of the first rod 910a or the second rod 910b may be formed in the center portion 915 so that a width of a first surface 911 facing the flexible display 700 is greater than a width of a second surface 912 opposite to the first surface 911.

[0162] According to an embodiment, the display assembly 70 of the electronic device 101 may include a flexible display 700 and a support plate 800, the flexible display 700 includes a flat area A1 and a curved area A2 selectively moving along the curved surface 250, and the support plate 800 has a surface disposed on the rear side of the curved area A2, and a portion corresponding to the curved area A2 is formed as a stretchable area 810 and a support area 820 alternately formed. The stretchable area 810 may include a plurality of holes or slits. The support area 820 may have a central portion having a width greater than that of the end portions.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the stretchable region 810 may have a central portion 915 having a width that is smaller than a width of the end portions 919 .

[0164] According to an embodiment, the display assembly may further include a support structure 900 including a rod 910 disposed in the support area 820 .

[0165] According to an embodiment, the support area 820 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the adhered rod 910 .

[0166] According to an embodiment, the rod 910 disposed in the support area 820 may have a central portion 915 having a width greater than a width of the end portions 919 .

[0167] According to an embodiment, the rod 910 disposed in the support area 820 may have a differential width structure in which the width gradually decreases from the center portion 915 toward the end portion 919 .

[0168] According to an embodiment, the rod 1610 disposed in the support area 820 may be provided with at least one stepped jaw 1611 whose width decreases from the central portion 1615 to the end portion 1619 .

[0169] According to an embodiment, the rod 1510 disposed in the support area 820 may have a rough surface facing the support plate 800 .

[0170] As used herein, the term is provided only to describe some embodiments thereof, but is not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "one", "an" and "the" are intended to also include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C" and "at least one of A, B or C" can include all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding one of the phrases. As used herein, the term "and / or" should be understood to cover any and all possible combinations of one or more listed items. As used herein, the terms "include", "have" and "include" are only used to specify the existence of the features, components, parts or combinations thereof described herein, but the use of these terms does not exclude the possibility of the existence or addition of one or more other features, components, parts or combinations thereof. As used herein, the terms "first" and "second" can modify various components regardless of importance and / or order, and are used to distinguish a component from another component without limiting the components.

[0171] As used herein, the term "configured to" may be used interchangeably with the terms "suitable for," "capable of," "designed to," "adapted to," "made to," or "capable of," depending on the circumstances. The term "configured to" does not inherently mean "specifically designed in hardware to." Rather, the term "configured to" may mean that a device may perform an operation together with another device or part. For example, "a device configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" may be a dedicated device that performs the corresponding operations, or may represent a general-purpose device that is capable of performing various operations including the corresponding operations.

[0172] In addition, the terms “upper side”, “lower side”, and “front-rear direction” used in the present disclosure are defined with respect to the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0173] In the present disclosure, the above description is mainly directed to specific embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to such specific embodiments, but should be construed as covering all various modifications, equivalents and / or substitutes of various embodiments.

Claims

1. An electronic device (101), comprising: A flexible display (700) comprising a flat area (A1) and a curved area (A2) configured to move along a curved surface (250); as well as A support structure (900, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700) comprising a plurality of rods arranged to be spaced apart from each other, on the rear side of the bending area (A2) included in the flexible display (700), In at least one of the plurality of rods (910, 1310, 1410, 1510, 1610, 1710), a width of a central portion (915, 1615, 1715) is greater than a width of an end portion (919, 1619, 1719).

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, The at least one rod (910, 1710) has a variable width structure in which the width gradually decreases from the central portion (915, 1715) toward the end portion (919, 1719).

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, The at least one rod (1610) is formed to have at least one stepped jaw (1611) such that the width decreases from the central portion (1615) toward the end portion (1619).

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, The at least one rod (910, 1610, 1710) has a symmetrical structure relative to the central portion (915, 1615, 1715).

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising A support plate (800) having one surface and another surface, the one surface facing the rear side of the flexible display (700), the other surface having at least a portion provided to contact the support structure (900, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700).

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, Wherein in the support plate (800), in an area corresponding to the bending area (A2) of the flexible display (700), support areas (820) contacting the plurality of rods and stretchable areas having the plurality of holes or slits (811) are alternately arranged.

7. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the support plate (800) comprises a support area (820) to which the at least one rod (910, 1310, 1410, 1510, 1610, 1710) is to be adhered, and The shape of the support area (820) corresponds to the shape of the surface of the at least one rod (910, 1310, 1410, 1510, 1610, 1710).

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, The at least one rod (1510) has a rough surface facing the rear side of the flexible display (700).

9. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of rods include a first rod (910a) and a second rod (910b) adjacent to the first rod (910a), and At least one of the first rod (910a) or the second rod (910b) has a portion of a surface facing an adjacent rod, the portion being formed by a flat or curved inclined surface (913, 1313, 1413, 1513).

10. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of rods include a first rod (910a) and a second rod (910b) adjacent to the first rod (910a); and At least one of the first rod (910a) or the second rod (910b) is formed in the central portion (915) so that the width of the first surface (911) facing the flexible display (700) is greater than the width of the second surface (912) opposite to the first surface (911).

11. A display assembly (70) of an electronic device (101), comprising: A flexible display (700) comprising a flat area (A1) and a curved area (A2) selectively movable along a curved surface (250); and A support plate (800) having a surface disposed on the rear side of the bending area (A2), a portion corresponding to the bending area (A2) being formed such that stretchable areas (810) and support areas (820) are alternately formed, wherein the stretchable region (810) comprises a plurality of holes or slits, and The support area (820) has a central portion having a width greater than a width of the end portions.

12. The display assembly according to claim 11, The stretchable region (810) has a central portion having a width smaller than a width of the end portions.

13. The display assembly according to claim 11, Also included is a support structure (900) comprising a rod (910) disposed in the support region (820).

14. The display assembly according to claim 13, wherein the support area (820) has a shape corresponding to the shape of the rod (910) to be adhered to the support area (820).

15. The display assembly according to claim 13, The rod (910) disposed in the support area (820) has a central portion (915) having a width greater than a width of the end portions (919).

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