Housing comprising structure rotatable relative to electronic device

Abstract

A housing according to an embodiment includes: a base portion; and a door rotatable with respect to the base and switchable between a first state facing a side surface of the electronic device and a second state in which the side surface of the electronic device is exposed to an outside of the housing, in which a state of the door is switched from the first state to the second state based on a state of the electronic device being switched from a slide-in state to a slide-out state, and switching from the second state to the first state based on switching of the state of the electronic device from the slide-out state to the slide-in state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a housing including a structure that is rotatable relative to an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] When the electronic device is carried by a user, the electronic device may be exposed to various environments. The housing may protect the electronic device from being exposed to various environments by being detachably coupled to the electronic device. In order to enable the user to be provided with various contents through the electronic device, the electronic device may include a structure in which the size of a display for displaying the contents may be changed. Since the structure of the electronic device is changed, the housing coupled to the electronic device may include various structures corresponding to the changed structure of the electronic device. Summary of the invention

[0003] Technical Solution

[0004] According to one embodiment, a housing detachably connected to an electronic device, the housing may include a base. According to one embodiment, the housing may include a door, which can be changed to a first state facing a side surface of the electronic device and a second state in which the side surface of the electronic device is exposed to the outside of the housing by rotating relative to the base. According to one embodiment, the housing may include a wireless communication circuit, which is configured to provide a driving force to the door based on receiving a signal from the electronic device. According to one embodiment, the wireless communication circuit may be configured to change the state of the door from a first state to a second state based on the state of the electronic device changing from a slide-in state of the electronic device to a slide-out state of the electronic device, in which the display of the electronic device has a first size, and in which the display has a second size larger than the first size. According to one embodiment, the wireless communication circuit may be configured to change the state of the door from a second state to a first state based on the state of the electronic device changing from a slide-out state to a slide-in state.

[0005] According to an embodiment, a housing that is detachably coupled to an electronic device may include a base. According to an embodiment, the housing may include a door that is rotatable relative to the base, and the door may be changed to a first state that covers a side surface of the electronic device and a second state in which the side surface of the electronic device is exposed to the outside of the housing. According to an embodiment, the housing may include a shaft that couples the door to the base and penetrates the door and the base. According to an embodiment, the housing may include a pinion that is coupled to the shaft and rotatable relative to the base. According to an embodiment, the housing may include a rack that meshes with the pinion, and the rack is movable within the base. According to an embodiment, the housing may include a magnet coupled to the rack. According to an embodiment, the housing may include an electromagnet disposed within the base. According to an embodiment, the housing may include a wireless communication circuit that is configured to apply power to the electromagnet based on receiving a signal from the electronic device. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit may be configured to change the state of the door to the first state by changing the polarity of one end of the electromagnet to be different from the polarity of one end of the magnet. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit may be configured to change the state of the door to the second state by changing the polarity of the end of the electromagnet to be the same as the polarity of the end of the magnet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1a is a perspective view of an exemplary housing according to an embodiment.

[0007] Figure 1b A first state of an exemplary housing according to an embodiment is shown.

[0008] Figure 1c A second state of an exemplary housing is shown according to an embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2a An example is shown in which an exemplary housing according to an embodiment is coupled to an electronic device in a first state.

[0010] Figure 2b An exemplary housing according to an embodiment is shown along Figure 2a An example where the line AA' is intercepted.

[0011] Figure 2c An example is shown in which an exemplary housing according to an embodiment is coupled to an electronic device in a second state.

[0012] Figure 2d An exemplary housing according to an embodiment is shown along Figure 2c An example where the line BB' is intercepted.

[0013] Figure 3a An example is shown in which an exemplary housing according to an embodiment is coupled to an electronic device.

[0014] Figure 3b is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary housing according to an embodiment in a first state.

[0015] Figure 3c is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary housing according to an embodiment in a second state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Figure 1a is a perspective view of an exemplary housing according to an embodiment, Figure 1b shows a first state of an exemplary housing according to an embodiment, Figure 1c A second state of an exemplary housing is shown according to an embodiment.

[0017] refer to Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c According to an embodiment, the housing 100 may include a base 110, a door 120, a shaft 130, a pinion 140, a rack 150, a magnet 160, an electromagnet 170, and / or a wireless communication circuit 180. According to an embodiment, the housing 100 may be detachably coupled to the electronic device. For example, when coupled to the electronic device, the housing 100 may surround at least a portion of an outer surface of the electronic device. The housing 100 may protect the electronic device when coupled to the electronic device.

[0018] The base 110 may support the electronic device when it is coupled to the electronic device. According to an embodiment, when the housing is coupled to the electronic device, the base 110 may surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the electronic device. For example, when the housing is coupled to the electronic device, the base 110 may contact the outer surface of the electronic device. According to an embodiment, the size of the base 110 may correspond to the size of the electronic device. For example, the base 110 may be made of a non-conductive material. For example, the base 110 may be manufactured by an injection process using a resin including a non-conductive material. However, it is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the base 110 may be manufactured by a conductive material. According to an embodiment, the base 110 may provide a space in which components of the housing 100 may be disposed. For example, components of the housing 100 may be supported by the base 110. According to an embodiment, the base 110 may include a support portion 111 and a partition wall 112.

[0019] When the housing 100 is coupled to the electronic device, the support portion 111 may face the rear surface of the electronic device. The rear surface of the electronic device may mean an outer surface of the electronic device opposite to the front surface of the electronic device on which a display is disposed. For example, according to one embodiment, in the support portion 111, the size of the support portion 111 may correspond to the size of the rear surface of the electronic device. According to one embodiment, the support portion 111 may include at least one camera hole 111a. When the housing 100 is coupled to the electronic device, the at least one camera hole 111a may overlap with at least one camera of the electronic device. According to one embodiment, the at least one camera hole 111a may penetrate the support portion 111. At least one camera of the electronic device may be exposed through the at least one camera hole 111a.

[0020] When the housing 100 is coupled to the electronic device, the partition wall 112 may surround the edge of the electronic device. For example, when the housing 100 is coupled to the electronic device, the partition wall 112 may surround the edge of the electronic device. According to one embodiment, the partition wall 112 may surround the support portion 111. For example, the partition wall 112 may be disposed on the edge of the support portion 111. For example, the partition wall 112 may protrude from the edge of the support portion 111. According to one embodiment, the partition wall 112 may include a connector hole 112b. When the housing 100 is coupled to the electronic device, the connector hole 112b may face the interface hole of the electronic device. The connector hole 112b of the housing 100 and the interface hole of the electronic device may accommodate a connector for electrically connecting the electronic device and an external electronic device to each other. The electronic device may receive data from the external electronic device or send data to the external electronic device through the connector. The electronic device may receive power from the external electronic device or send power to the external electronic device.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the base 110 may include a guide rail 113. The guide rail 113 may guide the movement of the rack 150 relative to the base 110. The guide rail 113 may guide the movement of the magnet 160 relative to the base 110. The guide rail 113 may be disposed inside the partition wall 112 of the base 110. According to an embodiment, the guide rail 113 may extend inside the interior of the base 110. For example, the guide rail 113 may have a shape that extends linearly inside the interior of the base 110. According to an embodiment, the guide rail 113 may surround the rack 150 and the magnet 160.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the base 110 may include a guide groove 114. The guide groove 114 may accommodate the rack 150. For example, the guide groove 114 may be disposed inside the partition wall 112 of the base 110. According to one embodiment, the guide groove 114 may surround the rack 150 and guide the movement of the rack 150. The guide groove 114 may define a moving path of the rack 150. According to one embodiment, the guide groove 114 may be curved inside the interior of the base 110. For example, the guide groove 114 may have a curvature at the edge of the partition wall 112 and be curved. According to one embodiment, a portion 114a of the guide groove 114 may be open toward the pinion 140. For example, the portion 114a of the guide groove 114 may be connected to a space in which the pinion 140 is disposed.

[0023] The door 120 may protect the side surface of the electronic device when the housing 100 is coupled to the electronic device. When the housing 100 is coupled to the electronic device, the door 120 may face the side surface of the electronic device. When the housing 100 is coupled to the electronic device, the door 120 may cover the side surface of the electronic device. According to one embodiment, the door 120 may rotate relative to the base 110. For example, in the first state of the door 120, the door 120 may face the side surface of the electronic device coupled to the housing 100. In the first state of the door 120, the door 120 may cover the side surface of the electronic device coupled to the housing 100. For example, in the second state of the door 120, the side surface of the electronic device may be exposed to the outside of the housing 100. According to one embodiment, the door 120 may have a shape corresponding to the side surface of the electronic device. For example, at least a portion of the door 120 may have a curvature and be bent.

[0024] The shaft 130 may provide a rotation center of the door 120. For example, the door 120 may be rotatable relative to the base 110 based on the shaft 130. According to an embodiment, the shaft 130 may couple the door 120 to the base 110. For example, the shaft 130 may rotatably couple the door 120 to the base 110. According to an embodiment, the shaft 130 may penetrate the door 120. For example, one end of the shaft 130 may be coupled to the door 120. According to an embodiment, the shaft 130 may penetrate the base 110. For example, the other end of the shaft 130 opposite to the end of the shaft 130 may be disposed inside the base 110. The other end of the shaft 130 may be coupled to the pinion 140 inside the base 110. The other end of the shaft 130 may penetrate the pinion 140. According to an embodiment, the shaft 130 may rotate the door 120 based on receiving a driving force from the pinion 140. For example, by rotating via the pinion 140 , the shaft 130 may rotate together with the door 120 coupled to the shaft 130 .

[0025] According to one embodiment, the pinion 140 may be rotatable within the interior of the base 110. For example, the pinion 140 may be disposed outside the door 120 and may be rotatable relative to the base 110. According to one embodiment, the pinion 140 may be coupled to the shaft 130. For example, the pinion 140 may be coupled to the other end of the shaft 130 disposed inside the base 110. According to one embodiment, the pinion 140 may be engaged with the rack 150 and may be rotated by the movement of the rack 150. For example, the pinion 140 may include a plurality of gear teeth disposed along the circumference of the pinion 140. The plurality of gear teeth may be spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the pinion 140. The plurality of gear teeth of the pinion 140 may be engaged with the gear teeth of the rack 150.

[0026] The rack 150 may be movable within the interior of the base 110. For example, the rack 150 may be movable within the interior of the partition wall 112 of the base 110. According to one embodiment, the rack 150 may be movable within the interior of the guide rail 113. The rack 150 may be movable within the interior of the guide groove 114. For example, one end of the rack 150 may be movable within the interior of the guide groove 114. For example, the other end of the rack 150 opposite to the end of the rack 150 may be movable within the interior of the guide rail 113. According to one embodiment, the rack 150 may be engaged with the pinion 140. The rack 150 may include a plurality of gear teeth that are engaged with a plurality of gear teeth of the pinion 140. For example, the rack 150 may be engaged with the pinion 140 through a portion 114a of the guide groove 114 that is open toward the pinion 140. The rack gear 150 may rotate the pinion gear 140 by moving within the interior of the base 110 in a state of being engaged with the pinion gear 140 .

[0027] According to one embodiment, the rack 150 may be deformable by moving relative to the base 110. For example, a portion of the rack 150 disposed inside the guide rail 113 may be parallel to the surface of the base 110. A portion of the rack 150 disposed inside the guide rail 113 may be parallel to the surface of the support portion 111. A portion of the rack 150 disposed inside the guide rail 113 may have a shape extending straight. For example, another portion of the rack 150 disposed outside the guide rail 113 may have a curvature and be bent. Another portion of the rack 150 disposed outside the guide rail 113 may have a curvature inside the guide groove 114 and be bent.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the magnet 160 may be movable within the interior of the base 110. For example, the magnet 160 may be housed within the interior of the guide rail 113 and movable within the interior of the guide rail 113. According to one embodiment, the magnet 160 may include a material having magnetism. For example, the magnet 160 may be a permanent magnet whose polarity does not change, but is not limited thereto. According to one embodiment, the magnet 160 may move the rack 150. The magnet 160 may move the rack 150 by interacting with the electromagnet 170. The magnet 160 may be coupled to the rack 150. For example, the magnet 160 may be coupled to the end of the rack 150. For example, the rack 150 may be moved by the attraction between the magnet 160 and the electromagnet 170. For example, the rack 150 may be moved by the repulsion between the magnet 160 and the electromagnet.

[0029] The electromagnet 170 may be configured to generate a magnetic field based on receiving power from the electromagnet 170. For example, the electromagnet 170 may include a core 171 and a coil 172. The core 171 may have a polarity based on receiving a magnetic field applied by the coil 172. For example, the core 171 may form a magnetic field by a magnetic field applied by the coil 172. Without receiving a magnetic field from the outside, the core 171 may not have a polarity. For example, the core 171 may include a ferromagnetic material. The coil 172 may apply a magnetic field to the core 171 based on receiving power applied from the outside. For example, the coil 172 may receive power from the wireless communication circuit 180. For example, the coil 172 may include a wire surrounding the core 171.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the electromagnet 170 may be disposed inside the base 110. The electromagnet 170 may be coupled to the inside of the base 110. For example, the electromagnet 170 may be coupled to the guide rail 113 inside the inside of the base 110. The core 171 of the electromagnet 170 may be disposed inside the guide rail 113. The core 171 disposed inside the guide rail 113 may face the magnet 160. For example, the coil 172 of the electromagnet 170 may be disposed outside the guide rail 113. However, not limited thereto, according to an embodiment, the coil 172 of the electromagnet 170 may surround the core 171 inside the guide rail 113.

[0031] The wireless communication circuit 180 may receive a signal from outside the housing 100. For example, when the housing 100 is coupled to an electronic device, the wireless communication circuit 180 may receive a signal from the electronic device. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit 180 may be configured to apply power to the electromagnet 170 based on receiving a signal from the electronic device. For example, the wireless communication circuit 180 may apply a current to the coil 172 of the electromagnet 170 based on receiving power from the electronic device. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit 180 may include a loop antenna including a coil. For example, the wireless communication circuit 180 may include a near field communication (NFC) antenna. The loop antenna may receive a magnetic field applied from an electronic device. The magnetic field received by the loop antenna may obtain power in the coil of the loop antenna through an electromagnetic induction phenomenon within the loop antenna. The wireless communication circuit 180 may apply the obtained power to the electromagnet 170.

[0032] According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit 180 may be disposed inside the base 110. For example, the wireless communication circuit 180 may be disposed inside the support portion 111 of the base 110. However, this is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit 180 may be exposed to the outside of the base 110. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit 180 may be electrically connected to the electromagnet 170. For example, the wireless communication circuit 180 may be electrically connected to the electromagnet 170 in a state separated from the electromagnet 170. For example, the wireless communication circuit 180 may be electrically connected to the coil 172 of the electromagnet 170.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit 180 may be configured to change the polarity of the end 170a of the electromagnet 170 based on receiving power from the electronic device. The end 170a of the electromagnet may face the end 160a of the magnet 160. The other end 160b of the magnet 160 opposite to the end 160a of the magnet 160 may be coupled to the rack 150. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit 180 may change the polarity of the end 170a of the electromagnet 170 to the polarity of the end 160a of the magnet 160 identically. For example, when the polarity of the end 170a of the electromagnet 170 and the polarity of the end 160a of the magnet 160 are the same, the polarity of the end 170a of the electromagnet 170 and the polarity of the end 160a of the magnet 160 may both be the same as the N pole or the S pole. The wireless communication circuit 180 may be configured to change the state of the door 120 to the first state by changing the polarity of the end 170a of the electromagnet 170 to be the same as the polarity of the end 160a of the magnet 160. For example, when the polarities of the end 170a of the electromagnet 170 and the end 160a of the magnet 160 are the same, a repulsive force may be generated between the electromagnet 170 and the magnet 160. By the repulsive force between the electromagnet 170 and the magnet 160, the magnet 160 may move in a direction away from the electromagnet 170. As the magnet 160 moves, the rack 150 coupled to the magnet 160 may move in a direction away from the electromagnet 170. As the rack 150 moves in a direction away from the electromagnet 170, the pinion 140 meshing with the rack 150 may rotate relative to the base 110. By the rotation of the pinion 140, the shaft 130 coupled to the pinion 140 may rotate. By the rotation of the shaft 130, the state of the door 120 can be changed to the first state by rotating the door 120 relative to the base 110. For example, when the polarity of the end 170a of the electromagnet 170 and the polarity of the end 160a of the magnet 160 are the same, the state of the door 120 can be changed from the second state to the first state by the rotation of the pinion 140.

[0034] According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit 180 may change the polarity of the end 170a of the electromagnet 170 to be different from the polarity of the end 160a of the magnet 160. For example, when the polarity of the end 170a of the electromagnet 170 and the polarity of the end 160a of the magnet 160 are different from each other, the polarity of the end 170a of the electromagnet 170 may be one of the N pole and the S pole, and the polarity of the end 160a of the magnet 160 may be the other of the N pole and the S pole. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit 180 may be configured to change the state of the door 120 to the second state by differently changing the polarity of the end 170a of the electromagnet 170 and the polarity of the end 160a of the magnet 160. For example, when the polarity of the end 170a of the electromagnet 170 and the polarity of the end 160a of the magnet 160 are different from each other, an attractive force may occur between the electromagnet 170 and the magnet 160. By the attraction between the electromagnet 170 and the magnet 160, the magnet 160 may move in a direction closer to the electromagnet 170. As the magnet 160 moves, the rack 150 coupled to the magnet 160 may move in a direction closer to the electromagnet 170. As the rack 150 moves in a direction closer to the electromagnet 170, the pinion 140 meshing with the rack 150 may rotate relative to the base 110. By the rotation of the pinion 140, the shaft 130 coupled to the pinion 140 may rotate. By the rotation of the shaft 130, the state of the door 120 may be changed to a second state by rotating the door 120 relative to the base 110. For example, when the polarity of the end 170a of the electromagnet 170 and the polarity of the end 160a of the magnet 160 are different, the state of the door 120 may be changed from the first state to the second state by the rotation of the pinion 140.

[0035] As described above, since the state of the door 120 is changed through the wireless communication circuit 180 without a manual operation of the user, the housing 100 according to an embodiment may provide convenience to the user.

[0036] Figure 2a An example in which an exemplary housing according to an embodiment is coupled to an electronic device in a first state is shown, Figure 2b An exemplary housing according to an embodiment is shown along Figure 2a An example of an A-A' interception is: Figure 2c An example in which an exemplary housing according to an embodiment is coupled to an electronic device in a second state is shown, Figure 2d An exemplary housing according to an embodiment is shown along Figure 2c Example of a B-B' intercept.

[0037] refer to Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 2c and Figure 2dAccording to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a first housing 210, a second housing 220 and / or a display 230. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may be referred to as a rollable electronic device in terms of a portion of the display 230 being rolled up inside the first housing 210. The electronic device 200 may be referred to as a slidable electronic device in terms of the portion of the display 230 being slidable relative to the first housing 210.

[0038] The first housing 210 may define a portion of an outer surface of the electronic device 200. The first housing 210 may define a space in which components of the electronic device 200 may be disposed. The first housing 210 may support various components of the electronic device 200. According to one embodiment, the first housing 210 may define a rear surface 200a of the electronic device 200. The rear surface 200a of the electronic device 200 may be opposite to a front surface 200b of the electronic device 200 on which the display 230 is disposed. For example, the direction facing the rear surface 200a of the electronic device 200 may be opposite to the direction facing the front surface 200b of the electronic device 200. According to one embodiment, when the housing 100 is coupled to the electronic device 200, the rear surface 200a of the electronic device 200 may face a surface of the support portion 111 of the base 110.

[0039] The second housing 220 may define another portion of the outer surface of the electronic device 200. According to an embodiment, the second housing 220 may be movable relative to the first housing 210. For example, the second housing 220 may slide inside the first housing 210 or outside the first housing 210. For example, the second housing 220 may be linearly movable relative to the first housing 210. For example, the second housing 220 may be inserted into the interior of the first housing 210, or may be withdrawn from the first housing 210. According to an embodiment, the second housing 220 may support components of the electronic device 200. For example, the second housing 220 may support the display 230.

[0040] The display 230 may be configured to provide visual information. According to an embodiment, the display 230 may be disposed on a surface of the second housing 220. The display 230 may move relative to the first housing 210 together with the second housing 220. According to an embodiment, the display 230 may be drawn out to the outside of the first housing 210 by the movement of the second housing 220 relative to the first housing 210. For example, as the second housing 220 moves relative to the first housing 210 in a first direction d1, the display 230 may slide from the inside of the first housing 210 to the outside of the first housing 210. As the second housing 220 moves in the first direction d1, the size of the display area of ​​the display 230 visible from the outside of the electronic device 200 may increase. For example, as the second housing 220 moves relative to the first housing 210 in a second direction d2 opposite to the first direction d1, the display 230 may slide from the outside of the first housing 210 to the inside of the first housing 210. As the second housing 220 moves in the second direction d2, the size of the display area of ​​the display 230 visible from the outside of the electronic device 200 may decrease.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the state of the electronic device 200 may be changed by the movement of the second housing 220. For example, the state of the electronic device 200 may include a slide-in state and / or a slide-out state. In the slide-in state of the electronic device 200, the second housing 220 may be movable in only the first direction d1 of the first direction d1 and the second direction d2. In the slide-in state of the electronic device 200, the second housing 220 may not be movable in the second direction d2. In the slide-in state of the electronic device 200, the display 230 may have a first size. The size of the display 230 may mean an area of ​​the display 230 visible from the outside of the electronic device 200. The slide-in state of the electronic device 200 may be referred to as, for example, a reduced state. In the slide-out state of the electronic device 200, the second housing 220 may be movable in only the second direction d2 of the first direction d1 and the second direction d2. In the slide-out state of the electronic device 200, the second housing 220 may not be movable in the first direction d1. In the slid-out state of the electronic device 200, the size of the display 230 may have a second size greater than the first size. The slid-out state of the electronic device 200 may be referred to as, for example, an extended state.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the movement of the second housing 220 relative to the first housing 210 may be performed based on an external force transmitted from a user or a driving force of a driving module (not shown) disposed inside the first housing 210 or the second housing 220. For example, the operation of the driving module may be triggered based on the user's input. According to one embodiment, the user input for triggering the operation of the driving module may include a touch input, a force touch input, and / or a gesture input through the display 230. According to one embodiment, the user input for triggering the operation of the driving module may include an audio input (voice input) or an input of a physical button exposed to the outside of the first housing 210 or the second housing 220. According to one embodiment, the operation of the driving module may be triggered in response to detecting an input of an external force by a user.

[0043] According to one embodiment, in the sliding-in state of the electronic device 200, the state of the door 120 may be a first state. In the first state of the door 120, the door 120 may face the side surface 200c of the electronic device 200. The side surface 200c of the electronic device 200 may mean, for example, a surface of the electronic device 200 facing the first direction d1. The side surface 200c of the electronic device 200 may be arranged between the rear surface 200a of the electronic device 200 and the front surface 200b of the electronic device 200. The side surface 200c of the electronic device 200 may connect the rear surface 200a of the electronic device 200 and the front surface 200b of the electronic device 200. According to one embodiment, the side surface 200c of the electronic device 200 may have a curvature and may be bent. However, not limited thereto, the side surface 200c of the electronic device 200 may be perpendicular to the rear surface 200a and / or the front surface 200b of the electronic device 200.

[0044] According to an embodiment, the state of the door 120 may be changed based on an input that changes the state of the electronic device 200. For example, the electronic device 200 may receive a user input that changes the state of the electronic device 200 through a wireless communication circuit (e.g., Figure 1a The wireless communication circuit 180) changes the state of the door 120.

[0045] According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit 180 may change the state of the door 120 from the first state to the second state based on the state of the electronic device 200 changing from the slide-in state to the slide-out state. For example, the wireless communication circuit 180 may change the state of the door 120 from the first state to the second state before the state of the electronic device 200 changes from the slide-in state to the slide-out state. For example, the wireless communication circuit 180 may change the state of the door 120 from the first state to the second state while the state of the electronic device 200 changes from the slide-in state to the slide-out state. For example, the electronic device 200 may recognize a first user input for driving the second housing 220 in the first direction d1 in the slide-in state of the electronic device 200. The electronic device 200 may transmit a first signal to the wireless communication circuit 180 based on the recognition of the first user input. The wireless communication circuit 180 may change the polarity of the end 170a of the electromagnet 170 to be different from the polarity of the end 160a of the magnet 160 based on receiving the first signal from the electronic device 200. As the polarity of the end 170a of the electromagnet 170 changes to be different from the polarity of the end 160a of the magnet 160, the state of the door 120 can be changed from the first state to the second state by the movement of the rack 150. As the state of the door 120 changes to the second state, the side surface 200c of the electronic device 200 can be exposed to the outside of the housing 100. According to one embodiment, after the state of the door 120 changes to the second state, the electronic device 200 can move the second housing 220 in the first direction d1. As the second housing 220 moves in the first direction, the state of the electronic device 200 can change from the slide-in state to the slide-out state. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the electronic device 200 can move the second housing 220 while the door 120 rotates.

[0046] According to an embodiment, in the second state of the door 120, the door 120 may be spaced apart from the rear surface 200a of the electronic device 200 connected to the side surface 200c. For example, in a case where the door 120 contacts the rear surface 200a of the electronic device 200 in the second state of the door 120, as the movement of the second housing 220 is repeated, the rear surface 200a of the electronic device 200 may be damaged. Since the door 120 is spaced apart from the rear surface 200a of the electronic device 200 in the second state of the door 120, the housing 100 according to an embodiment may provide a structure capable of preventing damage to the electronic device 200.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the wireless communication circuit 180 may change the state of the door 120 from the second state to the first state based on the state of the electronic device 200 changing from the slide-out state to the slide-in state. For example, after the state of the electronic device 200 changes from the slide-out state to the slide-in state, the wireless communication circuit 180 may change the state of the door 120 from the second state to the first state. For example, the wireless communication circuit 180 may change the state of the door 120 from the second state to the first state while the state of the electronic device 200 changes from the slide-out state to the slide-in state. For example, the electronic device 200 may identify a second user input for driving the second housing 220 in the second direction d2 in the slide-out state of the electronic device 200. The electronic device 200 may move the second housing 220 in the second direction d2 based on identifying the user input for driving the second housing 220 in the second direction d2. As the second housing 220 moves in the second direction d2, the state of the electronic device 200 may change from the slide-out state to the slide-in state. After the state change of the electronic device 200 is completed, the electronic device 200 may send a second signal to the wireless communication circuit 180, the second signal being used to change the state of the door 120 from the second state to the first state. The wireless communication circuit 180 may change the polarity of the end 170a of the electromagnet 170 to be the same as the polarity of the end 160a of the magnet 160 based on receiving the second signal from the electronic device 200. As the polarity of the end 170a of the electromagnet 170 is changed to be the same as the polarity of the end 160a of the magnet 160, the state of the door 120 may be changed from the second state to the first state by the movement of the rack 150. As the state of the door 120 is changed to the first state, the side surface 200c of the electronic device 200 may face the door 120. In the first state of the door 120, the side surface 200c of the electronic device 200 may be covered by the door 120.

[0048] Meanwhile, in the above description, it is described that the change of the state of the door 120 starts after the movement of the second housing 220 for changing the state of the electronic device 200 from the slide-out state to the slide-in state is completed, however, it is not limited thereto. For example, the change of the state of the door 120 may start while the second housing 220 is moving.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may identify an obstacle inside or outside the housing 100 based on identifying whether the change of the state of the electronic device 200 is completed. For example, the electronic device 200 may identify an obstacle inside or outside the housing 100 based on identifying whether the movement of the second housing 220 relative to the first housing 210 is completed. The electronic device 200 may identify whether the change of the state of the electronic device 200 is completed by identifying the moving distance of the second housing 220 relative to the first housing 210. For example, in the case where the moving distance of the second housing 220 relative to the first housing 210 is less than a preset distance, the electronic device 200 may identify that the change of the state of the electronic device 200 is not completed. For example, in the case where the moving distance of the second housing 220 relative to the first housing 210 is longer than or equal to a preset distance, the electronic device 200 may identify that the change of the state of the electronic device 200 is completed. For example, an obstacle disposed outside the housing 100 and / or inside the housing 100 may interfere with the rotation of the door 120. In the case where the state of the door 120 is not changed from the first state to the second state due to the interference of the rotation of the door 120, the second housing 220 may not move in the first direction d1. In the case where the second housing 220 may not move in the first direction d1, the change of the state of the electronic device 200 may not be completed. The electronic device 200 according to an embodiment may provide a method for identifying an obstacle inside or outside the housing 100 based on whether the change of the state of the electronic device 200 is completed. The electronic device 200 may provide a notification to the user based on the identification of the obstacle inside or outside the housing 100. For example, the electronic device 200 may provide a notification that the movement of the second housing 220 is impossible to occur through the display 230 based on the identification of the obstacle inside or outside the housing 100. For example, the electronic device 200 may provide a notification to remove the obstacle inside or outside the housing 100 through the display 230 based on the identification of the obstacle inside or outside the housing 100.

[0050] As described above, the housing 100 according to an embodiment may provide convenience to the user because the state of the door 120 is changed by a user input for changing the state of the electronic device 200 without a separate user input for changing the state of the door 120 .

[0051] Figure 3a An example of coupling an exemplary housing to an electronic device according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 3b is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary housing according to an embodiment when the exemplary housing is in a first state, Figure 3c is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary housing according to an embodiment when the housing is in a second state.

[0052] refer to Figure 3a , Figure 3b and Figure 3cAccording to an embodiment, the housing 100 may include an elastic member 190. The elastic member 190 may provide elastic force to the door 120. For example, the elastic member 190 may be referred to as a torsion spring, but is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the elastic member 190 may be coupled to the shaft 130. For example, the elastic member 190 may surround the shaft 130. According to an embodiment, the elastic member 190 may be coupled to the base 110 and the door 120. For example, a portion 190a of the elastic member 190 may contact the door 120. Another portion 190b of the elastic member 190 may contact the base 110.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the elastic member 190 may change the state of the door 120 by being deformed by an external force. For example, the elastic member 190 may be deformed by a physical force transmitted from the second housing 220. For example, in the slide-in state of the electronic device 200, the state of the door 120 may be a first state. When the state of the door 120 is the first state, the second housing 220 of the electronic device 200 may move in a first direction d1 relative to the first housing 210. The door 120 may rotate by the movement of the second housing 220 relative to the first housing 210. While the state of the electronic device 200 is changed from the slide-in state to the slide-out state by the movement of the second housing 220 relative to the first housing 210, the elastic member 190 may be twisted by the rotation of the door 120. While the state of the electronic device 200 is maintained in the slide-out state, the state of the door 120 may be maintained in the second state. For example, since a portion of the door 120 contacts the surface of the second housing 220, the state of the door 120 may be maintained in the second state. In order to change the state of the electronic device 200 from the slide-out state to the slide-in state, the second housing 220 may move in the second direction d2 relative to the first housing 210. When the second housing 220 moves in the second direction d2, the door 120 may rotate by the restoring force of the elastic member 190. As the second housing 220 moves in the second direction d2, the door 120 may be rotated by the elastic member 190 and face the side surface 200c of the electronic device 200.

[0054] For example, the elastic member 190 may be deformed by a physical force transmitted from a user. Before the state of the electronic device 200 changes from the slide-in state to the slide-out state, the state of the door 120 may be changed from the first state to the second state by a physical force transmitted from the user. As the state of the door 120 changes from the first state to the second state, the elastic member 190 may be deformed. When the second housing 220 moves in the second direction d2 to change the state of the electronic device 200 from the slide-out state to the slide-in state, the door 120 may be rotated by the restoring force of the elastic member 190. As the state of the door 120 changes from the second state to the first state by the rotation of the door 120, the door 120 may face the side surface 200c of the electronic device 200.

[0055] The electronic device may include a structure in which one housing of the electronic device is movable relative to another housing in order to expand or reduce the size of the display. Since the housing moves, the housing connected to the electronic device may include a structure in which a part of the housing is movable. If the user should operate the movement of the part of the housing every time the display is expanded or reduced, the user may feel uncomfortable. The housing may require a structure in which the operation for moving the part of the housing is associated with the operation for moving the housing of the electronic device.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the device can be detachably coupled to an electronic device (e.g., Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 2c and Figure 2d The housing of the electronic device 200 (eg, Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c The housing 100 may include a base (eg, Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c According to one embodiment, the housing may include a door (e.g., Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c The door 120 can be changed to face the side surface of the electronic device (for example, Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 2c and Figure 2d According to one embodiment, the state of the door can be changed from the first state to the second state based on the state of the electronic device changing from the slide-in state to the slide-out state, and the display of the electronic device (for example, Figure 2a and Figure 2c The display 230 has a first size, and in the slid-out state, the display has a second size greater than the first size. According to one embodiment, based on the state of the electronic device changing from the slid-out state to the slid-in state, the state of the door can change from the second state to the first state.

[0057] Since the state of the door is changed by a user input for changing the state of the electronic device without a separate user input for changing the state of the door, the housing according to an embodiment may provide convenience to the user.

[0058] According to one embodiment, as a portion of an electronic device (e.g., Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 2c and Figure 2d The second housing 220) is relative to another part of the electronic device (eg, Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 2c and Figure 2d The state of the electronic device can be changed by sliding the first housing 210 of the electronic device. According to an embodiment, in the first state, the door can surround the side surface of the electronic device disposed on the portion of the electronic device.

[0059] Since the case according to an embodiment covers the side surface of the electronic device in the first state, the electronic device may be protected from an impact applied from the outside of the electronic device.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the housing may further include a shaft (eg, Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c A shaft 130) is provided which connects the door to the base by passing through the door and the base.

[0061] The housing according to an embodiment may provide a structure in which the door is rotatable relative to the base via a shaft.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the door may have a curvature and be bent.

[0063] The housing according to an embodiment may provide a structure capable of protecting an electronic device through a door having a shape corresponding to that of the electronic device.

[0064] According to an embodiment, in the second state, the door may be in contact with a rear surface of the electronic device connected to a side surface of the electronic device (eg, Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 2c and Figure 2d spaced apart from the rear surface 200a).

[0065] The housing according to an embodiment may provide a structure capable of preventing damage to the electronic device through the door which is spaced apart from the rear surface of the electronic device in the second state of the door.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the base may include a support portion (eg, Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c According to one embodiment, the base may include a partition wall (e.g., Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c A partition wall 112 is provided, which covers the edge of the electronic device when the electronic device and the housing are connected.

[0067] The case according to an embodiment may provide a structure capable of protecting an electronic device through a support portion and a partition wall.

[0068] Wireless communications circuitry may be housed within the interior of the support portion.

[0069] The housing according to an embodiment may provide a structure in which a change in the state of a door is associated with a change in the state of an electronic device through a wireless communication circuit.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the partition wall may include a connector hole (eg, Figure 1a connector hole 112a).

[0071] The case according to an embodiment may provide a structure in which communication between the electronic device and an external electronic device is possible in a state in which the electronic device and the case are coupled through the connector hole included in the partition wall.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the support portion may include at least one camera hole (e.g., Figure 1a camera hole 111a).

[0073] The case according to an embodiment may provide a structure in which, through at least one camera hole, the electronic device may obtain an image in a state in which the electronic device and the case are coupled.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the housing may include a pinion (e.g. Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c According to one embodiment, the housing may include a rack (e.g., Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c The housing may include a rack 150 that meshes with the pinion gear and rotates the pinion gear by moving within the interior of the base. According to one embodiment, the housing may include a magnet (e.g., Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c According to one embodiment, the housing may include an electromagnet (e.g., Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c According to one embodiment, the housing may include a wireless communication circuit (e.g., Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c The wireless communication circuit 180 is electrically connected to the electromagnet and is configured to provide a driving force to the door based on a signal received from the electronic device. According to one embodiment, the wireless communication circuit can be configured to provide a driving force to the door by Figure 1b and Figure 1cThe polarity of the end 170a) is changed to match that of one end of the magnet (eg, Figure 1b and Figure 1c According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit may be configured to change the state of the door to the second state by changing the polarity of the end of the electromagnet to be the same as the polarity of the end of the magnet.

[0075] Since the state of the door is changed by a user input for changing the state of the electronic device without a separate user input for changing the state of the door, the housing according to an embodiment may provide convenience to the user.

[0076] According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the rack may be deformable while moving relative to the base.

[0077] The housing according to an embodiment can provide a structure that can prevent the size of the housing from being excessively increased in order to ensure a moving space for the rack through the deformable rack.

[0078] According to one embodiment, when the polarity of the end of the electromagnet and the polarity of the magnet are the same, the rack can move in a direction away from the electromagnet. According to one embodiment, when the polarity of the end of the electromagnet and the polarity of the magnet are different from each other, the rack can move in a direction approaching the electromagnet.

[0079] The housing according to an embodiment may provide a structure in which a door may be rotated by interaction between an electromagnet and a magnet.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the electromagnet may include a core (e.g., Figure 1b and Figure 1c According to one embodiment, the electromagnet may include a coil (e.g., Figure 1b and Figure 1c A coil 172) is configured to be wound around the core and to apply a magnetic field to the core based on power received from the wireless communication circuit.

[0081] The housing according to an embodiment may provide a structure capable of opening or closing a door through interaction between a magnet and an electromagnet.

[0082] According to an embodiment, a magnet may be coupled to an end of the toothed rack facing the electromagnet.

[0083] The housing according to an embodiment may provide a structure capable of transmitting a force generated by an interaction between a magnet and an electromagnet to a door through a rack coupled to the magnet.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the base may include a guide rail (e.g., Figure 1a, Figure 1b and Figure 1c guide rail 113).

[0085] The housing according to an embodiment may provide a structure capable of preventing separation of the rack gear by a guide rail guiding movement of the rack gear.

[0086] According to an embodiment, a portion of the rack disposed inside the guide rail may be parallel to the surface of the base. According to an embodiment, another portion of the rack disposed outside the guide rail may have a curvature and be bent.

[0087] The housing according to an embodiment may provide a structure capable of preventing the size of the housing from being excessively increased in order to ensure a moving space for the rack by means of a deformable rack.

[0088] According to an embodiment, a device that can be detachably coupled to an electronic device (e.g., Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 2c and Figure 2d A housing (eg, Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c The housing 100 may include a base (eg, Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c According to one embodiment, the housing may include a door (e.g., Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c The door 120 is rotatable relative to the base and can be changed to cover the side surface of the electronic device (e.g., Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 2c and Figure 2d According to one embodiment, the housing may include a shaft (eg, Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c A shaft 130) that couples the door to the base, passes through the door and the base. According to one embodiment, the housing may include a pinion (e.g., Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c According to one embodiment, the housing may include a rack (e.g., Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c According to one embodiment, the housing may include a magnet (e.g., Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c According to one embodiment, the housing may include an electromagnet disposed in the base (e.g., Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c According to one embodiment, the housing may include a wireless communication circuit configured to apply power to the electromagnet based on receiving a signal from the electronic device. According to one embodiment, the wireless communication circuit may be configured to change the state of the door to the first state by changing the polarity of one end of the electromagnet to be different from the polarity of one end of the magnet. According to one embodiment, the wireless communication circuit (e.g., Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c The wireless communication circuit 180) can be configured to change the state of the door to the second state by changing the polarity of the end of the electromagnet to be the same as the polarity of the end of the magnet.

[0089] Since the state of the door is changed by a user input for changing the state of the electronic device without a separate user input for changing the state of the door, the housing according to an embodiment may provide convenience to the user.

[0090] According to an embodiment, the rack may be deformable within the base 110 according to the movement of the magnet.

[0091] By using a deformable rack, it is possible to provide a structure capable of preventing the size of the housing from being excessively increased in order to ensure a moving space for the rack.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the base may include a guide rail (e.g., Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c A guide rail 113) is provided to guide the movement of the rack relative to the base.

[0093] The housing according to an embodiment may provide a structure capable of preventing separation of the rack gear by a guide rail guiding movement of the rack gear.

[0094] According to one embodiment, when the polarity of the end of the electromagnet and the polarity of the end of the magnet are the same, the rack can move in a direction away from the electromagnet. According to one embodiment, when the polarity of the end of the electromagnet and the polarity of the end of the magnet are different from each other, the rack can move in a direction approaching the electromagnet.

[0095] The housing according to an embodiment may provide a structure capable of opening or closing a door through interaction between a magnet and an electromagnet.

[0096] According to an embodiment, a magnet may be coupled to an end of the toothed rack facing the electromagnet.

[0097] The housing according to an embodiment may provide a structure capable of transmitting a force generated by an interaction between a magnet and an electromagnet to a door through a rack coupled to the magnet.

[0098] The electronic device according to various embodiments 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.

[0099] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to specific embodiments, but include various changes, equivalent forms or alternative forms for the corresponding embodiments. For the description of the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It will be understood that the nouns in the singular form corresponding to the term may include one or more things unless the relevant 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" may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase in the phrase. As used herein, terms such as "1st" and "2nd" or "first" and "second" may be used to simply distinguish the corresponding component from another component, and do not limit the component in other aspects (e.g., importance or order). It will be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another element (e.g., a second element), with or without the term “operably” or “communicatively,” it means that the element can be coupled to the other element directly (e.g., by wire), wirelessly, or via a third element.

Claims

1. A housing detachably coupled to an electronic device, the housing comprising: base; as well as a door that can be changed to a first state facing a side surface of the electronic device and a second state in which the side surface of the electronic device is exposed to the outside of the housing by rotating relative to the base, and The state of the door changes as follows: Based on the state of the electronic device changing from a slide-in state in which a display of the electronic device has a first size to a slide-out state in which the display has a second size greater than the first size, changing from the first state to the second state, and Based on the state of the electronic device being changed from the slid-out state to the slid-in state, the second state is changed to the first state.

2. The housing according to claim 1, wherein the state of the electronic device is changed as a portion of the electronic device moves relative to another portion of the electronic device, and wherein in the first state the door covers the side surface of the electronic device disposed on the portion of the electronic device.

3. The housing according to any one of claims 1 and 2, further comprising: A door and a shaft coupling the door to the base by penetrating the door and the base.

4. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Wherein the door is curved and has a curvature.

5. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the second state the door is spaced apart from a surface of the electronic device connected to the side surface of the electronic device.

6. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 5, Wherein the base comprises: a supporting portion facing a rear surface of the electronic device when the electronic device and the housing are coupled, and A partition wall surrounds an edge of the electronic device when the electronic device and the housing are coupled.

7. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 6, Wherein the partition wall includes a connector hole passing through a surface of the partition wall.

8. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 7, Wherein the support portion includes at least one camera hole passing through a surface of the support portion.

9. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: a pinion gear coupled to the door and rotatable relative to the base; a rack meshing with the pinion gear and causing the pinion gear to rotate by moving within the interior of the base; a magnet coupled to the rack; an electromagnet disposed within the base; as well as a wireless communication circuit electrically connected to the electromagnet and configured to receive an electrical signal from the electronic device, and Wherein the wireless communication circuit is further configured to: changing the state of the door to the first state by changing the polarity of one end of the electromagnet to be different from the polarity of one end of the magnet, and The state of the door is changed to the second state by changing the polarity of the end of the electromagnet to be the same as the polarity of the end of the magnet.

10. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 9, Wherein the rack is deformable by movement relative to the base.

11. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The rack is moved as follows: When the polarity of the end of the electromagnet and the polarity of the end of the magnet are identical to each other, moving in a direction away from the electromagnet, and When the polarity of the end portion of the electromagnet and the polarity of the end portion of the magnet are different from each other, the moving device moves in a direction approaching the electromagnet.

12. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The electromagnet comprises: core; as well as A coil, surrounding the core, is configured to apply a magnetic field to the core based on power received from the wireless communication circuit.

13. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the magnet is coupled to an end of the rack facing the electromagnet.

14. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The base includes a guide rail that guides movement of the rack relative to the base.

15. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the portion of the rack disposed inside the guide rail is parallel to the surface of the base, and Another portion of the rack disposed outside the guide rail is bent and has a curvature.

Images