Rollable electronic device including sensing circuits
By using sensing circuits and sensors to control the movement of the housing in the curlyable electronic device, the problem of the electronic device clamping the user during sliding is solved, and the balance between large display size and miniaturization is achieved, and the user experience is improved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380084164.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-12-26
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-07
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-04
AI Technical Summary
There is a contradiction between the large display size and miniaturization of existing electronic devices, and may clamp the user's body during the sliding of the housing.
The curlable electronic device design is adopted, and the user is detected by using a sensing circuit to detect the contact between the user and the metal area, and the movement of the second housing is controlled by holding the sensor and touch sensor to prevent the user from being clamped.
It realizes that the user's body is prevented from being clamped during sliding, while enhancing user convenience and display deployment.
Smart Images

Figure CN120266468A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a rollable electronic device including a sensing circuit. Background Art
[0002] Due to the progress of information and communication technology and semiconductor technology, various functions are being integrated into a single portable electronic device. For example, an electronic device can implement not only communication functions but also entertainment functions (such as games), multimedia functions (such as music / video playback), communication and security functions for mobile banking, etc., and functions for schedule management and electronic wallet functions. These electronic devices are being miniaturized to facilitate carrying by users.
[0003] As mobile communication services expand into the field of multimedia services, there is a need to increase the display size of electronic devices in order to allow users to fully utilize multimedia services, as well as voice calls and short message services. However, the display size of an electronic device may be in a trade-off relationship with the miniaturization of the electronic device.
[0004] For the purpose of helping to understand the present disclosure, the above information may be provided as related art. No assertion or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art with respect to the present disclosure. Summary of the Invention
[0005] Technical Solution According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include: a first housing including a first cover member and a frame disposed within the first cover member; a second housing including a second cover member, the second cover member being at least partially received within the first cover member and including a metal region and a non-metal region surrounding the metal region, and the second housing being configured to slide relative to the first housing; a display configured to be unfolded based on the sliding of the second housing; a circuit board disposed within the second housing; a connection member contacting the metal region of the second cover member and electrically connecting the metal region to the circuit board; a sensing circuit disposed on the circuit board and including a grip sensor configured to detect a user's contact with the metal region, and at least one application processor disposed on the circuit board and configured to generate a signal for controlling the movement of the second housing based on an electrical signal detected by the sensing circuit.
[0006] According to an embodiment, an electronic device may include a memory configured to store instructions. The instructions, when executed by at least one application processor, may cause the electronic device to perform at least one operation. The at least one operation may include generating a signal to control the movement of the second housing based on an electrical signal detected by the sensing circuit.
[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include: a first housing including a first cover member and a frame disposed within the first cover member; a second housing configured to slide relative to the first housing and including a second cover member at least partially received within the first cover member, a rear cover covering at least a portion of the second cover member, and a rear surface panel covering at least a portion of the rear cover; a display configured to be deployed based on the sliding of the second housing; a circuit board disposed within the second housing; a touch sensor disposed on the second cover member and configured to detect a user input; a sensing circuit disposed on the circuit board and configured to detect a user contact with the touch sensor; and an application processor disposed on the circuit board and configured to generate a signal for controlling the movement of the second housing based on an electrical signal determined in the sensing circuit.
[0008] According to an embodiment, an electronic device may include a memory configured to store instructions. The instructions, when executed by at least one application processor, may cause the electronic device to perform at least one operation. The at least one operation may include generating a signal for controlling the movement of the second housing based on an electrical signal determined in the sensing circuit.
[0009] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include: a first housing including a first cover member and a frame disposed within the first cover member; a second housing configured to slide relative to the first housing and including a second cover member at least partially received within the first cover member, the second cover member including a metal region and a non-metal region surrounding the metal region; a display configured to be deployed based on the sliding of the second housing; a circuit board disposed within the second housing; a connection member in contact with the metal region of the second cover member and electrically connecting the metal region to the circuit board; a touch sensor disposed on the second cover member and configured to detect a user input; a sensing circuit disposed on the circuit board and configured to determine a user contact with at least one of the connection member or the touch sensor; and at least one application processor disposed on the circuit board and configured to generate a signal for controlling the movement of the second housing based on an electrical signal detected by the sensing circuit.
[0010] According to an embodiment, an electronic device may include a memory configured to store instructions. The instructions, when executed by at least one application processor, may cause the electronic device to perform at least one operation. The at least one operation may include generating a signal for controlling the movement of the second housing based on an electrical signal detected by the sensing circuit.
[0011] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of operating an electronic device may include: an operation in which a processor of the electronic device commands a sliding-in operation of the electronic device, an operation of driving a motor of the electronic device, an operation in which the processor drives a sensing circuit, an operation in which the sensing circuit uses a grip sensor connected to the sensing circuit to detect whether a user is in contact, an operation in which the processor identifies a sliding distance in the electronic device when the sensing circuit detects user contact via the grip sensor, and an operation in which the processor sends a signal for stopping the sliding or for sliding out when the sliding distance is determined to be less than a predetermined distance.
[0012] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of operating an electronic device may include: an operation in which a processor of the electronic device commands a sliding-in operation of the electronic device, an operation of driving a motor of the electronic device, an operation in which the processor drives a sensing circuit, an operation in which the sensing circuit uses a touch sensor connected to the sensing circuit to detect whether a user is in contact, an operation in which the processor identifies a sliding distance in the electronic device when the sensing circuit detects user contact via the touch sensor, and an operation in which the processor sends a signal for stopping the sliding or for sliding out when the sliding distance is determined to be less than a predetermined distance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a network environment.
[0014] Figure 2 is a view showing a state in which a second display area of a display according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is accommodated in a housing.
[0015] Figure 3 is a view showing a state in which a second display area of a display according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is exposed to the outside of the housing.
[0016] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0017] Figure 5a is along Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present disclosure taken along line A-A'. Figure 5b is along Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present disclosure taken along line B-B'.
[0018] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a driving structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0019] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0020] Figure 8It is a front view showing a second cover member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] Figure 9 It is a view showing a structure for detecting user contact on the left side of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] Figure 10a And Figure 10b It is a view showing an operation for detecting user contact on the left side of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] Figure 11 It is a view showing a structure for detecting user contact on the right side of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] Figure 12 It is a view showing an operation for detecting user contact on the right side of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] Figure 13 It is a perspective view of an electronic device including a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] Figure 14 It is a view showing an operation for detecting user contact on the rear side of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0027] Figure 15 It is a flowchart showing an operation of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] Figure 16 It is a perspective view showing an auxiliary touch sensor and a first cover member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] Figure 17 It is a flowchart showing an operation of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description
[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar elements. Additionally, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.
[0031] Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to various embodiments.
[0032] Refer to Figure 1, in the network environment 100, the electronic device 101 can communicate with the electronic device 102 via the first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or communicate with at least one of 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 can 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 end 178, a haptic module 179, a camera module 180, a power management module 188, a battery 189, a communication module 190, a subscriber identity module (SIM) 196, or an antenna module 197. In some embodiments, at least one of the above components (e.g., the connection end 178) may be omitted from the electronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some of the above components (e.g., the sensor module 176, the camera module 180, or the antenna module 197) may be implemented as a single component (e.g., the display module 160).
[0033] The processor 120 can run software (e.g., the program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware component or a software component) connected to the processor 120 of the electronic device 101, and can perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or calculation, the processor 120 can store a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module 176 or the communication module 190) in the volatile memory 132, process the command or data stored in the volatile memory 132, and store the result data in the non-volatile memory 134. According to an 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 operationally independent of or combined with the main processor 121. For example, when the electronic device 101 includes the main processor 121 and the auxiliary processor 123, the auxiliary processor 123 may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 121, or may be adapted to be dedicated to a specific function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from the main processor 121, or as part of the main processor 121.
[0034] When the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, the auxiliary processor 123 (instead of the main processor 121) may control at least some of the functions or states related to at least one of the components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the display module 160, the sensor module 176, or the 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 of the components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the display module 160, the sensor module 176, or the 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., the camera module 180 or the communication module 190) that is functionally related to the auxiliary processor 123. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a neural processor) may include a hardware structure dedicated to artificial intelligence model processing. An artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning. For example, such learning may be performed by the electronic device 101 where the artificial intelligence is executed or via a separate server (e.g., the server 108). The learning algorithm may include, but is not limited to, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. 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), or a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more thereof, but is not limited thereto. Additionally or alternatively, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure in addition to the hardware structure.
[0035] 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.
[0036] The program 140 may be stored as software in the memory 130, and the program 140 may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 142, middleware 144, or an application 146.
[0037] The input module 150 may receive commands or data to be used by other components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120) from the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user). 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).
[0038] The sound output module 155 may output a sound signal 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 a record. The receiver may be used for receiving an incoming call. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as a part of the speaker.
[0039] The display module 160 may visually provide information to the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., to a user). The display module 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 module 160 may include a touch sensor adapted to detect a touch or a pressure sensor adapted to measure the intensity of a force caused by the touch.
[0040] The audio module 170 may convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 may obtain a sound via the input module 150, or output a sound via the sound output module 155 or a headset of an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 101.
[0041] The sensor module 176 may detect an operating state of the electronic device 101 (e.g., power or temperature) or an environmental state outside the electronic device 101 (e.g., a state of a user), and then generate an electrical signal or a 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 illuminance sensor.
[0042] The interface 177 may support one or more specific protocols used to directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly connect the electronic device 101 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.
[0043] The connection terminal 178 may include a connector through which the electronic device 101 may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102). According to an embodiment, the connection terminal 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headset connector).
[0044] The haptic module 179 may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that can be recognized by the user via his sense of touch or kinesthesia. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.
[0045] The camera module 180 may capture a still image or a moving image. According to an embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.
[0046] The power management module 188 may manage the power supply to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).
[0047] The battery 189 may supply power to 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.
[0048] 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., the electronic device 102, the electronic device 104, or the 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 of the processor 120 (e.g., an application processor (AP)), and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to an 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). Each of these communication modules may communicate with an external electronic device via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a traditional cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN))). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or these various types of communication modules may be implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). 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.
[0049] The wireless communication module 192 may support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies (e.g., New Radio (NR) access technology) after 4G networks. The NR access technology may support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communication (mMTC), or ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC). The wireless communication module 192 may support high frequency bands (e.g., millimeter wave bands) to achieve, for example, high data transfer rates. The wireless communication module 192 may 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 may support various requirements specified in the electronic device 101, an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 104), or a network system (e.g., the 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), a loss coverage for implementing mMTC (e.g., 164 dB or less), or a U-plane latency for implementing URLLC (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or a round trip of 1 ms or less).
[0050] The antenna module 197 may transmit a signal or power to the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., an external electronic device) or receive a signal or power from the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., an external electronic device). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include an antenna, and the antenna may include a radiating element formed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)) or formed on the substrate. According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme to be 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 (e.g., the wireless communication module 192). Subsequently, a signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and an external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, additional components (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module 197.
[0051] According to various embodiments, the antenna module 197 may form a millimeter-wave antenna module. According to an embodiment, the millimeter-wave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna), wherein the RFIC is disposed on a first surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the printed circuit board or adjacent to the first surface and is capable of supporting a specified high-frequency band (e.g., a millimeter-wave band), and the plurality of antennas are disposed on a second surface (e.g., a top surface or a side surface) of the printed circuit board or adjacent to the second surface and are capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the specified high-frequency band.
[0052] At least some of the above components may be interconnected 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 transmit signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween.
[0053] According to an embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted 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 electronic devices 102 or 104 may be a device of the same type as the electronic device 101 or a device of a different type from the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, all or some of the operations running on the electronic device 101 may be run on one or more of the external electronic device 102, the external electronic device 104, or the server 108. For example, if the electronic device 101 is to automatically perform a function or service or is to perform a function or service in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 101 may request one or more of the external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of running the function or service, or in addition to running the function or service, the electronic device 101 may also request one or more of the external electronic devices to perform at least part of 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 additional functions or additional services related to the request, and transmit the result of the performance to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 may provide the result as at least part of a reply to the request with or without further processing of the result. To this end, for example, cloud computing technology, distributed computing technology, mobile edge computing (MEC) technology, or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device 101 may use, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing to provide ultra-low latency services. 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 home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technology.
[0054] Figure 2 is a view showing a state in which a second display area of a display according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is accommodated in a housing.
[0055] Figure 3 is a view showing a state in which a second display area of a display according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is exposed to the outside of the housing.
[0056] Figure 2 and Figure 3Shows the structure in which the display 203 (e.g., a flexible display or a rollable display) is unfolded in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the +Y direction) when viewed from the front of the electronic device 101. However, the unfolding direction of the display 203 is not limited to one direction (e.g., the +Y direction). For example, a design change can be made such that the display 203 can be extended upward (e.g., in the +Y direction), to the right (e.g., in the +X direction), to the left (e.g., in the -X direction), and / or downward (e.g., in the -Y direction).
[0057] Figure 2 The state shown in can be referred to as the slid-in state of the electronic device 101 or the state in which the second display area A2 of the display 203 is closed.
[0058] Figure 3 The state shown in can be referred to as the slid-out state of the electronic device 101 or the state in which the second display area A2 of the display 203 is opened.
[0059] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the electronic device 101 may include a housing 210. The housing 210 may include a first housing 201 and a second housing 202 configured to be movable relative to the first housing 201. In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may be interpreted as having a structure in which the first housing 201 is configured to be slidable relative to the second housing 202. According to an embodiment, the second housing 202 may be configured to reciprocate a predetermined distance relative to the first housing 201 in the shown direction (e.g., the direction indicated by arrow ①).
[0060] According to an embodiment, the second housing 202 may be referred to as a sliding part or a sliding housing and is movable relative to the first housing 201. According to an embodiment, the second housing 202 may accommodate various electrical and electronic components (such as a circuit board and a battery).
[0061] According to an embodiment, the first housing 201 may accommodate a motor, a speaker, a SIM socket, and / or a sub-circuit board electrically connected to the main circuit board (e.g., Figure 4 the second circuit board 249 in Figure 4 ). The second housing 202 may accommodate the main circuit board (e.g., Figure 4 the first circuit board 248 in Figure 4 ), and electrical components (such as an application processor (AP) and a communication processor (CP)) are mounted on the main circuit board.
[0062] According to an embodiment, the first housing 201 may include a first cover member 211. The first cover member 211 may include a first side wall 211a of (1-1), a second side wall 211b extending from the first side wall 211a of (1-1), and a third side wall 211a extending from the first side wall 211c substantially parallel to the second side wall 211b. According to an embodiment, the second side wall 211b and the third side wall 211c may be substantially perpendicular to the first side wall 211a. According to an embodiment, the first cover member 211 may be referred to as a main housing or a cover member.
[0063] According to an embodiment, the first side wall 211a, the second side wall 211b, and the third side wall 211c of the first cover member 211 may have a shape that is open on one side (e.g., the front surface) to accommodate (or surround) at least a portion of the second housing 202. For example, at least a portion of the second housing 202 may be surrounded by the first housing 201 and may be slid in a direction parallel to the first surface (e.g., the first surface F1 in Figure 4 ), as indicated by arrow ①, while being guided by the first housing 201. According to an embodiment, the first side wall 211a, the second side wall 211b, and / or the third side wall 211c of the first cover member 211 may be integrally constructed. According to an embodiment, the first side wall 211a, the second side wall 211b, and / or the third side wall 211c of the first cover member 211 may be provided as separate structures and coupled or assembled to each other.
[0064] According to an embodiment, the first cover member 211 may be configured to surround at least a portion of the display 203. For example, the display 203 may be arranged to be at least partially surrounded by the first side wall 211a, the second side wall 211b, and / or the third side wall 211c of the first cover member 211.
[0065] According to an embodiment, the second housing 202 may include a second cover member 221 (e.g., a slide plate). The second cover member 221 may have a plate shape and include a first surface (e.g., the first surface F1 in Figure 4 ) that supports internal components. For example, the second cover member 221 may support at least a portion of the display 203 (e.g., the first display area A1). According to an embodiment, the second cover member 221 may be referred to as a front cover.
[0066] According to an embodiment, the second cover member 221 may include a (2-1) sidewall 221a, a (2-2) sidewall 221b extending from the (2-1) sidewall 221a, and a (2-3) sidewall 221c extending from the (2-1) sidewall 221a substantially parallel to the (2-2) sidewall 221b. According to an embodiment, the (2-2) sidewall 221b and the (2-3) sidewall 221c may be substantially perpendicular to the (2-1) sidewall 221a. According to an embodiment, the second cover member 221 may be referred to as an auxiliary cover member.
[0067] According to an embodiment, when the second housing 202 moves in a first direction (e.g., direction ①) parallel to the (2-2) sidewall 211b or the (2-3) sidewall 211c, the electronic device 101 may be in a slid-in state and a slid-out state. In the slid-in state of the electronic device 101, the second housing 202 is placed at a first distance from the (1-1) sidewall 211a of the first housing 201, and in the slid-out state of the electronic device 101, the second housing 202 may be moved to be placed at a second distance greater than the first distance from the (1-1) sidewall 211a of the first housing 201. In an embodiment, in the slid-in state of the electronic device 101, the first housing 201 may be configured to partially surround the (2-2) sidewall 221b and the (2-3) sidewall 221c.
[0068] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may be in Figure 2 a slid-in state (e.g., a fully closed state) and Figure 3 a slid-out state (e.g., a fully open state) of the intermediate state. The distance between the (1-1) sidewall 211a and the (2-1) sidewall 221a in the intermediate state of the electronic device 101 may be less than the distance between the (1-1) sidewall 211a and the (2-1) sidewall 211a in the fully open state of the electronic device 101, and may be greater than the distance between the (1-1) sidewall 211a and the (2-1) sidewall 221a in the fully closed state of the electronic device 101.
[0069] According to an embodiment, when at least a portion of the display 203 slides in the intermediate state of the electronic device 101, the area of the display exposed to the outside may be variable. For example, in the intermediate state of the electronic device 101, the ratio of the width (length in the X direction) and the height (length in the Y direction) of the display 203 and / or the distance between the (1-1) sidewall 211a and the (2-1) sidewall 221a may be changed based on the sliding movement of the electronic device 101.
[0070] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a display 203, a key input device 245, a connector hole 243, audio modules 247a and 247b, or camera modules 249a and 249b. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may further include an indicator (e.g., an LED device) or various sensor modules.
[0071] According to an embodiment, the display 203 may include a first display area A1 and a second display area A2, and the second display area A2 is configured to be exposed to the outside of the electronic device 101 based on the sliding movement of the second housing 202. According to an embodiment, the first display area A1 may be provided on the second housing 202. For example, the first display area A1 may be provided on the second cover member 221 of the second housing 202. According to an embodiment, the second display area A2 extends from the first display area A1, and when the second housing 202 slides relative to the first housing 201, the second display area A2 may be accommodated inside the first housing 201 or visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 101 is changed from the slid-in state to the slid-out state, the display 203 may be unfolded in the downward direction (e.g., -Y direction) of the electronic device 101. For example, when the electronic device 101 is in the slid-out state, the second display area A2 may be visually exposed below the display 203 (e.g., in the -Y direction). According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 101 is changed from the slid-in state to the slid-out state, the display 203 may be unfolded in the upward direction of the electronic device 101 (e.g., in the +Y direction). For example, when the electronic device 101 is in the slid-out state, the second display area A2 may be visually exposed above the display 203 (e.g., in the +Y direction).
[0072] According to an embodiment, the second display area A2 may move substantially while being guided by an area of the first housing 201 (e.g., Figure 4 the curved surface 213a therein), and may be accommodated in a space placed inside the first housing 201 or exposed to the outside of the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the second display area A2 may be moved based on the sliding of the second housing 202 in a first direction (e.g., the direction indicated by arrow ①). For example, while the second housing 202 slides, a part of the second display area A2 may be deformed into a curved shape at a position corresponding to the curved surface 213a of the first housing 201.
[0073] According to an embodiment, when viewed from above the second cover member 221 (e.g., the front cover), when the electronic device 101 is changed from the slid-in state to the slid-out state (e.g., when the second housing 202 slides to be unfolded relative to the first housing 201), the second display area A2 may form a substantially flat surface together with the first display area A1 while being gradually exposed to the outside of the first housing 201. According to an embodiment, the display 203 may be coupled to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring touch intensity (pressure), and / or a digital converter for detecting a magnetic field type stylus, or may be arranged adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring touch intensity (pressure), and / or a digital converter for detecting a magnetic field type stylus. According to an embodiment, regardless of whether the electronic device 101 is in the slid-in state or the slid-out state, a part of the second display area A2 may be placed on a part of the first housing (e.g., Figure 4 the curved surface 213a in
[0074] ), and a part of the second display area A2 may maintain a curved shape at a position corresponding to the curved surface 213a. According to an embodiment, the key input device 245 may be placed in an area of the housing 210 (e.g., the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202). Depending on the appearance and usage state, the electronic device 101 may be designed such that the shown key input device 245 is omitted or one or more additional key input devices are included. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a key input device (not shown), such as a home key button or a touchpad arranged around the home key button. According to an embodiment, at least some of the key input devices 245 may be provided on the (1-1) sidewall 211a, the (1-2) sidewall 211b, or the (1-3) sidewall 211c of the first housing 201. According to an embodiment, at least some of the key input devices 245 may be provided on the (2-1) sidewall 221a, the (2-2) sidewall 221b, and / or the (2-3) sidewall 221c of the second housing 202.
[0075] According to an embodiment, the connector hole 243 may be omitted in some embodiments and may accommodate a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for sending power and / or data to / from an external electronic device. According to an embodiment (not shown), the electronic device 101 may include a plurality of connector holes 243, and some of the connector holes 243 may be used as connector holes for sending / receiving audio signals to / from an external electronic device. In the shown embodiment, the connector hole 243 is placed in the second housing 202, but is not limited thereto. The connector hole 243 or a connector hole (not shown) may be placed in the first housing 201.
[0076] According to an embodiment, the audio modules 247a and 247b may include one or more speaker holes 247a or one or more microphone holes 247b. One of the speaker holes 247a may be set as a receiver hole for a voice call, and the other may be set as an external speaker hole. The electronic device 101 may include a microphone configured to acquire sound, and the microphone may acquire sound outside the electronic device 101 through the microphone hole 247b. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include multiple microphones to detect the direction of sound. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include an audio module in which the speaker hole 247a and the microphone hole 247b are implemented as a single hole, or a speaker (e.g., a piezoelectric speaker) excluding the speaker hole 247a. According to an embodiment, the speaker hole 247a and the microphone hole 247b may be placed in the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202.
[0077] According to an embodiment, the camera modules 249a and 249b may include a first camera module 249a (e.g., a front camera) and a second camera module 249b (e.g., a rear camera) (e.g., Figure 5a and Figure 5b the second camera module 249b in Rows and columns are arranged.
[0078] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 101 is in the slid-in state, the second camera module 249b may not be visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device 101, and when the electronic device 101 is in the slid-out state, the second camera module 249b may capture a scene outside the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 101 is in the slid-in state and the slid-out state, the second camera module 249b may capture a scene outside the electronic device 101. For example, at least a part of the housing 210 (e.g., Figure 4 the first rear panel 215 and / or the second rear panel 225 therein) may be substantially transparent, and the second camera module 249b may capture a scene outside the electronic device 101 through the first rear panel 215 and / or the second rear panel 225.
[0079] According to an embodiment, an indicator (not shown) of the electronic device 101 may be provided on the first housing 201 or the second housing 202, and may include a light-emitting diode to provide state information of the electronic device 101 as a visual signal. A sensor module (not shown) of the electronic device 101 may generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to an internal operating state or an external environmental state of the electronic device 101. The sensor module may include, for example, a proximity sensor, a fingerprint sensor, or a biometric sensor (e.g., an iris / facial recognition sensor or a heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor). In another embodiment, the sensor module may further include at least one of, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro 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 illuminance sensor. According to an embodiment, the sensor module may be provided in the first housing 201 and the second housing 202. For example, at least some of the sensor modules may be placed in the first housing 201, while some other sensor modules may be placed in the second housing 202.
[0080] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0081] Figure 5a is Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present disclosure taken along line A-A' in Figure 5b is Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present disclosure taken along line B-B' in Figure 6 is a perspective view of a drive structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0082] Referring to Figure 4 、 Figure 5a 、 Figure 5b and / orFigure 6 , the electronic device 101 may include a first housing 201, a second housing 202, a display assembly 230, and a driving structure 240. Figure 4 , Figure 5a and / or Figure 5b The components of the first housing 201, the second housing 202, and the display assembly 230 may be completely or partially the same as Figure 2 and / or Figure 3 the components of the first housing 201, the second housing 202, and the display 203. Figure 2 and / or Figure 3 The embodiments shown in Figure 4 , Figure 5a , Figure 5b and / or Figure 6 may be partially combined with the embodiments shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 . According to an embodiment, the first housing 201 may include a first cover member 211 (e.g.,
[0083] the first cover member 211 in
[0084] ), a frame 213, and a first rear panel 215.
[0085] According to an embodiment, the first cover member 211 may accommodate at least a part of the frame 213 and the components located on the frame 213 (e.g., the battery 289). According to an embodiment, the first cover member 211 may be configured to surround at least a part of the second housing 202. According to an embodiment, the first cover member 211 may protect the components (e.g., the second circuit board 249 and the frame 213) placed in the first housing 201 from external impacts. According to an embodiment, the second circuit board 249 that houses electronic components may be connected to the first cover member 211.
[0086] According to an embodiment, the second housing 202 may include a second cover member 221 (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 3 the second cover member 221 in
[0087] ), a rear cover 223, and a second rear panel 225. According to an embodiment, the second cover member 221 may be connected to the first housing 201 via a guide rail 250 and may linearly reciprocate in one direction (e.g., the direction indicated by arrow ① in Figure 3 while being guided by the guide rail 250.
[0088] According to some embodiments, the second cover member 221 may support at least a portion of a display 231 (e.g., Figure 2 and / or Figure 3 the display 203 in Figure 1 ). For example, the second cover member 221 may include a first surface F1, and a first display area A1 of the display 231 may be substantially placed on the first surface F1 and held in a flat shape. According to an embodiment, the second cover member 221 may be made of a metal material and / or a non-metal (e.g., polymer) material. According to an embodiment, a first circuit board 248 that houses electronic components (e.g., Figure 1 the processor 120 and / or the memory 130 in
[0089] may be connected to the second cover member 221. According to an embodiment, the second cover member 221 may protect components (e.g., the first circuit board 248 and the rear cover 223) placed in the second housing 202 from external impacts.
[0090] According to an embodiment, the rear cover 223 may protect components (e.g., the first circuit board 248) placed on the second cover member 221. For example, the rear cover 223 may be connected to the second cover member 221 and surround at least a portion of the first circuit board 248. According to an embodiment, the rear cover 223 may include an antenna pattern for communicating with an external electronic device. For example, the rear cover 223 may include a laser direct structuring (LDS) antenna.
[0091] According to an embodiment, the display assembly 230 may include a display 231 (e.g., Figure 2 and / or Figure 3The display 203) and the multi-rod structure 232 that supports the display 231. According to an embodiment, the display 231 may be referred to as a flexible display, a foldable display, and / or a rollable display. According to an embodiment, the first display area A1 of the display 231 may be supported by a rigid body, and the second display area A2 may be supported by a bendable structure. For example, the first display area A1 may be supported by the first surface F1 of the second cover member 221 or a plate (not shown). The second display area A2 may be supported by the multi-rod structure 232.
[0092] According to an embodiment, the multi-rod structure 232 may be connected or attached to at least a part of the display 231 (e.g., the second display area A2). According to an embodiment, when the second housing 202 slides, the multi-rod structure 232 may move relative to the first housing 201. When the electronic device 101 is in the slid-in state (e.g., Figure 2 ), the multi-rod structure 232 may be mainly accommodated inside the first housing 201 and may be placed between the first cover member 211 and the second cover member 221. According to an embodiment, at least a part of the multi-rod structure 232 may move to correspond to the curved surface 213a at the edge of the frame 213 placed. According to an embodiment, the multi-rod structure 232 may be referred to as a display support member or a support structure and may be in the form of an elastic plate.
[0093] According to an embodiment, the driving structure 240 may relatively move the second housing 202 with respect to the first housing 201. For example, the driving structure 240 may include a motor 241 configured to generate a driving force for sliding the second housing 202 with respect to the first housing 201. The driving structure 240 may include a gear 244 (e.g., a pinion) connected to the motor 241 and a rack 242 configured to engage with the gear.
[0094] According to an embodiment, the housing where the rack 242 is placed and the housing where the motor 241 is placed may be different. According to an embodiment, the motor 241 may be connected to the second housing 202, and the rack 242 may be connected to the first housing 201. According to an embodiment (e.g., Figure 7 ), the motor 241 may be connected to the first housing 201, and the rack 242 may be connected to the second housing 202 (e.g., the second cover member 221). For example, the motor 241 may be mounted on the frame 213.
[0095] According to an embodiment, the motor 241 may be controlled by a processor (e.g., Figure 1 the processor 120 in). For example, the processor 120 may include a motor driver driving circuit and transmit a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal to the motor 241 to control the speed and / or the torque of the motor 241. According to an embodiment, the motor 241 may be electrically connected to the one placed on the circuit board (e.g., via a flexible printed circuit boardFigure 4 a processor (e.g., Figure 1 processor 120 in
[0096] According to an embodiment, the second housing 202 may accommodate the first circuit board 248 (e.g., a main board). According to an embodiment, a processor, a memory, and / or an interface may be mounted on the first circuit board 248. The processor may include, for example, one or more of a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphics processing unit, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor. According to various embodiments, the first circuit board 248 may include a flexible printed circuit board type radio frequency cable (FRC). The first circuit board 248 may be disposed in at least a portion of the second cover member 221 and may be electrically connected to the antenna module and the communication module.
[0097] According to an embodiment, the memory may include, for example, a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory.
[0098] According to an embodiment, the interface may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, and / or an audio interface. For example, the interface may electrically or physically connect the electronic device 101 to an external electronic device and includes a USB connector, an SD card / MMC connector, or an audio connector.
[0099] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a second circuit board 249 (e.g., a sub-board) spaced apart from the first circuit board 248 (e.g., a main circuit board) within the first housing 201. The second circuit board 249 may be electrically connected to the first circuit board 248 via a connection flexible board. The second circuit board 249 may be electrically connected to the battery 289 or electronic components (such as a speaker and / or a SIM socket) disposed in an end region of the electronic device 101 to transmit signals and power. According to an embodiment, the second circuit board 249 may accommodate or be connected to a wireless charging antenna (e.g., a coil). For example, the battery 289 may receive power from an external electronic device using the wireless charging antenna. As another example, the battery 289 may transmit power to an external electronic device using the wireless charging antenna.
[0100] According to an embodiment, the battery 289 is a device that supplies power to at least one component of the electronic device 101, and may include a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. The battery 289 may be integrally disposed inside the electronic device 101, or may be detachably disposed on the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the battery 289 may be configured as a single integrated battery, or may include a plurality of separable batteries. According to an embodiment, the battery 289 may be placed on the frame 213. For example, the battery 289 may be surrounded by the frame 213 and the battery cover 289a. According to another embodiment, the battery may be placed inside the second housing 202 to be slidable together with the second housing 202.
[0101] According to an embodiment, the guide rail 250 may guide the movement of the multi-rod structure 232. For example, the multi-rod structure 232 may slide along the slit 251 provided in the guide rail 250. According to an embodiment, the guide rail 250 may be connected to the first housing 201. For example, the guide rail 250 may be connected to the first cover member 211 and / or the frame 213. According to an embodiment, the slit 251 may be referred to as a groove or recess provided on the inner surface of the guide rail 250.
[0102] According to an embodiment, the guide rail 250 may provide a force to the multi-rod structure 232 based on the driving of the motor 241.
[0103] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 101 is changed from the slid-in state to the slid-out state, an inner portion 252 of the guide rail 250 may provide a force to the multi-rod structure 232. The multi-rod structure 232 that has received the force may move along the slit 251 of the guide rail 250, and the second housing 202 may slide to be unfolded relative to the first housing 201. At least a part of the display assembly 230 accommodated between the first cover member 211 and the frame 213 may be extended to the front surface.
[0104] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 101 is changed from the slid-out state to the slid-in state, an outer portion 253 of the guide rail 250 may provide a force to the bent multi-rod structure 232. The multi-rod structure 232 that has received the force may move along the slit 251 of the guide rail 250, and the second housing 202 may slide to be at least partially accommodated in the first housing 201. At least a part of the display assembly 230 may be accommodated between the first cover member 211 and the frame 213.
[0105] Refer to Figure 5a, when the electronic device 101 is in the slid-in state, at least a part of the second housing 202 can be arranged to be received in the first housing 201. Since the second housing 202 is arranged to be received in the first housing 201, the overall volume of the electronic device 101 can be reduced. According to an embodiment, when the second housing 202 is received in the first housing 201, the visually exposed size of the display 231 can be minimized. For example, when the second housing 202 is completely received in the first housing 201, the first display area A1 of the display 231 is visually exposed, and at least a part of the second display area A2 (e.g., the part oriented in the -Z axis direction) can be arranged between the battery 289 and the first rear panel 215.
[0106] Referring to Figure 5b , when the electronic device 101 is in the slid-out state, at least a part of the second housing 202 can be arranged to protrude from the first housing 201. When the second housing 202 protrudes from the first housing 201, the overall volume of the electronic device 101 can be reduced. According to an embodiment, when the second housing 202 protrudes from the first housing 201, at least a part of the second display area A2 of the display 231 can be visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device 101 together with the first display area A1.
[0107] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, Figure 7 is a rear exploded perspective view of the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment.
[0108] Referring to Figure 7 , the electronic device 101 may include a first housing 201, a second housing 202, a display assembly 230, a driving structure 240, a connection member 340, and a touch sensor 350. Figure 7 The structures of the first housing 201, the second housing 202, the display assembly 230, and the driving structure 240 of Figure 4 may be completely or partially the same as the structures of the first housing 201, the second housing 202, the display assembly 230, and the driving structure 240 of
[0109] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a circuit board 320. The circuit board 320 may accommodate components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., Figure 1 the processor 120 and / or the sensing circuit 330 in ). According to an embodiment, the circuit board 320 may be placed inside the second housing 202. For example, the circuit board 320 may be arranged on the second cover member 221.
[0110] According to an embodiment, the circuit board 320 (e.g., Figure 4The first circuit board (248) therein may include multiple boards. For example, the circuit board 320 may include a first board 321, a second board 322, and a third board 323. The first board 321 may accommodate the processor 120 and / or the sensing circuit 330. The first board 321 may be referred to as the main board. The second board 322 may accommodate some connection members 340. For example, the first connection member 341 may be disposed on the second board 322. The second board 322 may be referred to as a daughter board. The third board 323 may accommodate some other connection members 340. For example, the second connection member 342 may be disposed on the third board 323. The third board 323 may be referred to as a subscriber identity module (SIM) board.
[0111] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a sensing circuit 330. The sensing circuit 330 may detect and / or determine the contact of the user's body with the electronic device 101. The sensing circuit 330 may be referred to as a sensing integrated circuit.
[0112] In an embodiment, the sensing circuit 330 may include a grip sensor and may detect an electrical signal (e.g., a change in dielectric constant) through the connection member 340. For example, the sensing circuit 330 may detect a change in the dielectric constant that changes as the user's body grasps the electronic device 101. For example, when the user's body (e.g., a finger) contacts a part of the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 connected to the connection member 340 (e.g., the metal area 311 in the second cover member 221), the capacitance detected by the sensing circuit 330 may change. The sensing circuit 330 may determine whether the user's body has contacted a predetermined position (e.g., the metal area 311) based on the difference between the capacitance before contact and the capacitance after contact.
[0113] In an embodiment, the sensing circuit 330 may use the touch sensor 350 to detect or determine the contact of the user's body with the electronic device 101. The sensing circuit 330 may determine whether the user's body has contacted and / or the contact position based on the capacitance detected by the touch sensor 350.
[0114] In an embodiment, the sensing circuit 330 may be a circuit separate from the processor (e.g., Figure 1 the processor 120 in Figure 1 . In an embodiment, the sensing circuit 330 may be a circuit included in the processor (e.g.,
[0115] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a connection member 340. The connection member 340 may detect a user input provided outside the electronic device 101. For example, the connection member 340 may be placed within at least a part of the housing 210 (e.g., the second cover member 221) and may be arranged to contact the circuit board 320 and the metal area 311 of the second cover member 221.
[0116] According to an embodiment, the connection member 340 may send an electrical signal generated based on a user's contact with the electronic device 101 to the sensing circuit 330. For example, the connection member 340 may electrically connect the sensing circuit 330 to the metal area 311 of the second cover member 221.
[0117] According to an embodiment, the connection member 340 may include a plurality of connection members 341 and 342 for the side surface of the electronic device 101. The connection member 340 may include a first connection member 341 and a second connection member 342. The first connection member 341 may face a different direction (e.g., the opposite direction) from the second connection member 342. For example, the first connection member 341 may contact the left side of the metal area 311 of the electronic device 101, and the second connection member 342 may contact the right side of the metal area 311 of the electronic device 101. In an embodiment, the first connection member 341 may be mounted on the second plate 322. The second connection member 342 may be mounted on the third plate 323. The position of the plate 320 where the connection member 340 is placed may be changed depending on the design of the electronic device 101.
[0118] According to an embodiment, the touch sensor 350 may detect the contact of a user's body (e.g., a finger) with the electronic device 101. For example, the touch sensor 350 may detect the capacitance changed by a user's body (e.g., a finger). According to an embodiment, the touch sensor 350 may detect a user's finger placed behind the electronic device 101 (e.g., in the -Z direction).
[0119] According to an embodiment, the touch sensor 350 may detect a user's grip on the non-metal part (or non-conductive part) of the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202. According to an embodiment, the touch sensor 350 may include a plurality of touch sensors 351 and 352. For example, the touch sensor 350 may include a first touch sensor 351 placed inside the second housing 202 and a second touch sensor 352 placed inside the first housing 201. The first touch sensor 351 may be placed between the second rear surface plate 225 and the rear cover 223. The first touch sensor 351 may be placed between the LDS antenna 224 and the second rear surface plate 225. The second touch sensor 352 may be disposed on the first cover member 211. The second touch sensor 352 may be placed between the first cover member 211 and the first rear surface plate 215. Depending on the design of the electronic device 101, the second touch sensor 352 may be omitted. The first touch sensor 351 may be referred to as a touch sensor or a main touch sensor. The second touch sensor 352 may be referred to as an auxiliary touch sensor.
[0120] Figure 8 is a front view of a second cover member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0121] Referring to Figure 8 , the second cover member 310 may include a metal region 311 and a non-metal region 312. Figure 8 The configuration of the second cover member 310 of Figure 7 may be completely or partially the same as the configuration of the second cover member 221 of
[0122] According to an embodiment, the second cover member 310 may include a metal region 311, a non-metal region 312, and / or a support region 313. The metal region 311 may be at least partially surrounded by the non-metal region 312. The non-metal region 312 may be a portion of the second cover member 310 that electrically separates the metal region 311 and the support region 313. For example, injection molding may be used to form the non-metal region 312. The non-metal region 312 may include a resin.
[0123] According to an embodiment, the metal region 311 may be electrically connected to a connection member (e.g., Figure 7 the connection member 340 in Figure 7 ). For example, the connection member 340 may be at least partially formed of a conductive material and may be in contact with the metal region 311. In an embodiment, the metal region 311 may include a plurality of metal regions 311a and 311b spaced apart from each other. For example, the metal region 311 may include a first metal region 311a in contact with a first connection member (e.g., Figure 7 the first connection member 341 in
[0124] According to an embodiment, the second cover member 310 may include a first side surface region 314 and a second side surface region 315 disposed substantially opposite to the first side surface region 314. The first side surface region 314 may be the left (+X) portion of the second cover member 310, and the second side surface region 315 may be the right (-X) portion of the second cover member 310.
[0125] According to an embodiment, the second cover member 310 may include a side wall 316 and a protrusion 317 extending from the side wall 316. In the slid-in state of the electronic device 101 (e.g., Figure 2 ), the side wall 316 may not be visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device 101, and the protrusion 317 may be visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device 101. In the slid-out state of the electronic device 101 (e.g., Figure 3), the side wall 316 and the protrusion 317 may be visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device 101. The metal area 311 may be placed corresponding to a portion where the user's body contacts the second cover member 221 in the slid-out state of the electronic device 101. For example, the metal area 311 may form a part of the side wall 316 and a part of the protrusion 317.
[0126] Figure 9 is a view showing a structure for detecting user contact on the left side of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0127] Figure 10a and Figure 10b is a view showing an operation for detecting user contact on the left side of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0128] Figure 11 is a view showing a structure for detecting user contact on the right side of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0129] Figure 12 is a view showing an operation for detecting user contact on the right side of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0130] Referring to Figure 9 、 Figure 10a and Figure 10b 、 Figure 11 and / or Figure 12 ,the electronic device 101 may include a processor 120, a second cover member 310, a circuit board 320, a sensing circuit 330, and a connection member 340. Figure 9 、 Figure 10a and Figure 10b 、 Figure 11 and / or Figure 12 The configurations of the processor 120, the second cover member 310, the circuit board 320, the sensing circuit 330, and the connection member 340 may be completely or partially the same as those of Figure 1 and / or Figure 7 The configurations of the processor 120, the second cover member 310, the circuit board 320, the sensing circuit 330, and the connection member 340.
[0131] According to an embodiment, the sensing circuit 330 may detect contact of the user's finger F2 or F3 with the second cover member 310 by using a connection member (e.g., the first connection member 341 and / or the second connection member 342).
[0132] Referring to Figure 9 、 Figure 10a and / or Figure 10b, the sensing circuit 330 may detect user contact applied to the left side of the electronic device 101. For example, the first connection member 341 may contact a part of the metal area 311 (e.g., the first metal area 311a in Figure 8 ), which is placed on the first side surface area (e.g., the first side surface area 314 in Figure 8 ) of the second cover member 310.
[0133] When the electronic device 101 is in the slid-out state, at least a part of the second housing (202) (e.g., the metal area 311 of the second cover member 310) may be visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device 101. When the user's body (e.g., the index finger F2 and / or the middle finger F3) contacts the metal area 311, the sensing circuit 330 may detect the capacitance changed due to the index finger F2 and / or the middle finger F3.
[0134] Referring to Figure 11 and Figure 12 , the sensing circuit 330 may detect user contact applied to the right side of the electronic device 101. For example, the second connection member 342 may contact the metal area 311 of the second cover member 310. When the electronic device 101 is in the slid-out state, at least a part of the second housing (202) (e.g., the metal area 310 of the second cover member 310) may be visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device 101. When the user's body (e.g., the thumb F1) contacts the metal area (e.g., the second metal area 311b) placed on the second side area 315, the sensing circuit 330 may detect the capacitance changed due to the thumb F1. Herein, an example in which the user holds the electronic device 101 with the right hand has been described. However, this is exemplary.
[0135] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may control the movement of the second housing 202 based on the electrical signal detected by the sensing circuit 330. For example, when a change in capacitance is detected by the sensing circuit 330, the processor 120 may stop the second housing 202 or may cause the electronic device 101 to slide out. When a change in capacitance is detected by the sensing circuit 330, the processor 120 may send a signal for stopping the sliding operation of the electronic device 101 and / or a signal for the slid-out of the electronic device 101 to the driving structure (e.g., the driving structure 240 in Figure 4 ).
[0136] It is possible to prevent the user's body from being pinched due to the movement (e.g., sliding movement) of the electronic device 101. By reducing the risk of pinching the user, user convenience can be increased.
[0137] Figure 13 is a perspective view of an electronic device including a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14is a view showing an operation for detecting user contact on the rear side of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0138] Referring to Figure 13 and / or Figure 14 , the electronic device 101 may include a first housing 201, a rear cover 223, a second housing 202 including an LDS antenna 224 and a second cover member 310, a display (e.g., Figure 2 and / or Figure 3 the display 203 in Figure 13 and / or Figure 14 ), and a first touch sensor 351. The configurations of the first housing 201, the second housing 202, the display 203, and the first touch sensor 351 of Figure 4 and / or Figure 7 may be completely or partially the same as the configurations of the first housing 201, the second housing 202, the display 203, and the first touch sensor 351 of
[0139] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include at least one memory (e.g., Figure 1 the memory 130 in Figure 1 ) storing at least one instruction. When executed by at least one processor (e.g.,
[0140] the processor 120 in Figure 7 ), the at least one instruction may cause the electronic device 101 to perform at least one operation (e.g., at least one of the operations performed by the electronic device 101 described in the present disclosure). Figure 8 the first metal region 311a in Figure 8 ), and a second end 350b facing a second metal region (e.g.,
[0141] According to an embodiment, a processor (e.g., Figure 1The processor 120) in may control the movement of the second housing 202 based on the electrical signal detected by the sensing circuit 330. For example, the sensing circuit 330 may detect a change in the electrostatic capacitance detected by the first touch sensor 351. When a change in the electrostatic capacitance is detected by the sensing circuit 330, the processor 120 may stop the second housing 202 or may cause the electronic device 101 to slide out. When a change in capacitance is detected by the sensing circuit 330, the processor 120 may send a signal for stopping the sliding operation of the electronic device 101 and / or a signal for the sliding out of the electronic device 101 to the driving structure (e.g., Figure 4 the driving structure 240) in. It is possible to prevent the user's body from being pinched due to the movement (e.g., sliding movement) of the electronic device 101. By reducing the risk of pinching the user, user convenience can be increased.
[0142] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0143] In the following embodiments, each operation may be executed sequentially, but not necessarily sequentially. For example, the order of each operation may be changed, and at least two operations may be executed in parallel.
[0144] According to an embodiment, operations 1110 to 1160 may be understood to be executed by a processor (e.g., Figures 1 to 14 the processor 120) of the electronic device (e.g., Figure 1 the electronic device 101) in.
[0145] According to an embodiment, the electronic device (e.g., Figures 1 to 14 the electronic device 101) in may include at least one memory (e.g., Figure 1 the memory 130) in storing at least one instruction. When executed by at least one processor (e.g., Figure 1 the processor 120) in, the at least one instruction may cause the electronic device 101 to execute at least one operation (e.g., at least one of the operations performed by the electronic device 101 described in the present disclosure).
[0146] Referring to Figure 15 , the operation (operation 1100) of driving the electronic device (e.g., Figure 2 the electronic device 101) in may include: an operation of commanding a sliding-in drive (operation 1110), an operation of driving a motor (e.g., Figure 6 the motor 241) in, an operation of driving a sensing circuit (e.g., Figure 7the operation of the sensing circuit 330) (operation 1130), the operation of detecting user contact (operation 1140), the operation of determining a sliding distance (operation 1150), and / or the operation of stopping the electronic device 101 or performing a slide-out of the electronic device 101 (operation 1160).
[0147] According to an embodiment, the processor (e.g., Figure 1 the processor 120 in ) may perform the operation of commanding a slide-in drive (operation 1110) and the operation of driving the motor 241. For example, the processor 120 may send a signal for a slide-in drive of the electronic device 101 to the motor 241 based on a predetermined operation (e.g., user input applied to the key input device (e.g., Figure 2 the key input device 245 in )).
[0148] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may perform the operation of driving the sensing circuit 330 (operation 1130). The operation of driving the sensing circuit 330 (operation 1130) may be performed after the operation of driving the motor 241 (operation 1120). For example, in an embodiment, power may be supplied to the sensing circuit 330 after power is supplied to the motor 241. In an embodiment, power may be supplied to the motor 241 and the sensing circuit 330 substantially simultaneously. Since the sensing circuit 330 operates based on the driving of the motor 241, the power consumed by the sensing circuit 330 is reduced, and the power required for the electronic device 101 may be reduced.
[0149] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 and / or the sensing circuit 330 may perform the operation of detecting user contact (operation 1140). For example, in an embodiment, the sensing circuit 330 may detect contact of a user with a metal area (e.g., Figure 3 the metal area 311 in ) of the second cover member (e.g., Figure 8 the second cover member 221 in ). In an embodiment, the sensing circuit 330 may use a touch sensor (e.g., Figure 7 the touch sensor 350 in ) to detect contact of a user with the rear surface of the second housing 202.
[0150] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may control the driving of the electronic device 101 based on user contact. When the sensing circuit 330 does not detect user contact, the processor 120 may perform the operation of driving the motor (operation 1120). For example, when the sensing circuit 330 does not detect user contact (operation 1140: no), the processor 120 may perform a slide-in operation of the electronic device 101.
[0151] According to an embodiment, when the sensing circuit 330 detects user contact (operation 1140: Yes), the processor 120 may perform an operation of determining a sliding distance in the electronic device 101 (operation 1150). For example, the processor 120 may compare the sliding distance in the electronic device 101 with a predetermined distance. When the processor 120 determines that the sliding distance in the electronic device 101 is less than the predetermined distance (operation 1150: Yes), the processor may generate a signal for a command to stop the electronic device 101 or perform a sliding-out operation of the electronic device 101. For example, when the sensing circuit 330 detects user contact and the sliding distance is determined to be less than the predetermined distance (operation 1150: Yes), the processor 120 may send a signal to the motor 241 to stop the electronic device 101 or perform a sliding-out of the electronic device 101. By stopping the electronic device 101 or performing a sliding-out of the electronic device 101, the risk of the user's body being pinched by the electronic device 101 can be reduced. The predetermined distance refers to the distance at which the user's body may be pinched by the electronic device 101 and may be selectively designed based on the design of the electronic device 101.
[0152] According to an embodiment, when the processor 120 determines that the sliding distance is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance (operation 1150: No), the processor 120 may perform a sliding-in operation of the electronic device 101. For example, the processor 120 may perform a sliding operation of the electronic device 101 until the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 of the electronic device 101 approach each other to a predetermined distance. By allowing the user to move a finger during the sliding-in operation of the electronic device 101, the sliding-in operation of the electronic device 101 can be performed smoothly, enhancing user convenience.
[0153] Figure 16 is a perspective view showing an auxiliary touch sensor and a first cover member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an operation of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0154] Referring to Figure 16 , together with Figure 7 , the electronic device 101 may include a second touch sensor 352. Figure 16 The configuration of the first cover member 211 and the second touch sensor 352 in Figure 7 may be all or partially the same as the configuration of the first cover member 211 and the second touch sensor 352 in
[0155] According to an embodiment, the first cover member 211 may include a rear surface 2111 facing the first rear surface panel of the electronic device 101 (e.g., Figure 4 the first rear surface panel 215 in Figure 4 ), and side surfaces 2112 and 2113 extending from the rear surface 2111 and facing the guide rail (e.g.,
[0156] According to an embodiment, the structure in which the second touch sensor 352 is placed may be different from the structure in which the first touch sensor (e.g., Figure 7 the first touch sensor 351 in
[0157] In the following embodiments, each operation may be performed sequentially, but not necessarily sequentially. For example, the order of each operation may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.
[0158] According to an embodiment, operations 1210 to 1260 may be understood to be performed by a processor (e.g., Figures 1 to 14 the processor 120 in Figure 1 the electronic device 101 in
[0159] According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., Figures 1 to 14 the electronic device 101 in Figure 1 may include at least one memory (e.g., Figure 1 the memory 130 in
[0160] Referring to Figure 17 , the operation (operation 1200) of driving an electronic device (e.g., Figure 2 the electronic device 101 in Figure 6 may include an operation of commanding a slide-in drive (operation 1210), an operation of driving a motor (e.g., Figure 7The operations of the sensing circuit 330) (operation 1230), the operation of detecting user contact through the grip sensor (operation 1241), the operation of detecting user contact through the touch sensor (e.g., touch sensor 350) (operation 1242), the operation of determining the sliding distance (operation 1250), and / or the operation of stopping the electronic device 101 or performing the slide-out of the electronic device 101 (operation 1260).
[0161] Figure 17 The operations of the driving electronic device (e.g., Figure 2 the electronic device 101) shown in (operation 1200) (including the operation of commanding the slide-in drive (operation 1210), the operation of driving the motor (e.g., Figure 6 the motor (241)) shown in (operation 1220), and the operation of driving the sensing circuit (e.g., Figure 7 the sensing circuit 330) shown in (operation 1230)) can be the same as or partially the same as Figure 15 the operation of commanding the slide-in drive (operation 1110), the operation of driving the motor (e.g., Figure 6 the motor 241) shown in (operation 1120), and the operation of driving the sensing circuit (e.g., Figure 7 the sensing circuit 330) shown in (operation 1130). Figure 15 The operation of detecting user contact (operation 1140) shown in can include Figure 17 the operation of detecting user contact through the grip sensor (operation 1241) and / or the operation of detecting user contact through the touch sensor (e.g., Figure 7 the touch sensor 350) shown in (operation 1242).
[0162] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 can control the drive of the electronic device 101 based on user contact. In an embodiment, when no electrical signals from the grip sensor (e.g., Figure 7 the connection member 340) and the touch sensor 350 are detected by the sensing circuit 330, the processor 120 can perform the operation of driving the motor (operation 1220). For example, when no user contact is detected by the grip sensor and the touch sensor (e.g., the first touch sensor 351 and the second touch sensor 352), the processor 120 can perform the slide-in operation of the electronic device 101.
[0163] In an embodiment, when the sensing circuit 330 detects user contact via the grip sensor, the processor 120 can perform the operation of determining the sliding distance in the electronic device 101 (operation 1250). Figure 17 The operation of determining the sliding distance (operation 1250) shown in can be the same as Figure 15The operation of determining the sliding distance is substantially the same. The grip sensor of the sensing circuit 330 can detect the contact and / or grip of the user with the electronic device 101 through the metal area of the second cover member (e.g., Figure 3 the second cover member 221 in Figure 8 the metal area 311 in Figure 7 and the connection member (e.g.,
[0164] the connection member 340 in
[0165] ). According to an embodiment, when the sensing circuit 330 detects user contact and the sliding distance is determined to be less than a predetermined distance (operation 1250: Yes), the processor 120 may send a signal to the motor 241 to stop the electronic device 101 or perform the sliding-out operation of the electronic device 101. By stopping the electronic device 101 or performing the sliding-out of the electronic device 101, the risk of the user's body being pinched by the electronic device 101 can be reduced. The predetermined distance refers to the distance at which the user's body may be pinched by the electronic device 101 and can be selectively designed based on the design of the electronic device 101. An electronic device (e.g., a portable terminal) may include a display having a flat surface or a flat surface and a curved surface. Due to the fixed display structure, an electronic device including a display may have limitations in implementing a screen larger than the size of the electronic device. Therefore, electronic devices including a rollable display are being studied.
[0166] An electronic device may include a plurality of housings that can move relative to each other. However, when the housings move relative to each other, the user's body (e.g., a finger) may be pinched between the housings.
[0167] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an electronic device and a method of operating the electronic device, in which when a sliding-in movement is performed in the electronic device, the user's body can be prevented from being pinched by using a grip sensor and / or a touch sensor.
[0168] The problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the foregoing problems and can be extended in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
[0169] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 101 in Figure 2 ) may include: a first housing (e.g., the first housing 201 in Figure 2 ), including a first cover member (e.g., the first cover 211 in Figure 4 ) and a frame (e.g., the frame 213 in Figure 4 ) placed within the first cover member; a second housing (e.g., the second cover member 221 in Figure 4 ) (e.g., the second cover 221 and / or the second cover member 310 in Figure 4 ), at least partially received within the first cover member, including a metal region (e.g., the metal region 311 in Figure 8 Figure 8 ) and a non-metal region surrounding the metal region (e.g., the non-metal region 312 in Figure 8 ), and the second housing is configured to slide relative to the first housing; a display (e.g., the display 231 in Figure 4 ), configured to be unfolded based on the sliding of the second housing; a circuit board (e.g., the first circuit board 248 and / or the circuit board 320 in Figure 4 Figure 8 ), disposed within the second housing; a connection member (e.g., the connection member 340 in Figure 8 ), in contact with the metal region of the second cover member and electrically connecting the metal region to the circuit board; a sensing circuit (e.g., the sensing circuit 330 in Figure 8 ), disposed on the circuit board and including a grip sensor configured to detect a user's contact with the metal region; and at least one application processor (e.g., the processor 120 in Figure 1 ), disposed on the circuit board and configured to generate a signal for controlling the movement of the second housing based on an electrical signal detected by the sensing circuit.
[0170] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a memory (e.g., the memory 130 in Figure 1 ) configured to store instructions. When executed by the at least one application processor 120, the instructions may cause the electronic device to perform at least one operation. The at least one operation may include generating a signal to control the movement of the second housing based on an electrical signal detected by the sensing circuit.
[0171] According to an embodiment, the second cover member may include a first side surface region (e.g., the first side surface region 314 in Figure 8 ) and a second side surface region facing away from the first side surface region (e.g., the second side surface region 315 in Figure 8 ). The connection member may include a contact with the first metal region (e.g., the contact with the first metal region 311 in Figure 8 a first connection member that is in the first metal region 311a) and forms at least a part of the first side surface region (e.g., Figure 9 the first connection member 341 in), and contacts the second metal region (e.g., Figure 8 the second metal region 311b) in and forms a second connection member that forms at least a part of the second side surface region (e.g., Figure 11 the second connection member 342 in).
[0172] According to an embodiment, the circuit board may include a first board (e.g., Figure 8 the first board 321 in) that houses a sensing circuit and an application processor, a second board (e.g., Figure 8 the second board 322 in) that houses the first connection member, and a third board (e.g., Figure 8 the third board 323 in) that houses the second connection member.
[0173] According to an embodiment, when user contact is detected by the grip sensor, the application processor may stop the second housing or change the electronic device to a slid-out state.
[0174] According to an embodiment, the memory 130 may include instructions. When executed by at least one application processor 120, the instructions may cause the electronic device to perform at least one operation. The at least one operation may further include: when user contact is detected by the grip sensor, stopping the second housing or changing the electronic device to a slid-out state.
[0175] According to an embodiment, when the distance between the second housing and the first housing is less than a predetermined distance, the application processor may stop the second housing or change the electronic device to a slid-out state.
[0176] According to an embodiment, the memory 130 may include instructions. When executed by at least one application processor 120, the instructions may cause the electronic device to perform at least one operation. The at least one operation may further include: when the distance between the second housing and the first housing is less than a predetermined distance, stopping the second housing or changing the electronic device to a slid-out state.
[0177] According to an embodiment, the second housing may include a rear cover (e.g., Figure 8 the rear cover 223 in) that covers at least a part of the circuit board and a rear surface panel (e.g., Figure 8 the rear surface panel 225 in) that covers at least a part of the rear cover.
[0178] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a first touch sensor (e.g., Figure 8 the first touch sensor 351 in) placed between the rear cover and the rear surface panel. The application processor may generate a signal based on an electrical signal detected by the first touch sensor to control the movement of the second housing.
[0179] According to an embodiment, the memory 130 may include instructions. When executed by at least one application processor 120, the instructions may cause the electronic device to perform at least one operation. The at least one operation may include generating a signal based on an electrical signal detected by a first touch sensor to control the movement of a second housing.
[0180] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include a second touch sensor (e.g., Figure 16 the second touch sensor 352 in Figure 8 ) disposed on a rear surface of the first cover member (e.g.,
[0181] the rear surface 2111 in
[0182] According to an embodiment, the application processor may detect user contacts at the first touch sensor and the second touch sensor, and generate an electrical signal for stopping the movement of the second housing or for the sliding out of the electronic device.
[0183] According to an embodiment, the grip sensor may detect a change in the dielectric constant of an electrical signal transmitted via a connection member.
[0184] According to an embodiment, the second cover member may include a sidewall (e.g., Figure 8 the sidewall 316 in Figure 8 ) covered by the first cover member in the slid-in state of the electronic device, and a protrusion (e.g.,
[0185] the protrusion 317 of
[0186] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include a multi-rod structure (e.g., Figure 4 the multi-rod structure 232 in Figure 4 ) configured to support at least a portion of the display; a rail (e.g., Figure 4 the rail 250 in
[0187] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include a driving structure (e.g., Figure 6The driving structure 240). The driving structure can be configured to generate a driving force for moving the second housing relative to the first housing, and can include a motor disposed within the frame (e.g., Figure 6 the motor 241 in Figure 6 the gear 244 in Figure 6 and a rack connected to the second housing and configured to engage with the gear (e.g.,
[0188] According to an embodiment, the application processor can be configured to operate the sensing circuit after the motor operates.
[0189] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 2 the electronic device 101 in Figure 4 can include: a first housing (e.g., Figure 4 the first housing 201 in Figure 4 including a first cover member (e.g., Figure 4 the first cover 211 in Figure 4 and a frame disposed within the first cover member (e.g., Figure 4 the frame 213 in Figure 4 a second housing (e.g., Figure 3 the second housing (202) in Figure 4 configured to slide relative to the first housing and including a second cover member at least partially received within the first cover member (e.g., Figure 7 the second cover member 221 in Figure 8 a rear cover covering at least a portion of the second cover member (e.g., Figure 8 the rear cover 223 in Figure 1 and a rear surface panel covering at least a portion of the rear cover (e.g.,
[0190] a display (e.g., Figure 1in the memory 130). When executed by at least one application processor 120, the instructions may cause the electronic device to perform at least one operation. The at least one operation may include generating a signal to control the movement of the second housing based on an electrical signal determined by the sensing circuit.
[0191] According to an embodiment, when user contact is detected by the touch sensor, the application processor may stop the second housing or change the electronic device to a slid-out state.
[0192] According to an embodiment, the memory 130 may include instructions. When executed by at least one application processor 120, the instructions may cause the electronic device to perform at least one operation. The at least one operation may further include stopping the second housing or changing the electronic device to a slid-out state when user contact is detected by the touch sensor.
[0193] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include an auxiliary touch sensor (e.g., Figure 16 the second touch sensor 352 in Figure 16 disposed on the rear surface of the first cover member (e.g.,
[0194] When user contact is detected at the touch sensor and the auxiliary touch sensor, the application processor may generate an electrical signal for stopping the movement of the second housing or for the slid-out of the electronic device.
[0195] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include a driving structure (e.g., Figure 6 the driving structure 240 in Figure 6 configured to slide the second housing relative to the first housing. The driving structure may be configured to generate a driving force for moving the second housing relative to the first housing and may include a motor (e.g., Figure 6 the motor 241 in Figure 6 disposed within the frame), a gear (e.g.,
[0196] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 2 the electronic device 101 in Figure 4 may include: a first housing (e.g., Figure 4a first cover (e.g., 211 in Figure 4 the frame 213 in Figure 4 a second housing (e.g., the second housing 202 in Figure 8 configured to slide relative to the first housing and including a second cover member (e.g., the second cover member 310 in Figure 8 at least partially received within the first cover member), the second cover member including a metal region (e.g., the metal region 311 in Figure 8 and a non - metal region surrounding the metal region (e.g., the non - metal region 312 in Figure 4 a display (e.g., the display 203 in Figure 4 configured to be deployed based on the sliding of the second housing; a circuit board (e.g., the first circuit board 248 in Figure 7 and / or the circuit board 310 in Figure 7 disposed within the second housing); a connection member (e.g., the connection member 340 in Figure 7 in contact with the metal region of the second cover member and electrically connecting the metal region to the circuit board); a touch sensor (e.g., the touch sensor 350 in Figure 7 disposed on the second cover member and configured to detect user input); a sensing circuit (e.g., the sensing circuit 330 in Figure 1 disposed on the circuit board and configured to determine user contact relative to at least one of the connection member or the touch sensor); and at least one application processor (e.g., the processor 120 in
[0197] disposed on the circuit board and configured to generate a signal for controlling the movement of the second housing based on an electrical signal detected by the sensing circuit). Figure 1 According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a memory (e.g., the memory 130 in
[0198] configured to store instructions. When executed by at least one application processor 120, the instructions may cause the electronic device to perform at least one operation. The at least one operation may include generating a signal to control the movement of the second housing based on an electrical signal detected by the sensing circuit).
[0199] An 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 home appliance. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to the electronic devices described above.
[0200] It should be understood that various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to specific embodiments, but include various changes, equivalent forms, or alternative forms corresponding to the respective embodiments. For the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It will be understood that a singular form of a noun corresponding to a 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 one of the plurality of phrases. As used herein, terms such as "first" and "second" or "1st" and "2nd" may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another component and do not limit the component in other respects (e.g., importance or order). It will be understood that, in the case where the terms "operatively" or "communicatively" are used or where the terms "operatively" or "communicatively" are not used, if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as "coupled with", "coupled to", "connected with", or "connected to" another element (e.g., a second element), it means that the one element can be directly (e.g., wired) connected to the other element, wirelessly connected to the other element, or connected to the other element via a third element.
[0201] As used in connection with various embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware and may be used interchangeably with other terms (e.g., "logic", "logic block", "part", or "circuit"). A module may be a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions or the smallest unit or part of the single integrated component. For example, according to an embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).
[0202] According to various embodiments, each of the above components (e.g., a module or a program) may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately provided in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Optionally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform the one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as the corresponding one of the multiple components performed the one or more functions before integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, a program, or another component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or in a heuristic manner, or one or more of the operations may be run in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.
Claims
1. An electronic device (101) comprising: A first housing (201) including a first cover member (211) and a frame (213) placed within the first cover member; A second housing (202) including a second cover member (221, 310), the second cover member (221, 310) being at least partially received within the first cover member and including a metal region (311) and a non - metal region (312) surrounding the metal region, and the second housing (202) being configured to slide relative to the first housing; A display (203, 231) configured to be deployed based on the sliding of the second housing; A circuit board (248, 320) disposed within the second housing; A connection member (340) contacting the metal region of the second cover member and electrically connecting the metal region to the circuit board; A sensing circuit (330) disposed on the circuit board and including a grip sensor configured to detect a user's contact with the metal region; At least one application processor (120) disposed on the circuit board; And A memory (130) storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one application processor (120), cause the electronic device to perform at least one operation, Wherein the at least one operation includes generating a signal based on an electrical signal detected by the sensing circuit to control the movement of the second housing.
2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The second cover member includes a first side - surface region (314) and a second side - surface region (315) facing away from the first side - surface region, and Wherein the connection member includes a first connection member (341) contacting a first metal region (311a) and forming at least a part of the first side - surface region, and a second connection member (342) contacting a second metal region (311b) and forming at least a part of the second side - surface region.
3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The circuit board includes a first board (321) accommodating the sensing circuit and the application processor, a second board (322) accommodating the first connection member, and a third board (323) accommodating the second connection member.
4. The electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one operation further includes: When a user contact is detected by the grip sensor, stopping the second housing or changing the electronic device to a slid - out state.
5. The electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one operation further includes: When the distance between the second housing and the first housing is less than a predetermined distance, stopping the second housing or changing the electronic device to a slid - out state.
6. The electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The second housing includes a rear cover (223) covering at least a part of the circuit board and a rear - surface panel (225) covering at least a part of the rear cover.
7. The electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: A first touch sensor (351) placed between the rear cover and the rear - surface panel, Wherein the at least one operation further includes: Generating a signal based on an electrical signal detected by the first touch sensor to control the movement of the second housing.
8. The electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: A second touch sensor (352) disposed on the rear surface (2111) of the first cover member.
9. The electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one operation further includes: When user contact is detected by the first touch sensor and the second touch sensor, movement of the second housing is stopped or an electrical signal for sliding out of the electronic device is generated.
10. The electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The grip sensor is configured to detect a change in the dielectric constant of an electrical signal transmitted via the connection member.
11. The electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The second cover member includes: a side wall (316) covered by the first cover member in the slid-in state of the electronic device; and a protrusion (317) extending from the side wall and exposed to the outside of the electronic device in the slid-in state.
12. The electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, A metal area is placed on a part of the side wall and a part of the protrusion.
13. The electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a multi-rod structure (232) configured to support at least a part of the display; and a rail (250) including a slit (251) configured to guide movement of the multi-rod structure and connected to the frame.
14. The electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a driving structure (240) configured to slide the second housing relative to the first housing, wherein the driving structure includes: a motor (241) disposed within the frame and configured to generate a driving force for moving the second housing relative to the first housing; a gear (244) connected to the motor; and a rack (242) connected to the second housing and configured to engage with the gear.
15. The electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The sensing circuit is configured to operate after the motor is activated.