Electronic device capable of sliding and folding action

Abstract

An electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may include a first housing, a second housing slidably coupled to the first housing in a first direction, a flexible display having one end fixed to either the first housing or the second housing and having an information display area that increases or decreases as the second housing slides and is visible to the outside of the electronic device, and a hinge device rotatably connecting the second housing to the first housing, wherein the rotation axis of the hinge device may be inserted into a receiving portion formed by extending in the first direction so as to be able to move in the first direction during the rotation of the second housing relative to the first housing. Various other embodiments may also be possible.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to an electronic device capable of sliding and folding motions, capable of performing both slideable motions and folding motions. Background Technology

[0003] Displays can play a core role in portable electronic devices. They can visually present information. Factors such as display design, size, and quality can play a significant role in consumers' selection of electronic devices.

[0004] With recent advancements in display technology, flexible displays are being introduced to the market. Using these flexible displays, displays with variable screen sizes can also be realized. For example, new concepts of electronic devices are being developed that include displays whose screen size increases or decreases through sliding, or that are rolled on a specific mechanism or deformed through folding. The problem to be solved

[0006] To implement various electronic devices using deformable displays, a new structure capable of stably supporting the deformable display is required.

[0007] For example, when using a folding display, a support structure is required to resolve various problems such as display lifting, display breakage, and display deformation.

[0008] In addition, it is necessary to use a relatively simple mechanism whose driving characteristics do not easily change even with repetitive operations. means of solving the problem

[0010] An electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may include a first housing, a second housing slidably coupled to the first housing in a first direction, a flexible display having one end fixed to one of the first housing and the second housing, wherein an information display area that is visible to the outside of the electronic device increases or decreases as the second housing slides, and a hinge device rotatably connecting the second housing to the first housing, wherein the rotation axis of the hinge device may be inserted into a receiving portion formed by extending in the first direction so as to be able to move in the first direction during the rotation of the second housing relative to the first housing. Effects of the invention

[0012] According to the various embodiments disclosed in this document, new demand can be created by presenting a new concept of electronic device. By utilizing a deformable display, an electronic device capable of displaying a large amount of information while being easy to carry can be provided.

[0013] It is possible to improve the durability of the display by reducing damage to the display during the deformation process and to resolve the phenomenon of the display lifting. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0015] In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments. FIGS. 2a and 2b are drawings for illustrating various states of an electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document. FIG. 2c is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document. FIG. 3a is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the electronic device shown in FIG. 2a according to various embodiments disclosed in this document. FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of the electronic device illustrated in FIG. 2b according to various embodiments disclosed in this document. FIG. 4a is a perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document. FIG. 4b is a perspective view of the electronic device shown in FIG. 4a in a slid state. FIG. 4c is a perspective view of the electronic device shown in FIG. 4b in a folded state. FIG. 4d is a side view of the folding operation of an electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document. FIG. 5a is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document. FIG. 5b is a drawing showing some components of an electronic device separated according to various embodiments disclosed in this document. FIGS. 6a to 6e are drawings for explaining the sliding and folding operations of an electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document. FIG. 7 is a drawing comparing an electronic device configured so that the rotation axis is fixed and an electronic device configured so that the rotation axis can move, such as an electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document. FIG. 8a is a drawing for explaining a first hinge portion of an electronic device and a method for determining the distance between the first hinge portion and a display according to various embodiments disclosed in this document. FIG. 8b is a drawing for explaining a method for determining the cross-sectional shape of a second housing according to various embodiments disclosed in this document. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document. FIGS. 10a to 10c are drawings showing the operation of a hinge device (500) during the folding process of an electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0016] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0017] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of the noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0018] In this document, each of the phrases such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “or at least one of B,” “A, B or C,” “at least one of A, B and C,” and “B, or at least one of C” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as “first,” “second,” or “first” or “second” may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any (e.g., first) component is referred to as “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., second) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicationly,” it means that said component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) in a network environment (100) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or with an electronic device (104) or a server (108) through a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) through a server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), memory (130), input module (150), sound output module (155), display module (160), audio module (170), sensor module (176), interface (177), connection terminal (178), haptic module (179), camera module (180), power management module (188), battery (189), communication module (190), subscriber identification module (196), or antenna module (197). In some embodiments, at least one of these components (e.g., connection terminal (178)) may be omitted from the electronic device (101), or one or more other components may be added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (176), camera module (180), or antenna module (197)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (160)).

[0021] The processor (120) can control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing software (e.g., program (140)), for example, and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) can store commands or data received from other components (e.g., sensor module (176) or communication module (190)) in volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., central processing unit or application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) that can operate independently or together with it (e.g., graphics processing unit, neural processing unit (NPU), image signal processor, sensor hub processor, or communication processor). For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and an auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use lower power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a designated function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as part thereof.

[0022] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., display module (160), sensor module (176), or communication module (190)) on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module (180) or communication module (190)). According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence is performed, or through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers.An artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure, either additionally or substantially.

[0023] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)). The data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (e.g., program (140)) and related commands. The memory (130) may include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0024] The program (140) may be stored as software in memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0025] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used for a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120)) from outside the electronic device (101) (e.g., 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 pen).

[0026] The sound output module (155) can 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 multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver may be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part thereof.

[0027] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external (e.g., user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling said device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of the force generated by said touch.

[0028] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150) or output sound through the sound output module (155) or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphones) connected directly or wirelessly to the electronic device (101).

[0029] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0030] The interface (177) may support one or more specified protocols that can be used for the electronic device (101) to be connected directly or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0031] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one 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 headphone connector).

[0032] The haptic module (179) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that the user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0033] The camera module (180) can capture still images and video. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0034] The power management module (188) can manage the power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0035] The battery (189) can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0036] The communication module (190) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device (104) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can identify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0037] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following 4G networks, for example, new radio access technology. NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (massive machine type communications (mMTC)), or high reliability and low latency (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC)). The wireless communication module (192) can support a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate, for example. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in the high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large-scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (104)), or network system (e.g., second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a Peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for realizing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for realizing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) for realizing URLLC.

[0038] An antenna module (197) can transmit a signal or power to or from an external source (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna comprising a radiator made of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one 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 method used in a communication network, such as a first network (198) or a second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by a communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, other components (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module (197).

[0039] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving a signal of the specified high frequency band.

[0040] At least some of the above components can be connected to each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)) and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other.

[0041] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) through a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102, or 104) may be the same or different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed on the electronic device (101) may be performed on one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, if the electronic device (101) needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of performing the function or service itself or additionally. One or more external electronic devices that receive the above request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may provide the result as is or additionally processed as at least part of the response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device (101) may provide ultra-low latency services using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included within a second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0043] FIGS. 2a and 2b are drawings for illustrating various states of an electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document. FIG. 2c is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document.

[0044] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) illustrated in FIGS. 2a to 2c may be one of the electronic devices (101) described in FIG. 1.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 2a and 2b, the electronic device (200) may be an electronic device (200) implemented such that the information display area (201) of the display (230) increases or decreases through a sliding method. Here, the information display area (201) may be a portion of the display (230) that is visible outside the electronic device (200). Information output on the display (230) may be visually conveyed to the user through the information display area (201).

[0046] According to various embodiments, the information display area (201) of the electronic device (200) may increase or decrease by a sliding motion. In one embodiment, the sliding motion of the electronic device (200) may mean the sliding of the second housing (220) relative to the first housing (210). The second housing (220) may be slid relative to the first housing (210) in the +X direction with respect to FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b or in the -X direction with respect to FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b.

[0047] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) can be changed from a reference state (e.g., the state shown in FIG. 2a) to a sliding state (e.g., the state shown in FIG. 2b) by a sliding motion.

[0048] The reference state may mean a state in which the end of the first housing (210) and the end of the second housing (220) are substantially aligned. For example, as shown in FIG. 2a, it may mean a state in which the second housing (220) protrudes relative to the first housing (210) or the first housing (210) does not protrude relative to the second housing (220). The reference state may mean a state in which the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are aligned. The reference state may be understood as a closed state or a slide-in state.

[0049] The sliding state may mean a state in which the second housing (220) is slid relative to the first housing (210) in the reference state. In the sliding state, the information display area (201) of the display (230) may be larger than the information display area (201) of the display (230) in the reference state. The sliding state may be understood as an open state or a slide-out state.

[0050] A display (230) in which the information display area (201) varies according to the sliding motion can be defined as a “sliderable display.” Additionally, the display (230) may be guided by a roller (e.g., the roller (330) in FIG. 3A) described later, so that a portion of the display may be bent. A display (230) in which a portion of the display is guided by a roller and bent can be defined as a “rollerable display.” The display (230) described below may be understood as a “sliderable or rollable display.”

[0051] According to one embodiment, the sliding of the second housing (220) relative to the first housing (210) can be performed semi-automatically. For example, the sliding of the second housing (220) relative to the first housing (210) can be performed by a member (not shown) that provides elastic force in the sliding direction. In this case, when the sliding of the second housing (220) relative to the first housing (210) is partially performed, the sliding of the second housing (220) can be performed by the elastic force provided to the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220).

[0052] According to one embodiment, the sliding of the second housing (220) relative to the first housing (210) can be performed automatically. For example, the second housing (220) can be slid relative to the first housing (210) by a motor (not shown). A motor that slides the second housing (220) can be operated according to a signal input through various buttons and sensors included in the electronic device (200).

[0053] According to various embodiments, the first housing (210) may include at least one sub-housing (211, 212, 213) and a guide housing (214). For example, as shown in FIG. 3b, the first housing (210) may include a first sub-housing (211), a second sub-housing (212), a third sub-housing (213), and a guide housing (214). In one embodiment, a receiving space (e.g., the receiving space (310) of FIG. 3a) for receiving a portion of the display (230) may be provided between the third sub-housing (213) and the second sub-housing (212). In one embodiment, a guide housing (214) is provided in pairs and may be coupled to an assembly of a first sub-housing (211), a second sub-housing (212), and a third sub-housing (213) in both lateral directions of the electronic device (200) (e.g., the +Y direction and the -Y direction of FIG. 3b). The guide housing (214) may include a guide rail (214-1). The guide rail (214-1) may be a groove formed in the guide housing (214) to guide the sliding movement of the second housing (220) and the support member (250). The guide rail (214-1) may guide the sliding of the second housing (220) and the support member (250) by sliding while the projection (e.g., the guide projection (413) of FIG. 4) formed on the second housing (220) and the support member (250) is inserted into the guide rail (214-1).

[0054] According to various embodiments, the second housing (220) may support a portion of the display (230). At least a portion of the display (230) is fixed to the second housing (220) so that it can move along the second housing (220) when the second housing (220) slides relative to the first housing (210).

[0055] According to various embodiments, the support member (250) may support a portion of the display (230). The support member (250) may include a bendable structure. For example, the support member (250) may include a structure in which a plurality of bars (e.g., the first support member (410) of FIG. 4) formed by extending in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction (e.g., the X-axis direction of FIG. 3b) are connected along the sliding direction. In addition, the support member (250) may be configured with various bendable structures. For example, the support member (250) may be a bendable plate and may have a structure in which a plurality of grooves are formed to allow bending. The support member (250) may be connected to the second housing (220) and may slide together with the second housing (220) against the first housing (210).

[0056] According to various embodiments, the display (230) may be a flexible display (230) capable of bending. In one embodiment, the display (230) may include a substrate of a flexible material. For example, the display (230) may include a substrate formed of a polymer material of a flexible material such as polyimide (PI) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Additionally, it may include a substrate of a glass material formed very thinly. The display (230) is supported by a second housing (220) and a support member (250), and an information display area (201), which is the part visible to the outside, may increase or decrease through the sliding of the second housing (220) relative to the first housing (210). In one embodiment, the display (230) may further include a touch detection circuit (e.g., a touch sensor). Additionally, the display (230) may be combined with or placed adjacent to a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch and / or a digitizer capable of detecting a magnetic field-based pen input device (e.g., a stylus pen). For example, the digitizer may include a coil member placed on a dielectric substrate to detect an electromagnetic induction-based resonant frequency applied from a pen input device.

[0057] According to various embodiments, the rear cover (320) may be coupled to the first housing (210) to form the rear exterior of the electronic device (200). For example, as shown in FIG. 3b, the rear cover (320) may be coupled to the first housing (210) in the Z-axis direction of FIG. 3b. The rear cover (320) may be formed of a transparent, opaque, or translucent material.

[0059] FIG. 3a is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the electronic device shown in FIG. 2a according to various embodiments disclosed in this document. FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of the electronic device shown in FIG. 2b according to various embodiments disclosed in this document.

[0060] According to various embodiments, the display (230) may include a plurality of regions. The plurality of regions described below may be regions separated according to the state of the display (230) or the part where the display (230) is located in the electronic device (200). For example, the display (230) may include a display area (230A), which is a region where the display (230) is exposed to the outside of the electronic device (200); a storage area (230C), which is a region housed inside the electronic device (200); and a banding area (230B), which is a banded region connecting the display area (230A) and the storage area (230C). In one embodiment, the storage area (230C) of the display (230) may be a region where a part of the display (230) is housed in a receiving space (310) contained in the first housing (210). In one embodiment, depending on the shape of the housing surrounding the display (230), a portion of the bending area (230B) may also be visible outside the electronic device (200).

[0061] As the electronic device (200) slides, the size of the display area (230A) and the storage area (230C) may vary. For example, in a reference state (e.g., the state shown in FIG. 3a), the size of the display area (230A) may be smaller than the size of the display area (230A) in a sliding state (e.g., the state shown in FIG. 3b). In the reference state, the size of the storage area (230C) may be larger than the size of the storage area (230C) in a sliding state. Each area of ​​the display (230) is distinguished merely for convenience of explanation and may not actually be a visually distinguishable area.

[0062] According to various embodiments, when the second housing (220) is slid in the +X direction with respect to FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b, the display (230) connected to the second housing (220) moves, and the display area (230A) increases and the storage area (230C) decreases. The support member (470) supporting the display (230) can be bent along the roller (330) in the bending area (230B).

[0064] FIG. 4a is a perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document. FIG. 4b is a perspective view of the electronic device shown in FIG. 4a in a sliding state. FIG. 4c is a perspective view of the electronic device shown in FIG. 4b in a folded state. FIG. 4d is a side view of the folding operation of an electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document.

[0065] The electronic device (400) described below may be an electronic device in which a first housing (410) (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 2a) and a second housing (420) (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 2a) are slidably coupled similarly to the electronic device (200) described through FIG. 2a to 2c and FIG. 3a to 3b, and an information display area (401A) (e.g., the information display area (201) of FIG. 2a) of a display (430) (e.g., the display (230) of FIG. 2a) is variable according to the sliding of the second housing (420). The operation and structure of the electronic device (400) described below include a configuration similar to that of the electronic device (200) described above, so they can be understood by referring to the above description.

[0066] As illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 4b, by sliding the second housing (420) relative to the first housing (410), the area of ​​the part where information is displayed (information display area (401A)) or the part where the display (430) is visible outside the electronic device (400) can be increased. Hereinafter, sliding in the direction in which the information display area (401A) expands is referred to as sliding in the first direction (e.g., the +X direction in FIG. 4b). Sliding in the second direction (e.g., the -X direction in FIG. 4b), which is opposite to the first direction, may be sliding in the direction in which the information display area (401A) contracts. Sliding in the direction in which the information display area (401A) contracts may be referred to as sliding in the second direction.

[0067] The electronic device (400) described below may be configured such that the second housing (420) can rotate relative to the first housing (410). When the second housing (420) rotates relative to the first housing (410), a portion of the display (430) may be deformed (e.g., bent). As illustrated in FIGS. 4c and 4d, depending on the rotation of the second housing (420) relative to the first housing (410), the area of ​​the display (430) placed in the first housing (410) and the area of ​​the display (430) placed in the second housing (420) may form a predetermined angle. The rotation of the second housing (420) relative to the first housing (410) can be understood as folding of the first housing (410) and the second housing (420).

[0068] Accordingly, the electronic device (400) below may mean a sliderable or rollable electronic device (400) and simultaneously a foldable electronic device (400).

[0069] Referring to FIG. 4d, the second housing (420) and the first housing (410) can form various angles. In one embodiment, the rotation of the first housing (410) relative to the second housing (420) can be stopped without an external force being applied. For example, the rotation of the second housing (420) relative to the first housing (410) can be stopped due to the frictional force of a configuration (e.g., the hinge device (500) of FIG. 5a) that rotatably connects the first housing (410) and the second housing (420).

[0070] With the second housing (420) forming a predetermined angle with respect to the first housing (410), the first housing (410) can function as a support that supports the second housing (420) at a predetermined angle with respect to the ground. In this state, information can be displayed on the display (430) placed on the second housing (420). A selfie can be taken using a camera (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1) placed on the front of the second housing (420), or a notification can be displayed, or an operation UI can be displayed on the display (430) placed on the first housing (410), and content (e.g., games, videos) can be displayed on the display (430) placed on the second housing (420). In addition, the electronic device (400) disclosed in this document can be utilized in various other ways.

[0072] FIG. 5a is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document. FIG. 5b is a drawing showing some components of an electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document separated. FIG. 6a to 6e are drawings for explaining the sliding and folding operations of an electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 5a and 5b, the electronic device may include a first housing (410), a second housing (420), a sub-housing (440), a guide rail (460), a roller (450), a hinge device (500), and a support member (470). The second housing (420) may be slidably coupled to the first housing (410). The sub-housing (440) may be coupled to the second housing (420) to support the support member (470). Additionally, a portion of a display (e.g., the display (430) of FIG. 4a) may be stored in a storage space formed between the sub-housing (440) and the second housing (420). The guide rail (460) may guide the movement of the support member (470) as the second housing (420) slides relative to the first housing (410). As illustrated in FIG. 5a, the guide rail (460) may be formed separately and positioned on the side of the sub-housing (440) or on the inner side of the second housing (420). In some embodiments, the guide rail (460) may be formed on the side of the sub-housing (440) or on the inner side of the second housing (420). The roller (450) may support a support member (470) that supports a bending area of ​​the display (430) (e.g., the bending area (430B) in FIG. 6a). The hinge device (500) may be a component that enables rotation of the first housing (410) relative to the second housing (420). The second housing (420) may rotate relative to the first housing (410) by means of the hinge device (500). The support member (470) may support the display (430). A more detailed description of each component will be added while explaining the operation of the electronic device.

[0074] First, the sliding motion of the electronic device (400) will be described with reference to FIGS. 5a, 5b and FIGS. 6a to 6c. The sliding motion of the electronic device (400) may be similar to the electronic device (200) described through FIGS. 2a to 2c and FIGS. 3a to 3b.

[0075] Hereinafter, the state illustrated in FIG. 6a will be referred to as the slide-in state, and the state illustrated in FIG. 6c will be defined and referred to as the slide-out state.

[0076] A display (430) included in an electronic device (400) according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be a flexible display (430) in which a portion of the display may be deformed (e.g., bending) according to the sliding motion of the electronic device (400). The display (430) may include a plurality of regions. Here, the plurality of regions of the display (430) are distinguished for convenience of explanation and do not mean that the display (430) is implemented by being segmented into a plurality of regions or includes a plurality of visually distinct regions. In one embodiment, the display (430) may include a display area (430A), a bending area (430B), and a storage area (430C). The display area (430A) may refer to an area where the display (430) is visible to the outside of the electronic device (400). The storage area (430C) may be an area stored in the internal space of the electronic device (400). The internal space of the electronic device (400) in which the storage area (430C) of the display (430) is placed may be a space formed by the second housing (420) and the sub-housing (440) coupled to the second housing (420). The bending area (430B) may be an area connecting the display area (430A) and the storage area (430C). Deformation of the display (430) may occur in the bending area (430B). In some cases, a part of the bending area (430B) may also be visible from outside the electronic device (400). Therefore, one area of ​​the bending area (430B) may also become the display area (430A). The display area (430A) of the display (430) may be further divided into a first area (431A), a second area (432A), and a third area (433A). The distinction between the first region (431A) to the third region (433A) may be a region conceptually separated by a support member (470) that supports the display (430).

[0077] According to various embodiments, the display (430) may be supported by a support member (470). The support member (470) may include a first support member (471), a second support member (472), and a third support member (473).

[0078] In one embodiment, both ends of the support member (470) may be inserted into the guide rail (460). Both ends of the display (430) coupled to the support member (470) may be positioned between the guide rail (460) and the second guide rib (421). Referring to FIG. 5b, a second guide rib (421), which is a portion protruding inwardly from the second housing (420), may be formed on the inner surface of the second housing (420). The second guide rib (421) may cover a portion of the display (430). Because the second guide rib (421) covers a portion of the display (430), the display (430) may not be dislodged during the sliding process.

[0079] In one embodiment, the first support member (471) may support a portion of the display (430) that does not undergo deformation. The portion of the display (430) that does not undergo deformation may be a first area (431A) of the display area (430A). The first area (431A) may be an area that does not undergo deformation during the sliding process of the electronic device (400). The first support member (471) may be formed in a plate shape. The first area (431A) of the display (430) and the first support member (471) may be fixed through a fixing member (not shown). For example, the fixing member may be an adhesive material. The first area (431A) of the display (430) and the first support member (471) may be mutually fixed by the fixing member. In one embodiment, the first support member (471) may be fixed to the first housing (410). The first region (431A) is fixed to the first support member (471), and since the first support member (471) is fixed to the first housing (410), the first region (431A) can be fixed to the first housing (410). In one embodiment, the first support member (471) can be inserted into the guide rail (460). For example, as shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b, the first support member (471) can be inserted into the guide rail (460) in a slide-in state or in an intermediate state between the slide-in state and the slide-out state.

[0080] In one embodiment, the second support member (472) may support the second area (432A), the bending area (430B), and the storage area (430C) of the display area (430A). The area of ​​the display (430) supported by the second support member (472) may be a part that undergoes deformation during the sliding process of the electronic device (400). The second support member (472) may be configured to be bendable so as to support the area of ​​the display (430) that undergoes deformation. For example, the second support member (472) may include a plurality of bars that extend in the width direction of the display (430) (e.g., the Y-axis direction in FIG. 5b) and are arranged in the length direction of the display (430) (e.g., the X-axis direction in FIG. 5b). The width direction of the display (430) and the length direction of the display (430) may mean directions perpendicular to each other. A plurality of bars can each be fixed through a display (430) and a fixing member (not shown). For example, the fixing member may be an adhesive material. The movement of the second support member (472) may be guided by a guide rail (460). The guide rail (460) may extend in the sliding direction of the second housing (420) (e.g., the first direction (e.g., the +X direction in FIG. 6A) or the second direction (e.g., the -X direction in FIG. 6A)). Additionally, a portion of the guide rail (460) may be bent to extend into a storage space. The second support member (472), guided by the bent portion of the guide rail (460), may support the bending area (430B) of the display (430). By supporting the display (430) by the second support member (472) guided by the bent and extended guide rail (460), the display (430) may be bent. A guide rail (460) extends into a storage space, and a second support member (472) guided by the guide rail (460) supports the display (430), thereby allowing the display (430) to be withdrawn from the storage space. In one embodiment, the guide rail (460) may be positioned on both sides of the second housing (420).

[0081] In one embodiment, the third support member (473) is positioned between the first support member (471) and the second support member (472) to support a portion of the third area (433A) of the display area (430A) of the display (430). The third area (433A) of the display area (430A) may be an area connecting the first area (431A) and the second area (432A). A detailed description of the third support member (473) will be provided in detail in the section describing the folding operation of the electronic device (400).

[0082] As illustrated in FIGS. 6a to 6c, when the second housing (420) slides in a first direction relative to the first housing (410), a portion of the display (430) stored in the storage space can be moved out of the storage space and visible outside the electronic device (400). In other words, the display area (430A) of the display (430) can be increased, and the storage area (430C) of the display (430) can be reduced. In this process, the second support member (472), guided by the guide rail (460), can support the bending area (430B) of the display (430) in a bendable manner according to the shape of the guide rail (460). Additionally, the second support member (472) supporting the bending area (430B) can be supported by a roller (450). Since the display (430) and the second support member (472) are fixed to each other, the movement of the display (430) and the movement of the second support member (472) can occur together. The sliding of the second housing (420) in the first direction may be limited, for example, by the structure of a separate mechanism (e.g., the locking structure of the hinge device (500) and the hinge guide (412). Hereinafter, the state in which the second housing (420) is slid to a limited position (e.g., the state shown in FIG. 6c) will be defined as the folding start state. The folding start state will be described later.

[0083] As illustrated in FIGS. 6a to 6c, when the second housing (420) is slid in a second direction relative to the first housing (410), the display area (430A) may be reduced and the storage area (430C) may be increased. In other words, due to the second direction sliding of the second housing (420), one area of ​​the display (430) corresponding to the display area (430A) becomes a bending area (430B) and can be moved into a storage space to become a storage area (430C). The deformation and movement of the display (430) may be performed according to the movement of the second support member (472) fixed to the display (430).

[0084] Next, with reference to FIGS. 5a, 5b and FIGS. 6c through 6e, the folding operation of the electronic device (400) will be described. The folding operation of the electronic device (400) can be implemented by a hinge device (500) included in the electronic device (400). First, the operation when the second housing (420) rotates relative to the first housing (410) in a first rotational direction will be described. The first rotational direction refers to the direction in which the first housing (410) and the second housing (420) rotate in a folding direction.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 5b, the hinge device (500) may include a first hinge portion (510) and a second hinge portion (520). In one embodiment, a plurality of hinge devices (500) may be provided. Although FIG. 5b shows the hinge device (500) positioned adjacent to one side of the second housing (420), the hinge device (500) may also be positioned adjacent to the other side. The second hinge portion (520) of the hinge device (500) may be rotatably installed with respect to the first hinge portion (510). A receiving portion (512) into which the rotation axis (530) of the hinge device (500) is inserted may be formed in the first hinge portion (510). In the electronic device (400) according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document, the rotation axis (530) may move in the sliding direction of the electronic device (400) (e.g., a first direction or a second direction) during the folding process. A receiving portion (512) for receiving the rotation axis (530) may also be formed to extend in the first direction or a second direction so as to receive the rotation axis (530) moving in the sliding direction. The rotation axis (530) inserted into the receiving portion (512) may move in the sliding direction.

[0086] In one embodiment, the first gear (511) formed in the first hinge portion (510) and the second gear (521) formed in the second hinge portion (520) can be interlocked so as to be interlocked with each other. The first gear (511) may be formed integrally with the first hinge portion (510) or may be formed separately from the first hinge portion (510) and coupled to the first hinge portion (510). The second gear (521) may be formed integrally with the second hinge portion (520) or may be formed separately from the second hinge portion (520) and coupled to the second hinge portion (520).

[0087] In one embodiment, the first gear (511) and the second gear (521) may be configured so that rotation of the second hinge portion (520) and linear movement of the second hinge portion (520) relative to the first hinge portion (510) occur simultaneously. To explain further, the first gear (511) and the second gear (521) may be configured so that the second hinge portion (520) can rotate relative to the first hinge portion (510) while the rotation axis (530) of the second hinge portion (520) moves linearly. For example, one of the first gear (511) and the second gear (521) may be a gear formed in a shape extending in a first direction or a second direction. As illustrated in FIG. 5b and FIG. 6c, the first gear (511) of the first hinge portion (510) may be a gear extending in a first direction or a second direction. The second gear (521) of the second hinge portion (520) may be a gear that meshes with the first gear (511) and is formed in a circular shape, at least partially. For example, the first gear (511) and the second gear (521) may be rack and pinion gears. The first gear (511) may be a rack gear, and the second gear (521) may be a pinion gear. Due to the shape of the first gear (511) and the second gear (521), the second hinge portion (520) rotates relative to the first hinge portion (510), and the second hinge portion (520) moves linearly relative to the first hinge portion (510), so that the rotation axis (530) connected to the second hinge portion (520) can move in the receiving portion (512).

[0088] In one embodiment, the hinge device (500) can move along the sliding of the second housing (420) with the second housing (420) relative to the first housing (410). The hinge device (500) can move along the second housing (420) through various connection relationships. For example, the second hinge part (520) can be fixed to the second housing (420) by being formed on a guide rail (460) coupled to the second housing (420) or by being coupled to the guide rail (460). Since the first gear (511) of the first hinge part (510) and the second gear (521) of the second hinge part (520) are engaged with each other, when the second hinge part (520) moves along the second housing (420), the first hinge part (510) can also move along the second housing (420). In one embodiment, the movement of the first hinge portion (510) may be guided by a hinge guide (412) formed in the first housing (410). The hinge guide (412) may be formed to extend in a first direction or a second direction. For example, the movement of the first hinge portion (510) may be restricted by the hinge guide (412). When the movement of the first hinge portion (510) is restricted by the hinge guide (412), the movement of the second hinge portion (520) engaged with the first hinge portion (510) is stopped, and the sliding of the second housing (420) fixed to the second hinge portion (520) may be stopped. The state of the electronic device (400) at the point where the movement of the first hinge portion (510) is restricted by the hinge guide (412) can be understood as a folding start state. For example, in the electronic device (400) illustrated in FIG. 6c, the movement of the first hinge portion (510) is restricted by the hinge guide (412), so the electronic device (400) illustrated in FIG. 6c can be understood as being in a folding start state.

[0089] In one embodiment, rotation of the second housing (420) relative to the first housing (410) may be possible when the electronic device (400) reaches a folding start state.

[0090] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6c and FIG. 6d, the second housing (420) can be slid a predetermined distance relative to the first housing (410), and then the second housing (420) can be rotated relative to the first housing (410). A locking structure can be formed on the first housing (410) and the second housing (420). For example, referring to FIG. 5b, a first guide rib (411), which is a portion protruding inwardly from the first housing (410), can be formed on the inner surface of the first housing (410). Referring to FIG. 5b, a second guide rib (421), which is a portion protruding inwardly from the second housing (420), can be formed on the inner surface of the second housing (420). In a state where the second housing (420) is not sufficiently slid in the first direction relative to the first housing (410), the first guide rib (411) and the second guide rib (421) may overlap. In other words, the first guide rib (411) may cover at least a portion of the second guide rib (421). In the state where the first guide rib (411) and the second guide rib (421) overlap, due to the locking structure of the first guide rib (411) and the second guide rib (421), the second housing (420) may not be able to rotate relative to the first housing (410). When the second housing (420) slides a predetermined distance in a first direction relative to the first housing (410) and the electronic device (400) reaches a folding start state, as shown in FIG. 5b, a second guide rib (421) may be placed in a portion (411A) where the first guide rib (411) is not formed. In this state, the first guide rib (411) and the second guide rib (421) do not overlap, so there is no obstruction between the first guide rib (411) and the second guide rib (421), allowing the second housing (420) to rotate relative to the first housing (410).

[0091] Although it has been described above that a locking structure is formed between the first housing (410) and the second housing (420), there may not be a locking structure between the first housing (410) and the second housing (420) which are arranged to be movable relative to each other. In this case, the second housing (420) may be folded relative to the first housing (410) even if the electronic device (400) has not reached a folding start state.

[0092] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 5b and FIGS. 6d, a second guide rib (421) formed in the second housing (420) can support the display (430). By the second guide rib (421) supporting the display (430) in the folded state, the lifting phenomenon of the display (430) can be alleviated. Additionally, the second housing (420) may include a section (421A) where the second guide rib (421) is not formed. Deformation may occur in the display (430) during the folding process. If the second guide rib (421) is present at the point where deformation occurs, interference may occur between the second guide rib (421) and the display (430). Therefore, the second guide rib (421) may not be present in the section (421A) corresponding to the part where deformation of the display (430) occurs during the folding process.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 6c and 6d, during the folding process, the second hinge portion (520) rotates relative to the first hinge portion (510), thereby allowing the second housing (420) to rotate relative to the first housing (410). Additionally, when the second hinge portion (520) rotates relative to the first hinge portion (510), the second hinge portion (520) and the rotation axis (530) connected to the second hinge portion (520) can move in a first direction. During the folding process, a portion of the display area (430A) may be deformed. For example, deformation may begin in the portion between the first support portion (471) and the third support portion (473).

[0094] In one embodiment, the third support member (473) supporting the third region (433A) of the support member (470) may include a first sub-support member (473-1) and a second sub-support member (473-2). The second sub-support member (473-2) may be a portion that is not fixed to the display (430), unlike the first support member (471), the second support member (472), or the first sub-support member (473-1). Thus, when the display (430) is deformed, the second sub-support member (473-2) may be separated from the display (430).

[0095] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5b, the length of the second sub-support (473-2) (e.g., the length of the Y-axis in FIG. 5b) may be smaller than the length of other supports (e.g., the first support (471), the second support (472), the first sub-support (473-1)). This may be determined by taking into account the interference between the second sub-support (473-2) and the hinge device (500).

[0096] Meanwhile, the display (430) can be bent with a radius of curvature that is not zero. Since the display (430), whose movement is partially constrained by the support member (470), is deformed with a predetermined radius of curvature, tensile stress may occur in the display (430). In various embodiments disclosed in this document, the second sub-support (473-2) of the third support member (473) supporting the third region (433A) may be separated from the display (430), and the second region (432A) connected to the third region (433A) may be supported by the second support member (472). Due to the tensile stress occurring in the third region (433A) as the display (430) folds, a part of the second region (432A) may be converted from the display region (430A) to the storage region (430C). To explain further, during the folding process of the display (430), a portion of the display (430) can be drawn into the storage space. The first region (431A) of the display (430) is fixed to the first support member (471) and cannot move, but the second region (432A) of the display (430) is fixed to the second support member (472), and the second support member (472) can be guided and moved by a guide rail (460) that extends into the storage space with a portion of it bent. As a portion of the second region (432A) of the display (430) is drawn into the storage space while being supported by the second support member (472), the tensile stress generated in the third region (433A) can be cushioned. In FIG. 6c, the folding start state, the storage area (430C) is small or non-existent, but as folding progresses, the storage area (430C) may exist as shown in FIG. 6d and FIG. 6e.

[0097] According to one embodiment, since the rotation axis (530) moves during the folding process of the display (430), a natural folding can be achieved that does not strain the display (430) while maintaining the radius of curvature of the display (430) at a constant level compared to the case where the rotation axis (530) is fixed during folding.

[0098] According to various embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 6e, the second housing (420) can be folded relative to the first housing (410) until the angle formed with the first housing (410) is 90 degrees. This angle is merely an example, and the second housing (420) and the first housing (410) can be folded at various angles.

[0099] Next, the operation of the second housing (420) rotating in a second rotational direction relative to the first housing (410) is described. The second rotational direction refers to rotation in the direction in which the first housing (410) and the second housing (420) unfold.

[0100] The second housing (420) is rotated relative to the first housing (410), and the second hinge portion (520) is rotated relative to the first hinge portion (510), and accordingly, the rotation axis (530) can move in the second direction. As rotation proceeds, the third support portion (473) can come close to the first support portion (471). Referring to FIG. 6c, a first working portion (4711) and a first inclined portion (4712) may be formed at the end of the first support portion (471) adjacent to the third support portion (473). The first working portion (4711) may be a portion formed perpendicular to the first direction, and the first inclined portion (4712) may be a portion formed inclined toward the first direction. Additionally, at the end of the second sub-support (473-2) of the third support (473) adjacent to the first support (471), a second working part (473-21) corresponding to the first working part (4711) and a second inclined part (473-22) corresponding to the first inclined part (4712) may be formed. The second working part (473-21) may be a part formed perpendicular to the first direction, and the second inclined part (473-22) may be a part formed inclined toward the first direction. When the third support (473) approaches the first support (471), the first inclined part (4712) and the second inclined part (473-22) may begin to come into contact. The first inclined portion (4712) and the second inclined portion (473-22) are formed to be inclined toward the first direction and to correspond to each other, so that the second inclined portion (473-22) can naturally cover the first inclined portion (4712). As shown in FIG. 6c, when folding in the second rotational direction is completed, the second inclined portion (473-22) completely covers the first inclined portion (4712), and the first acting portion (4711) and the second acting portion (473-21) can be engaged with each other in a face-to-face state. In this state, when the second housing (420) is slid in the second direction, the first acting portion (4711) pushes the second acting portion (473-21), thereby allowing the first support portion (471) to press the third support portion (473) in the second direction.By this, the third support member (473) presses the second support member (472) in the second direction, and the display (430) fixed to the second support member (472) can be brought into the receiving space.

[0101] Meanwhile, during the process of rotating in the second rotation direction, a part of the first support member (471) may be inserted into the guide rail (460). As shown in FIG. 5b (see 460A in FIG. 5b), a part of the guide rail (460) is formed in a shape that is cut, so that the first support member (471) can be inserted normally into the guide rail (460) even if the alignment between the guide rail (460) and the first support member (471) is somewhat poor. In this case, when a part of the guide rail (460) is cut, the width of the first sub-support member (473-1) of the third support member (473) (e.g., length in the X-axis direction in FIG. 5b) may be formed larger than the width of a plurality of bars included in the second support member (472) (e.g., length in the X-axis direction in FIG. 5b). During the folding process of the electronic device (400), the first sub-support (473-1) needs to remain in a state where at least a portion is inserted into the guide rail (460). This is because if the first sub-support (473-1) is disengaged from the guide rail (460) during the folding process, the operation of the display (430) being inserted into the storage space may not be performed smoothly. By increasing the width of the first sub-support (473-1), even if there is a partially cut portion (460A) in the guide rail (460), a portion of the first sub-support (473-1) can remain inserted into the guide rail (460), so the operation of the display (430) being inserted into the storage space can be performed normally during the folding process.

[0103] FIG. 7 is a drawing comparing an electronic device configured so that the rotation axis is fixed and an electronic device configured so that the rotation axis can move, such as an electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document.

[0104] In the case of an electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document, the rotation axis (530) may move during the folding process. For example, as described through FIGS. 5b and FIGS. 6c to 6e, the rotation axis (530) may move during the process in which the second hinge part (520) rotates relative to the first hinge part (510) by the interlocking of the first gear (511) of the first hinge part (510) and the second gear (512) of the second hinge part (520).

[0105] FIG. 7(a) shows a case where an electronic device with a fixed rotation axis (530) is folded, and FIG. 7(b) shows a case where an electronic device configured to allow the rotation axis (530) to move, such as the electronic device of various embodiments disclosed in this document, is folded. In FIG. 7(b), the distance (L2) between the end of the first housing (410) and the end of the second housing (420) is greater than the distance (L1) between the end of the first housing (410) and the end of the second housing (420) in FIG. 7(a). Through this, it can be confirmed that when the rotation axis (530) is configured to be movable, the information display area of ​​the display (e.g., the information display area (401A) of FIG. 4a) can be secured more significantly.

[0107] FIG. 8a is a drawing for explaining a method for determining a first hinge portion of an electronic device and a distance between the first hinge portion and a display according to various embodiments disclosed in this document. FIG. 8b is a drawing for explaining a method for determining a cross-sectional shape of a second housing according to various embodiments disclosed in this document.

[0108] In one embodiment, the shape of the second hinge part (520) and the distance between the rotation axis (530) and the display (430) can be determined by considering the radius of the second hinge part (520) and the distance relationship between the rotation axis (530) and the display (430) so that stable folding of the electronic device is possible.

[0109] For example, referring to FIG. 8a, during the process of folding the electronic device 90 degrees, the rotation axis (530) can move by 1 / 4 of the diameter of the second hinge part (520). If the radius of the second hinge part (520) is denoted as a, the distance traveled by the rotation axis (530) can be expressed as (aπ) / 2. When folding begins, if the distance from the point where deformation of the display (430) occurs to the rotation axis (530) is denoted as b, the shape of the second hinge part (520) and the distance from the rotation axis (530) to the display (430) can be determined to satisfy (aπ) / 2 = b. In this case, the point of action (C1) of the display (430) at the start of folding and the point of action (C2) of the display (430) at the time of 90-degree folding coincide, thereby enabling stable folding operation.

[0110] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the second housing (420) can be determined so that the portion between the first housing (410) and the second housing (420) remains in a close state during the folding process. The cross-sectional shape of the second housing (420) can be determined by considering the movement trajectory of the second hinge portion (520) during the folding process.

[0111] For example, referring to FIG. 8b, a point Q1 is defined as the part where the first housing (410) and the second housing (420) meet before the electronic device is folded, and a point Q2 is defined as the point corresponding to Q1 after the electronic device is folded 90 degrees. Additionally, a point P1 is defined as the point located vertically above Q1 within the radius of the second hinge part (520) before the electronic device is folded, and a point P2 is defined as the point corresponding to P1 after the electronic device is folded 90 degrees. While P1 moves to point P2, the trajectory can be represented as a cycloid curve (P1-P2). If the cross-sectional shape of the second hinge part (520) is determined by the cycloid curve (P1-P2) offset by the difference in distance from Q1 to P1 for this cycloid curve (Q1-Q2), the first housing (410) and the second housing (420) can be maintained in a close contact state during the folding process of the electronic device.

[0113] Next, other embodiments of the electronic device disclosed in this document will be described. The electronic device illustrated in FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10a through 11c may be a sliding and folding electronic device similar to the electronic device described in FIGS. 5a and 5b. In the following description, components substantially identical to those described above will be described using the same reference numerals.

[0114] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 9, the electronic device may include a first housing (410), a second housing (420), a sub-housing (440), a guide rail (460), a roller (450), a hinge device (500), and a support member (470).

[0116] According to various embodiments, the second housing (420) may be slidably coupled to the first housing (410). The sub-housing (440) may be coupled to the first housing (410) to support the support member (470). The sub-housing (440) may include a first cover (441) and a second cover (442). In one embodiment, a roller (450) may be disposed between the second cover (442) and the sub-housing (440). Additionally, a portion of a display (e.g., the display (430) of FIG. 4a) may be stored in the storage space formed between the sub-housing (440) and the first housing (410). The guide rail (460) may guide the movement of the support member (470) as the second housing (420) slides relative to the first housing (410). As illustrated in FIG. 9, the guide rail (460) may be formed separately and positioned on the side of the sub-housing (440) or on the inner side of the first housing (410). In some embodiments, the guide rail (460) may be formed on the side of the sub-housing (440) or on the inner side of the first housing (410). The roller (450) may support a support member (470) that supports the bending area of ​​the display (430) (e.g., the bending area (430B) in FIG. 6a). The hinge device (500) may be a component that enables rotation of the first housing (410) relative to the second housing (420).

[0117] According to various embodiments, the hinge device (500) may include a first hinge portion (510), a second hinge portion (520), and a rotation axis (530).

[0118] A first hinge portion (510) may be formed in a sub-housing (440). Since the sub-housing (440) is fixedly positioned in the first housing (410), the first hinge portion (510) formed in the sub-housing (440) may be fixed regardless of the sliding of the second housing (420) relative to the first housing (410). The first hinge portion (510) may include a first gear (511) and a receiving portion (512). The first gear (511) may be formed by extending in the sliding direction of the second housing (420) (e.g., the X-axis direction in FIG. 9). A rotation axis (530) may be inserted into the receiving portion (512). The receiving portion (512) may be formed by extending in the sliding direction so that the rotation axis (530) can move in the sliding direction during the rotation of the first hinge portion (510) relative to the second hinge portion (520). Referring to FIG. 9, the receiving portion (512) into which the rotation shaft (530) is inserted may also be formed in the guide rail (460). The rotation shaft (530) may be positioned so that it is inserted into both the receiving portion (512) formed in the sub-housing (440) and the rotation shaft (530) formed in the guide rail (460).

[0119] In one embodiment, the second hinge portion (520) may be coupled to the rotation axis (530). The second hinge portion (520) may be formed separately from the rotation axis (530) and coupled to the rotation axis (530), or may be formed integrally with the second hinge portion (520). The second hinge portion (520) may include a second gear (521). The second gear (521) of the second hinge portion (520) may mesh with the first gear (511) of the first hinge portion (510).

[0120] In one embodiment, the rotation axis (530) may be inserted into a hinge guide (422) formed on the inner surface of the second housing (420) via a receiving portion (512) formed in the guide rail (460). Sliding of the second housing (420) relative to the first housing (410) may occur until the rotation axis (530) is caught on the hinge guide (422). When the rotation axis (530) is caught on the hinge guide (422), the second housing (420) cannot move relative to the first hinge portion (510) fixed to the first housing (410), so sliding of the second housing (420) relative to the first housing (410) may no longer occur.

[0121] According to various embodiments, the support member may include a first support member (471), a second support member (472), and a third support member (473).

[0122] In one embodiment, the first support member (471) can support a portion of the display (430) where no deformation occurs. The first support member (471) may be formed in a plate shape. The display (430) and the first support member (471) may be fixed through a fixing member (not shown). For example, the fixing member may be an adhesive material.

[0123] In one embodiment, the second support member (472) can support a portion of the display (430) where deformation occurs. The second support member (472) may be configured to be bendable so as to support the area of ​​the display (430) where deformation occurs. For example, the second support member (472) may include a plurality of bars that extend in the width direction of the display (430) (e.g., the Y-axis direction in FIG. 9) and are arranged in the length direction of the display (430) (e.g., the X-axis direction in FIG. 9). Each of the plurality of bars may be fixed to the display (430) through a fixing member (not shown). For example, the fixing member may be an adhesive material. The movement of the second support member (472) may be guided by a guide rail (460).

[0124] In one embodiment, the third support member (473) may be positioned between the first support member (471) and the second support member (472). The third support member may include a first sub-support member (473-1) which is a part fixed to the display (430) and a second sub-support member (473-2) which is a part not fixed to the display. In one embodiment, the second sub-support member (473-2) may include a first part (473-2A) formed protruding from the first support member (471) and a second part (473-2B) formed protruding from the first sub-support member (473-1). Both the first part (473-2A) and the second part (473-2B) may be parts not fixed to the display (430). In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, the first part (473-2A) may be formed in the middle part of the first support member (471). A support groove (474) may be formed in the portion of the second part (473-2B) facing (or corresponding to) the first part (473-2A). Additionally, an inclined support member (475) may be included in the portion corresponding to the support groove (474), which is formed to protrude in a first direction (e.g., the +X direction in FIG. 9) from the first sub-support member (473-1). Thus, when the first support member (471) approaches the third support member (473), the first portion (473-2A) formed in the first support member (471) may approach the inclined support member (475) formed in the first sub-support member (473-1). During the folding process, the first portion (473-2A) may press against the inclined support member (475). When the first part (473-2A) presses the inclined support member (475), the first sub-support member (473-1) including the inclined support member (475) is pressed, and the first sub-support member (473-1) can press the second support member (472).

[0125] In one embodiment, the sub-housing (440) may include an inclined support receiving groove (910) formed to accommodate an inclined support (475) that moves according to the sliding of the second housing (420) relative to the first housing (410).

[0126] The electronic device illustrated in FIG. 9 is similar to the sliding motion of the electronic device illustrated in FIG. 5a, except that the display is fixed to the second housing (420) and the storage area in which the display is partially stored is located between the first housing (410) and the sub-housing (440). Therefore, for the description of the sliding motion of the electronic device, refer to the descriptions in FIG. 6a through 6c.

[0127] FIGS. 10a to 10c are drawings showing the operation of a hinge device (500) during the process of folding an electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document. Since the appearance of the electronic device being folded is similar to the electronic device described in FIG. 5a, the overall appearance may be referenced in FIG. 6c and FIG. 6e.

[0128] When the second housing (420) rotates relative to the first housing (410), the second hinge portion (520) can rotate relative to the first hinge portion (510). At this time, the rotation axis (530) can move due to the interlocking of the first gear (511) and the second gear (521).

[0129] As illustrated in FIG. 10a, in the pre-folding state, the first part (473-2A) of the second sub-support (473-2) may be inserted into the support groove (474) of the second part (473-2B). In this state, the first part (473-2A) may overlap with the inclined support (475). When folding begins, the first part (473-2A) may press against the inclined support (475). When the first support (471) rotates due to folding, the first part (473-2A) protruding from the first support (471) may press against the inclined support (475). As illustrated in FIG. 10b and FIG. 10c, the first part (473-2A) may be separated from the display (430). When the first part (473-2A) presses (F1) the inclined support member (475), the inclined support member (475) can press (F2) the second support member (472) due to the shape of the inclined support member (475). The second support member (472) moves along the guide rail (460), and the display (430) fixed to the second support member (472) can move. The movement of the second support member (472) can increase the storage area of ​​the display (430) (see increase in storage area (430C) in FIG. 6d and FIG. 6e). To explain further, during the folding process of the display (430), a part of the display (430) can be drawn into the storage space. The second support member (472) can be guided and moved by the guide rail (460), which extends into the storage space by bending a portion of the second support member (472). As a part of the display (430) is supported by the second support member (472) and moved into the storage space, the tensile stress caused by deformation of the display (430) can be cushioned.

[0131] An electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document (e.g., the electronic device (400) of FIG. 4a) may include a first housing (e.g., the first housing (410) of FIG. 4b), a second housing (e.g., the second housing (420) of FIG. 4b) slidably coupled to the first housing in a first direction, a flexible display (e.g., the display (430) of FIG. 4b) in which one end is fixed to one of the first housing and the second housing and the information display area, which is a part visible to the outside of the electronic device, increases or decreases as the second housing slides, and a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (500) of FIG. 5b) rotatably connecting the second housing to the first housing, and the rotation axis of the hinge device (e.g., the rotation axis (530) of FIG. 5b) may include a receiving portion formed by extending in the first direction so as to be able to move in the first direction during the rotation of the second housing relative to the first housing (e.g., FIG. It can be inserted into the receiving portion (512) of 5b.

[0132] Additionally, the hinge device may include a first hinge portion (e.g., the first hinge portion (510) of FIG. 5b) in which the receiving portion is formed, and a second hinge portion (e.g., the second hinge portion (520) of FIG. 5b) connected to the first hinge portion so as to be rotatable with respect to the first hinge portion.

[0133] Additionally, the hinge device may include a structure in which a first gear formed in the first hinge portion (e.g., the first gear (511) of FIG. 5b) and a second gear formed in the second hinge portion of the hinge device (e.g., the second gear (521) of FIG. 5b) mesh, and when the second gear meshes and rotates, the axis of rotation can move along the first direction.

[0134] In addition, at least one of the first gear and the second gear may be a gear extended in the first direction.

[0135] In addition, the first gear may be a rack gear, and the second gear may be a pinion gear.

[0136] Additionally, the display may include at least one of a display area exposed to the outside of the electronic device (e.g., the display area (430A) of FIG. 6a), a storage area housed inside the electronic device (e.g., the storage area (430C) of FIG. 6a), and a banding area (e.g., the banding area (430B) of FIG. 6a) that connects the display area and the storage area and is banded.

[0137] Additionally, the device may further include a support member that supports the display (e.g., the support member (470) of FIG. 5A), and the support member may include a first support member that supports a first area of ​​the display area (e.g., the first support member (471) of FIG. 5A), a second support member that supports a second area of ​​the display area, a bending area of ​​the display, and a storage area of ​​the display (e.g., the second support member (472) of FIG. 5A), and a third support member that supports at least a portion of a third area connecting the first area of ​​the display area and the second area of ​​the display area (e.g., the third support member (473) of FIG. 5A).

[0138] Additionally, the second support member may include a plurality of bars that extend in the width direction of the display and are arranged along the length direction of the display perpendicular to the width direction.

[0139] Additionally, the first support member and the second support member of the support member may be fixed to the display, and the third support member of the support member may include a first sub-support member (e.g., the first sub-support member (473-1) of FIG. 5b) fixed to the display and a second sub-support member (e.g., the second sub-support member (473-2) of FIG. 5b) separated from the display.

[0140] Additionally, the hinge device may be configured such that the first hinge part and the second hinge part move together according to the sliding of the second housing, and the sliding of the first hinge part is restricted by a hinge guide formed in the first housing (e.g., hinge guide (412) of FIG. 5b), and the second housing may rotate relative to the first housing by rotating the second hinge part relative to the first hinge part while the sliding of the first hinge part is restricted.

[0141] Additionally, it may further include a sub-housing (e.g., sub-housing (440) of FIG. 5a) coupled to the second housing, and the storage area of ​​the display may be an area in which the display is stored in a storage space formed by the second housing and the sub-housing.

[0142] Additionally, a guide rail (e.g., the guide rail (460) of FIG. 5a) that guides the movement of the support member may be further included, and the guide rail may be formed such that at least a portion is bent and extends into the storage space.

[0143] Additionally, the first support member may include a first action member (e.g., the first action member (4711) of FIG. 6c) formed perpendicularly to the first direction at an end adjacent to the third support member, and a first inclined member (e.g., the first inclined member (4712) of FIG. 6c) formed inclinedly to the first direction, and the second sub-support member of the third support member may include a second action member (e.g., the second action member (473-21) of FIG. 6c) formed to correspond to the first action member at an end adjacent to the first support member, and a second inclined member (e.g., the second inclined member (473-22) of FIG. 6c) formed to correspond to the first inclined member.

[0144] Additionally, the hinge device may have the first hinge portion (e.g., the first hinge portion (510) of FIG. 9) positioned in a fixed position relative to the first housing, and the sliding of the second housing relative to the second hinge portion is restricted by the engagement of the second hinge portion (e.g., the second hinge portion (420) of FIG. 9) with at least a portion inserted into the hinge guide formed in the second housing (e.g., the hinge guide (422) of FIG. 9) and the second hinge portion (e.g., the second hinge portion (420) of FIG. 9) while the sliding of the second housing is restricted, and the second housing may rotate relative to the first housing by rotating the second hinge portion relative to the first hinge portion.

[0145] Additionally, the second sub-support of the third support may include a first part formed protruding from the first support (e.g., the first part (473-2A) of FIG. 9) and a second part (e.g., the second part (473-2B) of FIG. 9) formed to correspond to the first part (e.g., the support groove (474) of FIG. 9).

[0146] In addition, the second part may be integrally formed with the first sub-support of the third support.

[0147] Additionally, the second portion may include an inclined support portion formed protruding from the first sub-support portion in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction at the portion corresponding to the support groove.

[0148] Additionally, it may further include a sub-housing coupled to the first housing, and the sub-housing may further include an inclined support receiving groove (e.g., inclined support receiving groove (910) of FIG. 9) formed extending in the first direction to receive the inclined support (e.g., inclined support (475) of FIG. 9) which moves in the first direction according to the sliding of the second housing.

[0149] Additionally, it may further include a sub-housing coupled to the first housing, and the storage area of ​​the display may be an area in which the display is stored in a storage space formed by the first housing and the sub-housing.

[0150] Additionally, it may further include a guide rail that guides the movement of the support member, and the guide rail may be formed such that at least a portion is bent and extends into the storage space.

[0152] Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings are merely specific examples presented to facilitate the explanation of the technical content according to the embodiments disclosed in this document and to aid in understanding the embodiments disclosed in this document, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments disclosed in this document. Accordingly, the scope of the various embodiments disclosed in this document should be interpreted to include all modifications or variations derived based on the technical concept of the various embodiments disclosed in this document, in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein. Explanation of the symbols

[0154] 410: 1st Housing 420: 2nd Housing 430 : Display 470 : Support member 500 : Hinge device

Claims

Claim 1 An electronic device comprising: a first housing; a second housing movably coupled to the first housing in a first direction; a flexible display supported through the first housing and the second housing, at least a portion of which is drawn into or drawn out of the internal space of the electronic device based on the movement of the second housing relative to the first housing; and a hinge device rotatably connecting the second housing to the first housing; wherein the hinge device comprises a first hinge portion including a receiving portion formed extending in the first direction and a first gear, a second hinge portion including a second gear meshing with the first gear and connected to the first hinge portion to rotate with respect to the first hinge portion, and a rotation axis of the hinge device being inserted into the receiving portion and moving in the first direction as the second gear meshes with the first gear and rotates. Claim 2 In claim 1, the rotation axis is an electronic device coupled to the second hinge part. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first gear and the second gear is a gear extended in the first direction. Claim 5 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first gear is a rack gear and the second gear is a pinion gear. Claim 6 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible display comprises at least one of a display area exposed to the outside of the electronic device, a storage area housed inside the electronic device, and a bending area connecting the display area and the storage area and being a bent area. Claim 7 An electronic device according to claim 6, further comprising a support member for supporting the flexible display; wherein the support member comprises a first support member for supporting a first region of the display area, a second support member for supporting a second region of the display area, a bending region of the flexible display, and a storage region of the flexible display, and a third support member for supporting at least a portion of a third region connecting the first region of the display area and the second region of the display area. Claim 8 In claim 7, the second support member is an electronic device comprising a plurality of bars that extend in the width direction of the flexible display and are arranged along the length direction of the flexible display perpendicular to the width direction. Claim 9 An electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the first support member and the second support member of the support member are fixed to the flexible display, and the third support member of the support member comprises a first sub-support member fixed to the flexible display and a second sub-support member separated from the flexible display. Claim 10 An electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the hinge device is configured such that the first hinge part and the second hinge part move together according to the sliding of the second housing, the sliding of the first hinge part is restricted by a hinge guide formed in the first housing, and the second housing rotates relative to the first housing by rotating the second hinge part relative to the first hinge part while the sliding of the first hinge part is restricted. Claim 11 An electronic device according to claim 10, further comprising a sub-housing coupled to the second housing; wherein the storage area of ​​the flexible display is an area in which the flexible display is stored in a storage space formed by the second housing and the sub-housing. Claim 12 An electronic device according to claim 11, further comprising a guide rail that guides the movement of the support member, wherein the guide rail is formed such that at least a portion is bent and extends into the storage space. Claim 13 An electronic device according to claim 10, wherein the first support member comprises a first working part formed perpendicular to the first direction at an end adjacent to the third support member and a first inclined part formed inclined to the first direction, and the second sub-support member of the third support member comprises a second working part formed to correspond to the first working part at an end adjacent to the first support member and a second inclined part formed to correspond to the first inclined part. Claim 14 In claim 9, the hinge device is an electronic device wherein the first hinge portion is positioned at a fixed position relative to the first housing, the sliding of the second housing relative to the second hinge portion is restricted by a hinge guide formed in the second housing and the engagement of the second hinge portion, at least a portion of which is inserted into the hinge guide, and the second housing rotates relative to the first housing by rotating the second hinge portion relative to the first hinge portion while the sliding of the second housing is restricted. Claim 15 An electronic device according to claim 14, wherein the second sub-support of the third support part comprises a first part formed protruding from the first support part and a second part including a support groove formed to correspond to the first part. Claim 16 In item 15, the second part is an electronic device integrally formed with the first sub-support of the third support. Claim 17 An electronic device according to claim 15, wherein the second part comprises an inclined support portion formed protruding from the first sub-support portion in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction at a portion corresponding to the support groove. Claim 18 An electronic device according to claim 17, further comprising a sub-housing coupled to the first housing, wherein the sub-housing further comprises an inclined support receiving groove formed extending in the first direction to receive the inclined support that moves in the first direction according to the sliding of the second housing. Claim 19 An electronic device according to claim 14, further comprising a sub-housing coupled to the first housing; wherein the storage area of ​​the flexible display is an area in which the flexible display is stored in a storage space formed by the first housing and the sub-housing. Claim 20 An electronic device according to claim 19, further comprising a guide rail for guiding the movement of the support member, wherein the guide rail is formed such that at least a portion is bent and extends into the storage space.

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