Electronic device comprising lattice plate supporting flexible display

Abstract

An electronic device may comprise: a first housing; a second housing to which the first housing is movably connected; and a display module supported by at least one of the first housing and the second housing and having a display area changed by relative movement of the first housing with respect to the second housing. The display module may comprise: a display panel; a support plate having one surface connected to the rear surface of the display panel; and a support structure comprising a plurality of lattice plates disposed on the other surface of the support plate opposite to the one surface of the support plate.

Description

An electronic device comprising a lattice plate supporting a flexible display

[0001] The disclosure below relates to an electronic device including a lattice plate supporting a flexible display.

[0002] Electronic devices are becoming increasingly slimmer and are being developed in various ways to enhance their design while simultaneously differentiating their functional elements. Electronic devices are moving beyond their standard rectangular form and evolving into diverse shapes. To enable portability while simultaneously utilizing large displays, electronic devices may incorporate transformable displays (e.g., rollable displays, foldable displays). Electronic devices are also being developed that incorporate structures that prevent or mitigate display damage or deterioration of screen quality during the process of transforming the display (e.g., shrinking or expanding).

[0003] However, the above-described content should not be construed as the applicant's recognition of the content described in this document as prior art, but should only be construed as technology (related art) related to the invention described in this document.

[0004] In one embodiment, an electronic device may include a first housing, a second housing to which the first housing is movably connected, and a display module supported by at least one of the first housing and the second housing, the display area of ​​which changes by relative movement of the first housing with respect to the second housing. The display module may include a support structure including a display panel, a support plate having one side connected to a rear surface of the display panel, and a plurality of lattice plates disposed on the other side of the support plate opposite the one side of the support plate.

[0005] In one embodiment, an electronic device may include a first housing, a second housing to which the first housing is retractably connected, a guide rail connected to the second housing, and a display module supported by at least one of the first housing and the second housing, the display module having a display area that changes by relative movement of the first housing with respect to the second housing. The display module may include a display panel, a support plate disposed on a rear surface of the display panel, a support structure including a plurality of lattice plates disposed on the support plate so as to be opposite to the display panel, an end bar connected to an end of the support plate and movably connected to the guide rail, and a connecting member connecting the first housing and the end bar, moving the end bar along the guide rail in response to movement of the first housing with respect to the second housing, and expanding or reducing the display area of ​​the display.

[0006] In one embodiment, the electronic device may include a first housing, a second housing to which the first housing is retractably connected, a pair of guide rails including a first guide portion connected to the first housing and a second guide portion connected to the second housing, and a display module supported by at least one of the first housing and the second housing, the display area of ​​which changes by relative movement of the first housing with respect to the second housing. The display module may include a support structure including a display panel, a support plate connected to a back surface of the display panel, and a plurality of lattice plates arranged on the support plate to be opposite the display panel, the support structure including a first lattice plate laminated on the support plate to be opposite the display panel, a second lattice plate laminated on the first lattice plate to be opposite the support plate, a third lattice plate laminated on the second lattice plate to be opposite the first lattice plate, a first adhesive layer applied between the first lattice plate and the second lattice plate and bonding the first lattice plate and the second lattice plate, and a second adhesive layer applied between the second lattice plate and the third lattice plate and bonding the second lattice plate and the third lattice plate.

[0007] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2A is a front perspective view illustrating a first state of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 2b is a front perspective view illustrating a second state of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 2c is a rear perspective view illustrating a first state of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 2d is a rear perspective view illustrating a second state of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 4A is a perspective view illustrating the interior of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4b is a drawing showing an enlarged view of area A of Figure 4a.

[0016] FIG. 4c is an enlarged view of a guide rail and end bar according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 4d is a drawing illustrating a state in which a display panel and a plurality of lattice plates are stacked according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 4e is a drawing showing a display panel and a plurality of lattice plates in an exploded state according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 5a is a drawing showing a state before a plurality of lattice plates are expanded and attached according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 5b is a drawing illustrating a state in which a plurality of lattice plates are extended and attached according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 5c is a drawing showing a state of a pattern formed on each lattice plate in a state where a plurality of lattice plates are extended and attached in one embodiment.

[0022] FIGS. 6A and 6B are drawings each showing an example of a pattern formed on a lattice plate according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 6c is a drawing for explaining a pattern formed on the surface of a lattice plate according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement relationship of a plurality of lattice plates according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a protrusion formed on a lattice plate according to one embodiment.

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the description with reference to the attached drawings, identical components are assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the drawing numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0027] The various embodiments and terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the present disclosure, each of the phrases "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0028] The term "module" used in various embodiments may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0029] Various embodiments may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (120)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device). For example, a processor of the machine (e.g., an electronic device) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g. electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0031] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0032]

[0033] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via 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) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0034] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculation, the processor (120) may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the command or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or a secondary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor)) that may operate independently or together therewith. For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and a secondary processor (123), the secondary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a specified function. The secondary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0035] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a part of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, 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. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can 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 can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of 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, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0036] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0037] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0038] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0039] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0040] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a 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 the 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 a force generated by the touch.

[0041] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0042] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0043] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In 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.

[0044] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., 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).

[0045] A haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0046] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0047] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0048] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0049] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via 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 long-range communication network such as 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 can 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 verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0050] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), 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), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the 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 eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0051] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed 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 the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0052] 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., a bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., a top surface or a side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0053] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0054] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service on its own, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an 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 process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the 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.

[0055] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0056] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0057] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0058] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more commands stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., a foldable electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., the foldable electronic device (101)) may call at least one command among the one or more commands stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one command called. The one or more commands may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0060] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0061]

[0062] FIGS. 2A and 2B are front perspective views illustrating a first state and a second state, respectively, of an electronic device according to various embodiments, and FIGS. 2C and 2D are rear perspective views illustrating a first state and a second state, respectively, of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 2A to 2D , an electronic device (201) according to various embodiments may include housings (210, 220) that form an exterior and accommodate components therein. In one embodiment, the housings (210, 220) may include a first housing (210) and a second housing (220) that are movably coupled to each other. In one embodiment, the first housing (210) may be slidably connected to the second housing (220). For example, the first housing (210) may be connected to the second housing (220) so as to be movable in a first movement direction (η direction) (e.g., +Y direction) relative to the second housing (220), or so as to be movable in a second movement direction (② direction) (e.g., -Y direction) opposite to the first movement direction (① direction). Hereinafter, in the various embodiments disclosed in this document, the first housing (210) is described as moving relative to the second housing (220). However, since this is to describe the relative movement motion between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220), it can also be understood that the second housing (220) moves relative to the first housing (210).

[0064] In one embodiment, the state of the electronic device (201) can change between a first state and a second state depending on the relative movement of the first housing (210) with respect to the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the electronic device (201) can have a contracted shape in the first state and an expanded shape in the second state. The electronic device (201) can be used in the first state or the second state, and can be used in an intermediate state between the first state and the second state.

[0065] In one embodiment, the first housing (210) has a first side (210A) (e.g., a first front side), a second side (210B) opposite to the first side (210A) (e.g., a first back side), a first side (210C) facing a first side direction (e.g., +Y direction) and positioned between the first side (210A) and the second side (210B), a second side (210D) facing a second side direction opposite to the first side direction (e.g., -Y direction) and positioned between the first side (210A) and the second side (210B), a third side (210E) facing a third side direction intersecting the first side direction (e.g., +X direction) and positioned between the first side (210A) and the second side (210B), and a fourth side direction opposite to the third side direction (e.g., -X direction) and positioned between the first side It may include a fourth side (210F) positioned between the side (210A) and the second side (210B). In one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first plate (211) and a first side frame (212) extending substantially in the thickness direction (e.g., in the Z-axis direction) along the edge of the first plate (211). In one embodiment, the first plate (211) forms the second side (210B), and the first side frame (212) may form the first side (210C), the second side (210D), the third side (210E), and the fourth side (210F). In one embodiment, the first plate (211) and the first side frame (212) may be formed integrally, or may be formed separately and then combined.

[0066] In one embodiment, the second housing (220) has a third side (220A) (e.g., a second front side), a fourth side (220B) opposite to the third side (220A) (e.g., a second rear side), a fifth side (220C) facing a first lateral direction (e.g., a +Y direction) and positioned between the third side (220A) and the fourth side (220B), a sixth side (220D) facing a second lateral direction opposite to the first lateral direction (e.g., a -Y direction) and positioned between the third side (220A) and the fourth side (220B), a seventh side (220E) facing a third lateral direction (e.g., a +X direction) intersecting the first lateral direction and positioned between the third side (220A) and the fourth side (220B), and a fourth lateral direction opposite to the third lateral direction (e.g., a -X direction) and positioned between the third side (220A) and the fourth side (220B). It may include an eighth side surface (220F) positioned between the side surface (220A) and the fourth side surface (220B). In one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include a second plate (221) and a second side frame (222) extending substantially in the thickness direction (e.g., in the Z-axis direction) along the edge of the second plate (221). In one embodiment, the second plate (221) may form the fourth side surface (220B), and the second side frame (222) may form the fifth side surface (220C), the sixth side surface (220D), the seventh side surface (220E), and the eighth side surface (220F). In one embodiment, the second plate (221) and the second side frame (222) may be formed integrally, or may be formed separately and then joined.

[0067] In one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may form a front side (e.g., a side facing the +Z direction) of the electronic device (201) through the first side (210A) and the third side (220A), and may form a back side (e.g., a side facing the -Z direction) of the electronic device (201) through the second side (210B) and the fourth side (220B). In one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include an open portion (220G) in which at least a portion of a fifth side (220C) is open so that the first housing (210) can be partially movably inserted. However, this is just one example, and in another embodiment, the first housing (210) may include an open portion in which at least a portion of the second side (210D) is open, and the second housing (220) may be partially movably inserted into the interior of the first housing (210) through the open portion formed in the second side (210D).

[0068] In various embodiments, the electronic device (201) may include a display panel (261) for displaying visual information. In one embodiment, the display panel (261) may be exposed to the outside of the electronic device (201) through a display area (2610). In one embodiment, the display area (2610) may include a first area (261A) arranged parallel to the first side (210A) and the third side (220A), a second area (261B) connected to one end of the first area (261A), and a third area (261C) connected to the other end of the first area (261A). The second area (261B) and the third area (261C) may be arranged on opposite sides with respect to the first area (261A). In one embodiment, each of the second region (261B) and the third region (261C) may form a flexibly curved surface. In one embodiment, the display panel (261) may display a screen through the display region (2610). The display panel (261) may display a single connected screen through the entire display region (2610) or may display a screen through only a portion of the display region (2610). In another embodiment, the display panel (261) may display a plurality of partially distinct screens through the display region (2610). For example, the display panel (261) may display one screen through the first region (261A) and display a screen different from the first region (261A) through the second region (261B) and / or the third region (261C).

[0069] In one embodiment, the display panel (261) may include a flat portion (2611) forming at least a portion of a display area (2610), and a rolling portion (2612) (or bending portion) extending from the flat portion (2611). The rolling portion (2612) may be pulled out from the inside of the electronic device (201) to the outside, or may be pulled in from the outside of the electronic device (201) to the inside, depending on the movement of the first housing (210) relative to the second housing (220). The rolling portion (2612) pulled out to the outside of the electronic device (201) may be exposed to the outside of the electronic device (201) and form the display area (2610) together with the flat portion (2611). The area of ​​the display area (2610) may vary depending on the degree of pulling out of the rolling portion (2612).

[0070] In one embodiment, the display panel (261) may change the area of ​​the display area (2610) (e.g., the first area (261A), the second area (261B), and the third area (261C)) as the state of the electronic device (201) changes. In one embodiment, the display area (2610) of the display panel (261) may form a first area (e.g., a minimum area) that is minimized in a first state of the electronic device (201) (e.g., a reduced state, as shown in FIG. 2A), and may form a second area (e.g., a maximum area) that is maximized in a second state of the electronic device (201) (e.g., an expanded state, as shown in FIG. 2C). When the electronic device (201) is between the first state and the second state, the display panel (261) may expand or contract the area of ​​the display area (2610) corresponding to the state of the electronic device (201). For example, in the process of changing from the first state to the second state, if the first housing (210) moves in the first movement direction (η direction) with respect to the second housing (220) by a certain length (d), the length of the display area (2610) parallel to the first movement direction (η direction) may change from the first length (d1) to a second length (d2) increased by the certain length (d), thereby expanding the display area (2610). Similarly, in the process of changing from the second state to the first state, if the first housing (210) moves in the second movement direction (② direction) with respect to the second housing (220) by a certain length (d), the length of the display area (2610) parallel to the second movement direction (② direction) may change from the second length (d2) to a first length (d1) decreased by the certain length (d), thereby reducing the display area (2610). Meanwhile, while the electronic device (201) is changing between the first state and the second state, the sizes of each of the second region (261B) and the third region (261C) may be substantially constant.

[0071] In various embodiments, the electronic device (201) may include at least one of an input module (e.g., input module (150) of FIG. 1), an audio output module (e.g., audio output module (155) of FIG. 1), a camera module (280) (e.g., camera module (180) of FIG. 1), and a connector port (208).

[0072] In various embodiments, the input module may receive an input signal according to a user's operation. The input module may be positioned, for example, on the seventh side (220E) or the eighth side (220F) of the second housing (220). It should be noted that the position where the input module is positioned is not limited thereto. For example, the input module may also be positioned on the first housing (210).

[0073] In various embodiments, at least one of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may include a hole for radiating sound generated from the sound output module to the outside. For example, the first housing (210) may include a first hole (H1) that is covered by the second housing (220) when the electronic device is in the first state and is exposed to the outside when the electronic device is in the second state. For example, the second housing (220) may include a second hole (H2) formed in at least one of the sixth side (220D), the seventh side (220E), and the eighth side (220F). For example, the first hole (H1) and the second hole (H2) may be arranged to be substantially aligned with each other when the electronic device (201) is in the first state.

[0074]

[0075] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 3, an electronic device (301) according to one embodiment may include a first housing (310) (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 2b), a second housing (320) (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 2b), and a display panel (361) (e.g., the display panel (261) of FIG. 2b).

[0077] In one embodiment, the electronic device (301) may include a guide rail (390) that moves the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) relative to each other. In one embodiment, the guide rail (390) may be disposed in the first housing (310) or the second housing (320). The guide rail (390) may guide the movement of the first housing (310) relative to the second housing (320) or may guide the movement of the second housing (320) relative to the first housing (310). The guide rail (390) and a device (e.g., an electric motor, a hydraulic motor) for providing power to the guide rail (390) may be provided separately. In one embodiment, the guide rail (390) may be connected to the first housing (310) and the second housing (320). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the guide rail (390) may be fixed to the second housing (320). In one embodiment, the remaining portion of the guide rail (390) may be connected to the first housing (320) to enable the first housing (310) to move relative to the second housing (320). In one embodiment, the guide rail (390) may be connected to a support structure (314) described below. In the process of the first housing (310) moving relative to the second housing (320), the first housing (310) moves through the guide rail (390), and in the process of the first housing (310) moving through the guide rail (390), the support structure (314) connected to the guide rail (390) may also move together. Detailed operations will be described below.

[0078] In one embodiment, the guide rail (390) may include a first guide portion (390a) and a second guide portion (390b). In one embodiment, the second guide portion (390b) may be fixedly connected to the second housing (320). In one embodiment, the first guide portion (390a) may be movably connected with respect to the second guide portion (390b). In one embodiment, a first housing (310) may be connected to the first guide portion (390a). In one embodiment, the first housing (310) connected to the first guide portion (390a) may move relative to the second housing (320) as the first guide portion (390a) moves with respect to the second guide portion (390b).

[0079] In one embodiment, the electronic device (301) may include an audio output module (355) (e.g., the audio output module (155) of FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the audio output module (355) may be located in the first housing (310) or the second housing (320).

[0080] In one embodiment, the electronic device (301) may include a haptic module (379) (e.g., the haptic module (179) of FIG. 1). The haptic module (379) may include, for example, a vibrator configured to generate vibrations. In one embodiment, the haptic module (379) may be located in the second housing (320). In some embodiments, the haptic module (379) may be located adjacent to the audio output module (355). In other embodiments, the haptic module (379) may be located in the first housing (310).

[0081] In one embodiment, the electronic device (301) may include a camera module (380) (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1). The camera module (380) may be configured with one or more cameras to acquire images in one direction (e.g., the +Z direction) or another direction (e.g., the -Z direction) of the electronic device (301).

[0082] In one embodiment, the electronic device (301) may include a battery (389) (e.g., battery (189) of FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the battery (389) may be located in the second housing (320). In another embodiment, the battery (389) may be located in the first housing (310).

[0083] In one embodiment, the electronic device (301) may include a first printed circuit board (351), a second printed circuit board (352), and a third printed circuit board (353). The first printed circuit board (351), the second printed circuit board (352), and the third printed circuit board (353) may include a plurality of metal layers, and a plurality of dielectrics each positioned between an adjacent pair of metal layers. In one embodiment, the first printed circuit board (351) may be positioned in a first housing (310). The first printed circuit board (351) may include a first electronic component (e.g., the power management module (188) of FIG. 1). The second printed circuit board (352) may be positioned in the first housing (310). The second printed circuit board (352) may be electrically connected to, for example, a guide rail (390). A third printed circuit board (353) may be positioned in the second housing (320). The third printed circuit board (353) may be electrically connected to, for example, a haptic module (379).

[0084] In one embodiment, the first housing (310) may include a first cover (311), a first plate (312), and a second plate (313). The second housing (320) may include a second cover (321) and a third plate (322). The first cover (311) may at least partially surround the audio output module (355), the camera module (380), and the haptic module (379). The first plate (312) may at least partially accommodate electronic components (e.g., the guide rail (390), the audio output module (355), the camera module (380), the first printed circuit board (351), the second printed circuit board (352), the third printed circuit board (353), the haptic module (379), and other electronic components). The second plate (313) is positioned between the first plate (312) and the display panel (361) and can support the guide rail (390) and the display panel (361).

[0085] In one embodiment, the support structure (314) can prevent or reduce damage to the display panel (361) by supporting the display panel (361) during the process of the display panel (361) being flexibly bent. In one embodiment, the support structure (314) can include a plurality of lattice plates that are formed flexibly. The plurality of lattice plates will be described later.

[0086] In one embodiment, the electronic device (301) may include a connecting member (370) connecting the first housing (310) and the support structure (314). In one embodiment, one end of the connecting member (370) may be connected to the first housing (310), and the other end may be connected to the support structure (314). In one embodiment, the connecting member (370) may connect the first housing (310) and the support structure (314) along the height direction of the housing (e.g., the Z-axis direction of FIG. 3).

[0087] In one embodiment, since the total length of the connecting member (370) is the same, when the first housing (310) moves away from the second housing (e.g., in the +Y-axis direction of FIG. 3), the support structure (314) moves in a direction opposite to the movement direction of the first housing (e.g., in the -Y-axis direction of FIG. 3), and the display area of ​​the display panel (361) supported by the support structure (314) (e.g., the display area (2610) of FIG. 2A) can be expanded. When the first housing (310) moves toward the second housing (320) (e.g., in the -Y-axis direction of FIG. 3), the support structure (314) moves in a direction opposite to the movement direction of the first housing (310) (e.g., in the +Y-axis direction of FIG. 3), and the display area of ​​the display panel (361) can be reduced.

[0088] In one embodiment, the second cover (321) can be at least partially surrounding the first cover (311) and slidably coupled to the first cover (311) with respect to the second cover (321). The second cover (321) can expose at least some of the electronic components (e.g., the camera module (380)) to the exterior of the electronic device (301). The third plate (322) can be disposed within the second cover (321).

[0089] Meanwhile, the structures forming the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) described in this document are not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and various types of structures may exist.

[0090] In one embodiment, the electronic device (301) may include at least one antenna (not shown). The at least one antenna may, for example, wirelessly communicate with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104) of FIG. 1) or wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging. According to one embodiment, the antenna may include a legacy antenna, a mmWave antenna, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and / or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. In one embodiment, the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) may include a conductive portion at least partially formed of metal, thereby forming an antenna structure that performs a radiator function.

[0091]

[0092] The drawings below, including FIG. 4a, illustrate a spatial coordinate system defined by an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are orthogonal to each other. The X-axis may represent the width direction of the electronic device, the Y-axis may represent the length direction of the electronic device, and the Z-axis may represent the height (or thickness) direction of the electronic device.

[0093] FIG. 4A is a perspective view illustrating the inside of an electronic device according to an embodiment, FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of area A of FIG. 4A, FIG. 4C is an enlarged view of a guide rail and an end bar according to an embodiment, FIG. 4D is a view illustrating a state in which a display panel and a plurality of lattice plates are stacked according to an embodiment, and FIG. 4E is a view illustrating a state in which a display panel and a plurality of lattice plates are disassembled according to an embodiment.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 4A to 4C , an electronic device (401) according to an embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (301) of FIG. 3 ) may include a pair of housings (410, 420) including a first housing (410) (e.g., the first housing (310) of FIG. 3 ) and a second housing (420) (e.g., the second housing (320) of FIG. 3 )) and a display module (430) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1 ) whose display area (4310) (e.g., the display area (2610) of FIG. 2A ) changes by relative movement of the first housing (410) with respect to the second housing (420).

[0095] In one embodiment, a pair of housings (410, 420) may include a first housing (410) and a second housing (420). In one embodiment, the first housing (410) may be movably connected to the second housing (420). For example, the first housing (410) may be retractably connected to the second housing (420) via a guide rail (490) (e.g., the guide rail (390) of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the first housing (410) and the second housing (420) are connected to a first guide portion (e.g., the first guide portion (390a) of FIG. 3) and a second guide portion (e.g., the second guide portion (390b) of FIG. 3) of a guide rail (490), respectively, and the first housing (410) can move relative to the second housing (420) according to the movement of the first guide portion that is translationally movable relative to the second guide portion. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing (410) can support a portion of a display panel (431) (e.g., the display panel (361) of FIG. 3) described below.

[0096] In one embodiment, the display module (430) can visually expose the screen to the outside through the display panel (431). In one embodiment, the display panel (431) can be supported by at least one of the first housing (410) and the second housing (420). Hereinafter, it will be described assuming that the display panel (431) is supported by the first housing (410). However, the display panel (431) may also be supported by the second housing (420). In one embodiment, the display module (430) can have a display area (4310) that changes due to relative movement of the first housing (410) with respect to the second housing (420).

[0097] In one embodiment, the display module (430) may include a display panel (431), a support plate (432), a support structure (433) (e.g., the support structure (314) of FIG. 3), an end bar (434), and a connecting member (470) (e.g., the connecting member (370) of FIG. 3).

[0098] In one embodiment, the display panel (431) may include a screen that is visually exposed to the outside through a display area (4310). In one embodiment, the display panel (431) may include a flexible display (e.g., a foldable display or a rollable display). In one embodiment, the display panel (431) may include a first portion (431a) that is supported by the first housing (410) and forms a part of the display area (4310), and a second portion (431b) that extends from the first portion (431a) along a movement direction of the first housing (410) (e.g., the +Y-axis direction in FIG. 4A) and is at least partially bent.

[0099] In one embodiment, the support plate (432) may be connected to the back surface of the display panel (431) (e.g., the back surface of the display panel (431) facing the interior space of the second housing (420) in FIG. 4A). In one embodiment, the support plate (432) may support the second portion (431b) of the display panel (431) so as to maintain tension during a process in which the area of ​​the display area (4310) of the display panel (431) expands or contracts (e.g., during a process in which the display panel (431) is bent and then straightened). During a process in which the area of ​​the display area (4310) of the display panel (431) expands or contracts according to one embodiment, the support plate (432) may expand or contract in a direction corresponding to the direction in which the area of ​​the display area (4310) of the display panel (431) expands or contracts. In one embodiment, the support plate (432) may be a lattice plate in which a pattern is formed in at least a portion of an area. However, this is merely an example, and the support plate (432) is not limited to being implemented as a lattice plate, but may be implemented as a plate having various shapes that can be expanded or contracted.

[0100] In one embodiment, the end bar (434) may be connected to an end of the support plate (432). In one embodiment, the end bar (434) may be connected to a connecting member (470) described below. In one embodiment, the end bar (434) may be moved in response to the relative movement of the first housing (410) with respect to the second housing (420) by the connecting member (470). Referring to FIG. 4C, in one embodiment, both ends of the end bar (434) may be connected to a guide rail (490). In one embodiment, the end bar (434) may be moved in the internal space of the housing in response to the movement of the first housing (410) by the guide rail (490).

[0101] In one embodiment, the connecting member (470) can connect the first housing (410) and the end bar (434). In one embodiment, the connecting member (470) can move the end bar (434) in response to the movement of the first housing (410) while maintaining the total length of the connecting member (470). In one embodiment, as the end bar (434) moves in response to the movement of the first housing (410), the area of ​​the display area (4310) of the display panel (431) can be expanded or reduced. For example, when the first housing (410) moves away from the second housing (420) in a direction (e.g., in the +Y-axis direction), the display panel (431) can move in a direction parallel to the movement direction (e.g., in the +Y-axis direction) of the first housing (410). In one embodiment, when the display panel (431) moves away from the second housing (420) in a direction (e.g., in the +Y-axis direction), at least a portion of the display panel (431) that is rolled on the back surface (e.g., the surface facing the -Z-axis direction) of the electronic device (401) may move toward the front surface (e.g., the surface facing the +Z-axis direction) of the electronic device (401), thereby expanding the area of ​​the display area (4310) of the display panel (431). In one embodiment, when the first housing (410) moves toward the second housing (420) in a direction (e.g., in the -Y-axis direction), the display panel (431) may move in a direction parallel to the movement direction (e.g., in the -Y-axis direction) of the first housing (410). In one embodiment, when the display panel (431) moves in a direction approaching the second housing (420) (e.g., in the -Y-axis direction), at least a portion of the display panel (431) located on the front side of the electronic device (401) moves toward the back side of the electronic device (401) (e.g., the side facing the -Z-axis direction), thereby reducing the area of ​​the display area (4310) of the display panel (431).

[0102]

[0103] In one embodiment, the support structure (433) may be disposed on the support plate (432). For example, the support structure (433) may be disposed on the other side (e.g., the side facing the -Z-axis direction) of the support plate (432) opposite to one side (e.g., the side facing the +Z-axis direction) of the support plate (432) on which the display panel (431) is disposed. For example, the support structure (433) may be disposed to overlap with the second portion (431b) of the display panel (431).

[0104] In one embodiment, the support structure (433) can support the display panel (431) in the thickness direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction in FIG. 4A) along the length direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction in FIG. 4A) of the display panel (431). In one embodiment, the support structure (433) can maintain the position of the display panel (431). In one embodiment, the support structure (433) can include a plurality of lattice plates (4331). However, this is merely an example, and the support structure (433) is not necessarily composed of only a plurality of lattice plates (4331), and may also include a non-patterned plate on which a pattern is not formed.

[0105] In one embodiment, the support structure (433) may include one or more adhesive layers (4332) disposed between the lattice plates and the plurality of lattice plates (4331).

[0106] In one embodiment, the lattice plate (4331) may be formed of a flexible material to reduce a repulsive force generated in the process of expanding or contracting the area of ​​the display area (4310) of the display panel (431). In one embodiment, the lattice plate (4331) may include a pattern formed on its surface. In one embodiment, the lattice plate (4331) stably supports the display panel (431) in the process of expanding or contracting the display area (4310) of the display panel (431), thereby preventing or reducing the display panel (431) from being bent or curved in a specific direction.

[0107] In one embodiment, the lattice plates (4331) of the support structure (433) may be provided in multiple numbers. In one embodiment, the multiple lattice plates (4331) may be disposed on the back surface of the display panel (431). For example, the multiple lattice plates (4331) may be disposed on the support plate (432) that is disposed on the back surface (e.g., the surface in the -Z-axis direction) of the display panel (431). In one embodiment, the multiple lattice plates (4331) may support the display panel (431). In one embodiment, each of the multiple lattice plates (4331) may move the display panel (431) in a direction parallel to the relative movement direction of the first housing (410) in response to the relative movement of the first housing (410) with respect to the second housing (420).

[0108] In one embodiment, the plurality of lattice plates (4331) may include a first lattice plate (4331a) laminated on a support plate (432) in a thickness direction of the plurality of lattice plates (4331) (e.g., the Z-axis direction in FIG. 4d), a second lattice plate (4331b) laminated on the first lattice plate (4331a) in a direction opposite to the support plate (432) (e.g., the +Z-axis direction in FIG. 4d), and a third lattice plate (4331c) laminated on the second lattice plate (4331b) in a direction opposite to the first lattice plate (4331a) (e.g., the +Z-axis direction in FIG. 4d). In this document, the number of lattice plates (4331) according to one embodiment is illustrated as three, but the number of lattice plates (4331) is not limited to three and may be one, two, or three or more.

[0109] In one embodiment, an adhesive layer (4332) may be applied between each of the lattice plates (4331a, 4331b, 4331c) to adhere the adjacent lattice plates to each other. In one embodiment, the adhesive layer (4332) may include a first adhesive layer (4332a) applied and disposed between a first lattice plate (4331a) and a second lattice plate (4331b) to adhere the first lattice plate (4331a) and the second lattice plate (4331b), and a second adhesive layer (4332b) applied and disposed between a second lattice plate (4331b) and a third lattice plate (4331c) to adhere the second lattice plate (4331b) and the third lattice plate (4331c).

[0110] In one embodiment, the material of the adhesive layer (4332) may be formed of a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or a general tape material, but this is only an example and the material of the adhesive layer (4332) is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the materials of the first adhesive layer (4332a) and the second adhesive layer (4332b) may be different. In one embodiment, when the adhesive layer (4332) is formed of a general tape material, the adhesive strength may be higher than when the adhesive layer (4332) is formed of a PSA material. In one embodiment, when the adhesive layer (4332) is formed of a general tape material, the plurality of lattice plates may operate as one unit.

[0111] In one embodiment, when a plurality of adhesive layers (4332) are provided, the plurality of adhesive layers (4332) may each have different stiffness. For example, the second adhesive layer (4332b) may be formed of a material having a lower stiffness than the material of the first adhesive layer (4332a). In one embodiment, the first adhesive layer (4332a) is disposed between the first lattice plate (4331a) and the second lattice plate (4331b) adjacent to the display panel (431), and the first lattice plate (4331a) is disposed adjacent to the display panel (431) compared to the third lattice plate (4331c), so that the rotation radius is larger and thus the repulsive force may be smaller. The first adhesive layer (4332a) may have a weaker rigidity than the second adhesive layer (4332b) for bonding the third lattice plate (4331c) having a large rotation radius to the second lattice plate (4331b).

[0112] In one embodiment, one adhesive layer (4332) may be formed integrally or as a separate member. In one embodiment, when one adhesive layer (4332a) is formed as a separate member, one adhesive layer (4332a) may include a first adhesive portion (4332a-1) and a second adhesive portion (4332a-2) formed separately from the first adhesive portion (4332a-1). In one embodiment, based on the longitudinal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) of the display panel (431), the second adhesive portion (4332a-2) may be arranged in a direction further from the display area (4310) than the first adhesive portion (4332a-1). In one embodiment, since the first adhesive portion (4332a-1) is less bent than the second adhesive portion (4332a-2), less repulsive force may be applied by the display panel (431) than the second adhesive portion (4332a-2). In one embodiment, since a smaller repulsive force is applied to the first adhesive portion (4332a-1) than to the second adhesive portion (4332a-2), the second adhesive portion (4332a-2) may have a lower rigidity than the first adhesive portion (4332a-1) in order to provide a consistent overall rolling balance. In one embodiment, the second adhesive portion (4332a-2) and the first adhesive portion (4332a-1) may be formed of different materials, and the second adhesive portion (4332a-2) may be formed of a material having a lower rigidity than the first adhesive portion (4332a-1).

[0113]

[0114] Hereinafter, an embodiment of attaching a plurality of lattice plates to a support plate connected to the back surface of a display panel according to one embodiment will be described. In describing a method of attaching a plurality of lattice plates according to one embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those previously mentioned will be omitted. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, terms identical to those previously mentioned are understood to mean the same configuration.

[0115] FIG. 5a is a drawing showing a state before a plurality of lattice plates are expanded and attached according to one embodiment, FIG. 5b is a drawing showing a state after a plurality of lattice plates are expanded and attached according to one embodiment, and FIG. 5c is a drawing showing a state of a pattern formed on each lattice plate in a state after a plurality of lattice plates are expanded and attached according to another embodiment.

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 5A to 5C, a support plate (532) according to one embodiment (e.g., a support plate (432) of FIG. 4B) is disposed on the back surface of a display panel (e.g., a display panel (431) of FIG. 4B), and a plurality of lattice plates (5331) (e.g., a plurality of lattice plates (4331) of FIG. 4D) may be disposed on the support plate (532) in a direction opposite to the display panel. In one embodiment, the plurality of lattice plates (5331) may include a first lattice plate (5331a) laminated on a support plate (532) (e.g., the first lattice plate (4331a) in FIG. 4d), a second lattice plate (5331b) laminated on the first lattice plate (5331a) (e.g., the second lattice plate (4331b) in FIG. 4d), and a third lattice plate (5331c) laminated on the second lattice plate (5331b) (e.g., the third lattice plate (4331c) in FIG. 4d).

[0117] In one embodiment, since a pattern is formed on the plurality of lattice plates (5331), each lattice plate (5331) can expand when a tensile force is applied along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction of FIG. 4D). In one embodiment, the plurality of lattice plates (5331) can be expanded and arranged to correspond to the shape of the display panel. In one embodiment, the closer the plurality of lattice plates (5331) are arranged to the display panel, the larger the rotation radius and the smaller the repulsive force due to the expansion attachment. In one embodiment, the farther the plurality of lattice plates (5331) are arranged from the display panel, the smaller the rotation radius and the larger the repulsive force due to the expansion attachment.

[0118] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of lattice plates (5331) has a different rotation radius, which causes slip, and a length difference due to the slip may occur. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of lattice plates (5331) may be manufactured in consideration of the length difference caused by the slip. In one embodiment, the plurality of lattice plates (5331) manufactured in consideration of the length difference due to the slip may not cause a length difference due to the slip even when the plurality of lattice plates (5331) are expanded or contracted along the display panel. Referring to FIG. 5B, in one embodiment, each of the plurality of lattice plates (5331) is extended and attached along the length direction of the plurality of lattice plates (5331) in consideration of the rotation radius of each of the plurality of lattice plates (5331), so that a restoring force may be applied to the plurality of lattice plates (5331). In one embodiment, a lattice plate (5331) attached closer to the display panel is attached in a less extended manner than other lattice plates (5331), so that a relatively smaller restoring force may be applied.

[0119] In one embodiment, in each of the plurality of lattice plates (5331) manufactured with slip due to the radius of rotation considered, the smaller the radius of rotation, the more it expands and is attached to the support plate (532), so that the spacing between patterns may be larger than that of other lattice plates (5331). For example, the first lattice plate (5331a) is the lattice plate (5331) arranged closest to the support plate (532), and thus its radius of rotation may be larger than that of other lattice plates (5331b, 5331c). For example, the third lattice plate (5331c) is the lattice plate arranged farthest from the support plate (532), and thus its radius of rotation may be smaller than that of other lattice plates (5331b, 5331a). The third lattice plate (5331c) can be extended compared to the first lattice plate (5331a) and the second lattice plate (5331b) and attached to the support plate (532).

[0120] Referring to FIG. 5c, it can be seen that when a plurality of lattice plates (5331) are extended and attached to the back surface of the display panel, the spacing between the patterns of each lattice plate (5331) is different. For example, the spacing between the patterns (d2) of the first lattice plate (5331a) may be larger than the spacing between the patterns (d1) of the support plate (532). The spacing between the patterns (d3) of the second lattice plate (5331b) may be larger than the spacing between the patterns (d2) of the first lattice plate (5331a). For example, the spacing between the patterns (d4) of the third lattice plate (5331c) may be larger than the spacing between the patterns (d3) of the second lattice plate (5331b).

[0121] In one embodiment, when a plurality of lattice plates (5331) are extended and attached, since the extent of expansion of each lattice plate (5331) is different, a pattern with different intervals can be formed on each lattice plate (5331) as shown in FIG. 5c.

[0122] In one embodiment, a plurality of lattice plates (5331) are manufactured in a reduced size considering the radius of rotation of each lattice plate (5331) and are extended and attached by the reduced length, so that each lattice plate (5331) can evenly apply a restoring force that can be offset from the repulsive force generated in the process of expanding the display panel to the display panel. In one embodiment, by the plurality of expanded and attached lattice plates (5331), a degradation of screen quality that may occur due to bending of the display panel can be prevented or reduced.

[0123]

[0124] FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b are drawings illustrating examples of patterns formed on a lattice plate according to one embodiment, respectively, and FIG. 6c is a drawing for explaining a pattern formed on the surface of a lattice plate according to one embodiment.

[0125] Referring to FIGS. 6A to 6C, a pattern may be formed on the lattice plates (6331-1, 6331-2, 6331-3) according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, when a display area (e.g., a display area (4310) of FIG. 4A) of a display panel (e.g., a display panel (431) of FIG. 4A) is expanded or contracted, a phenomenon in which the display panel is bent or curved in a specific direction can be prevented or reduced by the pattern formed on the lattice plates (6331-1, 6331-2, 6331-3).

[0126] In one embodiment, at least one lattice plate (6331-1, 6331-2, 6331-3) among a plurality of lattice plates (e.g., a plurality of lattice plates (4331) of FIG. 4d) may have a first pattern (P1) (e.g., a three-column pattern) or a second pattern (P2) (e.g., a five-column pattern). However, the first pattern (P1) and the second pattern (P2) are merely examples, and the first pattern (P1) and the second pattern (P2) are not limited to the shapes illustrated in the drawings, and may include pattern shapes having any shape.

[0127] In one embodiment, the first pattern (P1) can improve the stability of the display panel by providing force distribution that can evenly distribute a repulsive force acting along the longitudinal direction of the display panel when the display area of ​​the display panel is expanded. In one embodiment, the first pattern (P1) can provide stability when the display area of ​​the display panel is expanded or contracted, and can improve visual quality by reducing wrinkles that may occur on the display panel.

[0128] In one embodiment, the second pattern (P2) has more rows than the first pattern (P1), thereby further improving the stability of the display panel compared to the first pattern (P1). In one embodiment, the second pattern (P2) can strengthen the structure of the lattice plates (6331-2, 6331-3), thereby enabling the expansion or contraction of the display area of ​​the display panel to be performed more stably.

[0129] In one embodiment, the plurality of lattice plates may include the same pattern, or at least one lattice plate (6331-1, 6331-2, 6331-3) may include a different pattern. For example, the plurality of lattice plates may have a first pattern (P1) formed on them, or a second pattern (P2) formed on them. In one embodiment, the first pattern (P1) may be formed on at least one lattice plate (6331-1, 6331-2, 6331-3) among the plurality of lattice plates, and the second pattern (P2) may be formed on the remaining lattice plates (6331-1, 6331-2, 6331-3).

[0130] In one embodiment, different patterns may appear on a single lattice plate (6331-1, 6331-2, 6331-3). For example, referring to FIG. 6C, a single lattice plate (6331-3) may include a first pattern area (A1) in which a first pattern (P1) is formed, a second pattern area (A2) in which a second pattern (P2) different from the first pattern (P1) is formed, and a non-pattern area (A3) in which no pattern is formed. Such pattern formation may also be applied to a support plate (e.g., the support plate (432) of FIG. 4D).

[0131] In one embodiment, the pattern formed on the lattice plate (6331) is not limited to a single shape and / or form, and the pattern may have various shapes and / or forms. For example, the lattice plate (6331) may have a pattern formed on the lattice plate having various shapes and / or forms, such as a honeycomb shape, a grid pattern, a vertical pattern, or a stripe.

[0132]

[0133] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement relationship of a plurality of lattice plates according to one embodiment.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 7, a plurality of lattice plates (7331) (e.g., a plurality of lattice plates (4331) in FIG. 4d) may include a first lattice plate (7331a) (e.g., the first lattice plate (4331a) in FIG. 4d) laminated on a support plate (e.g., the support plate (432) in FIG. 4d) and a second lattice plate (7331b) (e.g., the second lattice plate (4331b) in FIG. 4d) laminated on the first lattice plate (7331a). In one embodiment, the surfaces of the first lattice plate (7331a) and the second lattice plate (7331b) may have the same pattern or different patterns formed on them. In one embodiment, when the same pattern is formed in the first lattice plate (7331a) and the second lattice plate (7331b), the first lattice plate (7331a) and the second lattice plate (7331b) may each include a first region (7331a-1, 7331b-1) in which the pattern is formed and a second region (7331a-2, 7331b-2) in which the pattern is not formed. In one embodiment, the first region (7331a-1, 7331b-1) and the second region (7331a-2, 7331b-2) may be formed alternately along the longitudinal direction of the lattice plate (7331).

[0135] In one embodiment, the first lattice plate (7331a) and the second lattice plate (7331b) may be laminated such that at least a portion of the first region (7331a-1) of the first lattice plate (7331a) and the second region (7331b-2) of the second lattice plate (7331b) overlap each other, and at least a portion of the second region (7331a-2) of the first lattice plate (7331a) and the first region (7331b-1) of the second lattice plate (7331b) overlap each other. In one embodiment, when the surface regions of the lattice plates (7331) on which patterns are formed overlap each other, noise or deterioration of the display screen quality may occur. In one embodiment, when a first region (7331a-1, 7331b-1) in which a pattern is formed and a second region (7331a-2, 7331b-2) in which a pattern is not formed overlap, noise generation or deterioration of display screen quality can be prevented or reduced.

[0136]

[0137] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a protrusion formed on a lattice plate according to one embodiment.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 8, at least one lattice plate (8331c) among a plurality of lattice plates (8331a, 8331b, 8331c) may be formed with a protrusion (83311) that protrudes from the surface of the lattice plate. In one embodiment, the plurality of lattice plates (8331) may move in response to a direction in which a display area of ​​a display panel (e.g., a display panel (431) of FIG. 4a) is expanded or contracted by moving an end bar (e.g., an end bar (434) of FIG. 4c) connected to a support plate (e.g., a support plate (432) of FIG. 4d) along a guide rail (e.g., a guide rail (490) of FIG. 4c). In one embodiment, the plurality of lattice plates (8331) may come into contact with the guide rail at both ends. In one embodiment, a protrusion (83311) formed on at least one lattice plate (8331c) among a plurality of lattice plates (8331) can minimize a contact area between a guide rail and the plurality of lattice plates (8331), thereby enabling a smooth movement of the plurality of lattice plates (8331). For example, the protrusion (83311) can form a gap that allows the guide rail and the plurality of lattice plates (8331) to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, thereby reducing friction resulting from movement of the plurality of lattice plates (8331).

[0139]

[0140] In one embodiment, an electronic device (101; 201; 301; 401) comprises: a first housing (210; 310; 410); a second housing (220; 320; 420) to which the first housing (210; 310; 410) is movably connected; and a display module (160; 430) supported by at least one of the first housing (210; 310; 410) and the second housing (220; 320; 420), the display area (2610; 4310) of which changes by relative movement of the first housing (210; 310; 410) with respect to the second housing (220; 320; 420), wherein the display module (160; 430) comprises: a display panel (261; 361; 431); It may include a support structure (314; 433) including a support plate (432; 532) having one side connected to the back surface of the display panel (261; 361; 431); and a plurality of lattice plates (4331; 5331; 7331; 8331) arranged on the other side of the support plate (432; 532) opposite to one side of the support plate (432; 532).

[0141] In one embodiment, the display panel (261; 361; 431) includes a first portion (431a) supported by the first housing (210; 310; 410) and forming a part of the display area (2610; 4310); and a second portion (431b) extending from the first portion (431a) along the moving direction of the first housing (210; 310; 410) and at least a portion of which is bent, and the support structure (314; 433) can be disposed on the second portion (431b) of the display panel (261; 361; 431).

[0142] In one embodiment, the same pattern may be formed on each of the plurality of lattice plates (4331; 7331; 8331).

[0143] In one embodiment, the plurality of lattice plates (7331) are alternately formed with a first region (7331a-1; 7331b-1) in which a pattern is formed along a length direction; and a second region (7331a-2; 7331b-2) in which the pattern is not formed, and the first region (7331a-1; 7331b-1) of one lattice plate (7331a; 7331b) among the plurality of lattice plates (7331) can overlap with the second region (7331a-2; 7331b-2) of another lattice plate (7331b; 7331a).

[0144] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of lattice plates (4331; 5331; 8331) may have a different pattern formed on it.

[0145] In one embodiment, a pattern having different spacing is formed on each of the plurality of lattice plates (5331), and a tensile force can be applied to each of the plurality of lattice plates (5331) so that the pattern expands along the longitudinal direction of the plurality of lattice plates (5331).

[0146] In one embodiment, the plurality of lattice plates (5331) may be connected in an extended state along the longitudinal direction so that a relatively smaller tensile force is applied to the lattice plates (5331) closer to the display panel (261; 361; 431) than to other lattice plates.

[0147] In one embodiment, at least one (6331-3) of the plurality of lattice plates (6331-1; 6331-2; 6331-3) may include a first pattern area (A1) in which a first pattern (P1) is formed; a second pattern area (A2) in which a second pattern (P2) different from the first pattern (P1) is formed; and a non-pattern area (A3) in which no pattern is formed.

[0148] In one embodiment, the support structure (314; 433) may further include one or more adhesive layers (4332) applied between each of the plurality of lattice plates (4331; 5331; 7331; 8331) to adhere adjacent lattice plates to each other.

[0149] In one embodiment, the adhesive layer (4332) includes a first adhesive portion (4332a-1); and a second adhesive portion (4332a-2) that is positioned further from the display area (2610; 4310) than the first adhesive portion (4332a-1) based on the longitudinal direction of the display module (160; 430), and the second adhesive portion (4332a-2) may have a stiffness lower than that of the first adhesive portion (4332a-1).

[0150] In one embodiment, the plurality of lattice plates (4331; 5331; 7331; 8331) include, based on the thickness direction of the plurality of lattice plates (4331; 5331; 7331; 8331), a first lattice plate (4331a; 5331a; 7331a; 8331a) laminated on the support plate (432; 532); a second lattice plate (4331b; 5331b; 7331b; 8331b) laminated on the first lattice plate (4331a; 5331a; 7331a; 8331a) so as to be opposite to the support plate (432; 532); And it may include a third lattice plate (4331c; 5331c; 8331c) laminated on the second lattice plate (4331b; 5331b; 7331b; 8331b) so as to be opposite to the first lattice plate (4331a; 5331a; 7331a; 8331a).

[0151] In one embodiment, the support structure (314; 433) comprises a first adhesive layer (4332a) applied between the first lattice plate (4331a; 5331a; 7331a; 8331a) and the second lattice plate (4331b; 5331b; 7331b; 8331b), and bonding the first lattice plate (4331a; 5331a; 7331a; 8331a) and the second lattice plate (4331b; 5331b; 7331b; 8331b); And it may include a second adhesive layer (4332b) applied between the second lattice plate (4331b; 5331b; 7331b; 8331b) and the third lattice plate (4331c; 5331c; 8331c), and bonding the second lattice plate (4331b; 5331b; 7331b; 8331b) and the third lattice plate (4331c; 5331c; 8331c).

[0152] In one embodiment, the second adhesive layer (4332b) may be less rigid than the first adhesive layer (4332a).

[0153] In one embodiment, the display module (160; 430) includes an end bar (434) connected to an end of the support plate (432; 532); And the electronic device (101; 201; 301; 401) further includes a connecting member (370; 470) that moves the end bar (434) in response to the movement of the first housing (210; 310; 410) relative to the second housing (220; 320; 420), and further includes a guide rail (390; 490) that is connected to the second housing (220; 320; 420) and to which the end bar (434) is movably connected, and the connecting member (370; 470) connects the first housing (210; 310; 410) and the end bar (434), and moves the end bar (434) along the guide rail (390; 490) to expand or reduce the display area (2610; 4310) of the display module (160; 430).

[0154] In one embodiment, at least one lattice plate among the plurality of lattice plates (8331) may include a protrusion (83311) formed to protrude at a portion that comes into contact with the guide rail (390; 490).

[0155] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101; 201; 301; 401) comprises: a first housing (210; 310; 410); a second housing (220; 320; 420) into which the first housing (210; 310; 410) is retractably connected; a guide rail (390; 490) connected to the second housing (220; 320; 420); And a display module (160; 430) supported by at least one of the first housing (210; 310; 410) and the second housing (220; 320; 420), and having a display area (2610; 4310) that changes by relative movement of the first housing (210; 310; 410) with respect to the second housing (220; 320; 420), wherein the display module (160; 430) comprises: a display panel (261; 361; 431); a support plate (432; 532) disposed on the back surface of the display panel (261; 361; 431); A support structure (314; 433) comprising a plurality of lattice plates (4331; 5331; 7331; 8331) arranged on the support plate (432; 532) so as to be opposed to the display panel (261; 361; 431); an end bar (434) connected to an end of the support plate (432; 532) and movably connected to the guide rail (390; 490); And it may include a connecting member (370; 470) that connects the first housing (210; 310; 410) and the end bar (434), moves the end bar (434) along the guide rail (390; 490) in response to the movement of the first housing (210; 310; 410) with respect to the second housing (220; 320; 420), and expands or reduces the display area (2610; 4310) of the display module (160; 430).

[0156] In one embodiment, the support structure (314; 433) may further include a non-patterned plate on which no pattern is formed.

[0157] In one embodiment, the guide rail (390; 490) may include a first guide portion (390a) connected to the first housing (210; 310; 410); and a second guide portion (390b) connected to the second housing (220; 320; 420), to which the first guide portion (390a) is movably connected.

[0158] In one embodiment, the support structure (314; 433) may further include one or more adhesive layers applied between each of the plurality of lattice plates (4331; 5331; 7331; 8331) to adhere adjacent lattice plates to each other.

[0159] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101; 201; 301; 401) comprises: a first housing (210; 310; 410); a second housing (220; 320; 420) into which the first housing (210; 310; 410) is retractably connected; a pair of guide rails (390; 490) including a first guide portion (390a) connected to the first housing (210; 310; 410) and a second guide portion (390b) connected to the second housing (220; 320; 420); And a display module (160; 430) supported by at least one of the first housing (210; 310; 410) and the second housing (220; 320; 420), and having a display area (2610; 4310) that changes by relative movement of the first housing (210; 310; 410) with respect to the second housing (220; 320; 420), wherein the display module (160; 430) comprises: a display panel (261; 361; 431); a support plate (432; 532) connected to the back surface of the display panel (261; 361; 431); A support structure (314; 433) comprising a plurality of lattice plates (4331; 5331; 7331; 8331) arranged on the support plate (432; 532) so as to be opposite the display panel (261; 361; 431), wherein a first lattice plate (4331a; 5331a; 7331a; 8331a) is laminated on the support plate (432; 532) so as to be opposite the display panel (261; 361; 431); a second lattice plate (4331b; 5331b; 7331b; 8331b) is laminated on the first lattice plate (4331a; 5331a; 7331a; 8331a) so as to be opposite the support plate (432; 532); A third lattice plate (4331c; 5331c; 8331c) laminated on the second lattice plate (4331b; 5331b; 7331b; 8331b) so as to be opposite to the first lattice plate (4331a; 5331a; 7331a; 8331a); The first lattice plate (4331a; 5331a;A first adhesive layer (4332a) applied between the first lattice plate (4331a; 5331a; 7331b; 8331b) and the second lattice plate (4331b; 5331a; 7331a; 8331a) and bonding the first lattice plate (4331b; 5331b; 7331b; 8331b) and the second lattice plate (4331b; 5331b; 7331b; 8331b); and a support structure (314; 433) including a second adhesive layer (4332b) applied between the second lattice plate (4331b; 5331b; 7331b; 8331b) and the third lattice plate (4331c; 5331c; 8331c) and bonding the second lattice plate (4331b; 5331b; 7331b; 8331b) and the third lattice plate (4331c; 5331c; 8331c).

Claims

1. In electronic devices (101; 201; 301; 401), 1st housing (210;310;410); A second housing (220; 320; 420) to which the first housing (210; 310; 410) is movably connected; and A display module (160;430) supported by at least one of the first housing (210;310;410) and the second housing (220;320;420), and having a display area (2610;4310) that changes by relative movement of the first housing (210;310;410) with respect to the second housing (220;320;420), The above display module (160;430) Display panel (261;361;431); A support plate (432; 532) having one side connected to the back surface of the display panel (261; 361; 431); and An electronic device comprising a support structure (314;433) including a plurality of lattice plates (4331;5331;7331;8331) arranged on one surface of the support plate (432;532) opposite to the other surface of the support plate (432;532).

2. In paragraph 1, The above display panel (261;361;431) A first part (431a) supported by the first housing (210; 310; 410) and forming a part of the display area (2610; 4310); and It includes a second part (431b) extending from the first part (431a) along the direction of movement of the first housing (210; 310; 410) and having at least a portion bent, An electronic device in which the above support structure (314;433) is arranged on the second part (431b) of the display panel (261;361;431).

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, An electronic device in which the same pattern is formed on each of the plurality of lattice plates (4331; 7331; 8331).

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The above plurality of lattice plates (7331) have, along the longitudinal direction, A first region (7331a-1; 7331b-1) in which a pattern is formed; and The second region (7331a-2; 7331b-2) in which the above pattern is not formed is formed alternately, An electronic device, wherein a first region (7331a-1; 7331b-1) of one of the plurality of lattice plates (7331a; 7331b) overlaps a second region (7331a-2; 7331b-2) of another lattice plate (7331b; 7331a).

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, An electronic device in which a different pattern is formed on each of the plurality of lattice plates (4331; 5331; 8331).

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, A pattern with different spacing is formed on each of the above plurality of lattice plates (5331). An electronic device in which a tensile force is applied to each of the plurality of lattice plates (5331) so that the pattern expands along the longitudinal direction of the plurality of lattice plates (5331).

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, An electronic device in which the plurality of lattice plates (5331) are connected in an extended state along the longitudinal direction so that a relatively smaller tensile force is applied to the lattice plates (5331) closer to the display panel (261; 361; 431) than to other lattice plates.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, At least one (6331-3) of the above plurality of lattice plates (6331-1; 6331-2; 6331-3) A first pattern area (A1) in which a first pattern (P1) is formed; A second pattern area (A2) in which a second pattern (P2) different from the first pattern (P1) is formed; and An electronic device comprising a non-patterned area (A3) in which no pattern is formed.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The above support structure (314;433) is An electronic device further comprising one or more adhesive layers (4332) applied between each of the plurality of lattice plates (4331; 5331; 7331; 8331) to adhere adjacent lattice plates to each other.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, The above adhesive layer (4332) is First adhesive portion (4332a-1); and It includes a second adhesive portion (4332a-2) positioned further from the display area (2610;4310) than the first adhesive portion (4332a-1) based on the longitudinal direction of the display module (160;430), An electronic device in which the second adhesive portion (4332a-2) has weaker rigidity than the first adhesive portion (4332a-1).

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, The above plurality of lattice plates (4331; 5331; 7331; 8331) are, based on the thickness direction of the above plurality of lattice plates (4331; 5331; 7331; 8331), A first lattice plate (4331a; 5331a; 7331a; 8331a) laminated on the above support plate (432; 532); A second lattice plate (4331b; 5331b; 7331b; 8331b) laminated on the first lattice plate (4331a; 5331a; 7331a; 8331a) so as to be opposite to the support plate (432; 532); and An electronic device comprising a third lattice plate (4331c; 5331c; 8331c) laminated on the second lattice plate (4331b; 5331b; 7331b; 8331b) so as to be opposite to the first lattice plate (4331a; 5331a; 7331a; 8331a).

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, The above support structure (314;433) is A first adhesive layer (4332a) applied between the first lattice plate (4331a; 5331a; 7331a; 8331a) and the second lattice plate (4331b; 5331b; 7331b; 8331b) and bonding the first lattice plate (4331a; 5331a; 7331a; 8331a) and the second lattice plate (4331b; 5331b; 7331b; 8331b); and An electronic device comprising a second adhesive layer (4332b) applied between the second lattice plate (4331b; 5331b; 7331b; 8331b) and the third lattice plate (4331c; 5331c; 8331c) and bonding the second lattice plate (4331b; 5331b; 7331b; 8331b) and the third lattice plate (4331c; 5331c; 8331c).

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, An electronic device in which the second adhesive layer (4332b) has weaker rigidity than the first adhesive layer (4332a).

14. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, The above display module (160;430) End bar (434) connected to the end of the above support plate (432; 532); and It further includes a connecting member (370; 470) that moves the end bar (434) in response to the movement of the first housing (210; 310; 410) relative to the second housing (220; 320; 420). The above electronic devices (101;201;301;401) It further includes a guide rail (390; 490) connected to the second housing (220; 320; 420) and to which the end bar (434) is movably connected. The above connecting member (370; 470) is An electronic device that connects the first housing (210; 310; 410) and the end bar (434), moves the end bar (434) along the guide rail (390; 490), and expands or reduces the display area (2610; 4310) of the display module (160; 430).

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, At least one lattice plate among the above plurality of lattice plates (8331) is, An electronic device including a protrusion (83311) formed protruding at a portion that comes into contact with the above guide rail (390; 490).

Images