Electronic device comprising rail unit

Abstract

This electronic device may comprise: a first housing; a second housing which can move relative to the first housing in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction; a driving unit which includes a first gear and a motor for rotating the first gear and is provided in the first housing; and a rail unit which includes a second gear and moves the second housing while the second gear is engaged with the first gear and moved by rotation of the first gear. The rail unit may comprise: a base which is coupled to the second housing and to which the second gear is connected slidably in the first direction or the second direction; a fastening member which connects one end of the base to the second housing; and a buffer member which is provided between the second gear and the fastening member to buffer an impact applied to the second gear. Various other embodiments may also be possible.

Description

Electronic device including rail unit

[0001] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic device including a rail unit.

[0002] With the advancement of display-related technology, electronic devices equipped with flexible displays are being developed. Flexible displays can be used not only in a flat form but also in a specific form. For example, an electronic device including a flexible display can be implemented in a slider form, which allows the range of the display visually exposed to the outside to be controlled based on at least one slide axis.

[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] According to one embodiment of the present document, an electronic device may include a first housing, a second housing that is relatively movable in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the first housing, a first gear, and a motor that rotates the first gear, and may include a rail unit that includes a driving unit and a second gear provided in the first housing, and in which the second gear is engaged and moves by rotation of the first gear to move the second housing. In one embodiment, the rail unit may include a base that is coupled to the second housing, and in which the second gear is slidably connected in the first direction or the second direction, a fastening member that connects one end of the base and the second housing, and a buffer member that is provided between the second gear and the fastening member and that alleviates an impact acting on the second gear.

[0005] In addition, an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present document may include a first housing, a second housing that is relatively movable in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the first housing, a first gear, and a motor that rotates the first gear, and may include a rail unit that includes a driving unit and a second gear provided in the first housing, and that moves the second gear by engaging with the second gear and moving the second housing by rotation of the first gear. In one embodiment, the rail unit may be formed in a shape in which one end is connected to one surface of the second housing facing the first housing and the other end extends toward the first housing, and may include a base to which the second gear is connected, a fastening member that connects the base and the second housing, and a buffer member that is provided between the second gear and the fastening member and that alleviates an impact acting on the second gear.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0007] FIG. 2A is a front perspective view illustrating a first state of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0008] FIG. 2b is a front perspective view illustrating a second state of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

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

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

[0011] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 4A is a plan view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 4b is a perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a portion of a rail unit according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a rail unit according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a portion of a rail unit according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a rail unit according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7a is a perspective view of a rail unit according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7b is an exploded perspective view of a rail unit according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 7c is a side view of a rail unit and a drive unit according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 7d is a cross-sectional view of a rail unit according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a portion of a rail unit according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 8b is a plan view of a portion of a rail unit according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 9a is a perspective view of a portion of a rail unit according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 9b is a plan view of a portion of a rail unit according to one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a portion of a rail unit according to one embodiment.

[0027] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a rail unit according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 12A is a plan view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 12b is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 12c is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 13a is a perspective view of a portion of a rail unit according to one embodiment.

[0032] Figure 13b is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a rail unit according to one embodiment.

[0033] Figure 14a is a perspective view of a portion of a rail unit according to one embodiment.

[0034] Figure 14b is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a rail unit according to one embodiment.

[0035] Figure 15a is a perspective view of a rail unit according to one embodiment.

[0036] Figure 15b is an exploded perspective view of a rail unit according to one embodiment.

[0037] Figure 15c is a cross-sectional view of a rail unit according to one embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 15d is a cross-sectional view of a rail unit according to one embodiment.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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 disclosed in this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0041] 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 items, unless the relevant 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.

[0042] 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 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).

[0043] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) 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 (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) 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.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the method according to the 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.

[0045] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the 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 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.

[0046] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments.

[0047] 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 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)).

[0048] The processor (120) may control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing, for example, software (e.g., a program (140)), and may 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 can 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.

[0049] 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, in the electronic device (101) itself where artificial intelligence is performed, 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.

[0050] 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).

[0051] 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).

[0052] 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).

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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).

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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).

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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).

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) 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).

[0064] 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) may 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.

[0065] 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).

[0066] 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 a first side (e.g., a bottom side) 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 a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0067] 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)).

[0068] 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 by itself, 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 one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] In one embodiment, the housings (210, 220) may include a first housing (210) and a second housing (220) that are movably coupled with respect 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) such that the first housing (210) moves in a first movement direction (direction ①) (e.g., +Y direction) relative to the second housing (220), or moves in a second movement direction (direction ②) (e.g., -Y direction) opposite to the first movement direction (direction ①). 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).

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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 one embodiment, the first housing (210) includes 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).

[0076] 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 one 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).

[0077] 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).

[0078] 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 (direction ①) 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 (direction ①) 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 (direction ②) 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 (direction ②) 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.

[0079] 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).

[0080] 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).

[0081] 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.

[0082] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 3, an electronic device (301) according to one embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (201) of FIGS. 2A to 2D) 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).

[0084] 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 direction and / or range of movement of the first housing (310) relative to the second housing (320). Any motor (not shown) suitable for generating power, such as an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, or other power, may be connected to the guide rail (390).

[0085] 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 (310) 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 via the guide rail (390), and in the process of the first housing (310) moving via the guide rail (390), the support structure (314) connected to the guide rail (390) may also move together. Detailed operations will be described later.

[0086] 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).

[0087] 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).

[0088] 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 one embodiment, the haptic module (379) may also be located in the first housing (310).

[0089] 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).

[0090] 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 one embodiment, the battery (389) may also be located in the first housing (310).

[0091] 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).

[0092] 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).

[0093] 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 fill the internal space of the display panel (361) that is formed to be flexible. The plurality of lattice plates will be described later.

[0094] 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).

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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).

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] FIG. 4a is a plan view of an electronic device (400) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 4b is a perspective view of an electronic device (400) according to one embodiment.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, an electronic device (400) according to an embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (201) of FIGS. 2A to 2D, or the electronic device (301) of FIG. 3) may include at least a portion of a first housing (410) (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIGS. 2A to 2D or the first housing (310) of FIG. 3), a second housing (420) (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIGS. 2A to 2D or the second housing (320) of FIG. 3), a drive unit (430), and a rail unit (440).

[0101] Hereinafter, any content that overlaps with the above-described content will be omitted for explanation, and it will be understood that some configurations and structures of the rail unit (440) and the electronic device (400) including the same may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to those skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below. In addition, the rail unit (440) and the electronic device (400) including the same may be combined with at least one configuration or feature of the embodiments described above, unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0102] In one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may include a flexible or foldable display (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1, the display panel (261) of FIGS. 2A to 2D, or the display panel (361) of FIG. 3). The electronic device (400) may be a slider device capable of adjusting the screen display area of ​​the display through expandable or contractible housings (410, 420).

[0103] Below, other components of the electronic device (400) are omitted, and the electronic device (400) will be described with a focus on the housings (410, 420), the drive unit (430), and the rail unit (440).

[0104] In one embodiment, the first housing (410) and the second housing (420) can move relative to each other in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction. By moving at least one of the first housing (410) and the second housing (420) away from or toward the other, the electronic device (400) and / or the display can expand or contract.

[0105] In one embodiment, the first direction may be a direction in which the first housing (410) and the second housing (420) move relatively far from each other, and the second direction may be a direction in which the first housing (410) and the second housing (420) move relatively close to each other.

[0106] For example, the second housing (420) may be moved relative to the first housing (410) in a first direction (or, 'expansion direction') (e.g., -Y direction) or a second direction (or, 'contraction direction') (e.g., +Y direction). Alternatively, the second housing (420) may be moved relative to the first housing (410) in the first direction or the second direction.

[0107] Hereinafter, based on an embodiment of an electronic device (400) in which a drive unit (430) is disposed in a first housing (410) and a rail unit (440) is disposed in a second housing (420), the operation of the electronic device (400) will be described on the assumption that the second housing (420) moves relatively to the first housing (410) in a first direction or a second direction. In addition, in describing the rail unit (440) and the electronic device (400) including the same according to various embodiments of the present document, the 'first direction' may refer to the -Y direction or the expansion direction, and the 'second direction' may refer to the +Y direction or the reduction direction.

[0108] However, this is for convenience of explanation and is not limited to this when actually implementing the electronic device (400). For example, the following descriptions may be applied identically or similarly to an embodiment of the electronic device (400) in which the drive unit (430) is disposed in the second housing (420) and the rail unit (440) is disposed in the first housing (410), such that the first housing (410) moves relatively to the second housing (420).

[0109] In one embodiment, the drive unit (430) may provide power for relative movement of the first housing (410) or the second housing (420). The drive unit (430) may be disposed in the second housing (420). The drive unit (430) may include a first gear (431), a motor (433), a shaft (435), and a gear frame (437).

[0110] In one embodiment, the first gear (431) may be a pinion gear. The first gear (431) may have a gear structure that meshes with the second gear (441). For example, the first gear (431) may have a shape in which a plurality of gear teeth are arranged in a direction surrounding a rotation axis or shaft (435).

[0111] In one embodiment, the first gear (431) can rotate about a rotational axis. As the first gear (431) rotates, the first gear (431) can mesh with the second gear (441) and move in the first direction or the second direction. The first housing (410) connected to the first gear (431) can move relative to the second housing (420). Alternatively, the second housing (420) connected to the second gear (441) can move relative to the first housing (410).

[0112] In one embodiment, the motor (433) can rotate the first gear (431). The motor (433) can provide power to the drive unit (430). The motor (433) can be driven and controlled by a processor of the electronic device (400) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1) or a processor or controller of the drive unit (430) (e.g., the auxiliary processor (123) of FIG. 1). The motor (433) can be powered by a battery (e.g., the battery (189) of FIG. 1).

[0113] In one embodiment, the shaft (435) can interconnect the motor (433) and the first gear (431). Alternatively, the shaft (435) can interconnect the gear frame (437) and the first gear (431). The shaft (435) can be arranged horizontally to the rotational axis of the motor (433). The motor (433) can rotate the first gear (431) that is fixed or connected to the shaft (435) by rotating the shaft (435).

[0114] In one embodiment, the gear frame (437) may be fixed to the first housing (410). The gear frame (437) may accommodate a first gear (431) therein. The gear frame (437) may protect the first gear (431) from moisture, dust, or foreign substances outside the gear frame (437).

[0115] In one embodiment, the rail unit (440) may form a rail on which the first gear (431) of the drive unit (430) can rotate and / or move. The rail unit (440) may include a second gear (441), a base (451), and a fastening member (460).

[0116] In one embodiment, the rail unit (440) may be disposed in the second housing (420). For example, the rail unit (440) may be disposed relatively closer to an end of one side (e.g., +X direction or -X direction) of the second housing (420) in both side directions perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., X-axis direction). Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the rail unit (440) may be disposed on one side of the inner side of the second housing (420). By disposing the rail unit (440) adjacent to one side direction, the electronic device (400) may have improved internal space efficiency.

[0117] In one embodiment, the second gear (441) may be a rack gear. The second gear (441) may have a gear structure that meshes with the first gear (431). For example, the second gear (441) may have a structure that extends in the first direction, and a plurality of gear teeth of the second gear (441) may be arranged in the first direction.

[0118] In one embodiment, the base (451) may be coupled to the second housing (420). The base (451) may support other components of the rail unit (440). For example, a second gear (441) may be slidably connected to the base (451) in a first direction or a second direction at a predetermined interval.

[0119] In one embodiment, the second gear (441) may be connected to the base (451) in a state in which movement is possible in the first direction or the second direction and movement is restricted in the other direction (e.g., in the X-axis direction or the Z-axis direction).

[0120] However, the term 'slide' may encompass not only visually observable movement at a predetermined interval, but also movement or vibration of the second gear (441) in a range that is not visually observable due to compression or deformation of a component (e.g., a buffer member (470)) disposed on one side of the second gear (441).

[0121] In one embodiment, the fastening member (460) can interconnect one end of the base (451) and the second housing (420). The fastening member (460) can be structurally connected to the second housing (420), or can be fixed to the second housing (420) by an adhesive member (e.g., an adhesive, double-sided tape). Alternatively, the fastening member (460) can be fixed to the second housing (420) via the fastening member (467) by including a connecting portion or opening for fastening the fastening member (467).

[0122] For example, as illustrated in the drawing, the fixing member (467) may be supported on the upper surface of the fastening member (460) and may be positioned to penetrate the fastening member (460). By fixing the fixing member (467) to the second housing (420), the fastening member (460) may be fixed to the second housing (420) through the fixing member (467).

[0123] In one embodiment, a buffer member (470) may be provided between the second gear (441) and the fastening member (460). The buffer member (470) may be positioned to contact one end of the second gear (441). The buffer member (470) may be compressed or deformed in response to the second gear (441) sliding toward the buffer member (470) or when an impact is transmitted from the second gear (441) to the buffer member (470). For example, the buffer member (470) may generate an elastic force to resist deformation, and the elastic force may limit the sliding motion of the second gear (441).

[0124] In one embodiment, the buffer member (470) can absorb a shock acting on the second gear (441) or alleviate a shock acting on the second gear (441). The buffer member (470) can be positioned on a path along which the second gear (441) moves, thereby limiting or impeding the sliding movement of the second gear (441).

[0125] For example, the buffer member (470) may be made of an elastic structure having a spring structure (e.g., coil spring, plate spring), or rubber or silicone, or a polymer synthetic resin such as polyurethane.

[0126] According to one embodiment of the present document, the second gear (441) is slidably connected to the base (451), and the buffer member (470) mitigates the impact applied to the second gear (441), thereby enabling the electronic device (400) to improve the durability of the drive unit (430) and / or the rail unit (440).

[0127] For example, when the second housing (420) slides quickly or strongly, the first gear (431) may mesh with the second gear (441) and rotate quickly or strongly, and the shaft (435) connected to the first gear (431) may be twisted or stressed. The shaft (435) may be bent by the twist or stress and may be deformed or broken.

[0128] In one embodiment of the present document, the second gear (441) is slidably connected to the base (451) in the first direction or the second direction, and since the shock acting on the second gear (441) is mitigated by the buffer member (470), at least a portion of the shock acting on the first gear (431) and the shaft (435) can be absorbed by the sliding movement of the second gear (441) and the buffer member (470).

[0129] FIG. 5a is a perspective view of a portion of a rail unit (440) according to one embodiment, FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a rail unit (440) according to one embodiment, FIG. 6a is a perspective view of a portion of a rail unit (440) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a rail unit (440) according to one embodiment.

[0130] Specifically, FIG. 5a is a perspective view of one end (e.g., in the -Y direction or the first direction) of a rail unit (440), and FIG. 5b is a side cross-sectional view of one end of the rail unit (440) of FIG. 5a. And, FIG. 6a is a perspective view of the other end (e.g., in the +Y direction or the second direction) of a rail unit (440), and FIG. 6b is a side cross-sectional view of the other end of the rail unit (440) of FIG. 6a.

[0131] Referring to FIGS. 5a, 5b, 6a and 6b, a rail unit (440) according to one embodiment may include at least a portion of a base (451), a fastening member (460) and a buffer member (470).

[0132] Hereinafter, description will be omitted of overlapping contents with those described above, and in the rail unit (440) and the electronic device including the same (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (201) of FIGS. 2A to 2D, the electronic device (301) of FIG. 3, or the electronic device (400) of FIGS. 4A and 4B), it will be understood that some configurations and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to a person skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below. In addition, the rail unit (440) and the electronic device (400) including the same may be combined with at least one configuration or feature of the embodiments described above, unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0133] In one embodiment, a plurality of fastening members (e.g., fastening members (460) of FIGS. 4A and 4B) may be provided. The plurality of fastening members (460) may include a first fastening member (460a) and a second fastening member (460b). The first fastening member (460a) and the second fastening member (460b) may be spaced apart from each other and connected to opposite ends of the base (451), respectively.

[0134] For example, the first fastening member (460a) may be connected to the first direction end (451a) of the base (451) and the second housing (420). In addition, the second fastening member (460b) may be connected to the second direction end (451b) of the base (451) and the second housing (420).

[0135] In one embodiment, the rail unit (440) may include a plurality of buffer members (e.g., buffer members (470) of FIGS. 4A and 4B). The plurality of buffer members (470) may include a first buffer member (470a) and a second buffer member (470b). The first buffer member (470a) and the second buffer member (470b) may be spaced apart from each other and disposed at opposite ends of the second gear (441), respectively.

[0136] For example, the first buffer member (470a) may be provided between the first direction end (441a) of the second gear (441) and the first fastening member (460a). In addition, the second buffer member (470b) may be provided between the second direction end (441b) of the second gear (441) and the second fastening member (460b).

[0137] Hereinafter, a rail unit (440) including a first fastening member (460a) and a first buffer member (470a) as shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, and a rail unit (440) including a second fastening member (460b) and a second buffer member (470b) as shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b will be described, but the description of each rail unit (440) may be independent.

[0138] That is, although not shown in the drawing, the rail unit (440) and the electronic device (400) including the same according to one embodiment of the present document may include a fastening member (460) and a buffer member (470) on only one side of the rail unit (440).

[0139] For example, a rail unit (440) according to one embodiment may include a first fastening member (460a) and a first buffer member (470a), and may not include a second fastening member (460b) and a second buffer member (470b).

[0140] Alternatively, for example, the rail unit (440) according to one embodiment may include a second fastening member (460b) and a second buffer member (470b), and may not include a first fastening member (460a) and a first buffer member (470a).

[0141] Alternatively, the rail unit (440) according to one embodiment may include at least some or all of the first fastening member (460a), the first buffer member (470a), the second fastening member (460b), and the second buffer member (470b).

[0142] In one example, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the first fastening member (460a) may be connected to the first-direction end (451a) of the base (451). The first buffer member (470a) may be provided between the first-direction end (441a) of the second gear (441) and the first fastening member (460a). The first buffer member (470a) may alleviate shock generated when the second gear (441) slides quickly or strongly in the first direction.

[0143] The second housing (420) may slide unsupported during use of the electronic device (400), such as when the electronic device (400) is dropped or dropped, or when the user opens the second housing (420) without supporting the second housing (420).

[0144] In one embodiment of the present document, the first fastening member (460a) and the first buffer member (470a) of the rail unit (440) are provided adjacent to the first direction end (451a) of the base (451), thereby effectively alleviating impact generated from the first gear (431) and the second gear (441), and improving the durability of the electronic device (400).

[0145] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the second fastening member (460b) may be connected to the second-direction end (451b) of the base (451). The second buffer member (470b) may be provided between the second-direction end (441b) of the second gear (441) and the second fastening member (460b). The second buffer member (470b) may alleviate shock generated when the second gear (441) slides quickly or strongly in the second direction.

[0146] For example, when the electronic device (400) changes from an extended state to a contracted state, i.e., when the second housing (420) slides in the second direction, the electronic device (400) may receive a relatively greater impact compared to the opposite case. In addition, when the second housing (420) moves in the second direction, there is a possibility that the impact may also be transmitted to other electrical components accommodated in the first housing (410) and the second housing (420).

[0147] In one embodiment of the present document, the second fastening member (460b) and the second buffer member (470b) of the rail unit (440) are provided adjacent to the second-direction end (451b) of the base (451), thereby effectively alleviating impact generated from the first gear (431) and the second gear (441), and improving the durability of the electronic device (400).

[0148] FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a rail unit (440) according to one embodiment, FIG. 7b is an exploded perspective view of a rail unit (440) according to one embodiment, FIG. 7c is a side view of a rail unit (440) and a drive unit (430) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 7d is a cross-sectional view of a rail unit (440) according to one embodiment.

[0149] Specifically, FIG. 7a is a perspective view of the rail unit (440) in an assembled state, FIG. 7b is a perspective view of the rail unit (440) in an disassembled state, FIG. 7c is a drawing for explaining the linkage of the rail unit (440) and the drive unit (430), and FIG. 7d is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the rail unit (440) viewed in the AA direction of FIG. 7c.

[0150] Referring to FIGS. 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d, the base (451) of the rail unit (440) according to one embodiment may include at least a portion of a coupling surface (453), a first support area (455), a second support area (457) and a wing area (456).

[0151] Hereinafter, description will be omitted of overlapping contents with those described above, and in the rail unit (440) and the electronic device including the same (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (201) of FIGS. 2A to 2D, the electronic device (301) of FIG. 3, or the electronic device (400) of FIGS. 4A and 4B), it will be understood that some configurations and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to a person skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below. In addition, the rail unit (440) and the electronic device (400) including the same may be combined with at least one configuration or feature of the embodiments described above, unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0152] In one embodiment, the coupling surface (453) may have a shape that extends in the first direction. The coupling surface (453) of the base (451) may be coupled to a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIGS. 2A to 2D, the second housing (320) of FIG. 3, or the second housing (420) of FIGS. 4A and 4B).

[0153] In one embodiment, the first support area (455) can support the second gear (441). The first support area (455) can be provided on the engagement surface (453). The first support area (455) can extend upward (e.g., in the +Z direction) from the engagement surface (453) and can also have a shape that extends long in the first direction. The second gear (441) can be formed as a rack gear that extends along the first support area (455). The second gear (441) can slide in the first direction or the second direction while being supported by the first support area (455).

[0154] In one embodiment, the base (451) may further include a wing region (456). The wing region (456) may be connected to the first support region (455) or may extend to one side from the first support region (455). The wing region (456) may extend from the first support region (455) in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., +X direction) and in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction (e.g., -X direction).

[0155] In one embodiment, the second gear (441) may include a coupling groove (443). The coupling groove (443) may accommodate the first support area (455) and the wing area (456). The inner surface of the coupling groove (443) may have a shape that surrounds at least a portion of the outer surface of the first support area (455) and the wing area (456). Through the coupling groove (443) and the wing area (456), the rail unit (440) may guide the sliding direction of the second gear (441), and the second gear (441) may be supported on the base (451) in a state in which it is slidable in the first direction or the second direction. For example, the second gear (441) may be in at least partial contact with the coupling surface (453), the first support area (455), and / or the wing area (456) of the base (451).

[0156] In one embodiment, the second support area (457) can support the buffer member (470). The second support area (457) can be provided at least one of the first direction end and the second direction end of the first support area (455). The second support area (457) can have a shape that extends long from the end of the first support area (455).

[0157] For example, the second support area (457) may have a column or bar shape extending in the first direction from the first-direction end of the first support area (455). Alternatively, the second support area (457) may have a column or bar shape extending in the second direction from the second-direction end of the first support area (455). Alternatively, the second support area (457) may have a column or bar shape extending in both directions from each of the two ends of the first support area (455).

[0158] In one embodiment, the buffer member (470) may be inserted and placed in the second support area (457). For example, the buffer member (470) may be formed of a spring structure that extends and surrounds the second support area (457). One end of the spring-shaped buffer member (470) may face the second gear (441), and the other end may face the fastening member (460).

[0159] Without being limited thereto, the buffer member (470) according to one embodiment may be formed of an elastic body including an opening into which a second support area (457) is inserted. The elastic body may be formed of rubber or silicone, or may be formed of a polymer synthetic resin such as polyurethane.

[0160] In one embodiment, the drive unit (430) may be connected to the rail unit (440) such that the first gear (431) and the second gear (441) are mutually meshed. The gear frame (437) of the drive unit (430) may be coupled to a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIGS. 2A to 2D , the first housing (310) of FIG. 3 , or the first housing (410) of FIGS. 4A and 4B ). The base (451) of the rail unit (440) may be coupled to a second housing (420). As the first gear (431) rotates, the first housing (410) and / or the second housing (420) may move relative to each other, and the electronic device (400) may expand or contract.

[0161] For example, when the first gear (431) is rotated by a motor (e.g., motor (433) of FIGS. 4A and 4B) or by an external force, the first gear (431) and the second gear (441) can mesh with each other and pressurize each other. When the first gear (431) is pressurized, the driving unit (430) can move relatively in the first direction or the second direction together with the first housing (410). Alternatively, when the second gear (441) is pressurized, the rail unit (440) can move relatively in the first direction or the second direction together with the second housing (420).

[0162] FIG. 8a is a perspective view of a portion of a rail unit (440) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 8b is a plan view of a portion of a rail unit (440) according to one embodiment.

[0163] Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the second gear (441) according to one embodiment may include at least one of an extension region (445) and a protruding region (446), and the fastening member (460) may include an auxiliary-buffer region (463).

[0164] Hereinafter, description will be omitted of overlapping contents with those described above, and in the rail unit (440) and the electronic device including the same (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (201) of FIGS. 2A to 2D, the electronic device (301) of FIG. 3, or the electronic device (400) of FIGS. 4A and 4B), it will be understood that some configurations and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to a person skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below. In addition, the rail unit (440) and the electronic device (400) including the same may be combined with at least one configuration or feature of the embodiments described above, unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0165] In one embodiment, the extension region (445) may be a region extending from one end (441c) of the second gear (441) that contacts the buffer member (470) (e.g., one end (441a) of the second gear (441) in FIG. 4b or one end (441b) of the second gear (441) in FIG. 6b) toward the fastening member (460).

[0166] In one embodiment, the extension region (445) may refer to the first direction and / or second direction distal end of the second gear (441). The extension region (445) may be disposed opposite the buffer member (470) in at least a portion of the area.

[0167] In one embodiment, the auxiliary buffer region (463) may be provided on a surface of the fastening member (460) facing the second gear (441). The auxiliary buffer region (463) may absorb the shock transmitted from the extension region (445), thereby alleviating the shock applied to the second gear (441). The auxiliary buffer region (463) may assist the buffer member (470) or may absorb and alleviate the shock applied to the second gear (441) independently.

[0168] In one embodiment, the auxiliary buffer region (463) may be formed integrally with the fastening member (460). The auxiliary buffer region (463) may be a portion of the fastening member (460). Alternatively, without limitation, the auxiliary buffer region (463) may be formed as a separate member from the fastening member (460) and may be formed by being coupled or connected to the fastening member (460).

[0169] In one embodiment, the auxiliary buffer region (463) can temporarily change shape when colliding with the extended region (445) and can alleviate the impact transmitted to the extended region (445). For example, the auxiliary buffer region (463) can be formed of an elastic structure having a spring structure, or can be formed of rubber or silicone, or can be formed of a polymer synthetic resin such as polyurethane.

[0170] In one embodiment, the second gear (441) may be formed at the end of the extension region (445) and may include a protruding region (446) extending along the first direction or the second direction and having a gradually decreasing cross-sectional area. The protruding region (446) may reduce the contact area between the extension region (445) and the auxiliary-buffering region (463).

[0171] In one embodiment, the auxiliary buffer region (463) and the protruding region (446) may have corresponding shapes. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B , the auxiliary buffer region (463) may include a plurality of pillars surrounding the protruding region (446), and / or may include a groove or a recess in which the protruding region (446) is received. By the protruding region (446) pressing the auxiliary buffer region (463), the extension region (445) can relatively easily change the shape of the auxiliary buffer region (463) and provide a buffering effect.

[0172] FIG. 9a is a perspective view of a portion of a rail unit (440) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 9b is a plan view of a portion of a rail unit (440) according to one embodiment.

[0173] Referring to FIGS. 9a and 9b, the second gear (441) of the rail unit (440) according to one embodiment may include an extension region (445), and the rail unit (440) may further include an auxiliary-buffer member (465).

[0174] Hereinafter, description will be omitted of overlapping contents with those described above, and in the rail unit (440) and the electronic device including the same (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (201) of FIGS. 2A to 2D, the electronic device (301) of FIG. 3, or the electronic device (400) of FIGS. 4A and 4B), it will be understood that some configurations and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to a person skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below. In addition, the rail unit (440) and the electronic device (400) including the same may be combined with at least one configuration or feature of the embodiments described above, unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0175] In one embodiment, the auxiliary buffer member (465) may be provided between a surface of the fastening member (460) facing the second gear (441) and the extended portion (445). For example, the auxiliary buffer member (465) may be coupled to the fastening member (460), or may be coupled to the extended portion (445) of the second gear (441). Alternatively, the auxiliary buffer member (465) may be coupled to the fastening member (460) and the second gear (441) simultaneously.

[0176] In one embodiment, the auxiliary-buffering member (465) can absorb the shock transmitted from the extension region (445), thereby mitigating the shock acting on the second gear (441). The auxiliary-buffering member (465) can absorb and mitigate the shock acting on the second gear (441) by assisting the buffering member (470) or independently.

[0177] In one embodiment, the auxiliary buffer member (465) can temporarily change shape when colliding with the extended region (445) and alleviate the impact transmitted to the extended region (445). For example, the auxiliary buffer member (465) can be made of an elastic structure having a spring structure, or an elastic body made of rubber or silicone, or a polymer synthetic resin such as polyurethane.

[0178] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of a rail unit (440) according to one embodiment.

[0179] Referring to FIG. 10, according to one embodiment, a buffer member (470) and an auxiliary-buffer member (465) can be formed integrally.

[0180] Hereinafter, description will be omitted of overlapping contents with those described above, and in the rail unit (440) and the electronic device including the same (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (201) of FIGS. 2A to 2D, the electronic device (301) of FIG. 3, or the electronic device (400) of FIGS. 4A and 4B), it will be understood that some configurations and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to a person skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below. In addition, the rail unit (440) and the electronic device (400) including the same may be combined with at least one configuration or feature of the embodiments described above, unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0181] In one embodiment, the buffer member (470) and the auxiliary buffer member (465) may be formed as a single body. Alternatively, the auxiliary buffer member (465) may refer to a portion extending or continuing from the buffer member (470) to one side.

[0182] In one embodiment, the buffer member (470) and the auxiliary-buffer member (465) may be made of rubber or silicone, or may be made of a polymer synthetic resin such as polyurethane.

[0183] In one embodiment, a buffer member (470) and a sub-buffer member (465) may be provided between the fastening member (460) and the second gear (441).

[0184] For example, the auxiliary buffer member (465) may be provided on the upper side (e.g., in the +Z direction) of the buffer member (470). The auxiliary buffer member (465) may be arranged to face the extension region (445) in the first direction or the second direction.

[0185] For example, the buffer member (470) may be provided on the lower side (e.g., in the -Z direction) of the extension region (445). The buffer member (470) may have a shape that extends toward the second gear (441) more than the auxiliary buffer member (465) so as to contact one end of the second gear (441).

[0186] In one embodiment, the buffer member (470) and the auxiliary-buffer member (465) may have a shape that surrounds a plurality of mutually opposing surfaces of the second gear (441) and the fastening member (460). The buffer member (470) and the auxiliary-buffer member (465) may increase the contact area with the second gear (441) and the fastening member (460), and may efficiently alleviate the impact transmitted to the second gear (441).

[0187] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a rail unit (440) according to one embodiment.

[0188] Referring to FIG. 11, a rail unit (440) according to one embodiment may further include an auxiliary-buffer structure (469).

[0189] Hereinafter, description will be omitted of overlapping contents with those described above, and in the rail unit (440) and the electronic device including the same (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (201) of FIGS. 2A to 2D, the electronic device (301) of FIG. 3, or the electronic device (400) of FIGS. 4A and 4B), it will be understood that some configurations and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to a person skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below. In addition, the rail unit (440) and the electronic device (400) including the same may be combined with at least one configuration or feature of the embodiments described above, unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0190] In one embodiment, the fastening member (460) may be fastened to the second housing (420) via a fastening member (467). For example, the fastening member (467) may have a screw structure. The fastening member (467) may be positioned to penetrate the fastening member (460) and be fastened to the second housing (420), thereby fastening the fastening member (460) to the second housing (420).

[0191] In one embodiment, the auxiliary buffer structure (469) can cushion the shock transmitted from the fastening member (460) to the fixing member (467). The auxiliary buffer structure (469) can be positioned between the fastening member (460) and the fixing member (467). For example, the auxiliary buffer structure (469) can have a shape that surrounds the inner circumference of the opening (460c) of the fixing member (467).

[0192] In one embodiment, the auxiliary buffer structure (469) may be made of a different material from the fastening member (460). The fastening member (460) may be made of a rigid material having relatively high durability, corrosion resistance, or rigidity, and the auxiliary buffer structure (469) may be made of an elastic material having relatively high flexibility or elasticity. For example, the auxiliary buffer structure (469) may be made of an elastic material made of rubber or silicone, or a polymer synthetic resin such as polyurethane.

[0193] In one embodiment, the auxiliary-buffering structure (469) can mitigate the shock transmitted to the second housing (420) through the first gear (e.g., the first gear (431) of FIGS. 4A to 5D) and the second gear (441) by the sliding motion of the electronic device (400). In addition, the auxiliary-buffering structure (469) can provide fastening stability and reliability of the fastening member (460) and the fixing member (467), and improve the durability of the electronic device (400).

[0194] FIG. 12a is a plan view of an electronic device (500) according to one embodiment, FIG. 12b is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device (500) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 12c is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device (500) according to one embodiment.

[0195] Specifically, FIG. 12b is a cross-sectional view of the inside of the electronic device viewed in the BB direction of FIG. 5a, with the electronic device (500) in a relatively expanded state, and FIG. 12c is a cross-sectional view of the inside of the electronic device viewed in the BB direction of FIG. 12a, with the electronic device (500) in a relatively contracted state.

[0196] Referring to FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C, an electronic device (500) according to an embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (201) of FIGS. 2A to 2D, the electronic device (301) of FIG. 3, or the electronic device (400) of FIGS. 4A and 4B) includes a first housing (510) (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIGS. 2A to 2D, the first housing (310) of FIG. 3, or the first housing (410) of FIGS. 4A and 4B), a second housing (520) (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIGS. 2A to 2D, the second housing (320) of FIG. 3, or the second housing (420) of FIGS. 4A and 4B), a driving unit (530) (e.g., the driving unit of FIGS. 4A and 4B) It may include at least some of the unit (430)) and the rail unit (540) (e.g., the rail unit (440) of FIGS. 4A to 11).

[0197] Hereinafter, any content that overlaps with the above-described content will be omitted for explanation, and it will be understood that some configurations and structures of the rail unit (540) and the electronic device (500) including the same may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to those skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below. In addition, the rail unit (540) and the electronic device (500) including the same may be combined with at least one configuration or feature of the embodiments described above, unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0198] In one embodiment, the electronic device (500) may include a flexible or foldable display (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1, the display panel (261) of FIGS. 2A to 2D, or the display panel (361) of FIG. 3). The electronic device (500) may be a slider device capable of adjusting the screen display area of ​​the display through expandable or contractible housings (510, 520).

[0199] In one embodiment, the first housing (510) and the second housing (520) can move relative to each other in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction. By moving at least one of the first housing (510) and the second housing (520) away from or toward the other, the electronic device (500) and / or the display can expand or contract.

[0200] In one embodiment, the first direction may be a direction in which the first housing (510) and the second housing (520) move relatively far from each other, and the second direction may be a direction in which the first housing (510) and the second housing (520) move relatively close to each other.

[0201] For example, the second housing (520) may be movable relative to the first housing (510) in a first direction (or 'expansion direction') (e.g., -Y direction) or a second direction (or 'contraction direction') (e.g., +Y direction). Alternatively, the second housing (520) may be movable relative to the first housing (510) in the first direction or the second direction.

[0202] Hereinafter, based on an embodiment of an electronic device (500) in which a drive unit (530) is disposed in a first housing (510) and a rail unit (540) is connected to a second housing (520), the operation of the electronic device (500) will be described on the assumption that the second housing (520) moves relatively to the first housing (510) in a first direction or a second direction. In addition, in describing the rail unit (540) and the electronic device (500) including the same according to various embodiments of the present document, the 'first direction' may refer to the -Y direction or the expansion direction, and the 'second direction' may refer to the +Y direction or the reduction direction.

[0203] However, this is for convenience of explanation and is not limited to this when actually implementing the electronic device (500). For example, the following descriptions may be applied identically or similarly to an embodiment of the electronic device (500) in which the drive unit (530) is placed in the second housing (520), the rail unit (540) is connected to the first housing (510), and the first housing (510) moves relatively to the second housing (520).

[0204] In one embodiment, the drive unit (530) may provide power for relative movement of the first housing (510) or the second housing (520). The drive unit (530) may be disposed in the first housing (510). The drive unit (530) may include a first gear (531), a motor (533), and a shaft (535).

[0205] In one embodiment, the first gear (531) may be a pinion gear. The first gear (531) may have a gear structure that meshes with the second gear (541). For example, the first gear (531) may have a shape in which a plurality of gear teeth are arranged in a direction surrounding a rotation axis or shaft (535).

[0206] In one embodiment, the first gear (531) can rotate about a rotational axis. As the first gear (531) rotates, the first gear (531) can mesh with the second gear (541) and move in the first direction or the second direction. The first housing (510) connected to the first gear (531) can move relative to the second housing (520). Alternatively, the second housing (520) connected to the second gear (541) can move relative to the first housing (510).

[0207] In one embodiment, the motor (533) can rotate the first gear (531). The motor (533) can provide power to the drive unit (530). The motor (533) can be driven and controlled by a processor of the electronic device (500) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1) or a processor or controller of the drive unit (530) (e.g., the auxiliary processor (123) of FIG. 1). The motor (533) can be powered by a battery (e.g., the battery (189) of FIG. 1).

[0208] In one embodiment, the shaft (535) may interconnect the motor (533) and the first gear (531). Alternatively, the shaft (535) may interconnect the first gear (531) and a gear frame (537) supporting the first gear (531). The shaft (535) may be arranged horizontally to the rotational axis of the motor (533). The motor (533) may rotate the shaft (535) to rotate the first gear (531) that is fixed or connected to the shaft (535).

[0209] In one embodiment, the gear frame (537) may be fixed to the first housing (510). The gear frame (537) may accommodate a first gear (531) therein. The gear frame (537) may protect the first gear (531) from moisture, dust, or foreign substances outside the gear frame (537).

[0210] In one embodiment, the rail unit (540) may form a rail on which the first gear (531) of the drive unit (530) can rotate and / or move. The rail unit (540) may include a second gear (541), a base (551), and a fastening member (560).

[0211] In one embodiment, the rail unit (540) may be connected to the second housing (520). For example, it may be coupled to one side of the second housing (520) facing the first housing (510) (e.g., the side in the +Y direction).

[0212] In one embodiment, the second gear (541) may be a rack gear. The second gear (541) may have a gear structure that meshes with the first gear (531). For example, the second gear (541) may have a structure that extends in the first direction, and a plurality of gear teeth of the second gear (541) may be arranged in the first direction.

[0213] In one embodiment, the base (551) may support other components of the rail unit (540). For example, the base (551) may have a second gear (541) slidably, oscillatably, or statically connected thereto at a predetermined interval in the first or second direction.

[0214] In one embodiment, one end of the base (551) may be coupled to one surface of the second housing (520) facing the first housing (510), and the other end of the base (551) opposite to the one end may have a structure that is spaced upward (e.g., in the +Z direction) from the first housing (510) and extends from the second housing (520) toward the first housing (510).

[0215] For example, the base (551) may be spaced apart from the first housing (510) and may extend horizontally with the first housing (510). In this case, a space may be provided between the first housing (510) and the base (551) for arranging the electrical components (503) of the electronic device.

[0216] In one embodiment of the present document, the base (551) is spaced apart from the first housing (510), so that the electronic device (500) can secure space for arranging the electrical components (503) between the first housing (510) and the base (551), and the space efficiency of the electronic device (500) can be improved, and it can help in the internal layout design of the electronic device (500).

[0217] In one embodiment, the base (551) may be disposed at the center of an end in a third direction (e.g., +X direction) perpendicular to the first direction and an end in a fourth direction (e.g., -X direction) opposite to the third direction, in the second housing (520). Alternatively, the base (551) may be disposed adjacent to the center based on both side surfaces of the second housing (520). The base (551) may stably support the second gear (541) and provide driving stability of the rail unit (540).

[0218] In one embodiment, the fastening member (560) can interconnect one end of the base (551) and the second housing (520). The fastening member (560) can be structurally connected to the second housing (520), or can be fixed to the second housing (520) by an adhesive member (e.g., adhesive, double-sided tape).

[0219] In one embodiment, the second gear (541) may be connected to the base (551) such that it is movable in the first direction or the second direction and is restricted from moving in other directions (e.g., in the X-axis direction or the Z-axis direction).

[0220] For example, if the buffer member (570) is formed of a spring structure that can expand or contract, or if the second gear (541) can move at a predetermined interval, the second gear (541) can slide at a predetermined interval in the first direction or the second direction while being connected to the base (551).

[0221] However, the term 'slide' may encompass not only visually observable movement at a predetermined interval, but also movement or vibration of the second gear (541) in a range that is not visually observable due to compression or deformation of a component (e.g., a buffer member (570)) disposed on one side of the second gear (541).

[0222] In one embodiment, a buffer member (570) may be provided between the second gear (541) and the fastening member (560). The buffer member (570) may be positioned to contact one end of the second gear (541). The buffer member (570) may be compressed or deformed in response to the second gear (541) sliding toward the buffer member (570) or when an impact is transmitted from the second gear (541) to the buffer member (570).

[0223] In one embodiment, the buffer member (570) can absorb a shock acting on the second gear (541) or alleviate a shock acting on the second gear (541). The buffer member (570) is positioned facing the second gear (541) to limit movement of the second gear (541) or absorb a shock.

[0224] For example, the buffer member (570) can generate an elastic force to resist deformation, and the elastic force can limit the sliding motion of the second gear (541).

[0225] In one embodiment, the buffer member (570) may be made of an elastic structure having a spring structure, or of rubber or silicone, or of a polymer synthetic resin such as polyurethane.

[0226] Since the second gear (541) according to one embodiment of the present document can be slidably connected to the base (551) and / or the buffer member (570) can alleviate the impact applied to the second gear (541), the electronic device (500) can improve the durability of the drive unit (530) and / or the rail unit (540).

[0227] For example, when the second housing (520) slides quickly or strongly, the first gear (531) may mesh with the second gear (541) and rotate quickly or strongly, and the shaft (535) connected to the first gear (531) may be twisted or stressed. The shaft (535) may be bent by the twist or stress and may be deformed or broken.

[0228] In one embodiment of the present document, the second gear (541) may be slidably connected to the base (551) in the first direction or the second direction. And / or, since the shock acting on the second gear (541) is mitigated by the buffer member (570), at least a portion of the shock acting on the first gear (531) and the shaft (535) may be absorbed by the sliding movement of the second gear (541) and the buffer member (570).

[0229] FIG. 13a is a perspective view of a portion of a rail unit (540) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 13b is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a rail unit (540) according to one embodiment.

[0230] Specifically, FIG. 13a is a perspective view of one end (e.g., in the -Y direction or the first direction) of a rail unit (540), and FIG. 13b is a side cross-sectional view of one end of the rail unit (540) of FIG. 13a.

[0231] Referring to FIGS. 13a and 13b, a rail unit (540) according to one embodiment may include at least a portion of a base (551), a fastening member (560), and a buffer member (570).

[0232] Hereinafter, description will be omitted of overlapping contents with those described above, and in the rail unit (540) and the electronic device including the same (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (201) of FIGS. 2A to 2D, the electronic device (301) of FIG. 3, or the electronic device (400) of FIGS. 4A and 4B), it will be understood that some configurations and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to those skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below. In addition, the rail unit (540) and the electronic device (500) including the same may be combined with at least one configuration or feature of the embodiments described above, unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0233] In one embodiment, the fastening member (560) may be connected to the first end of the base (551) and the second housing (520). The fastening member (560) may include a connection portion or opening for fastening the fixing member (567). The second housing (520) may be fixed through the fixing member (567).

[0234] For example, the fixing member (567) may be supported on the upper surface of the fastening member (560) and may be positioned to penetrate the fastening member (560). By fixing the fastening member (567) to the second housing (520), the fastening member (560) may be fixed to the second housing (520) through the fixing member (567).

[0235] In one embodiment, the second housing (520) may include a protrusion (520a). The protrusion (520a) may be inserted into an opening of the fastening member (560) to support fastening of the second housing (520) and the fastening member (560).

[0236] In one example, a buffer member (570) may be provided between the first direction end of the second gear (541) and the fastening member (560). The buffer member (570) may alleviate shock generated when the second gear (541) slides quickly or strongly in the first direction.

[0237] The second housing (520) may slide unsupported during use of the electronic device (500), such as when the electronic device (500) is dropped or dropped, or when the user opens the second housing (520) without supporting the second housing (520).

[0238] In one embodiment of the present document, the fastening member (560) and the buffer member (570) of the rail unit (540) are provided adjacent to the end of the base (551) in the first direction, thereby effectively alleviating the impact generated from the first gear (e.g., the first gear (531) of FIGS. 12A and 12B) and the second gear (541), and improving the durability of the electronic device (500).

[0239] FIG. 14a is a perspective view of a portion of a rail unit (540) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 14b is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a rail unit (540) according to one embodiment.

[0240] Specifically, FIG. 14a is a perspective view of the other end (e.g., +Y direction or second direction) of the rail unit (540), and FIG. 14b is a side cross-sectional view of the other end of the rail unit (540) of FIG. 14a.

[0241] Referring to FIGS. 14a and 14b, a rail unit (540) according to one embodiment may include at least a portion of an auxiliary fastening member (562) and an auxiliary buffer member (572).

[0242] Hereinafter, description will be omitted of overlapping contents with those described above, and in the rail unit (540) and the electronic device including the same (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (201) of FIGS. 2A to 2D, the electronic device (301) of FIG. 3, or the electronic device (400) of FIGS. 4A and 4B), it will be understood that some configurations and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to those skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below. In addition, the rail unit (540) and the electronic device (500) including the same may be combined with at least one configuration or feature of the embodiments described above, unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0243] In one embodiment, an auxiliary-buffering member (572) and an auxiliary-fastening member (562) may be connected to the second-direction end (541a) of the second gear (541). The second gear (541) may further include an extension region (545) extending in the second direction from the end of the second-direction end (541a). A plurality of gear teeth may be provided on one side of the extension region (545) (e.g., a side in the -Z direction), and the other side of the extension region (545) (e.g., a side in the +Z direction) may support the auxiliary-buffering member (572) and the auxiliary-fastening member (562).

[0244] In one embodiment, the auxiliary fastening member (562) may be connected to the second-direction end of the base (551). For example, the second-direction end of the base (551) may be provided with a coupling portion (551a), and the auxiliary fastening member (562) may include a receiving groove (562a). The coupling portion (551a) may be connected to the receiving groove (562a), thereby fixing the auxiliary fastening member (562) to the base (551).

[0245] In one embodiment, an auxiliary buffer member (572) may be provided between the second-direction end (541a) of the second gear (541) and the auxiliary fastening member (562). The auxiliary buffer member (572) may alleviate shock generated when the second gear (541) slides quickly or strongly in the second direction.

[0246] For example, when the electronic device (500) changes from an extended state to a contracted state, i.e., when the second housing (520) slides in the second direction, the electronic device (500) may receive a relatively greater impact compared to the opposite case. In addition, when the second housing (520) moves in the second direction, there is a possibility that the impact may also be transmitted to other electrical components accommodated in the first housing (510) and the second housing (520).

[0247] In one embodiment of the present document, the auxiliary fastening member (562) and the auxiliary buffer member (572) of the rail unit (540) are provided adjacent to the end of the second direction of the base (551), thereby effectively alleviating the impact generated from the first gear (e.g., the first gear (531) of FIGS. 12A and 12B) and the second gear (541), and improving the durability of the electronic device (500).

[0248] FIG. 15a is a perspective view of a rail unit (540) according to one embodiment, FIG. 15b is an exploded perspective view of a rail unit (540) according to one embodiment, FIG. 15c is a cross-sectional view of a rail unit (540) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 15d is a cross-sectional view of a rail unit (540) according to one embodiment.

[0249] Specifically, FIG. 15a is a side view of the rail unit (540) in an assembled state, FIG. 15b is a perspective view of the rail unit (540) in an disassembled state, FIG. 15c is a side cross-sectional view of the rail unit (540) and the drive unit (530), and FIG. 15d is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the rail unit (540) viewed in the CC direction of FIG. 15c.

[0250] Referring to FIGS. 15a, 15b, 15c and 15d, a rail unit (540) according to one embodiment may include at least a portion of a coupling groove (543), a bending surface (544), an extension region (545), a coupling portion (551a) and a receiving groove (562a).

[0251] Hereinafter, description will be omitted of overlapping contents with those described above, and in the rail unit (540) and the electronic device including the same (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (201) of FIGS. 2A to 2D, the electronic device (301) of FIG. 3, the electronic device (400) of FIGS. 4A and 4B, or the electronic device (500) of FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C), it will be understood that some configurations and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a range easily understandable to a person skilled in the art by referring to the drawings and descriptions below. In addition, the rail unit (540) and the electronic device (500) including the same may be combined with at least one configuration or feature of the embodiments described above, unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0252] In one embodiment, a connecting portion (551a) may be formed at an end of the second direction of the base (551). An auxiliary fastening member (562) may be fixed to the connecting portion (551a) and connected to the end of the second direction of the base (551). For example, the connecting portion (551a) may have a three-dimensional structure extending in a direction perpendicular to the second direction (e.g., XZ plane direction or X-axis direction).

[0253] In one embodiment, the auxiliary fastening member (562) may include a receiving groove (562a) having a shape corresponding to the shape of the coupling portion (551a). The coupling portion (551a) may be inserted and fixed into the receiving groove (562a), thereby mutually fixing the auxiliary fastening member (562) and the base (551).

[0254] In one embodiment, the second gear (541) may include an extension region (545). The extension region (545) may be a region extending in a second direction from an end portion (551a) of the second gear (541) that contacts the auxiliary fastening member (562) and the auxiliary buffer member (572). Alternatively, the extension region (545) may refer to a distal end portion of the second gear (541) in the second direction. The extension region (545) may be disposed opposite the auxiliary fastening member (562) and the auxiliary buffer member (572) at least in a portion thereof, and may support the auxiliary fastening member (562) and the auxiliary buffer member (572).

[0255] In one embodiment, the second gear (541) may be formed as a rack gear that surrounds at least a portion of the outer surface of the base (551) and extends along the base (551). The second gear (541) may have a shape that surrounds at least a portion of the outer surface of the base (551), including a bending surface (544) and a coupling groove (543).

[0256] In one embodiment, the fold surface (544) may be a surface extending from a side surface (e.g., a surface in the X-axis direction) of the second gear (541) in a direction surrounding the base (551) or the engagement groove (543). For example, the fold surface (544) may refer to a surface on the top (e.g., in the +Z direction) of the second gear (541). The fold surface (544) may extend from the side surface of the second gear (541) to surround at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the base (551).

[0257] In one embodiment, the second gear (541) may include a coupling groove (543). The coupling groove (543) may accommodate a base (551). The inner surface of the coupling groove (543) may have a shape that surrounds at least a portion of the outer surface of the base (551).

[0258] In one embodiment, the joining groove (543) and the bending surface (544) can join the second gear (541) and the base (551) and provide joining stability of the second gear (541) and the base (551). In addition, through the joining groove (543) and the bending surface (544), the second gear (541) can be supported on the base (551) in a slidable or vibrating state in the first direction or the second direction.

[0259] According to one embodiment, the buffer member (570) and the auxiliary buffer member (572) may be made of an elastic body that is fixedly or movably disposed on the base (551). The elastic body may be made of rubber or silicone, or may be made of a polymer synthetic resin such as polyurethane.

[0260] Without being limited thereto, at least one of the buffer member (570) and the auxiliary-buffer member (572) may be formed of a spring structure supported on the base (551). For example, one end of the spring-shaped buffer member (570) may face the second gear (541), and the other end may face the fastening member (560). Alternatively, one end of the spring-shaped auxiliary-buffer member (572) may face the second gear (541), and the other end may face the auxiliary-fastening member (562).

[0261] For example, although the movement or sliding motion of the second gear (541) is depicted as being restricted in the drawing, this is merely an example, and in an actual implementation, the second gear (541) may be arranged at a predetermined distance in the first direction and / or the second direction from at least some of the fastening member (560), the auxiliary-fastening member (562), the buffer member (570), and the auxiliary-buffering member (572) so as to be able to slide in the first direction or the second direction on the base (551).

[0262] In one embodiment, the drive unit (530) can be connected to the rail unit (540) such that the first gear (531) and the second gear (541) are mutually meshed. The gear frame (537) of the drive unit (530) can be coupled to a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIGS. 2A to 2D, the first housing (310) of FIG. 3, the first housing (410) of FIGS. 4A and 4B, or the first housing (510) of FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C). The base (551) of the rail unit (540) can be connected to a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIGS. 2A to 2D, the second housing (320) of FIG. 3, the second housing (420) of FIGS. 4A and 4B, or the second housing (520) of FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C). As the first gear (531) rotates, the first housing (510) and / or the second housing (520) can move relative to each other, and the electronic device (500) can expand or contract.

[0263] For example, when the first gear (531) is rotated by a motor (e.g., motor (533) of FIG. 12A) or by an external force, the first gear (531) and the second gear (541) can mesh with each other and pressurize each other. When the first gear (531) is pressurized, the driving unit (530) can move relatively in the first direction or the second direction together with the first housing (510). Alternatively, when the second gear (541) is pressurized, the rail unit (540) can move relatively in the first direction or the second direction together with the second housing (520).

[0264] An electronic device (400) according to one embodiment of the present document may include a first housing (410), a second housing (420) that is relatively movable in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the first housing (410), a first gear (431), and a motor (433) that rotates the first gear (431), and may include a drive unit (430) and a second gear (441) provided in the first housing (410), and a rail unit (440) that moves the second housing (420) by engaging the second gear (441) with the rotation of the first gear (431). In one embodiment, the rail unit (440) may include a base (451) coupled to a second housing (420), a second gear (441) slidably connected in a first direction or a second direction, a fastening member (460) connecting one end of the base (451) and the second housing (420), and a buffer member (470) provided between the second gear (441) and the fastening member (460) to alleviate impact applied to the second gear (441).

[0265] In one embodiment, the second direction may be a direction in which the second housing (420) becomes relatively close to the first housing (410). In one embodiment, the fastening member (460) may be connected to the end (451b) of the base (451) in the second direction.

[0266] In one embodiment, the first direction may be a direction in which the second housing (420) is relatively far from the first housing (410). In one embodiment, the fastening member (460) may be connected to the end (451a) of the base (451) in the first direction.

[0267] In one embodiment, the rail unit (440) may include a plurality of fastening members (460). In one embodiment, the plurality of fastening members (460) may include a first fastening member (460a) connecting the first direction end (451a) of the base (451) and the second housing (420), and a second fastening member (460b) connecting the second direction end (451b) of the base (451) and the second housing (420).

[0268] In one embodiment, the rail unit (440) may include a plurality of buffer members (470). In one embodiment, the plurality of buffer members (470) may include a first buffer member (470a) provided between the second gear (441) and the first fastening member (460a), and a second buffer member (470b) provided between the second gear (441) and the second fastening member (460b).

[0269] In one embodiment, the base (451) may include a coupling surface (453) coupled to the second housing (420), a first support area (455) provided on the coupling surface (453) and having a shape extending in a first direction and supporting a second gear (441), and a second support area (457) provided at at least one end of both ends in the first direction and the second direction of the first support area (455) and supporting a buffer member (470).

[0270] In one embodiment, the base (451) may include a wing region (456) extending from the first support region (455) in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction. In one embodiment, the second gear (441) may be a rack gear extending along the first support region (455) and may include a coupling groove (443) that accommodates the first support region (455) and the wing region (456).

[0271] In one embodiment, the second support area (457) may be formed in a shape that extends long from an end of the first support area (455). In one embodiment, the buffer member (470) may be inserted and placed in the second support area (457).

[0272] In one embodiment, the buffer member (470) may be formed of a spring structure extending to surround the second support area (457).

[0273] In one embodiment, the second gear (441) may include an extension region (445) extending from one surface contacting the buffer member (470) toward the fastening member (460). In one embodiment, the fastening member (460) may further include an auxiliary buffer region (463) provided on one surface facing the second gear (441) and configured to alleviate shock transmitted from the extension region (445).

[0274] In one embodiment, the auxiliary-buffering region (463) is formed integrally with the fastening member (460) and can temporarily change shape when colliding with the extension region (445) and alleviate the impact transmitted from the extension region (445).

[0275] In one embodiment, the second gear (441) may include an extension region (445) extending from one surface contacting the buffer member (470) toward the fastening member (460). In one embodiment, the rail unit (440) may further include an auxiliary buffer member (465) provided between the one surface of the fastening member (460) facing the second gear (441) and the extension region (445), and configured to alleviate shock transmitted from the extension region (445).

[0276] In one embodiment, the auxiliary-buffer member (465) may be formed as one body continuous with the buffer member (470).

[0277] In one embodiment, the rail unit (440) may further include a fixing member (467) that is disposed through the fastening member (460) and that fixes the fastening member (460) to the second housing (420), and an auxiliary-buffering structure (469) that is disposed between the fastening member (460) and the fastening member (467) and that cushions the shock transmitted from the fastening member (460) to the fastening member (467).

[0278] In one embodiment, the rail unit (440) may be coupled to an end in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction in the second housing (420).

[0279] An electronic device (500) according to one embodiment of the present document may include a first housing (510), a second housing (520) that is relatively movable in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the first housing (510), a first gear (531), and a motor (533) that rotates the first gear (531), and may include a drive unit (530) and a second gear (541) provided in the first housing (510), and a rail unit (540) that moves the second housing (520) by engaging the second gear (541) with the rotation of the first gear (531). In one embodiment, the rail unit (540) may be configured such that one end is connected to one surface of a second housing (520) facing the first housing (510) and the other end extends toward the first housing (510), and may include a base (551) to which a second gear (541) is connected, a fastening member (560) connecting the base (551) and the second housing (520), and a buffer member (570) provided between the second gear (541) and the fastening member (560) to alleviate impact applied to the second gear (541).

[0280] In one embodiment, the rail unit (540) may further include an auxiliary fastening member (562) fixed to an end opposite to the fastening member (560) of the base (551) and an auxiliary buffer member (572) provided between the second gear (541) and the auxiliary fastening member (562) and for alleviating impact acting on the second gear (541).

[0281] In one embodiment, the second gear (541) may be formed as a rack gear that surrounds at least a portion of the outer surface of the base (551) and extends along the base (551).

[0282] In one embodiment, the base (551) may be spaced apart from the first housing (510) and extend horizontally with the first housing (510).

[0283] In one embodiment, the base (551) may be positioned at the center of a third end perpendicular to the first direction and a fourth end opposite to the third direction in the second housing (520).

[0284] Although the preferred embodiments have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from the scope of the claims. Furthermore, such modifications should not be individually understood from the technical idea or perspective.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (400), First housing (410); A second housing (420) that is relatively movable in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the first housing (410); A driving unit (430) including a first gear (431) and a motor (433) that rotates the first gear (431), and provided in the first housing (410); and It includes a rail unit (440) that includes a second gear (441), and moves the second housing (420) by engaging the second gear (441) with the rotation of the first gear (431). The above rail unit (440) is A base (451) coupled to the second housing (420) and to which the second gear (441) is slidably connected in the first direction or the second direction; A fastening member (460) connecting one end of the above base (451) and the second housing (420), and An electronic device (400) including a buffer member (470) provided between the second gear (441) and the fastening member (460) and configured to alleviate impact applied to the second gear (441).

2. In paragraph 1, The above second direction is the direction in which the second housing (420) becomes relatively close to the first housing (410), The above-mentioned fastening member (460) is an electronic device (400) connected to the second-direction end (451b) of the base (451).

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, The above first direction is a direction in which the second housing (420) moves relatively away from the first housing (410), The above-mentioned fastening member (460) is an electronic device (400) connected to the end (451a) of the first direction of the base (451).

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The above rail unit (440) includes a plurality of the above fastening members (460), A plurality of fastening members (460) are A first fastening member (460a) connecting the first direction end (451a) of the above base (451) and the second housing (420), and An electronic device (400) including a second fastening member (460b) connecting the second direction end (451b) of the base (451) and the second housing (420).

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The above rail unit (440) includes a plurality of the above buffer members (470), A plurality of buffer members (470) are provided between the second gear (441) and the first fastening member (460a), and a first buffer member (470a). An electronic device (400) including a second buffer member (470b) provided between the second gear (441) and the second fastening member (460b).

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The above base (451) is A joining surface (453) joined to the second housing (420) above, A first support area (455) provided on the above-mentioned joining surface (453), having a shape extending in the first direction, and supporting the second gear (441), and An electronic device (400) comprising a second support area (457) provided at at least one end of the first direction and the second direction of the first support area (455) and supporting the buffer member (470).

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The above base (451) is It includes a wing region (456) extending from the first support region (455) in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, The above second gear (441) is An electronic device (400) comprising a rack gear extending along the first support area (455) and including a coupling groove (443) accommodating the first support area (455) and the wing area (456).

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The above second support area (457) is It is formed in a shape that extends long from the end of the first support area (455) above, The above buffer member (470) is An electronic device (400) inserted and placed in the second support area (457).

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The above buffer member (470) is An electronic device (400) comprising a spring structure extending and surrounding the second support area (457).

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, The above second gear (441) is It includes an extension region (445) extending from one side in contact with the above buffer member (470) toward the above fastening member (460), The above fastening member (460) is An electronic device (400) further comprising an auxiliary buffer region (463) provided on one side facing the second gear (441) and configured to alleviate shock transmitted from the extended region (445).

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, The above auxiliary buffer area (463) is An electronic device (400) formed integrally with the above fastening member (460), temporarily deforming its shape when colliding with the above extension region (445) and alleviating the impact transmitted from the above extension region (445).

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, The above second gear (441) is It includes an extension region (445) extending from one side in contact with the above buffer member (470) toward the above fastening member (460), The above rail unit (440) is An electronic device (400) further comprising an auxiliary-buffering member (465) provided between a surface facing the second gear (441) of the above-mentioned fastening member (460) and the above-mentioned extension region (445), and which alleviates shock transmitted from the above-mentioned extension region (445).

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, The above auxiliary buffer member (465) is An electronic device (400) formed as a single body continuous with the above-mentioned buffer member (470).

14. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, The above rail unit (440) is A fixing member (467) that is arranged to penetrate the above fixing member (460) and fixes the above fixing member (460) to the second housing (420); and An electronic device (400) further comprising an auxiliary-buffering structure (469) disposed between the fastening member (460) and the fixing member (467) and cushioning an impact transmitted from the fastening member (460) to the fixing member (467).

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, The above rail unit (440) is An electronic device (400) coupled to a third end in the second housing (420) perpendicular to the first direction.

Images