Electronic device comprising display support structure

Abstract

An electronic device according to one embodiment may comprise: a housing; and a flexible display including a deformable area. The electronic device may include a plurality of support bars supporting at least a portion of the flexible display. The electronic device may include a support plate at least partially disposed between the plurality of support bars and the flexible display and comprising a pattern comprising at least one of a plurality of slits and a plurality of recesses. A first longitudinal direction of the plurality of support bars may be different from a second longitudinal direction of the pattern.

Description

An electronic device including a support structure for a display

[0001] The various embodiments described below relate to an electronic device including a support structure for a display.

[0002] Electronic devices can be miniaturized to make them easier for users to carry. Despite this miniaturization, there is a growing need for electronic devices with display sizes that can be adjusted to provide users with a variety of content. For example, electronic devices may include flexible displays, whose size can be adjusted when exposed to the outside of the device. To reduce display breakage, electronic devices may require a support structure for the display that can be adjusted in size.

[0003] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] In one embodiment, an electronic device may include a housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part movably coupled to the first housing part between a retracted position and an extended position. The electronic device may include a flexible display comprising a first region and a second region extending from the first region and at least partially positioned within the housing in response to movement of the second housing part. The electronic device may include a plurality of support bars supporting at least a portion of the flexible display. The electronic device may include a support plate disposed at least partially between the plurality of support bars and the flexible display, the support plate including a pattern including at least one of a plurality of slits and a plurality of recesses. A first longitudinal direction of the plurality of support bars may be different from a second longitudinal direction of the pattern.

[0005] In one embodiment, an electronic device may include a housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part movable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the first housing part. The electronic device may include a flexible display comprising a first region disposed on the first housing, and a deformable second region extending from the first region and configured to be at least partially retractable into the housing or exposed to the exterior of the housing. The electronic device may include a plurality of support bars within the housing that support the second region of the flexible display. The electronic device may include a first support plate disposed at least partially between the plurality of support bars and the flexible display, the first support plate including a pattern including at least one of a plurality of slits and a plurality of recesses. The electronic device may include a second support plate attached to one side of the first support plate facing the flexible display, the second support plate including another pattern at least partially overlapping the pattern. The first longitudinal direction associated with the plurality of support bars may be different from the second longitudinal direction associated with the plurality of slits or the plurality of recesses.

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

[0007] FIG. 2A is a top plan view of an exemplary electronic device in a first state.

[0008] FIG. 2b is a bottom view of an exemplary electronic device in a first state.

[0009] Figure 2c is a plan view of an exemplary electronic device within a second state.

[0010] FIG. 2d is a bottom view of an exemplary electronic device within a second state.

[0011] Figures 3a and 3b are exploded perspective views of an exemplary electronic device.

[0012] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electronic device in a first state.

[0013] FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electronic device in a second state.

[0014] Figures 5a and 5b illustrate portions of an exemplary electronic device.

[0015] FIG. 6a is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary electronic device taken along line A-A' of FIG. 2c.

[0016] Figure 6b illustrates a portion of an exemplary electronic device.

[0017] FIG. 6c and FIG. 6d are partial cross-sectional views of a second support plate of an exemplary electronic device taken along line B-B' of FIG. 6b.

[0018] Figures 6e, 6f, 6g, and 6h illustrate a second support plate of an exemplary electronic device.

[0019] FIGS. 7A and 7B are top plan views of a second support plate of an exemplary electronic device.

[0020] FIG. 8A illustrates a portion of a second support plate of an exemplary electronic device.

[0021] FIGS. 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, and 8f are partial cross-sectional views of a second support plate of an exemplary electronic device.

[0022] Figure 9a is a partially exploded perspective view of an exemplary electronic device.

[0023] Figures 9b, 9c, and 9d are partial cross-sectional views of an exemplary electronic device.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In 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)).

[0026] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result 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 an auxiliary 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 with the main processor (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0027] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0028] 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).

[0029] 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).

[0030] 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).

[0031] 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. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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).

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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).

[0037] The 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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).

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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).

[0042] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0043] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In 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). In 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 at least one selected antenna. In 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).

[0044] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In 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.

[0045] 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)).

[0046] 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 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 another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0047] For example, the display of the display module (160) may be flexible. For example, the display may include a display area that is exposed outside the housing of the electronic device (101), which provides at least a portion of the outer surface of the electronic device (101). For example, since the display has flexibility, at least a portion of the display may be rollable into the housing or slidable into the housing. For example, the size of the display area may change depending on the size of the at least a portion of the display that is rolled into the housing or slid into the housing. For example, the electronic device (101) including the display may be in a plurality of states, including a first state providing the display area having a first size and a second state providing the display area having a second size different from the first size. For example, the first state may be exemplified through the description of FIGS. 2A and 2B.

[0048] FIG. 2A is a top plan view of an exemplary electronic device (101) in a first state.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 2A, the electronic device (101) may include a first housing (210), a housing (200) including a second housing (220) movable relative to the first housing (210) in a first direction (261) parallel to the y-axis or a second direction (262) parallel to the y-axis and opposite to the first direction (261), and a display (230) (e.g., the display).

[0050] For example, the electronic device (101) may be in the first state. For example, within the first state, the second housing (220) may be movable relative to the first housing (210) in a first direction (261) among the first direction (261) and the second direction (262). For example, within the first state, the second housing (220) may not be movable relative to the first housing (210) in a second direction (262) opposite to the first direction (261).

[0051] For example, within the first state, the display (230) may provide the display area having the smallest size. For example, within the first state, the display area may correspond to the area (230a). For example, although not shown in FIG. 2A, within the first state, the area (230a), which is the display area, and another area of ​​the display (230) (e.g., area (230b) of FIG. 2C) may be located within the first housing (210). For example, within the first state, the area may be covered by the first housing (210). For example, within the first state, the area may be rolled into the first housing (210). For example, within the first state, the area (230a) may include a planar portion, unlike the area including a curved portion. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the region (230a) may include a curved portion extending from the planar portion and positioned within the edge portion, within the first state.

[0052] For example, the first state may be referred to as a slide-in state or a closed state in that at least a portion of the second housing (220) is positioned within the first housing (210). For example, the first state may be referred to as a reduced state in that it provides the display area having the smallest size, but is not limited thereto.

[0053] For example, the first housing (210) may include a first image sensor (250-1) within the camera module (180) that is visually exposed through a portion of the area (230a) and faces in a third direction (263) parallel to the z-axis. For example, the camera module (180) may also be arranged to perform its function within the internal space of the electronic device without being visually exposed through a portion of the area (230a). For example, although not illustrated in FIG. 2A, the second housing (220) may include one or more second image sensors within the camera module (180) that are exposed through a portion of the second housing (220) and faces in a fourth direction (264) parallel to the z-axis and opposite to the third direction (263). For example, the one or more second image sensors may be exemplified through the description of FIG. 2B.

[0054] FIG. 2b is a bottom view of an exemplary electronic device in a first state.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 2B, within the first state, one or more second image sensors (250-2) disposed within the second housing (220) may be positioned within a structure disposed within the first housing (210) for the one or more second image sensors (250-2). For example, light from outside the electronic device (101) may be received by the one or more second image sensors (250-2) through the structure within the first state. For example, since the one or more second image sensors (250-2) are positioned within the structure within the first state, the one or more second image sensors (250-2) may be exposed through the structure within the first state. For example, the structure may be implemented in various ways. For example, the structure may be an opening or a notch. For example, the structure may be an opening (212a) in a plate (212) of a first housing (210) that surrounds at least a portion of a second housing (220). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the first state, one or more second image sensors (250-2) included in the second housing (220) may be covered by the plate (212) of the first housing (210).

[0056] Referring again to FIG. 2a, the first state can be changed to the second state.

[0057] For example, the first state (or the second state) may be changed to the second state (or the first state) through one or more intermediate states between the first state and the second state.

[0058] For example, the first state (or the second state) may be changed to the second state (or the first state) based on a predefined user input. For example, the first state (or the second state) may be changed to the second state (or the first state) in response to a user input to a physical button exposed through a portion of the first housing (210) or a portion of the second housing (220). For example, the first state (or the second state) may be changed to the second state (or the first state) in response to a touch input to an executable object displayed within the display area. For example, the first state (or the second state) may be changed to the second state (or the first state) in response to a touch input having a contact point on the display area and having a pressing strength greater than or equal to a reference strength. For example, the first state (or the second state) may be changed to the second state (or the first state) in response to a voice input received through a microphone of the electronic device (101). For example, the first state (or the second state) may be changed to the second state (or the first state) in response to an external force applied to the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) to move the second housing (220) with respect to the first housing (210). For example, the first state (or the second state) may be changed to the second state (or the first state) in response to a user input identified from an external electronic device (e.g., earbuds or a smart watch) connected to the electronic device (101). However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0059] The second state can be illustrated through the description of FIGS. 2c and 2d.

[0060] Figure 2c is a plan view of an exemplary electronic device within a second state.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 2C, the electronic device (101) may be in the second state. For example, in the second state, the second housing (220) may be movable relative to the first housing (210) in a second direction (262) among the first direction (261) and the second direction (262). For example, in the second state, the second housing (220) may not be movable relative to the first housing (210) in the first direction (261) opposite to the second direction (262).

[0062] For example, within the second state, the display (230) may provide the display area having the largest size. For example, within the second state, the display area may correspond to an area (230c) including an area (230a) and an area (230b). For example, an area (230b) located within the first housing (210) within the first state may be exposed outside the housing (210) within the second state. For example, within the second state, the area (230a) may include a planar portion. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the area (230a) may also include a curved portion extending from the planar portion and positioned within the edge portion. For example, within the second state, the area (230b) may include a planar portion among the planar portion and the curved portion, unlike the area (230a) within the first state. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the region (230b) may include a curved portion extending from the planar portion of the region (230b) and positioned within the edge portion.

[0063] For example, the second state may be referred to as a slide-out state or an open state in that at least a portion of the second housing (220) is positioned outside the first housing (210). For example, the second state may be referred to as an expanded state in that it provides the display area having the largest size. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0064] For example, the first image sensor (250-1) facing the third direction (263) may move together with the area (230a) according to the movement of the second housing (220) in the second direction (262) when the state of the electronic device (101) changes from the first state to the second state. For example, although not shown in FIG. 2c, one or more second image sensors (250-2) facing the fourth direction (264) may move according to the movement of the second housing (220) in the second direction (262) when the state of the electronic device (101) changes from the first state to the second state. For example, the relative positional relationship between one or more second image sensors (250-2) and the structure within the first housing (210) illustrated through the description of FIG. 2b may change according to the movement of one or more second image sensors (250-2). For example, the change in the above relative position relationship can be illustrated through Fig. 2d.

[0065] FIG. 2d is a bottom view of an exemplary electronic device (101) in a second state.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 2d, within the second state, one or more second image sensors (250-2) may be positioned outside the structure (e.g., an opening or a notch) within the first housing (210) as illustrated in the description of FIG. 2b. For example, within the second state, one or more second image sensors (250-2) may be positioned outside the opening (212a) within the plate (212). For example, one or more second image sensors (250-2) may be exposed through the opening (212a) within the first state. One or more second image sensors (250-2) may be exposed by being positioned outside the opening (212a) within the second state. For example, since one or more second image sensors (250-2) are positioned outside the structure within the second state, the relative positional relationship between one or more second image sensors (250-2) within the second state and the structure within the first housing (210) illustrated through the description of FIG. 2B may be different from the relative positional relationship within the first state.

[0067] For example, if the electronic device (101) does not include the above structure such as the opening (212a), one or more second image sensors (250-2) in the first state may not be exposed outside the housing, but in the second state, one or more second image sensors (250-2) may be exposed outside the housing.

[0068] Although not shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, the electronic device (101) may be in an intermediate state between the first state and the second state. For example, the size of the display area in the intermediate state may be larger than the size of the display area in the first state and smaller than the size of the display area in the second state. For example, the display area in the intermediate state may correspond to an area including a portion of area (230a) and area (230b). For example, in the intermediate state, a portion of area (230b) may be exposed, and another portion (or a remaining portion) of area (230b) may be covered by the first housing (210) or rolled into the first housing (210). However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0069] Referring back to FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) may include structures for moving a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 2A) of the electronic device (101) relative to a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 2A) of the electronic device (101). For example, the structures may be exemplified through the descriptions of FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0070] Figures 3a and 3b are exploded perspective views of an exemplary electronic device.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the electronic device (101) may include a housing (200) including a first housing (210) and a second housing (220), a display (230), and a driving unit (360).

[0072] For example, the first housing (210) may include a first housing cover (311), a plate (212), and a frame cover (313).

[0073] For example, the first housing cover (311) may at least partially form a side portion of an outer surface of the electronic device (101). For example, the first housing cover (311) may at least partially form a rear portion of the outer surface. For example, the first housing cover (311) may include an opening (311a) for one or more second image sensors (250-2). For example, the first housing cover (311) may include a surface that supports a plate (212). For example, the first housing cover (311) may be coupled with the plate (212). For example, the first housing cover (311) may include a frame cover (313). For example, the first housing cover (311) may be coupled with the frame cover (313).

[0074] For example, the plate (212) may at least partially form a rear portion of the outer surface. For example, the plate (212) may include an opening (212a) for one or more second image sensors (250-2). For example, the plate (212) may be disposed on the surface of the first housing cover (311). For example, the opening (212a) may be aligned with the opening (311a).

[0075] For example, the frame cover (313) may be at least partially surrounded by the first housing cover (311).

[0076] For example, the frame cover (313) may be at least partially wrapped by the display (230). For example, although the frame cover (313) is at least partially wrapped by the display (230), the position of the frame cover (313) may be maintained independently of the movement of the display (230). For example, the frame cover (313) may be arranged in relation to at least some of the components of the display (230). For example, the frame cover (313) may include rails (313a) that provide (or guide) a path for movement of at least one component of the display (230).

[0077] For example, the frame cover (313) may be coupled with at least one component of the electronic device (101). For example, the frame cover (313) may support a rechargeable battery (189). For example, the battery (189) may be supported through a recess or hole in a surface (313b) of the frame cover (313). For example, the frame cover (313) may be coupled with one end of a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (325) on a surface of the frame cover (313). For example, although not explicitly shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B , the other end of the FPCB (325) may be connected to the PCB (324) through at least one connector. For example, the PCB (324) may be electrically connected to another PCB (not shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b) that supplies power to the motor (361) via the FPCB (325).

[0078] For example, the frame cover (313) can be combined with at least one structure of the electronic device (101) for a plurality of states including the first state and the second state. For example, the frame cover (313) can fasten the motor (361) of the driving unit (360).

[0079] For example, the second housing (220) may include a front cover (321) and a slide cover (322).

[0080] For example, the front cover (321) may be at least partially wrapped by the display (230). For example, the front cover (321) may be coupled with at least a portion of an area (230a) of the display (230) that wraps the front cover (321), unlike the frame cover (313), such that the display (230) moves relative to the second housing (220) that moves relative to the first housing (210).

[0081] For example, the front cover (321) may be coupled with at least one component of the electronic device (101). For example, the front cover (321) may be coupled with a printed circuit board (PCB) (324) that includes components of the electronic device (101). For example, the PCB (324) may include a processor (120) (not shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B). For example, the front cover (321) may include one or more second image sensors (250-2).

[0082] For example, the front cover (321) can be combined with at least one structure of the electronic device (101) for a plurality of states including the first state and the second state. For example, the front cover (321) can fix the rack gear (363) of the driving unit (360).

[0083] For example, the front cover (321) can be combined with a slide cover (322).

[0084] For example, the slide cover (322) may be coupled with the front cover (321) to protect at least one component of the electronic device (101) coupled within the front cover (321) and / or at least one structure of the electronic device (101) coupled within the front cover (321). For example, the slide cover (322) may include a structure for the at least one component. For example, the slide cover (322) may include one or more openings (326) for one or more second image sensors (250-2). For example, the one or more openings (326) may be aligned with one or more second image sensors (250-2) disposed on the front cover (321). For example, the size of each of the one or more openings (326) may correspond to the size of each of the one or more second image sensors (250-2).

[0085] For example, the display (230) may include a support member (331). For example, the support member (331) may include a plurality of bars. For example, the plurality of bars may be coupled to each other.

[0086] For example, the driving unit (360) may include a motor (361), a pinion gear (362), and a rack gear (363).

[0087] For example, the motor (361) may operate based on power from the battery (189). For example, the power may be provided to the motor (361) in response to the predefined user input.

[0088] For example, the pinion gear (362) can be coupled to the motor (361) via a shaft. For example, the pinion gear (362) can be rotated based on the motion of the motor (361) transmitted via the shaft.

[0089] For example, the rack gear (363) can be arranged in relation to the pinion gear (362). For example, teeth of the rack gear (363) can mesh with teeth of the pinion gear (362). For example, the rack gear (363) can be moved in the first direction (261) or the second direction (262) according to the rotation of the pinion gear (362). For example, the second housing (220) can be moved in the first direction (261) and the second direction (262) by the rack gear (363) that is moved according to the rotation of the pinion gear (362) due to the operation of the motor (361). For example, the first state of the electronic device (101) can be changed to a state different from the first state (e.g., one or more intermediate states or the second state) through the movement of the second housing (220) in the second direction (262). For example, the second state of the electronic device (101) can be changed to a state different from the second state (e.g., one or more intermediate states or the first state) through the movement of the second housing (220) in the first direction (261). For example, the change of the first state to the second state by the driving unit (360) and the change of the second state to the first state by the driving unit (360) can be exemplified through FIGS. 4A and 4B.

[0090] Fig. 4a is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electronic device in a first state. Fig. 4b is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electronic device in a second state.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the motor (361) can be operated based at least in part on the predefined user input received within the first state (490). For example, the pinion gear (362) can be rotated in the first rotational direction (411) based at least in part on the operation of the motor (361). For example, the rack gear (363) can be moved in the first direction (261) based at least in part on the rotation of the pinion gear (362) in the first rotational direction (411). For example, since the front cover (321) within the second housing (220) fixes the rack gear (363), the second housing (220) can be moved in the first direction (261) based at least in part on the movement of the rack gear (363) in the first direction (261). For example, since the front cover (321) within the second housing (220) is coupled with at least a portion of the area (230a) of the display (230) and fixes the rack gear (363), the display (230) can be moved at least in part based on the movement of the rack gear (363) in the first direction (261). For example, the display (230) can be moved along the rails (313a). For example, the shape of at least a portion of the plurality of bars of the support member (331) of the display (230) can be changed when the state (490) is changed to the state (495) which is the second state.

[0092] For example, the area (230b) of the display (230) may be moved according to the movement of the display (230). For example, the area (230b) may be moved through the space between the first housing cover (311) and the frame cover (313) when the state (490) is changed to the state (495) according to the predefined user input. For example, the area (230b) in the state (495) may be exposed, unlike the area (230b) that is rolled into the space in the state (490).

[0093] For example, the front cover (321) within the second housing (220) is coupled with the PCB (324) connected to the other end of the FPCB (325) and fixes the rack gear (363), so that the shape of the FPCB (325) can be changed when the state (490) is changed to the state (495).

[0094] The motor (361) can be operated based at least in part on the predefined user input received within the state (495). For example, the pinion gear (362) can be rotated in the second rotational direction (412) based at least in part on the operation of the motor (361). For example, the rack gear (363) can be moved in the second direction (262) based at least in part on the rotation of the pinion gear (362) in the second rotational direction (412). For example, since the front cover (321) within the second housing (220) secures the rack gear (363), the second housing (220) can be moved in the second direction (262) based at least in part on the movement of the rack gear (363) in the second direction (262). For example, since the front cover (321) within the second housing (220) is coupled with at least a portion of the area (230a) of the display (230) and fixes the rack gear (363), the display (230) can be moved at least in part based on the movement of the rack gear (363) in the second direction (262). For example, the display (230) can be moved along the rails (313a). For example, the shape of at least a portion of the plurality of bars of the support member (331) of the display (230) can be changed when the state (495) is changed to the state (490).

[0095] For example, the area (230b) of the display (230) can be moved according to the movement of the display (230). For example, the area (230b) can be moved through the space between the first housing cover (311) and the frame cover (313) when the state (495) is changed to the state (490) according to the predefined user input. For example, the area (230b) in the state (490) can be rolled into the space, unlike the area (230b) that is exposed in the state (495).

[0096] For example, the front cover (321) within the second housing (220) is coupled with the PCB (324) connected to the other end of the FPCB (325) and fixes the rack gear (363), so that the shape of the FPCB (325) can be changed when the state (495) is changed to the state (490).

[0097] FIGS. 2A to 4B illustrate an electronic device (101) in which the height of the display area is changed and the width of the display area is maintained when the first state (or the second state) is changed to the second state (or the first state) in the portrait mode, but this is for convenience of explanation. For example, the electronic device (101) may be implemented such that the height of the display area is maintained and the width of the display area is changed when the first state (or the second state) is changed to the second state (or the first state) in the portrait mode.

[0098] Figures 5a and 5b illustrate portions of an exemplary electronic device.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the electronic device (101) may include a housing (e.g., housing (200) of FIG. 2A), a flexible display (510) (e.g., display (230) of FIG. 2A), and a plurality of support bars (520).

[0100] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (510) may include a first region (511) on a housing (200) (e.g., region (230a) of FIG. 2A), and a deformable second region (512) extending from the first region (511) and configured to be at least partially retracted into the housing (200) or exposed to the exterior of the housing (200) (e.g., region (230b) of FIG. 2C). It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be intervening elements between them. For example, in this document, "B disposed on A" may refer to "B disposed over A." For example, within this document, “B disposed on A” may represent “B faced away from A.” For example, “a first region (511) disposed on a housing (200)” may represent “a first region (511) in contact with the housing (200).” For example, “a first region (511) disposed on a housing (200)” may represent “a first region (511) facing the housing (200) and spaced apart from the housing (200).”

[0101] For example, the first region (511) may be exposed to the outside of the housing (200). The first region (511) may be a region that is substantially flat. For example, the first region (511) may be a region of the flexible display (510) that does not deform. For example, the first region (511) may be a region of the flexible display (510) that is exposed to the outside and has a fixed size.

[0102] For example, the second region (512) may be connected to the first region (511). The second region (512) may be a region of the flexible display (510) that is deformable by the housing (200). For example, the second region (512) may be at least partially bent by being rolled into the housing (200) at least partially. The second region (512) may form a curved surface by being rolled into the housing (200) at least partially. For example, the second region (512) may be configured to change the size of the flexible display (510) exposed to the outside of the housing (200) by being rolled into the housing (200) at least partially or exposed to the outside of the housing (200). For example, the electronic device (101) may include at least one gear (e.g., pinion gear (362) of FIG. 3A) configured to move a second region (512) about a rotation axis (R). The second region (512) may be at least partially deformable by being bent about the rotation axis (R) by the at least one gear. The flexible display (510) may provide various user experiences to a user of the electronic device (101) by including the deformable second region (512).

[0103] According to one embodiment, the housing (200) may include a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 2A) on which a first region (511) is disposed, and a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 2A) configured to deform a second region (512) by moving relative to the first housing (210) in a first direction (261) and a second direction (262) opposite to the first direction (261).

[0104] For example, the second housing (220) may be coupled to the first housing (210) so as to be movable in a first direction (261) parallel to the y-axis with respect to the first housing (210) or in a second direction (262) opposite to the first direction (261). For example, the second housing (220) may be coupled to the first housing (210) so as to be slidable in a first direction (261) with respect to the first housing (210) or in a second direction (262) opposite to the first direction (261). For example, referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 4A, and 4B together, the second housing (220) may be slidable from a first state in a first direction (261) parallel to the y-axis with respect to the first housing (210). The second housing (220) may be configured to change the electronic device (101) from the first state to the second state by moving the second housing (220) in the first direction (261) with respect to the first housing (210). For example, the second housing (220) may slide from the second state to the first housing (210) in a second direction (262) that is parallel to the y-axis and opposite to the first direction (261). The second housing (220) may be configured to change the electronic device (101) from the second state to the first state by moving the second housing (220) in the second direction (262) with respect to the first housing (210). The first state may be referred to as a state in which the second housing (220) is in a retracted position with respect to the first housing (210). The reduced position may be referred to as a position in which the second housing (220) is substantially moved to the maximum extent in the second direction (262) with respect to the first housing (210). The second state may be referred to as a state in which the second housing (220) is in an extended position with respect to the first housing (210).The extended position may be referred to as a position where the second housing (220) is substantially moved to the maximum extent in the first direction (261) with respect to the first housing (210).

[0105] For example, referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 4A together, the first region (511) may be disposed on the second housing (220) and exposed to the outside. Within the first state, the second region (512) may be disposed within the first housing (210). During the change from the first state to the second state, since the second housing (220) moves in the first direction (261) with respect to the first housing (210), the first region (511) may move in the first direction (261) along the second housing (220). Since the second region (512) extends from the first region (511), the second region (512) may be exposed to the outside by moving along the first region (511).

[0106] For example, referring to FIGS. 2C, 2D, and 4B together, within the second state, the second region (512) can be exposed to the outside. During the transition from the second state to the first state, since the second housing (220) moves in a second direction (262) opposite to the first direction (261) with respect to the first housing (210), the first region (511) can move along the second housing (220) in the second direction (262). Since the second region (512) extends from the first region (511), the second region (512) can be rolled into the first housing (210) by moving along the first region (511).

[0107] The first state of the electronic device (101) may be defined as a state (e.g., state (490) of FIG. 4a) in which the second region (512) of the display (230) is rolled into the first housing (210) and the display region of the display (230) exposed to the outside of the first housing (210) has a minimum size. The first state may be referred to as a slide-in state or a closed state. The second state of the electronic device (101) may be defined as a state (e.g., state (495) of FIG. 4b) in which the second region (512) of the display (230) is exposed to the outside of the first housing (210) and the display region of the display (230) exposed to the outside of the first housing (210) has a maximum size. The second state may be referred to as a slide-out state or an open state. For example, the first state may be a state in which the second housing (220) is movable in a first direction (261) with respect to the first housing (210). For example, the second state may be a state in which the second housing (220) is movable in a second direction (262) opposite to the first direction (261) with respect to the first housing (210).

[0108] For example, although not shown, within an intermediate state between the first state and the second state, a portion of the second region (512) may be exposed to the outside. The remainder of the second region (512) may be disposed within the first housing (210). By allowing the second region (512) to be rolled into the first housing or deformed to be exposed to the outside of the first housing (210), the second region (512) may be configured to provide a plurality of states to the electronic device (101).

[0109] According to one embodiment, the plurality of support bars (520) may support at least a portion of the flexible display (510). For example, the plurality of support bars (520) may be positioned below the flexible display (510). For example, the plurality of support bars (520) may overlap at least a portion of the flexible display (510) when the flexible display (510) is viewed from above. For example, the plurality of support bars (520) may guide the movement of the flexible display (510) by moving around the rotation axis (R).

[0110] According to one embodiment, a plurality of support bars (520) may support a deformable second region (512) among the first region (511) and the second region (512) of the flexible display (510). For example, the plurality of support bars (520) may be attached to the second region (512). The plurality of support bars (520) may overlap the second region (512) when the second region (512) is viewed from above (e.g., when viewed in the +z direction). For example, the second region (512) may be disposed on the plurality of support bars (520). The plurality of support bars (520) may guide the second region (512) to be rolled into the housing (200) or exposed to the outside of the housing (200) by moving the second region (512) based on the rotation axis (R). The above plurality of support bars (520) can reduce the second area (512) moved by the housing (200) from being separated from the housing (200) by supporting the second area (512).

[0111] For example, the second region (512) of the flexible display (510) may be broken by the plurality of support bars (520) when deformed about the rotation axis (R) by being supported by the plurality of support bars (520). For example, the second region (512) may be pressed by the plurality of support bars (520) that support the second region (512) by being at least partially bent. The electronic device (101) may require a structure to reduce the breakage of the flexible display (510) by the plurality of support bars (520) for guiding the movement of the flexible display (510).

[0112] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a first support plate (530) that is at least partially disposed between the flexible display (510) and a plurality of support bars (520). The first support plate (530) may include a plurality of openings (540) that are disposed on the plurality of support bars (520) and extend in a direction parallel to a direction in which the plurality of support bars extend.

[0113] For example, the first support plate (530) may be attached to a plurality of support bars (520). The first support plate (530) may be interposed, at least partially, between the plurality of support bars (520) and the flexible display (510). For example, the first support plate (530) may be at least partially deformable by being attached to the flexible display (510). The electronic device (101) may reduce damage to the flexible display (510) by the plurality of support bars (520) by including the first support plate (530) that is at least partially disposed between the flexible display (510) and the plurality of support bars (520).

[0114] For example, the plurality of openings (540) may face the second region (512) of the flexible display (510). For example, the plurality of support bars (520) may support the second region (512) of the flexible display (510). The plurality of openings (540) in the first support plate (530) may be arranged between the plurality of support bars (520) and the second region (512). For example, they may be formed in a region of the first support plate (530) that is deformable by being attached to the second region (512) of the first support plate (530).

[0115] For example, the housing (200) may include a first housing (210), and a second housing (220) coupled to the first housing (210) so as to be movable in a first direction (261) and a second direction (262) opposite to the first direction (261) with respect to the first housing (210). A second region (512) of the flexible display (510), a plurality of support bars (520) supporting the second region (512), and a first support plate (530) between the second region (512) and the plurality of support bars (520) may be movable in the first direction (261) and the second direction (262) along the second housing (220) moving with respect to the first housing (210).

[0116] For example, a plurality of support bars (520) may extend in a third direction (263) perpendicular to the first direction (261) and the second direction, respectively, to guide movement of the flexible display (510) in the first direction (261) and the second direction (262). The plurality of support bars (520) may be arranged in the first direction (261) and the second direction (262), to guide movement of the flexible display (510) in the first direction (261) and the second direction (262). The structure of the plurality of support bars (520) extending in the third direction (263) and arranged in the first direction (261) and the second direction (262) may be referred to as a rail structure for supporting the flexible display (510), but is not limited thereto.

[0117] For example, a plurality of openings (540) formed within the first support plate (530) and arranged on the plurality of support bars (520) may each extend in a third direction (263), which is a direction in which the plurality of support bars (520) extend. For example, the plurality of openings (540) may each have a length in a third direction (263) that is perpendicular to the first direction (261) and the second direction (262) in which the flexible display (510) moves. By including the plurality of openings (540), the first support plate (530) can secure flexibility of the first support plate (530) and reduce damage to the second region (512) in which the first support plate (530) is deformed and / or the plurality of support bars (520). The plurality of openings (540) can reduce the separation of the first support plate (530) from the plurality of support bars (520) as the plurality of support bars (520) move in the first direction (261) or the second direction (262) perpendicular to the third direction (263) by extending in the third direction (263) respectively.

[0118] According to one embodiment, since the plurality of support bars (520) supporting the flexible display (510) and the plurality of openings (540) in the first support plate (530) disposed on the plurality of support bars (520) each extend in the third direction (263), wrinkles may be formed in the flexible display (510). For example, since the plurality of support bars (520) supporting the second region (512) of the flexible display (510) and the plurality of openings (540) between the second region (512) and the plurality of support bars (520) each have a length in the third direction (263), wrinkles may be formed in the second region (512) exposed to the outside in the third direction (263). The electronic device (101) may require a structure to reduce the formation of the wrinkles within the flexible display (510). The structure for reducing the wrinkles will be described below with reference to FIG. 6A.

[0119] According to the above-described embodiment, the electronic device (101) can provide various user experiences to the user by including a flexible display (510) that includes a second region (512) that is deformable so that the size exposed to the outside of the housing (200) can be changed. The electronic device (101) can guide the movement of the flexible display (510) with respect to the housing (200) by including a plurality of support bars (520) that support at least a portion of the flexible display (510). The electronic device (101) can reduce damage to the flexible display (510) by including a first support plate (530) that includes a plurality of openings (540) and is at least partially disposed between the plurality of support bars (520) and the flexible display (510).

[0120] Figure 6a is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary electronic device taken along line A-A' of Figure 2c. Figure 6b illustrates a portion of the exemplary electronic device. Figures 6c and 6d are partial cross-sectional views of a second support plate of the exemplary electronic device taken along line B-B' of Figure 6b. Figures 6e, 6f, 6g, and 6h illustrate the second support plate of the exemplary electronic device.

[0121] Referring to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, and 6H, an electronic device (101) may include a housing (e.g., housing (200) of FIG. 2A). The electronic device (101) may include a flexible display (510) (e.g., display (230) of FIG. 2A) that includes a first region (511) on the housing (200) (e.g., region (230a) of FIG. 2A), and a deformable second region (512) that extends from the first region (511) and is configured to be at least partially rolled into the housing (200) or exposed to the outside of the housing (200) (e.g., region (230b) of FIG. 2C). The electronic device (101) may include a plurality of support bars (520) within the housing (200) that support at least a portion of the flexible display (510). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a first support plate (530) for supporting the flexible display (510) attached on the plurality of support bars (520). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 2A) on which a first region (511) is disposed, and a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 2A) configured to deform a second region (512) by moving in a first direction (261) and a second direction (262) opposite to the first direction (261) with respect to the first housing (210).

[0122] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (510) may include a laminated structure of two or more layers. For example, the flexible display (510) may include at least one window (515). The at least one window (515) may include a first window (515a) that is exposed to the outside of the electronic device (101) of the flexible display (510), and a second window (515b) that is disposed below the first window (515a). The at least one window (515) may be substantially transparent, thereby transmitting light emitted from the flexible display (510) to the outside of the electronic device (101). For example, the flexible display (510) may include a polarizer (516). The polarizing plate (516) can reduce the amount of light reflected within the flexible display (510) after being incident from the outside of the electronic device (101). As the amount of light reflected within the flexible display (510) is reduced by the polarizing plate (516), the visibility of the flexible display (510) can be improved. The polarizing plate (516) can be a layer attached to at least one window (515) of the flexible display (510). For example, the flexible display (510) can include a display panel (517). The flexible display (510) can include a substrate layer (518) for supporting the display panel (517). The substrate layer (518) can be a layer attached to the display panel (517). The above-mentioned substrate layer (518) is attached to the display panel (517), thereby reducing damage to the display panel due to deformation of the second region (512) of the flexible display (510).For example, the flexible display (510) may include adhesive layers (513a, 513b, 513c, 513d) for attaching layers included in the flexible display (510) to each other. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the flexible display (510) may include a coating layer (514) that is exposed to the outside to reduce damage to at least one window (515). The flexible display (510) may include two or more layers that are laminated within the flexible display (510) and are distinguished according to function.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a second support plate (610). The second support plate (610) may be at least partially disposed between a plurality of support bars (520) and the flexible display (510). For example, the second support plate (610) may be attached to one surface facing the inside of the housing (200) of the flexible display (510). For example, the second support plate (610) may at least partially overlap the plurality of support bars (520) when the flexible display (510) is viewed from above. The second support plate (610) may be at least partially supported by the plurality of support bars (520). For example, a portion of the second support plate (610) may be disposed on the plurality of support bars (520). For example, the second support plate (610) may be at least partially deformed by deformation of the second region (512) of the flexible display (510) by being at least partially disposed between the plurality of support bars (520) and the flexible display (510).

[0124] For example, the first support plate (530) may be attached to a plurality of support bars (520). The second support plate (610) may be disposed between the first support plate (530) and the flexible display (510). For example, the second support plate (610) may be disposed closer to the flexible display (510) than the first support plate (530). The second support plate (610) may be interposed between the flexible display (510) and the first support plate (530).

[0125] For example, the electronic device (101) may include a plurality of adhesive layers (601) disposed between the flexible display (510) and the first support plate (530), and a reinforcement layer (602). For example, the reinforcement layer (602) may be disposed between the first support plate (530) and the second support plate (610). The reinforcement layer (602) may include, but is not limited to, at least one of polyimide (PI) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). For example, the reinforcement layer (602) may be attached to the first support plate (530) via the first adhesive layer (601a). The second support plate (610) may be attached to the reinforcement layer (602) via the second adhesive layer (601b). The second support plate (610) may be attached to the flexible display (510) on the second support plate (610) through a third adhesive layer (601c). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The second support plate (610) may be attached to the first support plate (610) through various layers including a plurality of adhesive layers (601) between the second support plate (610) and the first support plate (610). The second support plate (610) may be at least partially disposed between the plurality of support bars (520) and the flexible display (510), thereby reducing damage to the flexible display (510) caused by the plurality of support bars (520) together with the first support plate (530).

[0126] According to one embodiment, the reinforcing layer (602) may include a first reinforcing member (602a) and a second reinforcing member (602b). The first reinforcing member (602a) may be disposed under the first region (511) of the flexible display (510). The second reinforcing member (602b) may be in contact with the first reinforcing member (602b). The second reinforcing member (602b) may be disposed on a plurality of openings (540) of the first support plate (530). The second reinforcing member (602b) may be disposed under the second region (512) of the flexible display (510). The first reinforcing member (602a) may include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and the second reinforcing member (602b) may include, but is not limited to, a metal plate.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a buffer member (550) for supporting the first region (511) of the flexible display (510). For example, the buffer member (550) may be disposed under the first region (511) of the flexible display (510). For example, the buffer member (550) may be attached to a first reinforcing member (602a) disposed under the first region (511). For example, the buffer member (550) may be in contact with the first support plate (530). By including the buffer member (550), the electronic device (101) may reduce damage to the flexible display (510) due to external impact.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the second support plate (610) may include a pattern (620). The direction in which each of the patterns (620) extends may be different from the direction in which each of the plurality of support bars (520) extends.

[0129] For example, the pattern (620) may extend in a different direction from the direction in which the plurality of support bars (520) extend, respectively. For example, the pattern (620) may have a length in a direction different from the length direction of the plurality of support bars (520), respectively. For example, the pattern (620) may have a width in a direction different from the width direction of the plurality of support bars (520), respectively. For example, the pattern (620) may have a major axis in a direction different from the major axis direction of the plurality of support bars (520), respectively. For example, the pattern (620) may have a minor axis in a direction different from the minor axis direction of the plurality of support bars (520), respectively. In this document, the major axis of a component may mean a width having the largest length among the widths of the component. The short axis of the above-mentioned component may refer to a width having the smallest length among the widths of the above-mentioned component. For example, the major axis direction of the above-mentioned component may be a direction parallel to the direction in which the width having the largest length of the above-mentioned component extends. For example, the short axis direction of the above-mentioned component may be a direction parallel to the direction in which the width having the smallest length of the above-mentioned component extends. For example, the direction of the other end of one hole among the patterns (620) toward one end may be different from the direction of the other end of one support bar among the plurality of support bars (520) toward one end of the above-mentioned bar. For example, the direction in which each of the patterns (620) extends may be tilted with respect to the direction in which each of the plurality of support bars (520) extends.

[0130] For example, the direction in which the plurality of openings (540) of the first support plate (530) extend may be substantially the same as the direction in which the plurality of support bars (520) extend. The second support plate (610) disposed between the first support plate (530) and the flexible display (510) may include a pattern (620) extending in a direction different from the direction in which the plurality of support bars (520) extend and the direction in which the plurality of openings (540) extend. For example, the pattern (620) may extend in a direction inclined with respect to the direction in which the plurality of support bars (520) extend and the direction in which the plurality of openings (540) in the first support plate (530) extend, respectively. The pattern (620) may at least partially overlap the plurality of openings (540) and / or the plurality of support bars (520) when the flexible display (510) is viewed from above (e.g., when viewed in the +z direction). The second support plate (610) may include a pattern (620) that extends in a direction different from the direction in which the plurality of support bars (520) extend and / or the direction in which the plurality of openings (540) extend, thereby reducing the formation of wrinkles in the flexible display (510) by the plurality of support bars (520) and the plurality of openings (540).

[0131] Referring to FIGS. 6C and 6D , the pattern (620) may include at least one of a plurality of slits (650) and a plurality of recesses (660). For example, referring to FIG. 6C , the pattern (620) may be referred to as a structure in which a plurality of slits (650) are formed. The plurality of slits (650) may penetrate the second portion (612) of the second support plate (610). The plurality of slits (650) may be spaced apart from each other to form the pattern (620). For example, referring to FIG. 6D , the pattern (620) may be referred to as a structure in which a plurality of recesses (660) are formed. The plurality of recesses (660) may be dented from one surface of the second support plate (610) toward the other surface of the support plate (610) opposite to the one surface. The plurality of recesses (660) may be formed in the second portion (612) of the second plate (610).

[0132] Although the pattern (620) is described as including at least one of a plurality of slits (650) and a plurality of recesses (660), it is not limited thereto. The pattern (620) may be a structure including at least one of a plurality of grooves, a plurality of openings, a plurality of holes, a plurality of slots, a plurality of through holes, a plurality of slot holes, and combinations thereof, for example, formed in the support plate (610).

[0133] According to one embodiment, a first length direction associated with the plurality of support bars (520) may be different from a second length direction associated with the plurality of slits (650) or the plurality of recesses (660) included in the pattern (620).

[0134] Within this document, the length direction associated with a component may refer to the direction in which the largest width of the component extends. The length direction may be expressed as a longitudinal direction. For example, the length direction associated with a component may be a direction parallel to the major axis of the component among the minor axis and the major axis of the component. For example, the length direction associated with a component may be a direction parallel to an imaginary line connecting one end of the component and another end opposite the one end.

[0135] Within this document, the longitudinal direction of a plurality of components may be defined as the longitudinal direction of the largest number of components extending at the same angle among the plurality of components. For example, the first longitudinal direction (or first vertical direction) of the plurality of support bars (520) may refer to the longitudinal direction of the largest number of support bars extending at the same angle among the plurality of support bars (520). For example, the second longitudinal direction (or second vertical direction) of the plurality of slits (650) included in the pattern (620) may refer to the longitudinal direction of the largest number of slits extending at the same angle among the plurality of slits (650). For example, the second longitudinal direction (or second vertical direction) of the plurality of recesses (660) included in the pattern (620) may refer to the longitudinal direction of the largest number of recesses extending at the same angle among the plurality of recesses (660).

[0136] For example, a first vertical direction in which the plurality of support bars (520) extend may be different from a second vertical direction in which the plurality of slits (650) or the plurality of recesses (660) included in the pattern (620) extend. The second vertical direction may be tilted with respect to the first vertical direction. For example, a first vertical direction, which is a longitudinal direction of the plurality of support bars (520), may be different from a second vertical direction, which is a longitudinal direction of the plurality of slits (650) or the plurality of recesses (660) included in the pattern (620).

[0137] In one embodiment, the first portion (611) and the second portion (612) may be referred to as different plates. Although not illustrated, the first portion (611) and the second portion (612) may be separated from each other. For example, the first portion (611) may be omitted, unlike as illustrated, or may be a flat portion of the first support plate (530) that supports the first region (511) of the flexible display (510). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The second portion (612) on which the pattern (620) is formed may be a different layer from the flat first portion (611).

[0138] According to one embodiment, the plurality of support bars (520) may extend in a third direction (263) perpendicular to the first direction (261) and the second direction (262), respectively. The pattern (620) within the second support plate (610) may extend in a fourth direction (264) inclined with respect to the first direction (261) and the third direction (263), respectively.

[0139] For example, at least a portion of the flexible display (510) may be configured to move in a first direction (261) and a second direction (262) opposite to the first direction (261) in response to driving of a portion of the housing (200) (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 2A). A plurality of support bars (520) supporting the flexible display (510) may each have a length in a third direction (263) perpendicular to the first direction (261) and the second direction (262). The plurality of support bars (520) may be arranged in the first direction (261) or the second direction (262). The pattern (620) arranged on the plurality of support bars (520) may have a length in the first direction (261) and in the fourth direction (264) inclined with respect to the third direction (263).

[0140] For example, the pattern (620) may extend in a fourth direction (264) that is inclined with respect to the first direction (261) in which the plurality of support bars (520) are arranged. For example, the pattern (620) may have a major axis in a fourth direction (264) that is inclined with respect to the third direction (263) that is the major axis direction of the plurality of support bars (520). For example, the pattern (620) may have a length in a fourth direction (264) that is inclined with respect to the third direction (263) that is the longitudinal direction of the plurality of support bars (520). For example, the pattern (620) may have a width (w) in a fifth direction (265) that is inclined with respect to the first direction (261) that is the width direction of the plurality of support bars (520). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The above pattern (620) can reduce the formation of wrinkles in the flexible display (510) by the plurality of support bars (520) by extending in a fourth direction (264) that is different from the third direction (263) in which the plurality of support bars (520) extend.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the angle (a) between the third direction (263) in which the plurality of support bars (520) extend respectively and the fourth direction (264) in which the pattern (620) within the second support plate (610) extends respectively may be positioned within a range of 5 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less. For example, the angle between the longitudinal direction of the plurality of support bars (520) and the longitudinal direction of the pattern (620) may be positioned within a range of 5 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less. By positioning the angle (a) between the third direction (263) in which the plurality of support bars (520) extend and the fourth direction (264) in which the pattern (620) extends within a range of 5 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less, the electronic device (101) can reduce the separation of the second support plate (610) on which the pattern (620) is formed from the plurality of support bars (520) as the plurality of support bars (520) move in the first direction (261) or the second direction (262) opposite to the first direction (261).

[0142] According to one embodiment, an angle between a first longitudinal direction associated with the plurality of slits (650) or the plurality of recesses (660) of the pattern (620) and a second longitudinal direction associated with the plurality of support bars (520) may be positioned within a range of 10 to 40 degrees. Preferably, the angle may be positioned within a range of 20 to 30 degrees. For example, the angle between the direction in which the plurality of support bars (520) extend and the direction in which the pattern (620) extends may be positioned within a range of 20 to 30 degrees.

[0143] For example, the second longitudinal direction associated with the plurality of support bars (520) may be a direction corresponding to a third direction (263) that is perpendicular to the first direction (261) and a second direction (262) that is opposite to the first direction (261). The first longitudinal direction associated with the plurality of slits (650) or the plurality of recesses (660) in the pattern (620) may be a direction corresponding to a fourth direction (264) that is inclined with respect to the first direction (261) and the third direction (263). The angle (a) between the third direction (263) and the fourth direction (264) may be positioned within a range of 10 degrees to 40 degrees. The angle (a) between the third direction and the fourth direction (264) may be positioned within a range of 20 degrees to 30 degrees. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the first region (511) of the flexible display (510) may have a major axis in a first direction (261) and a second direction (262) opposite to the first direction (261). The plurality of support bars (520) may have a major axis in a third direction (263) perpendicular to the first direction (261) and the second direction (262), respectively. The pattern (620) within the second support plate (610) may have a major axis in a fourth direction (264) inclined with respect to the first direction (261) and the third direction (263), respectively. For example, the housing (200) may include a first housing (210) and a second housing (220) that is movable in a first direction (261) and a second direction (262) opposite to the first direction (261) with respect to the first housing (210). The first region (511) may be movable with respect to the first housing (210) along the second housing (220). The first direction (261) and the second direction (262), which are longitudinal directions of the first region (511), may be directions in which the first region (511) moves with respect to the first housing (210). The plurality of support bars (520) may have a major axis in the first direction (261), which is the direction of movement of the second housing (220) with respect to the first housing (210), and a third direction (263) that is perpendicular to the second direction (262). The pattern (620) disposed on the plurality of support bars (520) may have a major axis in the fourth direction (264) that is inclined with respect to the first direction (261) and the third direction (263), thereby reducing wrinkles in the flexible display (510) caused by the plurality of support bars (520). For example, since the plurality of support bars (520) that support the flexible display (510) each extend in the third direction (263), wrinkles may be formed on the flexible display (510) in the third direction (263).The second support plate (610) includes a pattern (620) including a plurality of slits (650) or a plurality of recesses (660) that are arranged on the plurality of support bars (520) and extend in a fourth direction (264) inclined with respect to the third direction (263), thereby reducing wrinkles of the flexible display (510) that are visible from the outside through overlapping of the pattern (620) and the plurality of support bars (520).

[0145] According to one embodiment, a plurality of support bars (520) may support a second region (512) among a first region (511) and a second region (512) of a flexible display (510). A second support plate (610) may include a first portion (611) that is attached to the first region and is flat, and a second portion (612) that extends from the first portion (611) and is deformable between the plurality of support bars (520) and the second region (512) and has a pattern (620) formed thereon.

[0146] For example, the first part (611) can support the first region (511) of the flexible display (510). The first region (511) can overlap with the first region (511) when the flexible display (510) is viewed from above (e.g., when viewed in the +z direction). For example, the first part (611) can form a substantially flat surface. For example, the first part (611) can be a region where the pattern (620) is not formed. For example, the first part (611) can be a region that is not supported by a plurality of support bars (520), but is not limited thereto.

[0147] For example, the second portion (612) may support the second region (512) of the flexible display (510). The second portion (612) may overlap the second region (512) when the flexible display (510) is viewed from above (e.g., when viewed in the +z direction). For example, the second portion (612) may be disposed between the second region (512) and the plurality of support bars (520). For example, the second portion (612) may be attached to the plurality of support bars (520). For example, the second portion (612) may be a portion including a pattern (620). The pattern (620) may at least partially overlap each of the plurality of support bars (520). For example, the second portion (612) may be a portion that is deformable along the second area (512) of the flexible display (510) by being attached to the second area (512). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The second support plate (610) includes a second portion (612) on which a pattern (620) is formed and which is attached to a plurality of support bars (520), thereby reducing the formation of wrinkles in the second area (512) of the flexible display (510) supported by the plurality of support bars (520).

[0148] According to one embodiment, the second portion (612) of the second support plate (610) may include a plurality of sub-regions (615) that divide the second portion (612) and are arranged in a first direction (261). The pattern (620) may be arranged in a third direction (263) perpendicular to the first direction (261) within each of the plurality of sub-regions (615).

[0149] For example, referring to FIG. 6E, the plurality of partial regions (615) may include a first partial region (615-1), a second partial region (615-2), a third partial region (615-3), and a fourth partial region (615-4) sequentially arranged in a first direction (261). Within each of the partial regions (615-1, 615-2, 615-3, 615-4), a pattern (620) may be arranged in a third direction (263) perpendicular to the first direction (261). The pattern (620) may extend in a fourth direction (264) inclined with respect to the first direction (261) and the third direction (263) within each of the partial regions (615-1, 615-2, 615-3, 615-4).

[0150] For example, referring to FIG. 6F, the second portion (612) may include a pattern in which one of the plurality of partial regions (615) (615-n) is sequentially repeated. For example, one of the plurality of partial regions (615) (615-n) may include a pattern in which some of the patterns (620) included in the one partial region (615-n) extend in a fourth direction (264) that is inclined with respect to the first direction (261) and the third direction (263), and some of the patterns (620) are arranged in a fifth direction (265) that is perpendicular to the fourth direction (264). The second portion (612) may include a structure in which one of the partial regions (615-n) including the pattern is regularly repeated.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 6G, the plurality of partial regions (615) may include a first partial region (615-1) and a second partial region (615-2) connected to the first partial region (615-1). The first partial region (615-1) may include a first pattern (621) extending in a fourth direction (264) that is inclined with respect to the first direction (261) and the third direction (263). The second partial region (615-2) may include a second pattern (622) extending in a fifth direction (265) that is perpendicular to the fourth direction (264). For example, the first partial region (615-1), the second partial region (615-2), the third partial region (615-3), and the fourth partial region (615-4) may be sequentially arranged in the first direction (261). The first pattern (621) in the first partial region (615-1) may be arranged in a third direction (263) that is perpendicular to the first direction (261). The second pattern (615-2) in the second partial region (615-2) may be arranged in the third direction (263). The first pattern (621) may have a major axis in a fourth direction (264) that is inclined with respect to the first direction (261) and the third direction (263). The second pattern (621) may have a major axis in a fifth direction (265) that is inclined with respect to the first direction (261) and the third direction (263) and perpendicular to the fourth direction (264). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. As illustrated, the third partition area (615-3) extending from the second partition area (615-2) may include holes arranged in the third direction (263) and having a long axis in the fourth direction (264). The fourth partition area (615-4) extending from the third partition area (615-4) may include holes arranged in the third direction (263) and having a long axis in the fifth direction (265) perpendicular to the fourth direction (264). However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the patterns (620) may each have a width (w) specified in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the patterns (620) extend. For example, at least some of the patterns (620) may have different lengths. For example, the plurality of slits (650) or the plurality of recesses (660) included in the pattern (620) may each have a specified width (w). By having a specified width (w), the pattern (620) may reduce damage to the second plate (610) by the pattern (620) and / or the plurality of support bars (520).

[0153] According to one embodiment, the second support plate (610) may include a plurality of support portions (630) that separate a plurality of slits (650) and / or a plurality of recesses (660) included in the pattern (620), respectively, extending in a fourth direction (264), and a plurality of bridges (640) that connect the plurality of support portions (630) to form the pattern (620). The plurality of support portions (630) may be arranged in a fifth direction (265) that is perpendicular to the fourth direction (264). For example, the plurality of support portions (630) may be respectively disposed between the patterns (620) to support at least a portion (e.g., the second region (512)) of the flexible display (510). For example, the plurality of support portions (630) may be portions of the second plate (610) that extend in a direction parallel to the direction in which the pattern (620) extends. Each of the plurality of support portions (630) may have a length in the fourth direction (264), which is the longitudinal direction of the pattern (620). For example, the plurality of bridges (640) may be arranged between the plurality of support portions (630) to connect the plurality of support portions (630). The plurality of bridges (640) may form a pattern (620) that extends in the fourth direction (264) by connecting the plurality of support portions (630) that extend in the fourth direction (264).

[0154] Referring to FIG. 6h, the pattern (620) and the plurality of support portions (630) may each extend in a fourth direction (264). The plurality of bridges (640) connecting the plurality of support portions (630) may include first bridges (641) arranged in a fifth direction (265) that is perpendicular to the fourth direction (264). For example, the direction from the first bridge (641a) in the first bridges (641) toward the second bridge (641b) may be the fifth direction (265) that is perpendicular to the fourth direction (264) in which the pattern (620) extends. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. As illustrated in FIG. 6e, the plurality of bridges (640) may form a pattern that includes bridges arranged in the fifth direction (265) including the first bridges (641).

[0155] It should be noted that the embodiments described in FIGS. 6A to 6H are exemplary and the second support plate (610), including the above-mentioned embodiments, may include any pattern in which the pattern (620) disposed on the plurality of support bars (520) extends in a direction inclined (e.g., in the fourth direction (264)) with respect to the direction in which the plurality of support bars (520) extend (e.g., in the third direction (263)), and thus is not limited by the above-described embodiments.

[0156] According to the above-described embodiment, the electronic device (101) can reduce damage to the flexible display (510) caused by the plurality of support bars (520) by including a second support plate (610) that is at least partially disposed between the plurality of support bars (520) and the flexible display (510). The second support plate (610) can reduce formation of wrinkles in the flexible display (510) caused by the plurality of support bars (520) by including a pattern (620) that extends in a direction (e.g., a fourth direction (264)) different from a direction in which the plurality of support bars (520) extend (e.g., a third direction (263)).

[0157] FIGS. 7A and 7B are top plan views of a second support plate of an exemplary electronic device.

[0158] Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B , an electronic device (101) may include a housing (e.g., housing (200) of FIG. 2A ). The electronic device (101) may include a flexible display (e.g., display (230) of FIG. 2A , flexible display (510) of FIG. 5A ) that includes a first region (e.g., region (230a) of FIG. 2A , first region (511) of FIG. 5A ) on the housing (200), and a deformable second region (e.g., region (230b) of FIG. 2C , second region (512) of FIG. 5A ) that extends from the first region (511) and is configured to be at least partially rolled into the housing (200) or exposed to the outside of the housing (200). The electronic device (101) may include a plurality of support bars (e.g., a plurality of support bars (520) of FIG. 5A) within the housing (200) that support at least a portion of the flexible display (510). The electronic device (101) may include a second support plate (610) that is at least partially disposed between the plurality of support bars (520) and the flexible display (510) and includes a pattern (620) that includes at least one of a plurality of slits (650) and a plurality of recesses (660). A first vertical direction associated with the plurality of support bars (520) may be different from a second vertical direction associated with the plurality of slits (650) or the plurality of recesses (660). For example, a direction in which each of the patterns (620) extends may be different from a direction in which each of the plurality of support bars (520) extends.According to one embodiment, the housing (200) may include a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 2A) on which a first region (511) is disposed, and a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 2A) configured to deform a second region (512) by moving in a first direction (261) and a second direction (262) opposite to the first direction (261) with respect to the first housing (210).

[0159] Hereinafter, redundant descriptions of the configurations described in FIGS. 6a to 6h are omitted.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the support plate (610) may include a first portion (611) attached to a first region (511), and a second portion (612) between a plurality of support bars (520) and a second region (512). The first portion (611) may include a flat first support region (611a), and a second support region (611b) connected to the first support region (611a) and including a pattern (720). The second portion (612) may extend from the second support region (611b).

[0161] For example, the first support area (611a) may be spaced apart from the second portion (612). The first support area (611a) may form a substantially flat surface. For example, the second support area (611b) may extend from the first support area (611a) to the second portion (612). For example, the second support area (611b) may be positioned between the first support area (611a) and the second portion (612).

[0162] For example, the pattern (720) may overlap with the first region (511) of the flexible display (510) when the flexible display (510) is viewed from above (e.g., when viewed in the +z direction). For example, referring to FIG. 7B, the pattern (720) may include a third pattern (721) extending from at least a portion of the pattern (620) within the second portion (612), and a fourth pattern (722) spaced apart from the pattern (620). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The second support plate (610) is connected to the second part (612) including the pattern (620) and includes a second support area (611b) including the pattern (720), thereby reducing the boundary between the second part (612) and the first part (611) being visible through the flexible display (510) and reducing damage to the second support plate (610) due to external impact.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the pattern (720) within the second support area (611b) may be different from the pattern (620) within the second portion (612). For example, the density per unit area of ​​the pattern (720) within the second support area (611b) may be smaller than the density per unit area of ​​the pattern (620) within the second portion (612). For example, the second support plate (610) may include a plurality of support portions (630). The plurality of support portions (630) may each have a length in a fourth direction (264) that is inclined with respect to the first direction (261) and the third direction (263). The plurality of support portions (630) may include first support portions (631) that separate the patterns (620) within the second portion (612), and second support portions (632) that separate the patterns (720) within the second support area (611b). The width of each of the first support portions (631) may be smaller than the width of each of the second support portions (632). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Since the pattern (720) within the second support area (611b) is different from the pattern (620) within the second portion (612), the second support plate (610) can reduce the boundary between the second portion (612) and the first portion (611) being recognized through the flexible display (510) and reduce damage to the second support plate (610) due to external impact.

[0164] According to the above-described embodiment, the second support plate (610) includes a second support area (611b) that is disposed between the first support area (611a) and the second part (612) and includes a pattern (720), thereby reducing the boundary between the second part (612) and the first part (611) from being visible through the flexible display (510) and reducing damage to the second support plate (610) due to external impact.

[0165] FIG. 8A illustrates a portion of a second support plate of an exemplary electronic device. FIGS. 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, and 8F are partial cross-sectional views of the second support plate of the exemplary electronic device.

[0166] Referring to FIG. 8A, the second support plate (610) of the electronic device (101) may include a second portion (612) having a pattern (620) formed therein. The second portion (612) may extend in a third direction (263) in which a plurality of support bars (e.g., the plurality of support bars (520) of FIG. 5A) extend, respectively, and in a fourth direction (264) that is inclined with respect to the first direction (261) in which the plurality of support bars (520) are arranged. The second support plate (610) may include a plurality of support portions (630) that separate the patterns (620), extend in the fourth direction (264), and a plurality of bridges (640) that form the pattern (620) by connecting the plurality of support portions (630), respectively. The above plurality of support parts (630) can be arranged in a fifth direction (265) perpendicular to the fourth direction (264).

[0167] According to one embodiment, unlike as illustrated in FIGS. 6b to 6e, the plurality of bridges (640) may be disposed irregularly within the second support plate (610). For example, unlike as illustrated in FIG. 6e, the direction in which the first bridge (641a) of the plurality of bridges (640) faces the second bridge (641b) may be different from the fifth direction (265). The second support plate (610) may reduce the formation of wrinkles in the flexible display (510) by the plurality of support bars (520) by including the plurality of bridges (640) irregularly disposed within the second portion (612).

[0168] According to one embodiment, the pattern (620) may include first slits (651) having a first length (d1) in a fourth direction (264), and second slits (652) having a second length (d2) in the fourth direction (264) that is smaller than the first length (d1). For example, the first slits (651) and the second slits (652) may each have a length in the fourth direction (264). The length (d1) of the first slits (651) in the fourth direction (264) may be greater than the length (d2) of the second slits (652) in the fourth direction (264). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The pattern (620) can reduce the formation of wrinkles in the flexible display (510) by the plurality of support bars (520) by including holes each having a different length.

[0169] Referring to FIGS. 8B and 8C, the pattern (620) may include a plurality of slits (650). The plurality of slits (650) may be arranged irregularly, respectively. For example, referring to FIG. 8B, the second support plate (610) may include support portions (630a, 630b, 630c) that separate the plurality of slits (650), respectively. The lengths of each of the support portions (630a, 630b, 630c) may be different from each other. For example, the first support portion (630a), the second support portion (630b), and the third support portion (630c) may be sequentially arranged in a direction from the second portion (612) of the second support plate (610) toward the first portion (611) (e.g., in the -y direction). The length (l1) of the first support portion (630a) may be smaller than the length (l2) of the second support portion (630b). The length (l2) of the second support portion (630b) may be smaller than the length (l3) of the third support portion (630c). For example, referring to FIG. 8c, the plurality of slits (650) may include a first slit (650a), a second slit (650b), and a third slit (650c). The widths of the slits (650a, 650b, 650c) may be different from each other. For example, the first slit (650a), the second slit (650b), and the third slit (650c) may be sequentially arranged in a direction from the second portion (612) of the second support plate (610) toward the first portion (611) (e.g., in the -y direction). The width (w1) of the first slit (650a) may be greater than the width (w2) of the second slit (650b). The width (w2) of the second slit (650b) may be greater than the width (w3) of the third slit (650c).

[0170] Referring to FIGS. 8D and 8E, the pattern (620) may include a plurality of recesses (660). The plurality of recesses (660) may be arranged irregularly, respectively. For example, referring to FIG. 8D, the plurality of recesses (660) may include a first recess (660a), a second recess (660b), and a third recess (660c). The widths of the recesses (660a, 660b, 660c) may be different from each other. For example, the first recess (660a), the second recess (660b), and the third recess (660c) may be sequentially arranged in a direction from the second portion (612) of the second support plate (610) toward the first portion (611) (e.g., in the -y direction). The width (w4) of the first recess (660a) may be greater than the width (w5) of the second recess (660b). The width (w5) of the second recess (660b) may be greater than the width (w6) of the third recess (660c).

[0171] For example, referring to FIG. 8E, the second support plate (610) may include support portions (630a, 630b, 630c) that separate a plurality of recesses (660), respectively. The lengths of each of the support portions (630a, 630b, 630c) may be different from each other. For example, the first support portion (630a), the second support portion (630b), and the third support portion (630c) may be sequentially arranged in a direction from the second portion (612) of the second support plate (610) toward the first portion (611) (e.g., in the -y direction). The first support portion (630a) may be disposed between the first recess (660a) and the second recess (660b). The second support portion (630b) may be disposed between the second recess (660b) and the third recess (660c). The third support portion (630c) may be disposed between the third recess (660c) and the fourth recess (660d). The length (l1) of the first support portion (630a) may be smaller than the length (l2) of the second support portion (630b). The length (l2) of the second support portion (630b) may be smaller than the length (l3) of the third support portion (630c).

[0172] Referring again to FIGS. 8d and 8e, the heights of each of the plurality of recesses (660) may be different from each other. For example, the plurality of recesses (660) may include a first recess (660a), a second recess (660b), a third recess (660c), and a fourth recess (660d) sequentially arranged in a direction (e.g., in the -y direction) from the second portion (612) of the second support plate (610) toward the first portion (611). The height (h1) of the first recess (660a) may be greater than the height (h2) of the second recess (660b). The height (h2) of the second recess (660b) may be greater than the height (h3) of the third recess (660c). The height (h3) of the third recess (660c) may be greater than the height (h4) of the fourth recess (660d). However, this is not limited thereto.

[0173] For example, the plurality of slits (650) or the plurality of recesses (660) may each have different sizes. For example, in the direction from the second part (612) of the second support plate (610) toward the first part (611) (e.g., in the -y direction), the plurality of slits (650) or the plurality of recesses (660) may be formed to have a smaller size within the pattern (620). The pattern (620) may include the plurality of slits (650) or the plurality of recesses (660) formed in various sizes or various shapes, thereby reducing damage to the second support plate (610) and reducing wrinkles of the flexible display (510) that may be visible from the outside.

[0174] Referring to FIG. 8F, the pattern (620) may include a plurality of slits (650) and a plurality of recesses (660). For example, a portion of the pattern (620) may include a plurality of slits (650), and the remaining portion of the pattern (620) may include a plurality of recesses (660). The plurality of slits (650) and the plurality of recesses (660) may be formed in various sizes or various shapes, as illustrated in FIGS. 8B to 8E. By including the plurality of slits (650) and the plurality of recesses (660), the pattern (620) may reduce damage to the second support plate (610) and reduce wrinkles of the flexible display (510) that may be visible from the outside.

[0175] According to the above-described embodiment, the second support plate (610) includes a pattern (620) that forms an irregular pattern within the second portion (612), thereby reducing the formation of wrinkles in the flexible display (510) by the plurality of support bars (520).

[0176] Figure 9a is a partially exploded perspective view of an exemplary electronic device. Figures 9b, 9c, and 9d are partial cross-sectional views of the exemplary electronic device.

[0177] Referring to FIG. 9A, an electronic device (101) may include a housing (e.g., housing (200) of FIG. 2A). The electronic device (101) may include a flexible display (e.g., display (230) of FIG. 2A, flexible display (510) of FIG. 5A) that includes a first region (e.g., region (230a) of FIG. 2A, first region (511) of FIG. 5A) on the housing (200), and a deformable second region (e.g., region (230b) of FIG. 2C, second region (512) of FIG. 5A) that extends from the first region (511) and is configured to be at least partially rolled into the housing (200) or exposed to the outside of the housing (200). The electronic device (101) may include a plurality of support bars (e.g., a plurality of support bars (520) of FIG. 5A) within the housing (200) that support at least a portion of the flexible display (510). The electronic device (101) may include a second support plate (610) that is at least partially disposed between the plurality of support bars (520) and the flexible display (510) and includes a pattern (620) that includes at least one of a plurality of slits (650) and a plurality of recesses (660). A first vertical direction associated with the plurality of support bars (520) may be different from a second vertical direction associated with the plurality of slits (650) or the plurality of recesses (660). For example, a direction in which each of the patterns (620) extends may be different from a direction in which each of the plurality of support bars (520) extends. According to one embodiment, the housing (200) may include a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 2a) on which a first region (511) is disposed, and a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 2a) configured to deform a second region (512) by moving in a first direction (261) and a second direction (262) opposite to the first direction (261) with respect to the first housing (210).

[0178] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a third support plate (910) attached on a first side (610a) of the second support plate (610) facing the flexible display (510). The third support plate (910) may include another pattern (920) that at least partially overlaps the pattern (620) of the second support plate (610). The plurality of other patterns (920) may be different from the pattern (620).

[0179] For example, the third support plate (910) may be disposed between the first surface (610a) of the second support plate (610) and the flexible display (510). A plurality of support bars (520) and / or the first support plate (e.g., the first support plate (530) of FIG. 5B) may be attached to the second surface (610b) of the second support plate (610) opposite to the first surface (610a). For example, the third support plate (910) may be laminated onto the second support plate (610). For example, the third support plate (910) may be interposed between the second support plate (610) and the flexible display (510).

[0180] For example, the second support plate (610) may include a first part (611) that supports a first area (511) of the flexible display (510), and a second part (612) on a plurality of support bars (520) that support a second area (512) of the flexible display (510) and include a pattern (620). The third support plate (910) may include a third part (911) that is disposed on the first part and supports the first area (511), and a fourth part (912) that supports the second area (512) and includes a plurality of different patterns (920). The third part (911) may be joined to the first part (611). The fourth part (912) may be joined to the second part (612). At least some of the plurality of other patterns (920) may overlap with the pattern (620). For example, the plurality of other patterns (920) may be different from the pattern (620). For example, the patterns (620) may extend in a first direction (261) and a fourth direction (264) inclined to a third direction (263) perpendicular to the first direction (261), respectively. The plurality of other patterns (920) that at least partially overlap with the pattern (620) may extend in a direction different from the fourth direction (264). For example, the plurality of other patterns (920) may extend in a third direction (263), which is a direction in which the plurality of openings (540) in the first support plate (530) illustrated in FIG. 5A extend. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0181] For example, the first part (611) of the second support plate (610) may include a flat first support area (611a), and a second support area (611b) including a pattern (720) and connecting the first support area (611a) and the second part (612). The third part (911) of the third support plate (910) may include a flat third support area (911a) and a fourth support area (911b) that is laminated onto the first support area (611a), and includes another pattern (930) and connecting the third support area (911a) and the fourth part (912). The fourth support area (911b) may be laminated onto the second support area (611b). The other pattern (930) may at least partially overlap the pattern (720). The pattern (p4) of the above-described other pattern (930) may be different from the pattern (p3) of the above-described pattern (720). However, it is not limited thereto.

[0182] Although the electronic device (101) is described as including a second support plate (610) and a third support plate (910), it is not limited thereto. The electronic device (101) may include a plurality of support plates that are at least partially disposed on a plurality of support bars (520) and include a pattern in which at least a portion of the support plates extend in a direction different from a direction in which the plurality of support bars (520) extend (e.g., the third direction (263)). The electronic device (101) may reduce wrinkling of the flexible display (510) caused by the plurality of support bars (520) by including a stacked structure of the plurality of support plates.

[0183] Referring to FIG. 9b, the pattern (620) of the second support plate (610) may include a plurality of slits (650). Another pattern (920) of the third support plate (910) disposed on the second support plate (610) may include a plurality of other slits (950) that at least partially overlap with the plurality of slits (650). Referring to FIG. 9c, the pattern (620) of the second plate (610) may include a plurality of recesses (660). Another pattern (920) of the third support plate (910) disposed on the second support plate (610) may include a plurality of other slits (950) that at least partially overlap with the plurality of recesses (660). Referring to FIG. 9d, the pattern (620) of the second plate (610) may include a plurality of recesses (660). Another pattern (920) of the third support plate (910) disposed on the second support plate (610) may include a plurality of other recesses (960) that at least partially overlap with the plurality of recesses (660). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The embodiments of FIGS. 9b to 9d are exemplary, and the electronic device (101) may include a plurality of support plates, each of which includes a pattern including a plurality of slits and / or a plurality of recesses. The electronic device (101) may reduce wrinkles in the flexible display (510) supported by the plurality of support plates by configuring the patterns of each of the plurality of support plates to overlap each other.

[0184] According to the above-described embodiment, the electronic device (101) can reduce the formation of wrinkles in the flexible display (510) by the plurality of support bars (520) by including a third support plate (910) including a plurality of different patterns (920) and stacked on the second support plate (610).

[0185] According to the above-described embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a housing (e.g., housing (200) of FIG. 2A) including a first housing part (e.g., first housing (210) of FIG. 2A) and a second housing part (e.g., second housing (220) of FIG. 2A) movably coupled to the first housing part (210) between a retracted position and an extended position. The electronic device may include a flexible display (e.g., display (230) of FIG. 2A, flexible display (510) of FIG. 5A) including a first region on the housing (e.g., region (230a) of FIG. 2A, first region (511) of FIG. 5A) and a second region (e.g., region (230b) of FIG. 2C, second region (512) of FIG. 5A) extending from the first region and positioned at least partially inside the housing according to movement of the second housing part (220). The electronic device may include a plurality of support bars (e.g., a plurality of support bars (520) of FIG. 5A) supporting at least a portion of the flexible display. The electronic device may include a support plate (e.g., a second support plate (610) of FIG. 6a) that is at least partially disposed between the plurality of support bars and the flexible display and includes a pattern (e.g., a pattern (620) of FIG. 6b) that includes at least one of a plurality of slits (e.g., a plurality of slits (650) of FIG. 6c) and a plurality of recesses (e.g., a plurality of recesses (660) of FIG. 6d). A first longitudinal direction of the plurality of support bars may be different from a second longitudinal direction of the pattern. According to the above-mentioned embodiment, the flexible display may provide a variety of user experiences to a user by including the deformable second region.The above support plate can reduce the formation of wrinkles in the flexible display by the plurality of support bars by including the pattern extending in a direction different from the direction in which the plurality of support bars extend. The above-mentioned embodiment can have various effects including the above-mentioned effects.

[0186] According to one embodiment, the plurality of support bars may support the second region among the first region and the second region. The support plate may further include a first portion attached to the first region and flat and not having the pattern formed thereon (e.g., the first portion (611) of FIG. 6A), and a second portion extending from the first portion and having the pattern formed thereon (e.g., the second portion (612) of FIG. 6A). According to the above-mentioned embodiment, the support plate may reduce formation of wrinkles in the second region by the plurality of support bars by including the second portion having the pattern formed thereon. The above-mentioned embodiment may have various effects including the above-mentioned effects.

[0187] According to one embodiment, the second housing part may be configured to deform the second region by moving in a first direction (e.g., the first direction (261) of FIG. 2A) and a second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., the second direction (262) of FIG. 2A) with respect to the first housing. According to the above-mentioned embodiment, the electronic device may provide a variety of user experiences to the user by including the first housing part and the second housing part that is movable with respect to the first housing part. The above-mentioned embodiment may have a variety of effects including the above-mentioned effects.

[0188] According to one embodiment, the first longitudinal direction may correspond to a third direction perpendicular to the second direction (e.g., the third direction (263) of FIG. 5A). The second longitudinal direction may correspond to a fourth direction inclined with respect to the first direction and the third direction (e.g., the fourth direction (264) of FIG. 6E). According to the above-mentioned embodiment, the support plate may reduce formation of wrinkles in the flexible display by the plurality of support bars by including the pattern extending in a direction different from the direction in which the plurality of support bars extend, respectively. The above-mentioned embodiment may have various effects including the above-mentioned effects.

[0189] According to one embodiment, the angle between the third direction and the fourth direction (e.g., a in FIG. 6e) may be positioned within a range of 5 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less. According to the above-mentioned embodiment, the support plate may include the pattern extending in a direction different from the direction in which the plurality of support bars extend, thereby reducing the formation of wrinkles in the flexible display by the plurality of support bars. The above-mentioned embodiment may have various effects including the above-mentioned effects.

[0190] According to one embodiment, the angle between the first longitudinal direction and the second longitudinal direction may be positioned within a range of 10 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less.

[0191] According to one embodiment, the angle between the direction in which the plurality of support bars extend and the direction in which the pattern extends may be positioned within a range of 20 degrees to 30 degrees or less.

[0192] According to one embodiment, the support plate may further include a first portion that is flat and attached to the first region, and a second portion between the plurality of support bars extending from the first portion and having the pattern formed thereon and the second region. The second portion may include a plurality of partial regions (e.g., the plurality of partial regions (615) of FIG. 6E) that divide the second portion and are arranged in a first direction. The pattern may be arranged in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction within each of the plurality of partial regions. According to the above-mentioned embodiment, the support plate may reduce formation of wrinkles in the flexible display by the plurality of support bars by including the plurality of partial regions forming various patterns. The above-mentioned embodiment may have various effects including the above-mentioned effects.

[0193] According to one embodiment, the plurality of partial regions may include a first partial region (e.g., the first partial region (615-1) of FIG. 6G) including a first pattern (e.g., the first pattern (621) of FIG. 6G) extending in a fourth direction inclined with respect to the first direction and the third direction, and a second partial region (e.g., the second partial region (615-2) of FIG. 6G) including a second pattern (e.g., the second pattern (622) of FIG. 6G) connected to the first partial region and extending in a fifth direction perpendicular to the fourth direction. According to the above-mentioned embodiment, the support plate may reduce formation of wrinkles in the flexible display by the plurality of support bars by including the plurality of partial regions forming various patterns. The above-mentioned embodiment may have various effects including the above-mentioned effects.

[0194] According to one embodiment, the first region may have a major axis in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. The plurality of support bars may each have a major axis in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The pattern may each have a major axis in a fourth direction inclined with respect to the first direction and the third direction. According to the above-mentioned embodiment, the support plate may reduce the formation of wrinkles in the flexible display by the plurality of support bars by including the pattern extending in a direction different from the direction in which the plurality of support bars extend. The above-mentioned embodiment may have various effects including the above-mentioned effects.

[0195] According to one embodiment, the support plate may further include a plurality of support portions (e.g., a plurality of support portions (630) of FIG. 6E) extending in the fourth direction, respectively separating the plurality of slits or the plurality of recesses, and a plurality of bridges (e.g., a plurality of bridges (640) of FIG. 6E) connecting the plurality of support portions to form the pattern. The plurality of support portions may be arranged in a fifth direction perpendicular to the fourth direction. According to the above-mentioned embodiment, the support plate may reduce formation of wrinkles in the flexible display by the plurality of support bars by including the plurality of support portions and the plurality of bridges forming various patterns. The above-mentioned embodiment may have various effects including the above-mentioned effects.

[0196] According to one embodiment, the plurality of bridges may be arranged irregularly within the support plate. According to the above-mentioned embodiment, the support plate may include the plurality of bridges forming various patterns, thereby reducing the formation of wrinkles in the flexible display by the plurality of support bars. The above-mentioned embodiment may have various effects, including the effects mentioned above.

[0197] According to one embodiment, the pattern may include first slits (e.g., first slits (651) of FIG. 8A) having a first length in a fourth direction (e.g., d1 of FIG. 8A), and second slits (e.g., second slits (652) of FIG. 8A) having a second length (e.g., d2 of FIG. 8A) smaller than the first length in the fourth direction. According to the above-mentioned embodiment, the support plate may reduce formation of wrinkles in the flexible display by the plurality of support bars by including the pattern extending in a direction different from the direction in which the plurality of support bars extend, respectively. The above-mentioned embodiment may have various effects including the above-mentioned effects.

[0198] According to one embodiment, the patterns may each have a width (e.g., w in FIG. 6E) specified in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the patterns extend. According to the above-mentioned embodiment, the support plate may reduce the formation of wrinkles in the flexible display by the plurality of support bars by including the patterns extending in a direction different from the direction in which the plurality of support bars extend. The above-mentioned embodiment may have various effects including the above-mentioned effects.

[0199] According to one embodiment, the support plate may further include a first portion that is attached to the first region and includes a flat first support region (e.g., the first support region (611a) of FIG. 7A), and a second support region (e.g., the second support region (611b) of FIG. 7B) that is connected to the first support region and includes a pattern (e.g., the pattern (720) of FIG. 7A). The support plate may further include a second portion that extends from the second support region and is between the plurality of support bars on which the pattern is formed and the second region. According to the above-mentioned embodiment, the support plate may reduce visibility of a boundary between the first portion and the second portion by including the second support region that includes the plurality of through holes, and may reduce damage to the support plate due to external impact. The above-mentioned embodiment may have various effects including the above-mentioned effects.

[0200] According to one embodiment, the pattern within the second support region may be different from the pattern within the second portion. According to the above-mentioned embodiment, the support plate may include the second support region including the plurality of through holes, thereby reducing the visibility of the boundary between the first portion and the second portion and reducing damage to the support plate due to external impact. The above-mentioned embodiment may have various effects including the above-mentioned effects.

[0201] An electronic device according to one embodiment may further include another support plate (e.g., a third support plate (910) of FIG. 9A) attached to one side of the support plate facing the flexible display (e.g., a first side (610a) of FIG. 9A) and including a plurality of other patterns (e.g., a plurality of other patterns (920) of FIG. 9A) that at least partially overlap with the pattern. The other patterns may be different from the pattern. According to the above-mentioned embodiment, the electronic device may reduce formation of wrinkles on the flexible display by the plurality of support bars together with the support plate by including the other support plate including the plurality of other patterns. The above-mentioned embodiment may have various effects including the above-mentioned effects.

[0202] An electronic device according to one embodiment may include a housing including a first housing part and a second housing part movable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the first housing part. The electronic device may include a flexible display including a first region disposed on the first housing part and a deformable second region extending from the first region and configured to be at least partially rolled into the interior of the housing or exposed to the exterior of the housing. The electronic device may include a plurality of support bars within the housing that support the second region of the flexible display. The electronic device may include a first support plate (e.g., the second support plate (610) of FIG. 6A) disposed at least partially between the flexible displays and including a pattern including at least one of a plurality of slits and a plurality of recesses. The electronic device may include a second support plate (e.g., the third support plate (910) of FIG. 9A) attached to one side of the first support plate facing the flexible display and including another pattern that at least partially overlaps the pattern. A first vertical direction associated with the plurality of support bars may be different from a second vertical direction associated with the plurality of slits or the plurality of recesses. According to the above-mentioned embodiment, the flexible display may provide a variety of user experiences to a user by including the second region that is deformable. The housing may provide a variety of user experiences to a user by including the first housing and a second housing that is movable relative to the first housing. The first support plate may include the pattern that extends in a direction different from a direction in which the plurality of support bars extend, thereby reducing formation of wrinkles in the flexible display by the plurality of support bars.The above-mentioned embodiments may have various effects including the above-mentioned effects.

[0203] According to one embodiment, the first vertical direction may correspond to a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The second vertical direction may correspond to a fourth direction inclined with respect to the first direction and the third direction. According to the above-mentioned embodiment, the support plate may reduce the formation of wrinkles in the flexible display by the plurality of support bars by including the pattern extending in a direction different from the direction in which the plurality of support bars extend respectively. The above-mentioned embodiment may have various effects including the above-mentioned effects.

[0204] According to one embodiment, the angle between the third direction and the fourth direction may be positioned within a range of 5 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less. According to the above-mentioned embodiment, the support plate may include the pattern extending in a direction different from the direction in which the plurality of support bars extend, thereby reducing the formation of wrinkles in the flexible display by the plurality of support bars. The above-mentioned embodiment may have various effects including the above-mentioned effects.

[0205] According to one embodiment, the first plate may include a plurality of partial regions that divide at least a portion of the first plate and are arranged in a first direction. The pattern may be arranged in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction within each of the plurality of partial regions. According to the above-mentioned embodiment, the support plate may reduce the formation of wrinkles in the flexible display by the plurality of support bars by including the plurality of partial regions that form various patterns. The above-mentioned embodiment may have various effects including the above-mentioned effects.

[0206] In one embodiment, the first support plate may further include a first portion attached to the first region, the first support region being flat, and a second portion connected to the first support region and including a pattern different from the pattern, and a second portion extending from the second support region and between the plurality of support bars having the pattern formed thereon and the second region.

[0207] 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, electronic devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0208] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0209] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0210] 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.

[0211] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this 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.

[0212] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (101), A housing (200) comprising a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220) movably coupled to the first housing part (210) between a reduced position and an extended position; A flexible display (230; 510) comprising a first region (230a; 511) and a second region (230b; 512) extending from the first region (230a; 511) and positioned at least partially within the housing (200) according to movement of the second housing part (220); A plurality of support bars (520) supporting at least a portion of the flexible display (230; 510); and A support plate (610) including a pattern (620) that is at least partially positioned between the plurality of support bars (520) and the flexible display (230; 510) and includes at least one of a plurality of slits (650) and a plurality of recesses (660); The first longitudinal direction of the above plurality of support bars (520) is Different from the second longitudinal direction of the above pattern (620), Electronic device (101).

2. In paragraph 1, The above multiple support bars (520) are, Supporting the second region (230b; 512) among the first region (230a; 511) and the second region (230b; 512), The above support plate (610) is A first portion (611) attached to the first region (230a; 511) and flat and on which the pattern (620) is not formed; and Further comprising a second portion (612) extending from the first portion (611) and having the pattern (620) formed thereon; Electronic device (101).

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, The above second housing part (220) is, configured to deform the second region (230b; 512) by moving in a first direction (261) and a second direction (262) opposite to the first direction (261) with respect to the first housing part (210). Electronic device (101).

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The above first longitudinal direction is, Corresponding to the third direction (263) perpendicular to the first direction (261) and the second direction (262), The above second longitudinal direction is, Corresponding to the fourth direction (264) tilted with respect to the first direction (261) and the third direction (263), respectively, Electronic device (101).

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The angle (a) between the third direction (263) and the fourth direction (264) is Located within a range of 5 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less, Electronic device (101).

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The angle between the first longitudinal direction and the second longitudinal direction is, Located within a range of 10 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less, Electronic device (101).

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The angle between the direction in which the above plurality of support bars (520) extend and the direction in which the above pattern (620) extends is Located within a range of 20 degrees or more and 30 degrees or less, Electronic device (101).

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The above first area (230a; 511) is having a longitudinal axis in a first direction (261) and a second direction (262) opposite to the first direction (261), The above multiple support bars (520) are, Each has a longitudinal axis in a third direction (263) perpendicular to the first direction (261) and the second direction (262), The above pattern (620) is Each of which has a longitudinal axis in a fourth direction (264) inclined with respect to the first direction (261) and the third direction (263), Electronic device (101).

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The above support plate (610) is A plurality of support parts (630) that separate the plurality of slits (650) or the plurality of recesses (660), respectively, and extend in the fourth direction (264); and It further includes a plurality of bridges (640) that form the pattern (620) by respectively connecting the plurality of support parts (630); The above multiple support parts (630) are, Listed in the fifth direction (265) perpendicular to the fourth direction (264), Electronic device (101).

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, The above plurality of bridges (640) are, Each of which is irregularly arranged within the support plate (610), Electronic devices (101).

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, The above pattern (620) is First slits (651) having a first length (d1) in the fourth direction (264); and Including second slits (652) having a second length (d2) smaller than the first length (d1) in the fourth direction (264); Electronic devices (101).

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, The above pattern (620) is Each pattern (620) has a width (w) specified in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which it extends. Electronic devices (101).

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, The above support plate (610) is A first part (611) attached to the first region (230a; 511) and including a flat first support region (611a), and a second support region (611b) connected to the first support region (611a) and including a pattern (720); and Further comprising a second portion (612) between the plurality of support bars (520) extending from the second support area (611b) and having the pattern (620) formed thereon and the second area (230b; 512); Electronic devices (101).

14. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, The shape of the pattern (720) within the second support area (611b) is Different from the shape of the pattern (620) in the second part (612), Electronic devices (101).

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, Another support plate (910) is attached to one side (610a) of the support plate (610) facing the flexible display (230; 510) and includes another pattern (920) that at least partially overlaps the pattern (620); The above other pattern (920) is, Different from the above pattern (620), Electronic devices (101).

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