Electronic device comprising rack gear guide structure

Abstract

According to various embodiments, an electronic device may comprise: a first housing; a second housing slidably coupled to the first housing; a driving motor which includes a pinion gear, and which provides a driving force for sliding of the first housing and / or the second housing; a motor bracket for supporting the driving motor; a rack gear which is gear-coupled with the pinion gear so as to perform linear motion corresponding to the rotational motion of the pinion gear according to the driving of the driving motor, and which is disposed to be supported by the motor bracket; at least one guide groove formed in the rack gear; and at least one guide protrusion formed in the motor bracket so as to be accommodated in the at least one guide groove.

Description

Electronic device including a rack gear guide structure

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device including a rack gear guide structure.

[0002] Electronic devices are becoming increasingly slimmer, more rigid, and more design-oriented, while simultaneously being developed to differentiate their functional elements. Electronic devices are moving beyond their standard rectangular form factor and are evolving into increasingly diverse shapes. Electronic devices may have a transformable structure that is both portable and capable of utilizing large-screen displays. Electronic devices may include rollable electronic devices (e.g., slideable electronic devices) that can vary the display area of ​​a flexible display (e.g., a rollable display) by supporting housings that slide relative to each other. Rollable electronic devices may require an efficient arrangement of actuators (e.g., drive modules) that can automatically slide one housing relative to the other.

[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] An electronic device may include a rollable electronic device (e.g., a slidable electronic device) in which a display area of ​​a flexible display (e.g., a rollable display, an expandable display, or a stretchable display) may be expanded and / or contracted depending on an operating state. The rollable electronic device may include a first housing and a second housing coupled to be slidably operable relative to each other. For example, the first housing and the second housing may support at least a portion of the flexible display, such that the flexible display is induced to have a first display area in a slid-in state, and is induced to have a second display area larger than the first display area in a slid-out state.

[0005] A rollable electronic device may include a driving unit (e.g., a driving module) disposed in one of a housing (e.g., a first housing or a second housing) of the electronic device, and providing a driving force to reciprocally operate one of the housings (e.g., a second housing) to slide within a predetermined distance relative to one of the housings (e.g., a first housing) held by a user, and may include a driving motor including a pinion gear, and a rack gear disposed in the other of the housings (e.g., the second housing or the first housing) and gear-engaged with the pinion gear. For example, when a driving motor including a pinion gear is disposed in the first housing or the second housing, a rack gear (e.g., a rack or a rack structure) having a length along a sliding direction and gear-engaged with the pinion gear may be disposed in the other of the housings.

[0006] The rack gear may have a length corresponding to the reciprocating movement distance (e.g., slide stroke) of the second housing relative to the first housing of the rollable electronic device, and may have a support structure in the form of a cantilever that is fixed at one end to one housing and extends into the internal space of the other housing. Such a support structure may have reduced operational reliability due to phenomena such as tilting (moving vertically) or pitching (moving horizontally) occurring during operation. In addition, the driving force may be reduced and noise may be generated due to energy loss caused by changes in the distance between the gear teeth of the pinion gear and the gear teeth of the rack gear. Furthermore, the electronic device is highly susceptible to damage when subjected to external impacts such as dropping, and may have poor rigidity.

[0007] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an electronic device including a rack gear guide structure that may help improve driving force.

[0008] Various embodiments may provide an electronic device including a rack gear guide structure that may help improve operational reliability by reducing pitching and / or tilting phenomena and noise generation.

[0009] Various embodiments may provide an electronic device including a rack gear guide structure that can help reduce the possibility of damage due to external impact and reinforce rigidity.

[0010] However, the problem to be solved in this disclosure is not limited to the problem mentioned above, and may be expanded in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0011] According to various embodiments, an electronic device may include a first housing, a second housing slidably coupled with the first housing, a drive motor including a pinion gear and configured to provide a driving force for sliding at least one of the first housing and the second housing, a motor bracket supporting the drive motor, a rack gear gear-coupled with the pinion gear and arranged to be supported by the motor bracket so as to perform a linear movement corresponding to a rotational movement of the pinion gear according to driving of the drive motor, at least one guide groove (groove or recess) formed in the rack gear, and at least one guide protrusion formed in the motor bracket to be received in the at least one guide groove.

[0012] According to various embodiments, an electronic device may include a first housing, a second housing slidably coupled with the first housing, a drive motor including a pinion gear and configured to provide a driving force for sliding at least one of the first housing and the second housing, a motor bracket supporting the drive motor, a rack gear gear-coupled with the pinion gear and arranged to be supported by the motor bracket so as to perform a linear movement corresponding to a rotational movement of the pinion gear according to driving of the drive motor, at least one guide groove formed in the rack gear, and at least one ball guide structure arranged to be received in the at least one guide groove in the motor bracket.

[0013] Electronic devices according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may include a rack gear guide structure configured via a motor bracket and a rack gear. The rack gear guide structure may help improve driving force, reduce noise, and enhance impact resistance by reducing unnecessary movement of the rack gear during sliding operation.

[0014] In addition, various effects may be provided, either directly or indirectly, through this document.

[0015] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0016] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating the front and back of an electronic device in a slide-in state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating the front and back of an electronic device in a slid-out state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 3c is a drawing showing the front of an electronic device in an additional withdrawal state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device taken along line 5A-5A of FIG. 2A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device taken along line 5b-5b of FIG. 3a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 6A is a drawing showing a state in which a pinion gear and a rack gear are gear-coupled through a motor housing according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 6b is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a pinion gear and a rack gear are gear-engaged, as seen along line 6b-6b of FIG. 6a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 6c is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a pinion gear and a rack gear are gear-engaged, as seen along line 6c-6c of FIG. 6a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second rear cover including a pair of guide walls according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a rack gear is guided by a pair of guide walls of FIG. 7 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 9A is a drawing showing a state in which a pinion gear and a rack gear are gear-coupled through a motor housing according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 9b is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a pinion gear and a rack gear are gear-engaged, as seen along line 9b-9b of FIG. 9a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIGS. 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams illustrating a joining process of a ball guide structure according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a rack gear coupled with a pinion gear according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is guided through a ball guide structure.

[0033] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a second rear cover including a pair of guide walls according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 12b is a drawing illustrating a state in which ball guide structures according to various embodiments of the present disclosure are coupled to a pair of guide walls.

[0035] FIG. 13a is a drawing illustrating a state in which a rack gear is guided on a pair of guide walls through ball guide structures according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 13b is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device taken along line 13b-13b of FIG. 13a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 14A is a drawing of a ball plunger according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 14b is a drawing showing a part of the ball plunger of FIG. 14a cut off according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). 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)).

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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, in the electronic device (101) itself where artificial intelligence is performed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0044] 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).

[0045] 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).

[0046] 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).

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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).

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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).

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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).

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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).

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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 selected at least one 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).

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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)).

[0062] 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.

[0063] According to various embodiments, the sensor module (176) may include a movement distance detection sensor for detecting a movement distance of a second housing (e.g., a second housing (220) of FIG. 4) from a first housing (e.g., a first housing (210) of FIG. 4) of an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (200) of FIG. 4). In one embodiment, the sensor module (176) may detect a first state, in which the second housing (220) is fully retracted from the first housing (210), a second state, in which the second housing is fully withdrawn from the first housing (210), a withdrawal state, or an intermediate state between the retracted state and the withdrawal state. In some embodiments, the processor (120) may detect, in real time, the movement distance while the second housing (220) is moved from the first housing (210) through the sensor module (176), and may display the movement distance on a flexible display (e.g., a flexible display (230) of FIG. 4). The display module (160) may be controlled to display an object corresponding to the changing display area. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a drive motor control module (181) for controlling the operation of a drive motor (e.g., a DC motor or a stepping motor) (e.g., the drive motor (260) of FIG. 4) disposed inside the electronic device. In some embodiments, the drive motor control module (181) may be replaced with a processor (120).

[0064] FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating the front and back of an electronic device in a slide-in state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating the front and back of an electronic device in a slide-out state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0065] The electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2A to 3B may be at least partially similar to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, or may further include other embodiments of the electronic device.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 2A to 3B, the electronic device (200) may include a first housing (210) (e.g., a book cover or a first housing structure), a second housing (220) (e.g., a front cover or a second housing structure) slidably coupled from the first housing (210) in a specified direction (e.g., direction ① or direction ②) (e.g., ± y-axis direction), and a flexible display (230) (e.g., a rollable display, an expandable display, or a stretchable display) arranged to be supported by at least a portion of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the second housing (220) may be slidably coupled to the first housing (210) so as to be slid out in a first direction (direction ①) or slid in in a second direction (direction ②) opposite to the first direction (direction ①) with respect to the first housing (210). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may be changed to a slid-in state as a first state by accommodating at least a portion of the second housing (220) in at least a portion of the first space (2101) formed by the first housing (210). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may be changed to a slid-out state as a second state by moving at least a portion of the second housing (220) outward (e.g., direction ①) from the first space (2101). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a support member (e.g., support member (240) of FIG. 4) (e.g., a bendable member, a multi-joint hinge module, a multi-bar assembly, a support bar assembly, or a multi-bar) that, in an extended state, forms at least partially the same plane as at least a portion of the second housing (220), and that, in an inward state, is received in a bendable manner into the first space (2101) of the first housing (210).In one embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible display (230) may be arranged to be supported by at least a portion of the second housing (220). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the remaining portion of the flexible display (230) may be arranged to be supported by a support member (240) (e.g., the support member (240) of FIG. 4 ). In one embodiment, the support member (e.g., the support member (240) of FIG. 4 ) may be arranged in a manner that is attached to the back surface of the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible display (230) may be accommodated in a bendable manner into the first space (2101) of the first housing (210) while being supported by the support member (e.g., the support member (240) of FIG. 4 ) in a retracted state, thereby being arranged to be invisible from the outside. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible display (230) can be moved to be visible from the outside while being supported by a support member (e.g., support member (240) of FIG. 4) that forms at least partially the same plane as the second housing (220) in the extended state.

[0067] According to various embodiments, the first housing (210) may include a first side member (211), and the second housing (220) may include a second side member (221). In one embodiment, the first side member (211) may be disposed on a lower side of the electronic device (200) and may include a first side member (2111) having a first length, a second side member (2112) extending in a vertical direction (e.g., in the y-axis direction) from one end of the first side member (2111) and having a second length, and a third side member (2113) extending parallel to the second side member (2112) from the other end of the first side member (2111) and having a second length. In one embodiment, the first side member (211) may be formed at least partially of a conductive material (e.g., metal). In some embodiments, the first side member (211) may be formed by combining a conductive member and a non-conductive member (e.g., a polymer). In one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first extension member (212) extending from at least a portion of the first side member (211) to at least a portion of the first space (2101). In one embodiment, the first extension member (212) may be formed integrally with the first side member (211). In some embodiments, the first extension member (212) may be formed separately from the first side member (211) and structurally coupled to the first side member (211).

[0068] According to various embodiments, the second side member (221) may be disposed on an upper side of the electronic device (200) and may include a fourth side (2211) having a third length, a fifth side (2212) extending from one end of the fourth side (2211) in a direction perpendicular to the second side (2112) (e.g., in the - y-axis direction) and having a fourth length, and a sixth side (2213) extending from the other end of the fourth side (2211) in a direction parallel to the fifth side (2212) and having a fourth length, and corresponding to the third side (2113). In one embodiment, the second side member (221) may be formed at least partially of a conductive member (e.g., a metal). In some embodiments, the second side member (221) may be formed by combining a conductive member and a non-conductive member (e.g., a polymer). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the second side member (221) may include a second extension member (222) that extends to at least a portion of the second space (2201) of the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the second extension member (222) may be formed integrally with the second side member (221). In some embodiments, the second extension member (222) may be formed separately from the second side member (221) and structurally coupled to the second side member (221).

[0069] According to various embodiments, the second side (2112) and the fifth side (2212) may be slidably coupled to each other. In one embodiment, the third side (2113) and the sixth side (2213) may be slidably coupled to each other. In one embodiment, in the retracted state, a portion of the fifth side (2212) may overlap with the second side (2112) so as to be substantially invisible from the outside. In one embodiment, in the retracted state, a remaining portion of the fifth side (2212) may be arranged so as to be visible from the outside. In some embodiments, in the retracted state, the fifth side (2212) may be arranged so as to overlap with the second side (2112) so as to be substantially invisible from the outside. In one embodiment, in the retracted state, a portion of the sixth side (2213) may be arranged so as to be substantially invisible from the outside by overlapping with the third side (2113). In one embodiment, in the retracted state, the remaining portion of the sixth side (2213) may be arranged to be visible from the outside. In some embodiments, in the retracted state, the sixth side (2213) may be arranged to overlap with the third side (2113) so as to be substantially invisible from the outside. In one embodiment, a portion of the second extension member (222) may be arranged to be visible from the outside in the retracted state. In some embodiments, in the retracted state, the second extension member (222) may be arranged to overlap with the first extension member (212) so as to be substantially invisible from the outside.

[0070] According to various embodiments, the first housing (210) may include a first rear cover (213) coupled with at least a portion of the first side member (211). In one embodiment, the first rear cover (213) may be arranged in such a way that it couples with at least a portion of the first extension member (212). In some embodiments, the first rear cover (213) may be formed integrally with the first side member (211). In one embodiment, the first rear cover (213) may be formed of a polymer, a coated or colored glass, a ceramic, a metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of these materials. In some embodiments, the first rear cover (213) may extend to at least a portion of the first side member (211). In some embodiments, the first rear cover (213) may be omitted, and at least a portion of the first extension member (212) may be replaced with the first rear cover (213).

[0071] According to various embodiments, the second housing (220) may include a second rear cover (223) coupled with at least a portion of the second side member (221). In one embodiment, the second rear cover (223) may be arranged in such a way that it couples with at least a portion of the second extension member (222). In one embodiment, the second rear cover (223) may be formed integrally with the second side member (221). In one embodiment, the second rear cover (223) may be formed of a polymer, a coated or colored glass, a ceramic, a metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of these materials. In some embodiments, the second rear cover (223) may extend to at least a portion of the second side member (221). In some embodiments, the second rear cover (223) may be omitted, and at least a portion of the second extension member (222) may be replaced with the second rear cover (223). In some embodiments, the second extension member (222) may be omitted, and the second rear cover (223) may be replaced with the second extension member (222). In one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include a window cover (224) disposed on at least a portion of the second rear cover. In one embodiment, the window cover (224) may be disposed in an area exposed to the outside of the second housing (220) when in the retracted state, and may be formed of a material that facilitates detection of the external environment through at least one camera module (216) and / or sensor module (217) disposed in the internal space (2201) of the second housing (220). For example, the window cover (224) may be formed of a glass and / or polymer material in which at least an area corresponding to the camera module (216) and / or sensor module (217) is formed transparently. In some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may further include a cover member (2111a) arranged to cover at least a portion of the first side (2111) of the first housing (210).

[0072] According to various embodiments, the flexible display (230) may include a first portion (230a) (e.g., a flat portion) that is always visible from the outside, and a second portion (230b) (e.g., a bendable portion or a bending portion) that extends from the first portion (230a) and is accommodated in a manner that is at least partially bent into the first space (2101) of the first housing (210) so as not to be visible from the outside when in the retracted state. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first portion (230a) may be arranged to be supported by the second housing (220), and the remaining portion of the first portion (230a) and the second portion (230b) may be arranged to be at least partially supported by a support member (e.g., the support member (240) of FIG. 4). In one embodiment, the second part (230b) of the flexible display (230) may be arranged to form substantially the same plane as the first part (230a) and be visible from the outside while being supported by a support member (e.g., support member (240) of FIG. 4) when the second housing (220) is pulled out along the first direction (① direction). In one embodiment, the second part (230b) of the flexible display (230) may be accommodated in a manner of bending into the first space (2101) of the first housing (210) when the second housing (220) is retracted along the second direction (② direction) and may be arranged so as not to be visible from the outside. Accordingly, the display area of ​​the flexible display (230) may be varied as the second housing (220) is moved in a sliding manner from the first housing (210) in a specified direction (e.g., ±y-axis direction).

[0073] According to various embodiments, the flexible display (230) may have a first display area (e.g., an area corresponding to the first portion (230a)) in a retracted state (e.g., a first state). In one embodiment, when the flexible display (230) transitions to a retracted state (e.g., a second state) in which the second housing (220) is moved by a specific length (L1) (e.g., a sliding stroke) with respect to the first housing (210), in addition to the first display area, a second display area (e.g., an area corresponding to the second portion (230b)) corresponding to the retracted specific length (L1) may be additionally secured. For example, when the flexible display (230) transitions from the retracted state to the retracted state, the display area may be expanded.

[0074] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include at least one of an input device (e.g., a microphone (203-1)), an audio output device (e.g., a call receiver (206) and / or a speaker (207)), a sensor module (204, 217), a camera module (e.g., a first camera module (205) or a second camera module (216)), a connector port (208), a key input device (219), or an indicator (not shown) disposed in the second space (2201) of the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include another input device (e.g., a microphone (203)) disposed in the first housing (210). In some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may be configured such that at least one of the above-described components is omitted, or other components are additionally included. In some embodiments, at least one of the above-described components may be disposed in the first space (2101) of the first housing (210).

[0075] According to various embodiments, the input device may include a microphone (203-1). In some embodiments, the input device (e.g., microphone (203-1)) may include a plurality of microphones arranged to detect the direction of sound. The audio output device may include, for example, a call receiver (206) and a speaker (207). In one embodiment, the speaker (207) may be connected to the outside through at least one speaker hole formed in the second housing (220) at a location that is always exposed to the outside (e.g., the fourth side (2211)), regardless of the inlet / outlet state. In one embodiment, the connector port (208) may be connected to the outside through a connector port hole formed in the second housing (220) in the extended state. In one embodiment, the connector port (208) may be covered so as not to be visible from the outside in the inlet state. In some embodiments, the connector port (208) may be formed in the first housing (210) in an inlet state and may be externally responsive through an opening formed to correspond with the connector port hole. In some embodiments, the call receiver (206) may include an operative speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) without a separate speaker hole.

[0076] According to various embodiments, the sensor modules (204, 217) may generate electrical signals or data values ​​corresponding to the internal operating state of the electronic device (200) or the external environmental state. In one embodiment, the sensor modules (204, 217) may include, for example, a first sensor module (204) (e.g., a proximity sensor or a light sensor) disposed on the front of the electronic device (200) and / or a second sensor module (217) (e.g., a heart rate monitoring (HRM) sensor) disposed on the rear of the electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the first sensor module (204) may be disposed on the front of the electronic device (200), below the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, the first sensor module (204) and / or the second sensor module (217) may include at least one of a proximity sensor, an ambient light sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a fingerprint recognition sensor, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, or a humidity sensor.

[0077] According to various embodiments, the camera module may include a first camera module (205) disposed on the front of the electronic device (200) and a second camera module (216) disposed on the rear of the electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may also include a flash (not shown) positioned near the second camera module (216). In one embodiment, the camera modules (205, 216) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. In one embodiment, the first camera module (205) may be disposed under the flexible display (230) and configured to capture a subject through a portion of an active area (e.g., a display area) of the flexible display (230).

[0078] According to various embodiments, among the camera modules, the first camera module (205) and among the sensor modules (204, 217), the first sensor module (204) may be arranged to detect the external environment through the flexible display (230). For example, the first camera module (205) or the first sensor module (204) may be arranged in the second space (2201) of the second housing (220) so as to be in contact with the external environment through a transparent area or a perforated opening formed in the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, an area of ​​the flexible display (230) facing the first camera module (205) may be formed as a transparent area having a designated transmittance as part of an active area for displaying content. In one embodiment, the transparent area may be formed to have a transmittance in a range of about 5% to about 20%. This transparent area may include an area overlapping with the effective area (e.g., field of view area) of the first camera module (205) through which light passes to be imaged by the image sensor to create an image. For example, the transparent area of ​​the flexible display (230) may include an area with a lower pixel arrangement density and / or wiring density than the surrounding area. For example, the transparent area may be replaced with the opening described above. For example, some camera modules (205) may include an under-display camera (UDC). In some embodiments, some sensor modules (204) may be arranged to perform their functions without being visually exposed through the flexible display (230) in the second space (2201) of the second housing (220).

[0079] According to various embodiments, the retraction operation and / or the withdrawal operation of the electronic device (200) may be performed automatically. For example, the retraction operation and / or the withdrawal operation of the electronic device (200) may be performed through gear engagement of a drive motor (e.g., the drive motor (260) of FIG. 4) including a pinion gear (e.g., the pinion gear (261) of FIG. 5A) disposed in a second space (2201) of the second housing (220), and a rack gear (e.g., the rack gear (280) of FIG. 5A) disposed in the first space (2101) of the first housing (210), extending to at least a portion of the second space (2201), and coupled with the pinion gear (e.g., the pinion gear (261) of FIG. 5A). For example, when a processor of the electronic device (200) (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) detects a triggering signal for transitioning from an incoming state to an outgoing state or from an outgoing state to an incoming state, the processor may drive a drive motor (e.g., drive motor (260) of FIG. 4) disposed inside the electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the triggering signal may include a signal according to selection (e.g., touch) of an object displayed on the flexible display (230) or a signal according to operation (e.g., pressing) of a physical button (e.g., key button) included in the electronic device (200).

[0080] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) has a structure in which the second housing (220) is introduced and / or withdrawn relative to the first housing (210) along the longitudinal direction (e.g., vertical direction) (e.g., ± y-axis direction) of the electronic device (200), but is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device (200) may have a structure in which the second housing (220) is introduced and / or withdrawn relative to the first housing (210) along the width direction (e.g., horizontal direction) (e.g., ± x-axis direction) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electronic device (200). In some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may be formed such that the length of the first side (2111) of the first housing (210) is longer than the length of the second side (2112). In this case, the length of the fourth side (2211) of the second housing (220) can also be formed to be longer than the length of the fifth side (2212).

[0081] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0082] In describing the electronic device (200) of FIG. 4, the same symbols are given to components that are substantially the same as those of the electronic devices (200) of FIGS. 2A to 3B, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 4, the electronic device (200) may include a first housing (210) including a first space (2101), a second housing (220) slidably coupled from the first housing (210) and including a second space (2201), a support member (240) (e.g., a bendable member or a multi-bar assembly) fixed to at least a portion of the second housing (220) and at least partially bendably received into the first space (2101) according to an inward movement, a flexible display (230) arranged to be supported by at least a portion of the support member (240) and the second housing (220), and a driving unit (e.g., a driving module or a driving mechanism) that drives the second housing (220) from the first housing (210) in an inward direction (e.g., in the -y-axis direction) and / or an outward direction (e.g., in the y-axis direction). In one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first side member (211) and a first rear cover (213) (e.g., a first rear bracket) coupled with at least a portion of the first side member (211) (e.g., at least a portion of the first extension member (212)). In one embodiment, a first space (2101) may be formed by the first side member (211) and the first extension member (212). In some embodiments, the first space (2101) may also be formed by the coupling of the first side member (211) and the first rear cover (213).

[0084] According to various embodiments, the second housing (220) may include a second side member (221), a second rear cover (223) (e.g., a second rear bracket) coupled with at least a portion of the second side member (221) (e.g., at least a portion of the second extension member (222)). In some embodiments, the second housing (200) may further include a window cover coupled with the second rear cover (223). In one embodiment, the second space (2201) may be formed through the coupling of the second side member (221) and the second rear cover (223).

[0085] According to various embodiments, the driving unit (e.g., the driving module) may include a driving motor (260) disposed in the second space (2201) and including a pinion gear (e.g., the pinion gear (261) of FIG. 5A) and a rack gear (280) fixed to the support bracket (225), extending from the first space (2101) to the second space (2201), and arranged to be gear-engaged with the pinion gear (261). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may further include a reduction module (e.g., the reduction module (262) of FIG. 6A) structurally coupled to the driving motor (260) to reduce the rotational speed and increase the driving force. In one embodiment, the drive motor (260) may be arranged to be supported by the second extension member (222) in the second space (2201) of the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the drive motor (260) may be arranged to be supported, at least partially, by a motor bracket (270) fixed to the second extension member (222). In one embodiment, the drive motor (260) may be arranged to be at least partially accommodated in the motor bracket (270). In one embodiment, the drive motor (260) may be arranged to be at least partially surrounded by the motor bracket (270). In one embodiment, the rack gear (280) may be guided in a sliding direction by the motor bracket (270). Accordingly, when the electronic device (200) is assembled, the pinion gear (e.g., the pinion gear (261) of FIG. 5A) can maintain a state of gear engagement with the rack gear (280), and the pinion gear (261) provided with the driving force of the driving motor (260) moves along the rack gear (280), so that the second housing (220) can move in an incoming direction (e.g., -y-axis direction) or an outgoing direction (e.g., y-axis direction) with respect to the first housing (210).

[0086] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include a support bracket (225) fixed to a first space (2101) of a first housing (210). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a pair of guide rails (226) (e.g., LM guides (linear motion guides)) fixed to both sides of the support bracket (225) to guide both ends of the support member (240) in a sliding direction and simultaneously guide the second housing (220) in a sliding direction. In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a pair of slide blocks (227) fixed to the first housing and slidably coupled to the pair of guide rails (226), respectively. In one embodiment, the support bracket (225) and the pair of guide rails (226) may be fixed to the first housing (210) through a fastening member such as a screw. In one embodiment, the support bracket may include a battery mounting portion (e.g., battery mounting portion 2251 of FIG. 5A) for accommodating a battery (B) and a support portion (e.g., support portion 2252 of FIG. 5A) formed on one side of the battery mounting portion (2251) and for supporting the back surface of a support member (240) that bends during the sliding operation of the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the support portion (2252) may have an outer surface formed to be curved (e.g., semicircular, or half-round) for smooth guidance of the support member (240). In one embodiment, the support bracket (225) and the guide rail (226) may be fixed in the internal space (2101) of the first housing (210) through a fastening member, such as a screw. In some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may further include a battery cover coupled to the support bracket (225) to cover the mounted battery (B). In one embodiment, the rack gear (280) may be secured to the outer surface of the support bracket (225) by a fastening member such as a screw so as to extend toward the second space (2201).In one embodiment, the rack gear (280) may be positioned at the center of the support bracket (225) (e.g., the symmetrical center of the left and right sides of the electronic device (200)) so as to cross the center of the electronic device (200) along the sliding direction of the second housing (220). This central positioning may reduce current consumption by reducing the increase in driving resistance due to eccentricity during the sliding operation.

[0087] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include at least one electrical component disposed in the second space (2201). In one embodiment, the at least one electrical component may include a substrate (251) (e.g., a first substrate, a substrate assembly, or a main substrate) (e.g., laminated substrates). In some embodiments, the at least one electrical component may be disposed in the first space (2101) of the first housing (210). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include another substrate (e.g., a second substrate or a sub-substrate) and an antenna member (253) disposed between the first extension member (212) and the first rear cover (213) in the first housing (210). In one embodiment, the another substrate and the antenna member (253) may be disposed on at least a portion of the first extension member (212). In one embodiment, another substrate and antenna member (253) may be electrically connected to the substrate (251) via at least one electrical connection member (e.g., FPCB, flexible printed circuit board or FRC, flexible RF cable). In one embodiment, the antenna member (253) may include a multi-function coil or multi-function core (MFC) antenna for performing wireless charging function, NFC (neat field communication) function and / or electronic payment function. In some embodiments, another substrate and / or antenna member (253) may be electrically connected to the substrate (251) via a flexible substrate (e.g., FPCB, flexible printed circuit board) that extends from the first space to the second space and is elastically deformable.

[0088] An electronic device (200) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated and described as having a rack gear (280) disposed in a first housing (210) and a drive motor (260) disposed in a second housing (220), but is not limited thereto. For example, the drive motor (260) may be disposed in the first housing (210) and the rack gear (280) may be disposed in the second housing (220).

[0089] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device taken along line 5A-5A of FIG. 2A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device taken along line 5B-5B of FIG. 3A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0090] In describing the electronic device (200) of FIGS. 5A and 5B, the same symbols are given to components that are substantially the same as those of the electronic device (200) of FIG. 4, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the electronic device (200) may include a first housing (210) having a first space (2101), a second housing (220) having a second space (2201), a support member (240) connected to the second housing (220) and at least partially received into the first space (2101) in a retracted state, a flexible display (230) arranged to receive support from at least a portion of the support member (240) and at least a portion of the second housing (220), a rack gear (280) fixed to the first space (2101) and extending into the second space (2201), and a drive motor (260) including a pinion gear (261) arranged in the second space (2201) and gear-coupled with the rack gear (280). In one embodiment, the drive motor (260) can automatically move the second housing (220) in the withdrawal direction (① direction) or the inlet direction (② direction) based on the first housing (210) through the gear engagement of the pinion gear (261) and the rack gear (280). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) can include a first rear cover (213) coupled with a first extension member (212) extended from a first side member (211) of the first housing (210). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) can include a second rear cover (223) coupled with a second extension member (222) extended from a second side member (221).

[0092] According to various embodiments, a portion of the second housing (220) may be accommodated in the first space (2101) of the first housing (210) in the retracted state of the electronic device (200) (state of FIG. 5a). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible display (230) may be accommodated in a manner of being bent into the first space (2101) together with the support member (240), thereby being arranged so as not to be visible from the outside. In this case, the flexible display (230) may have a first display area (e.g., a display area corresponding to the first portion (230a) of FIG. 3a) exposed to the outside.

[0093] According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the second housing (220) may be transitioned to a pull-out state in which it is moved outwardly from the first housing (210) at least partially along the first direction (direction ①) by driving the drive motor (260). In one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may be supported by the support bracket (225) in the pull-out state of the electronic device (200) (state of FIG. 5b) and may be moved together with the support member (240), such that a portion inserted into the first space (2101) may be exposed so as to be at least partially visible from the outside. In this case, the flexible display (230) may have a second display area (e.g., a display area including the first portion (230a) and the second portion (230b) of FIG. 3a) that is expanded beyond the first display area exposed to the outside.

[0094] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device (200) may include a rack gear guide structure disposed between a motor bracket (270) and a rack gear (280). In one embodiment, the rack gear guide structure may include a pair of guide grooves (e.g., a first guide groove (2821) and a second guide groove (2831) of FIG. 6B) formed longitudinally on left and right sides of the rack gear (280) and a pair of guide protrusions (e.g., a first guide protrusion (2721a) and a second guide protrusion (2722a) of FIG. 6B) accommodated in the pair of guide grooves (2821, 2831) respectively to guide the rack gear (280) in a sliding direction. In some embodiments, the pair of guide projections (2721a, 2722a) may be replaced with a ball guide structure (e.g., the first ball guide structure (291) and the second ball guide structure (292) of FIG. 9b) including at least one ball (e.g., the ball (2912) of FIG. 9b) each received in a pair of guide grooves (2821, 2831). Accordingly, the rack gear guide structure can help reduce driving resistance or noise and improve operating reliability by reducing pitching and / or tilting phenomena that may occur during operation of the rack gear (280).

[0095] FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a state in which a pinion gear and a rack gear are gear-engaged through a motor housing according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6B is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a pinion gear and a rack gear are gear-engaged, taken along line 6b-6b of FIG. 6A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6C is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a pinion gear and a rack gear are gear-engaged, taken along line 6c-6c of FIG. 6A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 6A to 6C , an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 4 ) may include a drive motor (260) including a pinion gear (261) disposed in a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 4 ) and a rack gear (280) disposed in a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 4 ) and gear-coupled with the pinion gear (261). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the drive motor (260) may be arranged to be supported by a motor bracket (270) (e.g., the motor housing) disposed in the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the motor bracket (270) may be fixed to be supported by at least a portion of a second extension member (e.g., the second extension member (222) of FIG. 4 ) of the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the drive motor (260) may provide driving force to the pinion gear (261) through a reduction module (262) (e.g., a reduction gear assembly) that may help reduce the rotational speed and increase the driving force by being connected to the drive shaft of the drive motor (260). In one embodiment, the drive motor (260) may be electrically connected to a substrate (e.g., substrate (251) of FIG. 4) disposed in a second space (e.g., second space (2201) of FIG. 4) of the second housing (220) through a connector cable (264) extending to one side.

[0097] According to various embodiments, the motor bracket (270) may include a receiving portion (271, 272) for receiving a pinion gear (261) of a drive motor (260), and the receiving portion may include a first receiving portion (271) and a second receiving portion (272) connected to the first receiving portion (271) and for receiving at least a portion of a rack gear (280). In one embodiment, the pinion gear (271) may be rotatably connected through the drive motor (260) supported through at least a portion of the motor bracket (270) and may be received in the first receiving portion (271). In one embodiment, the rack gear (280) may be at least partially received in the second receiving portion (272) and arranged to be gear-engaged with the pinion gear (261). In one embodiment, the pinion gear (261) may be assisted in improving driving force through friction reduction via a bearing member (263) (e.g., an oil bearing) disposed on the motor bracket (270).

[0098] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (200) of FIG. 4) may include a rack gear guide structure (e.g., a first guide structure) formed between a second receiving portion (272) of a motor bracket (270) and a rack gear (280). In one embodiment, the rack gear (280) may be received in the first receiving portion (271) and supported so as to be guided only in a sliding direction without being dislodged outward. In one embodiment, the rack gear (280) may include an upper surface (281) (e.g., a gear surface) and a first side surface (282) (e.g., a first side or a first gear side) and a second side surface (283) (e.g., a second side or a second gear side) extending on both sides of the upper surface (281). In one embodiment, the rack gear (280) may include gear teeth formed on the upper surface (281) and arranged at a specific interval. In one embodiment, the rack gear (280) may include a first guide groove (2821) formed longitudinally on a first side (282) and a second guide groove (2831) formed longitudinally on a second side (283). In one embodiment, the first guide groove (2821) and the second guide groove (2831) may be formed lower than the first side (282) and the second side (283) and may be formed in a curved shape (e.g., a cross-section having a semicircular shape).

[0099] According to various embodiments, the motor bracket (270) may include a first guide protrusion (2721a) disposed on a first inner side (2721) of the second receiving portion (272) and configured to be received in a first guide groove (2821), and a second guide protrusion (2722a) disposed on a second inner side (2722) opposite to the first inner side (2721) of the second receiving portion (272) and configured to be received in a second guide groove (2831). In one embodiment, the first guide protrusion (2721a) and the second guide protrusion (2722a) may be formed integrally with the motor bracket (270). In some embodiments, the first guide protrusion (2721a) and the second guide protrusion (2722a) may be structurally coupled individually with the second receiving portion (272) of the motor bracket (270). In one embodiment, the outer surfaces of the first guide protrusion (2721a) and the second guide protrusion (2722a) may be formed to be curved to correspond to the curved first guide groove (2821) and the second guide groove (2831), respectively. In some embodiments, it is obvious that the contact surface (e.g., mating surface) of the first guide protrusion (2721a) and the first guide groove (2821) and the contact surface (e.g., mating surface) of the second guide protrusion (2722a) and the second guide groove (2831) may be deformed into various shapes, such as not only curved shapes but also rectangular and polygonal shapes. For example, the enlarged view A of FIG. 6b is an example in which the contact surface of the first guide protrusion (2721a) and the first guide groove (2821) forms a curved shape, and the exemplary view B of FIG. 6b is an example in which the contact surface of the first guide protrusion (2721a) and the first guide groove (2821) forms a square shape.

[0100] According to various embodiments, a friction-reducing coating layer (273) is formed on the contact surface of the first guide protrusion (2721a) and the first guide groove (2821) and the contact surface of the second guide protrusion (2722a) and the second guide groove (2831), thereby helping to improve driving force by reducing friction when the rack gear (280) moves (or when the motor bracket (270) moves). In one embodiment, the coating layer (273) may include a Teflon coating layer or a hard coating layer formed on the outer surface of the first and second guide protrusions (2721a, 2722a) and / or the inner surface of the first and second guide grooves (2821, 2831). In some embodiments, the coating layer (273) may be omitted.

[0101] According to various embodiments, when the rack gear (280) is slidably coupled to the motor bracket (270), the first guide protrusion (2721a) formed on the first inner side (2721) of the second receiving portion (272) of the motor bracket (270) can be received in the first guide groove (2821) formed on the first side (282) of the rack gear (280), and the second guide protrusion (2722a) formed on the second inner side (2722) of the second receiving portion (272) of the motor bracket (270) can be received in the second guide groove (2831) formed on the second side (283) of the rack gear (280). Accordingly, since the rack gear (280) is supported in the up, down, left, and right directions when sliding through the guide structure of the guide protrusions (2721a, 2722a) and the guide grooves (2821, 2831), the phenomenon of the rack gear (280) pitching in the vertical direction or tilting in the left and right direction is reduced, and deformation or damage due to external impact can be reduced.

[0102] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second rear cover including a pair of guide walls according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 7, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (200) of FIG. 4) may include an additional guide structure (e.g., a second guide structure) positioned such that the rack gear (280) is supported within a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 2) using a first guide groove (2821) and a second guide groove (2831) of a rack gear (e.g., a rack gear (280) of FIG. 6b). In one embodiment, the additional guide structure may include a first guide wall (2231) formed higher than an inner surface (223a) of a second rear cover (223) and a second guide wall (2232) spaced apart from the first guide wall (2231) by a specific interval. In one embodiment, the interval between the first guide wall (2231) and the second guide wall (2232) may be determined by a width of the rack gear (280) that is perpendicular to the sliding direction. In one embodiment, the first guide wall (2231) and the second guide wall (2232) may be formed to have a length in the sliding direction in the second rear cover (223). In one embodiment, the first guide wall (2231) and the second guide wall (2232) may be formed integrally with the second rear cover (223). In one embodiment, the first guide wall (2231) and the second guide wall (2232) may support a first side (e.g., the first side (282) of FIG. 6B) and a second side (e.g., the second side (283) of FIG. 6B) of a rack gear (280) disposed therebetween.

[0104] According to various embodiments, the first guide wall (2231) may include at least one third guide protrusion (2231a) protruding toward the second guide wall (2232). In one embodiment, the second guide wall (2232) may include at least one fourth guide protrusion (2232a) protruding toward the first guide wall (2231). In one embodiment, the at least one third guide protrusion (2231a) and the at least one fourth guide protrusion (2232a) may each include a plurality of guide protrusions arranged at a specific interval. In one embodiment, the at least one third guide protrusion (2231a) and the at least one fourth guide protrusion (2232a) may be formed integrally with the first guide wall (2231) and the second guide wall (2232) or may be structurally coupled individually. In some embodiments, the first and second guide walls (2231, 2232) may be arranged through separate brackets provided in the second extension member of the second housing (220) (e.g., the second extension member (222) of FIG. 4) or the internal space of the second housing (220) (e.g., the second space (2201) of FIG. 4) rather than the second rear cover (223).

[0105] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a rack gear is guided by a pair of guide walls of FIG. 7 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 8, a drive motor (260) including a pinion gear (261) may be provided as a single drive assembly through a motor bracket (270). In one embodiment, the drive assembly may be disposed in an internal space of the second housing (220) (e.g., the second space (2201) of FIG. 4). For example, the drive assembly may be fixed through a second extension member of the second housing (220) (e.g., the second extension member (222) of FIG. 4). In some embodiments, the drive assembly may be disposed on an inner surface (223a) of the second rear cover (223).

[0107] According to various embodiments, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are slidably coupled, the rack gear (280) fixed to the first housing (210) can be coupled in such a way that the first and second guide protrusions (e.g., the first and second guide protrusions (2721a, 2722a) of FIG. 6b) formed in the second receiving portion (e.g., the second receiving portion (272) of FIG. 6b) of the motor bracket (270) are received in the first and second guide grooves (2821, 2831) formed in the first and second side surfaces (282, 283) of the rack gear (280). In one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) transitions from the retracted state to the retracted state or from the retracted state to the retracted state, a portion of the rack gear (280) disposed in the second space (2201) of the second housing (220) may be guided between the first and second guide walls (2231, 2232) formed on the inner surface (223a) of the second rear cover (223), and at least one third guide protrusion (2231a) and at least one fourth guide protrusion (2232a) formed on the first and second guide walls (2231, 2232), respectively, may be guided in such a manner that they are received in the first and second guide grooves (2821, 2831) formed on the first and second side surfaces (282, 283) of the rack gear (280), respectively. Accordingly, the rack gear (280) can assist in the stable sliding operation of the second housing (220) because it is guided by the first and second guide projections (2721a, 2722a) of the motor bracket (270) and at least one third guide projection (2231a) and at least one fourth guide projection (2232a) of the first and second guide walls (2231, 2231) during operation.

[0108] FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating a state in which a pinion gear and a rack gear are gear-engaged through a motor housing according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 9B is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a pinion gear and a rack gear are gear-engaged along line 9B-9B of FIG. 9A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0109] In describing FIGS. 9a and 9b, components that are substantially the same as those in FIGS. 6a to 6c are given the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (200) of FIG. 4) may include at least one ball guide structure (291, 292) to be accommodated in a first guide groove (2821) and a second guide groove (2831) formed on a first side (282) and a second side (283) of a rack gear (280), respectively. In one embodiment, the at least one ball guide structure (291, 292) may include a first ball guide structure (291) disposed on a first inner side (2721) of a second receiving portion (272) of a motor bracket (270) in which the rack gear (280) is accommodated, and a second ball guide structure (292) disposed on a second inner side (2722).

[0111] According to various embodiments, the first ball guide structure (291) may include at least one retainer (or cage) (2911) formed on a first inner side surface (2721) of a second receiving portion (272) of a motor bracket (270), at least one ball (2912) partially received in the at least one retainer (2911), and a ball cover (2913) that supports the at least one ball (2912) received in the at least one retainer (2911) so as not to be separated. According to one embodiment, the at least one ball (2912) protruding into the second receiving portion (272) through the ball cover (2913) may be received in a first guide groove (2821) formed on a first side surface (282) of the rack gear (280), thereby guiding the rack gear (280). In one embodiment, at least one ball (2912) may be rotatably supported between at least one retainer (2911) and a ball cover (2913). In one embodiment, the second ball guide structure (292) may also have substantially the same configuration as the first ball guide structure (291). Accordingly, at least one ball (2912) of the second ball guide structure (292) may also be accommodated in a second guide groove (2831) formed on the second side (283) of the rack gear (280), thereby guiding the rack gear (280).

[0112] FIGS. 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams illustrating a joining process of a ball guide structure according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 10A to 10C, at least one ball guide structure (291, 292) may include a first ball guide structure (291) disposed on a first inner surface (2721) of a second receiving portion (272) of the motor bracket (270) in which the rack gear (280) is received, and a second ball guide structure (292) disposed on a second inner surface (2722). In one embodiment, at least one retainer (2911) may be formed in a shape capable of receiving at least a portion of at least one ball (2912) on the first inner surface (2721) and the second inner surface (2722) formed on the second receiving portion (272) of the motor bracket. In one embodiment, at least one retainer (2911) may be integrally formed with the first and second inner surfaces (2721, 2722) or structurally joined to the first and second inner surfaces (2721, 2722).

[0114] According to various embodiments, the ball cover (2913) may be secured to the first and second inner surfaces (2721, 2722) respectively while at least one ball (2912) is accommodated in at least one retainer (2911), thereby supporting at least one ball (2912) from being detached from at least one retainer (2911). For example, the ball cover (2913) may include a through hole (2913a) formed at a position corresponding to at least one retainer (2911). In one embodiment, when the ball cover (2913) is secured to the first and second inner surfaces (2721, 2722), at least one ball (2912) may protrude from the through hole (2913a) into the second receiving portion (292) by a certain protrusion amount, but may not be completely penetrated. Accordingly, the protrusion amount of at least one ball (2912) protruding from the ball cover (2913) may be determined according to the size of the through hole (2913a) formed in the ball cover (2913). In some embodiments, the protrusion amount of at least one ball (2912) protruding from the ball cover (2913) may also be determined according to the size of the ball (2912). In one embodiment, the ball cover (2913) may be fixed to the first and second inner surfaces (2721, 2722) by soldering, fusing, bonding, or taping. In one embodiment, at least one of the at least one retainer (2911), at least one ball (2912), or the ball cover (2913) may be formed of a metal material. In some embodiments, at least one of the at least one retainer (2911), at least one ball (2912), or the ball cover (2913) may be formed of a polymer material.

[0115] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a rack gear coupled with a pinion gear according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is guided through a ball guide structure.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 11, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (200) of FIG. 4) may include a drive motor (e.g., drive motor (260) of FIG. 9A) including a pinion gear (261) disposed in a second housing (e.g., second housing (220) of FIG. 4) and a rack gear (280) disposed in a first housing (e.g., first housing (210) of FIG. 4) and gear-coupled with the pinion gear (261). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the drive motor (260) may be disposed to be supported by a motor bracket (270) disposed in the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the rack gear (280) may be arranged so that both sides (e.g., the first side (282) and the second side (283) of FIG. 9B) are supported by the first ball guide structure (291) and the second ball guide structure (292) arranged on the motor bracket (270). Accordingly, when the pinion gear (261) rotates through the drive motor (260), the pinion gear (261) moves along the longitudinal direction of the rack gear (280), and together with this, the motor bracket (270) and the second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 4) may also transition to the retracted state or the retracted state.

[0117] According to various embodiments, at least one ball (2912) of the first and second ball guide structures (291, 292) and the through hole (2913a) of the ball cover (2913) may be set to have a specific floating distance (d1+d2) for rotation of at least one ball (2912). This floating distance (d1+d2) may reduce operational reliability when the rack gear (280) moves upward and downward (e.g., pitches) relative to the pinion gear (261) during operation.

[0118] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the flow distance (d1+d2) of at least one ball (2912) that can flow in the through hole (2913a) of the ball cover (2913) is set to be equal to or smaller than the distance (d3) between the grooves between the ends of the gear teeth (2611) of the coupled pinion gear (261) and the gear teeth (2811) of the rack gear (280), so that the upward and downward flow of the rack gear (280) and the pinion gear (261) during operation can be reduced.

[0119] FIG. 12a is a perspective view of a second rear cover including a pair of guide walls according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 12b is a diagram illustrating a state in which ball guide structures according to various embodiments of the present disclosure are coupled to a pair of guide walls.

[0120] In describing FIGS. 12a and 12b, components that are substantially the same as those in FIG. 7 are given the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0121] Referring to FIGS. 12a and 12b, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 4) may include an additional guide structure positioned such that the rack gear (280) is supported within a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 2) using a first guide groove (2821) and a second guide groove (2831) of the rack gear (e.g., the rack gear (280) of FIG. 6b). In one embodiment, the additional guide structure may include a first guide wall (2231) formed higher than an inner surface (223a) of the second rear cover (223) and a second guide wall (2232) spaced apart from the first guide wall (2231) by a specific interval. In one embodiment, the interval between the first guide wall (2231) and the second guide wall (2232) may be determined by a width of the rack gear (280) that is perpendicular to the sliding direction. In one embodiment, the first guide wall (2231) and the second guide wall (2232) may be formed to have a length in the sliding direction in the second rear cover (223). In one embodiment, the first guide wall (2231) and the second guide wall (2232) may be formed integrally with the second rear cover (223). In one embodiment, the first guide wall (2231) and the second guide wall (2232) may support a first side (e.g., the first side (282) of FIG. 6B) and a second side (e.g., the second side (283) of FIG. 6B) of a rack gear (280) disposed therebetween.

[0122] According to various embodiments, the additional guide structure may include at least one third ball guide structure (293) disposed on the first guide wall (2231) and the second guide wall (2232). In one embodiment, the at least one third ball guide structure (293) may have substantially the same configuration as the at least one ball guide structure (291, 292) of FIG. 9B. For example, the at least one third ball guide structure (293) may include a plurality of ball guide structures (293) disposed at specific intervals along the inner walls of the first guide wall (2231) and the second guide wall (2232). In one embodiment, at least one third ball guide structure (293) may include at least one retainer (2931) formed on an inner wall of the first and second guide walls (2231, 2232) (e.g., retainer (2911) of FIG. 10A), at least one ball (2932) accommodated in the at least one retainer (2931) (e.g., at least one ball (2912) of FIG. 10A), and a ball cover (2933) fixed to the first and second guide walls (2231, 2232) to prevent and support the at least one ball (2932) accommodated in the at least one retainer (2931). In one embodiment, when assembly is complete, at least one ball (2932) can protrude from the inner wall of the first and second guide walls (2231, 2232) by a specified amount of protrusion and remain capable of self-rotation.

[0123] FIG. 13A is a diagram illustrating a state in which a rack gear is guided on a pair of guide walls through ball guide structures according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device taken along line 13B-13B of FIG. 13A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0124] In describing FIGS. 13a and 13b, components that are substantially the same as those in FIG. 8 are given the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0125] Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, a drive motor (260) including a pinion gear (261) may be provided as a single drive assembly via a motor bracket (270). In one embodiment, the drive assembly may be disposed in an internal space of the second housing (220) (e.g., the second space (2201) of FIG. 4). For example, the drive assembly may be fixed via a second extension member of the second housing (220) (e.g., the second extension member (222) of FIG. 4). In some embodiments, the drive assembly may be disposed on an inner surface (223a) of the second rear cover (223).

[0126] According to various embodiments, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are slidably coupled, the rack gear (280) fixed to the first housing (210) can be coupled in such a way that at least one ball (2912) of the first and second ball guide structures (e.g., the first and second ball guide structures (291, 292) of FIG. 8) arranged in the second receiving portion (e.g., the second receiving portion (272) of FIG. 6b) of the motor bracket (270) is received in the first and second guide grooves (2821, 2831) formed on the first and second side surfaces (282, 283) of the rack gear (280). In one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) transitions from the retracted state to the retracted state or from the retracted state to the retracted state, a part of the rack gear (280) arranged in the second space (2201) of the second housing (220) may be guided between the first and second guide walls (2231, 2232) formed on the inner surface (223a) of the second rear cover (223), and at least one ball (2932) of at least one third ball guide structure (293) arranged in the first and second guide walls (2231, 2232) may be guided in a manner in which it is received in the first and second guide grooves (2821, 2831) formed on the first and second side surfaces (282, 283) of the rack gear (280), respectively. Accordingly, the rack gear (280) can assist in the stable sliding operation of the second housing (220) because, during operation, it is guided by the first and second ball guide structures (291, 292) of the motor bracket (270) and at least one third ball guide structure (293) arranged on the first and second guide walls (2231, 2231).

[0127] According to various embodiments, the guide protrusions (2231a, 2232a) arranged on the first and second guide walls (2231, 2232) illustrated in FIG. 7 may be replaced with at least one third ball guide structure (293) illustrated in FIGS. 12a and 12b. In some embodiments, the at least one third ball guide structure (293) illustrated in FIGS. 12a and 12b may be replaced with the guide protrusions (2231a, 2232a) arranged on the first and second guide walls (2231, 2232) illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0128] According to various embodiments, the coating layer for reducing friction (e.g., the coating layer (273) of FIG. 6b) may be formed on a contact surface between the guide grooves (2821, 2831) of the rack gear (280) of FIG. 8 and the guide protrusions (2231a, 2232a) of the guide walls (2231, 2232) arranged on the second rear cover (223), a contact surface between the guide grooves (2821, 2831) of the rack gear (280) of FIG. 9b and the first and second ball guide structures (291, 292) arranged on the motor bracket (280), or a contact surface between the guide grooves (2821, 2831) of the rack gear (280) of FIG. 13b and at least one third ball guide structure (293) arranged on the first and second guide walls (2231, 2232) arranged on the second rear cover. It can be applied to at least one of the contact surfaces.

[0129] FIG. 14A is a drawing of a ball plunger according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 14B is a drawing showing a portion of the ball plunger of FIG. 14A cut away according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0130] According to various embodiments, the guide protrusions (e.g., the first guide protrusion (2721a) and the second guide protrusion (2722a) of FIG. 6b) and / or at least one ball guide structure (e.g., the first ball guide structure (291) and the second ball guide structure (292) of FIG. 9b) formed in the second receiving portion (e.g., the second receiving portion (272) of FIG. 6b) of the motor bracket (e.g., the motor bracket (270) of FIG. 6b) may be replaced with a ball plunger (294) as described below. In some embodiments, at least one third guide protrusion (e.g., at least one third guide protrusion (2231a, 2232a) of FIG. 7) and / or at least one third ball guide structure (e.g., at least one third ball guide structure (293) of FIG. 12b) disposed on the first and second guide walls (2231, 2232) may also be replaced with a ball plunger (294) as described below.

[0131] Referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B , the ball plunger (294) may include a ball case (2941) having an internal space (2941a), a ball (2942) disposed in the internal space (2941a) of the ball case (2941), and an elastic member (2943) (e.g., a spring) that urges the ball (2942) outward in the internal space (2941a). In one embodiment, the ball (2942) may be disposed so as to flow in the internal space (2941a) of the ball case (2941) through its own structure, and not to be completely detached to the outside. In one embodiment, the ball (2942) may be maintained in a state of protruding outward from the ball case (2941) by a specified protrusion amount through the urging force of the elastic member (2943). Accordingly, the ball (2942) of the ball plunger (294) can guide the rack gear (280) in a manner that it protrudes from the inner wall of the first and second guide walls (2231, 2232) and / or protrudes from the second receiving portion (272) of the motor bracket (270) and is received in the first and second guide grooves (2821, 2831) formed on the first and second side surfaces (282, 283) of the rack gear (280), respectively.

[0132] According to various embodiments, an electronic device includes a first housing (e.g., a first housing (210) of FIG. 4), a second housing (e.g., a second housing (220) of FIG. 4) slidably coupled with the first housing, a pinion gear (e.g., a pinion gear (261) of FIG. 6A), a drive motor (e.g., a drive motor (260) of FIG. 6A) configured to provide a driving force for sliding at least one of the first housing and the second housing, a motor bracket (e.g., a motor bracket (270) of FIG. 6A) supporting the drive motor, a rack gear (e.g., a rack gear (280) of FIG. 6A) gear-coupled with the pinion gear and arranged to be supported by the motor bracket so as to perform a linear movement corresponding to a rotational movement of the pinion gear according to the driving of the drive motor, and at least one guide groove (e.g., a first guide groove (2821) of FIG. 6B) formed in the rack gear and The second guide groove (2831) and the motor bracket may include at least one guide protrusion (e.g., the first guide protrusion (2721a) and the second guide protrusion (2722a) of FIG. 6b) formed to be received in the at least one guide groove.

[0133] According to various embodiments, the rack gear includes an upper surface (e.g., an upper surface (281) of FIG. 6b) on which gear teeth of the rack gear (e.g., gear teeth (2811) of FIG. 6a) are formed, and a first side surface (e.g., a first side surface (282) of FIG. 6b) and a second side surface (e.g., a second side surface (283) of FIG. 6b) extending from the upper surface and positioned opposite to each other, and the at least one guide groove may include a first guide groove formed on the first side surface (e.g., a first guide groove (2821) of FIG. 6b) and a second guide groove formed on the second side surface (e.g., a second guide groove (2831) of FIG. 6b).

[0134] According to various embodiments, the at least one guide protrusion may be formed on an inner surface (e.g., a first inner surface (2721) and a second inner surface (2722) of FIG. 6B) of a receiving portion (e.g., a second receiving portion (272) of FIG. 6B) of the motor bracket that receives at least a portion of the rack gear, and may include a first guide protrusion (e.g., a first guide protrusion (2721a) of FIG. 6B) received in the first guide groove and a second guide protrusion (e.g., a second guide protrusion (2722a) of FIG. 6B) received in the second guide groove.

[0135] According to various embodiments, the at least one guide groove and the at least one guide protrusion may be formed in any one of a curved, rectangular or polygonal shape.

[0136] According to various embodiments, a friction-reducing coating layer (e.g., coating layer (273) of FIG. 6b) formed on the contact surface of at least one guide groove and / or at least one guide protrusion may be included.

[0137] According to various embodiments, the friction reducing coating layer may include a Teflon coating layer or a hard coating layer.

[0138] According to various embodiments, the motor bracket and the drive motor may be disposed in one of the first housing and the second housing, and the rack gear may be disposed in the other housing.

[0139] According to various embodiments, the rack gear may include at least one pair of guide walls spaced apart to accommodate the rack gear (e.g., a first guide wall (2231) and a second guide wall (2232) of FIG. 7) and at least one additional guide protrusion formed on the guide walls to be accommodated in the at least one guide groove (e.g., a third guide protrusion (2231a) and a fourth guide protrusion (2232a) of FIG. 7).

[0140] According to various embodiments, the rack gear may include at least one pair of guide walls spaced apart to accommodate the rack gear, and a ball guide structure (e.g., ball guide structure (293) of FIG. 12a) disposed on the guide walls at a position corresponding to the at least one guide groove and adapted to be accommodated in the at least one guide groove.

[0141] According to various embodiments, the ball guide structure includes a plurality of retainers (e.g., at least one retainer (2931) of FIG. 12A) formed to be spaced apart from the pair of guide walls, balls accommodated in each of the plurality of retainers (e.g., at least one ball (2932) of FIG. 12A), and ball covers (e.g., ball covers (2933) of FIG. 12A) arranged to support the balls accommodated in the retainers, and at least a portion of the balls protruding through the ball covers can be accommodated in the at least one guide groove.

[0142] According to various embodiments, an electronic device includes a first housing (e.g., a first housing (210) of FIG. 4), a second housing (e.g., a second housing (220) of FIG. 4) slidably coupled with the first housing, a pinion gear (e.g., a pinion gear (261) of FIG. 6A), a drive motor (e.g., a drive motor (260) of FIG. 6A) configured to provide a driving force for sliding at least one of the first housing and the second housing, a motor bracket (e.g., a motor bracket (270) of FIG. 9B) supporting the drive motor, a rack gear (e.g., a rack gear (280) of FIG. 9B) coupled with the pinion gear and arranged to be supported by the motor bracket so as to perform a linear movement corresponding to a rotational movement of the pinion gear and the gear according to the driving of the drive motor, and at least one guide groove (e.g., a first guide groove (2821) of FIG. 9B) formed in the rack gear And the second guide groove (2831)) and the motor bracket may include at least one ball guide structure (e.g., the first ball guide structure (291) and the second ball guide structure (292) of FIG. 9b) arranged to be received in the at least one guide groove.

[0143] According to various embodiments, the ball guide structure includes a plurality of retainers (e.g., at least one retainer (2911) of FIG. 9b) formed to be spaced apart from the motor bracket, balls accommodated in each of the plurality of retainers (e.g., at least one ball (2912) of FIG. 9b), and a ball cover (e.g., a ball cover (2913) of FIG. 9b) arranged to support the balls accommodated in the retainers, and at least a portion of the balls protruding through a through hole of the ball cover (e.g., a through hole (2913a) of FIG. 10a) can be accommodated in the at least one guide groove.

[0144] According to various embodiments, the flow distance of the balls in the through hole (e.g., the flow distance (d1+d2) in FIG. 11) may be set to be equal to or smaller than the distance (d3) between the grooves between the ends of the gear teeth of the gear-coupled pinion gear (e.g., the gear teeth (2611) in FIG. 11) and the gear teeth of the rack gear (e.g., the gear teeth (2811) in FIG. 11).

[0145] According to various embodiments, the at least one guide groove may be formed in any one of a curved, rectangular or polygonal shape.

[0146] According to various embodiments, a friction-reducing coating layer (e.g., coating layer (273) of FIG. 6b) formed in at least one guide groove may be included.

[0147] According to various embodiments, the friction reducing coating layer may include a Teflon coating layer or a hard coating layer.

[0148] According to various embodiments, the motor bracket and the drive motor may be disposed in one of the first housing and the second housing, and the rack gear may be disposed in the other housing.

[0149] According to various embodiments, the rack gear may include at least one pair of guide walls spaced apart to accommodate the rack gear (e.g., a first guide wall (2231) and a second guide wall (2232) of FIG. 7) and at least one guide protrusion formed on the guide walls to be accommodated in the at least one guide groove (e.g., a third guide protrusion (2231a) and a fourth guide protrusion (2232a) of FIG. 7).

[0150] According to various embodiments, the rack gear may include at least one pair of guide walls spaced apart to accommodate the rack gear and an additional ball guide structure (e.g., ball guide structure (293) of FIG. 12a) disposed on the guide walls at a position corresponding to the at least one guide groove and adapted to be accommodated in the at least one guide groove.

[0151] According to various embodiments, the additional ball guide structure includes a plurality of retainers (e.g., at least one retainer (2931) of FIG. 12A) formed to be spaced apart from the pair of guide walls, balls accommodated in each of the plurality of retainers (e.g., at least one ball (2932) of FIG. 12A), and a ball cover (e.g., a ball cover (2933) of FIG. 12A) arranged to support the balls accommodated in the retainers, wherein at least a portion of the balls protruding through the ball cover can be accommodated in the at least one guide groove.

[0152] In addition, the embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed in this specification and drawings are merely specific examples to easily explain the technical contents according to the embodiments of the present disclosure and to help understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be interpreted as including all changes or modified forms derived based on the technical ideas of the various embodiments of the present disclosure in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. In electronic devices, First housing (210); A second housing (220) slidably coupled with the first housing; A drive motor (260) including a pinion gear (261) and configured to provide a driving force for sliding at least one of the first housing and the second housing; A motor bracket (270) supporting the above driving motor; A rack gear (280) that is gear-coupled with the pinion gear and arranged to be supported by the motor bracket so as to perform linear motion corresponding to the rotational motion of the pinion gear according to the driving of the driving motor; At least one guide groove (2821, 2831) formed in the above rack gear; and An electronic device including at least one guide protrusion (2721a, 2722a) formed to be received in the at least one guide groove in the above motor bracket.

2. In paragraph 1, The above rack gear, The upper surface (281) on which the gear teeth (2811) of the rack gear are formed; It includes a first side (282) and a second side (283) extending from the upper surface and positioned opposite to each other, An electronic device wherein the at least one guide groove comprises a first guide groove (2821) formed on the first side and a second guide groove (2831) formed on the second side.

3. In paragraph 2, An electronic device wherein the at least one guide protrusion is formed on an inner surface (2721, 2722) of a receiving portion (272) of the motor bracket that receives at least a portion of the rack gear, and includes a first guide protrusion (2721a) received in the first guide groove and a second guide protrusion (2722a) received in the second guide groove.

4. In paragraph 1, An electronic device wherein the at least one guide groove and the at least one guide protrusion are formed in any one of a curved shape, a square shape, and a polygonal shape.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, An electronic device including a friction reducing coating layer (273) formed on a contact surface of at least one guide groove and / or at least one guide protrusion.

6. In paragraph 5, An electronic device in which the friction-reducing coating layer includes a Teflon coating layer or a hard coating layer.

7. In paragraph 1, An electronic device wherein the motor bracket and the drive motor are disposed in one of the first housing and the second housing, and the rack gear is disposed in the other housing.

8. In paragraph 1, At least one pair of guide walls (2231, 2232) spaced apart to accommodate the above rack gear; and An electronic device comprising at least one additional guide projection (2231a, 2232a) formed on said guide walls to be accommodated in said at least one guide home.

9. In paragraph 1, At least one pair of guide walls spaced apart to accommodate the rack gear; and An electronic device comprising a ball guide structure (293) arranged on the guide walls at a position corresponding to at least one of the guide grooves and adapted to be received in the at least one guide groove.

10. In paragraph 9, The above ball guide structure is, A plurality of retainers (2931) formed to be spaced apart from the above pair of guide walls; Balls (2932) accommodated in each of the above plurality of retainers; and Including a ball cover (2933) arranged to support the balls accommodated in the retainers, An electronic device wherein at least a portion of the balls protruding through the ball cover are received in the at least one guide groove.

11. In electronic devices, First housing (210); A second housing (220) slidably coupled with the first housing; A drive motor (260) including a pinion gear (261) and configured to provide a driving force for sliding at least one of the first housing and the second housing; A motor bracket (270) supporting the above driving motor; A rack gear (280) coupled with the pinion gear and arranged to be supported by the motor bracket so as to perform linear motion corresponding to the rotational motion of the pinion gear and gear according to the driving of the driving motor; At least one guide groove (2821, 2831) formed in the above rack gear; and An electronic device comprising at least one ball guide structure (291, 292) arranged to be received in the at least one guide groove in the above motor bracket.

12. In paragraph 11, The above ball guide structure is, A plurality of retainers (2911) formed to be spaced apart from the above motor bracket; Balls (2912) accommodated in each of the above plurality of retainers; and Including a ball cover (2913) arranged to support the balls accommodated in the retainers, An electronic device in which at least a portion of the balls protruding through the through hole (2913a) of the ball cover are accommodated in at least one guide groove.

13. In paragraph 12, An electronic device in which the flow distance (d1+d2) of the balls in the above through hole is set equal to or smaller than the distance (d3) between the grooves between the ends of the gear teeth (2611) of the pinion gear and the gear teeth (2811) of the rack gear.

14. In paragraph 11, An electronic device wherein at least one of the guide grooves is formed in any one of a curved, rectangular, or polygonal shape.

15. In paragraph 11, An electronic device comprising a friction-reducing coating layer (273) formed on at least one guide groove.

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