Electronic device including guide rail

Abstract

This electronic device may comprise: a flexible display; a first housing; a second housing movably coupled to the first housing; and a support member which supports at least a portion of the flexible display and moves in accordance with the movement of the second housing. The support member may comprise: support bars arranged to support the rear surface of the flexible display; first guide protrusions protruding from both ends of each of the support bars; and second guide protrusions extending from the first guide protrusions. The electronic device may be disposed in the first housing. The guide rail may comprise a guide slit. The guide slit may comprise: a straight section; a curved section extending from the straight section; a first guide slit extending from the straight section to the curved section; and a second guide slit formed in the curved section.

Description

Electronic device including guide rail

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

[0002] Electronic devices are becoming increasingly slimmer, more rigid, and more aesthetically pleasing, while simultaneously being developed to differentiate their functional elements. Electronic devices are moving beyond their conventional rectangular form factor and are evolving into increasingly diverse shapes. Electronic devices may have a transformable structure that allows for portability and the use of 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 a reliable guide structure for the flexible display.

[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) capable of inducing expansion and / or contraction of a display area of ​​a flexible display (e.g., a rollable display, an expandable display, or a stretchable display) depending on an operating state. The rollable electronic device may include a first housing and a second housing that are movably coupled with respect to each other. For example, the first housing and the second housing may be slidably operated with respect to each other and may support at least a portion of the flexible display. The flexible display may be induced to have a first display area in a slide-in state, and may be induced to have a second display area larger than the first display area in a slide-out state.

[0005] A rollable electronic device may include a support member (e.g., a support bar assembly, a multi-bar assembly, or a bendable member) that moves together with a second housing that slides a predetermined distance from a first housing and is arranged to at least partially support a back surface of a flexible display. The support member may include a plurality of support bars that support the back surface of the flexible display and are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and may be accommodated together with the flexible display at least partially in an internal space of the first housing when in a retracted state. The support member may be arranged such that each end of the plurality of support bars is guided by a pair of guide rails that are arranged on opposite sides of the first housing. For example, each of the plurality of support bars may be coupled to the first housing such that guide protrusions formed at both ends thereof are guided by guide slits formed in the guide rails along a sliding direction of the second housing.

[0006] The guide slit may include a straight section and a curved section extending from the straight section. The curved section may be formed in a 'U' shape and provide a guide structure for accommodating a portion of the support bars and a portion of the flexible display into the interior space of the first housing.

[0007] The guide protrusions formed on the support bars may be advantageous in supporting the flexible display when the contact area with the inner surface of the guide slit is large in the straight section. However, the guide protrusions formed to have a relatively large contact area may not perform smooth guiding operation in the curved section because they are subject to interference from the inner surface of the guide slit. Therefore, the guide protrusions may be designed considering a guide structure for smooth guidance in the curved section of the guide slit, but this design structure may have difficulty in smoothly supporting the flexible display because it reduces the contact area (e.g., line contact) between the guide protrusions and the inner surface of the guide slit in the straight section. This reduced contact area may induce deformation of the flexible display and / or the support bars, for example, when subjected to an external impact such as a drop, thereby lowering the reliability of the product.

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide an electronic device including a guide rail that can help in smooth support and guidance of a flexible display through a reliable support structure of support bars.

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide an electronic device including a guide rail that can help improve the impact resistance of a flexible display by expanding the contact area with the guide protrusions of the support bars in the straight section of the guide slit.

[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 flexible display, a first housing, a second housing movably coupled to the first housing, and a support member that supports at least a portion of the flexible display and moves according to movement of the second housing. The support member may include a plurality of support bars arranged to support a rear surface of the flexible display, first guide protrusions each protruding from both ends of each of the plurality of support bars, and second guide protrusions each extending from the first guide protrusions. The electronic device may include a guide rail arranged in the first housing, the guide rail including a guide slit including a straight section and a curved section extending from the straight section. The guide slit may include a first guide slit extending from the straight section to the curved section, and a second guide slit formed in the curved section. Among the first guide protrusions and the second guide protrusions, in the straight section, at least the first guide protrusion can be guided through the first guide slit, and in the curved section, the second guide protrusion can be guided through the first guide slit.

[0012] An electronic device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may have an increased contact area between the guide protrusions of the support bars and the inner surface of the guide slit in the straight section through a guide structure in which, in a straight section, a first guide protrusion and a second guide protrusion are guided through a first guide slit, and in the curved section, only the second guide protrusion is guided through the first guide slit. This increase in the contact area may induce smooth support of the flexible display and help reduce damage or deformation of the flexible display and / or the support bars due to external impact such as dropping.

[0013] In addition, various effects may be provided, either directly or indirectly, through this document.

[0014] 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.

[0015] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] FIG. 4A is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a flexible display taken along line 4b-4b of FIG. 4a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a support bar according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 6b is a perspective view of a portion of a support bar according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a guide rail according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 7b is a front view of a guide rail according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 7c is a perspective view of a portion of a guide rail according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an assembly process of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIGS. 9A to 9E are drawings illustrating an assembly process of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 10A is a drawing showing a state in which a support member disposed on a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is coupled to a guide rail.

[0031] FIG. 10b is a partial perspective view illustrating the FIG. 10b region of FIG. 10a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 10c is a perspective view of a portion of a guide rail according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 10d is a cross-sectional view of a guide rail with a support member coupled thereto, taken along line 10d-10d of FIGS. 10b and 10c, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 10e is a cross-sectional view of a guide rail with a support member coupled thereto, as shown along line 10e-10e of FIGS. 10b and 10c, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 10f is a cross-sectional view of a support member and a guide rail combined along line 10f-10f of FIG. 10b according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 10g is a cross-sectional view of a support member and a guide rail combined along line 10g-10g of FIG. 10b according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 10h is a drawing showing the arrangement of the first guide protrusion and the second guide protrusion in a straight section according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIGS. 11A and 11B are drawings comparing the stress applied to a flexible display when dropped through a guide structure of a comparative example and a guide structure according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 12a is a cross-sectional view illustrating a joint structure of a guide rail and a support bar in a straight section according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 12b is a cross-sectional view illustrating a joint structure of a guide rail and a support bar in a curved section according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a portion of a support bar according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 13b is a cross-sectional view illustrating a joint structure of the support bar and guide rail of FIG. 13a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a portion of a support bar according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 14b is a cross-sectional view illustrating a joint structure of the support bar and guide rail of FIG. 14a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a portion of a support bar according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 15b is a perspective view of a portion of a guide rail according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 15c is a cross-sectional view of a guide rail illustrating a guide structure of a first guide protrusion and a guide slit according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 15d is a cross-sectional view of a guide rail illustrating a guide structure of a second guide protrusion and a guide slit according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 16A is a perspective view of a portion of a support bar according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 16b is a cross-sectional view illustrating a joint structure of the support bar and guide rail of FIG. 16a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a portion of a support bar according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 17b is a cross-sectional view illustrating a joint structure of a support bar and a guide rail of FIG. 17a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIGS. 18A to 18D are perspective views of some of the support bars according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] 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.

[0055] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0056] 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)).

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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).

[0060] 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).

[0061] 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).

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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).

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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).

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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).

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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).

[0073] 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.

[0074] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the at least one selected antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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)).

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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., the second housing (220) of FIG. 4A) from a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 4A) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 4A). 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 (220) 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., the flexible display of FIG. 4A). Through the display (230), the display module (160) can also 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. 4A) disposed inside the electronic device. In some embodiments, the drive motor control module (181) may be replaced with a processor (120).

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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 with 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). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) can be changed to a slide-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) can be changed to a slide-out state as a second state by moving at least a portion of the second housing (220) outwardly (e.g., in direction ①) from the first space (2101).In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a support member (e.g., a bendable member, a multi-joint hinge module, a multi-bar assembly, a support bar assembly, or a multi-bar) that, when extended, forms at least partially the same plane as at least a portion of the second housing (220) and, when retracted, is received at least partially into the first space (2101) of the first housing (210) in a bendable manner. 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 the support member (240) (e.g., the support member (240) of FIG. 4A). In one embodiment, the support member (e.g., the support member (240) of FIG. 4A) may be arranged in such a way that it 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. 4A) in a retracted state so that it is invisible from the outside. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible display (230) may be moved so that it is visible from the outside while being supported by the support member (e.g., the support member (240) of FIG. 4A) that forms at least partially the same plane as the second housing (220) in a retracted state.

[0082] 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).

[0083] 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 member (2211) having a third length, a fifth side member (2212) extending from one end of the fourth side member (2211) in a direction perpendicular to the second side member (2112) (e.g., in the - y-axis direction) and having a fourth length, and a sixth side member (2213) extending from the other end of the fourth side member (2211) in a direction parallel to the fifth side member (2212) and having a fourth length, and corresponding to the third side member (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).

[0084] 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 be arranged to overlap 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 to be visible from the outside. In some embodiments, in the retracted state, the fifth side (2212) may be arranged to overlap 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 to overlap the third side (2113) so as to be substantially invisible from the outside. In one embodiment, in the retracted state, the remaining portion of the sixth side (2213) may be positioned to be visible from the outside. In some embodiments, in the retracted state, the sixth side (2213) may be positioned 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 positioned to be visible from the outside in the retracted state. In some embodiments, in the retracted state, the second extension member (222) may be positioned to overlap with the first extension member (212) so as to be substantially invisible from the outside.

[0085] 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).

[0086] 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).

[0087] 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 a 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., a support member (240) of FIG. 4A). 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. 4A) 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).

[0088] 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 first 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 first 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.

[0089] 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 a 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).

[0090] 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 multiple 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) in a position 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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).

[0093] 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%. Such a transparent area may include an area overlapping with an effective area (e.g., a 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).

[0094] 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. 4A) 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 (262) 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. 4A) 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).

[0095] 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).

[0096] FIG. 4A is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0097] In describing the electronic device (200) of FIG. 4a, the same reference numerals 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.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 4A, 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, a support bar assembly, 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 motion, 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 some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may have a first housing (210) slidably coupled to a second housing (220) depending on the arrangement of the driving unit (e.g., the driving motor (260) and the rack gear (262)). 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 to at least a portion of the first side member (211). In one embodiment, a first space (2101) may be formed through the coupling of the first side member (211) and the first rear cover (213). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a side cover (2211a) (e.g., a dielectric cover) disposed on a fourth side (2211) of the second side member (221).

[0099] According to various embodiments, the second housing (220) may include a second side member (221) and a second rear cover (223) (e.g., a second rear bracket or window cover) coupled with at least a portion of the second side member (221). 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). In one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include a window cover (224) coupled with the second side member (221) and forming at least a portion of the rear surface of the second housing (220).

[0100] 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 (262) fixed to a support bracket (225) disposed in the first space (2101), 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., a reduction gear assembly) 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 positioned in the second space (2201) of the second housing (220) to be supported by at least a portion of the second side member (221) (e.g., the second extension member (222) of FIG. 5A). In one embodiment, the drive motor (260) may be positioned to be supported by a motor bracket (e.g., the motor bracket (260a) of FIG. 5A) fixed to the second extension member (222). In some embodiments, the rack gear (262) may be guided in a sliding direction (e.g., the ±y-axis direction) by the motor bracket (260a). Accordingly, when the electronic device (200) is assembled, the pinion gear (e.g., pinion gear (261) of FIG. 5A) can maintain a state of gear engagement with the rack gear (262), and the pinion gear (261) provided with the driving force of the driving motor (260) moves along the rack gear (262), 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).

[0101] 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 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 (225) 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 at one end of the battery mounting portion (2251) and for supporting the back surface of a support member (240) that is bent during the sliding operation of the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the support portion (2252) may have a curved outer surface 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 one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may further include a battery cover (2253) coupled to the support bracket (225) to cover the mounted battery (B). In some embodiments, the battery cover (2253) may be omitted. In one embodiment, the rack gear (262) 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 (262) may be positioned at the center (e.g., symmetrical center) of the support bracket (225) so as to cross the center of the electronic device (200) along the sliding direction (e.g., ± y-axis 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.

[0102] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include at least one electrical component (or electronic component) disposed in a second space (2201). In one embodiment, the at least one electrical component may include a first substrate (251) (e.g., a substrate assembly or a main substrate) (e.g., laminated substrates). In some embodiments, the at least one electrical component may be disposed in a first space (2101) of a first housing (210).

[0103] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include a second substrate (252) (e.g., a sub-substrate) and an antenna member (253) disposed between a first extension member (e.g., the first extension member (212) of FIG. 5A) and a first rear cover (213) in a first housing (210). In one embodiment, the second substrate (252) and the antenna member (253) may be disposed on at least a portion of the first extension member (212). In one embodiment, the second substrate (252) and the antenna member (253) may be electrically connected to the first substrate (251) via at least one electrical connection member (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) or a flexible RF cable (FRC). In one embodiment, the antenna member (253) may include a multi-function coil (MFC) or multi-function core (MFC) antenna for performing a wireless charging function, a neat field communication (NFC) function, and / or an electronic payment function. In some embodiments, the second substrate (252) and / or the antenna member (253) may extend from the first space (2101) to the second space (2201) and be electrically connected to the first substrate (251) via an elastically deformable flexible substrate (FPCB, flexible printed circuit board).

[0104] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) may be fixed to a second housing (220) and may include a pair of guide rails (226) and a pair of guide blocks (227) slidably coupled to each other. In one embodiment, through the slidable coupling of the guide rails (226) and the guide blocks (227), the second housing (220) may be drawn out from the first housing (210) by a specific distance (e.g., the first distance (L1) of FIG. 3A). In one embodiment, the guide blocks (227) may be detachably fixed through a fastening member (e.g., a fastening member (S) of FIG. 6A) (e.g., a screw).

[0105] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the support member (240) may include a plurality of support bars (e.g., support bars (241) of FIG. 10B) arranged at a specific interval on the back surface of the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, each of the plurality of support bars (241) may include a first guide protrusion (e.g., a first guide protrusion (2413) of FIG. 10D) and a second guide protrusion (e.g., a second guide protrusion (2414) of FIG. 10D) for being guided to a guide slit (e.g., a guide slit (2262) of FIG. 10C) formed in the guide rail (226). In one embodiment, the guide slit (2262) may include a straight section (e.g., a straight section (SS) of FIG. 10D) and a curved section (e.g., a curved section (CS) of FIG. 10D) extended from the straight section (SS). In one embodiment, the guide slit (2262) may include a first guide slit (e.g., the first guide slit (2263) of FIG. 10c) extending from the straight section (SS) to the curved section (CS) and a second guide slit (e.g., the second guide slit (2264) of FIG. 10c) extending from the first guide slit (2263) in the curved section (CS) and having an inner surface formed lower than the inner surface of the first guide slit (2263) (e.g., formed through a reduction). In one embodiment, the first guide protrusion (2413) may be set not to contact the inner surface of the guide slit (2262) by being guided by the first guide slit (2263) in the straight section (SS) and accommodated by the third guide slit (2264) in the curved section (CS). In one embodiment, the second guide protrusion (2414) may be continuously formed in the straight section (SS) and the curved section (CS). It can be set to receive guidance from the first guide slit (2263).In one embodiment, in the straight section (SS), the contact area between the inner surface of the first guide protrusion (2413) and the first guide slit (2263) is set to be larger than the contact area between the inner surface of the second guide protrusion (2414) and the second guide slit (2264) in the curved section (CS), thereby inducing stable support for the flexible display (230). For example, in the straight section (SS), at least the first guide protrusion (2413) and the first guide slit (2263) are set to be in surface contact, and in the curved section (CS), the second guide protrusion (2414) and the first guide slit (2263) are set to be in line contact, thereby inducing smooth guide operation. For example, through an expanded contact area between the first guide protrusion (2413) and the inner surface of the first guide slit (2263) in the straight section (SS) of the guide slit (2262), smooth support of the flexible display (230) can be induced, and damage or deformation of the flexible display and / or support bars due to external impact such as dropping can be reduced.

[0106] FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a flexible display taken along line 4b-4b of FIG. 4a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 4B, the flexible display (230) may include a window layer (410), a polarizing layer (POL) (420) (e.g., a polarizing film) sequentially disposed on the back surface of the window layer (410), a display panel (430), a polymer layer (431), at least one functional layer (440), and a support plate (450). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a support member (240) disposed under the functional layer (440) to support at least a portion of the flexible display. In one embodiment, the support member (240) may include a plurality of support bars (241) attached at a specified interval through adhesion or welding on the back surface of the support plate (450). In one embodiment, the window layer (410), the polarizing layer (420), the display panel (430), the polymer layer (431), the support plate (450), and the support member (240) may be attached to each other via an adhesive layer (P) (e.g., an adhesive or glue). For example, the adhesive layer (P) may include at least one of a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), an optical clear adhesive (OCA), a heat-reactive adhesive, a general adhesive, or a double-sided tape. In some embodiments, when the flexible display (230) is a POL-less display, the polarizing layer may be omitted, and a transparent reinforcing layer (e.g., a buffer layer) may be further disposed in that position. In some embodiments, the support plate (450) may be omitted.

[0108] According to various embodiments, the window layer (410) may include a glass layer. In one embodiment, the window layer (410) may include ultra-thin glass (UTG). In some embodiments, the window layer (410) may include a polymer. In this case, the window layer (410) may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyimide (PI). In some embodiments, the window layer (410) may be arranged in multiple layers to include a glass layer and a polymer. In some embodiments, the flexible display (230) may further include a coating layer formed on at least a portion of the top, back, or side of the glass layer formed as part of the window layer (410) or a polymer (e.g., a protective film layer) arranged on top of the glass layer. For example, the coating layer may include a hard coating layer, an anti-reflection (AR) / low reflection (LR) coating layer, a shatterproof (SP) coating layer, or an anti-fingerprint (AF) coating layer. In some embodiments, the coating layer may be formed on at least one of a portion between the polymer and the glass layer, a side surface of the polymer, and a back surface or side surface of the glass layer.

[0109] According to various embodiments, the display panel (430) may include a plurality of pixels and a wiring structure (e.g., an electrode pattern). In one embodiment, the polarizing layer (420) may selectively transmit light generated from a light source of the display panel (430) and vibrating in a certain direction. In one embodiment, the display panel (430) and the polarizing layer (420) may be formed integrally. In one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may also include a touch panel (not shown).

[0110] According to various embodiments, the polymer layer (431) may be disposed under the display panel (430) to provide a dark background for ensuring visibility of the display panel (430) and may be formed as a buffering material for buffering. In some embodiments, to ensure waterproofing of the flexible display (230), the polymer layer (431) may be removed or disposed under the support plate (450).

[0111] According to various embodiments, the flexible display (230) may include at least one functional layer (440) disposed under the polymer layer (431). In one embodiment, the functional layer (440) may include a protective layer (e.g., a TPU layer) for reducing deformation due to bending of the support member (240), a graphite sheet for heat dissipation, a force touch FPCB, a fingerprint sensor FPCB, a communication antenna radiator, a conductive / non-conductive tape, or a digitizer. In one embodiment, the digitizer may include a plurality of conductive patterns (e.g., coil patterns) disposed on a dielectric substrate (e.g., a dielectric film or a dielectric sheet) so as to detect a resonant frequency of an electromagnetic induction method applied from an electronic pen.

[0112] According to various embodiments, the support plate (450) can provide rigidity and flexibility to the flexible display (230). For example, the support plate (450) can be formed of a non-metallic thin-plate material, such as fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) (e.g., carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) or glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP)) having rigid properties for supporting the display panel (430). In one embodiment, the support plate (450) can include a pattern that can help improve the flexibility of the flexible display (230) by being arranged in an area corresponding to the support member (240). In one embodiment, the pattern can include a plurality of openings and / or recesses arranged at a specified interval. The flexibility of the support plate (450) can be determined through at least one of the size, shape, or arrangement density of at least some of the plurality of openings and / or the plurality of recesses. In some embodiments, the support plate (450) may be formed of a metal material such as SUS, Cu, Al, or a metal CLAD (e.g., a laminated member in which SUS and Al are alternately arranged). In one embodiment, the support plate (450) may help reinforce the rigidity of the electronic device (200), shield ambient noise, and serve as a heat dissipation means to disperse heat emitted from surrounding heat-emitting components.

[0113] According to various embodiments, the support member (240) may include a plurality of support bars (241) spaced apart at a specified interval and attached to the back surface of the support plate (450). In one embodiment, each of the plurality of support bars (241) may include a first guide protrusion (2413) and a second guide protrusion (2414) formed to have a specified protrusion amount from both side surfaces. In one embodiment, the second guide protrusion (2414) may extend from the first guide protrusion (2413). In some embodiments, the second guide protrusion (2414) may protrude from both ends of the support bar (241) separately from the first guide protrusion (2413). In one embodiment, the first guide protrusion (2413) may be set to be guided only in a straight section (e.g., a straight section (SS) of FIG. 10d) of a guide slit (e.g., a guide slit (2262) of FIG. 10c) to be described later, and the second guide protrusion (2414) may be set to be guided in the straight section (SS) and a curved section (SS) extending from the straight section (SS).

[0114] 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.

[0115] In describing the electronic device (200) of FIGS. 5A and 5B, the same reference numerals are given to components that are substantially the same as those of the electronic device (200) of FIG. 4A, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0116] 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 be supported by at least a portion of the support member (240) and at least a portion of the second housing (220), a rack gear (262) 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-engaged with the rack gear (262). 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) with respect to the first housing (210) through the gear engagement of the pinion gear (261) and the rack gear (262). In some embodiments, the first housing (210) can also be automatically moved in the withdrawal direction (② direction) or the inlet direction (① direction) from the second housing (220) by changing the arrangement of the drive motor (260) and the rack gear (262). In one embodiment, the first housing (210) can include a first rear cover (213) coupled with a first side member (211) and a first extension member (212) extending from the first side member (211). In one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include a second rear cover (223) coupled with a second side member (221) and a second extension member (222) extending from the second side member (221).

[0117] 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) (the 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.

[0118] 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 drawn 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. In some embodiments, the rack gear (262) may be disposed in the second housing (220), and the drive motor (260) including the pinion gear (261) may be disposed in the first housing (210).

[0119] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a support bar according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6B is a partial perspective view of a support bar according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0120] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a support member (e.g., a support member (240) of FIG. 4B) may include a plurality of support bars (241) arranged on the back surface of the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, each of the support bars (241) (hereinafter, referred to as a “support bar”) may include a bar-shaped support portion (2411) having a length and a head portion (2412) formed at an end of the support portion (2411). In one embodiment, the support portion (2411) may be formed to have a length in a direction perpendicular to a slide direction (e.g., a y-axis direction of FIG. 4A) of a second housing (e.g., a second housing (220) of FIG. 4A) (e.g., a -x-axis direction). In one embodiment, the support portion (2411) may include a first surface (2411a) and a second surface (2411b) facing in an opposite direction to the first surface (2411a). In one embodiment, the first surface (2411a) may support the flexible display (230) in a manner that it comes into contact with the back surface of the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, the support member (240) may accommodate the bending characteristics of the flexible display (230) by having a plurality of support bars (241) each arranged at a specific interval from one another. In one embodiment, the head portion (2412) may be formed higher than the first surface (2411a) from the end of the support portion (2411), thereby supporting an edge (e.g., an edge) of the flexible display (230) arranged on the first surface (2411a). In one embodiment, the support portion (2411) may include a curved groove (2411c) formed along the longitudinal direction on the second surface. In one embodiment, the curved groove (2411c) may be formed so that the support bar (2411) conforms to the curve of the guide rail (226). When moving the section (CS), it can be guided to have a minimum gap with the outer surface of the guide rail (226), thereby helping to ensure stable guide operation. In one embodiment, the support bar (241) can be formed of metal and / or a rigid polymer.

[0121] According to various embodiments, the support bar (241) may include a first guide protrusion (2413) extending a specified length in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction (-x axis direction) of the support portion (2411) from the second face (2411b), and a second guide protrusion (2414) extending in the same direction from the first guide protrusion (2413). In one embodiment, the upper surface of the first guide protrusion (2413) (e.g., the surface facing the second face (2411b)) may be formed to have a larger area than the upper surface of the second guide protrusion (2414) (e.g., the surface facing the second face (2411b)). For example, by expanding the contact area between the upper surface of the first guide protrusion (2413) and the inner surface of the guide slit (2262) of FIG. 7C) formed in at least a portion of a guide rail (e.g., the guide rail (226) of FIG. 7C) (e.g., the straight section (SS) of FIG. 7B), the flexible display (230) can be firmly supported, and the possibility of damage or deformation of the flexible display (230) and / or the support member (240) can be reduced when an impact such as a drop occurs. In one embodiment, the first guide protrusion (2413) and the second guide protrusion (2414) can be arranged at a position overlapping at least the support member (2411) when the first surface (2411a) is viewed from above. Through this arrangement structure, when the guide rail (226) is coupled to accommodate the guide protrusions (2413, 2414), at least a portion of the guide rail (226) overlaps the support portion (2411) when the first surface (2411a) is viewed from above, thereby helping to slim down the electronic device (200).

[0122] In some embodiments, the first guide protrusion (2413) and the second guide protrusion (2414) may extend individually from different positions from the second surface (2411b). In such a case, the first guide protrusion (2413) and the second guide protrusion (2414) may extend to different lengths. In some embodiments, the second guide protrusion (2414) may be formed first, and the first guide protrusion (2413) may extend from the second guide protrusion (2414).

[0123] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a guide rail according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 7B is a front view of a guide rail according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 7C is a partial perspective view of a guide rail according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 7A to 7C, a pair of guide rails (226) may be arranged to have a length along a sliding direction (e.g., the ±y-axis direction of FIG. 4A) of a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 4A) in an internal space (e.g., the first space (2101) of FIG. 4A) of a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 4A). In one embodiment, a pair of guide rails (226) may be fixed to both sides of the internal space (2101) of the first housing (210). In one embodiment, each of a pair of guide rails (226) (hereinafter referred to as a “guide rail”) may include a guide slit (2262) (e.g., a guide slot, a guide groove, a guide hole, a guide recess, or a guide groove) formed to guide a first guide protrusion (e.g., a first guide protrusion (2413) of FIG. 6A) and a second guide protrusion (e.g., a second guide protrusion (2414) of FIG. 6A) protruding from each end of each of the support bars (e.g., a support bar (241) of FIG. 6A) of the support member (e.g., a support member (240) of FIG. 4A). In one embodiment, the guide slit (2262) may include a straight section (SS) and a curved section (CS) extending from the straight section (SS). In one embodiment, the guide slit (2262) is formed lower than the outer surface (2261) of the guide rail (226) and has a length along the sliding direction of the second housing (220), thereby accommodating at least a portion of the first guide protrusion (2413) and the second guide protrusion (2414) of the support bar (241). In one embodiment, the straight section (SS) can guide the support member (240) in the sliding direction to induce movement of the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (230) of FIG. 4A). In one embodiment, the curved section (CS) can bend a portion of the flexible display (230) and the support member (240) moved through the straight section (SS) to induce movement into the internal space (2101) of the first housing (210).

[0125] According to various embodiments, the guide slit (2262) may include a first guide slit (2263) extending from a straight section (SS) to a curved section (CS) and a second guide slit (2264) extending from the first guide slit (2263) in the curved section (CS) and formed lower than the inner surface of the first guide slit (2263) (e.g., formed through a reduction). For example, in the curved section (CS), the guide space per unit volume included in the first guide slit (2263) and the second guide slit (2264) may be set to be larger than the space per unit volume by the first guide slit (2263) in the straight section (SS). Accordingly, in the straight section (SS), the first guide slit (2263) may be set so that its inner surface contacts both the first guide protrusion (2413) and the second guide protrusion (2414) of the support bar (241), or at least the first guide protrusion (2413) is in contact. In one embodiment, in the curved section (CS), the second guide slit (2264) may be set so that its inner surface does not contact the first guide protrusion (2413), and only the inner surface of the first guide slit (2263) is in contact with the inner surface of the second guide protrusion (2414). Through this dual guide structure, the contact area between the inner surface of the first guide protrusion (2413) and the first guide slit (2263) can be expanded in a straight section (SS) having a relatively long guide section, and the expanded contact area can induce smooth support of the flexible display (230) and help reduce damage or deformation of the flexible display (230) and / or the support member (240) due to external impact such as dropping.

[0126] According to various embodiments, the guide slit (2262) may include an inner surface. In one embodiment, the inner surface may include a first inner surface (2262a) formed in the direction of the flexible display (230) and extending from a straight section (SS) to a curved section (CS). In one embodiment, the inner surface may include a second inner surface (2262b) formed in an opposite direction to the first inner surface (2262a) and extending from the straight section (SS) to the curved section (CS). In one embodiment, the inner surface may include a third inner surface (2263c) extending from a portion of the first inner surface (2262a) in the curved section (CS). In one embodiment, the third inner surface (2263c) may be formed lower than the first inner surface (2262a). For example, the third inner surface (2263c) may be formed lower than the first inner surface (2262a) through a reduction process. Accordingly, the first guide slit (2263) may be formed through a space between the first inner surface (2262a) and the second inner surface (2262b) in the straight section (SS) and the curved section (CS). In one embodiment, the second guide slit (2264) may be formed through a space between the second inner surface (2262b) and the third inner surface (2263c) in the curved section (CS). In one embodiment, the inner surface may include an inclined surface (2262d) formed to connect the first inner surface (2262a) and the third inner surface (2262c) in a boundary region between the straight section (SS) and the curved section (CS). In one embodiment, the inclined surface (2262d) may be formed to gradually lower from the first inner surface (2262a) to the third inner surface (2262c). This inclined surface (2262d) can help induce smooth guidance of the first guide protrusion (2413) used from the curved section (CS) to the straight section (SS). In some embodiments, the inclined surface (2262d) can be replaced with a connecting surface that tangently connects the first guide slit (2263) to the second guide slit (2264).

[0127] According to various embodiments, in the straight section (SS), the first guide protrusion (2413) and the second guide protrusion (2414) of the support bar (241) may be set to move in a state of contacting the first inner surface (2262a). In one embodiment, in the curved section (CS), the second guide protrusion (2414) (not the first guide protrusion (2413)) may be set to move in a state of contacting the first inner surface (2262a). For example, the first guide protrusion (2413) may be set not to contact the second inner surface (2262b) and the third inner surface (2262c) by the second guide slit (2264) having a relatively large space.

[0128] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an assembly process of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 9A to 9E are drawings illustrating an assembly process of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0129] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 9E, in operation 801, referring to FIG. 9A, a support member (240) may be attached to a portion of the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, the support member (240) may include a plurality of support bars (e.g., the support bars (241) of FIG. 6A), and each of the support bars (241) may be attached to a rear surface of the flexible display (230) at a specific interval. For example, the support bars (241) may be attached to a corresponding area of ​​the flexible display (230) that is deformed in a bending manner when the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 9D) transitions from a retracted state to a withdrawn state or from a withdrawn state to a withdrawn state.

[0130] In operation 803, referring to FIG. 9B, the remaining portion of the flexible display (230) may be attached or fixed to at least a portion of the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the remaining portion of the flexible display (230) may be arranged in such a way that it is attached to at least a portion of the second side member (221). In this case, the portion of the flexible display (230) to which the support member is attached may not overlap with the second housing (220).

[0131] In operation 805, referring to FIG. 9c, a pair of guide rails (226) may be pre-assembled at both ends of the support member (240). In this case, guide protrusions (e.g., the first guide protrusion (2413) and / or the second guide protrusion (2414) of FIG. 6a) protruding from each end of the plurality of support bars (241) of the support member (240) may be arranged in such a way that at least a portion of them is received in a guide slit (e.g., the guide slit (2262) of FIG. 7c) formed in the guide rail (226).

[0132] In operation 807, referring to FIG. 9d, the assembled guide rail (226) can be fixed to the first housing (210). In this case, the guide rail (226) can be in contact with the inner surface in the inner space (2201) of the first housing (210) and can be fixed through at least one screw provided on the outer side of the first housing (210).

[0133] In operation 809, referring to FIG. 9e, when the guide rail (226) is assembled to the first housing (210), the guide rail (226) can be slidably coupled to the guide block (227) fixed to the second housing (220) with respect to each other. In one embodiment, when the guide rail (226) is coupled to the guide block (227), the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) can be additionally movably coupled to each other through guide structures separately provided on the first side member (211) and the second side member (221), thereby completing the electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the guide rail (226), when assembled with the guide block (227), can be ensured not to be dislodged outward through a stopper (2271) arranged on the guide block. In some embodiments, the guide block (227) may be slidably coupled to the guide rail (226) in operation 805.

[0134] Accordingly, when the second housing (220) is moved in the withdrawal direction (e.g., direction ①) or the inlet direction (e.g., direction ②) with respect to the first housing (210), the support member (240) can be moved together with the second housing (220) while being guided by the guide rail (226).

[0135] FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating a state in which a support member disposed on a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is coupled to a guide rail. FIG. 10B is a partial perspective view illustrating a region of FIG. 10B of FIG. 10A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 10C is a partial perspective view of a guide rail according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0136] Referring to FIGS. 10A to 10C, a support member (240) may be attached to a portion of the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, the support member (240) may include a plurality of support bars (241), and each of the support bars (241) may be attached to the back surface of the flexible display (230) at a specific interval. For example, the support bars (241) may be attached to a corresponding area of ​​the flexible display (230) that is deformed in a bending manner when the electronic device transitions from a retracted state to a withdrawn state or from a withdrawn state to a withdrawn state.

[0137] According to various embodiments, the guide rail (226) may be coupled to both ends of the support member (240). In this case, the guide protrusions (e.g., the first guide protrusion (2413) and / or the second guide protrusion (2414) of FIG. 6A) protruding from each end of the plurality of support bars (241) of the support member (240) may be arranged in such a way that at least a portion of them is received in the guide slit (2262) formed in the guide rail (226).

[0138] According to various embodiments, the guide slit (2262) may include a first guide slit (2263) formed through a space between the first inner surface (2262a) and the second inner surface (2262b) and a second guide slit (2264) formed through a space between the second inner surface (2262b) and the third inner surface (2262c). In one embodiment, the first guide slit (2263) may be formed from a straight section (SS) of the guide slit (2262) to a curved section (CS). In one embodiment, the second guide slit (2264) may be formed through a space between the second inner surface (2262b) and the third inner surface (2262c) in the curved section (CS).

[0139] FIG. 10d is a cross-sectional view of a guide rail coupled with a support member, as seen along line 10d-10d of FIGS. 10b and 10c, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 10e is a cross-sectional view of a guide rail coupled with a support member, as seen along line 10e-10e of FIGS. 10b and 10c, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0140] Referring to FIG. 10d, in the straight section (SS), the first guide protrusion (e.g., the first guide protrusion (2413) of FIG. 10d) may come into contact with the first inner surface (2262a) in the first guide slit (2263). In addition, the second guide protrusion (e.g., the second guide protrusion (2414) of FIG. 10d) may also come into contact with the first inner surface (2262a). This is due to the repulsive force that causes the flexible display (230) to unfold outward (in the direction of the arrow shown) when the guide protrusions (2413, 2414) of the support bar (241) are accommodated in the guide slit (2262). In some embodiments, in the straight section (SS), the second guide protrusion (2414) may be set not to come into contact with the first inner surface (2262a). In one embodiment, in the curved section (CS), the first guide protrusion (2413) may be accommodated in the second guide slit (2264) and may not contact the third inner surface (2262c). In one embodiment, in the curved section (CS), the first guide protrusion (2413) may be accommodated in the second guide slit (2264) and may not contact the second inner surface (2262b). In one embodiment, when the support bar (241) moves in the curved section (CS) of the guide slit (2262), the gap (d) between the support bar (241) and the outer surface of the guide rail (226) is minimized through the curved groove (2411c) formed in the support bar (241), thereby helping to achieve stable guide operation.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 10e, in the straight section (SS), the second guide protrusion (2414) may come into contact with the first inner surface (2262a) in the first guide slit (2263). In one embodiment, in the curved section (CS), the first guide protrusion (2413) may come into contact with the first inner surface (2262a) in the first guide slit (2263). This is due to the repulsive force that causes the flexible display (230) to unfold outward (in the direction of the arrow shown) when the guide protrusions (2413, 2414) of the support bar (241) are accommodated in the guide slit (2262).

[0142] According to various embodiments, in the straight section (SS), the contact area between the first guide protrusion (2413) and the first inner surface (2262a) of the first guide slit (2263) may be set to be larger than the contact area between the second guide protrusion (2414) and the first inner surface (2262a) of the first guide slit (2263). For example, the first guide protrusion (2413) may be set to be accommodated in the second guide slit (2264) in the curved section (CS) and not to come into contact with the second inner surface (2262b) and the third inner surface (2262c), thereby being free from interference in the curved section (CS). In this case, since the second guide protrusion (2414) is accommodated in the first guide slit (2263) extended from the straight section (SS) even in the curved section (CS) and is guided while contacting the first inner surface (2262a), a stable guide operation of the support bar (241) can be induced. Therefore, in the curved section (CS), without considering the guide structure between the first guide protrusion (2413) and the first guide slit (2263), the contact area between the first guide protrusion (2413) and the first inner surface (2262a) of the first guide slit (2263) can be expanded in the straight section (SS) having a relatively long guide section, and the expanded contact area can induce smooth support of the flexible display (230) and help reduce damage or deformation of the flexible display (230) and / or the support member (240) due to external impact such as dropping.

[0143] FIG. 10f is a cross-sectional view of a support member and a guide rail combined along line 10f-10f of FIG. 10b according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 10f, in the straight section (SS) of the guide slit (2262), the first guide protrusion (2413) and the second guide protrusion (2414) may be accommodated in the first guide slit (2263) of the guide rail (226) and guided in a manner of contacting the first inner surface (2262a). In one embodiment, in the straight section (SS), stable support of the support bar (241) is induced through expansion of the contact area (e.g., surface contact) between the first guide protrusion (2413) and the first inner surface (2262a), and may help reduce damage or deformation of the flexible display (230) and / or the support member (240) due to external impact such as dropping. FIG. 10g is a cross-sectional view of a support member and a guide rail combined along the line 10g-10g of FIG. 10b according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 10g, in the curved section (CS) of the guide slit (2262), the first guide protrusion (2413) is accommodated in the second guide slit (2264), but does not contact the second inner surface (2262b) and the third inner surface (2262c). The second guide protrusion (2414) may contact the first inner surface (2262a), but not the second inner surface (2262b) and the third inner surface (2262c). By reducing the contact area (e.g., line contact), this configuration can help smooth guiding operation of the support bar (241).

[0146] FIG. 10h is a drawing showing the arrangement of the first guide protrusion and the second guide protrusion in a straight section according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0147] As illustrated in FIG. 10h, in the straight section (SS), the first guide protrusion (2413) and the second guide protrusion (2414') of the support bar (241) can be accommodated in the first guide slit (2263) of the guide rail (226). In one embodiment, the first guide protrusion (2413) can be in contact with the first inner surface (2262a) of the first guide slit (2263). In one embodiment, the second guide protrusion (2414) can be positioned so as not to be in contact with the first inner surface (2262a) of the first guide slit (2263).

[0148] FIGS. 11A and 11B are drawings comparing the stress applied to a flexible display when dropped through a guide structure of a comparative example and a guide structure according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0149] Referring to FIGS. 11a and 11b, in the case of a comparative example through contact (e.g., line contact) between the first guide protrusion of the support bar (241') of the support member (240') set in consideration of the guide motion of the curved section (CS) and the first inner surface, the stress applied to the flexible display (230) in the event of an external impact is about 280 MPa, whereas in the case of the present disclosure through extended contact (e.g., surface contact) between the first guide protrusion (2413) and the first inner surface (2262a) in the straight section (SS) regardless of the guide motion of the curved section (CS) (drawing of FIG. 11b), it can be confirmed that the stress applied to the flexible display (230) in the same external impact is about 259 MPa, which is reduced by about 7.5%. This may mean that, in the straight section (SS), as the contact area between the guide protrusion (2413) of the support bar (241) and the inner surface (2262a) of the guide slit (2263) increases, the possibility of damage or deformation of the flexible display (230) and / or the support member (240) due to an external impact such as dropping may be reduced.

[0150] FIG. 12a is a cross-sectional view illustrating a joint structure of a guide rail and a support bar in a straight section according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 12b is a cross-sectional view illustrating a joint structure of a guide rail and a support bar in a curved section according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0151] In explaining the guide structure of the support bar (241) through the guide rail (226) of FIGS. 12a and 12b, the same symbols are given to components that are substantially the same as those in the guide structure of FIG. 10d, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0152] Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, a friction reducing member (2265) may be disposed between the first guide protrusion (2413) and the first inner surface (2262a) of the first guide slit (2263) and / or between the second guide protrusion (2414) and the first inner surface (2262a) of the first guide slit (2263). In one embodiment, the friction reducing member (2265) may help smooth guide operation by reducing the frictional force between the guide protrusions (2413, 2414) of the support bar (241) and the first inner surface (2262a) of the first guide slit (2263). In one embodiment, the friction reducing member (2265) may include a Teflon coating layer or a hard coating layer formed on the first inner surface (2262a) of the first guide slit (2263) and / or the corresponding contact surfaces of the first guide protrusion (2413) and the second guide protrusion (2414) that are in contact with the first inner surface (2262a). In one embodiment, the friction reducing member (2265) may be disposed on the first inner surface (2262a) of the first guide slit (2263) in the straight section (SS). In one embodiment, the friction reducing member (2265) may be disposed on the first inner surface (2262a) of the first guide slit (2263) in the curved section (CS). In some embodiments, the friction reducing member (2265) may be replaced with a sweeper for preventing foreign matter from entering and / or a buffering member (e.g., sponge, silicone, or rubber) for buffering. In some embodiments, the sweeper and / or buffer member may be positioned together with the friction reducing member (2265), or a material may be applied to which both of these functions can be applied.

[0153] FIG. 13a is a perspective view of a portion of a support bar according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 13b is a cross-sectional view illustrating a joint structure of the support bar and guide rail of FIG. 13a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0154] In explaining the guide structure through the support bar (241-1) of FIG. 13a and the support bar (241-1) of FIG. 13b, the same symbols are given to components that are substantially the same as the guide structure through the support bar (241) of FIG. 6a and the support bar (241) of FIG. 10d, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0155] Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, the support bar (241-1) may include a support portion (2411) having a length in a direction perpendicular to the slide direction (e.g., the y-axis direction of FIG. 4A) of the second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 4A) (e.g., the y-axis direction of FIG. 4A) and a head portion (2412) formed at an end of the support portion (2411) and supporting an edge of the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, the support portion (2411) may include a first surface (2411a) supporting a back surface of the flexible display (230) and a second surface (2411b) facing in an opposite direction to the first surface (2411a). For example, a plane of the first surface (2411a) may form an angle with and intersect a plane of the second surface (2411b). In one embodiment, the support bar (241-1) may include a guide protrusion (2415) extending from the second surface (2411b) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction (-x axis direction) of the support portion (2411). In one embodiment, the guide protrusion (2415) may include a first guide protrusion (2415a) extending to have a first length, and a second guide protrusion (2415b) extending from one side of the first guide protrusion (2415a) in the same direction as the first guide protrusion (2415a) to have a second length longer than the first length.

[0156] According to various embodiments, when the guide protrusion (2415) is accommodated in the first guide slit (2263) of the guide rail (226) in the straight section (SS), both the first guide protrusion (2415a) and the second guide protrusion (2415b) come into contact with the first inner surface (2262a) of the first guide slit (2263), thereby expanding the contact area (e.g., surface contact). Although not shown, in a curved section (e.g., curved section (CS) of FIG. 10d) of a guide slit (e.g., guide slit (2262) of FIG. 10), the support bar (241-1) can help induce smooth guide motion by reducing the contact area (e.g., line contact) with the first inner surface (2262a) by having the second guide protrusion (2415b) (not the first guide protrusion (2415a)) be guided by the first guide slit (2263).

[0157] FIG. 14a is a partial perspective view of a support bar according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 14b is a cross-sectional view illustrating a joint structure of the support bar and guide rail of FIG. 14a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0158] In explaining the guide structure through the support bar (241-2) of FIG. 14a and the support bar (241-2) of FIG. 14b, the same symbols are given to components that are substantially the same as the guide structure through the support bar (241) of FIG. 6a and the support bar (241) of FIG. 10d, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0159] Referring to FIGS. 14a and 14b, the support bar (241-2) may include a first guide protrusion (2413) extending from a second surface (2411b) of the support portion (2411) and a second guide protrusion (2414) extending from the first guide protrusion (2413). In one embodiment, the second guide protrusion (2414), which is set to have a relatively smaller contact area than the first guide protrusion (2413) with respect to the first inner surface (2262a) of the first guide slit (2263), may be vulnerable to rigidity. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the support bar (241-2) may include at least one rigid rib (2414a) extending outwardly of the second guide protrusion (2414). In one embodiment, at least one rigid rib (2414a) may be set to have a thickness that does not contact the first inner surface (2262a) of the first guide slit (2263) in the straight section (SS). In one embodiment, at least one rigid rib (2414a) may be set to have a thickness that does not interfere with the guiding motion through the first guide slit (2263) in the curved section (e.g., the curved section (CS) of FIG. 10d).

[0160] FIG. 15A is a partial perspective view of a support bar according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 15B is a partial perspective view of a guide rail according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 15C is a cross-sectional view of a guide rail illustrating a guide structure of a first guide protrusion and a guide slit according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 15D is a cross-sectional view of a guide rail illustrating a guide structure of a second guide protrusion and a guide slit according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0161] In explaining the guide structure of the support bar (241-3) of FIG. 15a, the guide rail (226-1) of FIG. 15b, and the guide rail (226-1) through the support bar (241-3) of FIG. 15c and FIG. 15d, the same reference numerals are given to components that are substantially the same as the guide structure of the support bar (241) of FIG. 6a, the guide rail (226) of FIG. 7c, and the guide rail (226) through the support bar (241) of FIG. 10d and FIG. 10e, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0162] Referring to FIGS. 15A to 15D, the support bar (241-3) may include a support portion (2411) having a length in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction (e.g., the y-axis direction of FIG. 4A) of the second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 4A) (e.g., the y-axis direction of FIG. 4A) and a head portion (2412) formed at an end of the support portion (2411) and supporting an edge of the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, the support portion (2411) may include a first surface (2411a) supporting the back surface of the flexible display (230) and a second surface (2411b) facing in an opposite direction to the first surface (2411a). In one embodiment, the support bar (241-3) may include a first guide protrusion (2416a) extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction (-x axis direction) of the support portion (2411) from the second surface (2411b) and a second guide protrusion (2416b) extending from the first guide protrusion (2416a).

[0163] According to various embodiments, the guide rail (2261-1) may extend from a straight section (SS) to a curved section (CS), and may include a first guide slit (2263) formed through a space between a first inner surface (2262a) and a second inner surface (2262b), and a second guide slit (2264) formed through a space between a third inner surface (2262c) formed (formed through a reduction) lower than the first inner surface (2262a) of the first guide slit (2263) in the curved section (CS) and the second inner surface (2262b).

[0164] According to various embodiments, in the straight section (SS) of the guide slit (2262), the second guide protrusion (2416b) may contact the first inner surface (2262a) of the first guide slit (2263), thereby expanding the contact area (e.g., surface contact). In this case, the first guide protrusion (2416a) may also contact the first inner surface (2262a). In one embodiment, in the curved section (CS) of the guide slit (2262), the support bar (241-1) may help induce smooth guide operation by reducing the contact area (e.g., line contact) with the first inner surface (2262a) by having the first guide protrusion (2416a) (rather than the second guide protrusion (2416b)) be guided by the first guide slit (2263). In this case, in the curved section (CS), the second guide protrusion (2416b) is accommodated in the second guide slit (2264), but is set not to come into contact with the second inner surface (2262b) and the third inner surface (2262c), so that it may not interfere with the movement of the support bar (241-3).

[0165] FIG. 16A is a partial perspective view of a support bar according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a joint structure of the support bar and guide rail of FIG. 16A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0166] In explaining the guide structure through the support bar (241-4) of FIG. 16a and the support bar (241-4) of FIG. 16b, the same symbols are given to components that are substantially the same as the guide structure through the support bar (241) of FIG. 6a and the support bar (241) of FIG. 10d, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0167] Referring to FIGS. 16a and 16b, the support bar (241-4) may include a first guide protrusion (2413) extending from a second surface (2411b) of the support portion (2411) and a second guide protrusion (2414) extending from the first guide protrusion (2413). In one embodiment, the support bar (241-4) may include a protrusion (2413a) protruding from the first guide protrusion (2413). In one embodiment, the protrusion (2413a) may protrude from the first guide protrusion (2413) in a direction toward the second inner surface (2262b) of the first guide slit (2263). In one embodiment, the protrusion (2413a) may be formed in a shape having the same length as the length of the first guide protrusion (2413). In one embodiment, the portion of the protrusion (2413a) that comes into contact with the second inner surface (2262b) may be formed in a curved shape to reduce friction. In some embodiments, a friction reducing member (e.g., the friction reducing member (2265) of FIG. 12A) may be disposed between the protrusion (2413a) and the second inner surface (2262b). In some embodiments, the protrusion (2413a) may extend to at least a portion (2414) of the second guide protrusion, or may be additionally formed separately.

[0168] According to various embodiments, when the first guide protrusion (2413) and the second guide protrusion (2414) of the support bar (241-4) are accommodated in the first guide slit (2263), in the straight section (SS), the upper surface of the first guide protrusion (2413) may contact the first inner surface (2262a) of the first guide slit (2263), and the protrusion (2413a) may contact the second inner surface (2262b). In some embodiments, the protrusion (2413a) may be formed to be close to the second inner surface (2262b). By arranging the protrusions (2413a), the gap between the first guide protrusion (2413) and the second inner surface (2262b) during the guide operation is eliminated or reduced, thereby helping to reduce damage or deformation of the flexible display (230) and / or the support bar (241-4) due to external impact such as dropping. In one embodiment, the protrusions (2413a) may be set to have a protrusion amount that does not come into contact with the second inner surface (2262b) and / or the third inner surface (2262c) of the second guide slit (2264) in order to induce smooth guide operation in the curved section (CS) of the guide slit (2262).

[0169] FIG. 17a is a partial perspective view of a support bar according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 17b is a cross-sectional view illustrating a joint structure of the support bar and guide rail of FIG. 17a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0170] In explaining the guide structure through the support bar (241-5) of FIG. 17a and the support bar (241-5) of FIG. 17b, the same symbols are given to components that are substantially the same as the guide structure through the support bar (241-4) of FIG. 16a and the support bar (241-4) of FIG. 16b, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0171] Referring to FIGS. 17a and 17b, the support bar (241-5) may include a pair of protrusions (2413b) protruding at a specified interval from the first guide protrusion (2413). In this case, in the straight section (SS), the pair of protrusions (2413b) contact or are close to the second inner surface (2262b), and the gap between the first guide protrusion (2413) and the second inner surface (2262b) is eliminated or reduced during the guide operation, thereby helping to reduce damage or deformation of the flexible display (230) and / or the support bar (241-5) due to external impact such as dropping.

[0172] FIGS. 18A to 18D are perspective views of some of the support bars according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0173] In explaining the support bars (310, 320, 330, 340) of FIGS. 18a to 18d, the same reference numerals are given to components that are substantially the same as the support bar (241-5) of FIG. 16a, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0174] Referring to FIG. 18a, the support bar (310) may include a first guide protrusion (2413) extending from a second surface (2411b) of the support portion (2411) and a second guide protrusion (2414) extending from the first guide protrusion (2413). In one embodiment, the support bar (310) may include a protrusion (2413c) protruding from the first guide protrusion (2413). In one embodiment, the protrusion (2413a) may protrude from the first guide protrusion (2413) in a direction toward the second inner surface (2262b) of the first guide slit (2263). In one embodiment, the protrusion (2413c) may be formed in a rectangular shape at a designated position on the back surface of the first guide protrusion (2413).

[0175] Referring to FIG. 18b, the protrusion (2413d) may be formed as a pair of rectangular shapes in a similar manner to the protrusion (2413c) of FIG. 18a.

[0176] Referring to FIG. 18c, the protrusion (2413e) may be formed in a circular shape in a similar manner to the protrusion (2413c) of FIG. 18a.

[0177] Referring to FIG. 18d, the protrusion (2413f) may be formed in a pair of circular shapes in a similar manner to the protrusion (2413e) of FIG. 18c.

[0178] For example, the protrusions may be formed in various shapes such as ovals and polygons, and / or in various numbers of three or more, in addition to the illustrated embodiments.

[0179] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A) may include a flexible display (e.g., a flexible display (230) of FIG. 2A), a first housing (e.g., a first housing (210) of FIG. 2A), a second housing (e.g., a second housing (220) of FIG. 2A) movably coupled to the first housing, and a support member (e.g., a support member (240) of FIG. 10A) that supports at least a portion of the flexible display and moves in accordance with movement of the second housing. The support member may include support bars arranged to support the back surface of the flexible display (e.g., support bars (241) of FIG. 10b), first guide protrusions (e.g., first guide protrusions (2413) of FIG. 10d) protruding from each end of each of the plurality of support bars, and second guide protrusions (e.g., second guide protrusions (2414) of FIG. 10d) extending from the first guide protrusions, respectively. The electronic device may be arranged in the first housing and include a guide rail (e.g., guide rail (226) of FIG. 10d) including a guide slit (e.g., guide slit (2262) of FIG. 10c). The above guide slit includes a straight section (e.g., a straight section (SS) of FIG. 10d), a curved section extended from the straight section (e.g., a curved section (CSk) of FIG. 10d), a first guide slit extended from the straight section toward the curved section (e.g., a first guide slit (2263) of FIG. 10d), and a second guide slit formed in the curved section (e.g., a second guide slit (2264) of FIG. 10d), and among the first guide protrusions (2413) and the second guide protrusions (2414), in the straight section, at least the first guide protrusions can be guided through the first guide slit, and in the curved section, the second guide protrusions can be guided through the first guide slit.

[0180] According to various embodiments, in the curved section, the first guide protrusions may not contact the inner surface of the second guide slit.

[0181] According to various embodiments, in the straight section, the contact area between the first guide protrusions and the inner surface of the guide slit may be greater than the contact area between the second guide protrusions and the inner surface of the guide slit.

[0182] According to various embodiments, a friction reducing member (e.g., a friction reducing member (2265) of FIG. 12) may be disposed between the first guide protrusions and the inner surface of the first guide slit, or between the second guide protrusions and the inner surface of the first guide slit, or both.

[0183] According to various embodiments, the friction reducing member may include a Teflon coating layer or a hard coating layer formed on at least one of the inner surface of the guide slit, the first guide protrusions in contact with the inner surface, or the contact surface of the second guide protrusions.

[0184] According to various embodiments, the boundary region between the straight section and the curved section may include an inclined surface (e.g., an inclined surface (2262d) of FIG. 7c) connecting the inner surface of the first guide slit and the inner surface of the second guide slit.

[0185] According to various embodiments, the guide slit includes an inner surface, and the inner surface includes a first inner surface facing the flexible display direction and extending from the straight section toward the curved section (e.g., the first inner surface (2262a) in FIG. 7c), a second inner surface facing in a direction opposite to the first inner surface and extending from the straight section toward the curved section (e.g., the second inner surface (2262b) in FIG. 7c), and a third inner surface extending from a portion of the first inner surface in the curved section (e.g., the third inner surface (2262c) in FIG. 7c), and in the straight section, the first guide protrusions and the second guide protrusions can be moved in a state of being in contact with the first inner surface, and in the curved section, the second guide protrusion among the first guide protrusions and the second guide protrusions can be moved in a state of being in contact with the first inner surface.

[0186] According to various embodiments, in the straight section, the contact area between the first guide protrusions and the first inner surface may be greater than the contact area between the second guide protrusions and the first inner surface.

[0187] According to various embodiments, the third inner surface may be formed lower than the first inner surface.

[0188] According to various embodiments, the first guide slit may be formed through a space between the first inner surface and the second inner surface.

[0189] According to various embodiments, the second guide slit may be formed through a space between the second inner surface and the third inner surface.

[0190] According to various embodiments, the first guide protrusions and / or the second guide protrusions may include at least one protrusion (protrusion (2413a) of FIG. 16a) formed to be in proximity to or in contact with the second inner surface.

[0191] According to various embodiments, the second guide protrusions may extend from the first guide protrusions in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the support bars, or may protrude further than the first guide protrusions.

[0192] According to various embodiments, the device further comprises at least one rigid rib (e.g., rigid rib (2414a) of FIG. 14A) extending outwardly from each of the second guide protrusions, wherein the at least one rigid rib may be formed to have a thickness that does not contact the inner surface of the first guide slit in the straight section.

[0193] According to various embodiments, each of the support bars includes a support portion (e.g., the support portion (2411) of FIG. 6A) including a first surface (e.g., the first surface (2411a) of FIG. 6A) supporting a back surface of the flexible display and a second surface (e.g., the second surface (2411b) of FIG. 6A) facing in an opposite direction to the first surface, and a head portion (e.g., the head portion (2412) of FIG. 6A) protruding from both ends of the support portion and supporting an edge of the flexible display, and the first guide protrusions and the second guide protrusions may protrude from the second surface.

[0194] According to various embodiments, the first guide protrusions and the second guide protrusions may extend from the second surface in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the support.

[0195] According to various embodiments, the second guide protrusions may extend from the first guide protrusions in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the support bar.

[0196] According to various embodiments, the first guide protrusions and the second guide protrusions may extend from the second surface to have different lengths.

[0197] According to various embodiments, the first guide protrusions and the second guide protrusions may be arranged at positions that overlap at least the support portion when viewed from above the first surface.

[0198] According to various embodiments, the head portion may be formed higher than the first surface from the end of the support portion.

[0199] In addition, the embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed in this specification and drawings are merely specific examples presented 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 an electronic device (200), Flexible display (230); First housing (210); A second housing (220) movably coupled to the first housing (210); and A support member (240) that supports at least a portion of the flexible display (230) and moves according to the movement of the second housing (220), The above support member is, Support bars (241) arranged to support the back surface of the flexible display (230); First guide protrusions (2413) protruding from each end of each of the plurality of support bars (241); and Includes second guide protrusions (2414) each extending from the first guide protrusions (2413), A guide rail (226) is disposed in the first housing (210) and includes a guide slit (2262), The above guide slit (2262) is Straight section (SS); A curved section (CS) extending from the above straight section (SS); A first guide slit (2263) extending from the straight section (SS) toward the curved section (CS); and Including a second guide slit (2264) formed in the above curved section (CS), An electronic device in which, among the first guide protrusions (2413) and the second guide protrusions (2414), in the straight section (SS), at least the first guide protrusions (2413) are guided through the first guide slit (2263), and in the curved section (CS), the second guide protrusions (2414) are guided through the first guide slit (2263).

2. In paragraph 1, An electronic device in which the first guide protrusions (2413) do not contact the inner surface (2262c) of the second guide slit (2264) in the above curved section (CS).

3. In paragraph 1, An electronic device in which, in the above straight section (SS), the contact area between the first guide protrusions (2413) and the inner surface (2262a) of the first guide slit (2263) is greater than the contact area between the second guide protrusions (2414) and the inner surface (2262a) of the first guide slit (2263).

4. In paragraph 1, An electronic device including a friction reducing member (2265) disposed between the first guide protrusions (2413) and the inner surface (2262a) of the first guide slit (2263), or between the second guide protrusions (2414) and the inner surface (2262a) of the first guide slit (2263), or disposed on both.

5. In paragraph 4, The above friction reduction member (2265) is an electronic device including a Teflon coating layer or a hard coating layer formed on at least one of the inner surface (2262a) of the first guide slit (2263), the contact surface of the first guide protrusions (2413) or the second guide protrusions (2414) that come into contact with the inner surface (2262a).

6. In paragraph 1, An electronic device including an inclined surface (2262d) connecting the inner surface (2262a) of the first guide slit (2263) and the inner surface (2262c) of the second guide slit (2264) in a boundary area between the straight section (SS) and the curved section (CS).

7. In paragraph 1, The above guide slit (2262) includes an inner surface, and the inner surface includes: A first inner surface (2262a) facing the direction of the flexible display (230) and extending from the straight section (SS) toward the curved section (CS); A second inner surface (2262b) facing the direction opposite to the first inner surface (2262a) and extending from the straight section (SS) to the curved section (CS); and In the above curved section (CS), a third inner surface (2262c) extending from a part of the first inner surface (2262a) is included, In the above straight section (SS), the first guide protrusions (2413) and the second guide protrusions (2414) are moved in contact with the first inner surface (2262a), An electronic device in which, in the above curved section (CS), the second guide protrusions (2414) among the first guide protrusions (2413) and the second guide protrusions (2414) move in contact with the first inner surface (2262a).

8. In paragraph 7, An electronic device in which, in the above straight section (SS), the contact area between the first guide protrusions (2413) and the first inner surface (2262a) is larger than the contact area between the second guide protrusions (2414) and the first inner surface (2262a).

9. In paragraph 7, An electronic device in which the third inner surface (2262c) is formed lower than the first inner surface (2262a).

10. In paragraph 7, The above first guide slit (2263) is an electronic device formed through a space between the first inner surface (2262a) and the second inner surface (2262b).

11. In paragraph 7, The above second guide slit (2264) is an electronic device formed through a space between the second inner surface (2262b) and the third inner surface (2262c).

12. In paragraph 7, An electronic device in which the first guide protrusions (2413) and / or the second guide protrusions (2414) include at least one protrusion (2413a, 2413b, 2413c, 2413d, 2413e, 2413f) formed to be in proximity to or in contact with the second inner surface (2262b).

13. In paragraph 1, The second guide protrusions (2414) extend from the first guide protrusions (2413) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the support bars (241) and protrude further than the first guide protrusions (2413) in the electronic device.

14. In paragraph 1, Further comprising at least one rigid rib (2414a) extending outward from each of the second guide protrusions (2414), An electronic device in which at least one rigid rib (2414a) is formed to have a thickness that does not contact the inner surface (2262a) of the first guide slit (2263) in the straight section (SS).

15. In paragraph 1, Each of the above support bars (241) is A support (2411) including a first surface (2411a) supporting the back surface of the flexible display (230) and a second surface (2411b) facing in the opposite direction to the first surface; and It includes a head portion (2412) that protrudes from both ends of the support portion (2411) and supports the edge of the flexible display (230). The electronic device wherein the first guide protrusions (2413) and the second guide protrusions (2414) protrude from the second surface (2411b).

Images