WO2022039498A1

WO2022039498A1 - Electronic apparatus comprising flexible display

Info

Publication number: WO2022039498A1
Application number: PCT/KR2021/010964
Authority: WO
Inventors: 김용운; 최현석
Original assignee: 삼성전자 주식회사
Priority date: 2020-08-20
Filing date: 2021-08-18
Publication date: 2022-02-24
Also published as: KR20220023201A

Abstract

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device may comprise: a housing; a flexible display arranged to be movable at the housing, the flexible display having a display area, shown on the outside thereof, of which the size is changed by means of the movement; a reflection pattern which includes a plurality of reflection areas and which is arranged at the rear of the display area; a light-emitting unit which overlaps with the display area so as to be positioned inside the housing; a light reception unit which overlaps with the display area so as to be positioned inside the housing, and which detects the light outputted from the light-emitting unit and reflected by the reflection pattern, the reflection area, in which at least a part of the light outputted from the light-emitting unit is reflected by the reflective pattern, being changed according to the movement position of the flexible display; and a processor configured to confirm the size of the display area in response to the movement of the flexible display on the basis of the light detected through the reception unit. Other various embodiments are possible.

Description

Electronic device including flexible display

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device including a flexible display.

Electronic devices are being provided in various forms such as smart phones, tablet personal computers (PCs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), etc. with the development of digital technology. Electronic devices are being designed to provide a larger screen while having a portable size that does not cause inconvenience to a user's hand.

The electronic device may be implemented to expand the screen in a slide manner, for example. For example, a portion of the flexible display may be drawn out from the internal space of the electronic device by sliding, and thus the screen may be expanded. However, it is difficult for the electronic device to check the screen size (eg, aspect ratio) according to the moving distance of the flexible display.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an electronic device including a flexible display capable of measuring a movement distance of the flexible display in relation to the size of the screen.

The technical problems to be achieved in the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below. There will be.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in an electronic device, a housing, a flexible display movably disposed on the housing, and a size of a display area viewed from the outside of the flexible display are changed by the movement, and a plurality of reflective areas a reflective pattern disposed on a rear surface of the display area, a light emitting unit positioned inside the housing to overlap the display area, and a light emitting unit positioned inside the housing to overlap the display area and output from the light emitting unit A light receiving unit that detects the light reflected by the reflective pattern, and a reflective region where at least a portion of the light output from the light emitting unit is reflected in the reflective pattern is changed according to a moving position of the flexible display, and detected through the light receiving unit and a processor configured to check the size of the display area in response to movement of the flexible display based on the received light.

An electronic device including a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may check a screen size (eg, a screen ratio) according to a movement distance of the flexible display and display content corresponding thereto, including the flexible display. Reliability of the electronic device may be improved. In addition, an element for sensing the movement distance of the flexible display may be disposed in a limited mounting space of the electronic device without interfering with the sliding operation of the flexible display, thereby improving space utilization.

In addition, effects obtainable or predicted by various embodiments of the present invention will be disclosed directly or implicitly in the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention. For example, various effects predicted according to various embodiments of the present invention will be disclosed in the detailed description to be described later.

1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

2A is a front perspective view of an electronic device in a closed state according to an exemplary embodiment;

2B is a rear perspective view of an electronic device in a closed state according to an exemplary embodiment;

3A is a front perspective view of an electronic device in an open state according to an exemplary embodiment;

3B is a rear perspective view of an electronic device in an open state according to an exemplary embodiment;

4 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device of FIG. 2A according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the electronic device taken along line A-A' in the electronic device in a closed state of FIG. 2A according to an exemplary embodiment.

6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the electronic device taken along line B-B' in the electronic device in an open state of FIG. 3A according to an exemplary embodiment.

7 is a plan view of an electronic device in an open state according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a part of a cross-sectional structure of a line A-A′ in the electronic device of FIG. 7 according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a portion of a cross-sectional structure of a line B-B′ in the electronic device of FIG. 7 according to an exemplary embodiment.

10 is a plan view of the reflective structure of FIG. 9 when viewed from above on a screen according to an exemplary embodiment.

11 is a graph relating to illuminance detected by the first light receiving unit, for example.

12A, 12B, 12C, or 12D illustrate an arrangement structure of a first light receiving unit, a second light receiving unit, and a light emitting unit according to various embodiments.

13 is a plan view of a portion of a reflective structure according to another embodiment.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present document will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram of an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1 , in a network environment 100 , an electronic device 101 communicates with an electronic device 102 through a first network 198 (eg, a short-range wireless communication network) or a second network 199 . It may communicate with the electronic device 104 or the server 108 through (eg, a long-distance wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104 through the server 108 . According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 includes a processor 120 , a memory 130 , an input module 150 , a sound output module 155 , a display module 160 , an audio module 170 , and a sensor module ( 176), interface 177, connection terminal 178, haptic module 179, camera module 180, power management module 188, battery 189, communication module 190, subscriber identification module 196 , or an antenna module 197 may be included. In some embodiments, at least one of these components (eg, the connection terminal 178 ) may be omitted or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device 101 . In some embodiments, some of these components (eg, sensor module 176 , camera module 180 , or antenna module 197 ) are integrated into one component (eg, display module 160 ). can be

The processor 120, for example, executes software (eg, the program 140) to execute at least one other component (eg, hardware or software component) of the electronic device 101 connected to the processor 120. It can control and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of data processing or computation, the processor 120 converts commands or data received from other components (eg, the sensor module 176 or the communication module 190 ) to the volatile memory 132 . may be stored in the volatile memory 132 , and may process commands or data stored in the volatile memory 132 , and store the result data in the non-volatile memory 134 . According to an embodiment, the processor 120 is the main processor 121 (eg, a central processing unit or an application processor) or a secondary processor 123 (eg, a graphic processing unit, a neural network processing unit) a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor). For example, when the electronic device 101 includes the main processor 121 and the sub-processor 123 , the sub-processor 123 may use less power than the main processor 121 or may be set to be specialized for a specified function. can The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from or as a part of the main processor 121 .

The auxiliary processor 123 is, for example, on behalf of the main processor 121 while the main processor 121 is in an inactive (eg, sleep) state, or the main processor 121 is active (eg, executing an application). ), together with the main processor 121, at least one of the components of the electronic device 101 (eg, the display module 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) It is possible to control at least some of the related functions or states. According to an embodiment, the co-processor 123 (eg, an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (eg, the camera module 180 or the communication module 190). there is. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (eg, a neural network processing device) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model. Artificial intelligence models can be created through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, in the electronic device 101 itself on which artificial intelligence is performed, or may be performed through a separate server (eg, the server 108). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but the above-described example is not limited to The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. Artificial neural networks include deep neural networks (DNNs), convolutional neural networks (CNNs), recurrent neural networks (RNNs), restricted boltzmann machines (RBMs), deep belief networks (DBNs), bidirectional recurrent deep neural networks (BRDNNs), It may be one of deep Q-networks, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the above example. The artificial intelligence model may include, in addition to, or alternatively, a software structure in addition to the hardware structure.

The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device 101 (eg, the processor 120 or the sensor module 176 ). The data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (eg, the program 140 ) and instructions related thereto. The memory 130 may include a volatile memory 132 or a non-volatile memory 134 .

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 .

The input module 150 may receive a command or data to be used by a component (eg, the processor 120 ) of the electronic device 101 from the outside (eg, a user) of the electronic device 101 . The input module 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (eg, a button), or a digital pen (eg, a stylus pen).

The sound output module 155 may output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device 101 . The sound output module 155 may 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 may be used to receive an incoming call. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from or as part of the speaker.

The display module 160 may visually provide information to the outside (eg, a user) of the electronic device 101 . The display module 160 may include, for example, a control circuit for controlling a display, a hologram device, or a projector and a corresponding device. According to an embodiment, the display module 160 may include a touch sensor configured to sense a touch or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

The audio module 170 may convert a sound into an electric signal or, conversely, convert an electric signal into a sound. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 acquires a sound through the input module 150 or an external electronic device (eg, a sound output module 155 ) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 101 . A sound may be output through the electronic device 102 (eg, a speaker or headphones).

The sensor module 176 detects an operating state (eg, power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or an external environmental state (eg, user state), and generates an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the sensed state. can do. According to one embodiment, the sensor module 176 may 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, It may include a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The interface 177 may support one or more designated protocols that may be used for the electronic device 101 to directly or wirelessly connect with an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 102 ). According to an 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.

The connection terminal 178 may include a connector through which the electronic device 101 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 102 ). According to an embodiment, the connection terminal 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (eg, a headphone connector).

The haptic module 179 may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (eg, vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that the user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sense. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The camera module 180 may capture still images and moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

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

The battery 189 may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device 101 . According to one embodiment, battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary cell, a rechargeable secondary cell, or a fuel cell.

The communication module 190 is a direct (eg, wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 102, the electronic device 104, or the server 108). It can support establishment and communication performance through the established communication channel. The communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor 120 (eg, an application processor) and support direct (eg, wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module 190 is a wireless communication module 192 (eg, a cellular communication module, a short-range communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (eg, : It may include a LAN (local area network) communication module, or a power line communication module). A corresponding communication module among these communication modules is a first network 198 (eg, a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (eg, legacy It may communicate with the external electronic device 104 through a cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (eg, a telecommunication network such as a LAN or a WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into one component (eg, a single chip) or implemented as a plurality of components (eg, multiple chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module 192 uses the subscriber information (eg, International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module 196 within a communication network such as the first network 198 or the second network 199 . The electronic device 101 may be identified or authenticated.

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

The antenna module 197 may transmit or receive a signal or power to the outside (eg, an external electronic device). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include an antenna including a conductor formed on a substrate (eg, a PCB) or a radiator formed of a conductive pattern. According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas (eg, 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 is connected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module 190 . can be selected. A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, other components (eg, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiator may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module 197 .

According to various embodiments, the antenna module 197 may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module comprises a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first side (eg, underside) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (eg, mmWave band); and a plurality of antennas (eg, an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent to a second side (eg, top or side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving a signal of the designated high frequency band. can

At least some of the components are connected to each other through a communication method between peripheral devices (eg, a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)) and a signal ( eg commands or data) can be exchanged with each other.

According to an embodiment, the command or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 through the server 108 connected to the second network 199 . Each of the external

electronic devices

102 or 104 may be the same as or different from the electronic device 101 . According to an embodiment, all or a part of operations executed in the electronic device 101 may be executed in one or more external

electronic devices

102 , 104 , or 108 . For example, when the electronic device 101 is to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or other device, the electronic device 101 may perform the function or service itself instead of executing the function or service itself. Alternatively or additionally, one or more external electronic devices may be requested to perform at least a part of the function or the service. One or more external electronic devices that have received the request may execute at least a part of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit a result of the execution to the electronic device 101 . The electronic device 101 may process the result as it is or additionally and provide it as at least a part of a response to the request. For this, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device 101 may provide an ultra-low latency service using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device 104 may include an Internet of things (IoT) device. Server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or neural networks. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device 104 or the server 108 may be included in the second network 199 . The electronic device 101 may be applied to an intelligent service (eg, smart home, smart city, smart car, or health care) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

The electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may have various types of devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (eg, a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance device. The electronic device according to the embodiment of the present document is not limited to the above-described devices.

The various embodiments of this document and terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but it should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or more of the item, unless the relevant context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "A , B, or C" each may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding one of the phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as “first”, “second”, or “first” or “second” may simply be used to distinguish the component from other such components, and refer to the component in another aspect (e.g., importance or order) is not limited. It is said that one (eg, first) component is "coupled" or "connected" to another (eg, second) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively". When referenced, it means that one component can be connected to the other component directly (eg by wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

The term “module” used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and is interchangeable with terms such as, for example, logic, logic block, component, or circuit. can be used as A module may be an integrally formed part or a minimum unit or a part of the part that performs one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, the module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

According to various embodiments of the present document, one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (eg, internal memory 136 or external memory 138) readable by a machine (eg, electronic device 101) may be implemented as software (eg, the program 140) including For example, a processor (eg, processor 120 ) of a device (eg, electronic device 101 ) may call at least one command among one or more commands stored from a storage medium and execute it. This makes it possible for the device to be operated to perform at least one function according to the called at least one command. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include a signal (eg, electromagnetic wave), and this term is used in cases where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and It does not distinguish between temporary storage cases.

According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be included in a computer program product (computer program product) and provided. Computer program products may be traded between sellers and buyers as commodities. The computer program product is distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (eg compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or via an application store (eg Play Store ^TM ) or on two user devices ( It can be distributed online (eg download or upload), directly between smartphones (eg smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a part of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium such as a memory of a server of a manufacturer, a server of an application store, or a relay server.

According to various embodiments, each component (eg, a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a singular or a plurality of entities, and some of the plurality of entities may be separately disposed in other components. there is. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations among the above-described corresponding components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (eg, a module or a program) may be integrated into one component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each component of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. . According to various embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component are executed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations are executed in a different order, or omitted. or one or more other operations may be added.

2A is a front perspective view of the electronic device 200 in a closed state according to an exemplary embodiment. 2B is a rear perspective view of the electronic device 200 in a closed state according to an exemplary embodiment. 3A is a front perspective view of the electronic device 200 in an open state according to an exemplary embodiment. 3B is a rear perspective view of the electronic device 200 in an open state according to an exemplary embodiment.

2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B , in an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may be implemented to expand the screen 2301 in a sliding manner. For example, the screen 2301 may be a display area viewed from the outside among the flexible displays 230 . 2A and 2B show the electronic device 200 in a state in which the screen (or display area) 2301 is not expanded, and FIGS. 3A and 3B show the electronic device 200 in a state in which the screen 2301 is expanded. show A state in which the screen 2301 is not expanded is a state in which the sliding plate 220 for a sliding motion of the display 230 is not slid-out, and may be referred to as a 'closed state' hereinafter. . For example, the slide-out may refer to at least a partial movement of the sliding plate 220 in the first direction (eg, the +x axis direction) when the electronic device 200 is switched from the closed state to the open state. The expanded state of the screen 2301 is a state in which the screen 2301 is no longer expanded due to the sliding out of the sliding plate 220 and may be referred to as an 'open state' hereinafter. According to various embodiments, the open state may be defined as a state in which the screen 2301 is expanded compared to the closed state, and screens of various sizes may be provided according to the moving position of the sliding plate 220 . According to various embodiments, the intermediated state may refer to a state between the closed state of FIG. 2A and the open state of FIG. 3A . The screen 2301 may include an active area of the flexible display 230 that is visually exposed to output an image, and the electronic device 200 moves the sliding plate 220 or the flexible display ( 230), the active area may be adjusted. In the following description, the open state may refer to a state in which the screen 2301 is maximized. In some embodiments, the flexible display 230 that is slidably disposed on the electronic device 200 of FIG. 2A and provides a screen 2301 is a 'slide-out display or an 'expandable display (expandable display). display)'. According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 including the flexible display 230 may include the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 .

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a sliding structure related to the flexible display 230 . For example, when the flexible display 230 is moved to a set distance by an external force, it can be switched from a closed state to an open state or from an open state to a closed state without any further external force due to the elastic structure included in the sliding structure. Yes (eg semi-automatic slide motion).

According to some embodiments, when a signal is generated through an input device included in the electronic device 200, the electronic device 200 moves from a closed state to an open state due to a driving device such as a motor connected to the flexible display 230, Alternatively, you can switch from an open state to a closed state. For example, when a signal is generated through a hardware button or a software button provided through a screen, the electronic device 200 may be switched from a closed state to an open state or from an open state to a closed state.

According to various embodiments, when a signal is generated from various sensors such as a pressure sensor, the electronic device 200 may be switched from a closed state to an open state or from an open state to a closed state. For example, when carrying or holding the electronic device 200 by hand, a squeeze gesture in which a part of the hand (eg, the palm of the hand or a finger) presses within a specified section of the electronic device 200 may trigger the sensor may be detected, and in response, the electronic device 200 may be switched from a closed state to an open state or from an open state to a closed state.

According to an embodiment, the display 230 may include a second area ⓑ (refer to FIG. 3A ). The second region ⓑ may include an extended portion of the screen 2301 when the electronic device 200 is switched from a closed state to an open state. When the electronic device 200 is switched from the closed state to the open state, the second region ⓑ is drawn out from the internal space of the electronic device 200 in a sliding manner, and thus the screen 2301 may be expanded. When the electronic device 200 is switched from an open state to a closed state, at least a portion of the second region ⓑ slides into the internal space of the electronic device 200, and thus the screen 2301 may be reduced. there is. When the electronic device 200 is switched from an open state to a closed state, at least a portion of the second region ⓑ may be bent and moved to the internal space of the electronic device 200 . For example, the flexible display 230 may include a flexible substrate (eg, a plastic substrate) formed of a polymer material including polyimide (PI) or polyester (PET). The second region ⓑ is a bent portion of the flexible display 230 when there is a transition between the open state and the closed state of the electronic device 200, and may be referred to as, for example, a bendable section. . In the following description, the second region ⓑ will be referred to as a bendable section.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a housing 210 , a sliding plate 220 , or a flexible display 230 .

The housing (or case) 210 includes, for example, a back cover 212 , a first side cover 213 , or a second side cover 214 . can do. The back cover 212 , the first side cover 213 , or the second side cover 214 may be connected to a support member (not shown) positioned inside the electronic device 200 , and It may form at least a part of the appearance.

The back cover 212 may form, for example, at least a part of the rear surface 200B of the electronic device 200 . In one embodiment, the back cover 212 may be substantially opaque. For example, the back cover 212 may be formed by coated or tinted glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (eg, aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the foregoing. there is. According to an embodiment, in a state in which the bendable section ⓑ of the flexible display 230 is drawn into the inner space of the housing 210 (eg, in a closed state), at least a portion of the bendable section ⓑ is a back cover It may be arranged to be visible from the outside through 212 . In this case, the back cover 212 may be formed of a transparent material and/or a translucent material.

According to an embodiment, the back cover 212 may include a flat portion 212a and

curved portions

212b and 212c positioned at opposite sides with the flat portion 212a interposed therebetween. The

curved portions

212b and 212c are formed adjacent to both relatively long edges (not shown) of the back cover 212 , respectively, and may be bent toward the screen positioned opposite to the back cover 212 to extend seamlessly. there is. According to some embodiments, the back cover 212 may include one of the

curved portions

212b and 212c or may be implemented without the

curved portions

212b and 212c.

According to an embodiment, the first side cover 213 and the second side cover 214 may be positioned opposite to each other. For example, the first side cover 213 and the second side cover 214 may move in a second direction (eg, the +x axis direction) orthogonal to the first direction (eg, the +x axis direction) of the slide out of the sliding plate 220 . y-axis direction), with the flexible display 230 interposed therebetween. The first side cover 213 may form at least a portion of the first side surface 213a of the electronic device 200 , and the second side cover 214 may have an electron facing in a direction opposite to the first side surface 213a. may form at least a portion of the second side 214a of the device 200 . The first side cover 213 may include a first rim portion (or a first rim) 213b extending from an edge of the first side cover 213a. For example, the first edge part 213b may form at least a part of one side bezel of the electronic device 200 . The second side cover 214 may include a second edge portion (or second rim) 214b extending from an edge of the second side surface 214a. The second edge portion 214b may form at least a part of the other bezel of the electronic device 200 . According to an embodiment, in the closed state of FIG. 2A , the surface of the first edge part 213b, the surface of the second edge part 214b, and the surface of the sliding plate 220 are smoothly connected, so that the A side curved portion (not shown) corresponding to the first curved portion 230b may be formed. According to various embodiments, the surface of the first edge part 213b or the surface of the second edge part 214b is the second curved part 230c of the screen 2301 positioned on the opposite side to the first curved part 230b. ) may include a curved surface portion (not shown) on the other side corresponding to the side.

According to an embodiment, the sliding plate 220 may slide on a support member (not shown) positioned inside the electronic device 200 . At least a portion of the flexible display 230 may be disposed on the sliding plate 220, and the closed state of FIG. 2A or the open state of FIG. 3A may be formed based on the position of the sliding plate 220 on the support member. there is. According to an embodiment, the flexible display 230 may be attached to the sliding plate 120 through an adhesive member (or an adhesive member) (not shown). According to an embodiment, the adhesive member may include a heat-responsive adhesive member, a photo-responsive adhesive member, a general adhesive, and/or a double-sided tape. According to some embodiments, the flexible display 230 may be inserted into a recess formed in the sliding plate 220 in a sliding manner to be disposed and fixed to the sliding plate 220 . The sliding plate 230 serves to support at least a portion of the flexible display 230 , and may be referred to as a display support structure in some embodiments.

According to an embodiment, the sliding plate 220 includes a third edge portion 220b that forms an outer surface of the electronic device 200 (eg, a surface exposed to the outside to form an exterior of the electronic device 200 ). can do. For example, in the closed state of FIG. 2A , the third edge part 220b may form a bezel around the screen together with the first edge part 213b and the second edge part 214b. The third edge portion 220b may extend in the second direction (eg, the y-axis direction) to connect one end of the first side cover 213 and one end of the second side cover 214 in the closed state. there is. For example, in the closed state of FIG. 2A , the surface of the third edge part 220b may be smoothly connected to the surface of the first edge part 213b and/or the surface of the second edge part 214b.

According to an embodiment, due to the sliding out of the sliding plate 220, at least a portion of the bendable section ⓑ comes out from the inside of the electronic device 200 and the screen 2301 is expanded as shown in FIG. 3A . (eg open state) may be provided.

According to an embodiment, in the closed state of FIG. 2A , the screen 2301 includes a flat portion 230a, and a first curved portion 230b and/or located opposite to each other with the flat portion 230a interposed therebetween. It may include a second curved portion 230c. For example, the first curved portion 230b and the second curved portion 230c may be substantially symmetrical with the flat portion 230a interposed therebetween. For example, in the closed state of FIG. 2A , the first curved portion 230b and/or the second curved portion 230c may be positioned to correspond to the

curved portions

212b and 212c of the back cover 212, respectively, and , may be curved toward the back cover 212 . When switching from the closed state of FIG. 2A to the open state of FIG. 3A , the planar portion 230a may be expanded. For example, a partial region of the bendable section ⓑ forming the second curved portion 230c in the closed state of FIG. 2A is a flat portion expanded when it is switched from the closed state of FIG. 2A to the open state of FIG. 3A . It is included in 230a and may be formed as another region of the bendable section ⓑ.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 includes an opening (not shown) for entering or withdrawing the bendable section ⓑ, and/or a pulley (not shown) positioned in the opening. may include The pulley may be positioned corresponding to the bendable section ⓑ, and the movement of the bendable section ⓑ and the direction of movement will be guided through the rotation of the pulley in the transition between the closed state of FIG. 2A and the open state of FIG. 3A. can The first curved portion 230b may be formed to correspond to a curved surface formed on one surface of the sliding plate 220 . The second curved portion 230c may be formed by a portion corresponding to the curved surface of the pulley in the bendable section ⓑ. The first curved portion 230c may be positioned opposite to the second curved portion 230b in the closed or open state of the electronic device 200 to improve the aesthetics of the screen 2301 . According to some embodiments, the flat portion 230a may be implemented in an expanded form without the first curved portion 230b.

According to an embodiment, the flexible display 230 may further include a touch sensing circuit (eg, a touch sensor). According to various embodiments (not shown), the flexible display 230 includes a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and/or a digitizer that detects a magnetic field type pen input device (eg, a stylus pen); They may be combined or placed adjacent to each other. For example, the digitizer may include a coil member disposed on a dielectric substrate to detect a resonance frequency of an electromagnetic induction method applied from the pen input device.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 includes a microphone hole 251 (eg, the input module 150 of FIG. 1 ), a speaker hole 252 (eg, the sound output module 155 of FIG. 1 ), and a connector. It may include a hole 253 (eg, the connection terminal 178 of FIG. 1 ), a camera module 254 (eg, the camera module 180 of FIG. 1 ), or a flash 255 . According to various embodiments, the flash 255 may be implemented by being included in the camera module 254 . In some embodiments, the electronic device 200 may omit at least one of the components or additionally include other components.

The microphone hole 251 may be formed, for example, in at least a portion of the second side surface 214a corresponding to a microphone (not shown) positioned inside the electronic device 200 . The position of the microphone hole 251 is not limited to the embodiment of FIG. 2A and may vary. According to some embodiments, the electronic device 200 may include a plurality of microphones capable of detecting the direction of sound.

The speaker hole 252 may be formed, for example, in at least a portion of the second side surface 214a corresponding to a speaker located inside the electronic device 200 . The location of the speaker hole 252 is not limited to the embodiment of FIG. 2A and may vary. According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 may include a receiver hole for a call. In some embodiments, the microphone hole 251 and the speaker hole 252 may be implemented as one hole, or the speaker hole 252 may be omitted like a piezo speaker.

The connector hole 253 may be formed, for example, in at least a portion of the second side surface 214a corresponding to a connector (eg, a USB connector) positioned inside the electronic device 200 . The electronic device 200 may transmit and/or receive power and/or data to and/or from an external electronic device electrically connected to the connector through the connector hole 253 . The location of the connector hole 253 is not limited to the embodiment of FIG. 2A and may vary.

The camera module 254 and the flash 255 may be located, for example, on the rear surface 200B of the electronic device 200 . The camera module 154 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash 255 may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. According to various embodiments, it is not limited to the embodiment of FIG. 2B or 3B , and the electronic device 200 may include a plurality of camera modules. The camera module 254 may be one of a plurality of camera modules. For example, the electronic device 200 may include a plurality of camera modules (eg, a dual camera or a triple camera) each having different properties (eg, angle of view) or functions. For example, a plurality of camera modules (eg, camera modules 254 ) including lenses having different angles of view may be configured, and the electronic device 200 may be configured according to a user's selection. It can be controlled to change the angle of view of the camera module performed in . In addition, the plurality of camera modules may include at least one of a wide-angle camera, a telephoto camera, a color camera, a monochrome camera, or an IR (infrared) camera (eg, a time of flight (TOF) camera, a structured light camera). can According to an embodiment, the IR camera may be operated as at least a part of a sensor module (not shown).

According to various embodiments (not shown), the electronic device 200 receives light through one surface (eg, the front surface 200A) of the electronic device 200 placed in the direction toward which the screen 2301 faces, based on the received light. It may further include a camera module (eg, a front camera) that generates an image signal. For example, the camera module 254 is not limited to the embodiment of FIG. 2B or 3B, and is aligned with an opening (eg, a through hole, or a notch) formed in the flexible display 230 to the housing 210 . can be located inside of The camera module 254 may generate an image signal by receiving light through the opening and a portion of the transparent cover overlapping the opening. The transparent cover serves to protect the flexible display 230 from the outside, and may include, for example, a material such as polyimide or ultra thin glass (UTG).

According to some embodiments, not limited to the embodiment of FIG. 2B or 3B , the camera module 255 may be disposed at the bottom of at least a part of the screen 2301 of the flexible display 230, and the camera module 254 Its location is not visually differentiated (or exposed) and may perform a related function (eg, taking an image). In this case, for example, when viewed from the top of the screen 2301 (eg, when viewed in the -z axis direction), the camera module 254 is disposed to overlap at least a portion of the screen 2301 and is not exposed to the outside. It is possible to acquire an image of an external subject while not doing so.

According to various embodiments (not shown), the electronic device 200 may further include a key input device (eg, the input module 150 of FIG. 1 ). The key input device may be located, for example, on the first side surface 213a of the electronic device 200 formed by the first side cover 213 . In some embodiments (not shown), the key input device may include at least one sensor module.

According to various embodiments (not shown), the electronic device 200 may include various sensor modules (eg, the sensor module 176 of FIG. 1 ). The sensor module may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device 200 or an external environmental state. For example (not shown), the sensor module generates a signal regarding the proximity of an external object based on the light received through the front surface 200A of the electronic device 200 placed in the direction the screen 2301 faces. It may include a proximity sensor. For another example (not shown), the sensor module includes a fingerprint sensor or HRM sensor for detecting biometric information based on light received through the front 200A or rear 200B of the electronic device 200 . It may include various biosensors such as The electronic device 200 may include various other sensor modules, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor. , and may include at least one of an illuminance sensor.

According to various embodiments, it is not limited to the embodiments of FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3C, and the electronic device 200 extends the screen toward the third edge part 220b when the sliding plate 220 slides out. It can also be implemented as a structure. For example, a partial region of the flexible display 230 forming the first curved portion 230b in the closed state of FIG. 2A is expanded when it is switched from the closed state of FIG. 2A to the open state of FIG. 3A ( 230a) and may be formed in another area of the flexible display 230 .

4 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device 200 of FIG. 2A according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4 , in one embodiment, the electronic device 200 includes a back cover 212 , a first side cover 213 , a second side cover 214 , a support member assembly 400 , and a pulley. 460, sliding plate 220, flexible display 230, support sheet 470, multi-bar structure (or multi-bar assembly) 480, or printed circuit board ( 490) (eg, a printed circuit board (PCB), a flexible PCB (FPCB), or a rigid-flex PCB (RFPCB)). A redundant description of the components indicated by some of the reference numerals in FIG. 4 will be omitted.

According to an embodiment, the support member assembly (or support structure) 400 is a frame structure capable of withstanding a load, and may contribute to durability or rigidity of the electronic device 200 . At least a portion of the support member assembly 400 may include a non-metallic material (eg, a polymer) or a metallic material. A housing 210 (refer to FIG. 2A ) including a back cover 212 , a first side cover 213 , or a second side cover 214 , a pulley 460 , a sliding plate 220 , and a flexible display 230 . ), the support sheet 470 , the multi-bar structure 480 , or the printed circuit board 490 may be disposed or coupled to the support member assembly 400 .

According to one embodiment, support member assembly 400 includes first support member 410 , second support member 420 , third support member 430 , fourth support member 440 , or fifth support member (450).

The first support member (or first bracket) 410 may be, for example, in the form of a plate. The sliding plate 220 may be disposed on one surface 410a of the first support member 410 . The second support member (or second bracket) 420 may be in the form of a plate overlapping at least a portion of the first support member 410 when viewed in the z-axis direction, or the first support member It may be coupled with the 410 and/or the third support member 430 . The second support member 420 may be positioned between the first support member 410 and the third support member 430 . The third support member 430 may be coupled to the first support member 410 and/or the second support member 420 with the second support member 420 interposed therebetween. The printed circuit board 490 may be disposed on the second support member 420 between the first support member 410 and the second support member 420 . The fourth support member 440 may be coupled to one side of an assembly (or structure) (not shown) to which the first support member 410 , the second support member 420 , and the third support member 430 are coupled. there is. The fifth support member 450 may be coupled to the other side of an assembly (or structure) (not shown) to which the first support member 410 , the second support member 420 , and the third support member 430 are coupled. and may be positioned opposite to the fourth support member 440 . The first side cover 213 may be coupled to the support member assembly 400 from the side of the fourth support member 440 . The second side cover 214 may be coupled to the support member assembly 400 from the side of the fifth support member 450 . The back cover 212 may be coupled to the support member assembly 400 from the third support member 430 side. At least a portion of the first support member 410 , the second support member 420 , the third support member 430 , the fourth support member 440 , or the fifth support member 450 may be formed of a metallic material and/or a non-metallic material. It may contain substances (eg, polymers). According to various embodiments, at least two or more of the first support member 410 , the second support member 420 , the third support member 430 , the fourth support member 440 , and the fifth support member 450 . may be integrally implemented. According to some embodiments, support member assembly 400 includes first support member 410 , second support member 420 , third support member 430 , fourth support member 440 , and fifth support member It may refer to a structure forming at least a portion of 450 . According to some embodiments, some of the first support member 410 , the second support member 420 , the third support member 430 , the fourth support member 440 , and the fifth support member 450 are omitted. it might be

The first support member 410 is, for example, a first side facing the fourth supporting member 440 (not shown), the fifth supporting member 450 facing the opposite side of the first side the second side 410c, the third side (not shown) connecting one end of the first side and one end of the second side 410c, or the other end of the first side and the other of the second side 410c It may include a fourth side surface 410d that connects the ends and is positioned opposite to the third side surface. According to one embodiment, the pulley 460 may be located near the third side of the first support member 410 . As another example, in the case of an electronic device in which the slide-out direction is reversed, the pulley 460 may be located near the fourth side surface 410d of the first support member 460 . The pulley 460 may include a cylindrical roller 461 extending in a direction (eg, a +y-axis direction) from the fifth support member 450 to the fourth support member 440 . The pulley 460 may include a first rotation shaft (not shown) and a second rotation shaft 463 connected to the roller 461 , the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft 463 are The rollers 461 may be positioned on opposite sides of each other with the rollers 461 interposed therebetween. The first rotation shaft may be positioned between the roller 461 and the first side cover 213 , and may be connected to the fourth support member 440 . The second rotation shaft 463 may be positioned between the roller 461 and the second side cover 214 , and may be connected to the fifth support member 450 . The fourth support member 440 may include a first through hole 441 into which the first rotation shaft is inserted, and the fifth support member 450 has a second through hole into which the second rotation shaft 463 is inserted. (451). The roller 461 may be rotatable based on the first rotation shaft disposed on the fourth support member 440 and the second rotation shaft 463 disposed on the fifth support member 450 .

According to an embodiment, the sliding plate 220 may be disposed on the support member assembly 400 to be able to slide on the first support member 410 . For example, a sliding structure for supporting and guiding coupling between the first support member 410 and the sliding plate 220 and movement of the sliding plate 220 may be provided. According to an embodiment, the sliding structure may include at least one elastic structure 401 . When the sliding plate 220 is moved to a set distance by an external force, due to the at least one elastic structure 401, from the closed state of FIG. 2A to the open state of FIG. 3A, or from the open state to the closed state without any more external force can be switched The at least one resilient structure 401 may include various resilient members such as, for example, a torsion spring. For example, the torsion spring as the resilient structure 401 may include one end connected to the sliding plate 220, the other end connected to the first support member 410, and a spring portion between the one end and the other end. can When the sliding plate 220 is moved to a distance set in the first direction (eg, +x axis direction) of the slide out by an external force, the position of the one end with respect to the other end is changed so that the sliding plate 220 is no longer The spring part can be moved in the first direction due to the elasticity of the spring part even without an external force, and thus can be switched from the closed state of FIG. 2A to the open state of FIG. 3A . When the sliding plate 220 is moved by an external force to a distance set in a second direction opposite to the first direction (eg, the -x axis direction), the position of the one end with respect to the other end is changed to change the position of the sliding plate 220 ) may be moved in the second direction due to the elasticity of the spring part without any external force, and thus may be converted from the open state of FIG. 3A to the closed state of FIG. 2A .

According to various embodiments, the housing 210 may be defined to further include at least a portion of the support member assembly 400 . For example, the housing 210 may have a first surface (eg, one surface 410a formed by the first support member 410 ) facing in a first direction (eg, a +z-axis direction), and a first surface 410a ) and may include a second surface (eg, the rear surface 200B of FIG. 2B ) facing in a second direction (eg, -z-axis direction) opposite to the second direction. The sliding plate 220 is slidably slidable in a third direction (eg, the x-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction. 410a)).

According to an embodiment, the flexible display 230 may include a first area ⓐ extending from the bendable section ⓑ. The first region ⓐ may be disposed on the sliding plate 220 . When switching from the closed state of FIG. 2A to the open state of FIG. 3A , the bendable section ⓑ connected to the first region ⓐ due to the movement of the sliding plate 220 slides out and the screen can be expanded. (See screen 2301 in FIG. 3A ). When changing from the open state of FIG. 2A to the closed state of FIG. 3A , due to the movement of the sliding plate 220, the bendable section ⓑ enters at least a part of the electronic device 200 and the screen may be reduced ( See screen 2301 of FIG. 2A). The support member assembly 400 may include an opening (not shown) for entering or withdrawing the bendable section ⓑ, and the pulley 460 may be located in the opening. The opening includes a gap at one side between the first support member 410 and the third support member 430 , and a portion 431 of the third support member 430 adjacent to the opening is a curved surface of the roller 461 . It may be a curved shape corresponding to . The pulley 460 may be positioned to correspond to the bendable section ⓑ, and in the transition between the closed state of FIG. 2A and the open state of FIG. 3A , the pulley 460 is rotated by the movement of the bendable section ⓑ. can

According to an embodiment, the support sheet 470 may be attached to the rear surface of the flexible display 230 . The rear surface of the flexible display 230 may refer to a surface positioned opposite to a surface from which light is emitted from a display panel including a plurality of pixels. The support sheet 470 may contribute to durability of the flexible display 230 . The support sheet 470 may reduce the effect of a load or stress on the flexible display 230 that may occur in transition between the closed state of FIG. 2A and the open state of FIG. 3A . The support sheet 470 may prevent the flexible display 230 from being damaged by a force transmitted therefrom when the sliding plate 220 is moved. Although not shown, the flexible display 230 may include a first layer including a plurality of pixels and a second layer coupled to the first layer. The first layer is, for example, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) or a light emitting layer including a plurality of pixels implemented with a light emitting device such as a micro LED (light emitting diode), and various other layers (eg, polarization). layer, such as an optical layer for improving the picture quality of the screen or improving outdoor visibility). According to an embodiment, the optical layer may selectively transmit light generated from a light source of the light emitting layer and vibrating in a predetermined direction. According to an embodiment, when viewed from the top of the screen 2301 (eg, in the -z axis direction), at least one electronic component (eg, a camera module or a sensor module) included in the electronic device 200 and A plurality of pixels may not be disposed in a portion of the flexible display 230 that overlaps at least partially. According to some embodiments, when viewed from above the screen 2301 , a portion of the flexible display 230 overlaps at least in part with at least one electronic component (eg, a camera module or a sensor module) included in the electronic device 200 . Regions may include different pixel structures and/or wiring structures compared to other regions. For example, a portion of the flexible display 230 that at least partially overlaps with the at least one electronic component (eg, a camera module or a sensor module) may have a different pixel density than other areas. For example, a partial region of the flexible display 230 that at least partially overlaps with the at least one electronic component (eg, a camera module or a sensor module) does not include an opening, but changes in a pixel structure and/or a wiring structure It can be implemented as a substantially transparent region formed by The second layer serves to support and protect the first layer (eg, a cushioning member), to block light, to absorb or shield electromagnetic waves, or to diffuse, dissipate, or radiate heat. It may include various layers. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the second layer is a conductive member (eg, a metal plate), which can help to reinforce the rigidity of the electronic device 200 , shield ambient noise, and surround heat dissipation components ( It can be used to dissipate heat emitted from, for example, a display driving circuit). According to an embodiment, the conductive member is made of at least one of copper (Cu (copper)), aluminum (Al (aluminum)), SUS (stainless steel), or CLAD (eg, a stacked member in which SUS and Al are alternately disposed). may include

The support sheet 470 may cover at least a portion of the second layer of the flexible display 230 and be attached to the rear surface of the second layer. The support sheet 470 may be formed of various metallic materials and/or non-metallic materials (eg, polymers). According to an embodiment, the support sheet 470 may include stainless steel. According to some embodiments, the support sheet 470 may include an engineering plastic. According to some embodiments, the support sheet 470 may be implemented integrally with the flexible display 230 . According to an embodiment, the support sheet 470 may include a portion on which the flexible display 230 is bent (eg, the bendable section ⓑ of FIG. 3A or 4 , the first curved portion 230b of FIG. 2A or 3A ). ) and at least a partially overlapping lattice structure (not shown). The grid structure may include a plurality of openings or a plurality of slits, and may contribute to flexibility of the flexible display 230 . According to various embodiments, the support sheet 470 may include a recess pattern (not shown) including a plurality of recesses, replacing the grid structure, and the recess pattern may include a flexible display ( 230) may contribute to the flexibility. According to various embodiments, the lattice structure or the recess pattern may extend to at least a portion of the planar portion 230a of FIG. 2A or 3A . According to various embodiments, the support sheet 470 including a grid structure or a recess pattern or a conductive member corresponding thereto may be formed of a plurality of layers.

According to one embodiment, the multi-bar structure 480 may be connected to the sliding plate 220, the third surface 481 facing the support sheet 470, and the third surface 481 on the opposite side a positioned fourth face 482 . When the sliding plate 220 moves, the multi-bar structure 480 may be moved and the direction of movement may be guided by the roller 461 rotating in friction with the fourth surface 482 . According to an embodiment, the fourth surface 482 extends in a direction (eg, +y-axis direction) from the second rotational axis 463 of the pulley 460 to the first rotational axis (not shown). (bar) (not shown) may include a plurality of arrangements. The multi-bar structure 480 may be bent at portions having a relatively thin thickness between the plurality of bars. In various embodiments, this multi-bar structure 480 may be referred to by other terms such as a 'flexible track' or a 'hinge rail'.

According to an embodiment, in the closed state of FIG. 2A or the open state of FIG. 3A , at least a portion of the multi-bar structure 480 is positioned to overlap the screen 2301 (refer to FIGS. 2A or 3A ), and the flexible display 230 ), the bendable section ⓑ may be supported so that the bendable section ⓑ is smoothly connected to the first region ⓐ of the flexible display 230 without being lifted. The multi-bar structure 480 can contribute movably while maintaining a shape in which the bendable section ⓑ is smoothly connected to the first region ⓐ without lifting in the transition between the closed state of FIG. 2A and the open state of FIG. 3A. there is.

According to an embodiment, the support sheet 470 may substantially invisible elements (eg, the multi-bar structure 480 ) positioned inside the electronic device 200 through the flexible display 230 .

According to various embodiments, since a non-smooth screen may be provided due to lifting due to elasticity of the flexible display 230 and/or the support sheet 470 in an expanded state (eg, the open state of FIG. 3A ). , a tension structure (not shown) for the flexible display 230 and/or the support sheet 470 may be provided in order to reduce or prevent such lifting. The tension structure can contribute to a smooth slide operation while maintaining the tension.

According to one embodiment, printed circuit board 490 includes a processor (eg, processor 120 of FIG. 1 ), a memory (eg, memory 130 of FIG. 1 ), and/or an interface (eg, processor 120 of FIG. 1 ). interface 177) may be mounted. The processor may include, for example, one or more of a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphics processing unit, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor. Mori may include, for example, volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The interface may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, and/or an audio interface. The interface may, for example, electrically or physically connect the electronic device 200 to an external electronic device, and may include a USB connector, an SD card/MMC connector, or an audio connector.

The electronic device 200 may include various other elements disposed on the printed circuit board 490 or electrically connected to the printed circuit board 490 . For example, the electronic device 200 includes a battery (not shown) positioned between the first support member 410 and the second support member 420 , or between the second support member 420 and the back cover 212 . may include A battery (not shown) is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device 200, and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. there is. The battery (not shown) may be integrally disposed inside the electronic device 200 or may be detachably disposed from the electronic device 200 . According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 includes an antenna positioned between the first support member 410 and the second support member 420 , or between the second support member 420 and the back cover 212 . not shown) may be included. An antenna (not shown) may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. An antenna (not shown) may, for example, perform short-range communication with an external device or wirelessly transmit/receive power required for charging. In another embodiment, the antenna structure may be formed by a part of the first side cover 213 and/or the second side cover 214 or a combination thereof.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) 237 electrically connecting the flexible display 230 and the printed circuit board 490 to each other. . For example, the flexible printed circuit board 237 is electrically connected to the printed circuit board 490 through an opening (not shown) formed in the sliding plate 220 and an opening (not shown) formed in the first support member 410 . can be connected

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the electronic device 200 taken along line A-A' in the electronic device 200 in the closed state of FIG. 2A according to an exemplary embodiment. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the electronic device 200 taken along line B-B' in the electronic device 200 in an open state of FIG. 3A according to an exemplary embodiment.

5 and 6 , in an embodiment, the electronic device 200 includes a back cover 212 , a first supporting member 410 , a second supporting member 420 , a third supporting member 430 , and sliding. The plate 220 , the flexible display 230 , the support sheet 470 , the multi-bar structure 480 , the printed circuit board 490 , or a pulley 460 may be included. A redundant description of the components indicated by some of the reference numerals in FIG. 5 or 6 will be omitted.

According to an embodiment, the sliding plate 220 may be disposed on the first support member 410 to be able to slide-out. The flexible display 230 may include a first area ⓐ and a bendable section ⓑ. In the closed state of FIG. 5 or the open state of FIG. 6 , the screen 2301 includes a flat portion 230a, and a first curved portion 230b and a second curved portion positioned on opposite sides with the flat portion 230a interposed therebetween. It may include a curved portion 230c. The first region ⓐ may be disposed along the flat portion 230a and the first curved portion 230b of the screen 2031 . The bendable section ⓑ may extend from the first region ⓐ, and may be drawn out from the internal space of the electronic device 200 when the sliding plate 220 slides out. The first curved portion 230b may be formed to correspond to a curved surface (not shown) formed on one surface of the sliding plate 220 . The second curved portion 230c may be formed by a portion corresponding to the curved surface (not shown) of the pulley 460 in the bendable section ⓑ.

According to an embodiment, the support sheet 470 may be disposed on the rear surface of the flexible display 230 . According to some embodiments, the support sheet 470 may be included in the flexible display 230 . The pulley 460 may be located inside the electronic device 200 and may be connected to the bendable section ⓑ of the flexible display 230 . The multi-bar structure 480 may extend between the support sheet 470 and the pulley 460 from the sliding plate 220 . The multi-bar structure 480 can contribute movably while maintaining a shape in which the bendable section ⓑ is smoothly connected to the first region ⓐ without lifting in the transition between the closed state of FIG. 5 and the open state of FIG. 6 . there is. In the closed state of FIG. 5 or the open state of FIG. 6 , a portion of the bendable section ⓑ forms a second curved portion 230c of the screen 2301, and the second curved portion 130c includes a pulley 460 and It is supported by the multi-bar structure 480 between the bendable sections (③) and can be smoothly connected to the first region (ⓐ) without lifting. In the open state of FIG. 6 , a portion 230d of the bendable section ⓑ may form a part of the flat portion 230a of the screen 2301 , and one surface 410a and the ben of the first support member 410 . It is supported by the multi-bar structure 480 between the double sections ⓑ and can be smoothly connected to the first region ⓐ without lifting.

According to various embodiments (not shown), a curved member including a curved portion with which the multi-bar structure 480 comes into contact may be disposed instead of the pulley 460 . For example, in transition between the closed state of FIG. 5 and the open state of FIG. 6 , the multi-bar structure 480 may be slid relative to the curved portion. According to various embodiments, in order to reduce friction between the curved portion and the multi-bar structure 480 , the surface of the curved portion or the surface of the multi-bar structure 480 may be surface-treated. According to various embodiments, the curved member may be connected to the support structure 400 of FIG. 4 . According to some embodiments, the pulley 460 may be defined as a curved member rotatably implemented based on friction with the multi-bar structure 480 . According to some embodiments (not shown), a rail part (not shown) for guiding the movement of the multi-bar structure 480 may be implemented by replacing the curved member or formed along the curved part of the curved member. The rail unit may be formed in the housing 210 of FIG. 2A or the support member assembly 400 of FIG. 4 , for example. According to an embodiment, the fourth support member 440 may include a first rail part for guiding the movement of the multi-bar structure 480 by inserting one side of the multi-bar structure 480 . The fifth support member 450 may include a second rail part for guiding the movement of the multi-bar structure 480 into which the other side of the multi-bar structure 480 is inserted.

According to various embodiments, it is not limited to the embodiment of FIGS. 4, 5 or 6 , and when the sliding plate 220 slides out, the electronic device 200 includes a portion of the flexible display 230 (eg, a bendable section ( ⓑ)) may be implemented in a form in which the screen is expanded as it is rolled up on a roller located inside the electronic device 200 and unfolds as it comes out.

According to an embodiment, the bendable section (ⓑ) of the flexible display 230, the bendable section (not shown) of the support sheet 470 corresponding to the bendable section (ⓑ), and the multi-bar structure 480 are It may be connected to the pulley 460 . The bendable section ⓑ of the flexible display 230 , the bendable section of the support sheet 470 , and the multi-bar structure 480 and the movement direction thereof may be guided by the pulley 460 . The multi-bar structure 480 may be in contact with the roller 461 (refer to FIG. 4 ) of the pulley 460 . The bendable section of the support sheet 470 may be positioned between the multi-bar structure 480 and the bendable section ⓑ of the flexible display 230 . The bendable section of the support sheet 470 does not directly face-to-face contact with the pulley 460 , but based on the rotation of the pulley 460 in a driving relationship with the pulley 460 corresponding to the multi-bar structure 480 . Since it is moved to , it can be described as being in a connected state (or drivingly connected state) with the pulley 460 . The bendable section ⓑ of the flexible display 230 does not directly face the pulley 460 and does not contact the pulley 460 corresponding to the bendable section of the multi-bar structure 480 and the support sheet 470 . Since it is moved based on the rotation of the pulley 460 in a driving relationship with , it can be described as being in a connected state (or drivingly connected state) with the pulley 460 .

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a tension structure (or tension device) (not shown) for the flexible display 230 and/or the support sheet 470 . The tension structure is, for example, connected to the support sheet 470 to provide a tension (or tensile force) (T) to the flexible display 230 and/or the support sheet 470 in a driving connection state with the pulley 460 . can provide The tension structure may apply a tension T to the flexible display 230 and the attached support sheet 470 .

According to one embodiment, when the tension T by the tension structure is in the critical range, the bendable section ⓑ in the closed state of FIG. 5 or the open state of FIG. 6 is smooth with the first region ⓐ without lifting. It can be maintained in a connected form. When the tension T by the tension structure is in the critical range, in the transition between the closed state of FIG. 5 and the open state of FIG. 6 , the bendable section ⓑ has a form smoothly connected to the first region ⓐ without lifting. It can be moved while holding. When the tension T by the tension structure is in the critical range, the slide operation can be smoothly implemented in the transition between the closed state in Fig. 5 and the open state in Fig. 6 . For example, the tension T by the tension structure may be lower than a critical range. In this case, due to the elasticity of the flexible display 230 and/or the elasticity of the support sheet 470 , the bendable section ⓑ may be lifted or may not be smoothly connected to the first region ⓐ. As another example, the tension T by the tension structure may be greater than a critical range. In this case, the bendable section ⓑ may be smoothly connected to the first region ⓐ without lifting, but it may be difficult to smoothly perform the slide operation in the transition between the closed state of FIG. 5 and the open state of FIG. . When the tension applied to the flexible display 230 and the attached support sheet 470 is greater than the critical range, the load applied to the rotation axis of the pulley 460 exceeds the threshold value, thereby resisting rotation of the pulley 460 . It can make smooth and smooth slide motion difficult.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may check the size (eg, screen ratio) of the screen 2301 in response to the movement of the flexible display 230 . This will be described with reference to the drawings to be described later.

7 is a plan view of the electronic device 200 in an open state according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7 , in an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a housing 210 , a sliding plate 220 , and a flexible display 230 . In the open state, the screen 2301 (eg, the display area visible to the outside of the flexible display 230 ) is larger than the closed state due to a part 701 of the bendable section ⓑ drawn out from the inner space of the housing 210 . can be expanded.

According to an embodiment, when viewed from above the screen 2301 , the electronic device 200 overlaps the screen 2301 with the first sensor module 710 and/or the second sensor module 710 positioned inside the electronic device 200 . It may include two sensor modules 720 . The first sensor module 710 and the second sensor module 720 may be disposed below or beneath the screen 2301 to perform a related function without visually distinguishing (or exposing) their positions. For example, when viewed from above the screen 2301 , the first sensor module 710 and the second sensor module 720 are disposed to overlap at least a portion of the screen 2301 , and are not exposed to the outside and are flexible External light passing through the display 230 may be detected.

FIG. 8 illustrates a portion 800 of a cross-sectional structure taken along line A-A′ in the electronic device 200 of FIG. 7 according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8 , in an embodiment, the electronic device 200 includes a first sensor module 710 , a second sensor module 720 , a printed circuit board 490 , a flexible display 230 , and a first interposer. (interposer) 860, or may include a second interposer (870).

According to an embodiment, the first sensor module 710 may include a first light receiving unit 810 and a first substrate 820 . The first light receiving unit 810 may be disposed on the first substrate 820 between the flexible display 230 (eg, a display area or screen viewed externally among the flexible displays 230 ) and the first substrate 820 . . According to an embodiment, the second sensor module 720 may include a second light receiving unit 830 , a light emitting unit 840 , and a second substrate 850 . The second light receiving unit 830 and the light emitting unit 840 are interposed between the flexible display 230 (eg, a display area or screen viewed from the outside among the flexible displays 230 ) and the second substrate 850 . ) can be placed in The first sensor module 710 and the second sensor module 720 may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board 490 . For example, the first sensor module 710 and the second sensor module 720 may be electrically connected to the processor 120 disposed on the printed circuit board 490 .

According to an embodiment, the second light receiving unit 830 may be positioned between the first light receiving unit 810 and the light emitting unit 840 . According to some embodiments, the light emitting unit 840 may be positioned between the first light receiving unit 810 and the second light receiving unit 830 . The first light receiving unit 810 , the second light receiving unit 830 , and the light emitting unit 840 may be disposed in various other forms.

According to an embodiment, the first light receiving unit 810 and/or the second light receiving unit 830 includes at least one photodetector (eg, a photodiode) capable of detecting light of at least one wavelength band. can do. The at least one photodetector may generate an electrical signal by detecting an intensity or an amount of light of at least one wavelength band. The electronic device 200 may include an analog digital converter (ADC) electrically connected to the first light receiving unit 810 and the second light receiving unit 830 . The ADC may convert an analog signal acquired through a light receiving unit (eg, the first light receiving unit 810 or the second light receiving unit 830) into a digital signal (eg, quantization). According to some embodiments, the first sensor module 710 and/or the second sensor module 720 may be implemented by including an ADC. The electronic device 200 may quantitatively or qualitatively analyze a sensing target by using an electrical signal obtained through a light receiving unit (eg, the first light receiving unit 810 or the second light receiving unit 830 ).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 may select and activate at least a part of a light receiving unit (eg, the first light receiving unit 810 or the second light receiving unit 830) according to the selected detection mode. For example, in the proximity detection mode, the control circuit (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 ) may select and activate at least one photodetector for proximity detection among a plurality of photodetectors of the light receiving unit. For example, in the gesture detection mode, the control circuit may select and activate at least one photodetector for gesture detection among a plurality of photodetectors of the light receiving unit. For example, in the illuminance detection mode, the control circuit may select and activate at least one photodetector for illuminance detection among a plurality of photodetectors of the light receiving unit. For example, in the biodetection mode, the control circuit may select and activate at least one photodetector for biodetection among a plurality of photodetectors of the light receiving unit.

According to an embodiment, the light emitting unit 840 may include at least one light emitter (or light source) (eg, a light emitting diode (LED)) capable of generating lights of one or more wavelength bands. The light emitting unit 840 may generate light of all wavelength bands detectable by the second light receiving unit 830 .

According to an embodiment, the light emitting unit 840 may generate light of at least one wavelength band detectable by the first light receiving unit 810 . According to various embodiments, the light emitting unit 840 may include a single light emitter, and one light emitter may generate light of a broad wavelength band. According to various embodiments, the light emitting unit 840 may be implemented to selectively generate light of a corresponding wavelength band under the control of a control circuit (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 ).

According to an embodiment, the first light receiving unit 810 and/or the second light receiving unit 830 may include an optical filter. The optical filter may selectively transmit light of at least one designated wavelength band or block light of at least one designated wavelength band. At least one photodetector included in the first light receiving unit 810 or the second light receiving unit 830 may selectively receive light of at least one specified wavelength band due to an optical filter. According to various embodiments, the photodetector may be implemented to include an optical filter.

According to an embodiment, the first light receiving unit 810 and the second light receiving unit 830 may detect light of at least one different wavelength band. According to various embodiments, the first light receiving unit 810 and the second light receiving unit 830 may detect light of at least one similar or identical wavelength band.

According to an embodiment, the first sensor module 710 may detect an optical signal of a wavelength band for external environment measurement. For example, the first sensor module 710 may include an illuminance sensor. Light from the outside of the electronic device 200 may pass through the flexible display 230 and flow into the first light receiving unit 810 , and the first light receiving unit 810 may generate an electric signal related to illuminance. The first light receiving unit 810 includes at least one photodetector for detecting light in a wavelength band corresponding to red (R (red)) and at least one photodetector detecting light in a wavelength band corresponding to green (G (green)). and/or at least one photodetector for detecting light in a wavelength band corresponding to blue (B (blue)). According to various embodiments, the first light receiving unit 810 includes at least one photodetector that detects light in a wavelength band corresponding to a white color (W (white)) or a wavelength band corresponding to a transparent color (C (clear)). It may further include at least one light detector for detecting light. The first light receiving unit 810 may include at least one photodetector that detects light of other various wavelength bands.

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the light output from the light emitting unit 840 may pass through the flexible display 230 and travel to the outside. Light output from the light emitting unit 840 is scattered or reflected by an object located outside the electronic device 200 , and the scattered or reflected light passes through the flexible display 230 and flows into the second light receiving unit 830 . can be The second light receiving unit 830 may generate an electrical signal from light scattered or reflected by an external object.

For example, the second sensor module 720 may detect light in a wavelength band for proximity detection (eg, a maximum sensitivity wavelength of about 940 μm or about 950 μm). In the proximity detection mode, when an external object (eg, a user's face) is positioned close to the second sensor module 720 toward the front surface 200A (refer to FIG. 2A or 3A ) of the electronic device 200, the light emitting unit 840 The light of the wavelength band for proximity detection output from the may be scattered or reflected by an external object. Light of a wavelength band for proximity detection that is scattered or reflected by an external object flows into the second light receiving unit 830, and the second light receiving unit 830 may generate an electrical signal regarding whether the object is in proximity or the proximity of the object. there is.

As another example, the second sensor module 720 may detect light in a wavelength band for gesture detection (eg, a maximum sensitivity wavelength of 940 μm). In the gesture detection mode, when the user's hand moves near the front surface 200A (refer to FIG. 2A or 3A) of the electronic device 200, the light of the wavelength band for gesture detection output from the light emitting unit 840 is transmitted to the user's hand. It can be scattered or reflected by Light of a wavelength band for gesture detection that is scattered or reflected by the user's hand is introduced into the second light receiving unit 830 , and the second light receiving unit 830 may generate an electrical signal related to the user's hand gesture.

As another example, the second sensor module 720 may detect light in a wavelength band for object analysis. In the biometric detection mode, when the user's body moves near (eg, 10 cm or less) to the second sensor module 720 toward the front surface 200A (refer to FIG. 2A or 3A) of the electronic device 200, the light emitting unit 840 The light of the wavelength band for biometric detection output from the body may be reflected by the user's body. Light in the wavelength band for biometric detection that is scattered or reflected by the user's body flows into the second light receiving unit 830, and the second light receiving unit 830 receives biometric information (eg, skin moisture, skin melanin, skin temperature, heart rate). , blood flow rate, iris, or fingerprint).

According to an embodiment, the second sensor module 720 may be implemented to detect light of at least one wavelength band detectable by the first sensor module 710 , and in this case, the first sensor module 710 may be omitted.

According to an embodiment, a portion of the light output from the light emitting unit 840 is scattered or reflected by a reflective structure (eg, a reflective pattern) located on the rear surface of the flexible display 230 , and thus the first sensor module 710 . It may flow into the first light receiving unit 810 . The first light receiving unit 810 may detect light scattered or reflected by a reflective structure located on the rear surface of the flexible display 230 , and the electronic device 200 receives the light detected through the first light receiving unit 810 . It is used to check the size of the screen (eg, aspect ratio) in response to the movement of the flexible display 230 .

According to various embodiments, the first substrate 820 may be connected to the printed circuit board 490 through a first interposer 860 . The first interposer 860 may be positioned between the first board 820 and the printed circuit board 490 and electrically connect the first board 820 and the printed circuit board 490 . The second board 850 may be connected to the printed circuit board 490 through the second interposer 870 . The second interposer 870 may be positioned between the second board 850 and the printed circuit board 490 and electrically connect the second board 850 and the printed circuit board 490 . The first interposer 860 and/or the second interposer 870 may be implemented in the form of a substrate or in various other forms. The distance between the first sensor module 710 and the flexible display 230 may be reduced due to the first interposer 860 . The distance between the second sensor module 720 and the flexible display 230 may be reduced due to the second interposer 870 . If the distance between the sensor module (eg, the first sensor module 710 or the second sensor module 720) and the flexible display 230 is within the threshold distance due to the interposer, the detection performance of the sensor module can be secured. there is. According to some embodiments, even if a sensor module (eg, the first sensor module 710 or the second sensor module 720 ) is disposed on the printed circuit board 490 without an interposer, between the sensor module and the flexible display 230 . may be within the threshold distance. According to some embodiments, the first light receiving unit 810 may be disposed on the printed circuit board 490 without the first substrate 820 . According to some embodiments, the second light receiving unit 830 and/or the light emitting unit 840 may be disposed on the printed circuit board 490 without the second board 850 .

FIG. 9 illustrates a portion 900 of a cross-sectional structure taken along line B-B′ in the electronic device 200 of FIG. 7 according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9 , in an embodiment, the electronic device 200 includes a flexible display 230 , a sliding plate 220 , a first support member 410 , a support sheet 470 , a printed circuit board 490 , It may include a transparent cover 940 , an optically transparent adhesive member 950 , an optical layer 960 , a first sensor module 710 , or a reflective structure (or reflective pattern) OP. A redundant description of the components indicated by some of the reference numerals in FIG. 9 will be omitted.

According to an embodiment, the flexible display 230 may include a display panel 910 , a base film 920 , or a lower panel 930 . The base film 920 may be positioned between the display panel 910 and the lower panel 930 . Various polymer adhesive members (not shown) may be disposed between the display panel 910 and the base film 920 and/or between the base film 920 and the lower panel 930 . The cross-sectional structure shown in FIG. 9 schematically presents a stacking relationship between components, and each component may be formed to have substantially various thicknesses.

According to an embodiment, the display panel 910 may include a light emitting layer 911 and a thin film transistor (TFT) film 912 . The light emitting layer 911 may include, for example, a plurality of pixels implemented as light emitting devices such as OLEDs or micro LEDs. The light emitting layer 911 may be disposed on the TFT film 912 through organic material evaporation. A TFT film 912 may be positioned between the light emitting layer 911 and the base film 920 , for example. The TFT film 912 may refer to a structure in which at least one TFT is disposed on a flexible substrate (eg, a PI film) through a series of processes such as deposition, patterning, and etching. The at least one TFT may control the current to the light emitting device of the light emitting layer 911 to turn on or off the pixel or adjust the brightness of the pixel. The at least one TFT may be implemented as, for example, an amorphous silicon (a-Si) TFT, a liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) TFT, a low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) TFT, or a low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) TFT. can The display panel 910 may include a storage capacitor, and the storage capacitor maintains a voltage signal to the pixel, maintains the voltage applied to the pixel within one frame, or changes the gate voltage of the TFT due to leakage during the light emission time can reduce By a routine (eg, initialization, data write) controlling at least one TFT, the storage capacitor may maintain the voltage applied to the pixel at a predetermined time interval.

According to an embodiment, the display panel 910 may be implemented based on an OLED, and the display panel 910 includes an encapsulation (eg, thin-film encapsulation (TFE)) covering the light emitting layer 911 . ) (913). Organic materials and electrodes that emit light in OLEDs are very sensitive to oxygen and/or moisture and may lose their luminescent properties. According to one embodiment, the encapsulation layer 913 may seal the light emitting layer 911 so that oxygen and/or moisture do not penetrate into the OLED.

According to an embodiment, the base film 920 may include a flexible film formed of a material such as polyimide or polyester (PET). The base film 920 may serve to support and protect the display panel 910 . According to some embodiments, the base film 920 may be referred to as a protective film, a back film, or a back plate.

According to an embodiment, the lower panel 930 may include a plurality of layers for various functions. An adhesive member (not shown) of various polymers may be disposed between the plurality of layers. According to an embodiment, the lower panel 930 may include a light blocking layer 931 , a buffer layer 932 , or a lower layer 933 . A light blocking layer 931 may be positioned between the base film 920 and the buffer layer 932 . A buffer layer 932 may be positioned between the light blocking layer 931 and the underlying layer 933 .

According to an embodiment, the light blocking layer 931 may block at least a portion of light incident from the outside. For example, the light blocking layer 931 may include an emboss layer. The embossed layer may be a black layer comprising an uneven pattern.

According to an embodiment, the buffer layer 932 may mitigate an external shock applied to the flexible display 230 . For example, the buffer layer 932 may include a sponge layer, or a cushion layer.

According to an embodiment, the lower layer 933 may diffuse, disperse, or dissipate heat generated in the electronic device 200 or the flexible display 230 . The lower layer 933 may absorb or shield electromagnetic waves. The lower layer 933 may mitigate an external shock applied to the electronic device 200 or the flexible display 230 . For example, the lower layer 933 may include a composite sheet 933a or a copper sheet 933b. According to an embodiment, the composite sheet 933a may be a sheet processed by combining layers or sheets having different properties. For example, the composite sheet 933a may include at least one of polyimide and graphite. The composite sheet 933a may be replaced with a single sheet including one material (eg, polyimide, or graphite). Composite sheet 933a may be positioned between buffer layer 932 and copper sheet 933b. The copper sheet 933b may be replaced with various other metal sheets. The lower layer 933 may include various layers for various other functions.

According to various embodiments (not shown), at least one additional polymer layer (eg, a layer including PI, PET, or TPU) other than the base film 920 may be further disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 910 .

According to various embodiments, at least one of a plurality of layers (eg, a light blocking layer 931 , a buffer layer 932 , a composite sheet 933a , and a copper sheet 933b) included in the lower panel 930 ). may be omitted. According to various embodiments, the arrangement order of the plurality of layers included in the lower panel 930 is not limited to the embodiment of FIG. 9 and may be variously changed.

According to an embodiment, the transparent cover (or window) 940 may cover the display panel 910 of the flexible display 230 . The transparent cover 940 may protect the flexible display 230 from the outside and, for example, may be implemented in the form of a thin film (eg, a thin film layer) that can contribute to flexibility. According to an embodiment, the transparent cover 940 may include a plastic film (eg, polyimide film) or thin glass (eg, ultra thin glass (UTG)). The optical layer 960 may include It may be positioned between the transparent cover 940 and the display panel 910 .

According to various embodiments (not shown), the transparent cover 940 may include a plurality of layers. For example, the transparent cover 940 may have a form in which various coating layers are disposed on a plastic film or thin glass. For example, the transparent cover 940, at least one protective layer or coating layer comprising a polymer material (eg, PET (polyester), PI (polyimide), or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane)) is a plastic film or thin glass It may be in the form placed in According to various embodiments, the transparent cover 940 may be implemented to have a relatively thin thickness in the bendable section ⓑ (refer to FIGS. 5 or 6 ). For example, at least one layer among the plurality of layers of the transparent cover 940 may not at least partially extend to the bendable section ⓑ compared to the other at least one layer.

The optical layer 960 may include, for example, a polarizing layer (or polarizer), or a retardation layer (or retarder). The polarization layer and the phase delay layer can improve the outdoor visibility of the screen. According to an embodiment, the optical layer 960 may selectively pass light that is generated from the light source of the display panel 910 and vibrates in a predetermined direction. According to various embodiments, a single layer in which the polarization layer and the retardation layer are combined may be provided, and this layer may be defined as a 'circular polarization layer'. The optically transparent adhesive member 950 may be positioned between the transparent cover 940 and the optical layer 960 , for example, optical clear adhesive (OCA), optical clear resin (OCR), or super view (SVR). resin) may be included. According to various embodiments, the polarization layer (or the circular polarization layer) may be omitted, and in this case, a black pixel define layer (PDL) and/or a color filter may be provided to replace the polarization layer.

According to an embodiment (not shown), the electronic device 200 may include a touch sensing circuit (eg, a touch sensor). The touch sensing circuit may be implemented as a transparent conductive layer (or film) based on various conductive materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO). According to an embodiment, the touch sensing circuit may be disposed between the transparent cover 940 and the optical layer 960 (eg, an add-on type). According to another embodiment, the touch sensing circuit may be disposed between the optical layer 960 and the display panel 910 (eg, on-cell type). According to another embodiment, the display panel 910 may include a touch sensing circuit or a touch sensing function (eg, in-cell type).

According to various embodiments (not shown), the display panel 910 may be based on an OLED, and an encapsulation layer 913 (eg, thin TFE) disposed between the light emitting layer 911 and the optical layer 960 . -film encapsulation)) may be included. For example, the encapsulation layer 913 may serve as a pixel protection layer for protecting the plurality of pixels of the light emitting layer 911 . According to various embodiments (not shown), the flexible display 230 includes a metal mesh (eg, a metal mesh) as a touch sensing circuit disposed in the encapsulation layer 913 between the encapsulation layer 913 and the optical layer 960 . conductive patterns such as aluminum metal mesh). For example, in response to bending of the flexible display 230 , the metal mesh may have greater durability than a transparent conductive layer implemented with ITO.

According to various embodiments (not shown), the flexible display 230 may further include a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of the touch.

According to various embodiments, some of the plurality of layers included in the lower panel 930 may include a digitizer for detecting a pen input device (eg, a stylus pen). The digitizer may be, for example, an electromagnetic induction panel for sensing a magnetic field type pen input device. According to various embodiments, the electromagnetic induction panel may be omitted depending on the implementation method of the pen input device. For example, in an embodiment in which the pen input device generates a signal using power of a battery included in the pen input device, the electromagnetic induction panel may be omitted.

According to various embodiments, a plurality of layers included in the display panel 910 or the lower panel 930, a stacking structure thereof, or a stacking order may vary. According to various embodiments, the flexible display 230 may be implemented by omitting some of the components or adding other components according to its provision form or convergence trend.

According to an embodiment, at least some of the plurality of layers included in the lower panel 930 are sensor modules (eg, the first sensor module 710 and the second sensor of FIG. 7 ) positioned inside the electronic device 200 . A first opening 901 formed to correspond to the module 720 (eg, an illuminance sensor, a proximity sensor, or a fingerprint sensor) may be included. At least two or more layers may include an opening, and the openings formed in each layer may overlap each other when viewed from the top of the front surface 200A, and may have substantially the same size and shape. According to some embodiments, the size or shape of the opening formed in each layer may not be the same. In the illustrated embodiment, the first opening 901 includes an opening formed in the light blocking layer 931 , an opening formed in the buffer layer 932 , an opening formed in the composite sheet 933a , and an opening formed in the copper sheet 933b . It may be formed by overlapping. The stacking structure or the stacking order of the plurality of layers included in the lower panel 930 may vary, and the first opening 901 is not limited to the embodiment of FIG. 9 and is a recess formed on the rear surface of the flexible display 230 . It can be implemented in various ways in a (recess) form.

According to one embodiment, the support sheet 470 may include a second opening 902 overlapping the first opening 901 when viewed from above the front surface 200A. The second opening 902 may be formed so that the support sheet 470 does not overlap the first opening 901 when viewed from the top of the front surface 200A. According to some embodiments, the support sheet 470 may not at least partially extend between the flexible display 230 (eg, the first region ⓐ in FIG. 5 or 6 ) and the sliding plate 220 .

According to an embodiment, the sliding plate 220 may include a third opening 903 overlapping the first opening 901 and the second opening 902 when viewed from above the front surface 200A. The third opening 903 may be formed so that the sliding plate 220 does not overlap the first opening 901 when viewed from above the front surface 200A.

According to an embodiment, the first support member 410 may include a fourth opening 904 . The first interposer 860 and the first sensor module 710 connected to the printed circuit board 490 through the first interposer 860 may be inserted into the fourth opening 904 . The first light receiving unit 810 of the first sensor module 710 may overlap the first opening 901 when viewed from the top of the front surface 200A. The light emitting part 840 included in the second sensor module 720 of FIG. 7 may overlap the first opening 901 when viewed from the top of the front surface 200A. The second light receiving unit 830 of the second sensor module 720 may overlap the first opening 901 when viewed from the top of the front surface 200A. According to another embodiment, the second light receiving unit 830 of the second sensor module 720 does not overlap the first opening 901 when viewed from the top of the front surface 200A, and is another opening of the flexible display 230 . can be overlapped with In this case, the other opening may be implemented in at least part of the same manner as that of the first opening 901 .

According to various embodiments, the first light receiving unit 810 of the first sensor module 710 (see FIG. 8 ), and/or the second light receiving unit 830 of the second sensor module 720 (see FIG. 8 ) and / or the light emitting unit 840 is not limited to the embodiment of Fig. 9, and may be located closer to the reflective structure OP. For example, the first light receiving unit 810, the second light receiving unit 830, and/or the light emitting unit 840 may be located at least partially in the space of the third opening 903. For another example, the first light receiving unit 810, the second light receiving unit 830, and/or the light emitting unit ( The 840 may be located at least partially in the space of the second opening 902. For another example, the first light receiving unit 810, the second light receiving unit 830, and/or the light emitting unit 840 may be located in the first opening. It may be located at least partially in the space of 901 .

According to an embodiment, the reflective structure OP may be disposed on the rear surface of the flexible display 230 . For example, a recess in a concave shape toward the transparent cover 940 may be formed on the rear surface of the flexible display 230 due to the first opening 901 . The reflective structure OP may be disposed on an inner surface of the first opening 901 facing the first light receiving unit 810 . In the illustrated embodiment, the reflective structure OP may be disposed on the base film 920 in the first opening 901 . At least a portion of the light output from the light emitting unit 840 of FIG. 8 may be reflected by the reflective structure OP and introduced into the first light receiving unit 810 . According to an embodiment, the first light receiving unit 810 may detect light reflected by the reflective structure OP, and the electronic device 200 is flexible based on the light detected through the first light receiving unit 810 . In response to the movement of the display 230 , the size (eg, aspect ratio) of the screen (eg, the display area externally viewed among the flexible displays 230 ) may be checked. The electronic device 200 may determine whether the flexible display 230 moves to expand or contract the screen based on the light detected through the first light receiving unit 810 . The electronic device 200 may control the display of content through the screen 2301 based on the checked screen ratio.

According to an embodiment, the reflective structure OP is an array of a plurality of reflective regions (or a plurality of reflective parts) arranged in a moving direction (eg, an x-axis direction) of the sliding plate 220 in a predetermined rule. ) (hereinafter, reflective area arrangement) RA may include a structure in which repeats are arranged in the moving direction.

10 is a plan view of the reflective structure OP of FIG. 9 when viewed from the top of the screen (eg, when viewed in the z-axis direction) according to an exemplary embodiment. 9 and 10 , in an embodiment, a first reflective region (or a first reflective unit) R1 and a second reflective region (or a second reflective unit) included in the reflective region array RA R2 and the third reflective region (or the third reflective part) R3 may have the same width L in the moving direction (eg, the x-axis direction) of the sliding plate 220 . According to some embodiments, some of the first reflective region R1 , the second reflective region R2 , and the third reflective region R3 may be formed to have a different width than the other portions. In the illustrated embodiment, the three reflective region arrangement AR including the first reflective region R1, the second reflective region R2, and the third reflective region R3 has been presented as an example, but is not limited thereto. However, the number of reflective regions or the number of reflective regions arranged may vary.

According to an embodiment, the reflective structure OP may be implemented in a film form and disposed on the flexible display 230 . An optically transparent adhesive member may be disposed between the reflective structure OP and the base film 920 .

According to another embodiment, the reflective structure OP may be disposed on the base film 920 through printing.

According to an embodiment, the first reflective region R1 , the second reflective region R2 , and the third reflective region R3 may have different reflection characteristics. For example, the first reflective region R1 , the second reflective region R2 , and the third reflective region R3 may have different reflectivities in at least one wavelength band. The reflective properties may vary depending on the medium included in the reflective region or the surface (or surface shape) of the reflective region. The difference in reflectivity between the reflective regions may be implemented in various ways. According to an embodiment, the reflective regions may have different patterns, and thus may have different reflectivities. According to another embodiment, the reflective regions may have different optical densities (eg, color depth), and thus may have different reflectivities. According to another embodiment, the reflective regions may have different scattering rates, which may result in different reflectances. According to another embodiment, the reflective regions may include the same material, but may have different thicknesses, and thus may have different reflectivities. The reflective structure OP may be implemented so that reflective regions have different reflectivities by using optical patterns of various other methods.

For example, referring to FIG. 10 , the first reflective region R1 , the second reflective region R2 , and the third reflective region R3 included in the reflective region array RA may include different colors. may have different reflectivities (eg reflectance). When a portion of the light output from the light emitting unit 840 of FIG. 8 is reflected by the first reflective region R1 , first reflected light may be formed. When a portion of the light output from the light emitting unit 840 is reflected by the second reflective region R2 , the second reflected light may be formed. When a portion of the light output from the light emitting unit 840 is reflected by the third reflective region R3 , the third reflected light may be formed. Since the first reflective region R1, the second reflective region R2, and the third reflective region R3 have different reflection characteristics, the first reflected light, the second reflected light, and the third reflected light have at least one wavelength. The band may have different optical characteristic values. For example, the first reflected light, the second reflected light, and the third reflected light may have different intensities or light amounts in at least one wavelength band.

According to an embodiment, the first reflected light, the second reflected light, and the third reflected light may have different illuminance values. For example, the second illuminance value of the second reflected light may be smaller than the first illuminance value of the first reflected light, and the third illuminance value of the third reflected light may be smaller than the second illuminance value. There may be a first illuminance difference between the first illuminance value and the second illuminance value, and there may be a second illuminance difference between the second illuminance value and the third illuminance value. The first illuminance difference and the second illuminance difference may be substantially the same or different from each other.

According to various embodiments, the first reflected light, the second reflected light, and the third reflected light may have different phases. There may be a first phase difference between the first reflected light and the second reflected light, and there may be a second phase difference between the second reflected light and the third reflected light. The first phase difference and the second phase difference may be substantially the same or different from each other.

When the sliding plate 220 is moved on the first support member 410 in the -x axis direction, the electronic device 200 moves from an open state (see FIG. 7 or 9 ) to an intermediate state (eg, between an open state and a closed state). state) or switched to a closed state (refer to FIG. 2A ) when the movement distance is maximum. When the sliding plate 220 is moved in the +x-axis direction on the first support member 410, the electronic device 200 may be switched from a closed state to an intermediate state, or may be switched to an open state when the movement distance thereof is maximum. there is. According to an embodiment, according to the moving position of the sliding plate 220 with respect to the first supporting member 410 (or the moving position of the flexible display 230 ), the first light receiving unit 810 faces or the screen of the screen. When viewed from above, the reflective area of the reflective structure OP overlapping the first light receiving unit 810 may be changed. According to an embodiment, depending on the moving position of the sliding plate 220 with respect to the first supporting member 410 (or the moving position of the flexible display 230 ), the light emitting unit 840 faces or on the screen. When viewed, the reflective area of the reflective structure OP overlapping the light emitting unit 840 may be changed. According to one embodiment, in the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 9 , when viewed from above the transparent cover 940 , the first light receiving unit 810 and the light emitting unit 840 of FIG. 8 are in the moving direction (eg, the sliding plate 220 ). : It may be arranged in a direction (eg, a y-axis direction) orthogonal to an x-axis direction) (or a direction in which the size of the screen is changed). In this arrangement structure of the first light receiving unit 810 and the light emitting unit 840 , at least a portion of the light output from the light emitting unit 840 overlaps the first light receiving unit 810 (eg, when viewed in the -z axis direction). ) may be substantially reflected by the corresponding reflective region of the reflective structure OP and may contribute to being introduced into the first light receiving unit 810 . Accordingly, the first light receiving unit 810 can substantially detect only the reflected light corresponding to the reflective region while overlapping the corresponding reflective region of the reflective structure OP, so that sensing performance corresponding to the reflective region can be secured. can

According to an exemplary embodiment, after the first reflected light having the first optical characteristic value in correspondence to the first reflective region R1 flows into the first light receiving unit 810 , the second light corresponds to the second reflective region R2 . The second reflected light having the characteristic value may flow into the first light receiving unit 810 . The electronic device 200 may check a change from the first optical characteristic value to the second optical characteristic value through the first light receiving unit 810 , and based on this, the flexible display 230 displays the width (L) of the reflective area ), it can be seen that the screen is moved to be reduced. After the second reflected light of the second optical characteristic value corresponding to the second reflective region R2 flows into the first light receiving unit 810 , the first reflected light of the first optical characteristic value corresponding to the first reflective region R1 . It may flow into the first light receiving unit 810 . The electronic device 200 may check a change from the second optical characteristic value to the first optical characteristic value through the first light receiving unit 810 , and based on this, the flexible display 230 displays the width (L) of the reflective area ), it can be seen that the screen 2301 is moved to expand. After the second reflected light having the second optical characteristic value corresponding to the second reflective region R2 flows into the first light receiving unit 810 , the third reflected light having the third optical characteristic value is corresponding to the third reflective region R3 . It may flow into the first light receiving unit 810 . The electronic device 200 may check a change from the second optical characteristic value to the third optical characteristic value through the first light receiving unit 810 , and based on this, the flexible display 230 displays the width L of the reflective area ), it can be seen that the screen 2301 is moved to be reduced. After the third reflected light having a third optical characteristic value in correspondence to the third reflective region R3 flows into the first light receiving unit 810 , the second reflected light having a second optical characteristic value in correspondence to the second reflective region R2 . It may flow into the first light receiving unit 810 . The electronic device 200 may check a change from the third optical characteristic value to the second optical characteristic value through the first light receiving unit 810 , and based on this, the flexible display 230 displays the width (L) of the reflective area ), it can be seen that the screen 2301 is moved to expand. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first optical characteristic value, the second optical characteristic value, and the third optical characteristic value may be an illuminance value. According to another embodiment, the first optical characteristic value, the second optical characteristic value, and the third optical characteristic value may be a phase value.

According to an embodiment, when the first reflected light having the first optical characteristic value, the second reflected light having the second optical characteristic value, and the third reflected light having the third optical characteristic value are sequentially detected by the first light receiving unit 810 , which may be determined to correspond to the specified optical characteristic change pattern. When the second reflected light of the second optical characteristic value, the third reflected light of the third optical characteristic value, and the first reflected light of the first optical characteristic value are sequentially detected by the first light receiving unit 810, this is a designated optical characteristic change may be determined to correspond to the pattern. When the third reflected light of the third optical characteristic value, the first reflected light of the first optical characteristic value, and the second reflected light of the second optical characteristic value are sequentially detected by the first light receiving unit 810, this is a designated optical characteristic change may be determined to correspond to the pattern. The distance that the flexible display 230 is moved so that the screen 2301 is reduced may be checked using the designated optical characteristic change pattern.

According to an embodiment, when the third reflected light having the third optical characteristic value, the second reflected light having the second optical characteristic value, and the first reflected light having the first optical characteristic value are sequentially detected by the first light receiving unit 810 , , which may be determined to correspond to the specified optical characteristic change pattern. When the second reflected light of the second optical characteristic value, the first reflected light of the first optical characteristic value, and the third reflected light of the third optical characteristic value are sequentially detected by the first light receiving unit 810, this is a designated optical characteristic change may be determined to correspond to the pattern. When the first reflected light of the first optical characteristic value, the third reflected light of the third optical characteristic value, and the second reflected light of the second optical characteristic value are sequentially detected by the first light receiving unit 810, this is a designated optical characteristic change may be determined to correspond to the pattern. The distance to which the flexible display 230 is moved so that the screen 2301 is expanded by using the designated optical characteristic change pattern may be checked.

According to various embodiments, the optical characteristic change pattern may be set or designated in various ways according to the number of reflective regions included in the reflective region array RA and/or the reflective characteristics of the reflective regions. Information regarding the specified optical characteristic change pattern may be stored in a memory (eg, the memory 130 of FIG. 1 ) included in the electronic device 200 . When the light characteristic change pattern relates to illuminance, it may be referred to as an illuminance change pattern. When the optical characteristic change pattern relates to a phase, it may be referred to as a phase change pattern. The processor (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 ) may check the movement distance of the flexible display 230 based on a designated optical characteristic change pattern according to instructions stored in the memory.

11 is, for example, a graph regarding the illuminance detected by the first light receiving unit 810 .

For example, when the flexible display 230 is moved, the first reflected light, the second reflected light, the third reflected light, the first reflected light, and the second reflected light may be detected by the first light receiving unit 810 . 10 and 11 , the first reflected light detected as the first (①) may be formed to correspond to the first reflective region R1 (refer to reference numeral '1001'). The second reflected light detected as the second (②) may be formed to correspond to the second reflection region R2 (refer to reference numeral '1002'). The third reflected light detected as the third (③) may be formed to correspond to the third reflective region R3 (refer to reference numeral '1003'). The first reflected light detected as the fourth (④) may be formed to correspond to the first reflective region R1 (refer to reference numeral '1004'). The second reflected light detected as the fifth (⑤) may be formed to correspond to the second reflective region R2 (refer to reference numeral '1005'). 9 and 10 , the first reflected light may flow into the first light receiving unit 810 in correspondence to the first reflective region R1 and may have a first illuminance value (eg, a first average illuminance value). there is. The second reflected light may flow into the first light receiving unit 810 in correspondence to the second reflective region R2 and may have a second illuminance value (eg, a second average illuminance value). The third reflected light may flow into the first light receiving unit 810 in correspondence to the third reflective region R3 and may have a third illuminance value (eg, a third average illuminance value). The first illuminance value, the second illuminance value, and the third illuminance value may be different from each other. According to an embodiment, the first illuminance value may be greater than the second illuminance value and the third illuminance value, and the second illuminance value may be greater than the third illuminance value. There may be a first illuminance difference Δ1 between the first illuminance value and the second illuminance value, and there may be a second illuminance difference Δ2 between the second illuminance value and the third illuminance value. There may be a third illuminance difference Δ3 between the first illuminance value and the third illuminance value.

According to an embodiment, the first illuminance value of the first reflected light detected as the first (①), the second illuminance value of the second reflected light detected as the second (②), and the third value detected as the third (③) 3 A designated illuminance change pattern may be identified from the third illuminance value of the reflected light. The second illuminance value of the second reflected light detected as the second (②), the third illuminance value of the third reflected light detected as the third (③), and the first illuminance of the first reflected light detected as the fourth (④) A specified illuminance change pattern can be confirmed from the value. The third illuminance value of the third reflected light detected as the third (③), the first illuminance value of the first reflected light detected as the fourth (④), and the second illuminance of the second reflected light detected as the fifth (⑤) A specified illuminance change pattern can be confirmed from the value. From the specified illuminance change patterns obtained in the example of FIG. 10 , it may be confirmed that the flexible display 230 is moved so that the screen is reduced. In the specified illuminance change patterns obtained in the examples of FIGS. 10 and 11 , there are four illuminance differences (Δ1 → Δ2 → Δ3 → Δ1), and the moving distance of the flexible display 230 is the width (L) of the reflective area may correspond to a value multiplied by four. According to various embodiments, some of the first reflective region R1 , the second reflective region R2 , and the third reflective region R3 may be formed to have a width different from that of others, and the obtained specified illuminance change When checking the moving distance of the flexible display 230 based on the pattern, a width designated for each reflective area may be considered. Although not shown, the distance to which the flexible display 230 is moved to expand the screen may be checked using a method substantially the same as the method described with reference to the examples of FIGS. 10 and 11 .

According to various embodiments, a change in the optical characteristic value may be confirmed from the light detected through the first light receiving unit 810 , but a designated optical characteristic change pattern may not be identified from the change in the optical characteristic value. When the change in the optical characteristic value is confirmed but the specified optical characteristic change pattern is not confirmed from the change in the optical characteristic value, for example, it may be caused by external light rather than movement of the flexible display 230 . External light may pass through the flexible display 230 and may be introduced into the first light receiving unit 810 . The external light may relate to an external environment, such as an external illuminance, for example. As another example, the external light includes light output from the light emitting unit 840 of FIG. 8 reflected by an object located outside the electronic device 200 (eg, a light signal related to proximity of an external object). may include When the change in the optical characteristic value is confirmed but the specified optical characteristic change pattern is not confirmed from the change in the optical characteristic value, the light detected through the first light receiving unit 810 (or the acquired optical characteristic value) is used to obtain other information. can be used For example, the other information may include information about the external environment (eg, external illumination), information about proximity of an external object, information about a gesture, or information about analyzing an object (eg, biometric information). . In this case, the first light receiving unit 810 may be implemented to detect light of various wavelength bands related to the other information. According to some embodiments, the first light receiving unit 810 may be implemented to detect light of at least one wavelength band detected by the second light receiving unit 830. In this case, the second light receiving unit 830 is omitted and the second light receiving unit 830 is omitted. One sensor module including a light receiving unit 810 and a light emitting unit 840 may be implemented.

According to an exemplary embodiment, it may be difficult to obtain a light characteristic change pattern designated in response to the movement of the flexible display 230 due to the influence of external light. According to various embodiments, when checking a specified optical characteristic change pattern based on a change in the optical characteristic value obtained from the first light receiving unit 810 , considering the optical characteristic value of light from the outside, the reflective structure OP An optical characteristic value of the reflected light formed corresponding to the reflective region of .

According to various embodiments, the reflective structure OP may further include a fourth reflective region R4 and/or a fifth reflective region R5 positioned opposite to each other with the reflective region arrays interposed therebetween. The fourth reflective region R4 and the fifth reflective region R5 may have different reflection characteristics from those of the first reflective region R1 , the second reflective region R2 , and the third reflective region R3 . The fourth reflective region R4 and the fifth reflective region R5 may have substantially the same reflective characteristics. When the fourth reflective region R4 is positioned to overlap the first light receiving unit 810 when viewed in the -z axis direction, a portion of the light output from the light emitting unit 840 of FIG. 8 is transmitted to the fourth reflective region R4 When reflected by the light, a fourth reflected light may be formed. When the fifth reflective region R5 is positioned to overlap the first light receiving unit 810 when viewed in the -z axis direction, a portion of the light output from the light emitting unit 840 may be reflected by the fifth reflective region R5. At this time, the fifth reflected light may be formed. When the flexible display 230 starts to move in the -x axis direction from the open state (eg, see FIG. 7 or 9 ) of the electronic device 200 , the fourth reflected light may be initially detected by the first light receiving unit 810 and , a position from which the flexible display 230 starts to move may be identified. When the flexible display 230 is moved to the maximum in the -x axis direction, the fifth reflected light may be detected by the first light receiving unit 810 , and the position at which the flexible display 230 has been moved may be confirmed. When the flexible display 230 starts moving in the +x-axis direction from the closed state (eg, see FIG. 2A ) of the electronic device 200 , the fifth reflected light may be initially detected by the first light receiving unit 810 , thereby A position from which the flexible display 230 starts to move may be identified. When the flexible display 230 is moved to the maximum in the +x-axis direction, the fourth reflected light may be detected by the first light receiving unit 810 , and the position at which the flexible display 230 has been moved may be confirmed.

According to one embodiment, the method of checking the moving distance of the flexible display 230 using the specified optical characteristic change pattern obtained through the reflective structure OP according to the embodiment of FIG. 9 may improve sensing accuracy. . For example, the reflective region arrangement may be implemented as two reflective regions (eg, a first reflective region and a second reflective region) having different reflective characteristics. In this case, the first reflected light reflected by the first reflective region and the second reflected light reflected by the second reflective region may be repeatedly detected by the first light receiving unit 810 , but the reflection according to the embodiment of FIG. 9 . Compared with the case of using the structure OP, it may be difficult to determine in which direction and how much the flexible display 230 moves. According to various embodiments (not shown), the reflective region arrangement RA is not limited to the embodiment of FIG. 9 and may further include reflective regions having various reflective characteristics.

According to some embodiments (not shown), the reflective structure may be implemented by the flexible display 230 , and in this case, the reflective structure OP according to the embodiment of FIG. 9 may be omitted. For example, a portion of the display panel 910 corresponding to the first opening 901 may at least serve as the reflective structure OP according to the embodiment of FIG. 9 due to the pixel structure and/or wiring structure included therein. can do. According to another embodiment, the flexible display 230 may include a reflective structure positioned between the display panel 910 and the base film 920 .

12A, 12B, 12C, or 12D illustrate an arrangement structure of a first light receiving unit 810 , a second light receiving unit 830 , and a light emitting unit 840 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

12A, 12B, 12C, or 12D , in various embodiments, when viewed from above the screen 2301 , the first light receiving unit 810 and the light emitting unit 840 move in the moving direction (eg, : x-axis direction) (or a direction in which the size of the screen 2301 is changed) and may be arranged in a direction (eg, y-axis direction). In this arrangement structure of the first light receiving unit 810 and the light emitting unit 840 , the light output from the light emitting unit 840 overlaps with the first light receiving unit 810 (eg, when viewed from above the screen 2301 ). ) may be substantially reflected by the reflective region of the reflective structure OP to be introduced into the first light receiving unit 810 . Accordingly, the first light receiving unit 810 can substantially detect only the reflected light corresponding to the reflective region while overlapping the corresponding reflective region of the reflective structure OP, so that sensing performance corresponding to the reflective region can be secured. can

12A or 12B , for example, when viewed from above the screen 2301 , the first light receiving unit 810 , the second light receiving unit 830 , and the light emitting unit 840 may be arranged in the y-axis direction. . The light emitting unit 840 may be positioned between the first light receiving unit 810 and the second light receiving unit 830 when viewed from the top of the screen 2301 . Referring to FIG. 12A , in an embodiment, the second light receiving unit 830 may be located closer to the first side cover 213 than the light emitting unit 840 when viewed from above the screen 2301 . Referring to FIG. 12B , in another embodiment, the first light receiving unit 810 may be located closer to the first side cover 213 than the light emitting unit 840 when viewed from the top of the screen 2301 .

According to some embodiments (not shown), when viewed from above the screen 2301 , the first light receiving unit 810 , the second light receiving unit 830 , and the light emitting unit 840 may be arranged in the y-axis direction, The second light receiving unit 830 may be positioned between the first light receiving unit 810 and the light emitting unit 840 .

12C or 12D , for example, when viewed from the top of the screen 2301 , the first light receiving unit 810 and the light emitting unit 840 may be arranged in the y-axis direction. The second light receiving unit 830 and the light emitting unit 840 may be arranged in the x-axis direction when viewed from the top of the screen 2301 . Referring to FIG. 12C , in an embodiment, the light emitting unit 840 may be located closer to the first side cover 213 than the first light receiving unit 810 when viewed from the top of the screen 2301 . Referring to FIG. 12D , in another embodiment, the first light receiving unit 810 may be located closer to the first side cover 213 than the light emitting unit 840 when viewed from the top of the screen 2301 .

According to an exemplary embodiment (not shown), when viewed from above the screen 2301 , the first light receiving unit 810 , the second light receiving unit 830 , and the light emitting unit 840 may be arranged in the x-axis direction. In this case, the light emitting unit 840 is positioned between the first light receiving unit 810 and the second light receiving unit 830 , or the second light receiving unit 830 is located between the first light receiving unit 810 and the light emitting unit 840 . can

According to some embodiments, the second light receiving unit 830 may be implemented to detect light of at least one wavelength band detectable by the first light receiving unit 810 . In this case, the first light receiving unit 810 may be omitted, and the second light receiving unit 830 and the light emitting unit 840 in the moving direction (eg, x) of the sliding plate 220 when viewed from the top of the screen 2301 . axial direction) (or a direction in which the size of the screen 2301 is changed) and may be arranged in a direction (eg, a y-axis direction).

13 is a plan view of a portion of a reflective structure 1300 according to another embodiment.

The reflective structure OP of FIG. 9 may be replaced with the reflective structure 1300 of FIG. 13 . Referring to FIG. 13 , for example, the reflective structure 1300 may include a plurality of

reflective regions

1301 , 1302 , 1303 , 1304 , 1305 , 1306 . According to an embodiment, the reflective structure 1300 may include a gradation pattern. For example, the plurality of

reflective regions

1301 , 1302 , 1303 , 1304 , 1305 , 1306 , may be formed to have different color densities. According to an embodiment, the first light receiving unit 810 may have a detectable sensitivity to light reflected by reflective regions of different concentrations included in the gradation pattern when the flexible display 230 moves.

According to some embodiments, the reflective area arrangement AR of FIG. 9 may be implemented as a gradation pattern.

14 is an operation flowchart of the electronic device 200 of FIG. 2A according to an exemplary embodiment.

9 and 14 , in an embodiment, in operation 1410 , a control circuit included in the electronic device 200 (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 ) detects light through the first light receiver 810 . can do.

According to an embodiment, in operation 1430 , the control circuit may determine whether there is a specified optical characteristic change pattern from the light (or optical signal) detected by the first light receiving unit 810 . If the designated optical characteristic change pattern is identified, in operation 1450 , the control circuit may determine an aspect ratio based on the designated optical characteristic change pattern. The optical characteristic change pattern may be an illuminance change pattern with respect to illuminance or an illuminance change pattern with respect to a phase. As described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 11 , the electronic device 200 may check the moving distance of the flexible display 230 and the corresponding screen size based on the specified optical characteristic change pattern.

Although not shown, in various embodiments, the operation flow 1400 of FIG. 14 may further include an operation for the control circuit to display the corresponding content through the screen based on the screen ratio confirmed through operation 1450. .

According to an embodiment, if the specified optical characteristic change pattern is not identified in operation 1430 , in operation 1470 , the control circuit acquires other information by using the light (or optical signal) detected through the first light receiving unit 810 . can When the change in the optical characteristic value is confirmed from the light detected through the first light receiving unit 810 but the specified optical characteristic change pattern is not confirmed, for example, it may be caused by external light rather than the movement of the flexible display 230 . can The external light may relate to an external environment, such as an external illuminance, for example. As another example, the external light includes light output from the light emitting unit 840 of FIG. 8 reflected by an object located outside the electronic device 200 (eg, a light signal related to proximity of an external object). may include

For example, when a change in the optical characteristic value is confirmed from the light detected through the first light receiving unit 810 but a specified optical characteristic change pattern is not confirmed from the change in the optical characteristic value, the control circuit may include the first light receiving unit 810 ), information about the external environment (eg, illuminance) can be obtained by checking the optical characteristic value of the wavelength band for measuring the external environment from the detected light.

For another example, when the change in the optical characteristic value is confirmed from the light detected through the first light receiving unit 810 but the specified optical characteristic change pattern is not confirmed from the change in the optical characteristic value, the control circuit may include the first light receiving unit ( 810), it is possible to obtain information about whether an external object (eg, a user's face) is in proximity or a proximity distance of an object by checking an optical characteristic value of a wavelength band for proximity detection from the detected light.

For another example, when the change in the optical characteristic value is confirmed from the light detected through the first light receiving unit 810 but the specified optical characteristic change pattern is not confirmed from the change in the optical characteristic value, the control circuit may include the first light receiving unit ( 810), information about a user's gesture (eg, movement of a hand) may be obtained by checking an optical characteristic value of a wavelength band for gesture detection from the detected light.

For another example, when the change in the optical characteristic value is confirmed from the light detected through the first light receiving unit 810 but the specified optical characteristic change pattern is not confirmed from the change in the optical characteristic value, the control circuit may include the first light receiving unit ( 810), information about the object (eg, biometric information) may be obtained by checking the optical characteristic value of the wavelength band for object analysis from the detected light.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device (eg, the electronic device 200 of FIG. 2A ) may include a housing (eg, the housing 210 of FIG. 2A ). The electronic device may include a flexible display (eg, the flexible display 230 of FIG. 2A ) movably disposed in the housing. The size of the display area (eg, the screen 2301 of FIG. 2A ) that is externally viewed among the flexible displays may be changed by the movement. The electronic device may include a reflective pattern (eg, the reflective structure OP of FIG. 9 ) disposed on a rear surface of the display area. The reflective pattern may include a plurality of reflective regions. The electronic device may include a light emitting unit (eg, the light emitting unit 840 of FIG. 8 ) positioned inside the housing to overlap the display area. The electronic device may include a light receiving unit (eg, the first light receiving unit 810 of FIG. 8 or 9 ) positioned inside the housing to overlap the display area. The light receiving unit may detect light output from the light emitting unit and reflected by the reflective pattern. A reflective region in which at least a portion of the light output from the light emitting unit is reflected by the reflective pattern may be changed according to a movement position of the flexible display. The electronic device may include a processor (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 ) configured to check the size of the display area in response to the movement of the flexible display based on the light detected through the light receiving unit.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the reflective pattern (eg, the reflective structure OP of FIG. 9 ) is an arrangement including three or more reflective regions having different reflective characteristics (eg, the reflective region arrangement of FIG. 9 ) AR)) may be repeated.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the reflective pattern (eg, the optical structure 1300 of FIG. 13 ) may be formed in a gradation pattern in which the plurality of reflective regions have different color concentrations.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the reflective pattern may be formed by a pixel structure and/or a wiring structure included in the flexible display.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the processor (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 ) may include a light characteristic change pattern designated from the light detected through the light receiving unit (eg, the first light receiving unit 810 of FIG. 9 ). When this is confirmed, the size of the display area may be confirmed based on the specified optical characteristic change pattern.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the processor (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 ) is configured to check the size of the display area based on the number of changes in the optical characteristic included in the specified optical characteristic change pattern. can be

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the specified optical characteristic change pattern may relate to illuminance.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the specified optical characteristic change pattern may relate to a phase.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the processor (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 ) changes the specified optical characteristic from the light detected through the light receiving unit (eg, the first light receiving unit 810 of FIG. 9 ). When the pattern is not confirmed, it may be set to obtain other information from the light detected through the light receiving unit.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the other information may include external illuminance.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the other information may relate to proximity of an external object.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of reflective areas may be arranged in a direction in which the size of the display area changes according to the movement of the flexible display (eg, the flexible display 230 of FIG. 9 ). The light emitting unit (eg, the light emitting unit 840 of FIG. 8 ) and the light receiving unit (eg, the first light receiving unit 810 of FIG. 8 or 9 ) have a direction orthogonal to the direction when viewed from the top of the display area. can be arranged as

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the flexible display (eg, the flexible display 230 of FIG. 9 ) includes a first layer including a plurality of pixels (eg, the display panel 910 and the base film 920 of FIG. 9 ) ) may be included. The flexible display may include a second layer (eg, the lower panel 930 of FIG. 9 ) stacked on the first layer. The second layer may include an opening. The reflective pattern (eg, the reflective structure OP of FIG. 9 ) may be disposed on the first layer in the opening.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the housing (eg, the housing 210 of FIG. 2A ) has a first surface (eg, one surface 410a of the first support member 410 of FIG. 4 ) facing in the first direction. ), and a second surface (eg, the rear surface 200B of FIG. 2B ) facing in a second direction opposite to the first surface. The electronic device (eg, the electronic device 200 of FIG. 2A ) has a sliding plate (eg, FIG. 4 or 9 ) disposed on the first surface of the housing to be slidable in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction. of the sliding plate 220) may be further included. The flexible display may include a first area (eg, the first area (ⓐ) of FIG. 5 or 6 ) coupled to the sliding plate to face the first surface. The flexible display may include a second area ⓑ extending from the first area. The second area may be bent according to the sliding of the sliding plate to be drawn into or out of the inner space of the housing. The reflective pattern (eg, the reflective structure OP of FIG. 9 ) may be disposed in the first region. The sliding plate may include an opening (eg, the third opening 903 of FIG. 9 ) formed to correspond to the reflection pattern. The light emitting unit (eg, the light emitting unit 840 of FIG. 8 ) and the light receiving unit (eg, the first light receiving unit 810 of FIG. 8 or 9 ) have another opening formed on the first surface (eg, the fourth opening of FIG. 9 ). The opening 904 may face the reflective pattern.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device (eg, the electronic device 200 of FIG. 2A ) may include a printed circuit board (eg, FIG. 2A ) positioned inside the housing (eg, the housing 210 of FIG. 2A ). 4 of the printed circuit board 490) may be further included. The electronic device may further include a first interposer (eg, the first interposer 860 of FIG. 8 ) positioned between the printed circuit board and the light receiving unit (eg, the first light receiving unit 810 of FIG. 8 ). can The first interposer may electrically connect the light receiving unit and the printed circuit board. The electronic device may further include a second interposer (eg, the second interposer 870 of FIG. 8 ) positioned between the printed circuit board and the light emitting unit. The second interposer may electrically connect the light emitting unit and the printed circuit board.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the light receiving unit (eg, the first light receiving unit 810 of FIG. 8 ) may be included in a first sensor module (eg, the first sensor module 710 of FIG. 8 ). The light emitting unit (eg, the light emitting unit 840 of FIG. 8 ) may be included in the second sensor module.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the first sensor module (eg, the first sensor module 710 of FIG. 8 ) may include an illuminance sensor. The second sensor module (eg, the second sensor module 720 of FIG. 8 ) may include a proximity sensor.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the second sensor module (eg, the second sensor module 720 of FIG. 8 ) includes another light receiving unit (eg, the screen 2301 of FIG. 7 ) overlapping the display area (eg, the screen 2301 of FIG. 7 ). : The second light receiving unit 830 of FIG. 8) may be further included.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the light receiving unit (eg, the first light receiving unit 810 of FIGS. 12A or 12B ), the other light receiving unit (eg, the second light receiving unit 830 of FIG. 12A or 12B ), and the light emitting unit When viewed from above (eg, the light emitting unit 840 of FIG. 12A or 12B ) (eg, the screen 2301 of FIG. 12A or 12B ), the size of the display area changes according to the movement of the flexible display. They may be arranged in a direction (eg, the y-axis direction of FIGS. 12A or 12B ) orthogonal to the changing direction (eg, the x-axis direction of FIGS. 12A or 12B ).

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the light emitting unit (eg, the light emitting unit 840 of FIGS. 12A or 12B ) includes the light receiving unit (eg, the first light receiving unit 810 of FIG. 12A or 12B ) and the other light receiving unit (eg, the first light receiving unit 810 of FIG. 12A or 12B ). : It may be located between the second light receiving units 830 of FIG. 12A or 12B).

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the light receiving unit (eg, the first light receiving unit 810 of FIG. 12C or 12BD) and the other light receiving unit (eg, the second light receiving unit 830 of FIG. 12C or 12BD) may include the display area When viewed from above (eg, the screen 2301 of FIG. 12c or 12bd), the display area may be arranged in a direction in which the size of the display area changes according to the movement of the flexible display (eg, the x-axis direction of FIG. 12c or 12bd). there is. The light emitting unit (eg, the light emitting unit 840 of FIG. 12C or 12BD ) and the light receiving unit are disposed in a direction perpendicular to the direction (eg, the y-axis direction of FIG. 12C or 12Bd ) when viewed from above the display area. can be arranged.

The embodiments of the present invention disclosed in the present specification and drawings are merely provided for specific examples in order to easily explain the technical contents according to the embodiments of the present invention and help the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, and limit the scope of the embodiments of the present invention It's not what you want to do. Accordingly, the scope of various embodiments of the present invention should be construed as being included in the scope of various embodiments of the present invention in which changes or modifications other than the embodiments disclosed herein are included.

Claims

In an electronic device,

housing;

a flexible display movably disposed in the housing, and a size of a display area externally viewed from among the flexible displays is changed by the movement;

a reflective pattern including a plurality of reflective regions and disposed on a rear surface of the display region;

a light emitting unit positioned inside the housing to overlap the display area;

A light receiving unit positioned inside the housing to overlap the display area and detecting light output from the light emitting unit and reflected by the reflective pattern, at least a portion of the light output from the light emitting unit is reflected by the reflection pattern an area is changed according to a moving position of the flexible display; and

and a processor configured to check a size of the display area in response to movement of the flexible display based on the light detected through the light receiving unit.
The method of claim 1,

The reflective pattern is an electronic device in which an array including three or more reflective regions having different reflective characteristics is repeated.
The method of claim 1,

The reflective pattern is an electronic device in which the plurality of reflective regions are formed in a gradation pattern having different color concentrations.
The method of claim 1,

The reflective pattern is formed by a pixel structure and/or a wiring structure included in the flexible display.
The method of claim 1,

The processor is configured to, when a specified optical characteristic change pattern is identified from the light detected through the light receiving unit, check the size of the display area based on the specified optical characteristic change pattern.
6. The method of claim 5,

and the processor is configured to check the size of the display area based on the number of changes in the optical characteristic included in the specified optical characteristic change pattern.
6. The method of claim 5,

and the specified optical characteristic change pattern relates to illuminance.
6. The method of claim 5,

and the designated optical characteristic change pattern relates to a phase.
6. The method of claim 5,

The processor is configured to obtain other information from the light detected through the light receiving unit when the designated optical characteristic change pattern is not confirmed from the light detected through the light receiving unit.
10. The method of claim 9,

The other information is an electronic device including external illuminance.
10. The method of claim 9,

and the other information relates to proximity of an external object.
The method of claim 1,

The plurality of reflective areas are arranged in a direction in which the size of the display area changes according to the movement of the flexible display,

The light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the direction when viewed from above the display area.
The method of claim 1,

The flexible display,

a first layer comprising a plurality of pixels; and

a second layer laminated to the first layer and comprising an opening;

wherein the reflective pattern is disposed on the first layer in the opening.
The method of claim 1,

the housing comprises a first side facing in a first direction and a second side facing in a second direction opposite to the first side;

The electronic device further includes a sliding plate disposed on the first surface of the housing to be slidable in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction;

The flexible display,

a first area facing the first surface and coupled to the sliding plate; and

and a second region extending from the first region, bent according to the sliding of the sliding plate, and introduced or drawn out into the inner space of the housing;

The reflective pattern is disposed in the first area,

The sliding plate includes an opening formed to correspond to the reflective pattern,

The light emitting unit and the light receiving unit face the reflective pattern through another opening formed on the first surface.
15. The method of claim 14,

a printed circuit board positioned inside the housing;

a first interposer positioned between the printed circuit board and the light receiving unit and electrically connecting the light receiving unit and the printed circuit board; and

and a second interposer positioned between the printed circuit board and the light emitting part and electrically connecting the light emitting part and the printed circuit board.