Patent Publication Number: US-11048303-B2

Title: Electronic device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/086,286 filed on Mar. 31, 2016 which claims the priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Korean Application Serial No. 10-2015-0046286, which was filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Apr. 1, 2015, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relate to an electronic device, for example, a foldable electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     An electronic device refers to a device that performs a specific function according to an equipped program or application installed on the device. The equipped program or application may include at least one of the following: an electronic scheduler, a portable multimedia reproducer, a mobile communication terminal, a tablet PC, an image/sound device, a desktop/laptop PC, or a vehicular navigation system, as well as a home appliance. The electronic device may output information stored therein, for example, as a sound or an image. 
     The degree of integration of the various functions of such electronic devices has increased as super-high speed and large capacity wireless communication has been popularized. In addition to a communication function, such electronic devices may have a variety of other functions, such as, for example, an entertainment function (e.g., a game function), a multimedia function (e.g., a music/video reproducing function), a communication and security function for mobile banking, a schedule management function, and an e-wallet function. 
     A portable electronic device, such as an electronic scheduler, a portable multimedia reproducer, a mobile communication terminal, or a tablet PC, may be equipped with a flat display device and a battery. Due to the shape of the display device or the battery, such a portable electronic device may have a corresponding shape, such as a bar-type external appearance, a folder-type external appearance, or a sliding-type external shape. Electronic devices are increasingly being equipped with larger sized screens to facilitate performing various functions, such as watching a video, more comfortably. 
     Carrying an electronic device that includes a relatively large screens may be inconvenient. An electronic device that includes a flexible display such that the electronic device is foldable can be folded to a smaller size and would be more conveniently carried. 
     SUMMARY 
     As the foldable electronic device becomes commercially available, attention is focused on how to use such a foldable electronic device more conveniently. For example, the convenience of use may be enhanced by allowing a user to make voice calls or to confirm whether a message is received through the electronic device even in a state where the electronic device is folded. 
     Various embodiments of the present disclosure are to provide an electronic device that is configured to be foldable such that the electronic device can be easily carried, and has an enlarged screen in an unfolded state as compared to a folded state. 
     Various embodiments of the present disclosure are to provide an electronic device that may output a screen through a first display in an unfolded state and through a second display in a folded state such that the electronic device can be used in various manners. 
     Various embodiments of the present disclosure are to provide an electronic device that can be conveniently used even in a folded state by using a portion of a display device that is relatively or partially movable on the electronic device at a folding operation. 
     According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include: a foldable body transitionable between an unfolded state and a folded state; a flexible display device disposed on a front face of the body, the flexible display being foldable together with the body; and a cover that enclosing at least a portion of a rear face of the body. The cover may be foldable together with the body, and the flexible display may include an exposed region that remains visible when the foldable body is in the folded state. 
     In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include: a foldable body being transitionable between a folded state and an unfolded state; and a flexible display device coupled to the body and being foldable together with the foldable body. When the foldable body is in folded state, at least a portion of the flexible display device includes an exposed region that remains visible. 
     An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can be conveniently or comfortably used even if the body is not unfolded again by the user since text or image information can be output through a second display unit even in a state where the body is folded. 
     In addition, an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can be conveniently used by the user even in a state where the electronic device is folded since at least a portion of the flexible display device is exposed to the outside of the body in a state where the flexible display device is folded so that a screen can be output or a touch input can be performed through the exposed region of the flexible display device. 
     These and other aspects of the present disclosure are more fully described hereinbelow. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a conventional foldable electronic device; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to a first one of various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the electronic device according to the first one of various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear view illustrating the electronic device according to the first one of various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the electronic device according to the first one of various embodiments of the present disclosure in the folded state; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating the electronic device according to first one of various embodiments of the present disclosure in the folded state; 
         FIG. 7  is a illustrating a joint portion of  FIG. 6  in an unfolded state; 
         FIG. 8  is a view illustrating a relationship between a region in which the second display is exposed and a thickness of a cover, which are applied to the electronic device according to the first one of various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a view illustrating a guide that is applied to the electronic device according to the first one of various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first guide and a first guide hole, which are applied to the electronic device according to the first one of various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device according to a second one of various embodiments of the present disclosure in a folded state; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device according to a third one of various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  is a rear view illustrating the electronic device according to the third one of various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the electronic device according to the third one of various embodiments of the present disclosure in the folded state; 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device according to a fourth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 16  is a front view illustrating the electronic device according to the fourth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the electronic device according to the fourth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure in the folded state; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to a fifth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure in the unfolded state; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view illustrating the electronic device according to the fifth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure in the folded state; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to a sixth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure in the folded state; 
         FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first bezel that is applied to an electronic device according to a seventh one of various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view illustrating the electronic device according to an eighth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure in a state where the electronic device is partially cut; 
         FIG. 23  is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to a ninth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a second bezel and a second guide in a state where the electronic device according to the ninth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure is unfolded; 
         FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the second bezel and the second guide in a state where the electronic device according to the ninth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure is folded; 
         FIG. 26  is a view illustrating an electronic device according to a tenth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure in the unfolded state; 
         FIG. 27  is a view illustrating the electronic device according to the tenth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure in the folded state; 
         FIG. 28  is a view illustrating an electronic device according to an eleventh one of various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 29  is a view illustrating an electronic device according to a twelfth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 30  and  FIG. 31  are views illustrating an appearance of operating an electronic device according to a thirteenth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 32  is a view illustrating an example of using the electronic device according to the thirteenth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure in the folded state; 
         FIG. 33  and  FIG. 34  are views for describing a configuration that interlocks the operations before and after the electronic device illustrated in  FIG. 31  is unfolded; 
         FIG. 35  is a view illustrating a network environment in which an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is operated; 
         FIG. 36  is a block diagram of an electronic device according to various of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 37  is a block diagram of a program module according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that there is no intent to limit the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed herein; rather, the present disclosure should be construed to cover various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives of embodiments of the present disclosure. In describing the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to designate similar constituent elements. 
     In the present disclosure, the expression “have”, “may have”, “include” or “may include” refers to existence of a corresponding feature (e.g., numerical value, function, operation, or components such as elements), and does not exclude existence of additional features. 
     In the present disclosure, the expression “A or B”, “at least one of A or/and B”, or “one or more of A or/and B” may include all possible combinations of the items listed. For example, the expression “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, or “at least one of A or B” refers to all of (1) including at least one A, (2) including at least one B, or (3) including all of at least one A and at least one B. 
     The expression “a first”, “a second”, “the first”, or “the second” used in various embodiments of the present disclosure may modify various components regardless of the order and/or the importance but does not limit the corresponding components. For example, a first user device and a second user device indicate different user devices although both of them are user devices. For example, a first element may be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element may be termed a first element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     It should be understood that when an element (e.g., first element) is referred to as being (operatively or communicatively) “connected,” or “coupled,” to another element (e.g., second element), it may be directly connected or coupled directly to the other element or any other element (e.g., third element) may be interposer between them. In contrast, it may be understood that when an element (e.g., first element) is referred to as being “directly connected,” or “directly coupled” to another element (second element), there are no element (e.g., third element) interposed between them. 
     The expression “configured to” used in the present disclosure may be exchanged with, for example, “suitable for”, “having the capacity to”, “designed to”, “adapted to”, “made to”, or “capable of” according to the situation. The term “configured to” may not necessarily imply “specifically designed to” in hardware. Alternatively, in some situations, the expression “device configured to” may mean that the device, together with other devices or components, “is able to”. For example, the phrase “processor adapted (or configured) to perform A, B, and C” may mean a dedicated processor (e.g. embedded processor) only for performing the corresponding operations or a generic-purpose processor (e.g., central processing unit (CPU) or application processor (AP)) that can perform the corresponding operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device. 
     The terms used herein are merely for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. As used herein, singular forms may include plural forms as well unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as those commonly understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. Such terms as those defined in a generally used dictionary may be interpreted to have the meanings equal to the contextual meanings in the relevant field of art, and are not to be interpreted to have ideal or excessively formal meanings unless clearly defined in the present disclosure. In some cases, even the term defined in the present disclosure should not be interpreted to exclude embodiments of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a conventional foldable electronic device. Referring to  FIG. 1 , a conventional foldable electronic device  10  may be implemented as a foldable portable terminal, and may include a display  11  that is concealed from the outside in the folded state. The display  11  may display an image. In the state where the electronic device is folded, the display  11  may be concealed by the electronic device  10 . 
     The electronic device  10  may be provided with a cover  12  that is formed of a flexible material, such as a leather material or a rubber material, so that the sense of an exterior design can be diversified. The electronic device  10  may be configured to be foldable so that the electronic device  10  can be conveniently carried. 
     However, in order to use the electronic device  10 , it is necessary to unfold the electronic device  10 , which may be troublesome and inconvenient. Thus, the teachings of invention addresses the drawbacks of conventional foldable device, as explained hereinafter. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to a first one of various embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the electronic device according to the first one of various embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIG. 4  is a rear view illustrating the electronic device according to the first one of various embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the electronic device according to the first one of various embodiments of the present disclosure in the folded state. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 to 5 , according to one of various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device  100  may include a first display device  101 , a cover  103 , and a second display device  105 . Here, the electronic device  100  may be a portable terminal. However, the electronic device  100  may be any of various electronic devices that include a foldable display (e.g., a flexible display device) without being limited to the portable terminal. 
     The first display device  101  may include a body  113  and a flexible display device  111 , and may be an image displaying device that is configured to be foldable. The body  113  may include a circuit unit (e.g., a circuit board) that processes communication, various pieces of information, or the like, a battery that supplies power, etc. The body  113  may be folded or unfolded. The flexible display device  111  is provided on the front face of the body  113 , and may be folded or unfolded together with the body  113 . The flexible display device  111  may output an image under a control of the circuit board included in the body  113 , or the like. For example, the first display device  101  may include the flexible display device  111  so as to operate as an image displaying device. 
     The cover  103  is provided on the rear face of the body  113  to be foldable together with the body  113 . The cover  103  may be formed of a flexible material, such as a leather material or a rubber material. However, the material of the cover  103  is not limited to the flexible material. A portion, which is deformed in a curved shape at a folding operation, of the cover  103  may be formed of a flexible material, and the cover  103  may also include a portion, which is capable of maintaining a predetermined shape regardless of the folding operation and that is formed of a rigid material, such as, for example, a plastic or a metal. Accordingly, a portion of the cover  103 , which is capable of maintaining a predetermined shape even at the folding operation, may be provided with components that are required for the electronic device, such as a circuit unit (e.g., an antenna radiator). 
     The second display device  105  may be disposed, for example, on the rear face of the body  113  to be opposite to the flexible display device  111 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the second display device  105  may be concealed by the cover  103  in the state where the body  113  is unfolded. In addition, when the body  113  is folded, for example, when two different portions of the body  113  are folded in the direction where the two different portions face each other, a portion of the rear face of the body  113  may be exposed depending on the thickness of the electronic device  100  and the curvature in the folded state, as compared to the state where the body  113  is unfolded. For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 5 , the second display device  105  may be exposed to the outside of the cover  103  in the state where the body  113  is folded. This is caused due to a difference in relative displacement between the first display device  111  and the cover  103  at the folding operation. The first display device  111  and the cover  103  may be coupled to be at least partially slidable in relation to each other. 
     As the second display device  105  is exposed in the state where the electronic device is folded, various pieces of information, such as weather information, time, phone call reception, and text message reception, may be output through the second display device  105 . Accordingly, the user may use the electronic device  100  while confirming various pieces of information through the second display device  105  even in the state where the flexible display device  111  is folded. 
     In addition, when a touch screen function is incorporated into the second display device  105 , a displayed icon may be changed or an operation mode of the electronic device may be changed according to the user&#39;s touch input. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , while one end of the body  113  and one end of the cover  103  are fixed to each other at a first fixing portion  107 , the cover  103  may be coupled to the body  113  to be at least partially slidable. Accordingly, when the electronic device  100  is folded, the other end of the cover  103  may move toward the central portion of the cover  103  such that a portion of the rear surface of the body  113  can be exposed. By arranging the second display device  105  in the region that is exposed according to the movement of the cover  103 , the second display device  105  may be exposed to the outside of the cover  103  as the first cover  103  is slid. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating the electronic device according to first one of various embodiments of the present disclosure in the folded state.  FIG. 7  is a illustrating a joint portion of  FIG. 6  in an unfolded state. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , according to the first one of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device may include a plurality of joints  109 . Each of the joints  109  may include a first facing portion  191 , a second facing portion  193 , and inclined portions  195 . The first facing portion  191  may face the first display device  101 . The second facing portion  193  may have a length that is shorter than that of the first facing portion  191 , and may face the cover  103 . The inclined portions  195  interconnect the opposite ends of the first facing portion  191  to the opposite ends of the second facing portion  193 , respectively, and may be inclined relative to the first facing portion  191 . Even if the first display device  101  are folded in the direction in which the two different regions face each other, the plurality of joints  109  are placed in the state where the entire length of the surface, on which the first facing portions  191  are arranged, may be maintained to be the same as the unfolded state. For example, at the folding or unfolding operation, the joints  109  may stably support the first display device  101  while causing the first display device  101  to be deformed at a proper curvature. On the contrary, at the folding operation, in the portion that is deformed in a curved shape, the length of the cover  103 , which is arranged on the second facing portions  193  may be changed by the change in distance between the second facing portions  193 . The change in the length of the cover  103  in the portion that is deformed in the curved shape may move the other end of the cover  103  toward the central portion of the cover  103 . 
     As described above, according to the first one of various embodiments of the present disclosure, since the electronic device  100  includes a plurality of joints  109  that face each of the first display device  101  and the cover  103 , at least a portion of the cover  103  may be relatively moved in relation to the first display device  101  in the state where the body  113  and the cover  103  are folded. 
       FIG. 8  is a view illustrating a relationship between a region in which the second display is exposed and a cover, which are applied to the electronic device according to the first one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. First, with reference to  FIG. 8 , a center line “L”, a radius “R”, a thickness “t”, a slope “a”, and a displacement “d” are defined. The center line “L” may be a virtual line that interconnects the center and the contact point of the opposite ends of the folded first display device  101 . The radius “R” may refer to a curvature radius of a curved portion that is formed as the first display device  101  is folded. The thickness “t” may refer to the thickness of the cover  103 . The slope α may indicate an inclined angle of the first display device  101  in relation to the center line “L”. The displacement “d” may refer to the displacement of the other end of the cover  103  in relation to the first display device  101 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , as the first display device  101  is folded, the cover  103  may be positioned at a radius (“R”+“t”) that is larger than the radius R of the first display device  101 . When the lengths of the cover  103  and the first display device  101  are practically unchanged in the portion that is deformed in the curved shape, the cover  103 , which has the larger radius at the other end of the first display device  101 , may move relative to the first display device  101  in the process of being folded or unfolded. For example, as the thickness t of the cover  103  increases, the relative movement of the cover  103  with respect to the first display device  101  may further increase. Accordingly, the second display device  105  may be set to correspond to the displacement “d” that corresponds to the distance that the of the cover  103  moves relative to the first display device  101 . That is, the second display device  105  may be set to correspond to the displacement that is proportional to the thickness “t” of the cover  103 . For example, the size of the second display device  105  may be set to correspond to the displacement that is proportional to the thickness t of the cover  103 . 
     In addition, the relative movement of the cover  103  is variable depending on the slope α. For example, when the slope a increases, the radius R of the first display device  101  may also increase, which may increase the relative movement of the cover  103  with respect to the first display device  101 . 
       FIG. 9  is a view illustrating a guide that is applied to the electronic device according to the first one of various embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first guide and a first guide hole, which are applied to the electronic device according to the first one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , according to the first one of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the cover  103 , which is applied to the electronic device  100 , may include a first guide  131 , and the body  113  may include a first guide hole  115 . 
     The first guide  131  may be formed to extend from the lower portion of the cover  103  and to protrude toward the body  113 . The first guide  131  may be formed in the longitudinal direction of the cover  103 , for example, along a direction in which the cover  103  moves relative to the body  113 . The first guide hole  115  is provided in the body  113 , and may be formed to correspond to the first guide  131 . In addition, the first guide  131  may be slid along the first guide hole  115  while being restrained by the first guide hole  115 . 
     In this way, according to the first one of various embodiments of the present disclosure, in the electronic device  100 , as the first guide  131  is slid while being restrained by the first guide hole  115 , the cover  103  may correspondingly move relative to the body  113  without being released from the body  113 . 
       FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device according to a second one of various embodiments of the present disclosure in a folded state. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , according to the second one of various embodiments of the present disclosure, because the first display device  201 , the cover  203 , and the second display device  205  of the electronic device  200  are similar to those of the above-described embodiment, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. 
     According to the second one of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device  200  may include a first region F 1  and a second region F 2 . The first region F 1  may refer to a region that is deformed in a curved shape in the state where the electronic device  200  is folded. The second region F 2  may refer to two regions that face each other in the state where the electronic device  200  are folded. 
     The first display device  201  may include a body  213  and a flexible display device  211 , and may be an image displaying device that is configured to be foldable. The body  213  of the first display device  201  and the cover  205  may be fixed to a second fixing portion  207  at a side of the portion in which the first region F 1  and the second region F 2  are connected to each other. One side of the body  213  and one side of the cover  203  that are fixed to the second fixing portion  207  may be fixed without being affected by the relative movements of the body  213  and the cover  203  in the first region F 1 . The other side of the cover  203  may be moved toward the first region F 1  by the relative movements of the body  213  and the cover  203  in the first region F 1 . Accordingly, the second display device  205  may be exposed to the outside of the cover  203 . 
       FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device according to a third one of various embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIG. 13  is a rear view illustrating the electronic device according to the third one of various embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the electronic device according to the third one of various embodiments of the present disclosure in the folded state. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12 to 14 , according to the third one of various embodiments of the present disclosure, because the first display device  301 , the cover  303 , the second display devices  305  and  307  of the electronic device  300  are the same as those of the above-described embodiments, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. 
     The body  313  of the first display device  301  and the cover  303  may be fixed to each other at a third fixing portion  309  where the central portion of the body  313  and the central portion of the cover  303  are in contact with each other. In addition, when the body  313  and the cover  303  are folded, the opposite ends of the cover  303  may be slid on the body  313  toward the third fixing portion  309  as in the preceding embodiments. 
     In addition, the second display devices  305  and  307  may be provided on the opposite ends of the body  313 , respectively. The second display devices  305  and  307  may be exposed to the outside or exterior area of the cover  303  as the opposite ends of the cover  303  are slid. 
     In addition, the body  313  may be provided with sensors  317   a  and  317   b  that sense the sliding extents of the opposite ends of the cover  303  along the rear face of the body  313 . The sensors  317   a  and  317   b  may be optical sensors that sense the movements of the opposite ends of the cover  303  or may be configured to be in physical contact with the cover  303  to sense the opposite ends of the cover  303 . The sensors  317   a  and  317   b  may include first sensors  317   a  that are arranged to be spaced apart from one  305  of the second display devices and second sensors  317   b  that are arranged to spaced apart from the other  307  of the second display devices. The first sensors  317   a  and the second sensors  317   b  may be arranged to be symmetrical with each other with reference to the third fixing portion  309 . For example, the first sensors  317   a  and the second sensors  317   b  may be oppositely oriented to each other when the body  313  and the cover  303  are folded. The first sensors  317   a  may sense the outwardly exposed extent of one  305  of the second display devices, and the second sensors  317   b  may sense the outwardly exposed extent of the other  307  of the second display devices. That is, the first and second sensors  317   a  and  317   b  may sense the outwardly exposed extents of the second display devices  305  and  307 , respectively, and may transmit sensing signals to a processor of the electronic device, and the processor may calculate each of the outwardly exposed areas of the second display devices  305  and  307 . In addition, the processor may calculate the folded degree of the flexible display device  311  (e.g., a relative angle between one portion of the body  313 , on which one  305  of the second display devices is provided, and the other portion of the body  313 , on which the other  307  of the second display devices is provided) based on the sensing signals. In addition, the third one of various embodiments of the present disclosure exemplifies a configuration in which the sensors  317   a  and  317   b  are arranged on the body  313 . However, the sensors  317   a  and  317   b  may be arranged on the cover  303  rather than on the body  313 , and may be electrically connected with a circuit unit within the body  313 . 
       FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device according to a fourth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIG. 16  is a front view illustrating the electronic device according to the fourth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the electronic device according to the fourth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure in the folded state. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15 to 17 , according to the fourth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device  400  may include a body  403 , a flexible display device  401 , and a touch key unit  405 . 
     The body  403  may include a circuit unit that processes communication, various pieces of information, or the like and a battery that supplies power, and may be configured to be foldable. 
     The flexible display device  401  may be provided on the front face of the body  403  to output an image. The flexible display device  401  may be folded/unfolded together with the body  403 . An end of the flexible display device  401  may be fixed with the body  403  at a fourth fixing portion  407  where the body  403  is in contact with the flexible display device  401 . In addition, the flexible display device  401  may be slid on the body  403  in the state in which it is fixed to the fourth fixing portion  407 . 
     In addition, when the flexible display device  401  and the body  403  are folded together in a direction where the two different regions of the flexible display device  401  face each other, a great portion of the flexible display device  401  may be concealed by the body  403 . In the process of folding the two different regions in the direction where the two different regions face each other, at least a portion of the flexible display device  403  (e.g., the other end of the flexible display device  403 ) may be slid on the body  403 . For example, in the state where the electronic device  400  is folded, at least a portion  411  (hereinafter, referred to as an “exposed region”) of the flexible display device may be exposed to the outside of the body  403 . For example, in the state where the electronic device  400  is folded, the exposed region  411  may be moved to be positioned on the touch key unit  405 . 
     The touch key unit  405  may be provided on the other end of the body  403 . The touch key unit  405  may be provided with a home key at the center thereof, and function keys on left and right with reference to the home key. In addition, the exposed region  411  may conceal the touch key unit  405  in the state where the flexible display device  401  is folded. 
     Accordingly, according to the fourth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure, in the electronic device  400 , when the flexible display device  401  and the body  403  are folded together, the exposed region  411  is exposed to the outside of the body  403  so that the user can operate the electronic device  400  through the exposed region  411 . 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to a fifth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure in the unfolded state.  FIG. 19  is a perspective view illustrating the electronic device according to the fifth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure in the folded state. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , according to the fifth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device  500  may include a body  503 , a flexible display device  501 , and a touch key unit  505 . The touch key unit  505  may have an inclined structure. In the state where the flexible display device  501  is folded, at least portion  511  (hereinafter, referred to as an “exposed region”) may be slid along the inclined touch key unit  505 . 
       FIG. 20  is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to a sixth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure in the folded state. 
     Referring to  FIG. 20 , according to the sixth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure, a body  553 , which is applied to an electronic device  550 , is provided with a hinge portion  554  such that the body  553  may be folded about the hinge portion  554 . When the body  553  is folded together with the flexible display device (not illustrated), the flexible display device (not illustrated) may be in close contact with the body  553 . In addition, the exposed region  552  may be exposed to the outside of the body  553 . The electronic device  550  may similarly to the electronic device  500  include a touch key unit  555  that is similar to the touch key unit  505 . 
     As described above, according to the sixth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device  550  is not limited to the electronic device that is provided with the plurality of joints as described above, but may be folded with various structures, such as the hinge portion  554 , as exemplified in the present embodiment. 
       FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first bezel that is applied to an electronic device according to a seventh one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 21 , according to still another one of various embodiments of the present disclosure, a body  613 , which is applied to an electronic device  610 , may include a first bezel  615 . 
     The first bezel  615  may enclose the side surfaces of the flexible display device  611 . For example, as the first bezel  615  restrains the side surfaces of the flexible display device  611 , the flexible display device  611  may be slid on the body  613  without being released. When a portion of the flexible display device  611  is slid on the body  613 , at least a sliding portion of the flexible display device  611  may be positioned on the first bezel  615 . 
       FIG. 22  is a perspective view illustrating the electronic device according to an eighth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure in a state where the electronic device is partially cut. 
     Referring to  FIG. 22 , according to the eighth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device  610  may include sensors  617   a  and  617   b  that sense a sliding extent of the flexible display device  611 . 
     The sensors  617   a  and  617   b  may be arranged on the first bezel  615  along the direction in which the flexible display device  611  is slid. The sensors  617   a  and  617   b  may be optical sensors that optically sense the movement of the flexible display device  611  or may be configure to be in physical contact with the flexible display device  611  to sense the movement of the flexible display device  611 . The sensors  617   a  and  617   b  may include first sensors  617   a  that are sequentially arranged on the first bezel  615  to be adjacent to one end of the flexible display device  611 , and second sensors  617   b  that are sequentially arranged on the first bezel  615  to be adjacent to the other end of the flexible display device  611 . In addition, the first sensors  617   a  and the second sensors  617   b  may be oriented to face each other in the state where the flexible display device  611  is folded. The first sensors  617   a  may sense the sliding extent of the one end of the flexible display device  611 , and the second sensors  617   b  may sense the sliding extent of the other end of the flexible display device  611 . In addition, the sensors  617   a  and  617   b  may sense the sliding extent of the flexible display device  613  and may transmit a sensing signal to a processor of the electronic device. The processor may calculate the outwardly exposed area of the exposed region  511  (see  FIG. 18 ) of the flexible display device  511  (see  FIG. 18 ). In addition, the processor may calculate the folded degree of the flexible display device  611  (e.g., a relative angle between a portion of the flexible display device  611  and another portion of the flexible display device  611  with reference to the center of the flexible display device  611 ) based on the sensing signal. In addition, according to the eighth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the sensors  617   a  and  617   b  may be provided on the body  613  that is in contact with the flexible display device  611 , rather than being arranged on the first bezel  615 .  FIG. 23  is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to a ninth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a second bezel and a second guide in a state where the electronic device according to the ninth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure is unfolded.  FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the second bezel and the second guide in a state where the electronic device according to the ninth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure is folded. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 23 to 25 , according to the ninth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device  620  may include a body  623 , a flexible display device  621 , a second guide  624 , and a second guide hole  625 . 
     The body  623  may include a second bezel  625 . The second bezel  625  may be provided at the lower side of the body  623 . As the flexible display device  621  is slid on the body  623 , at least a portion  622  (hereinafter, referred to as an “exposed region”) of the flexible display device may be selectively accommodated in the second bezel  625 . For example, when the flexible display device  622  is folded, at least a portion of the flexible display device  622  (e.g., the exposed region  622 ) may be slid on the body  623  to be accommodated in the second bezel  625 . Accordingly, when the flexible display device  621  is slid on the body  623 , the exposed region  622  may be selectively accommodated in the second bezel  625  to be protected from external impact by the second bezel  625 . When the second bezel  625  is made of a transparent material, various pieces of information, such as text or an image, may be output through the exposed region  622  even in the state where the second bezel  625  is accommodated. 
     The second guide  624  may extend from the flexible display device  621  to be slid on the body  623 . The second guide  624  may extend along the longitudinal direction of the flexible display device  621 . The second guide recess  626  is formed in the body  623  to correspond to the second guide  624 . The second guide  624  may be accommodated in the second guide recess  626  to be slidable. The exposed region  622  is slidable on the body  623  while the second guide  624  is guided by the second guide recess  626 . 
       FIG. 26  is a view illustrating an electronic device according to a tenth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure in the unfolded state.  FIG. 27  is a view illustrating the electronic device according to the tenth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure in the folded state. 
     According to the tenth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device  630  may include a body  633 , a flexible display device  631 , and a touch key unit  634 . 
     The touch key unit  634  may include a touch window member  635 , a light emitting member  636 , and an insertion groove  637 . The touch window member  635  may be arranged on the body  633 . The touch window member  635  may be formed of a glass material. However, the touch window member  635  may be various transparent materials without being limited to the glass material. In addition, the touch window member  635  may include a touch panel to generate a signal by the user&#39;s touch. The light emitting member  636  may be provided inside the touch window member  635  to provide light. The light emitting member  636  may be constituted with a Light Emitting Diode (LED). However, the light emitting member  636  may be any of various lighting devices that provide light, without being limited to the LED. The insertion groove  637  may be formed between the touch window member  635  and the light emitting member  636 . In the process of folding the flexible display device  631 , at least a portion  632  (hereinafter, referred to as an “exposed region”) of the flexible display device  631  may be slid on the body  633 . Accordingly, as illustrated in  FIG. 27 , the exposed region  632  may be accommodated in the insertion groove  637  in the folded state. The touch window member  635  may be formed of a transparent material so that the exposed region  632  may be visually exposed to the outside of the body  633  even in the state where the touch window member  635  is accommodated in the insertion groove  637 . 
     The light emitting member  636  may be turned on/off depending on whether the exposed region  632  is inserted into the insertion groove  637 . For example, the light emitting member  636  does not provide light in the state where the exposed region  632  is inserted into the insertion groove  637  while the light emitting member  636  may provide light in the state where the exposed region  632  is not inserted into the insertion groove  637 . Thus, in the state where the flexible display device  631  is unfolded, the light emitting member  636  may provide light so as to guide the user to conveniently use the touch key unit  634 . In addition, when the flexible display device  631  is folded, the light emitting member  636  does not provide light so as to prevent the light from interfering with the information that is displayed on the exposed region  632 . 
       FIG. 28  is a view illustrating an electronic device according to an eleventh one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 28 , according to the eleventh one of various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device  640  may include a body  643  and a flexible display device  641 . At least a portion of the flexible display device  641  may include an exposed region  642 . 
     One end of the body  643  may include a body hole  644  that corresponds to one end of the flexible display device  641 . In addition, when the flexible display device  641  is folded in a direction where it faces the body  643 , the flexible display device  641  may be folded while being enclosed by the body  643 . At this time, at least a portion of the flexible display device  641  may be slid on the body  643 . In addition, when one end of the flexible display device  641  is fixed on the body  643 , the other end of the flexible display device  641  is slid on the body  643  to be accommodated in the body hole  644 . For example, the other end of the flexible display device  641  may be slid with respect to the body  643  to be selectively accommodated in the body hole  644 . In addition, a portion (hereinafter, referred to as an “exposed region”) of the flexible display device  641  may be a portion other than the portion that is enclosed by the folded body  643  and the portion that is accommodated in the body hole  644 . 
       FIG. 29  is a view illustrating an electronic device according to a twelfth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 29 , according to the twelfth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device  700  may include a body  701 , a flexible display device (not illustrated), and a voice receiving unit  711 . Here, the electronic device  700  illustrated in  FIG. 29  may be configured such that a great portion of the folded flexible display device (not illustrated) (e.g., a portion other than the portion  703  (hereinafter, referred to as an “exposed region”) of the flexible display device) may be concealed by the body  701 . 
     Similarly to the preceding embodiments, the exposed region  703  may be slid on the body  701  in the process of folding the flexible display device to be exposed to the outside of the body  701 . 
     The voice receiving unit  711  may be provided on the rear face of the body  701 . In addition, a phone icon  704  may be displayed on the exposed region  703 . Thus, the user may make a phone call by touching the phone icon  704  that is displayed on the exposed region  703  without unfolding the folded electronic device  700  again. 
     However, without being limited to displaying the phone icon  704 , various icons, such as a movie icon  705  and a weather icon  706 , may be displayed on the exposed region  703 . 
       FIGS. 30 and 31  are views illustrating an aspect of operating an electronic device according to a thirteenth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 30 and 31 , according to the thirteenth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure, an exposed region  753 , which is applied to an electronic device  750 , may change a displayed icon according to the user&#39;s touch input. For example, the user touches the exposed region  753  in an up-and-down direction, the icon displayed on the exposed region  753  may be changed to a preferential icon of the first screen (e.g., an icon of a home screen). In addition, when the user touches the exposed region  753  in a left-and-right direction, the icon displayed on the exposed region  753  may be changed to an icon that is associated with the icon that was displayed prior to the touch. For example, when the user touches the exposed region  753  in the left-and-right direction, the phone directory icon may be changed to an icon that is associated with the phone directory icon, such as a phone call recording icon or a dial icon. 
       FIG. 32  is a view illustrating an example of using the electronic device according to the thirteenth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure in the folded state.  FIGS. 33 and 34  are views for describing a configuration that interlocks the operations before and after the electronic device illustrated in  FIG. 31  is unfolded. 
     Referring to  FIG. 32 , in the state where a flexible display device  751  is folded, the user may touch the exposed region  753 . For example, the user may touch, for example, a phone directory icon. In addition, when the flexible display device  751  is unfolded, a function or a menu or other information that is associated with an icon, which has been displayed on the exposed region  753 , may be displayed on the flexible display device  751  to be interlocked with the icon, as illustrated in  FIG. 33 . For example, when the flexible display device is unfolded after the phone directory icon displayed on the exposed region  753  is touched, names, which are recorded in the phone directory, may be displayed on the flexible display device  751 , as illustrated in  FIG. 33 . In addition, the user may touch the flexible display device  751  so as to activate the icon. For example, the user can make a phone call by touching a name of a counterpart, to whom the user wants to speak. 
     In addition, the user may fold the electronic device  750  in order to carry the electronic device  750 . Referring to  FIG. 34 , when the user folds the electronic device after having made the phone call, the exposed region  753  is exposed again to the outside of the body  751  so that the electronic device can output an icon that indicates a phone call mode or indicates that it is in a state where the user is speaking. 
     As described above, according to the thirteenth one of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device  750  may allow the user to use a function thereof even in the folded state in order to enhance the portability by the user. 
       FIG. 35  is a view illustrating a network environment in which an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is operated. 
     The electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may interwork with various electronic devices as described below. For example, the electronic device may include at least one of a smartphone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a mobile phone, a video phone, an electronic book (e-book) reader, a desktop PC, a laptop PC, a netbook computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), an MP3 player, a mobile medical appliance, a camera, and a wearable device (e.g., a head-mounted-device (HMD) such as electronic glasses, electronic clothes, an electronic bracelet, an electronic necklace, an electronic appcessory, electronic tattoos, or a smart watch). 
     According to some embodiments, the electronic device may be a smart home appliance. The home appliance may include at least one of, for example, a television, a Digital Video Disk (DVD) player, an audio, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a vacuum cleaner, an oven, a microwave oven, a washing machine, an air cleaner, a set-top box, a home automation control panel, a security control panel, a TV box (e.g., Samsung HomeSync™, Apple TV™, or Google TV™), a game console (e.g., Xbox™ and PlayStation™), an electronic dictionary, an electronic key, a camcorder, and an electronic photo frame. 
     According to another embodiment, the electronic device may include at least one of various medical devices (e.g., various portable medical measuring devices (a blood glucose monitoring device, a heart rate monitoring device, a blood pressure measuring device, a body temperature measuring device, etc.), a Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA), a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), a Computed Tomography (CT) machine, and an ultrasonic machine), a navigation device, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, an Event Data Recorder (EDR), a Flight Data Recorder (FDR), a Vehicle Infotainment Devices, an electronic devices for a ship (e.g., a navigation device for a ship, and a gyro-compass), avionics, security devices, an automotive head unit, a robot for home or industry, an automatic teller&#39;s machine (ATM) in banks, point of sales (POS) in a shop, or internet device of things (e.g., a light bulb, various sensors, electric or gas meter, a sprinkler device, a fire alarm, a thermostat, a streetlamp, a toaster, a sporting goods, a hot water tank, a heater, a boiler, etc.). 
     According to some embodiments, the electronic device may include at least one of a part of furniture or a building/structure, an electronic board, an electronic signature receiving device, a projector, and various kinds of measuring instruments (e.g., a water meter, an electric meter, a gas meter, and a radio wave meter). The electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be a combination of one or more of the aforementioned various devices. The electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may be a flexible device. Further, the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to the aforementioned devices, and may include a new electronic device according to the development of technology. 
     Hereinafter, an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As used herein, the term “user” may indicate a person who uses an electronic device or a device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device) that uses an electronic device. 
     Referring to  FIG. 35 , descriptions will be made on an electronic device  901  within a network environment  900  in various embodiments. The electronic device  901  may include a bus  905 , a processor  906 , a memory  907 , an input/output interface  909 , a display  910 , and a communication interface  911 . In an embodiment, the electronic device  901  may omit at least one of the above-mentioned components or may additionally include other components. 
     The bus  905  may include, for example, a circuit that connects the above-mentioned components  905  to  911  and transmits communication (e.g., a control message and/or data) between the components, for example, with the components of the electronic device  902 , as indicated by lightening bolt  918 . 
     The processor  906  may include one or more of a Central Processing Unit (CPU), an Application Processor (AP), and a Communication Processor (CP). The processor  906  may execute, for example, an arithmetic operation or data processing that is related to a control and/or communication of one or more other components of the electronic device  901 . 
     The memory  907  may include a volatile memory and/or a non-volatile memory. The memory  907  may store, for example, commands or data that are related to one or more other components of the electronic device  901 . According to one embodiment, the memory  907  may store software and/or a program  908 . The program  908  may include, for example, a kernel  913 , a middleware  914 , an Application Programming Interface (API)  915 , and/or an application program (or an “application”)  916 . At least one of the kernel  913 , the middleware  914 , and the API  915  may be referred to as an Operating System (OS). 
     The kernel  913  may control or manage, for example, system resources (e.g., the bus  905 , the processor  906 , or the memory  907 ) that are used for executing operations or functions implemented in the other programs (e.g., the middleware  914 , the API  915 , or the application programs  916 ). In addition, the kernel  913  may provide an interface that allows the middleware  914 , the API  915 , or the application program  916  to access individual components of the electronic device  901  so as to control or manage the system resources. 
     The middleware  914  may play an intermediary role such that, for example, the API  915  or the application programs  916  may communicate with the kernel  913  so as to exchange data. In addition, in connection with one or more task requests received from the application programs  916 , the middleware  914  may perform a control for the task requests (e.g., scheduling or load balancing) by using a method of assigning the priority to be capable of using a system resource of the electronic device  901  (e.g., the bus  905 , the processor  906 , or the memory  907 ) to at least one of the application programs  916 . 
     The API  915  is an interface that allows the application  916  to control functions provided from the kernel  913  or the middleware  914  and may include, for example, at least one interface or function (e.g., commands) for a file control, a window control, an image processing, or a character control. 
     The input/output interface  909  may serve as an interface to transmit commands or data, which are entered from, for example, a user or another external device, to the other component(s) of the electronic device  901 . Also, the input/output interface  909  may output commands or data, which are received from the other component(s) of the electronic device  901 , to the user or the other external device. 
     The display  910  may include, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Light Emitting Diode (LED) display, an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display, or a MicroElectroMechanical systems (MEMS) display, or an electronic paper display. The display  910  may display various contents (e.g., text, image, video, icon, or symbol) to, for example, the user. The display  910  may include a touch screen, and may receive a touch input, a gesture input, a proximity input, or a hovering input using, for example, an electronic pen or a part of the user&#39;s body. The display may be a flexible display device or a second display device according to the above-described embodiments. 
     The communication interface  911  may set, for example, communication between the electronic device  901  and an external electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device  902 , a second external device  903 , and/or a server  904 ). For example, the communication interface  911  may communicate with the external device (e.g., the second external electronic device  903  or the server  904 ) by being connected with a network  917  through wired or wireless communication. 
     The wireless communication may use at least one of, for example, LTE), LTE-A, CDMA, WCDMA, UMTS, WiBro, or GSM. The wired communication may use at least one of, for example, Universal Serial Bus (USB), High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Recommended Standard 232 (RS-232), and Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS). The network  917  may include a telecommunication network, for example, at least one of a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN), the internet, and a telephone network. 
     Each of the first and second external electronic devices  902  and  903  may be a type of device that is the same as or different from the electronic device  901 . According to one embodiment, the server  904  may include a group of one or more servers. According to various embodiments, all or some of the operations to be executed by the electronic device  901  may be executed by another electronic device or a plurality of other electronic devices (e.g., the electronic devices  902  and  903  or the server  904 ). According to one embodiment, in the case where the electronic device  901  should perform a certain function or service automatically or by a request, the electronic device  901  may request some functions or services that are associated therewith from the other electronic devices (e.g., the electronic devices  902  and  903  or the server  904 ), instead of or in addition to executing the functions or service by itself. The other electronic devices (e.g., the electronic devices  902  and  903  or the server  904 ) may execute the requested functions or additional functions, and may transmit the results to the electronic device  901 . In addition, the electronic device  901  may provide the requested functions or services by processing the received results. For this purpose, for example, a cloud computing technique, a distributed computing technique, or a client-server computing technique may be used. 
       FIG. 36  is a block diagram  930  of an electronic device  931  according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The electronic device  931  may include, for example, the entirety or a portion of the electronic device  901  illustrated in  FIG. 35 . The electronic device  931  may include at least one Application Processor (AP)  932 , a communication module  945 , a Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card  946 , a memory  933 , a sensor module  934 , an input device  935 , a display  936 , an interface  937 , an audio module  938 , a camera module  939 , a power management module  942 , a battery  943 , an indicator  940 , and/or a motor  941 . 
     The AP  932  may drive, for example, an operating system or an application program so as to control a plurality of hardware or software components connected thereto, and may also perform various data processing and arithmetic operations. The AP  932  may be implemented by, for example, a System-on-Chip (SoC). According to one embodiment, the AP  932  may further include a Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) and/or an image signal processor. The AP  932  may include at least some components (e.g., the cellular module  945 A) among the components illustrated in  FIG. 36 . The AP  932  may load and process a command or data received from at least one of the other components (e.g., the non-volatile memory) in a volatile memory, and may store various data in the non-volatile memory. 
     The communication module  945  may have a configuration that is the same as or similar to the communication interface  170  of  FIG. 35 . The communication module  945  may include, for example, a cellular module  945 A, a WiFi module  945 B, a Bluetooth module  945 C, a GPS module  945 D, an NFC module  945 E, and a Radio Frequency (RF) module  945 F. 
     The cellular module  945 A may provide, for example, a voice call, a video call, a message service, or an internet service through a communication network. According to one embodiment, the cellular module  945 A may perform discrimination and authentication of the electronic device  931  within the communication network by using the subscriber identification module (e.g., a SIM card)  946 . According to one embodiment, the cellular module  945 A may perform at least some of the multimedia control functions that may be provided by the AP  932 . According to one embodiment, the cellular module  945 A may include a Communication Processor (CP). The cellular module  945 A may be operated through the exposed regions of the above-described embodiments. 
     Each of the WiFi module  945 B, the BT module  945 C, the GPS module  945 D, and the NFC module  945 E may include, for example, a processor to process data transmitted/received through a corresponding module. According to a certain embodiment, at least some (two or more) of the cellular module  945 A, the WiFi module  945 B, the Bluetooth module  945 C, the GPS module  945 D, and the NFC module  945 E may be incorporated in a single Integrated Chip (IC) or an IC package. 
     The RF module  945 F may transmit/receive a communication signal (e.g., an RF signal). The RF module  945 F may include, for example, a transceiver, a Power Amp Module (PAM), a frequency filter, a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA), or an antenna. According to another embodiment, at least one of the cellular module  945 A, the WiFi module  945 B, the BT module  945 C, the GPS module  945 D, and the NFC module  945 E may transmit/receive an RF signal through a separate RF module. 
     The SIM card  946  may include, for example, a card that includes a subscriber identification module and/or an embed SIM, and may also include intrinsic identification information (e.g., Integrated Circuit Card IDentifier (ICCID)) or subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)). 
     The memory  933  may include, for example, an internal memory  933 A or an external memory  933 B. The internal memory  933 A may include at least one of, for example, a volatile memory (e.g., Dynamic RAM (DRAM), Static RAM (SRAM), or Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)), a non-volatile memory (e.g., One Time Programmable ROM (OTPROM), Programmable ROM (PROM), Erasable and Programmable ROM (EPROM), Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM (EEPROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash memory, or NOR flash memory), hard drive, or Solid State Drive (SSD)). 
     The external memory  933 B may further include a flash drive (e.g., Compact Flash (CF), Secure Digital (SD), Micro Secure Digital (Micro-SD), Mini Secure Digital (Mini-SD), extreme Digital (xD), or memory stick). The external memory  933 B may be functionally and/or physically connected to the electronic device  931  through various interfaces. 
     The sensor module  934  may measure a physical quantity and/or may sense an operating status of the electronic device  931 , and may then convert the measured or sensed information into electric signals. The sensor module  934  may include at least one of, for example, a gesture sensor  930 A, a gyro sensor  930 B, an atmospheric pressure sensor  930 C, a magnetic sensor  930 D, an acceleration sensor  930 E, a grip sensor  930 F, a proximity sensor  930 G, a color sensor  930 H (e.g., RGB (Red, Green, Blue) sensor), a biometric sensor  930 I, a temperature/humidity sensor  930 J, an illuminance sensor  930 K, and a Ultra-Violet (UV) sensor  930 M. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor module  934  may include, for example, an E-nose sensor, an ElectroMyoGraphy (EMG) sensor (not illustrated), an ElectroEncephaloGram (EEG) sensor, an ElectroCardioGram (ECG) sensor, an Infra-Red (IR) sensor, an iris sensor, and/or a fingerprint sensor. The sensor module  934  may further include a control circuit for controlling one or more sensors incorporated therein. In a certain embodiment, the electronic device  931  may further include a processor configured to control the sensor module  934  as a part of the AP  932  or separate from the AP  932  so as to control the sensor module  934  while the AP  932  is in the sleep state. The magnetic sensor  930 D may be provided in the body or the flexible display device that is a constituent element of the above-described embodiments such that there can be a determination as to whether the flexible display device is folded by using the magnetic sensor  930 D. However, the sensor that determines whether the flexible display device is folded is not limited to the magnetic sensor  930 D. 
     When it is sensed that the first display device is folded through the magnetic sensor, the AP may switch the first display device into the sleep mode. At the same time, the AP may activate the second display device. However, activating the second display device may be performed based on the user&#39;s request (e.g., a touch input that maintains the touch state over a predetermined length of time). 
     The input device  935  may include a touch panel  935 A, a (digital) pen sensor  935 B, a key  935 C, or an ultrasonic input device  935 D. As the touch panel  935 A, at least one of, for example, a capacitive type touch panel, a resistive type touch panel, an infrared type touch panel, and an ultrasonic type panel may be used. Also, the touch panel  935 A may further include a control circuit. In addition, the touch panel  935 A may further include a tactile layer so as to provide a tactile reaction to a user. The input device  935  may be provided in the flexible display device, the second display device, or the exposed region of the above-described embodiments. 
     The (digital) pen sensor  935 B may be, for example, a portion of the touch panel or may include a separate recognition sheet. The key  935 C may include, for example, a physical button, an optical key, or a keypad. The ultrasonic input device  935 D may sense, through a microphone (e.g., a microphone  938 D) in the electronic device  931 , ultrasonic waves that are generated by an input tool so that data corresponding to the sensed ultrasonic waves can be confirmed. 
     The display  936  (e.g., the display  910 ) may include a panel  936 A, a hologram device  936 B, or a projector  936 C. The panel  936 A may include a configuration that is the same as or similar to that of the display  910  of  FIG. 35 . The panel  936 A may be implemented to be flexible, transparent, or wearable. The panel  936 A may be configured as a single module with the touch panel  935 A. The hologram device  936 B may show a stereoscopic image in the air using interference of light. The projector  936 C may project light onto a screen so as to display an image. The screen may be located inside or outside the electronic device  931 . According to one embodiment, the display  936  may further include a control circuit to control the panel  936 A, the hologram device  936 B, or the projector  936 C. 
     The interface  937  may include, for example, a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)  937 A, a Universal Serial Bus (USB)  937 B, an optical interface  937 C, or a D-subminiature (D-sub)  937 D. For example, the interface  937  may be included in the communication interface  910  illustrated in  FIG. 35 . Additionally or alternatively, the interface  937  may include, for example, a Mobile High-definition Link (MHL) interface, a Secure Digital (SD) card/Multi-Media Card (MMC) interface, or an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) standard interface. 
     The audio module  938  may bi-directionally convert sound information including, for example, sounds and electric signals. At least some of the components of the audio module  938  may be included in, for example, the input/output interface  908  illustrated in  FIG. 35 . The audio module  938  may process sound information input or output through, for example, a speaker  938 A, a receiver  938 B, an earphone  938 C, or a microphone  938 D. 
     The camera module  939  is a device that is capable of photographing, for example, a still image and a moving image. According to one embodiment, the camera module  939  may include at least one image sensor (e.g., a front sensor or a rear sensor), a lens, an Image Signal Processor (ISP), or a flash (e.g., LED or xenon lamp). 
     The power management module  942  may manage, for example, electric power of the electronic device  931 . According to one embodiment, the power management module  942  may include a Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC), a charger Integrated Circuit (IC), or a battery or fuel gauge. The PMIC may be configured in a wired and/or wireless charge type. The wireless charge type may include, for example, a magnetic resonance type, a magnetic induction type, or an electromagnetic wave type, and may further include an additional circuit for wireless charging, such as a coil loop, a resonance circuit, or a rectifier. The battery gauge may measure the residual amount of the battery  943  and a voltage, a current, or a temperature during the charge. The battery  943  may include, for example, a rechargeable battery and/or a solar battery. In addition, when the flexible display device of the above-described embodiments is folded, the power management module  942  may cut off the power of the flexible display device, except for the exposed region, 
     The indicator  940  may indicate a specific status of the electronic device  931  or of a part thereof (e.g., AP  932 ), such as a booting status, a message status, or a charged status. The motor  941  may convert an electric signal into a mechanical vibration, and may generate, for example, a vibration or a haptic effect. Although not illustrated, the electronic device  931  may include a processor (e.g., GPU) to support a mobile TV. The processor to support a mobile TV may process media data according to the standards of, for example, Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB), Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB), or media flow. 
     Each of the components of the electronic device according to the present disclosure may be implemented by one or more components and the name of the corresponding component may vary depending on a type of the electronic device. In various embodiments, the electronic device may include at least one of the above-described elements. Some of the above-described elements may be omitted from the electronic device, or the electronic device may further include additional elements. Further, some of the components of the electronic device according to the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined to form a single entity, and thus, may equivalently execute functions of the corresponding elements prior to the combination. 
       FIG. 37  is a block diagram  950  of a program module  951  according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. According to one embodiment, a program module  951  (e.g., the program  908  in  FIG. 35 ) may include an Operating System (OS) that controls resources associated with an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  901  in  FIG. 35 ) and/or various applications (e.g., the application programs  916  in  FIG. 35 ) that are driven on the operating system. The operating system may be, for example, Android, iOS, Windows, Symbian, Tizen, Bada, or the like. 
     The program module  951  may include a kernel  952 , a middleware  953 , an Application Programming Interface (API)  954 , and/or an application  955 . At least a part of the program module  951  may be preloaded on the electronic device, or may be downloaded from a server (e.g., the server  904  in  FIG. 35 ). 
     The kernel  952  (e.g., the kernel  913  in  FIG. 35 ) may include, for example, a system resource manager  952 A and/or a device driver  952 B. The system resource manager  952 A may perform, for example, a control, allocation, or recovery of a system resource. According to one embodiment, the system resource manager  952 A may include a process management unit, a memory management unit, a file system management unit, or the like. The device driver  952 B may include, for example, a display driver, a camera driver, a Bluetooth driver, a common memory driver, a USB driver, a keypad driver, a WiFi driver, an audio driver, or an Inter-Process Communication (IPC) driver. 
     The middleware  953  may provide, for example, a function that is commonly required by the applications  955 , or may provide various functions to the applications  955  through the API  954  such that the applications  955  can efficiently use the limited system resources within the electronic device. According to one embodiment, the middleware  953  (e.g., the middleware  914 ) may include at least one of a runtime library  953 Z, an application manager  953 A, a window manager  953 B, a multimedia manager  953 C, a resource manager  953 D, a power manager  953 E, a database manager  953 F, a package manager  953 G, a connectivity manager  953 H, a notification manager  953 I, a location manager  953 J, a graphic manager  953 K, and a security manager  953 M. 
     The runtime library  953 Z may include, for example, a library module that is used by a compiler in order to add a new function through a program language while the applications  955  are executed. The runtime library  953 Z may perform input/output management, memory management, a function for an arithmetic function, or the like. 
     The application manager  953 A may manage, for example, a life cycle of at least one application among the applications  955 . The window manager  953 B may manage a graphical user interface (GUI) resource that is used in a screen. The multimedia manager  953 C may grasp a format required for reproducing various media files, and may perform encoding or decoding of the media files by using a codec that is suitable for the corresponding format. The resource manager  953 D may manage a resource, such as a source code, a memory, a storage space, or the like of at least one application among the applications  955 . 
     The power manager  953 E is operated together with, for example, a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) so as to manage a battery or a power source, and may provide, for example, power information that is required for operating the electronic device. The database manager  953 F may generate, retrieve, or change a database to be used by at least one application among the applications  955 . The package manager  953 G may manage the installation or update of an application that is distributed in the form of a package file. 
     The connectivity manager  953 H may manage, for example, a wireless connection of WiFi or Bluetooth. The notification manager  953 I may display or notify events, such as an arrival message, appointment, and proximity notification in a manner that does not disturb the user. The location manager  953 J may manage position information of the electronic device. The graphic manager  953 K may manage a graphic effect to be provided to the user or a user interface associated therewith. The security manager  953 M may provide all security functions required for system security, user authentication, or the like. According to one embodiment, in the case where the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  901  in  FIG. 35 ) includes a phone function, the middleware  953  may include a telephony manager to manage a voice or video call function of the electronic device. 
     The middleware  953  may include a middleware module that forms a combination of various functions of the above-described components. The middleware  953  may provide a module that is specialized for each kind of operation system in order to provide differentiated functions. In addition, the middleware  953  may dynamically delete some of the existing components or add new components. 
     The API  954  (e.g., the API  915  in  FIG. 35 ) is, for example, a collection of API programming functions, and may be provided in different configurations according to operation systems. For example, Android or iOS may provide one API set for each platform and Tizen may provide two or more API sets for each platform. 
     The applications  955  (e.g., the application programs  916  in  FIG. 35 ) may include, for example, one or more applications that can execute the functions of home  955 A, dialer  955 B, SMS/MMS  955 C, Instant Message (IM)  955 D, browser  955 E, camera  955 F, alarm  955 G, contact  955 H, voice dial  955 I, e-mail  955 J, calendar  955 K, media player  955 L, album  955 M, and watch  955 N, health care (e.g., measurement of a quantity of motion, blood sugar, or the like), provision of environmental information (e.g., provision of atmospheric pressure, humidity, or temperature information), etc. 
     According to one embodiment, the applications  955  may include an application that supports information exchange between the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  901  in  FIG. 35 ) and the external electronic devices (e.g., the electronic devices  902  and  903  in  FIG. 35 ) (hereinafter, the application will be referred to as an “information exchange application” for the convenience of description). The information exchange application may include, for example, a notification relay application to transmit specific information to the external electronic devices, or a device management application to manage the external electronic devices. 
     For example, the notification relay application may include a function of relaying notification information generated from any other application of the electronic device (e.g., an SMS/MMS application, an e-mail application, a healthcare application, or an environment information application) to the external electronic devices (e.g., the electronic devices  902  and  903  in  FIG. 35 ). In addition, the notification relay application may receive notification information from, for example, an external electronic device, and may provide the notification information to the user. The device management application may manage (e.g., install, delete, or update) at least one function of an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  903  in  FIG. 35 ) that communicates with the electronic device (e.g., turn-on/turn-off of the external electronic device itself (or some components thereof) or adjustment of brightness (or resolution) of a display), an application operated in the external electronic device, or a service provided by the external electronic device (e.g., a telephony service or a message service). 
     According to one embodiment, the applications  955  may include an application designated according to an attribute of an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  902  or  903  in  FIG. 35 ) (e.g., a healthcare application of a mobile medical device). According to one embodiment, the applications  955  may include an application received from an external electronic device (e.g., the server  904  in  FIG. 35  or the electronic device  902  or  903  in  FIG. 35 ). According to one embodiment, the applications  955  may include a preloaded application or a third party application that is capable of being downloaded from the server. Names of the elements of the program module  951 , according to the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, may change depending on the type of operating system (OS). 
     According to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, at least some of the program module  951  may be implemented in software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of two or more thereof. At least some of the programming module  951  may be implemented (for example, executed) by, for example, the processor (for example, the AP  932 ). At least one of the programming modules  951  may include, for example, a module, program, routine, sets of instructions, process, or the like for performing one or more functions. 
     The “module” used in various embodiments of the present disclosure may refer to, for example, a “unit” including one of hardware, software, and firmware, or a combination of two or more of the hardware, software, and firmware. The “module” may be interchangeably used with, for example, the term “unit”, “logic”, “logical block”, “component”, or “circuit”. The “module” may be a minimum unit of an integrated component element or a part thereof. The “module” may be a minimum unit for performing one or more functions or a part thereof. The “module” may be mechanically or electronically implemented. For example, the “module” according to the present disclosure may include at least one of an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) chip, a Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), and a programmable-logic device for performing operations which has been known or are to be developed hereinafter. 
     According to various embodiments, at least some of the devices (for example, modules or functions thereof) or the method (for example, operations) according to the present disclosure may be implemented by a command stored in a computer-readable storage medium in a programming module form. When the command is executed by one or more processors (for example, the processor ( 906 ,  FIG. 35 )), the one or more processors may execute a function corresponding to the command. The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, memory (e.g., element  907  as shown in  FIG. 35 ). 
     The computer readable recoding medium may include a hard disk, a floppy disk, magnetic media (e.g., a magnetic tape), optical media (e.g., a Compact Disc Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) and a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD)), magneto-optical media (e.g., a floptical disk), a hardware device (e.g., a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a flash memory), and the like. In addition, the program instructions may include high class language codes, which can be executed in a computer by using an interpreter, as well as machine codes made by a compiler. The aforementioned hardware device may be configured to operate as one or more software modules in order to perform the operation of the present disclosure, and vice versa. 
     The programming module according to the present disclosure may include one or more of the aforementioned components or may further include other additional components, or some of the aforementioned components may be omitted. Operations executed by a module, a programming module, or other component elements according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be executed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or in a heuristic manner. Further, some operations may be executed according to another order or may be omitted, or other operations may be added. 
     As described above, according to various embodiments, an electronic device may include: a foldable body; a flexible display device that is provided on a front face of the body to be foldable together with the body; and a cover that is provided to enclose at least a portion of a rear face of the body and to be foldable together with the body. In a state where the body is folded, at least a portion (hereinafter, referred to as an “exposed region”) of the body or the flexible display device may be visually exposed to the outside. 
     In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device may further include a second display device that is provided on the rear face of the body. The second display device may be concealed by the cover when the body is in an unfolded state, and may be exposed to the outside of the cover in a state where the body is in a folded state. 
     In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the second display device may be provided on the rear face of the body. 
     In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the cover may be coupled to the body to be slidable, and one end of the cover and one end of the body may be fixed to each other. The second display device may be provided on another end of the body. 
     In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the cover may be coupled to the body to be slidable, and a central portion of the cover and a central portion of the body may be fixed to each other. The second display device may be provided on each of opposite ends of the body. 
     In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the cover may include a first guide that is formed to protrude toward the body, the body may include a first guide hole that corresponds to the first guide, and the first guide may be moved along the first guide hole. 
     In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the second display device may be set to correspond to a displacement that is proportional to a thickness of the cover. 
     In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device may further include a sensor that is provided on any one of the body and the cover to sense a sliding extent of at least a portion of the cover on the body. 
     In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the second display device may change a displayed icon according to a user&#39;s touch input. 
     In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include: a foldable body transitionable between a folded state and an unfolded state; and a flexible display device that is provided to the body to be foldable together with the body. In the folded state (i.e., where the flexible display device is folded), at least a portion (hereinafter, referred to as an “exposed region”) of the flexible display device may be visually exposed to the outside. 
     In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device may further include a touch key unit that is provided on another end of the body. 
     In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the exposed region may conceal the touch key unit when the foldable body is in the folded state and/or when the flexible display device is in a folded state. 
     In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the touch key unit may include: a touch window member that is arranged on the body; a light emitting member that is provided inside the touch window member; and an insertion groove that is formed between the touch window member and the light emitting member. The insertion groove may accommodate the exposed region in the state where the flexible display device is folded. 
     In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the light emitting member may be turned on/off depending on whether the exposed region is inserted into the insertion groove. 
     In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, one end of the body may include a body hole that corresponds to one end of the flexible display device, and the one end of the flexible display device may be slid with respect to the body to be selectively accommodated in the body hole. 
     In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device may further include: a second guide that extends from the flexible display device and is slid on the body; and a second guide recess that is formed in the body to correspond to the second guide. The second guide may be guided by the second guide recess such that at least a portion of the flexible display device is slid on the body. 
     In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the body may include a first bezel that encloses a side surface of the flexible display device, and a second bezel that is provided at a lower side of the body. 
     In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, as the flexible display device is slid, the exposed region may be selectively accommodated in the second bezel. 
     In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the second guide may be slid on the second bezel together with the exposed region. 
     In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device may further include a sensor that senses a sliding extent of at least a portion of the flexible display device on the body. For example, the sensor can sense the distance by which the flexible display device slides relative to the body. 
     While the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.