Patent Description:
Recently, in view of various purposes, such as portability, availability, and the like, portable electronic devices have been manufactured in a form in which the portable electronic devices are equipped with displays having various sizes. In addition, to meet various needs of users, electronic devices having size-adjustable displays have been developed. For example, studies on a flexible display mounted in a roll structure in an electronic device have been increasingly conducted. A rolled area of the flexible display in the roll structure may be unrolled depending on structural deformation of the electronic device, and accordingly the flexible display may be extended to have a large area. Document (<CIT>) discloses a conventional electronic device with a flexible display having a closes state and an open state, whereby when the flexible display of the device is switched from the closed state to the open state e.g., by a sliding operation, a gap is formed which includes a sensor module visible through an opening.

At least one sensor may be disposed under the above-described display. In the electronic device supporting a sliding operation of the roll structure, part of the display may be extended or reduced through the sliding operation. Accordingly, a study on optimizing the arrangement of the at least one sensor, the structure of the at least one sensor, or the shape of a structure around the sensor is required.

Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide an electronic device of a sliding type that has an optimal sensor related structure associated with performing a function of a sensor in the electronic device that performs a sliding operation.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided as defined by the appended claims.

According to the various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device of the sliding type may stably configure the sensor structure thereof and may provide the sensor structure in an optimal operating form, thereby enabling stable image acquisition and processing.

In the disclosure, the expressions "have", "may have", "include" and "comprise", or "may include" and "may comprise" used herein indicate existence of corresponding features (e.g., components, such as numeric values, functions, operations, or parts) but do not exclude presence of additional features.

In the disclosure, the expressions "A or B", "at least one of A or/and B", or "one or more of A or/and B", and the like may include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, the term "A or B", "at least one of A and B", or "at least one of A or B" may refer to all of the case (<NUM>) where at least one A is included, the case (<NUM>) where at least one B is included, or the case (<NUM>) where both of at least one A and at least one B are included.

The terms, such as "first", "second", and the like used in the disclosure may be used to refer to various components regardless of the order and/or the priority and to distinguish the relevant components from other components, but do not limit the components. For example, "a first user device" and "a second user device" indicate different user devices regardless of the order or priority. For example, without departing the scope of the disclosure, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component.

It will be understood that when a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "(operatively or communicatively) coupled with/to" or "connected to" another component (e.g., a second component), it may be directly coupled with/to or connected to the other component or an intervening component (e.g., a third component) may be present. In contrast, when a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "directly coupled with/to" or "directly connected to" another component (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that there are no intervening component (e.g., a third component).

According to the situation, the expression "configured to" used in the disclosure may be used as, for example, the expression "suitable for", "having the capacity to", "designed to", "adapted to", "made to", or "capable of". The term "configured to" must not mean only "specifically designed to" in hardware. Instead, the expression "a device configured to" may mean that the device is "capable of" operating together with another device or other parts. For example, a "processor configured to (or set to) perform A, B, and C" may mean a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing a corresponding operation or a generic-purpose processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor) which performs corresponding operations by executing one or more software programs which are stored in a memory device.

Terms used in the disclosure are used to describe specified embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The terms of a singular form may include plural forms unless otherwise specified. All the terms used herein, which include technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning that is generally understood by a person skilled in the art. It will be further understood that terms, which are defined in a dictionary and commonly used, should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant related art and not in an idealized or overly formal unless expressly so defined in various embodiments of the disclosure. In some cases, even if terms are terms which are defined in the disclosure, they may not be interpreted to exclude embodiments of the disclosure.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include at least one of, for example, smartphones, tablet personal computers (PCs), mobile phones, video telephones, electronic book readers, desktop PCs, laptop PCs, netbook computers, workstations, servers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), moving picture experts group (MPEG-<NUM> or MPEG-<NUM>) audio layer <NUM> (MP3) players, mobile medical devices, cameras, or wearable devices. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the wearable device may include at least one of an accessory type (e.g., watches, rings, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, glasses, contact lens, or head-mounted-devices (HMDs)), a fabric or garment-integrated type (e.g., an electronic apparel), a body-attached type (e.g., a skin pad or tattoos), or a bio-implantable type (e.g., an implantable circuit).

Hereinafter, electronic devices according to various embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the disclosure, the term "user" may refer to a person who uses an electronic device or may refer to a device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device) that uses the electronic device.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an exterior of an electronic device of a sliding type according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> according to the embodiment may include a display <NUM> (e.g., a flexible display, at least part of which has flexibility), a first cover <NUM>, and a second cover <NUM>. The first cover <NUM> may serve as a fixing cover that fixes one side of the display <NUM>.

The first cover <NUM> may include a first bottom portion 181a, a first upper sidewall 181b_1, a second upper sidewall 181b_2, and a third upper sidewall 181b_3. The first upper sidewall 181b_1, the second upper sidewall 181b_2, and the third upper sidewall 181b_3 may extend from edges of the first bottom portion 181a to surround at least some of side surfaces of the display <NUM>.

At least part of the first upper sidewall 181b_1 may vertically extend by a specified height from an edge of the first bottom portion 181a that faces in a fourth direction (- y-axis direction). At least part of the second upper sidewall 181b_2 may vertically extend by the specified height from an edge of the first bottom portion 181a that faces in a second direction (- x-axis direction). An edge of the second upper sidewall 181b_2 that faces in the fourth direction (- y-axis direction) may be disposed to make contact with an edge of the first upper sidewall 181b_1 that faces in the second direction (- x-axis direction). At least part of the third upper sidewall 181b_3 may vertically extend by the specified height from an edge of the first bottom portion 181a that faces in a third direction (y-axis direction). An edge of the third upper sidewall 181b_3 that faces in the second direction (- x-axis direction) may be disposed to make contact with an edge of the second upper sidewall 181b_2 that faces in the third direction (y-axis direction). The first upper sidewall 181b_1, the second upper sidewall 181b_2, and the third upper sidewall 181b_3 may have the same height. No separate sidewall may be formed at an edge of the first bottom portion 181a that faces in a first direction (x-axis direction), and the first cover <NUM> may be open at one side including the edge. The first cover <NUM> may be coupled with the second cover <NUM> in the first direction (x-axis direction).

The second cover <NUM> may be moved relative to the first cover <NUM> in the first direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) or the second direction (e.g., the - x-axis direction opposite to the first direction). Similarly to the first cover <NUM>, the second cover <NUM> may include a second bottom portion 182a, a first lower sidewall 182b_1, a second lower sidewall 182b_2, and a third lower sidewall 182b_3. The first lower sidewall 182b_1, the second lower sidewall 182b_2, and the third lower sidewall 182b_3 may extend from edges of the second bottom portion 182a to surround at least some of the side surfaces of the display <NUM>. At least part of the first lower sidewall 182b_1 may vertically extend by a specified height from an edge of the second bottom portion 182a that faces in the fourth direction (- y-axis direction). The first lower sidewall 182b_1 may have different heights depending on positions. For example, a portion of the first lower sidewall 182b_1 that is disposed close to the second lower sidewall 182b_2 may have a greater height than another portion of the first lower sidewall 182b_1 (e.g., a portion disposed close to the first upper sidewall 181b_1). Furthermore, a side surface of the first lower sidewall 182b_1 may have different heights depending on positions. For example, a portion of the side surface of the first lower sidewall 182b_1 that is disposed close to the second lower sidewall 182b_2 may have a greater height than another portion of the side surface of the first lower sidewall 182b_1 (e.g., a portion of the side surface that is disposed close to the first upper sidewall 181b_1). A portion of the first lower sidewall 182b_1 (e.g., the portion disposed close to the first upper sidewall 181b_1) may be moved into the first cover <NUM>, or may be moved out of the first cover <NUM> in the first direction (x-axis direction), depending on a sliding operation.

At least part of the second lower sidewall 182b_2 may vertically extend by a specified height from an edge of the second bottom portion 182a that faces in the first direction (x-axis direction). An edge of the second lower sidewall 182b_2 that faces in the fourth direction (- y-axis direction) may be disposed to make contact with an edge of the first lower sidewall 182b_1 that faces in the first direction (x-axis direction). The second lower sidewall 182b_2 may have the same height as the portion of the first lower sidewall 182b_1 that is adjacent to the second lower sidewall 182b_2.

At least part of the third lower sidewall 182b_3 may vertically extend by a specified height from an edge of the second bottom portion 182a that faces in the third direction (y-axis direction). An edge of the third lower sidewall 182b_3 that faces in the first direction (x-axis direction) may be disposed to make contact with an edge of the second lower sidewall 182b_2 that faces in the third direction (y-axis direction). A portion of the third lower sidewall 182b_3 (e.g., a portion disposed close to the second lower sidewall 182b_2) may have the same height as the second lower sidewall 182b_2. Another portion of the third lower sidewall 182b_3 (e.g., a portion disposed close to the third upper sidewall 181b_3) may have a smaller height than the second lower sidewall 182b_2. Likewise to the side surface of the first lower sidewall 182b_1, a side surface of the third lower sidewall 182b_3 may include an operation portion. The third lower sidewall 182b_3 may be coupled with the third upper sidewall 181b_3 and may be slid along an inside surface of the third upper sidewall 181b_3. No separate sidewall may be formed at an edge of the second bottom portion 182a that faces in the second direction (- x-axis direction), and the second cover <NUM> may be open at one side including the edge. The second cover <NUM> may be coupled with the first cover <NUM> in the second direction (- x-axis direction).

When the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> overlap each other by a first width as in a state <NUM> (a state before the display <NUM> is extended), a first display area 160a having a first size may be disposed to face in an upper direction (z-axis direction). In the state <NUM>, the display <NUM> may include the first display area 160a that has the first size and that is exposed to the outside. As the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> are disposed adjacent to each other, the first upper sidewall 181b_1 of the first cover <NUM> may be disposed side by side with the first lower sidewall 182b_1 of the second cover <NUM> at the same height, and the third upper sidewall 181b_3 of the first cover <NUM> may be disposed side by side with the third lower sidewall 182b_3 of the second cover <NUM> at the same height.

The first cover <NUM> may be disposed to surround edges of the first display area 160a (e.g., at least part of the first display area 160a that faces in the second direction (- x-axis direction), at least part of the first display area 160a that faces in the third direction (y-axis direction), at least part of the first display area 160a that faces in the fourth direction (- y-axis direction), and at least part of the first display area 160a that faces in a fifth direction (- z-axis direction opposite to z-axis direction)). In the state <NUM>, at least part of a second display area 160b extending from the first display area 160a may be rolled or unrolled inside at least one of the first cover <NUM> or the second cover <NUM>. In this state, an upper surface of the first display area 160a through which pixels irradiate light may face in a front direction (z-axis direction), and at least part of an upper surface of the second display area 160b in which pixels are disposed may face in a rear direction (- z-axis direction). In the state <NUM>, part of the second display area 160b may be disposed in a state of being bent.

When the second cover <NUM> is moved relative to the first cover <NUM> in the first direction (x-axis direction), the exposed area of the display <NUM> may be extended. For example, when the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> overlap each other by a second width (e.g., a width being smaller than the first width) as in a state <NUM> (e.g., a state in which the second cover <NUM> is slid to extend the area of the display <NUM>), the display <NUM> may include the first display area 160a that has the first size (e.g., a size with a horizontal length corresponding to a first length D1) and that is exposed to the outside, that is, faces in the upper direction (z-axis direction) and the second display area 160b that has a second size (e.g., a size with a horizontal length corresponding to a second length D2) and that faces in the front direction (z-axis direction). In the state <NUM>, the first size of the first display area 160a may be the same as the second size of the second display area 160b. Alternatively, the first size may be larger than the second size. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the second size may vary depending on the distance by which the second cover <NUM> is slid or moved.

In the state <NUM>, part of the display <NUM> may be maintained in a rolled state, and in the state <NUM>, at least part of the display <NUM> in the rolled state may have an unrolled state. The second cover <NUM> may be disposed to surround at least part of the second display area 160b that faces in the first direction (x-axis direction), at least part of the second display area 160b that faces in the third direction (y-axis direction), at least part of the second display area 160b that faces in the fourth direction (- y-axis direction), and at least part of the second display area 160b that faces in the fifth direction (- z-axis direction). According to various embodiments of the disclosure, at least part of the second cover <NUM> may be connected with the inside of the first cover <NUM>, and the second cover <NUM> may be slid along the inside surface of the first cover <NUM> in one of the first direction (x-axis direction) and the second direction (- x-axis direction). The first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> may surround the periphery of the display <NUM> while the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> are slid. Various electronic components associated with driving the display <NUM>, electronic components associated with various user functions supported by the electronic device <NUM>, a battery, and the like may be disposed inside the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partially exploded perspective view illustrating components of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating components of an electronic device with respect to a first direction according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating components of an electronic device with respect to a second direction according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

For example, <FIG> is a view illustrating a structure in which the display <NUM> is disposed on the covers <NUM> and <NUM> from the fifth direction (- z-axis direction) to the sixth direction (z-axis direction), and <FIG> is a view illustrating a structure in which the covers <NUM> and <NUM> and the display <NUM> are disposed in an opposite direction to that in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to the embodiment may include the display <NUM>, a frame <NUM> (or, a housing or a display support member), a sliding member <NUM>, a panel support part <NUM>, a device component <NUM>, a rotary shaft <NUM>, an actuator module <NUM> (or, a motor), a case <NUM>, the first cover <NUM>, and the second cover <NUM>.

As described above with reference to <FIG>, the first cover <NUM> may include the first bottom portion 181a, the first upper sidewall 181b_1, the second upper sidewall 181b_2, and the third upper sidewall 181b_3 and may be coupled with the second cover <NUM> in the first direction (x-axis direction) in which no sidewall is formed. The second cover <NUM> may include the second bottom portion 182a, the first lower sidewall 182b_1, the second lower sidewall 182b_2, and the third lower sidewall 182b_3 and may be coupled with the first cover <NUM> in the second direction (- x-axis direction) in which no sidewall is formed. The second cover <NUM> may have a camera hole 182_1 formed on one side of the second bottom portion 182a thereof.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the display <NUM> may include a plurality of pixels disposed in a matrix form, and at least part of the display <NUM> may be provided in a flexible form. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the display <NUM> may include a panel layer that has the plurality of pixels disposed therein and that displays a screen, and an external protection layer disposed over the panel layer. At least part of the external protection layer may be formed of a polymer (e.g., polyimide) or glass. Additionally, the display <NUM> may further include a touch panel layer. As described above with reference to <FIG>, the display <NUM> may include the first display area 160a and the second display area 160b. In the state <NUM> (e.g., a state before the display area is extended or a state before a sliding operation is performed), at least part of the second display area 160b may be disposed in a rolled state inside the second cover <NUM>. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, in the state <NUM> (e.g., a state in which the display area is extended or a state in which the sliding operation is performed), at least part of the second display area 160b may be exposed outside the second cover <NUM>. While at least part of the second display area 160b is rolled and bent around the rotary shaft <NUM> (or, a rolling gear part or a rotary shaft member), another part of the second display area 160b (e.g., part of the second display area 160b that is not exposed outside the second cover <NUM>) may be disposed under the first display area 160a.

One side of the display <NUM> (e.g., at least part of the second display area 160b) may be disposed inside at least one of the first cover <NUM> or the second cover <NUM>. In this state, one end of the display <NUM> or one end of the panel support part <NUM> that is disposed inside the electronic device <NUM> may be coupled to an elastic member <NUM>. One side of the elastic member <NUM> may be fixed to one side of the frame <NUM>, and an opposite side of the elastic member <NUM> may be connected to the panel support part <NUM>. Accordingly, when the panel support part <NUM> moves, the elastic force of the elastic member <NUM> may be increased with a change in the length of the elastic member <NUM>. The elastic force of the elastic member <NUM> may act to pull one side of the panel support part <NUM> in the second direction (- x-axis direction).

While the second display area 160b of the display <NUM> is exposed to the outside, the elastic force of the elastic member <NUM> may act on the display <NUM> as a tensile force, and a repulsive force in a bent section of the display <NUM> (e.g., at least a partial section of the second display area 160b that faces the rotary shaft <NUM>) may be offset. Due to this, a rolled portion of the display <NUM> may be uniformly maintained.

The frame <NUM> may have a specified stiffness and may support the display <NUM>. For example, at least part of the frame <NUM> may be formed of aluminum, aluminum alloy, or stainless steel (SUS), and a surface of the frame <NUM> that faces the display <NUM> may include a flat area <NUM> that is formed to be flat. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, at least part of the frame <NUM> may be implemented with an injection-molded material (e.g., a structure that contains magnesium). In the state <NUM>, a first surface (e.g., a surface observed in the z-axis direction) of the frame <NUM> may face a rear surface (e.g., a surface observed in the - z-axis direction) of the first display area 160a, and at least part of a second surface (e.g., a surface observed in the - z-axis direction) of the frame <NUM> may face an upper surface (e.g., a surface observed in the z-axis direction) of the sliding member <NUM>.

The frame <NUM> may include a sidewall 140a formed on one side thereof and the flat area <NUM> that is perpendicular to the sidewall 140a and that supports at least part of the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the sidewall 140a may be disposed to protrude from a predetermined position of the flat area <NUM> in the rear direction (- z-axis direction). Accordingly, the frame <NUM> may have a section in the shape of "T". The sidewall 140a may be disposed to face one side of the sliding member <NUM>.

At least one rail 140b may be formed on the rear surface (the surface observed in the - z-axis direction) of the frame <NUM>. The rail 140b may have a structure (e.g., a rack gear structure) in which a plurality of protrusions having a predetermined length are continuously disposed on the rear surface of the frame <NUM>. A rotary gear (or, a pinion gear) disposed on one side of the actuator module <NUM> may be engaged with the rail 140b.

At least part of the sliding member <NUM> may be disposed under the frame <NUM>, and the sliding member <NUM> may slide along the rail 140b, which is formed on the frame <NUM>, depending on operation of the actuator module <NUM>. The sliding member <NUM> may include a base plate <NUM> disposed to face the frame <NUM>, a motor mounting part <NUM> formed on the periphery of the base plate <NUM> (e.g., a portion disposed adjacent to the sidewall 140a of the frame <NUM> in the state <NUM>), the actuator module <NUM> mounted in the motor mounting part <NUM>, and the case <NUM>. One end (e.g., an end facing in the first direction (x-axis direction)) of the sliding member <NUM> may be coupled with the rotary shaft <NUM>. While the sliding member <NUM> slides in the first direction, the end of the sliding member <NUM> may rotate the rotary shaft <NUM>, and the panel support part <NUM> may be moved depending on the rotation of the rotary shaft <NUM>.

The base plate <NUM> may have a smaller size than the frame <NUM>, and to support the second display area 160b in the state <NUM> (e.g., a state in which the display area is extended), an upper surface of the base plate <NUM> may be formed to be flat and may have a size corresponding to the second display area 160b. The base plate <NUM> may have, in a central portion thereof, a rail hole <NUM> (or, a rail groove) formed to have a predetermined length and width in the first direction (x-axis direction) such that the actuator module <NUM> mounted in the motor mounting part <NUM> and the rail 140b are coupled together. At least part of the base plate <NUM> may be formed of a material that is the same as, or similar to, the material of the frame <NUM>. At least part of the base plate <NUM> may be located under the frame <NUM> in the state <NUM> and may be slid in the first direction (x-axis direction) from below the frame <NUM> in the state <NUM>. A gear pattern engaged with the rotary shaft <NUM> may be provided at an end of the base plate <NUM>.

The motor mounting part <NUM> may be provided on the bottom of the base plate <NUM>. At least part of the motor mounting part <NUM> may protrude from a surface of the base plate <NUM> by a predetermined height and may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the actuator module <NUM> such that the actuator module <NUM> is mounted in the motor mounting part <NUM>. The at least part of the motor mounting part <NUM> may be formed of a material that is the same as, or similar to, the material of the base plate <NUM>.

The actuator module <NUM> may include a motor that generates power, and the rotary gear disposed at an end of the motor and engaged with the rail 140b. The actuator module <NUM> may receive power from a battery of the electronic device <NUM> and may drive the motor under the control of a controller or a processor of the electronic device <NUM>.

The case <NUM> may be coupled with the motor mounting part <NUM> while surrounding at least part of the actuator module <NUM>. The case <NUM> may restrict movement of the actuator module <NUM> to prevent the actuator module <NUM> from escaping from the motor mounting part <NUM>. At least part of the actuator module <NUM> may be disposed in a cavity formed by a coupling of the case <NUM> and the motor mounting part <NUM> such that at least part (e.g., the rotary gear) of the actuator module <NUM> is rotatable.

The rotary shaft <NUM> (or, the rolling gear part or the rotary shaft member) may have a length similar to the length of one side of the display <NUM> (e.g., the length of the display <NUM> in the y-axis direction) and may be disposed such that at least part of the rotary shaft <NUM> faces the panel support part <NUM>. The rotary shaft <NUM> may have a cylindrical rod shape. Central portions of opposite side surfaces of the rotary shaft <NUM> may further protrude beyond peripheral portions of the opposite side surfaces of the rotary shaft <NUM>. The protruding central portions of the opposite side surfaces of the rotary shaft <NUM> may be mounted on the second cover <NUM>. Accordingly, the rotary shaft <NUM> may rotate while the second cover <NUM> is moved in the first direction (x-axis direction). At least part of the rotary shaft <NUM> may be gear-coupled with the panel support part <NUM>. Alternatively, the rotary shaft <NUM> may be brought into contact with at least part of the panel support part <NUM>. While the rotary shaft <NUM> rotates, the arrangement of the panel support part <NUM> may be changed. For example, while the rotary shaft <NUM> rotates in a first rotational direction (e.g., the counterclockwise direction), at least part of the panel support part <NUM> may be moved to an upper surface (a surface observed in the z-axis direction) of the display <NUM>. While the rotary shaft <NUM> rotates in a second rotational direction (e.g., the clockwise direction), at least part of the panel support part <NUM> may be moved to a lower surface of the display <NUM> (or, to between the sliding member <NUM> and the second cover <NUM>).

The panel support part <NUM> may be formed in a rail structure in which protrusions having a predetermined length (e.g., a length corresponding to the length of the display <NUM> in the y-axis direction) are continuously disposed at predetermined intervals. Cross-sections (e.g., cross-sections in the x-axis direction) of the plurality of protrusions may have various shapes, such as a circular shape, an oval shape, a triangular shape, a rhombic shape, a protruding shape, and the like. At least some of the plurality of protrusions may be brought into contact with the surface of the rotary shaft <NUM> depending on a sliding operation of the electronic device <NUM>. At least some of the plurality of protrusions constituting the panel support part <NUM> may include a magnetic member or a magnetic body. Furthermore, at least part of the rotary shaft <NUM> may include a magnetic member or a magnetic body. Accordingly, the panel support part <NUM>, on which the display <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> is seated, may prevent separation of the display <NUM> (or, may offset a repulsive force by bending of the display <NUM>) by using a magnetic force in a process of being brought into contact with the rotary shaft <NUM>. Accordingly, the degree of flatness of the display <NUM> around the rotary shaft <NUM> may be maintained within a specified range.

As described above with reference to <FIG>, the display <NUM> may include the first display area 160a disposed on the frame <NUM> and the second display area 160b, at least part of which is extended or disposed inside the second cover <NUM> depending on a sliding operation. A first sensor hole <NUM> related to operation of at least one sensor disposed under the display <NUM> may be located on one side of the display <NUM>. Furthermore, on an opposite side of the display <NUM>, a second sensor hole <NUM> related to operation of at least one sensor <NUM> may be formed through a predetermined area of the display <NUM>. The first sensor hole <NUM> may be fixedly disposed in the first display area 160a. The second sensor hole <NUM> may be formed through the second display area 160b. The second sensor hole <NUM> may face in the front direction (z-axis direction), or may face in the rear direction (- z-axis direction), depending on a change in the position of the second display area 160b.

The device component <NUM> may include various parts associated with supporting user functions of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the device component <NUM> may include a battery, at least one communication circuit, a printed circuit board, a controller or a processor (e.g., a processor <NUM> of <FIG>), and the at least one sensor <NUM>. The at least one sensor <NUM> may include, for example, at least one of an image sensor (or, a camera) for taking an image, an iris sensor, an illuminance sensor, a proximity sensor or a proximity illuminance sensor, or a biometric sensor, such as a fingerprint sensor or a heart rate sensor. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an illuminance sensor may be disposed under the first sensor hole <NUM>, and an image sensor may be disposed under the second sensor hole <NUM>. The illuminance sensor and the image sensor may be mounted on the printed circuit board included in the device component <NUM>. The at least one sensor <NUM> included in the device component <NUM> may be disposed under the first sensor hole <NUM> or the second sensor hole <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an image sensor (or, a camera) may be disposed under the second sensor hole <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, at least part of the panel support part <NUM> and at least part of the display <NUM> may include a through-hole or a transparent layer and may be disposed such that the sensor <NUM> obtains a sensor signal (e.g., an optical signal for taking an image) from the outside depending on a sliding operation of the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating some components of an electronic device including a display according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a view illustrating some components of an electronic device from which a display is removed according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include the first cover <NUM>, the second cover <NUM>, the display <NUM>, the rotary shaft <NUM>, the device component <NUM>, the panel support part <NUM>, and the sliding member <NUM>. As described above with reference to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may further include components, such as the frame <NUM> and the actuator module <NUM>.

The first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> may have a structure that is open at one side and that includes three sidewalls and a bottom portion. The first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> may be coupled with each other, and a specific one of the first and second covers <NUM> and <NUM> may slide relative to the other cover. The rotary shaft <NUM> may face or make contact with at least part of the panel support part <NUM> and may perform rotary motion. The arrangement of the panel support part <NUM> may be changed depending on the rotary motion of the rotary shaft <NUM>. For example, at least part of the panel support part <NUM> may be moved in the front direction (z-axis direction) of the display <NUM> in response to a first rotary motion of the rotary shaft <NUM> and may be moved in the rear direction (- z-axis direction) of the display <NUM> in response to a second rotary motion of the rotary shaft <NUM>.

As described above with reference to <FIG>, the device component <NUM> may include various electronic parts associated with driving the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the device component <NUM> may include the at least one sensor <NUM>. The at least one sensor <NUM> may include at least one of an image sensor (or, a camera) for taking an image, an iris sensor, an illuminance sensor, a proximity sensor or a proximity illuminance sensor, or a biometric sensor, such as a fingerprint sensor or a heart rate sensor. The arrangement or position of the at least one sensor <NUM> included in the device component <NUM> may be fixed. For example, the at least one sensor <NUM> may be disposed to face in the z-axis direction.

The state of the display <NUM> or the panel support part <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> may include a state (e.g., the state <NUM> of <FIG>) in which the electronic device <NUM> completely performs a sliding operation to extend the area of the display <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a first hole 193a (or, a display hole or a transparent area) related to operation of a sensor may be formed on one side of the display <NUM>. Furthermore, a second hole 193b (or, a panel hole or a transparent area) related to operation of a sensor may be formed on one side of the panel support part <NUM>. The first hole 193a and the second hole 193b may be disposed to overlap each other in the z-axis direction and may constitute the second sensor hole <NUM>. Accordingly, the second sensor hole <NUM> may be formed through a predetermined area of the display <NUM> and a predetermined area of the panel support part <NUM>.

The panel support part <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the display <NUM> (e.g., under the second display area 160b), and the display <NUM> may be disposed such that the first display area 160a and the second display area 160b face in the front direction (z-axis direction). The second sensor hole <NUM> (e.g., the hole in which the first hole 193a and the second hole 193b overlap each other) that is located on one side of the second display area 160b may be disposed to face in the front direction (z-axis direction).

As the second sensor hole <NUM> is disposed to face in the front direction (z-axis direction), the at least one sensor <NUM> disposed under the display <NUM> may collect a sensor signal (e.g., an optical signal or an ultrasonic signal) through at least part of the second sensor hole <NUM>. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the at least one sensor <NUM> may include a camera, and the electronic device <NUM> may take an image of the outside through the second sensor hole <NUM>. Alternatively, the at least one sensor <NUM> may include a biometric sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor), and the electronic device <NUM> may obtain fingerprint information through at least part of the second sensor hole <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a section taken along line A-A' illustrated in <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include the second cover <NUM>, the panel support part <NUM> at least partially disposed inside the second cover <NUM>, the rotary shaft <NUM>, the display <NUM> disposed on the panel support part <NUM>, and the device component <NUM> having the sensor <NUM> disposed therein. The area of the display <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may include, for example, part of the second display area 160b. The panel support part <NUM> may include a structure in which protrusions are continuously disposed at predetermined intervals. Part of the display <NUM> may be disposed on at least part of the panel support part <NUM>, and as the at least part of the panel support part <NUM> is bent while being brought into contact with the rotary shaft <NUM>, the part of the display <NUM> may be bent. While the second display area 160b is exposed to the outside after a sliding operation of the electronic device <NUM> is completed, a non-display area 160c adjacent to the second display area 160b may be hidden by at least part of the second cover <NUM>. At least one of a wire, a pad, or a driver chip associated with driving the display <NUM> may be disposed on the non-display area 160c. The device element <NUM> may include at least one component associated with driving the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the device component <NUM> may include a processor, a memory, and a communication chip and may include a printed circuit board <NUM> on which the processor, the memory, and the communication chip are mounted.

The at least one sensor <NUM> may be mounted on one side of the printed circuit board <NUM>. The at least one sensor <NUM> may collect a sensor signal (e.g., an optical signal associated with obtaining an image) in the front direction (z-axis direction). The at least one sensor <NUM> may include, for example, a camera. In a case where the at least one sensor <NUM> is a camera, the at least one sensor <NUM> may include a lens module <NUM>, an image sensor array <NUM>, and a support part <NUM>. The lens module <NUM> may include at least one lens, a lens barrel surrounding the lens, a diaphragm, an optical image stabilization module, and the like. The image sensor array <NUM>, which is a memory for storing light collected through the lens module <NUM>, may convert obtained light into digital information and may provide the digital information to the processor through the printed circuit board <NUM>. The support part <NUM> may be disposed on a rear surface of the image sensor array <NUM> and may support the image sensor array <NUM>. At least part of the support part <NUM> may be formed of a metallic material. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, in a case where the at least one sensor <NUM> is a proximity sensor, the at least one sensor <NUM> may include a transmitting part that transmits a sensor signal, a receiving part that receives a reflected signal corresponding to the transmitted signal, an IC that controls the transmission of the signal and processes the received signal, and a circuit board that supports the IC. The circuit board may be electrically connected with the printed circuit board <NUM>.

The second hole 193b may be provided on one side of the panel support part <NUM>, and the first hole 193a may be provided in the display <NUM> disposed on the panel support part <NUM>. The first hole 193a and the second hole 193b may overlap each other to form the second sensor hole <NUM>. At least part of the at least one sensor <NUM> may be aligned with the second sensor hole <NUM>, and the at least one sensor <NUM> may collect a sensor signal through the second sensor hole <NUM>. The second sensor hole <NUM> may have a size equal to or larger than the size of at least part of the at least one sensor <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the second sensor hole <NUM> may have a larger size than the lens included in the lens module <NUM>. In the illustrated drawing, the electronic device <NUM> may correspond to a state (e.g., the state <NUM> of <FIG>) in which the sliding operation is completed such that the second display area 160b faces in the front direction (z-axis direction). When the electronic device <NUM> operates in contrast to the initial sliding operation such that the second display area 160b faces in the rear direction (- z-axis direction), a display area (e.g., the second display area 160b) including the second sensor hole <NUM> may be moved into the second cover <NUM>. At this time, the device component <NUM> may be moved in the second direction (- x-axis direction).

When a sliding operation is completed and the second sensor hole <NUM> is aligned with at least part of the at least one sensor <NUM>, the processor included in the electronic device <NUM> may automatically control the supply of power to the at least one sensor <NUM> and may activate a camera function. When a sliding operation is oppositely performed (e.g., when a sliding operation is performed such that the second display area 160b is moved into the second cover <NUM>), the processor may interrupt the supply of power to the at least one sensor <NUM> and may deactivate the camera function. For example, when a user input for requesting a sliding operation occurs, the processor of the electronic device <NUM> may activate the at least one sensor <NUM> and may output, on the display <NUM>, a camera execution screen depending on the activation of the sensor <NUM>. When a user input for requesting a sliding restoration operation occurs, the processor of the electronic device <NUM> may perform control to deactivate the at least one sensor <NUM>, terminate the camera execution screen, and output a specified screen (e.g., a standby screen, a home screen, or the screen performed right before the camera function execution screen) on the display <NUM>. In this regard, the electronic device <NUM> may provide a physical button or an icon related to sliding operation control for extending the area of the display <NUM> and may perform the sliding operation control when the corresponding physical button or icon is touched.

Referring to <FIG>, similarly to that illustrated in <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include the second cover <NUM>, the panel support part <NUM>, the rotary shaft <NUM>, the display <NUM>, and the device component <NUM> having the sensor <NUM> disposed therein.

The electronic device <NUM> including the aforementioned components may further include a protection member, for example, a transparent protection member <NUM> that fills at least part of the first hole 193a formed in the display <NUM>. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an adhesive member may be disposed between the protection member <NUM> and at least part of the second sensor hole <NUM>, and the protection member <NUM> may be fixed to the second sensor hole <NUM> by the adhesive member. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, only the area of the display <NUM> that corresponds to the first hole 193a may be formed of a transparent display. Alternatively, at least part of the second display area 160b that includes the first hole 193a may be formed of a transparent display.

The transparent protection member <NUM> may prevent infiltration of foreign matter or moisture through the first hole 193a. The transparent protection member <NUM> may prevent physical damage to the at least one sensor <NUM> by external pressure or an object. The transparent protection member <NUM> may have a specified transparency or more to enable the at least one sensor <NUM> to take an image or collect a sensor signal. In a case where the at least one sensor <NUM> is a sensor (e.g., a proximity illuminance sensor) that has a lower resolution than a sensor requiring a high resolution to take an image or transmits and receives a signal including noise with a specified magnitude or less, the protection member <NUM> may be formed of a material enabling transmission or collection of a specified signal irrespective of transparency.

The transparent protection member <NUM> may be formed in a shape (e.g., a circular shape or an oval shape) that corresponds to the shape of the first hole 193a. The transparent protection member <NUM> may be formed of, for example, at least one of an acrylic material, glass, or a polymer. An upper surface of the transparent protection member <NUM> may be formed at the same height as the adjacent upper surface of the display <NUM>. For example, the boundary of the transparent protection member <NUM> and the boundary of the first hole 193a of the display <NUM> may be maintained at the same height, thereby providing continuous texture.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the transparent protection member <NUM> may have a thickness to fill the first hole 193a. Alternatively, the transparent protection member <NUM> may have a thickness that is the same as, or similar to, the thickness of the display <NUM>. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the transparent protection member <NUM> may have a thickness to fill the first hole 193a and the second hole 193b. Alternatively, the transparent protection member <NUM> may have a thickness corresponding to the height by which the display <NUM> and the panel support part <NUM> overlap each other. The transparent protection member <NUM> may be bent around the rotary shaft <NUM> in response to a sliding operation of the electronic device <NUM>. Therefore, at least part of the transparent protection member <NUM> may be formed of a flexible material. According to various embodiment of the disclosure s, the transparent protection member <NUM> may be a component of the display <NUM>. In this case, all or at least part of the display <NUM> may be formed of a transparent display. For example, the first display area 160a may be formed of an opaque display, and the second display area 160b may be formed of a transparent display. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the transparent protection member <NUM> may be formed in at least one of the first hole 193a or the second hole 193b. For example, the transparent protection member <NUM> may include a first protection member disposed in the first hole 193a and a second protection member disposed in the second hole 193b.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include the second cover <NUM>, the panel support part <NUM>, the rotary shaft <NUM>, the display <NUM>, and the device component <NUM> having a plurality of sensors <NUM> and <NUM> disposed therein.

The plurality of sensors <NUM> and <NUM> may include, for example, the first sensor <NUM> mounted on one side of the printed circuit board <NUM> included in the device component <NUM> and the second sensor <NUM> disposed adjacent to the first sensor <NUM>. The second sensor <NUM> may be mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM> similarly to the first sensor <NUM>, or may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board <NUM> through a wire <NUM> (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) while being bonded to the first sensor <NUM>. In the drawing, the wire <NUM> is illustrated as being disposed between the first sensor <NUM> and the second sensor <NUM> and electrically connected to the printed circuit board <NUM>. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a surface of the first sensor <NUM> that faces in the first direction (x-axis direction) and a surface of the second sensor <NUM> that faces in the second direction (- x-axis direction) may be bonded in a state of being brought into contact with each other, and the first sensor <NUM> may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board <NUM> using the wire <NUM> through a surface of the second sensor <NUM> that faces in a different direction (e.g., a surface facing in a direction different from the second direction (- x-axis direction)). The first sensor <NUM> may include a front camera, and the second sensor <NUM> may include a rear camera. In this case, the first sensor <NUM> may include the first lens module <NUM>, the first image sensor array <NUM>, and the first support part <NUM>. The second sensor <NUM> may include a second lens module <NUM>, a second image sensor array <NUM>, a second support part <NUM>, and the wire <NUM>. The second image sensor array <NUM> may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board <NUM> through the wire <NUM>. The first support part <NUM> and the second support part <NUM> may support the lens modules <NUM> and <NUM>. In this regard, at least part of at least one of the first support part <NUM> or the second support part <NUM> may have a specified stiffness or more (e.g., the stiffness of a metallic material).

When a sliding operation is performed in an initial state in which at least part of the second display area 160b is disposed inside the second cover <NUM>, at least part of the panel support part <NUM> may be moved relative to the rotary shaft <NUM> to face in the front direction (z-axis direction). Accordingly, the at least part of the second display area 160b disposed on the panel support part <NUM> may face in the front direction (z-axis direction). At least part of the second sensor hole <NUM> formed through the panel support part <NUM> and the display <NUM> may be aligned with the first sensor <NUM>. The first sensor <NUM> may collect a sensor signal through the second sensor hole <NUM>. As described above with reference to <FIG>, the first transparent protection member <NUM> may be disposed in the second sensor hole <NUM>.

The second sensor <NUM> may be disposed to face in the rear direction (- z-axis direction) and may collect a sensor signal in the rear direction (- z-axis direction). In this regard, at least part of the second sensor <NUM> may be aligned with the camera hole 182_1 provided on one side of the second cover <NUM>. The camera hole 182_1 may be formed by removing part of the second cover <NUM>. A second transparent protection member 182_3 may be disposed in the camera hole 182_1. The second transparent protection member 182_3 may be formed of at least one of glass, an acrylic material, or a polymer. The second transparent protection member 182_3 may have a transparency enabling acquisition of an image having a specified resolution or more through the second sensor <NUM>. In a state before the sliding operation is performed (e.g., the state <NUM> of <FIG>) and a state after the sliding operation is performed (e.g., the state <NUM> of <FIG>), the camera hole 182_1 may remain aligned with the second sensor <NUM>. Accordingly, irrespective of the state <NUM> or the state <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may take an image in the rear direction (- z-axis direction) by using the second sensor <NUM>.

When receiving a user input signal for requesting activation of a camera function (e.g., a user input signal for selecting an icon related to the camera function) in the state before the sliding operation or in the state <NUM> of <FIG>, the processor of the electronic device <NUM> may perform control to activate the second sensor <NUM> and to output, on the display <NUM>, a preview screen obtained through the second sensor <NUM>. When receiving a user input signal for requesting activation of a camera function (e.g., a user input signal for selecting an icon related to the camera function) in the state after the sliding operation or in the state <NUM> of <FIG>, the processor of the electronic device <NUM> may perform control to activate the first sensor <NUM> and to output, on the display <NUM>, a preview screen obtained through the first sensor <NUM>. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, when receiving a user input signal for requesting activation of a camera function (e.g., a user input signal for selecting an icon related to the camera function) in the state before the sliding operation or in the state <NUM> of <FIG>, the processor of the electronic device <NUM> may perform control to activate both the first sensor <NUM> and the second sensor <NUM> and to output, on the display <NUM>, a first preview screen obtained through the first sensor <NUM> and a second preview screen obtained through the second sensor <NUM>. In this operation, the processor may perform control to divide the screen of the display <NUM> into two screens and output the first preview screen and the second preview screen on the two screens, respectively, or output the first preview screen as a full screen and output the second preview screen as a thumbnail screen or a screen smaller than the full screen through a picture in picture (PIP) method.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, in the state <NUM>, at least part of the second sensor hole <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may be aligned with the camera hole 182_1. The second sensor <NUM> may be separated from the first sensor <NUM> and may be connected to the printed circuit board <NUM> through the wire <NUM>. In this structure, the first sensor <NUM>, together with the device component <NUM>, may be moved in the second direction (- x-axis direction) depending on a sliding restoration operation (e.g., an operation for a state in which the second cover <NUM> and the first cover <NUM> overlap each other to the maximum so as to return to the state before the display area is extended). At this time, the second sensor <NUM> may be fixed in a position adjacent to the rotary shaft <NUM>. In the state <NUM>, the second sensor <NUM> may obtain an image of an external subject through the second sensor hole <NUM> and the camera hole 182_1.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a first cover <NUM> and a second cover <NUM> and may include a display <NUM> disposed inside the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM>. In a state <NUM> (e.g., a state before a sliding operation is performed in a third direction (y-axis direction) in relation to extension of a display area), the display <NUM> may be disposed such that a first display area 1060a faces in a front direction (z-axis direction). In the state <NUM>, at least part of a second display are 1060b may be disposed, for example, inside the second cover <NUM> and may not be exposed to the outside.

In a state <NUM> (e.g., a state after the sliding operation is performed in the third direction (y-axis direction) in relation to the extension of the display area), the display <NUM> may be disposed such that the first display area 1060a and the second display area 1060b face in the front direction (z-axis direction). As the second display area 1060b is disposed to face in the front direction (z-axis direction), a sensor hole <NUM> located in the second display area 1060b may face in the front direction (z-axis direction). A camera related to collection of images may be disposed under the sensor hole <NUM>. The camera may collect images through the sensor hole <NUM>. When the electronic device <NUM> is changed from the state <NUM> to the state <NUM>, the second display area 1060b may be moved into the second cover <NUM>. Accordingly, the sensor hole <NUM> may also be moved into the second cover <NUM>.

As described above, the sensor related structure according to the embodiment of the disclosure may be identically applied to the electronic device of the horizontal sliding type (e.g., a type in which at least part of an electronic device slides in the y-axis direction and the - y-axis direction) as well as the electronic device of the vertical sliding type described above with reference to <FIG> (e.g., a type in which at least part of an electronic device slides in the x-axis direction and - x-axis direction).

According to the various embodiments described above, an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a first cover <NUM>, a second cover <NUM> that is coupled with the first cover and that performs a sliding operation, a display <NUM>, an exposed area of which is changed in size in response to the sliding operation of the second cover, a panel support part <NUM> disposed on one side of a rear surface of the display with respect to a front surface of the display on which a screen is displayed, a rotary shaft <NUM> that makes contact with at least part of the panel support part and rotates in response to the sliding operation of the second cover, a hole 193b exposed in response to the sliding operation of the second cover, and a sensor <NUM>, at least part of which is disposed under the hole.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the sensor may include a camera that obtains an image through the hole.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device may further include a protection member disposed in the hole.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the protection member may have a specified transparency.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, at least part of the protection member may be formed of a flexible material.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the hole may include a first hole formed through one side of the display and a second hole formed through one side of the panel support part.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, at least part of the first hole and at least part of the second hole may be disposed to be aligned with each other in an up/down direction.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device may further include a transparent protection member that is disposed in the first hole and that has a specified transparency.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the hole may be moved into the second cover in response to a sliding restoration operation of the second cover for reducing an extended area of the display in a state in which a sliding operation of the second cover related to extension of an area of the display is performed.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the display may include a display hole 193a formed in an area corresponding to the hole, or a transparent area.

In this case, the display may include a first display area 160a and a second display area 160b that is continuous with the first display area, at least part of the second display area being exposed to the outside depending on a sliding operation of the second cover related to extension of an area of the display, and the display hole may be disposed in the second display area.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device may further include an actuator module <NUM> that generates power related to the sliding operation of the second cover and a processor operatively connected with the actuator module.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the processor may perform control to perform the sliding operation by operating the actuator module in response to a user input.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the processor may perform control to automatically activate the sensor, when receiving a user input for requesting a sliding operation of the second cover related to extension of an area of the display.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the processor may perform control to output, on the display, a preview image obtained through the sensor.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the processor may control the actuator module to perform a sliding operation of the second cover related to extension of an area of the display, when receiving a user input related to activation of the sensor.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the processor may perform control to output, on the display, an icon related to activation of the sensor and may control the actuator module to perform a sliding operation of the second cover related to extension of an area of the display, when receiving a user input related to selection of the icon.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the processor may control the actuator module to perform a sliding restoration operation of the second cover related to reduction of an area of the display, when receiving a user input for making a request to terminate an application related to operation of the sensor.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the processor may perform control to deactivate the sensor, when receiving a user input for requesting a sliding restoration operation of the second cover related to reduction of an area of the display.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the processor may perform control to automatically terminate an application related to operation of the sensor, when receiving a user input for requesting a sliding restoration operation of the second cover related to reduction of an area of the display.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device may further include a processor operatively connected with the sensor, and the processor may perform control to automatically activate an application related to the sensor, when a sliding operation of the second cover related to extension of an area of the display is detected and may perform control to automatically terminate an application related to the sensor, when a sliding operation of the second cover related to reduction of an area of the display is detected. In this regard, the electronic device may further include a sensor or a switch that senses the sliding operation (or, the sliding restoration operation) of the second cover, and the sensor or the switch may provide, to the processor, a signal depending on a sliding operation change.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> in a network environment <NUM> may communicate with an electronic device <NUM> via a first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or an electronic device <NUM> or a server <NUM> via a second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may communicate with the electronic device <NUM> via the server <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, an input device <NUM>, a sound output device <NUM>, a display device <NUM>, an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a haptic module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, a power management module <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a communication module <NUM>, a subscriber identification module (SIM) <NUM>, or an antenna module <NUM>. In some embodiments of the disclosure, at least one (e.g., the display device <NUM> or the camera module <NUM>) of the components may be omitted from the electronic device <NUM>, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device <NUM>. In some embodiments of the disclosure, some of the components may be implemented as single integrated circuitry.

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor <NUM> may load a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> or the communication module <NUM>) in volatile memory <NUM>, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory <NUM>, and store resulting data in non-volatile memory <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor <NUM> may include a main processor <NUM> (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), and an auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module <NUM> or the communication module <NUM>) functionally related to the auxiliary processor <NUM>.

The program 1140may be stored in the memory <NUM> as software, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS) <NUM>, middleware <NUM>, or an application <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the display device <NUM> may include touch circuitry adapted to detect a touch, or sensor circuitry (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred by the touch.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the audio module <NUM> may obtain the sound via the input device <NUM>, or output the sound via the sound output device <NUM> or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device <NUM>) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the sensor module <NUM> may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the interface <NUM> may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the connecting terminal <NUM> may include, for example, a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the haptic module <NUM> may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the camera module <NUM> may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the power management module <NUM> may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the battery <NUM> may include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the communication module <NUM> may include a wireless communication module <NUM> (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module <NUM> (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device via the first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth<IMG>, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN)).

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the antenna module <NUM> may include an antenna including a radiating element composed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., PCB). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the antenna module <NUM> may include a plurality of antennas. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device <NUM> and the external electronic device <NUM> via the server <NUM> coupled with the second network <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, all or some of operations to be executed at the electronic device <NUM> may be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>.

For example, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the module may be implemented in a form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a method according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. In such a case, according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components before the integration. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, operations performed by the module, the program, or another component may be carried out sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claim 1:
An electronic device of a sliding type, the electronic device comprising:
a first cover (<NUM>);
a second cover (<NUM>) coupled with the first cover (<NUM>) and configured to perform a sliding operation and including a camera hole (182_1);
a display (<NUM>), an exposed area of which is changed in size in response to the sliding operation of the second cover (<NUM>);
a panel support part (<NUM>) disposed on one side of a rear surface of the display (<NUM>) with respect to a front surface of the display (<NUM>), the panel support part (<NUM>) including a sensor hole (<NUM>) exposed in response to the sliding operation of the second cover (<NUM>);
a rotary shaft (<NUM>) configured to make contact with at least part of the panel support part (<NUM>) and rotate in response to the sliding operation of the second cover (<NUM>); and
a first sensor (<NUM>) including a front camera disposed to face in a front direction, at least part of which is disposed under the sensor hole (<NUM>) in a state after the sliding operation is performed; and
a second sensor (<NUM>) including a rear camera disposed to face in a rear direction and aligned with the camera hole (182_1);
wherein the second sensor (<NUM>) obtains an image of an external subject through the sensor hole (<NUM>) and the camera hole (182_1) in a state before the sliding operation is performed, and
wherein the second sensor (<NUM>) is aligning with the camera hole (182_1) in a state after the sliding operation is performed.