Patent Description:
An electronic device of which a size of a display exposed to the outside changes depending on a using state has been developed. For example, an exposed area of a display of a slideable electronic device may change based on an operation. In case of a device of which an exposed area of a display changes, various sensing methods are used for detecting the exposed area of the display to display an appropriate visual image corresponding to the exposed area of the display.

An electronic device including a slidable display, of which a size of a display area exposed to an outside changes based on an operation by a housing, may use various sensing methods of detecting the size of the exposed area of the display, for example, sensing methods using an encoder, a magnet, and a sensor. Since the sensor configured to detect the size of the exposed area of the display occupies an internal space of the electronic device, the space efficiency of the electronic device may be improved by minimizing a space for mounting the sensor. In addition, since the electronic device includes an outlet region for inserting or withdrawing the display, various methods of preventing moisture inflow into the outlet region may be used.

<CIT> discloses an electronic device including a first structure capable of moving between a closed state and an open state with regard to a second structure, a second structure, a flexible touchscreen display layer, a processor operatively connected to the flexible touchscreen display layer, and a memory operatively connected to the processor.

<CIT> discloses a scroll type flexible display device which easily detects a rolled region and an unrolled region of a display panel and the area of the unrolled region and can adjust a driving condition of the device based on the same.

<CIT> discloses a screen control method and an electronic device thereof.

<CIT> discloses an electronic device including a movable flexible display, and an operating method thereof.

<CIT> discloses a portable device and a method for controlling the same for enabling a user to more conveniently and more accurately control the dimming mode of the device.

<CIT> discloses a portable device and a method of controlling the same for enabling a user to control the flexible display more conveniently and more accurately.

<CIT> discloses a flexible display device including a housing, a reel, a flexible screen component, and an alarm assembly.

Further embodiments are defined in the corresponding dependent claims. Furthermore, the description and drawings present additional examples, aspects, and non-claimed embodiments for the better understanding of the claimed invention.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an electronic device with a flexible display in which, through a detection sensor disposed in a region where a flexible display is inserted into or withdrawn from, a display area, which is exposed (e.g., visible) to an outside, of the flexible display may be intuitively detected.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an electronic device with a flexible display in which an erroneous operation of an electronic device caused by an external signal may be prevented and/or reduced by forming the detection sensor to have a unique pattern.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an electronic device with a flexible display in which a submersion of an electronic device may be prevented and/or reduced at an early stage and damage caused by the submersion of the electronic device may be minimized and/or reduce by detecting a sensor value, which varies based on moisture inflow, obtained by a detection sensor.

Example embodiments of the disclosure may provide an electronic device including: a housing structure including a first housing, a second housing movably coupled to the first housing in a moving direction; a flexible display supported by the first housing and the second housing, and having a size of a display area visible at a front surface of the housing structure configured to change based on relative movement by the second housing with respect to the first housing; a detection sensor including a first electrode and a second electrode, disposed side by side, and a dielectric disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and configured to detect a change in the size of the display area; and a processor, and wherein the housing structure may include: an outlet, through which the flexible display is configured to be withdrawn from an internal space to the front surface of the housing structure or in which the flexible display is inserted from the front surface to the internal space, on the front surface of the housing structure, the detection sensor may be disposed on a part of the housing structure, adjacent to the outlet, wherein the first electrode faces a surface of the flexible display passing through the outlet, and the detection sensor may include a first portion having a length direction, and one or more second portions protruding from the first portion to one direction.

Example embodiments of the disclosure may provide an electronic device including: a first housing; a second housing at least a portion of which partially overlaps with the first housing, and is movably coupled to the first housing in a moving direction; a flexible display having at least a portion mounted to a surface of the second housing, at least another portion is accommodated in an internal space formed by the first housing, and a size of a display area visible through surfaces of the first housing and the second housing is configured to change based on relative movement by the second housing with respect to the first housing; a detection sensor having a capacitance configured to change based on a degree of moisture inflow, and including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a dielectric disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a processor, and wherein the first housing may include an outlet through which the flexible display is configured to be withdrawn from the internal space to the surface of the first housing and the second housing, or the flexible display is configured to be inserted to the internal space from the surface, the detection sensor may be disposed on an inner surface of the first housing adjacent to the outlet, and the processor may be configured to determine the degree of moisture inflow into the internal space based on a change of a capacitance value generated by the detection sensor.

Example embodiments of the disclosure may provide a method of controlling a display screen of an electronic device, the method including: detecting insertion or withdrawal of a display through an outlet; detecting a detection sensor through the display; determining whether a detected pattern of the detection sensor matches a specified pattern of the detection sensor; based on the detected pattern of the detection sensor matching the specified pattern of the detection sensor, identifying an area in which the detection sensor is detected on the display; calculating a size of a display area of the display visible to the outside based on the identified detection sensor detecting area of the display; and displaying visual information corresponding to the calculated size of the display area of the display.

According to various example embodiments, a size of a display area of a flexible display may be accurately detected by applying a signal to an inserting and withdrawing region of the flexible display through a detection sensor disposed on the outlet of a housing structure.

According to various example embodiments, misrecognition of a signal may be prevented and/or reduced by a detection sensor which has a unique shape to secure visibility of a signal pattern of the detection sensor.

According to various example embodiments, submersion of an electronic device may be prevented and/or reduced at an early stage and damage caused by the submersion of the electronic device may be minimized and/or reduced by detecting a senor value, which varies based on moisture inflow, obtained by a detection sensor.

Hereinafter, various example embodiments will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing the example embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements and a repeated description related thereto may be omitted.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an example electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments. 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 communicate with an electronic device <NUM> or a server <NUM> via a second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an example embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may communicate with the electronic device <NUM> via the server <NUM>. According to an example embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an input module <NUM>, a sound output module <NUM>, a display module <NUM>, an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a connecting terminal <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 various example embodiments, at least one (e.g., the connecting terminal <NUM>) of the above components may be omitted from the electronic device <NUM>, or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device <NUM>. In various example embodiments, some (e.g., the sensor module <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, or the antenna module <NUM>) of the components may be integrated into a single component (e.g., the display module <NUM>).

The processor <NUM> may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program <NUM>) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device <NUM> connected to the processor <NUM>, and may perform various data processing or computations. According to an example embodiment, as at least a part of data processing or computations, the processor <NUM> may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> or the communication module <NUM>) in a volatile memory <NUM>, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory <NUM>, and store resulting data in a non-volatile memory <NUM>. According to an example embodiment, the processor <NUM> may include a main processor <NUM> (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)) or an auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently of, or in conjunction with the main processor <NUM>. For example, when the electronic device <NUM> includes the main processor <NUM> and the auxiliary processor <NUM>, the auxiliary processor <NUM> may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor <NUM> or to perform a specific function. The auxiliary processor <NUM> may be implemented separately from the main processor <NUM> or as a part of the main processor <NUM>.

The auxiliary processor <NUM> may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one (e.g., the display module <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, or the communication module <NUM>) of the components of the electronic device <NUM>, instead of the main processor <NUM>, while the main processor <NUM> is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or along with the main processor <NUM>, while the main processor <NUM> is in an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an example embodiment, the auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., an ISP or a CP) may be implemented as a portion of another component (e.g., the camera module <NUM> or the communication module <NUM>) that is functionally related to the auxiliary processor <NUM>. According to an example embodiment, the auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., an NPU) may include a hardware structure specified for artificial intelligence (AI) model processing. An AI model may be generated by machine learning. Such learning may be performed by, for example, the electronic device <NUM> in which AI is performed, or performed via a separate server (e.g., the server <NUM>). Learning algorithms may include, but are not limited to, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. The AI model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. An artificial neural network may include, for example, a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), and a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more thereof, but is not limited thereto. The AI model may additionally or alternatively include a software structure other than the hardware structure.

The memory <NUM> may store various pieces of data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor <NUM> or the sensor module <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>. The various pieces of data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program <NUM>) and input data or output data for a command related thereto. The non-volatile memory <NUM> may include an internal memory <NUM> and an external memory <NUM>.

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

The sound output module <NUM> may output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing a recording. The receiver may be used to receive an incoming call. According to an example embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as a part of the speaker.

The display module <NUM> may include, for example, a control circuit for controlling a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, the hologram device, and the projector. According to an example embodiment, the display module <NUM> may include a touch sensor adapted to sense a touch, or a pressure sensor adapted to measure an intensity of a force incurred by touch.

The audio module <NUM> may convert sound into an electrical signal or vice versa. According to an example embodiment, the audio module <NUM> may obtain the sound via the input module <NUM> or output the sound via the sound output module <NUM> or an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, such as a speaker or headphones) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device <NUM>.

The sensor module <NUM> may detect an operational state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device <NUM> or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device <NUM>, and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an example embodiment, 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.

The interface <NUM> may support one or more specified protocols to be used by the electronic device <NUM> to couple with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly. According to an example embodiment, 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.

The connecting terminal <NUM> may include a connector via which the electronic device <NUM> may physically connect to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>). According to an example embodiment, the connecting terminal <NUM> may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphones connector).

The haptic module <NUM> may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., a vibration or a movement) or an electrical stimulus which may be recognized by a user via his or her tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation. According to an example embodiment, the haptic module <NUM> may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

The camera module <NUM> may capture a still image and moving images. According to an example embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may include one or more lenses, image sensors, ISPs, or flashes.

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

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

The communication module <NUM> may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device <NUM> and an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM>, or the server <NUM>) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module <NUM> may include one or more CPs that operate independently of the processor <NUM> (e.g., an AP) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to an example embodiment, 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 an external electronic device (e.g.,. the electronic device <NUM>), via the first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, 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 legacy cellular network, a <NUM> network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multiple components (e.g., multiple chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module <NUM> may identify and authenticate the electronic device <NUM> in a communication network, such as the first network <NUM> or the second network <NUM>, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the SIM <NUM>.

The wireless communication module <NUM> may support a <NUM> network following a <NUM> network, and next-generation communication technology, e.g., new radio (NR) access technology. The wireless communication module <NUM> may support a high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band) to achieve, e.g., a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module <NUM> may support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as, e.g., beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (massive MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), an array antenna, analog beam-forming, or a large scale antenna. According to an example embodiment, the wireless communication module <NUM> may support a peak data rate (e.g., <NUM> Gbps or more) for implementing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., <NUM> dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., <NUM> or less for each of downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or a round trip of <NUM> or less) for implementing URLLC.

The antenna module <NUM> may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., an external electronic device) of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an example embodiment, the antenna module <NUM> may include an antenna including a radiating element including a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an example embodiment, the antenna module <NUM> may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas). In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in a communication network, such as the first network <NUM> or the second network <NUM>, may be selected by, for example, the communication module <NUM> from the plurality of antennas. The signal or the power may be transmitted or received between the communication module <NUM> and an external electronic device via the at least one selected antenna. According to an example embodiment, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module <NUM>.

According to various example embodiments, the antenna module <NUM> may form a mmWave antenna module. According to an example embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a PCB, an RFIC disposed on a first surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the PCB or adjacent to the first surface and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on a second surface (e.g., a top or a side surface) of the PCB, or adjacent to the second surface and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

At least some of the components described above may be coupled mutually and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, a general purpose input and output (GPIO), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), or a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).

According to an example embodiment, 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>. Each of the external electronic devices <NUM> or <NUM> may be a device of the same type as or a different type from the electronic device <NUM>. According to an example embodiment, all or some of operations to be executed by the electronic device <NUM> may be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. For example, if the electronic device <NUM> needs to perform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device <NUM>, instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or the service, may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or the service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform the at least part of the function or the service requested, or an additional function or an additional service related to the request, and may transfer an outcome of the performing to the electronic device <NUM>. In another example embodiment, the external electronic device <NUM> may include an Internet-of-things (IoT) device. According to an example embodiment, the external electronic device <NUM> or the server <NUM> may be included in the second network <NUM>.

The electronic device according to various example embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, a home appliance device, or the like. According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those described above.

It should be appreciated that various example embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular example embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding example embodiment. In connection with the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. As used herein, "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "A, B, or C," each of which may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding one of the phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "second" may simply be used to distinguish the component from other components in question, and may refer to components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order). It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term "operatively" or "communicatively", as "coupled with," "coupled to," "connected with," or "connected to" another element (e.g., a second element), the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

As used in connection with various example embodiments of the disclosure, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, or any combination thereof, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, "logic," "logic block," "part," or "circuitry". For example, according to an example embodiment, the module may be implemented in a form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various example embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., the program <NUM>) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory <NUM> or an external memory <NUM>) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) For example, a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM>) of the machine (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it. The "non-transitory" storage medium is a tangible device, and may not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

According to an example embodiment, a method according to various example embodiments of the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store (e.g., PlayStore™), or between two user devices (e.g., smartphones) directly.

According to various example embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the components described above may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately disposed in different components. According to various example embodiments, one or more of the components described above may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. In such a case, according to various example embodiments, 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 example embodiments, 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.

<FIG> is a front perspective view of an electronic device in a closed state according to various embodiments, and <FIG> is a front perspective view of the electronic device in an open state, according to various embodiments. <FIG> is a rear perspective view of the electronic device in a closed state according to various embodiments, and <FIG> is a rear perspective view of the electronic device in an open state, according to various embodiments.

An electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> may be at least partially similar to the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>, or may further include other example embodiments of an electronic device.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to various example embodiments may include a housing structure including a first housing <NUM> and a second housing <NUM> that is at least partially and movably coupled to the first housing <NUM>. According to an example embodiment, the first housing <NUM> may include a first plate <NUM> and a first side frame <NUM> that extends in a substantially vertical direction (e.g., a z-axis direction) along an edge of the first plate <NUM>. According to an example embodiment, the first side frame <NUM> may include a first side surface <NUM>, a second side surface <NUM> extending from one end of the first side surface <NUM>, and a third side surface <NUM> extending from the other end of the first side surface <NUM>. According to an example embodiment, the first housing <NUM> may include a first space that is at least partially closed from the outside by the first plate <NUM> and the first side frame <NUM>.

According to various example embodiments, the second housing <NUM> may include a second plate <NUM> and a second side frame <NUM> that extends in a substantially vertical direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) along an edge of the second plate <NUM>. According to an example embodiment, the second side frame <NUM> may include a fourth side surface <NUM> facing away from the first side surface <NUM>, a fifth side surface <NUM> extending from one end of the fourth side surface <NUM> and at least partially coupled to the second side surface <NUM>, and a sixth side surface <NUM> extending from the other end of the fourth side surface <NUM> and at least partially coupled to the third side surface <NUM>. In an example, the fourth side surface <NUM> may extend from a structure other than the second plate <NUM> and may also be coupled to the second plate <NUM>. According to an example embodiment, the second housing <NUM> may include a second space that is at least partially closed from the outside by the second plate <NUM> and the second side frame <NUM>. According to an example embodiment, the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> may be disposed to at least partially form a rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the first plate <NUM>, the second plate <NUM>, the first side frame <NUM>, and the second side frame <NUM> may be formed of, for example, a polymer, coated or colored glass, ceramic, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of two or more of the above materials.

According to various example embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a flexible display <NUM> disposed to be supported by the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. According to an example embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may include a flat portion supported by the second housing <NUM>, and a bendable portion extending from the flat portion and supported by the first housing <NUM>. According to an example embodiment, the bendable portion of the flexible display <NUM> may be disposed in the first space of the first housing <NUM> not to be exposed or visible (as used herein, the terms "exposed" and "visually exposed" when used with respect to describing the flexible display may be used interchangeably with the term "visible" to indicate a degree to which the flexible display is disposed within the housing and a degree to which the flexible display is extended outside of the housing) to the outside when the electronic device <NUM> is closed, and may be exposed or visible to the outside to extend from the flat portion while being supported by the first housing <NUM> when the electronic device <NUM> is open. Accordingly, the electronic device <NUM> may be a rollable electronic device in which a display screen of the flexible display <NUM> is expanded in response to an open operation according to a movement of the first housing <NUM> from the second housing <NUM>.

According to various example embodiments, in the electronic device <NUM>, the first housing <NUM> may be at least partially inserted into the second space of the second housing <NUM>, and may be coupled to the second housing <NUM> to be movable in direction ①. For example, in the closed state, the electronic device <NUM> may be maintained in a state in which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are coupled each other such that a distance between the first side surface <NUM> and the fourth side surface <NUM> is a first distance d1. According to an example embodiment, in the open state, the electronic device <NUM> may be maintained in a state in which the first housing <NUM> protrudes from the second housing <NUM> to have a second interval distance d in which the first side surface <NUM> protrudes from the fourth side surface <NUM> by a predetermined distance d2. According to an example embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may be supported by the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM> such that both edges thereof are curved, in the open state.

According to various example embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may automatically transition between the open state and the closed state by a driving unit disposed in the first space and/or the second space. For example, a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> may be configured to control an operation of the first housing <NUM> using the driving unit when an event for a transition between the open state and the closed state of the electronic device <NUM> is detected. In another example, the first housing <NUM> may manually protrude from the second housing <NUM> through a user's manipulation. In this case, the first housing <NUM> may protrude by a protrusion amount desired by the user, and thus, display sizes of a screen of the flexible display <NUM> may vary. Accordingly, the processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> may display an object in various ways corresponding to a display area corresponding to a predetermined protrusion amount of the first housing <NUM>, and may control execution of an application program.

According to various example embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of an input device <NUM>, sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM>, sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM>, camera devices <NUM> and <NUM>, a connector port <NUM>, a key input device (not illustrated), or an indicator (not illustrated). In another example embodiment, at least one of the components described above of the electronic device <NUM> may be omitted, or the electronic device <NUM> may further include other components.

According to various example embodiments, the input device <NUM> may include a microphone <NUM>. In some example embodiments, the input device <NUM> may include a plurality of microphones <NUM> arranged to sense a direction of sound. The sound output device <NUM> and <NUM> may include an external speaker <NUM> and a phone call receiver <NUM>. In an example embodiment, when an external speaker <NUM> is disposed in the first housing <NUM>, sound may be output through a hole of speaker <NUM> formed in the second housing <NUM> in the closed state. According to an example embodiment, the microphone <NUM> and the connector port <NUM> may also be formed to have substantially the same configuration. In an example embodiment, the sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) that operates without a separate speaker hole <NUM>.

According to various example embodiments, the sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> may generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device <NUM> or an external environmental state. The sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include, for example, a first sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a proximity sensor or an illuminance sensor) disposed on a front surface of the second housing <NUM>, and/or a second sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a heart rate monitoring (HRM) sensor) disposed on a rear surface of the second housing <NUM>. According to an example embodiment, the first sensor module <NUM> may be disposed below the flexible display <NUM> in the second housing <NUM>. According to an example embodiment, the first sensor module <NUM> may further include at least one of a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a fingerprint recognition sensor, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an IR sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, or a humidity sensor.

According to various example embodiments, the camera devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first camera device <NUM> disposed on the front surface of the second housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>, and a second camera device <NUM> disposed on the rear surface of the second housing <NUM>. According to an example embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a flash <NUM> located near the second camera device <NUM>. According to an example embodiment, the camera devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an ISP. According to an example embodiment, the first camera device <NUM> may be disposed under the flexible display <NUM>, and may be configured to capture an object through a portion of an active area of the flexible display <NUM>. According to an example embodiment, the flash <NUM> may include, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED) or a xenon lamp. In some example embodiments, two or more lenses (e.g., a wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens) and image sensors may be disposed on one surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to various example embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one antenna (not shown). According to an example embodiment, the at least one antenna may wirelessly communicate with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>), or may wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging. According to an example embodiment, the antenna may include a legacy antenna, a mmWave antenna, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. In an example embodiment, an antenna structure may be formed through at least a portion of the first side frame <NUM> and/or the second side frame <NUM>, which are formed of metal.

For convenience of description, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an example in which an area of the flexible display <NUM> exposed (e.g., visible) to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> expands in a -x-axis direction (e.g., a left direction), however a direction in which the flexible display <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> expands is not limited thereto. In an example embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may operate such that an area of the flexible display <NUM> exposed (e.g., visible) to the outside expands in a +x-axis direction (e.g., a right direction), a +y-axis direction (e.g., an up direction), or a -y-axis direction (e.g., a down direction). In case the area of the flexible display <NUM> exposed (e.g., visible) to the outside expands in a horizontal direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) or a vertical direction (e.g., the y-axis direction), the area thereof may expand in one direction or various directions. For example, in case the electronic device <NUM> operates such that the flexible display <NUM> exposed (e.g., visible) to the outside expands in the x-axis direction (e.g., a left direction or a right direction), the flexible display <NUM> may expand in any of the -x-axis direction (e.g., the left direction) or the +x-axis direction (e.g., the right direction), or may expand both in the -x-axis direction and the +x-axis direction. In addition, in case the electronic device <NUM> operates such that the flexible display <NUM> expands in the vertical direction (e.g., the y-axis direction), the flexible display <NUM> may expand in any of the up direction (e.g. the +y-axis direction) or the down direction (e.g., the - y-axis direction), or may expand in both of the up direction and the down direction. Although various example embodiments will be described below under the assumption that the flexible display <NUM> expands in the -x-axis direction for convenience of description, an implementation method of each example embodiment is not limited thereto.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device in a first state according to various embodiments, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device in a second state according to various embodiments, <FIG> and <FIG> are perspective views of a detection sensor according to various embodiments, and <FIG> are diagrams illustrating example detection data obtained by a detection sensor of display based on an operation of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, and <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to various example embodiments may include a housing structure <NUM>, a flexible display <NUM>, a detection sensor <NUM>, and a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>).

In an example embodiment, the housing structure <NUM> may include a first housing <NUM> and a second housing <NUM> forming an exterior of the electronic device <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be partially and movably connected. For example, the second housing <NUM> may be coupled to the first housing <NUM> to be movable in a moving direction D (e.g., an X-axis direction of <FIG>) with respect to the first housing <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the size of an internal space <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>, that is, the internal space <NUM> formed by the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, may vary based on a relative movement of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. For example, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be relatively moved by an operation of the electronic device <NUM> such that a state may change between a first state (e.g., the closed state of <FIG>) in which the size of the internal space <NUM> is minimized and/or reduced, as shown in <FIG>, and a second state (e.g., the open state of <FIG>) in which the size of the internal space <NUM> is maximized and/or enlarged, as shown in <FIG>.

In an example embodiment, the housing structure <NUM> may include an outlet <NUM> formed on a front surface direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction of <FIG>) of the housing structure <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the outlet <NUM> may cause the internal space <NUM> of the housing structure to communicate with the outside by being formed between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the outlet <NUM> may be formed to have a formation direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction of <FIG>) perpendicular to the moving direction D while facing a front surface (e.g., a surface facing a +Z-axis of <FIG>) of the housing structure <NUM>. In an example embodiment, during a moving process of the second housing <NUM> with respect to the first housing <NUM>, a portion of the flexible display <NUM> may move through the outlet <NUM>. In this case, a length in the formation direction of the outlet <NUM> may be formed to be greater than a length in a formation direction of the flexible display <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may be supported by the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, and may be visually exposed (e.g., visible) to the outside, for example, a front surface (e.g., a top surface of <FIG>) of the housing structure <NUM>, of the electronic device <NUM> through a display area. In an example embodiment, a size of a display area A, which is exposed (e.g., visible) to the outside, of the flexible display <NUM> may change based on the relative movement of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. For example, the size of the display area A of the flexible display <NUM> may vary between a first state with a minimum size A1, as shown in <FIG>, and a second state with a maximum size A2, as shown in <FIG>.

Hereinafter, for ease of description, an operation of relative movement of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> is described based on an assumption that the second housing <NUM> moves in the moving direction D with respect to the first housing <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible display <NUM> may be mounted to a surface of the housing structure <NUM>, and at least another portion of the flexible display <NUM> may be accommodated in the inside the housing structure <NUM>. For example, a portion of the flexible display <NUM> may be mounted to a surface of the second housing <NUM>, and the other portion of the flexible display <NUM> may be accommodated in the internal space <NUM>, formed by the first housing <NUM>, of the housing structure <NUM>. In an example embodiment, a portion of the flexible display <NUM> may be withdrawn to a surface of the housing structure <NUM> from the internal space <NUM> through the outlet <NUM> according to the relative movement of the second housing <NUM> with respect to the first housing <NUM>, or may be inserted into the internal space <NUM> from the surface of the housing structure <NUM> through the outlet <NUM>. In other words, a portion of the flexible display <NUM> may move between the internal space <NUM> and the surface of the housing structure <NUM> through the outlet <NUM> through an operation of the housing structure <NUM> such that the size of the display area A exposed (e.g., visible) to the surface of the housing structure <NUM> may vary.

In an example embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may include a touch screen panel (TSP). The TSP may recognize an electrical signal applied to the flexible display <NUM>, for example, a touch input signal or a hovering signal on the flexible display <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the TSP may be selectively activated based on an operation of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the TSP may be controlled to be activated in case a withdrawal operation of the flexible display <NUM>, that is, an operation that the second housing <NUM> moves with respect to the first housing <NUM>, is detected.

In an example embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may include an unbreakable (UB)-type organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display (e.g., a curved display) including a micro-LED, or an OLED. In an example embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may include an on cell touch active matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) (OCTA)-type display. However, the type of the flexible display <NUM> is not limited to the example described above, and the flexible display <NUM> may be formed in various ways (e.g., an add-on type or an in-cell type).

In an example embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may include a display panel, a protective film (or a window) stacked on a front surface of the display panel, and a cover panel attached to a rear surface of the display panel. In an example embodiment, the protective film, which is a thin film layer formed of a transparent material, may be formed as a thin film to protect the display panel from the surroundings and to support the flexibility of the display panel. In an example embodiment, the protective film may include a plastic film (e.g., a polyimide film) or thin glass (e.g., ultra-thin glass (UTG)).

In an example embodiment, the cover panel may prevent and/or inhibit the display panel from being twisted or bent. In an example embodiment, the cover panel may include a plurality of layers to implement each function. The plurality of layers included in the cover panel may be stacked via an adhesive member. For example, the cover panel may include an embo layer, a buffer layer, or a metal layer. In an example embodiment, the embo layer may block light incident from the outside. The embo layer may be black-coated to prevent and/or reduce components in the internal space <NUM> from being visually exposed (e.g., visible) to the outside through the display area of the flexible display <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the buffer layer may absorb an impact applied to the flexible display <NUM> to prevent and/or reduce damage to the flexible display <NUM>. For example, the buffer layer may include a sponge layer or a cushion layer. In an example embodiment, the metal layer may prevent and/or reduce the flexible display <NUM> from being twisted or bent, and may perform a function of dispersing heat generated from components placed in the internal space <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> or the flexible display <NUM> itself over the entire area of the flexible display <NUM> to dissipate the heat. In an example embodiment, the metal layer may include a composite sheet and a copper sheet. The composite sheet may be, for example, a sheet obtained by processing several sheets with different properties, and may include at least one of polyimide and graphite. The composite sheet may also be formed as a single sheet formed of one material (e.g., polyimide or graphite).

The detection sensor <NUM> may be used for detecting a change in the size of the display area. In an example embodiment, the detection sensor <NUM> may be disposed on an inner surface of the housing structure <NUM>, adjacent to the outlet <NUM>, for example, an inner side surface of the first housing <NUM>, adjacent to the outlet <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the detection sensor <NUM> may be disposed to face a surface of the flexible display <NUM> placed on the outlet <NUM>. In this case, the detection sensor <NUM> may be maintained in a state in which the detection sensor <NUM> is facing a portion of the flexible display <NUM> regardless of an operation of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, regardless of a process of changing the size of the display area between the first state in <FIG> and the second state in <FIG>, since a portion of the flexible display <NUM> is placed on the outlet <NUM>, the detection sensor <NUM> may face an area, placed on the outlet <NUM>, of the flexible display <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, the detection sensor <NUM> may have its own capacitance. For example, the detection sensor <NUM> may include a first electrode 541a and a second electrode 541b, which include a conductive material and are disposed side by side at an interval, and a dielectric <NUM> disposed between the first electrode 541a and the second electrode 541b. In this case, the detection sensor <NUM> may function as a capacitor having a predetermined (e.g., specified) capacitance. In an example embodiment, in case the first electrode 541a and the second electrode 541b have the same size, a capacitance value of the detection sensor <NUM> may be determined by Equation <NUM> shown below.

In an example embodiment, the dielectric <NUM> may be formed of a water absorbent material, such as sponge or paper. In an example embodiment, the detection sensor <NUM> may be disposed on the housing structure <NUM> such that the first electrode 541b faces a surface, which passes through the outlet <NUM>, of the flexible display <NUM>. For example, the second electrode 541b of the detection sensor <NUM> may be connected to an inner surface of the first housing <NUM>, and the first electrode 541a may be disposed to face the flexible display <NUM>. According to the structure described above, the detection sensor <NUM> may apply a hovering input signal or a touch input by capacitance to an area of the flexible display <NUM> adjacent to the detection sensor <NUM>, that is, a display area, which passes through the outlet <NUM>. Accordingly, a signal applied by the detection sensor <NUM> may be recognized through the flexible display <NUM> or the TSP.

In an example embodiment, the detection sensor <NUM> may be formed in a shape having a predetermined signal pattern. Since a signal pattern, which is recognized through the flexible display <NUM>, of the detection sensor <NUM> is determined by the shape of the detection sensor <NUM>, by being formed to have a predetermined shape, the detection sensor <NUM> may form a signal pattern discriminated from another signal (e.g., an erroneous touch by the user of the flexible display <NUM>). In an example embodiment, the detection sensor <NUM> may include a first portion <NUM> having a length direction L, one or more second portions <NUM> protruding in one direction from the first portion <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the detection sensor <NUM> may be disposed such that the length direction L of the first portion <NUM> is parallel with the formation direction of the outlet <NUM>. In other words, in a state facing a front surface of the housing structure <NUM>, the detection sensor <NUM> may be disposed such that the length direction L of the first portion <NUM> is perpendicular to the moving direction D of the second housing <NUM> with respect to the first housing <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the detection sensor <NUM> may be disposed such that the first portion <NUM> is facing the front surface of the housing structure <NUM>. For example, the detection sensor <NUM> may be disposed such that the first portion <NUM> is relatively facing toward the outside of a housing, compared to the second portion <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, in case a plurality of second portions <NUM> is formed in the detection sensor <NUM>, the plurality of second portions <NUM> may protrude in a predetermined direction with respect to the first portion <NUM>. For example, the detection sensor <NUM> may be formed in a shape including two second portions <NUM> formed at both end portions of the length direction L of the first portion <NUM>. However, the shape of the detection sensor <NUM> is not limited to the example shown in <FIG>. For example, detection sensors <NUM>' and <NUM>" may be respectively formed to include a plurality of second portions <NUM>' and <NUM>" protruding from one or more portions of the first portion <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, and in case the detection sensor <NUM> includes the plurality of second portions <NUM>, a shape or a length of each of the second portions <NUM> may be same or different to the other.

According to the structure described above, the processor may determine whether an electrical signal applied to the flexible display <NUM> is an electrical signal of the detection sensor <NUM> through a signal pattern applied to the flexible display <NUM>. For example, in case the detection sensor <NUM> has the shape shown in <FIG>, a pattern of an electrical signal applied to the flexible display <NUM> by the detection sensor <NUM> may have a similar form shown in <FIG>. In an example embodiment, the processor may more accurately determine whether an electrical signal applied to the flexible display <NUM> is caused by the detection sensor <NUM> or by an erroneous recognition such as an erroneous touch by the user, by comparing a pattern of the electrical signal applied to the flexible display <NUM> to a set signal pattern of the detection sensor <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, the processor may detect the size of the display area of the flexible display <NUM> in real time through a signal of the detection sensor <NUM> applied to the flexible display <NUM>. In an example embodiment, in a state in which the size of the display area of the flexible display <NUM> is changing, that is, a state in which the second housing <NUM> is moving with respect to the first housing <NUM>, a relative position of the detection sensor <NUM> may change with respect to the flexible display <NUM>. For example, in a first state shown in <FIG>, a signal of the detection sensor <NUM>, detected on the flexible display <NUM>, may be as shown in <FIG>, and in a second state shown in <FIG>, a signal of the detection sensor <NUM>, detected on the flexible display <NUM>, may be as shown in <FIG>.

Accordingly, the processor may detect a relative position of the detection sensor <NUM> with respect to the flexible display <NUM> through a touch screen function or another detection structure of the flexible display <NUM>. In an example embodiment, since a signal of the detection sensor <NUM> is applied to a region, which is placed on the outlet <NUM>, of the flexible display <NUM>, the processor may detect, in real time, a degree of expansion of the flexible display <NUM>, in other words, a change in a size of the display area of the flexible display <NUM>, by detecting signal coordinates of the detection sensor <NUM>, applied to the flexible display <NUM> in real time. For example, in case an operational state of the electronic device <NUM> has changed from the first state shown in <FIG> to the second state shown in <FIG>, a signal pattern of the detection sensor <NUM>, applied to the flexible display <NUM>, may change from <FIG>. In this case, the processor may calculate that the size of the display area A of the flexible display <NUM> changes from A1 to A2, through coordinates of the signal pattern applied to the flexible display <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, the processor may determine an operational state of the electronic device <NUM> through a signal of the detection sensor <NUM>, applied to the flexible display <NUM>. For example, in case a signal of the detection sensor <NUM> applied to the flexible display <NUM> shows a first shape (e.g., the signal of the detection sensor <NUM> shown in <FIG>), the processor may determine that the electronic device <NUM> is in a first state (e.g., the closed state shown in <FIG>), and in case the signal of the detection sensor <NUM>, applied to the flexible display <NUM>, shows a second shape (e.g., the signal of the detection sensor <NUM> shown in <FIG>), the processor may determine that the electronic device <NUM> is in a second state (e.g., the open state shown in <FIG>).

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example operation of a display based on an operational state of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may adjust a size of a visual image displayed on a flexible display <NUM> corresponding to a size of a display area A of the flexible display <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a housing structure <NUM> including a first housing <NUM> and a second housing <NUM>, the flexible display <NUM>, and a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>).

In an example embodiment, a shape of the housing structure <NUM> may vary based on a relative movement of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. In an example embodiment, a size of a display area, exposed (e.g., visible) to the outside, of the flexible display <NUM> may change based on the relative movement of the second housing <NUM> with respect to the first housing <NUM>. For example, in case the second housing <NUM> moves in a moving direction with respect to the first housing <NUM> by a length d2, as shown in <FIG>, the display area A of the flexible display <NUM> may change from a first area A1 to a second area A2. In an example embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may display a visual image to a user through the display area A.

In an example embodiment, the processor may detect a change in a size of the display area A in real time. For example, the processor may detect the size of the display area through coordinates of a signal applied to the flexible display <NUM> by a detection sensor (e.g., the detection sensor of <FIG>). In an example embodiment, the processor may adjust a size of a visual image displayed on the flexible display <NUM> corresponding to the size of a detected display area A. For example, in case the display area of the flexible display <NUM> expands from the first area A1 to the second area A2, the processor may expand a size of a visual image corresponding to a change in the size of the display area A and may display the visual image on the flexible display <NUM>. In an example embodiment, in case the size of the display area has changed, the processor may store an offset value based on a change in the size of the display area A from a default value, and may rearrange a position of a visual image displayed on the display area A through the stored offset value.

<FIG> are cross-sectional views of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a housing structure <NUM>, a flexible display <NUM>, a detection sensor <NUM>, and a grounding structure <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, the housing structure <NUM> may include a first housing <NUM> and a second housing <NUM> that is movably coupled to the first housing <NUM>. In an example embodiment, an outlet <NUM> communicating with an internal space <NUM> may be formed on a front surface of the housing structure <NUM>. For example, the outlet <NUM> may be formed between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, the housing structure <NUM> may include a main ground region for maintaining a voltage applied to the electronic device <NUM> within a predetermined range. For example, the main ground region may be formed on a rear surface of the housing structure <NUM>, opposite to the front surface, on which the flexible display <NUM> is exposed (e.g., visible), of the housing structure <NUM>. For example, the main ground region may be formed inside a back glass <NUM>, in which the first housing <NUM> is disposed.

The flexible display <NUM> may be supported by the housing structure <NUM> and may include a display area exposed (e.g., visible) to the outside through the front surface of the housing structure <NUM>. In an example embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible display <NUM> may be mounted to the front surface of the housing structure <NUM>, and the other portion thereof may be disposed in the internal space <NUM> of the housing structure <NUM>. In an example embodiment, a portion of the flexible display <NUM> may be withdrawn to the front surface of the housing structure <NUM> from the internal space <NUM> through the outlet <NUM> or may be inserted into the internal space <NUM> from the front surface of the housing structure <NUM> through the outlet <NUM> based on a moving operation by the second housing <NUM> with respect to the first housing <NUM>. According to the structure described above, based on an operation of relative movement of the second housing <NUM> with respect to the first housing <NUM>, a size of the display area, exposed (e.g., visible) at the front surface of the housing structure <NUM>, of the flexible display <NUM> may vary.

In an example embodiment, the detection sensor <NUM> may be disposed on the housing structure <NUM> to be adjacent to the outlet <NUM>. For example, the detection sensor <NUM> may be attached to an inner surface of the first housing <NUM>, in which the outlet <NUM> is formed. The detection sensor <NUM> may apply an electrical signal based on its own capacitance to a region, which passes through the outlet, of the flexible display <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, the grounding structure <NUM> may include a grounded portion <NUM> and a current carrying portion <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the grounded portion <NUM> and the current carrying portion <NUM> may electrically connect the detection sensor <NUM> to the main ground region. In an example embodiment, the grounded portion <NUM> may be disposed on the internal space <NUM> of the housing structure <NUM>, and may be connected to the back glass <NUM> to current carrying with the back glass <NUM>, which is disposed on an outer surface of the first housing <NUM>. Accordingly, the grounded portion <NUM> may be electrically connected to the main ground region, which is disposed inside the back glass <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the current carrying portion <NUM> may be disposed inside the housing structure <NUM> to electrically connect the detection sensor <NUM> to the grounded portion <NUM>. For example, the current carrying portion <NUM> may extend from the outlet <NUM> to the grounded portion <NUM> along an inner surface of the first housing <NUM>, and may be disposed on the inner surface of the first housing <NUM> such that both ends contact with the detection sensor <NUM> and the grounded portion <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the current carrying portion <NUM> may be formed as conductive tape formed of a conductive material, or a layer coated inside the housing with a conductive material. According to the structure described above, the detection sensor <NUM> may be connected to the back glass <NUM> through the grounded portion <NUM> and the current carrying portion <NUM>, and thus, may be electrically connected to the main ground region. In other words, a grounding path connecting the detection sensor <NUM> to the main ground region may be formed through the grounded portion <NUM> and the current carrying portion <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, since the outlet <NUM> causes the internal space <NUM> of the housing structure <NUM> to communicate with the outside, a surge voltage from the outside may enter the internal space <NUM> of the housing structure <NUM> through the outlet <NUM>. In this case, a current based on the surge voltage entering the internal space <NUM> of the housing structure <NUM> through the outlet <NUM> may be applied to the detection sensor <NUM> and may move to the main ground region through the grounded portion <NUM> and the current carrying portion <NUM>, and thus, an electronic component disposed in the internal space <NUM> of the housing structure <NUM> may be prevented and/or reduced from being damaged by the surge voltage.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM>', according to an example embodiment, may include the housing structure <NUM> including a first housing and a second housing, the flexible display <NUM>, the detection sensor <NUM>, and a current carrying portion <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, the current carrying portion <NUM> may be installed to the housing structure <NUM> to electrically connect the detection sensor <NUM> to a main ground region of the housing structure <NUM>. For example, the current carrying portion <NUM> may include a conductive member simultaneously contacting both the detection sensor <NUM> and the back glass <NUM>. In this case, the back glass <NUM> may be connected to a ground region of the electronic device <NUM>'. In an example embodiment, the housing structure <NUM> may include a slot provided in an inner surface of the first housing such that the housing structure <NUM> may extend from the outlet <NUM> to the back glass <NUM>, and the current carrying portion <NUM> may be seated on the slot. In this case, the detection sensor <NUM> may be disposed on the inner surface of the housing structure <NUM> to contact with the current carrying portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the current carrying portion <NUM> may form a grounding path connecting the detection sensor <NUM> to the back glass <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to various embodiments, and <FIG> is a graph illustrating a change of a signal value of a detection sensor according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, in an example embodiment, an electronic device <NUM> may include a housing structure <NUM>, a flexible display <NUM>, a detection sensor <NUM>, and a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>).

In an example embodiment, the housing structure <NUM> may include a first housing <NUM> and a second housing <NUM> that is partially and movably coupled to the first housing <NUM>. In an example embodiment, an outlet <NUM> that causes an internal space to communicate with the outside may be formed on a front surface of the housing structure <NUM>. For example, the outlet <NUM> may be formed between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may be supported by the housing structure <NUM>, and may be exposed (e.g., visible) to the outside through a display area, which is exposed (e.g., visible) on the front surface of the housing structure <NUM>. In an example embodiment, a size of the display area may change as a portion of the flexible display <NUM> moves between the internal space of the housing structure <NUM> and the outside based on movement of the second housing <NUM> with respect to the first housing <NUM>. In other words, the portion of the flexible display <NUM> may be withdrawn from the internal space of the housing structure <NUM> to the outside through the outlet <NUM>, or may be inserted into the internal space of the housing structure <NUM> from the outside.

The detection sensor <NUM> may be disposed on the portion of housing structure <NUM>, adjacent to the outlet <NUM>. For example, the detection sensor <NUM> may be disposed on an inner surface of the first housing <NUM>, in which the outlet <NUM> is formed. In an example embodiment, the detection sensor <NUM> may have its own capacitance, and may apply an electrical signal, based on the self-capacitance, to a region, placed on the outlet <NUM>, of the flexible display <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the detection sensor <NUM> may absorb moisture, and capacitance of the detection sensor <NUM> may vary based on an amount of absorbed moisture. For example, the detection sensor <NUM> may include a dielectric (e.g., the dielectric <NUM> of <FIG>), and the dielectric may be formed of a material, which may absorb moisture. In this case, when moisture flows into the detection sensor <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, a capacitance value of the detection sensor <NUM> may increase based on an amount of moisture inflow.

In an example embodiment, the processor may determine a degree of moisture inflow into the internal space of the housing structure <NUM> through a capacitance value generated by the detection sensor <NUM>. In an example embodiment, when moisture flows into the internal space of the housing structure <NUM> from the outside through the outlet <NUM>, the detection sensor <NUM> disposed on the outlet <NUM> may absorb the moisture that flowed through an inlet, and thus, capacitance of detection sensor <NUM> may change. In this case, the electronic device <NUM> may detect a capacitance value of the detection sensor <NUM> through the flexible display <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may be electrically connected to the detection sensor <NUM>, and may include a detector (not shown) configured to detect a change in capacitance generated by the detection sensor.

In an example embodiment, the processor may determine a degree of submersion of the electronic device <NUM> by comparing a set reference value to the capacitance of the detection sensor <NUM> detected through the flexible display <NUM> or the detector. For example, in case the capacitance generated by the detection sensor <NUM> changes based on a degree of moisture inflow of the detection sensor <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, when a detected capacitance of the detection sensor <NUM> exceeds the set reference value, the processor may determine that the electronic device <NUM> is submerged, and when the detected capacitance of the detection sensor <NUM> is less than the set reference value, the processor may determine that the electronic device <NUM> is not submerged. According to this process, the processor may detect whether the electronic device <NUM> is submerged at an early stage.

In an example embodiment, the processor may perform a corresponding operation based on submersion of the electronic device <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the processor may determine a degree of moisture inflow into the internal space of the housing structure <NUM> through a capacitance value of the detection sensor <NUM>, and may perform a corresponding operation, which is set based on a degree of submersion of the electronic device <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the processor may perform an operation of displaying a notification based on the degree of submersion of the electronic device <NUM> to a user. For example, a notification operation for the user may be performed by a method such as vibration of the electronic device <NUM>, generating a warning sound, and displaying a visual image on the flexible display <NUM>. In an example embodiment, in case the electronic device <NUM> is determined to be submerged, the processor may perform an operation of shutting off the power of the electronic device <NUM> or an operation of blocking the power from being applied to a main component, such as a memory, disposed in the internal space of the housing structure <NUM>. In this case, the processor may display a notification according to the power shut-off to the user. According to the method, the electronic device <NUM> may detect submersion of the electronic device <NUM> at an early stage, and may minimize and/or reduce damage to an internal component of the electronic device <NUM> due to moisture inflow.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to various embodiments, and <FIG> is a perspective view of a detection sensor according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM>, according to an example embodiment, may include a housing structure <NUM>, a flexible display <NUM>, a detection sensor <NUM>, and a sweeper <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, the housing structure <NUM> may include a first housing <NUM> and a second housing <NUM> that is partially and movably coupled to the first housing <NUM>. In an example embodiment, an internal space <NUM> and an outlet <NUM> communicating with the outside may be provided in the housing structure <NUM>. For example, the outlet <NUM> may be formed between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may be supported by the housing structure <NUM>, and may be exposed (e.g., visible) to the outside through a front surface of the housing structure <NUM>. In an example embodiment, according to an operation of relative movement of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, a portion of the flexible display <NUM> may be withdrawn from the internal space <NUM> of the housing structure <NUM> to the outside through the outlet <NUM> or may be inserted into the internal space <NUM> from the outside, and thus, a size of a region of the housing structure <NUM> exposed (e.g., visible) to the outside may change.

In an example embodiment, the detection sensor <NUM> may be disposed on the outlet <NUM>. For example, the detection sensor <NUM> may be disposed on an inner surface of the first housing <NUM>, in which the outlet <NUM> is formed. In an example embodiment, the detection sensor <NUM> may have self-capacitance, and may apply an electrical signal to a region, which passes through the outlet <NUM>, of the flexible display <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the detection sensor <NUM> may include a first electrode 1141a and a second electrode 1141b, which are disposed side by side at an interval and include a conductive material, and may include a dielectric <NUM> disposed between the first electrode 1141a and the second electrode 1141b, and the sweeper <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the detection sensor <NUM> may be disposed such that the first electrode 1141a may face toward a surface of the flexible display <NUM> placed on the outlet <NUM>. For example, the second electrode 1141b of the detection sensor <NUM> may be connected to an inner surface of the first housing <NUM>, and the first electrode 1141a may be disposed to face a region, which is placed on the outlet <NUM>, of the flexible display <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, the sweeper <NUM> may be attached to an outer surface of the detection sensor <NUM>, and may contact with a surface of a region, which passes through the outlet <NUM>, of the flexible display <NUM>. For example, the sweeper <NUM> may be attached to an outer surface of the first electrode 1141a of the detection sensor <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the sweeper <NUM> may be formed of a compressible soft material, for example, a low-density elastic body, such as sponge. In an example embodiment, embossing may be formed on a surface part of the sweeper <NUM> contacting with a surface of the flexible display <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the sweeper <NUM> may be formed in a shape corresponding to the detection sensor <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the sweeper <NUM> may be formed in a shape including a first portion <NUM> extending in a length direction L, and one or more second portions <NUM> protruding from the first portion <NUM>. In an example embodiment, a length direction L of the detection sensor <NUM> may be disposed to be parallel with a formation direction of the outlet <NUM>. In this case, the first portion <NUM> of the sweeper <NUM> may simultaneously contact with a region, which is placed on the outlet <NUM>, of the flexible display <NUM> in the length direction L.

According to the structure described above, while the flexible display <NUM> is inserted into or is withdrawn through the outlet <NUM> based on an operation by the electronic device <NUM>, the sweeper <NUM> may prevent and/or reduce a foreign material from entering the internal space <NUM> of the housing structure <NUM> from the outside through the outlet <NUM>. In addition, while a portion of the flexible display <NUM> is inserted into the internal space <NUM> of the housing structure <NUM> through the outlet <NUM>, the sweeper <NUM> may filter dust attached to a surface of a region, which passes through the outlet <NUM>, of the flexible display <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a detection sensor according to various embodiments, <FIG> is a graph illustrating a change of a signal value of a detection sensor according to various embodiments, and <FIG> is a perspective view of a detection sensor according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, a detection sensor <NUM> may include a plurality of detection sensors <NUM> and <NUM> divided from each other. For example, the detection sensor <NUM> may include the first detection sensor <NUM> and the second detection sensor <NUM>. In an example embodiment, in case the detection sensor <NUM> include a first portion <NUM> extending to a length direction L and a second portion <NUM> protruding from the first portion <NUM>, the first detection sensor <NUM> and the second detection sensor <NUM> may divide the first portion <NUM> into the length direction L. In this case, the second portion <NUM> of the detection sensor <NUM> may be included in the second detection sensor <NUM>. In an example embodiment, in a state in which the detection sensor <NUM> is disposed on the outlet <NUM> of the housing structure <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the first detection sensor <NUM> may be disposed to face the outlet <NUM>, and the second detection sensor <NUM> may be disposed to relatively face the internal space <NUM> compared to the first detection sensor <NUM>. In other words, the first detection sensor <NUM> may be disposed to be adjacent to the outside of a housing structure, compared to the second detection sensor <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, the first detection sensor <NUM> and the second detection sensor <NUM> may have self-capacitances, respectively. For example, the first detection sensor <NUM> and the second detection sensor <NUM> may respectively include first electrodes 1251a and 1261a connected to each other, second electrodes 1251b and 1261b connected to each other, and dielectrics <NUM> and <NUM> disposed between the first electrodes 1251a and 1261a and the second electrodes 1251b and 1261b and connected to each other. In an example embodiment, the capacitances of the first detection sensor <NUM> and the second detection sensor <NUM> may vary depending on the amounts of moisture inflow into the dielectrics <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. For example, as shown in <FIG>, capacitance values of the first detection sensor <NUM> and the second detection sensor <NUM> may linearly increase based on the amounts of moisture inflow into the dielectrics <NUM> and <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, in case the detection sensor <NUM> is divided into the first detection sensor <NUM> and the second detection sensor <NUM>, whether an electronic device is submerged may be more accurately determined. For example, in a state in which the detection sensor <NUM> is disposed on the outlet <NUM> of the housing structure <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the first detection sensor <NUM> may be disposed to face the outside, and the second detection sensor <NUM> may be disposed to face the internal space <NUM> of the housing structure <NUM>. In this case, the capacitance of the first detection sensor <NUM> may vary based on an amount of external moisture in the outlet <NUM>, and the capacitance of the second detection sensor <NUM> may vary based on an amount of moisture in the outlet <NUM>. The processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>) may more precisely determine whether the electronic device is submerged by comparing and detecting amounts of external moisture and internal moisture of a housing structure through capacitance values of the first detection sensor <NUM> and the second detection sensor <NUM>.

For example, in case the capacitance of the detection sensor <NUM> changes as shown in <FIG>, in a section in which time t is t<NUM> to t<NUM>, since the capacitance of the first detection sensor <NUM> increases and the capacitance of the second sensor <NUM> is constant, the processor may determine that moisture is included in the outside the housing structure, however the processor may determine that there is no moisture inflow into the housing structure. On the other hand, in a section in which time t is t<NUM> to t<NUM>, since capacitances of the first detection sensor <NUM> and the second detection sensor <NUM> simultaneously increase, the processor may determine that moisture is flowing into the inside of the housing structure from the outside of the housing structure. In this case, the processor may perform determining submersion based on a degree of moisture inflow into the inside of the housing structure based on the capacitance of the second detection sensor <NUM>, and may perform a corresponding operation, which is set based on the determining of the submersion.

Referring to <FIG>, a detection sensor <NUM> may be divided into a first detection sensor <NUM> and a second detection sensor <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the first detection sensor <NUM> and the second detection sensor <NUM>, which are divided parts, may include first electrodes 1451a and 1461a, second electrodes 1451b and 1461b, and dielectrics <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. In an example embodiment, an outer surface of the detection sensor <NUM>, for example, in case a sweeper <NUM> is attached to an outer surface of the first electrodes 1451a and 1461a, the detection sensor <NUM> may include an exposed region <NUM>, in which a portion of the first electrode 1461a is omitted or absent to expose a surface of the dielectric <NUM>. In this case, the exposed region <NUM> may be formed in the second detection sensor <NUM>. In other words, the second detection sensor <NUM> may include the exposed region <NUM>, in which a portion of the dielectric <NUM> is not covered by the first electrode 1461a.

According to the structure described above, since the second detection sensor <NUM> is disposed to relatively face an internal space of the housing structure, compared to the first detection sensor <NUM>, moisture that passed through the outlet may inflow into the second detection sensor <NUM> through the sweeper <NUM> attached to a surface of the first detection sensor <NUM>, and may change the capacitance of the detection sensor <NUM> by being absorbed by the dielectric <NUM> through the exposed region <NUM>. Accordingly, a change in the capacitance of the detection sensor <NUM> may be induced by moisture absorption by the dielectric <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a housing structure <NUM>, a flexible display <NUM>, and a detection sensor <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, the housing structure <NUM> may include a first housing <NUM> and a second housing <NUM> that is partially and movably coupled to the first housing <NUM>. An outlet <NUM> communicating with an internal space <NUM> may be formed on a front surface of the housing structure <NUM>. For example, the outlet <NUM> may be formed between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may be disposed to be supported by the housing structure <NUM>, and may be exposed (e.g. visible) through the front surface of the housing structure <NUM>. Depending on movement by the second housing <NUM> with respect to the first housing <NUM>, a portion of the flexible display <NUM> may be withdrawn from the internal space <NUM> of the housing structure <NUM> to the outside through the outlet <NUM>, or may be inserted into the internal space <NUM> of the housing structure <NUM> from the outside.

In an example embodiment, the detection sensor <NUM> may be disposed the inside of the housing structure <NUM>, adjacent to the outlet <NUM>, for example, an inner surface of the first housing <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the detection sensor <NUM> may have self-capacitance, and may apply an electrical signal to a region of the flexible display <NUM> which passes through the outlet <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, the housing structure <NUM> may include a slot formed in a region in which the detection sensor <NUM> is disposed, in other words, the slot recessed formed in an inner surface part of a housing, adjacent to the outlet <NUM>. For example, the slot may be formed in an inner surface of the first housing <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the slot may be formed in a shape, which is substantially the same as the detection sensor <NUM>. In an example embodiment, sitting in the slot, the detection sensor <NUM> may be disposed such that a surface of the detection sensor <NUM> facing the flexible display <NUM> does not create a step with the inner surface of the first housing <NUM>.

According to the structure described above, even in case a size of a gap of the outlet <NUM> is narrowly formed, the detection sensor <NUM> does not narrow a space of the outlet <NUM> since the detection sensor <NUM> is inserted and installed, and thus, while the flexible display <NUM> is passing through the outlet <NUM>, damage, such as a scratch, or disturbing a moving operation by interference by the detection sensor <NUM> may be prevented and/or reduced.

Hereinafter, an embodiment illustrating an example operation of an electronic device is described. In describing the operation of the electronic device, it may be understood that a description which is the same as or similar to the aforementioned description may be omitted.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of controlling a display screen of an electronic device, according to various embodiments. <FIG> illustrates an example operation of controlling a screen that is displayed on a display (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> of <FIG>) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>).

In the following example embodiments, operations may be performed sequentially, but not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of the operations illustrated in <FIG> may change, and at least two of the operations may be performed in parallel. In addition, each operation illustrated in <FIG> is not necessarily performed, and an example may be performed where at least one operation is excluded.

In an example embodiment, operations illustrated in <FIG> may be performed by at least one component (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device.

In operation <NUM>, a processor may detect an insertion/withdrawal operation of the display <NUM>. For example, the processor may detect an operation of relative movement of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, based on an expansion or contraction operation of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, through a rotational operation of a roller that supports the display <NUM>, the processor may detect an operation that the display <NUM> is withdrawn from the internal space of the housing structure <NUM> to the outside or is inserted to the internal space.

In operation <NUM>, the processor may detect the detection sensor <NUM>. For example, the processor may detect an electrical signal applied to the display <NUM> according to the self-capacitance of the detection sensor <NUM>. In operation <NUM>, the processor may recognize the electrical signal of the detection sensor <NUM> in case the capacitance of electrical signal falls within a stored recognition range. in the other case, when the capacitance thereof that falls outside the stored recognition range is detected on the display <NUM>, the processor may determine that the electrical signal applied to display <NUM> is noise by another signal. For example, a signal applied to the display <NUM> may be a signal by a contact with the detection sensor <NUM> or a hovering signal.

In operation <NUM>, the processor may determine whether a signal pattern detected by the display <NUM> is identical to a signal pattern of the detection sensor <NUM>. For example, the signal pattern of the detection sensor <NUM> may be stored in a memory. The processor may compare the signal pattern, which is stored in the memory, of the detection sensor <NUM> with a pattern of the electrical signal applied to the display <NUM> and may determine whether the two signal patterns are identical to each other.

In operation <NUM>, in case the pattern of the electrical signal applied to the display <NUM> does not match the stored signal pattern of the detection sensor <NUM>, the processor may determine that the signal applied to the display <NUM> is information by misrecognition, and may recognize a signal applied to the display <NUM> again.

In operation <NUM>, in case the processor determines that the signal pattern of the detection sensor <NUM> is recognized, the processor may detect the display area of the display <NUM> through the recognized signal of the detection sensor <NUM>. For example, the processor may calculate a size of the display area of the display <NUM> exposed (e.g., visible) to the outside of the electronic device through signal detection coordinates of the detection sensor <NUM> for the display <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the processor may adjust a size of a visual image displayed on the display <NUM>. For example, the processor may adjust a size of a visual image displayed on the display <NUM> to correspond to a size of the display area.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of determining whether an electronic device is submerged, according to various embodiments.

<FIG> illustrates an example of an operation of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) that performs determining whether the electronic device is submerged through signal detection of a detection sensor (e.g., the detection sensor <NUM> of <FIG>).

In an example embodiment, operations illustrated in <FIG> may be performed by at least one component (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, a processor may detect an insertion and/or withdrawal operation of a display (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> of <FIG>). For example, the processor may detect a moving operation performed by the display <NUM> that moves between the inside and the outside of the housing structure <NUM> through the outlet <NUM> in response to an expansion or contraction operation of the electronic device <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the processor may detect the detection sensor <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the detection sensor <NUM> may have self-capacitance, and the capacitance of the detection sensor <NUM> may change depending on a degree of moisture inflow. In an example embodiment, the processor may detect a signal pattern of the detection sensor <NUM>, recognized through the display <NUM> or a separate detection sensor.

In operation <NUM>, the processor may determine whether a detected signal pattern is identical to the set signal pattern of the detection sensor <NUM>. For example, signal pattern information of the detection sensor <NUM> may be stored in the memory, and the processor may determine whether a detected signal corresponds to the signal pattern of the detection sensor <NUM> by comparing the detected signal pattern to the stored signal pattern of the detection sensor <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, in case the processor <NUM> determines that a pattern of the electrical signal applied to the display <NUM> does not match the stored signal pattern of the detection sensor <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may determine that the electrical signal applied to the display <NUM> is information due to misrecognition, and may recognize a electrical signal applied to the display <NUM> again.

In operation <NUM>, the processor may detect a signal value, that is, a capacitance value, applied by the detection sensor <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the processor may compare the capacitance value applied by the detection sensor <NUM> with a threshold value. For example, since the capacitance value applied by the detection sensor <NUM> increases based on a degree of moisture inflow, the processor may determine a degree of water submersion by the electronic device <NUM> by comparing the signal value applied by the detection sensor <NUM> with the threshold value.

In operation <NUM>, the processor may determine whether the electronic device <NUM> is submerged. In an example embodiment, in case the electronic device <NUM> is determined to be submerged, the electronic device <NUM> may perform a corresponding operation, which is set corresponding to submersion of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the processor may perform a notification operation to notify submersion of the electronic device <NUM> to a user. The notification operation may be performed through, for example, vibration, sound, or a visual image. In an example embodiment, in case the processor determines that the electronic device <NUM> is submerged, the processor may shut off the power of the electronic device <NUM> or may shut off the power supplied to a main component inside the electronic device <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing structure (<NUM>) comprising a first housing (<NUM>) and a second housing (<NUM>) movably coupled to the first housing in a moving direction;
a flexible display (<NUM>) supported by the first housing and the second housing, wherein a size of a display area (A) visible at a front surface of the housing structure is configured to change based on relative movement of the second housing with respect to the first housing;
a detection sensor (<NUM>) comprising a first electrode (541a) and a second electrode (541b) disposed side by side, and a dielectric (<NUM>) disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and configured to detect a change in the size of the display area; and
a processor (<NUM>),
wherein the housing structure comprises an outlet (<NUM>), through which the flexible display is configured to be withdrawn from an internal space (<NUM>) to the front surface of the housing structure or in which the flexible display is configured to be inserted from the front surface to the internal space, on the front surface of the housing structure,
the detection sensor is disposed on a part of the housing structure adjacent to the outlet, such that the first electrode faces a surface of the flexible display passing through the outlet, and
the detection sensor comprises a first portion (<NUM>) having a length direction (L), and one or more second portions (<NUM>) protruding from the first portion to another direction;
wherein, based on changing the display area, the flexible display is configured to detect capacitance generated by the detection sensor through a region passing through the outlet, and
the processor is configured to detect a change in the size of the display area through a region of the flexible display, in which the capacitance generated by the detection sensor is detected.