KR102234090B1 - Electronic device having the transparent heating module - Google Patents

Abstract

The electronic device includes a display panel displaying an image, an input sensing circuit disposed on the display panel, a transparent heating module, and a battery module. The transparent heating module is disposed between the display panel and the input sensing circuit, and includes a transparent surface heating element. The battery module provides power to the display panel, the input sensing circuit, and the transparent heating module. The surface heating element includes at least one of silver nanowires (AgNW), carbon nanotubes (CNT), and Indium Tin Oxide (ITO).

Description

Electronic device including a transparent heating module {ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVING THE TRANSPARENT HEATING MODULE}

The present invention relates to an electronic device having a heat generating function by mounting a transparent heating element.

Various display devices used in multimedia devices such as televisions, mobile phones, navigation systems, computer monitors, or game consoles have been developed. The display devices include a display panel for providing an image having predetermined information to a user, a touch panel for sensing touch information, and a display panel and a window member for protecting the touch panel.

In the case of a display device to be used at a low temperature such as a freezer, there is a problem that moisture or frost is generated on the display surface of the display device due to a temperature change, so that visibility is deteriorated, and a malfunction of the touch sensor may occur. In addition, there is a problem in that an error occurs in driving internal components of the display device due to a continuous low temperature.

An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device capable of maintaining high display quality even when exposed to a low temperature for a long time or to an environment in which moisture or frost can easily occur.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a display panel displaying an image, an input sensing circuit disposed on the display panel, a transparent heating module, and a battery module.

The transparent heating module is disposed between the display panel and the input sensing circuit, and may include a transparent surface heating element.

The battery module may provide power to the display panel, the input sensing circuit, and the transparent heating module.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the surface heating element may include at least one of silver nanowires (AgNW), carbon nanotubes (CNT), and indium tin oxide (ITO).

In an embodiment of the present invention, the transparent heating module further includes a first bus bar electrically connected to the surface heating element and a second bus bar electrically connected to the surface heating element and spaced apart from the first bus bar, the The first busbar and the second busbar may be electrically connected to the battery module.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a first transparent adhesive member coupling the display panel and the transparent heating module to each other, and a second transparent adhesive member coupling the input sensing circuit and the transparent heating module to each other. can do.

The electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a boosting circuit receiving a first voltage from the battery module and providing a second voltage greater than the first voltage to the transparent heating module.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the second voltage may be greater than a third voltage provided by the battery module to the display panel and the input sensing circuit.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the third voltage may be 3V or more and 5V or less, and the second voltage may be 5V or more and 15V or less.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a window member disposed on the display panel, the window member, the display panel, the input sensing circuit, the transparent heating module, and a housing accommodating the battery module. can do.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a humidity sensor capable of sensing humidity of a portion corresponding to an outer surface of at least one of the window member and the housing, and a control circuit for controlling the transparent heating module and the humidity sensor. It may further include.

In an embodiment of the present invention, when the increase rate of humidity detected by the humidity sensor is more than a predetermined value or when the humidity detected by the humidity sensor is 99% or more and 100% or less, the control circuit is the transparent heating module. It can be controlled so that it heats up.

In an embodiment of the present invention, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the control circuit may control the transparent heating module to stop generating heat.

The electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a camera module, the transparent heating module, and a control circuit for controlling the camera module.

In one embodiment of the present invention, when it is determined that moisture, frost, or water droplets are formed on the front surface of the camera module by analyzing the image captured by the camera module, the control circuit is the transparent heating module. It can be controlled so that it heats up.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the surface heating element is disposed between the silver nanowires disposed on the base film and the base film and the silver nanowires, and the first part of the silver nanowires is covered, and in the first part The extending second portion may include an exposing polymer layer.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the color of the second portion of the silver nanowire may be gray or black.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a display panel in which a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area are defined, an input sensing circuit disposed on the display panel, and disposed between the display panel and the input sensing circuit. And a battery module providing power to the display panel, the input sensing circuit, and the transparent heating module.

The transparent heating module may include a surface heating element, a first bus bar, and a second bus bar. A first area overlapping the display area and a second area overlapping the non-display area are defined in the surface heating element, and may include a plurality of metal nanowires. The first busbar may overlap the second region and may be electrically connected to at least some of the plurality of metal nanowires. The second busbar may overlap the second region, be electrically connected to at least some of the plurality of metal nanowires, and be spaced apart from the first busbar.

The electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a boosting circuit receiving a first voltage from the battery module and providing a second voltage greater than the first voltage to the first bus bar and the second bus bar. can do.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the second voltage may be greater than a third voltage provided by the battery module to the display panel and the input sensing circuit.

The electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a humidity sensor capable of sensing external humidity, the transparent heating module, and a control circuit for controlling the humidity sensor. When the increase rate of humidity detected by the humidity sensor is more than a predetermined value or when the humidity detected by the humidity sensor is 99% or more and 100% or less, the control circuit may control the transparent heating module to generate heat.

The electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a camera module, the transparent heating module, and a control circuit for controlling the camera module. When it is determined that moisture, frost, or water droplets are formed on the front surface of the camera module by analyzing the image captured by the camera module, the control circuit may control the transparent heating module to generate heat.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a display panel, an input sensing circuit, a plurality of metal nanowires, a first bus bar, a second bus bar, and a battery module.

A display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area may be defined on the display panel.

The input sensing circuit includes a base unit including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a plurality of touch sensors disposed on the first surface of the base unit, and to be disposed on the display panel. I can.

The plurality of metal nanowires may be directly disposed on the second surface of the base part, and may be disposed between the display panel and the plurality of touch sensors.

The first busbar may be electrically connected to the plurality of metal nanowires and may overlap the non-display area.

The second busbar may be electrically connected to the plurality of metal nanowires, overlap the non-display area, and may be spaced apart from the first busbar.

The battery module may provide power to the display panel, the input sensing circuit, the first bus bar, and the second bus bar.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device capable of rapidly removing moisture or frost generated on a display surface can be provided.

In addition, it is possible to provide an electronic device having strong durability despite a low temperature.

1 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a plan view illustrating the display panel shown in FIG. 2.
5 is a plan view showing the input sensing circuit shown in FIG. 3.
6 is a plan view showing the transparent heating module shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 7 exemplarily shows a part of a cross section taken along line II′ of FIG. 6.
8 is a perspective view exemplarily showing a surface heating element according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 exemplarily shows a cross-section taken along II-II′ of FIG. 8.
10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are each an exemplary flowchart illustrating a step of sensing frost, moisture, or water droplets and generating heat by an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In the drawings, ratios and dimensions of components are exaggerated for effective description of technical content. "And/or" includes all combinations of one or more that the associated configurations may be defined.

Terms such as "comprises" are intended to designate the existence of features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations of these described in the specification, but one or more other features or numbers, steps, actions, and configurations. It is to be understood that the possibility of the presence or addition of elements, parts or combinations thereof is not preliminarily excluded.

1 is a perspective view of an electronic device ED according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device ED according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device ED according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1 exemplarily shows that an electronic device (ED) is a portable terminal for warehouse management. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the electronic device ED may be a large electronic device such as a television or a monitor, and a small and medium-sized electronic device such as a smart phone, a tablet, a car navigation system, a game machine, or a smart watch.

A display area DA and a non-display area NDA may be defined in the electronic device ED.

The display area DA on which the image IM is displayed is parallel to a plane defined by the first direction axis DR1 and the second direction axis DR2. The third direction axis DR3 indicates the normal direction of the display area DA, that is, the thickness direction of the electronic device ED. The front surface (or upper surface) and the rear surface (or lower surface) of each member are divided by a third direction axis DR3. However, the directions indicated by the first to third direction axes DR1, DR2, and DR3 are relative concepts and may be converted to other directions. Hereinafter, the first to third directions refer to the same reference numerals as directions indicated by the first to third direction axes DR1, DR2, and DR3, respectively.

The shape of the display area DA shown in FIG. 1 is exemplary, and the shape of the display area DA may be changed without limitation as needed.

The non-display area NDA is an area adjacent to the display area DA, and is an area in which the image IM is not displayed. The bezel area of the electronic device ED may be defined by the non-display area NDA.

The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the shape of the display area DA and the shape of the non-display area NDA may be relatively designed.

2 and 3, an electronic device ED according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a window member WM, an input sensing circuit ISC, a transparent heating module THM, a display panel DP, and a sensor. It may include a module (SM), a camera module (CM), a memory unit (MM), a control unit (CC or control circuit), a battery module (BT), and a housing (HS).

The window member WM may protect the input sensing circuit ISC, the transparent heating module THM, and the display panel DP from external impacts. The window member WM may have a transparent property. For example, the window member WM may include glass or synthetic resin.

The input sensing circuit ISC may be disposed under the window member WM. The input sensing circuit ISC may include a plurality of touch sensors (not shown). The plurality of touch sensors (not shown) may include a plurality of transmitting electrodes (not shown) and receiving electrodes (not shown). The input sensing circuit ISC may sense a touch and/or pressure applied from the outside.

The transparent heating module THM may be disposed under the input sensing circuit ISC. The transparent heating module THM may include silver nanowires (AgNW), carbon nanotubes (CNT), or Indium Tin Oxide (ITO). The transparent heating module THM may generate heat to heat the window member WM.

The display panel DP may be disposed under the transparent heating module THM. The display panel DP may be an LCD panel or an OLED panel.

In another embodiment of the present invention, at least one of silver nanowires (AgNW), carbon nanotubes (CNT), and Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) may be directly disposed on one surface of the input sensing circuit ISC. Directly disposed herein may mean that it is adhered without a separate adhesive member. Specifically, at least one of silver nanowires (AgNW), carbon nanotubes (CNT), and Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) is directly coated on one surface of the base film constituting the input sensing circuit (ISC), and Transmitting electrodes (not shown) and receiving electrodes (not shown) may be disposed on the other surface.

The sensor module SM may include a sensor for detecting a change in the surface of the electronic device ED or an external environment of the electronic device ED. In FIG. 1, the sensor module SM is exemplarily illustrated in the front of the electronic device ED, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment of the present invention, the sensor module SM is an electronic device ED. It can also be placed on the back side of.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the sensor module SM may include at least one of a humidity sensor and a moisture sensor. The humidity sensor may be a sensor for sensing the surface of the electronic device ED or the external humidity of the electronic device ED. The moisture sensor may be a sensor for detecting whether moisture is formed on the surface of the electronic device ED or on the outside of the electronic device ED.

The camera module CM may be a module for photographing an image.

Various pieces of information for driving the electronic device ED may be stored in the memory unit MM. The memory unit MM may include a nonvolatile memory and/or a volatile memory. For example, the memory unit MM may be a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), or the like.

The control unit CC controls at least one of an input detection circuit (ISC), a transparent heating module (THM), a display panel (DP), a sensor module (SM), a camera module (CM), and a memory unit (MM). It can be a circuit that can be. For example, the control unit CC may include a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor (MPU).

The battery module BT may provide power to a portion of the electronic device ED that requires electrical energy.

The housing HS includes an input detection circuit (ISC), a transparent heating module (THM), a display panel (DP), a sensor module (SM), a camera module (CM), a memory unit (MM), a control unit (CC), and a battery. Can accommodate module BT. The housing HS may provide an outer surface of the electronic device ED together with the window member WM.

Referring to FIG. 3, an electronic device ED according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of transparent adhesive members AD1, AD2, and AD3. Each of the plurality of transparent adhesive members AD1, AD2, and AD3 may include OCA (Optically Clear Adhesive) or OCR (Optically Clear Resin).

The first transparent adhesive member AD1 may couple the display panel DP and the transparent heating module THM. The second transparent adhesive member AD2 may couple the transparent heating module THM and the input sensing circuit ISC. The third transparent adhesive member AD3 may couple the input sensing circuit ISC and the window member WM. In another embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the first to third transparent adhesive members AD1, AD2, and AD3 may be omitted.

4 is a plan view illustrating the display panel DP shown in FIG. 3.

The display panel DP may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display area DA may be defined as an area in which the pixels PX are disposed to provide image information to users. The non-display area NDA is a peripheral area of the display area DA, and may be defined as an area in which wiring for driving the pixels PX and electronic components are disposed.

The non-display area NDA includes the first pad area PA1. The first printed circuit board PCB1 may be connected to the first pad area PA1.

The first electronic component EPD1 may be connected to one end of the first printed circuit board PCB1. The first electronic component EPD1 includes a second pad area PA2, and the first printed circuit board PCB1 is connected to the first electronic component EPD1 through the second pad area PA2.

The first driving circuit DIC1 may be mounted on the first printed circuit board PCB1. The first driving circuit DIC1 may be mounted in a chip-on glass (COG) method or a chip-on plastic (COP) method.

The first driving circuit DIC1 is a source driver integrated circuit that applies a data voltage to the display area DA of the display panel DP, or a scan driver that applies a gate voltage to the display area DA of the display panel DP. The integrated circuit may be an integrated driver integrated circuit in which both a source driver and a scan driver are integrated. Meanwhile, although FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which one first driving circuit DIC1 is mounted on the display panel DP, a plurality of integrated circuits may be mounted on the display panel DP according to an exemplary embodiment.

In an embodiment of the present invention, each of the pixels PX may display at least one of a red color, a green color, and a blue color. In an embodiment of the present invention, the pixels PX may display at least one of a white color, a cyan color, and a magenta color.

5 is a plan view illustrating an input sensing circuit ISC shown in FIG. 3.

The input sensing circuit ISC may include a sensing region SA and a non-sensing region NSA. The sensing area SA may overlap the display area DA, and the non-sensing area NSA may overlap the non-display area NDA.

The sensing area SA is an area in which a plurality of transmitting electrodes (not shown) and receiving electrodes (not shown) are disposed. The sensing area SA may be defined as an area capable of detecting an input by a user's finger or a touch pen. The non-sensing area NSA is a peripheral area of the sensing area SA, and may be defined as an area in which wiring for sensing an input from the transmitting electrodes and the receiving electrodes and electronic components are disposed.

A plurality of signal lines SL1 to SLn and UL1 to ULm may be disposed in the non-sensing area NSA.

The signal lines SL1 to SLn and UL1 to ULm may include reception signal lines SL1 to SLn and transmission signal lines UL1 to ULm. The reception signal lines SL1 to SLn may extend from the reception electrodes, and the transmission signal lines UL1 to ULm may extend from the transmission electrodes.

However, the reception signal lines SL1 to SLn and the transmission signal lines UL1 to ULm are not limited thereto, and a shape or function may be changed.

The second printed circuit board PCB2 may be coupled to the non-sensing area NSA. The second driving circuit DIC2 may be mounted on the second printed circuit board PCB2. The second printed circuit board PCB2 may be connected to the second electronic component EPD2.

The second driving circuit DIC2 may transmit an electrical signal for detecting a change in capacitance between the transmitting electrodes and the receiving electrodes.

6 is a plan view showing the transparent heating module (THM) shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 exemplarily shows a part of a cross section taken along line II′ of FIG. 6.

The transparent heating module THM may include a surface heating element TSH and bus bars BS1 and BS2.

The surface heating element TSH is transparent and may transmit at least a portion of incident light. The surface heating element TSH may generate heat by receiving power from the battery module BT through the bus bars BS1 and BS2.

A first area AR1 and a second area AR2 may be defined in the surface heating element TSH. The first area AR1 may be an area overlapping at least one of the display area DA and the sensing area SA. The second area AR2 may be an area overlapping at least one of the non-display area NDA and the non-sensing area NSA.

The bus bars BS1 and BS2 may be disposed on the surface heating element TSH. The bus bars BS1 and BS2 may be electrically connected to the surface heating element TSH. Each of the bus bars BS1 and BS2 may include at least one of an Ag paste, copper (Cu), an anisotropic conductive film (ACF), and a printed circuit board. The bus bars BS1 and BS2 may not overlap the first area AR1, but may overlap only the second area AR2.

The first bus bar BS1 and the second bus bar BS2 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other. In a plan view, the first area AR1 of the surface heating element TSH may be disposed between the first bus bar BS1 and the second bus bar BS2.

The bus bars BS1 and BS2 may transmit power supplied from the battery module BT through the power lines PL to the surface heating element SH. Accordingly, the surface heating element TSH may generate heat.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the surface heating element (TSH) may be heated to about 45 to 55 degrees Celsius, and the window member (WM) is about 30 to 40 degrees Celsius by heat generated by the surface heating element (TSH). Can be heated. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the temperature at which the surface heating element TSH is heated or the temperature at which the window member WM is heated may be changed as necessary.

The power lines PL may be separate lines separated from the signal lines SL1 to SLn, UL1 to Ulm, see FIG. 4 of the input sensing circuit ISC.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device ED may further include a boosting circuit BST electrically connected to the battery module BT and the bus bars BS1 and BS2.

The boosting circuit BST may receive the first voltage from the battery module BT and provide a second voltage greater than the first voltage to the bus bars BS1 and BS2. For example, the first voltage may be about 3V or more and 5V or less, and the second voltage may be about 10V or more and 15V or less. In an embodiment of the present invention, the third voltage provided by the battery module BT to the display panel DP and the input detection circuit ISC may be about 3V or more and 5V or less.

In this way, by providing more power to the transparent heating module THM instantly using the boosting circuit BST, the transparent heating module THM can be heated within a short time.

8 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary surface heating element (TSH) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 exemplarily shows a cross-section taken along II-II′ of FIG. 8.

Referring to FIG. 8, the surface heating element TSH may include a base portion BM, a polymer layer RS, and a plurality of metal nanowires NW.

The base portion BM may include glass or synthetic resin. For example, the base portion BM may be a glass substrate or a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the thickness H2 of the base portion BM may be about 50 to 100 μm.

The polymer layer RS may be disposed on the base portion BM. The polymer layer RS may be disposed between the base portion BM and at least one of the plurality of metal nanowires NW. The polymer layer RS may include a material having excellent light transmittance.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the thickness H1 of the polymer layer RS-H may be about 4 to 6 μm.

The plurality of metal nanowires NW may be disposed on the base portion BM. In an embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of metal nanowires NW may contain silver (Ag).

In an embodiment of the present invention, the metal nanowire (NW) may have a diameter of 1 to 100 nm and a length of 2 to 100 μm. If the diameter is smaller than 1 nm, the mechanical stability is very weak and may be easily broken.Therefore, there may be a problem that it is difficult to maintain a stable network shape, and if it exceeds 100 nm, a problem that the transparency (light transmittance) rapidly decreases may occur. have.

In addition, if the length is shorter than 2㎛, the length of the metal nanowire (NW) constituting the network is too short, a large number of metal nanowires (NW) are required, the transparency is lowered, and There may also be a problem of deterioration of the electrical conduction characteristics due to. When the length is longer than 100 μm, it may be difficult to manufacture the metal nanowires (NW), and the metal nanowires (NW) may be too long to break easily during coating.

The first portion PT1 of at least one of the plurality of metal nanowires NW may be covered by the polymer layer RS, and the second portion PT2 may be exposed to the outside of the polymer layer RS. .

In one embodiment of the present invention, silver chloride is formed in the second portion PT2, and may have a gray or black color. As the second part PT2 has a gray or black color, the haze phenomenon in which the surface heating element TSH appears to be hazy as a whole due to an optical effect is reduced.

In an embodiment of the present invention, some of the portions of the polymer layer RS in each of the metal nanowires NW and the busbars BS1 and BS2 may be electrically connected.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the polymer layer RS may be omitted. In this case, the metal nanowires NW may be directly coated on the base portion BM.

In another embodiment of the present invention, metal nanowires NW may be disposed on a first surface of the base portion BM, and a plurality of touch sensors may be disposed on a second surface facing the first surface. The metal nanowires NW may be electrically connected to the bus bars BS1 and BS2. In this case, the base unit BM may be any one of the components constituting the input sensing circuit ISC.

10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are each an exemplary flowchart illustrating a step of sensing frost, moisture, or water droplets and generating heat by an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. .

Referring to FIG. 10, the electronic device heating step (S10) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a humidity change detection step (S100), a change rate determination step (S200), a heating start step (S300), and a heat generation time determination step (S400). ), and the heat generation ending step (S500).

In the humidity change detection step S100, the sensor module SM including the humidity sensor may measure the humidity of the surface of the electronic device ED. Specifically, the sensor module SM may detect the humidity of a portion corresponding to an outer surface of at least one of the window member WM and the housing HS.

In the rate of change determination step S200, the control unit CC calculates the rate of change of humidity measured through the sensor module SM, and may determine whether frost or moisture has occurred on the surface of the electronic device ED using this. . When a predetermined reference value (a) is set and the rate of change of humidity is greater than the predetermined reference value (a), the controller CC may determine that frost or moisture has occurred on the surface of the electronic device ED. For example, the predetermined reference value (a) may be 30%. In general, since the humidity rarely changes by 30% or more, if the humidity increases by 30% or more, it can be determined that frost or moisture has occurred on the surface of the electronic device (ED). However, it is not limited thereto, and the predetermined reference value (a) may be changed as necessary.

When it is determined that frost or moisture has occurred in the rate of change determination step S200, the transparent heating module THM may start heat generation in the heat start step S300.

In the heat generation time determination step S400, the time when the transparent heat generation module THM generates heat may be measured. When the time when the transparent heating module THM generates heat is less than a predetermined reference value b, the transparent heating module THM may continue to generate heat. When the time when the transparent heating module THM generates heat is greater than or equal to a predetermined reference value b, the transparent heating module THM stops the heat generation, and the heat generation ending step S500 may be performed.

The predetermined reference value (b) may be 2 minutes or more and 5 minutes or less. When the time for the transparent heating module (THM) to generate heat is less than 2 minutes, frost or moisture formed on the surface of the electronic device (ED) may not be sufficiently removed. When the time for the transparent heating module THM to generate heat is greater than 5 minutes, some of the components of the electronic device ED may be damaged by heat generated by the transparent heating module THM.

Referring to FIG. 11, the electronic device heating step (S11) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a humidity detection step (S101), a relative humidity determination step (S201), a heat generation start step (S301), and a heat generation time determination step (S401). ), and the heat generation ending step (S501).

Descriptions of the heating start step (S301), the heat generation time determination step (S401), and the heat generation end step (S501) are substantially the same as those described in FIG. 10, and thus will be omitted.

In the humidity sensing step S101, the sensor module SM including the humidity sensor may measure the relative humidity of the surface of the electronic device ED.

In the relative humidity determination step S201, the controller CC may determine whether frost or moisture is generated on the surface of the electronic device ED using the relative humidity measured through the sensor module SM. If the relative humidity is 99% or more and 100% or less, the control unit CC may determine that frost or moisture has occurred on the surface of the electronic device ED.

Referring to FIG. 12, the electronic device heating step (S12) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a humidity sensing step (S102), a relative humidity determination step (S202), a heating start step (S302), and an end determination step (S402). ), and the heat generation ending step (S502).

Descriptions of the humidity sensing step (S102), the relative humidity determination step (S202), the heating start step (S302), and the heat generation end step (S502) are substantially the same as those described in FIG.

If the relative humidity measured through the sensor module SM is less than 99% in the determination step S402 of termination, the control unit CC determines that the frost or moisture formed on the surface of the electronic device ED has been removed, The heat generation ending step (S502) may be performed.

13, the electronic device heating step (S13) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a moisture detection step (S103), a moisture presence determination step (S203), a heating start step (S303), and an end determination step (S403). ), and the heat generation ending step (S503).

In the moisture sensing step S103, the sensor module SM including the moisture sensor may measure the moisture on the surface of the electronic device ED. Specifically, the sensor module SM may detect moisture in a portion corresponding to an outer surface of at least one of the window member WM and the housing HS.

In the moisture presence determination step (S203), the controller CC can determine whether frost, moisture, or water droplets have been generated on the surface of the electronic device ED by using the presence of moisture measured through the sensor module SM. have.

When it is determined that frost, moisture, or water droplets have occurred in the moisture presence determination step (S203), the transparent heating module (THM) may start heat generation in the heat-generating start step (S303).

When it is determined that moisture is no longer present on the surface of the electronic device ED through the sensor module SM, the control unit CC removes frost, moisture, or water droplets formed on the surface of the electronic device ED. It is determined that it is, and the heat generation ending step (S503) may be performed.

Referring to FIG. 14, the electronic device heating step (S14) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first image capturing step (S104), a first image analysis step (S204), a first determination step (S304), and heat generation starts. A step S404, a second image capturing step S504, a second image analysis step S604, a second determination step S704, and a heat ending step S804 may be included.

In the first image capturing step S104, the camera module CM may continuously capture images.

In the first image analysis step (S204), the controller CC may analyze the images captured through the camera module CM. By analyzing the images in the first image analysis step (S204), the control unit CC at least one of whether some of the captured images are rapidly blurred, whether the sharpness of the image is lowered, and whether the overall brightness of the image is darkened. Either can be analyzed.

In the first determination step S304, the controller CC may determine whether frost or moisture has occurred on the surface of the electronic device ED using the image analysis result.

When it is determined that frost or moisture has occurred in the first determination step S304, the transparent heating module THM may start heat generation in the heat start step S404.

Thereafter, in the second image capturing step (S504), the camera module (CM) continuously captures images, and in the second image analysis step (S604), the controller (CC) analyzes the images captured through the camera module (CM). can do.

By analyzing the image in the second image analysis step (S604), the control unit CC determines at least any of whether some of the captured images are sharply sharpened, whether the image sharpness is increased, and whether the overall brightness of the image is brightened. You can check one.

In the second determination step S704, the controller CC may check whether frost or moisture is controlled on the surface of the electronic device ED using the image analysis result.

When it is determined that frost or moisture has been removed in the second determination step S704, the heat generation ending step S804 may be performed.

As the electronic device (ED) according to an embodiment of the present invention is used inside and outside a place with a low temperature such as a freezer, frost, moisture, or water droplets are formed on the display surface, the user can easily read the image (IM). If it is not possible to recognize, frost or moisture may be removed by heating the window member WM through the transparent heating module THM.

Although described with reference to Examples, those skilled in the art can understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention described in the following claims. There will be. In addition, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention, and all technical ideas within the scope of the following claims and equivalents should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention. .

DD: display device DP: display panel
WM: Window member ISC: Input sensing circuit
THM: transparent heating module BM: base
TSH: Cotton heating element BS1, BS2: Bus bar
NW: metal nanowire

Claims (21)

A display area displaying an image and a non-display area adjacent to the display area are defined, and the display area includes a display panel including a plurality of pixels;
An input sensing circuit disposed on the display panel and sensing an input by a finger or a touch pen;
A transparent heating module disposed between the display panel and the input sensing circuit and including a surface heating element that transmits at least a portion of light incident from the plurality of pixels; And
An electronic device comprising: a battery module providing power to the display panel, the input sensing circuit, and the transparent heating module. The method of claim 1,
The surface heating element is an electronic device including at least one of silver nanowires (AgNW), carbon nanotubes (CNT), and indium tin oxide (ITO). The method of claim 2,
The transparent heating module,
A first bus bar electrically connected to the surface heating element; And
Further comprising a second bus bar electrically connected to the surface heating element and spaced apart from the first bus bar,
The first busbar and the second busbar are electrically connected to the battery module. The method of claim 3,
A first transparent adhesive member coupling the display panel and the transparent heating module to each other; And
An electronic device further comprising a second transparent adhesive member coupling the input sensing circuit and the transparent heating module to each other. The method of claim 3,
The electronic device further comprises a boosting circuit receiving a first voltage from the battery module and providing a second voltage greater than the first voltage to the transparent heating module. The method of claim 5,
The second voltage is greater than a third voltage provided by the battery module to the display panel and the input sensing circuit. The method of claim 6,
The third voltage is 3V or more and 5V or less,
The second voltage is 10V or more and 15V or less. The method of claim 3,
A window member disposed on the display panel; And
The electronic device further comprises a housing for accommodating the window member, the display panel, the input sensing circuit, the transparent heating module, and the battery module. The method of claim 8,
A humidity sensor capable of detecting the humidity of a portion corresponding to an outer surface of at least one of the window member and the housing; And
Electronic device further comprising a control circuit for controlling the transparent heating module and the humidity sensor. The method of claim 9,
When the increase rate of humidity detected by the humidity sensor is more than a predetermined value or when the humidity detected by the humidity sensor is 99% or more and 100% or less, the control circuit controls the transparent heating module to generate heat. The method of claim 10,
After a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the control circuit controls the transparent heating module to stop generating heat. The method of claim 8,
Camera module; And
Electronic device further comprising a control circuit for controlling the transparent heating module and the camera module. The method of claim 12,
The control circuit analyzes the image captured by the camera module, and when it is determined that moisture, frost, or water droplets are formed on the front surface of the camera module, the control circuit controls the transparent heating module to generate heat. The method of claim 1,
The surface heating element,
Base film;
Silver nanowires disposed on the base film; And
An electronic device comprising a polymer layer disposed between the base film and the silver nanowire, covering a first portion of the silver nanowire and exposing a second portion of the silver nanowire extending from the first portion. The method of claim 14,
The color of the second portion of the silver nanowire is gray or black. A display panel including a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area, the display area including a plurality of pixels;
An input sensing circuit disposed on the display panel and sensing an input by a finger or a touch pen;
A transparent heating module disposed between the display panel and the input sensing circuit; And
And a battery module providing power to the display panel, the input sensing circuit, and the transparent heating module,
The transparent heating module,
A surface heating element including a plurality of metal nanowires, wherein a first area overlapping the display area and a second area overlapping the non-display area are defined;
A first bus bar overlapping the second region and electrically connected to at least some of the plurality of metal nanowires; And
A second bus bar overlapping the second region, electrically connected to at least some of the plurality of metal nanowires, and spaced apart from the first bus bar,
At least some of the light emitted from the plurality of pixels passes through the surface heating element and the input sensing circuit to be emitted to the outside. The method of claim 16,
The electronic device further comprises a boosting circuit receiving a first voltage from the battery module and providing a second voltage greater than the first voltage to the first bus bar and the second bus bar. The method of claim 17,
The second voltage is greater than a third voltage provided by the battery module to the display panel and the input sensing circuit. The method of claim 16,
A humidity sensor capable of detecting external humidity; And
Further comprising a control circuit for controlling the transparent heating module and the humidity sensor,
When the increase rate of humidity detected by the humidity sensor is more than a predetermined value or when the humidity detected by the humidity sensor is 99% or more and 100% or less, the control circuit controls the transparent heating module to generate heat. The method of claim 16,
Camera module; And
Further comprising a control circuit for controlling the transparent heating module and the camera module,
The control circuit analyzes the image captured by the camera module, and when it is determined that moisture, frost, or water droplets are formed on the front surface of the camera module, the control circuit controls the transparent heating module to generate heat. A display panel in which a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area are defined;
A base portion including a first surface and a second surface facing the first surface, and a plurality of touch sensors disposed on the first surface of the base portion, and are disposed on the display panel and applied from the outside. An input sensing circuit for sensing at least one of a touch and a pressure;
A plurality of metal nanowires disposed directly on the second surface of the base unit and disposed between the display panel and the plurality of touch sensors;
A first bus bar electrically connected to the plurality of metal nanowires and overlapping the non-display area;
A second bus bar electrically connected to the plurality of metal nanowires, overlapping the non-display area, and spaced apart from the first bus bar; And
An electronic device comprising: a battery module providing power to the display panel, the input sensing circuit, the first bus bar, and the second bus bar.

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