Electronic device and charging method of electronic device

Abstract

The present application relates to an electronic device. The electronic device includes a display module including a first area exposed to the outside in a first mode and a second mode, and a second area extending from the first area, wherein the second area is partially opposite to the first area in the first mode or is partially exposed in the second mode, the second area includes a curved area and a flat area extending from the curved area and opposite to the first area in the first mode; a support member disposed below the display module; a housing accommodating the display module and the support member, wherein the first mode and the second mode are determined based on a sliding motion of the housing; and a wireless charging coil accommodated in the housing and shielded by the support member in the first mode and not overlapping with the support member in the second mode.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to and enjoys all the benefits thereof in Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0050013, filed on April 24, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to electronic devices and methods for charging such electronic devices, and more particularly, to a slidable electronic device capable of being charged wirelessly, and a method for charging such slidable electronic device. Background Technology

[0004] With technological advancements, wireless charging technology, which enables wireless battery charging, has been commercialized. In wireless charging, the battery of an electronic device can be charged wirelessly via power transmission and reception simply by placing the device on a charging pad, without the need for any additional charging connectors. Wireless charging technologies include inductive charging using coils, resonant inductive coupling using resonance, or microwave technology that converts electrical energy into microwaves. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention provide a sliding electronic device configured to allow wireless charging and prevent bending deformation on the display panel during sliding motion.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device includes: a display module comprising a first region exposed to the outside in a first mode and a second mode, and a second region extending from the first region, wherein a portion of the second region is opposite to the first region in the first mode, another portion of the second region is exposed to the outside in the second mode, and the second region includes a curved region having a specific curvature in the first mode and a flat region extending from the curved region and opposite to the first region; a support member disposed below the display module to support the display module; a housing housing the display module and the support member, wherein the first mode and the second mode are determined based on sliding movement of the housing; and a wireless charging coil housing the housing, wherein the wireless charging coil is shielded by the support member in the first mode and does not overlap with the support member in the second mode.

[0007] In one embodiment, the support member may include: a first support portion overlapping the first region; and a second support portion overlapping the second region. In this embodiment, the second support portion may face the first support portion in a first mode, and the second support portion may include a metal plate.

[0008] In an embodiment, the wireless charging coil can overlap the first support portion and the second support portion in the first mode, and the wireless charging coil can overlap the first support portion and not overlap the second support portion in the second mode.

[0009] In an embodiment, when the wireless charging coil is shielded by the metal plate, the wireless charging coil can be deactivated, and when the wireless charging coil does not overlap the metal plate, the wireless charging coil can be activated.

[0010] In an embodiment, the electronic device can further include a wireless charging module electrically connected to the wireless charging coil. In this embodiment, the wireless charging module can activate the wireless charging coil in the second mode and can deactivate the wireless charging coil in the first mode.

[0011] In an embodiment, the electronic device can further include an electronic module electrically connected to the display module and including the wireless charging module. In this embodiment, the electronic module can further include a sensor module that senses whether the electronic device is in the first mode or the second mode to generate state information, and transmits the generated state information to the wireless charging module.

[0012] In an embodiment, the sensor module can sense a sliding motion of the housing to sense whether the electronic device is in the first mode or the second mode.

[0013] In an embodiment, the housing can include a first housing and a second housing, the display module and the support member are fixed and combined to the first housing, the second housing is combined to the first housing and is movable toward or away from the first housing in a predetermined direction.

[0014] In an embodiment, when the second housing is moved away from the first housing, the sensor module can sense that the electronic device is in the second mode, and when the second housing is moved toward the first housing, the sensor module can sense that the electronic device is in the first mode.

[0015] In an embodiment, the wireless charging coil can be fixed and combined to the second housing.

[0016] In an embodiment, another portion of the second area exposed to the outside in the second mode can correspond to the curved area in the first mode, and the wireless charging coil can overlap the other portion of the second area exposed to the outside in the second mode.

[0017] In an embodiment, in the first mode, the wireless charging coil can be deactivated by the support member and can be deactivated by the wireless charging module.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present application, a method of charging an electronic device, wherein the electronic device includes a display module, a support member supporting the display module, a housing accommodating the display module and the support member, and a wireless charging module, the method includes sensing a sliding motion of the housing, determining whether the housing is in a first mode or in a second mode based on the sliding motion of the housing, and activating the wireless charging module when the housing is in the second mode.

[0019] In an embodiment, the electronic device can further include an electronic module connected to the display module and including the wireless charging module. In this embodiment, the electronic module can further include a control module determining whether the housing is in the first mode or in the second mode and a sensor module sensing whether the housing is in the first mode or in the second mode.

[0020] In an embodiment, determining whether the housing is in the first mode or in the second mode can include sensing an external wireless charging device adjacent to the electronic device.

[0021] In an embodiment, the housing can include a first housing and a second housing, the display module and the support member being fixed and combined to the first housing, the second housing being combined to the first housing and movable toward or away from the first housing in a first direction. In this embodiment, determining whether the housing is in the first mode or in the second mode can include determining that the housing is in the second mode when the second housing is moved away from the first housing, and determining that the housing is in the first mode when the second housing is moved toward the first housing.

[0022] In an embodiment, the method can further include activating a wireless charging coil electrically connected to the wireless charging module.

[0023] In an embodiment, the method can further include performing a wireless charging process in which the electronic device receives power from an external wireless charging device adjacent thereto when the wireless charging module is activated.

[0024] In an embodiment, performing the wireless charging process can include deforming the display module using heat generated in a process of receiving the power to flatten a bent portion of the display module.

[0025] In an embodiment, the support member can shield the wireless charging coil electrically connected to the wireless charging module in the first mode of the housing, and the support member can not overlap the wireless charging coil in the second mode of the housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] The above and other features of the present application will become more apparent by describing in detail embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings in which:

[0027] Figure 1is a perspective view showing an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a second mode of the electronic device of Figure 1 ;

[0029] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a view showing a display module and a support portion supporting the display module according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 5A and Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view showing an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 6 is Figure 1 a schematic cross-sectional view of the display module shown in

[0033] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a method of charging an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 8A and Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view showing a method of charging an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application; and

[0035] Figure 9 is a graph showing a change in deformation height of a bent portion of a display module according to an embodiment of the present application at two different temperatures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The present application will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments are shown. This application may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the application to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0037] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, it can be directly on, directly connected, or directly coupled to the other element, or intervening elements can be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected" or "directly coupled to" another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," "on" versus "directly on," etc.).

[0038] It will be understood that, although the terms "first," "second," etc. can be used herein to describe various types of elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these

[0039] Spatially relative terms such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper" and the like can be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. For example, in the case of the device being turned over, the element or feature previously described as "below" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. In addition, the device can be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0040] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. "At least one" should not be construed as limiting "one" or "one". "Or" means "and / or". As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes" and / or "including", when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0041] As used herein, "about" or "approximately" includes the stated value and the average value within an acceptable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the measurement and error associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ± 30%, ± 20%, ± 10%, or ± 5% of the stated value.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art in the field of example embodiments of the present application. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0043] Embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments. Consequently, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, are to be expected. Therefore, embodiments described herein are not to be construed as being limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result from, for example, manufacturing. For example, a region illustrated or described as flat can often have rough and / or nonlinear features. Moreover, sharp angles that are illustrated can be rounded. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic

[0044] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application.Figure 1 a perspective view of the electronic device in a second mode.

[0046] Referring to Figure 1 , an embodiment of the electronic device ED according to the present application can include a display module DM and a housing CS in which the display module DM is disposed or accommodated. The display module DM can be exposed to the outside through an opening defined in an upper portion of the housing CS.

[0047] The housing CS can include a first housing CS1 and a second housing CS2. The first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2 can be combined with each other to provide a space or a location in which the display module DM is disposed. The first housing CS1 can be combined to the second housing CS2 so as to be movable in a first direction DR1 or be combined to the second housing CS2 in a manner movable in the first direction DR1. Figure 1 An electronic device ED in a first mode is illustrated, in which a first housing CS1 of the electronic device ED has not been moved. Here, the first mode can be an off state of the electronic device ED, and the second mode can be an on state of the electronic device ED.

[0048] Hereinafter, a direction intersecting the first direction DR1 will be referred to as a second direction DR2. A direction perpendicular to both the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 will be referred to as a third direction DR3. The third direction DR3 can be a thickness direction of the electronic device ED. Further, in this document, the expression "when viewed in a plan view" can mean seeing a relevant structure in the third direction DR3.

[0049] Referring to Figure 2 , an area of a display surface DS (exposed through an opening of the housing CS, for example) of the display module DM can be changed by a movement of the first housing CS1. In one embodiment, for example, the display module DM can be a flexible display module, and can be supported by a support member disposed under the display module DM (see Figure 4A and Figure 4B , for example). The support member can be connected to the first housing CS1, and can also be moved in the first direction DR1 when the first housing CS1 is moved in the first direction DR1. Figure 2 An electronic device ED in a second mode is illustrated, in which a first housing CS1 of the electronic device ED is moved in a first direction DR1.

[0050] Although not shown, a portion of the display module DM that is not exposed to the outside, in addition to the display surface DS exposed by the opening, can be disposed in the housing CS. Due to the movement of the first housing CS1, the size of the display surface DS in the first direction DR1 can be increased. Further, the display module DM along with the support member thereunder can be moved in the first direction DR1 by the movement of the first housing CS1 to expand the display surface DS of the display module DM. Accordingly, in the second mode, the electronic device ED can provide an image to a user through the expanded screen.

[0051] Hereinafter, the first mode can be defined as a state of the electronic device ED when the display surface DS of the display module DM is set to a basic size or a minimum size, as shown in Figure 1 Hereinafter, the second mode can be defined as a state of the electronic device ED when the display surface DS of the display module DM is expanded, as shown in Figure 2 In an embodiment, the first mode of the electronic device ED can correspond to the first mode of the housing CS, and the second mode of the electronic device ED can correspond to the second mode of the housing CS. When the first housing CS1 is moved in the first direction DR1 to expand the display surface DS of the display module DM, the housing CS can change from the first mode to the second mode. In this embodiment, the housing CS can change the electronic device ED from the first mode to the second mode or from the second mode to the first mode.

[0052] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0053] Referring to Figure 3 , an embodiment of the electronic device ED can include a display module 200, a power module PM, and an electronic module. The electronic module can include a first electronic module EM1 and a second electronic module EM2. The display module 200, the power module PM, the first electronic module EM1, and the second electronic module EM2 can be electrically connected to each other.

[0054] The display module 200 can include a display panel 210 and an input sensing portion 220.

[0055] The display panel 210 can be an element that displays an image. The image can be displayed on a front surface of the display module 200 and can be provided to an external user through a transmissive area.

[0056] The input sensing portion 220 can sense an external input applied from the outside. In an embodiment, for example, the input sensing portion 220 can sense an external input provided to a window. The external input can be a user's input. In an embodiment, for example, the user's input can include various types of external inputs such as a part of a user's body, light, heat, pressure, or a pen.

[0057] The power module PM can supply power for overall operation of the electronic device ED. The power module PM can include a conventional battery module (not shown).

[0058] The electronic module can include at least one of various function modules for operating the electronic device ED.

[0059] In an embodiment, the first electronic module EM1 can be directly mounted on a mother board electrically connected to the display module 200. Alternatively, the first electronic module EM1 can be mounted on another substrate and can be electrically connected to the mother board through a connector (not shown) or the like.

[0060] The first electronic module EM1 can include a control module CM, a wireless communication module TM, an image input module IIM, an audio input module AIM, a memory MM, a wireless charging module WRM, and an external interface IF. At least one of the modules can not be mounted on the mother board and can be electrically connected to the mother board through a flexible circuit board.

[0061] The control module CM can control overall operation of the electronic device ED. The control module CM can be a microprocessor. In one embodiment, for example, the control module CM can activate or deactivate the display module 200. The control module CM can control other modules (e.g., the image input module IIM or the audio input module AIM) based on a touch signal received from the display module 200.

[0062] In an embodiment, the control module CM can control operation of the first electronic module EM1 in response to a signal provided from the second electronic module EM2. In one embodiment, for example, the control module CM can receive a signal containing information about whether the electronic device ED is in a first mode or a second mode from the sensor module SSM and can transmit the signal to the wireless charging module WRM. In this embodiment, the control module CM can control operation of the wireless charging module WRM.

[0063] The wireless communication module TM can transmit and receive a wireless signal to and from another terminal via a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi line. The wireless communication module TM can transmit and receive a voice signal via a typical communication line. The wireless communication module TM can include a transmitter TM2 that modulates and transmits a signal to be transmitted and a receiver TM1 that demodulates a received signal.

[0064] The image input module IIM can process an image signal and convert the image signal into image data that can be displayed on the display module 200. The audio input module AIM can receive an external audio signal through a microphone in a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, or the like, and then convert the received audio signal into electric audio data.

[0065] The wireless charging module WRM can control a wireless charging operation of the electronic device ED. The wireless charging module WRM can provide or interrupt power supplied from an external charging device to the power supply module PM to control the wireless charging operation. The wireless charging module WRM can be electrically connected to the wireless charging coil to control an operation of the wireless charging coil. The wireless charging coil will be described later with reference to FIG. 2. Figure 5A to Figure 5B The wireless charging coil will be described in more detail.

[0066] In an embodiment, the wireless charging module WRM can be activated or deactivated in response to a signal provided from the control module CM. When the wireless charging module WRM is activated, a wireless charging mode of the electronic device ED can be activated to provide power from a neighboring external charging device to the power supply module PM. When the wireless charging module WRM is deactivated, the wireless charging mode can be deactivated regardless of activation or proximity of the neighboring external charging device.

[0067] The wireless charging module WRM can receive information about the first mode or the second mode of the electronic device ED determined by the sensor module SSM from the control module CM, and such information can be used to activate or deactivate the wireless charging mode. When the wireless charging mode is activated, the power supply module PM can receive power in a wireless manner from a neighboring external wireless charging device.

[0068] The external interface IF can serve as an interface connected to an external charger, a wired / wireless data port, a card (e.g., a memory card or a SIM / UIM card) seat, or the like.

[0069] The second electronic module EM2 can include an audio output module AOM, a light emitting module LM, a light receiving module LRM, a camera module CMM, a sensor module SSM, or the like. At least one of the modules can be mounted directly on the mother board. Alternatively, at least one of the modules can be mounted on another substrate and can be electrically connected to the display module 200 or the first electronic module EM1 through a connector (not shown).

[0070] The audio output module AOM can convert audio data transmitted from the wireless communication module TM or audio data stored in the memory MM and can output the converted audio data to the outside.

[0071] A light-emitting module (LM) can generate and emit light. In one embodiment, the LM can emit infrared light. The LM may include a light-emitting diode (“LED”) device. A light-receiving module (LRM) can sense the infrared light. The LRM can be activated when the intensity of the infrared light incident on it is higher than a reference value. The LRM may include a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (“CMOS”) sensor. The infrared light emitted from the LM may be reflected by an external object (e.g., a user’s finger or face), and the reflected infrared light may be incident on the LRM. A camera module (CMM) can be used to acquire an image of the external object.

[0072] The sensor module SSM may include at least one of various sensors for sensing various signals. The sensor module SSM can sense whether the electronic device ED is in a first mode or a second mode. In one embodiment, the sensor module SSM may include a motion detection sensor for sensing the operation of the electronic device ED. In one embodiment, for example, the sensor module SSM may use a motion detection sensor to sense the housing CS (e.g., see...). Figure 1 The sensor module SSM can sense the mode of the housing CS and determine whether the electronic device ED is in a first mode or a second mode based on the sensed mode of the housing CS. The sensor module SSM can determine whether the electronic device ED is in a first mode or a second mode based on the sensing of the sliding movement of the housing CS. In an embodiment, when the motion detection sensor senses that the first housing CS1 is opened in the first direction DR1 (for example, see...), the sensor module SSM can sense the sliding movement of the housing CS. Figure 1 When the motion detection sensor senses the sliding motion of closing the first housing CS1 in the first direction DR1, the sensor module SSM can determine that the electronic device ED is in the second mode. In this embodiment, when the motion detection sensor senses the sliding motion of closing the first housing CS1 in the first direction DR1, the sensor module SSM can determine that the electronic device ED is in the first mode.

[0073] In one implementation, the sensor module SSM may include a magnetic field sensing sensor. The sensor module SSM may be configured to sense the presence of an external wireless charging device in the vicinity of the electronic device ED. In one implementation, for example, the sensor module SSM may use the magnetic field sensing sensor to sense the magnetic field strength between the wireless charging coil of the external wireless charging device and the wireless charging coil of the electronic device ED. When a magnetic field of a specific strength is sensed, the sensor module SSM may send a signal to the control module CM for sensing the mode of the electronic device ED. The control module CM may instruct the sensor module SSM to determine whether the electronic device ED is in a first mode or a second mode. The sensor module SSM may determine whether the electronic device ED is in the first mode or the second mode based on the mode of the housing CS determined using a motion detection sensor.

[0074] In one implementation, the electronic module may include at least one of the elements constituting the first electronic module EM1 and the second electronic module EM2. In one implementation, for example, the second electronic module EM2 may include at least one of an audio output module AOM, a light emission module LM, a light receiving module LRM, a camera module CMM, and a thermal sensing module. Electronic modules EM1 and EM2 may sense information about external objects or may provide audio signals (e.g., voice) or light (e.g., infrared light) to the outside.

[0075] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a view showing a display module and a support portion supporting the display module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Figure 4A It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of the display module and the supporting components that support the display module. Figure 4B It is shown Figure 4A The side view of the display module and supporting components shown.

[0077] For ease of explanation, Figure 4A The display module DM and the support member SP, which are separate from each other, are shown. Figure 4B The transverse structure of the display module DM and the support member SP as viewed in the second direction DR2 is shown.

[0078] Reference Figure 4A and Figure 4B In an embodiment, the display surface DS of the display module DM may include a first region AA1 and a second region AA2. The first region AA1 of the display surface DS may be configured to have a region corresponding to the basic mode. Figure 1the size of the display surface DS, thereby determining the size of the screen in the first mode. That is, in the first mode, the display surface DS can be defined as the first area AA1, and the second area AA2 can not be exposed to the outside. In an alternative embodiment, in the first mode, a portion of the second area AA2 and the first area AA1 can be exposed to the outside.

[0079] In an embodiment in which the second area AA2 is adjacent to the first area AA1, when the electronic device ED is in the second mode, not only the first area AA1 can be exposed to the outside, and at least a portion of the second area AA2 can also be exposed to the outside. The size of the screen of the electronic device ED can increase the exposed area of at least a portion of the second area AA2.

[0080] In the second mode, other than the exposed portion, other portions of the second area AA2 can not be exposed to the outside. The other portions can correspond to a non-display area that is not exposed to the outside in the first mode and the second mode.

[0081] A support member SP can be disposed under the display module DM. The support member SP can include or be formed of a material having higher rigidity or lower flexibility than the display module DM. In an embodiment, the support member SP can be a metal plate (e.g., a plate including aluminum). The support member SP can include a first support portion SP1, a plurality of support bars SB, and a second support portion SP2. The first support portion SP1 can support the first area AA1 of the display module DM, and the support bars SB and the second support portion SP2 can support the second area AA2 of the display module DM.

[0082] The support bars SB can be disposed between the first support portion SP1 and the second support portion SP2. The support bars SB can extend in the second direction DR2 and can be arranged in the first direction DR1. The support bars SB can be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. In an embodiment, each of the support bars SB can have an inverted trapezoidal shape when viewed in the second direction DR2.

[0083] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Embodiments are illustrated in which the support bars SB are spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1, but the structure of the support bars SB is not limited thereto. In one alternative embodiment, for example, the support bars SB can be rotatably or tiltable combined with each other via a joint structure.

[0084] The first support portion SP1 can have a flat surface defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The first support portion SP1 can have a size corresponding to the first area AA1 of the display module DM.

[0085] The second support portion SP2 can overlap the second area AA2. In the first mode, the second support portion SP2 can face the first support portion SP1. The second support portion SP2 can include a metal plate.

[0086] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 4A and Figure 4B , a support member SP can be disposed under the display module DM to support the display module DM. The support member SP can be disposed on a rear surface of the display module DM, which is opposite to the display surface DS (see Figure 1 ).

[0087] The first support portion SP1 can be disposed on a rear surface of the display module DM to support the first area AA1 of the display module DM. The support bar SB and the second support portion SP2 can be disposed on the rear surface of the display module DM to support the second area AA2.

[0088] Although not shown, an adhesive can be disposed between the display module DM and the support member SP to attach the support member SP to the rear surface of the display module DM. In one embodiment, for example, the adhesive can include a pressure sensitive adhesive, but the present application is not limited thereto, and alternatively, the adhesive can include various adhesives.

[0089] Figure 5A and Figure 5B are cross-sectional views illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0090] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section taken along a line I-I' of Figure 1 . Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section taken along a line II-II' of Figure 2 .

[0091] Referring to Figure 5A and Figure 5B , an embodiment of the electronic device ED can include a display module DM, a support member SP (see Figure 4A and Figure 4B ), a case CS (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 ), and a wireless charging coil CL.

[0092] In an embodiment, the electronic device ED can be in a predetermined mode, i.e., a first mode or a second mode. The mode of the electronic device ED, i.e., whether the electronic device ED is in the first mode or the second mode, can be determined by the sliding motion of the housing CS. In an embodiment, the first mode of the electronic device ED can correspond to a case where the first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2 are moved toward each other to have a minimum distance, and the second mode of the electronic device ED can correspond to a case where the first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2 are moved away from each other to have a maximum distance.

[0093] In an embodiment, the mode of the electronic device ED can be determined based on an area of the display module DM exposed to the outside. In an embodiment, the display module DM can include a first area AA1 and a second area AA2. In the first mode, the first area AA1 can be exposed to the outside. The second area AA2 can extend from the first area AA1. In the first mode, the second area AA2 can not be exposed to the outside.

[0094] In an embodiment, when the electronic device ED is in the first mode, the second area AA2 can include a curved area CA curved with a certain radius of curvature and a flat area FA extending from the curved area CA to face the first area AA1. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1B, in the second mode, at least a portion of the second area AA2 can be exposed to the outside. In an embodiment, the at least a portion of the second area AA2 exposed to the outside in the second mode can correspond to the curved area CA in the first mode. Figure 5B

[0095] The support member SP can support the display module DM. The support member SP can include a first support portion SP1 and a second support portion SP2. The support member SP can include a metal plate. In an embodiment, the first support portion SP1 can support the first area AA1 of the display module DM, and the second support portion SP2 can support the flat area FA of the second area AA2 of the display module DM. The second support portion SP2 supporting the flat area FA can include a metal plate. The support member SP can include a plurality of support bars SB. The support bars SB can support the curved area CA of the second area AA2.

[0096] In an embodiment, the support member SP can include a sub-support plate SSP. The sub-support plate SSP can be disposed on the rear surface of the support member SP to support the first support portion SP1. Although not shown in the drawings, an accommodation space for accommodating components (e.g., a battery, a driving device, etc.) can be defined or disposed between the sub-support plate SSP and the bottom portion BP1.

[0097] ​The housing CS can accommodate the display module DM and the support member SP. The housing CS can include a first housing CS1 and a second housing CS2. The second housing CS2 can be combined to the first housing CS1 in a manner that allows the second housing CS2 to move away from or toward the first housing CS1 in the first direction DR1.

[0098] The display module DM and the support member SP can be fixed and combined to the first housing CS1. Repetitive description of features of the housing CS described above with reference to Figure 1 to Figure 4B will be omitted. The housing CS can change the mode of the electronic device ED (e.g., from the first mode to the second mode, or from the second mode to the first mode) by a sliding motion.

[0099] The first housing CS1 can include a side wall portion OSW and a bottom portion BP1. The second housing CS2 can include a side wall portion SW and a bottom portion BP2. In an embodiment, the display module DM and the support member SP can be fixed to the side wall portion OSW of the first housing CS1.

[0100] In an embodiment, the electronic device ED can include a rotation unit RU. The rotation unit RU can be disposed in the second housing CS2 and can be combined to the second housing CS2. In one embodiment, for example, the rotation unit RU can be combined to the side wall portion SW of the second housing CS2. Even when the rotation unit RU is combined to the side wall portion SW, the rotation unit RU can be rotatable. The rotation unit RU can be rotated by a sliding motion of the housing CS, thereby expanding or reducing the display surface DS (e.g., see Figure 1 ).

[0101] The wireless charging coil CL can be disposed in the housing CS. In an embodiment, the wireless charging coil CL can be fixed and coupled to the second housing CS2. The wireless charging coil CL can be fixed to the bottom portion BP2 of the second housing CS2, but the present application is not limited thereto, and the wireless charging coil CL can be fixed to the bottom portion BP2 in various ways.

[0102] In an embodiment, as Figure 5A and Figure 5BAs shown, in the first mode, the wireless charging coil CL can be shielded by the support member SP. In this embodiment, when the housing CS is in the first mode, the wireless charging coil CL can be shielded by the metal plate of the second support portion SP2. In the second mode, the wireless charging coil CL can be exposed from the support member SP. When the housing CS is in the second mode, the wireless charging coil CL can be exposed from the metal plate. In the first mode, the wireless charging coil CL can be configured to overlap with the first support portion SP1 and the second support portion SP2 on the third direction DR3. In the second mode, the wireless charging coil CL can be configured to overlap with the first support portion SP1 on the third direction DR3, but may not overlap with the second support portion SP2. In the second mode, the wireless charging coil CL can overlap with at least a portion of the second region AA2 that is exposed to the outside.

[0103] In this implementation, the wireless charging coil CL can be electrically connected to the wireless charging module WRM (e.g., see...). Figure 3 When the wireless charging coil CL is shielded by the metal plate of the second support portion SP2, the wireless charging coil CL can be deactivated, and when the wireless charging coil CL does not overlap with the second support portion SP2, the wireless charging coil CL can be activated. In this embodiment, the wireless charging coil CL can be activated or deactivated by the wireless charging module WRM. In this embodiment, the wireless charging coil CL can be activated or deactivated primarily by the metal plate of the second support portion SP2, and secondarily by the control of the wireless charging module WRM.

[0104] The wireless charging coil CL can charge the electronic device ED electromagnetically or through electromagnetic interaction with the transceiver coil 10 of the external wireless charging device 100. When the wireless charging coil CL is positioned to overlap with the transceiver coil 10 of the external wireless charging device 100 on the third-direction DR3, a magnetic field can be generated, and the induced current generated therefrom can be used to charge the electronic device ED. In an embodiment, the external wireless charging device 100 can be positioned in contact with or adjacent to the bottom portion BP1 of the first housing CS1, such that the transceiver coil 10 is aligned with the wireless charging coil CL.

[0105] like Figure 5A As shown, in the first mode, the metal plate of the second support portion SP2 can be positioned between the wireless charging coil CL and the transceiver coil 10 to deactivate the wireless charging coil CL. Figure 5B As shown, in the second mode, the metal plate may not be positioned between the wireless charging coil CL and the transceiver coil 10. Therefore, the wireless charging coil CL can be activated in the second mode. A detailed description of the wireless charging module WRM will be omitted.

[0106] Figure 6 is Figure 1 a schematic cross-sectional view of a display module shown in FIG.

[0107] Referring to Figure 6 , an embodiment of the display module DM can include a display panel DP, a touch sensing portion TSP disposed on the display panel DP, a window WIN disposed on the touch sensing portion TSP, and an adhesive OCA disposed between the touch sensing portion TSP and the window WIN.

[0108] In an embodiment, the display panel DP can be an organic light emitting display panel. However, the present application is not limited thereto, and various types of image display panels such as a liquid crystal display panel, an electrowetting display panel, and an electrophoretic display panel can be used as the display panel DP. The display panel DP can be a flexible display panel.

[0109] The display panel DP can include a substrate SUB, a pixel layer PXL disposed on the substrate SUB, and a thin film encapsulation layer TFE disposed on the substrate SUB to cover the pixel layer PXL. The substrate SUB can be a transparent substrate and can include a flexible plastic substrate. In one embodiment, for example, the substrate SUB can include polyimide ("PI").

[0110] The substrate SUB can include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA surrounding the display area DA. The pixel layer PXL can be disposed on the display area DA. The pixel layer PXL can include a plurality of pixels, each of which includes a light emitting device.

[0111] The thin film encapsulation layer TFE can include at least two inorganic layers and an organic layer disposed between the inorganic layers. The inorganic layers can include an inorganic material and can protect the pixel layer PXL from moisture or oxygen. The organic layer can include an organic material and can protect the pixel layer PXL from contaminant substances such as dust particles.

[0112] The touch sensing portion TSP can be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. The touch sensing portion TSP can sense an external input (e.g., a user's hand, a touch pen, etc.) and can convert the external input into an input signal. The touch sensing portion TSP can include a plurality of sensing electrodes for sensing the external input. The sensing electrodes can capacitively sense the external input.

[0113] In manufacturing the display module DM, the touch sensing portion TSP can be formed or disposed directly on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. However, the present application is not limited thereto, and the touch sensing portion TSP can be manufactured as a touch panel separate from the display panel DP and can be attached to the display panel DP by an adhesive.

[0114] The window WIN can protect the display panel DP and the touch sensing portion TSP from external scratches and external impacts. The window WIN can be attached to the touch sensing portion TSP by an adhesive OCA. The adhesive OCA can include an optically transparent adhesive. An image output by the display panel DP can be provided to a user through the window WIN.

[0115] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of charging an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the method of charging an electronic device can be performed in order to charge the electronic device in a wireless charging manner. Figure 7

[0117] In an embodiment, when a distance between the electronic device ED (e.g., see Figure 5A ) and the external wireless charging device 100 (e.g., see Figure 1 ) decreases, the sensor module SSM (e.g., see Figure 3 ) of the electronic device ED (e.g., see Figure 5A ) can sense a magnetic field intensity between the wireless charging coil CL (e.g., see ) and the transceiver coil 10 of the external wireless charging device 100 (in S10). In an embodiment, for example, the sensor module SSM can sense the magnetic field intensity using a magnetic field sensing sensor. The magnetic field intensity sensed by the sensor module SSM can be used to determine whether the electronic device ED (or the case CS) is in the first mode or in the second mode.

[0118] Figure 5A After sensing the magnetic field intensity between the wireless charging coil CL (e.g., see Figure 5A ) and the transceiver coil 10 of the external wireless charging device 100, the sensor module SSM can determine whether the electronic device ED (or the case CS) is in the first mode or in the second mode (in S20). In an embodiment, for example, the sensor module SSM can determine whether the electronic device ED is in the first mode or in the second mode based on a sliding motion of the case CS (e.g., see

[0119] Thereafter, when the electronic device ED is determined to be in the second mode, the control module CM can receive a signal from the sensor module SSM and can transmit a signal to the wireless charging module WRM (e.g., see Figure 3 ) to activate the wireless charging coil CL (e.g., see Figure 5A ) (in S32).

[0120] ​When the electronic device ED is determined to be in the first mode, the wireless charging module WRM can be deactivated, and the wireless charging coil CL can also be deactivated (in S34).

[0121] Figure 8A and Figure 8B is a sectional view illustrating a method of charging an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0122] Figure 8A is a graph illustrating a wireless charging process in which the electronic device ED receives power from the external wireless charging device 100 adjacent thereto. Figure 8B is a graph illustrating a flattening process of the display module DM and the support member SP occurring in the wireless charging process. In an embodiment, if the wireless charging coil CL is activated, the wireless charging step can be initiated, and the electronic device ED can receive power from the external wireless charging device 100. During the wireless charging step, the wireless charging coil CL can generate heat. The heat generated by the wireless charging coil CL can be used to flatten the curved portion CV formed in the display module DM adjacent to the wireless charging coil CL. Here, the curved portion CV in the display module DM can be formed in a portion of the second area AA2 of the display module DM that overlaps the curved area CA (see, for example, Figure 5A ) in the first mode of the electronic device ED. The curved portion CV can have a curved shape that protrudes in a direction away from the wireless charging coil CL (for example, in the third direction DR3). Although not shown, the curved portion CV can also be formed in the support member SP disposed below the display module DM. In such an embodiment, the curved portion CV of the support member SP can be flattened by the heat generated from the wireless charging coil CL during the wireless charging step. The curved portion CV of the support member SP can be formed near the support bar SB disposed on the rear surface of the display module DM and overlaps a portion of the second area AA2 of the display module DM that overlaps the curved area CA (see, for example, Figure 5A ) in the first mode.

[0123] Figure 9 is a graph illustrating a change in the deformation height of the curved portion CV of the display module at two different temperatures according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0124] Referring to Figure 9 , the curved portion CV formed in the display module DM (see, for example, Figure 8AA protrusion height (hereinafter, referred to as a deformation height) of the protrusion 100 of the display module DM can be about 188.7 micrometers (μm). However, the deformation height of the curved portion CV formed in the display module DM at a high temperature (for example, about 60℃) can be about 118.9 μm. Here, the room temperature can correspond to a temperature of the electronic device ED when the wireless charging procedure is not performed in the second mode, and the high temperature of about 60℃ can correspond to a temperature of the electronic device ED when the wireless charging procedure is performed in the second mode.

[0125] In Figure 9 In an embodiment of the electronic device ED, heat generated in the wireless charging procedure can be used to alleviate the bending deformation problem in the display module DM and the support member SP. Accordingly, according to the embodiment of the present application, the wireless charging procedure can be selectively activated in the second mode in which the bending deformation of the electronic device ED is exposed, and thus the malfunction of the electronic device caused by the bending deformation can be effectively alleviated or prevented.

[0126] In an embodiment of the electronic device and the method of charging the electronic device according to the present application, the wireless charging operation is selectively performed only in the second mode to prevent the bending deformation problem from occurring on the display panel.

[0127] According to the embodiment of the present application, since the metal support member is configured to shield the wireless charging coil in the first mode and expose the wireless charging coil in the second mode, the wireless charging operation is selectively performed only in the second mode.

[0128] According to the embodiment of the present application, since the wireless charging module activates the wireless charging operation when the second mode is sensed and deactivates the wireless charging operation when the first mode is sensed, the wireless charging operation is selectively performed only in the second mode.

[0129] According to the embodiment of the present application, heat generated in the wireless charging operation can be used to flatten the curved portion of the display panel generated in the second mode.

[0130] The present application should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the present application to those skilled in the art.

[0131] While the present application has been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details can be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the application as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising: a display module including a first area exposed to an outside in a first mode and a second area extending from the first area, wherein a portion of the second area is opposite to the first area in the first mode, another portion of the second area is exposed to the outside in a second mode, and the second area includes a curved area having a certain curvature in the first mode and a flat area extending from the curved area and opposite to the first area; a support member disposed under the display module to support the display module; a housing accommodating the display module and the support member, wherein the first mode and the second mode are determined based on a sliding motion of the housing; and a wireless charging coil accommodated in the housing, wherein the wireless charging coil is shielded by the support member in the first mode, and does not overlap the support member in the second mode, wherein the support member includes: a first support portion overlapping the first area; and a second support portion overlapping the second area, wherein the second support portion faces the first support portion in the first mode. 2.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the second support portion includes a metal plate. 3.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the wireless charging coil overlaps the first support portion and the second support portion in the first mode, and the wireless charging coil overlaps the first support portion and does not overlap the second support portion in the second mode. 4.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein when the wireless charging coil is shielded by the support member, the wireless charging coil is deactivated, and when the wireless charging coil does not overlap the support member, the wireless charging coil is activated. 5.The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising: a wireless charging module electrically connected to the wireless charging coil, wherein the wireless charging module activates the wireless charging coil in the second mode and deactivates the wireless charging coil in the first mode. 6.The electronic device of claim 5, further comprising: an electronic module electrically connected to the display module and including the wireless charging module, wherein the electronic module further includes a sensor module that senses whether the electronic device is in the first mode or in the second mode to generate state information, and transmits the generated state information to the wireless charging module.

7. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein, The sensor module senses the sliding motion of the housing to sense whether the electronic device is in the first mode or in the second mode.

8. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein, The housing includes a first housing to which the display module and the support member are fixed and combined, and a second housing combined to the first housing and capable of moving toward or away from the first housing in a predetermined direction. 9.The electronic device of claim 8, wherein when the second housing moves away from the first housing, the sensor module senses that the electronic device is in the second mode, and when the second housing moves toward the first housing, the sensor module senses that the electronic device is in the first mode.

10. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein, The wireless charging coil is fixed and combined to the second housing. 11.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the other portion of the second area exposed to the outside in the second mode corresponds to the curved area in the first mode, and the wireless charging coil overlaps the other portion of the second area exposed to the outside in the second mode.

12. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein, In the first mode, the wireless charging coil is deactivated by the support member and deactivated by the wireless charging module.

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