Sensor assembly and electronic device using the same

Abstract

A sensor assembly and an electronic device using the same are disclosed. The disclosed sensor assembly includes a first electrode portion in which a plurality of slide touch electrodes are arranged in a line with respect to each other, and a second electrode portion in which a force touch electrode is arranged that overlaps with one or more of the plurality of slide touch electrodes and is not connected to the first electrode portion, wherein the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are laminated with an elastic body, and the plurality of slide touch electrodes cause a change in capacitance by touch of a part of a user's body, and the force touch electrode causes a change in capacitance between the overlapping slide touch electrodes by changing the distance between the force touch electrodes by touch pressure.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor assembly and an electronic device using the same, and more specifically, to a sensor assembly capable of slide touch and force touch and an electronic device using the same. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, wireless earphones have been gaining strength over wired earphones.

[0003] The representative unit shapes of wireless earphones are classified into the stem type, also known as the "bean sprout" type, and the stemless type, which resembles a round pebble, depending on the presence or absence of a stem.

[0004] Such wireless earphones employ a capacitive slide touch sensor or a force touch sensor. Alternatively, wireless earphones may employ a strain sensing sensor.

[0005] The matters described in the background technology above are intended to aid in understanding the background of the invention and may include matters that are not disclosed prior art. Prior art literature

[0006] Prior Art 1: Korean Published Patent No. 10-2023-0091972 (June 23, 2023) Prior Art 2: Korean Registered Patent No. 10-1956745 (March 5, 2019) The problem to be solved

[0007] The present invention is proposed in consideration of the aforementioned conventional circumstances, and aims to provide a sensor assembly capable of implementing slide touch and force touch with a single sensor and an electronic device using the same. means of solving the problem

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, a sensor assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first electrode portion in which a plurality of slide touch electrodes are arranged in a line with respect to each other; a second electrode portion in which a force touch electrode is arranged to overlap one or more of the plurality of slide touch electrodes and is not connected to the first electrode portion; and an elastic body; wherein the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are stacked via the elastic body, and the plurality of slide touch electrodes cause a change in capacitance by touch of a part of a user's body, and the force touch electrode changes the distance from the overlapped slide touch electrode by touch pressure, thereby causing a change in capacitance between the force touch electrode and the overlapped slide touch electrode.

[0009] The number of force touch electrodes may be less than the number of slide touch electrodes.

[0010] The force touch electrode is one, and the one force touch electrode can overlap with the electrode located in the center among the plurality of slide touch electrodes.

[0011] The electrode located in the center among the plurality of slide touch electrodes and the one force touch electrode can face the center of the elastic body.

[0012] The force touch electrode is one, and the one force touch electrode can overlap with two or more electrodes, including the electrode located in the center among the plurality of slide touch electrodes.

[0013] The first electrode portion further includes a ground electrode, and the ground electrode may be disposed near the plurality of slide touch electrodes. In this case, the ground electrode may be spaced apart from each of the plurality of slide touch electrodes, between two mutually adjacent slide touch electrodes, and around each of the plurality of slide touch electrodes.

[0014] The second electrode portion further includes a ground electrode, and the ground electrode may be positioned near the force touch electrode. In this case, the ground electrode may be spaced apart from the force touch electrode and positioned to surround the perimeter of the force touch electrode.

[0015] The above plurality of slide touch electrodes and force touch electrodes can be formed on a flexible circuit board.

[0016] The first electrode portion may include wiring that connects the plurality of slide touch electrodes to a sensor controller.

[0017] The sensor controller can recognize the changing capacitance value at the plurality of slide touch electrodes and perform corresponding operation control.

[0018] The second electrode portion may include wiring that connects the force touch electrode and the slide touch electrode superimposed on the force touch electrode to a sensor controller.

[0019] The sensor controller can recognize a capacitance value that changes between the force touch electrode and the slide touch electrode superimposed on the force touch electrode, and perform corresponding operation control.

[0020] To achieve the above objectives, an electronic device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises: a housing including a cavity; and a sensor assembly installed in the cavity; wherein the sensor assembly comprises: a first electrode portion in which a plurality of slide touch electrodes are arranged in a line with respect to each other; a second electrode portion in which a force touch electrode is arranged to overlap one or more of the plurality of slide touch electrodes and is not connected to the first electrode portion; and an elastic body; wherein the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are stacked via the elastic body, and the plurality of slide touch electrodes cause a change in capacitance by touch of a part of a user's body, and the force touch electrode causes a change in capacitance between the overlapping slide touch electrodes by changing the distance between the force touch electrodes by touch pressure.

[0021] The plurality of slide touch electrodes may be installed closer to the housing than the force touch electrode.

[0022] The thickness of one side of the housing may be thinner than the thickness of the other side of the housing.

[0023] The center of the above elastic body may be positioned in the cavity at a portion corresponding to the center of the housing.

[0024] The above housing may be the housing of the earphone stem. Effects of the invention

[0025] According to the present invention with this configuration, by implementing a sensor assembly using two electrode parts and a single elastic body in a form where the electrode for the force touch sensor is shared with one electrode for the slide touch sensor, capacitive slide touch and force touch can be implemented as a single sensor.

[0026] Since the elastic body can fill the gap caused by injection molding errors in the earphone housing (i.e., case), mechanical tolerances during mass production of earphones can be overcome and the air layer can be eliminated. As a result, more accurate force touch sensing becomes possible. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0027] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a slide touch for a sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 are drawings for explaining force touch for a sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a drawing showing the case where the adhesive member and the elastic body shown in Figure 4 are combined. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the case where each configuration of the sensor assembly illustrated in Figure 5 is combined. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of line AA of Figure 6. FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 9 to 11 are drawings showing other variations of embodiments of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0028] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail.

[0029] However, this is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that it includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0030] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, terms such as "part" or "module" described in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or action, which may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0032] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings. In order to facilitate an overall understanding of the present invention, the same reference numerals are used for identical components in the drawings, and redundant descriptions of identical components are omitted.

[0033] The sensor assembly according to the present invention may be used as a substitute for an operation button for controlling the operation of earphones, touch displays, Bluetooth headsets, etc. Additionally, the sensor assembly according to the present invention may be used as a substitute for volume and power switches of a laptop.

[0034] In the following description, the sensor assembly according to the present invention is described as being employed in an electronic device such as an earphone (e.g., Bluetooth earphone).

[0035] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a slide touch for a sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are drawings for explaining a force touch for a sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the earphone (10) may include a head including a speaker (not shown) and a stem (12) of a predetermined length formed downward from the bottom of the head.

[0037] A cavity is formed inside the housing of the stem (12), and the sensor assembly (SA) according to the present invention can be installed within the cavity formed by the housing of the stem (12). Here, although the cavity is not separately indicated and no separate reference numeral is assigned, anyone engaged in the same industry will be sufficiently aware from the art that a cavity is formed in the housing of the stem (12).

[0038] The sensor assembly (SA) enables capacitive slide touch and capacitive force touch.

[0039] For example, the sensor assembly (SA) can be installed to fill the cavity formed by the housing of the stem (12) of the earphone (10) (see FIG. 3). The sensor assembly (SA) can be installed along the longitudinal direction of the stem (12) within the housing of the stem (12).

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when installing the sensor assembly (SA) within the housing of the stem (12), it is preferable that the plurality of slide touch electrodes within the sensor assembly (SA) be installed closer to the housing than the force touch electrodes. This is because the plurality of slide touch electrodes must respond to light touches rather than touch pressure. In order to reliably cause a change in capacitance due to a touch of a part of the user's body, it is preferable that the plurality of slide touch electrodes be installed as close as possible to the housing, and it is particularly preferable that they be installed closer to the housing than the force touch electrodes. Since the force touch electrodes respond to touch pressure rather than light touches, they may be installed less close to the housing than the plurality of slide touch electrodes. The above-mentioned plurality of slide touch electrodes and force touch electrodes will be described later.

[0041] Additionally, if necessary, the thickness of one side of the housing of the stem (12) of the earphone (10) may be made thinner than the thickness of the other side of the housing. This is to allow the sensor assembly (SA) to be inserted more easily and accurately when inserting it into the cavity of the housing of the stem (12). That is, the operator can visually check the thickness of the housing of the stem (12) and insert multiple slide touch electrodes toward the side where the housing thickness is thinner. By doing so, the insertion direction of the sensor assembly (SA) can be identified more quickly and inserted accurately, thereby reducing errors of mis-insertion and maximizing work efficiency. Additionally, making the thickness of one side of the housing of the stem (12) of the earphone (10) thinner than the thickness of the other side of the housing can satisfy the requirement that the multiple slide touch electrodes described above be installed closer to the housing than the force touch electrodes.

[0042] Referring to Fig. 1, a capacitive slide touch operation will be described.

[0043] In FIG. 1, when a user touches a part of their body (e.g., a finger) to the outer surface of the stem (12) of the earphone (10) and slides it up or down, the earphone (10) performs a corresponding function.

[0044] For example, when a user slides upward while touching a part of their body (e.g., a finger) on the outer surface of the stem (12), a plurality of slide touch electrodes (not shown) within the sensor assembly (SA) cause a change in capacitance according to the order of touch. Then, the changed capacitances are sequentially applied to a sensor controller (not shown) on the main board (PCB) within the earphone (10). The sensor controller detects the difference between the change value of the capacitance and the set value to determine whether a touch has occurred, and can recognize the direction of movement of the touch according to the time order of the determined touch. That is, it can recognize that the sliding direction is upward. Accordingly, the sensor controller controls the speaker output volume of the earphone (10), for example, to increase to a predetermined amount. As a result, the speaker output volume of the earphone (10) increases to a predetermined amount.

[0045] Conversely, if the user slides a part of their body (e.g., a finger) downward while touching the outer surface of the stem (12), the speaker output volume of the earphone (10) will be lowered by a predetermined amount.

[0046] Referring to Fig. 2, a capacitive force touch operation will be described.

[0047] In FIG. 2, when a user places a part of their body (e.g., thumb and index finger) against the outer surface of both sides of the stem (12) of the earphone (10) and presses, the earphone (10) performs a corresponding function.

[0048] For example, when no pressing action is performed, the original thickness (d1) of the sensor assembly (SA) embedded in the cavity of the stem (12) housing is maintained without any change in thickness, as shown in the left figure of FIG. 3. Here, the thickness of the sensor assembly (SA) may refer to the length or width between the upper end and the lower end of the sensor assembly (SA) when viewed with reference to FIG. 3. More specifically, the change in thickness of the sensor assembly (SA) may be caused by a change in the thickness of the elastic body (not shown) within the sensor assembly (SA). That is, when the user does not press the outer surfaces of both sides of the stem (12), the length or width between the upper end and the lower end of the sensor assembly (SA) in FIG. 3 is the same at any position (i.e., the same as the thickness (d1)). In other words, there is no change in the thickness of the elastic body (not shown) within the sensor assembly (SA).

[0049] However, as shown in the right figure of FIG. 3, when a user presses the outer surfaces of both sides of the stem (12) (e.g., position (P1)) with a predetermined pressure, the thickness of the sensor assembly (SA) at the pressure-applied position (P1) changes. That is, it changes from thickness (d1) to thickness (d2). More specifically, a change in the thickness of the elastic body (not shown) within the sensor assembly (SA) occurs. To aid in understanding this, it would be preferable to show the outer surfaces of both sides of the stem (12) in a concave, rounded shape in the right figure of FIG. 3. However, since the area does not become distinctly concave or rounded even when the user presses the outer surfaces of both sides of the stem (12), it is shown as in FIG. 3. As a result, the converted capacitance from the force touch electrode (not shown) at the corresponding position (P1) is applied to the sensor controller. The sensor controller counts the number of capacitance values ​​received (i.e., changed capacitance values) within a predetermined time (i.e., can be seen as corresponding to the number of applied pressure values) and controls the execution of a function corresponding to the count value. For example, if the count value is 1, music can be played or music currently playing can be paused. Of course, the sensor assembly (SA) may also control the execution of a function corresponding to the capacitance value that has changed according to the intensity of the pressure.

[0050] Meanwhile, the earphones illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 described above are schematically illustrated only with components related to the embodiment of the present invention in order to prevent the features of the embodiment of the present invention from being obscured. Accordingly, it can be fully understood by those skilled in the art related to the embodiment of the present invention that other general-purpose components may be included in addition to the components illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0051] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the case where the adhesive member and the elastic body shown in FIG. 4 are combined, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the case where each component of the sensor assembly shown in FIG. 5 is combined. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along line AA of FIG. 6 and should be considered as a cross-sectional view of the portion where the electrodes are located in the sensor assembly.

[0052] A sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first electrode part (20), a second electrode part (30), and an elastic body (40).

[0053] A plurality of slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23) may be arranged in a line relative to each other in the first electrode portion (20).

[0054] A plurality of slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23) may be formed on a base substrate of a flexible material. Here, the base substrate of a flexible material may be composed of a flexible circuit board (FPCB) made of polyimide or polyester material. Although a reference numeral for the base substrate of a flexible material is not separately indicated in FIG. 7, a person working in the same industry will easily understand that a plurality of slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23) and a ground electrode (24) are formed on a base substrate of a flexible material. Looking at FIG. 7, compared to the area (or layer) where a plurality of slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23) and a ground electrode (24) are arranged in the first electrode portion (20), the area below can be seen as the area occupied by the base substrate of a flexible material. In the case of FIG. 7, the upper region compared to the area (or layer) where a plurality of slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23) and a ground electrode (24) are arranged in the first electrode portion (20) can be seen as an area occupied by a coverlay. Of course, in the embodiment of the present invention, it is not necessary to use the coverlay described above. On the other hand, if necessary, the upper region compared to the area (or layer) where a plurality of slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23) and a ground electrode (24) are arranged in the first electrode portion (20) of FIG. 7 can be seen as an area occupied by a base substrate made of a flexible material.

[0055] For example, the Young's modulus (elastic modulus) of a flexible base substrate on which a plurality of slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23) are formed may be approximately 2.5 GPa. Since a larger Young's modulus value indicates greater rigidity of the material and thus prevents it from bending easily, it is preferable to set the Young's modulus of the flexible base substrate to approximately 2.5 GPa, taking this into consideration.

[0056] Each of the multiple slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23) can cause a change in capacitance as a part of the user's body (e.g., a finger) is touched. The multiple slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23) can be seen as operating in a self-capacitance manner.

[0057] Multiple slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23) may be made of copper (Cu) material.

[0058] Each of the plurality of slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23) may have a thickness of approximately 7 μm to 70 μm, but it is preferable to have a thickness as thin as possible to improve the sensitivity of the slide touch. Accordingly, it is preferable that the thickness of each of the plurality of slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23) be approximately 12 μm.

[0059] Meanwhile, the Young's modulus of the multiple slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23) may be approximately 123 GPa.

[0060] A ground electrode (24) may be placed near a plurality of slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23).

[0061] According to an embodiment, the ground electrode (24) is spaced apart from each of the plurality of slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23). The ground electrode (24) may be placed between two mutually adjacent slide touch electrodes (i.e., electrode (21) and electrode (22), electrode (22) and electrode (23)) and around each of the plurality of slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23). For example, the Young's modulus of the ground electrode (24) may be approximately 123 GPa.

[0062] The ground electrode (24) can increase the signal separation between the slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23) in the case of a slide touch (e.g., a light touch without applying pressure). A sensor controller (not shown) can determine the order of touches by utilizing the time difference between each touch as each of the slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23) is touched, and can detect the direction of movement of the touches through the determined order of touches. At this time, if the ground electrode (24) is placed between and around the plurality of slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23), the sensor controller can detect the order of touches between each electrode more easily and accurately.

[0063] In FIG. 4, the number of slide touch electrodes is shown as three, but if necessary, it may be two or four or more. In reality, the size of the stem (12) of the earphone (10) in which the sensor assembly (SA) is employed is very small, and for slide touch, at least two slide touch electrodes need to be arranged in a line, so there is no need to make the number of slide touch electrodes four or more.

[0064] In this way, a plurality of slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23) and a ground electrode (24) may be disposed in the first electrode portion (20), and the plurality of slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23) and the ground electrode (24) may be disposed on one side of the first electrode portion (20).

[0065] A connection part (25) for connection with a sensor controller of a main board (e.g., PCB; not shown) may be disposed on the other side of the first electrode part (20). A sensor controller (not shown) and various electronic components are mounted on the main board. The connection part (25) may be connected to the main board through ACF (Anisotropic Conductive Film) bonding or soldering.

[0066] The connection portion (25) may include connection terminals (25a, 25b, 25c, 25d). Here, the connection terminal (25a) may be connected to the ground electrode (24) via wiring (26). The connection terminal (25b) may be connected to the slide touch electrode (21) via wiring (26), and the connection terminal (25c) may be connected to the slide touch electrode (22) via wiring (26). The connection terminal (25d) may be connected to the slide touch electrode (23) via wiring (26). Accordingly, the wiring (26) may be considered to be included in the first electrode portion (20).

[0067] Accordingly, the plurality of slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23) cause a change in capacitance as a part of the user's body (e.g., a finger) is touched. Accordingly, the sensor controller recognizes the capacitance value changing in the plurality of slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23) and can control a corresponding operation based on the recognized capacitance value. For example, the sensor controller can determine the direction of movement of the touch according to the time and location of the touch based on the changing capacitance value and control a corresponding operation.

[0068] The second electrode portion (30) is not connected to the first electrode portion (20). That is, the first electrode portion (20) and the second electrode portion (30) are not connected to each other, and the electrodes of the first electrode portion (20) and the second electrode portion (30) can each be individually electrically connected to a sensor controller on a main board (e.g., PCB; not shown).

[0069] A force touch electrode (31) is disposed in the second electrode portion (30). In the embodiment, the number of force touch electrodes (31) is set to one. In practice, since the size of the stem (12) of the earphone (10) is too small, there is no need to have multiple force touch electrodes. It is believed that one force touch electrode is sufficient to perform its function.

[0070] A force touch electrode (31) may be formed on a base substrate of a flexible material. Here, the base substrate of a flexible material may be composed of a flexible circuit board (FPCB) made of polyimide or polyester material. Although a reference numeral for the base substrate of a flexible material is not separately indicated in FIG. 7, anyone in the same industry will easily understand that the force touch electrode (31) and the ground electrode (32) are formed on the base substrate of a flexible material. Looking at FIG. 7, the lower region of the second electrode part (30) compared to the region (or layer) where the force touch electrode (31) and the ground electrode (32) are placed can be seen as the region occupied by the base substrate of a flexible material. In the case of FIG. 7, the upper region compared to the region (or layer) where the force touch electrode (31) and the ground electrode (32) are placed in the second electrode part (30) can be seen as the region occupied by the coverlay. Of course, in the embodiments of the present invention, it is not necessary to use the aforementioned coverlay.

[0071] For example, the Young's modulus (elastic modulus) of the base substrate of the flexible material on which the force touch electrode (31) is formed may be about 2.5 GPa. Since the higher the value of the Young's modulus, the greater the rigidity of the material and the less easily it bends, it is preferable to set the Young's modulus of the base substrate of the flexible material to approximately 2.5 GPa, taking this into consideration.

[0072] The force touch electrode (31) can form a capacitance between the overlapping electrodes among the plurality of slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23). The distance between the force touch electrode (31) and the overlapping slide touch electrode changes due to touch pressure, thereby causing a change in capacitance. Accordingly, the sensor controller recognizes the capacitance value changing between the force touch electrode (31) and the slide touch electrode overlapping the force touch electrode (31), and can control a corresponding operation based on the recognized capacitance value.

[0073] The force touch electrode (31) may overlap with one or more of the plurality of slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23). According to an embodiment, the force touch electrode (31) overlaps only with the electrode (22) located in the center among the plurality of slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23) while having the same size as the electrode (22) located in the center. If the size of the force touch electrode (31) is much smaller than the size of the slide touch electrode (22) located in the center, force touch sensing will be difficult, and if the size of the force touch electrode (31) is too large, waste of electrode material may occur. Therefore, in an embodiment of the present invention, in order to achieve a minimum electrode area where force touch sensing can be properly performed, the size of the force touch electrode (31) is made to be the same as the size of the electrode (22) located in the center among the plurality of slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23), and the force touch electrode (31) is overlapped only with the corresponding slide touch electrode (22).

[0074] In this way, the slide touch electrode (22) can be called a combined electrode since it is used for both slide touch and force touch. Accordingly, if the force touch electrode (31) is called a force bottom electrode, the slide touch electrode (22) can be a force top electrode.

[0075] An elastic body (40) is interposed between the first electrode part (20) and the second electrode part (30). Accordingly, when manufacturing (assembling) the sensor assembly (SA), it is preferable to position the slide touch electrode (22) and the force touch electrode (31) so as to face each other at the center of the elastic body (40). Through stress simulation, it was determined that the location where the greatest force is applied to the stem (12) of the earphone (10) is the center of the housing of the stem (12). If the center of the elastic body (40) is positioned at the location where the greatest force is applied (more specifically, the part corresponding to the center of the housing in the cavity of the housing of the stem (12)), the part of the elastic body (40) that receives the most touch pressure is the center of the elastic body (40), and the amount of displacement at the center of the elastic body (40) can be the greatest. Ultimately, in order to maximize the sensitivity of the force touch, it is preferable that the slide touch electrode (22) and the force touch electrode (31) face the center of the elastic body (40). Accordingly, when touch pressure is applied to the slide touch electrode (22) and the force touch electrode (31), the amount of displacement (deformation) at the center of the elastic body (40) increases, thereby enabling more accurate sensing of the force touch.

[0076] The force touch electrode (31) may be made of copper (Cu) material. The thickness of the force touch electrode (31) may be approximately 7 μm to 70 μm, and it is preferable to have a thickness as thin as possible to improve the sensitivity of the force touch. Accordingly, it is preferable that the thickness of the force touch electrode (31) be approximately 12 μm. Meanwhile, the Young's modulus of the force touch electrode (31) may be approximately 123 GPa.

[0077] A ground electrode (32) may be placed near the force touch electrode (31).

[0078] According to an embodiment, the ground electrode (32) is spaced apart from the force touch electrode (31). The ground electrode (32) is positioned near the force touch electrode (31) and may be positioned to surround the perimeter of the force touch electrode (31).

[0079] The ground electrode (32) can reduce noise and evenly distribute the self-capacitance of the slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23). For example, when simulating the capacitance for the electrodes, it was found that the self-capacitance of the slide touch electrode (21) is approximately 1.65 pF, the self-capacitance of the slide touch electrode (22) is approximately 1.63 pF, and the self-capacitance of the slide touch electrode (23) is approximately 1.70 pF. Meanwhile, it was found that the self-capacitance of the force touch electrode (31) is approximately 1.96 pF, and the force touch sensing capacitance between the force touch electrode (31) and the slide touch electrode (22) is approximately 0.275 pF.

[0080] In this way, the ground electrode (32) can be used as a ground for the self-capacitance of a plurality of slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23).

[0081] The force touch electrode (31) and the ground electrode (32) are disposed on one side of the second electrode portion (30), and a connection portion (33) for connection with a main board (e.g., PCB; not shown) may be disposed on the other side of the second electrode portion (30). A sensor controller (not shown) is mounted on the main board. The connection portion (33) may be connected to the main board through ACF (Anisotropic Conductive Film) bonding or soldering.

[0082] The connection portion (33) may include connection terminals (33a, 33b). Here, the connection terminal (33a) may be connected to the ground electrode (32), and the connection terminal (33b) may be connected to the force touch electrode (31). For example, the electrodes (31, 32) and the connection terminals (33a, 33b) may be connected via wiring (34). Accordingly, the wiring (34) may be considered to be included in the second electrode portion (30).

[0083] The elastic body (40) is a part that undergoes thickness displacement as pressure is applied to the sensor assembly (SA) from the outside, and can be constructed using, for example, Poron. The Poron material itself is a high-performance polyurethane foam with a fine and uniform cellular structure, and comes in various types ranging from a flexible and compressible form to a high-hardness form capable of withstanding heavy weight.

[0084] At this time, the Young's modulus of the elastic body (40) may be, for example, approximately 7 MPa to 35 MPa. The lower the Young's modulus of the elastic body (40), the greater the deformation for the same pressure and the greater the change in capacitance. As a result of actual simulation, it was confirmed that for a force touch sensor using a pressure of 5 N or less, it is desirable that the Young's modulus of the elastic body (40) composed of poron does not exceed approximately 7 MPa to 11 MPa.

[0085] In the above example, the elastic body (40) is exemplified as using Poron, but the elastic body may be composed of a material other than Poron. If necessary, the elastic body (40) may be a fibrous body, and more specifically, may be composed of a nanofiber body formed of nanofibers.

[0086] The elastic body (40) can be formed into a sheet shape of a predetermined thickness.

[0087] The thickness of the elastic body (40) can fill the gap caused by injection errors in the housing (i.e., case) and base of the stem (12) of the earphone (10) in which the sensor assembly (SA) is employed, thereby overcoming mechanical tolerances during mass production of the earphone and eliminating the air layer.

[0088] In addition, the elastic body (40) is intended to faithfully perform its role as an elastic body in the force touch, and the elastic force of the elastic body (40) should not exceed the maximum deformation of the elastic body.

[0089] For example, assuming that the width (i.e., gap thickness) of the cavity formed by the housing of the stem (12) of the earphone (10) in which the sensor assembly (SA) is employed is 520 μm and the thickness of the sensor assembly (SA) is 600 μm, and the thickness of the elastic body (40) is 300 μm, then there is always an elastic body compression of 80 μm. Here, if the deviation (i.e., tolerance) of the gap thickness is ±50 μm, the thickness of the elastic body (40) when contracted can be 30 μm to 130 μm.

[0090] At this time, if the maximum compression ratio of the elastic body (40) with a thickness of 300 μm is 50%, the maximum compression range of the elastic body (40) is 0 μm to 150 μm. In this case, when the deviation of the gap thickness described above is ±50 μm, the thickness of the elastic body (40) at the time of contraction, 30 μm to 130 μm, is within the maximum compression range of the elastic body (40) (i.e., 0 μm to 150 μm), so the thickness of the elastic body (40) can be used with the thickness of 300 μm as exemplified above. The maximum compression range of the elastic body (40) is a range calculated by reflecting the maximum compression ratio to the thickness of the elastic body (40) before contraction (compression), and indicates to what thickness the thickness of the elastic body (40) before contraction can be compressed.

[0091] However, if the maximum compression ratio of an elastic body (40) with a thickness of 300 μm is 40%, the maximum compression range of the elastic body (40) is 0 μm to 120 μm. In this case, when the deviation of the gap thickness described above is ±50 μm, the thickness of the elastic body (40) when contracted (i.e., 30 μm to 130 μm) exceeds the upper limit of the maximum compression range (i.e., 120 μm). Therefore, in this case, the thickness of the elastic body (40) exemplified as 300 μm must be increased further so that even if the maximum compression ratio is 40%, the maximum compression range of the elastic body (40) becomes greater than or equal to the thickness of the elastic body (40) when contracted (i.e., 130 μm or more).

[0092] Meanwhile, a first adhesive member (42) may be attached to one side (e.g., upper surface) of the elastic body (40), and a second adhesive member (44) may be attached to the other side (e.g., lower surface) of the elastic body (40).

[0093] For example, the first and second adhesive members (42, 44) can be formed from a double-sided adhesive tape substrate, preferably thin. However, if they are excessively thin, problems with adhesive reliability may occur.

[0094] That is, the elastic body (40) can be interposed between the first electrode part (20) and the second electrode part (30) through the first and second adhesive members (42, 44), which are double-sided adhesive tapes.

[0095] The double-sided adhesive tape exemplified above may be made of acrylic, and the Young's modulus of the first and second adhesive members (42, 44) may be approximately 1.7 GPa.

[0096] When manufacturing (or assembling) the sensor assembly (SA) configured as described above, first, as shown in FIG. 4, a first electrode part (20), a second electrode part (30), an elastic body (40), and first and second adhesive members (42, 44) are each prepared.

[0097] Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the lower surface of the first adhesive member (42) is attached to the upper surface of the elastic body (40), and the upper surface of the second adhesive member (44) is attached to the lower surface of the elastic body (40). Of course, it is also acceptable to attach the second adhesive member (44) to the upper surface of the elastic body (40) and the first adhesive member (42) to the lower surface of the elastic body (40). In FIG. 5, reference numeral 45 refers to a combination in which the elastic body (40), the first adhesive member (42), and the second adhesive member (44) are mutually combined.

[0098] Afterward, the first electrode part (20) and the second electrode part (30) are stacked by interposing a coupling member (45) between the first electrode part (20) and the second electrode part (30). For example, one side of the coupling member (45) in FIG. 5 (e.g., the lower surface of the second adhesive member (44)) and one side of the second electrode part (30) (e.g., the upper surface) are attached to one side of the second electrode part (30) so that they come into contact with each other. Then, the other side of the coupling member (45) (e.g., the upper surface of the first adhesive member (42)) and the other side of the first electrode part (30) (e.g., the lower surface) are attached to the other side of the first electrode part (20) so that they come into contact with each other. By doing this, a sensor assembly (SA) with completed assembly can be made as shown in FIG. 6.

[0099] Then, the connection portion (25, 33) of the sensor assembly (SA) as in FIG. 6 is connected to a main board (e.g., PCB; not shown) through ACF bonding or soldering. By doing so, a plurality of slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23) and force touch electrodes (31) can be electrically connected to a sensor controller on the main board.

[0100] As described above, an embodiment of the present invention can be configured using two electrode parts and a single elastic body in a form where the electrode for the force touch sensor is shared with one electrode for the sliding touch sensor.

[0101] In FIGS. 4 to 6 described above, the electrodes (21, 22, 23, 24) of the first electrode part (20) and the electrodes (31, 32) of the second electrode part (30) are shown so that the arrangement shape of the electrodes (21, 22, 23, 24) of the first electrode part (20) and the electrodes (31, 32) of the second electrode part (30) can be easily identified.

[0102] And, as shown in Fig. 6, if the AA line of the completed sensor assembly is cross-sectionally processed, it can be seen that it takes the shape shown in Fig. 7.

[0103] A sensor assembly as shown in FIG. 7 is inserted and installed in the cavity of the housing (i.e., case) of the stem (12) of the earphone (10). The housing of the stem (12) of the earphone (10) may be made of a material such as polycarbonate and preferably thin. For example, the Young's modulus of the housing of the stem (12) of the earphone (10) may be approximately 2.24 GPa.

[0104] Meanwhile, the thickness of the housing (i.e., case) of the stem (12) of the earphone (10) is approximately 0.3 to 0.8 mm, and when the user holds and presses the housing of the stem (12), the housing can bend to a maximum of 15 μm to 20 μm. The embodiment of the present invention can be said to be implemented so that force touch sensing is possible even in such an environment.

[0105] In FIG. 7, when a user slides in a desired direction while touching a part of their body (e.g., a finger) to one of the slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23), a change in capacitance occurs at the corresponding electrode according to the touch sequence. Accordingly, the sensor controller on the main board recognizes the capacitance values ​​changing at the plurality of slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23) and controls the performance of a corresponding operation based on the recognized capacitance values.

[0106] Meanwhile, in FIG. 7, when the user applies pressure to the center of both sides of the housing of the stem (12) of the earphone (10), the thickness of the elastic body (40) decreases, and as a result, the distance between the slide touch electrode (22) and the force touch electrode (31) becomes closer. Accordingly, the capacitance between the slide touch electrode (22) and the force touch electrode (31) changes. Accordingly, the sensor controller recognizes the changing capacitance value between the force touch electrode (31) and the slide touch electrode (22), identifies that it is a force touch based on the recognized capacitance value, and controls the corresponding operation to be performed. Of course, the sensor controller may also distinguish the pressure intensity by the capacitance value and perform the corresponding operation.

[0107] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] Figure 8 is identical to Figure 7 except that it additionally includes a third adhesive member (46) and a coverlay (50).

[0109] That is, in the modified example of FIG. 8, a third adhesive member (46) is attached to the upper surface of the first electrode part (20), and a coverlay (50) is located on the upper surface of the third adhesive member (46).

[0110] For example, the third adhesive member (46) can be formed from a double-sided adhesive tape substrate, preferably thin. However, if it is excessively thin, problems may arise with adhesive reliability.

[0111] The third adhesive member (46), which is composed of double-sided adhesive tape, may be made of acrylic material, and the Young's modulus of the third adhesive member (46) may be approximately 1.7 GPa.

[0112] The coverlay (50) may be composed of, for example, a PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) film. On the other hand, the coverlay (50) may be a PI film, a PEN (Polyethylene Naphthalate) film, a PC (Polycarbonate) film, a PSS (Poly styrene sulfonate) film, or a transparent film made of other engineering plastics.

[0113] The coverlay (50) can eliminate the gap (e.g., gap due to mechanical structural tolerance) between the housing (i.e., case) of the stem (12) of the earphone (10) and the sensor assembly (SA) inside the housing, and can eliminate the air gap by applying appropriate tension to the elastic body (40).

[0114] The Young's modulus of the coverlay (50) can be approximately 3.44 GPa.

[0115] As described above, the modified example of FIG. 8 additionally includes a third adhesive member (46) and a coverlay (50), but the change in capacitance due to slide touch and the change in capacitance due to force touch will occur substantially the same as in the embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, it is believed that those engaged in the same industry will be able to fully understand the manufacturing (assembly) process of the modified example of FIG. 8 through the manufacturing (assembly) process of the sensor assembly described with reference to FIG. 4 to 6.

[0116] FIGS. 9 to 11 are drawings showing other variations of embodiments of the present invention.

[0117] The modified example of FIG. 9 differs from FIG. 4 in that the first electrode part (20) does not have a ground electrode (24). Accordingly, the connection part (25) does not have a connection terminal (25a) connected to the ground electrode (24). Except for this difference, the configuration is identical to that of FIG. 4.

[0118] In addition, it is believed that those working in the same industry can fully understand the manufacturing (assembly) process of the modified example of Fig. 9 through the manufacturing (assembly) process of the sensor assembly described with reference to Figs. 4 to 6.

[0119] In the modified example of FIG. 9, the first electrode part (20) does not have a ground electrode (24), but even without a ground electrode (24), the change in capacitance due to slide touch and the change in capacitance due to force touch will occur in a manner similar to the embodiment of the present invention described above.

[0120] Meanwhile, in the modified example of FIG. 9, the first electrode part (20) has no ground electrode (24) and the second electrode part (30) has a ground electrode (32), but it may be configured in the opposite way. That is, the first electrode part (20) has a ground electrode (24) and the second electrode part (30) does not have a ground electrode (32). If the ground electrode (24) is only present in the first electrode part (20), the connection part (25) will include a connection terminal (25a) connected to the ground electrode (24), and the connection part (33) will not include a connection terminal (33a).

[0121] The modified example of FIG. 10 differs from FIG. 4 in that the first electrode part (20) does not have a ground electrode (24) and the second electrode part (30) does not have a ground electrode (32). Accordingly, the connection part (25) does not have a connection terminal (25a) connected to the ground electrode (24), and the connection part (33) does not have a connection terminal (33a) connected to the ground electrode (32). Except for these differences, the configuration is identical to that of FIG. 4.

[0122] In addition, it is believed that those working in the same industry can fully understand the manufacturing (assembly) process of the modified example of Fig. 10 through the manufacturing (assembly) process of the sensor assembly described with reference to Figs. 4 to 6.

[0123] In the modified example of FIG. 10, there are no ground electrodes (24, 32), but even without ground electrodes (24, 32), the change in capacitance due to slide touch and the change in capacitance due to force touch will occur in a manner similar to the embodiments of the present invention described above.

[0124] The modified example of FIG. 11 differs from FIG. 4 in that there is no ground electrode (24) in the first electrode portion (20) and no ground electrode (32) in the second electrode portion (30). Also, the second electrode (31) has a size that overlaps all of the multiple slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23).

[0125] In the case of Fig. 11, the connection part (25) does not have a connection terminal (25a) connected to the ground electrode (24), and the connection part (33) does not have a connection terminal (33a) connected to the ground electrode (32).

[0126] Except for the differences mentioned above, it is identical to the configuration of Fig. 4.

[0127] In addition, it is believed that those working in the same industry can fully understand the manufacturing (assembly) process of the modified example of Fig. 11 through the manufacturing (assembly) process of the sensor assembly described with reference to Figs. 4 to 6.

[0128] In the modified example of FIG. 11, there are no ground electrodes (24, 32), and the force touch electrode (31) overlaps all of the multiple slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23), but the change in capacitance due to slide touch and the change in capacitance due to force touch will occur in a manner similar to the embodiment of the present invention described above.

[0129] Of course, in the modified example of FIG. 11, the force touch electrode (31) is superimposed on three slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23), but it is acceptable to superimpose it on two slide touch electrodes. When superimposed on two slide touch electrodes, the force touch electrode (31) may superimpose on electrode (21) or electrode (23), including the electrode (22) located in the center among the three slide touch electrodes (21, 22, 23).

[0130] According to the embodiments and variations of the present invention as described above, after manufacturing the first electrode part (20), the second electrode part (30), and the elastic body (40) respectively, the first electrode part (20) and the second electrode part (30) can be stacked using the elastic body (40) as a medium. By doing so, not only is the manufacturing process of the sensor assembly (SA) easy, but a single sensor capable of sensing slide touch and force touch can also be implemented. However, since the connection parts (25, 33) of the first electrode part (20) and the second electrode part (30) must each be connected to a main board (e.g., PCB) separately, it may be a somewhat cumbersome task, but it has the effect of implementing slide touch and force touch with a single capacitive sensor.

[0131] The foregoing description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept of the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to make various modifications and variations within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to explain, not limit, the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0132] 10 : Earphones 12 : Stem 20: First electrode part 21, 22, 23: Slide touch electrodes 24, 32: Grounding electrodes 25, 33: Connection parts 30: Second electrode part 31: Force touch electrode 40: Elastomer 42, 44, 46: Adhesive members 50 : Coverlay

Claims

Claim 1 A sensor assembly comprising: a first electrode portion in which a plurality of slide touch electrodes are arranged in a mutually aligned line; a second electrode portion in which a force touch electrode is arranged to overlap with one or more of the plurality of slide touch electrodes and is not connected to the first electrode portion; and an elastic body; wherein the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are stacked via the elastic body, the plurality of slide touch electrodes cause a change in capacitance by touch of a part of a user's body, and at least one of the plurality of slide touch electrodes is arranged to face the center of the elastic body so that the distance from the force touch electrode changes according to a thickness displacement at the center of the elastic body, and the force touch electrode causes a change in capacitance between the force touch electrode and the combined electrode by changing the distance from the combined electrode due to touch pressure. Claim 2 A sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the number of force touch electrodes is less than the number of slide touch electrodes. Claim 3 In claim 2, the force touch electrode is one, and the one force touch electrode overlaps with the electrode located in the center among the plurality of slide touch electrodes, a sensor assembly. Claim 4 In claim 3, the electrode located in the center among the plurality of slide touch electrodes and the single force touch electrode are a sensor assembly facing the center of the elastic body. Claim 5 In claim 2, the force touch electrode is one, and the single force touch electrode overlaps with two or more electrodes, including the electrode located in the center among the plurality of slide touch electrodes, in a sensor assembly. Claim 6 In claim 1, the sensor assembly further comprises a ground electrode, wherein the ground electrode is disposed near the plurality of slide touch electrodes. Claim 7 In claim 6, the ground electrode is spaced apart from each of the plurality of slide touch electrodes, between two mutually adjacent slide touch electrodes, and disposed around each of the plurality of slide touch electrodes, forming a sensor assembly. Claim 8 In claim 1, the sensor assembly further comprises a ground electrode, wherein the ground electrode is positioned near the force touch electrode. Claim 9 In claim 8, the ground electrode is spaced apart from the force touch electrode and arranged to surround the perimeter of the force touch electrode, forming a sensor assembly. Claim 10 In claim 1, the plurality of slide touch electrodes are a sensor assembly formed on a flexible circuit board. Claim 11 In claim 1, the force touch electrode is a sensor assembly formed on a flexible circuit board. Claim 12 In claim 1, the sensor assembly comprises a first electrode portion including wiring that connects the plurality of slide touch electrodes to a sensor controller. Claim 13 In claim 12, the sensor controller recognizes a changing capacitance value at the plurality of slide touch electrodes and performs corresponding operation control, thereby forming a sensor assembly. Claim 14 In claim 1, the sensor assembly comprises a second electrode portion including wiring that connects the force touch electrode and a slide touch electrode superimposed with the force touch electrode to a sensor controller. Claim 15 In claim 14, the sensor controller recognizes a capacitance value changing between the force touch electrode and the slide touch electrode superimposed on the force touch electrode and performs corresponding operation control, thereby forming a sensor assembly. Claim 16 An electronic device comprising: a housing including a cavity; and a sensor assembly installed within the cavity; wherein the sensor assembly comprises: a first electrode portion in which a plurality of slide touch electrodes are arranged in a mutually aligned line; a second electrode portion in which a force touch electrode is arranged to overlap with one or more of the plurality of slide touch electrodes and is not connected to the first electrode portion; and an elastic body; wherein the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are laminated via the elastic body, and the plurality of slide touch electrodes cause a change in capacitance by touch of a part of a user's body, and at least one of the plurality of slide touch electrodes is arranged to face the center of the elastic body so as to change the distance from the force touch electrode according to a thickness displacement at the center of the elastic body, and the force touch electrode causes a change in capacitance between the force touch electrode and the combined electrode by changing the distance from the combined electrode due to touch pressure. Claim 17 An electronic device according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of slide touch electrodes are installed closer to the housing than the force touch electrodes. Claim 18 An electronic device according to claim 16, wherein the thickness of one side of the housing is thinner than the thickness of the other side of the housing. Claim 19 In claim 16, the center of the elastic body is positioned in the cavity at a portion corresponding to the center of the housing, an electronic device. Claim 20 In Clause 16, the above housing is an electronic device that is the housing of the earphone stem.

Images