Electronic device including touch electrodes

By incorporating conductive patterns and touch sensor modules into in-ear wireless headphones, the touch area is expanded, solving the problem of limited touch electrode size, improving touch sensitivity, and enhancing the touch performance of electronic devices.

CN116134835BActive Publication Date: 2025-12-30SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202180059159.9
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2020-07-23
Filing Date
2021-07-20
Publication Date
2025-12-30
Estimated Expiration
2041-07-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In in-ear wireless headphones, due to space constraints, the size of the touch electrodes is reduced, leading to a deterioration in touch performance.

Method used

By setting conductive patterns and touch sensor modules between the housing and the printed circuit board, the touch area is expanded, and the microphone is positioned facing inwards from the housing. Electrical connection of the touch electrodes is achieved using conductive patterns and connecting components, reducing design limitations on antennas or touch patterns.

Benefits of technology

It improves touch sensitivity, eliminates the need for separate touch electrodes, expands the touch area, and enhances the touch performance of electronic devices.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Various embodiments relate to electronic devices including touch electrodes. The electronic device can include a housing including a first microphone hole; a first printed circuit board located inside the housing; a touch sensor module located on the first printed circuit board; at least one microphone to collect external sound; at least one second printed circuit board electrically connected to the first printed circuit board, having the microphone located on a first surface facing inside the housing, and including a second microphone hole, and a first touch electrode electrically connected to the touch sensor module by being located on a second surface opposite the first surface so as to surround the second microphone hole, wherein the second printed circuit board is disposed between the housing and the first printed circuit board so that the second microphone hole corresponds to the first microphone hole; and a conductive pattern positioned to cover at least a portion of the first touch electrode and electrically connected to the touch sensor module. Other various embodiments are possible.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments relate to electronic devices that include touch electrodes. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic devices (e.g., mobile terminals, smartphones, or wearable devices) can provide a variety of functions. For example, in addition to basic voice communication functions, smartphones can also provide short-range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth). TM It has various functions such as Wi-Fi or near-field communication, mobile communication (3G, 4G or 5G), music or video playback, photography or navigation.

[0003] There is increasing interest in various accessory devices that operate in conjunction with electronic devices. For example, there has been a recent increase in interest in in-ear wireless headphones. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] In in-ear wireless headphones, various components (e.g., antennas, touch electrodes, and / or microphones) can be arranged in the exposed parts when worn on a user's ear. However, due to the small size of wireless headphones, it may be difficult to arrange multiple components in the exposed parts. For example, the size of the touch electrodes may be reduced, thus potentially degrading touch performance.

[0006] Various embodiments may provide an electronic device including touch electrodes that can improve touch sensitivity by increasing the touch area.

[0007] The technical problems to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description other technical problems not mentioned above.

[0008] Technical solution

[0009] An electronic device according to various embodiments may include, for example,: a housing including a first microphone hole; a first printed circuit board located in the housing; a touch sensor module located on the first printed circuit board; at least one microphone configured to capture external sound; at least one second printed circuit board electrically connected to the first printed circuit board such that the microphone is located on a first surface oriented toward the interior of the housing, including a second microphone hole and a first touch electrode located on a second surface opposite to the first surface to surround the second microphone hole and electrically connected to the touch sensor module, and disposed between the housing and the first printed circuit board to allow the second microphone hole to correspond to the first microphone hole; and a conductive pattern positioned to surround at least a portion of the first touch electrode and electrically connected to the touch sensor module.

[0010] An electronic device according to various embodiments may include, for example,: a housing including a first microphone hole; a first printed circuit board located within the housing; a touch sensor module located on the first printed circuit board; at least one microphone configured to capture external sound; at least one second printed circuit board electrically connected to the first printed circuit board, such that the microphone is positioned on a first surface oriented toward the interior of the housing, including a second microphone hole and touch electrodes located on a second surface opposite to the first surface to surround the second microphone hole and electrically connected to the touch sensor module, and disposed between the housing and the first printed circuit board to allow the second microphone hole to correspond to the first microphone hole; a connecting member located on the first printed circuit board; and a conductive pattern electrically connected to the touch sensor module located on the first printed circuit board via the connecting member.

[0011] An electronic device according to various embodiments may include, for example,: a housing including a first microphone hole; a first printed circuit board located in the housing; a touch sensor module located on the first printed circuit board; a wireless communication module located on the first printed circuit board and configured to transmit / receive wireless signals; at least one microphone configured to capture external sound; at least one second printed circuit board electrically connected to the first printed circuit board, such that the microphone is positioned on a first surface oriented toward the interior of the housing, including a second microphone hole and touch electrodes located on a second surface opposite to the first surface to surround the second microphone hole and electrically connected to the touch sensor module, and disposed between the housing and the first printed circuit board to allow the second microphone hole to correspond to the first microphone hole; and a conductive pattern located in the housing and electrically connected to the touch sensor module and the wireless communication module.

[0012] Beneficial effects of the invention

[0013] Various embodiments may include touch electrodes in a portion of a component (e.g., a rigid-flexible printed circuit board (RFPCB)) in which a microphone is disposed, thus eliminating the need for separate components (e.g., FPCBs) or substrate members (or carriers) for the touch electrodes, thereby ensuring a secure mounting location. This reduces limitations on the design / arrangement of the antenna or touch pattern. Furthermore, various embodiments can increase the touch area and improve touch sensitivity due to the increased touch area.

[0014] The effects that can be obtained by this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains can clearly understand other unmentioned effects through the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1a This is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 1b This is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 1c This is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 1d This is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to another embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2a This is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to yet another embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2b This is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to yet another embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3a This is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to yet another embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3b This is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to yet another embodiment.

[0023] Figure 4a Examples of touch electrodes are shown according to various embodiments.

[0024] Figure 4b Another example of a touch electrode arrangement according to various embodiments is shown.

[0025] Figure 4c Another example of a touch electrode arrangement according to various embodiments is shown.

[0026] Figure 5 Various shapes of touch electrodes according to various embodiments are shown.

[0027] Figure 6a This is a view illustrating an electronic device including a foreign object prevention component according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 6b This is a view illustrating an electronic device including a foreign object prevention component according to another embodiment.

[0029] Figure 7a This is a view showing an electronic device including a sound-insulating component according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 7b This is a view illustrating an electronic device including a foreign object prevention member and a sound insulation member according to another embodiment.

[0031] Figure 7c This is a view illustrating an electronic device including a foreign object prevention member and a sound insulation member according to yet another embodiment.

[0032] Figure 8This is a view illustrating an electronic device including a plurality of touch electrodes according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting touch input in an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting touch input of an electronic device according to another embodiment. Specific Implementation

[0035] In the following description, various embodiments will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. Specific embodiments are shown in the drawings and described in detail, but this is not intended to limit the various embodiments to a particular form. For example, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains that various modifications can be made to the embodiments.

[0036] Figure 1a This is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment. Figure 1b and Figure 1c This is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to one embodiment. For example, Figure 1b The sectional view is along Figure 1a A cross-sectional view of the electronic device taken along axis A-A' and viewed in the Y-axis direction. Figure 1c The sectional view is along Figure 1a A cross-sectional view of the electronic device taken along axis B-B' and viewed in the Y-axis direction.

[0037] Reference Figures 1a to 1c According to one embodiment, the electronic device 101 can be a wearable wireless communication device. For example, the electronic device 101 is not limited to any particular type, but can be an in-ear Bluetooth device (e.g., headphones).

[0038] An electronic device 101 according to one embodiment may include a housing 110, a conductive pattern 120, a substrate member 121, a connecting member 131, a first microphone 141, a second microphone 142, a first printed circuit board 151, a second printed circuit board 152, a battery 160, a speaker 170, a wireless communication module 180, and / or a touch sensor module 190.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the housing 110 may include various components including the electronic device 101. At least a portion of the housing 110 may be made of various materials, such as polymers, ceramics, or metals. The housing 110 may include a first portion 110a exposed to the outside of the user's body and a second portion 110b inserted into the interior of a part of the body (e.g., the outer ear) when the user wears the electronic device on a part of the body (e.g., the ear). For example, the housing 110 may include multiple connectable portions (e.g., the first portion 110a or the second portion 110b), and when the connectable portions are connected to each other and worn on a part of the user's body (e.g., the ear), the first portion 110a may be visually exposed to the outside of the user's body more than the second portion 110b.

[0040] According to one embodiment, housing 110 may include at least one microphone configured to acquire audio sound and include at least one microphone hole for the at least one microphone. For example, electronic device 101 may include a first microphone 141 and a second microphone 142, with the first microphone hole 111 and the first microphone hole 112 positioned through a first portion 110a of housing 110.

[0041] According to one embodiment, battery 160 can provide power to at least one component of electronic device 101 (e.g., wireless communication module 180, touch sensor module 190, memory (not shown), or processor (not shown)). According to one embodiment, battery 160 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0042] According to one embodiment, speaker 170 can receive sound signals from an audio module (not shown) located on a first printed circuit board 151 and output the received sound signals to the outside of electronic device 101. The sound signals can be associated with multimedia playback, recording playback, or call reception. Speaker 170 can be disposed at housing 110 (e.g., disposed facing the rear surface of the second portion 110b, e.g., Figure 1b The Z-axis orientation is used to output sound signals to the inside of the body (e.g., the ear) when the electronic device 101 is worn.

[0043] According to one embodiment, a first printed circuit board (PCB) 151 may be located within a housing 110. At least a portion of various components of the electronic device 101 may be located on the first printed circuit board 151. For example, a wireless communication module 180, a touch sensor module 190, and / or a connection member 131 that are in contact with a portion of the conductive pattern 120 may be located on the first printed circuit board 151.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the connecting member 131 may be located on the first printed circuit board 151 and in contact with the conductive pattern 120 to allow the conductive pattern 120 to be electrically connected to the wireless communication module 180 and / or the touch sensor module 190. According to one embodiment, the connecting member 131 may include a flexible conductive member such as a C-clamp, a spring pin, a spring, conductive foam, conductive rubber, conductive tape, or a copper connector.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the touch sensor module 190 can detect touch input via the first portion 110a. The touch sensor module 190 can be located on the first printed circuit board 151 and electrically connected to the touch electrode 152b and the conductive pattern 120. For example, the touch sensor module 190 can be electrically connected to the conductive pattern 120 via a connection member 131 and electrically connected to the touch electrode 152b via electrical connection members of the first printed circuit board 151 and the second printed circuit board 152.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module 180 can support establishing a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device (not shown) and performing wireless communication via the established wireless communication channel. For example, the wireless communication module 180 can support short-range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth). TM Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is used. The wireless communication module 180 may be located on the first printed circuit board 151. The wireless communication module 180 may be electrically connected to the conductive pattern 120. For example, the wireless communication module 180 may be connected to the conductive pattern 120 via a connection member 131 located on the first printed circuit board 151.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the conductive pattern 120 can be electrically connected to the touch sensor module 190. The conductive pattern 120 can operate as a touch electrode for touch detection. Furthermore, the conductive pattern 120 can be electrically connected to the wireless communication module 180 to transmit / receive wireless signals. For example, the conductive pattern 120 can transmit / receive wireless signals using the Bluetooth protocol, but is not limited thereto. The conductive pattern 120, configured to support touch detection and / or transmission / reception of wireless signals, can be electrically connected to the touch sensor module 190 and / or the wireless communication module 180 via a connection member 131 located on the first printed circuit board 151. For example, as... Figure 1c As shown, the conductive pattern 120 can be electrically connected to the wireless communication module 180 and / or the touch sensor module 190 via a connection member 131 located on the first printed circuit board 151. According to one embodiment, at least one component (e.g., an inductor) configured to reduce mutual interference can be located between the wireless communication module 180 and the touch sensor module 190.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the base member 121 may include a conductive pattern 120 on one of its surfaces (e.g., the upper surface) as a separate structure located within the housing 110. According to one embodiment, the base member 121 may be an injection-molded product.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the conductive pattern 120 may be positioned on the substrate member 121 via attachment, deposition, or laser direct forming (LDS) technology. According to another embodiment, the conductive pattern 120 may be positioned on the inner surface of the first portion 110a of the housing 110 via attachment, deposition, or laser direct forming (LDS) technology and connected to the first printed circuit board 151 via a connecting member 131. The conductive pattern 120 may include the same material as the touch electrode 152b (e.g., copper) or a different material (e.g., at least one of silver, gold, or aluminum).

[0050] According to one embodiment, the conductive pattern 120 may be configured as part of a component surrounding the electronic device 101. For example, the conductive pattern 120 may be configured as at least a portion surrounding the touch electrode 152b.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the second printed circuit board 152 may be electrically connected to the first printed circuit board 151. For example, the end of a flexible region of the second printed circuit board 152 may be connected to the first printed circuit board 151 via a connecting member (e.g., a connector or solder). According to one embodiment, the second printed circuit board 152 may be a rigid-flexible PCB (RFPCB) including a rigid region with rigid characteristics and a flexible region with flexible characteristics, and the flexible region may be connected to the first printed circuit board 151 via a connecting member. According to one embodiment, the first printed circuit board 151, the second printed circuit board 152, and the connecting member may be integrally formed, and the first printed circuit board 151 and the second printed circuit board 152 may be rigid regions, and the connecting member may be a flexible region. According to one embodiment, the second printed circuit board 152 may include a second first printed circuit board 152-1 on which a first microphone 141 is located, and a second second printed circuit board 152-2 on which a second microphone 142 is located. For example, a first microphone 141 may be located on a first surface of a second first printed circuit board 152-1, the first surface being oriented toward the interior of the housing 110 (e.g., in the -Z direction), and a second microphone 142 may be located on a first surface of a second second printed circuit board 152-2. The second surfaces (surfaces opposite to the first surfaces) of the second first printed circuit board 152-1 and the second second second printed circuit board 152-2 may be adjacent to a first portion 110a of the housing 110. For example, the second surfaces of the second first printed circuit board 152-1 and the second second second printed circuit board 152-2 may contact a portion of the inner surface of the first portion 110a of the housing 110.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the second first printed circuit board 152-1 may include a second first microphone hole 152a-1 and a touch electrode (hereinafter, the first first touch electrode) 152b-1 located on its second surface to surround the second first microphone hole 152a-1. Similarly, the second second printed circuit board 152-2 may include a second second microphone hole 152a-2 and a touch electrode (hereinafter, the first second touch electrode) 152b-2 located on its second surface to surround the second second microphone hole 152a-2. The second first printed circuit board 152-1 and the second second printed circuit board 152-2 may be located between the housing 110 (e.g., the first portion 110a) and the first printed circuit board 151, as shown in the figure. Figure 1b The Z-axis. For example, a second first printed circuit board 152-1 may be located between the housing 110 and the first printed circuit board 151, such that the second first microphone hole 152a-1 corresponds to the first first microphone hole 111 (positioned on the same or similar axis), and a second second printed circuit board 152-2 may be located between the housing 110 and the first printed circuit board 151, such that the second second microphone hole 152a-2 corresponds to the first second microphone hole 112.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the second first printed circuit board 152-1 may include multiple layers, and may include at least a portion of the outermost layer of the multiple layers, the outermost layer being positioned close to the first portion 110a, serving as the first first touch electrode 152b-1. Similarly, the second second printed circuit board 152-2 may include multiple layers, and may include at least a portion of the outermost layer of the multiple layers, the outermost layer being positioned close to the first portion 110a, serving as the first second touch electrode 152b-2.

[0054] According to one embodiment, a first microphone 141 may be located on a first surface of a second first printed circuit board 152-1, and a second microphone 142 may be located on a first surface of a second second printed circuit board 152-2. The first microphone 141 and the second microphone 142 may receive (collect) external sounds (e.g., a user's voice) and send the received audio sounds to an audio module (not shown).

[0055] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the housing 110a in which at least one of the second first printed circuit board 152-1 or the second second printed circuit board 152-2 is positioned may have a thickness less than that of other portions. For example, a portion of the housing 110a in which at least one of the second first printed circuit board 152-1 or the second second printed circuit board 152-2 is positioned may be thinned.

[0056] Although Figures 1a to 1cNot shown, but electronic device 101 may further include a processor and a memory. The processor may be operatively connected to various components of electronic device 101 and control the operation of electronic device 101. For example, the processor may receive sensing information from touch sensor module 190 and control at least a portion of the operation of electronic device 101 based on the received sensing information. According to one embodiment, the processor may receive sensing values ​​from at least one sensor included in electronic device 101 (e.g., proximity sensor, accelerometer sensor, gyroscope sensor, geomagnetic sensor, magnetic sensor, gesture sensor, grip sensor, or biometric sensor) to control at least a portion of the operation of electronic device 101. For example, when the processor detects via a sensor that electronic device 101 is being worn by a user, the processor may activate touch sensor module 190 and / or wireless communication module 180. The memory may be operatively connected to the processor and store instructions configured to control the processor to perform operations of electronic device 101 upon execution. For example, the memory may store instructions configured to allow the processor to perform operations that detect touch input on the electronic device upon execution. Reference will be made later. Figure 9 and Figure 10 Description of operation of touch input on detection electronic device 101.

[0057] Figures 1a to 1c Electronic device 101 has been shown to include two microphones, but according to another example, the electronic device may include only one microphone or three or more microphones. For example, the other microphone may be located in an empty area of ​​the base member 121 or around the base member 121. Furthermore, Figures 1a to 1c It has been shown that a second first printed circuit board 152-1 and a second second printed circuit board 152-2 respectively include a first first touch electrode 152b-1 and a first second touch electrode 152b-2. However, in an electronic device according to another example, a portion of a plurality of second printed circuit boards (e.g., a second first printed circuit board 152-1 including a first microphone 141) may include touch electrodes. Furthermore, Figures 1a to 1c The electronic device 101 can be wirelessly connected to a second electronic device (e.g., an electronic device that includes components that are the same as or similar to those of the electronic device 101) to support stereo output.

[0058] Figure 1d This is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to another embodiment.

[0059] Reference Figure 1dAccording to another embodiment, the electronic device 102 may include a recess 110a-1 in a portion of a first portion 110a of a housing 110, a second first printed circuit board 152-1 located in this portion of the housing, and a first first microphone hole 111 positioned through the recess 110a-1. Furthermore, at least a portion of the second first printed circuit board 152-1 may be located within the recess 110a-1. Figures 1a to 1c Compared to electronic device 101, electronic device 102 can have improved touch sensitivity because the first touch electrode 152b-1 is positioned closer to the surface of housing 110.

[0060] Although not in Figure 1d As shown, however, in electronic device 102, a second printed circuit board 152-2 can be positioned on the first portion 110a of housing 110 and may include another recess through which the first and second microphone holes 112 are positioned. Other components of electronic device 102 are... Figures 1a to 1c The components of the electronic device 101 are similar, so a detailed description of it will be omitted.

[0061] Figure 2a This is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to another embodiment.

[0062] Reference Figure 2a The electronic device 201 according to one embodiment can be similar to Figures 1a to 1c Electronic device 101. In Figure 2a In the electronic device 201, a second first printed circuit board 152-1 may be positioned on the inner surface of the first portion 110a of the housing 110, tilted at a predetermined angle relative to the Z-axis rather than parallel to the first printed circuit board 151. A first first microphone hole 111 may be positioned tilted relative to the Z-axis rather than parallel to the Z-axis.

[0063] Because the first touch electrode 152b-1 is positioned close to the surface of the housing 110, as described above... Figure 2a The electronic device 201 can have improved touch sensitivity.

[0064] Figure 2b This is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to yet another embodiment.

[0065] Reference Figure 2bAccording to another embodiment, the electronic device 202 may include a recess 110a-1 in a portion of a first portion 110a of the housing 110, a second first printed circuit board 152-1 located in the recess, and a first first microphone hole 111 located in the recess 110a-1. Furthermore, at least a portion of the second first printed circuit board 152-1 may be located in the recess 110a-1. Compared to the electronic device 201, the electronic device 202 according to yet another embodiment may have improved touch sensitivity because the first first touch electrode 152b-1 is positioned closer to the surface of the housing 110.

[0066] Although not in Figure 2b As shown, however, in electronic device 202, a second printed circuit board 152-2 may be located on the first portion 110a of housing 110 and may include another recess through which the first and second microphone holes 112 are positioned. Electronic device 202 is similar to Figure 2a The electronic device 201 is used, therefore detailed descriptions of other components will be omitted.

[0067] Figure 3a and Figure 3b This is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to yet another embodiment.

[0068] Before proceeding with the detailed description, the second printed circuit board 152-1 will be described as an example below. However, the following description can be applied to the second printed circuit board 152-2.

[0069] Reference Figure 3a and Figure 3b According to one embodiment Figure 3a The electronic device 301 can be similar to Figures 1a to 1c Electronic device 101, Figure 3b The electronic device 302 can be similar to Figure 2a Electronic device 201. Figure 3a and Figure 3b The electronic devices 301 and 302 may further include a stiffener 355.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the reinforcement 355 may be located on the second surface of the second first printed circuit board 152-1 (e.g., in the +Z direction) and may strengthen the area in which the first microphone 141 is disposed of on the second first printed circuit board 152-1.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the reinforcement 355 may be conductive and electrically connected to the first touch electrode 152b-1. According to another embodiment, electronic devices 301 and 302 may use the reinforcement 355, comprising a conductive material (e.g., special purpose steel (SUS)), as the touch electrode. According to one embodiment, the reinforcement 355 included in electronic devices 301 and 302 may at least partially comprise a conductive material, thereby strengthening the area where the first microphone 141 is disposed of on the second first printed circuit board 152-1 and transmitting touch input from the first portion 110a of the housing 110 to the first touch electrode 152b-1.

[0072] According to one embodiment, electronic devices 301 and 302 can be coupled with... Figure 1d and Figure 2b The electronic devices 102 and 202 include recesses in a portion of the first part 110a of the housing 110 in the same or similar manner.

[0073] Figure 4a Examples of touch electrodes are shown according to various embodiments.

[0074] Reference Figure 4a Electronic devices according to various embodiments (e.g., electronic devices 101, 102, 201, 202, 301, and 302) may include a touch electrode 452b. Figure 4a The touch electrode 452b can be used with Figures 1a to 3b The first touch electrode 152b-1 described herein is the same as or similar to the first touch electrode 152b-1. For example, the touch electrode 452b may be located on the second surface (e.g., in the +Z direction) of the second printed circuit board 452 (e.g., the second first printed circuit board 152-1), and the microphone may be located on the first surface (e.g., in the -Z direction) of the second printed circuit board 452.

[0075] According to one embodiment, such as Figure 3a and Figure 3b The touch electrode 452b may be further connected to a reinforcement (e.g., reinforcement 355).

[0076] Figure 4b Another example of a touch electrode arrangement according to various embodiments is shown.

[0077] Reference Figure 4b The electronic device according to various embodiments (e.g., electronic devices 101, 102, 201, 202, 301, and 302) may further include a first extended touch electrode 452c electrically connected to the first first touch electrode 452b-1. The first extended touch electrode 452c may be included in a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) connected to the second first printed circuit board 452-1.

[0078] Figure 4b It has been shown that the first extended touch electrode 452c is electrically connected to the first first touch electrode 452b-1. However, according to one embodiment, the first extended touch electrode 452c may be electrically connected to the first second touch electrode 452b-2 of the second printed circuit board 452-2. According to another embodiment, the first extended touch electrode 452c may be electrically connected to both the first first touch electrode 452b-1 and the first second touch electrode 452b-2.

[0079] Figure 4c Another example of a touch electrode arrangement according to various embodiments is shown.

[0080] Reference Figure 4c According to various embodiments, the first touch electrode 452b-1 can be electrically connected to the first printed circuit board 151 via a second extended touch electrode 452d. For example, the first touch electrode 452b-1 may not be electrically connected to the left end portion of the first printed circuit board 151, but may be electrically connected to the first printed circuit board 151 via a second extended touch electrode 452d located near the center of the first printed circuit board 151. The first second touch electrode 452b-2 can be electrically connected to the right end of the first printed circuit board 151.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the second extended touch electrode 452d can be configured by extending at least a portion of the outermost layer of a plurality of layers included in a flexible printed circuit board (located between a first printed circuit board 151 and a second first printed circuit board 452-1).

[0082] Figure 4c It has been shown that the first touch electrode 452b-1 is electrically connected to the first printed circuit board 151 via the second extended touch electrode 452d. However, according to one embodiment, the first touch electrode 452b-2 of the second printed circuit board 452-2 can be electrically connected to the first printed circuit board 151 via the second extended touch electrode 452d, and the first touch electrode 452b-1 can be electrically connected to the left end portion of the first printed circuit board 151, such as... Figure 4a and Figure 4b As shown.

[0083] According to another embodiment, the first first touch electrode 452b-1 and the first second touch electrode 452b-2 may be electrically connected to the first printed circuit board 151 without via the second first printed circuit board 452-1 and the second second printed circuit board 452-2, and the first first touch electrode 452b-1 and the first second touch electrode 452b-2 may be electrically connected to the first printed circuit board 151 via the second extended touch electrode 452d.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may include three or more touch electrodes. According to another embodiment, the electronic device may include three second printed circuit boards, with a microphone located on a first surface of at least one second printed circuit board, and touch electrodes located around a microphone hole on a second surface thereon.

[0085] Figure 5 Various shapes of touch electrodes according to various embodiments are shown.

[0086] Reference Figure 5 The touch electrode 504 (e.g., first touch electrode 152b-1 and / or first second touch electrode 152b-2) according to various embodiments can have various shapes. For example, the touch electrode 504 can have a circular shape including a microphone hole 501 as indicated by reference numeral 510 in the figure, a quadrilateral shape including a microphone hole 501 as indicated by reference numeral 520 in the figure, a quadrilateral ring shape including a microphone hole 501 (spaced apart from a quadrilateral ring) as indicated by reference numeral 530 in the figure, a coil shape around the microphone hole 501 as indicated by reference numeral 540 in the figure, an X-shape including the microphone hole 501 at the intersection of an X-shape as indicated by reference numeral 550 in the figure, and a ring shape spaced apart from a ground region 502 surrounding the microphone hole 501 as indicated by reference numeral 560 in the figure. A non-conductive region 503 can be located between the ground region 502 and the touch electrode 504. The touch electrode 504 is not limited to Figure 5 The embodiments can have various shapes. Although not shown, a ground region (e.g., ground region 502) can be located between the touch electrode 504 and the microphone hole 501 shown in reference numerals 510 to 550, similar to reference numeral 560. A non-conductive region (e.g., non-conductive region 503) can be located between the ground region (e.g., ground region 502) and the touch electrode 504.

[0087] Figure 6a This is a view illustrating an electronic device including a foreign object prevention component according to an embodiment.

[0088] Reference Figure 6a The electronic device according to one embodiment can be similar to Figures 1a to 1c Electronic device 101. Figure 6a The embodiments may further include a foreign object prevention component 657.

[0089] According to one embodiment, with reference to the Z-axis, a foreign object prevention member 657 can be positioned (decorated) between the housing 110 and the second surface of the second first printed circuit board 152-1 (e.g., in the +Z direction), thus preventing foreign objects from being introduced into the interior of the housing 110. The foreign object prevention member 657 can be located in a recess (or depression) 110-1, which is formed by removing (thinning) a portion of the housing 110 that contacts the second surface of the second first printed circuit board 152-1. According to one embodiment, the depression 110-1 can have a shape similar to or different from the first microphone hole 111, and can be smaller than a portion of the housing 110 that is larger than the first microphone hole 111 and contacts the second surface of the second first printed circuit board 152-1. According to another embodiment, the depression 110-1 can have dimensions in which the second surface of the second first printed circuit board 152-1 can be positioned. For example, the second first printed circuit board 152-1 can be located in the depression 110-1.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the foreign object prevention member 657 may be conductive and can be used as a touch electrode. The foreign object prevention member 657 may be configured to operate like a capacitor by being spaced a predetermined distance from the first touch electrode 152b-1. According to one embodiment, the first touch electrode 152b-1 and the foreign object prevention member 657 may be electrically connected to each other via separate components (not shown) or directly. Although not shown, according to one embodiment, a reinforcing member 355 may be located between the first touch electrode 152b-1 and the foreign object prevention member 657. For example, the first touch electrode 152b-1, the reinforcing member 355, and the foreign object prevention member 657 may be electrically connected to each other. When the foreign object prevention member 657 is conductive, the electronic device can reduce the distance d between the housing 110 and the foreign object prevention member 657, thereby improving touch sensitivity.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the foreign object prevention member 657 and the first touch electrode 152b-1 may comprise the same material, or at least a portion of the foreign object prevention member 657 and the first touch electrode 152b-1 may comprise different materials. For example, the foreign object prevention member 657 and the first touch electrode 152b-1 may comprise the same material (e.g., copper) or different materials (e.g., at least one of copper, silver, gold, or aluminum). The foreign object prevention member 657 may be a conductive mesh.

[0092] Although Figure 6a It has been shown that the foreign object prevention component 657 is provided in the part. Figures 1a to 1c The structure in the electronic device 101 is shown as an example only for illustrative purposes. Figure 6a Foreign object prevention components can be applied in the same or similar way to Figures 1d to 3b Electronic devices 102, 201, 202, 301 and 302.

[0093] Figure 6b This is a view illustrating an electronic device including a foreign object prevention component according to another embodiment.

[0094] Reference Figure 6b According to another embodiment, the electronic device may include a first recess 110-1 and a second recess 110-2 in a housing 110, a first microphone hole 111 located in the first recess 110-1 and a foreign object prevention member 657 located in the first recess 110-1, and a second printed circuit board 152-1 located in the second recess 110-2. The first recess 110-1 may have a smaller size than the second recess 110-2 and be included in the second recess 110-2 to be configured to form a stepped shape with the second recess 110-2. According to one embodiment, the foreign object prevention member 657 may be electrically connected to a first touch electrode 152b-1 via a separate member (not shown) or directly.

[0095] Figure 7a This is a view showing an electronic device including a sound-insulating component according to an embodiment.

[0096] Reference Figure 7a The electronic device according to one embodiment can be similar to Figures 1a to 1c Electronic device 101. Figure 7a The electronic device may further include sound insulation components (or sound leakage prevention components) 759.

[0097] According to one embodiment, a sound-insulating member 759 may be positioned (set) about the Z-axis in at least a portion of the space between the second first printed circuit board 152-1 and the housing 110 to fill the gap between the housing 110 and the second first printed circuit board 152-1 and form an audio path to prevent external sound introduced through the first microphone hole 111 from diffusing into the interior of the housing 110 and to allow external sound to be transmitted to the first microphone 141 through the second first microphone hole 152a-1. The sound-insulating member 759 may be located in a recess (or depression) 110-1 configured by removing (e.g., thinning) a portion of the housing 110 that contacts the second surface of the second first printed circuit board 152. The recess 110-1 may be surrounded by at least a portion of the second first printed circuit board 152-1.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the sound-insulating member 759 may be conductive and can be used as a touch electrode. For example, the sound-insulating member 759 may be conductive rubber. The sound-insulating member 759 may contact the first touch electrode 152b-1 for electrical connection thereto. When the sound-insulating member 759 is conductive, the electronic device can reduce the distance between the touch electrode (e.g., the sound-insulating member 759) and the user's finger in contact with the housing 110, thereby improving touch sensitivity.

[0099] Although not shown, according to one embodiment, the reinforcement 355 and / or the foreign object prevention member 657 may be located between the sound insulation member 795 and the first touch electrode 152b-1. For example, the sound insulation member 795, the reinforcement 355, the foreign object prevention member, and the first touch electrode 152b-1 may be electrically connected. According to one embodiment, the reinforcement 355 may be located between the sound insulation member 795 and the first touch electrode 152b-1, and the foreign object prevention member 657 may be located between the sound insulation member 765 and the housing 110.

[0100] Although not shown, according to one embodiment, a conductive pattern may be located around the first microphone hole 111 of the housing 110. For example, a conductive pattern electrically connected to the sound insulation member 759 may be located on the portion of the housing 110 containing the first microphone hole 111 or on the inner surface of the portion of the housing 110 containing the first microphone hole 111. Electronic devices may electrically connect the sound insulation member 759, the first touch electrode 152b-1, and / or the conductive pattern located on the inner surface of the housing 110 to improve touch sensitivity.

[0101] Although Figure 7a It has been shown that the sound insulation component 759 is installed in Figures 1a to 1c The example in electronic device 101 is for illustrative purposes only. Figure 7a The sound insulation component 759 can be applied in the same or similar way to Figures 1d to 3b Electronic devices 102, 201, 202, 301 and 302.

[0102] Figure 7b This is a view illustrating an electronic device including a foreign object prevention member and a sound insulation member according to another embodiment.

[0103] Reference Figure 7b The electronic device according to another embodiment can be similar to Figures 1a to 1c Electronic device 101. Regarding the Z-axis, Figure 7bThe electronic device may include a sound-insulating member 759 and a foreign object prevention member 657 between the second first printed circuit board 152-1 and the housing 110. For example, the sound-insulating member 759 and the foreign object prevention member 657 may be stacked on a second surface (e.g., in the +Z direction) of the second first printed circuit board 152-1 on which the first first touch electrode 152b-1 is located. The sound-insulating member 759 and the foreign object prevention member 657 may be located in a recess (or depression) 110-1, which is formed by removing (e.g., thinning) a portion of the housing 110 that contacts the second surface of the second first printed circuit board 152-1. The recess 110-1 may be surrounded by at least a portion of the second first printed circuit board 152-1.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the sound-insulating member 759 and the foreign object prevention member 657 may be conductive. An electronic device may electrically connect the first touch electrode 152b-1, the sound-insulating member 759, and the foreign object prevention member 657, thereby improving touch sensitivity.

[0105] Although Figure 7b The sound insulation component 759 and the foreign object prevention component 657 have been shown arranged in Figures 1a to 1c The structure in the electronic device 101 is shown as an example, but this is only for illustrative purposes. Figure 7b The sound insulation component 759 and the foreign object prevention component 657 can be applied in the same or similar way to Figures 1d to 3b Electronic devices 102, 201, 202, 301 and 302.

[0106] Although not shown, according to one embodiment, the sound-insulating member 759 may be positioned around the foreign object prevention member 657. For example, when viewed from the Z-axis, the sound-insulating member 759 may not overlap with the foreign object prevention member 657, and the foreign object prevention member 657 may be located within the sound-insulating member 759. As another example, the foreign object prevention member 657 may have substantially the same dimensions as the first microphone hole 111, and the internal space of the sound-insulating member 759 may be larger than the internal space of the foreign object prevention member 657.

[0107] Figure 7c This is a view illustrating an electronic device including a foreign object prevention member and a sound insulation member according to yet another embodiment.

[0108] Reference Figure 7cRegarding the Z-axis, an electronic device according to another embodiment may include a sound-insulating member 759 and a foreign object prevention member 657 between a second first printed circuit board 152-1 and a housing 110. For example, the sound-insulating member 759 and the foreign object prevention member 657 may be stacked on a second surface (e.g., in the +Z direction) of the second first printed circuit board 152-1, where a first first touch electrode 152b-1 is located. The foreign object prevention member 657 may be located on an inner surface of the housing 110 at a predetermined angle relative to the Z-axis. The sound-insulating member 759 may form a space configured to connect a first first microphone hole 111 and a second first microphone hole 152a-1. One side surface of the sound-insulating member 759 (e.g., Figure 7c The height of the left side surface can differ from that of its other side surface (e.g., Figure 7c The height of the right side surface corresponds to the shell 110 tilted at a predetermined angle.

[0109] Figure 8 This is a view illustrating an electronic device including a plurality of touch electrodes according to an embodiment.

[0110] Reference Figure 8 The electronic device according to one embodiment can be similar to Figures 1a to 7b One of the electronic devices. Figure 8 The electronic device may further include an additional touch electrode 852e (hereinafter referred to as the second touch electrode).

[0111] According to one embodiment, such as Figure 8 As shown, the second touch electrode 852e can be configured to be surrounded by a conductive pattern 120 that can operate as an antenna pattern. The second touch electrode 852e can be located in an empty region of the substrate member 121 on which the conductive pattern 120 is disposed, and can be configured to be substantially surrounded by the conductive pattern 120. Figure 8 Although the second touch electrode 852e is shown as circular, the shape of the second touch electrode 852e is not limited and can be positioned into various shapes based on the shape of the conductive pattern 120.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the first touch electrode 852b (e.g., the first touch electrode 152b-1) and the second touch electrode 852e may be arranged adjacent to each other. For example, when a user performs a first input (e.g., touch) in the housing 110, the first touch electrode 852b and the second touch electrode 852e may be positioned adjacent to each other to detect the user's input substantially simultaneously.

[0113] According to another embodiment, the first touch electrode 852b and the second touch electrode 852e can be positioned spaced apart from each other. For example, when a user performs a second input (e.g., swipe) on the housing 110, the first touch electrode 852b and the second touch electrode 852e can be positioned spaced apart from each other to enable sequential detection of the user's input.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the conductive pattern 120 may be positioned around at least a portion of the first touch electrode 852b. For example, the conductive pattern 120 may be positioned around at least a portion of at least one of a first surface, a second surface, a third surface, or a fourth surface of the quadrilateral first touch electrode 852b.

[0115] The above description Figure 8 The electronic device may include multiple touch electrodes (e.g., a first touch electrode 852b, a second touch electrode 852e, and / or a conductive pattern 120), thus increasing the touch area. Although not shown, according to one embodiment, at least a portion of the multiple touch electrodes (e.g., a first touch electrode 852b, a second touch electrode 852e, and / or a conductive pattern 120) may be electrically connected to each other.

[0116] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting touch input in an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0117] Reference Figure 9 In operation 901, the processor (or touch sensor module 190) of an electronic device according to an embodiment (e.g., electronic devices 101, 102, 201, 202, 301, and 302) can identify whether a touch is detected at a first touch electrode (e.g., first touch electrodes 152b-1 and 452b-1, first second touch electrodes 152b-2 and 452b-2, first extended touch electrode 452c, and / or second extended touch electrode 452d). For example, the processor (or touch sensor module 190) can identify whether a touch is detected at a predetermined interval at the first touch electrode (e.g., first touch electrodes 152b-1 and 452b-1, first second touch electrodes 152b-2 and 452b-2, first extended touch electrode 452c, and / or second extended touch electrode 452d). If a touch is detected at the first touch electrode as a recognition result in operation 901, the processor can proceed to operation 905, which will be described later. On the other hand, if no touch is detected at the first touch electrode as a recognition result in operation 901, in operation 903, the processor can recognize whether a touch is detected at the second touch electrode (e.g., conductive pattern 120 or second touch electrode 852e).

[0118] If the second touch electrode detects a touch as a recognition result in operation 903, the processor can proceed to operation 905, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the second touch electrode does not detect a touch as a recognition result in operation 903, the processor can return to operation 901.

[0119] In operation 905, the processor according to one embodiment can recognize a touch. For example, the processor can recognize the type of touch detected (e.g., tap, double tap, or long touch).

[0120] In operation 907, the processor according to one embodiment can perform corresponding functions. For example, when music is playing, the processor can send the detected touch type to a connected external electronic device to perform functions such as pausing, stopping, or playing the next song.

[0121] The electronic device may include multiple touch electrodes and detect user touch input via at least one touch electrode. The processor (or touch sensor module 190) of the electronic device may be connected to multiple touch electrodes (e.g., at least one first touch electrode (e.g., first first touch electrodes 152b-1 and 452b-1, first second touch electrodes 152b-2 and 452b-2, first extended touch electrode 452c and / or second extended touch electrode 452d), at least one second touch electrode (e.g., second touch electrode 852e), and / or conductive pattern (e.g., conductive pattern 120) via different touch detection terminals (or connecting members).

[0122] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of a plurality of touch electrodes may be connected to the same touch detection terminal. For example, the plurality of touch electrodes may be connected to a single touch detection terminal. As another example, in the case where the electronic device includes five touch electrodes, the first and second touch electrodes may be connected to the first touch detection terminal, and the third to fifth touch electrodes may be connected to the second to fourth touch electrodes, respectively. When multiple touch electrodes are connected to a single detection terminal, the processor can only identify that a touch has occurred at one of the plurality of touch electrodes, but cannot identify which of the plurality of touch electrodes the touch occurred at.

[0123] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting touch input of an electronic device according to another embodiment.

[0124] Reference Figure 10In operation 1001, the processor (or touch sensor module 190) of an electronic device according to an embodiment (e.g., electronic devices 101, 102, 201, 202, 301, and 302) can identify whether a touch is detected by one of a plurality of touch electrodes (e.g., first touch electrodes 152b-1 and 452b-1, first second touch electrodes 152b-2 and 452b-2, first extended touch electrode 452c, and / or second extended touch electrode 452d) (hereinafter, the first touch electrode).

[0125] If the first touch electrode does not detect a touch as a recognition result in operation 1001, the processor can maintain operation 1001. On the other hand, if the first touch electrode detects a touch as a recognition result in operation 1001, the processor can identify in touch operation 1003 whether the touch was detected by another touch electrode (hereinafter, the second touch electrode) (e.g., the second touch electrode 852e) among the plurality of touch electrodes within a predetermined first time period (e.g., 0.1 seconds).

[0126] If the second touch electrode detects a touch within a predetermined first time period as the recognition result in operation 1003 (e.g., when the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode detect a touch substantially simultaneously), in operation 1005, the processor can execute a first function (e.g., pause or play). On the other hand, if the second touch electrode does not detect a touch within the predetermined first time period as the recognition result in operation 1003, in operation 1007, the processor can identify whether the second touch electrode detected a touch within a predetermined second time period (e.g., 0.5 seconds).

[0127] If the second touch electrode detects a touch as a recognition result in operation 1007 within a predetermined second time period, the processor can perform a second function (e.g., play the next song or the previous song) in operation 1009. For example, if a touch is detected via a second touch detection terminal connected to the second touch electrode after a touch is detected via a first touch detection terminal connected to the first touch electrode, the processor can perform the function of playing the next song; if a touch is detected via a first touch detection terminal connected to the first touch electrode after a touch is detected via a second touch detection terminal connected to the second touch electrode, the processor can perform the function of playing the previous song.

[0128] As a result of the identification in operation 1007, if the second touch electrode does not detect a touch within a predetermined second time period, the process can perform a third function (e.g., ignoring touch input) in operation 1011. According to one embodiment, as a result of the identification in operation 1007, if the second touch electrode does not detect a touch within a predetermined second time period, the processor can perform a first function.

[0129] Electronic devices according to various embodiments (e.g., electronic devices 101, 102, 201, 202, 301, and 302) may include: a housing (e.g., housing 110) including a first microphone hole (e.g., a first first microphone hole 111 and a first second microphone hole 112); a first printed circuit board (e.g., a first printed circuit board 151) located within the housing; a touch sensor module (e.g., touch sensor module 190) located on the first printed circuit board; at least one microphone (e.g., a first microphone 141 and a second microphone 142) configured to capture external sound; at least one second printed circuit board (e.g., second first printed circuit boards 152-1 and 452-1, second second printed circuit boards 152-2 and 452-2, and second printed circuit board 452) electrically connected to the first printed circuit board. The circuit board is configured to position a microphone on a first surface pointing inwards from the housing, including a second microphone hole (e.g., a second first microphone hole 152a-1, a second second microphone hole 152a-2, and a microphone hole 501) and first touch electrodes (e.g., first first touch electrodes 152b-1 and 452b-1, first second touch electrodes 152b-2 and 452b-2, touch electrodes 452b and 504, and a first touch electrode 852b) on a second surface opposite to the first surface, and is disposed between the housing and the first printed circuit board such that the second microphone hole corresponds to the first microphone hole; and a conductive pattern (e.g., conductive pattern 120) positioned around at least a portion of the first touch electrode and electrically connected to the touch sensor module.

[0130] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a wireless communication module (e.g., wireless communication module 180) located on a first printed circuit board, electrically connected to a conductive pattern, and transmitting / receiving wireless signals via the conductive pattern.

[0131] According to various embodiments, the second printed circuit board may include a rigid-flexible printed circuit board.

[0132] According to various embodiments, the first touch electrode may be located on the outermost layer of a rigid-flexible printed circuit board comprising multiple layers.

[0133] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a reinforcement (e.g., reinforcement 355) located on a second surface of a second printed circuit board, electrically connected to the first touch electrode and having conductivity.

[0134] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a foreign object prevention member (e.g., foreign object prevention member 657) disposed between a second surface of the second printed circuit board and the housing, which prevents foreign objects from being introduced into the housing and has electrical conductivity.

[0135] According to various embodiments, the foreign object prevention component may be configured to be spaced apart from the first touch electrode by a predetermined distance or electrically connected to the first touch electrode.

[0136] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a sound-insulating member (e.g., sound-insulating member 759) having an audio path disposed between a first microphone hole and a second microphone hole and having conductivity.

[0137] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include at least one second touch electrode (e.g., second touch electrode 852e, first extended touch electrode 452c and second extended touch electrode 452d) located between the housing and the first printed circuit board.

[0138] According to various embodiments, the at least one second touch electrode (e.g., the first extended touch electrode 452c) may be electrically connected to the first touch electrode.

[0139] According to various embodiments, the at least one second touch electrode can be electrically connected to the touch sensor module.

[0140] According to various embodiments, the touch sensor module can be connected to the at least one first touch electrode, the at least one second touch electrode, and the conductive pattern via a touch detection terminal.

[0141] According to various embodiments, the touch sensor module can be connected to the at least one first touch electrode, the at least one second touch electrode, and the conductive pattern via different touch detection terminals.

[0142] According to various embodiments, the at least one second touch electrode (e.g., second touch electrode 852e) may be positioned to be at least partially surrounded by a conductive pattern.

[0143] According to various embodiments, the at least one microphone may include a first microphone (e.g., first microphone 141) and a second microphone (e.g., second microphone 142), and the at least one second printed circuit board may include: a second first printed circuit board including the first microphone and a first first touch electrode; and a second first printed circuit board including the second microphone and a first second touch electrode.

[0144] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include an in-ear Bluetooth device.

[0145] Electronic devices according to various embodiments (e.g., electronic devices 101, 102, 201, 202, 301, and 302) may include: a housing (e.g., housing 110) including a first microphone hole (e.g., a first first microphone hole 111 and a first second microphone hole 112); a first printed circuit board (e.g., first printed circuit board 151) located within the housing; a touch sensor module (e.g., touch sensor module 190) located on the first printed circuit board; at least one microphone (e.g., a first microphone 141 and a second microphone 142) configured to capture external sound; at least one second printed circuit board (e.g., second first printed circuit boards 152-1 and 452-1, second second printed circuit boards 152-2 and 452-2, and second printed circuit board 452) electrically connected to the first printed circuit board to position the microphones on the first printed circuit board. The first surface pointing towards the interior of the housing includes a second microphone hole (e.g., a second first microphone hole 152a-1, a second second microphone hole 152a-2, and a microphone hole 501) and touch electrodes (e.g., first first touch electrodes 152b-1 and 452b-1, first second touch electrodes 152b-2 and 452b-2, touch electrodes 452b and 504, and a first touch electrode 852b) located on a second surface opposite to the first surface to surround the second microphone hole and electrically connected to the touch sensor module, and is disposed between the housing and the first printed circuit board such that the second microphone hole corresponds to the first microphone hole; a connecting member (e.g., a connecting member 131) located on the first printed circuit board; and a conductive pattern (e.g., a conductive pattern 120) electrically connected to the touch sensor module located on the first printed circuit board via the connecting member.

[0146] According to various embodiments, the conductive pattern can be positioned to surround at least a portion of the touch electrode on the inner surface of a first part of the housing exposed to the outside when the electronic device is worn.

[0147] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include at least one of the following: a reinforcement (e.g., reinforcement 355) located on a second surface of a second printed circuit board, electrically connected to a touch electrode and having conductivity; a sound insulation member (e.g., sound insulation member 759) having an audio path disposed between a first microphone hole and a second microphone hole and having conductivity; or a foreign object prevention member (e.g., foreign object prevention member 657) having conductivity and disposed between the housing and the second surface of the second printed circuit board to prevent foreign objects from being introduced into the housing.

[0148] Electronic devices according to various embodiments (e.g., electronic devices 101, 102, 201, 202, 301, and 302) may include: a housing (e.g., housing 110) including a first microphone hole (e.g., a first first microphone hole 111 and a first second microphone hole 112); a first printed circuit board (e.g., first printed circuit board 151) located in the housing; a touch sensor module (e.g., touch sensor module 190) located on the first printed circuit board; a wireless communication module (e.g., wireless communication module 180) located on the first printed circuit board and configured to transmit / receive wireless signals; at least one microphone (e.g., a first microphone 141 and a second microphone 142) configured to capture external sound; at least one second printed circuit board (e.g., second first printed circuit boards 152-1 and 452-1, second second printed circuit boards 152-2 ... 452-2 and a second printed circuit board 452), electrically connected to the first printed circuit board, positioning the microphone on a first surface pointing inwards from the housing, including a second microphone hole (e.g., a second first microphone hole 152a-1, a second second microphone hole 152a-2, and a microphone hole 501) and touch electrodes (e.g., first first touch electrodes 152b-1 and 452b-1, first second touch electrodes 152b-2 and 452b-2, touch electrodes 452b and 504, and a first touch electrode 852b) located on a second surface opposite to the first surface to surround the second microphone hole and thus electrically connected to the touch sensor module, and disposed between the housing and the first printed circuit board to allow the second microphone hole to correspond to the first microphone hole; and a conductive pattern (e.g., conductive pattern 120), located in the housing and electrically connected to the touch sensor module and the wireless communication module.

[0149] The electronic device according to various embodiments can be one of a variety of types of electronic devices. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those described above.

[0150] It should be understood that the various embodiments of this disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to the specific embodiments, but rather to include various changes, equivalents, or substitutions to the respective embodiments. In the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It will be understood that nouns in the singular form corresponding to terms may include one or more things unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of the phrases such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together with the corresponding phrase among the plurality of phrases. As used herein, terms such as “first” and “second” or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish the respective component from another component and do not limit the component in other respects (e.g., importance or order). It will be understood that, whether the terms “operably” or “communically” are used or not, if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as “combined with another element (e.g., a second element),” “combined to another element (e.g., a second element),” “connected to another element (e.g., a second element),” or “attached to another element (e.g., a second element)”, it means that the first element can be directly (e.g., wiredly) connected to the second element, wirelessly connected to the second element, or connected to the second element via a third element.

[0151] As used in connection with various embodiments of this disclosure, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms (e.g., "logic," "logic block," "part," or "circuit"). A module may be a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions, or the smallest unit or part of such a single integrated component. For example, according to embodiments, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0152] The various embodiments set forth herein can be implemented as software comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium that are readable by a machine (e.g., electronic devices 101, 102, 201, 202, 301, 302). For example, under the control of a processor, the processor of the machine (e.g., electronic device 101) can invoke and execute at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, with or without the use of one or more other components. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the invoked at least one instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. The term "non-transitory" means only that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but this term does not distinguish between data being stored semi-permanently in the storage medium and data being temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0153] According to embodiments, methods according to various embodiments of this disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an app store (e.g., the Play Store™), or may be distributed directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones) (e.g., downloaded or uploaded). If distributed online, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily generated, or at least a portion of the computer program product may be stored at least temporarily in a machine-readable storage medium (such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an app store's server, or a forwarding server).

[0154] According to various embodiments, each of the above-described components (e.g., a module or program) may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately disposed in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Optionally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform the one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as the corresponding component of the multiple components performed one or more functions before integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be run in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1.An electronic device comprising: a housing including a first microphone hole; a first printed circuit board disposed in the housing; a touch sensor circuit disposed on the first printed circuit board; at least one second printed circuit board including a second microphone hole and electrically connected to the first printed circuit board, wherein the at least one second printed circuit board is disposed between the housing and the first printed circuit board such that the second microphone hole corresponds to the first microphone hole; at least one microphone disposed on a first surface of the at least one second printed circuit board and configured to capture an external sound, wherein the first surface is oriented toward an inside of the housing; a first touch electrode electrically connected to the touch sensor circuit and disposed on a second surface of the at least one second printed circuit board around the second microphone hole; and a conductive pattern disposed around at least a portion of the first touch electrode and electrically connected to the touch sensor circuit, wherein the second surface is opposite to the first surface. 2.The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising a wireless communication circuit disposed on the first printed circuit board, electrically connected to the conductive pattern, and configured to transmit / receive a wireless signal via the conductive pattern. 3.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the at least one second printed circuit board comprises a rigid-flex printed circuit board. 4.The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the first touch electrode is disposed on an outermost layer of the rigid-flex printed circuit board, and wherein the rigid-flex printed circuit board comprises a plurality of layers. 5.The electronic device of claim 3, further comprising: a reinforcement including a conductive material, wherein the reinforcement is disposed on the second surface of the at least one second printed circuit board, electrically connected to the first touch electrode, and has electrical conductivity. 6.The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising: a foreign matter prevention / reduction member including a conductive material, wherein the foreign matter prevention / reduction member is disposed between the second surface of the at least one second printed circuit board and the housing, configured to block foreign matter from being introduced into the inside of the housing, and has electrical conductivity. 7.The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the foreign matter prevention / reduction member is spaced apart from or electrically connected to the first touch electrode. 8.The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising: a sound insulation member forming an audio path disposed between the first microphone hole and the second microphone hole. 9.The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising: at least one second touch electrode disposed between the housing and the first printed circuit board. 10.The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the at least one second touch electrode is electrically connected to the first touch electrode. ​ 11.The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the at least one second touch electrode is electrically connected to the touch sensor circuit. 12.The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the touch sensor circuit is connected to the first touch electrode, the at least one second touch electrode, and the conductive pattern via touch detection terminals. 13.The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the touch sensor circuit is connected to the first touch electrode, the at least one second touch electrode, and the conductive pattern via different touch detection terminals, respectively. 14.The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the at least one second touch electrode is disposed to be at least partially surrounded by the conductive pattern. 15.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the at least one microphone comprises a first microphone and a second microphone, and wherein the at least one second printed circuit board comprises: a second first printed circuit board including the first microphone and a first first touch electrode; and a second second printed circuit board including the second microphone and a first second touch electrode. ​

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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