Touchpad device

Abstract

A touchpad device includes a first substrate and a second substrate. The first substrate has a touch sensing element and a first capacitive coupling electrode layer. The first capacitive coupling electrode layer has a first sensing layer and a second sensing layer surrounding the first sensing layer. The second substrate has a second capacitive coupling electrode layer. The second capacitive coupling electrode layer includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion surrounding the first protrusion. The first protrusion is higher than the second protrusion. The first protrusion corresponds to the first sensing layer. The second protrusion corresponds to the second sensing layer. This allows for more effective sensing of touch position and pressure distribution, thereby improving the accuracy of touch sensing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a touchpad device. Background Technology

[0002] The current development trend of touchpad devices is from simple touch functionality to the integration of touch, force sensing, and haptic feedback. A conventional touchpad device places a force sensor on an elastic member (e.g., a metal bracket) and fixes the elastic member to the touch circuit board, as illustrated in Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 107025017B. However, this conventional technology not only suffers from drawbacks such as a large number of components, complex assembly processes, high overall cost, and large overall thickness, but also lacks sufficient sensitivity in force sensing.

[0003] Therefore, how to propose a touchpad device that can solve the above problems is one of the issues that the industry is currently eager to invest research and development resources to address. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, one objective of this disclosure is to provide a touchpad device that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a touchpad device includes a first substrate and a second substrate. The first substrate is provided with a touch sensing element and a first capacitive coupling electrode layer. The first capacitive coupling electrode layer is provided with a first sensing layer and a second sensing layer surrounding the first sensing layer. The second substrate is provided with a second capacitive coupling electrode layer. The second capacitive coupling electrode layer includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion surrounding the first protrusion. The first protrusion is higher than the second protrusion. The first protrusion corresponds to the first sensing layer. The second protrusion corresponds to the second sensing layer.

[0006] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the first protrusion and the first sensing layer are opposite to each other in the arrangement direction of the first capacitive coupling electrode layer and the second capacitive coupling electrode layer. The second protrusion and the second sensing layer are opposite to each other in the arrangement direction.

[0007] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the touchpad device further includes a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to acquire a first capacitance value based on the electrical induction between the first protrusion and the first sensing layer, and is configured to acquire a second capacitance value based on the electrical induction between the second protrusion and the second sensing layer.

[0008] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the touchpad device further includes a force feedback module. The force feedback module is disposed on the side of the first capacitively coupled electrode layer away from the first substrate. The processing unit is further configured to drive the force feedback module when the first capacitance value is saturated and the second capacitance value continues to change.

[0009] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the processing unit is further configured to drive the force feedback module when the first capacitance value and the second capacitance value change simultaneously.

[0010] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the processing unit is further configured to not drive the force feedback module when the first capacitance value changes to saturation and the second capacitance value does not continue to change.

[0011] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the touchpad device further includes a bracket and a support member. The bracket is fixed to a second substrate. The support member is supported between the bracket and a first capacitive coupling electrode layer.

[0012] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the second substrate has a recess on the side near the support. The recess is opposite to the support member and part of the support in the arrangement direction of the first capacitive coupling electrode layer and the second capacitive coupling electrode layer.

[0013] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the support has at least one cutout portion. The cutout portion is opposite to the recess in the arrangement direction.

[0014] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the first protrusion and the first sensing layer are spaced apart in the alignment direction. The recess has a depth in the alignment direction. The distance is greater than the depth.

[0015] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the first protrusion has a first height in the arrangement direction. The support member has a second height in the arrangement direction. The second height is greater than the first height.

[0016] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the touch sensing element and the first capacitive coupling electrode layer are different conductor layers embedded in a circuit board.

[0017] In summary, compared to traditional single-sensor layer designs, the touchpad device disclosed herein employs a surround-sense layer design (i.e., a first sensing layer and a second sensing layer surrounding the first sensing layer) on the first capacitive coupling electrode layer. This allows for more effective sensing of touch location and pressure distribution, thereby improving touch sensing accuracy. Furthermore, the surround-sense layer design helps distinguish between different pressure points, enabling multi-finger or accidental touch detection. The touchpad device also employs a stepped protrusion structure design (i.e., first and second protrusions of different heights) on the second capacitive coupling electrode layer, thus distinguishing between different levels of pressure and ensuring accurate sensing of finger pressure even during multi-finger operations or accidental palm touches.

[0018] The above description is only used to illustrate the problem to be solved by this disclosure, the technical means to solve the problem, and the effects produced, etc. The specific details of this disclosure will be described in detail in the following implementation method and related drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To make the above and other objects, features, advantages and embodiments disclosed herein more apparent and understandable, the accompanying drawings are described below:

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0021] Figure 2 For illustration Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the electronic device along line segment 2-2;

[0022] Figure 3 For illustration Figure 1 A partial top view of the casing of the main unit;

[0023] Figure 4 For illustration Figure 2 A bottom view of some components of the touchpad device;

[0024] Figure 5 A functional block diagram illustrating some components of a touchpad device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided.

[0025] [Symbol Explanation]

[0026] 100: Electronic devices

[0027] 110: Host

[0028] 111: Shell section

[0029] 111a: Groove

[0030] 111b: Second substrate

[0031] 111b1: Depression

[0032] 120: Monitor

[0033] 200: Touchpad device

[0034] 210: First substrate

[0035] 220: Bonding layer

[0036] 230: Touch sensing element

[0037] 231: First touch electrode layer

[0038] 232: Second touch electrode layer

[0039] 240: First capacitive coupling electrode layer

[0040] 241: First sensing layer

[0041] 242: Second sensing layer

[0042] 250: Second capacitive coupling electrode layer

[0043] 251: First protrusion

[0044] 252: Second protrusion

[0045] 260: Bracket

[0046] 261: Openwork section

[0047] 270: Support component

[0048] 280: Processing Unit

[0049] 290: Force Feedback Module

[0050] 2-2: Line Segment

[0051] A: Arrangement direction

[0052] D: Depth

[0053] H1: First Height

[0054] H2: Second Altitude

[0055] S1, S2: Distance Detailed Implementation

[0056] The following describes several embodiments of this disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. For clarity, many practical details will be described in the following description. However, it should be understood that these practical details should not be used to limit this disclosure. That is, in some embodiments of this disclosure, these practical details are not essential. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity in the drawings, some conventional structures and elements will be shown in a simple schematic manner.

[0057] Please refer to Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an electronic device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the electronic device 100 includes a main unit 110, a display 120, and a touchpad device 200. The touchpad device 200 is disposed within the main unit 110 and exposed by a recess 111a in the housing portion 111 of the main unit 110. The touchpad device 200 is an input device disposed on the main unit 110, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the touchpad device 200 is a rectangular area composed of length and width, and its width can be extended depending on different models; its size is not fixed. Figure 1The length shown is limited. In practical applications, the touchpad device 200 can also be an electronic product that uses a touchpad as an input or operation interface (e.g., a personal digital assistant, a keyboard with a touchpad, etc.). In other words, the concept of the touchpad device 200 disclosed herein can be applied to any electronic product that uses a touchpad as an input or operation interface. The structure, function, and connection and operation relationship between some of the components included in the touchpad device 200 will be described in detail below.

[0058] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 . Figure 2 For illustration Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the electronic device 100 along line segment 2-2. Figure 3 For illustration Figure 1 A partial top view of the housing 111 of the host 110. Figure 4 For illustration Figure 2 A bottom view of some components of the touchpad device 200. (See attached image.) Figures 2 to 4As shown, in this embodiment, the touchpad device 200 includes a first substrate 210 and a second substrate 111b. The first substrate 210 is provided with a touch sensing element 230 and a first capacitive coupling electrode layer 240. The second substrate 111b is provided with a second capacitive coupling electrode layer 250. Specifically, the touchpad device 200 also includes a bonding layer 220. The first substrate 210 and the touch sensing element 230 are connected via the bonding layer 220. The first capacitive coupling electrode layer 240 is disposed on the side of the touch sensing element 230 away from the first substrate 210. In addition, the touchpad device 200 also includes a bracket 260 and a support member 270. The bracket 260 is fixed to the second substrate 111b. The support member 270 is supported between the bracket 260 and the first capacitive coupling electrode layer 240. It should be noted that the second substrate 111b is the portion of the housing portion 111 of the host 110 located in the groove 111a. When a user presses the first substrate 210, the bracket 260 and support 270 connected between the first capacitive coupling electrode layer 240 and the second substrate 111b deform under force, causing the combination of the first substrate 210, bonding layer 220, touch sensing element 230, and first capacitive coupling electrode layer 240 to sink and move towards the second substrate 111b. In some embodiments, the touch sensing element 230 and the first capacitive coupling electrode layer 240 can be integrated into the same circuit board (e.g., two layers of a printed circuit board). That is, the touch sensing element 230 and the first capacitive coupling electrode layer 240 can be different conductor layers embedded in the circuit board, and the touch sensing element 230 and the first capacitive coupling electrode layer 240 belong to, for example, two layers of a printed circuit board containing multiple wiring layers (e.g., four layers), and the first sensing layer 241 and the second sensing layer 242, which will be described below, are integrated under the printed circuit board. This facilitates the overall thinning of the touchpad device 200.

[0059] Please refer to Figure 5 This is a functional block diagram illustrating some components of a touchpad device 200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the touch sensing element 230 includes a first touch electrode layer 231 and a second touch electrode layer 232. The touchpad device 200 further includes a processing unit 280. The processing unit 280 is electrically connected to the first touch electrode layer 231 and the second touch electrode layer 232, and is configured to detect user touches on the first substrate 210 via the first touch electrode layer 231 and the second touch electrode layer 232, and generate a corresponding detection capacitance signal. This capacitance signal can be used to determine the touch position.

[0060] like Figures 2 to 4As shown, in this embodiment, the first capacitively coupled electrode layer 240 is provided with a first sensing layer 241 and a second sensing layer 242 surrounding the first sensing layer 241. The first sensing layer 241 and the second sensing layer 242 are disposed on the side of the first capacitively coupled electrode layer 240 facing the second substrate 111b. Additionally, the second capacitively coupled electrode layer 250 is disposed on the side of the second substrate 111b facing the first capacitively coupled electrode layer 240, and includes a first protrusion 251 and a second protrusion 252 surrounding the first protrusion 251. The first protrusion 251 is higher than the second protrusion 252. The first protrusion 251 corresponds to the first sensing layer 241. The second protrusion 252 corresponds to the second sensing layer 242. The first sensing layer 241 and the second sensing layer 242 can be electrode designs with varying sensing capacitance of any pattern, such as a sensing coil layer (not shown), which can be in the form of an open coil or a closed coil, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0061] Specifically, the first protrusion 251 and the first sensing layer 241 are opposite each other in the arrangement direction A of the first capacitive coupling electrode layer 240 and the second capacitive coupling electrode layer 250. The second protrusion 252 and the second sensing layer 242 are opposite each other in the arrangement direction A. By clearly defining the relative positions of the protrusions and the sensing layers, effective coupling of the electric field can be ensured, thereby improving the sensitivity and accuracy of touch sensing. This precise correspondence allows the touchpad device 200 to more accurately sense the touch position and pressure distribution. Since the distance S1 between the first protrusion 251 and the first sensing layer 241 is different from the distance S2 between the second protrusion 252 and the second sensing layer 242, the first capacitance value between the first sensing layer 241 and the first protrusion 251 is also different from the second capacitance value between the second sensing layer 242 and the second protrusion 252.

[0062] The touchpad device 200 of this embodiment employs a surround-type sensing layer design on the first capacitive coupling electrode layer 240 (i.e., the second sensing layer 242 surrounds the first sensing layer 241). Therefore, compared with the traditional single sensing layer design, it can more effectively sense the touch position and pressure distribution, thereby improving the accuracy of touch sensing. In addition, the surround-type sensing layer design helps to distinguish the pressure at different positions, enabling multi-finger or anti-mistouch detection.

[0063] In addition, since the second capacitive coupling electrode layer 250 adopts a stepped protrusion structure design (i.e., the first protrusion 251 and the second protrusion 252 have different heights), the touch panel device 200 disclosed herein can distinguish different degrees of pressing, so that it can still accurately sense the pressing of the fingers in the case of multi-finger operation or palm touch.

[0064] like Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, the touchpad device 200 further includes a force feedback module 290. The force feedback module 290 is disposed on the side of the first capacitive coupling electrode layer 240 away from the first substrate 210. The processing unit 280 is further configured to acquire a first capacitance value based on the electrical induction between the first protrusion 251 and the first sensing layer 241, and to acquire a second capacitance value based on the electrical induction between the second protrusion 252 and the second sensing layer 242. By acquiring the first capacitance value and the second capacitance value respectively, the processing unit 280 can analyze touch events more accurately. For example, the pressure magnitude and touch situation can be determined based on the change in capacitance value. Furthermore, the processing unit 280 is also configured to drive the force feedback module 290 based on the first capacitance value and the second capacitance value. For example, when a user presses the touchpad device 200 of this embodiment, there are several touch situations as shown in Table 1 below.

[0065] Table 1

[0066] serial number Touch scenarios Force feedback module status 1 One finger press vibration 2 Press with two fingers vibration 3 Press down with one palm No vibration 4 Press with both palms No vibration 5 Press with one palm and one finger vibration

[0067] As shown in Table 1 above, in this embodiment, with the use of a surround-type sensing layer design combined with a stepped protruding structure design, the processing unit 280 can drive the force feedback module 290 when the first capacitance value changes to saturation and the second capacitance value continues to change. For example, in the second touch scenario above, when one finger presses down, causing the first capacitance value to saturate, the continued pressing of another finger can be detected by detecting the change in the second capacitance value, and the processing unit 280 can drive the force feedback module 290 to vibrate; in the fifth touch scenario above, when one palm presses down, causing the first capacitance value to saturate, the continued pressing of another finger can be detected by detecting the change in the second capacitance value, and the processing unit 280 can drive the force feedback module 290 to vibrate. It should be noted that in the second touch scenario above, the pressing positions of the two fingers need to be relatively close for it to function. Similarly, in the fifth touch scenario above, the pressing positions of the palm and the fingers need to be relatively close for it to function.

[0068] The processing unit 280 can also drive the force feedback module 290 when the first capacitance value and the second capacitance value change simultaneously. For example, in the first touch scenario in Table 1 above, when the change in the first capacitance value and the second capacitance value are detected simultaneously due to the pressure of one finger, the processing unit 280 can drive the force feedback module 290 to vibrate. Alternatively, the processing unit 280 can also not drive the force feedback module 290 when the change in the first capacitance value saturates and the second capacitance value stops changing. For example, in the third and fourth touch scenarios in Table 1 above, when the change in the first capacitance value saturates due to the pressure of one or both palms and the second capacitance value stops changing, the processing unit 280 does not drive the force feedback module 290 to vibrate. This allows for diverse application combinations to meet application needs and reduces accidental touches.

[0069] In some embodiments, the force feedback module 290 is a linear resonant actuator (LRA), but this disclosure is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the force feedback module 290 may comprise a combination of separate coil layers and magnet assemblies, respectively disposed on the first capacitive coupling electrode layer 240 and the second substrate 111b, to form a vertical vibration module.

[0070] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the number of second capacitive coupling electrode layers 250 disposed on the second substrate 111b is six, but this disclosure is not limited to this and can be flexibly increased or decreased according to actual needs.

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the number of combinations of the first sensing layer 241 and the second sensing layer 242 disposed on the first capacitive coupling electrode layer 240 is six, but this disclosure is not limited to this and can be flexibly increased or decreased according to actual needs.

[0072] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the second substrate 111b has a recess 111b1 on the side near the support 260. The recess 111b1 is opposite to the support 270 and part of the support 260 in the alignment direction A of the first capacitive coupling electrode layer 240 and the second capacitive coupling electrode layer 250. The design of the recess 111b1 can provide additional deformation space, allowing the support 270 and the support 260 to deform more effectively under pressure. This design can increase the deformation in the vertical direction (i.e., alignment direction A), thereby improving the sensitivity of capacitive sensing.

[0073] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the bracket 260 has a hollow portion 261. Further configuration... Figure 3As can be seen, the cutout portion 261 is opposite to the recess 111b1 in the arrangement direction A. The cutout portion 261 allows the touchpad device 200 to deform more effectively when under pressure, thereby further improving the sensitivity of the touchpad device 200.

[0074] In practical applications, the number of hollow portions 261 in the bracket 260 is not limited to... Figure 4 The implementation methods shown are limited and can be flexibly increased or decreased according to actual needs.

[0075] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the recess 111b1 has a depth D in the arrangement direction A. The distance S1 between the first protrusion 251 and the first sensing layer 241 is greater than the depth D. This ensures that a certain distance is maintained between the first protrusion 251 and the first sensing layer 241 when not pressed, thereby preventing accidental touches. Furthermore, this design provides sufficient deformation space so that when pressed, the first protrusion 251 can effectively approach the first sensing layer 241, thereby achieving effective capacitive sensing.

[0076] In some embodiments, the depth D of the recess 111b1 is about 0.5 mm, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0077] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the first protrusion 251 has a first height H1 in the arrangement direction A. The support member 270 has a second height H2 in the arrangement direction A. The second height H2 is greater than the first height H1. This ensures that a certain gap exists between the first capacitive coupling electrode layer 240 and the second capacitive coupling electrode layer 250 when not pressed (i.e., preventing the first sensing layer 241 and the first protrusion 251 from getting too close or contacting each other when not pressed).

[0078] In some embodiments, the first height H1 is about 0.85 mm and the second height H2 is about 1.0 mm, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0079] In some embodiments, the support member 270 is made of elastic rubber. The Young's modulus of the support member 270 is in the range of approximately 0.55 MPa to approximately 0.8 MPa. It should be noted that if the Young's modulus is too small, the support member 270 may be too soft, causing instability in the touchpad device 200. If the Young's modulus is too large, the support member 270 may be too rigid, resulting in a poor pressing feel. Therefore, an appropriate Young's modulus ensures that the support member 270 has sufficient elasticity and support, thereby providing the best pressing feel and touch experience.

[0080] From the detailed description of the specific embodiments disclosed above, it is evident that, compared to the traditional single-sensor layer design, the touchpad device of this disclosure employs a surrounding sensing layer design (i.e., a first sensing layer and a second sensing layer surrounding the first sensing layer) on the first capacitive coupling electrode layer. Therefore, it can more effectively sense touch position and pressure distribution, thereby improving the accuracy of touch sensing. Furthermore, the surrounding sensing layer design helps distinguish between different pressure points, enabling multi-finger or anti-mistouch detection. The touchpad device of this disclosure also employs a stepped protrusion structure design (i.e., first and second protrusions of different heights) on the second capacitive coupling electrode layer, thus distinguishing between different levels of pressure, ensuring accurate sensing of finger pressure even in multi-finger operation or palm mis-touch. Furthermore, this disclosure integrates the touch sensing element and the first capacitive coupling electrode layer into two layers of a printed circuit board, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the touch circuit board design.

[0081] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Any person skilled in the art may make various modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A touchpad device, characterized in that, Include: A first substrate is provided with a touch sensing element and a first capacitive coupling electrode layer, wherein the first capacitive coupling electrode layer is provided with a first sensing layer and a second sensing layer surrounding the first sensing layer; as well as A second substrate is provided with a second capacitive coupling electrode layer, wherein the second capacitive coupling electrode layer includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion surrounding the first protrusion, the first protrusion being higher than the second protrusion, the first protrusion corresponding to the first sensing layer, and the second protrusion corresponding to the second sensing layer.

2. The touchpad device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first protrusion and the first sensing layer are opposite to each other in an arrangement direction of the first capacitive coupling electrode layer and the second capacitive coupling electrode layer, and the second protrusion and the second sensing layer are opposite to each other in the same arrangement direction.

3. The touchpad device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a processing unit configured to obtain a first capacitance value based on the electrical induction between the first protrusion and the first sensing layer, and configured to obtain a second capacitance value based on the electrical induction between the second protrusion and the second sensing layer.

4. The touchpad device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The system further includes a force feedback module disposed on the side of the first capacitively coupled electrode layer away from the first substrate, and the processing unit is further configured to drive the force feedback module when the first capacitance value changes to saturation and the second capacitance value continues to change.

5. The touchpad device as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, The processing unit is also configured to drive the force feedback module when the first capacitance value and the second capacitance value change simultaneously.

6. The touchpad device as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, The processing unit is also configured to not drive the force feedback module when the first capacitance value changes to saturation and the second capacitance value does not continue to change.

7. The touchpad device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, Further includes: A bracket, fixed to the second substrate; and A support member is provided between the bracket and the first capacitive coupling electrode layer.

8. The touchpad device as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The second substrate has a recess on the side near the support, and the recess is opposite to the support member and part of the support in an arrangement direction of the first capacitive coupling electrode layer and the second capacitive coupling electrode layer.

9. The touchpad device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The bracket has at least one open portion, and the at least one open portion is opposite to the recess in the arrangement direction.

10. The touchpad device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The first protrusion and the first sensing layer have a distance in the arrangement direction, the recess has a depth in the arrangement direction, and the distance is greater than the depth.

11. The touchpad device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The first protrusion has a first height in the arrangement direction, and the support has a second height in the arrangement direction, wherein the second height is greater than the first height.

12. The touchpad device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The touch sensing element and the first capacitive coupling electrode layer are different conductor layers embedded in a circuit board.

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