CONTACT CONTROL DEVICE AND VEHICLE WITH THE SAME

Abstract

A touch control device (100), comprising: a base (110) which has a metal complex, an electrode recess (113) which is formed in a contact area (111) of the base (110), several sensor electrodes (120) which are formed at the electrode recess (113), wherein the multiple sensor electrodes (120) each have a conductive material, a through hole (114) which penetrates the base (110), a connecting electrode (123) which connects the several sensor electrodes (120) through the through hole (114), and an integrated circuit (130) which is coupled to the base (110) and connected to the sensor electrodes (120) to detect a change in the capacitance of the sensor electrodes (120).

Description

BACKGROUND 1. Area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a touch control device and a vehicle with the same, and in particular relates to a touch control device with electrodes which are installed by means of a laser method, and to a vehicle with the touch control device. 2. Description of the technology used

[0002] A touch control device is one of the devices that forms an interface between an information and communication terminal with many different displays and the user. The touch control device enables the human-device interface when the user directly touches or approaches a touch field or touchscreen using an input tool such as their finger or a stylus.

[0003] To implement a touch control device capable of being operated by touch, resistive methods, capacitive methods, acoustic surface wave methods, transmitter methods, etc., are used. The touch control device utilizing the capacitive method has one type that forms intersecting electrode patterns and detects an input position by sensing a change in capacitance between the electrodes when an input medium, such as a finger, comes into contact with the touch control device. There is another type that applies the same electrical potential of one phase to both terminals of a transparent conductive film and detects an input position by sensing a small current that flows when a capacitance is created by an input medium, such as a finger, that comes into contact with or approaches the touch control device.

[0004] The preceding disclosure in this section serves to provide background information on the invention. The applicant notes that this section may contain information that was available prior to this application. However, by providing this section, the applicant does not admit that any information contained in this section constitutes prior art.

[0005] Furthermore, US 2017 / 0 316 901 A1 discloses a touch control device comprising a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode. The second electrode is positioned opposite the first electrode, but at a distance from it. The third electrode is positioned at a distance from the first electrode and is rotatable or displaceable relative to the second electrode. By bringing the third electrode into contact with the second electrode or by positioning them at a distance from each other, the electrical state between the first and second electrodes changes. Based on this electrical change, a rotational or sliding movement is detected. Further touch control devices, vehicles using them, and methods for them are known from US 2017 / 0 102 818 A1, US 2012 / 0 325 639 A1, and US 2017 / 0 147 130 A1. OVERVIEW

[0006] A touch control device according to claim 1, a vehicle therewith according to claim 14, and a method therefor according to claim 16 are proposed. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0007] For example, a touch control device can be a curved surface. However, a printed circuit board (PCB) type touch control device cannot be applied to a multiply curved surface (a curved surface with one or more distinct curvatures) due to a height difference between its center and perimeter when a top layer, which has a multiply curved surface, is applied to a top surface of the printed circuit board. Film-type (ITO, metal mesh, flexible printed circuit board) touch control devices are also difficult to implement for diverse curvatures and curved surfaces with varying curvatures.

[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a touch control device comprising a touch control panel having a curved surface shape with multiple curvatures, and a vehicle with the touch control device.

[0009] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a touch control device which has a touch control panel with improved design freedom, and a vehicle with the touch control device.

[0010] Furthermore, another objective of the present disclosure is to create a touch control device with improved productivity by simplifying the manufacturing process, and a vehicle with the touch control device.

[0011] Furthermore, another object of the present disclosure is to provide a touch control device which is able to uniformly bond a top layer to a touch control panel by eliminating bubbles which are generated between the touch control panel and the top layer, and to create a vehicle with the touch control device.

[0012] Furthermore, another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a touch control device, to which covering layers made of various materials may be attached, and a vehicle with the touch control device.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a touch control device comprises: a base having a metal complex, an electrode recess formed in a contact area of ​​the base, several sensor electrodes formed on the electrode recess, each of the several sensor electrodes having a conductive material, a through-hole penetrating the base, a connecting electrode connecting the several sensor electrodes through the through-hole, and an integrated circuit coupled to the base and connected to the sensor electrodes to detect a change in the capacitance of the sensor electrodes.

[0014] The multiple sensor electrodes can include first sensor electrodes that are directly connected to a surface of the base, and second electrodes that are separated from that surface of the base.

[0015] The connecting electrode can be formed on the other surface of the base and connects the second sensor electrodes.

[0016] The second sensor electrodes and the connecting electrode can be connected via the through-hole.

[0017] The connecting electrode can have a first terminal electrode, which is configured to connect the first sensor electrodes and the integrated circuit, and a second terminal electrode, which is configured to connect the second sensor electrodes and the integrated circuit.

[0018] The first sensor electrodes can be connected along a first direction, and the second sensor electrodes are separated along the first direction and a second direction which intersects the first direction.

[0019] The first sensor electrodes can be arranged so that they cross the second sensor electrodes along the second direction.

[0020] The connecting electrode can be formed in the electrode recess by a coating process or a deposition process.

[0021] The sensor electrode can be formed on an upper surface or a lower surface of the base, and the connecting electrode is formed on a lower surface or an upper surface of the base.

[0022] The touch control device may further comprise a cover layer which is designed to cover an upper surface of the base.

[0023] The top layer may consist of a non-metallic material.

[0024] Bubbles that form between the top layer and the base can pass through the through-hole.

[0025] The contact area of ​​the base can have a curved surface shape with different curvatures.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle comprises the touch control device, a display device and a processor which is configured to operate the display device in accordance with an input signal which is entered into the touch control device.

[0027] The touch control device can be attached to at least one of a gearshift box, a steering wheel and a central instrument panel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Features of the invention become apparent and are better understood from the following description of the embodiments, which is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. Figure 1 is a view which represents a touch control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the touch control device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3 is a view which represents a basis of the touch control device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of 'A', which is in Fig. 3 is shown. Fig. 5 is a sub-view of the in Fig. 3 shown base. Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line BB' of Fig. 4. Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a base of a touch control device according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 8 is a view showing the interior of a vehicle equipped with the touch control device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a gearshift box equipped with the touch control device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The embodiments described herein and the structures shown in the drawings are merely examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention, and numerous modifications may be made at the time of filing the present application to replace the embodiments and drawings of the present description.

[0030] The same reference numerals or symbols shown in the drawings of this description also indicate components or parts that perform essentially the same function.

[0031] Furthermore, the terms used herein serve to illustrate the embodiments and are not intended to limit the disclosed invention. The singular forms "ein / eine / eines" and "der / die / das" indicate the plural reference unless the context clearly specifies otherwise.

[0032] In this description, the terms "exhibit", "have" and the like are used to describe that a feature, number, step, process, element, component or a combination thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more features, integers, steps, processes, elements, components or combinations thereof.

[0033] It is also to be understood that terms, including ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," and the like, used herein may be used to describe different elements, but the elements are not limited to these terms and are used merely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, the first component may be referred to as a second component, and the second component may likewise be referred to as a first component. The term "and / or" encompasses any combination of a plurality of the items listed, or any single item from the plurality of the items listed.

[0034] The terms “front”, “rear”, “upper” and “lower” used in the following description are defined on the basis of the drawings and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0035] In the following description, a vehicle refers to various devices that move a vehicle body, such as a person, an object, or an animal, from a point of departure to a destination. Vehicles can include vehicles that travel on roads or railways, ships that move across the sea or rivers, and aircraft that fly through the sky using air.

[0036] A vehicle traveling on a road or a railway can furthermore move in a predetermined direction according to the rotation of at least one wheel and can include a three-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicle, a construction machine, a two-wheeled vehicle, a propulsion machine, bicycles and trains traveling on a railway.

[0037] Embodiments according to the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Fig. Figure 1 is a view which represents a touch control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] A touch control device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can have a touch unit 101.

[0040] The touch unit 101 can be configured within a specific area capable of receiving a touch signal from the user. For example, as shown in the drawings, the touch unit 101 can be provided in the form of a concave curved surface with varying degrees of curvature. Alternatively, the touch unit 101 can be provided in the form of a convex curved surface with varying degrees of curvature, and this is not limited to the latter. Curvatures can be greater than those shown in the drawings. Furthermore, the touch unit 101 can be provided not as a curved surface, but as a polygonal surface. Although the touch unit 101 is depicted as circular, it can also be polygonal or elliptical.

[0041] The touch unit 101 can be a touchpad into which a signal is entered when the user touches it with a pointer, such as their finger or a stylus. The user can enter a desired instruction or command by performing a predefined touch gesture on the touch unit 101.

[0042] Detecting the pointer's position while it is approaching the touch field but not yet touching it is called "approach touch," and detecting the pointer's position when it touches the touch field is called "contact touch." Approach touch is performed by vertically detecting a position on the touch field corresponding to a position in the air at which the pointer is approaching the touch field.

[0043] The touch unit 101 can utilize capacitive methods.

[0044] The touch unit 101 can be installed on the inside of an edge part 102. The edge part 102 can refer to a part that surrounds the touch unit 101 and can be formed from an element separate from that of the touch unit 101. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, gradations that can be felt by touch are formed on the edge part 102, allowing the user to intuitively know a swipe angle (or distance). By enabling the input of different signals according to the swipe angles (or distances), the degree of freedom of operation can be improved and input accuracy can be enhanced.

[0045] As described above, the edge part 102 can be configured to receive swipe input from the user. The touch unit 101 can be configured to receive gesture input from the user. Swipe input refers to the act of entering a gesture clockwise or counterclockwise without removing the pointer from the edge part 102. Gesture input refers to the act of entering a straight line or curved line gesture without removing the pointer from the touch unit 101.

[0046] Fig. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the touch control device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the touch control device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure has a base 110 which has a metal complex, electrode recesses 113a, 113b, 113c which are located in a contact area 111 of the base 110 (see Figure 2). Fig. 6) are formed, sensor electrodes 120 which are formed on the electrode recesses 113 by means of a coating or deposition process, through holes 114 which penetrate the base 110, connecting electrodes 123 which connect the sensor electrodes 120 through the through holes 114, and an integrated circuit 130 which is coupled to the base 110 and connected to the sensor electrodes 120 in order to detect a change in capacitance of each of the sensor electrodes 120.

[0048] The base 110 can contain a metal complex. This serves to form the sensor electrodes 120 using the LDS (laser direct structuring) process. The LDS process refers to a method of forming a conductive structure in a region of a support element exposed to a laser. This involves forming the support element with a material containing a non-conductive and chemically stable metal complex, exposing a metal nucleus by subjecting a section of the support element to a laser, such as an ultraviolet (UV) laser or excimer laser, to break the chemical bond of the metal complex, and metallizing the support element.

[0049] The base 110 can have the contact area 111, which is used as a contact field, and a circumferential section 112, which extends downwards from an outer edge of the contact area 111.

[0050] The electrode recesses 113 can be formed in the contact area 111 of the base 110. The electrode recesses 113 can be formed by irradiating the base 110 with a laser. The electrode recesses 113 can each be formed on an upper surface and a lower surface of the contact area 111. This serves to form the sensor electrodes 120 and the connecting electrodes 123 by means of a coating or deposition process.

[0051] The sensor electrodes 120 or the connecting electrodes 123 can be formed on the electrode recesses 113 by a coating or deposition process.

[0052] This means that the sensor electrodes 120 (see Fig. 3) can be trained on the basis of 110 using the LSD (laser direct structuring) method.

[0053] The sensor electrodes 120 are made of a conductive material and can, for example, be metal. Considering conductivity and cost, copper (Cu) can be used among the metals. In addition to copper, the sensor electrodes 120 can also be made of metals such as gold (Au).

[0054] The through holes 114 can be formed at the contact area 111 of the base 110. A majority of the through holes 114 can extend completely through the contact area 111. The through holes 114 can be formed before the base 110 is irradiated with a laser. This means that the through holes 114 can be formed together with the base 110 if the base 110 is formed by injection molding or the like.

[0055] The through-holes 114 can be in contact with the sensor electrodes 120. Considering the process sequence, the sensor electrodes 120 can be formed on the through-holes 114.

[0056] The through-holes 114 can connect the sensor electrodes 120, which are separated from each other. For this purpose, the connecting electrodes 123 can be formed on the lower surface of the base 110. A detailed description of this will follow later.

[0057] The integrated circuit 130 can be coupled to the underside of the base 110. The integrated circuit 130 comprises a printed circuit board 131, connection sections 126 arranged at a predetermined distance from the printed circuit board 131 along an edge of the printed circuit board 131, and a sensor IC 133 attached to the printed circuit board 131. When the integrated circuit 130 is coupled to the base 110, the connection sections 126 are connected to the terminal electrodes 124 and 125, and the sensor electrodes 120 are electrically connected to the sensor IC 133.

[0058] A support unit 150 can be provided below the base 110 and the integrated circuit 130. The support unit 150 can be configured to fix the base 110 and the integrated circuit 130 and is not an essential component. The support unit 150 can be configured to fix the touch control device 100 in a specific position, such as inside a vehicle.

[0059] Fig. Figure 3 is a view which represents a basis of the touch control device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of 'A', which is in Fig. 3 is shown, and Fig. 5 is a sub-view of the in Fig. 3 shown base, and Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line BB' of Fig. 4.

[0060] The sensor electrodes 120 of the present disclosure are described with reference to Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6 described in detail.

[0061] According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor electrodes 120 can be formed on the upper surface of the contact area 111 of the base 110. As described later, the sensor electrodes 120 can also be formed on the lower surface of the contact area 110. In this case, the distance between the sensor electrodes 120 and the pointer is increased by the thickness of the base 110. Therefore, it is preferred that the sensor electrodes 120 be formed on the upper surface of the base 110.

[0062] The sensor electrodes 120 can be formed on the upper surface of the base 110 using the LDS (laser direct structuring) method as described above.

[0063] The sensor electrodes 120 can have first sensor electrodes 121, which are directly connected to an upper surface of the base 110, and second sensor electrodes 122, which are separated from the upper surface of the base 110. The first sensor electrodes 121 can be connected to first electrode recesses 113a (see Fig. 6), which are formed on the upper surface of the base 110, by a coating or deposition process. The second sensor electrodes 122 can be attached to second electrode recesses 113b (see Fig. 6), which are formed on the upper surface of the base 110, by a coating or deposition process.

[0064] The first sensor electrodes 121 can be transmitting electrodes (TX electrodes), and the second sensor electrodes 122 can be receiving electrodes (RX electrodes). Alternatively, the first sensor electrodes 121 can be receiving electrodes (RX electrodes) and the second sensor electrodes 122 can be transmitting electrodes (TX electrodes).

[0065] The first sensor electrodes 121 can be directly connected to the upper surface of the base 110. The first sensor electrodes 121 can be connected to each other even if separate connecting electrodes are not provided. The first sensor electrodes 121 can be connected to each other along the first direction. The first sensor electrodes 121 are not connected to each other along the second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. That is, the first sensor electrodes 121 can be separated from each other in the second direction.

[0066] The second sensor electrodes 122 can be separated from each other on the upper surface of the base 110. The second sensor electrodes 122 can be separated not only in the first direction, but also in the second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0067] The first sensor electrodes 121 and the second sensor electrodes 122 can be arranged in a crossing manner along the second direction. That is, the first sensor electrodes 121 and the second sensor electrodes 122 can be arranged alternately along the second direction.

[0068] The through-holes 114 can be formed on the lower surfaces of the second sensor electrodes 122. Since, according to the manufacturing process sequence of the touch control device 100, the through-holes 114 are formed together with the base 110 and the sensor electrodes 120 are formed on the base using the LDS method, the second sensor electrodes 122 are formed on the upper surfaces of the through-holes 114.

[0069] The second sensor electrodes 122 can be connected to each other through the through-holes 114. In particular, the separate second sensor electrodes 122 can be connected by the connecting electrodes 123 formed on the lower surface of the base 110. The connecting electrodes 123 can be connected to third electrode recesses 113c (see Fig. 6), which are formed on the lower surface of the base 110, by a coating or deposition process.

[0070] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the connecting electrodes 123 can connect the adjacent through-holes 114. The connecting electrodes 123 can be formed on the lower surface of the base 110. The connecting electrodes 123 can be formed on the lower surface of the base 110 using the LDS method, like the sensor electrodes 120. The connecting electrodes 123 and the second sensor electrodes 122 can be connected through the through-holes 114.

[0071] A double-layer (two-layer) structure, in which RX and TX electrodes are formed on a first and a second base, respectively, arranged vertically, can be used. However, the manufacturing process for this double-layer structure is complex, and its productivity and durability are relatively low. Furthermore, with this double-layer structure, a specific material for the top layer cannot be selected, as a UV coating is applied to a base without a separate top layer to protect the electrodes.

[0072] According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to connect both RX electrodes and TX electrodes on a base which has a single layer. The RX electrodes and the TX electrodes are formed on one face of the base, and the RX electrodes and the TX electrodes are connected to each other on the other face of the base by through holes, which is also referred to as a 1.5-layer.

[0073] In the manufacturing process of the touch control device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, a laser is emitted onto the base 110, and the first sensor electrodes 121, the second sensor electrodes 122, and the connecting electrodes 123 are formed by a coating or deposition process. Therefore, compared to a manufacturing process for the double-layer touch control device, the number of operations is greatly reduced, and thus productivity can be significantly improved.

[0074] In the touch control device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, a cover layer 140 can be attached to the upper surface of the base 110, and the cover layer 140 can be made of any material exhibiting low conductivity. Accordingly, the cover layer 140, which is exposed on the outside of the touch control device 100, can comprise various materials, thus increasing the degree of design freedom. The cover layer 140 can comprise materials capable of detecting capacitive touch, such as glass, acrylic, ABS, wood, stone, and the like. The materials listed above are merely examples, and the materials of the cover layer 140 are not limited as long as they are non-conductive materials capable of detecting capacitive touch.However, considering the contact behavior, it is preferred that the thickness of the top layer 140 is not too thick.

[0075] By providing the through holes 114, the top layer 140 can be evenly applied to the upper surface of the base 110.

[0076] An adhesive layer 141 is applied to the upper surface of the base 110, and the top layer 140 is then applied to the upper surface of the adhesive layer 141. Generally, during the application of the top layer 140, air bubbles are created between the top layer 140 and the adhesive layer 141 or between the adhesive layer 141 and the base 110. To remove the air bubbles, air is drawn in from one side of the base 110, and the application process described above is carried out. However, if the upper surface of the base 110 has a curved shape with varying curvatures, then even if air is drawn in from the side of the base 110, the air bubbles are not easily removed, making it difficult to apply the top layer 140 evenly to the base 110.

[0077] According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of through-holes 114 can be formed at the contact area 111 of the base 110, and the plurality of through-holes 114 can be formed through the upper and lower surfaces of the base 110. When the top layer 140 is applied, the multiple through-holes 114 become passages through which air bubbles can move. This solves the problem of uneven adhesion of the top layer 140. Consequently, the top layer 140 can be applied uniformly to the base 110, which can lead to increased productivity and improved contact behavior.

[0078] According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor electrodes 120 and the printed circuit board 131 are connected by simply contacting the base 110 and the printed circuit board 131 without fasteners. The sensor IC 133 is mounted on the printed circuit board 131, and the sensor electrodes 120 are connected to the sensor IC 133.

[0079] In particular, the majority of connection sections 126 can be provided at the edge of the printed circuit board 131, and the majority of connection sections 126 can have a C-clip structure.

[0080] A plurality of connection engagement sections 132 can be provided on an inner side surface of the circumferential section 112 of the base 110, and the plurality of connection engagement sections 132 can be connected to the plurality of connection sections 126 of the printed circuit board 131.

[0081] The first connection electrodes 124 are used to connect the first sensor electrodes 121 and the connection sections 126, and the second connection electrodes 125 are used to connect the second sensor electrodes 122 and the connection sections 126.

[0082] The first connection electrodes 124 are connected to the first sensor electrodes 121 through the through holes 114 and can extend from the lower surface of the base 110 to the connection engagement sections 132.

[0083] The second connection electrodes 125 are connected to the second sensor electrodes 122 through the through holes 114 and can extend from the lower surface of the base 110 to the connection engagement sections 132.

[0084] The first connection electrodes 124 and the second connection electrodes 125 can be formed using the LDS method, like the sensor electrodes 120.

[0085] The first connection electrodes 124 and the second connection electrodes 125 can be formed on a top surface and a side surface of the connection engagement sections 132. The connection sections 126 are in contact with the side surface of the connection engagement sections 132. Thus, the sensor electrodes 120 and the printed circuit board 131 are electrically connected to each other by means of the contact between the connection sections 126 and the connection engagement sections 132.

[0086] As described above, in the touch control device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the base 110 is coupled to the integrated circuit 130, which comprises the printed circuit board 131, without fasteners. Conventionally, a robotic soldering process, which reduces productivity, was required to connect the base and the printed circuit board. In contrast, the touch control device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure does not require the robotic soldering process, thus improving productivity and simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0087] Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a base of a touch control device according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor electrodes 120 can be formed on the lower surface of the base 110. The second sensor electrodes 122 can be formed on the lower surface of the base 110, and the connecting electrodes 123 can be formed on the upper surface of the base 110. That is to say, the sensor electrodes 120 can be formed on the lower surface as well as on the upper surface of the base 110.

[0089] Fig. Figure 8 is a view showing the interior of a vehicle equipped with the touch control device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a gearshift box equipped with the touch control device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] With reference to Fig. 8 a vehicle can have 20 seats 21, which are provided for a driver and a passenger to sit on, a gearshift box 300, a center fascia 22 and a dashboard 24 with a steering wheel 23.

[0091] The central instrument panel 22 can accommodate an air conditioning system 310, a clock 312, an audio system 313 and an audio, video and navigation (AVN) system 314.

[0092] The air conditioning system 310 maintains a comfortable atmosphere inside the vehicle 20 by controlling the temperature, humidity, air purity, and airflow. The air conditioning system 310 may have at least one outlet 311, which is installed in the central instrument panel 22 for releasing air. It may also have buttons or selector switches installed in the central instrument panel 22 for controlling the air conditioning system 310. The driver or user can control the air conditioning system 310 using the buttons located on the central instrument panel.

[0093] The clock 312 can be arranged around the buttons or selector devices that control the air conditioning unit 310.

[0094] The Audio System 313 can have a control panel with a number of buttons for operating its functions. The Audio System 313 can provide a radio mode for listening to the radio and a media mode for playing audio files stored on various storage media.

[0095] The AVN system 314 can be embedded in the central instrument panel 22 of the vehicle 20 or can be arranged externally on the dashboard 24. The AVN system 314 is a system for the comprehensive execution of audio, video, and navigation functions of the vehicle 20 according to the user's operation. The AVN system 314 may include an input unit 315 for receiving user commands regarding the AVN system 314 and a display 316 for showing a screen relating to audio playback, video playback, or navigation functions. The audio system 313 may be omitted if it overlaps with the AVN system 314.

[0096] The steering wheel 23 is a tool for controlling the direction of travel of the vehicle 20, which has a rim 321, which is held by the driver, and a spoke 322, which is connected to a steering system of the vehicle 20 and connects the rim 321 to a hub of a pivot shaft for steering. In the embodiment, a control device 323 can be formed on the spoke 322 to control various devices in the vehicle 20, such as the audio system.

[0097] The dashboard 24 may also include an instrument panel 324 for displaying various vehicle information to the driver, such as vehicle speed, distance traveled, engine revolutions per minute (rpm), remaining fuel quantity, coolant temperature, various warnings, etc., and a glove compartment for holding various items.

[0098] The gearshift box 300 can be installed between the driver's seat and the passenger's seat inside the vehicle 20 and can be equipped with various control devices which require its operation by the driver while the driver is driving the vehicle 20.

[0099] Referring to Fig. 9. The gearshift box 300 can contain a gear lever 301 for a transmission of the vehicle 20, a display 302 for controlling the vehicle 20 to perform functions, and buttons 303 for activating various devices of the vehicle 20. Furthermore, the touch control device 100 can be installed in the gearshift box 300 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] The touch control device 100, installed in the gearshift box 300, can be positioned such that the user is able to operate it while keeping their eyes forward. For example, it can be located below the gearshift lever 301. Alternatively, the touch control device 100 can be installed in the central instrument panel 22, in the steering wheel 23, in the front passenger seat, or in the rear seat.

[0101] The touch control device 100 can be connected to various display devices within the vehicle 20 for selecting and executing various symbols displayed in the display devices. The display devices installed within the vehicle 20 can include the audio system 313, the AVN system 314, the instrument panel 324, or the like. Alternatively, the display 302 can be installed in the gearshift box 300, if required. The display device can be connected to a head-up display (HUD) device or a rearview mirror.

[0102] For example, the touch control device 100 can move a cursor or input pointer, or execute a symbol displayed on the screen. The symbol can be a main menu icon, a menu selection icon, a menu settings icon, etc. Furthermore, the user can operate GPS, adjust driving conditions, or activate peripheral devices in the vehicle 20 using the touch control device 100.

[0103] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a touch control device comprising a touch control panel having a curved surface shape with different curvatures, and a vehicle with the touch control device can be provided.

[0104] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a touch control device, which has a touch control panel with improved design freedom, and a vehicle with the touch control device can be provided.

[0105] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a touch control device with improved productivity by simplifying the manufacturing process and a vehicle with the touch control device can be provided.

[0106] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a touch control device which is able to uniformly bond a top layer to a touch control panel by eliminating bubbles which are generated between the touch control panel and the top layer, and a vehicle with the touch control device can be provided.

[0107] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a touch control device, to which covering layers made of various materials may be attached, and a vehicle with the touch control device can be provided.

[0108] Although certain embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is understood by those skilled in the art that changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the claims.

Claims

A touch control device (100) comprising: a base (110) having a metal complex, an electrode recess (113) formed in a contact area (111) of the base (110), several sensor electrodes (120) formed on the electrode recess (113), wherein the several sensor electrodes (120) each have a conductive material, a through hole (114) penetrating the base (110), a connecting electrode (123) connecting the several sensor electrodes (120) through the through hole (114), and an integrated circuit (130) coupled to the base (110) and connected to the sensor electrodes (120) to detect a change in the capacitance of the sensor electrodes (120). The touch control device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the multiple sensor electrodes (120) comprise first sensor electrodes (121) which are directly connected to a surface of the base (110), and second electrodes (122) which are separated from one surface of the base (110). The touch control device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the connecting electrode (123) is formed on the other surface of the base (110) and connects the second sensor electrodes (122). The touch control device (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second sensor electrodes (122) and the connecting electrode (123) are connected by means of the through hole (114). The touch control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connecting electrode (123) comprises: a first connecting electrode (124) which is configured to connect the first sensor electrodes (121) and the integrated circuit (130), and a second connecting electrode (125) which is configured to connect the second sensor electrodes (122) and the integrated circuit (130). The touch control device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first sensor electrodes (121) are connected along a first direction and the second sensor electrodes (122) are separated along the first direction and a second direction which intersects the first direction. The touch control device (100) according to claim 6, wherein the first sensor electrodes (121) are arranged such that they cross the second sensor electrodes (122) along the second direction. The touch control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the connecting electrode (123) is formed in the electrode recess (113) by a coating process or a deposition process. The touch control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sensor electrode is formed on an upper surface or a lower surface of the base (110) and the connecting electrode (123) is formed on a lower surface or an upper surface of the base (110). The touch control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the touch control device (100) further comprises a cover layer (140) which is configured to cover an upper surface of the base (110). The touch control device (100) according to claim 10, wherein the cover layer (140) comprises a non-metallic material. The touch control device (100) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein bubbles which are generated between the top layer and the base (110) pass through the through hole (114). The touch control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the touch area (111) of the base (110) has a curved surface shape of different curvatures. A vehicle (20) comprising: the touch control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, a display device, and a processor configured to operate the display device according to an input signal that is entered into the touch control device (110). The vehicle (20) according to claim 14, wherein the touch control device (100) is attached to at least one of a gearshift box (300), a steering wheel (23) and a central instrument panel (22). A method for manufacturing a touch control device (100), comprising: forming an electrode recess (113) by emitting a laser onto a base (110) having a metal complex and a through hole (114), forming several sensor electrodes (120) having a conductive material on the electrode recess (113) by a coating or deposition process, and forming a connecting electrode (123) for connecting the several sensor electrodes (120) through the through hole (114). The method for manufacturing the touch control device (100) according to claim 16, wherein the multiple sensor electrodes (120) comprise first sensor electrodes (121) which are directly connected to a surface of the base (110), and second electrodes (122) which are separated from one surface of the base (110). The method for manufacturing the touch control device (100) according to claim 17, wherein connecting electrode (123) is formed on the other surface of the base (110) and connects the second sensor electrodes (122). The method for manufacturing the touch control device (100) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the second sensor electrodes (122) and the connecting electrode (123) are connected by means of the through hole (114).

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