Input device including pressure sensor including stopper overlapping electrode and electronic device including the same

Abstract

An electronic device comprises a housing, a key portion that receives a touch input and is at least partially exposed outside the housing through a side of the housing, and a pressure sensor disposed within the housing so as to face the key portion. The pressure sensor comprises a substrate comprising a first portion including a first electrode, a second portion facing the first portion and including one or more second electrodes, and a third portion extending from the first portion to the second portion, an elastomer disposed between the first portion of the substrate and the second portion of the substrate, and one or more stoppers disposed between the first portion of the substrate and the second portion of the substrate. The one or more stoppers overlap at least partially with the one or more second electrodes.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an input device comprising a pressure sensor including a stopper that overlaps with an electrode, and an electronic device comprising the same. Background Technology

[0003] The electronic device may include an input device for receiving user input. For example, the input device may include a pressure sensor to provide an electrical signal corresponding to a touch input provided by a user. The pressure sensor may include a receiving electrode and a transmitting electrode, and may include an elastomer disposed between the electrodes. The elastomer may be configured to maintain a distance between the electrodes.

[0004] The information described above may be provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art in relation to the present disclosure. means of solving the problem

[0006] An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device may include a housing that defines the exterior of the electronic device. The electronic device may include a key portion that receives touch input and is at least partially exposed outside the housing through a lateral side of the housing. The electronic device may include a pressure sensor disposed within the housing so as to face the key portion. The pressure sensor may include a substrate comprising a first portion including a first electrode, a second portion opposite to the first portion including one or more second electrodes, and a third portion extending from the first portion to the second portion. The pressure sensor may include an elastomer disposed between the first portion of the substrate and the second portion of the substrate. The pressure sensor may include one or more stoppers disposed between the first portion of the substrate and the second portion of the substrate. The one or more stoppers may at least partially overlap with the one or more second electrodes when the pressure sensor is viewed from above.

[0007] An input device for receiving a touch input is disclosed. The input device may include a key portion comprising one or more touch portions for the touch input. The input device may include a pressure sensor electrically connected to the key portion and configured to generate an electrical signal corresponding to the touch input received through the one or more touch portions. The pressure sensor may include a substrate comprising a first portion including a first electrode, a second portion opposite to the first portion including one or more second electrodes, and a third portion extending from the first portion to the second portion. The pressure sensor may include an elastomer disposed between the first portion of the substrate and the second portion of the substrate. The pressure sensor may include one or more stoppers disposed between the first portion of the substrate and the second portion of the substrate. The one or more stoppers may at least partially overlap with the one or more second electrodes when viewed from above the pressure sensor. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates an electronic device according to one embodiment. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device of Figure 3 cut along the AA' line. FIG. 5 illustrates a pressure sensor of an input device according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a pressure sensor including stoppers arranged side by side. FIG. 7 is a plan view of a pressure sensor including stoppers arranged in an alternating arrangement. FIG. 8 is a plan view of a pressure sensor in which one or more stoppers are located within one or more second electrodes. FIG. 9 is a plan view of a pressure sensor including stoppers placed between electrodes. FIG. 10 is a plan view of a pressure sensor comprising one or more second electrodes and one or more stoppers arranged in an alternating arrangement. FIGS. 11 and FIGS. 12 are plan views of a pressure sensor including one or more stoppers disposed on both sides of the pressure sensor. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0011] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or with an electronic device (104) or a server (108) through a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) through a server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), memory (130), input module (150), sound output module (155), display module (160), audio module (170), sensor module (176), interface (177), connection terminal (178), haptic module (179), camera module (180), power management module (188), battery (189), communication module (190), subscriber identification module (196), or antenna module (197). In some embodiments, at least one of these components (e.g., connection terminal (178)) may be omitted from the electronic device (101), or one or more other components may be added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (176), camera module (180), or antenna module (197)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (160)).

[0012] The processor (120) can control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing software (e.g., a program (140)), and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) can store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) that can operate independently or together with it (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor). For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and an auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use lower power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a designated function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as part thereof.

[0013] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., display module (160), sensor module (176), or communication module (190)) on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module (180) or communication module (190)). According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence is performed, or through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers.An artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure, either additionally or substantially.

[0014] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)). The data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (e.g., program (140)) and related commands. The memory (130) may include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0015] The program (140) may be stored as software in memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0016] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used for a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120)) from outside the electronic device (101) (e.g., user). The input module (150) may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0017] The sound output module (155) can output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device (101). The sound output module (155) may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver may be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part thereof.

[0018] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external (e.g., user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling said device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of the force generated by said touch.

[0019] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150) or output sound through the sound output module (155) or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphones) connected directly or wirelessly to the electronic device (101).

[0020] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0021] The interface (177) may support one or more specified protocols that can be used for the electronic device (101) to be connected directly or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0022] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0023] The haptic module (179) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that the user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0024] The camera module (180) can capture still images and video. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0025] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0026] The battery (189) can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0027] The communication module (190) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device (104) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can identify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0028] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following 4G networks, for example, new radio access technology. NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (massive machine type communications (mMTC)), or high reliability and low latency (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC)). The wireless communication module (192) can support a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate, for example. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in the high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large-scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (104)), or network system (e.g., second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) may support a Peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or U-plane latency (e.g., downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) for URLLC realization.

[0029] An antenna module (197) can transmit a signal or power to or from an external source (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna comprising a radiator made of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as a first network (198) or a second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by a communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, other components (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module (197).

[0030] According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving a signal of the specified high frequency band.

[0031] At least some of the above components can be connected to each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)) and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other.

[0032] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) through a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102, or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed on the electronic device (101) may be performed on one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, if the electronic device (101) needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of performing the function or service itself or additionally. One or more external electronic devices that receive the above request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may provide the result as is or additionally processed as at least part of the response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device (101) may provide ultra-low latency services using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included within a second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 2, an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may include an input device (200) and at least one processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1).

[0036] According to one embodiment, an input device (200) may be configured to receive user input (e.g., touch input) for an electronic device (101). When user input is provided to the input device (200), the input device (200) may be configured to provide an electrical signal based on said user input to at least one processor (120). The at least one processor (120) may be configured to perform an operation corresponding to said electrical signal based on the electrical signal received from the input device (200). As described below, the input device (200) may include a pressure sensor (210) configured to receive a touch input based on a change in capacitance according to the touch input and to provide an electrical signal corresponding to said touch input to at least one processor.

[0037] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (120) may include a processing circuit configured to perform data processing or computation. For example, at least one processor (120) may include a main processor (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor). Additionally, at least one processor (120) may include an auxiliary processor (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) configured to operate individually or collectively with the main processor. The auxiliary processor may use lower power than the main processor or be configured to be specialized for a specified function. The auxiliary processor may be implemented separately from the main processor or as part thereof.

[0038] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (120) may be configured to control components of an electronic device (101) electrically or operatively connected to at least one processor (120) by executing instructions stored in memory (130). For example, memory (130) may store instructions executable by at least one processor (120). At least one processor (120) may execute instructions based on an electrical signal based on user input (e.g., touch input) received through an input device (200).

[0039] For example, an input device (200) may receive user input (e.g., touch input) to change the volume of an audio signal output through a speaker (201) (e.g., acoustic output module (155) of FIG. 1). The input device (200) may provide an electrical signal based on the user input to at least one processor (120). At least one processor (120) may be configured to control the speaker (201) by executing instructions based on the electrical signal based on the user input received through the input device (200). For example, at least one processor (120) may be configured to control the speaker (201) to increase or decrease the volume of audio signals output through the speaker (201).

[0040] For example, an input device (200) may receive user input (e.g., touch input) to control the camera (202) while an application for the camera (202) (e.g., camera module (180) of FIG. 1) is running. The input device (200) may provide an electrical signal based on the user input to at least one processor (120). At least one processor (120) may be configured to control the camera (202) by executing instructions based on the electrical signal based on the user input received through the input device (200). For example, at least one processor (120) may be configured to control the camera (202) to generate an image or video through the camera (202).

[0041] For example, an input device (200) may receive user input (e.g., touch input) for controlling the power of an electronic device (101). The input device (200) may provide an electrical signal based on the user input to at least one processor (120). At least one processor (120) may be configured to control a power management integrated circuitry (PMIC) (203) (e.g., power management module (188) of FIG. 1) by executing instructions based on the electrical signal based on the user input received through the input device (200). For example, at least one processor (120) may be configured to control the PMIC (203) to regulate the power supplied to the electronic device (101).

[0042] In addition to the aforementioned user inputs, the input device (200) can receive various user inputs and provide an electrical signal based on each of the user inputs to at least one processor (120).

[0043] Hereinafter, an input device (200) configured to receive touch input corresponding to user input and an electronic device (101) including said input device (200) are described. The directions described in this disclosure are described with reference to the attached drawings, but said directions may be referred to as relative directions rather than absolute directions. For example, if the input device (200) or pressure sensor (210) shown in the drawings is flipped, said directions may change.

[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device of FIG. 3 taken along the line AA'.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 3, an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may include a housing (310), a display (301), and an input device (200).

[0047] According to one embodiment, the housing (310) may define at least a portion of the exterior of the electronic device (101). For example, the side (311) of the housing (310) may correspond to the side of the electronic device (101), and the rear of the housing (310) (e.g., the side of the housing (310) facing the -z direction) may correspond to the rear of the electronic device (101). Components of the electronic device (101) (e.g., at least one processor (120) of FIG. 2) may be accommodated within the housing (310). The display (301) may define at least a portion of the front of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the side facing the +z direction). The display (301) may correspond to at least a portion of the display module of FIG. 1 (e.g., the display (301) module (160) of FIG. 1).

[0048] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the input device (200) may be at least partially exposed outside the housing (310) through a side (311) of the housing (310). For example, the side (311) of the housing (310) may be referred to as one of the faces of the electronic device (101) perpendicular to the front or rear of the electronic device (101). As illustrated in FIG. 3, at least a portion of the input device (200) may be at least partially exposed through a side (311) of the electronic device (101) facing the +x direction, but the position of the input device (200) according to the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the input device (200) may include a key portion (220) that is at least partially exposed outside the housing (310) through a side (311) of the housing (310). The key portion (220) may be referred to as a touch pad or a key button as a part of the input device (200) that receives touch input corresponding to user input. A user may provide touch input by touching the key portion (220) exposed through the side (311) of the housing (310). As an example that is not limited, the key portion (220) exposed outside the housing (310) through the side (311) may form a plane substantially identical to the side (311) of the housing (310). However, the key portion (220) according to the present disclosure is not limited to a structure that forms a plane substantially identical to the side (311). As a non-limiting example, the key portion (220) exposed outside the housing (310) through the side (311) may protrude from the side (311). For example, the key portion (220) may protrude from the side (311) in the +x direction. A stepped portion may be formed by the key portion (220) protruding from the side (311). Alternatively, the key portion (220) may not protrude from the side (311) and may form a plane substantially identical to the side (311).

[0051] According to one embodiment, the key portion (220) may include one or more touch portions (230). One or more touch portions (230) may be referred to as a portion that receives a touch input corresponding to user input. When a touch input is provided to one or more touch portions (230), a pressure sensor of the input device (200) (e.g., the pressure sensor (210) of FIG. 4) may be configured to provide an electrical signal based on the touch input to at least one processor (120). For example, the key portion (220) may be electrically connected to the pressure sensor (210) described below.

[0052] For example, one or more touch portions (230) may include a first touch portion (231), a second touch portion (232), and a third touch portion (233). The second touch portion (232) may be located between the first touch portion (231) and the third touch portion (233). The first touch portion (231), the second touch portion (232), and the third touch portion (233) may be spaced apart from each other. For example, the first touch portion (231), the second touch portion (232), and the third touch portion (233) may be aligned with respect to the extension direction (e.g., the y-axis direction) of the side (311) of the housing (310). Touch input provided by a user may be provided to one or more touch portions (230). One or more touch portions (230) may be pressed by a user. One or more touch parts (230) may be referred to as contact points or pressure points in terms of receiving touch input by contacting the user's finger.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 4, the input device (200) may include a pressure sensor (210). According to one embodiment, the pressure sensor (210) may be configured to generate an electrical signal based on a touch input provided through one or more touch portions of the key portion (220).

[0054] According to one embodiment, the pressure sensor (210) may be configured to generate an electrical signal based on a change in capacitance due to a touch input and to provide said electrical signal to at least one processor (e.g., at least one processor (120) of FIG. 2). The pressure sensor (210) may be disposed within the housing (310) so as to face a key portion (220) that is at least partially exposed outside the housing (310) through a side (311) of the housing (310). For example, the pressure sensor (210) may include a substrate (320) and a sensor circuit (not shown).

[0055] According to one embodiment, the substrate (320) may include electrodes configured to cause a change in capacitance based on said pressure when a key button is pressed by a user. The sensor circuit may be configured to generate an electrical signal based on the change in capacitance caused by said electrodes and to provide the generated electrical signal to at least one processor (120). The substrate (320) may include an electrical path (380) connected to at least one processor (120). The pressure sensor (210) may be referred to as a capacitance sensor in that it generates an electrical signal based on touch input using the change in capacitance.

[0056] For example, at least a portion of the key portion (220) may be exposed outside the housing (310) through the side (311) of the housing (310). At least a portion of the key portion (220) exposed through the side (311) of the housing (310) may include one or more of the aforementioned touch portions (230). The key portion (220) may include one or more bridges (410) corresponding to one or more touch portions (230). One or more bridges (410) may penetrate the side (311) of the housing (310) and come into contact with the substrate (320) of the pressure sensor (210) disposed within the housing (310) to face the key portion (220).

[0057] According to one embodiment, the pressure sensor (210) may include a first stiffener (360). The first stiffener (360) may be in contact with one or more bridges (410). The first stiffener (360) may be positioned between one or more bridges (410) of the key portion (220) and the substrate (320) (e.g., a second portion (322) of the substrate (320)). The first stiffener (360) may maintain the flatness of the substrate (320) and reduce damage to the substrate (320). For example, the first stiffener (360) may include a non-conductive material. For example, the non-conductive material may include epoxy, plastic, or resin, but the material of the first stiffener (360) is not limited thereto. The first reinforcing member (360) may be referred to as a non-conductive member or a non-conductive plate in that it includes a non-conductive material.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the substrate (320) may include a first part (321), a second part (322), and a third part (323).

[0059] For example, a first portion (321) of the substrate (320) may include a first electrode (340) positioned to face a first direction (e.g., -x direction) toward the interior of the housing (310). A second portion (322) of the substrate (320) may include one or more second electrodes (350) positioned to face a second direction (e.g., +x direction) opposite to the first direction. For example, one or more second electrodes (350) included within the second portion (322) may be positioned to face a second direction toward the exterior of the housing (310). The second portion (322) of the substrate (320) may be opposite to the first portion (321) of the substrate (320). The second portion (322) may be spaced apart from the first portion (321) in the first direction. A structure in which a first electrode (340) is positioned to face a first direction and one or more second electrodes (350) are positioned to face a second direction can be referred to as a structure in which the first electrode (340) is closer to the center of the housing (310) than the one or more second electrodes (350).

[0060] A second portion (322) of the substrate (320) may be in contact with the first reinforcing member (360). For example, the front surface of the second portion (322) facing the second direction (e.g., +x direction) may be in contact with the first reinforcing member (360). For example, a third portion (323) of the substrate (320) may extend from the first portion (321) of the substrate (320) to the second portion (322) of the substrate (320). For example, the third portion (323) of the substrate (320) may be at least partially bent between the first portion (321) and the second portion (322). The substrate (320) may be referred to as a flexible printed circuit board in terms of including the third portion (323) that is at least partially bent.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the pressure sensor (210) may include an elastomer (330). The elastomer (330) may be disposed between a first portion (321) of the substrate (320) and a second portion (322) of the substrate (320). For example, the first portion (321) and the second portion (322) may be disposed to face each other with the elastomer (330) in between.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the elastomer (330) may be configured to maintain a distance between the first electrode (340) and one or more second electrodes (350). For example, the elastomer (330) may include a polymer material having high elasticity. When the distance between the first part (321) and the second part (322) is reduced by pressure applied according to a touch input, the elastomer (330) placed between the first part (321) and the second part (322) may be compressed according to the reduction in distance. When the pressure is released, the compressed elastomer (330) may be restored to its original shape based on a restoring force. When the shape of the elastomer (330) is restored, the reduced distance may be recovered. For example, the elastomer (330) may include silicone, rubber, polyurethane, or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), but the material of the elastomer (330) is not limited thereto.

[0063] For example, the pressure sensor (210) may include a second reinforcing member (370), and the input device (200) may include a bracket (390). The bracket (390) may be coupled to an internal structure (e.g., a support member) (312) of the housing (310) and the pressure sensor (210) to secure the input device (200). The second reinforcing member (370) may be positioned between the bracket (390) and a first portion (321) of the substrate (320). For example, the second reinforcing member (370) may be in contact with the rear surface of the first portion (321) facing a first direction (e.g., -x direction). The second reinforcing member (370) may support the substrate (320). For example, the material of the second reinforcing member (370) may be different from the material of the first reinforcing member (360). As described above, the first reinforcing member (360) may include a non-conductive material (e.g., epoxy), and the second reinforcing member (370) may include a conductive material. For example, the second reinforcing member (370) may include a metal material such as stainless steel, but the material of the second reinforcing member (370) is not limited thereto. The second reinforcing member (370) may be referred to as a conductive member or a conductive plate in that it includes a conductive material.

[0064] According to one embodiment, one or more second electrodes (350) may be arranged to face the first electrode (340). The first electrode (340) and one or more second electrodes (350) may correspond to conductors forming an equivalent capacitor. The capacitance of the equivalent capacitor formed by the first electrode (340) and one or more second electrodes (350) may be defined as shown in the following mathematical formula.

[0065]

[0066] In the above mathematical formula, C Hε(epsilon) is the capacitance (unit: farad) of an equivalent capacitor formed by the first electrode (340) and one or more second electrodes (350). ε(epsilon) is the permittivity of a dielectric material located between the first electrode (340) and one or more second electrodes (350). Since an elastomer (330) is disposed between the first part (321) containing the first electrode (340) and the second part (322) containing the second electrode, the permittivity may correspond to the permittivity of the elastomer (330). D is the distance between the first electrode (340) and one or more second electrodes (350). A is the area between the first electrode (340) and one or more second electrodes (350).

[0067] Referring to the above mathematical formula, if the distance (D in the mathematical formula) between the first electrode (340) and one or more second electrodes (350) is changed, the capacitance may be changed. The sensor circuit of the pressure sensor (210) may be configured to provide an electrical signal based on touch input to at least one processor (e.g., at least one processor (120) of FIG. 2) based on the change in capacitance.

[0068] For example, when an external force is applied to the key portion (220) by a user's touch input, one or more second electrodes (350) may move toward the first electrode (340) by the external force. Since one or more second electrodes move toward the first electrode (340), the distance between the first electrode (340) and one or more second electrodes (350) may be reduced. As the distance is reduced, the capacitance may be changed. The sensor circuit may be configured to generate an electrical signal based on the change in capacitance and to provide said electrical signal to at least one processor (120). The at least one processor (120) may be configured to perform an operation corresponding to the user's touch input by performing an operation based on said electrical signal.

[0069] For example, a second portion (322) of the substrate (320) may be in contact with a first reinforcing member (360) that contacts a key portion (220) (e.g., one or more bridges (410)). One or more second electrodes (350) included in the second portion (322) may correspond to one or more touch portions (230). When one or more touch portions (230) are pressed by a user, the elastomer (330) may be compressed by the pressure. As the elastomer (330) is compressed, the distance between one or more second electrodes (350) corresponding to one or more touch portions (230) and the first electrode (340) included in the first portion (321) is reduced, and a change in capacitance may be caused by the reduction in distance. The pressure sensor (210) may be configured to generate an electrical signal based on the change in capacitance and to provide the electrical signal to at least one processor (120).

[0070] For example, if one or more touch portions (230) include a first touch portion (231), a second touch portion (232), and a third touch portion (233), one or more bridges (410) may include a first bridge (411) corresponding to the first touch portion (231), a second bridge (412) corresponding to the second touch portion (232), and a third bridge (413) corresponding to the third touch portion (233). One or more second electrodes (350) may include a first sub-electrode (351) corresponding to the first touch portion (231), a second sub-electrode (352) corresponding to the second touch portion (232), and a third sub-electrode (353) corresponding to the third touch portion (233). The first sub-electrode (351), the second sub-electrode (352), and the third sub-electrode (353) may be spaced apart from each other. The first touch portion (231), the first bridge (411), and the first sub-electrode (351) may be aligned with each other. The second touch portion (232), the second bridge (412), and the second sub-electrode (352) may be aligned with each other. The third touch portion (233), the third bridge (413), and the third sub-electrode (353) may be aligned with each other. To reduce the ingress of foreign matter or moisture into the space of the housing (310) that accommodates one or more bridges (410), the input device (200) may include waterproof members. For example, the waterproof members may include waterproof rings that fill the space. For example, the waterproof members may include a first waterproof ring (421) coupled to a first bridge (411) and filling the receiving space of the first bridge (411), a second waterproof ring (422) coupled to a second bridge (412) and filling the receiving space of the second bridge (412), and a third waterproof ring (423) coupled to a third bridge (413) and filling the receiving space of the third bridge (413). Each of the waterproof rings may have an O-shaped form and may be referred to as an O-ring.

[0071] For example, when a touch input is provided to the first touch portion (231), the first touch portion (231) may be pressed by the user in a first direction (e.g., -x direction) toward the interior of the housing (310). As the first touch portion (231) is pressed in the first direction, the first bridge (411) may move in the first direction. The first bridge (411) may press a portion of the first reinforcing member (360) that is in contact with the first bridge (411). As a result of the pressurization of the said portion of the first reinforcing member (360), a portion of the elastomer (330) may be compressed, and a portion of the second portion (322) around the first sub-electrode (351) aligned with the first bridge (411) may move toward the first portion (321). According to the above movement, the distance between the first sub-electrode (351) and the first electrode (340) may be reduced. According to the reduction in distance, the capacitance between the first electrode (340) and the first sub-electrode (351) may change. The sensor circuit of the pressure sensor (210) may be configured to provide an electrical signal based on the change in capacitance to at least one processor (120) through an electrical path (380) connected to the first part (321). One or more second electrodes (350) may be referred to as receiving electrodes in terms of receiving touch input, and the first electrode (340) may be referred to as transmitting electrodes in terms of providing electrical signals.

[0072] According to one embodiment, when one or more second electrodes (350) include a plurality of sub-electrodes (e.g., a first sub-electrode (351), a second sub-electrode (352), and a third sub-electrode (353)), at least one processor (120) may be configured to distinguish and identify various touch inputs received through an input device (200).

[0073] For example, when a touch input is provided for any one of the first touch portion (231), the second touch portion (232), and the third touch portion (233) (e.g., the first touch portion (231)), the distance between the sub-electrode (e.g., the first sub-electrode (351)) of one or more second electrodes (350) corresponding to the first touch portion and the first electrode (340) may be reduced. At least one processor (120) may be configured to identify a tap input for the touch portion based on a change in capacitance due to the reduction in distance. For example, when consecutive touch inputs are provided for at least two of the first touch portion (231), the second touch portion (232), and the third touch portion (233), at least one processor (120) may be configured to identify a swipe input. The input device (200) including the pressure sensor (210) can receive and identify various types of user inputs, so the usability of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 3) can be enhanced.

[0074] As described above, in order for the pressure sensor (210) of the input device (200) to generate an electrical signal based on a touch input, a change in the distance between the first electrode (340) and one or more second electrodes (350) may be required. When the distance is reduced, the elastomer (330) placed between the first part (321) and the second part (322) may be partially compressed. When the external force due to the touch input is released, the shape of the elastomer (330) that was compressed is restored by the restoring force of the elastomer (330), and according to the restoration of the shape of the elastomer (330), the distance between the first electrode (340) and one or more second electrodes (350) may be increased (restored) back to the original distance. When the external force disappears, elastic deformation of the elastomer (330) may be required to increase the distance.

[0075] If the elastomer (330) is compressed beyond its elastic limit, plastic deformation of the elastomer (330) may occur. Due to the plastic deformation of the elastomer (330), the distance may not be restored. If the distance is not restored, malfunction or performance degradation of the input device (200) including the pressure sensor (210) may occur.

[0076] If the external force resulting from the touch input applied to the key portion (220) is too strong, damage to the first reinforcing member (360) may occur. For example, when the first touch portion (231) is strongly pressed, the first bridge (411) may strongly press the portion of the first reinforcing member (360) corresponding to the first bridge (411). The portion of the first reinforcing member (360) that is strongly pressed by the first bridge (411) may be physically damaged. For example, if the portion of the first reinforcing member (360) bends or twists, deformation of the elastomer (330) may occur. Since the deformation of the elastomer (330) affects the distance between the first electrode (340) and one or more second electrodes (350), a change in capacitance may occur. A change in the above capacitance may cause malfunction or performance degradation of the input device (200) including the pressure sensor (210).

[0077] To reduce plastic deformation of the elastomer (330) and damage to the first reinforcing member (360), the pressure sensor (210) may include a stopper (not shown) positioned between a first portion (321) of the substrate (320) and a second portion (322) of the substrate (320). The stopper may be positioned adjacent to at least one of the two sides of the elastomer (330). The sides may be referred to as the sides of the elastomer (330) parallel to the first direction (e.g., -x direction) or the second direction (e.g., +x direction). For example, the stoppers adjacent to the two sides of the elastomer (330) may not be aligned with one or more touch portions (230), making it difficult to reduce damage to the aforementioned first reinforcing member (360).

[0078] An input device (200) according to one embodiment can provide a stopper arrangement structure that reduces plastic deformation of the elastomer (330) while reducing damage to the first reinforcing member (360). Hereinafter, the structure of an input device (200) according to one embodiment is described. In the descriptions that follow, the same reference numerals may be assigned to components identical to those described above, and redundant descriptions may be omitted.

[0080] FIG. 5 illustrates a pressure sensor of an input device according to one embodiment.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 5, one or more second electrodes (350) may include a plurality of sub-electrodes. For example, one or more second electrodes (350) may include a first sub-electrode (351), a second sub-electrode (352), and a third sub-electrode (353). As described above, since one or more second electrodes (350) correspond to receiving electrodes, the number of one or more second electrodes (350) may correspond to the number of channels of the input device (200) including the pressure sensor (210). For example, if one or more second electrodes (350) include three electrodes, the input device (200) may provide three channels. Since the change in relative capacitance from the receiving electrodes can be measured even if the first electrode (340) corresponding to the transmitting electrode includes only one electrode, the first electrode (340) may be one.

[0082] A pressure sensor (210) according to one embodiment may include one or more stoppers (510). For example, one or more stoppers (510) may be disposed between a first portion (321) of a substrate (320) and a second portion (322) of a substrate (320). For example, one or more stoppers (510) may be in contact with the rear surface (501) of the second portion (322) facing a first direction (e.g., -x direction) to support a first reinforcing member (360). An elastomer (330) disposed between the first portion (321) and the second portion (322) may be in contact with the rear surface (501) of the second portion (322) and the front surface (502) of the first portion (321). For example, the elastomer (330) may occupy part of the space between the first part (321) and the second part (322), and one or more stoppers (510) may occupy other parts of the space.

[0083] According to one embodiment, one or more stoppers (510) may have high rigidity to reduce damage to the pressure sensor (210). For example, the rigidity of one or more stoppers (510) may be higher than the rigidity of the elastomer (330). Due to the high rigidity of one or more stoppers (510), the first reinforcing member (360) can be stably supported. According to one embodiment, the elastomer (330) may have high elasticity to restore the distance between the first electrode (340) and one or more second electrodes (350). For example, the elasticity of the elastomer (330) may be higher than the elasticity of one or more stoppers (510).

[0084] According to one embodiment, one or more stoppers (510) may be positioned to overlap with one or more second electrodes (350) disposed within a second portion (322) of the substrate (320). For example, when looking at the pressure sensor (210) from above (for example, when looking at the pressure sensor (210) in the -x direction), one or more stoppers (510) may overlap at least partially with one or more second electrodes (350).

[0085] For example, one or more stoppers (510) may correspond to one or more second electrodes (350). As described above, if one or more second electrodes (350) include a first sub-electrode (351), a second sub-electrode (352), and a third sub-electrode (353), one or more stoppers (510) may include a first stopper (511), a second stopper (512), and a third stopper (513). The first stopper (511) may overlap at least partially with the first sub-electrode (351) when viewed from above the pressure sensor (210). The first stopper (511) may be aligned with the first sub-electrode (351) in a first direction (e.g., -x direction). The second stopper (512) may overlap at least partially with the second sub-electrode (352) when viewed from above the pressure sensor (210). The second stopper (512) may be aligned with the second sub-electrode (352) with respect to the first direction. The third stopper (513) may overlap at least partially with the third sub-electrode (353) when viewed from above the pressure sensor (210). The third stopper (513) may be aligned with the third sub-electrode (353) with respect to the first direction.

[0086] According to one embodiment, one or more stoppers (510) may comprise a non-conductive material. Since one or more stoppers (510) overlap at least partially with one or more second electrodes (350), one or more stoppers (510) may be positioned between the first electrode (340) and one or more second electrodes (350). To prevent the one or more stoppers (510) from affecting the capacitance formed between the first electrode (340) and one or more second electrodes (350), one or more stoppers (510) may comprise a non-conductive material. For example, one or more stoppers (510) may comprise an epoxy material, but the material of the one or more stoppers (510) is not limited thereto.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the thickness (T1) of the elastomer (330) (e.g., the length of the elastomer (330) in the x-axis direction) and the thickness (T2) of one or more stoppers (510) (e.g., the length of one or more stoppers (510) in the x-axis direction) may be related to the performance of the pressure sensor (210). For example, the elastomer (330) may be thicker than the distance between the first part (321) and the second part (322) so that the distance between the first electrode (340) and one or more second electrodes (350) can be quickly restored after the pressure from the touch input is removed. For example, the distance between the first part (321) and the second part (322) may be about 1 mm. For example, when the elastomer (330) has its original shape, the thickness of the elastomer (330) may be about 1.2 mm. When the elastomer (330) is placed between the first part (321) and the second part (322), the elastomer (330) is compressed by the first part (321) and the second part (322), so that the thickness (T1) of the elastomer (330) corresponds to the distance. For example, the thickness (T1) of the elastomer (330) placed between the first part (321) and the second part (322) may be about 1.0 mm. In a state where pressure is not provided by touch input, the elastomer (330) may be pressed by the front surface (502) of the first part (321) and the rear surface (501) of the second part (322).

[0088] According to one embodiment, the thickness (T2) of one or more stoppers (510) may be thinner than the thickness (T1) of the elastomer (330). Since one or more stoppers (510) are placed between the first part (321) of the substrate (320) and the second part (322) of the substrate (320), the amount of change in distance between the first electrode (340) and one or more second electrodes (350) may be limited by the thickness (T2) of one or more stoppers (510). The thicker the thickness (T2) of one or more stoppers (510), the greater the limitation on the amount of change in distance between the first electrode (340) and one or more second electrodes (350). If the amount of change in distance is excessively limited due to the thickness (T2) of one or more stoppers (510), the performance of the pressure sensor (210) may be reduced. To improve the performance of the pressure sensor (210), the thickness (T2) of one or more stoppers (510) may be thinner than the thickness (T1) of the elastomer (330). The thickness (T2) of one or more stoppers (510) may be related to the elastic limit of the elastomer (330). The thickness (T2) of one or more stoppers (510) may be based on the compression ratio of the elastomer (330) according to the elastic limit of the elastomer (330) so that the elastomer (330) is not compressed beyond the elastic limit. For example, if the compression ratio of the elastomer (330) causing plastic deformation of the elastomer (330) is about 70% and the thickness (T1) of the elastomer (330) is about 1.2 mm, the thickness (T2) of one or more stoppers (510) may be thicker than about 0.36 mm (e.g., 1.2 mm - 1.2 mm × 0.7). When the thickness (T2) of one or more stoppers (510) exceeds about 0.36 mm, the compression ratio of the elastomer (330) may be limited to less than about 70%, so that the probability of plastic deformation of the elastomer (330) being caused may be reduced.

[0089] According to one embodiment, damage to the pressure sensor (210) (e.g., bending or twisting) may be reduced because one or more stoppers (510) overlap at least partially with one or more second electrodes (350). As described above, when one or more stoppers (510) are positioned adjacent to at least one of the two sides of the elastomer (330) (e.g., sides of the elastomer (330) parallel to the x-axis direction), one or more stoppers (510) may not overlap with one or more second electrodes (350). According to one embodiment, one or more stoppers (510) positioned to overlap at least partially with one or more second electrodes (350) may support one or more second electrodes (350) aligned with one or more touch portions (e.g., one or more touch portions (230) of FIG. 4). When a user presses one or more touch portions (230), a portion of a second portion (322), which includes one or more second electrodes (350), may be pressed by a portion of a key portion (e.g., the key portion (220) of FIG. 4) (e.g., one or more bridges (410) of FIG. 4). When said portion of the second portion (322) is pressed, said portion of the second portion (322) is supported by one or more stoppers (510) that overlap with one or more second electrodes (350), so that damage to the pressure sensor (210) may be reduced. As said or more stoppers (510) are arranged to overlap with one or more second electrodes (350), said or more stoppers (510) may reduce deformation of the first reinforcing member (360) that contacts the second portion (322) of the substrate (320). Since one or more stoppers (510) are aligned with one or more touch parts (230) where touch input is provided, one or more stoppers (510) can reduce damage to the pressure sensor (210) by supporting a pressure point (or pressure area) where pressure is provided from the user.

[0090] Hereinafter, various arrangement structures of one or more stoppers (510) that overlap at least partially with one or more second electrodes (350) are described. To support multiple channels, a pressure sensor (210) comprising one or more second electrodes (350) and multiple sub-electrodes is described, but the pressure sensor (210) of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, one or more second electrodes (350) may comprise only one electrode, in which case the pressure sensor (210) may support a single channel.

[0092] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a pressure sensor including stoppers arranged side by side.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 6, one or more second electrodes (350) may include a first sub-electrode (351), a second sub-electrode (352), and a third sub-electrode (353). One or more stoppers (510) may include a first stopper (511), a second stopper (512), and a third stopper (513). According to one embodiment, the first stopper (511), the second stopper (512), and the third stopper (513) may be arranged parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the y-axis direction) of the pressure sensor (210). For example, the longitudinal direction may be referred to as a direction perpendicular to the aforementioned first direction (e.g., the -x direction) or second direction (e.g., the +x direction). The longitudinal direction may be referred to as a third direction.

[0094] According to one embodiment, one or more stoppers (510) may be arranged to overlap with a portion of one or more second electrodes (350). For example, a first stopper (511) may overlap with a portion of the first sub-electrode (351). A second stopper (512) may overlap with a portion of the second sub-electrode (352). A third stopper (513) may overlap with a portion of the third sub-electrode (353).

[0095] Referring to the above mathematical formula, since the capacitance is based on the dielectric constant of the elastomer (330) placed between the first electrode (e.g., the first electrode (340) of FIG. 5) and one or more second electrodes (350), for the performance of the pressure sensor (210), an overlapping area between the one or more second electrodes (350) and the elastomer (330) must be secured. As previously described, since one or more stoppers (510) include a non-conductive material, the dielectric constant of one or more stoppers (510) is different from the dielectric constant of the elastomer (330). If the overlapping area between one or more second electrodes (350) and one or more stoppers (510) is too large, the performance of the pressure sensor (210) may be degraded. To reduce damage to the substrate (320), one or more stoppers (510) overlap with one or more second electrodes (350), but to reduce the deterioration of the performance of the pressure sensor (210), it may be necessary to limit the overlap area.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the ends of one or more stoppers (510) that overlap with one or more second electrodes (350) may be located in the central portion of one or more second electrodes (350). For example, a virtual line (601) aligned with the ends of one or more stoppers (510) that overlap with one or more second electrodes (350) may cross the central portions of one or more second electrodes (350). For example, a virtual line (601) crossing the end of the first stopper (511) overlapping with the first sub-electrode (351), the end of the second stopper (512) overlapping with the second sub-electrode (352), and the end of the third stopper (513) overlapping with the third sub-electrode (353) may cross the center portion of the first sub-electrode (351), the center portion of the second sub-electrode (352), and the center portion of the third sub-electrode (353). For example, when the ends of one or more stoppers (510) are aligned with or adjacent to the center portion of one or more second electrodes (350), the one or more stoppers (510) may reduce damage to the pressure sensor (210) and reduce performance degradation of the pressure sensor (210) due to the overlapping area.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the elastomer (330) may be spaced apart from one or more stoppers (510). For example, the edge of the elastomer (330) may be spaced apart from one or more stoppers (510) by bypassing the edge of one or more stoppers (510). As illustrated in FIG. 6, the elastomer (330) may be positioned to surround at least a portion of one or more stoppers (510) that overlaps with a portion of one or more second electrodes (350). For example, the elastomer (330) may include one or more recessed portions corresponding to one or more stoppers (510), and one or more stoppers (510) may be located within one or more recessed portions of the elastomer (330). One or more recessed portions may include a first recessed portion (331) surrounding a portion of the edge of the first stopper (511), a second recessed portion (332) surrounding a portion of the edge of the second stopper (512), and a third recessed portion (333) surrounding a portion of the edge of the third stopper (513).

[0098] According to one embodiment, through the structure, even if one or more stoppers (510) include a plurality of stoppers (e.g., a first stopper (511), a second stopper (512), and a third stopper (513)), the elastomer (330) may be formed as a single piece without including a plurality of separated pieces (or a plurality of segments). If a plurality of stoppers spans the entire elastomer (330), the elastomer (330) may include a plurality of pieces (or a plurality of segments) separated by the plurality of stoppers. If the elastomer (330) includes a plurality of pieces separated from each other, a process for inserting the plurality of pieces between the plurality of stoppers may be added to the process of manufacturing the pressure sensor (210). Due to the above additional process, the manufacturing process of the pressure sensor (210) may become complicated, and the supporting force of the pressure sensor (210) may be reduced by the separated pieces of the elastomer (330). According to one embodiment, the elastomer (330) may be formed as a single piece rather than as a plurality of separated pieces, by positioning the ends of one or more stoppers (510) at the center of one or more second electrodes (350). A single piece of elastomer (330) can simplify the process of the pressure sensor (210) and provide a supporting force that can reduce damage to the pressure sensor (210).

[0100] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a pressure sensor including stoppers arranged in an alternating arrangement.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 7, one or more second electrodes (350) may include a first sub-electrode (351), a second sub-electrode (352), and a third sub-electrode (353). One or more stoppers (510) may include a first stopper (511), a second stopper (512), and a third stopper (513). According to one embodiment, one or more stoppers (510) may be arranged to overlap with a portion of one or more second electrodes (350). As described above, the ends of one or more stoppers (510) that overlap with one or more second electrodes (350) may be placed in the central portion of one or more second electrodes (350).

[0102] According to one embodiment, the first stopper (511), the second stopper (512), and the third stopper (513) may be arranged in a staggered arrangement. For example, the pressure sensor (210) may include a first side (711) parallel to the longitudinal direction (e.g., the y-axis direction) of the pressure sensor (210) and a second side (712) opposite to the first side (711). For example, the first side (711) may face the +z direction, and the second side (712) may face the -z direction. As an example that is not limited, the first stopper (511) and the third stopper (513) may be adjacent to the first side (711) among the first side (711) and the second side (712). The second stopper (512) positioned between the first stopper (511) and the third stopper (513) may be adjacent to the second side (712) among the first side (711) and the second side (712). The staggered arrangement may be referred to as a zigzag arrangement (or pattern).

[0103] According to one embodiment, a plurality of stoppers arranged in an alternating arrangement can reduce damage to the pressure sensor (210) by evenly supporting the pressure sensor (210) on both sides. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, if the plurality of stoppers are all arranged to be adjacent to only one of the first side (711) and the second side (712), the plurality of stoppers may have difficulty supporting the area adjacent to the other side opposite to the one side. For example, if the plurality of stoppers are all arranged to be adjacent to the first side (711), the second side (712) of the pressure sensor (210) may have difficulty being supported by the plurality of stoppers. In this case, if a part of the pressure sensor (210) adjacent to the second side (712) is pressurized, one or more second electrodes (350) may tilt. Because one or more second electrodes (350) are tilted, malfunction of the pressure sensor (210) or damage to the said part of the pressure sensor (210) may occur.

[0104] According to one embodiment, a plurality of stoppers arranged in an alternating arrangement can support the entire area of ​​the pressure sensor (210) substantially uniformly, thereby reducing tilting of one or more second electrodes (350) and damage to the pressure sensor (210). The alternating arrangement (or alternating pattern) may be referred to as a zigzag arrangement (or zigzag pattern) or an asymmetric arrangement (or asymmetric pattern). When one or more second electrodes (350) include four electrodes, the plurality of stoppers may include four stoppers, and the four stoppers may be arranged in an alternating arrangement relative to each other. Even when one or more stoppers (510) are arranged in an alternating arrangement, the ends of one or more stoppers (510) that overlap with one or more second electrodes (350) may be located in the central part of one or more second electrodes (350).

[0106] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a pressure sensor in which one or more stoppers are located within one or more second electrodes.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 8, one or more stoppers (510) may be located within one or more second electrodes (350) when viewed from above with respect to the pressure sensor (210). For example, the size of one or more stoppers (510) may be smaller than the size of one or more second electrodes (350), and one or more stoppers (510) may be aligned with one or more second electrodes (350). For example, the center of one or more stoppers (510) may be aligned with the center of one or more second electrodes (350).

[0108] According to the above structure, when the pressure sensor (210) is viewed from above, one or more stoppers (510) may be located within one or more second electrodes (350). For example, when the substrate (320) is viewed from above, the first stopper (511) may be located within the first sub-electrode (351), the second stopper (512) may be located within the second sub-electrode (352), and the third stopper (513) may be located within the third sub-electrode (353).

[0109] According to one embodiment, when the substrate (320) is viewed from above, one or more stoppers (510) are located within one or more second electrodes (350), so the one or more second electrodes (350) can be stably supported by one or more stoppers (510). Even if a portion of the second part (322) of the substrate (320) is pressed around the one or more second electrodes (350) by a key portion (e.g., the key portion (220) of FIG. 4), damage to the pressure sensor (210) can be reduced by the one or more stoppers (510).

[0111] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a pressure sensor including stoppers placed between electrodes.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 9, one or more second electrodes (350) may include a plurality of sub-electrodes. For example, one or more second electrodes (350) may include nine electrodes. One or more second electrodes (350) may include a first sub-electrode (351), a second sub-electrode (352), a third sub-electrode (353), a fourth sub-electrode (354), a fifth sub-electrode (355), a sixth sub-electrode (356), a seventh sub-electrode (357), an eighth sub-electrode (358), and a ninth sub-electrode (359). The nine electrodes may be arranged in a 3×3 grid in sequence.

[0113] The pressure sensor (210) illustrated in FIG. 9 may include a plurality of sub-electrodes arranged in parallel along two directions (e.g., x-axis direction and y-axis direction), unlike a plurality of sub-electrodes arranged in parallel along one direction (e.g., y-axis direction). As described above, since one or more second electrodes (350) correspond to receiving electrodes, an input device (200) including a plurality of sub-electrodes arranged in two dimensions can receive various user inputs in addition to tap input and swipe input.

[0114] For example, a key portion (e.g., the key portion (220) of FIG. 4) may include a plurality of touch portions corresponding to each of a plurality of sub-electrodes arranged in two dimensions. As illustrated in FIG. 9, if one or more second electrodes (350) include nine sub-electrodes, the key portion (220) may include nine touch portions corresponding to each of the nine sub-electrodes. The input device (200) may be configured to receive consecutive touch inputs for at least two of the nine touch portions.

[0115] For example, consecutive touch inputs to the first sub-electrode (351), the second sub-electrode (352), and the third sub-electrode (353) can be distinguished as swipe inputs. For example, consecutive touch inputs to the first sub-electrode (351), the second sub-electrode (352), and the fifth sub-electrode (355) can be distinguished as other swipe inputs that are different from the swipe inputs. In addition, the input device (200) can receive various user inputs according to the sequence of patterns specified by the user, so the usability of the electronic device (101) can be enhanced.

[0116] According to one embodiment, when the pressure sensor (210) is viewed from above, one or more stoppers (510) may overlap at least partially with one or more of the multiple sub-electrodes. The one or more stoppers (510) illustrated in FIG. 9 are merely one example of the structure and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 9, one or more stoppers (510) may include a first stopper (511), a second stopper (512), a third stopper (513), a fourth stopper (514), a fifth stopper (515), and a sixth stopper (516). The six stoppers may be arranged in an alternating arrangement.

[0118] As an example that is not limited, the first stopper (511) may be positioned to overlap a portion of the first sub-electrode (351) and a portion of the fourth sub-electrode (354). The end of the first stopper (511) that overlaps with the first sub-electrode (351) may be located in the center portion of the first sub-electrode (351), and the other end of the first stopper (511) that overlaps with the fourth sub-electrode (354) may be located in the center portion of the fourth sub-electrode (354).

[0119] As a non-limiting example, the second stopper (512) may be positioned to overlap a portion of the second sub-electrode (352). The end of the second stopper (512) that overlaps with the second sub-electrode (352) may be located in the center portion of the second sub-electrode (352).

[0120] As an example that is not limited, the third stopper (513) may be positioned to overlap a portion of the third sub-electrode (353) and a portion of the sixth sub-electrode (356). The fourth stopper (514) may be positioned to overlap a portion of the seventh sub-electrode (357). The fifth stopper (515) may be positioned to overlap a portion of the fifth sub-electrode (355) and a portion of the eighth sub-electrode (358). The sixth stopper (516) may be positioned to overlap a portion of the ninth sub-electrode (359).

[0121] Through the above structure, the first stopper (511), the third stopper (513), and the fifth stopper (515), which overlap at least partially with the two sub-electrodes, can be arranged in an alternating arrangement. The second stopper (512), the fourth stopper (514), and the sixth stopper (516), which overlap with a part of one sub-electrode, can be arranged in an alternating arrangement.

[0122] According to one embodiment, since the number of stoppers is less than the number of electrodes, the process for arranging the stoppers can be simplified, and the performance (e.g., sensitivity) of the pressure sensor (210) can be improved as the number of stoppers including non-conductive material is reduced. Since the stoppers arranged in the aforementioned arrangement can support the pressure sensor (210) as a whole, damage to the pressure sensor (210) can be reduced.

[0124] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a pressure sensor comprising one or more second electrodes and one or more stoppers arranged in an alternating arrangement.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 10, one or more second electrodes (350) may include five sub-electrodes arranged in an alternating arrangement. For example, one or more second electrodes (350) may include a first sub-electrode (351), a second sub-electrode (352), a third sub-electrode (353), a fourth sub-electrode (354), and a fifth sub-electrode (355). One or more stoppers (510) may include a first stopper (511), a second stopper (512), a third stopper (513), a fourth stopper (514), and a fifth stopper (515).

[0126] According to one embodiment, the first sub-electrode (351), the third sub-electrode (353), and the fifth sub-electrode (355) may be arranged parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the y-axis direction) of the pressure sensor (210). The longitudinal direction may be referred to as the third direction. For example, the second sub-electrode (352) and the fourth sub-electrode (354) may be arranged parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction. The first sub-electrode (351), the third sub-electrode (353), and the fifth sub-electrode (355) may be arranged adjacent to the first side (711) among the first side (711) and the second side (712). The second sub-electrode (352) and the fourth sub-electrode (354) may be arranged adjacent to the second side (712) opposite to the first side (711) among the first side (711) and the second side (712).

[0127] For example, the first sub-electrode (351), the second sub-electrode (352), the third sub-electrode (353), the fourth sub-electrode (354), and the fifth sub-electrode (355) may be arranged sequentially in an alternating arrangement. A first stopper (511) may be placed between the first sub-electrode (351) and the second sub-electrode (352). A second stopper (512) may be placed between the second sub-electrode (352) and the third sub-electrode (353). The second sub-electrode (352) may be arranged to face a part of the first sub-electrode (351), the first stopper (511), and a part of the third sub-electrode (353). The fourth sub-electrode (354) may be arranged to face another part of the third sub-electrode (353) and a part of the fifth sub-electrode (355). A third stopper (513) may be positioned between the second sub-electrode (352) and the fourth sub-electrode (354). The third sub-electrode (353) may be positioned to face a portion of the second sub-electrode (352), the third stopper (513), and a portion of the fourth sub-electrode (354). The fourth stopper (514) may be positioned to face another portion of the first sub-electrode (351). The second sub-electrode (352) may be positioned between the third stopper (513) and the fourth stopper (514). The first sub-electrode (351) may be positioned to face the fourth stopper (514) and another portion of the second sub-electrode (352). The fifth stopper (515) may be positioned to face another portion of the fifth sub-electrode (355). The fourth sub-electrode (354) may be positioned between the third stopper (513) and the fifth stopper (515). The fifth sub-electrode (355) may be positioned to face the fifth stopper (515) and another part of the fourth sub-electrode (354).

[0128] According to one embodiment, depending on the arrangement structure of the one or more second electrodes (350) and one or more stoppers (510) described above, the pressure sensor (210) may be supported entirely by one or more stoppers (510). When one of the multiple sub-electrodes is pressed, a portion of the second portion (322) of the substrate (320) including said sub-electrode may be supported in two or three ways by two or three stoppers disposed around said portion of the second portion (322). For example, when a portion of the second portion (322) of the substrate (320) including the second sub-electrode (352) is pressed, a first stopper (511), a third stopper (513), and a fourth stopper (514) disposed around the second sub-electrode (352) may support said portion of the second portion (322). For example, when a portion of the second part (322) of the substrate (320) including the fifth sub-electrode (355) is pressed, the second stopper (512) and the fifth stopper (515) disposed around the fifth sub-electrode (355) can support said portion of the second part (322). In the case of the aforementioned arrangement structure, even if one or more stoppers (510) do not overlap with one or more second electrodes (350), the substrate (320) and the first reinforcing member (360) can be supported around one or more second electrodes (350).

[0130] FIGS. 11 and FIGS. 12 are plan views of a pressure sensor including one or more stoppers disposed on both sides of the pressure sensor.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 11, one or more stoppers (510) may be positioned adjacent to both sides of the pressure sensor (210).

[0132] For example, one or more second electrodes (350) may include a first sub-electrode (351), a second sub-electrode (352), and a third sub-electrode (353). For example, the pressure sensor (210) may include a first side (711) parallel to the longitudinal direction (e.g., y-axis direction) of the pressure sensor (210) and a second side (712) opposite to the first side (711). According to one embodiment, one or more stoppers (510) may include stoppers adjacent to the first side (711) and the second side (712). For example, one or more stoppers (510) may include a first stopper (511) adjacent to the first side (711) and a second stopper (512) adjacent to the second side (712). Between the first stopper (511) and the second stopper (512), at least a portion of the first sub-electrode (351), the second sub-electrode (352), and at least a portion of the third sub-electrode (353) may be disposed. The first stopper (511) and the second stopper (512) may support the substrate (320) and the first reinforcing member (360), respectively, on both sides of the pressure sensor (210).

[0133] Referring to FIG. 12, one or more stoppers (510) may include a plurality of stoppers positioned adjacent to both sides of the pressure sensor (210). For example, one or more stoppers (510) may include a first stopper (511), a second stopper (512), and a third stopper (513) positioned adjacent to the first side (711). The first stopper (511), the second stopper (512), and the third stopper (513) may be spaced apart from each other. For example, one or more stoppers (510) may include a fourth stopper (514), a fifth stopper (515), and a sixth stopper (516) positioned adjacent to the second side (712). The fourth stopper (514), the fifth stopper (515), and the sixth stopper (516) may be spaced apart from each other. The fourth stopper (514) may be positioned to face the first stopper (511). The fifth stopper (515) may be positioned to face the second stopper (512). The sixth stopper (516) may be positioned to face the third stopper (513).

[0134] For example, at least a portion of the first sub-electrode (351) may be positioned between the first stopper (511) adjacent to the first side (711) and the fourth stopper (514) adjacent to the second side (712). At least a portion of the second sub-electrode (352) may be positioned between the second stopper (512) adjacent to the first side (711) and the fifth stopper (515) adjacent to the second side (712). At least a portion of the third sub-electrode (353) may be positioned between the third stopper (513) adjacent to the first side (711) and the sixth stopper (516) adjacent to the second side (712).

[0136] The technical problems to be solved in this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0138] An electronic device (101) is disclosed. The electronic device (101) may include a housing (310) that defines the exterior of the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may include a key portion (220) that receives touch input and is at least partially exposed outside the housing (310) through a lateral side (311) of the housing (310). The electronic device (101) may include a pressure sensor (210) disposed within the housing (310) so as to face the key portion (220). The pressure sensor (210) may include a substrate (320) comprising a first portion (321) including a first electrode (340) positioned to face a first direction toward the interior of the housing (310), one or more second electrodes (350) positioned to face a second direction opposite to the first direction, a second portion (322) facing the first portion (321), and a third portion (323) extending from the first portion (321) to the second portion (322). The pressure sensor (210) may include an elastomer (330) positioned between the first portion (321) of the substrate (320) and the second portion (322) of the substrate (320). The pressure sensor (210) may include one or more stoppers (510) disposed between the first portion (321) of the substrate (320) and the second portion (322) of the substrate (320). The one or more stoppers (510) may overlap at least partially with the one or more second electrodes (350) when the pressure sensor (210) is viewed from above.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the elastomer (330) may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the one or more stoppers (510).

[0140] According to one embodiment, the pressure sensor (210) may include a reinforcing member (e.g., a first reinforcing member (360)) that contacts the front surface of the second portion (322) of the substrate (320) facing the second direction. The one or more stoppers (510) may contact the second portion (322) of the substrate (320) to support the reinforcing member (360).

[0141] According to one embodiment, the pressure sensor (210) may include another reinforcing member (e.g., a second reinforcing member (370)) that contacts the rear surface of the first portion (321) of the substrate (320) facing the first direction.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the key portion (220) may include one or more touch portions (230) configured to receive the touch input, overlapping with a portion of the one or more second electrodes (350) when the pressure sensor (210) is viewed from above. The one or more stoppers (510) may be substantially aligned with the one or more touch portions (230) and the one or more second electrodes (350).

[0143] According to one embodiment, the one or more second electrodes (350) may include a first sub-electrode (351) and a second sub-electrode (352) spaced apart from the first sub-electrode (351). The one or more stoppers (510) may include a first stopper (511) that overlaps at least partially with the first sub-electrode (351) when viewed from above the pressure sensor (210), and a second stopper (512) that overlaps at least partially with the second sub-electrode (352) when viewed from above the pressure sensor (210).

[0144] According to one embodiment, the first stopper (511) may be arranged in an alternating arrangement with respect to the second stopper (512).

[0145] According to one embodiment, the second stopper (512) may be aligned with the first stopper (511) in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction. According to one embodiment, the end of the one or more stoppers (510) that overlaps with the one or more second electrodes (350) may be located in the center portion of the one or more second electrodes (350).

[0146] According to one embodiment, the one or more stoppers (510) may be located within the one or more second electrodes (350) when the pressure sensor (210) is viewed from above.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the one or more stoppers (510) may be adjacent to one side (711) and spaced apart from the other side (712) among the two sides of the pressure sensor (210). The elastomer (330) may be formed as a single piece.

[0148] An input device (200) for receiving a touch input provided to an electronic device (101) is disclosed. The input device (200) may include a key portion (220) that is exposed to the outside of the electronic device (101) and includes one or more touch portions (230) for the touch input. The input device (200) may include a pressure sensor (210) that is electrically connected to the key portion (220) and configured to generate an electrical signal corresponding to the touch input received through the one or more touch portions (230). The pressure sensor (210) may include a substrate (320) comprising a first portion (321) having a first electrode (340) positioned to face a first direction toward the interior of the housing (310), one or more second electrodes (350) positioned to face a second direction opposite to the first direction, a second portion (322) facing the first portion (321), and a third portion (323) extending from the first portion (321) to the second portion (322). The pressure sensor (210) may include an elastomer (330) disposed between the first portion (321) of the substrate (320) and the second portion (322) of the substrate (320). The pressure sensor (210) may include one or more stoppers (510) disposed between the first portion (321) of the substrate (320) and the second portion (322) of the substrate (320). The one or more stoppers (510) may overlap at least partially with the one or more second electrodes (350) when the pressure sensor (210) is viewed from above.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the elastomer (330) may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the one or more stoppers (510).

[0150] According to one embodiment, the pressure sensor (210) may include a reinforcing member (e.g., a first reinforcing member (360)) that contacts the front surface of the second portion (322) of the substrate (320) facing the second direction. The one or more stoppers (510) may contact the second portion (322) of the substrate (320) to support the reinforcing member (360).

[0151] According to one embodiment, the key portion (220) may include one or more touch portions (230) configured to receive the touch input, overlapping with a portion of the one or more second electrodes (350) when the pressure sensor (210) is viewed from above. The one or more stoppers (510) may be substantially aligned with the one or more touch portions (230) and the one or more second electrodes (350).

[0152] According to one embodiment, the one or more second electrodes (350) may include a first sub-electrode (351) and a second sub-electrode (352) spaced apart from the first sub-electrode (351). The one or more stoppers (510) may include a first stopper (511) that overlaps at least partially with the first sub-electrode (351) when viewed from above the pressure sensor (210), and a second stopper (512) that overlaps at least partially with the second sub-electrode (352) when viewed from above the pressure sensor (210).

[0153] According to one embodiment, the first stopper (511) may be arranged in an alternating arrangement with respect to the second stopper (512).

[0154] According to one embodiment, the second stopper (512) may be aligned with the first stopper (511) in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the end of the one or more stoppers (510) that overlaps with the one or more second electrodes (350) may be located in the central part of the one or more second electrodes (350).

[0156] According to one embodiment, the one or more stoppers (510) may be adjacent to one side (711) and spaced apart from the other side (712) among the two sides of the pressure sensor (210). The elastomer (330) may be formed as a single piece.

[0158] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs.

[0160] The electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may be of various forms. The electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, electronic devices, or consumer electronics. The electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the devices described above.

[0161] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, 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 each include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish said components from other said components and do not limit said components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0162] The term “module” as used in the various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A module may be a component formed integrally, or a minimum unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0163] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., program (140)) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory (136) or external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (120) of the machine (e.g., electronic device (101)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM It can be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created in a device-readable storage medium such as the memory (130) of the manufacturer's server, the application store's server, or the relay server.

[0165] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described above may include a singular or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, program, or other components may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

Claim 1 An electronic device (101) comprises: a housing (310) defining the exterior of the electronic device (101); a key portion (220) receiving touch input, which is at least partially exposed outside the housing (310) through a lateral side (311) of the housing (310); and a pressure sensor (210) disposed within the housing (310) so as to face the key portion (220), wherein the pressure sensor (210) comprises A substrate (320) comprising a first portion (321) including a first electrode (340), one or more second electrodes (350) and a second portion (322) opposite to the first portion (321), and a third portion (323) extending from the first portion (321) of the substrate (320) to the second portion (322) of the substrate (320), wherein the first electrode (340) is positioned closer to the center of the housing (310) than the one or more second electrodes (350). An elastomer (330) disposed between the first portion (321) of the substrate (320) and the second portion (322) of the substrate (320), and An electronic device (101) comprising one or more stoppers (510) disposed between the first portion (321) of the substrate (320) and the second portion (322) of the substrate (320), wherein the one or more stoppers (510) at least partially overlap with the one or more second electrodes (350) when viewed from above the pressure sensor (210). Claim 2 In claim 1, the elastomer (330) is positioned to surround at least a portion of the one or more stoppers (510) and is spaced apart from the one or more stoppers (510), an electronic device (101). Claim 3 In claim 1, the pressure sensor (210) includes a stiffener (360) that contacts the front surface of the second portion (322) of the substrate (320) facing the outside of the housing (310), and the one or more stoppers (510) are in contact with the second portion (322) of the substrate (320) to support the stiffener (360), an electronic device (101). Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the pressure sensor (210) comprises another reinforcing member (370) that contacts the rear surface of the first portion (321) of the substrate (320) facing the interior of the housing (310), an electronic device (101). Claim 5 In claim 1, the key portion (220) includes one or more touch portions (230) configured to receive the touch input and overlap with a portion of the one or more second electrodes (350) when the pressure sensor (210) is viewed from above, and the one or more stoppers (510) are aligned with the one or more touch portions (230) and the one or more second electrodes (350), an electronic device (101). Claim 6 In paragraph 1, the one or more second electrodes (350) are, 1st sub-electrode (351), and It includes a second sub-electrode (352) spaced apart from the first sub-electrode (351), and the one or more stoppers (510) are, When viewed from above, the pressure sensor (210) has a first stopper (511) that at least partially overlaps with the first sub-electrode (351), and An electronic device (101) comprising, when viewed from above, the second sub-electrode (352) and at least partially the second stopper (512) when viewed from above the pressure sensor (210). Claim 7 In claim 6, the first stopper (511) is arranged in an alternating arrangement with the second stopper (512), an electronic device (101). Claim 8 In claim 6, the second stopper (512) is an electronic device (101) aligned with the first stopper (511). Claim 9 In claim 1, the end of the one or more stoppers (510) overlapping with the one or more second electrodes (350) is located in the central portion of the one or more second electrodes (350), an electronic device (101). Claim 10 In claim 1, the one or more stoppers (510) are an electronic device (101) located within the one or more second electrodes (350) when the pressure sensor (210) is viewed from above. Claim 11 In claim 1, the one or more stoppers (510) are adjacent to one side (711) and spaced apart from the other side (712) among the two sides of the pressure sensor (210), and the elastomer (330) is formed as a single piece, electronic device (101). Claim 12 An input device (200) for receiving touch input comprises: a key portion (220) including one or more touch portions (230) for the touch input; and a pressure sensor (210) electrically connected to the key portion (220) and configured to generate an electrical signal corresponding to the touch input received through the one or more touch portions (230), wherein the pressure sensor (210) A substrate (320) comprising a first portion (321) including a first electrode (340), one or more second electrodes (350) and a second portion (322) facing the first portion (321), and a third portion (323) extending from the first portion (321) to the second portion (322), wherein the first electrode (340) is positioned closer to the center of the housing (310) than the one or more second electrodes (350). An elastomer (330) disposed between the first portion (321) of the substrate (320) and the second portion (322) of the substrate (320), and An input device (200) comprising one or more stoppers (510) disposed between the first portion (321) of the substrate (320) and the second portion (322) of the substrate (320), wherein the one or more stoppers (510) at least partially overlap with the one or more second electrodes (350) when the pressure sensor (210) is viewed from above. Claim 13 In claim 12, the elastomer (330) is positioned to surround at least a portion of the one or more stoppers (510), in an input device (200). Claim 14 In claim 12, the pressure sensor (210) includes a stiffener (360) that contacts the front surface of the second portion (322) of the substrate (320) facing the outside of the housing (310), and one or more stoppers (510) are in contact with the second portion (322) of the substrate (320) to support the stiffener (360), input device (200). Claim 15 In claim 12, the one or more stoppers (510) are an input device (200) aligned with the one or more touch portions (230) and the one or more second electrodes (350). Claim 16 In paragraph 12, the above one or more second electrodes (350) are, 1st sub-electrode (351), and It includes a second sub-electrode (352) spaced apart from the first sub-electrode (351), and the one or more stoppers (510) are, When viewed from above, the pressure sensor (210) has a first stopper (511) that at least partially overlaps with the first sub-electrode (351), and An input device (200) comprising, when viewed from above, the second sub-electrode (352) and at least partially the second stopper (512) when viewed from above the pressure sensor (210). Claim 17 In claim 16, the first stopper (511) is an input device (200) arranged in an alternating arrangement with the second stopper (512). Claim 18 In claim 16, the second stopper (512) is an input device (200) aligned in a direction perpendicular to the first stopper (511) and the direction toward the interior of the housing (310). Claim 19 In claim 12, the end of the one or more stoppers that overlaps with the one or more second electrodes (350) is an input device (200) located at the center of the one or more second electrodes (350). Claim 20 In claim 12, the one or more stoppers (510) are adjacent to one side (711) and spaced apart from the other side (712) among the two sides of the pressure sensor (210), and the elastomer (330) is formed as a single piece, input device (200).

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