Home appliance for preventing malfunction of capacitive sensing touch key

Abstract

An embodiment disclosed herein provides a home appliance that detects a touch on the basis of a change in capacitance and prevents a malfunction of a touch key. The home appliance may include: a touch key that receives a touch; a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure applied to the touch key; a capacitive sensor for detecting the touch on the touch key on the basis of a change in capacitance caused by the touch; and a processor which determines that the touch on the touch key is a valid touch when the pressure sensor detects that the pressure applied to the touch key changes at least a certain pressure value and the touch is detected by the capacitive sensor.

Description

A home appliance that prevents malfunction of capacitive sensing touch keys

[0001] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to preventing malfunction of a touch key in a home appliance including an input interface using a capacitive sensing type touch key.

[0002] Home appliances may include electrical appliances and machines used in the home. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, home appliances may include devices that are fixedly placed in the home or devices that can be moved in the home. Here, the home may mean not only a home but also an indoor space such as an office. Televisions, DVD (digital video disk) players, audio, refrigerators, air conditioners, air dressers, vacuum cleaners, ovens, microwave ovens, washing machines, air purifiers, set-top boxes, home automation control panels, security control panels, media boxes (e.g., Samsung HomeSync) TM ), game consoles, electronic dictionaries, electronic keys, camcorders, electronic picture frames, speakers, e-book readers, desktop PCs, laptop PCs, netbook computers, workstations, servers, PDAs, portable multimedia players (PMPs), MP3 players, medical devices, cameras, etc. Home appliances may include an input interface for receiving input from a user and an output interface for outputting information to the user. At this time, the input interface may include various input interfaces, and an example is a touch-type input key. The touch type can be divided into a capacitive sensing type and an inductive sensing type. In home appliances that must use a metal panel, the inductive sensing type can be used. In home appliances with a surface made of glass or plastic, the input key can be configured with a capacitive sensing type. In home appliances that include a touch key that uses a capacitive type, malfunctions may occur due to moisture or noise generated around the touch key.

[0003] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a home appliance is provided that prevents malfunction of a touch key that detects a touch based on a change in capacitance. The home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a touch key that receives a touch of the touch key. The home appliance according to one embodiment may include a PCB that includes a cavity formed under the touch key. The home appliance according to one embodiment may include a capacitive sensor for detecting a touch on the touch key based on a change in capacitance based on a touch on the touch key. The home appliance according to one embodiment may include an inductive sensor located within the cavity that detects a change in displacement of the touch key based on the touch. The home appliance according to one embodiment may include a processor that determines a touch on the touch key as a valid touch when a touch is detected by the capacitive sensor and a current value flowing through the inductive sensor based on a displacement difference of the touch key is detected to change by a predetermined value or more by the inductive sensor.

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a home appliance is provided that prevents malfunction of a touch key that detects a touch based on a change in capacitance. The home appliance according to one embodiment may include a touch key that receives a touch input. The home appliance according to one embodiment may include a pressure sensor that senses pressure applied to the touch key. The home appliance according to one embodiment may include a capacitive sensor for detecting a touch based on a change in capacitance due to a touch on the touch key. The home appliance according to one embodiment may include a processor that detects that a pressure applied to the touch key by the pressure sensor changes by a predetermined pressure value or more, and determines a touch on the touch key as a valid touch when a touch is detected by the capacitive sensor.

[0005] FIG. 1a is a drawing for explaining an induction heating device as a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 1b is a drawing for explaining a dishwasher as a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 2a is a drawing explaining the operating principle of a touch key that adopts a capacitive method.

[0008] Figure 2b is a drawing explaining the operating principle of a touch key using a capacitive method.

[0009] FIG. 3a is a drawing explaining the operating principle of a touch key employing an inductive method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 3b is a drawing explaining the operating principle of a touch key employing an inductive method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of a pressure sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a diagram related to malfunction of a touch key of a capacitive sensing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of a home appliance that implements an inductive sensor driven together with a capacitive sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view of a home appliance that implements a pressure sensor driven together with a capacitive sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6c is a cross-sectional view of a home appliance that implements a pressure sensor and an inductive sensor driven together with a capacitive sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 6d is a cross-sectional view showing a cavity formed in a PCB of a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view showing a plurality of PCBs soldered to form a cavity for inductive sensing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 7b is a cross-sectional view showing a plurality of PCBs soldered to form a cavity for pressure sensing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a plurality of PCBs for implementing an inductive sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a circuit connected by a via hole in a PCB having a cavity formed therein according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a circuit connected by a via hole in a PCB having a cavity formed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a graph showing a signal generated by a pressure sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a vacuum cleaner using an input panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing an air conditioner using an input panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a refrigerator using an input panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a washing machine using an input panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing an electric oven using an input panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Fig. 18 is a block diagram of an induction heating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a method for determining a valid touch by a pressure sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a method for determining a valid touch by an inductive sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a method for determining a valid touch using a pressure sensor and an inductive sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] The terms used in this disclosure will be briefly explained, and one embodiment of the present disclosure will be specifically described.

[0034] The terms used in this disclosure are selected from widely used, current terms, taking into account the functions of one embodiment of the disclosure. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the relevant embodiments of the disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should not be defined simply as names of terms, but rather based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the disclosure.

[0035] In this disclosure, the expression “at least one of a, b or c” may refer to “a”, “b”, “c”, “a and b”, “a and c”, “b and c”, “all of a, b and c”, or variations thereof.

[0036] Throughout this disclosure, when a part is said to "include" a certain component, this does not mean that other components are excluded, but rather that other components may be included, unless otherwise specifically stated. Furthermore, terms such as "part," "module," etc., used in this disclosure refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and "part" and "module" may be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software.

[0037] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, one embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In addition, in the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted to clearly describe one embodiment of the present disclosure, and similar parts are designated with similar drawing reference numerals throughout the present disclosure.

[0038] Home appliances include input interfaces for receiving user commands. Touch-sensing is increasingly being used as input interfaces. Among touch-sensing methods, inductive methods can be used when a metal panel is required as the input interface. Inductive methods require space to allow for changes in metal displacement, requiring a simple structure without spacers.

[0039] FIG. 1a is a drawing for explaining an induction heating device as a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1A, an induction heating device (2000) as a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of cooking areas (201, 202, 203, 204). Hereinafter, the induction heating device (2000) may be expressed as an induction heating device, an induction heating device, an induction cooking device, or simply a heating device. Not all of the components illustrated in FIG. 1A are essential components. The induction heating device (2000) may be implemented with more components than the illustrated components, or may be implemented with fewer components.

[0041] The cooking vessel (101) may be a device for heating the contents inside the cooking vessel (101). The contents inside the cooking vessel (101) may be liquids such as water, tea, coffee, soup, juice, wine, oil, etc., or solids such as butter, meat, vegetables, bread, rice, etc., but are not limited thereto.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cooking vessel (101) can wirelessly receive power from an induction heating device (2000) using electromagnetic induction. Therefore, the cooking vessel (101) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may not include a power cord connected to a power outlet.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the type of cooking vessel (101) that wirelessly receives power from the induction heating device (2000) may vary. The cooking vessel (101) may be a general induction heating (IH) vessel (hereinafter, IH vessel) containing a magnetic material. The cooking vessel (101) may have a magnetic field induced in the vessel (IH metal) itself.

[0044] The cooking vessel (101) may be a general IH vessel, such as a pot, a frying pan, or a steamer. The cooking vessel (101) may include a cooker device. The cooker device may be a device into which a general IH vessel may be inserted or removed. In one embodiment, the cooker device may be a device capable of automatically cooking contents according to a recipe. The cooker device may be referred to as a pot, a rice cooker, or a steamer depending on its use. For example, if an inner pot for cooking rice is inserted into the cooker device, the cooker device may be referred to as a rice cooker. Hereinafter, the cooker device may be defined as a smart pot (or smart pot).

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the cooking vessel (101) includes a communication interface, the cooking vessel (101) can communicate with the induction heating device (2000). The communication interface may include a short-range communication unit, a long-range communication unit, etc. The short-range wireless communication interface may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication interface (NFC), a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an IrDA (Infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an ANT+ communication unit, etc. The long-range communication unit may be used to communicate with a server (not shown) when the cooking vessel (101) is remotely controlled by a server in an IoT (Internet of Things) environment. The telecommunications unit may include the Internet, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN), and a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a 3G module, a 4G module, a 5G module, an LTE module, an NB-IoT module, an LTE-M module, and the like.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cooking vessel (101) can transmit information to a server (not shown) via the induction heating device (2000). For example, the cooking vessel (101) can transmit information obtained from the cooking vessel (101) (e.g., temperature information of the contents, etc.) to the induction heating device (2000) via short-range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth, BLE, etc.). At this time, the induction heating device (2000) can transmit the information obtained from the cooking vessel (101) to the server by connecting to the server using a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit or a long-distance communication unit (e.g., the Internet). Meanwhile, the server can provide the information obtained from the cooking vessel (101) received from the induction heating device (2000) to the user via a mobile terminal (not shown) connected to the server. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the induction heating device (2000) may directly transmit information obtained from the cooking vessel (101) to the user's mobile terminal through D2D (device to device) communication (e.g., WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication or BLE communication).

[0047] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cooking vessel (101) may directly transmit information (e.g., temperature information of the contents, etc.) of the cooking vessel (101) to a server via a communication interface (e.g., a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit). In addition, the cooking vessel (101) may directly transmit information (e.g., temperature information of the contents, etc.) obtained from the cooking vessel (101) to a user's mobile terminal via short-range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth, BLE, etc.) or D2D (device to device) communication.

[0048] An induction heating device (2000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be a device that wirelessly transmits power to a cooking vessel (101) positioned on a top plate of the induction heating device (2000) using electromagnetic induction. The induction heating device (2000) may include a working coil that generates a magnetic field for inductively heating the cooking vessel (101). The working coil is a coil that forms a magnetic field through an electric current, and may be referred to as a heating coil throughout the present disclosure.

[0049] Generating a magnetic field by a heating coil may include transmitting power by utilizing a magnetic field induced in an IH metal (e.g., iron component) through magnetic induction. For example, an induction heating device (2000) may generate eddy currents in a cooking vessel (101) by flowing a current through a heating coil to form a magnetic field.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the induction heating device (2000) may include a plurality of heating coils. For example, if the top plate of the induction heating device (2000) includes a plurality of cooking zones, the induction heating device (2000) may include a plurality of heating coils corresponding to each of the plurality of cooking zones. In addition, the induction heating device (2000) may include a high-power cooking zone in which a first heating coil is provided on the inside and a second heating coil is provided on the outside. The high-power cooking zone may include two or more heating coils.

[0051] The top plate of the induction heating device (2000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be made of reinforced glass, such as ceramic glass, to prevent it from being easily damaged. In addition, the top plate of the induction heating device (2000) may include a guide mark to guide the cooking zone where the cooking vessel (101) should be positioned.

[0052] An induction heating device (2000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can detect that a cooking vessel (101) including a magnetic body is placed on a top plate. For example, the induction heating device (2000) can detect that the cooking vessel (101) is positioned on the top plate of the induction heating device (2000) based on a change in the current value (inductance) of a heating coil due to the approach of the cooking vessel (101). In addition, the vessel detection coil of the induction heating device (2000) can detect when the cooking vessel (101) is placed on the top plate.

[0053] An induction heating device (2000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can detect the temperature of a cooking vessel (101) when the cooking vessel (101) is placed on a top plate and is being cooked. For example, the induction heating device (2000) can detect the temperature of the cooking vessel (101) through a temperature sensor. When the cooking vessel (101) is being heated without any contents, the induction heating device (2000) can detect that the cooking vessel (101) is being heated through a temperature sensor, thereby preventing overheating of the cooking vessel (101) and the induction heating device (2000). An induction heating device (2000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can detect, through a temperature sensor, that a cooking area is being heated through a heating coil even when the cooking vessel (101) is not placed on the top plate.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the induction heating device (2000) may include a communication interface for communicating with an external device. For example, the induction heating device (2000) may communicate with a cooking vessel (101) or a server through the communication interface. The communication interface may include a short-range communication unit (e.g., an NFC communication unit, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE communication unit, etc.), a mobile communication unit, etc.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an induction heating device (2000) can display various information and receive user commands through a user interface (15). The user interface (15) may include an input panel as an input interface for receiving operation commands from a user and a display (2411) as an output interface for displaying operation information of the induction heating device (2000). The input panel as an input interface may include a touch key operated by touch. According to one embodiment, the touch key operated by touch may include a capacitive touch key. Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the touch key operated by touch may include an inductive touch key.

[0056] The input panel can provide an electrical output signal corresponding to a user input to a control unit (not shown) including a processor. The input panel can include, for example, input buttons such as a power button, an operation button, and a heating stage setting button. The input buttons can include, for example, mechanical keys such as tact keys, push keys, slide switches, toggle switches, and micro switches, and electronic keys such as touch keys.

[0057] The display (2411) can receive a signal from the processor and display information corresponding to the received signal. The display (2411) can display a heating stage. The display (2411) can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, or the like.

[0058] FIG. 1b is a drawing for explaining a dishwasher as a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 1B, a dishwasher (3000) may be configured with a main body (303) and a door (301) for putting dishes to be washed into and taking them out of the main body (303). A user interface (15) may be included at the upper end of the door (301). The user interface (15) of the dishwasher (3000) according to FIG. 1B is disposed in a cross-section that appears only when the door (301) is opened from the main body (303), but is not limited thereto. The user interface (15) may be disposed on the main body (303) or on the front side of the door (301). The user interface (15) may include an input panel as an input interface for receiving an operation command from a user and a display as an output interface for displaying operation information of the dishwasher (3000). The input panel as the input interface may include a touch key that is operated by touch. According to one embodiment, the touch key that is operated by touch may include a capacitive touch key. Among the input interfaces of the user interface (15), the touch key may be manufactured as an inductive touch key for the part of the door (301) made of metal. The user interface (15) may include an output interface capable of displaying information to the user.

[0060] Figure 2a is a drawing explaining the operating principle of a touch key that adopts a capacitive method.

[0061] Referring to Fig. 2a, a first capacitance (401) exists between the touch key (1401) and the ground (GND). When the SW (1403) operates, the first capacitance (401) between the power supply and the ground is charged, and the charging time at this time is t1. If a person touches the touch key (1401), the entire circuit becomes a circuit with a second capacitance (402) added between the person and the ground when viewed from the power supply side, so the size of the capacitance that must be finally charged becomes C1+C2. Therefore, the final charging time becomes a charging time (>t1) equal to the amount of the second capacitance (402) added. Fig. 2b is a graph representing this.

[0062] Figure 2b is a drawing explaining the operating principle of a touch key using a capacitive method.

[0063] As described in FIG. 2b, when SW (1403) in the preceding FIG. 2a operates, the first capacitance (401) between the power supply and the ground is charged, and the charging time at this time is t1. When a person touches the touch key (1401), the entire circuit becomes a circuit in which a second capacitance (402) is added between the person and the ground when viewed from the power supply side, so the size of the capacitance that must be finally charged becomes C1+C2. Accordingly, when a touch occurs, the second capacitance (402) is added to the first capacitance (401), and the final charging time becomes t2 (>t1).

[0064] In this way, it is possible to identify whether a touch has been made to the touch key (1403) based on changes in the charging time. This is the operating principle of a touch key using a capacitive method.

[0065] FIG. 3a is a drawing explaining the operating principle of a touch key employing an inductive method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Referring to Fig. 3a, the operating principle of an inductive metal touch key (1501) is illustrated. The inductive touch key can detect the presence or absence of a conductive object such as a metal based on the principle of electromagnetic induction. When an AC current flows through a coil (1510), a magnetic field is generated. This magnetic field changes along with the displacement change of a nearby conductive object such as a metal - approaching or moving away. This change in the magnetic field causes a change in the inductance of the path through which the AC current flows. Based on this change in inductance, the value of the AC current also changes. The home appliance can detect the change in the AC current to determine whether a push pressure has been applied to the metal touch key (1501) (whether a touch has been made).

[0067] FIG. 3b is a drawing explaining the operating principle of a touch key employing an inductive method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] In Fig. 3b, when a high-frequency voltage is applied to the coil (1510), a current inversely proportional to the inductance size of the coil flows. At this time, when a metal (1502), which is a material with high permeability, approaches the coil (1510), the overall inductance of the coil increases, resulting in a decrease in the current. This decrease in current detects the approach of the metal (1502), which is the operating principle of the inductive touch key. The 'detection distance' at which the approach of the metal (1502) to the coil (1501) is detected is the longest for a high-permeability metal such as iron, and the shortest for a relatively low-permeability metal such as aluminum. For example, the detection distance of aluminum is about half of the detection distance of iron. Therefore, an inductive sensor using this principle is a sensor that can detect a touch only when there is movement (displacement difference) of the metal (1502). Ultimately, when implementing an inductive sensor in a home appliance, a structure that can cause movement of the metal (1502) is required.

[0069] Inductive sensors use the magnetic force of an electromagnetic field to detect the proximity of metal (touch). Capacitive sensors, on the other hand, use the electric force of an electromagnetic field to detect the user's touch. While capacitive sensors measure changes in capacitance, inductive sensors measure changes in inductance.

[0070] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of a pressure sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] According to FIG. 4, at 410, a user's finger is shown touching a cover (1170). The cover (1170) is a part of an input interface to which a user's input is applied, and may correspond to an input key having a mark corresponding to a user's command. A pressure sensor (1070) under the cover (1170) is a sensor that receives pressure by a push of the user's finger, converts it into an electric signal, and transmits it to the PCB (1020). When a push by the user's finger is applied to the cover (1170), as shown in 420, the cover (1170) and the pressure sensor (1070) experience a change in displacement, and the pressure sensor (1070) detects the pressure.

[0072] The input key employing the pressure sensor (1070) according to FIG. 4 can be used as an input interface for various home appliances. For example, the input key employing the pressure sensor (1070) can be used in, but is not limited to, refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, dryers, air dressers, ovens, gas ranges, microwave ovens, vacuum cleaners, and the like. Throughout the present disclosure, the pressure sensor (1070) can include a force sensor.

[0073] FIG. 5 is a diagram related to malfunction of a touch key of a capacitive sensing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] The capacitive sensing method, which senses when a touch is made on a touch key by a change in the capacity of a capacitor, is a method that detects the minute current value in the human body, and therefore often malfunctions when a foreign substance touches the touch key. For example, if soup overflows from a pot placed on an induction heating device (2000) and falls on the touch key, the change in capacitor capacity may lead to the induction heating device (2000) misrecognizing that the touch key has been touched. Alternatively, if the touch key of a dishwasher (3000) is touched by steam generated while washing dishes, the dishwasher (3000) may similarly misrecognize that the touch key has been touched. In addition, when unintentional noise enters the power line connected to the home appliance, the home appliance may misrecognize that the touch key has been touched.

[0075] Figure 5 illustrates a water droplet (21) falling on a touch key (11) of an input panel (10).

[0076] As shown in Fig. 5, when a water droplet (21) falls on the touch key (11), the touch key (11) operates as if a touch has been made on the touch key (11). In Fig. 5, it can be confirmed that the operation indicator of the touch key (11) at the location where the water droplet (21) fell is turned on. Such water droplets, moisture, or power noise may lead to malfunction of the touch key (11). Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the touch key (11) operates only by the user's touch.

[0077] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of a home appliance that implements an inductive sensor driven together with a capacitive sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the PCB (1020) of the home appliance (1000) according to FIG. 6a may include a structure in which an air gap is formed between the PCB (1020) and the input panel (10) without a separate spacer by etching.

[0079] The input panel (10) can be used as a user input interface. When a user touches the input panel (10), the touch is detected by the capacitive sensor (1040). When the user presses a touch key included in the input panel (10), the touch can be detected by the difference in electrostatic capacity according to the capacitor of the capacitive sensor (1040) and the electrostatic capacity according to the capacitor added by the user's touch. Touch detection by the capacitive sensor (1040) has been described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] A cavity (1050) may be formed in the PCB (1020) by etching, as shown in FIG. 6A. An inductive sensor (1030) may be positioned within the cavity (1050). According to one embodiment, according to FIG. 6A, the inductive sensor (1030) is positioned on the PCB (1020) in contact with the cavity (1050). The inductive sensor (1030) may include a coil. As shown in FIG. 3B, when a displacement difference occurs in the metal thereon, the inductance of the inductive sensor (1030) changes, and the inductance change causes a change in the current flowing in the coil included in the inductive sensor (1030). In other words, it may be detected that the current flowing in the inductive sensor (1030) changes by a predetermined value or more based on the displacement difference of the touch key (11) - more precisely, the metal included in a part of the touch key (11). Touch can be recognized through changes in these current values. What is needed to generate a displacement difference in the metal is a cavity (1050) placed between the PCB (1020) and the input panel (10). The cavity (1050) is a type of air gap.

[0081] The cavity (1050) can be created through a process of cutting the PCB (1020) with a laser or sandblasting the PCB (1020). According to FIG. 6A, a structure having a cavity (1050) provides a space in which a displacement difference of metal can be created between the input panel (10) and the inductive sensor (1030) without a separate spacer. According to one embodiment, the metal that causes an inductance change in the inductive sensor (1030) may be at least a portion of a touch key (11) included in the input panel (10). According to one embodiment, the metal may be attached to a lower portion of the touch key (11) where a touch is made. The displacement difference of the touch key (11) - the displacement difference of the metal - may be created by at least a portion of the touch key (11) moving into the cavity (1050) due to pressure applied to the touch key (11).

[0082] When a touch is made to the touch key (11), and the displacement difference of the metal is first detected by the inductive sensor (1030) and the change in electrostatic capacity is secondarily detected by the capacitive sensor (1040), the home appliance (1000) can determine that a valid touch has been made and not a malfunction of the touch key due to a foreign substance.

[0083] When a touch is made to the touch key (11), and the home appliance (1000) first detects a change in electrostatic capacity by the capacitive sensor (1040) and secondly detects a difference in metal displacement by the inductive sensor (1030), the home appliance (1000) can determine that a valid touch has been made to the touch key (11) and not a touch by a foreign substance. In this way, by detecting a touch by the capacitive sensor (1040) and the inductive sensor (1030) together, the touch key (11) can be prevented from malfunctioning due to foreign substances or noise.

[0084] FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view of a home appliance that implements a pressure sensor driven together with a capacitive sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the home appliance (1000) according to FIG. 6b may include a structure in which an air gap is formed between the PCB (1020) and the input panel (10) without a separate spacer by etching the PCB (1020).

[0086] The input panel (10) can be used as a user input interface. When a user touches the input panel (10), the touch is detected by the capacitive sensor (1040). When the user presses a touch key included in the input panel (10), the touch can be detected by the difference in electrostatic capacity according to the capacitor of the capacitive sensor (1040) and the electrostatic capacity according to the capacitor added by the user's touch. Touch detection by the capacitive sensor (1040) has been described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0087] A cavity (1050) may be formed in the PCB (1020) by etching, as shown in FIG. 6B. According to one embodiment, a pressure sensor (1070) is positioned between the touch key (11) of the input panel (10) and the PCB (1020). When a user touches the touch key (11), pressure is generated, and when the pressure value received by the pressure sensor (1070) exceeds a predetermined value, the home appliance (1000) detects that 'pressure' has been applied. In other words, when the pressure sensor (1070) detects that a predetermined pressure value or more is exceeded according to the user's touch pressure applied to the touch key (11), it can detect that there has been a touch on the touch key (11). A touch can be recognized through a change in the pressure value. The space where the pressure sensor (1070) is to be positioned to detect a change in the pressure value is the cavity (1050) positioned between the PCB (1020) and the input panel (10). The cavity (1050) is a type of air gap.

[0088] The cavity (1050) can be created by a process of cutting the PCB (1020) with a laser or by sandblasting the PCB (1020). According to FIG. 6b, the structure with the cavity (1050) provides space for the pressure sensor (1070) between the input panel (10) and the PCB (1020) without a separate spacer.

[0089] When the pressure generated by a touch on the touch key (11) is first detected by the pressure sensor (1070) and the change in electrostatic capacity is secondarily detected by the capacitive sensor (1040), the home appliance (1000) can determine that a valid touch has been made on the touch key (11) and not a touch by a foreign substance.

[0090] When a touch is made to the touch key (11), and the home appliance (1000) first detects a change in electrostatic capacity by the capacitive sensor (1040) and secondly detects pressure generated by the touch by the pressure sensor (1070), the home appliance (1000) can determine that a valid touch has been made to the touch key (11) and not a touch by a foreign substance. In this way, by detecting a touch by the capacitive sensor (1040) and the pressure sensor (1070) together, the touch key (11) can be prevented from malfunctioning due to foreign substances or noise.

[0091] FIG. 6c is a cross-sectional view of a home appliance that implements a pressure sensor and an inductive sensor driven together with a capacitive sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the home appliance (1000) according to FIG. 6c may include a structure in which a cavity is formed between the PCB (1020) and the input panel (10) without a separate spacer by etching the PCB (1020).

[0093] The input panel (10) can be used as a user input interface. When a user touches the input panel (10), the touch is detected by the capacitive sensor (1040). When the user presses a touch key included in the input panel (10), the touch can be detected by the difference in electrostatic capacity according to the capacitor of the capacitive sensor (1040) and the electrostatic capacity according to the capacitor added by the user's touch. Touch detection by the capacitive sensor (1040) has been described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0094] PCB (1020) may be formed with a cavity (1050) by etching, as shown in FIG. 6c. According to one embodiment, a pressure sensor (1070) is positioned between the touch key (11) of the input panel (10) and the PCB (1020). In addition, an inductive sensor (1030) is also provided on the PCB (1020).

[0095] When a user touches the touch key (11), pressure is generated, and when the pressure value received by the pressure sensor (1070) exceeds a predetermined value, the home appliance (1000) detects that 'pressure' has been applied. In other words, when the pressure sensor (1070) detects that a predetermined pressure value or more is exceeded according to the user's touch pressure applied to the touch key (11), it can detect that there has been a touch on the touch key (11). The touch can be recognized through this change in the pressure value. The space where the pressure sensor (1070) is placed to detect the change in the pressure value is a cavity (1050) placed between the PCB (1020) and the input panel (10). The cavity (1050) is a type of air gap.

[0096] Additionally, the inductive sensor (1030) can detect the user's touch when a displacement difference occurs in which a part of the touch key (11) moves into the cavity due to the user's touch.

[0097] The cavity (1050) can be created through a process of cutting the PCB (1020) with a laser or sandblasting the PCB (1020). According to FIG. 6, the structure having the cavity (1050) provides a space for the pressure sensor (1070) between the input panel (10) and the PCB (1020) without a separate spacer. In addition, the structure having the cavity (1050) also provides a space in which a displacement difference of the touch key (11) can occur, thereby enabling the inductive sensor (1030) to detect a touch made on the touch key (11).

[0098] First, a pressure sensor (1070) detects the pressure generated by a touch on the touch key (11), and also an inductive sensor (1030) detects the displacement difference of the touch key (11), so that a touch can be detected. Next, when a change in electrostatic capacity is detected secondarily by a capacitive sensor (1040), the home appliance (1000) can determine that the touch on the touch key (11) is a valid touch and not a touch caused by a foreign substance.

[0099] When a touch is made to the touch key (11), and the home appliance (1000) first detects a change in electrostatic capacity by the capacitive sensor (1040), secondly, the pressure sensor (1070) detects the pressure generated by the touch, and the inductive sensor (1030) detects a displacement difference of the touch key (11), the home appliance (1000) can determine that the touch made to the touch key (11) is a valid touch and not a touch caused by a foreign substance. In this way, by detecting a touch by the capacitive sensor (1040), the pressure sensor (1070), and the inductive sensor (1030) together, the touch key (11) can be prevented from malfunctioning due to a foreign substance or noise. In this way, in order for the touch key (11) to be sensitive to both the capacitive sensor (1040) and the inductive sensor (1030), the touch portion of the touch key (11) may be partially made of metal and partially made of a non-metallic material (e.g., glass).

[0100] FIG. 6d is a cross-sectional view showing a cavity formed in a PCB of a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 6d, a cross-sectional view is provided showing a cavity formed by laser etching of a PCB (1020) of a home appliance (1000). The PCB (1020) is first manufactured by inserting a masking layer (1029) in advance.

[0102] In one embodiment, a PCB (1020) manufactured by pre-inserting a masking layer (1029) is filled with a cavity-corresponding portion (1049) before laser etching is performed. The laser etching is performed vertically to the masking layer (1029), as shown in FIG. 6D, so that a cavity can be formed when the cavity-corresponding portion (1049) is separated from the PCB (1020). In one embodiment, a coil corresponding to an inductive sensor (1030) can be arranged on the masking layer (1029). In one embodiment, the coil corresponding to the inductive sensor (1030) can be patterned and printed on the masking layer (1029). In one embodiment, a pressure sensor (1070) can be arranged in a cavity space on the masking layer (1029).

[0103] When the cavity corresponding portion (1049) is etched and removed, a cavity is formed in the PCB (1020). When the cavity is formed, an interposer layer (1025) may be formed around the cavity. The interposer layer (1025) may serve to support the input panel (10) when the input panel (10) is placed on the PCB (1020). Of course, the interposer layer (1025) is not limited to simply supporting the input panel (10). According to one embodiment, since the interposer layer (1025) is also a part of the PCB (1020), a circuit may be patterned and printed on the interposer layer (1025) and a component may be soldered thereon. In addition, the interposer layer (1025) may include a plurality of pattern layers. The plurality of pattern layers may be a plurality of PCBs that are stacked. According to one embodiment, a circuit may be patterned and printed on each of the plurality of pattern layers included in the interposer layer (1025), and each circuit may be electrically connected to a circuit included in the slave layer (1027) through a via hole (through hole). The slave layer (1027) may also include a plurality of pattern layers. The plurality of pattern layers may be a plurality of stacked PCBs. Each of the plurality of pattern layers may include a printed circuit. According to one embodiment, a processor for controlling the home appliance (1000) and a memory for storing instructions for control may be soldered to the interposer layer (1025).

[0104] According to one embodiment, a slave layer (1027) of a PCB (1020) is formed below the cavity as illustrated in FIG. 6D. The slave layer (1027) may include one or more pattern layers on which circuits are printed and laminated. Active and passive components, including a processor and memory for operating the home appliance (1000), may be soldered to the slave layer (1027). In addition, an electrical circuit required for the home appliance (1000) may be printed on the slave layer (1027). The slave layer (1027) may include one pattern layer or may include multiple pattern layers. According to one embodiment, a coil corresponding to an inductive sensor (1030) may be printed on a masking layer (1029) bonded to the slave layer (1027) as described above. In one embodiment, the pressure sensor (1070) may be positioned within the cavity. The inductive sensor (1030) or the pressure sensor (1070) may be electrically connected to a processor soldered on the slave layer (1027) or the interposer layer (1025). The processor may recognize a user touch detected by the inductive sensor (1030) or the pressure sensor (1070) as a user input and process the same. Additionally, the processor may recognize a user touch detected by the capacitive sensor (1040) as a user input and process the same.

[0105] A structure such as FIG. 6d is a structure that does not require a separate spacer, compared to a method in which a separate spacer is provided between the input panel (10) and the inductive sensor (1030) for the inductive sensor (1030) or the pressure sensor (1070) to operate. In addition, since the PCB (1020) is etched to form a cavity for the inductive sensor (1030) or the pressure sensor (1070) to operate, manufacturing is simple and durability can be secured.

[0106] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view showing a plurality of PCBs soldered to form a cavity for inductive sensing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0107] A PCB (1020) according to FIG. 7a may be configured by soldering a first PCB (1021) that serves as a base and a second PCB (1022) that can function as an interposer layer to the first PCB (1021). In order for the two PCBs to be soldered to each other, a metal for soldering may be printed on each PCB at a portion where the first PCB (1021) and the second PCB (1022) are joined to each other. By soldering the second PCB (1022) onto the first PCB (1021), a cavity may be formed by the first PCB (1021) and the second PCB (1022). The thickness of the cavity formed by the first PCB (1021) and the second PCB (1022) may vary depending on the case, but may be 0.5 to 2.0 mm. The input panel (10) may be placed on the second PCB (1022). When a user touches the touch key (11) included in the input panel (10), a displacement difference may occur in the touch key (11) due to a cavity formed by the first PCB (1021) and the second PCB (1022), so that the inductive sensor (1030) may operate. The inductive sensor (1030) may be positioned on the first PCB (1021). At least a portion of the touch key (11) may include a metal to enable the inductive sensor (1030) to operate. When a user touches the touch key (11), the capacitor of the capacitive sensor (1040) and the capacitor C2 (402) formed by the user with the ground are connected in parallel with each other. As a result, the charging time for the entire capacitor (C1+C2) takes longer than the charging time for C1, and the home appliance (1000) recognizes the touch based on the difference in charging time. As described above, the home appliance (1000) can determine that a valid touch has been made to the touch key (11) only when both the capacitive sensor (1040) and the inductive sensor (1030) recognize the touch.

[0108] The second PCB (1022) may serve as an interposer layer that supports the input panel (10) when the input panel (10) is placed thereon. In one embodiment, since the second PCB (1022) is a type of PCB, a circuit may be patterned and printed on a pattern layer included in the second PCB (1022), and a component may be soldered on the second PCB (1022). In addition, the second PCB (1022) may include a plurality of pattern layers (a plurality of layers). A circuit may also be patterned and printed on each of the plurality of pattern layers. In addition, the circuit printed on each pattern layer may be electrically connected to the circuit printed on each layer through a via hole (through hole). In one embodiment, a processor that controls the home appliance (1000) and a memory that stores instructions for control may be soldered to the second PCB (1022).

[0109] In one embodiment, the first PCB (1021) may include one or more pattern layers on which circuits are printed and laminated. Active and passive components, including a processor and memory for operating the home appliance (1000), may be soldered to the first PCB (1021). In addition, the first PCB (1021) may have electrical circuits required for the home appliance (1000) printed thereon. In one embodiment, a coil corresponding to an inductive sensor (1030) may be printed on the first PCB (1021). The inductive sensor (1030) may be electrically connected to a processor soldered on the first PCB (1021). The processor may recognize a user's touch detected by the inductive sensor (1030) as a user input and process the same. In addition, the processor may recognize a user's touch detected by the capacitive sensor (1040) and process the same. The processor can determine that a touch is a valid touch when a touch is detected by the inductive sensor (1030) and a touch is also detected by the capacitive sensor (1040).

[0110] The printed circuit including the plurality of pattern layers included in the second PCB (1022) can be electrically connected to the circuit printed on the first PCB (1021) through a soldered joint (1060) between the second PCB (1022) and the first PCB (1021).

[0111] A structure like Fig. 7a does not require a separate spacer, compared to a method in which a separate spacer is provided between the input panel (10) and the inductive sensor (1030) for the inductive sensor (1030) to operate. The spacer role is taken over by the second PCB (1022), which is a type of interposer layer.

[0112] FIG. 7b is a cross-sectional view showing a plurality of PCBs soldered to form a cavity for pressure sensing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0113] A PCB (1020) according to FIG. 7b may be configured by soldering a first PCB (1021) that serves as a base and a second PCB (1022) that can function as an interposer layer to the first PCB (1021). In order for the two PCBs to be soldered to each other, a soldering joint (1060) may be printed on each PCB at a portion where the first PCB (1021) and the second PCB (1022) are joined to each other. The soldering joint (1060) may include a conductor such as metal. A cavity may be formed by the first PCB (1021) and the second PCB (1022) by soldering the second PCB (1022) onto the first PCB (1021). The thickness of the cavity formed by the first PCB (1021) and the second PCB (1022) may vary depending on the case, but may be 0.5 to 2.0 mm. The input panel (10) may be placed on the second PCB (1022), and when a user touches the touch key (11) included in the input panel (10), pressure is applied to the pressure sensor (1070) placed in the cavity formed by the first PCB (1021) and the second PCB (1022), so that the pressure sensor (1070) can detect the pressure. The pressure sensor (1070) that detects the pressure generates an electric signal according to the detected pressure, and the generated electric signal can be transmitted to the processor. When the user touches the touch key (11), the capacitor of the capacitive sensor (1040) and the capacitor C2 (402) that the user forms with the ground are connected in parallel with each other. As a result, the charging time for the entire capacitor (C1+C2) takes longer than the charging time for C1, and the home appliance (1000) recognizes the touch based on the difference in charging time. As described above, the home appliance (1000) can determine that a valid touch has been made to the touch key (11) only when both the capacitive sensor (1040) and the pressure sensor (1070) recognize the touch.

[0114] The second PCB (1022) may serve as an interposer layer that supports the input panel (10) when the input panel (10) is placed thereon. In one embodiment, since the second PCB (1022) is a type of PCB, a circuit may be patterned and printed on a pattern layer included in the second PCB (1022), and a component may be soldered on the second PCB (1022). In addition, the second PCB (1022) may include a plurality of pattern layers (a plurality of layers). A circuit may also be patterned and printed on each of the plurality of pattern layers. In addition, the circuit printed on each pattern layer may be electrically connected to the circuit printed on each layer through a via hole (through hole). In one embodiment, a processor that controls the home appliance (1000) and a memory that stores instructions for control may be soldered to the second PCB (1022).

[0115] In one embodiment, the first PCB (1021) may include one or more pattern layers on which circuits are printed and laminated. Active and passive components, including a processor and memory for operating the home appliance (1000), may be soldered to the first PCB (1021). In addition, the first PCB (1021) may have electrical circuits required for the home appliance (1000) printed thereon. In one embodiment, a pressure sensor (1070) may be disposed between the first PCB (1021) and the input panel (10). The pressure sensor (1070) may be electrically connected to a processor soldered on the first PCB (1021). The processor may recognize pressure due to a user's touch detected by the pressure sensor (1070) as a user input and process the same. In addition, the processor may recognize a touch detected by the capacitive sensor (1040) and process the same. The processor can determine that a touch is a valid touch if a touch is detected by the pressure sensor (1070) and a touch is also detected by the capacitive sensor (1040).

[0116] The printed circuit including the plurality of pattern layers included in the second PCB (1022) can be electrically connected to the circuit printed on the first PCB (1021) through a soldered joint (1060) between the second PCB (1022) and the first PCB (1021).

[0117] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a plurality of PCBs for implementing an inductive sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0118] Fig. 8 is a plan view from above of the first PCB (1021) and the second PCB (1022) of Fig. 7a before soldering.

[0119] According to one embodiment, a coil corresponding to an inductive sensor (1030) is printed on the first PCB (1021). Of course, this is only one embodiment, and a pressure sensor (1070) may be placed on the first PCB (1021) instead of the inductive sensor (1030). According to one embodiment, the etched portion (1122) of the second PCB (1022) occupies an area slightly wider than the area occupied by the coil corresponding to the inductive sensor (1030) and is a portion removed from the second PCB (1022). The second PCB (1022) from which the etched portion (1122) has been removed is soldered on the first PCB (1021). The portion of the second PCB (1022) excluding the etched portion (1122) may serve as a kind of spacer, so that a cavity may be formed when the input panel (10) is placed on the second PCB (1022). Accordingly, the second PCB (1022) from which the etched portion (1122) has been removed can be placed on the first PCB (1021), and the input panel (10) can be placed on the second PCB (1022). In this state, when a user presses the touch key (11) of the input panel (10), a coil corresponding to the inductive sensor (1030) can detect the touch by the displacement difference of the touch key (11). Alternatively, when a pressure sensor (1070) is placed in the cavity instead of the inductive sensor (1030), when a user presses the touch key (11) of the input panel (10), the pressure sensor (1070) can detect the pressure applied to the touch key (11), thereby detecting that a touch has occurred.

[0120] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a circuit connected by a via hole in a PCB having a cavity formed therein according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0121] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing electrical circuit connections when a PCB (1020) is etched by a laser or sandblast according to FIG. 6c to create a cavity (1050) for an inductive sensor (1030) or a pressure sensor (1070). Referring to FIG. 9, an interposer layer (1025) that serves to support an input panel (10) according to one embodiment may include a first pattern layer (10251) and a second pattern layer (10252), which are a plurality of pattern layers (10251, 10252). Although the interposer layer (1025) is shown as two layers in FIG. 9, the interposer layer (1025) may be composed of more than two pattern layers according to one embodiment and may be a single layer. However, since the thickness of the cavity formed for inductive sensing or pressure sensing must be 0.5 to 2.0 mm, the number of pattern layers of the interposer layer (1025) must also be set to match the thickness of the cavity. Each pattern layer may be formed of a separate PCB substrate.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the slave layer (1027) of FIG. 9 is composed of four pattern layers (10271, 10272, 10273, 10274), but this is merely an example and the slave layer (1027) may be composed of more or fewer pattern layers. As shown in FIG. 9, since the interposer layer (1025) is also a part of the PCB (1020), the first pattern layer (10251) of the interposer layer (1025) may be connected to the third pattern layer (10273) of the slave layer (1027) through the first via hole (1031). Accordingly, the circuit printed on the first pattern layer (10251) can be electrically connected to the circuit printed on the third pattern layer (10273) through the first via hole (1031). Throughout the present disclosure, the term “via hole” may be used interchangeably with “through hole.” In addition, the first pattern layer (10251) of the interposer layer (1025) can be connected to the fourth pattern layer (10274) of the slave layer (1027) through the second via hole (1033). Accordingly, the circuit printed on the first pattern layer (10251) can be electrically connected to the circuit printed on the fourth pattern layer (10274) through the second via hole (1032).

[0123] As another example, a circuit printed on the second pattern layer (10252) of the interposer layer (1025) may be electrically connected to a printed circuit on the fourth pattern layer (10274) of the slave layer (1027) through a third via hole (1033). As another example, a circuit printed on the second pattern layer (10252) of the interposer layer (1025) may be electrically connected to a circuit printed on the lower portion of the fourth pattern layer (10274) of the slave layer (1027) through a fourth via hole (1034).

[0124] In this way, the circuit printed on the interposer layer (1025) can be electrically connected to the circuit printed on the slave layer (1027) through the via hole.

[0125] In Fig. 9, the case where the inductive sensor (1030) is located at the bottom of the cavity (1050) is illustrated. However, even when the pressure sensor (1070) is provided in the cavity (1050), the circuit printed on the interposer layer (1025) can be electrically connected to the circuit printed on the slave layer (1027) through a via hole, which is also applicable.

[0126] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a circuit connected by a via hole in a PCB having a cavity formed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0127] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing electrical circuit connections when a cavity for inductive sensing or pressure sensing is formed by joining a first PCB (1021) and a second PCB (1022) within a PCB (1020) according to FIG. 7a or FIG. 7b. As described in FIGS. 7a and 7b, the second PCB (1022) serves to support the input panel (10) and is soldered on the first PCB (1021) to form a cavity for inductive sensing or pressure sensing. As shown in FIG. 10, the first PCB (1021) and the second PCB (1022) can be soldered by a joint (1060). The joint (1060) is a conductor attached to both the first PCB (1021) and the second PCB (1022) to join the two PCBs to each other by soldering.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 10, a second PCB (1022) that serves to support an input panel (10) according to one embodiment may include a first pattern layer (10221) and a second pattern layer (10222), which are a plurality of pattern layers (10221, 10222). Although the second PCB (1022) is shown as having two layers in FIG. 10, the second PCB (1022) may be configured with more than two pattern layers or may be configured as a single layer. However, since the thickness of a cavity formed for inductive sensing must be 0.5 to 2.0 mm, the number of pattern layers of the second PCB (1022) must also be set to match the thickness of the cavity. Each pattern layer may be formed as a separate PCB substrate.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the first PCB (1021) of FIG. 10 is composed of four pattern layers (10211, 10212, 10213, 10214), but this is merely an example, and the first PCB (1021) may be composed of more or fewer pattern layers. As shown in FIG. 10, since the second PCB (1022) is also a part of the PCB (1020), the first pattern layer (10221) of the second PCB (1022) may be connected to the joint (1060) through the first via hole (1041). The joint (1060) may be connected to the fourth pattern layer (10214) of the first PCB (1021) through the second via hole (1042). Accordingly, the circuit printed on the first pattern layer (10221) of the second PCB (1022) can be electrically connected to the circuit printed on the fourth pattern layer (10214) of the first PCB (1021) through the first via hole (1041) - the joint (1060) - the second via hole (1043).

[0130] In this way, the circuit printed on the second PCB (1022) can be connected to the circuit printed on the first PCB (1021) through the via hole and the joint (1060).

[0131] In Fig. 10, a case in which an inductive sensor (1030) is present is illustrated, but even if a pressure sensor (1070) is provided in a cavity (1050), the circuit printed on the second PCB (1022) can be connected to the circuit printed on the first PCB (1021) through a via hole and a joint (1060).

[0132] FIG. 11 is a graph showing a signal generated by a pressure sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0133] Fig. 11 is a graph showing a signal generated by a pressure sensor (1070). Section 1101 shows a pressure value when pressure is applied to the touch key (11) due to an actual touch. According to Fig. 11, it can be seen that when pressure is applied due to an actual touch, a pressure value of approximately 300 g / f (gram / force) or more is generated. Accordingly, a predetermined pressure value that serves as a standard for determining whether actual pressure is applied to the touch key (11) can be set to one of 200 to 300 g / f.

[0134] In contrast, section 1103 is a section where water droplets or moisture vapor are applied to the touch key (11), and the pressure value generated by the pressure sensor (1070) is almost zero compared to section 1101. However, section 1103 is a section where touch recognition malfunction may occur, where a touch may be determined to have occurred if the pressure sensor (1070) does not determine whether a touch has occurred, since the change in electrostatic capacity can be detected by the capacitive sensor (1040).

[0135] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a vacuum cleaner using an input panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 12, a home appliance (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a vacuum cleaner (4000). The vacuum cleaner (4000) may include a cordless vacuum cleaner that may have a built-in rechargeable battery and does not require a power cord to be connected to an outlet during cleaning. In one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (4000) may include a corded vacuum cleaner that is used by connecting a power cord to an outlet during cleaning. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 12 will focus on a cordless vacuum cleaner. A user may move the vacuum cleaner (4000) back and forth using a handle mounted on the vacuum cleaner body (4100) to allow the brush device (vacuum cleaner head) to suck up dust or debris.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 12, a vacuum cleaner (4000) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be a stick-type vacuum cleaner including a vacuum cleaner body (4100), a brush device (4200), and an extension tube (4300). However, not all of the components illustrated in FIG. 12 are essential components. The vacuum cleaner (4000) may be implemented with more components than the components illustrated in FIG. 12, or may be implemented with fewer components. For example, the vacuum cleaner (4000) may be implemented with a vacuum cleaner body (4100) and a brush device (4200), excluding the extension tube (4300). In addition, the vacuum cleaner (4000) may further include a station (not illustrated) for dust discharge and battery charging of the vacuum cleaner body (4100).

[0138] The suction motor included in the main body (4100) of the vacuum cleaner (4000) performs a motion to suck up dust during cleaning.

[0139] The vacuum cleaner (4000) may include a user interface panel (4400). The user interface panel (4400) may allow a user to selectively input a cleaning intensity during cleaning, and a charging status or cleaning mode may be displayed through a display included in the user interface panel (4400).

[0140] The user interface panel (4400) according to FIG. 12 may include an input panel (10) including a touch key (11) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. A touch made on the touch key (11) of the input panel (10) may be detected by a capacitive sensor (1040). However, the capacitive sensor (1040) may misrecognize a touch not only by an actual touch but also by a foreign substance. Therefore, a touch may also be detected by an inductive sensor (1030) located below the touch key (11). If a pressure sensor (1070) is used instead of the inductive sensor (1030), a touch may be detected by the pressure sensor (1070). By combining touch detection by a capacitive sensor (1040) and touch detection by an inductive sensor (1030) or a pressure sensor (1070), the cleaner (4000) can ultimately determine that a valid touch has been made to the touch key (11). The input panel (10) may be located on the PCB (1020) according to the preceding FIGS. 6A to 7B.

[0141] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing an air conditioner using an input panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0142] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of an air conditioner among home appliances according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0143] An air conditioner (5000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can absorb heat from an air-conditioned space (hereinafter referred to as "indoor") and release heat from the outside of the air-conditioned space (hereinafter referred to as "outdoor") for cooling the air-conditioned space, which is the target of air conditioning. In addition, the air conditioner (5000) can absorb heat from the outdoors and release heat to the indoors for heating the indoor space.

[0144] An air conditioner (5000) may include one or more outdoor units (5100) installed outdoors and one or more indoor units (5200) installed indoors. The outdoor unit (5100) may be electrically connected to the indoor unit (5200). For example, a user may input information (or commands) for controlling the indoor unit (5200) through a user interface panel (5220), and the outdoor unit (5100) may operate in response to the user input of the indoor unit (5200).

[0145] The outdoor unit (5100) can be connected to the indoor unit (5200) through a refrigerant pipe.

[0146] The outdoor unit (5100) is installed outdoors. The outdoor unit (5100) can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and outdoor air by utilizing a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). This heat exchange can be achieved through an outdoor heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit (5100). For example, while the refrigerant condenses in the outdoor unit (5100), the refrigerant can release heat to the outdoor air. While the refrigerant evaporates in the outdoor unit (5100), the refrigerant can absorb heat from the outdoor air.

[0147] An indoor unit (5200) is installed indoors. The indoor unit (5200) can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air by utilizing a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). At this time, the heat exchange can be performed through an indoor heat exchanger included in the indoor unit (5200). For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit (5200), the refrigerant can absorb heat from the indoor air, thereby cooling the indoor space. While the refrigerant condenses in the indoor unit (5200), the refrigerant can release heat to the indoor air, thereby heating the indoor space. The air conditioner (5000) may include a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, and an indoor heat exchanger. The air conditioner (5000) may include a refrigerant pipe connecting the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0148] An indoor unit (5200) of an air conditioner (5000) may include a user interface panel (5220) that displays operation information of the air conditioner (5000) and can receive commands from a user. A display unit of the user interface panel (5220) may receive information regarding the operation of the air conditioner (5000) from a processor that controls the operation of the air conditioner (5000) and display information corresponding to the received information. The display unit may include an indicator that displays an operation type of the air conditioner (5000) selected by a user or whether the power of the indoor unit (5200) is on / off. The indicator may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, or a plurality of LEDs.

[0149] The outdoor unit (5100) includes an outdoor unit body (5101) forming the exterior of the outdoor unit (5100), and an outdoor unit fan (5102) provided on one side of the outdoor unit body (5101) to discharge heat-exchanged air.

[0150] The indoor unit (5200) may include an indoor unit body (5201) forming the exterior of the indoor unit (5200), an indoor unit discharge port (5202) provided on the front of the indoor unit body (5201) for discharging heat-exchanged air, and a user interface panel (5220) for receiving operation commands for the air conditioner (5000) from a user.

[0151] The user interface panel (5220) according to FIG. 13 may include an input panel (10) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The input panel (10) may include a touch key (11) that receives a touch input. A touch made on the touch key (11) of the input panel (10) may be detected by a capacitive sensor (1040). However, the capacitive sensor (1040) may misrecognize a touch not only by an actual touch but also by a foreign substance. Therefore, a touch may also be detected by an inductive sensor (1030) located below the touch key (11). If a pressure sensor (1070) is used instead of the inductive sensor (1030), a touch may be detected by the pressure sensor (1070). By combining touch detection by a capacitive sensor (1040) and touch detection by an inductive sensor (1030) or a pressure sensor (1070), the air conditioner (5000) can ultimately determine that a valid touch has been made to the touch key (11). The input panel (10) can be located on the PCB (1020) according to the preceding FIGS. 6a to 7b.

[0152] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a refrigerator using an input panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0153] A refrigerator (6000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (6010).

[0154] The main body (6010) may include an inner case, an outer case arranged on the outside of the inner case, and an insulating material provided between the inner case and the outer case.

[0155] The "inner case" may include a case, plate, panel, or liner forming a storage compartment. The inner case may be formed as a single body or may be formed by assembling multiple plates. The "outer case" may form the outer appearance of the main body and may be joined to the outer surface of the inner case so that insulation is placed between the inner case and the outer case.

[0156] "Insulation" can insulate the interior and exterior of a storage room so that the temperature inside the storage room can be maintained at a set temperature without being affected by the external environment of the storage room. In one embodiment, the insulation can include foam insulation. The foam insulation can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam, a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent, between the inner and outer layers after securing them with a jig or the like.

[0157] In one embodiment, the insulation may include a vacuum insulation in addition to the foam insulation, or the insulation may consist solely of the vacuum insulation instead of the foam insulation. The vacuum insulation may include a core material and an outer shell material that accommodates the core material and seals the interior at a vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. The vacuum insulation may further include an adsorbent that adsorbs gases and moisture to stably maintain a vacuum state. However, the insulation is not limited to the foam insulation or vacuum insulation described above, and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0158] A refrigerator (6000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to a storage compartment.

[0159] A "refrigeration supply device" may include a system comprising a machine, mechanism, electronic device and / or a combination thereof that can generate and guide cold air to cool a storage room.

[0160] In one embodiment, a refrigeration supply device can generate refrigeration through a refrigeration cycle comprising the processes of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. To this end, the refrigeration supply device can include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle.

[0161] A refrigerator (6000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a machine room in which at least some components belonging to a cold air supply device are arranged.

[0162] The "machine room" may be designed to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated by components placed within the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to be in communication with the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed within the machine room.

[0163] A refrigerator (6000) is a type of home appliance that supplies cold air generated by a compressor in a refrigeration supply unit to a storage compartment, allowing various foods to remain fresh for long periods of time. In addition to this long-term preservation function, the refrigerator (6000) is equipped with various additional functions. Representative functions include a communication function that enables the establishment of an IoT network and a function that outputs sound via speakers built into the refrigerator (6000).

[0164] Referring to FIG. 14, another refrigerator (6000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (6010) and doors (6030a, 6030b, 6030c, 6030d) that can open and close a storage compartment.

[0165] A refrigerator (6000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a door (6030) configured to open and close an open side of a storage compartment.

[0166] The refrigerator (6000) according to FIG. 14 is illustrated with four doors (6030), but the number of doors (6030) is not limited thereto. The upper door (6030a) and the lower door (6030b) on the right side of the refrigerator (6000) may be configured as one door, and the upper door (6030c) and the lower door (6030d) on the left side of the refrigerator (6000) may be configured as one door. In addition, the number of doors of the refrigerator (6000) may be more or less than four. In addition, the positions of the doors (6030) may also be varied. Depending on the arrangement of the doors (6030) and the storage compartment, the refrigerator (6000) may be a French door type refrigerator, a side-by-side type refrigerator, etc. Between the plurality of doors (6030a, 6030b, 6030c, 6030d), there may be a handle area, which is a space where a user can insert a hand to open and close the door (6030).

[0167] The door (6030) may be configured to seal the storage compartment when the door (6030) is closed. The door (6030) may include insulation, similar to the body (6010), to insulate the storage compartment when the door (6030) is closed.

[0168] A refrigerator (6000) according to one embodiment may include a user interface panel (6220) on a door (6030). The user interface panel (6220) may be located on any one of the doors (6030a, 6030b, 6030c, 6030d).

[0169] The user interface panel (6220) according to FIG. 14 may include an input panel (10) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The input panel (10) may include a touch key (11) that receives a touch input. A touch made on the touch key (11) of the input panel (10) may be detected by a capacitive sensor (1040). However, the capacitive sensor (1040) may misrecognize a touch not only by an actual touch but also by a foreign substance. Therefore, a touch may also be detected by an inductive sensor (1030) located below the touch key (11). If a pressure sensor (1070) is used instead of the inductive sensor (1030), a touch may be detected by the pressure sensor (1070). According to one embodiment, by combining touch detection by a capacitive sensor (1040) with touch detection by an inductive sensor (1030) or a pressure sensor (1070), the refrigerator (6000) can ultimately determine that a valid touch has been made to the touch key (11). The input panel (10) may be located on the PCB (1020) according to the preceding FIGS. 6A to 7B.

[0170] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a washing machine using an input panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0171] A washing machine (7000) according to FIG. 15 may include a main body (7010), a water tank (not shown) installed inside the main body (7010), and a drum (7011) installed inside the water tank. A lifter (7012) may be installed inside the drum (7011) to lift laundry upwards while the drum (7011) rotates and then drop it by gravity. The drum (7011) may perform washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration while rotating inside a tub described below. The drum (7011) may include a hole connecting the internal space of the drum (7011) and the internal space of the tub. The drum (7011) may have a generally cylindrical shape with one end open.

[0172] The main body (7010) may generally have a hexahedral shape, but is not limited thereto. An opening (7013) may be formed at the front center of the main body (7010) through which laundry may be placed or removed from the drum (7011), and a door (7014) for opening and closing the opening (7013) may be rotatably installed. At least a portion of the door (7014) may be transparent or translucent so as to allow the interior surrounding the drum (7011) to be visible.

[0173] Although not illustrated in FIG. 15, the washing machine (7000) may include a tub provided inside the water tank to store water. The tub may be supported inside the water tank. The tub may have a generally cylindrical shape with one end open. The tub may be elastically supported from the water tank by a damper. The damper may connect the water tank and the tub. The damper may be provided to absorb vibration energy between the tub and the water tank when vibration generated when the drum (7011) rotates is transmitted to the tub and / or the water tank, thereby attenuating the vibration.

[0174] A user interface panel (7220) may be installed on the front upper side of the main body (7010) to display the operating status of the washing machine (7000) to the user or to enable the user to directly control the washing operation. The user interface panel (7220) may include an input unit as an input interface for receiving operation commands from the user and a display unit as an output interface for displaying operation information of the washing machine.

[0175] The input unit can provide an electrical output signal corresponding to a user input to a control unit (not shown) including a processor. The input unit can include, for example, a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or course selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button. The input button can include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, or a touch switch.

[0176] The display unit can receive a signal from the processor and display information corresponding to the received signal. The display unit can include a screen that displays a washing course selected by rotating the course selection dial (or pressing the course selection button) and the operating time of the washing machine, and an indicator that displays a washing setting / rinse setting / spin setting selected by the setting button. The display unit can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, or the like.

[0177] The user interface panel (7220) according to FIG. 15 may include an input panel (10) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The input panel (10) may include a touch key (11) that receives a touch input. A touch made on the touch key (11) of the input panel (10) may be detected by a capacitive sensor (1040). However, the capacitive sensor (1040) may misrecognize a touch not only by an actual touch but also by a foreign substance. Therefore, a touch may also be detected by an inductive sensor (1030) located below the touch key (11). If a pressure sensor (1070) is used instead of the inductive sensor (1030), a touch may be detected by the pressure sensor (1070). According to one embodiment, by combining touch detection by a capacitive sensor (1040) with touch detection by an inductive sensor (1030) or a pressure sensor (1070), the washing machine (7000) can ultimately determine that a valid touch has been made to the touch key (11). The input panel (10) may be located on the PCB (1020) according to the preceding FIGS. 6A to 7B.

[0178] Although not shown in FIG. 15, the washing machine (7000) may include a driving device configured to rotate the drum (7011).

[0179] A driving device (not shown) may include a driving motor and a rotating shaft (not shown) for transmitting driving force generated by the driving motor to the drum (7011). The rotating shaft may pass through the tub and be connected to the drum (7011). The driving device may be arranged to rotate the drum (7011) forward or backward to perform washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration operations.

[0180] A water supply device (not shown) can supply water to the tub. The water supply device can include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve provided on the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe can be connected to an external water source. The water supply pipe can extend from the external water source to the detergent supply device and / or the tub. Water can be supplied to the tub via the detergent supply device. Water can be supplied to the tub without passing through the detergent supply device.

[0181] A water supply valve (not shown) can open or close the water supply line in response to an electrical signal from the processor. The water supply valve can allow or block the supply of water to the tub from an external water source. The water supply valve may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

[0182] The washing machine (7000) may include a detergent supply device (not shown) configured to supply detergent to the tub. The detergent supply device may be configured to supply detergent into the tub during the water supply process. Water supplied through the water supply pipe may be mixed with detergent via the detergent supply device. The water mixed with detergent may be supplied into the tub. The detergent may include not only laundry detergent but also a dryer rinse, a deodorizer, a sterilizer, or an air freshener.

[0183] The washing machine (7000) may include a drainage device (not shown). The drainage device may be configured to discharge water contained in the tub to the outside. The drainage device may include a drainage pipe extending from the bottom of the tub to the outside of the housing, and a pump provided on the drainage pipe. The pump may pump water in the drainage pipe to the outside of the tank.

[0184] A drain hole (not shown) may be formed at the bottom of the tub to drain water stored in the tub to the outside of the tub. The drain hole may be connected to a drain pipe. The drain pipe may be provided with a drain valve to open and close the drain pipe.

[0185] A control unit including a processor can control various components of a washing machine (e.g., a drive motor, a water inlet valve). The control unit can control various components of the washing machine to perform at least one operation, including water supply, washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying, according to user input inputted to a control panel. For example, the control unit can control the drive motor to adjust the rotation speed of a tub, or control the water inlet valve of a water supply device to supply water to the tub.

[0186] The control unit may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the control unit may include an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the washing machine, at least one memory storing program-type data, and at least one processor performing the aforementioned operation using data stored in the at least one memory. The memory and the processor may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Additionally, the memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip.

[0187] A front loading washing machine (7000) according to Fig. 15 can wash laundry by rotating the drum (7011) to repeatedly raise and lower the laundry.

[0188] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing an electric oven using an input panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0189] An electric oven (8000) is a cooking appliance that enables cooking, such as baking. Because the internal temperature of an electric oven (8000) is high, the external panel is often made of metal rather than plastic.

[0190] An electric oven (8000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a user interface panel (8220). The user interface panel (8220) may include a display unit for displaying information to a user and a touch key for receiving user input.

[0191] The user interface panel (8220) according to FIG. 16 may include an input panel (10) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The input panel (10) may include a touch key (11) that receives a touch input. A touch made on the touch key (11) of the input panel (10) may be detected by a capacitive sensor (1040). However, the capacitive sensor (1040) may misrecognize a touch not only by an actual touch but also by a foreign substance. Therefore, a touch may also be detected by an inductive sensor (1030) located below the touch key (11). If a pressure sensor (1070) is used instead of the inductive sensor (1030), a touch may be detected by the pressure sensor (1070). According to one embodiment, by combining touch detection by a capacitive sensor (1040) with touch detection by an inductive sensor (1030) or a pressure sensor (1070), the electric oven (8000) can ultimately determine that a valid touch has been made to the touch key (11). The input panel (10) can be located on the PCB (1020) according to the preceding FIGS. 6A to 7B.

[0192] FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0193] As illustrated in FIG. 16, a home appliance (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a processor (1200), a communication interface (1300), a user interface (1400), and a memory (1500).

[0194] Below, we will look at the above components in turn.

[0195] The processor (1200) can control the overall operation of the home appliance (1000). The processor (1200) is a hardware device that controls the overall operation of the home appliance (1000). The processor (1200) is a hardware component (chip) that includes an integrated circuit in which electrical circuits are integrated. The processor (1200) can control the communication interface (1300), the user interface (1400), and the memory (1500) by executing programs stored in the memory (1500). The home appliance (1000) can include at least one processor. For example, the processor (1200) may be one or multiple. In addition, when multiple processors are provided, the operations by the processor in the present disclosure can be performed by any one of the multiple processors. The home appliance (1000) may include only a main processor, or may include a main processor and at least one sub-processor.

[0196] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a home appliance (1000) may be equipped with an artificial intelligence (AI) processor. The AI ​​processor may be manufactured in the form of a dedicated hardware chip for artificial intelligence (AI), or may be manufactured as part of an existing general-purpose processor (e.g., CPU or application processor) or a graphics-only processor (e.g., GPU) and equipped in the home appliance (1000).

[0197] The communication interface (1300) may include one or more components that enable communication between the home appliance (1000) and a server device (not shown) or between the home appliance (1000) and a user terminal (not shown). For example, the communication interface (1300) may include a short-range wireless communication interface (1310) and a long-range wireless communication interface (1320). The short-range wireless communication interface (1310) may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication interface, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication interface, a near field communication interface, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication interface, a Zigbee communication interface, an IrDA (infrared Data Association) communication interface, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication interface, an UWB (Ultra Wideband) communication interface, an ANT+ communication interface, etc. The remote communication unit (1320) may include the Internet, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN), and a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. Here, the wireless signals may include various types of data according to transmission and reception of voice call signals, video call signals, or text / multimedia messages. The mobile communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a 3G module, a 4G module, an LTE module, a 5G module, a 6G module, an NB-IoT module, an LTE-M module, and the like.

[0198] The user interface (1400) may include an output interface (1410) and an input interface (1420). The output interface (1410) is for outputting an audio signal or a video signal and may include a display and an audio output unit, etc.

[0199] When the display and the touchpad are configured as a touch screen in a layered structure, the display can be used as an input interface (1420) in addition to an output interface (1410). The display can include at least one of a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, a light-emitting diode (LED), an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, a 3D display, and an electrophoretic display. In addition, depending on the implementation form of the home appliance (1000), the home appliance (1000) can include two or more displays.

[0200] The audio output unit can output audio data received from the communication interface (1300) or stored in the memory (1500). In addition, the audio output unit can output audio signals related to functions performed in the home appliance (1000). The audio output unit can include a speaker, a buzzer, etc.

[0201] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the output interface (1410) can display information about the home appliance (1000). For example, the output interface (1410) can output a GUI (Graphical User Interface) corresponding to the current status, fault information, or product type information of the home appliance (1000).

[0202] The input interface (1420) is for receiving input from a user. The input interface (1420) may be at least one of a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact electrostatic capacitance type, pressure resistive film type, infrared detection type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezo effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, and a jog switch, but is not limited thereto.

[0203] The input interface (1420) may include an input panel (10). The input panel (10) may include a touch key (11) for receiving a user's touch. A touch made on the touch key (11) of the input panel (10) may be detected by a capacitive sensor (1040). However, the capacitive sensor (1040) may misrecognize a touch not only due to an actual touch but also due to a foreign substance. Therefore, a touch may also be detected by an inductive sensor (1030) located below the touch key (11). The inductive sensor (1030) may recognize that the touch key (11) has been pressed by a displacement difference occurring in the metal included in the touch key (11). If the home appliance (1000) includes a pressure sensor (1070) instead of the inductive sensor (1030), a touch may be detected by the pressure sensor (1070). According to one embodiment, by combining touch detection by a capacitive sensor (1040) with touch detection by an inductive sensor (1030) or a pressure sensor (1070), the home appliance (1000) can ultimately determine that a valid touch has been made to the touch key (11). The input panel (10) may be located on the PCB (1020) according to the preceding FIGS. 6A to 7B.

[0204] According to one embodiment, the inductive sensor (1030) and the pressure sensor (1070) included in the input interface (1420) in FIG. 17 may be optional. In other words, if the home appliance (1000) includes the inductive sensor (1030) together with the capacitive sensor (1040), the home appliance (1000) may not include the pressure sensor (1070). Conversely, if the home appliance (1000) includes the pressure sensor (1070) together with the capacitive sensor (1040), the home appliance (1000) may not include the inductive sensor (1030).

[0205] In one embodiment, the input interface (1420) in FIG. 17 may include both an inductive sensor (1030) and a pressure sensor (1070). For example, if a first touch key dually detects a touch by a capacitive sensor (1040) and an inductive sensor (1030), a second touch key dually detects a touch by a capacitive sensor (1040) and a pressure sensor (1070).

[0206] The input interface (1420) may include a voice recognition module. For example, the home appliance (1000) may receive a voice signal, which is an analog signal, through a microphone, and convert the voice portion into computer-readable text using an Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) model. The home appliance (1000) may interpret the converted text using a Natural Language Understanding (NLU) model to obtain the user's speech intent. Here, the ASR model or the NLU model may be an artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model may be processed by an artificial intelligence-dedicated processor designed with a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence model may be created through learning. Here, being created through learning means that a basic artificial intelligence model is learned using a plurality of learning data by a learning algorithm, thereby creating a predefined operation rule or artificial intelligence model set to perform a desired characteristic (or purpose). The artificial intelligence model may be composed of a plurality of neural network layers. Each of the multiple neural network layers has multiple weight values, and performs neural network operations through operations between the operation results of the previous layer and the multiple weight values.

[0207] Linguistic understanding is the technology of recognizing, applying, and processing human language / characters, including natural language processing, machine translation, dialog systems, question answering, and speech recognition / synthesis.

[0208] The memory (1500) may store a program for processing and controlling the processor (1200) and may store input / output data. The memory (1500) may also store an artificial intelligence model.

[0209] The memory (1500) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. In addition, the home appliance (1000) may also operate a web storage or cloud server that performs a storage function on the Internet.

[0210] The block diagram and features of the home appliance (1000) according to FIG. 17 can be applied to all home appliances according to FIGS. 1, 2, 12 to 16 of the present disclosure.

[0211] Fig. 18 is a block diagram of an induction heating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0212] As illustrated in FIG. 18, an induction heating device (2000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an induction heating unit (2100), a processor (2200), a communication interface (2300), a user interface (2400), and a memory (2500).

[0213] Below, we will look at the above components in turn.

[0214] The induction heating unit (2100) may include, but is not limited to, a driving unit (2110) and a heating coil (2120). The driving unit (2110) may receive power from an input power source and supply current to the heating coil (2120) according to a driving control signal of the processor (2200). The driving unit (2110) may include, but is not limited to, an EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) filter (2111), a rectifier circuit (2112), an inverter (2113), a distribution circuit (2114), and a current detection unit (2115). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the driving unit (2110) may be broadly referred to as an inverter. When the driving unit (2110) is referred to as an inverter, the inverter (2113) of FIG. 18 may only refer to a switching element that performs a switching operation to supply current to the heating coil (2120).

[0215] The EMI filter (2111) blocks high-frequency noise contained in AC power supplied from the input power source and can pass AC voltage and AC current of a predetermined frequency (e.g., 50 Hz or 60 Hz). A fuse and a relay for blocking overcurrent may be provided between the EMI filter (2111) and the input power source. The AC power from which high-frequency noise has been blocked by the EMI filter (2111) is supplied to the rectifier circuit (2112).

[0216] The rectifier circuit (2112) can convert an AC voltage into a DC voltage. For example, the rectifier circuit (2112) can convert an AC voltage whose magnitude and polarity (positive voltage or negative voltage) change over time into a DC voltage whose magnitude and polarity are constant, and can convert an AC current whose magnitude and direction (positive current or negative current) change over time into a DC current whose polarity does not change over time. The rectifier circuit (2112) can include a bridge diode as a rectification element. For example, the rectifier circuit (2112) can include four diodes. The bridge diode can convert an AC voltage whose polarity changes over time into a positive voltage whose polarity is constant, and can convert an AC current whose direction changes over time into a positive current whose direction is constant. The rectifier circuit (2112) can be connected to a DC link capacitor that smoothes the rectified DC voltage.

[0217] The inverter (2113) may include a switching circuit that supplies or blocks driving current to the heating coil (2120) and a resonant capacitor that causes resonance together with the heating coil (2120).

[0218] The inverter (2113) can control the current supplied to the heating coil (2120). For example, the size and direction of the current flowing to the heating coil (2120) can change depending on the turning on / off of a plurality of switches included in the inverter (2113).

[0219] The current detection unit (2115) may include a current sensor that measures the current output from the inverter (2113) and flowing through the heating coil (2120). The current sensor may transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the measured current value to the processor (2200). Although not shown, the induction heating device (2000) may further include a voltage sensor that senses the voltage of the heating coil (2120) in addition to the current detection unit (2115).

[0220] The processor (2200) can determine the switching frequency (turn-on / turn-off frequency) of the switching circuit included in the inverter (2113) based on the output intensity (power level) of the induction heating device (2000). The processor (2200) can generate a driving control signal for turning the switching circuit on / off according to the determined switching frequency. The induction heating device (2000) can include a driving processor separate from the processor (2200) to control the operation of the induction heating unit (2100) during the operation of the processor (2200).

[0221] The heating coil (2120) can generate a magnetic field for heating the cooking vessel (101). For example, when a driving current is supplied to the heating coil (2120), a magnetic field can be induced around the heating coil (2120). When a current whose size and direction change over time, i.e., an alternating current, is supplied to the heating coil (2120), a magnetic field whose size and direction change over time can be induced around the heating coil (2120). The magnetic field around the heating coil (2120) can pass through the top plate made of tempered glass and reach the cooking vessel (101) placed on the top plate. Due to the magnetic field whose size and direction change over time, an eddy current that rotates around the magnetic field can be generated in the cooking vessel (101), and due to the eddy current, electric resistance heat can be generated in the cooking vessel (101). Electrical resistance heat is heat generated in a resistor when current flows through the resistor, and is also called Joule heat. The cooking vessel (101) is heated by the electrical resistance heat, and the contents inside the cooking vessel (101) can be heated.

[0222] The processor (2200) can control the overall operation of the induction heating device (2000). The processor (2200) is a hardware device that controls the overall operation of the induction heating device (2000). The processor (2200) may be a hardware device (chip) including an integrated circuit in which electrical circuits are integrated. The processor (2200) can control the induction heating unit (2100), the communication interface (2300), the user interface (2400), and the memory (2500) by executing programs stored in the memory (2500). The induction heating device (2000) may include at least one processor. For example, the processor (2200) may be one or multiple. In addition, when multiple processors are provided, operations by the processor in the present disclosure may be performed by at least one of the multiple processors. The induction heating device (2000) may include only a main processor, or may include a main processor and at least one sub-processor.

[0223] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the induction heating device (2000) may be equipped with an artificial intelligence (AI) processor. The AI ​​processor may be manufactured in the form of a dedicated hardware chip for artificial intelligence (AI), or may be manufactured as part of an existing general-purpose processor (e.g., CPU or application processor) or a graphics-only processor (e.g., GPU) and equipped in the induction heating device (2000).

[0224] The processor (2200) can establish a short-range wireless communication channel (e.g., a BLE communication channel) with the cooking vessel (101) through the communication interface (2300) when the unique identification information of the cooking vessel (101) is stored in the memory (2500).

[0225] The functions and features of the communication interface (2300), user interface (2400), and memory (2500) of the induction heating device (2000) according to Fig. 18 are the same as those of the communication interface (1300), user interface (1400), and memory (1500) of the home appliance (1000) according to Fig. 17, so a duplicate description will be omitted.

[0226] FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a method for determining a valid touch by a pressure sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0227] In step S1901, the processor (1200) of the home appliance (1000) detects and obtains the electrostatic capacitance value sensed by the capacitive sensor (1040).

[0228] In step S1903, the processor (1200) of the home appliance (1000) determines whether the electrostatic capacity value detected by the capacitive sensor (1040) is greater than a predetermined electrostatic capacity value. A change in the electrostatic capacity value - an increase - may include that a user has touched the touch key (11) or that a foreign substance has come into contact with it. The processor (1200) may determine that the electrostatic capacity value according to the capacitive sensor (1040) is greater than the predetermined electrostatic capacity value through a change in the charging time as described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B. If the electrostatic capacity value by the capacitive sensor (1040) is less than the predetermined electrostatic capacity value, the process returns to step S1901 and performs sensing by the capacitive sensor (1040). Even if the electrostatic capacitance value by the capacitive sensor (1040) is greater than a predetermined electrostatic capacitance value, it is unclear whether a valid touch by the user has been made to the touch key (11). This is because the electrostatic capacitance value may change even if the touch key (11) comes into contact with water droplets or moisture.

[0229] Accordingly, in step S1905, if the electrostatic capacity value by the capacitive sensor (1040) is greater than a predetermined electrostatic capacity value, then the pressure applied to the touch key (11) is sensed by the pressure sensor (1070). The pressure sensor (1070) may be provided in a cavity formed in the PCB (1020) of the home appliance (1000). According to one embodiment, the cavity in the PCB (1020) where the pressure sensor (1070) is positioned may be formed by etching the PCB (1020) or by bonding the first PCB (1021) and the second PCB (1022) as in FIG. 7b.

[0230] In step S1907, if the pressure applied to the touch key (11) by the pressure sensor (1070) is less than or equal to a predetermined pressure value, the home appliance (1000) determines that although there was a change in electrostatic capacity by the capacitive sensor (1040), it was not a touch by the user but was caused by a foreign substance or noise. Therefore, the home appliance (1000) does not determine such a touch as a valid touch and returns to step S1901 to perform electrostatic capacity value sensing by the capacitive sensor (1040) or wait for electrostatic capacity value sensing.

[0231] In step S1909, if the pressure applied to the touch key (11) by the pressure sensor (1070) is greater than a predetermined pressure value, the home appliance (1000) determines that the touch made on the touch key (11) is valid, and the processor (1200) of the home appliance (1000) executes a command according to the touch.

[0232] FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a method for determining a valid touch by an inductive sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0233] In step S2001, the processor (1200) of the home appliance (1000) obtains the electrostatic capacitance value sensed by the capacitive sensor (1040).

[0234] In step S2003, the processor (1200) of the home appliance (1000) determines whether the electrostatic capacity value sensed by the capacitive sensor (1040) is greater than a predetermined electrostatic capacity value. A change in the electrostatic capacity value - an increase - may include that a user has touched the touch key (11) or that a foreign substance has come into contact with it. The processor (1200) can determine that the electrostatic capacity value according to the capacitive sensor (1040) is greater than the predetermined electrostatic capacity value through a change in the charging time as described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B. If the electrostatic capacity value by the capacitive sensor (1040) is less than the predetermined electrostatic capacity value, the process returns to step S2001 and performs sensing by the capacitive sensor (1040). Even if the electrostatic capacitance value by the capacitive sensor (1040) is greater than a predetermined electrostatic capacitance value, it is unclear whether a valid touch by the user has been made to the touch key (11). This is because the electrostatic capacitance value may change even if the touch key (11) comes into contact with water droplets or moisture.

[0235] Therefore, in step S2005, if the electrostatic capacity value by the capacitive sensor (1040) is greater than a predetermined electrostatic capacity value, then whether a displacement difference of the metal included in the touch key (11) occurs is sensed by the inductive sensor (1030). The inductive sensor (1030) may be provided in the PCB (1020) of the home appliance (1000). According to one embodiment, a cavity in the PCB (1020) for the operation of the inductive sensor (1030) may be formed by etching the PCB (1020) or by bonding the first PCB (1021) and the second PCB (1022) as in FIG. 7A.

[0236] In step S2007, if the displacement difference of the metal included in the touch key (11) is small and the change in the current value flowing in the coil included in the inductive sensor (1030) is less than or equal to a predetermined current value change, the home appliance (1000) determines that although there was a change in electrostatic capacity when measured by the capacitive sensor (1040), it was not a user touch but was caused by a foreign substance or noise. Therefore, in this case, the home appliance (1000) does not determine the touch on the touch key (11) as a valid touch and returns to step S2001 to perform electrostatic capacity value sensing by the capacitive sensor (1040) or enters a standby state for electrostatic capacity value sensing.

[0237] In step S2009, if the displacement difference of the touch key (11) measured by the inductive sensor (1030) is greater than a predetermined value and thus the change in the current value flowing in the coil included in the inductive sensor (1030) is greater than the predetermined current value change, the home appliance (1000) determines that the touch made on the touch key (11) is valid, and the processor (1200) of the home appliance (1000) executes a command according to the touch.

[0238] FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a method for determining a valid touch using a pressure sensor and an inductive sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0239] In step S2101, the processor (1200) of the home appliance (1000) obtains the electrostatic capacitance value sensed by the capacitive sensor (1040).

[0240] In step S2103, the processor (1200) of the home appliance (1000) determines whether the electrostatic capacity value sensed by the capacitive sensor (1040) is greater than a predetermined electrostatic capacity value. A change in the electrostatic capacity value - an increase - may include that a user has touched the touch key (11) or that a foreign substance has come into contact with it. The processor (1200) can determine that the electrostatic capacity value according to the capacitive sensor (1040) is greater than the predetermined electrostatic capacity value through a change in the charging time as described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B. If the electrostatic capacity value by the capacitive sensor (1040) is less than the predetermined electrostatic capacity value, the process returns to step S2101 and performs sensing by the capacitive sensor (1040). Even if the electrostatic capacitance value by the capacitive sensor (1040) is greater than a predetermined electrostatic capacitance value, it is unclear whether a valid touch by the user has been made to the touch key (11). This is because the electrostatic capacitance value may change even if the touch key (11) comes into contact with water droplets or moisture.

[0241] Therefore, in step S2105, if the electrostatic capacity value by the capacitive sensor (1040) is greater than a predetermined electrostatic capacity value, then whether a displacement difference of the metal included in the touch key (11) occurs is sensed by the inductive sensor (1030). The inductive sensor (1030) may be provided in the PCB (1020) of the home appliance (1000). According to one embodiment, a cavity in the PCB (1020) for the operation of the inductive sensor (1030) may be formed by etching the PCB (1020) or by bonding the first PCB (1021) and the second PCB (1022) as in FIG. 7a.

[0242] In one embodiment, the home appliance (1000) determines whether a touch has been made by a pressure sensor (1070) in addition to detecting a touch by an inductive sensor (1030). The pressure sensor (1070) may be provided in a cavity formed within a PCB (1020) of the home appliance (1000). According to one embodiment, the cavity within the PCB (1020) where the pressure sensor (1070) is positioned may be formed by etching the PCB (1020) or by bonding a first PCB (1021) and a second PCB (1022) as in FIG. 7b.

[0243] In step S2107, if the displacement difference of the metal included in the touch key (11) is small and the change in the current value flowing in the coil included in the inductive sensor (1030) is less than or equal to a predetermined current value change, or if the pressure applied to the touch key (11) by the pressure sensor (1070) is less than or equal to a predetermined pressure value, the home appliance (1000) determines that although there was a change in electrostatic capacity by the capacitive sensor (1040), it was not a touch by the user but was caused by a foreign substance or noise. Therefore, in this case, the home appliance (1000) does not determine the touch on the touch key (11) as a valid touch and returns to step S2101 to perform electrostatic capacity value sensing by the capacitive sensor (1040) or enters a standby state for electrostatic capacity value sensing.

[0244] Conversely, if the displacement difference of the metal included in the touch key (11) is greater than a predetermined displacement difference, and the change in the current value flowing in the coil included in the inductive sensor (1030) is greater than the predetermined current value change, and the pressure applied to the touch key (11) by the pressure sensor (1070) is greater than the predetermined pressure value, the home appliance (1000) determines that the user has made a valid touch in step S2109, and the processor (1200) of the home appliance (1000) executes a command according to the touch.

[0245] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a home appliance is provided that prevents malfunction of a touch key that detects a touch based on a change in capacitance. The home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a touch key that receives a touch of the touch key. The home appliance according to one embodiment may include a PCB that includes a cavity formed under the touch key. The home appliance according to one embodiment may include a capacitive sensor for detecting a touch on the touch key based on a change in capacitance based on a touch on the touch key. The home appliance according to one embodiment may include an inductive sensor located within the cavity that detects a change in displacement of the touch key based on the touch. The home appliance according to one embodiment may include a processor that determines a touch on the touch key as a valid touch when a touch is detected by the capacitive sensor and a current value flowing through the inductive sensor based on a displacement difference of the touch key is detected to change by a predetermined value or more by the inductive sensor.

[0246] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the displacement difference of the touch key is caused by at least a portion of the touch key moving into the cavity due to pressure applied to the touch key.

[0247] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an inductive sensor includes a coil and is disposed on a PCB in contact with a cavity.

[0248] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, forming a cavity includes etching the PCB with a laser or sand blast to form a cavity.

[0249] A home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes an input panel including a touch key. In one embodiment, the PCB includes an interposer layer surrounding a cavity formed by etching the PCB and supporting the input panel.

[0250] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the PCB includes a first PCB and a second PCB. In one embodiment, forming a cavity includes soldering the second PCB as an interposer layer onto the first PCB to form the cavity.

[0251] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the interposer layer includes printed circuitry and soldered components.

[0252] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the interposer layer is characterized by having a plurality of pattern layers stacked thereon.

[0253] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of pattern layers included in the interposer layer includes a printed circuit. According to one embodiment, the printed circuit included in the plurality of pattern layers is electrically connected to a printed circuit on a PCB below the cavity through a via hole.

[0254] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the interposer layer is a second PCB, the circuit printed on each of the plurality of pattern layers is electrically connected to the circuit printed on the first PCB through a soldered joint between the second PCB and the first PCB.

[0255] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the touch key comprises metal.

[0256] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the touch key may be a lower surface of the touch key.

[0257] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a home appliance is provided that prevents malfunction of a touch key that detects a touch based on a change in capacitance. The home appliance according to one embodiment may include a touch key that receives a touch input. The home appliance according to one embodiment may include a pressure sensor that senses pressure applied to the touch key. The home appliance according to one embodiment may include a capacitive sensor for detecting a touch based on a change in capacitance due to a touch on the touch key. The home appliance according to one embodiment may include a processor that detects that a pressure applied to the touch key by the pressure sensor changes by a predetermined pressure value or more, and determines a touch on the touch key as a valid touch when a touch is detected by the capacitive sensor.

[0258] A home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an input panel including a touch key and a PCB to which a processor is soldered. In one embodiment, the PCB includes an interposer layer surrounding a cavity formed by etching the PCB and supporting the input panel.

[0259] A home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an input panel including a touch key and a PCB to which a processor is soldered. In one embodiment, the PCB may include a first PCB and a second PCB. In one embodiment, the second PCB may be soldered onto the first PCB as an interposer layer to form a cavity in which a pressure sensor is disposed.

[0260] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the interposer layer includes printed circuitry and soldered components.

[0261] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the interposer layer is characterized by having a plurality of pattern layers stacked on top of each other.

[0262] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of pattern layers included in the interposer layer may include a printed circuit. According to one embodiment, the printed circuit included in the plurality of pattern layers may be electrically connected to a circuit printed on a PCB below the cavity through a via hole.

[0263] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the interposer layer is a second PCB, the circuit printed on each of the plurality of pattern layers is electrically connected to the circuit printed on the first PCB through a soldered joint between the second PCB and the first PCB.

[0264] A home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an inductive sensor that detects a change in displacement of a touch key according to a touch. According to one embodiment, a processor determines a touch on a touch key as a valid touch when a touch is detected by the capacitive sensor and a current value flowing through the inductive sensor changes by a predetermined value or more based on a displacement difference of the touch key by the inductive sensor.

[0265] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for determining whether a touch on a touch key in a home appliance is a valid touch is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the method may include a step of detecting an electrostatic capacitance value by a capacitive sensor. According to one embodiment, the method may include a step of determining whether the detected electrostatic capacitance value is greater than a predetermined electrostatic capacitance value. According to one embodiment, the method may include a step of detecting a displacement difference of the touch key by an inductive sensor and / or a step of detecting a pressure applied to the touch key by a pressure sensor. According to one embodiment, the method may include a step of determining whether a change in a current value flowing in a coil included in the inductive sensor according to the displacement difference of the touch key is greater than a predetermined current value change and / or a step of determining whether a pressure value on the touch key detected by the pressure sensor is greater than a predetermined pressure value. According to one embodiment, the method may include a step of determining whether a touch on the touch key is a valid touch based on the determination. According to one embodiment, the method may include a step of executing a command corresponding to the touch.

[0266] A method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of program commands that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program commands, data files, data structures, etc., alone or in combination. The program commands recorded on the medium may be those specially designed and configured for the present disclosure or may be those known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program commands, such as ROMs, RAMs, and flash memories. Examples of program commands include not only machine language codes generated by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0267] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, executed by a computer. Computer-readable media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer, and include both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. Furthermore, computer-readable media may include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically contains computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave, or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. Furthermore, some embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented as a computer program or computer program product containing computer-executable instructions, such as a computer program that is executed by a computer.

[0268] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0269] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

Claims

1. Touch key that receives touch input; A PCB including a cavity formed under the touch key; A capacitive sensor for detecting a touch on the touch key according to a change in capacitance according to the touch on the touch key; An inductive sensor located within the cavity and detecting a change in displacement of the touch key according to the touch, and A home appliance, comprising a processor that determines the touch on the touch key as a valid touch when the touch is detected by the capacitive sensor and the current value flowing through the inductive sensor changes by a predetermined value or more based on the displacement difference of the touch key by the inductive sensor.

2. In paragraph 1, A home appliance in which the displacement difference of the touch key is caused by at least a part of the touch key moving into the cavity due to pressure applied to the touch key.

3. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 2, The above inductive sensor includes a coil and is placed on the PCB in contact with the cavity, A home appliance, wherein the cavity is formed by etching the PCB with a laser or sand blast to form the cavity.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, Further comprising an input panel including the above touch keys, A home appliance, wherein the PCB includes an interposer layer that surrounds a cavity formed by etching the PCB and supports the input panel.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The above PCB includes a first PCB and a second PCB, A home appliance, wherein the cavity is formed by soldering the second PCB as an interposer layer onto the first PCB to form the cavity.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, A home appliance, wherein the interposer layer includes printed circuits and soldered components.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, A home appliance, characterized in that the interposer layer is formed by stacking multiple pattern layers.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, A home appliance, wherein each of the plurality of pattern layers included in the interposer layer includes a printed circuit, and the printed circuit included in the plurality of pattern layers is electrically connected to a circuit printed on a PCB at the bottom of the cavity through a via hole.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, A home appliance in which, when the interposer layer is the second PCB, the circuit printed on each of the plurality of pattern layers is electrically connected to the circuit printed on the first PCB through a soldered joint between the second PCB and the first PCB.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, At least some of the above touch keys comprise metal; A home appliance, wherein at least a portion of the touch key is a lower surface of the touch key.

11. Touch key for receiving touch input; A pressure sensor that senses the pressure applied to the above touch key; A capacitive sensor for detecting the touch according to a change in capacitance according to a touch on the touch key; and A home appliance, comprising a processor that detects that the pressure applied to the touch key by the pressure sensor changes by a predetermined pressure value or more, and determines the touch on the touch key as a valid touch when the touch is detected by the capacitive sensor.

12. In paragraph 11, an input panel including the above touch keys; and Further comprising a PCB to which the above processor is soldered, A home appliance, wherein the PCB includes an interposer layer that surrounds a cavity formed by etching the PCB and supports the input panel.

13. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 12, an input panel including the above touch keys; and Further comprising a PCB to which the above processor is soldered, The above PCB includes a first PCB and a second PCB, A home appliance, wherein the second PCB is soldered as an interposer layer onto the first PCB to form a cavity in which the pressure sensor is placed.

14. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 13, The interposer layer includes printed circuits and soldered components, The above interposer layer is characterized by having multiple pattern layers laminated, Each of the plurality of pattern layers included in the interposer layer includes a printed circuit, and the printed circuit included in the plurality of pattern layers is electrically connected to a circuit printed on a PCB below the cavity through a via hole, A home appliance in which, when the interposer layer is the second PCB, the circuit printed on each of the plurality of pattern layers is electrically connected to the circuit printed on the first PCB through a soldered joint between the second PCB and the first PCB.

15. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 14, Further comprising an inductive sensor that detects a change in displacement of the touch key according to the touch, A home appliance in which the processor determines the touch on the touch key as a valid touch when the touch is detected by the capacitive sensor and the current value flowing to the inductive sensor changes by a predetermined value or more based on the displacement difference of the touch key by the inductive sensor.

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