KR20060095430A - Input device for electronic apparatus and method of controlling the input device - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed are an input device of an electronic device for sensing contact information and pressure information of a human body, and a control method thereof. The input device mounted on the electronic device is partially exposed to the outside of the electronic device, and has a contact part and a pressure sensing area formed on a surface thereof, and is located below the button part to detect contact information of the human body generated from the touch detection area. An electrical switch unit for transmitting to the outside, and a mechanical switch unit located in the lower portion of the electrical switch unit for detecting the pressure information provided by the pressure of the pressure sensing region to transmit to the outside. It is possible to generate a signal for controlling the electronic device by simultaneously detecting contact information and pressure information in one input device, and control the electronic device in various ways using a plurality of touch sensing areas and pressure sensing areas. .

Human body contact information, sensors, switches, mechanical switches, control signals, electronics

Description

INPUT DEVICE FOR ELECTRONIC APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE INPUT DEVICE}

1 is a view showing a mechanical switch structure of the prior art.

2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an input device of an electronic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an input device of the electronic device of FIG. 2.

4 is a control flowchart illustrating a process of controlling an input device of an electronic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a view for explaining various forms of the button unit of the input device of the electronic device according to the present invention.

6 is a view for explaining a method of inserting the electrode tip of the electronic device input device of FIG.

7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an input device of an electronic device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement of a touch sensing region and a pressure sensing region in the electronic device input device of FIG. 7.

9 is a diagram illustrating an input device of an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

10 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the input device of the electronic device of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electrode chip, a first circuit board, and a reinforcement layer of the input device of the electronic device according to the modified embodiment of FIG. 9.

12 is a cross-sectional view for describing an input device of an electronic device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an input device of an electronic device for explaining the modified embodiment of FIG. 12.

14 is a cross-sectional view for describing an input device of an electronic device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

210: button portion 230: first circuit board

240: reinforcement layer 250: mechanical switch

The present invention relates to an input device of an electronic device, and more particularly, to an apparatus and a method for detecting a human body contact from a user and controlling the electronic device using electrical switching or mechanical switching for the human body contact.

Today, with the development of information and communication technology, many functions are being converged into one electronic device. Accordingly, electronic devices with various multimedia functions have emerged, and the necessity for a new user interface is increasing according to the addition of various functions.

In order to reduce the weight and convenience of electronic devices, related components such as a display and a keypad must also be reduced in size, and therefore, it is essential to provide a user interface that can be used by the user more conveniently.

As a user interface used in the electronic apparatus of the prior art, a mechanical switch (for example, a keypad type) is mainly used. The mechanical switch structure and operation process will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the mechanical switch of the prior art is largely composed of a key button 101, a silicon portion 102, a dome switch 103, and a PCB 104. Such mechanical switches are widely used mainly in electronic devices including mobile communication terminals.

The key button 101 is configured to allow a user to input a user by placing a part of the human body, for example, a finger. In this case, in order for a user to input a user to the device, pressure is applied to the key button 101 by putting a finger on the key button 101 and pressing the finger.

The silicon unit 102 connects the key button 101 and the dome switch 103 and transmits a user input to the dome switch unit. The dome switch 103 receives the user's input and contacts the PCB to transmit the user's input to the controller. The PCB (Printed Circuit Board, 104) receives the user's input from the dome switch unit and transmits it to the control unit so that the device is controlled.

That is, when the user applies pressure to the key button 101, the portion of the silicon portion 102 that is in contact with the dome portion 105 of the dome switch 103 receives pressure to open the dome portion 105 of the dome switch. When pressed, the dome portion 105 comes into contact with the PCB so that the user's input can be transmitted to the controller.

As described above, in the mechanical switch of the prior art, the user must apply pressure to the key button part every time for switching, and thus, when the continuous and continuous switching is required instead of one time, the input process is troublesome. For example, when implementing a navigation function or a scroll function that is widely used today, it is inconvenient to press a switch continuously.

In addition, the change of GUI environment is accelerating due to the addition of more complex functions, and the demand for new interface devices to cope with this is increasing. There are many limitations in providing this.

Accordingly, there is an increasing need for a new electronic device control device capable of effectively controlling the electronic device with a simple touch of a user in order to implement a multimedia function according to the addition of various functions of the electronic device.

The present invention has been made to improve the prior art as described above, to provide an input device of an electronic device that can implement electrical switching and mechanical switching at the same time in controlling the electronic device by detecting a user's human contact. The purpose.

In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide an input device of an electronic device having a long life and high reliability by using a sensing method using a battery principle.

Further, another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device control device capable of effectively providing a continuous input and pointing function of a user.

In addition, another object of the present invention to improve the durability of the existing touchpad by improving the durability of the existing touch pad by implementing a touch switch to control the electronic device by sensing the human body contact information and a mechanical switch to control the device by sensing the pressure of the user at the same time It is to provide an electronic device control device that can reduce the.

In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device control device that can be easily mounted on a miniaturized electronic device by using a sensor to control the electronic device, and can be conveniently used by a user.

In order to achieve the above object and to solve the above problems of the prior art, the electronic device input device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a first circuit board including a button portion, an electrode tip, a first electrode pattern and mechanical The switch part is provided.

The button part is partially exposed to the outside of the electronic device, and in general, when the user presses the button part, a signal is input to the electronic device by a pressing force. The electrode tip is inserted into the button portion to be exposed to the outside of the button portion, and may be made of a conductor or a dielectric. Therefore, the electrode tip is in direct contact with the user's human body to serve as a medium through which charge flows in the user's human body. The first circuit board is formed under the button portion and is in contact with the electrode tip. In this case, the first circuit board may be manufactured of a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) or FPCB (Flexible Printed Circuit Board). The first electrode pattern may be formed on the first circuit board to be in contact with the electrode tip and detect human body contact information in contact with the human body of the user. The first electrode pattern is electrically connected to the controller, and the controller generates the first control signal according to the electrical signal transmitted from the first electrode pattern. Therefore, the first control signal may mean that the user's body is in contact with the electrode tip.

The mechanical switch unit is located under the first circuit board, and senses mechanical pressure information provided by the pressing of the button unit. The controller generates a first control signal by receiving the human body contact information from a first circuit board, generates a second control signal by receiving mechanical pressure information from a mechanical switch unit, and generates a first control signal and the second control signal. The electronic device can be controlled by the control signal.

Therefore, the input device of the electronic device according to the present invention may use a mechanical method of inputting a signal by pressing a button part, and an electrical method of inputting a signal in contact with an electrode tip of the button part. Therefore, the user can continuously input the input device of the electronic device through an electrical method, and at the same time can effectively use the pointing function of pressing the input device of the electronic device to input a signal.

In addition, since the mechanical method and the electric method are operated at one button, various methods of controlling the input device of the electronic device can be set. For example, when the human body contact information and the mechanical pressure information are input at the same time, the same means can be controlled by the first control signal or the second control signal, and alternatively, by using the first control signal and the second control signal. It can be set to control other means.

In addition, the electrical sensing method and the mechanical sensing method may be designed for the input device of the electronic device to follow a variety of mechanisms. For example, the electrical sensing method may use a method of detecting contact with a human body by a change in capacitance of a dielectric, and the mechanical sensing method may use a dome switch sensing method and a spring switch sensing method. have.

Hereinafter, an electronic device control apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Example  One

2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an input device of an electronic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the input device of the electronic device of FIG. 2.

2 and 3, an input device of an electronic device according to the present invention includes a button unit 210, an electrode tip 220, a first circuit board 230, a first electrode pattern 232, and a reinforcing layer 240. ), A mechanical switch unit 250 and a control unit. In the present specification, the electronic device may collectively mean all devices that input signals using a button method such as a mobile phone or a PDA.

The button unit 210 is mounted to be partially exposed to the outside of the main body of the electronic device. In addition, a plurality of touch sensing regions 212 and pressure sensing regions 214 are disposed on the surface of the button unit 210 in a circular shape. In this case, the touch sensing region 212 and the pressure sensing region 214 are disposed to overlap each other. As shown in FIG. 2, the twelve touch sensing areas 212 are positioned 30 degrees apart from each other, such as a scale of a clock, and the four pressure sensing areas 214 are positioned 90 degrees apart from each other, respectively. 214 and the touch sensing area 212 are formed to overlap each other. However, in another embodiment of the present invention, the contact sensing region and the pressure sensing region may be arranged so as not to overlap with the designer's intention. In addition, an electrical switch may be disposed below the touch sensing region 212, and a mechanical switch 250 may be disposed below the pressure sensing region 214. Therefore, an electrical switch and a mechanical switch are sequentially mounted downward in an area where the touch sensing area 212 and the pressure sensing area 214 are formed at the same time.

Accordingly, the operation principle of the button unit 210 may contact the touch detection area 212 with the human body of the user to input a signal, and the user may press the pressure detection area 214 to input a signal. Accordingly, the function may be a continuous signal input along the touch sensing area 212, and the selection function may be used in the pressure sensing area 214.

Since the button unit 210 is formed in a ring shape, the button unit 210 may be mounted and used in a menu key of a mobile phone. However, in another embodiment of the present invention, according to the intention of the designer, it is possible to manufacture a variety of buttons, such as cross shape, line shape, not ring shape.

The electrode tip 220 is inserted into the touch sensing area 212 of the button portion 210, one end thereof is exposed to the surface of the button portion 210, and the other end thereof is in contact with the first electrode pattern 232 to contact the human body. Information may be transmitted to the first electrode pattern 232. The electrode tip 220 may be formed of a conductor, and an electrical signal due to a current flowing in a human body of the user may be transmitted to the first electrode pattern 232 by the electrode tip 220.

At this time, the human body contact information by the user's human body may be contact information such as heat, capacitance, resistance, current, etc. of the human body. For example, the human body contact information may be an electrical signal due to a current flowing in the human body of the user.

The first circuit board 230 is formed under the button portion 210 and is in close contact with the electrode tip 220. In this case, a reinforcement layer such as a double-sided tape may be inserted between the button portion 210 and the first circuit board 230. The reinforcement layer may increase adhesion between components and increase durability. . The first circuit board 230 may be any one of a flexible PCB, a PCB, and a wire for transferring the human body contact information when the electrical signal is an electrical signal. In addition, various electrode patterns may be drawn on the first circuit board 230 made of a flexible PCB or a PCB.

The first electrode pattern 232 is printed on the first circuit board 230 and formed to be in contact with the electrode tip 220. Accordingly, the current flowing through the electrode tip 220 is sensed by the first electrode pattern 232, and the controller generates a first control signal by a transmission pattern electrically connected to the controller. In this case, the first electrode pattern 232 may be formed of a conductor. However, in another embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode pattern may be made of a dielectric material according to a designer's intention.

The mechanical switch unit 250 includes a silicon unit 251, a dome switch 260, a second circuit board 270, and a second electrode pattern 272. When a user presses a part of the human body, that is, a finger or the like on the button unit 210, the pressure is applied to the mechanical switch unit 250, and the mechanical switch unit 250 detects this to the controller. The control unit generates a second control signal. In addition, the mechanical switch unit 250 detects the mechanical pressure information associated with the human body contact of the button unit 210 and transmits it to the control unit.

The controller (not shown) generates a first control signal for controlling the electronic device based on the human body contact information transmitted from the first circuit board 230, and controls the electronic device according to the first control signal. . The controller may be implemented in the form of a controller chip. As such, the electrode tip 220, the first electrode pattern 232, and the first circuit board 230 may operate in a touch manner based on human contact.

In this case, the first control signal may be applied to various signals for controlling the electronic device. In one example, the first control signal may be a signal for controlling the display means of the electronic device.

That is, the first control signal is a zoom magnification applied to the display means or the position of the displayed image or the position or movement information of the pointer on the graphical user interface (GUI) according to the human body contact information sensed by the electrode tip 220. It may be a signal for controlling information.

In addition, the first control signal may be a signal for controlling the volume or game control function applied to the electronic device. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electronic device control apparatus that can effectively provide various functions based on the human body contact information sensed by the electrode tip 220.

The operation of the mechanical switch 250 will be described in more detail as follows.

The silicon unit 251 connects the first circuit board 230 or the electrode pattern and the dome switch 260, and transmits mechanical pressure information by the user's pressure to the dome switch 260. The silicon portion 251 includes a push protrusion 252 protruding from the bottom thereof and contacting the dome switch 260. In this case, the first circuit board 230 and the silicon unit 251 may be connected using the reinforcement layer 240. The reinforcement layer 240 may use a double-sided tape, and enhance the strength and durability of the first circuit board 230. In addition, it can be used to improve the bonding between the first circuit board 230 and the silicon portion 251, in another embodiment of the present invention can be made of a reinforcement layer made of plastic, metal or the like according to the intention of the designer. However, since the reinforcement layer is omitted in the present structure, it does not affect the performance of the reinforcement layer and may be omitted according to the designer's intention.

The dome switch 260 may transmit mechanical pressure information by the user to the controller by contacting the second electrode pattern 272 of the second circuit board 270 with the user's mechanical pressure. When the user applies pressure to the pressure sensing region 214, the portion contacted with the silicon portion 251 and the dome portion D of the dome switch 260 receives pressure, and the dome portion of the dome switch 260 ( D) is pressed, and the dome portion D comes into contact with the second electrode pattern 272 of the second circuit board 270.

The second circuit board 270 receives mechanical pressure information from the dome switch 260 and transmits the mechanical pressure information to the controller, and the controller controls the electronic device by the mechanical pressure information. Like the first circuit board 230, the second circuit board 270 may be any one of a flexible PCB, a PCB, and an electric wire.

The second electrode pattern 272 may be formed on the second circuit board 270. The second electrode pattern 272 may include a fixed electrode formed at both ends of the dome switch 260 and a sensing electrode formed at the center thereof. Therefore, the dome part D of the dome switch 260 may detect the mechanical pressure information while being in contact with the sensing electrode or falling depending on the situation by the mechanical pressure information. At this time, when the dome part D of the dome switch 260 is in contact with the fixed electrode, the sensing electrode and the fixed electrode are electrically connected to each other, and are sensed using this principle. Therefore, the sensing electrode and the fixed electrode are formed at a predetermined distance apart.

The mechanical pressure information is transmitted to the control unit by the transfer pattern formed on the second circuit board 270. The transfer pattern serves to electrically connect the control unit and the electrode pattern. So far, the switch unit used in the mechanical switch unit has been described as an example of the dome switch, but other types of mechanical switches may be employed.

The controller generates a second control signal based on the mechanical pressure information transmitted from the mechanical switch unit 250, and controls the electronic device by the second control signal.

The second control signal may be applied to various signals for controlling the electronic device. In one example, the second control signal may be a signal for controlling the display means of the electronic device. That is, the information may be a zoom magnification applied to the display means, or the location information of the displayed image or the location information or the movement information of the pointer on the graphical user interface (GUI). In addition, the second control signal may be a signal for controlling the volume or game control function applied to the electronic device.

In this case, the first control signal and the second control signal may be a control signal for performing the same operation in the electronic device, or may be set as a signal for controlling to perform different operations (functions). Alternatively, the electronic device may be controlled to perform a specific function by combining the first control signal and the second control signal.

For example, the first control signal and the second control signal may be signals for controlling number input in a mobile communication terminal which is an electronic device. In this case, even if the user only touches the finger on the electrode tip 220, a signal for inputting a number corresponding to the switch is generated as the first control signal so that the electronic device can be controlled. In addition, a signal for inputting a number corresponding to the switch is generated as the second control signal so that the electronic device can be controlled to input the number.

The above embodiment may be similarly applied to a four-way switch, a call, or an end switch of a mobile communication terminal, and may be applied to various electronic devices other than the mobile communication terminal.

In addition, the first control signal and the second control signal as an example of controlling different functions, when the user only touches the finger on the electrode tip 220, the human body contact information detected in the electrode layer is transmitted to the controller, A first control signal for moving the position of the image output from the display means of the electronic device is generated to control the position of the image to be moved. In addition, when the user presses the finger touching the electrode tip 220 by applying pressure, the mechanical pressure information detected by the mechanical switch unit 250 is transferred to the controller, and the controller enlarges and displays the output image. 2 control signals may be generated to enlarge the image.

Therefore, using the input method of the electronic device according to the present invention has the effect of providing a new interface that is convenient for the user and can control the electronic device in various ways.

In addition, the present invention is a touch method for controlling the device by sensing the contact information of the human body, by simultaneously implementing a mechanical switch unit for controlling the device by detecting the user presses, reducing the manufacturing cost while improving the durability of the existing touch pad An electronic device control device can be provided.

In addition, the present invention can provide an electronic device control device that can be easily mounted on the miniaturized electronic device by using a sensor, and can be conveniently used by the user.

4 is a control flowchart illustrating a process of controlling an input device of an electronic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, when the user contacts the button unit 210 with a portion of the human body or presses the button unit 210 to apply a user input, a control process of the electronic device is as follows.

In step S401, the user contacts a part of the human body to the button unit 210 of the electronic device input device of the present invention. In this case, the button unit 210 may be divided into a region in which the touch sensing region 212, the touch sensing region 212, and the pressure sensing region 214 are simultaneously formed.

In step S402, the electrode tip 220 of the electronic device input device of the present invention detects human body contact information. The human body contact information may be an electrical signal, and the electrode tip 220 may be configured of a conductor.

In operation S403, the first electrode pattern 232 of the input device of the electronic device of the present invention transmits the human body contact information detected by the electrode tip 220 to the controller.

In step S404, the controller of the input device of the electronic device of the present invention generates the first control signal based on the transmitted human body contact information.

In operation S405, the input device of the electronic device of the present invention may determine whether mechanical pressure information associated with contact is detected by pressing the button unit 210 with the human body of the user, and if mechanical pressure information is not detected, in operation S408. The electronic device is controlled according to the generated first control signal.

When the mechanical pressure information associated with the user's human body contact is detected in step S405, the input device of the electronic device of the present invention generates a second control signal in step S406 and the generated first control signal in step S407. Alternatively, the electronic device is controlled according to the second control signal or the first control signal and the second control signal.

As described above, the first control signal or the second control signal may be a control signal for performing the same operation in the electronic device, or may be set as a signal for controlling to perform different operations. At this time, when the second control signal is generated, the first control signal is cut off so that the function is activated by the second control signal, or the function set differently when the first control signal and the second control signal are simultaneously generated. Can be.

5 is a view for explaining various forms of the button unit of the input device of the electronic device according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, the button unit may have a plurality of electrode tips, and each electrode tip may be arranged in various shapes such as a rectangle 601, a circle 610, and a droplet model 620 spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the circumference. . At this time, the position of the electrode tip is the same as the touch sensing region, and the mechanical switch portion may be installed in whole or in part below the electrode tip. In addition, the electrode tip may be composed of a conductor and may be positioned to be spaced apart a predetermined distance from the button portion of the non-conductor.

6 is a view for explaining a method of inserting the electrode tip of the electronic device input device of FIG.

Referring to FIG. 6, when the electrode tip 602 is circularly spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the button portion 601, a cross section (AA line) of the button portion 601 is disposed. It can be seen that it can be composed of a button portion 601 and the electrode tip 602.

At this time, a number of methods for arranging the electrode tips 602 may be used. First, an electrode tip 602 formed by being inserted into the button part 601 and made of a conductor or a dielectric may be a button part 601. ) Can be used to insert by Surface Mount Technology (SMT). Therefore, the button part 601 does not need a separate hole for inserting the electrode tip 602, and is convenient because it can be easily mounted. In addition, the electrode tip 602 may use an insert injection method formed in the button unit 601 through double injection. In addition, after the slits are formed in the button portion 601 of the non-conductor, the electrode tips 602 may be formed by filling the slits with the conductive liquid and firing them. In addition, when the electrode tip 602 is a dielectric, there is a method of coating a dielectric film on the electrode tip 602 fabricated in the same manner as when the electrode is a conductor. However, in another embodiment of the present invention, the electrode tip may be inserted into the button part in various mounting methods according to the designer's intention.

Example  2

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an input device of an electronic device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is an example of an arrangement of a touch sensing area and a pressure sensing area in the electronic device input device of FIG. 7. Figure is a diagram.

7 to 8, an input device of an electronic device according to the present invention includes a button unit 310, an electrode tip 320, a first circuit board 330, a first electrode pattern 332, and a mechanical switch unit. 350, a reinforcing layer 340, and a control unit.

The button part 310 may be formed in a straight shape, and a contact sensing area 312 and a pressure sensing area 314 may be provided on the surface of the button part 310. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the button unit 310 may include a cross model 601, a square 602, a line 603, etc. in consideration of functions, designs, and space utilization required for an electronic device input device. It can have various arrays of. Since the touch sensing region 312 is partially formed to overlap the pressure sensing region 314, the mechanical switch unit 350 may be formed on the first circuit board 330 at a lower portion corresponding to the first electrode pattern 332. have. However, the touch sensing region and the pressure sensing region are not overlapped, but may be formed at different positions. In addition, the button 310, the electrode tip 320, the first circuit board 330, the first electrode pattern 332, the mechanical switch 350, the reinforcing layer 340, and the controller are different from those of the first embodiment. Since the functions and effects of the components are substantially the same, and the functions and effects of the components are substantially the same, the description of the previous embodiment and the drawings may be referred to in the description of the embodiment, and the repeated content may be omitted. In this case, the electronic device input device of the present invention may be an independent input device as shown in FIG. 7, the pressure sensing input device may be attached to two consecutive touch sensing input devices, and the plurality of touch sensing inputs may be listed. Only part of the pressure sensing input device may be attached to the device area. In addition, even if listed separately or a plurality of slit grooves are formed in each of the button portion 310, the first circuit board 330, the mechanical switch 350, the reinforcing layer 340 and the control section. The slit groove serves to prevent other buttons from being inadvertently pressed when the button unit 310 is pressed.

9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an input device of an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the input device of the electronic device of FIG. 9.

9 and 10, an input device of an electronic device includes a button unit 810, an electrode tip 820, a first circuit board 830, a first electrode pattern 832, and a reinforcing layer 840. . The electrode tip 820 is composed of a conductor, and the electrode tip 820 includes a protrusion 822 protruding from the bottom of the button portion 810, and the first circuit board 830 corresponds to a first portion corresponding to the protrusion. The bottom of the electrode hole 830a and the first circuit board 830 may be formed to be adjacent to the first electrode hole 830a and may be electrically connected to the control unit.

The reinforcement layer 840 includes a second electrode hole 840a formed adjacent to the protrusion 822 exposed from the first circuit board 830, and the second electrode hole 840a is filled with a conductive material to fill the first electrode. The pattern 832 and the protrusion 822 may be electrically connected to each other. Conductive epoxy may be used as the conductive material. In addition, when the second electrode hole 840a is formed to be relatively larger than the first electrode hole 830a to fill the second electrode hole 840a with the conductive epoxy, the conductive epoxy is formed on the lower portion of the first circuit board 830. The first electrode pattern 832 formed in the contact portion is formed.

Referring to Figure 10, it can be produced through the following process.

First, an electrode tip 820 including a button portion 810 and a protrusion 822 protruding from a bottom surface of the button portion 810 is manufactured.

Next, a first circuit board 830 including the first electrode hole 830a corresponding to the protrusion 822 is manufactured. In this case, the first electrode pattern 832 may be formed adjacent to the first electrode hole 830a on the bottom surface of the first circuit board 830, and may include a contact electrically connected to the controller.

Next, the reinforcement layer 840 includes a second electrode hole 840a formed adjacent to the protrusion 822 exposed from the first circuit board 830.

When the button unit 810, the first circuit board 830 and the reinforcement layer 840 as described above are manufactured, they are bonded as follows.

The button unit 810 is positioned to engage the protrusion 822 of the electrode tip 820 with the first electrode hole 830a of the first circuit board 830. Next, the fabricated reinforcement layer 840 is positioned on the first circuit board 830. In this case, the first circuit board 830 and the reinforcing layer 840 are disposed on the first electrode hole 830a of the first circuit board 830 such that the second electrode hole 840a of the reinforcing layer 840 is positioned.

The conductive material is filled through the second electrode hole 840a of the reinforcing layer 840, and the first circuit board 830 and the electrode tip 820 are bonded to each other. Therefore, the electrode tip 820 is bonded to the electrode of the first circuit board 830 by using a conductive material, so that the signal received from the first electrode pattern 832 is connected to the contact point of the first circuit board 830. It can be delivered to the control chip.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electrode chip, a first circuit board, and a reinforcement layer of the input device of the electronic device according to the modified embodiment of FIG. 9.

Referring to FIG. 11, as described with reference to FIG. 9, a first electrode hole 930a and a second electrode hole 940a are provided in the first circuit board 930 and the reinforcement layer 940, respectively. At this time, the electrode tip 920 is inserted into the button portion 910 so as not to protrude toward the lower portion of the button portion 910. Accordingly, the conductive material is filled in the first electrode hole 930a and the second electrode hole 940a and makes contact with the first electrode pattern 932 formed on the bottom surface of the first circuit board 930.

As described above, the present invention has been described by way of limited embodiments and drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, which can be variously modified and modified by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Modifications are possible. Accordingly, the spirit of the present invention should be understood only by the claims set forth below, and all equivalent or equivalent modifications thereof will belong to the scope of the present invention.

Example  3

12 is a cross-sectional view for describing an input device of an electronic device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12, an input device of an electronic device according to the present invention includes a button part 410, a first circuit board 430, a first electrode pattern 432, a reinforcing layer 440, a mechanical switch part 450, and the like. A control unit is provided.

The button unit 410 is mounted to be partially exposed to the outside of the main body of the electronic device. In addition, the button unit 410 may be manufactured using a dielectric material, and directly contacts the human body of the user.

The first circuit board 430 is formed under the button part 410 and is in close contact with the first electrode pattern 432. At this time, a reinforcement layer 440 such as a double-sided tape may be inserted between the button portion 410 and the first circuit board 430, and the adhesion may be increased by the reinforcement layer 440, and durability of the input device may be improved. It can increase. However, in another embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcement layer 440 may be omitted according to the designer's intention.

The first circuit board 430 may be any one of a flexible PCB, a PCB, and a wire for transferring the human body contact information when the electrical signal is an electrical signal. The first electrode pattern 432 is printed on the first circuit board 430 and is formed below the button unit 410. Therefore, when the user's human body contacts the button unit 410, the capacitance of the button unit 410 is changed, and it is possible to determine whether or not the contact is in comparison with the original capacitance. Therefore, the key stroke can be detected more accurately.

The mechanical switch 450 includes a silicon 451, a dome switch 460, a second circuit board 470, and a second electrode pattern 472. When the user presses a part of the user's human body, that is, a finger or the like on the button unit 410, the pressure is applied to the mechanical switch unit 450, and the mechanical switch unit 450 detects this. The controller transmits the second control signal to the controller.

The controller (not shown) generates a first control signal for controlling the electronic device based on the human body contact information transmitted from the first circuit board 430, and controls the electronic device according to the first control signal. . The controller may be implemented in the form of a controller chip. As such, the button unit 410, the first electrode pattern 432, and the first circuit board 430 may operate in a touch manner based on human contact.

In this case, the first control signal may be applied to various signals for controlling the electronic device. In one example, the first control signal may be a signal for controlling the display means of the electronic device.

The operation of the mechanical switch 450 will be described in more detail as follows. The silicon unit 451 connects the first circuit board 430 or the electrode pattern and the dome switch 460, and transmits mechanical pressure information by the user's pressure to the dome switch 460.

The silicon portion 451 includes a push protrusion 452 that protrudes below and contacts the dome switch 460. In this case, the connection between the first circuit board 430 and the silicon portion 451 may be connected using the reinforcement layer 440. The reinforcing layer 440 may use a double-sided tape, and may increase the strength and durability of the first circuit board 430 and the second circuit board 470. In addition, it can be used to improve the bonding between the first circuit board 430 and the silicon portion 451. In another embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcement layer may be manufactured of plastic, metal, or the like according to the intention of the designer.

The dome switch 460 may transmit mechanical pressure information by the user to the controller by contacting the second electrode pattern 472 of the second circuit board 470 with the mechanical pressure of the user. When the user applies pressure to the pressure sensing region, a portion in contact with the dome portion D of the silicon portion 451 and the dome switch 460 receives pressure to open the dome portion D of the dome switch 460. The dome portion D is in contact with the second electrode pattern 472 of the second circuit board 470. The second circuit board 470 receives mechanical pressure information from the dome switch 460 and transfers the mechanical pressure information to the controller so that the controller controls the electronic device. Like the first circuit board 430, the second circuit board 470 may be any one of a flexible PCB, a PCB, and an electric wire.

In addition, the second electrode pattern 472 may be formed on the second circuit board 470, and the fixed electrode and the sensing electrode are provided at both ends of the dome switch 460. Therefore, the dome part D of the dome switch 460 may be in contact with the sensing electrode or fall off and detect the mechanical pressure information according to the situation by the mechanical pressure information. The mechanical pressure information is transmitted to the control unit by the transfer pattern formed on the second circuit board 470.

The controller generates a second control signal based on the mechanical pressure information transmitted from the mechanical switch unit 450, and controls the electronic device by the second control signal.

The second control signal may be applied to various signals for controlling the electronic device. In one example, the second control signal may be a signal for controlling the display means of the electronic device. In this case, the first control signal and the second control signal may be a control signal for performing the same operation in the electronic device, or may be set as a signal for controlling to perform different operations (functions). Alternatively, the electronic device may be controlled to perform a specific function by combining the first control signal and the second control signal.

Accordingly, in the input device of the electronic device according to the present invention, the capacitance of the button unit 410 is changed, and it is possible to determine whether or not the contact is compared with the original capacitance, and it is possible to detect the key stroke more accurately, so that high reliability Can be obtained. In addition, since there is no contact portion in contact with the user's body, there is no reason for a physical failure to have a long life. In addition, since it does not have a metal contact portion, it is hardly affected by dust or moisture.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an input device of an electronic device for explaining the modified embodiment of FIG. 12.

Referring to FIG. 13, the electronic device may further include an electrode tip 412 inserted into the button part 410 and having one end contacting the first electrode pattern 432. In this case, the first electrode pattern 432 and the electrode tip 412 may be composed of a conductor. In addition, the electrode tip 412 is formed so as not to be exposed to the surface of the button portion 410. Therefore, when the user's finger contacts the button portion 410, the capacitance of the button portion 410 is changed, and the change is detected by the electrode tip 412 and the first electrode pattern 432, the original electrostatic The contact can be determined by comparison with the dose. Therefore, the key stroke can be detected more accurately. At this time, since the electrode tip 412 is located closer to the user's finger can obtain more accurate contact detection information. In this embodiment, when the thickness of the button portion 410 becomes thick, it may have a small capacitance and may not recognize the contact. Therefore, the electrode tip 412 is inserted into the button portion 410 to thin a portion of the button portion 410, thereby obtaining a larger capacitance to enable precise control.

Example  4

14 is a cross-sectional view for describing an input device of an electronic device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 14, the button part 510, the electrode tip 520, the first circuit board 530, the first electrode pattern 532, the second electrode pattern 534, the mechanical switch 550, and the reinforcement layer 540 and a control unit.

The button unit 510 is mounted to be partially exposed to the outside of the main body of the electronic device. In addition, singular or plural touch sensing regions and pressure sensing regions (not shown) are disposed in a circular shape on the surface of the button unit 510. In this case, the touch sensing region and the pressure sensing region may be disposed to overlap each other, or may be disposed separately from each other.

The electrode tip 520 is inserted into the touch sensing area 512 of the button part 510, one end thereof is exposed to the surface of the button part, and the other end thereof is in contact with the first conductor pattern 532 to provide human contact information. 1 may be transferred to the conductor pattern 532. The electrode tip 520 may be formed of a conductor, and an electrical signal due to a current flowing in a human body of the user may be transmitted to the first conductor pattern 532 by the electrode tip 520.

The first circuit board 530 is formed under the button part 510 and is in close contact with the electrode tip 520. The first circuit board 530 may be made of a dielectric. In this case, a reinforcement layer 540 such as a double-sided tape may be inserted between the button portion 510 and the first circuit board 530, and adhesiveness may be increased by the reinforcement layer 540, and durability of the input device may be improved. It can increase. In addition, various electrode patterns may be drawn on the first circuit board 530, and the first conductor pattern 532 and the second conductor pattern 534 are formed on the top and bottom surfaces of the first circuit board 530, respectively. Can be.

The first electrode pattern includes a first conductor pattern 532 and a second conductor pattern 534. The first electrode pattern 532 is printed on the top surface of the first circuit board 530, and is formed to contact the electrode tip 520, and the second electrode pattern 534 is formed on the bottom surface of the first circuit board 530. Can be. Accordingly, a current flowing in the human body by the electrode tip 520 is transmitted to the first electrode pattern 532, and the first circuit board is provided between the first electrode pattern 532 and the second electrode pattern 534. In operation 530, the capacitance of the first circuit board 410 is changed by the current, and it may be determined whether the contact is made by comparing with the original capacitance.

This embodiment can make the thickness of the first circuit board between the first conductor pattern and the second conductor pattern thin and constant, regardless of the thickness of the button portion, and the larger and constant capacitance can be obtained, allowing precise control and various It is also possible to produce buttons of the form.

The mechanical switch unit 550 includes a silicon unit 551, a dome switch 560, a second circuit board 570, and a third electrode pattern 572. The controller is electrically connected to the first electrode pattern 532, the second electrode pattern 534, and the third electrode pattern 572. At this time, since the mechanical switch unit 350 and the control unit are substantially the same as the third embodiment, and the functions and effects of the components are substantially the same, the description of the previous embodiment and the drawings of the previous embodiment can be referred to. , Repeated content may be omitted.

Therefore, according to the present invention, while controlling the electronic device by sensing the human body contact information, the technical effect of effectively controlling the electronic device by detecting the user's mechanical input can be obtained.

In addition, according to the present invention can provide an electronic device control device that can effectively provide a continuous input and pointing function of the user.

In addition, according to the present invention by simultaneously implementing a touch switch to control the device by sensing the body contact information and a mechanical switch to control the device by sensing the pressure of the user to improve the durability of the existing touch pad while reducing the manufacturing cost It can provide an electronic device control device that can.

In addition, according to the present invention by controlling the electronic device using a sensor, it can be easily mounted on a miniaturized electronic device, it is possible to provide an electronic device control device that can be conveniently used by the user.

In addition, in the input device of the electronic device according to the present invention, the capacitance of the dielectric layer 410 is changed, it is possible to determine whether or not to contact with the original capacitance, and can detect the key stroke more accurately, so that high reliability is achieved. You can get it. In addition, since there is no contact portion in contact with the user's body, there is no reason for a physical failure to have a long life. In addition, since it does not have a metal contact portion, it is hardly affected by dust or moisture.

As described above, although described with reference to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art various modifications and variations of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention described in the claims below I can understand that you can.

Claims (32)

In the input device mounted on the electronic device, A button part partially exposed to the outside of the electronic device; An electrode tip inserted into the button part to be exposed to an upper surface of the button part; A first circuit board formed under the button part and including a first electrode pattern electrically connected to the electrode tip, and transmitting contact information of the human body transferred from the electrode tip to the outside; And A mechanical switch unit positioned below the first circuit board and configured to sense pressure information provided by the pressing of the button unit and transmit the pressure information to the outside; Input device of the electronic device having a. The method of claim 1, One end of the electrode tip is exposed to the outside of the button portion, the other end is in contact with the first electrode pattern formed on the upper surface of the first circuit board to transfer the human body contact information to the first electrode pattern Input device of electronic equipment. The method of claim 1, The electrode tip includes a protrusion projecting downward toward the bottom, The first circuit board includes a first electrode hole corresponding to the protruding portion, the first electrode pattern is formed around the first electrode hole on the bottom surface of the first circuit board, and is located adjacent to the protruding portion. A reinforcement layer is interposed between the first circuit board and the mechanical switch unit, and the reinforcement layer includes a second electrode hole corresponding to the first electrode hole, and the second electrode hole is filled with a conductive material so that the protrusion and Input device of an electronic device, characterized in that the first electrode pattern is electrically connected. The method of claim 1, The first circuit board includes a first electrode hole exposing the electrode tip, and the first electrode pattern is formed around the first electrode hole on a bottom surface of the first circuit board and positioned adjacent to the electrode tip. , A reinforcement layer is interposed between the first circuit board and the mechanical switch unit, the reinforcement layer includes a second electrode hole corresponding to the first electrode hole, and the second electrode hole is filled with a conductive material to form the electrode tip. And the first electrode pattern is electrically connected to each other. The method of claim 1, The input device of the electronic device further comprises a reinforcing layer interposed between the button portion and the first circuit board to increase the adhesive force. The method of claim 1, And a reinforcing layer interposed between the first circuit board and the mechanical switch unit to increase an adhesive force. The method of claim 1, The mechanical switch unit A silicon part disposed below the first circuit board and including a push protrusion protruding toward the bottom of the first circuit board; A dome switch disposed below the push protrusion; And A second circuit board formed under the dome switch and including a second electrode pattern contacting the dome switch by pressing the button unit; Input device for an electronic device comprising a. The method of claim 7, wherein The second electrode pattern may include a fixed electrode in contact with both ends of the dome switch and a sensing electrode in which a central portion of the dome switch contacts by mechanical pressure, and the fixed electrode and the sensing electrode are electrically separated from each other. Input device for electronic equipment. In the input device mounted on the electronic device, A button part formed to be exposed to the outside of the electronic device and formed using a dielectric; And a first electrode pattern positioned below the button unit, wherein the first electrode pattern detects contact information of the human body according to a change in capacitance generated in response to the human body's approach and transmits it to the outside. Board; A mechanical switch unit positioned below the first circuit board and configured to sense pressure information provided by the pressing of the button unit and transmit the pressure information to the outside; Input device of the electronic device having a. The method of claim 9, And an electrode tip inserted into the button unit, wherein the electrode tip is electrically connected to the first electrode pattern, and an upper surface of the electrode tip is positioned below the upper surface of the button unit. Input device. The method of claim 9, And a reinforcing layer interposed between the first circuit board and the mechanical switch unit to increase an adhesive force. The method of claim 9, And a reinforcing layer interposed between the button unit and the first circuit board to increase adhesive force. In the input device mounted on the electronic device, A button part partially exposed to the outside of the electronic device; An electrode tip inserted through the button part to be exposed to the outside of the button part; It is formed using a dielectric, and includes a first conductor electrode formed on the upper surface and in contact with the electrode tip and a second conductor electrode formed under the first conductor electrode, the second conductor electrode is in close proximity to the human body A first circuit board configured to detect and transmit the contact information of the human body to the outside according to a change in capacitance generated correspondingly; And A mechanical switch unit positioned below the first circuit board and configured to sense pressure information provided by the pressing of the button unit and transmit the pressure information to the outside; And Input device of the electronic device having a. The method of claim 13, And a reinforcing layer interposed between the first circuit board and the mechanical switch unit to increase an adhesive force. The method of claim 13, And a reinforcing layer interposed between the button unit and the first circuit board to increase adhesive force. In the input device mounted on the electronic device, A button part partially exposed to the outside of the electronic device and having a plurality of touch sensing regions and at least one pressure sensing region formed on a surface thereof; An electrical switch unit disposed below the button unit and configured to detect contact information of a human body generated in the touch sensing region and transmit the detected information to the outside; And A mechanical switch unit positioned below the electrical switch unit and configured to sense pressure information provided by pressurization of the pressure sensing region and transfer the pressure information to the outside; Input device of the electronic device having a. The method of claim 16, The touch sensing region and the pressure sensing region are arranged in a cross shape on the button unit. The method of claim 16, The touch sensing region and the pressure sensing region are arranged in a circular shape on the button unit. The method of claim 16, The touch sensing region and the pressure sensing region are arranged in a line on the button unit. The method of claim 16, The touch sensing region and the pressure sensing region are arranged to overlap each other in whole or in part. The method of claim 16, The electrical switch unit An electrode tip inserted into the button part to be exposed to an upper surface of the button part; And A first circuit board formed under the button part and including a first electrode pattern electrically connected to the electrode tip, and transmitting contact information of the human body transferred from the electrode tip to the outside; Input device for an electronic device comprising a. The method of claim 16, The button portion is formed using a dielectric, The electrical switch unit includes a first circuit board positioned below the button unit, the first circuit board includes a first electrode pattern corresponding to the button unit, and the first electrode pattern corresponds to an approach of a human body. Input device of an electronic device, characterized in that for detecting the contact information of the human body in accordance with the change in capacitance generated by the transfer to the outside. The method of claim 16, The electrical switch unit An electrode tip inserted through the button part to be exposed to the outside of the button part; And It is formed using a dielectric, and includes a first conductor electrode formed on the upper surface and in contact with the electrode tip and a second conductor electrode formed under the first conductor electrode, the second conductor electrode is in close proximity to the human body A first circuit board configured to detect and transmit the contact information of the human body to the outside according to a change in capacitance generated correspondingly; Input device for an electronic device comprising a. The method of claim 16, The mechanical switch unit A silicon part disposed below the first circuit board and including a push protrusion protruding toward the bottom of the first circuit board; A dome switch disposed below the push protrusion; And A second circuit board formed under the dome switch and including a second electrode pattern contacting the dome switch by pressing the button unit; Input device for an electronic device comprising a. In the method for controlling the input device of the electronic device, A button unit is formed to be exposed to the outside of the electronic device, is formed adjacent to the button unit, the first electrode pattern for detecting the contact information of the human body in contact with the human body of the user, is formed to contact the first electrode pattern Providing a mechanical switch unit for sensing pressure information applied downward by contact with a first circuit board and the human body; Detecting contact information in the first electrode pattern in response to contact between the human body and the button unit; Transmitting the first control signal corresponding to the contact information to the outside; Detecting pressure information at the mechanical switch unit in parallel to detecting the contact information; And Transmitting a second control signal generated in response to the pressure information to the outside; Control method of the input device of the electronic device having a. The method of claim 25, Providing an electrode tip penetrating through the button portion to the outside and the other surface is electrically connected to the first electrode pattern, and senses the current generated through the electrode tip and the first electrode pattern by the contact of the human body The control method of the input device of the electronic device, characterized in that for detecting the contact information. The method of claim 26, The electrode tip and the button portion control method of the input device of the electronic device, characterized in that formed through the double injection. The method of claim 25, The button unit is formed using a dielectric, and the touch information is sensed by detecting a change in capacitance generated between the human body and the first electrode pattern by contact of the human body. Way. The method of claim 25, The input control unit blocks the transmission of the first control signal in response to the second control signal, and transmits the second control signal. The method of claim 25, And an input control unit transmits the second control signal together with the first control signal in response to a second control signal. The method of claim 25, The display means included in the electronic device is controlled by using the first control signal, the second control signal, or the first and second control signals, and the display means control includes zoom ratio information, scroll information, or the like applied to the display. Control method of the input device of the electronic device, characterized in that for controlling the pointing information. The method of claim 25, And controlling a volume or a game control function of the electronic device by using the first control signal, the second control signal, or the first and second control signals.

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