KR20240008097A - Touchpad and operating method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a touch pad capable of generating a plurality of electrical signals in response to externally applied mechanical force and a method of operating the same. The touch pad according to the present invention is a touch pad each formed in an N-sided shape with N faces. 1 Piezoelectric element itself; A pad body having a first installation groove for detachably supporting the first piezoelectric element itself; and a signal processing unit that receives and processes the first signal generated by the first piezoelectric element in response to the first external force.

Description

Touchpad and its operating method {TOUCHPAD AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF}

The present invention relates to a touch pad and a method of operating the same, and more specifically, to a touch pad having a piezoelectric element capable of generating several electrical signals in response to mechanical pressure applied from the outside, and a method of operating the same.

A piezoelectric element is an element that has a piezoelectric effect that causes a voltage, an electrical signal, to be output by mechanical pressure applied from the outside and, conversely, causes mechanical deformation when a voltage, an electrical signal, is applied.

Piezoelectric elements with aligned electrical polarization like this have the property of generating a potential difference when an external force is applied and, conversely, deformation when applying a voltage, so they are used in various fields such as sensors, actuators, transducers, and energy harvesting.

A piezoelectric element may generally include a piezoelectric thin film having a piezoelectric material and a first electrode and a second electrode disposed between the piezoelectric thin film. That is, the piezoelectric element may be formed by sequentially stacking a first electrode, a piezoelectric thin film, and a second electrode.

When pressure (force) is applied to such a piezoelectric element in a specific direction, displacement due to resistance force (stress) is generated in the piezoelectric thin film, and in response to the displacement, different charges are induced in the first and second electrodes, The so-called piezoelectric effect, in which voltage is generated between two electrodes, is realized. And, conversely, when a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, the so-called reverse piezoelectric effect is realized in which mechanical displacement occurs in the piezoelectric thin film.

Basically, the conventional piezoelectric element is a single piezoelectric element, which generates only a single output signal corresponding to a unidirectional stress that resists an external force applied from the outside. If multiple output signals can be generated in response to an external force applied from the outside, If so, the reliability and usability of sensors, actuators, and transducers to which the piezoelectric element is applied can be further improved. In particular, if it is possible to generate output signals of various sizes and quantities in response to external forces applied from the outside, the security level of security touch pads such as door locks to which the piezoelectric element is applied can be greatly increased.

Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 2022-0007694 (published on January 18, 2022)

The object of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned problems is to provide a touch pad having a piezoelectric element capable of generating several different electrical signals in response to mechanical pressure applied from the outside, and a method of operating the same.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. .

A touch pad according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problem includes: a first piezoelectric element formed in an N-sided shape having N faces; a pad body having a first installation groove for detachably supporting the first piezoelectric element; and a signal processing unit that receives and processes a first signal generated by the first piezoelectric element in response to a first external force.

Additionally, the touch pad according to this embodiment may further include a second piezoelectric element formed in an N-sided shape with N faces.

At this time, the pad body may further have a second installation groove for detachably supporting the second piezoelectric element, and the signal processing unit may further receive a second signal generated by the second piezoelectric element in response to the second external force. It can be received and processed.

Additionally, in the touch pad according to this embodiment, the first signal generated may vary depending on the surface to which the first external force is applied among the N surfaces of the first piezoelectric element.

Additionally, in the touch pad according to this embodiment, the first signal generated by the first piezoelectric element itself may vary depending on the magnitude of the first external force.

Additionally, in the touch pad according to this embodiment, the first piezoelectric element itself may include N first unit identification numbers corresponding to N surfaces, and the second piezoelectric element may include N first unit identification numbers corresponding to N surfaces. It may include N second unit identification numbers.

At this time, the signal processing unit determines whether the input order of the first external force and the second external force matches a preset standard input order, and identifies the first unit to which the first external force is applied among the N first unit identification numbers. Whether the number matches the preset first standard unit identification number, and whether the second unit identification number to which the second external force is applied among the N second unit identification numbers matches the preset second standard unit identification number. It is possible to compare whether the size of the first signal matches the size of the preset first reference signal and whether the size of the second signal matches the size of the preset second reference signal.

Additionally, in the touch pad according to this embodiment, the first piezoelectric element may include N unit piezoelectric films forming each face of the N-hedron, and the pressure applied to any one of the N unit piezoelectric films In response to the first external force, N first unit signals may be generated from the N unit piezoelectric films, where the first signal is one of the N first unit signals or the sum of the N first unit signals. It could be a signal.

Additionally, in the touch pad according to the present embodiment, the N unit piezoelectric films may each include a first electrode and a second electrode, and at this time, the first piezoelectric element itself faces the first installation groove. It is provided on one side and may include at least two integrated electrode units electrically connected to N first and second electrodes.

At this time, the pad body is provided on the inner surface excluding the opening portion of the first installation groove to be electrically connected to the integrated electrode unit regardless of the coupling position of the first piezoelectric element coupled to the first installation groove. It may include an electrode connection part.

Meanwhile, the method of operating a touch pad according to an embodiment of the present invention is to position the piezoelectric element coupled to the installation groove of the pad body so that the preset surface of the piezoelectric element formed in the shape of an N-side is exposed to the outside. Setting step of setting the piezoelectric element; and a piezoelectric element pressing step of pressing the piezoelectric element body in accordance with preset reference touch information.

According to the present invention, a plurality of signals can be output through an N-shaped piezoelectric element according to the surface on which external force is applied among the N surfaces, thereby greatly increasing the operational reliability and security level of the touch pad.

According to the present invention, a plurality of signals can be output according to the size of an external force applied from the outside through an N-shaped piezoelectric element, thereby greatly increasing the operational reliability and security level of the touch pad.

According to the present invention, the signals generated from each face of the piezoelectric element can be varied in various ways by changing the development pattern of the N-shaped piezoelectric element, so there is also the advantage of facilitating the production of the piezoelectric element and touch pad. .

According to the present invention, it is possible to set and output signals of various sizes and quantities in response to external force applied through the N-shaped piezoelectric element, thereby increasing the usability of the touch pad.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the configuration of the invention described in the detailed description or claims of the present invention.

Figure 1 is an exemplary diagram showing a touchpad according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is an exemplary diagram showing an N-shaped piezoelectric element according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is an exemplary diagram showing a hexahedral-shaped piezoelectric element according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is an illustration of a partial cross-section of the unit piezoelectric film of Figure 3.
FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram for explaining the operation of the hexahedral-shaped piezoelectric element of FIG. 3.
Figure 6 shows various units that change according to the polarization direction of the first unit piezoelectric film to which the first external force is applied and the second unit piezoelectric film connected to the side in the case of a six-sided piezoelectric element according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is an example diagram showing a signal.
Figure 7 is an exemplary diagram showing a piezoelectric element according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a flowchart showing a method of manufacturing a piezoelectric element according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is an example diagram for explaining the ledger manufacturing step of Figure 8.
Figure 10 is an example diagram for explaining the development stage of Figure 8.
Figure 11 is an example diagram for explaining the N-hedron formation step of Figure 8.
Figure 12 is an example diagram showing various development patterns of a hexahedral-shaped piezoelectric element according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 13 and 14 are exemplary diagrams for explaining a case where the polarization direction of each unit piezoelectric film varies depending on the development pattern of the hexahedral-shaped piezoelectric element according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 15 is an exemplary diagram for explaining the electrical coupling state of the piezoelectric element and the pad body according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 16 is a flowchart showing a method of operating a touchpad according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention, in which the above-described problem to be solved can be concretely realized, will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In describing the present embodiments, the same names and the same symbols may be used for the same components, and additional descriptions may be omitted.

Figure 1 is an exemplary diagram showing a touchpad according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a touch pad according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a piezoelectric element, a pad body 300, and a signal processing unit 400.

A plurality of piezoelectric elements may be provided and may include a first piezoelectric element 100.

The first piezoelectric element 100 may be formed as a three-dimensional polyhedron, that is, an N-sided shape with N faces.

Additionally, the first piezoelectric element 100 may include N unit piezoelectric films 110 formed in a polygonal shape to form each face of an N-hedron.

In addition, the first piezoelectric element 100 is coupled to the first installation groove 310 of the pad body 300, and any one unit piezoelectric film among the N unit piezoelectric films 110 may be exposed to the outside. That is, the first external force F1 may be applied to the first piezoelectric element 100 through one unit piezoelectric film exposed to the outside among the N unit piezoelectric films 110.

Additionally, the first piezoelectric element 100 may have N first unit identification numbers corresponding to each face of the N-hedron. For example, the N-shaped first piezoelectric element 100 may be assigned a first unit identification number corresponding to 1-1 to 1-N on each side.

Additionally, each unit piezoelectric film 110 may generate a first unit signal in response to the first external force F1 applied to the first piezoelectric element 100. That is, the first piezoelectric element 100 in the N-shaped shape can generate N first unit signals in response to the first external force F1 applied from the outside.

In addition, the N first unit signals generated by the first piezoelectric element 100 may be generated as first signals through the first signal processing unit 410. At this time, the first signal may be one signal among N first unit signals or a signal obtained by adding up N first unit signals.

The piezoelectric element may further include a second piezoelectric element 200.

The second piezoelectric element 200 may be configured in approximately the same way as the first piezoelectric element 100, and the second piezoelectric element 200 has N pieces formed in a polygonal shape to form each face of an N-hedron. It may include a unit piezoelectric film 210.

In addition, the second piezoelectric element 200 is coupled to the second installation groove 320 of the pad body 300, and any one unit piezoelectric film among the N unit piezoelectric films 210 may be exposed to the outside. That is, the second external force F2 may be applied to the second piezoelectric element 200 through one unit piezoelectric film exposed to the outside among the N unit piezoelectric films 210.

Additionally, the second piezoelectric element 200 may have N second unit identification numbers corresponding to each face of the N-hedron. For example, the N-shaped second piezoelectric element 200 may be assigned a second unit identification number corresponding to 2-1 to 2-N on each side.

In addition, with respect to the second external force (F2) applied to the second piezoelectric element 200, each unit piezoelectric film 210 can generate a second unit signal, and the N-shaped second piezoelectric element ( 200) can generate N second unit signals in response to the second external force (F2) applied from the outside.

In addition, the N second unit signals generated by the second piezoelectric element 200 may be summed through the second signal processing unit 420 to generate one second signal.

The pad body 300 may support a plurality of piezoelectric elements in a detachable manner and may include a first installation groove 310.

The first installation groove 310 can support the first piezoelectric element 100 in a detachable manner and can be provided in a shape corresponding to the shape of the N-shaped first piezoelectric element 100. The first installation groove 310 has an opening on one side to expose one unit piezoelectric film among the plurality of unit piezoelectric films 110 of the first piezoelectric element 100 to the outside, and the inner surface is the first piezoelectric element itself. It can be in close contact with the outer surface of (100).

The pad body 300 may further include a second installation groove 320.

The second installation groove 320 can support the second piezoelectric element 200 in a detachable manner, and can be provided in a shape corresponding to the shape of the N-shaped second piezoelectric element 200. The second installation groove 320 may be configured in the same way as the first installation groove 310.

The pad body 300 may further include a cover portion.

The cover portion may be disposed on one side of the pad body 300 where the installation groove is formed, and may protect the piezoelectric element inserted into the installation groove from the outside. This cover part may be made of an elastic material or a transparent material so that external force applied from the outside can be transmitted to the piezoelectric element body.

The signal processing unit 400 may be electrically connected to the piezoelectric element coupled to the installation groove and may include a first signal processing unit 410.

The first signal processing unit 410 may be electrically connected to the first piezoelectric element 100 coupled to the first installation groove 310, and is connected to the first piezoelectric element 100 in response to the first external force F1. The generated first signal can be received and processed. Here, the first signal may be any first unit signal among the N first unit signals generated from each of the N unit piezoelectric films constituting the first piezoelectric element 100. Additionally, the first signal may be a sum signal obtained by adding up N first unit signals generated from each of the N unit piezoelectric films constituting the first piezoelectric element 100.

The signal processing unit 400 may further include a second signal processing unit 420.

The second signal processing unit 420 may be electrically connected to the second piezoelectric element 200 coupled to the second installation groove 320, and generates the second piezoelectric element 200 in response to the second external force. 2Signals can be received and processed. Here, the second signal may be any unit signal among the N second unit signals generated from each of the N unit piezoelectric films constituting the second piezoelectric element 200. Additionally, the second signal may be a sum signal obtained by adding up N second unit signals generated from each of the N unit piezoelectric films constituting the second piezoelectric element 200.

The signal processing unit 400 may further include a signal determination unit.

The signal judgment unit can compare the touch information applied to the plurality of piezoelectric elements with pre-stored reference touch information to determine whether they match, and allows subsequent control of the touch pad only when the touch information and reference touch information match. can do.

As an example, a first piezoelectric element 100 and a second piezoelectric element 200 are provided, and a first external force F1 is applied to the first piezoelectric element 100 and a second piezoelectric element 200 is applied. When the second external force F2 is applied, a supplementary explanation of the process in which the first signal and the second signal are processed through the signal processing unit 400 is as follows.

First, the signal determination unit of the signal processing unit 400 may include a reference signal storage unit.

The reference input order of the first external force (F1) and the second external force (F2) may be stored in advance in the reference signal storage unit. At this time, the reference input order may be set in advance by the user and may be the input order of the first external force (F1) and the second external force (F2) applied by the user. For example, the first external force (F1) may be input first and then the second external force (F2) may be input, or the second external force (F2) may be input first and then the first external force (F1) may be input.

Additionally, the first reference unit identification number and the second reference unit identification number may be stored in advance in the reference signal storage unit. At this time, the first reference unit identification number can be set in advance by the user, and identifies the one first unit to which the first external force (F1) is applied among the N first unit identification numbers of the first piezoelectric element itself 100. It could be a number. In addition, the second reference unit identification number can be set in advance by the user, and identifies one second unit to which the second external force (F2) is applied among the N second unit identification numbers of the second piezoelectric element itself 200. It could be a number.

Additionally, the first reference signal and the second reference signal may be stored in advance in the reference signal storage unit. At this time, the first reference signal may be set in advance by the user, and may be the first signal generated from the first piezoelectric element 100 in response to the first external force (F1) applied by the user. Additionally, the second reference signal may be preset by the user and may be a second signal generated from the second piezoelectric element 200 in response to the second external force F2 applied by the user. For example, the first reference signal and the second reference signal may be the same or different from each other.

Ultimately, the signal determination unit of the signal processing unit 400 compares the touch information applied to each of the first piezoelectric element 100 and the second piezoelectric element 200 with the pre-stored reference touch information, and determines the touch information and the reference touch information. Only if they match, subsequent control of the touchpad can be enabled.

That is, the input sequence of the first external force (F1) and the second external force (F2) matches the preset standard input sequence, and the first unit identification number to which the first external force (F1) is applied among N first unit identification numbers. and the preset first standard unit identification number match, and among the N second unit identification numbers, the second unit identification number to which the second external force (F2) is applied matches the preset second standard unit identification number, and the first Only when the size of the signal matches the size of the preset first reference signal, and the size of the second signal matches the size of the preset second reference signal, subsequent control of the touch pad can be enabled.

For example, when using the touch pad according to this embodiment as a door lock device, as described above, the touch information applied to the first piezoelectric element 100 and the second piezoelectric element 200 by the user is The door lock can be unlocked only when it perfectly matches the stored reference touch information.

Hereinafter, the piezoelectric element according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

Figure 2 is an exemplary diagram showing an N-shaped piezoelectric element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The first piezoelectric element 100 and the second piezoelectric element 200 according to this embodiment are configured the same, and will be described in detail below, focusing on the first piezoelectric element 100.

The first piezoelectric element 100 according to this embodiment may be formed in an N-sided shape with N faces, and may include N unit piezoelectric films 110 formed in a polygonal shape to form each face of the N-side. It can be included.

As shown, the tetrahedral first piezoelectric element 100 may have four unit piezoelectric films 110 formed in a triangular shape, and the hexahedral first piezoelectric element 100 may have a tetragonal shape. It may have six unit piezoelectric films 110 formed in a shape.

The first piezoelectric element 100 may be formed in a regular N-hedron shape among N-hedrons, and accordingly, each unit piezoelectric film 110 may be formed in a regular polygon shape.

Figure 3 is an exemplary diagram showing a hexahedral-shaped piezoelectric element according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 is an exemplary partial cross-section of the unit piezoelectric film of Figure 3.

Referring to FIG. 3, the first piezoelectric element 100 having a hexahedral shape may have six unit piezoelectric films (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, and 110f).

Each unit piezoelectric film 110 may be prepared in the form of a thin film or film, and includes a piezoelectric material layer 111, a first electrode 112 disposed on one surface of the piezoelectric material layer 111, and a piezoelectric material layer. It is disposed on the other side of (111) and may include a second electrode 113 having an opposite polarity to the first electrode 112.

That is, the unit piezoelectric film 110 may be prepared by sequentially stacking the first electrode 112, the piezoelectric material layer 111, and the second electrode 113. The illustrated unit piezoelectric film 110 is provided with a single layer of piezoelectric material layer 111, but alternatively, it may be prepared by stacking a plurality of piezoelectric material layers 111. This piezoelectric material layer 111 may be made of PVDF, PZT, BaTiO3, LiNbO3, and Quartz.

When pressure is applied to the unit piezoelectric film 110 in a specific direction from the outside, a (+) charge is induced in the first electrode 112 and a (+) charge is induced in the second electrode 113 in response to the deformation force (resistance force/stress) generated internally. -) Electric charges may be induced and a voltage may be generated between the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 113.

The unit piezoelectric film 110 may be electrically connected to the unit signal measurement unit 115. The unit signal measurement unit 115 can measure an electrical signal using the voltage generated between the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 113. The unit signal measuring unit 115 can measure the first unit signal generated from the unit piezoelectric film 110, and N unit signal measuring units 115a correspond to the quantity of N unit piezoelectric films 110a to 110f. ~115f) may be provided. Accordingly, the N-shaped first piezoelectric element 100 can simultaneously generate N first unit signals for one first external force F1.

The unit signal measurement unit 115 may be electrically connected to the first signal processing unit 410. That is, the N first unit signals measured by the N unit signal measurement units 115a to 115f are transmitted to the first signal processing unit 410, and the first signal processing unit 410, as necessary, N first unit signals generated from the piezoelectric element 100 can be output individually, only one first unit signal among the N first unit signals can be output, and the N first unit signals are added together. One first signal may be output.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram for explaining the operation of the hexahedral-shaped piezoelectric element of FIG. 3.

Referring to Figures 3 and 5, the first piezoelectric element 100 having a hexahedral shape may have six unit piezoelectric films (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, and 110f).

At this time, when the first external force (F1) is applied to one surface of the hexahedral-shaped first piezoelectric element 100, that is, one unit piezoelectric film 110a, the hexahedral-shaped first piezoelectric element ( 100) can generate six first unit signals, and can generate a first signal that is the sum of the six first unit signals.

Here, the six unit signals are the deformation force generated from each of the six unit piezoelectric films (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, 110f) with respect to one first external force (F1) and the unit piezoelectric films (110a, 110b, It can be determined according to the polarization direction of 110c, 110d, 110e, 110f).

As a result, the first signal, which is the sum of the six first unit signals, changes as the unit piezoelectric film to which the first external force (F1) is applied among the six unit piezoelectric films (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, 110f) changes. Therefore, it may vary. In other words, the first signal may vary depending on the six first unit identification numbers of the hexahedral first piezoelectric element 100.

In supplementary explanation with reference to FIG. 5, the first piezoelectric element 100 may include a first unit piezoelectric film 110a and a second unit piezoelectric film 110b, and the first unit piezoelectric film 110a may be exposed from the outside. ) The first external force (F1) may be applied in a direction perpendicular to the plane of ).

At this time, the first unit piezoelectric film 110a may be arranged perpendicular to the first external force F1. The first unit piezoelectric film 110a may have a first polarization (Pa) direction with respect to the first external force (F1), and a first deformation force (fa) that resists the first external force (F1) may be generated. For example, the first strain (fa) may be compressive or extensional stress. Accordingly, the first unit piezoelectric film 110a having the first polarization (Pa) direction can generate the 1-1 unit signal (sa) corresponding to the first strain (fa).

Here, in the case of the hexahedral piezoelectric element 100, the first unit piezoelectric film 110a to which the first external force F1 is applied has a force corresponding to the first deformation force fa regardless of the direction of the first polarization Pa. The same unit signal can be generated.

Additionally, the second unit piezoelectric film 110b may be connected to one end of the first unit piezoelectric film 110a by a side and may be disposed while maintaining a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the first external force F1. The second unit piezoelectric film 110b may have a second polarization (Pb) direction with respect to the first external force (F1), and a second deformation force (fb) that resists the first external force (F1) may be generated. The direction of the second polarization (Pb) may be different from the direction of the first polarization (Pa), and the magnitude of the second deforming force (fb) may be different from the magnitude of the first deforming force (fa). For example, the second strain (fb) may be bending stress. Accordingly, the second unit piezoelectric film 110b having the second polarization (Pb) direction can generate the 1-2 unit signal (sb) corresponding to the second deformation force (fb).

The first piezoelectric element 100 may further include a third unit piezoelectric film 110c and a fourth unit piezoelectric film 110d.

At this time, the third unit piezoelectric film 110c may be connected to one end of the second unit piezoelectric film 110b with a side and placed perpendicular to the first external force F1. The third unit piezoelectric film 110c may have a third polarization (Pc) direction with respect to the first external force (F1), and a third deformation force (fc) that resists the first external force (F1) may be generated. The third polarization (Pc) direction may be different from the first polarization (Pa) direction and the second polarization (Pb) direction, and the magnitude of the third deformation force (fc) is the first deformation force (fa) and the second deformation force (fb). It may be different from the size of . For example, the third strain (fc) may be compressive or extensional stress. Accordingly, the third unit piezoelectric film 110c having the third polarization (Pc) direction can generate the first-third unit signal (sc) corresponding to the third deformation force (fc).

Here, in the case of the hexahedral piezoelectric element 100, the 1-3 unit signal (sc) may be the same as the 1-1 unit signal (sa). That is, the third unit piezoelectric film 110c disposed opposite to the first unit piezoelectric film 110a to which the first external force F1 is applied is the first unit piezoelectric film 110c regardless of the third polarization Pc direction. ) can be generated.

Additionally, the fourth unit piezoelectric film 110d may be connected to the other end of the first unit piezoelectric film 110a by an edge and may be disposed while maintaining a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the first external force F1. The fourth unit piezoelectric film 110d may have a fourth polarization (Pd) direction with respect to the first external force (F1), and a fourth deformation force (fd) that resists the first external force (F1) may be generated. The fourth polarization (Pd) direction may be different from the first polarization (Pa) direction, the second polarization (Pb) direction, and the third polarization (Pc) direction, and the size of the fourth deformation force (fd) is the first deformation force (fa). ), may be different from the size of the second deformation force (fb) and the third deformation force (fc). For example, the fourth strain (fd) may be bending stress. Accordingly, the fourth unit piezoelectric film 110d having the fourth polarization (Pd) direction can generate the 1st-4th unit signals (sd) corresponding to the fourth deformation force (fd).

And, although not shown, the hexahedral piezoelectric element 100 may further include a fifth unit piezoelectric film and a sixth unit piezoelectric film.

At this time, the fifth unit piezoelectric film is connected to the first unit piezoelectric film 110a by an edge, can have a fifth polarization direction with respect to the first external force (F1), and generates a fifth deformation force that resists the first external force (F). The 1st to 5th unit signals can be generated. In addition, the sixth unit piezoelectric film is connected to the first unit piezoelectric film 110a by an edge and may have a sixth polarization direction with respect to the first external force (F1) and generate a sixth deformation force that resists the first external force (F1). The 1st to 6th unit signals can be generated.

Meanwhile, Figure 6 shows various unit signals that change depending on the polarization direction of the second unit piezoelectric film connected to the side of the first unit piezoelectric film to which an external force is applied in the case of a six-sided piezoelectric element according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is an example diagram showing.

As in the present embodiment, in the case of the hexahedral piezoelectric element 100, the first unit piezoelectric film 110a to which the first external force F1 is applied and the second unit piezoelectric film 110b connected to the side, The 4th unit piezoelectric film 110d, the 5th unit piezoelectric film 110e, and the 6th unit piezoelectric film 110f can generate different unit signals depending on the polarization (P) direction.

That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the second unit piezoelectric film 110b, the fourth unit piezoelectric film 110d, the fifth unit piezoelectric film 110e, and the sixth unit piezoelectric film 110f are each polarized (P). The direction may be aligned to face the upper (a) or lower (b) or left (c) or right (d), and accordingly, the second unit piezoelectric film 110b, the fourth unit piezoelectric film 110b The unit piezoelectric film 110d, the fifth unit piezoelectric film 110e, and the sixth unit piezoelectric film 110f can generate a plurality of different unit signals depending on the polarization (P) direction.

And, in Figure 6, the polarization (P) direction of the unit piezoelectric film 110 is aligned to face upward or downward, or toward the left or right. However, unlike this, each unit piezoelectric film 110 has a polarization (P). ) The direction may be aligned obliquely.

That is, the unit piezoelectric film 110 may be aligned so that the polarization (P) direction is toward the upper right or lower left direction, or toward the upper left or lower right direction. Accordingly, a plurality of unit piezoelectric films 110 may generate a plurality of different unit signals depending on the inclined polarization (P) direction.

Additionally, when the unit piezoelectric film 110 has an inclined polarization (P) direction, the slope of the polarization (P) direction aligned to each unit piezoelectric film 110 may be aligned differently.

As above, in the case of the hexahedral piezoelectric element 100, the first unit piezoelectric film 110a to which the first external force F1 is applied and the third unit disposed opposite to the first unit piezoelectric film 110a The piezoelectric film 110c can generate the same unit signal regardless of the polarization (P) direction, and is connected to the first unit piezoelectric film 110a and the third unit piezoelectric film 110c by edges to form four sides. The remaining unit piezoelectric films 110b, 110d, 110e, and 110f formed may generate different unit signals depending on the polarization (P) direction.

Meanwhile, 1-1 unit signal (sa), 1-2 unit signal (sb), 1-3 unit signal (sc), 1-4 unit signal (sd), 1-5 unit signal and 1-6 unit signal. The signal is transmitted through the first signal processing unit 410 into a 1-1 unit signal (sa), a 1-2 unit signal (sb), a 1-3 unit signal (sc), a 1-4 unit signal (sd), and a 1-4 unit signal (sd). Only one unit signal among the 5th unit signal and the 1-6th unit signal can be output, 1-1 unit signal (sa), 1-2 unit signal (sb), 1-3 unit signal (sc), 1 -One first signal may be generated by adding the 4th unit signal (sd), the 1st-5th unit signal, and the 1st-6th unit signal.

Here, the coupling position of the first piezoelectric element 100 coupled to the first installation groove 310 is changed to apply the first external force (F1) among the first unit piezoelectric film (110a) to the sixth unit piezoelectric film (110f). ) is applied to different unit piezoelectric films (corresponding to the first unit identification number), because the strain and polarization direction of the first unit piezoelectric film (110a) to the sixth unit piezoelectric film (110f) change, 1-1 The first signal obtained by adding the unit signal sa to 1-6 unit signals may also vary.

Of course, the 1-1 unit signal (sa) to the 1-6 unit signal may vary depending on the size of the first external force (F1), and the 1-1 unit signal (sa) to the 1-6 unit signal is added together. 1 Signal may also vary depending on the size of the first external force (F1).

Additionally, the size of the deformation force generated in each unit piezoelectric film may vary depending on the type of N-hedron. In addition, the size may vary depending on various conditions such as material type, thickness, width, length, elastic modulus, relative permittivity, and static ratio of the piezoelectric material layer 111 of the unit piezoelectric film.

Meanwhile, the N unit piezoelectric films 110 may be pre-processed to have a predetermined polarization (P) direction during the manufacturing process. For example, the piezoelectric film ledger 10 having a predetermined polarization (P) direction may be Manufacturing (see FIG. 8), cutting and processing the produced piezoelectric film ledger 10 to form a piezoelectric film development diagram 11 (see FIG. 9), and processing the formed piezoelectric film development diagram 11 to form an N-sided The polarization (P) direction of the unit piezoelectric films 110 forming each face of the n-hedron may vary (see FIG. 10).

At this time, the pattern of the piezoelectric film development diagram 11 may be formed in various shapes. If the pattern of the piezoelectric film development diagram 11 is changed, the polarization (P) of the unit piezoelectric films 110 forming each face of the N-hedron can be changed. The direction may change in various ways.

Figure 7 is an exemplary diagram showing a piezoelectric element according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, the first piezoelectric element 100 according to this embodiment may further include a piezoelectric film support portion 130.

The piezoelectric film support portion 130 may be provided to support the unit piezoelectric film 110 inside the first piezoelectric element 100, that is, inside the unit piezoelectric film 110.

The piezoelectric film support 130 can allow the displacement of the unit piezoelectric film 110 to occur due to a deformation force that resists an external force applied from the outside, and when the external force applied to the unit piezoelectric film 110 is removed, the unit piezoelectric film ( 110) can be restored.

The piezoelectric film support portion 130 may be made of an elastic material.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 7 (a), the piezoelectric film support 130 may be provided in the form of a substrate bonded to the inner surface of the unit piezoelectric film 110, and as another example, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), The piezoelectric film support part 130 may be provided to connect the base part 131 disposed inside the first piezoelectric element 100 and the inner surface of the unit piezoelectric film 110. In this case, the piezoelectric film support portion 130 may be provided to connect the inner surfaces of the opposing unit piezoelectric films 110 with the base portion 131 excluded.

If the piezoelectric material layer 111 of the unit piezoelectric film 110 is made of a brittle material, it may easily break when deformed by an external force. In this case, the piezoelectric film support such as an elastic substrate ( By imparting toughness through 130), immediate and effective deformation can be achieved without damage to external forces.

Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing a piezoelectric element according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Figure 8 is a flowchart showing a method of manufacturing a piezoelectric element according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 9 is an exemplary diagram for explaining the ledger manufacturing stage of Figure 8, and Figure 10 is an illustration of the development stage of Figure 8. This is an exemplary diagram for the following, and FIG. 11 is an exemplary diagram for explaining the N-hedron forming step of FIG. 8.

The method of manufacturing a piezoelectric element according to this embodiment may include a ledger manufacturing step (S110), a developed view forming step (S120), and an N-hedron forming step (S130).

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the ledger manufacturing step (S110) may be a step of manufacturing a piezoelectric film ledger that has been polarized to have a predetermined polarization direction.

The piezoelectric film ledger 10 may be manufactured in the form of a thin film or film in which the first electrode 112, the piezoelectric material layer 111, and the second electrode 113 are sequentially stacked. (see Figure 4)

The piezoelectric film ledger 10 manufactured in this way can have a certain arrangement of polarization (P) direction.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 10, the developed view forming step (S120) may be a step of cutting and processing the manufactured piezoelectric film ledger 10 to form a developed piezoelectric film 11 of an N-hedron having N faces.

The developed view forming step (S120) may include an N-hedron type setting step (S121) and a developed view pattern setting step (S122).

The N-hedron type setting step (S121) may be a step of setting the type of the N-hedron.

That is, depending on the purpose of use of the piezoelectric element 100, the type of N-hedron, such as tetrahedron, hexahedron, octahedron, dodecahedron, and icosahedron, can be set.

The development pattern setting step (S122) may be a step of setting the pattern of the piezoelectric film development pattern 11 for the set N-hedron once the type of N-hedron is set.

Once the type setting of the N-facet and the pattern setting of the piezoelectric film development diagram 11 are completed, the piezoelectric film development diagram 11 is cut from the piezoelectric film ledger 10 by cutting along a cutting line that matches the development pattern set in the piezoelectric film ledger 10. ) is separated.

When the piezoelectric film development diagram 11 is separated from the piezoelectric film ledger 10, the remaining portions of the separated piezoelectric film development diagram 11 except for the vertices of the unit piezoelectric films 110 adjacent to each other are separated. That is, a plurality of unit piezoelectric films 110 forming the piezoelectric film development diagram 11 may be connected to each other via vertices.

Referring to FIGS. 8, 10, and 11, the N-hedron forming step (S130) may be a step of processing the piezoelectric film development diagram 11 to form an N-hedron with N unit piezoelectric films 110 as surfaces. .

In other words, the piezoelectric film development diagram 11 is processed to complete the production of the N-shaped first piezoelectric element 100 with the unit piezoelectric film 110 as its surface.

In the first piezoelectric element 100 of the N-hedron shape manufactured in this way, neighboring unit piezoelectric films 110 with sides in between can be connected to each other via vertices. Accordingly, deformation force can be effectively generated in the plurality of unit piezoelectric films 110 in response to external force.

Figure 12 is a diagram showing various development patterns of a hexahedral-shaped piezoelectric element.

As shown in FIG. 12, the piezoelectric element formed in the shape of a hexahedron can have various patterns of piezoelectric film development diagrams (11a to 11f). If the type of N-hedron is set to hexahedron, the various shapes of the hexahedron can be changed. Any one of the types of piezoelectric film development diagrams 11a to 11f can be set.

If the pattern of the piezoelectric film development diagram 11 is different, the polarization (P) direction of each unit piezoelectric film 110 constituting the first piezoelectric element 100 of the N-hedron may be different, and the unit piezoelectric film ( If the polarization (P) direction of 110) is different, the first unit signal may be generated differently when the deformation force of the corresponding unit piezoelectric film 110 is generated. Then, the first signal obtained by adding the plurality of first unit signals may also be generated differently.

Figures 13 and 14 are exemplary diagrams for explaining a case where the polarization direction of each unit piezoelectric film varies depending on the development pattern of the hexahedral-shaped piezoelectric element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The first piezoelectric element 100A shown in FIG. 13 can be manufactured into a hexahedral shape by folding the first piezoelectric film development diagram 11a, and the first piezoelectric element 100B shown in FIG. 14 has the shape of a hexahedron. It can be manufactured into a hexahedral shape by processing the second piezoelectric film development diagram 11b, which is different from the first piezoelectric film development diagram 11a.

In this way, during the process of manufacturing the first piezoelectric elements 100A and 100B into hexahedrons, the polarization (P) directions of each unit piezoelectric film 110a to 110f may be arranged differently. That is, since the patterns of the first piezoelectric film development diagram 11a and the second piezoelectric film development diagram 11b are different from each other, different patterns of the first piezoelectric film development diagram 11a and the second piezoelectric film development diagram 11b are obtained, respectively. The unit piezoelectric films of the manufactured first piezoelectric elements 100A and 100B may be arranged differently in the polarization (P) direction. Accordingly, even if the same first external force (F) is applied to the first piezoelectric elements (100A, 100B), the plurality of unit signals generated from each unit piezoelectric film may be different, and the plurality of unit signals generated by each unit piezoelectric film may be different, and the first piezoelectric elements (100A, 100B) may be formed by adding up the plurality of unit signals. 1Signal may also vary.

Figure 15 is an exemplary diagram for explaining the coupled state of the piezoelectric element and the pad body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 15, the first piezoelectric element 100 according to this embodiment may further include an integrated electrode unit 150.

At least two integrated electrode units 150 may be provided on one side of the outer surface of the first piezoelectric element 100 facing the first installation groove 310, and may be provided on each of the N unit piezoelectric films 110. It may be electrically connected to the first electrode (112: see FIG. 4) and the second electrode (113: see FIG. 4).

Additionally, the pad body 300 according to this embodiment may further include an electrode connection portion 350.

The electrode connection portion 350 may be provided on all inner surfaces except the opening portion of the first installation groove 310, regardless of the coupling position of the first piezoelectric element 100 coupled to the first installation groove 310. It may be electrically connected to the integrated electrode unit 150.

As the first piezoelectric element 100 is coupled to the first installation groove 310 and the integrated electrode unit 150 and the electrode connection unit 350 are electrically connected, the first piezoelectric element 100 receives the first signal. It may be electrically connected to the processing unit 410.

Therefore, the signal processing unit 400 determines the coupling position of the first piezoelectric element 100 coupled to the first installation groove 310 based on the connection information of the integrated electrode unit 150 and the electrode connection unit 350. You can. That is, the position of the unit piezoelectric film 110 that is exposed to the outside of the first installation groove 310 and to which the first external force F1 is directly applied can be determined.

Additionally, the signal processing unit 400 may output one first signal that is the sum of a plurality of first unit signals generated from each unit piezoelectric film (101a, 101b, 101c, 101d, 101e, and 101f).

Hereinafter, a method of operating a touchpad according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Figure 16 is a flowchart showing a method of operating a touchpad according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figures 1 and 16, the method of operating the touch pad according to this embodiment provides the method of operating the touch pad described above, and includes the piezoelectric element setting step (S210) and the piezoelectric element pressing step (S220). It can be included.

The piezoelectric element setting step (S210) is a step of setting the position of the piezoelectric element coupled to the installation groove of the pad body 300 so that the preset surface of the piezoelectric element formed in the N-hedron shape is exposed to the outside. .

The piezoelectric element setting step (S210) may include a first piezoelectric element setting step (S211) and a second piezoelectric element setting step (S212).

The first piezoelectric element setting step (S211) is coupled to the first installation groove 310 of the pad body 300 so that the preset surface of the first piezoelectric element 100, which is formed in an N-sided shape, is exposed to the outside. This may be a step of setting the position of the first piezoelectric element 100.

That is, the first unit identification number to which the first external force (F1) is applied among the N first unit identification numbers of the first piezoelectric element 100 to match the preset first reference unit identification number is entered into the pad body (300). ) and set the position of the first piezoelectric element 100 coupled to the first installation groove 310 by exposing it to the outside.

The second piezoelectric element setting step (S212) is coupled to the second installation groove 320 of the pad body 300 so that the preset surface of the second piezoelectric element 200, which is formed in an N-shaped shape, is exposed to the outside. This may be a step of setting the position of the second piezoelectric element 200.

That is, the second unit identification number to which the second external force (F2) will be applied among the N second unit identification numbers of the second piezoelectric element itself 200 to match the preset second reference unit identification number is entered into the pad body (300). ) Set the position of the second piezoelectric element 200 coupled to the second installation groove 320 by exposing it to the outside of the.

In this way, when the position setting of the piezoelectric element is completed, an external force is applied to the piezoelectric element.

The piezoelectric element pressing step (S220) may be a step of pressing the piezoelectric element itself in accordance with preset reference touch information.

The piezoelectric element pressing step (S220) may include a first piezoelectric element pressing step (S221) and a second piezoelectric element pressing step (S222).

Specifically, the input sequence of the first external force (F1) applied to the first piezoelectric element 100 and the second external force (F2) applied to the second piezoelectric element 200 in accordance with the preset standard input sequence. Decide.

In addition, the size of the first external force (F1) to be applied to the first piezoelectric element 100 is determined to match the size of the preset first reference signal, and the second piezoelectric element is applied to match the size of the preset second reference signal. Determine the size of the second external force (F2) to be applied to itself (200).

In this way, the first piezoelectric element 100 and the second piezoelectric element 200 are pressed in accordance with the preset reference touch information.

Then, subsequent control of the touch pad can be enabled only when the touch information applied to the first piezoelectric element 100 and the second piezoelectric element 200 matches the pre-stored reference touch information.

As described above, the touch pad according to the present invention can output a plurality of signals according to the side on which external force is applied among the N sides through the N-shaped piezoelectric element, thereby improving the operational reliability and security level of the touch pad. It can be greatly increased.

In addition, the touch pad according to the present invention can output a plurality of signals depending on the size of the external force applied from the outside through the N-shaped piezoelectric element, thereby greatly increasing the operational reliability and security level of the touch pad. .

In addition, the touch pad according to the present invention can vary the signal generated from each side of the piezoelectric element by changing the development pattern of the N-shaped piezoelectric element, making it easy to manufacture the piezoelectric element and touch pad. There is also the advantage of making it easier.

In addition, the touch pad according to the present invention can set and output signals of various sizes and quantities in response to external force applied through the N-shaped piezoelectric element, so there is an advantage of increasing the usability of the touch pad.

As described above, preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, but those skilled in the art may vary the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the following claims. It can be modified or changed.

100: First piezoelectric element itself
200: Second piezoelectric element itself
300: Pad body
400: signal processing unit

Claims (10)

A first piezoelectric element formed in an N-sided shape with N faces;
a pad body having a first installation groove for detachably supporting the first piezoelectric element; and
A touch pad comprising a signal processing unit that receives and processes a first signal generated by the first piezoelectric element in response to a first external force. According to paragraph 1,
It further includes a second piezoelectric element formed in the shape of an N-hedron having N faces,
The pad body further has a second installation groove for detachably supporting the second piezoelectric element,
The signal processing unit further receives and processes a second signal generated by the second piezoelectric element in response to a second external force. According to paragraph 1,
The first piezoelectric element itself,
A touch pad wherein the first signal generated varies depending on the surface to which the first external force is applied among the N surfaces. According to paragraph 1,
The first piezoelectric element itself,
A touch pad wherein the first signal generated varies depending on the magnitude of the first external force. According to paragraph 2,
The first piezoelectric element itself includes N first unit identification numbers corresponding to N surfaces,
The second piezoelectric element itself is a touch pad characterized in that it includes N second unit identification numbers corresponding to N surfaces. According to clause 5,
The signal processing unit,
Whether the input order of the first external force and the second external force matches a preset standard input order,
Among the N first unit identification numbers, whether the first unit identification number to which the first external force is applied matches a preset first reference unit identification number,
Among the N second unit identification numbers, whether the second unit identification number to which the second external force is applied matches a preset second reference unit identification number,
Whether the size of the first signal matches the size of the preset first reference signal,
A touch pad characterized by comparing whether the size of the second signal matches the size of a preset second reference signal. According to paragraph 1,
The first piezoelectric element itself,
It includes N unit piezoelectric films forming each face of the N-hedron,
N first unit signals are generated from the N unit piezoelectric films in response to the first external force applied to any one of the N unit piezoelectric films,
The first signal is one of the N first unit signals or a signal obtained by adding up the N first unit signals. According to clause 6,
The N unit piezoelectric films each include a first electrode and a second electrode,
The first piezoelectric element itself,
A touch pad provided on one side of the outer surface facing the first installation groove and comprising at least two integrated electrode units electrically connected to N first and second electrodes. According to clause 8,
The pad body is,
A plurality of electrode connection parts provided on the inner surface excluding the opening portion of the first installation groove to be electrically connected to the integrated electrode unit regardless of the coupling position of the first piezoelectric element coupled to the first installation groove. A touchpad characterized by: A piezoelectric element setting step of setting the position of the piezoelectric element coupled to the installation groove of the pad body so that the preset surface of the piezoelectric element formed in the shape of an N-side is exposed to the outside; and
A touch pad operating method comprising a step of pressing the piezoelectric element itself in accordance with preset reference touch information.