WO2022063735A1 - An electronic device comprising a user interface and a solar cell unit for powering the device - Google Patents

An electronic device comprising a user interface and a solar cell unit for powering the device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022063735A1
WO2022063735A1 PCT/EP2021/075852 EP2021075852W WO2022063735A1 WO 2022063735 A1 WO2022063735 A1 WO 2022063735A1 EP 2021075852 W EP2021075852 W EP 2021075852W WO 2022063735 A1 WO2022063735 A1 WO 2022063735A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
solar cell
cell unit
electronic device
sensor
unit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2021/075852
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Marcus von Euler
Jonas Käck
Original Assignee
Exeger Operations Ab
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Exeger Operations Ab filed Critical Exeger Operations Ab
Publication of WO2022063735A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022063735A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
    • H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
    • H03K17/00—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking
    • H03K17/94—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking characterised by the way in which the control signals are generated
    • H03K17/96—Touch switches
    • H03K17/962—Capacitive touch switches
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/041—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
    • G06F3/044—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/041—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L31/02—Details
    • H01L31/02002—Arrangements for conducting electric current to or from the device in operations
    • H01L31/02005—Arrangements for conducting electric current to or from the device in operations for device characterised by at least one potential jump barrier or surface barrier
    • H01L31/02008—Arrangements for conducting electric current to or from the device in operations for device characterised by at least one potential jump barrier or surface barrier for solar cells or solar cell modules
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L31/04—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy

Definitions

  • An electronic device comprising a user interface and a solar cell unit for powering the device
  • the present invention relates to an electronic device comprising a user interface for entering inputs to the device and a solar cell unit for powering the device.
  • Electronic devices including solar cell units for powering the devices and user interfaces for entering inputs and commands to the device, such as calculators and keyboards, are well known in the art.
  • the solar cell unit occupies an area of the device, which faces the light.
  • the amount of electricity generated by the solar cell unit depends on the size of the area of the solar cell unit. It is particularly important to have a solar cell with a large area if the device is to be charged indoors. If the device is to be charged by indoor light, the area of the solar cell must be larger than if the device is to be charged outside by direct sun light.
  • a problem with providing the electronic devices with solar cell units is that the size of the electronic device may increase due to the area occupied by the solar cell unit.
  • the electronic devices are often also provided with a user interface so that the user can control the device.
  • the user interface allows the user to interact with the device.
  • An example of a device with a user interface is a remote control.
  • a typical TV remote has a numeric keypad, volume and channel buttons, mute and power buttons, an input selector, and other buttons that perform various functions. This set of buttons and the way they are laid out on the device makes up the user interface.
  • the user interacts with the buttons by touching them, for example, by pressing the buttons.
  • the user interface is often arranged on the upper surface of the electronic device to enable a user to touch the buttons. This means that the user interface and the solar cell unit must be arranged on the same side of the device.
  • US9787934B2 discloses an electronic device including a user interface.
  • the user interface includes a plurality of buttons arranged to receive user inputs and a touch area for gathering touch input from a user.
  • the touch area includes a solar cell for powering the device. If more power is needed from the solar cell unit, the area of the solar cell must be increased and accordingly the size of the electronic device must also be increased. It is an aim of the present invention to at least partly overcome the above problem, and to provide an improved electronic device.
  • the electronic device comprises a solar cell unit for powering the device and a user interface comprises a button and a sensor unit arranged to detect when a user presses the button.
  • the solar cell unit has a top surface facing away from the device.
  • the solar cell unit is designed as a flexible sheet and the button is defined as a portion of the solar cell unit.
  • the sensor unit is disposed below the solar cell unit on the opposite side of the top surface, and the sensor unit comprises a sensor arranged to detect user interactions with said button by sensing deformations of said portion of the solar cell unit.
  • the user interface allows a user to provide input, such as commands, to the device by pressing the button on the top surface of the solar cell unit.
  • the user can use a finger or a device, such as a pen, to press the button.
  • the user enters inputs to the device via the top surface of the solar cell unit.
  • the sensor unit is arranged on the other side of the solar cell unit and detects when a user presses the button on the top surface through the solar cell unit.
  • the button Since the button is a part of the solar cell, there is no need to arrange the button on a separate area outside the solar cell unit.
  • the surface of the user interface including the buttons generates power to the device.
  • the area of the solar cell unit which generates energy from incoming light, can be maximized with a minimum footprint. It is no longer necessary to have a separate user interface for the buttons.
  • the invention makes it possible to increase the area of the solar cell unit, without increasing the size of the electronic device. This significantly increases the power generated by the solar cell unit. Even the surface of the button contributes to generate power to the device. This makes a huge difference in, for example, remote controls and keyboards.
  • the electronic device comprises a solar cell unit designed as a flexible sheet, and one or more buttons defined as one or more portions of the flexible sheet. Due to the flexibility of the sheet, the solar cell is deformable and can be deformed by a user pressing its finger on the top surface of the solar cell unit.
  • the sensor unit is arranged to sense deformations of the solar cell unit. Thus, it is possible to sense when a user presses the button by sensing deformations in the portion of the solar cell unit defined as the button.
  • the user may feel the deformation of the defined portion of the solar cell when the button is pushed, and accordingly the user gets a tactile feedback when the button is pushed. Another advantage is that it is a low-cost solution.
  • the sensor can be arranged to sense deformations of the flexible sheet directly or indirectly.
  • the portion of the solar cell is provided with a sign indicating the function of the button.
  • the sign is, for example, a symbol, a number, or a letter indicating the function of button.
  • the sign also shows the user the position of the button on the surface of the solar cell unit, i.e., where to press the button to enter the command.
  • the sign can indicate the button's function visibly and/or tactile.
  • the sign is printed on or inside the solar cell unit.
  • the sign is printed on the top surface of the solar cell unit.
  • the sign is printed inside the solar cell unit.
  • the layers inside the solar cell unit can be printed with the signs.
  • the solar cell unit comprises an encapsulation having a top side, and the sign is printed on the top side of the encapsulation.
  • the solar cell unit covers at least 60% of the surface of the upper side of the electronic device, more preferably the solar cell unit covers at least 70% of the surface of the upper side of the electronic device, and most preferably the solar cell unit covers at least 80% of the surface of the upper side of the electronic device.
  • the solar cell unit covers at least 60% of the surface of the upper side of the electronic device, more preferably the solar cell unit covers at least 70% of the surface of the upper side of the electronic device, and most preferably the solar cell unit covers at least 80% of the surface of the upper side of the electronic device.
  • the sensor unit comprises a sensor disposed below the portion, and the sensor is directly or indirectly in mechanical contact with an underside of the portion of the flexible sheet, to allow the sensor unit to detect deformations of the solar cell unit.
  • the senor comprises a switch arranged to change state in dependence on the deformation of the defined portion of the solar cell unit. For example, the switch is switched between on/off state.
  • the device comprises a resilient element arranged between the portion and the sensor. This enables distribution of the deformation of the flexible sheet to the sensor.
  • the user interface comprises a plurality of buttons, each button is defined as a portion of the solar cell, the sensor unit comprises a plurality of sensors operatively connected to the buttons, and each of the sensors is arranged to directly or indirectly sense a user's interactions on one of the portions of the solar cell unit.
  • Each button is defined as a portion of the flexible sheet, and each of the sensors is arranged to sense deformations of one of said portions of the flexible sheet.
  • the solar cell unit is provided with a pattern illustrating where to interact with the top surface to enter a certain command.
  • the pattern shows the user where the buttons are located on the solar cell unit and the function of each button.
  • the pattern guides the user where to press on the surface of the solar cell unit to enter a certain command.
  • the pattern includes a plurality of signs.
  • the signs indicate the functions of the user interface, for example, power on/off, step up, step down, and letters and numbers to be inputted to the device.
  • the signs show the user which command is inputted to the device when the user interacts with the portions of the top surface provided with the signs.
  • the pattern can, for example, be printed on the top surface of the solar cell unit.
  • the device comprises a bottom part, and a resilient sheet arranged between the bottom part and the solar cell unit, and the sensor is disposed between the bottom part and the resilient sheet.
  • the resilient sheet directs the deformations to the sensors and prevents deformation in different portions.
  • the solar cell unit comprises at least one slot arranged so that the portion will flex downwards when a user presses the portion.
  • the at least one slot is arranged along a part of the border of the portion so that a part of the portion is cut out from the solar cell unit. This enables larger buttons with a more tactile feedback.
  • a part of the portion is surrounded by at least one slot so that the portion will flex downwards when a user presses the portion.
  • the slot is cut out from the flexible sheet.
  • the solar cell unit comprises a flexible insulating substrate, extending through the entire solar cell unit, a first conducting layer disposed on one side of the flexible substrate, a second conducting layer disposed on the opposite side of the flexible substrate, then a light-absorbing layer arranged on top of the first conducting layer, and a conducting medium for transferring charges between the second conducting layer and the light-absorbing layer.
  • This type of solar cell unit is thin and flexible and particularly useful in the application.
  • the user interface comprises a touch area for receiving touch input from a user
  • the touch area is defined as a portion of the top surface of the solar cell unit
  • the sensor unit comprises a touch sensor arranged below the touch area to detect user interactions with the touch area.
  • the touch area as well as the buttons are defined as portions of the solar cell unit. This makes it possible to increase the area of the solar cell unit without increasing the size of the electronic device. This increases the power generated by the solar cell unit.
  • the touch sensor unit is arranged to detect a pressure and/or a change in the capacitance on the top surface of the solar cell unit.
  • the sensor unit can detect user interactions on the touch area by detecting pressure on the portion of the solar cell unit defined as the touch area, or by detecting changes in the capacitance of the touch area of the solar cell unit.
  • the device is a remote-control unit.
  • a remote-control unit has many buttons, and the size of the re mote -control unit often depends on the number of buttons.
  • the present invention is particularly useful for remote control units since it makes it possible to provide the remote-control unit with a solar cell unit without significantly increasing the size of the remote-control unit.
  • the device is a keyboard.
  • the present invention is particularly useful for a keyboard since it makes it possible to provide the keyboard with a solar cell unit without significantly increasing the size of the remote-control unit.
  • Fig. 1 shows an example of an electronic device in a cross-section.
  • Fig. 2 show an example of the electronic device seen from above.
  • Fig. 3 shows an example of an electronic device including a touch sensor.
  • Figs. 4a-b show an example of an electronic device including a sensor for detecting deformations.
  • Fig. 5 shows another example of an electronic device including a button cut out through the solar cell unit in a view from above.
  • Figs 6a-b show a cross section of the electronic device disclosed in figure 5.
  • Fig. 7 shows an example in a perspective view of an electronic device having a user interface including buttons and a touch portion.
  • Fig. 8 shows an example of a solar cell unit.
  • FIG 1 shows an example of an electronic device la according to the invention in a crosssection.
  • Figure 2 shows an example of the electronic device seen from above.
  • the electronic device la comprising a solar cell unit 2 for powering the device.
  • the solar cell unit 2 is disposed on an upper side of the device.
  • the solar cell unit 2 has a top surface 3 facing away from the device and accordingly facing the light.
  • the top surface 3 is the active area of the solar cell unit 2.
  • the light received by the top surface 3 is at least partly converted into electricity.
  • the solar cell unit 2 is designed as a flexible sheet.
  • the electronic device la has a user interface comprising a sensor unit 4 disposed inside the device la and below the solar cell unit 2.
  • the sensor unit 4 is disposed on the opposite side of the top surface 3 with respect to the incoming light.
  • the sensor unit 4 is arranged to detect user interactions on the top surface 3 through the solar cell unit 2.
  • the sensor unit 4 comprises at least one sensor arranged to sense deformations of the flexible sheet.
  • the top surface 3 of the solar cell unit 2 is a part of the user interface.
  • the user interacts directly with the top surface 3 to provide inputs, such as commands, to the electronic device.
  • the user interacts with the top surface 3 by pressing a finger or an object on the top surface.
  • the sensor unit 4 comprises one or more sensors disposed below the solar cell unit.
  • the sensor unit 4 can be arranged to detect changes in pressure on the solar cell unit.
  • the sensor unit 4 may, for example, include one or more of the sensors 4a and 4b described with reference to figures 3 and 4a-b.
  • the sensor unit 4 may comprises an array of sensors adapted to detect user interactions on the top surface 3 of the solar cell unit 2.
  • the sensor unit 4 may comprise one or more sensors in the form of switches arranged to change state in dependence on detected user interactions on the top surface 3 of the solar cell unit 2.
  • the electronic device la also has a bottom part 6.
  • the sensor unit 4 is configured to generate one or more output signals in dependence on the detected user interactions.
  • the output signals from the sensor unit 4 can be used in different ways depending on the type of electronic device.
  • the electronic device can be any type of an electronic device having a user interface and the need to power the device.
  • the electronic device is, for example, a keyboard, a remote-control unit, a calculator, or a headphone.
  • buttons and keys are equivalent, and the term buttons include keys.
  • the top surface 3a of the solar cell unit 2 is provided with a pattern including a plurality of signs 8, such as symbols, indicating the function of the buttons of the user interface.
  • Each button is defined as a portion 7 of the solar cell unit 2.
  • the sensor unit 4 comprises one or more sensors arranged to detect user interactions with the portions 7 of the solar cell unit.
  • the portions 7 of the solar cell are provided with signs 8 indicating the function of the buttons.
  • the sign 8 can, for example, be printed on or inside the solar cell unit 2. Alternatively, the signs can be etched on the top surface 3a.
  • the solar cell unit 2 comprises an encapsulation, and the signs 8 can, for example, be printed or etched on the top side of the encapsulation.
  • WO2015/117795A1 discloses a method for printing patterns inside the solar cell unit. This method can be used to print the signs 8 inside the solar cell unit.
  • the signs can be visible and/or tactile.
  • the user interacts with the buttons, and the sensor unit 4 is adapted to senses when the user interacts with any of the buttons, and to identify which button the user interacts with.
  • the user presses on the portions 7 of the top surface 3a provided with the signs 8.
  • the sensor unit 4 may comprises a plurality of sensors operatively connected to the buttons, so that each of the sensors is arranged to sense the user interactions with one of the portions 7 of the solar cell unit 2.
  • the user interface has only one single button and the sensor unit 4 comprises only one sensor adapted to sense the user interactions with the one single button.
  • FIG 3 shows an example of an electronic device lb including a touch sensor 4a.
  • the touch sensor 4a is arranged below the solar cell unit 2 and is arranged to detect touches on the top surface 3 of the solar cell unit 2.
  • the touch sensor 4a is a capacitive sensor that works by measuring the capacitance.
  • the touch sensor 4a is arranged to detect changes in the capacitance due to touches on the top surface 3 of the solar cell unit 2.
  • the touch sensor can be a resistive sensor that works by measuring the pressure applied to its surface.
  • the touch sensor is operatively connected to the solar cell unit 2, i.e. directly or indirectly connected to the underside of solar cell unit 2.
  • Touch sensors may work like a switch. When they are subjected to touch, pressure, or force, they get activated and acts as a closed switch. When the pressure or contact is removed, they act as an open switch.
  • Such touch sensors are well known in the art.
  • Figures 4a-b show an example of an electronic device lc including a sensor 4b for detecting deformations.
  • the solar cell unit 2 is designed as a flexible sheet, and the sensor unit comprises at least one sensor 4b arranged to sense deformations of the flexible sheet.
  • the solar cell 2 is, for example, a solar cell of the type disclosed in EP3598465A1.
  • the solar cell is thin enough to be slightly deformed when the user presses a finger on the top surface 3.
  • the thickness of the solar cell unit 2 is less than 1 mm, and preferably the thickness of the solar cell unit is less than 0.5 mm.
  • the sensor 4b is a dome switch. However, other types of switches can be used to detect deformations of the solar cell unit 2.
  • the device lc may comprise a button defined as a portion 7 of the flexible sheet, and the sensor 4b is operatively connected to the portion 7 and is arranged so that the sensor 4b detects when a user presses the portion 7, as seen in figure 4b.
  • the portion 7 of the flexible sheet can be provided with a sign indicating the function of the button.
  • the sensor is arranged to directly or indirectly sense a deformation of the portion 7 of the flexible sheet.
  • the sensor is a switch arranged to change state in dependence on whether there is a deformation of the portion 7 or not.
  • the sensor 4b is disposed below the portion 7, and the sensor 4b is directly or indirectly in mechanical contact with an underside of the portion 7 of the solar cell unit 2.
  • the sensor 4b is adapted to generate an output signal in dependence on whether there is a deformation of the portion 7 or not.
  • the device lc comprises a resilient element 10 arranged between the portion 7 and the sensor 4b.
  • the resilient element 10 distributes forces from the portion 7 of solar cell unit 2, due to the deformation, to the sensor 4b.
  • the sensor 4b senses the deformation of the flexible sheet through the resilient element 10.
  • the resilient element 10 is, for example, made of silicon.
  • the device lc comprises a resilient sheet 11 arranged between the bottom part 6 and the solar cell unit 2.
  • the sensor 4b is disposed between the bottom part 6 and the resilient sheet 11, as shown in figures 4a-b. This is advantageous if the device is provided with many small buttons defined by many small portions 7 close to each other.
  • the resilient sheet 11 directs the deformations to the sensors and prevents deformation in neighbouring portions.
  • the resilient element 10 is a part of the resilient sheet 11.
  • the solar cell unit 2 can be designed as a flexible sheet covering at least a part of an upper side of the electronic device.
  • the solar cell unit 2 is covering at least 60% of the surface of the upper side of the electronic device, more preferably at least 70% of the surface of the upper side of the electronic device, and most preferably at least 80% of the surface of the upper side of the electronic device.
  • FIG 5 shows an example of an electronic device Id including a button cut out through the solar cell 2 in a view from above.
  • Figures 6a-b show a cross section of the electronic device Id.
  • the button is defined as a portion 12 of the solar cell unit 2.
  • a part of the portion 12 is surrounded by a slot 14 so that the portion 12 will flex downwards when a user presses the portion 12, as shown in figure 6b.
  • the cut-out portion 12 is rectangular, and the slot 14 surrounds the portion 12 on three sides. This makes it possible to provide the electronic device with larger buttons with more tactile feedback.
  • the sensor 4b is, for example, a dome switch arranged in the same way as in figures 4a-b. When the user presses the finger on the partly cut-out portion 12, the cut-out portion 12 moves downwards and activates the dome switch, as shown in figure 6b.
  • buttons and the touch area can be combined in different ways to form suitable user interfaces to different types of the electronic device.
  • Figure 7 shows an example in a perspective view of an electronic device le having a top surface 3c and a user interface including a touch area 16 and different types of buttons 4a, 4c.
  • the electronic device le comprises a solar cell unit 2 covering a main part of the upper side of the electronic device.
  • the solar cell unit 2 is, for example, designed as a flexible sheet.
  • the user interface comprises a plurality of buttons 17, 18, and a touch area 16 for receiving inputs from a user.
  • the sensor unit including a plurality of sensors 4a, 4c arranged to detect user interactions with the buttons 16, 17 and the touch area 16.
  • the touch area 16 is defined as a portion of the top surface 3c of solar cell unit 2.
  • the touch area 16 can be marked, for example, with an etched pattern, so that the user can distinguish the touch area 16 from the rest of the top surface 3.
  • the touch area 16 is a part of the active area of the solar cell unit 2, and a main part of the light received by the touch area will be converted into electricity.
  • a touch sensor 4a is arranged below the touch area 16 to detect motions on the touch area. The area of the touch sensor 4a corresponds to the area of the touch area 16.
  • the user interface further comprises a plurality of buttons 17 of the cut out-type described with reference to figures 5 and 6a-b, and a plurality of buttons 18 of the type described with reference to figures 4a-b.
  • the buttons 17, 18 are defined as portions 7 of the top surface 3c of the solar cell unit 2, and accordingly are parts of the active area of the solar cell unit 2.
  • the sensors 4c are arranged to detect deformations of the portions 7 of the solar cell unit 2.
  • the sensors 4c are of the same type as the sensors 4b.
  • the buttons 17, 18 are indicated by sings 8 provided on the portions of the solar cell unit 2 defining the buttons.
  • the solar cell unit 2 has a plurality of slots 14 neighbouring the buttons 17 so that the buttons 17 can flex down when the user presses the buttons.
  • the sensors 4c are arranged below the portions of the solar cell unit 2 defining the buttons 17, 18 to detect user interactions with the buttons.
  • the sensors 4a and 4b are disposed on the bottom part 6 of the device le, as shown in figure 7.
  • the user enters input and commands via the top surface 3c of the solar cell unit 2 by touches and/or motions on the touch area 16, or by pressing the buttons 17, 18 of the solar cell unit 2.
  • the sensors 4a-b are arranged on the other side of the solar cell unit 2 and detects the user interactions through the solar cell unit 2.
  • FIG 8 shows an example of a solar cell unit 2 useful in the electronic device according to the invention.
  • the solar cell unit 2 comprises a solar cell 2a and an encapsulation 20 enclosing the solar cell 2a.
  • the encapsulation 20 is, for example, made of a plastic material, such as polyethylene.
  • the solar cell 2a comprise a flexible insulating substrate 22 made of an insulating material and extending through the entire solar cell unit 2, a first conducting layer 24 disposed on one side of the flexible substrate 22, a second conducting layer 26 disposed on the opposite side of the flexible substrate 22, a light-absorbing layer 28 arranged on top of the first conducting layer 24, and a conducting medium (not shown) for transferring charges between the second conducting layer 26 and the light-absorbing layer 28.
  • the conducting medium is, for example, an electrolyte.
  • a solar cell 2a is, for example, described in WO2019/219538. This type of solar cell is non-transparent. Such solar cell 2a is also described in WO2015/117795A1. The type of solar cell described in WO2015/117795A1 is partly transparent. Reference numbers la, lb, lc, Id, le Electronic device

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  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Condensed Matter Physics & Semiconductors (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic device (1e) comprising a user interface and a solar cell unit (2) for powering the device. The solar cell unit (2) has a top surface (3c) facing away from the device. The user interface comprises a button (17, 18) and a sensor unit arranged to detect when a user presses the button. The solar cell unit (2) is designed as a flexible sheet, and the button (17, 18) is defined as a portion (7;12) of the solar cell unit (2). The sensor unit (4) is disposed below the solar cell unit (2) on the opposite side of the top surface (3), and the sensor unit (4) comprises a sensor (4c) arranged to detect user interactions with said button (17, 18) by sensing deformations of said portion (7;12) of solar cell unit (2).

Description

An electronic device comprising a user interface and a solar cell unit for powering the device
Technical field
The present invention relates to an electronic device comprising a user interface for entering inputs to the device and a solar cell unit for powering the device.
Background
Electronic devices including solar cell units for powering the devices and user interfaces for entering inputs and commands to the device, such as calculators and keyboards, are well known in the art.
When a device is provided with a solar cell unit, the solar cell unit occupies an area of the device, which faces the light. The amount of electricity generated by the solar cell unit depends on the size of the area of the solar cell unit. It is particularly important to have a solar cell with a large area if the device is to be charged indoors. If the device is to be charged by indoor light, the area of the solar cell must be larger than if the device is to be charged outside by direct sun light. A problem with providing the electronic devices with solar cell units is that the size of the electronic device may increase due to the area occupied by the solar cell unit.
The electronic devices are often also provided with a user interface so that the user can control the device. The user interface allows the user to interact with the device. An example of a device with a user interface is a remote control. A typical TV remote has a numeric keypad, volume and channel buttons, mute and power buttons, an input selector, and other buttons that perform various functions. This set of buttons and the way they are laid out on the device makes up the user interface. The user interacts with the buttons by touching them, for example, by pressing the buttons. The user interface is often arranged on the upper surface of the electronic device to enable a user to touch the buttons. This means that the user interface and the solar cell unit must be arranged on the same side of the device. However, it can be difficult to provide such electronic devices with solar cell units if the user interface occupies most of the area of the upper surface of the device and there is not enough area left for housing the solar cell unit. This is particularly a problem if the user interface of the electronic device includes many buttons on the upper side of the device. To solve this problem, it can be necessary to increase the size of the electronic device .
US9787934B2 discloses an electronic device including a user interface. The user interface includes a plurality of buttons arranged to receive user inputs and a touch area for gathering touch input from a user. The touch area includes a solar cell for powering the device. If more power is needed from the solar cell unit, the area of the solar cell must be increased and accordingly the size of the electronic device must also be increased. It is an aim of the present invention to at least partly overcome the above problem, and to provide an improved electronic device.
This aim is achieved by a device as defined in claim 1.
The electronic device comprises a solar cell unit for powering the device and a user interface comprises a button and a sensor unit arranged to detect when a user presses the button. The solar cell unit has a top surface facing away from the device. The solar cell unit is designed as a flexible sheet and the button is defined as a portion of the solar cell unit. The sensor unit is disposed below the solar cell unit on the opposite side of the top surface, and the sensor unit comprises a sensor arranged to detect user interactions with said button by sensing deformations of said portion of the solar cell unit.
The user interface allows a user to provide input, such as commands, to the device by pressing the button on the top surface of the solar cell unit. The user can use a finger or a device, such as a pen, to press the button. The user enters inputs to the device via the top surface of the solar cell unit. The sensor unit is arranged on the other side of the solar cell unit and detects when a user presses the button on the top surface through the solar cell unit.
Since the button is a part of the solar cell, there is no need to arrange the button on a separate area outside the solar cell unit. The surface of the user interface including the buttons generates power to the device. Thus, the area of the solar cell unit, which generates energy from incoming light, can be maximized with a minimum footprint. It is no longer necessary to have a separate user interface for the buttons. The invention makes it possible to increase the area of the solar cell unit, without increasing the size of the electronic device. This significantly increases the power generated by the solar cell unit. Even the surface of the button contributes to generate power to the device. This makes a huge difference in, for example, remote controls and keyboards.
The electronic device comprises a solar cell unit designed as a flexible sheet, and one or more buttons defined as one or more portions of the flexible sheet. Due to the flexibility of the sheet, the solar cell is deformable and can be deformed by a user pressing its finger on the top surface of the solar cell unit. The sensor unit is arranged to sense deformations of the solar cell unit. Thus, it is possible to sense when a user presses the button by sensing deformations in the portion of the solar cell unit defined as the button.
Due to the flexibility of the solar cell unit, the user may feel the deformation of the defined portion of the solar cell when the button is pushed, and accordingly the user gets a tactile feedback when the button is pushed. Another advantage is that it is a low-cost solution.
The sensor can be arranged to sense deformations of the flexible sheet directly or indirectly. According to an aspect of the invention, the portion of the solar cell is provided with a sign indicating the function of the button. The sign is, for example, a symbol, a number, or a letter indicating the function of button. The sign also shows the user the position of the button on the surface of the solar cell unit, i.e., where to press the button to enter the command.
The sign can indicate the button's function visibly and/or tactile.
According to an aspect of the invention, the sign is printed on or inside the solar cell unit. For example, the sign is printed on the top surface of the solar cell unit.
Alternatively, the sign is printed inside the solar cell unit. For example, the layers inside the solar cell unit can be printed with the signs.
According to an aspect of the invention, the solar cell unit comprises an encapsulation having a top side, and the sign is printed on the top side of the encapsulation.
According to an aspect of the invention, the solar cell unit covers at least 60% of the surface of the upper side of the electronic device, more preferably the solar cell unit covers at least 70% of the surface of the upper side of the electronic device, and most preferably the solar cell unit covers at least 80% of the surface of the upper side of the electronic device. Thus, it is possible to cover most of upper side of the device with the solar cell unit. This makes it possible to use most of the surface of the upper side of the electronic device for power generation.
According to an aspect of the invention, the sensor unit comprises a sensor disposed below the portion, and the sensor is directly or indirectly in mechanical contact with an underside of the portion of the flexible sheet, to allow the sensor unit to detect deformations of the solar cell unit.
According to an aspect of the invention, the sensor comprises a switch arranged to change state in dependence on the deformation of the defined portion of the solar cell unit. For example, the switch is switched between on/off state. This provides a simple and cost- effective sensor.
According to an aspect of the invention, the device comprises a resilient element arranged between the portion and the sensor. This enables distribution of the deformation of the flexible sheet to the sensor.
According to an aspect of the invention, the user interface comprises a plurality of buttons, each button is defined as a portion of the solar cell, the sensor unit comprises a plurality of sensors operatively connected to the buttons, and each of the sensors is arranged to directly or indirectly sense a user's interactions on one of the portions of the solar cell unit. Each button is defined as a portion of the flexible sheet, and each of the sensors is arranged to sense deformations of one of said portions of the flexible sheet. Thus, it is possible to have a user interface with many buttons on the solar cell unit.
According to an aspect of the invention, the solar cell unit is provided with a pattern illustrating where to interact with the top surface to enter a certain command. The pattern shows the user where the buttons are located on the solar cell unit and the function of each button. The pattern guides the user where to press on the surface of the solar cell unit to enter a certain command. Preferably, the pattern includes a plurality of signs. The signs indicate the functions of the user interface, for example, power on/off, step up, step down, and letters and numbers to be inputted to the device. The signs show the user which command is inputted to the device when the user interacts with the portions of the top surface provided with the signs. The pattern can, for example, be printed on the top surface of the solar cell unit.
According to an aspect of the invention, the device comprises a bottom part, and a resilient sheet arranged between the bottom part and the solar cell unit, and the sensor is disposed between the bottom part and the resilient sheet. This is advantageous if the device is provided with many small buttons close to each other, defined by many small portions of the solar cell unit. The resilient sheet directs the deformations to the sensors and prevents deformation in different portions.
According to an aspect of the invention, the solar cell unit comprises at least one slot arranged so that the portion will flex downwards when a user presses the portion. The at least one slot is arranged along a part of the border of the portion so that a part of the portion is cut out from the solar cell unit. This enables larger buttons with a more tactile feedback.
According to an aspect of the invention, a part of the portion is surrounded by at least one slot so that the portion will flex downwards when a user presses the portion. The slot is cut out from the flexible sheet.
According to an aspect of the invention, the solar cell unit comprises a flexible insulating substrate, extending through the entire solar cell unit, a first conducting layer disposed on one side of the flexible substrate, a second conducting layer disposed on the opposite side of the flexible substrate, then a light-absorbing layer arranged on top of the first conducting layer, and a conducting medium for transferring charges between the second conducting layer and the light-absorbing layer. This type of solar cell unit is thin and flexible and particularly useful in the application.
According to an aspect of the invention, the user interface comprises a touch area for receiving touch input from a user, the touch area is defined as a portion of the top surface of the solar cell unit, and the sensor unit comprises a touch sensor arranged below the touch area to detect user interactions with the touch area. Thus, the touch area as well as the buttons are defined as portions of the solar cell unit. This makes it possible to increase the area of the solar cell unit without increasing the size of the electronic device. This increases the power generated by the solar cell unit.
According to an aspect of the invention, the touch sensor unit is arranged to detect a pressure and/or a change in the capacitance on the top surface of the solar cell unit. The sensor unit can detect user interactions on the touch area by detecting pressure on the portion of the solar cell unit defined as the touch area, or by detecting changes in the capacitance of the touch area of the solar cell unit.
According to an aspect of the invention, the device is a remote-control unit. A remote-control unit has many buttons, and the size of the re mote -control unit often depends on the number of buttons. The present invention is particularly useful for remote control units since it makes it possible to provide the remote-control unit with a solar cell unit without significantly increasing the size of the remote-control unit.
According to an aspect of the invention, the device is a keyboard. The present invention is particularly useful for a keyboard since it makes it possible to provide the keyboard with a solar cell unit without significantly increasing the size of the remote-control unit.
Brief iption of the
Figure imgf000007_0001
The invention will now be explained more closely by the description of different embodiments of the invention and with references to the appended figures.
Fig. 1 shows an example of an electronic device in a cross-section.
Fig. 2 show an example of the electronic device seen from above.
Fig. 3 shows an example of an electronic device including a touch sensor.
Figs. 4a-b show an example of an electronic device including a sensor for detecting deformations.
Fig. 5 shows another example of an electronic device including a button cut out through the solar cell unit in a view from above.
Figs 6a-b show a cross section of the electronic device disclosed in figure 5.
Fig. 7 shows an example in a perspective view of an electronic device having a user interface including buttons and a touch portion.
Fig. 8 shows an example of a solar cell unit.
Detailed description
Aspects of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The electronic device can, however, be realized in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the aspects set forth herein. Like numbers in the drawings refer to like elements throughout. Figure 1 shows an example of an electronic device la according to the invention in a crosssection. Figure 2 shows an example of the electronic device seen from above. The electronic device la comprising a solar cell unit 2 for powering the device. The solar cell unit 2 is disposed on an upper side of the device. The solar cell unit 2 has a top surface 3 facing away from the device and accordingly facing the light. The top surface 3 is the active area of the solar cell unit 2. The light received by the top surface 3 is at least partly converted into electricity. The solar cell unit 2 is designed as a flexible sheet.
The electronic device la has a user interface comprising a sensor unit 4 disposed inside the device la and below the solar cell unit 2. The sensor unit 4 is disposed on the opposite side of the top surface 3 with respect to the incoming light. The sensor unit 4 is arranged to detect user interactions on the top surface 3 through the solar cell unit 2. The sensor unit 4 comprises at least one sensor arranged to sense deformations of the flexible sheet.
The top surface 3 of the solar cell unit 2 is a part of the user interface. The user interacts directly with the top surface 3 to provide inputs, such as commands, to the electronic device. The user interacts with the top surface 3 by pressing a finger or an object on the top surface. The sensor unit 4 comprises one or more sensors disposed below the solar cell unit. The sensor unit 4 can be arranged to detect changes in pressure on the solar cell unit. The sensor unit 4 may, for example, include one or more of the sensors 4a and 4b described with reference to figures 3 and 4a-b. The sensor unit 4 may comprises an array of sensors adapted to detect user interactions on the top surface 3 of the solar cell unit 2. The sensor unit 4 may comprise one or more sensors in the form of switches arranged to change state in dependence on detected user interactions on the top surface 3 of the solar cell unit 2. The electronic device la also has a bottom part 6.
The sensor unit 4 is configured to generate one or more output signals in dependence on the detected user interactions. The output signals from the sensor unit 4 can be used in different ways depending on the type of electronic device. The electronic device can be any type of an electronic device having a user interface and the need to power the device. The electronic device is, for example, a keyboard, a remote-control unit, a calculator, or a headphone.
In the example shown in figure 2, the user interface includes a plurality of buttons or keys. In this context, buttons and keys are equivalent, and the term buttons include keys. The top surface 3a of the solar cell unit 2 is provided with a pattern including a plurality of signs 8, such as symbols, indicating the function of the buttons of the user interface. Each button is defined as a portion 7 of the solar cell unit 2. The sensor unit 4 comprises one or more sensors arranged to detect user interactions with the portions 7 of the solar cell unit. The portions 7 of the solar cell are provided with signs 8 indicating the function of the buttons. The sign 8 can, for example, be printed on or inside the solar cell unit 2. Alternatively, the signs can be etched on the top surface 3a. The solar cell unit 2 comprises an encapsulation, and the signs 8 can, for example, be printed or etched on the top side of the encapsulation. WO2015/117795A1 discloses a method for printing patterns inside the solar cell unit. This method can be used to print the signs 8 inside the solar cell unit.
Thus, the signs can be visible and/or tactile. The user interacts with the buttons, and the sensor unit 4 is adapted to senses when the user interacts with any of the buttons, and to identify which button the user interacts with. For example, the user presses on the portions 7 of the top surface 3a provided with the signs 8. The sensor unit 4 may comprises a plurality of sensors operatively connected to the buttons, so that each of the sensors is arranged to sense the user interactions with one of the portions 7 of the solar cell unit 2. Alternatively, the user interface has only one single button and the sensor unit 4 comprises only one sensor adapted to sense the user interactions with the one single button.
Figure 3 shows an example of an electronic device lb including a touch sensor 4a. The touch sensor 4a is arranged below the solar cell unit 2 and is arranged to detect touches on the top surface 3 of the solar cell unit 2. In this example, the touch sensor 4a is a capacitive sensor that works by measuring the capacitance. The touch sensor 4a is arranged to detect changes in the capacitance due to touches on the top surface 3 of the solar cell unit 2. Alternatively, the touch sensor can be a resistive sensor that works by measuring the pressure applied to its surface. In such a case, the touch sensor is operatively connected to the solar cell unit 2, i.e. directly or indirectly connected to the underside of solar cell unit 2. Touch sensors may work like a switch. When they are subjected to touch, pressure, or force, they get activated and acts as a closed switch. When the pressure or contact is removed, they act as an open switch. Such touch sensors are well known in the art.
Figures 4a-b show an example of an electronic device lc including a sensor 4b for detecting deformations. In this example, the solar cell unit 2 is designed as a flexible sheet, and the sensor unit comprises at least one sensor 4b arranged to sense deformations of the flexible sheet. The solar cell 2 is, for example, a solar cell of the type disclosed in EP3598465A1. The solar cell is thin enough to be slightly deformed when the user presses a finger on the top surface 3. For example, the thickness of the solar cell unit 2 is less than 1 mm, and preferably the thickness of the solar cell unit is less than 0.5 mm. In this example, the sensor 4b is a dome switch. However, other types of switches can be used to detect deformations of the solar cell unit 2. The user activates the dome switch through deformation of the flexible sheet, as shown in figure 4b. The device lc may comprise a button defined as a portion 7 of the flexible sheet, and the sensor 4b is operatively connected to the portion 7 and is arranged so that the sensor 4b detects when a user presses the portion 7, as seen in figure 4b. The portion 7 of the flexible sheet can be provided with a sign indicating the function of the button.
The sensor is arranged to directly or indirectly sense a deformation of the portion 7 of the flexible sheet. For example, the sensor is a switch arranged to change state in dependence on whether there is a deformation of the portion 7 or not. The sensor 4b is disposed below the portion 7, and the sensor 4b is directly or indirectly in mechanical contact with an underside of the portion 7 of the solar cell unit 2. The sensor 4b is adapted to generate an output signal in dependence on whether there is a deformation of the portion 7 or not.
In this example, the device lc comprises a resilient element 10 arranged between the portion 7 and the sensor 4b. The resilient element 10 distributes forces from the portion 7 of solar cell unit 2, due to the deformation, to the sensor 4b. The sensor 4b senses the deformation of the flexible sheet through the resilient element 10. The resilient element 10 is, for example, made of silicon. In one aspect, the device lc comprises a resilient sheet 11 arranged between the bottom part 6 and the solar cell unit 2. The sensor 4b is disposed between the bottom part 6 and the resilient sheet 11, as shown in figures 4a-b. This is advantageous if the device is provided with many small buttons defined by many small portions 7 close to each other. The resilient sheet 11 directs the deformations to the sensors and prevents deformation in neighbouring portions. In this example, the resilient element 10 is a part of the resilient sheet 11.
The solar cell unit 2 can be designed as a flexible sheet covering at least a part of an upper side of the electronic device. Preferably, the solar cell unit 2 is covering at least 60% of the surface of the upper side of the electronic device, more preferably at least 70% of the surface of the upper side of the electronic device, and most preferably at least 80% of the surface of the upper side of the electronic device.
Figure 5 shows an example of an electronic device Id including a button cut out through the solar cell 2 in a view from above. Figures 6a-b show a cross section of the electronic device Id. The button is defined as a portion 12 of the solar cell unit 2. A part of the portion 12 is surrounded by a slot 14 so that the portion 12 will flex downwards when a user presses the portion 12, as shown in figure 6b. In this example, the cut-out portion 12 is rectangular, and the slot 14 surrounds the portion 12 on three sides. This makes it possible to provide the electronic device with larger buttons with more tactile feedback. The sensor 4b is, for example, a dome switch arranged in the same way as in figures 4a-b. When the user presses the finger on the partly cut-out portion 12, the cut-out portion 12 moves downwards and activates the dome switch, as shown in figure 6b.
The different types of buttons and the touch area can be combined in different ways to form suitable user interfaces to different types of the electronic device.
Figure 7 shows an example in a perspective view of an electronic device le having a top surface 3c and a user interface including a touch area 16 and different types of buttons 4a, 4c. The electronic device le comprises a solar cell unit 2 covering a main part of the upper side of the electronic device. The solar cell unit 2 is, for example, designed as a flexible sheet. The user interface comprises a plurality of buttons 17, 18, and a touch area 16 for receiving inputs from a user. The sensor unit including a plurality of sensors 4a, 4c arranged to detect user interactions with the buttons 16, 17 and the touch area 16. The touch area 16 is defined as a portion of the top surface 3c of solar cell unit 2. The touch area 16 can be marked, for example, with an etched pattern, so that the user can distinguish the touch area 16 from the rest of the top surface 3. The touch area 16 is a part of the active area of the solar cell unit 2, and a main part of the light received by the touch area will be converted into electricity. A touch sensor 4a is arranged below the touch area 16 to detect motions on the touch area. The area of the touch sensor 4a corresponds to the area of the touch area 16.
The user interface further comprises a plurality of buttons 17 of the cut out-type described with reference to figures 5 and 6a-b, and a plurality of buttons 18 of the type described with reference to figures 4a-b. The buttons 17, 18 are defined as portions 7 of the top surface 3c of the solar cell unit 2, and accordingly are parts of the active area of the solar cell unit 2. The sensors 4c are arranged to detect deformations of the portions 7 of the solar cell unit 2. For example, the sensors 4c are of the same type as the sensors 4b. The buttons 17, 18 are indicated by sings 8 provided on the portions of the solar cell unit 2 defining the buttons. The solar cell unit 2 has a plurality of slots 14 neighbouring the buttons 17 so that the buttons 17 can flex down when the user presses the buttons. The sensors 4c are arranged below the portions of the solar cell unit 2 defining the buttons 17, 18 to detect user interactions with the buttons. For example, the sensors 4a and 4b are disposed on the bottom part 6 of the device le, as shown in figure 7.
The user enters input and commands via the top surface 3c of the solar cell unit 2 by touches and/or motions on the touch area 16, or by pressing the buttons 17, 18 of the solar cell unit 2. The sensors 4a-b are arranged on the other side of the solar cell unit 2 and detects the user interactions through the solar cell unit 2.
Figure 8 shows an example of a solar cell unit 2 useful in the electronic device according to the invention. The solar cell unit 2 comprises a solar cell 2a and an encapsulation 20 enclosing the solar cell 2a. The encapsulation 20 is, for example, made of a plastic material, such as polyethylene. The solar cell 2a comprise a flexible insulating substrate 22 made of an insulating material and extending through the entire solar cell unit 2, a first conducting layer 24 disposed on one side of the flexible substrate 22, a second conducting layer 26 disposed on the opposite side of the flexible substrate 22, a light-absorbing layer 28 arranged on top of the first conducting layer 24, and a conducting medium (not shown) for transferring charges between the second conducting layer 26 and the light-absorbing layer 28. The conducting medium is, for example, an electrolyte. Such a solar cell 2a is, for example, described in WO2019/219538. This type of solar cell is non-transparent. Such solar cell 2a is also described in WO2015/117795A1. The type of solar cell described in WO2015/117795A1 is partly transparent. Reference numbers la, lb, lc, Id, le Electronic device
2 Solar cell unit
2a solar cell
3, 3a, 3c Top surface
4 Sensor unit
4a touch sensor
4b sensor
6 bottom part
7 portion of the solar cell unit
8 sign
10 resilient element
11 resilient sheet
12 cut out portion of the solar cell unit
14 slot
16 Touch area
17 Button
18 Button
20 Encapsulation
22 Substrate
24 First conducting layer
26 Second conducting layer
28 Light-absorbing layer

Claims

Claims
1. An electronic device (la; lc; Id; le) comprising a solar cell unit (2) for powering the device, and a user interface comprising a button and a sensor unit (4) arranged to detect when a user presses the button, and the solar cell unit (2) has a top surface (3;3a;3c) facing away from the device, characterized in that that the solar cell unit (2) is designed as a flexible sheet, the button is defined as a portion (7;12) of the solar cell unit (2), the sensor unit (4) is disposed below the solar cell unit (2) on the opposite side of the top surface (3;3a;3c), and the sensor unit (4) comprises a sensor (4b, 4c) arranged to detect user interactions with said button by sensing deformations of said portion (7; 12) of the solar cell unit (2).
2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein said portion (7; 12) of the solar cell unit (2) is provided with a sign (8) indicating the function of the button (17;18).
3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the sign (8) is printed on or inside the solar cell unit (2).
4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises a resilient element (10) arranged between said portion (7; 12) and said sensor (4b).
5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the user interface comprises a plurality of buttons, each button is defined as a portion (7; 12) of the solar cell unit, the sensor unit (4) comprises a plurality of sensors (4b, 4c) operatively connected to the buttons, and each of the sensors (4b, 4c) is arranged to sense deformations of one of said portions (7) of the solar cell unit (2).
6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the solar cell unit is provided with a pattern illustrating where to interact with the top surface (3; 3a;3c) to enter a certain command.
7. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises a bottom part (6), and a resilient sheet (11) arranged between the bottom part (6) and the solar cell unit (2), and the sensor (4b) is disposed between the bottom part (6) and the resilient sheet (11).
8. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the solar cell unit (2) comprises at least one slot (14) arranged so that said portion (7) will flex downwards when a user presses said portion (7).
9. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the solar cell unit (2) comprises a flexible insulating substrate (22) extending through the entire solar cell unit, a first conducting layer (24) disposed on one side of the flexible substrate (22), a second conducting layer (26) disposed on the opposite side of the flexible substrate (22), a light-absorbing layer (28) arranged on top of the first conducting layer (24), and a conducting medium for transferring charges between the second conducting layer (26) and the light-absorbing layer (28).
10. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the user interface comprises a touch area (16) for receiving touch input from a user, the touch area is defined as a portion of the top surface (3c) of the solar cell unit (2), and the sensor unit (4) comprises a touch sensor (4a) arranged below the touch area (16) to detect user interactions with the touch area (16).
11. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the solar cell unit (2) covers at least 60% of the upper side of the electronic device, preferably the solar cell unit (2) covers at least 70% of the upper side of the electronic device, and most preferably the solar cell unit (2) covers at least 80% of the upper side of the electronic device.
12. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein said sensor (4b, 4c) comprises a switch arranged to change state in dependence on the deformation of the defined portion of the solar cell unit.
13. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the device (la; lc; Id; le) is a remotecontrol unit.
14. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the device (la; lc; Id; le) is a keyboard.
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