Rotor input detection apparatus and electronic device including the same

An apparatus that detects a rotor input is provided. The apparatus includes a rotor comprising at least a portion which is configured to rotate around an axis of rotation; a reactance element disposed in the rotor, a sensing medium member disposed in the rotor, and a motion conversion member configured to move in the rotor based on a rotation of the portion of the rotor, and configured to move together with the sensing medium member to change a reactance of the reactance element according to the rotation of the portion of the rotor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(a) of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0085943 filed on Jun. 30, 2021, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The following description relates to a rotor input detection apparatus, and an electronic device including the same.

2. Description of Related Art

Recently, types and form factors of electronic devices have diversified. Additionally, the diversity of functions associated with the electronic devices has increased.

Accordingly, an electronic device may be provided with a rotator that satisfies various user demands, based on the efficient movement and design of the rotor.

SUMMARY

In a general aspect, a rotor input detecting apparatus includes a rotor comprising at least a portion which is configured to rotate around an axis of rotation; a first reactance element disposed in the rotor; a sensing member disposed in the rotor; and a motion conversion member configured to move in the rotor based on a rotation of the portion of the rotor, and configured to move together with the sensing member to change a reactance of the reactance element according to the rotation of the portion of the rotor.

The motion conversion member may be configured to move such that a separation distance between the reactance element and the sensing member changes based on the rotation of the portion of the rotor.

At least a portion of a surface of the sensing member may be inclined with respect to a side surface of the rotor.

The reactance element may be disposed to overlap the sensing member in a direction perpendicular to a side surface of the rotor based on a movement of the motion conversion member.

The motion conversion member may be configured to perform motion conversion between a rotational motion and a translational motion.

At least a surface of the sensing member may be configured to have a conductivity higher than a conductivity of the motion conversion member.

The rotor may include a core rotor and a cover rotor configured to cover a portion of the core rotor, and the motion conversion member may be configured to move together with the sensing member such that the reactance of the reactance element changes based on a relative rotation of the cover rotor with respect to the core rotor.

The reactance element may be disposed in a portion of the core rotor that is not surrounded by the cover rotor, and at least a portion of the motion conversion member may be surrounded by the cover rotor.

A side surface of at least a portion of the core rotor, not surrounded by the cover rotor, may be configured to vary a separation distance with respect to the reactance element when an external force is applied to the rotor.

The apparatus may further include a reference member connected to the sensing member, and configured to overlap the reactance element in a direction perpendicular to a side surface of the rotor based on a movement of the motion conversion member, wherein a surface of the reference member, facing the side surface of the rotor, may be inclined with respect to a surface of the sensing member facing the side surface of the rotor.

The apparatus may further include a first resonant circuit capacitor disposed in the rotor, wherein the reactance element comprises a first sensing inductor, and an inductance of the first sensing inductor is changed based on a rotation of at least the portion of the rotor to form a resonance together with the first resonant circuit capacitor.

The apparatus may further include a second reactance element disposed in the rotor, wherein a reactance of the second reactance element may be changed based on one of a touch and an external force applied to a side surface of the rotor, wherein the second reactance element may include a sensing capacitor disposed in the rotor, and a capacitance of the sensing capacitor may be changed based on the touch applied to the side surface of the rotor.

The apparatus may further include a second reactance element disposed in the rotor, wherein a reactance of the second reactance element may change based on one of a touch and an external force applied to a side surface of the rotor.

The second reactance element may include a sensing capacitor disposed in the rotor, wherein a capacitance of the sensing capacitor changes based on the touch applied to the side surface of the rotor; and a second sensing inductor disposed in the rotor, wherein an inductance of the second sensing inductor changes based on an external force applied to a portion of the side surface of the rotor, overlapping the sensing capacitor.

The sensing member may be disposed between the motion conversion member and the second reactance element.

the apparatus may further include an integrated circuit (IC) electrically connected to the reactance element; and a substrate on which the IC and the reactance element are disposed.

The apparatus may further include a second reactance element disposed in the rotor, wherein a reactance of the second reactance element may be changed based on one of a touch and an external force applied to a side surface of the rotor, wherein the second reactance element may be electrically connected to the IC and is disposed on the substrate.

In a general aspect, an electronic device includes a rotor input detecting apparatus, the rotor detecting apparatus including a rotor comprising at least a portion which is configured to rotate around an axis of rotation; a first reactance element disposed in the rotor; a sensing member disposed in the rotor; a motion conversion member configured to move in the rotor based on a rotation of the portion of the rotor, and configured to move together with the sensing member to change a reactance of the first reactance element according to the rotation of the portion of the rotor, and a body connected to the rotor.

The body may be at least a portion of a wearable electronic device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Herein, it is to be noted that use of the term “may” with respect to an embodiment or example, e.g., as to what an embodiment or example may include or implement, means that at least one embodiment or example exists in which such a feature is included or implemented while all examples and examples are not limited thereto.

The features of the examples described herein may be combined in various manners as will be apparent after gaining an understanding of the disclosure of this application. Further, although the examples described herein have a variety of configurations, other configurations are possible as will be apparent after gaining an understanding of the disclosure of this application.

The drawings may not be to scale, and the relative sizes, proportions, and depictions of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and convenience.

FIG.1Ais a view illustrating an example apparatus that detects rotor input, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Referring toFIG.1A, an apparatus10athat detects rotor input, in accordance with one or more embodiments, may include a first reactance element200, a sensing medium member53and a motion conversion member52, and may detect an input, for example, a rotation, of the rotor.

The reactance element200may be disposed in a rotor configured in such a manner that at least a portion (e.g., a cover rotor12a) rotates around an axis of rotation, e.g., in a horizontal direction ofFIG.1A.

Reactance of the reactance element200may correspond to inductance, or may correspond to capacitance. Accordingly, the reactance element200may include at least one of an inductor and a capacitor, but is not limited thereto.

Since a reactance-based input detecting method as in the reactance element200may not require a complex mechanical structure, the method may be an advantageous method to be provided in a small rotor, and may be an advantageous method for the rotor to stably detect the input.

Additionally, reactance may be used to form resonance, and since an electrical phenomenon according to resonance may be sensitive to changes in reactance, the reactance-based input detecting method as in the reactance element200may effectively increase the input sensing sensitivity of the rotor, and may be an advantageous method for a rotor to stably sense the input.

The sensing medium member53may be disposed in the rotor. In an example, the sensing medium member53and the reactance element200may be embedded in a core rotor11aof the rotor, and in one or more examples, may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other.

The motion conversion member52may move together with the sensing medium member53in the rotor, such that the reactance (e.g., mutual inductance) of the reactance element200according to the sensing medium member53changes, according to the rotation of at least a portion (e.g., the cover rotor12a) of the rotor.

Accordingly, the reactance of the reactance element200may be used to detect a rotational input, and the example apparatus10athat detects a rotor input, in accordance with one or more embodiments, may efficiently detect the rotation of at least a portion (e.g., the cover rotor12a) of the rotor, or may be further miniaturized compared to the rotation detection sensitivity.

In example, the sensing medium member53may not overlap the reactance element200before at least a portion (e.g., the cover rotor12a) of the rotor is rotated, and may overlap the reactance element200in a direction, perpendicular to the side surface of the rotor (e.g., the core rotor11a), after at least a portion (e.g., the cover rotor12a) of the rotor is rotated.

The reactance of the reactance element200may be affected by a magnetic field and/or an electric field in a region overlapping the reactance element200, and the magnetic field and/or electric field may change depending on whether or not the reactance element200and the sensing medium member53overlap. Accordingly, the reactance of the reactance element200may vary depending on whether the reactance element200and the sensing medium member53overlap.

The motion conversion member52may perform motion conversion between a rotation movement and a translational movement. In one or more examples, a first end51of the motion conversion member52, and the core rotor11aof the rotor may perform motion conversion by being coupled to each other in a screwing manner, and one end51of the motion conversion member52may perform motion conversion by including a spring. The one end51of the motion conversion member52may have a structure in which a connecting line between the motion conversion member52and the core rotor11ais wound or unwound according to the rotation of the core rotor11a, thereby performing motion conversion.

In one or more examples, the sensing medium member53may be adhered to the motion conversion member52, and may be formed on the surface of a second end of the motion conversion member52. In an example, when the sensing medium member53includes a conductive material, the sensing medium member53may be plated on the surface of the second end of the motion conversion member52.

Referring toFIG.1A, the rotor may include the core rotor11aand/or the cover rotor12a. In one or more examples, the shape of each of the core rotor11aand the cover rotor12amay be a cylindrical shape, and may have a relatively flatter cylindrical shape.

The motion conversion member52may move in the rotor (e.g., the core rotor11aor the cover rotor12a) together with the sensing medium member53, such that the reactance of the reactance element200according to the sensing medium member53may be changed depending on the relative rotation of the cover rotor12awith respect to the core rotor11a.

The core rotor11amay provide an arrangement space for the reactance element200. In an example, the core rotor11amay include a support rotor13and a housing14. The housing14may surround the support rotor13, and the support rotor13may fill at least a portion of a space surrounded by the housing14. In one or more examples, the support rotor13and the housing14may be implemented with an insulating material, e.g., plastic or ceramic, and may include a conductive structure (e.g., a wire, a portion of a substrate) electrically connected to the reactance element200.

The cover rotor12amay surround a portion of the core rotor11a. In an example, one of first and second portions (portion1, portion2) may include at least a portion of the cover rotor12a, and the other of the first and second portions (portion1, portion2) may include a portion of the core rotor11a, not surrounded by the cover rotor12a. Accordingly, since the portion of the rotor that detects rotation may be implemented more clearly, the apparatus10athat detects rotor input may have an advantageous structure that stably senses the input. Additionally, the apparatus10athat detects a rotor input may have a structure that may clearly inform a user where an input to a rotor should be applied.

The reactance element200may be disposed in a portion (e.g., the second portion (portion2)) that is not surrounded by the cover rotor12ain the core rotor11a. At least a portion of the motion conversion member52may be disposed in a portion (e.g., the first portion (portion1)) surrounded by the cover rotor12ain the core rotor11a. Accordingly, since a direct influence of the motion conversion of the motion conversion member52on the reactance of the reactance element200may be suppressed, the apparatus10athat detects a rotor input may more accurately detect the rotation input.

In one or more examples, one of the first and second portions (portion1, portion2) may be configured to rotate more flexibly than the other of the first and second portions. In one or more examples, the cover rotor12amay be rotated to slide on the side surface of the core rotor11a.

In one or more examples, one of the first and second portions (portion1, portion2) may be disposed relatively closer to a first end of the rotor than a second end of the rotor. In one or more examples, the center of one of the first and second portions (portion1, portion2) may be relatively more biased toward one end of the rotor.

Referring toFIG.1A, the apparatus10athat detects rotor input according to an example may further include a reference member54connected to the sensing medium member53to selectively overlap the reactance element200according to the movement of the motion conversion member52. Each of the motion conversion member52, the sensing medium member53, and the reference member54may be a portion of an overall member50.

In one or more examples, the reference member54may be inserted into at least a portion of a free space55, according to the movement of the motion conversion member52, and may be configured to reduce a minute movement or vibrations of the rotor in a direction perpendicular to the side surface of the rotor in the movement of the motion conversion member52in a single direction. Accordingly, the apparatus10athat detects a rotor input may more accurately detect the rotational input.

In one or more examples, a surface (e.g., a lower surface) of the reference member54, facing the side of the rotor (e.g., the core rotor11a), may be inclined with respect to a surface (e.g., a lower surface) of the sensing medium member53, facing the side surface of the rotor. Accordingly, since the effect of the reference member54on the reactance of the reactance element200according to the movement of the motion conversion member52may be lower than the effect of the sensing medium member53, the reactance element200may clearly provide a reference reactance, and the apparatus10afor detecting rotor input may more efficiently detect the rotational input.

FIG.1Bis an example view illustrating that the example apparatus that detects a rotor input ofFIG.1Adetects rotation.

Referring toFIG.1B, the motion conversion member52may move such that separation distances d1and d2between the reactance element200and the sensing medium member53change depending on rotation of at least a portion (e.g., the cover rotor12a) of the rotor.

A first sensing inductor110of the reactance element200may output magnetic flux as a current flows in the first sensing inductor110, and the magnetic flux may induce an eddy current flowing in the sensing medium member53overlapping the first sensing inductor110. The eddy current may generate a secondary magnetic flux, and the inductance of the first sensing inductor110may vary according to a secondary magnetic flux. Among the inductances of the first sensing inductor110, a mutual inductance may vary according to the secondary magnetic flux, and may vary according to a first or second distance d1or d2.

Since the rate of change of the mutual inductance according to the separation distances d1and d2between the reactance element200and the sensing medium member53may increase as the eddy current increases, at least the surface of the sensing medium member53may have a higher conductivity than a conductivity of the motion conversion member52. In one or more examples, the sensing medium member53and/or the reference member54may include a material with relatively high conductivity, e.g., copper, aluminum, silver, or gold, and the motion conversion member52may include a relatively light non-conductive material, such as a plastic.

In one or more examples, at least a portion of the surface (e.g., the lower surface) of the sensing medium member53may be inclined with respect to the side surface (e.g., the lower surface) of the rotor (e.g., the core rotor11a). Accordingly, since the correspondence between the reactance of the reactance element200and the angular position of at least a portion (e.g., the cover rotor12a) of the rotor may be denser, the apparatus10athat detects a rotor input may detect rotation input more precisely.

However, the shape of the sensing medium member53is not limited to the shape of the sensing medium member53illustrated inFIGS.1A and1B. In one or more examples, the sensing medium member53may have a shape substantially the same as, or smaller than, the shape of the motion conversion member52, and the reactance element200may be disposed to selectively overlap the sensing medium member53according to the movement of the motion conversion member52.

On the other hand, a substrate120, on which the first sensing inductor110is disposed, may be disposed in the other housing520and/or one housing510of the rotor (e.g., the core rotor11). A housing including the one housing510and the other housing520may be included in the core rotor11aand may surround the support rotor13.

FIG.2is an example view illustrating that an example apparatus that detects a rotor input, in accordance with one or more embodiments, detects a touch and/or external force.

Referring toFIG.2, a reactance element200of an example apparatus10bthat detects a rotor input, in accordance with one or more embodiments, may be disposed on the other housing520, and may have a reactance that varies according to a separation distance d3with respect to one housing510.

Accordingly, the reactance of the reactance element200may be used to detect a touch input and/or an external force input, and may also be used to detect a rotation input.

In an example, a side surface (e.g., one housing510) of at least a portion of the portion of the core rotor11a, not surrounded by the cover rotor12a, may be configured in such a manner that the separation distance d3thereof with respect to the reactance element200varies as external force is applied. In an example, at least a portion of each of the first housing510and/or the other housing520may include an elastic material, and at least a portion between the one housing510and the other housing520may be implemented as an empty space.

FIG.3is an example view illustrating a structure provided with an additional or second reactance element in the example apparatus that detects a rotor input, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Referring toFIG.3, an apparatus10cthat detects a rotor input may further include an additional or second reactance element300disposed in the rotor such that a reactance thereof changes according to a touch applied to the side surface (e.g., one housing510and/or the other housing520) of the rotor, or based on an external force.

Accordingly, the reactance of the additional reactance element300may be used to sense a touch input and/or a force input. Depending on one or more examples, the reactance of the reactance element200may be used only to sense a rotation input, or may also be used to sense a rotation input and an external force input.

In an example, the sensing medium member53may be disposed between the motion conversion member52and the additional reactance element300, and may be disposed so as not to overlap the additional reactance element300even when the sensing medium member53moves. Accordingly, since the influence of the reactance element200and the additional reactance element300on each other may be reduced, the sensing sensitivity according to the reactance of each of the reactance element200and the additional reactance element300may be improved.

The reactance element200and the additional reactance element300may overlap different regions of the side surface of the rotor. In this example, the overlapping direction may be a direction, perpendicular to the side surface, and may be a radial direction of a cylindrical coordinate system. The reactance element200and the additional reactance element300may be disposed in different regions of a common substrate120, and may be electrically connected to a common integrated circuit (IC) disposed on the substrate120. The substrate120may be implemented as a printed circuit board (PCB) or a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

FIGS.4A to4Fare diagrams illustrating a reactance element of an example apparatus that detects a rotor input, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Referring toFIGS.4A and4B, a reactance element200amay include a first sensing inductor110, and the first sensing inductor110may have an inductance based on a third or fourth distance d3or d4between the first sensing inductor110and first housing510.

In a non-limiting example, the first sensing inductor110may have a coil shape. In one or more examples, the first sensing inductor110may be implemented in various shapes such as a winding type, a square type, a circle type, or a track type, and may be implemented as a wiring pattern on a PCB or FPCB, or implemented as a chip inductor. A second sensing inductor and a resonant circuit inductor, which will be described later, may also be implemented in the same manner as the first sensing inductor110.

In an example, the first sensing inductor110may come closer to the first housing510as the first housing510is pressed in response to an external force by a user, for example, the user's finger, and the mutual inductance of the first sensing inductor110may also change.

The first sensing inductor110may be disposed on the substrate120that may be included in the apparatus that detects a rotor input, and may be electrically connected to an IC650through the substrate120. The substrate120may be disposed on the second housing520, but the configuration is not limited thereto. In an example, the second housing520and the first housing510as illustrated inFIGS.4A to4Fmay be replaced with each other.

A first resonant circuit capacitor may also be disposed on the substrate120. The first sensing inductor110may form resonance together with the first resonant circuit capacitor as the inductance thereof changes according to rotation of at least a portion of the rotor. In an example, the IC650may generate information on whether an external force input is applied to the rotor by detecting the resonance frequency of the resonance.

Referring toFIG.4C, if it is assumed that an external force input is applied to the rotor at about an intermediate time, the inductance of the first sensing inductor110or an output value (e.g., a resonance frequency) based on the inductance may vary by the amount of change.

Referring toFIGS.4D and4E, a reactance element200bmay further include an external force expansion member250. In an example, the external force expansion member250may include a conductive material and/or an elastic material, may not be electrically connected to the first sensing inductor110, and may be connected to the second housing520through a portion255.

In an example, when an external force input is applied to the first housing510, an edge radius253of the external force expansion member250may receive the external force, an end portion251positioned on the first sensing inductor110among both ends of the external force expansion member250may move in the horizontal direction according to the external force, and the angle between the direction from the one end251toward the edge radius and the upper surface of the first sensing inductor110may also be changed. Accordingly, the inductance of the first sensing inductor110may have an inductance that is more sensitively changed according to the external force, and the external force input sensing sensitivity of the rotor may be further improved.

Referring toFIG.4F, a reactance element200cmay include an external force expansion member250having a simpler shape. In an example, the external force expansion member250may be connected to only one of the second housing520and the first housing510.

FIGS.5A to5Dare diagrams illustrating additional reactance elements of an apparatus that detects a rotor input, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Referring toFIG.5A, an additional reactance element300amay include at least one of a sensing capacitor140and a second sensing inductor110.

The sensing capacitor140may have capacitance that changes depending on a touch on the side surface of the rotor, and the second sensing inductor110may have inductance that changes depending on an external force applied to the side surface of the rotor.

In an example, when the additional reactance element300aincludes both the sensing capacitor140and the second sensing inductor110, the additional reactance element300amay have reactance that changes depending on a touch input and an external force input in a portion of the side surface of the rotor.

Depending on the examples, the sensing capacitor140and the second sensing inductor110may form a single resonance together, or may form a plurality of resonances together with a resonant circuit inductor or a resonant circuit capacitor. In an example, the resonant circuit inductor and/or the resonant circuit capacitor may be disposed on the substrate120.

In an example, the sensing capacitor140and the second sensing inductor110may be physically coupled to each other through a bracket130. In a non-limited example, the bracket130may be formed of a non-conductor such as, but not limited to, plastic, or may be formed of a conductor such as a metal, and may be a portion of a support rotor13illustrated inFIGS.1A and1B. Depending on the one or more examples, the vertical relationship between the sensing capacitor140and the second sensing inductor110may be changed.

The sensing capacitor140and the second sensing inductor110may be disposed on the substrate120that may be included in the apparatus that detects rotor input, and may be electrically connected to the IC650through the substrate120.

Referring toFIG.5B, if it is assumed that a touch input is applied to the rotor at about an intermediate time, the capacitance of the sensing capacitor140or an output value (e.g., a resonance frequency) based on the capacitance may vary by the amount of change.

Referring toFIGS.5C and5Dtogether, the additional reactance element300amay include at least one of the second sensing inductor110, the substrate120, the bracket130, and the sensing capacitor140.

The second sensing inductor110may be disposed to face, and to be spaced apart from, a metal portion180, and may approach the metal portion180when a touch force is applied. In this example, when the touch force is applied, the second sensing inductor110may have a variable inductance while moving in the touch application direction.

As illustrated inFIGS.5C and5D, the second sensing inductor110may move in a direction approaching the metal portion180as a touch force is applied. Then, the separation distance between the second sensing inductor110and the metal portion180may decrease, for example, from d5to d6.

In this example, a current may flow in the second sensing inductor110, and the magnitude of the eddy current may change due to a change in the distance between the metal portion180, which is a surrounding conductor, and the second sensing inductor110. Additionally, the inductance of the second sensing inductor110may increase or decrease due to the changed eddy current.

The substrate120may have an arrangement space for the second sensing inductor110and the sensing capacitor140, and may be supported by the bracket130. In one or more examples, substrates120, on which the second sensing inductor110and the sensing capacitor140are mounted, may be formed independently of each other, or may be formed of a single substrate120.

In an example, the substrate120may include a first substrate121and a second substrate122respectively disposed on a first side and a second side of the bracket130. In one or more examples, the sensing capacitor140may be disposed on the first substrate121, and the second sensing inductor110may be disposed on the second substrate122. In this example, the second sensing inductor110and the sensing capacitor140may be disposed such that at least some regions overlap each other.

Specifically, in one or more examples, the first substrate121may be disposed between the sensing capacitor140and the bracket130, and the second substrate122may be disposed between the second sensing inductor110and the bracket130. Also, the sensing capacitor140may be disposed on a first side of the bracket130, and the second sensing inductor110may be disposed on a second side of the bracket130, and in this example, may be at least partially overlap the sensing capacitor140.

In one or more examples, the first and second substrates121and122may be connected to each other to form one substrate120, and in one or more examples, may be integrated as the entire substrate, and partial regions of the substrate120may be bent to be implemented as the first and second substrates121and122on both sides of the bracket130, respectively. Accordingly, the second sensing inductor110and the sensing capacitor140may be mounted on the same surface of the substrate120.

Additionally, the winding axis of the second sensing inductor110and the central axis of the touch surface of the sensing capacitor140may coincide with each other. Also, in this example, the center of a touch switch region TSW included in the first housing510may also be disposed to coincide with the winding axis of the second sensing inductor110. In this example, on the basis of a single touch applied to the touch switch region TSW by the user, a touch force may be applied to the second sensing inductor110, and a touch force may be applied to the sensing capacitor140at the same time.

The bracket130may be disposed between the first housing510and the second sensing inductor110to support the second sensing inductor110, and may be deformed when a touch force is applied.

Referring toFIGS.5C and5D, the bracket130may be deformed to protrude in a direction in which the second substrate122is disposed, for example, in a direction in which the second sensing inductor110is disposed, when a touch force is applied. At this time, the first and second substrates121and122together with the bracket130may also be deformed to be bent in the direction to which the touch force is applied. Then, the second sensing inductor110disposed on the second substrate122may have an inductance that is variable while moving in the touch application direction by the amount of deformation of the bracket130and the substrate120.

The bracket130may include a pair of support portions132respectively extending in the direction in which the second substrate122is disposed, and the second sensing inductor110may be disposed between the pair of support portions132. Additionally, the bracket130may further include a pressing portion131disposed between the first and second substrates121and122and connecting the pair of support portions132to each other.

In one or more examples, the pressing portion131may be disposed on the same vertical line as the second sensing inductor110and the sensing capacitor140, and may receive an external force based on a touch force applied to the first housing510. Additionally, the pressing portion131may be bent in the direction in which the metal portion180is disposed according to the strength of the received external force.

A pair of support portions132, respectively extending in the direction in which the metal portion180is disposed, may be disposed on both sides of the pressing portion131, such that the separation distance between the first substrate121and the metal portion180is maintained to be constant.

In this example, the thickness of the support portion132in the direction in which the support portion132may be extended. Specifically, the thickness of the support portion132in the vertical direction inFIG.5C, may be greater than the sum of thicknesses of the pressing portion131, the second substrate122and the second sensing inductor110in the same direction. In this example, a predetermined separation distance may be formed between the second sensing inductor110and the metal portion180.

Referring toFIGS.5C and5D, the bracket130, including a pair of the support portions132and the pressing portion131, may form one open area as a whole. In this example, the second sensing inductor110may be disposed in an internal space surrounded by a pair of support portions132and the pressing portion131.

Specifically, partial regions between the bracket130and the metal portion180may be spaced apart from each other to be open, and the second sensing inductor110may be disposed in the open space. In this example, the second sensing inductor110may be disposed on one side of the pressing portion131in the open space, to be spaced apart from the metal portion180. The bracket130may be formed of a non-conductor such as plastic or a conductor such as metal.

The sensing capacitor140may be disposed between the first housing510and the bracket130, and may have a capacitance that is variable when a touch force is applied. In one or more non-limiting examples, the sensing capacitor140may have the form of a pad.

The sensing capacitor140may be disposed to be in contact with the first housing510of the electronic device10, and thus may detect a change in capacitance due to an external touch being applied to the touch switch region TSW. In this example, by disposing the sensing capacitor140and the second sensing inductor110on the same vertical line, the force touch and the contact touch may be simultaneously sensed by a single touch operation.

An elastic portion190may be disposed to support the metal portion180, and may be compressed and deformed by receiving an external force from the metal portion180when a touch force is applied. The elastic portion190may buffer the touch and/or external force.

FIG.6is an example view illustrating an example electrical connection relationship of an example apparatus that detects a rotor input, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Referring toFIG.6, the IC650of the example apparatus that detects a rotor input may be electrically connected to first and second sensing inductors110, one or more sensing capacitors140, resonant circuit capacitors621and631, and resonant circuit inductors622and632.

At least a portion of the reactance element200may include a first sensing inductor110and the resonant circuit capacitor621, and the first sensing inductor110and the resonant circuit capacitor621may be electrically connected to each other, and may form resonance together.

Depending on the example, another portion of the reactance element200may include a sensing capacitor140and a resonant circuit inductor622, and the sensing capacitor140and the resonant circuit inductor622may be electrically connected to each other, and may form resonance together.

The additional reactance element300may include a second sensing inductor110, a sensing capacitor140, a resonant circuit capacitor631, and a resonant circuit inductor632, and the second sensing inductor110and the resonant circuit capacitor631may be electrically connected to each other and may form resonance together. The sensing capacitor140and the resonant circuit inductor632may be electrically connected to each other and may form resonance together. Depending on the example, the resonant circuit capacitor631and the resonant circuit inductor632of the additional reactance element300may be omitted, and the second sensing inductor110and the sensing capacitor140may be electrically connected to each other, and may form resonance together.

The IC650may include at least one of a detector700and a processor750. In one or more examples, the detector700may include at least a portion of an analog-to-digital converter, an amplifier, a buffer, and a feedback circuit, and the processor750may include a digital circuit configured to generate information corresponding to whether or not an input is sensed based on an output value of the detector700.

FIGS.7A to7Care diagrams illustrating example electronic devices including an example apparatus that detects a rotor input, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Referring toFIG.7A, an electronic device ed1including the example apparatus10bthat detects a rotor input may include a body, and the body may be at least a portion of a wearable electronic device.

In an example, the body may include at least one of a first member91, a second member92, a third member93, and a fourth member94, and may be at least a portion of electronic glasses. The apparatus10bthat detects a rotor input may be connected between the first and second members91and92, the third member93may be connected between the plurality of second members92, and the fourth member94may be connected to the third member93.

In one or more examples, the respective first, second, and third members91,92and93may be implemented with a light insulating material such as, but not limited to, plastic, and may have a structure in which a wire electrically connected to the apparatus10bthat detects a rotor input is embedded. The fourth member94may be implemented with a transparent material such as, but not limited to, glass, and may be configured to display electromagnetically, such as a display panel of an electronic device. The second member92may include an IC controlling the display of the fourth member94, and the IC may be electrically connected to the apparatus10bfor detecting rotor input and/or the fourth member94.

Referring toFIG.7B, an electronic device ed2including an example apparatus10dthat detects a rotor input may include a body, and the body may be at least a portion of a home appliance, e.g., a refrigerator, an oven, a washing machine, an air purifier, a water purifier, or the like.

In one or more examples, the body may include at least one of a fifth member95and a sixth member96. The sixth member96may be implemented with a transparent material such as, but not limited to, glass, and may be configured to display electromagnetically, such as a display panel of an electronic device. The fifth member95may include an IC to control the display of the sixth member96, and the IC may be electrically connected to the example apparatus10dthat detects a rotor input and/or the sixth member96.

Referring toFIG.7C, an electronic device ed3including the apparatus10dfor detecting rotor input according to an example may include a body, and the body may be at least a portion of a wearable electronic device.

For example, the body may include at least one of a seventh member97, an eighth member98, and a ninth member99, and may be at least a portion of an electronic watch. The example apparatus10dthat detects a rotor input may be connected to the seventh member97, and the eighth member98may be connected to the seventh member97, to be configured to be worn by a user like a strap, and the ninth member99may be electrically connected between the IC embedded in the electronic watch and the example apparatus10dthat detects a rotor input. The example apparatus10dthat detects a rotor input may include a core rotor11dand a cover rotor12d, and may be at least a portion of a crown of the electronic watch.

In addition to the electronic devices ed1, ed2and ed3illustrated inFIGS.7A to7C, other electronic devices including an example apparatus that detects a rotor input may include, as non-limiting examples, a smart watch, smartphone, personal digital assistant, digital video camera, digital still camera, network system, computer, monitor, tablet PC, laptop computer, netbook computer, television set, video game, automotive, or the like, but is not limited thereto. Depending on the example, the example electronic device including an apparatus that detects a rotor input may include a storage element storing data, such as a memory or a storage, may include a communication element remotely transmitting and receiving data, such as a communication modem or an antenna, and may include a processor that may be implemented as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or the like.

The processor may be interlocked with a memory or storage, and may generate information based on the output of the IC of the apparatus that detects a rotor input. Accordingly, the electronic device may generate various information based on the input sensed by the apparatus that detects a rotor input, and may output the information through a display panel.

As set forth above, according to an example, a rotor may have an advantageous structure to efficiently detect a rotation input or to be smaller compared to the rotation detection sensitivity. Alternatively, according to an example, a rotor may have an effective structure in which a for sensing a rotation input and a structure for sensing a touch and/or external force input are integrated.