Electronic Device Having Force Sensor Air Flow Promotion Structures

摘要

An electronic device such as a device with a display may have a force sensor. The force sensor may include capacitive electrodes separated by a deformable layer such as a layer of an elastomeric polymer. The display or other layers in the electronic device may deform inwardly under applied force from a finger of a user or other external object. As the deformed layers contact the deformable layer, the deformable layer is compressed and the spacing between the capacitive electrodes of the force sensor decreases. This causes a measurable rise in the capacitance signal and therefore the force signal output of the force sensor. To prevent the deformable layer from sticking to the inner surface of the display layers, air flow promotion structures may be interposed between the deformable layer and the inner surface of the display. The air flow promotion structures may include spacer pads with anti-stick surfaces.

主权项

1. An electronic device, comprising:
first and second capacitive sensor electrodes separated by a deformable layer; a layer that is separated from the first capacitive sensor by an air gap and that deforms towards the first electrode when a force is applied by an external object; and air flow promotion structures interposed between the layer and the first capacitive sensor electrode to enhance air flow in the air gap when the force has been removed from the layer and the layer is moving away from the first electrode.