Touch sensor and display device

Abstract

The present application relates to a touch sensor and a display device. The touch sensor includes: a first touch electrode member disposed on a base layer and located in a sensing region, each of the first touch electrode members including a plurality of first touch electrodes arranged along a first direction, each of the first touch electrodes including a first opening; a second touch electrode member disposed on the base layer and located in the sensing region, each of the second touch electrode members including a plurality of second touch electrodes arranged along a second direction, each of the second touch electrodes including a second opening; and a first pressure sensor disposed on the base layer and including a first strain gauge. A portion of the first strain gauge is located in the second sensing region, and the first strain gauge includes a portion located in the second sensing region and disposed in the same layer as the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0038261, filed on April 2, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] Exemplary implementations of the present invention generally relate to touch sensors and display devices, and more particularly, to a touch sensor having a pressure sensor and a display device including the touch sensor. Background Art

[0004] Electronic devices that provide images to users, such as smartphones, tablet personal computers (PCs), digital cameras, notebook computers, navigation systems, and smart televisions (TVs), include display devices for displaying images. The display device includes a display panel that generates and displays images and various input devices.

[0005] Recently, touch sensors capable of recognizing touch input have been widely used in display devices, particularly in smartphones or tablet PCs. Due to the convenience of the touch input method, existing physical input devices such as keypads are gradually being replaced by touch sensors.

[0006] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for understanding the background of the present inventive concept and therefore it may contain information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In order to replace existing physical buttons in a display device, research has been proposed to apply not only a touch sensor for detecting a touched position but also a pressure sensor for detecting the intensity of pressure.

[0008] A touch sensor constructed according to the principles and exemplary implementations of the present invention and a display device including the touch sensor provide a touch sensor having a pressure sensor that can detect the intensity of pressure without the aid of an additional pressure sensor.

[0009] The pressure sensor and touch electrode member constructed according to the principles and exemplary implementations of the present invention can be formed together, thereby simplifying the manufacture of the touch sensor and avoiding an increase in the thickness of the touch sensor. In addition, since the pressure sensor constructed according to the principles and exemplary implementations of the present invention can replace or be used in conjunction with physical input buttons, various types of user interfaces can be provided.

[0010] In addition, since the touch sensor constructed according to the principles and exemplary implementations of the present invention can cancel noise introduced thereinto from a display panel or the like, the touch sensitivity of the touch sensor can be improved.

[0011] Furthermore, since the pressure sensor constructed according to the principles and exemplary implementations of the present invention can compensate for resistance changes caused by temperature, the detection sensitivity of touch pressure can be improved.

[0012] Additional features of the inventive concept will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concept.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, a touch sensor includes: a base layer including a sensing area and a non-sensing area, wherein the sensing area includes a first sensing area and a second sensing area, the second sensing area extending from one side of the first sensing area and at an angle to the first sensing area, and the non-sensing area is arranged on the periphery of the sensing area; a plurality of first touch electrode members provided on the base layer and located in the sensing area, each of the plurality of first touch electrode members including a plurality of first touch electrodes arranged along a first direction, each of the plurality of first touch electrodes including a first opening; a plurality of second touch electrode members provided on the base layer and located in the sensing area, each of the plurality of second touch electrode members including a plurality of second touch electrodes arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction, each of the plurality of second touch electrodes including a second opening; and a first pressure sensor provided on the base layer and including a first strain gauge, wherein the first strain gauge includes a portion located in the second sensing area, and wherein the portion of the first strain gauge is provided in the same layer as the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes, and a width of the first sensing area in the first direction can be greater than a width of the second sensing area in the first direction, and a width of the first sensing area in the second direction can be greater than a width of the second sensing area in the second direction.

[0014] The plurality of second touch electrode members may be arranged along the first direction, the plurality of second touch electrodes may define a row along the first direction, and the first strain gauge may be provided in at least one first row, which may be one of the rows defined by the plurality of second touch electrodes.

[0015] The first strain gauge may include a plurality of first resistance wires electrically connected along a first direction and a plurality of second resistance wires electrically connected along the first direction, and in a first row, one of the first resistance wires and one of the second resistance wires may be disposed in the second opening and spaced apart from each other in the second opening.

[0016] The first resistance line and the second resistance line may be located in the second sensing area and may be disposed in the same layer as the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes.

[0017] The first strain gauge may include a first conductive pattern and a second conductive pattern, the first conductive pattern being electrically connected to the first resistance line along the first direction in the first row and having a shape different from the first resistance line, the second conductive pattern being electrically connected to the second resistance line in the first row and having a shape different from the second resistance line, and the pair of the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern may be arranged in the second opening, wherein the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern may be arranged in the same layer as the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes.

[0018] The paired first and second conductive patterns may be provided in plural pairs, and the plural pairs of first and second conductive patterns may be arranged along the first direction, and at least one of the plural pairs of first and second conductive patterns may be located in the first sensing region.

[0019] The first pressure sensor may include a first conductor, the first conductor including a first conductive pattern and a second conductive pattern, a plurality of first touch electrode members may be arranged along the second direction, a plurality of first touch electrodes may define an electrode row along the first direction, and the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern may be set in at least one first electrode row, and the first electrode row may be one of the electrode rows defined by the plurality of first touch electrodes.

[0020] The first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern may be disposed in the first opening, and wherein the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern may be disposed in a same layer as the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes.

[0021] The first electrode row may be disposed between the first row and a second row that may be adjacent to the first row in the second direction.

[0022] The first pressure sensor may include a second strain gauge and a second conductor, wherein the second strain gauge is arranged in a second row and may have the same structure as the first strain gauge, the second conductor may have the same structure as the first conductor, and the second conductor may be arranged on a side of the second row opposite to the first conductor.

[0023] The pressure wiring can be located in the non-sensing area and can be arranged on a side of the second sensing area opposite to the first sensing area, wherein the pressure wiring can include a first pressure wiring connected to the first end of the first strain gauge, a second pressure wiring connected to the second end of the first strain gauge and the first end of the first conductor, a third pressure wiring connected to the second end of the first conductor and the first end of the second strain gauge, a fourth pressure wiring connected to the second end of the second strain gauge and the first end of the second conductor, and a fifth pressure wiring connected to the second end of the second conductor.

[0024] The first strain gauge, the second strain gauge, the first conductor, and the second conductor may form a Wheatstone bridge.

[0025] The first strain gauge may include: a plurality of resistance wires in a first row, the plurality of resistance wires in the first row can be electrically connected to each other in a first direction, and each of the plurality of resistance wires in the first row can be set in a second opening in the first row; and a plurality of resistance wires in a second row, the plurality of resistance wires in the second row can be electrically connected to each other in the first direction, and each of the plurality of resistance wires in the second row can be set in a second opening in the second row, wherein the second row is adjacent to the first row in the second direction; and a connecting line that can connect one of the plurality of resistance wires in the first row and one of the plurality of resistance wires in the second row along the second direction.

[0026] The first pressure sensor may include a first conductor, the first conductor may include a first conductive pattern and a second conductive pattern, a plurality of first touch electrode members are arranged along the second direction, the plurality of first touch electrodes may define an electrode row along the first direction, and the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern may be arranged in at least one first electrode row, the first electrode row may be one of the electrode rows defined by the plurality of first touch electrodes, and wherein the first electrode row may be arranged on a side of the second row opposite to the first row.

[0027] The Wheatstone bridge circuit may include a first fixed resistor and a second fixed resistor, wherein the first strain gauge and the first conductor may be electrically connected to the Wheatstone bridge circuit, and the first strain gauge, the first conductor, the first fixed resistor, and the second fixed resistor may form a Wheatstone bridge.

[0028] The second pressure sensor may be disposed on the base layer and may include a second strain gauge, wherein a portion of the second strain gauge may be located in the second sensing region.

[0029] The second pressure sensor may have the same structure as the first pressure sensor.

[0030] The third pressure sensor may be disposed on the base layer and may include a third strain gauge, wherein the sensing area may further include a third sensing area, the third sensing area may extend from the other side of the first sensing area and may be angled with the first sensing area, and a portion of the third strain gauge may be located in the third sensing area.

[0031] The plurality of second touch electrode members may be arranged along the first direction, the plurality of second touch electrodes may define a row along the first direction, and the first strain gauge and the third strain gauge may be provided in at least one first row, which may be one of the rows defined by the plurality of second touch electrodes.

[0032] The first pressure wiring may be located in the non-sensing area and connected to the first pressure sensor, the second pressure wiring may be located in the non-sensing area and connected to the second pressure sensor, and the third pressure wiring may be located in the non-sensing area and connected to the third pressure sensor, wherein the first pressure wiring and the second pressure wiring may be arranged on a side of the second sensing area opposite to the first sensing area, and the third pressure wiring may be arranged on a side of the third sensing area opposite to the first sensing area.

[0033] A plurality of second touch electrode members may be arranged along a first direction, a plurality of second touch electrodes may define a row along the first direction, a first strain gauge may be provided in at least one first row, the first row may be one of the rows defined by the plurality of second touch electrodes, and a third strain gauge may be provided in a row different from the first strain gauge.

[0034] The first pressure wiring may be located in the non-sensing area and connected to the first pressure sensor; the second pressure wiring may be located in the non-sensing area and connected to the second pressure sensor; and the third pressure wiring may be located in the non-sensing area and connected to the third pressure sensor, wherein the first pressure wiring, the second pressure wiring, and the third pressure wiring may be arranged on a side of the second sensing area opposite to the first sensing area.

[0035] The plurality of noise sensing electrodes may be located in the first sensing region and may be electrically connected along the first direction, and each of the plurality of noise sensing electrodes may be disposed in the first opening and may be spaced apart from the plurality of first touch electrodes.

[0036] The touch sensor may further include a touch controller for canceling noise in a signal detected by the first touch electrode member based on noise signals detected by the plurality of noise sensing electrodes.

[0037] According to another aspect of the present invention, a display device includes: a display panel including a first display area and a second display area, wherein the second display area extends from one side of the first display area and is angled with the first display area; and a touch sensor layer arranged on the display panel, wherein the touch sensor layer includes a first pressure sensor and a plurality of touch electrodes overlapping with the second display area and including one or more openings, and the first pressure sensor includes a first strain gauge overlapping with the second display area, and the first strain gauge includes a first resistance wire and a second resistance wire, and the first resistance wire and the second resistance wire are arranged in at least one first opening of the openings of the touch electrode.

[0038] The first pressure sensor may further include a first conductor, the first conductor overlapping the second display area and may have a different shape from the first strain gauge, and the first conductor may include a first conductive pattern and a second conductive pattern that may be disposed in a second opening, the second opening may be another one of the openings of the touch electrode and may be different from the first opening.

[0039] The first pressure sensor may further include a second strain gauge and a second conductor, wherein the second strain gauge may overlap with the second display area, the second conductor may overlap with the second display area and may have a shape different from that of the second strain gauge, the second strain gauge may include a third resistance wire and a fourth resistance wire that may be arranged in a third opening, the third opening may be another one of the openings of the touch electrode and may be different from the first opening and the second opening, and the second conductor may include a third conductive pattern and a fourth conductive pattern that may be arranged in a fourth opening, the fourth opening may be another one of the openings of the touch electrode and may be different from the first opening, the second opening and the third opening.

[0040] The first strain gauge, the second strain gauge, the first conductor, and the second conductor may form a Wheatstone bridge.

[0041] The touch sensor layer may further include a second pressure sensor and a third pressure sensor, and the display panel may further include a third display area, the third display area may extend from the other side of the first display area and may be angled with the first display area, the second pressure sensor may overlap with the second display area, and the third pressure sensor may overlap with the third display area.

[0042] Each of the second pressure sensor and the third pressure sensor may include a strain gauge.

[0043] The display panel may include a base substrate, a self-luminous element disposed on the base substrate, and a thin film encapsulation layer disposed on the self-luminous element, and the touch electrode and the first strain gauge may be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer.

[0044] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the inventive concept. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. In the drawings:

[0046] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A sectional view taken along line X1-X1';

[0048] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A sectional view taken along line X3-X3';

[0049] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 and Figure 3 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a touch sensor layer;

[0050] Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 and Figure 3 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the upper insulating layer;

[0051] Figure 6 The display panel is in the expanded state. Figure 2 and Figure 3 a plan view of a display panel;

[0052] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An equivalent circuit diagram of a representative pixel is shown in FIG;

[0053] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 An exemplary cross-sectional view of a pixel;

[0054] Figure 9 is included in Figure 1 A block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a touch sensor constructed according to the principles of the present invention in a display device of FIG.

[0055] Figure 10 and Figure 11 Shown in its expanded state Figure 9 A planar structure of a touch sensor layer of a touch sensor and Figure 9Example embodiments of how the touch sensor layer and the touch controller of the touch sensor are connected;

[0056] Figure 12 It shows Figure 10 and Figure 11 A plan view of a planar structure of a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor;

[0057] Figure 13 It shows Figure 12 an enlarged plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a first strain gauge, specifically showing a first resistive wire and a second resistive wire of the first strain gauge;

[0058] Figure 14 It shows Figure 12 an enlarged plan view of another exemplary embodiment of a first strain gauge;

[0059] Figure 15 It shows Figure 12 an enlarged plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a first conductor, specifically, illustrating a first conductive pattern and a second conductive pattern of the first conductor;

[0060] Figure 16 It shows Figure 10 and Figure 11 a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a planar structure of a third pressure sensor;

[0061] Figure 17 It shows Figure 10 and Figure 11 an enlarged plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a first pressure sensor and a first touch electrode member and a second touch electrode member located near the first pressure sensor;

[0062] Figure 18 It is along Figure 17 A sectional view taken along line X5-X5';

[0063] Figure 19 It is along Figure 17 A sectional view taken along line X7-X7';

[0064] Figure 20 It is along Figure 17 a sectional view taken along line X9-X9';

[0065] Figure 21 It is along Figure 17 A sectional view taken along line X11-X11';

[0066] Figure 22 It is along Figure 17 A sectional view taken along line X13-X13';

[0067] Figure 23 It shows Figure 17 An enlarged plan view of region Q3 and an emission region and a non-emission region;

[0068] Figure 24 It shows Figure 10 An enlarged plan view of region Q1;

[0069] Figure 25 It is along Figure 24 A sectional view taken along line X15-X15';

[0070] Figure 26 It is along Figure 24 A sectional view taken along line X17-X17';

[0071] Figure 27 It shows Figure 24 an enlarged plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a noise sensing electrode;

[0072] Figure 28 It shows Figure 9 A block diagram of an exemplary touch position detection operation of a touch sensor;

[0073] Figure 29 It shows Figure 10 and Figure 11 a plan view of the arrangement of the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, and the third pressure sensor, as well as pressure wiring, and how the pressure wiring and the Wheatstone bridge circuit are connected;

[0074] Figure 30 、 Figure 31 and Figure 32 It shows Figure 9 An exemplary embodiment of a circuit diagram of a touch pressure detection operation of a touch sensor, specifically, a circuit diagram connected to Figure 29 The first pressure sensor is connected to the Wheatstone bridge circuit Figure 29 The Wheatstone bridge circuit of the second pressure sensor is connected to Figure 29 a Wheatstone bridge circuit of a third pressure sensor;

[0075] Figure 33 and Figure 34 is a plan view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a touch sensor constructed according to the principles of the present invention, specifically illustrating a planar structure of a touch sensor layer of the touch sensor in its unfolded state and how the touch sensor layer and a touch controller of the touch sensor are connected;

[0076] Figure 35 It shows Figure 33 and Figure 34A plan view of a planar structure of a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor;

[0077] Figure 36 It shows Figure 33 and Figure 34 A plan view of a planar structure of a third pressure sensor;

[0078] Figure 37 It shows Figure 33 and Figure 34 a plan view showing the arrangement of the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, and the third pressure sensor, and how the pressure wiring and the Wheatstone bridge circuit are connected;

[0079] Figure 38 、 Figure 39 and Figure 40 It shows Figure 33 and Figure 34 An exemplary embodiment of a circuit diagram of a touch pressure detection operation of a touch sensor, specifically, a circuit diagram connected to Figure 37 The first pressure sensor is connected to the Wheatstone bridge circuit Figure 37 The Wheatstone bridge circuit of the second pressure sensor is connected to Figure 37 a Wheatstone bridge circuit of a third pressure sensor;

[0080] Figure 41 and Figure 42 is a plan view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a touch sensor constructed according to the principles of the present invention, specifically illustrating a planar structure of a touch sensor layer of the touch sensor in its unfolded state and how the touch sensor layer and a touch controller of the touch sensor are connected;

[0081] Figure 43 It shows Figure 41 and Figure 42 A plan view of a planar structure of a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor;

[0082] Figure 44 It shows Figure 41 and Figure 42 A plan view of a planar structure of a third pressure sensor;

[0083] Figure 45 It shows Figure 43 and Figure 44 a plan view showing the arrangement of the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, and the third pressure sensor, and how the pressure wiring and the Wheatstone bridge circuit are connected;

[0084] Figure 46 and Figure 47is a plan view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a touch sensor constructed according to the principles of the present invention, specifically illustrating a planar structure of a touch sensor layer of the touch sensor in its unfolded state and how the touch sensor layer and a touch controller of the touch sensor are connected;

[0085] Figure 48 It shows Figure 46 and Figure 47 A plan view of a planar structure of a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor;

[0086] Figure 49 It shows Figure 48 an enlarged plan view of a first resistance wire of a first pressure sensor;

[0087] Figure 50 、 Figure 51 and Figure 52 It shows Figure 49 a plan view of another exemplary embodiment of a first resistance wire;

[0088] Figure 53 It shows Figure 47 A plan view of a planar structure of a third pressure sensor;

[0089] Figure 54 It shows Figure 46 and Figure 47 an enlarged plan view of a first pressure sensor and its surroundings;

[0090] Figure 55 It is along Figure 54 A sectional view taken along line X19-X19';

[0091] Figure 56 It is along Figure 54 A sectional view taken along line X21-X21';

[0092] Figure 57 It is along Figure 54 A sectional view taken along line X23-X23';

[0093] Figure 58 It is along Figure 54 A sectional view taken along line X25-X25';

[0094] Figure 59 It is along Figure 54 A sectional view taken along line X27-X27';

[0095] Figure 60 It shows Figure 46 and Figure 47a plan view of the arrangement of the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, and the third pressure sensor, and how the pressure wiring and the Wheatstone bridge circuit are connected; and

[0096] Figure 61 、 Figure 62 and Figure 63 It shows Figure 46 and Figure 47 An exemplary embodiment of a circuit diagram of a touch pressure detection operation of a touch sensor. Specifically, Figure 61 Shows the connection to Figure 60 The Wheatstone bridge circuit of the first pressure sensor, Figure 62 Shows the connection to Figure 60 The Wheatstone bridge circuit of the second pressure sensor, and Figure 63 Shows the connection to Figure 60 The Wheatstone bridge circuit of the third pressure sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0097] In the following description, for the purpose of illustration, many specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments or implementations of the present invention. As used herein, "embodiment" and "implementation" are interchangeable terms that are non-limiting examples of one or more devices or methods employing the inventive concepts disclosed herein. However, it is apparent that various exemplary embodiments may be put into practice without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other examples, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring various exemplary embodiments, known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form. In addition, various exemplary embodiments may be different, but not necessarily exclusive. For example, without departing from the inventive concept, the specific shape, configuration, and characteristics of an exemplary embodiment may be used or implemented in another exemplary embodiment.

[0098] Unless otherwise indicated, the exemplary embodiments shown should be understood as providing exemplary features of different details of some ways in which the present invention can be implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, the features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions and / or aspects of the various embodiments (hereinafter referred to individually or collectively as "elements") may be combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged without departing from the present invention.

[0099] The use of cross hatching and / or shading in the drawings is generally used to make the boundaries between adjacent elements clear. Therefore, unless specified, the presence or absence of cross hatching or shading does not represent or indicate any preference or requirement for a particular material, material properties, size, ratio, commonality between the illustrated elements and / or any other characteristics, attributes, properties, etc. of the elements. In addition, in the drawings, the sizes and relative sizes of the elements may be exaggerated for the purpose of clarity and / or description. When the exemplary embodiments can be implemented differently, the specific process sequence can be performed differently from the described sequence. For example, two processes described in succession can be performed approximately simultaneously or in an order opposite to the described sequence. In addition, the same reference numerals represent the same elements.

[0100] When an element such as a layer is referred to as being "on", "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, directly connected to or directly coupled to another element or layer, or there may be an intervening element or layer. However, when an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on" another element or layer, "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there is no intervening element or layer. For this reason, the term "connected" may represent a physical connection, an electrical connection and / or a fluid connection with or without an intervening element. In addition, the D1 axis, the D2 axis and the D3 axis are not limited to the three axes of a rectangular coordinate system (such as, x-axis, y-axis and z-axis) and may be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the D1 axis, the D2 axis and the D3 axis may be perpendicular to each other, or may represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. For the purposes of this disclosure, "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "at least one item selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z" may be interpreted as only X, only Y, only Z, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as, for example, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0101] Although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe various types of elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0102] Spatially relative terms such as "beneath," "below," "under," "lower," "above," "upper," "over," "higher," "side" (e.g., as in "sidewall"), and the like may be used herein for descriptive purposes, and thereby to describe the relationship of one element to another element(s) as shown in the accompanying drawings. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use, operation, and / or manufacture in addition to the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both orientations of above and below. Furthermore, the device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and thus the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0103] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to also include plural forms. In addition, when used in this specification, the terms "comprising", "including", "including" and / or "including" represent the existence of stated features, integral bodies, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their sets, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, integral bodies, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their sets. It should also be noted that, as used herein, the terms "roughly", "about" and other similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as terms of degree, and are therefore used to allow for the inherent deviations in measured values, calculated values ​​and / or provided values ​​that will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0104] Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional and / or exploded views, which are schematic representations of idealized exemplary embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Thus, deviations from the illustrated shapes due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are to be expected. Thus, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should not necessarily be construed as limited to the specific illustrated shapes of regions, but rather are intended to include deviations in shape due to, for example, manufacturing. In this manner, the regions illustrated in the accompanying drawings may be schematic in nature, and the shapes of these regions may not reflect the actual shapes of regions of a device and, therefore, are not necessarily intended to be limiting.

[0105] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Unless expressly defined as such herein, terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0106] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

[0107] Reference Figure 1 The display device 1 can be applied to a mobile terminal. Examples of mobile terminals include tablet personal computers (PCs), smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), game consoles, watch-type electronic devices, and the like. However, the type of display device 1 is not particularly limited. For example, the display device 1 can be used not only in large electronic devices such as televisions (TVs) or exterior billboards, but also in small and medium-sized electronic devices such as PCs, notebook computers, car navigation devices, or cameras.

[0108] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the terms "upper", "above", "upper part", "top" and "top surface" as used herein refer to a third direction z that intersects the first direction x and the second direction y, and the terms "lower", "lower part", "bottom" and "bottom surface" as used herein refer to the opposite direction of the third direction z, although different orientations may be covered as discussed above.

[0109] The display device 1 may include a first area A1, a second area A2, and a third area A3 arranged on different planes. The first area A1 may include a pair of short sides extending in a first direction x and a pair of long sides extending in a second direction y. The corners where the long and short sides of the first area A1 intersect may be rounded. However, the planar shape of the first area A1 is not particularly limited. Alternatively, the first area A1 may have a substantially circular shape or other shape. The first area A1 may be located on a first plane. In some embodiments, the first area A1 may serve as the main display surface of the display device 1.

[0110] The second area A2 is disposed on one side of one of the long sides of the first area A1 and is connected to the first area A1, but is angled relative to the first area A1, or is bent or folded away from the first area A1. The second area A2 may be located on a second plane having a predetermined angle of intersection with the first plane, or may be bent away from the first plane. In some embodiments, the second area A2 may be angled relative to the first area A1 in a downward direction from the first area A1, or may be bent or folded away from the first area A1 in a downward direction from the first area A1.

[0111] The third area A3 is disposed on one side of the other long side of the first area A1 and is connected to the first area A1, but is angled relative to the first area A1, or is bent or folded away from the first area A1. That is, the second area A2 and the third area A3 may be on opposite sides of the first area A1. The third area A3 may be located on a third plane having a predetermined angle of intersection with the first plane, or may be bent away from the first plane. In some embodiments, the third area A3 may be angled relative to the first area A1 in a downward direction from the first area A1, or may be bent or folded away from the first area A1 in a downward direction from the first area A1.

[0112] In the following description, it is assumed that the first area A1 , the second area A2 , and the third area A3 are respectively a substantially flat portion, a first side portion, and a second side portion of the display device 1 , but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0113] The display device 1 may be divided into a display area IDA where an image is displayed and a peripheral area INDA adjacent to the display area IDA depending on whether an image can be displayed. The display area IDA may be a region where an image is displayed, and the peripheral area INDA may be a region where substantially no image is displayed.

[0114] In some embodiments, the display area IDA may be disposed in and span the first area A1, the second area A2, and the third area A3, and the peripheral area INDA may surround the display area IDA. In some embodiments, the portions of the display area IDA located in the first area A1 and the second area A2 are not separate but continuous, and the portions of the display area IDA located in the first area A1 and the third area A3 are not separate but continuous.

[0115] In some embodiments, the display device 1 may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may be used as an input device for the display device 1 and may replace physical buttons. For example, the pressure sensor may function as a volume button, a power button, and / or a menu button for the display device 1.

[0116] Figure 1The display device 1 is shown to include, for example, a first pressure sensor PS1, a second pressure sensor PS2, and a third pressure sensor PS3. In some embodiments, the first pressure sensor PS1 and the second pressure sensor PS2 can be arranged in the second area A2, specifically in a portion of the display area IDA in the second area A2. The third pressure sensor PS3 can be arranged in the third area A3, specifically in the display area IDA in the third area A3. In the following description, it is assumed that the display device 1 includes the first pressure sensor PS1, the second pressure sensor PS2, and the third pressure sensor PS3, but the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. Optionally, at least one of the first pressure sensor PS1, the second pressure sensor PS2, and the third pressure sensor PS3 may not be provided. Alternatively, one or more pressure sensors other than the first pressure sensor PS1, the second pressure sensor PS2, and the third pressure sensor PS3 may also be provided.

[0117] In some embodiments, the first pressure sensor PS1, the second pressure sensor PS2, and the third pressure sensor PS3 may include strain gauges. In other embodiments, the first pressure sensor PS1, the second pressure sensor PS2, and the third pressure sensor PS3 may include transformers such as variable capacitors or variable inductors. In the following description, it is assumed that the first pressure sensor PS1, the second pressure sensor PS2, and the third pressure sensor PS3 include, for example, strain gauges.

[0118] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line X1-X1', Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line X3-X3', Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 and Figure 3 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the touch sensor layer, and Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 and Figure 3 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the upper insulating layer.

[0119] Reference Figures 2 to 5 The display device 1 includes a display panel DP and a touch sensor. The touch sensor may include a touch sensor layer TSL provided on the display panel DP. The display panel DP generates an image, and the touch sensor obtains coordinate information of an external input (such as a touch event). The display device 1 may further include a protective member, an anti-reflection member, and / or a window member, wherein the protective member is provided on the lower side of the display panel DP, and the anti-reflection member and the window member may be provided on the upper side of the touch sensor layer TSL.

[0120] In some embodiments, the display panel DP may include a self-luminous element. For example, the self-luminous element may be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED), an inorganic-based micro-light-emitting diode (mLED), and / or an inorganic-based nano-light-emitting diode (nanoLED). In the following description, it is assumed that the self-luminous element is, for example, an OLED.

[0121] The display panel DP may include a base substrate 110 , an element layer DSL disposed on the base substrate 110 , and an upper insulating layer TFL disposed on the element layer DSL.

[0122] The base substrate 110 is a substrate that supports the element layer DSL. In some embodiments, the base substrate 110 may include an insulating material. In some embodiments, the base substrate 110 may be a flexible substrate and may include an insulating material such as a polymer resin. Examples of polymer resins include polyethersulfone (PES), polyacrylate (PA), polyarylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyallyl, polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate (CAT), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), or a combination thereof.

[0123] The element layer DSL is disposed on the base substrate 110. In some embodiments, the element layer DSL may include a plurality of pixels and a plurality of display signal lines disposed on the base substrate 110. Each pixel may include a thin film transistor (TFT), a capacitor, and a light emitting element. The display signal lines may include scan lines that transmit scan signals to the pixels and data lines that transmit data signals to the pixels.

[0124] In some embodiments, the pixels of the device layer DSL may be disposed in the display area IDA.

[0125] The element layer DSL may further include elements and wirings disposed on the base substrate 110 and in the peripheral area INDA. The elements and wirings may generate or transmit various signals to be applied to the pixels.

[0126] An upper insulating layer TFL may be disposed on the element layer DSL. The upper insulating layer TFL may protect the element layer DSL.

[0127] like Figure 5 As shown in , the upper insulating layer TFL may include a thin film encapsulation layer TFE, and may further include a capping layer CPL.

[0128] The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include a first inorganic layer IOL1, an organic layer OL, and a second inorganic layer IOL2.

[0129] The capping layer CPL may be disposed on the element layer DSL. In some embodiments, the capping layer CPL may be disposed on the cathode electrode of the element layer DSL. In some embodiments, the capping layer CPL may be in contact with the cathode electrode. The capping layer CPL may include an organic material.

[0130] The first inorganic layer IOL1 is disposed on and in contact with the capping layer CPL, the organic layer OL is disposed on and in contact with the first inorganic layer IOL1, and the second inorganic layer IOL2 is disposed on and in contact with the organic layer OL.

[0131] The capping layer CPL protects the cathode electrode from subsequent processes (such as a sputtering process, for example) and improves the emission efficiency of the self-luminous element. The capping layer CPL may have a greater refractive index than the first inorganic layer IOL1.

[0132] The first inorganic layer 10L1 and the second inorganic layer 10L2 protect the element layer DSL from moisture and / or oxygen, and the organic layer OL protects the element layer DSL from foreign matter (such as dust particles). The first inorganic layer 10L1 and the second inorganic layer 10L2 may be silicon nitride layers, silicon oxynitride layers, or silicon oxide layers. For example, the first inorganic layer 10L1 and the second inorganic layer 10L2 may include titanium oxide layers or aluminum oxide layers, and the organic layer OL may include an acrylic organic layer. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited to this example.

[0133] An inorganic layer, such as a lithium fluoride (LiF) layer, may be further disposed between the capping layer CPL and the first inorganic layer IOL1. The LiF layer may improve the emission efficiency of the self-luminous element.

[0134] The touch sensor layer TSL may be disposed on the upper insulating layer TFL. In some embodiments, the touch sensor layer TSL may be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE, and a separate bonding layer (e.g., an adhesive layer) may not be disposed between the thin film encapsulation layer TFE and the touch sensor layer TSL. For example, at least one of the touch electrode portion, touch wiring, and pressure wiring included in the touch sensor layer TSL may be disposed directly on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. Alternatively, in the case where a separate buffer layer or insulating layer is disposed between the touch sensor layer TSL and the thin film encapsulation layer TFE, at least one of the touch electrode portion, touch wiring, and pressure wiring of the touch sensor layer TSL may be disposed directly on the buffer layer or insulating layer on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. That is, the base layer providing a base surface to the touch sensor layer TSL may be the thin film encapsulation layer TFE, or may include the thin film encapsulation layer TFE.

[0135] The touch sensor including the touch sensor layer TSL can acquire the coordinates of the touch input in a capacitive manner. The capacitive manner can be a self-capacitive manner or a mutual-capacitive manner. In the following description, it is assumed that the touch sensor layer TSL is configured to have, for example, a mutual-capacitive structure, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0136] In some embodiments, a portion of the touch sensor layer TSL located in the display area IDA may include a touch electrode portion, and a portion of the touch sensor layer TSL located in the peripheral area INDA may include a touch signal line (not shown), which transmits signals to the touch electrode portion and / or receives signals from the touch electrode portion.

[0137] In some embodiments, the touch sensor layer TSL may include Figure 1 The first pressure sensor PS1, the second pressure sensor PS2 and the third pressure sensor PS3.

[0138] In some embodiments, as Figure 4 As shown in , the touch sensor layer TSL may include a first conductive layer ML1 , an insulating layer IL, and a second conductive layer ML2 .

[0139] The first conductive layer ML1 may include an opaque conductive material. In some embodiments, the first conductive layer ML1 may include a metal such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), platinum (Pt), or alloys thereof. In some embodiments, the first conductive layer ML1 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. For example, the first conductive layer ML1 may have a three-layer structure of Ti / Al / Ti.

[0140] The insulating layer IL may be disposed on the first conductive layer ML1. The insulating layer IL may be disposed between the first conductive layer ML1 and the second conductive layer ML2. In some embodiments, the insulating layer IL may include an insulating material. In some embodiments, the insulating material may be an inorganic insulating material or an organic insulating material. The inorganic insulating material may include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. The organic insulating material may include at least one of acrylic resin, methacrylic resin, polyisoprene, vinyl resin, epoxy resin, polyurethane resin, cellulose resin, siloxane resin, polyimide (PI) resin, polyamide resin, and perylene resin.

[0141] The second conductive layer ML2 may be disposed on the insulating layer IL. In some embodiments, the second conductive layer ML2 may include a conductive material having optical transparency. For example, the conductive material may be silver nanowires (Ag-NW), indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), tin oxide (SnO2), carbon nanotubes, graphene, or a conductive polymer such as poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). Alternatively, if optical transparency is ensured, the second conductive layer ML2 may include a conductive material such as a metal or an alloy thereof. Examples of metals include Au, Ag, Al, Mo, Cr, Ti, Ni, Nd, Cu, and Pt. In some embodiments, when the second conductive layer ML2 is formed of a metal or an alloy thereof, the second conductive layer ML2 may have a grid structure that is invisible to the user. In the following description, it is assumed that the second conductive layer ML2 has, for example, a grid structure.

[0142] Figure 6 It shows Figure 2 and Figure 3 A plan view of the display panel, Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The equivalent circuit diagram of a representative pixel is shown in FIG. Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 An exemplary cross-sectional view of a pixel.

[0143] Reference Figures 6 to 8 , a display area DA and a non-display area NDA corresponding to the display area IDA and the peripheral area INDA of the display device 1, respectively, may be defined on the display panel DP or the base substrate 110. As used herein, the expression "a region corresponding to another region" means that two regions overlap each other but do not necessarily have the same size.

[0144] The display area DA may include a first display area DA1, a second display area DA2 and a third display area DA3, wherein the first display area DA1 is located in the first area A1, at least a portion of the second display area DA2 is located in the first area A1, and another portion of the second display area DA2 is located in the second area A2, at least a portion of the third display area DA3 is located in the first area A1, and another portion of the third display area DA3 is located in the third area A3.

[0145] In some embodiments, the first width W1a of the first display area DA1 in the first direction x may be greater than the first width W2a of the second display area DA2 in the first direction x and the first width W3a of the third display area DA3 in the first direction x. In addition, the second width W1b of the first display area DA1 in the second direction y may be greater than the second width W2b of the second display area DA2 in the second direction y and the second width W3b of the third display area DA3 in the second direction y.

[0146] In some embodiments, the maximum width of the display area DA in the first direction x can be substantially the same as the sum of the first width W1a of the first display area DA1, the first width W2a of the second display area DA2, and the first width W3a of the third display area DA3. Additionally, in some embodiments, the maximum width of the display area DA in the second direction y can be substantially the same as the second width W1b of the first display area DA1.

[0147] In the display area DA, a plurality of signal lines SGL and a plurality of pixels PX may be provided on the base substrate 110. In the non-display area NDA, a signal pad portion DPD may be provided on the base substrate 110, and touch wiring included in the touch sensor layer TSL and touch pad portions TPD1 and TPD2 may also be provided on the base substrate 110.

[0148] The signal line SGL, the pixel PX, and the signal pad portion DPD may be included in the element layer DSL. In some embodiments, the element layer DSL may further include touch pad portions TPD1 and TPD2.

[0149] The signal lines SGL may include scan lines GL, data lines DL, and power lines PL.

[0150] The scan lines GL are connected to the pixels PX and transmit scan signals to the pixels PX.

[0151] The data lines DL are connected to the pixels PX and transmit data signals to the pixels PX.

[0152] The power lines PL are connected to the pixels PX and transmit driving voltages to the pixels PX.

[0153] The signal pad portion DPD may be provided in the non-display area NDA and may be connected to the signal line SGL, specifically, to the data line DL. The signal pad portion DPD may receive a data signal from the outside.

[0154] In some embodiments, the scan lines GL may extend in the first direction x, and the data lines DL may extend in the second direction y. In some embodiments, the power lines PL may extend in the same direction as the data lines DL, ie, in the second direction y, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0155] Figure 7 The scanning lines GL, the data lines DL, the power lines PL, and the pixels PX connected to the scanning lines GL, the data lines DL, and the power lines PL are shown. The structure of the pixel PX is not limited to Figure 7 The structure shown in FIG. 1 is not limited to that shown in FIG.

[0156] Reference Figure 7 The pixel PX includes a self-luminous element ELD, a first transistor (or switching transistor) T1, a second transistor (or driving transistor) T2, and a capacitor Cst for driving the self-luminous element ELD. A first power supply voltage ELVDD is supplied to the second transistor T2, and a second power supply voltage ELVSS is supplied to the self-luminous element ELD. The second power supply voltage ELVSS may be lower than the first power supply voltage ELVDD.

[0157] The first transistor T1 outputs a data signal applied to the data line DL in response to a scan signal applied to the scan line GL. The capacitor Cst is charged with a voltage corresponding to the data signal received from the first transistor T1. The second transistor T2 is connected to the self-luminous element ELD. The second transistor T2 controls the driving current flowing into the self-luminous element ELD according to the amount of charge stored in the capacitor Cst.

[0158] The equivalent circuit of the pixel PX is an example and is not limited to Figure 7 The equivalent circuit shown in FIG. The pixel PX may further include a plurality of transistors and may include more than one capacitor. The second transistor T2 may be connected between the power line PL and the self-luminous element ELD.

[0159] In some embodiments, the self-luminous element ELD may be an OLED, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. Alternatively, for example, the self-luminous element ELD may be a QLED, an inorganic-based light-emitting diode (LED), an inorganic-based mLED, or an inorganic-based nanoLED.

[0160] Figure 8 is a diagram showing the display panel DP and Figure 7 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion corresponding to an equivalent circuit and also shows a partial cross-sectional view of the touch sensor layer TSL.

[0161] Hereinafter, the laminated structure of the display panel DP will be described in detail.

[0162] A buffer layer BFL may be disposed on the base substrate 110 .

[0163] The semiconductor pattern OSP1 of the first transistor T1 (hereinafter, the first semiconductor pattern OSP1) and the semiconductor pattern OSP2 of the second transistor T2 (hereinafter, the second semiconductor pattern OSP2) may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The first semiconductor pattern OSP1 and the second semiconductor pattern OSP2 may be formed of a material selected from amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, and a metal oxide semiconductor. In some embodiments, one of the first semiconductor pattern OSP1 and the second semiconductor pattern OSP2 may be formed of polycrystalline silicon, and the other semiconductor pattern may be formed of a metal oxide semiconductor.

[0164] The first insulating layer 111 is provided on the first semiconductor pattern OSP1 and the second semiconductor pattern OSP2. The control electrode GE1 of the first transistor T1 (hereinafter, the first control electrode GE1) and the control electrode GE2 of the second transistor T2 (hereinafter, the second control electrode GE2) are provided on the first insulating layer 111. In the case where the first control electrode GE1 and the second control electrode GE2 are provided in the same layer, the first control electrode GE1 and the second control electrode GE2 can be connected to each other by Figure 6 Alternatively, the first control electrode GE1 and the second control electrode GE2 may be provided in different layers. In this case, only one of the first control electrode GE1 and the second control electrode GE2 may be provided in the same photolithography process as the scanning line GL. Figure 6 The scanning lines GL are manufactured using the same photolithography process.

[0165] A second insulating layer 112 covering the first control electrode GE1 and the second control electrode GE2 is provided on the first insulating layer 111. An input electrode DE1 (hereinafter, first input electrode DE1) and an output electrode SE1 (hereinafter, first output electrode SE1) of the first transistor T1, and an input electrode DE2 (hereinafter, second input electrode DE2) and an output electrode SE2 (hereinafter, second output electrode SE2) of the second transistor T2 are provided on the second insulating layer 112.

[0166] In some embodiments, the first insulating layer 111 and the second insulating layer 112 may include an inorganic material or an organic material.

[0167] The first input electrode DE1 and the first output electrode SE1 are connected to the first semiconductor pattern OSP1 via first and second through holes CH1 and CH2, respectively, which penetrate the first and second insulating layers 111 and 112. The second input electrode DE2 and the second output electrode SE2 are connected to the second semiconductor pattern OSP2 via third and fourth through holes CH3 and CH4, respectively, which penetrate the first and second insulating layers 111 and 112. In other embodiments, the first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2 may be modified to have a bottom-gate structure.

[0168] An intermediate organic layer 113 covering the first input electrode DE1, the second input electrode DE2, the first output electrode SE1, and the second output electrode SE2 is formed on the second insulating layer 112. The intermediate organic layer 113 may provide a flat surface.

[0169] A pixel defining layer (PDL) and a self-luminous element (ELD) may be disposed on the intermediate organic layer 113. The pixel defining layer (PDL) may include an organic material. An anode electrode (AE) is disposed on the intermediate organic layer 113. The anode electrode (AE) is connected to the second output electrode (SE2) via a fifth through hole (CH5) penetrating the intermediate organic layer 113. An opening (OPN) may be defined in the pixel defining layer (PDL) to expose a portion of the anode electrode (AE).

[0170] The pixel PX may be disposed in the display area DA. The display area DA may include an emission area PXA and a non-emission area NPXA adjacent to the emission area PXA. Figure 23 As discussed in more detail, the non-emission region NPXA may surround the emission region PXA. The emission region PXA is defined to correspond to a portion of the anode electrode AE ​​exposed by the opening OPN.

[0171] The emission region PXA may overlap at least one of the first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2. Therefore, the opening OPN may become wider, and the anode electrode AE ​​and the emission layer EML to be described later may also become wider.

[0172] The hole control layer HCL may be commonly disposed in the emission region PXA and the non-emission region NPXA. A common layer such as the hole control layer HCL may be provided for Figure 6 All pixels PX are formed in common.

[0173] The emission layer EML is disposed on the hole control layer HCL. The emission layer EML can generate light of a predetermined color. The emission layer EML can be disposed to correspond to the opening OPN. In some embodiments, the emission layer EML can be formed into separate segments for corresponding pixels PX, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. In other embodiments, a portion of the emission layer EML can be disposed to span two or more pixels PX.

[0174] In the case where the self-luminous element ELD is an OLED, the emission layer EML may include an organic material. That is, in some embodiments, the emission layer EML may be an organic emission layer.

[0175] In the case where the self-luminous element ELD is a QLED, the emission layer EML may include a quantum dot material, that is, the emission layer EML may be a quantum dot emission layer.

[0176] The quantum dot material can control the color of light emitted therefrom depending on its particle size, and thus can emit light of various colors such as blue, red, and green.

[0177] The electron control layer ECL is provided on the emission layer EML. Figure 6 All pixels PX are formed in common.

[0178] The cathode electrode CE is provided on the electron control layer ECL and is provided in common to all pixels PX.

[0179] The upper insulating layer TFL is disposed on the cathode electrode CE, and the touch sensor layer TSL may be disposed on the upper insulating layer TFL or on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE.

[0180] The anode electrode AE, the hole control layer HCL, the emission layer EML, the electron control layer ECL, and the cathode electrode CE disposed in the emission area PXA may form a self-luminous element ELD.

[0181] That is, the self-luminous element ELD may be defined as a portion where the anode electrode AE, the hole control layer HCL, the emission layer EML, the electron control layer ECL, and the cathode electrode CE are all disposed in the emission region PXA.

[0182] Figure 9 is included in Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a touch sensor constructed according to the principles of the present invention in a display device of FIG.

[0183] Reference Figure 9 , the touch sensor TSM includes a touch sensor layer TSL and a touch controller TSC.

[0184] The touch sensor layer TSL may include a plurality of first touch electrode members 120 and a plurality of second touch electrode members 130 each for detecting a touch input.

[0185] The first touch electrode member 120 and the second touch electrode member 130 may be electrically connected to the touch controller TSC. In other words, the first touch electrode member 120 and the second touch electrode member 130 may be electrically coupled to the touch controller TSC.

[0186] Hereinafter, “electrically connected” has the same meaning as “electrically coupled”.

[0187] In some embodiments, the second touch electrode member 130 may be a driving electrode portion that receives a driving signal Ts for detecting a touch input from a touch controller TSC, and the first touch electrode member 120 may be a sensing electrode portion that outputs a sensing signal Rs for detecting a touch input. In other embodiments, the first touch electrode member 120 may be a driving electrode portion that receives the driving signal Ts, and the second touch electrode member 130 may be a sensing electrode portion that outputs the sensing signal Rs. In the following description, it is assumed that the first touch electrode member 120 is, for example, a sensing electrode portion, and the second touch electrode member 130 is, for example, a driving electrode portion, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0188] The first touch electrode member 120 and the second touch electrode member 130 may overlap with at least one electrode provided in the display panel DP. For example, in the case where the display panel DP is an OLED display panel, the first touch electrode member 120 and the second touch electrode member 130 may overlap with Figure 8 The cathode electrode CE of the display panel DP overlaps.

[0189] The touch sensor layer TSL may further include a noise sensing electrode member 170 .

[0190] The noise sensing electrode member 170 may be electrically connected to the touch controller TSC, specifically, to the touch detector 230 to be described later. The noise sensing electrode member 170 may detect noise generated in the touch sensor layer TSL and may provide the detected noise as a noise sensing signal Ns to the touch detector 230.

[0191] The touch sensor layer TSL may further include a pressure sensor 150. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 150 may include a first pressure sensor PS1, a second pressure sensor PS2, and a third pressure sensor PS3. In some embodiments, the resistance of the pressure sensor 150 may vary depending on the force or pressure applied to the pressure sensor 150 from the outside. The pressure sensor 150 may be electrically connected to the pressure detector 250.

[0192] The touch controller TSC may be electrically connected to the touch sensor layer TSL and may detect the position of a touch input by providing a drive signal Ts to the touch sensor layer TSL and receiving a sensing signal Rs corresponding to the drive signal Ts from the touch sensor layer TSL. Furthermore, the touch controller TSC may be electrically connected to the pressure sensor 150 and may detect touch pressure or touch force.

[0193] In some embodiments, the touch controller TSC may include a touch driver 210 , a touch detector 230 , and a pressure detector 250 .

[0194] The touch driver 210 may provide a driving signal Ts for detecting a touch input to the second touch electrode member 130 .

[0195] The touch detector 230 can detect the presence and / or location of a touch input by receiving a sensing signal Rs corresponding to the drive signal Ts from the first touch electrode member 120. In some embodiments, the sensing signal Rs can be a change in the mutual capacitance generated between the first touch electrode member 120 and the second touch electrode member 130. Specifically, in response to the generated touch input, a change in capacitance at or near the location of the touch input is provided. The touch detector 230 can receive the change in mutual capacitance between the first touch electrode member 120 and the second touch electrode member 130 as the sensing signal Rs, and can identify the presence and / or location of the touch input based on the received change in mutual capacitance. In addition, the touch detector 230 can receive a noise sensing signal Ns from the noise sensing electrode member 170, and can remove or offset the noise included in the sensing signal Rs by using the noise sensing signal Ns.

[0196] In some embodiments, the touch detector 230 includes at least one amplifier for amplifying the sensing signal Rs, an analog-to-digital converter connected to an output terminal of the amplifier, and a processor. Figure 28 Describe this.

[0197] The pressure detector 250 may be electrically connected to the pressure sensor 150 and may detect touch pressure or touch force based on a change in resistance of the pressure sensor 150. In some embodiments, the pressure detector 250 may include at least one Wheatstone bridge circuit.

[0198] In some embodiments, the touch driver 210 , the touch detector 230 , and the pressure detector 250 may be integrated into a single touch integrated circuit (IC), but example embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0199] In other embodiments, the touch driver 210 and the touch detector 230 may be integrated into a single touch IC, and the pressure detector 250 may be provided outside the touch IC. For example, the pressure detector 250 may be provided on the display panel DP or on a separate flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0200] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 10 to 27 The touch sensor TSM is described in more detail.

[0201] Figure 10 and Figure 11 Shown Figure 9 A touch sensor of the present invention is provided, specifically illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a planar structure of a touch sensor layer of the touch sensor and illustrating how the touch sensor layer and a touch controller of the touch sensor are connected. Figure 12 It shows Figure 10 and Figure 11 A plan view of the planar structure of the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor, Figure 13 It shows Figure 12 an enlarged plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a first strain gauge, Figure 14 It shows Figure 12 a plan view of another exemplary embodiment of a first strain gauge, Figure 15 It shows Figure 12 an enlarged plan view of a first conductive pattern and a second conductive pattern of an exemplary embodiment of a first conductor, Figure 16 It shows Figure 10 and Figure 11 a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a planar structure of a third pressure sensor, Figure 17 It shows Figure 10 and Figure 11 an enlarged plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a first pressure sensor and a first touch electrode member and a second touch electrode member located near the first pressure sensor, Figure 18 It is along Figure 17 A sectional view taken along line X5-X5', Figure 19 It is along Figure 17 A sectional view taken along line X7-X7', Figure 20 It is along Figure 17 A sectional view taken along line X9-X9', Figure 21 It is along Figure 17 A cross-sectional view taken along line X11-X11', Figure 22 It is along Figure 17 A sectional view taken along line X13-X13', Figure 23 It shows Figure 17 An enlarged plan view of region Q3 and the emission and non-emission regions, Figure 24 It shows Figure 10 An enlarged plan view of region Q1, Figure 25 It is along Figure 24 A sectional view taken along line X15-X15', Figure 26 It is along Figure 24 A sectional view taken along line X17-X17', and Figure 27 It shows Figure 24 An enlarged plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a noise sensing electrode.

[0202] Figure 10 shows how the touch wiring and touch electrode members are connected, and Figure 11 Shows how the pressure sensor and pressure wiring are connected.

[0203] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 , a sensing area SA and a non-sensing area NSA are defined in the touch sensor layer TSL. The sensing area SA may be an area in which a touch input may be detected, and the non-sensing area NSA may be an area in which a touch input may not be detected.

[0204] The sensing area SA may correspond to Figure 1 The display area IDA of the display device 1 may correspond to Figure 6 The display area DA of the display panel DP. In addition, the non-sensing area NSA may correspond to Figure 1 The peripheral area INDA of the display device 1 may correspond to Figure 6 In some embodiments, the sensing area SA may be connected to the non-display area NDA of the display panel DP. Figure 6 The display area DA of the display panel DP is substantially the same, and the non-sensing area NSA may be substantially the same as Figure 6 The non-display area NDA of the display panel DP is substantially the same.

[0205] The sensing area SA will be described below.

[0206] The sensing area SA may include a first sensing area SA1, a second sensing area SA2, and a third sensing area SA3, wherein the first sensing area SA1 is located in the first area A1, at least a portion of the second sensing area SA2 is located in the first area A1, and another portion of the second sensing area SA2 is located in the second area A2, at least a portion of the third sensing area SA3 is located in the first area A1, and another portion of the third sensing area SA3 is located in the third area A3. The first sensing area SA1 may correspond to Figure 6 The first display area DA1 of the display panel DP and the second sensing area SA2 may correspond to Figure 6The second display area DA2 of the display panel DP, and the third sensing area SA3 may correspond to Figure 6 The third display area DA3 of the display panel DP.

[0207] In some embodiments, a first width W4a of the first sensing area SA1 in the first direction x may be greater than a first width W5a of the second sensing area SA2 in the first direction x and a first width W6a of the third sensing area SA3 in the first direction x. Furthermore, a second width W4b of the first sensing area SA1 in the second direction y may be greater than a second width W5b of the second sensing area SA2 in the second direction y and a second width W6b of the third sensing area SA3 in the second direction y.

[0208] In some embodiments, the maximum width of the sensing area SA in the first direction x can be approximately the same as the sum of the first width W4a of the first sensing area SA1, the first width W5a of the second sensing area SA2, and the first width W6a of the third sensing area SA3. In addition, in some embodiments, the maximum width of the sensing area SA in the second direction y can be approximately the same as the second width W4b of the first sensing area SA1.

[0209] Part of the second sensing area SA2 may be disposed in the second area A2 of the display device 1, specifically, on the first side of the display device 1. Therefore, the second sensing area SA2 may be bent or folded in a direction opposite to the third direction z.

[0210] Part of the third sensing area SA3 may be disposed in the third area A3 of the display device 1, specifically, on the second side of the display device 1. Therefore, the third sensing area SA3 may be angled, bent, or folded in a direction opposite to the third direction z.

[0211] As described above, part of the display panel DP (specifically, the thin film encapsulation layer TFE) may be a base layer of the touch sensor layer TSL. In the following description, the thin film encapsulation layer TFE and the base layer may be used interchangeably and may be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0212] The touch sensor layer TSL may include a first touch electrode member 120, a second touch electrode member 130, and a pressure sensor 150 disposed in the sensing area SA and on the base layer TFE. The touch sensor layer TSL may also include a noise sensing electrode member 170, a first pattern 180, and a second pattern 190. The pressure sensor 150 may include a first pressure sensor PS1, a second pressure sensor PS2, and a third pressure sensor PS3.

[0213] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown in FIG, the first touch electrode members 120 may extend in a first direction x and may be spaced apart from each other in a second direction y. The first touch electrode members 120 may form an electrode row. In some embodiments, some of the first touch electrode members 120 may be disposed not only in the first sensing area SA1 but also in the second sensing area SA2 and the third sensing area SA3.

[0214] In some embodiments, the number of electrode rows formed by the first touch electrode member 120 in the second sensing area SA2 may be greater than the number of electrode rows formed by the first touch electrode member 120 in the third sensing area SA3 . Figure 10 and Figure 11 It is shown that there are a total of four electrode rows in the second sensing area SA2 and a total of two electrode rows in the third sensing area SA3. When the electrode rows formed by the first touch electrode member 120 in the second sensing area SA2 are sequentially referred to as the first electrode row RE1, the second electrode row RE2, the third electrode row RE3, and the fourth electrode row RE4 along the second direction y, the first electrode row RE1, the second electrode row RE2, the third electrode row RE3, and the fourth electrode row RE4 can be arranged in the second sensing area SA2, and the first electrode row RE1 and the second electrode row RE2 can be arranged in the third sensing area SA3.

[0215] Each of the first touch electrode members 120 may include a plurality of first touch electrodes 121 arranged along a first direction x and a first connector 123 electrically connecting a plurality of adjacent pairs of first touch electrodes 121. As used herein, the term "connect" or "connection" means physically connecting two elements and / or electrically connecting two elements.

[0216] In some embodiments, the first touch electrode 121 may have a substantially diamond shape or a substantially square shape, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. That is, the first touch electrode 121 may have a variety of other shapes, such as a substantially triangular shape, a substantially rectangular shape other than a substantially diamond shape or a substantially square shape, a substantially pentagonal shape, a substantially circular shape, or a substantially stripe shape.

[0217] The first touch electrode 121 may include a conductive material. The first touch electrode 121 may be made of a conductive material. Figure 4 Examples of the conductive material are those described above for the second conductive layer ML2, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0218] Since the first touch electrode 121 is formed of the second conductive layer ML2, Figure 21 and Figure 22 As shown in , the first touch electrode 121 may be disposed on the insulating layer IL.

[0219] In some embodiments, the first touch electrode 121 may have a Figure 23 In this case, the first touch electrode 121 may be arranged so as not to overlap with the emission area PXA of the display panel DP. In other words, the first touch electrode 121 may be arranged so as to overlap with the non-emission area NPXA of the display panel DP.

[0220] In some embodiments, the first touch electrodes 121 spaced apart from each other in the second direction y may form electrode columns, and some of the electrode columns may be disposed not only in the first sensing area SA1 but also in the second and third sensing areas SA2 and SA3.

[0221] Figure 10 and Figure 11 It is shown that in the second sensing area SA2, the first electrode column CE1a, the second electrode column CE2a, the third electrode column CE3a and the fourth electrode column CE4a are arranged sequentially along the first direction x, and in the third sensing area SA3, the fifth electrode column CE1b, the sixth electrode column CE2b, the seventh electrode column CE3b and the eighth electrode column CE4b are arranged sequentially along the direction opposite to the first direction x.

[0222] The first touch electrodes 121 may have or form first openings OP1. For example, each of the first touch electrodes 121 may be opened at least at a center thereof, and thus may expose underlying layers. Figure 21 and Figure 22 As shown in FIG, the first opening OP1 may expose the insulating layer IL disposed under the first touch electrode 121 .

[0223] The first connector 123 may electrically connect a plurality of pairs of first touch electrodes 121 adjacent to each other in the first direction x, and may make contact with the first touch electrodes 121 .

[0224] In some embodiments, the first connector 123 may be provided in the same layer as the first touch electrode 121. In some embodiments, the first connector 123 may be formed of the same material as the first touch electrode 121, that is, of Figure 4 A second conductive layer ML2 is formed.

[0225] Since the first connector 123 is formed by the second conductive layer ML2, Figure 21 and Figure 22 As shown in FIG, the first connector 123 may be provided on the insulating layer IL.

[0226] Figure 10 、 Figure 11 and Figure 17 The first connector 123 is shown to be provided between each pair of first touch electrodes 121 adjacent in the first direction x, but the number of first connectors 123 provided between each pair of first touch electrodes 121 adjacent in the first direction x may vary. For example, two or more first connectors 123 may be provided between each pair of first touch electrodes 121 adjacent in the first direction x.

[0227] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown in , the second touch electrode members 130 may extend in the second direction y and may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction x. The second touch electrode members 130 may form columns.

[0228] The second touch electrode member 130 may be disposed not only in the first sensing area SA1 but also in the second and third sensing areas SA2 and SA3 .

[0229] Figure 10 and Figure 11 It is shown that in the second sensing area SA2, the first column CO1a, the second column CO2a and the third column CO3a are sequentially arranged along the first direction x, and in the third sensing area SA3, the fourth column CO1b, the fifth column CO2b and the sixth column CO3b are sequentially arranged along the direction opposite to the first direction x.

[0230] Each of the second touch electrode members 130 may include a plurality of second touch electrodes 131 arranged along the second direction y and a second connector 133 electrically connecting a plurality of adjacent pairs of the second touch electrodes 131 .

[0231] The second touch electrodes 131 may be electrically connected to each other in the second direction y. The second touch electrodes 131 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction x.

[0232] In some embodiments, the second touch electrodes 131 may have or form rows. Figure 10 and Figure 11 It is shown that in the second sensing area SA2, the first, second, third and fourth rows RO1, RO2, RO3 and RO4 are sequentially arranged in the direction opposite to the second direction y, and in the third sensing area SA3, the first, second and third rows RO1, RO2 and RO3 are arranged.

[0233] In some embodiments, the rows formed by the second touch electrodes 131 can be arranged between multiple pairs of electrode rows formed by the first touch electrode member 120. For example, the second row RO2 can be arranged between the first electrode row RE1 and the second electrode row RE2, and the third row RO3 can be arranged between the second electrode row RE2 and the third electrode row RE3. That is, the rows formed by the second touch electrodes 131 and the rows of electrodes formed by the first touch electrode member 120 can be alternately arranged along the second direction y.

[0234] The second touch electrodes 131 may form second openings OP2. For example, each of the second touch electrodes 131 may be opened at least at a center thereof, and thus may expose the underlying layers. Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown in FIG, the second opening OP2 may expose the insulating layer IL disposed under the second touch electrode 131.

[0235] In some embodiments, the second opening OP2 may have a different area than the first opening OP1. For example, the area of ​​the second opening OP2 may be greater than the area of ​​the first opening OP1.

[0236] In some embodiments, the second touch electrode 131 may have a substantially diamond shape, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. That is, the second touch electrode 131 may have a variety of other shapes, such as a substantially triangular shape, a substantially rectangular shape other than a substantially diamond shape, a substantially pentagonal shape, a substantially circular shape, or a substantially bar shape.

[0237] The second touch electrode 131 may include a conductive material. The second touch electrode 131 may be formed of the same material as the first touch electrode 121, that is, Figure 4 In some embodiments, like the first touch electrodes 121 , the second touch electrodes 131 may have a mesh structure.

[0238] The second connector 133 can electrically connect multiple pairs of second touch electrodes 131 adjacent in the second direction y and can contact the second touch electrodes 131. In some embodiments, the second connector 133 can be formed as a bridge connection pattern. In some embodiments, the second connector 133 can be formed of a different layer from the first touch electrodes 121 and the second touch electrodes 131. In some embodiments, the second connector 133 can be formed by the above reference Figure 4 The first conductive layer ML1 described above is formed and may include one of the above exemplary materials of the first conductive layer ML1. Since the second connector 133 is formed of the first conductive layer ML1, the insulating layer IL may be placed between the second connector 133 and the second touch electrode 131. In some embodiments, as Figure 18As shown in FIG, the second touch electrode 131 may be connected to the second connector 133 via a first contact hole CN1 formed in the insulating layer IL.

[0239] In some embodiments, the second touch electrode 131 may be a driving electrode that receives a driving signal Ts for detecting a position of a touch input, and the first touch electrode 121 may be a sensing electrode that outputs a sensing signal Rs for detecting a position of a touch input.

[0240] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown in , the pressure sensor 150 may include a first pressure sensor PS1 , a second pressure sensor PS2 , and a third pressure sensor PS3 .

[0241] The first and second pressure sensors PS1 and PS2 may be disposed in the second sensing area SA2 , and the third pressure sensor PS3 may be disposed in the third sensing area SA3 .

[0242] The first pressure sensor PS1 may include a first strain gauge 150 a , a first conductor 150 b , a second strain gauge 150 c , and a second conductor 150 d .

[0243] In some embodiments, the first strain gauge 150a and the second strain gauge 150c may be disposed in a row formed by the second touch electrodes 131. For example, Figures 10 to 12 As shown in FIG, the first strain gauge 150a may be disposed in a first row RO1, and the second strain gauge 150c may be disposed in a second row RO2.

[0244] In some embodiments, the first conductor 150b and the second conductor 150d may be disposed in an electrode row formed by the first touch electrode member 120. For example, Figures 10 to 12 As shown in , the first conductor 150b can be provided in the first electrode row RE1, and the second conductor 150d can be provided in the second electrode row RE2. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. Alternatively, the first strain gauge 150a and the second strain gauge 150c can be provided in the electrode row formed by the first touch electrode member 120, and the first conductor 150b and the second conductor 150d can be provided in the row formed by the second touch electrodes 131. Alternatively, one of the first strain gauge 150a and the second strain gauge 150c can be provided in one of the electrode rows formed by the first touch electrode member 120, the other strain gauge can be provided in one of the rows formed by the second touch electrodes 131, one of the first conductor 150b and the second conductor 150d can be provided in the other of the electrode rows formed by the first touch electrode member 120, and the other conductor can be provided in the other of the rows formed by the second touch electrodes 131.

[0245] In the following description, it is assumed that the first and second strain gauges 150 a and 150 c are disposed in a row formed by, for example, the second touch electrodes 131 , and the first and second conductors 150 b and 150 d are disposed in an electrode row formed by, for example, the first touch electrode member 120 .

[0246] like Figure 12 As shown in FIG, the first strain gauge 150 a may include a first resistance line 151 a, a second resistance line 153 a, a first connection line 155 a, a second connection line 157 a, and a first connection pattern 159 a.

[0247] The first resistance line 151a and the second resistance line 153a may be disposed in the second opening OP2 formed in the second touch electrode 131 in the first row RO1, and may be as shown in FIG. Figure 17 , and is spaced apart from the second touch electrode 131 as shown in FIG. In addition, the first resistance line 151a and the second resistance line 153a may be spaced apart in the second opening OP2. In some embodiments, the first resistance line 151a and the second resistance line 153a may not overlap in a plan view.

[0248] The first and second resistance lines 151a and 153a may have nonlinear shapes, such as a predetermined pattern of meanders or serpentines. In response to force applied to the touch sensor layer TSL of the touch sensor TSM, the length of either the first or second resistance line 151a and 153a may change. Thus, the resistance of the first strain gauge 150a may change, and the intensity of the touch pressure may be determined based on the change in resistance of the first strain gauge 150a.

[0249] In some embodiments, as Figure 13 As shown in FIG, the first resistance line 151a and the second resistance line 153a may each include two or more bending portions and an extending portion extending in a direction intersecting the first direction x and the second direction y.

[0250] The shapes of the first and second resistance lines 151 a and 153 a are not particularly limited but may vary.

[0251] For example, in the case where the first touch electrodes 121 and the second touch electrodes 131 have a mesh structure, the first resistance line 151a and the second resistance line 153a may be formed by partially removing the mesh structure. Figure 13As shown in FIG, a plurality of branch portions BPa spaced apart from each other may be further provided in each of the second openings OP2 to be connected to or integrally formed with the corresponding first resistance line 151a or second resistance line 153a.

[0252] The branch portion BPa may be a portion of the mesh structure that is not removed. The branch portion BPa may be spaced apart from the second touch electrode 131 and may be formed of the same layer and material as the first and second resistance lines 151a and 153a.

[0253] In some embodiments, the first resistance line 151a and the second resistance line 153a can be provided in the same layer as the first touch electrode 121 and the second touch electrode 131. For example, in the case where the first touch electrode 121 and the second touch electrode 131 are provided on the insulating layer IL, the first resistance line 151a and the second resistance line 153a can be provided as Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown in FIG, it is arranged on the insulating layer IL.

[0254] The first resistance line 151a and the second resistance line 153a may include a conductive material. In some embodiments, the first resistance line 151a may include the same material as the first touch electrode 121 and the second touch electrode 131, and may be made of Figure 4 A second conductive layer ML2 is formed.

[0255] The first connection line 155a can be electrically connected to the first resistance lines 151a adjacent to each other in the first direction x, and can contact the first resistance lines 151a adjacent to each other in the first direction x. In addition, the second connection line 157a can be electrically connected to the second resistance lines 153a adjacent to each other in the first direction x, and can contact the second resistance lines 153a adjacent to each other in the first direction x. The first connection line 155a and the second connection line 157a may not contact the first touch electrode member 120 and the second touch electrode member 130, but may be spaced apart from the first touch electrode member 120 and the second touch electrode member 130, and the first connection line 155a and the second connection line 157a may be spaced apart from each other.

[0256] In some embodiments, the first connection line 155a and the second connection line 157a may include the same material and may be made of Figure 4 A first conductive layer ML1 is formed.

[0257] In some embodiments, the insulating layer IL may be disposed between the first resistance line 151a and the first connection line 155a and between the second resistance line 153a and the second connection line 157a. For example, the first resistance line 151a and the second resistance line 153a may be disposed on the insulating layer IL, and the first connection line 155a and the second connection line 157a may be disposed below the insulating layer IL.

[0258] like Figure 19 As shown in , the first resistance line 151a may be connected to and in contact with the first connection line 155a via a second contact hole CN2 formed in the insulating layer IL. Figure 20 As shown in FIG, the second resistance line 153a may be connected to and in contact with the second connection line 157a via a third contact hole CN3 formed in the insulating layer IL.

[0259] In some embodiments, as Figure 12 As shown in FIG, the first connection pattern 159a can be provided in the second opening OP2 in the first row RO1 and in the second column CO2a. The first connection pattern 159a can connect the first resistance line 151a and the second resistance line 153a. In some embodiments, like the first touch electrode 121 and the second touch electrode 131, the first connection pattern 159a can be formed by Figure 4 The second conductive layer ML2 is formed and may include the same conductive material as the first touch electrode 121 and the second touch electrode 131 .

[0260] In a plan view, the first strain gauge 150a including the first resistance line 151a, the first connection line 155a, the second resistance line 153a, the second connection line 157a, and the first connection pattern 159a may extend from the first side to the second side of the touch sensor layer TSL along the first direction x, and then extend from the second side to the first side of the touch sensor layer TSL along a direction opposite to the first direction x. Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown in FIG, both ends of the first strain gauge 150a may be disposed on one side of the sensing area SA, for example, on the left side of the second sensing area SA2.

[0261] The first conductor 150b may be disposed in one of the electrode rows formed by the first touch electrode member 120. For example, the first conductor 150b may be disposed in the first electrode row RE1.

[0262] The first conductor 150b may include a first conductive pattern 152b, a second conductive pattern 154b, a third connection line 155b, a fourth connection line 157b, and a second connection pattern 159b, and may further include a third resistance line 151b and a fourth resistance line 153b.

[0263] The third resistance line 151b and the fourth resistance line 153b may be disposed in the first opening OP1 formed in the first touch electrode 121. In some embodiments, the third resistance line 151b and the fourth resistance line 153b may be disposed in the first opening OP1 in the first electrode column CE1a. Figure 17 As shown in FIG, the third resistance line 151b and the fourth resistance line 153b may be spaced apart from the first touch electrode 121 and may be spaced apart from each other in the first opening OP1.

[0264] The third resistance wire 151b and the fourth resistance wire 153b may have a bent shape including a predetermined pattern. Figure 13 Like the first and second resistance lines 151a and 153a shown in FIG, the third and fourth resistance lines 151b and 153b may each include two or more bent portions or folded portions and an extending portion extending in a direction intersecting the first and second directions x and y.

[0265] The shapes of the third resistance wire 151 b and the fourth resistance wire 153 b are not particularly limited but may vary.

[0266] In some embodiments, the third resistance line 151b and the fourth resistance line 153b may include the same material as the first touch electrode 121 and the second touch electrode 131, and may be made of Figure 4 A second conductive layer ML2 is formed.

[0267] In some embodiments, the third resistance line 151b and the fourth resistance line 153b may be formed by partially removing the mesh structure formed by the first touch electrode 121. In this case, in some embodiments, Figure 13 Similar to that shown in FIG, a plurality of branch portions spaced apart from each other may be further provided in each of the first openings OP1 to be connected to the corresponding third resistance line 151b or fourth resistance line 153b.

[0268] The first conductive pattern 152b and the second conductive pattern 154b may be disposed in one of the first openings OP1 formed in the first touch electrode 121. In some embodiments, the first conductive pattern 152b and the second conductive pattern 154b may be disposed in the second opening OP2 in the second electrode column CE2a. Figure 17 As shown in FIG, the first conductive pattern 152b and the second conductive pattern 154b may be spaced apart from the first touch electrode 121 and may be spaced apart from each other in the second opening OP2.

[0269] The first conductive pattern 152b may have a substantially planar shape different from that of the first resistance line 151a, and the second conductive pattern 154b may have a substantially planar shape different from that of the second resistance line 153a.

[0270] In some embodiments, as Figure 15 As shown in FIG, the first conductive pattern 152b and the second conductive pattern 154b may have a mesh structure.

[0271] In some embodiments, as Figure 12 As shown in FIG, the second connection pattern 159b may be disposed in the first opening OP1 in the first electrode row RE1 and in the second electrode column CE2a. The second connection pattern 159b may connect the first conductive pattern 152b and the second conductive pattern 154b.

[0272] In some embodiments, the first conductive pattern 152b, the second conductive pattern 154b, and the second connection pattern 159b may include the same material as the first touch electrode 121 and the second touch electrode 131, and may be made of Figure 4 A second conductive layer ML2 is formed.

[0273] The third connection line 155b may electrically connect the third resistance line 151b and the first conductive pattern 152b adjacent to each other in the first direction x, and the fourth connection line 157b may electrically connect the fourth resistance line 153b and the second conductive pattern 154b adjacent to each other in the first direction x.

[0274] In some embodiments, the third connection line 155b and the fourth connection line 157b may include the same material as the second connector 133 and may be made of Figure 4 A first conductive layer ML1 is formed.

[0275] like Figure 21 As shown in , the third resistance line 151b can be connected to the third connection line 155b via the fourth contact hole CN4 formed in the insulating layer IL, and the first conductive pattern 152b can be connected to the third connection line 155b via the sixth contact hole CN6 formed in the insulating layer IL. Figure 22 As shown in FIG, the fourth resistance line 153b may be connected to the fourth connection line 157b via a fifth contact hole CN5 formed in the insulating layer IL, and the second conductive pattern 154b may be connected to the fourth connection line 157b via a seventh contact hole CN7 formed in the insulating layer IL.

[0276] In a plan view, the first conductor 150b may extend from the first side to the second side of the touch sensor layer TSL along a first direction x, and then extend from the second side to the first side of the touch sensor layer TSL along a direction opposite to the first direction x. Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown in FIG, both ends of the first conductor 150b may be disposed on one side of the sensing area SA, for example, on the left side of the second sensing area SA2.

[0277] The second strain gauge 150c may be provided in one of the rows formed by the second touch electrodes 131. Figures 10 to 12 As shown in FIG, the second strain gauge 150c may be disposed in the second row RO2.

[0278] In some embodiments, the second strain gauge 150c can have the same structure as the first strain gauge 150a.

[0279] like Figure 12 As shown in FIG, the second strain gauge 150c may include a fifth resistance line 151c, a sixth resistance line 153c, a fifth connection line 155c, a sixth connection line 157c, and a third connection pattern 159c.

[0280] The fifth resistance line 151c, the sixth resistance line 153c and the third connection pattern 159c may be formed by Figure 4 The fifth and sixth connection lines 155c and 157c may be formed of the second conductive layer ML2. Figure 4 A first conductive layer ML1 is formed.

[0281] The fifth resistance wire 151c and the fifth connection wire 155c may be connected via a contact hole formed in the insulating layer IL, and the sixth resistance wire 153c and the sixth connection wire 157c may be connected via a contact hole formed in the insulating layer IL.

[0282] Other features and aspects of the fifth resistance line 151c, the sixth resistance line 153c, the fifth connection line 155c, the sixth connection line 157c and the third connection pattern 159c are substantially the same or similar to the features and aspects of the first resistance line 151a, the second resistance line 153a, the first connection line 155a, the second connection line 157a and the first connection pattern 159a, respectively, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted to avoid repetition.

[0283] The second conductor 150d may be disposed in one of the electrode rows formed by the first touch electrode member 120. For example, the second conductor 150d may be disposed in the second electrode row RE2.

[0284] In some embodiments, the second conductor 150d may have the same structure as the first conductor 150b, and thus, a detailed description thereof will be omitted to avoid repetition.

[0285] The second conductor 150d may include a third conductive pattern 152d, a fourth conductive pattern 154d, a seventh connection line 155d, an eighth connection line 157d, and a fourth connection pattern 159d, and may further include a seventh resistance line 151d and an eighth resistance line 153d.

[0286] The third conductive pattern 152d and the seventh resistance wire 151d may be connected to the seventh connection wire 155d via a contact hole formed in the insulating layer IL. In addition, the fourth conductive pattern 154d and the eighth resistance wire 153d may be connected to the eighth connection wire 157d via a contact hole formed in the insulating layer IL.

[0287] Other features and aspects of the third conductive pattern 152d, the fourth conductive pattern 154d, the seventh connecting line 155d, the eighth connecting line 157d, the fourth connecting pattern 159d, the seventh resistance line 151d and the eighth resistance line 153d are substantially the same or similar to the features and aspects of the first conductive pattern 152b, the second conductive pattern 154b, the third connecting line 155b, the fourth connecting line 157b, the second connecting pattern 159b, the third resistance line 151b and the fourth resistance line 153b, respectively, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted to avoid repetition.

[0288] In some embodiments, when the same pressure is applied to the first conductive pattern 152b and the first resistance line 151a, the change in length or cross-sectional area of ​​the first conductive pattern 152b can be smaller than the change in length or cross-sectional area of ​​the first resistance line 151a. That is, for each given pressure, the change in resistance of the first conductive pattern 152b can be smaller than the change in resistance of the first resistance line 151a.

[0289] Similarly, for each given pressure, the change in resistance of the second conductive pattern 154b may be smaller than the change in resistance of the second resistance line 153a, the change in resistance of the third conductive pattern 152d may be smaller than the change in resistance of the fifth resistance line 151c, and the change in resistance of the fourth conductive pattern 154d may be smaller than the change in resistance of the sixth resistance line 153c.

[0290] When a touch input from a user is applied to the second sensing area SA2 or the first pressure sensor PS1, the resistance of at least one of the first strain gauge 150a and the second strain gauge 150c may change according to the strength of the touch input. Furthermore, the resistance of at least one of the first strain gauge 150a and the second strain gauge 150c may change according to temperature changes caused by the user's body temperature. That is, the change in resistance of the first strain gauge 150a may include both a component that changes in response to deformation of the first strain gauge 150a due to touch pressure (hereinafter, the "pressure resistance component") and a component that changes in response to deformation of the first strain gauge 150a due to temperature changes (hereinafter, the "temperature resistance component"). The temperature resistance component is independent of the strength of the touch pressure and, therefore, may contribute to noise when detecting pressure.

[0291] The first pressure sensor PS1 includes a first conductor 150b and a second conductor 150d. The first conductor 150b includes a first conductive pattern 152b and a second conductive pattern 154b disposed in the second sensing area SA2, and the second conductor 150d includes a third conductive pattern 152d and a fourth conductive pattern 154d disposed in the second sensing area SA2. When a touch input from a user is generated in the second sensing area SA2, the resistance (or pressure resistance component) of the first conductive pattern 152b and the second conductive pattern 154b hardly changes or only changes slightly depending on the intensity of the touch input, and the change in the resistance of the first conductive pattern 152b and the second conductive pattern 154b occurs in response to temperature changes.

[0292] Therefore, the temperature resistance components of the first and second strain gauges 150a and 150c can be compensated or canceled by the temperature resistance components of the first and second conductors 150b and 150d, and thereby, the sensitivity of pressure detection can be improved.

[0293] The second pressure sensor PS2 may include a third strain gauge 150e, a third conductor 150f, a fourth strain gauge 150g, and a fourth conductor 150h disposed in the second sensing area SA2.

[0294] The third strain gauge 150e may be provided in one of the rows formed by the second touch electrodes 131. Figures 10 to 12 As shown in FIG, the third strain gauge 150e may be disposed in the third row RO3.

[0295] In some embodiments, the third strain gauge 150e may have the same structure as the first strain gauge 150a, and thus, a detailed description thereof will be omitted to avoid repetition.

[0296] like Figure 12As shown in FIG, the third strain gauge 150e may include a ninth resistance wire 151e, a tenth resistance wire 153e, a ninth connection wire 155e, a tenth connection wire 157e, and a fifth connection pattern 159e.

[0297] The third conductor 150f may be disposed in one of the electrode rows formed by the first touch electrode member 120, for example, in the third electrode row RE3.

[0298] In some embodiments, the third conductor 150f may have the same structure as the first conductor 150b, and thus, a detailed description thereof will be omitted to avoid repetition.

[0299] The third conductor 150f may include a fifth conductive pattern 152f, a sixth conductive pattern 154f, an eleventh connection line 155f, a twelfth connection line 157f, and a sixth connection pattern 159f, and may further include an eleventh resistance line 151f and a twelfth resistance line 153f.

[0300] The fourth strain gauge 150g may be disposed in one of the rows formed by the second touch electrodes 131, for example, in the fourth row RO4.

[0301] In some embodiments, the fourth strain gauge 150g may have the same structure as the first strain gauge 150a, and thus, a detailed description thereof will be omitted to avoid repetition.

[0302] like Figure 12 As shown in FIG, the fourth strain gauge 150g may include a thirteenth resistance wire 151g, a fourteenth resistance wire 153g, a thirteenth connection wire 155g, a fourteenth connection wire 157g, and a seventh connection pattern 159g.

[0303] The fourth conductor 150h may be disposed in one of the electrode rows formed by the first touch electrode member 120, for example, in the fourth electrode row RE4.

[0304] In some embodiments, the fourth conductor 150h may have the same structure as the first conductor 150b, and thus, a detailed description thereof will be omitted to avoid repetition.

[0305] The fourth conductor 150h may include a seventh conductive pattern 152h, an eighth conductive pattern 154h, a fifteenth connection line 155h, a sixteenth connection line 157h, and an eighth connection pattern 159h, and may further include a fifteenth resistance line 151h and a sixteenth resistance line 153h.

[0306] Other features and aspects of the third strain gauge 150e and the fourth strain gauge 150g are substantially the same as or similar to those of the first strain gauge 150a, and therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted to avoid repetition. In addition, other features and aspects of the third conductor 150f and the fourth conductor 150h are substantially the same as or similar to those of the first conductor 150b, and therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted to avoid repetition.

[0307] The third pressure sensor PS3 may include a fifth strain gauge 150 i , a fifth conductor 150 j , a sixth strain gauge 150 k , and a sixth conductor 150 l disposed in the third sensing area SA3 .

[0308] The fifth strain gauge 150i and the sixth strain gauge 150k may be provided in one of the rows formed by the second touch electrodes 131. Figure 10 、 Figure 11 and Figure 16 As shown in FIG, the fifth strain gauge 150i may be disposed in the first row RO1, and the sixth strain gauge 150k may be disposed in the second row RO2.

[0309] In a plan view, the fifth strain gauge 150i, the fifth conductor 150j, the sixth strain gauge 150k, and the sixth conductor 150l may extend from the second side of the touch sensor layer TSL to the first side in a direction opposite to the first direction x, and then extend from the first side of the touch sensor layer TSL to the second side in the first direction x. Therefore, both ends of each of the fifth strain gauge 150i, the fifth conductor 150j, the sixth strain gauge 150k, and the sixth conductor 150l may be disposed on the other side of the sensing area SA, for example, as shown in FIG. Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown in , it is disposed on the right side of the third sensing area SA3.

[0310] In some embodiments, the fifth strain gauge 150 i and the sixth strain gauge 150 k may have the same structure as the first strain gauge 150 a , and thus, a detailed description thereof will be omitted to avoid repetition.

[0311] like Figure 16 As shown in , the fifth strain gauge 150i may include a seventeenth resistance wire 151i, an eighteenth resistance wire 153i, a seventeenth connection wire 155i, an eighteenth connection wire 157i, and a ninth connection pattern 159i.

[0312] like Figure 16 As shown in FIG, the sixth strain gauge 150 k may include a twenty-first resistance wire 151 k, a twenty-second resistance wire 153 k, a twenty-first connection wire 155 k, a twenty-second connection wire 157 k, and an eleventh connection pattern 159 k.

[0313] The fifth conductor 150j and the sixth conductor 150l may be disposed in an electrode row formed by the first touch electrode member 120. For example, Figure 10 、 Figure 11 and Figure 16 As shown in FIG, the fifth conductor 150j may be disposed in the first electrode row RE1, and the sixth conductor 150l may be disposed in the second electrode row RE2.

[0314] In some embodiments, the fifth conductor 150j and the sixth conductor 150l may have the same structure as the first conductor 150b, and thus, a detailed description thereof will be omitted to avoid repetition.

[0315] The fifth conductor 150j may include a ninth conductive pattern 152j, a tenth conductive pattern 154j, a nineteenth connection line 155j, a twentieth connection line 157j, and a tenth connection pattern 159j, and may further include a nineteenth resistance line 151j and a twentieth resistance line 153j.

[0316] The sixth conductor 1501 may include an eleventh conductive pattern 1521 , a twelfth conductive pattern 1541 , a twenty-third connection line 1551 , a twenty-fourth connection line 1571 , and a twelfth connection pattern 1591 , and may further include a twenty-third resistance line 1511 and a twenty-fourth resistance line 1531 .

[0317] Other features and aspects of the fifth strain gauge 150i and the sixth strain gauge 150k are substantially the same as or similar to those of the first strain gauge 150a, and therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted to avoid repetition. In addition, other features and aspects of the fifth conductor 150j and the sixth conductor 150l are substantially the same as or similar to those of the first conductor 150b, and therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0318] The noise sensing electrode member 170 may be provided in the first sensing area SA1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. Figure 10 and Figure 11 As depicted in FIG, the noise sensing electrode member 170 is disposed in an electrode row formed by the first touch electrode member 120. In some embodiments, the noise sensing electrode member 170 may be disposed in an electrode row different from the elements of each of the first pressure sensor PS1, the second pressure sensor PS2, and the third pressure sensor PS3.

[0319] like Figure 10 、 Figure 11 and Figure 24 As shown in , each of the noise sensing electrode members 170 may include a noise sensing electrode 171 and a third connector 173 .

[0320] The noise sensing electrode 171 may be disposed in the first opening OP1 of the first touch electrode 121 and may be spaced apart from the first touch electrode 121. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. Figure 25 As shown in FIG, like the first touch electrode 121, the noise sensing electrode 171 may be provided on the insulating layer IL. The noise sensing electrode 171 may be formed by Figure 4 The second conductive layer ML2 is formed of a conductive layer ML2 and may include the same material as the first touch electrode 121 .

[0321] In some embodiments, when the first touch electrodes 121 have a grid structure, as shown in FIG. Figure 27 As shown in , the noise sensing electrode 171 may also have a mesh structure.

[0322] The third connector 173 can electrically connect multiple pairs of noise sensing electrodes 171 located in the same electrode row and adjacent to each other in the first direction x. In some embodiments, like the first connector 123, the third connector 173 can be formed by Figure 4 The first conductive layer ML1 is formed of amorphous metals and may include the same material as the first connector 123 .

[0323] In some embodiments, as Figure 25 As shown in FIG, the noise sensing electrode 171 and the third connector 173 may be connected via an eighth contact hole CN8 formed in the insulating layer IL.

[0324] like Figure 10 、 Figure 11 and Figure 24 As shown in FIG, the first pattern 180 may be provided in the first opening OP1 of the first touch electrode 121, in which the noise sensing electrode 171, the first pressure sensor PS1, the second pressure sensor PS2, and the third pressure sensor PS3 are not provided. In addition, the second pattern 190 may be provided in the second opening OP2 of the second touch electrode 131, in which the first pressure sensor PS1, the second pressure sensor PS2, and the third pressure sensor PS3 are not provided.

[0325] Since the first opening OP1 is formed in the first touch electrode 121 and the second opening OP2 is formed in the second touch electrode 131, a difference in reflectivity of external light may occur, and thus, pattern smear may be visible from the outside of the display device 1. The first pattern 180 and the second pattern 190 can reduce this difference in external reflectivity, and thus, the possibility of pattern smear being visible from the outside of the display device 1 can be reduced.

[0326] In some embodiments, the first pattern 180 may have substantially the same shape as the first opening OP1, and the second pattern 190 may have substantially the same shape as the second opening OP2. For example, if the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 have substantially diamond shapes in a plan view, the first pattern 180 and the second pattern 190 may also have substantially diamond shapes in a plan view.

[0327] The first pattern 180 may be disposed in the first opening OP1 and may be spaced apart from the first touch electrode 121. Furthermore, the second pattern 190 may be disposed in the second opening OP2 and may be spaced apart from the second touch electrode 131. The first pattern 180 and the second pattern 190 may be generally block-shaped or island-shaped conductive patterns. In some embodiments, the first pattern 180 and the second pattern 190 may all be floating.

[0328] like Figure 26 As shown in FIG, the first pattern 180 and the second pattern 190 may be formed of the same layer and may include the same material as the first touch electrode 121 and the second touch electrode 131. That is, the first pattern 180 and the second pattern 190 may be provided on the insulating layer IL. In some embodiments, the first pattern 180 and the second pattern 190 may be formed of Figure 4 A second conductive layer ML2 is formed.

[0329] In some embodiments, when the first touch electrodes 121 and the second touch electrodes 131 have a grid structure, the first pattern 180 and the second pattern 190 may also have a grid structure.

[0330] Hereinafter, the non-sensing area NSA will be described.

[0331] like Figure 10 As shown in , the touch sensor layer TSL may include touch wiring located in the non-sensing area NSA and disposed on the base layer TFE. Figure 11 As shown in , the touch sensor layer TSL may further include a noise wiring 907 and a pressure wiring located in the non-sensing area NSA and disposed on the base layer TFE.

[0332] like Figure 10 As shown in the figure, the touch wiring may include a first touch wiring 901, a second touch wiring 903 and a third touch wiring 905, wherein the first touch wiring 901 is connected to the second touch electrode component 130 in the first sensing area SA1, the second touch wiring 903 is connected to the second touch electrode component 130 in the second sensing area SA2 and the third sensing area SA3, and the third touch wiring 905 is connected to the first touch electrode component 120.

[0333] The first touch wiring 901 , the second touch wiring 903 , and the third touch wiring 905 may be connected to the touch pad portions TPD1 and TPD2 .

[0334] In some embodiments, the first touch wiring 901 and the second touch wiring 903 may be connected to the first touch pad portion TPD1, ​​and the third touch wiring 905 may be connected to the second touch pad portion TPD2. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0335] like Figure 11 As shown in FIG, the noise wiring 907 may connect the noise sensing electrode member 170 and the touch pad portions TPD1 and TPD2. The noise wiring 907 is shown as being connected to the first touch pad portion TPD1, ​​but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. Alternatively, the noise wiring 907 may be connected to the second touch pad portion TPD2.

[0336] The pressure wiring includes a first pressure wiring 911, a second pressure wiring 913, a third pressure wiring 915, a fourth pressure wiring 917, and a fifth pressure wiring 919 connected to the first pressure sensor PS1. The pressure wiring also includes a sixth pressure wiring 921, a seventh pressure wiring 923, an eighth pressure wiring 925, a ninth pressure wiring 927, and a tenth pressure wiring 929 connected to the second pressure sensor PS2, and an eleventh pressure wiring 931, a twelfth pressure wiring 933, a thirteenth pressure wiring 935, a fourteenth pressure wiring 937, and a fifteenth pressure wiring 939 connected to the third pressure sensor PS3.

[0337] In some embodiments, the first pressure wiring 911, the second pressure wiring 913, the third pressure wiring 915, the fourth pressure wiring 917, the fifth pressure wiring 919, the sixth pressure wiring 921, the seventh pressure wiring 923, the eighth pressure wiring 925, the ninth pressure wiring 927, and the tenth pressure wiring 929 may be disposed in a portion of the non-sensing area NSA adjacent to the second sensing area SA2. For example, the first pressure wiring 911, the second pressure wiring 913, the third pressure wiring 915, the fourth pressure wiring 917, the fifth pressure wiring 919, the sixth pressure wiring 921, the seventh pressure wiring 923, the eighth pressure wiring 925, the ninth pressure wiring 927, and the tenth pressure wiring 929 may be disposed on a side of the second sensing area SA2 opposite to the first sensing area SA1 in the first direction x.

[0338] The eleventh pressure wiring line 931, the twelfth pressure wiring line 933, the thirteenth pressure wiring line 935, the fourteenth pressure wiring line 937, and the fifteenth pressure wiring line 939 may be provided in a portion of the non-sensing area NSA adjacent to the third sensing area SA3. For example, the eleventh pressure wiring line 931, the twelfth pressure wiring line 933, the thirteenth pressure wiring line 935, the fourteenth pressure wiring line 937, and the fifteenth pressure wiring line 939 may be provided on a side of the third sensing area SA3 opposite to the first sensing area SA1 in the first direction x.

[0339] A first pressure wiring 911 may be connected to a first end of the first strain gauge 150a. A second pressure wiring 913 may be connected to a second end of the first strain gauge 150a and a first end of the first conductor 150b. A third pressure wiring 915 may be connected to a second end of the first conductor 150b and a first end of the second strain gauge 150c. A fourth pressure wiring 917 may be connected to a second end of the second strain gauge 150c and a first end of the second conductor 150d. A fifth pressure wiring 919 may be connected to a second end of the second conductor 150d.

[0340] The sixth pressure wiring 921 may be connected to the first end of the third strain gauge 150e. The seventh pressure wiring 923 may be connected to the second end of the third strain gauge 150e and the first end of the third conductor 150f. The eighth pressure wiring 925 may be connected to the second end of the third conductor 150f and the first end of the fourth strain gauge 150g. The ninth pressure wiring 927 may be connected to the second end of the fourth strain gauge 150g and the first end of the fourth conductor 150h. The tenth pressure wiring 929 may be connected to the second end of the fourth conductor 150h.

[0341] The first pressure wiring 911 , the second pressure wiring 913 , the third pressure wiring 915 , the fourth pressure wiring 917 , the fifth pressure wiring 919 , the sixth pressure wiring 921 , the seventh pressure wiring 923 , the eighth pressure wiring 925 , the ninth pressure wiring 927 and the tenth pressure wiring 929 may be connected to the first touch pad portion TPD1 .

[0342] The eleventh pressure wiring 931 may be connected to the first end of the fifth strain gauge 150i. The twelfth pressure wiring 933 may be connected to the second end of the fifth strain gauge 150i and the first end of the fifth conductor 150j. The thirteenth pressure wiring 935 may be connected to the second end of the fifth conductor 150j and the first end of the sixth strain gauge 150k. The fourteenth pressure wiring 937 may be connected to the second end of the sixth strain gauge 150k and the first end of the sixth conductor 150l. The fifteenth pressure wiring 939 may be connected to the second end of the sixth conductor 150l.

[0343] In some embodiments, the eleventh pressure wiring line 931 , the twelfth pressure wiring line 933 , the thirteenth pressure wiring line 935 , the fourteenth pressure wiring line 937 , and the fifteenth pressure wiring line 939 may be connected to the second touch pad portion TPD2 .

[0344] In the non-sensing area NSA, touch pad portions TPD1 and TPD2 may be provided. In some embodiments, the touch pad portions TPD1 and TPD2 may be provided on the base substrate 110 of the display panel DP, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the touch pad portions TPD1 and TPD2 may be provided on the base layer TFE.

[0345] In some embodiments, the touch pad portions TPD1 and TPD2 may include a first touch pad portion TPD1 and a second touch pad portion TPD2. In some embodiments, the first touch pad portion TPD1 and the second touch pad portion TPD2 may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction x. The first touch pad portion TPD1 and the second touch pad portion TPD2 may be connected to a touch controller TSC.

[0346] In the touch sensor TSM, two conductive layers are used to implement the touch electrode member and the pressure sensor. Therefore, the manufacturing of the touch sensor TSM can be simplified, and the touch sensor TSM can be equipped with a pressure sensing function and can be made thinner.

[0347] In addition, since the touch sensor TSM includes the noise sensing electrode member 170 , malfunction of the touch sensor TSM may be minimized, and sensing sensitivity of the touch sensor TSM may be improved.

[0348] Furthermore, since some pressure wirings are connected to both the strain gauge and the conductor in the touch sensor TSM, the size of the portion of the non-sensing area NSA occupied by the pressure wirings can be reduced.

[0349] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 28 Describes the touch position detection operation of the touch controller TSC.

[0350] Figure 28 Shown Figure 9 An exemplary touch position detection operation of a touch sensor.

[0351] Reference Figure 28 , the touch driver 210 can be Figure 10 The first touch wiring 901 and the second touch wiring 903 provide the driving signal Ts to the second touch electrode member 130. In some embodiments, the driving signal Ts may be sequentially provided to the second touch electrode member 130.

[0352] The touch detector 230 can be Figure 10 The third touch wiring 905 receives a sensing signal Rs from the first touch electrode member 120. In some embodiments, as described above, the sensing signal Rs may include information regarding a change in mutual capacitance Cm between the first touch electrode member 120 and the second touch electrode member 130. In response to the drive signal Ts provided to the second touch electrode member 130, a mutual capacitance Cm may be generated between the first touch electrode member 120 and the second touch electrode member 130. In response to the generation of a touch input, the mutual capacitance Cm may change, and the sensing signal Rs may include the change in mutual capacitance Cm.

[0353] In some embodiments, the touch detector 230 may include at least one amplifier 231 (such as an operational (OP) amplifier), an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 233 , and a processor 235 .

[0354] The amplifier 231 may include a first input terminal 231a, a second input terminal 231b, and an output terminal 231c. The first input terminal 231a of the amplifier 231 (e.g., an inverting input terminal of the OP amplifier) ​​may be electrically connected to the first touch electrode member 120 via the third touch wiring 905, and the sensing signal Rs may be input to the first input terminal 231a.

[0355] In some embodiments, the second input terminal 231b of the amplifier 231 (e.g., the non-inverting input terminal of the OP amplifier) ​​can be electrically connected to the noise sensing electrode member 170 via the noise wiring 907, and the noise sensing signal Ns can be provided to the second input terminal 231b of the amplifier 231. Thus, the reference voltage of the amplifier 231 can be changed according to the voltage change in the noise sensing electrode member 170. That is, the reference voltage of the amplifier 231 can be changed according to the potential (or voltage level) of the noise sensing electrode member 170.

[0356] The potential of the noise sensing electrode member 170 may vary according to a noise signal introduced into the touch sensor layer TSL from the display panel DP, etc. For example, the potential of the noise sensing electrode member 170 may vary according to common mode noise introduced into the touch sensor layer TSL from the display panel DP, etc.

[0357] Therefore, by further providing a noise sensing electrode member 170 in the sensing area SA and using the noise sensing signal Ns detected by the noise sensing electrode member 170 to change the reference voltage of the amplifier 231, common-mode noise introduced into the touch sensor layer TSL can be offset or removed. Specifically, the first touch electrode member 120 (which is a sensing electrode member) and the noise sensing electrode member 170 may have ripples corresponding to common-mode noise. Since the first touch electrode member 120 extends in the same direction as the noise sensing electrode member 170 in the sensing area SA and is located at a position corresponding to the noise sensing electrode member 170, the first touch electrode member 120 and the noise sensing electrode member 170 receive the same or very similar noise signals (in terms of pattern and / or amplitude). In addition, the first touch electrode member 120 is electrically connected to the first input terminal 231a of the amplifier 231 via the third touch wiring 905, and the noise sensing electrode member 170 is electrically connected to the second input terminal 231b of the amplifier 231 via the noise wiring 907 different from the third touch wiring 905. Therefore, it is possible to effectively cancel out the noise component (or ripple) included in the sensing signal Rs received from the first touch electrode member 120. Therefore, the output terminal 231c of the amplifier 231 may output the sensing signal from which the noise is removed.

[0358] In some embodiments, the capacitor C and the reset switch SW may be connected in parallel between the first input terminal 231 a and the output terminal 231 c of the amplifier 231 .

[0359] The amplifier 231 may be implemented as a non-inverting amplifier, but example embodiments are not limited thereto. Alternatively, the amplifier 231 may be implemented as an inverting amplifier.

[0360] The output terminal 231 c of the amplifier 231 may be electrically connected to the ADC 233 .

[0361] The ADC 233 can convert analog signals into digital signals. As many ADCs 233 as first touch electrode members 120 can be provided, corresponding one-to-one to the first touch electrode members 120. Alternatively, the first touch electrode members 120 can be configured to share only one ADC 233. In this case, a switching circuit for channel selection can be additionally provided in the touch detector 230.

[0362] The processor 235 processes the digital signal provided by the ADC 233 and detects touch input based on the processed digital signal. For example, the processor 235 can detect the presence and position of the touch input by analyzing the first sensing signal amplified by the amplifier 231 and then converted by the ADC 233. The processor 235 can be implemented as a microprocessing unit (MPU). In this case, a memory for driving the processor 235 can be additionally provided in the touch detector 230. The configuration of the processor 235 is not particularly limited. Alternatively, the processor 235 can be implemented as a microcontroller unit (MCU).

[0363] The touch sensor TSM can effectively cancel noise signals introduced into it from the display panel DP, etc., and can improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Therefore, it is possible to minimize malfunctions of the touch sensor TSM that may be caused by noise signals and improve the sensing sensitivity of the touch sensor TSM.

[0364] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 29 、 Figure 30 、 Figure 31 and Figure 32 Describes the touch pressure detection operation of the touch controller TSC.

[0365] Figure 29 It shows Figure 10 and Figure 11 a plan view of the arrangement of the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, and the third pressure sensor and the pressure wiring, and how the pressure wiring and the Wheatstone bridge circuit are connected, and Figure 30 、 Figure 31 and Figure 32 It shows Figure 9 An exemplary embodiment of a circuit diagram of a touch pressure detection operation of a touch sensor, specifically, a circuit diagram connected to Figure 29 The first pressure sensor is connected to the Wheatstone bridge circuit Figure 29 The Wheatstone bridge circuit of the second pressure sensor is connected to Figure 29 The Wheatstone bridge circuit of the third pressure sensor.

[0366] Reference Figures 29 to 32In the absence of a touch input, the first strain gauge 150a may have a first resistance Ra, the first conductor 150b may have a second resistance Rb, the second strain gauge 150c may have a third resistance Rc, the second conductor 150d may have a fourth resistance Rd, the third strain gauge 150e may have a fifth resistance Re, the third conductor 150f may have a sixth resistance Rf, the fourth strain gauge 150g may have a seventh resistance Rg, and the fourth conductor 150h may have an eighth resistance Rh. Furthermore, in the absence of a touch input, the fifth strain gauge 150i may have a ninth resistance Ri, the fifth conductor 150j may have a tenth resistance Rj, the sixth strain gauge 150k may have an eleventh resistance Rk, and the sixth conductor 150l may have a twelfth resistance Rl.

[0367] The pressure detector 250 may include a first Wheatstone bridge circuit WBa, a second Wheatstone bridge circuit WBb, and a third Wheatstone bridge circuit WBc.

[0368] The first Wheatstone bridge circuit WBa may include a first node N1a, a second node N2a, a first output node N3a, and a second output node N4a, and may further include a first element 253a connected to the first output node N3a and the second output node N4a and a second element 255a connected to the first node N1a and the second node N2a.

[0369] In some embodiments, the driving voltage Vd may be provided to the first node N1a, and the reference voltage Vref may be provided to the second node N2a. For example, the reference voltage Vref may be a ground voltage.

[0370] The first element 253a can detect the current between the first output node N3a and the second output node N4a. For example, the first element 253a can be an ammeter element or a voltage measuring device.

[0371] The second element 255a may be a voltage supply element that supplies voltages to the first node N1a and the second node N2a. In some embodiments, the second element 255a may provide the driving voltage Vd to the first node N1a and the reference voltage Vref to the second node N2a.

[0372] The second Wheatstone bridge circuit WBb may include a first node N1b, a second node N2b, a first output node N3b, and a second output node N4b, and may further include a first element 253b connected to the first output node N3b and the second output node N4b, and a second element 255b connected to the first node N1b and the second node N2b. Similarly, the third Wheatstone bridge circuit WBc may include a first node N1c, a second node N2c, a first output node N3c, and a second output node N4c, and may further include a first element 253c connected to the first output node N3c and the second output node N4c, and a second element 255c connected to the first node N1c and the second node N2c. The first element 253b and the second element 255b of the second Wheatstone bridge circuit WBb are substantially the same as the first element 253a and the second element 255a of the first Wheatstone bridge circuit WBa, respectively, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted to avoid repetition. In addition, the first element 253c and the second element 255c of the third Wheatstone bridge circuit WBc are substantially the same as the first element 253a and the second element 255a of the first Wheatstone bridge circuit WBa, respectively, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0373] The first pressure sensor PS1 may be electrically connected to the first Wheatstone bridge circuit WBa, the second pressure sensor PS2 may be electrically connected to the second Wheatstone bridge circuit WBb, and the third pressure sensor PS3 may be electrically connected to the third Wheatstone bridge circuit WBc.

[0374] Specifically, in some embodiments, a first end of the first strain gauge 150a may be connected to a first node N1a of the first Wheatstone bridge circuit WBa via a first pressure wiring 911, and a second end of the first strain gauge 150a and a first end of the first conductor 150b may be connected to a first output node N3a of the first Wheatstone bridge circuit WBa via a second pressure wiring 913. Furthermore, a second end of the first conductor 150b and a first end of the second strain gauge 150c may be connected to a second node N2a of the first Wheatstone bridge circuit WBa via a third pressure wiring 915, a second end of the second strain gauge 150c and a first end of the second conductor 150d may be connected to a second output node N4a of the first Wheatstone bridge circuit WBa via a fourth pressure wiring 917, and a second end of the second conductor 150d may be connected to the first node N1a of the first Wheatstone bridge circuit WBa via a fifth pressure wiring 919.

[0375] That is, the first strain gauge 150 a , the second strain gauge 150 c , the first conductor 150 b , and the second conductor 150 d may be electrically connected to one another and thus may form a Wheatstone bridge.

[0376] In some illustrated embodiments, in the absence of touch input or external force, the first resistance Ra of the first strain gauge 150a, the second resistance Rb of the first conductor 150b, the third resistance Rc of the second strain gauge 150c, and the fourth resistance Rd of the second conductor 150d can be substantially the same.

[0377] When a touch input has not yet been applied to the touch sensor layer TSL, the first resistance Ra of the first strain gauge 150a, the second resistance Rb of the first conductor 150b, the third resistance Rc of the second strain gauge 150c, and the fourth resistance Rd of the second conductor 150d can be balanced. For example, the product of the first resistance Ra of the first strain gauge 150a and the third resistance Rc of the second strain gauge 150c can be substantially the same as the product of the second resistance Rb of the first conductor 150b and the fourth resistance Rd of the second conductor 150d. That is, when a touch input has not yet been applied to the touch sensor layer TSL, the voltage at the first output node N3a and the voltage at the second output node N4a can be the same.

[0378] In response to a touch input being applied to the touch sensor layer TSL, at least one of the first strain gauge 150a and the second strain gauge 150c may deform due to pressure, and at least one of the first resistance Ra of the first strain gauge 150a and the third resistance Rc of the second strain gauge 150c may change. This generates a voltage difference between the first output node N3a and the second output node N4a. The intensity or pressure of the touch input can then be detected by measuring the voltage difference or the amount of current generated by the voltage difference using the first element 253a.

[0379] When a touch input is applied to the touch sensor layer TSL, not only the pressure changes but also the temperature changes, and at least one of the first resistance Ra of the first strain gauge 150a and the third resistance Rc of the second strain gauge 150c changes in response to the temperature change. In this case, one of the second resistance Rb of the first conductor 150b and the fourth resistance Rd of the second conductor 150d also changes in response to the temperature change. Therefore, the resistance change in the first strain gauge 150a and the second strain gauge 150c caused by the temperature change can be compensated.

[0380] The electrical connections between the first strain gauge 150 a , the second strain gauge 150 c , the first conductor 150 b , and the second conductor 150 d of the first Wheatstone bridge circuit WBa may vary.

[0381] A first end of the third strain gauge 150e may be connected to the first node N1b of the second Wheatstone bridge circuit WBb via the sixth pressure wiring 921, and a second end of the third strain gauge 150e and a first end of the third conductor 150f may be connected to the first output node N3b of the second Wheatstone bridge circuit WBb via the seventh pressure wiring 923. Furthermore, a second end of the third conductor 150f and a first end of the fourth strain gauge 150g may be connected to the second node N2b of the second Wheatstone bridge circuit WBb via the eighth pressure wiring 925, a second end of the fourth strain gauge 150g and a first end of the fourth conductor 150h may be connected to the second output node N4b of the second Wheatstone bridge circuit WBb via the ninth pressure wiring 927, and a second end of the fourth conductor 150h may be connected to the first node N1b of the second Wheatstone bridge circuit WBb via the tenth pressure wiring 929.

[0382] That is, the third strain gauge 150e, the fourth strain gauge 150g, the third conductor 150f, and the fourth conductor 150h may be electrically connected to one another and thus may form a Wheatstone bridge.

[0383] In some embodiments, in the absence of touch input or external force, the fifth resistance Re of the third strain gauge 150e, the sixth resistance Rf of the third conductor 150f, the seventh resistance Rg of the fourth strain gauge 150g, and the eighth resistance Rh of the fourth conductor 150h can be substantially the same.

[0384] A first end of the fifth strain gauge 150i may be connected to the first node N1c of the third Wheatstone bridge circuit WBc via the eleventh pressure wiring 931, and a second end of the fifth strain gauge 150i and a first end of the fifth conductor 150j may be connected to the first output node N3c of the third Wheatstone bridge circuit WBc via the twelfth pressure wiring 933. Furthermore, a second end of the fifth conductor 150j and a first end of the sixth strain gauge 150k may be connected to the second node N2c of the third Wheatstone bridge circuit WBc via the thirteenth pressure wiring 935, a second end of the sixth strain gauge 150k and a first end of the sixth conductor 150l may be connected to the second output node N4c of the third Wheatstone bridge circuit WBc via the fourteenth pressure wiring 937, and a second end of the sixth conductor 150l may be connected to the first node N1c of the third Wheatstone bridge circuit WBc via the fifteenth pressure wiring 939.

[0385] That is, the fifth strain gauge 150 i , the sixth strain gauge 150 k , the fifth conductor 150 j , and the sixth conductor 150 l may be electrically connected to one another and thus may form a Wheatstone bridge.

[0386] In some embodiments, in the absence of touch input or external force, the ninth resistance Ri of the fifth strain gauge 150i, the tenth resistance Rj of the fifth conductor 150j, the eleventh resistance Rk of the sixth strain gauge 150k, and the twelfth resistance Rl of the sixth conductor 150l can be substantially the same.

[0387] That is, the touch sensor TSM may detect the position of a touch input by using the first touch electrode member 120 , the second touch electrode member 130 , and the touch driver 210 , and may detect the intensity of pressure by using the first, second, and third pressure sensors PS1 , PS2 , and PS3 .

[0388] The pressure sensor 150 of the touch sensor TSM can be used as an input device for various electronic devices including the display device 1. The pressure sensor 150 can replace a physical input button or can be used together with a physical input button. For example, the pressure sensor 150 and the pressure detector 250 can be used to detect the intensity of pressure, and a pre-programmed operation of the display device 1 can be output according to the intensity of the pressure. For example, pre-programmed functions such as volume control, power on or off, screen lock, screen unlock, switching specific hardware (for example, a sensor such as a fingerprint sensor) to a standby state or a wake-up state, switching screens, calling an application, running an application, running a predetermined function in an application, taking a photo, answering a call, etc. can be executed.

[0389] Figure 33 and Figure 34 is a plan view showing another exemplary embodiment of a touch sensor constructed according to the principles of the present invention, specifically showing a planar structure of a touch sensor layer of the touch sensor and how the touch sensor layer and the touch controller of the touch controller are connected. Figure 35 It shows Figure 33 and Figure 34 A plan view of a planar structure of a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor, and Figure 36 It shows Figure 33 and Figure 34 A plan view of the planar structure of the third pressure sensor.

[0390] Reference Figures 33 to 36 , the touch sensor according to the illustrated embodiment includes a touch sensor layer TSL1 and a touch controller TSC.

[0391] Features or aspects of the touch sensor layer TSL1 are similar to those of the touch sensor layer TSL1, except that the touch sensor layer TSL1 includes the first pressure sensor PS11, the second pressure sensor PS21, and the third pressure sensor PS31. Figure 10 and Figure 11The features or aspects of the touch sensor layer TSL are substantially the same or similar. Therefore, in the following, we will mainly focus on the touch sensor layer TSL with Figure 10 and Figure 11 The touch sensor layer TSL will be described with reference to the touch sensor layer TSL1 to avoid repetition.

[0392] The first pressure sensor PS11 includes a first strain gauge 150a1, a first conductor 150b1, a second strain gauge 150c1, and a second conductor 150d1.

[0393] The second pressure sensor PS21 includes a third strain gauge 150e1, a third conductor 150f1, a fourth strain gauge 150g1, and a fourth conductor 150h1.

[0394] The third pressure sensor PS31 includes a fifth strain gauge 150i1, a fifth conductor 150j1, a sixth strain gauge 150k1, and a sixth conductor 150l1.

[0395] and Figures 10 to 12 Unlike the first strain gauge 150a, the first strain gauge 150a1 further includes a thirteenth conductive pattern 152a and a fourteenth conductive pattern 154a. The thirteenth conductive pattern 152a and the fourteenth conductive pattern 154a can be disposed in the second opening OP2 of the second touch electrode 131 and can be located not only in the second sensing area SA2 but also in the first sensing area SA1. The thirteenth conductive pattern 152a and the fourteenth conductive pattern 154a in the first sensing area SA1 can be connected via a first connection pattern 159a to the thirteenth conductive pattern 152a and the fourteenth conductive pattern 154a that are farthest from the non-sensing area NSA in the first direction x.

[0396] In some embodiments, the thirteenth conductive pattern 152a and the fourteenth conductive pattern 154a may be formed by Figure 4 The second conductive layer ML2 is formed and may include the same material as the first touch electrode 121 and the second touch electrode 131 .

[0397] The first conductive pattern 152b and the second conductive pattern 154b of the first conductor 150b1 may be provided not only in the second sensing area SA2 but also in the first sensing area SA1. Among the first conductive patterns 152b and the second conductive pattern 154b in the first sensing area SA1, the first conductive pattern 152b and the second conductive pattern 154b farthest from the non-sensing area NSA in the first direction x may be connected via the second connecting pattern 159b.

[0398] Other features and aspects of the second conductor 150d1, the third conductor 150f1, the fourth conductor 150h1, the fifth conductor 150j1, and the sixth conductor 150l1 are substantially the same as or similar to those of the first conductor 150b1, and therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted to avoid repetition.

[0399] and Figures 10 to 12 Unlike the second strain gauge 150c, the second strain gauge 150c1 further includes a fifteenth conductive pattern 152c and a sixteenth conductive pattern 154c and may be connected to the fifteenth conductive pattern 152c and the sixteenth conductive pattern 154c farthest from the second sensing area SA2 in the first direction x via a third connection pattern 159c.

[0400] and Figures 10 to 12 Unlike the third strain gauge 150e, the third strain gauge 150e1 further includes a seventeenth conductive pattern 152e and an eighteenth conductive pattern 154e and can be connected to the seventeenth conductive pattern 152e and the eighteenth conductive pattern 154e farthest from the second sensing area SA2 in the first direction x via a fifth connection pattern 159e.

[0401] and Figures 10 to 12 Unlike the fourth strain gauge 150g, the fourth strain gauge 150g1 further includes a nineteenth conductive pattern 152g and a twentieth conductive pattern 154g, and can be connected to the nineteenth conductive pattern 152g and the twentieth conductive pattern 154g farthest from the second sensing area SA2 in the first direction x via a seventh connection pattern 159g.

[0402] and Figures 10 and 11 as well as Figure 16 Unlike the fifth strain gauge 150i, the fifth strain gauge 150i1 further includes a twenty-first conductive pattern 152i and a twenty-second conductive pattern 154i, and can be connected to the twenty-first conductive pattern 152i and the twenty-second conductive pattern 154i farthest from the third sensing area SA3 in the first direction x via a ninth connecting pattern 159i.

[0403] and Figures 10 and 11 as well as Figure 16 Unlike the sixth strain gauge 150k, the sixth strain gauge 150k1 further includes a twenty-third conductive pattern 152k and a twenty-fourth conductive pattern 154k, and can be connected to the twenty-third conductive pattern 152k and the twenty-fourth conductive pattern 154k farthest from the third sensing area SA3 in the first direction x via the eleventh connecting pattern 159k.

[0404] The conductive pattern of each of the second strain gauge 150c1, the third strain gauge 150e1, the fourth strain gauge 150g1, the fifth strain gauge 150i1, and the sixth strain gauge 150k1 may be formed by Figure 4 The second conductive layer ML2 is formed and may include the same material as the first touch electrode 121 and the second touch electrode 131 .

[0405] Figure 37 It shows Figure 33 and Figure 34 a plan view showing the arrangement of the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, and the third pressure sensor and how the pressure wiring and the Wheatstone bridge circuit are connected, and Figure 38 、 Figure 39 and Figure 40 It shows Figure 33 and Figure 34 An exemplary embodiment of a circuit diagram of a touch pressure detection operation of a touch sensor, specifically, a circuit diagram connected to Figure 37 The first pressure sensor is connected to the Wheatstone bridge circuit Figure 37 The Wheatstone bridge circuit of the second pressure sensor is connected to Figure 37 The Wheatstone bridge circuit of the third pressure sensor.

[0406] Reference Figures 37 to 40 , the first pressure sensor PS11 may be electrically connected to the first Wheatstone bridge circuit WBa, the second pressure sensor PS21 may be electrically connected to the second Wheatstone bridge circuit WBb, and the third pressure sensor PS31 may be electrically connected to the third Wheatstone bridge circuit WBc.

[0407] In the absence of a touch input, the first strain gauge 150a1 may have a first resistance Ra1, the first conductor 150b1 may have a second resistance Rb1, the second strain gauge 150c1 may have a third resistance Rc1, the second conductor 150d1 may have a fourth resistance Rd1, the third strain gauge 150e1 may have a fifth resistance Re1, the third conductor 150f1 may have a sixth resistance Rf1, the fourth strain gauge 150g1 may have a seventh resistance Rg1, and the fourth conductor 150h1 may have an eighth resistance Rh1. Furthermore, in the absence of a touch input, the fifth strain gauge 150i1 may have a ninth resistance Ri1, the fifth conductor 150j1 may have a tenth resistance Rj1, the sixth strain gauge 150k1 may have an eleventh resistance Rk1, and the sixth conductor 150l1 may have a twelfth resistance Rl1.

[0408] The first pressure sensor PS11 may be electrically connected to the first Wheatstone bridge circuit WBa, the second pressure sensor PS21 may be electrically connected to the second Wheatstone bridge circuit WBb, and the third pressure sensor PS31 may be electrically connected to the third Wheatstone bridge circuit WBc.

[0409] In some illustrated embodiments, in the absence of touch input or external force, the first resistance Ra1 of the first strain gauge 150a1, the second resistance Rb1 of the first conductor 150b1, the third resistance Rc1 of the second strain gauge 150c1, and the fourth resistance Rd1 of the second conductor 150d1 can be substantially the same.

[0410] Furthermore, in some illustrated embodiments, in the absence of touch input or external force, the fifth resistance Re1 of the third strain gauge 150e1, the sixth resistance Rf1 of the third conductor 150f1, the seventh resistance Rg1 of the fourth strain gauge 150g1, and the eighth resistance Rh1 of the fourth conductor 150h1 may be substantially the same.

[0411] In addition, in some illustrated embodiments, in the absence of touch input or external force, the ninth resistor Ri1 of the fifth strain gauge 150i1, the tenth resistor Rj1 of the fifth conductor 150j1, the eleventh resistor Rk1 of the sixth strain gauge 150k1, and the twelfth resistor Rl1 of the sixth conductor 150l1 can be substantially the same.

[0412] The connections between the elements of the pressure detector 250 of the touch sensor according to the illustrated embodiment and the operation of the pressure detector 250 are similar to those described above with reference to FIG. Figures 29 to 32 The connections and operations described are substantially the same or similar, and therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted to avoid repetition.

[0413] Figure 41 and Figure 42 is a plan view showing another exemplary embodiment of a touch sensor constructed according to the principles of the present invention, specifically showing a planar structure of a touch sensor layer of the touch sensor and how the touch sensor layer and a touch controller of the touch sensor are connected. Figure 43 It shows Figure 41 and Figure 42 A plan view of a planar structure of a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor, and Figure 44 It shows Figure 41 and Figure 42 A plan view of the planar structure of the third pressure sensor.

[0414] Reference Figures 41 to 44 , the touch sensor according to the illustrated embodiment includes a touch sensor layer TSL2 and a touch controller TSC.

[0415] In the touch sensor layer TSL2, a sensing area SA-1 is defined, and the sensing area SA-1 includes a first sensing area SA1, a second sensing area SA2-1, and a third sensing area SA3. The first sensing area SA1 is provided in the display device 1 (see FIG. Figure 1), the second sensing area SA2-1 is set in the second area A2-1 of the display device 1, and the third sensing area SA3 is set in the third area A3 of the display device 1. In some embodiments, the second sensing area SA2-1 and the third sensing area SA3 can also be set in the first area A1. The first area A1 and the third area A3 can be respectively Figure 10 and Figure 11 The first area A1 and the third area A3 are substantially the same. Figure 10 and Figure 11 The second area A2-1 is shifted in the direction opposite to the second direction y, and the second area A2-1 is the same as the second area A2-1. Figure 1 The same as the second area A2.

[0416] In some embodiments, Figure 10 and Figure 11 In some embodiments, at least a portion of the third sensing area SA3 may not overlap with the second sensing area SA2-1 in the first direction x. Figure 10 and Figure 11 Compared with the second sensing area SA2-1, the second sensing area SA2-1 may be shifted in a direction opposite to the second direction y.

[0417] The touch sensor layer TSL1 includes a first pressure sensor PS12 , a second pressure sensor PS22 , and a third pressure sensor PS32 .

[0418] The first pressure sensor PS12 includes a first strain gauge 150a2, a first conductor 150b2, a second strain gauge 150c2, and a second conductor 150d2.

[0419] The second pressure sensor PS22 includes a third strain gauge 150e2, a third conductor 150f2, a fourth strain gauge 150g2, and a fourth conductor 150h2.

[0420] The third pressure sensor PS32 includes a fifth strain gauge 150i2, a fifth conductor 150j2, a sixth strain gauge 150k2, and a sixth conductor 150l2.

[0421] In some embodiments, the first strain gauge 150a2, the first conductor 150b2, the second strain gauge 150c2, and the second conductor 150d2 may all be disposed in a different row from the fifth strain gauge 150i2, the fifth conductor 150j2, the sixth strain gauge 150k2, and the sixth conductor 150l2 of the third pressure sensor PS32. In some embodiments, the first strain gauge 150a2 may be disposed in the third row RO3, the first conductor 150b2 may be disposed in the third electrode row RE3, the second strain gauge 150c2 may be disposed in the fourth row RO4, and the second conductor 150d2 may be disposed in the fourth electrode row RE4.

[0422] In some embodiments, the thirteenth conductive pattern 152a and the fourteenth conductive pattern 154a of the first strain gauge 150a2 may be disposed in the first sensing area SA1, but not in the same manner as in the first sensing area SA1. Figure 33 and Figure 34 Unlike their corresponding counterparts in FIG1 , the thirteenth conductive pattern 152a and the fourteenth conductive pattern 154a of the first strain gauge 150a2 may even be disposed along the first direction x in a portion of the first sensing area SA1 near a boundary between the first sensing area SA1 and the third sensing area SA3.

[0423] Similarly, the fifteenth and sixteenth conductive patterns 152c and 154c of the second strain gauge 150c2, the seventeenth and eighteenth conductive patterns 152e and 154e of the third strain gauge 150e2, and the nineteenth and twentieth conductive patterns 152g and 154g of the fourth strain gauge 150g2 may be disposed in the first sensing area SA1, but are separate from the first sensing area SA1. Figure 33 and Figure 34 Unlike their corresponding counterparts in FIG, they may even be disposed along the first direction x in a portion of the first sensing area SA1 located near a boundary between the first sensing area SA1 and the third sensing area SA3.

[0424] The first conductive pattern 152b and the second conductive pattern 154b of the first conductor 150b2 can be set not only in the second sensing area SA2-1, but also in the first sensing area SA1, and can even be set in a portion of the first sensing area SA1 located near the boundary between the first sensing area SA1 and the third sensing area SA3 along the first direction x.

[0425] Other features and aspects of the second conductor 150d2, the third conductor 150f2, and the fourth conductor 150h2 are substantially the same as or similar to those of the first conductor 150b2, and therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted to avoid repetition.

[0426] The twenty-first conductive pattern 152i and the twenty-second conductive pattern 154i of the fifth strain gauge 150i2 may be disposed in the first sensing area SA1, but may be separated from the first sensing area SA1. Figure 33 and Figure 34 Unlike their corresponding counterparts in FIG. 1 , the twenty-first conductive pattern 152i and the second conductive pattern 154i of the fifth strain gauge 150i2 may be arranged in a portion of the first sensing area SA1 located near the boundary between the first sensing area SA1 and the second sensing area SA2-1, even in a direction opposite to the first direction x. The seventeenth resistive wire 151i and the eighteenth resistive wire 153i arranged in the fourth column CO1b may be connected via the ninth connecting pattern 159i.

[0427] The twenty-third conductive pattern 152k and the twenty-fourth conductive pattern 154k of the sixth strain gauge 150k2 may be disposed in the first sensing area SA1, but may be separated from the first sensing area SA1. Figure 33 and Figure 34 Unlike their corresponding counterparts in FIG. 1 , the twenty-third conductive pattern 152k and the twenty-fourth conductive pattern 154k of the sixth strain gauge 150k2 may even be arranged in a portion of the first sensing area SA1 located near the boundary between the first sensing area SA1 and the second sensing area SA2-1, along a direction opposite to the first direction x. The twenty-first resistive wire 151k and the twenty-second resistive wire 153k arranged in the fourth column CO1b may be connected via the eleventh connecting pattern 159k.

[0428] The ninth conductive pattern 152j and the tenth conductive pattern 154j of the fifth conductor 150j2 can be provided not only in the third sensing area SA3 but also in the first sensing area SA1, and can even be provided in a portion of the first sensing area SA1 located near the boundary between the first sensing area SA1 and the second sensing area SA2-1 in a direction opposite to the first direction x. The nineteenth resistor wire 151j and the twentieth resistor wire 153j provided in the fifth electrode column CE1b can be connected via the tenth connection pattern 159j.

[0429] The eleventh conductive pattern 1521 and the twelfth conductive pattern 1541 of the sixth conductor 15012 may be provided not only in the third sensing area SA3 but also in the first sensing area SA1, and may even be provided in a portion of the first sensing area SA1 located near a boundary between the first sensing area SA1 and the second sensing area SA2-1 in a direction opposite to the first direction x. The twenty-third resistor wire 1511 and the twenty-fourth resistor wire 1531 provided in the fifth electrode column CE1b may be connected via the twelfth connection pattern 1591.

[0430] In some embodiments, both ends of the fifth strain gauge 150i2, both ends of the fifth conductor 150j2, both ends of the sixth strain gauge 150k2, and both ends of the sixth conductor 150l2 can be disposed on the left side of the first sensing area SA1. The eleventh pressure wiring line 931, the twelfth pressure wiring line 933, the thirteenth pressure wiring line 935, the fourteenth pressure wiring line 937, and the fifteenth pressure wiring line 939 can be disposed in the non-sensing area NSA, specifically, on the left side of the second sensing area SA2-1. That is, in some embodiments, the first pressure wiring 911, the second pressure wiring 913, the third pressure wiring 915, the fourth pressure wiring 917, the fifth pressure wiring 919, the sixth pressure wiring 921, the seventh pressure wiring 923, the eighth pressure wiring 925, the ninth pressure wiring 927 and the tenth pressure wiring 929 as well as the eleventh pressure wiring 931, the twelfth pressure wiring 933, the thirteenth pressure wiring 935, the fourteenth pressure wiring 937 and the fifteenth pressure wiring 939 can all be set on the left side of the second sensing area SA2-1.

[0431] In some embodiments, an eleventh pressure wiring line 931 , a twelfth pressure wiring line 933 , a thirteenth pressure wiring line 935 , a fourteenth pressure wiring line 937 , and a fifteenth pressure wiring line 939 may be connected to the first touch pad portion TPD1 .

[0432] Other features and aspects of the touch sensor layer TSL2 are similar to Figures 10 to 12 Features and aspects of the touch sensor layer TSL are substantially the same or similar, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0433] Figure 45 It shows Figure 43 and Figure 44 A plan view showing the arrangement of the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, and the third pressure sensor, and how the pressure wiring and the Wheatstone bridge circuit are connected.

[0434] Reference Figure 45 , in the absence of touch input or external force, the first resistance Ra2 of the first strain gauge 150a2, the second resistance Rb2 of the first conductor 150b2, the third resistance Rc2 of the second strain gauge 150c2, and the fourth resistance Rd2 of the second conductor 150d2 can be approximately the same, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted to avoid repetition.

[0435] In addition, in some embodiments, in the absence of touch input or external force, the fifth resistor Re2 of the third strain gauge 150e2, the sixth resistor Rf2 of the third conductor 150f2, the seventh resistor Rg2 of the fourth strain gauge 150g2, and the eighth resistor Rh2 of the fourth conductor 150h2 can be substantially the same, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted to avoid repetition.

[0436] In addition, in some embodiments, in the absence of touch input or external force, the ninth resistor Ri2 of the fifth strain gauge 150i2, the tenth resistor Rj2 of the fifth conductor 150j2, the eleventh resistor Rk2 of the sixth strain gauge 150k2, and the twelfth resistor Rl2 of the sixth conductor 150l2 may be substantially the same, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted to avoid repetition.

[0437] The first pressure sensor PS12 can be connected to Figure 30 The first Wheatstone bridge circuit WBa of the pressure detector 250 and the second pressure sensor PS22 can be connected to Figure 31 The second Wheatstone bridge circuit WBb of the pressure detector 250, and the third pressure sensor PS32 may be connected to Figure 32 The pressure detector 250 includes a third Wheatstone bridge circuit WBc.

[0438] The connections between the components of the pressure detector and the operation of the pressure detector are the same as those in the above reference. Figures 29 to 32 The connections and operations described are substantially the same or similar, and therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted to avoid repetition.

[0439] Figure 46 and Figure 47 is a plan view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a touch sensor constructed according to the principles of the present invention, specifically illustrating a planar structure of a touch sensor layer of the touch sensor in its unfolded state and how the touch sensor layer and a touch controller of the touch sensor are connected. Figure 48 It shows Figure 46 and Figure 47 A plan view of the planar structure of the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor, Figure 49 It shows Figure 48 an enlarged plan view of a first resistance wire of a first pressure sensor, Figure 50 、 Figure 51 and Figure 52 It shows Figure 49 a plan view of a further exemplary embodiment of a first resistance wire, Figure 53 It shows Figure 47 A plan view of the planar structure of the third pressure sensor, Figure 54 It shows Figure 46 and Figure 47 an enlarged plan view of the first pressure sensor and the surroundings of the first pressure sensor, Figure 55 It is along Figure 54 The cross-sectional view along the line X19-X19', Figure 56 It is along Figure 54 A cross-sectional view taken along line X21-X21', Figure 57 It is along Figure 54 A sectional view taken along line X23-X23', Figure 58 It is along Figure 54 A sectional view taken along line X25-X25', and Figure 59 It is along Figure 54 A cross-sectional view taken along line X27-X27'.

[0440] Reference Figures 46 to 59 , the touch sensor according to the illustrated embodiment includes a touch sensor layer TSL3 and a touch controller TSC1.

[0441] Features or aspects of the touch sensor layer TSL3 are similar to those of the touch sensor layer TSL3, except that the touch sensor layer TSL3 includes a first pressure sensor PS13, a second pressure sensor PS23, and a third pressure sensor PS33. Figure 10 and Figure 11 The features or aspects of the touch sensor layer TSL are substantially the same or similar. Therefore, the following will mainly focus on the touch sensor layer TSL with Figure 10 and Figure 11 The differences between the touch sensor layer TSL and the touch sensor layer TSL3 are described to avoid repetition.

[0442] The first pressure sensor PS13 includes a first strain gauge 150a3 and a first conductor 150b3.

[0443] The first strain gauge 150 a 3 may include a first resistance wire 1511 a , a first connection wire 1551 a , and a second connection wire 1581 a .

[0444] The first resistance line 1511a can be disposed in the second opening OP2 of the second touch electrode 131 and can be located in the second sensing area SA2. In some embodiments, the first resistance line 1511a can be disposed in two or more rows. For example, the first resistance line 1511a can be disposed in the second opening OP2 located in the first row RO1 and located in the first column CO1a and the second column CO2a, and can be disposed in the second opening OP2 located in the second row RO2 and located in the first column CO1a and the second column CO2a.

[0445] In some embodiments, as Figure 49As shown in FIG, each of the first resistance lines 1511a may include two or more bending portions and an extending portion extending in a direction intersecting the first direction x and the second direction y.

[0446] The shape of the first resistance line 1511a can be varied. Figure 50 As shown in , each of the first resistance lines 1511a may include a plurality of bending portions and an extending portion extending in the first direction x. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 51 As shown in , each of the first resistance lines 1511a can be formed into a substantially angled spiral shape. Alternatively, each of the first resistance lines 1511a can be formed into a substantially angled spiral shape.

[0447] In some embodiments, when the first touch electrodes 121 and the second touch electrodes 131 have a mesh structure, the first resistance line 1511a may be formed by partially removing the mesh structure. Figure 52 As shown in FIG, a plurality of branch portions BR spaced apart from each other may be further provided in each of the second openings OP2 to be connected to a corresponding first resistance line 1511 a.

[0448] The branch portion BR may be a portion of the mesh structure that is not removed. The branch portion BR may be spaced apart from the second touch electrode 131 and may be disposed in the same layer as the first resistance line 1511a and may include the same material as the first resistance line 1511a.

[0449] The first connection wires 1551 a may connect a plurality of adjacent pairs of first resistance wires 1511 a in the first direction x.

[0450] The second connection line 1581a can connect a pair of adjacent first resistance lines 1511a in the second direction y. In some embodiments, the second connection line 1581a can connect the first resistance lines 1511a in the first row RO1 and the second column CO2a and the first resistance lines 1511a in the second row RO2 and the second column CO2a.

[0451] In some embodiments, the first resistance line 1511a may be Figure 4 The second conductive layer ML2 is formed of the same material as the first touch electrode 121 and the second touch electrode 131. In addition, the first connection line 1551a and the second connection line 1581a may be made of Figure 4 The first conductive layer ML1 is formed of a conductive layer ML1 and may include the same material as the second connector 133 .

[0452] In some embodiments, as Figure 55 and Figure 56As shown in FIG, ninth contact holes CN9 penetrating the insulating layer IL may be formed at both ends of each of the first resistance lines 1511a. The first connection line 1551a and the first resistance line 1511a may be connected via the ninth contact hole CN9, and the second connection line 1581a and the first resistance line 1511a may also be connected via the ninth contact hole CN9.

[0453] The first conductor 150b3 may include a first conductive pattern 1521b, a second conductive pattern 1541b, a third connection line 1551b, a fourth connection line 1571b, and a first connection pattern 1591b.

[0454] The first and second conductive patterns 1521b and 1541b may be paired and disposed in the second opening OP2 of the second touch electrode 131. In some embodiments, multiple pairs of first and second conductive patterns 1521b and 1541b may be disposed in the second opening OP2 in the third row RO3 along the first direction x.

[0455] The first conductive pattern 1521b and the second conductive pattern 1541b are shown as being disposed in the second opening OP2, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the first conductive pattern 1521b and the second conductive pattern 1541b may be disposed in the first opening OP1 of the first touch electrode 121. In this case, the first conductive pattern 1521b and the second conductive pattern 1541b may be disposed, for example, in the first electrode row RE1 or the second electrode row RE2, and the first pattern 180 disposed in the second sensing area SA2 may not be provided.

[0456] The third connection wires 1551b may electrically connect a plurality of pairs of first conductive patterns 1521b adjacent in the first direction x, and the fourth connection wires 1571b may electrically connect a plurality of pairs of second conductive patterns 1541b adjacent in the first direction x.

[0457] In some embodiments, as Figure 48 As shown in FIG, the first connection pattern 1591b may be disposed in the second opening OP2 in the third row RO3 and the second column CO2a. The first connection pattern 1591b may connect the first conductive pattern 1521b and the second conductive pattern 1541b in the second opening OP2 in the third row RO3 and the second column CO2a.

[0458] In some embodiments, the first conductive pattern 1521b, the second conductive pattern 1541b, and the first connecting pattern 1591b may be formed by Figure 4 The second conductive layer ML2 is formed of the same material as the first touch electrode 121 and the second touch electrode 131. In addition, the third connection line 1551b and the fourth connection line 1571b may be made of Figure 4 The first conductive layer ML1 is formed of a conductive layer ML1 and may include the same material as the second connector 133 .

[0459] In some embodiments, as Figure 58 and Figure 59 As shown in FIG, the first conductive pattern 1521b and the third connection line 1551b may be connected via a tenth contact hole CN10 formed in the insulating layer IL. In addition, the second conductive pattern 1541b and the fourth connection line 1571b may be connected via an eleventh contact hole CN11 formed in the insulating layer IL.

[0460] In some embodiments, both ends of the first strain gauge 150a3 and both ends of the first conductor 150b3 may be disposed on the same side of the second sensing area SA2. For example, both ends of the first strain gauge 150a3 and both ends of the first conductor 150b3 may be disposed on the left side of the second sensing area SA2.

[0461] The second pressure sensor PS23 includes a second strain gauge 150c3 and a second conductor 150d3.

[0462] The second strain gauge 150c3 may have substantially the same structure as the first strain gauge 150a3, and thus, a detailed description thereof will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0463] The second strain gauge 150c3 may include a second resistance line 1511c, a fifth connection line 1551c, and a sixth connection line 1581c. In some embodiments, the second strain gauge 150c3 may be located in the second sensing area SA2 and may be disposed in the fourth row RO4 and the fifth row RO5. The elements of the second strain gauge 150c3 are substantially the same as those of the first strain gauge 150a3, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted to avoid repetition.

[0464] The second conductor 150d3 may have substantially the same structure as the first conductor 150b3, and thus, a detailed description thereof will be omitted to avoid repetition.

[0465] The second conductor 150d3 may include a third conductive pattern 1521d, a fourth conductive pattern 1541d, a seventh connection line 1551d, an eighth connection line 1571d, and a second connection pattern 1591d. In some embodiments, the third conductive pattern 1521d and the fourth conductive pattern 1541d may be located in the second sensing area SA2 and may be disposed in the sixth row RO6. The elements of the second conductor 150d3 are substantially the same as those of the first conductor 150b3, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0466] The third pressure sensor PS33 may include a third strain gauge 150e3 and a third conductor 150f3.

[0467] The third strain gauge 150e3 may have substantially the same structure as or a similar structure to the first strain gauge 150a3, and thus, a detailed description thereof will be omitted to avoid repetition.

[0468] The third strain gauge 150e3 may include a third resistance line 1511e, a ninth connection line 1551e, and a tenth connection line 1581e. In some embodiments, the third resistance line 1511e may be located in the third sensing area SA3 and may be disposed in the first row RO1 and the second row RO2. Other features and aspects of the third strain gauge 150e3 are substantially the same or similar to those of the first strain gauge 150a3, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted to avoid repetition.

[0469] The third conductor 150f3 may have substantially the same structure as or a similar structure to that of the first conductor 150b3, and thus, a detailed description thereof will be omitted to avoid repetition.

[0470] The third conductor 150f3 may include a fifth conductive pattern 1521f, a sixth conductive pattern 1541f, an eleventh connecting line 1551f, a twelfth connecting line 1557f, and a third connecting pattern 1591f. In some embodiments, the fifth conductive pattern 1521f and the sixth conductive pattern 1541f may be located in the third sensing area SA3 and may be disposed in the third row RO3. Other features and aspects of the third conductor 150f3 are substantially the same or similar to those of the first conductor 150b3, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted to avoid repetition.

[0471] The pressure wiring may be provided in the non-sensing area NSA.

[0472] The pressure wiring includes a first pressure wiring 941, a second pressure wiring 943, and a third pressure wiring 945 connected to the first pressure sensor PS13. The pressure wiring may also include a fourth pressure wiring 951, a fifth pressure wiring 953, and a sixth pressure wiring 955 connected to the second pressure sensor PS23, and a seventh pressure wiring 961, an eighth pressure wiring 963, and a ninth pressure wiring 965 connected to the third pressure sensor PS33.

[0473] In some embodiments, the first pressure wiring 941, the second pressure wiring 943, the third pressure wiring 945, the fourth pressure wiring 951, the fifth pressure wiring 953 and the sixth pressure wiring 955 can be arranged in the non-sensing area NSA, specifically, on the side of the second sensing area SA2 opposite to the first sensing area SA1 in the first direction x.

[0474] The seventh to eighth pressure wiring lines 961 , 963 , and ninth pressure wiring lines 965 may be disposed in the non-sensing area NSA, specifically, on a side of the third sensing area SA3 opposite to the first sensing area SA1 in the first direction x.

[0475] The first pressure wiring 941 may be connected to the first end of the first strain gauge 150a3. The second pressure wiring 943 may be connected to the second end of the first strain gauge 150a3 and the first end of the first conductor 150b3. The third pressure wiring 945 may be connected to the second end of the first conductor 150b3.

[0476] The fourth pressure wiring 951 may be connected to the first end of the second strain gauge 150c3, the fifth pressure wiring 953 may be connected to the second end of the second strain gauge 150c3 and the first end of the second conductor 150d3, and the sixth pressure wiring 955 may be connected to the second end of the second conductor 150d3.

[0477] The seventh pressure wiring 961 can be connected to the first end of the third strain gauge 150e3, the eighth pressure wiring 963 can be connected to the second end of the third strain gauge 150e3 and the first end of the third conductor 150f3, and the ninth pressure wiring 965 can be connected to the second end of the third conductor 150f3.

[0478] In some embodiments, the first pressure wiring 941, the second pressure wiring 943, the third pressure wiring 945, the fourth pressure wiring 951, the fifth pressure wiring 953 and the sixth pressure wiring 955 can be connected to the first touch pad portion TPD1, ​​and the seventh pressure wiring 961, the eighth pressure wiring 963 and the ninth pressure wiring 965 can be connected to the second touch pad portion TPD2.

[0479] Figure 60 It shows Figure 46 and Figure 47 a plan view showing the arrangement of the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, and the third pressure sensor and how the pressure wiring and the Wheatstone bridge circuit are connected, and Figure 61 、 Figure 62 and Figure 63 It shows Figure 46 and Figure 47 An exemplary embodiment of a circuit diagram of a touch pressure detection operation of a touch sensor, specifically, a circuit diagram connected to Figure 60 The first pressure sensor is connected to the Wheatstone bridge circuit Figure 60 The Wheatstone bridge circuit of the second pressure sensor is connected to Figure 60 The Wheatstone bridge circuit of the third pressure sensor.

[0480] Reference Figures 60 to 63 , in the absence of touch input, the first strain gauge 150a3 may have a first resistance Ra3, the first conductor 150b3 may have a second resistance Rb3, the second strain gauge 150c3 may have a third resistance Rc3, the second conductor 150d3 may have a fourth resistance Rd3, the third strain gauge 150e3 may have a fifth resistance Re3, and the third conductor 150f3 may have a sixth resistance Rf3.

[0481] Touch controller TSC1 (see Figure 46 ) may include a first Wheatstone bridge circuit WB1a, a second Wheatstone bridge circuit WB1b, and a third Wheatstone bridge circuit WB1c.

[0482] In addition to the first Wheatstone bridge circuit WB1a including the first fixed resistor RF1a and the second fixed resistor RF2a, the first Wheatstone bridge circuit WB1a and Figure 30 In some embodiments, the first fixed resistor RF1a may be connected to the first node N1a and the second output node N4a, and the second fixed resistor RF2a may be connected between the second node N2a and the second output node N4a.

[0483] In addition to the second Wheatstone bridge circuit WB1b including the first fixed resistor RF1b and the second fixed resistor RF2b, the second Wheatstone bridge circuit WB1b and Figure 31 In some embodiments, the first fixed resistor RF1b can be connected to the first node N1b and the second output node N4b, and the second fixed resistor RF2b can be connected between the second node N2b and the second output node N4b.

[0484] In addition to the third Wheatstone bridge circuit WB1c including the first fixed resistor RF1c and the second fixed resistor RF2c, the third Wheatstone bridge circuit WB1c and Figure 32 In some embodiments, the first fixed resistor RF1c may be connected to the first node N1c and the second output node N4c, and the second fixed resistor RF2c may be connected between the second node N2c and the second output node N4c.

[0485] The first pressure sensor PS13 may be electrically connected to the first Wheatstone bridge circuit WB1a , the second pressure sensor PS23 may be electrically connected to the second Wheatstone bridge circuit WB1b , and the third pressure sensor PS33 may be electrically connected to the third Wheatstone bridge circuit WB1c .

[0486] Specifically, in some embodiments, a first end of the first strain gauge 150a3 may be connected to a first node N1a of the first Wheatstone bridge circuit WB1a via a first pressure wiring 941, and a second end of the first strain gauge 150a3 and a first end of the first conductor 150b3 may be connected to a first output node N3a of the first Wheatstone bridge circuit WB1a via a second pressure wiring 943. Furthermore, a second end of the first conductor 150b3 may be connected to a second node N2a of the first Wheatstone bridge circuit WB1a via a third pressure wiring 945.

[0487] When touch input has not yet been applied to the touch sensor layer TSL3, the product of the first resistance Ra3 of the first strain gauge 150a3 and the resistance of the second fixed resistor RF2a of the first Wheatstone bridge circuit WB1a can be approximately the same as the product of the second resistance Rb3 of the first conductor 150b3 and the resistance of the first fixed resistor RF1a of the first Wheatstone bridge circuit WB1a.

[0488] In some embodiments, in the absence of touch input or external force, the first resistance Ra3 of the first strain gauge 150a3, the second resistance Rb3 of the first conductor 150b3, the resistance of the first fixed resistor RF1a, and the resistance of the second fixed resistor RF2a may be substantially the same.

[0489] When a touch input is applied to the touch sensor layer TSL3, the resistance of the first strain gauge 150a3 changes, and the resistance change in the first strain gauge 150a3 includes a pressure resistance component and a temperature resistance component. In addition, when a touch input is applied to the touch sensor layer TSL3, the resistance of the first conductor 150b3 does not substantially change according to pressure, but changes according to temperature.

[0490] Therefore, in response to a touch input applied to the touch sensor layer TSL3, the balance of the Wheatstone bridge is broken, and the resistance change in the first conductor 150b3 can compensate for the temperature resistance component of the first strain gauge 150a3. Therefore, touch pressure can be detected based on the pressure resistance component of the first strain gauge 150a3, thereby improving the accuracy of pressure detection.

[0491] A first end of the second strain gauge 150c3 may be connected to a first node N1b of the second Wheatstone bridge circuit WB1b via a fourth pressure wiring 951, and a second end of the second strain gauge 150c3 and a first end of the second conductor 150d3 may be connected to a first output node N3b of the second Wheatstone bridge circuit WB1b via a fifth pressure wiring 953. Furthermore, a second end of the second conductor 150d3 may be connected to a second node N2b of the second Wheatstone bridge circuit WB1b via a sixth pressure wiring 955.

[0492] In some embodiments, without touch input or external force, the third resistance Rc3 of the second strain gauge 150c3, the fourth resistance Rd3 of the second conductor 150d3, the resistance of the first fixed resistor RF1b, and the resistance of the second fixed resistor RF2b may be substantially the same.

[0493] A first end of the third strain gauge 150e3 may be connected to a first node N1c of the third Wheatstone bridge circuit WB1c via the seventh pressure wiring 961, and a second end of the third strain gauge 150e3 and a first end of the third conductor 150f3 may be connected to a first output node N3c of the third Wheatstone bridge circuit WB1c via the eighth pressure wiring 963. Furthermore, a second end of the third conductor 150f3 may be connected to a second node N2c of the third Wheatstone bridge circuit WB1c via the ninth pressure wiring 965.

[0494] In some embodiments, in the absence of touch input or external force, the fifth resistance Re3 of the third strain gauge 150e3, the sixth resistance Rf3 of the third conductor 150f3, the resistance of the first fixed resistor RF1c, and the resistance of the second fixed resistor RF2c may be substantially the same.

[0495] While certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this description. Therefore, the inventive concept is not limited to these embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the appended claims and to various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. Touch sensor, including: a base layer comprising a sensing area and a non-sensing area, wherein the sensing area comprises a first sensing area and a second sensing area, the second sensing area extending from one side of the first sensing area and forming an angle with the first sensing area, and the non-sensing area is arranged on a periphery of the sensing area; a plurality of first touch electrode members disposed on the base layer and located in the sensing area, each of the plurality of first touch electrode members comprising a plurality of first touch electrodes arranged along a first direction, each of the plurality of first touch electrodes comprising a first opening; a plurality of second touch electrode members disposed on the base layer and located in the sensing area, each of the plurality of second touch electrode members including a plurality of second touch electrodes arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction, each of the plurality of second touch electrodes including a second opening; and a first pressure sensor disposed on the base layer and comprising a first strain gauge, wherein the first strain gauge includes a portion located in the second sensing area, and The portion of the first strain gauge, the plurality of first touch electrodes, and the plurality of second touch electrodes are directly disposed on the same layer, and the portion of the first strain gauge is spaced apart from the plurality of second touch electrodes.

2. The touch sensor according to claim 1, wherein The width of the first sensing area in the first direction is greater than the width of the second sensing area in the first direction, and A width of the first sensing region in the second direction is greater than a width of the second sensing region in the second direction.

3. The touch sensor according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of second touch electrode members are arranged along the first direction, The plurality of second touch electrodes define a row along the first direction, and The first strain gauges are provided in at least one first row, which is one of the rows defined by the plurality of second touch electrodes.

4. The touch sensor according to claim 3, wherein: The first strain gauge includes a plurality of first resistance wires and a plurality of second resistance wires, and In the first row, one of the first resistance lines and one of the second resistance lines are disposed in the second opening and are spaced apart from each other in the second opening.

5. The touch sensor according to claim 4, wherein: The first resistance line and the second resistance line are located in the second sensing area and are disposed in the same layer as the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes.

6. The touch sensor according to claim 4, wherein: The first strain gauge includes a first conductive pattern and a second conductive pattern, the first conductive pattern being located in the first row and having a shape different from that of the first resistance wire, the second conductive pattern being located in the first row and having a shape different from that of the second resistance wire, The first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern are arranged in pairs in the second opening, and The first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern are provided in the same layer as the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes.

7. The touch sensor according to claim 6, wherein: The first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern are provided in pairs in a plurality of pairs, and the plurality of pairs of the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern are arranged along the first direction, and At least one of the plurality of pairs of the first conductive patterns and the second conductive patterns is located in the first sensing region.

8. The touch sensor according to claim 3, wherein: The first pressure sensor includes a first conductor including a first conductive pattern and a second conductive pattern. The plurality of first touch electrode members are arranged along the second direction, The plurality of first touch electrodes define electrode rows along the first direction, and The first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern are provided in at least one first electrode row, which is one of the electrode rows defined by the plurality of first touch electrodes.

9. The touch sensor according to claim 8, wherein: The first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern are disposed in the first opening, and The first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern are provided in the same layer as the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes.

10. The touch sensor according to claim 8, wherein The first electrode row is disposed between the first row and a second row adjacent to the first row in the second direction.

11. The touch sensor according to claim 10, wherein: The first pressure sensor includes a second strain gauge and a second conductor, wherein the second strain gauge is arranged in the second row and has the same structure as the first strain gauge, and the second conductor has the same structure as the first conductor, and The second conductor is disposed on a side of the second row opposite the first conductor.

12. The touch sensor according to claim 11, further comprising: a pressure wiring located in the non-sensing area and provided on a side of the second sensing area opposite to the first sensing area, Wherein, the pressure wiring includes a first pressure wiring electrically connected to the first end of the first strain gauge, a second pressure wiring electrically connected to the second end of the first strain gauge and the first end of the first conductor, a third pressure wiring electrically connected to the second end of the first conductor and the first end of the second strain gauge, a fourth pressure wiring electrically connected to the second end of the second strain gauge and the first end of the second conductor, and a fifth pressure wiring electrically connected to the second end of the second conductor.

13. The touch sensor according to claim 11, wherein The first strain gauge, the second strain gauge, the first conductor, and the second conductor form a Wheatstone bridge.

14. The touch sensor according to claim 3, wherein: The first strain gauge comprises: a plurality of resistance lines in the first row, each of the plurality of resistance lines in the first row being disposed in the second opening in the first row, and a plurality of resistance lines in a second row, each of the plurality of resistance lines in the second row being disposed in the second opening in the second row, wherein the second row is adjacent to the first row in the second direction, and A connecting line connects one of the plurality of resistance lines in the first row and one of the plurality of resistance lines in the second row along the second direction.

15. The touch sensor according to claim 14, wherein: The first pressure sensor includes a first conductor including a first conductive pattern and a second conductive pattern. The plurality of first touch electrode members are arranged along the second direction, The plurality of first touch electrodes define electrode rows along the first direction, and The first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern are provided in at least one first electrode row, the first electrode row being one of the electrode rows defined by the plurality of first touch electrodes, and The first electrode row is arranged on a side of the second row opposite to the first row.

16. The touch sensor according to claim 15, further comprising: A Wheatstone bridge circuit includes a first fixed resistor and a second fixed resistor, wherein: The first strain gauge and the first conductor are electrically connected to the Wheatstone bridge circuit, and The first strain gauge, the first conductor, the first fixed resistor, and the second fixed resistor form a Wheatstone bridge.

17. The touch sensor according to claim 1, further comprising: a second pressure sensor disposed on the base layer and comprising a second strain gauge, Wherein, a portion of the second strain gauge is located in the second sensing area.

18. The touch sensor according to claim 17, wherein: The second pressure sensor has the same structure as the first pressure sensor.

19. The touch sensor according to claim 17, further comprising: a third pressure sensor disposed on the base layer and comprising a third strain gauge, The sensing area further includes a third sensing area, the third sensing area extending from the other side of the first sensing area and forming an angle with the first sensing area, and A portion of the third strain gauge is located in the third sensing region.

20. The touch sensor according to claim 19, wherein The plurality of second touch electrode members are arranged along the first direction, The plurality of second touch electrodes define a row along the first direction, and The first strain gauge and the third strain gauge are disposed in at least one first row, which is one of the rows defined by the plurality of second touch electrodes.

21. The touch sensor according to claim 20, further comprising: a first pressure wiring line located in the non-sensing area and electrically connected to the first pressure sensor; a second pressure wiring line located in the non-sensing area and electrically connected to the second pressure sensor; as well as a third pressure wiring line located in the non-sensing area and electrically connected to the third pressure sensor, wherein: The first pressure wiring and the second pressure wiring are provided on a side of the second sensing area opposite to the first sensing area, and The third pressure wiring is provided on a side of the third sensing region opposite to the first sensing region.

22. The touch sensor according to claim 19, wherein The plurality of second touch electrode members are arranged along the first direction, The plurality of second touch electrodes define a row along the first direction, The first strain gauges are provided in at least one first row, the first row being one of the rows defined by the plurality of second touch electrodes, and The third strain gauge is disposed in a different row than the first strain gauge.

23. The touch sensor according to claim 22, further comprising: a first pressure wiring line located in the non-sensing area and electrically connected to the first pressure sensor; a second pressure wiring line located in the non-sensing area and electrically connected to the second pressure sensor; as well as a third pressure wiring line located in the non-sensing area and electrically connected to the third pressure sensor, The first pressure wiring, the second pressure wiring, and the third pressure wiring are arranged on a side of the second sensing region opposite to the first sensing region.

24. The touch sensor of claim 1, further comprising: A plurality of noise sensing electrodes are located in the first sensing area, each of the plurality of noise sensing electrodes is disposed in the first opening and is spaced apart from the plurality of first touch electrodes.

25. The touch sensor according to claim 24, further comprising: A touch controller is configured to cancel noise in a signal detected by the first touch electrode member based on noise signals detected by the plurality of noise sensing electrodes.

26. A display device comprising: The display panel comprises a first display area and a second display area, wherein the second display area extends from one side of the first display area and forms an angle with the first display area; as well as A touch sensor layer is provided on the display panel, wherein: The touch sensor layer includes a first pressure sensor and a plurality of touch electrodes overlapping the second display area and including one or more openings, and the first pressure sensor includes a first strain gauge overlapping the second display area, The first strain gauge includes a first resistance wire and a second resistance wire, the first resistance wire and the second resistance wire are arranged in a first opening, and the first opening is one of the one or more openings of the plurality of touch electrodes. The first pressure sensor further includes a first conductor that overlaps the second display area and has a different shape from the first strain gauge, and The first conductor includes a first conductive pattern and a second conductive pattern disposed in a second opening, which is another opening of the one or more openings of the plurality of touch electrodes and is different from the first opening.

27. The display device according to claim 26, wherein: The first pressure sensor further includes a second strain gauge and a second conductor, wherein the second strain gauge overlaps the second display area, and the second conductor overlaps the second display area and has a different shape from the second strain gauge. the second strain gauge includes a third resistance wire and a fourth resistance wire provided in a third opening, the third opening being another opening of the openings of the touch electrode and different from the first opening and the second opening, and The second conductor includes a third conductive pattern and a fourth conductive pattern provided in a fourth opening, which is another opening among the openings of the touch electrode and is different from the first opening, the second opening, and the third opening.

28. The display device according to claim 27, wherein: The first strain gauge, the second strain gauge, the first conductor, and the second conductor form a Wheatstone bridge.

29. The display device according to claim 26, wherein The touch sensor layer further includes a second pressure sensor and a third pressure sensor, The display panel further includes a third display area, the third display area extending from the other side of the first display area and forming an angle with the first display area. The second pressure sensor overlaps with the second display area, and The third pressure sensor overlaps with the third display area.

30. The display device according to claim 29, wherein Each of the second pressure sensor and the third pressure sensor includes a strain gauge.

31. The display device according to claim 26, wherein The display panel includes a base substrate, a self-luminous element disposed on the base substrate, and a thin film encapsulation layer disposed on the self-luminous element; and The touch electrode and the first strain gauge are disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer.

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