Touch screen and display device including the same

Abstract

A touch screen and a display device including the touch screen are provided. The display device includes: a display panel configured to generate an image; and a touch screen disposed on the display panel. The touch screen includes a sensor block. Each sensor block includes: k (k is a natural number of 2 or greater) first sensors disposed in a first direction and electrically connected to each other; j (j is a natural number of 2 or greater) sensor groups disposed adjacent to corresponding first sensors among the k first sensors. Each of the j sensor groups includes: i (i is a natural number of 2 or greater) second sensors arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction. Some of the k first sensors and the i second sensors are configured to receive a first signal. Some of the k first sensors and the i second sensors are configured to transmit a second signal different from the first signal.

Description

[0001] The present application is a divisional application of application No. 201610071527.2, entitled “Touch screen and display device including the touch screen”, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on February 2, 2016. Technical Field

[0002] Example embodiments relate to a touch screen and a display device including the touch screen, and more particularly, to a display device including the touch screen having a plurality of sensor blocks. Background Art

[0003] Various display devices are used in conjunction with multimedia devices such as televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, navigation equipment, game consoles, etc. These multimedia devices may include input devices such as keyboards, mice, etc. to facilitate user interaction. In addition, the display device may include a touch screen as an input device.

[0004] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the present inventive concept and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Summary of the invention

[0005] One or more exemplary embodiments provide a touch screen having a simple arrangement (eg, a reduced number) of signal lines and improved touch sensitivity.

[0006] One or more exemplary embodiments provide a display device including a touch screen having a simple arrangement (eg, a reduced number) of signal lines and improved touch sensitivity.

[0007] Additional aspects will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the disclosure, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concepts.

[0008] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, a display device includes: a display panel configured to generate an image; and a touch screen disposed on the display panel. The touch screen includes a sensor block. Each sensor block includes: k (k is a natural number of 2 or greater) first sensors disposed in a first direction and electrically connected to each other; j (j is a natural number of 2 or greater) sensor groups disposed adjacent to corresponding first sensors among the k first sensors. Each of the j sensor groups includes: i (i is a natural number of 2 or greater) second sensors arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction. Some of the k first sensors and the i second sensors are configured to receive a first signal. Some of the k first sensors and the i second sensors are configured to transmit a second signal different from the first signal.

[0009] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, a display device includes: a display panel configured to generate an image; a touch screen disposed on the display panel. The touch screen includes a sensor block. Each sensor block includes: k (k is a natural number of 2 or greater) first sensors arranged in a first direction, the first parts of the k first sensors being electrically connected to each other, the remaining parts of the k first sensors being electrically connected to each other and electrically insulated from the first parts of the k first sensors; a sensor group disposed adjacent to a corresponding sensor among the k first sensors. Each of the sensor groups includes: i (i is a natural number of 2 or greater) second sensors arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction. The k first sensors are configured to transmit a first signal. The sensor group is configured to receive a second signal.

[0010] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the touch screen includes a sensor block. Each sensor block includes: k (k is a natural number of 2 or greater) first sensors arranged in a first direction and electrically connected to each other; j (j is a natural number of 2 or greater) sensor groups, arranged adjacent to corresponding first sensors among the k first sensors. Each sensor group includes: i (i is a natural number of 2 or greater) second sensors, arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction. Some of the k first sensors and the i second sensors are configured to receive a first signal. Some of the k first sensors and the i second sensors are configured to transmit a second signal.

[0011] The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the inventive concept and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the inventive concept.

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0014] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 1 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a display device according to one or more exemplary embodiments taken along a cross-sectional line II'.

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 3An enlarged cross-sectional view of a touch screen according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0017] Figure 5A yes Figure 4 A plan view of a touch screen according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0018] Figure 5B is a plan view of a sensor block according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0019] Figure 5C yes Figure 5A An enlarged plan view of a sensor column of a touch screen according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0020] Figure 5D yes Figure 5A An enlarged plan view of a circuit board of a touch screen according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0021] Figure 5E and Fig. 5F yes Figure 5A A block diagram of a driving circuit of a touch screen according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0022] Fig. 6A is a conceptual diagram of a first operation mode of a touch screen according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0023] Figure 6B is a conceptual diagram of a sensor row of a touch screen according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0024] Figure 6C is a conceptual diagram of a second operation mode of a touch screen according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0025] Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11A , Fig. 11B , Fig. 12A , Fig. 12B , Fig.13A , Fig. 13B and Fig.14 is a conceptual diagram of a touch screen according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0026] Fig.15A , Fig. 15B , Fig.16A and Fig. 16B is a plan view of a touch screen according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0027] Fig.17is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a display panel according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0028] Fig.18 is a plan view of a display panel according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0029] Fig.19 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0030] Fig. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a touch screen according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0031] Fig.21 is an enlarged plan view of a sensor array according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0032] Fig.22A yes Fig.21 An enlarged plan view of a portion AA of a sensor column according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0033] Fig. 22B yes Fig.22A A cross-sectional view of a sensor column according to one or more exemplary embodiments taken along a cross-sectional line II-II'.

[0034] Fig.23A is an enlarged plan view of a sensor block according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0035] Fig. 23B yes Fig.23A 2 is a cross-sectional view of a sensor block according to one or more exemplary embodiments, taken along a cross-sectional line III-III'. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the various exemplary embodiments. However, it is apparent that the various exemplary embodiments can be implemented without these specific details or in the case of one or more equivalent arrangements. In other cases, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid making the various exemplary embodiments unnecessarily obscure.

[0037] In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of layers, films, panels, regions, etc. may be exaggerated for clarity and descriptive purposes. Additionally, like reference numerals denote like elements.

[0038] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, "connected to" or "bonded to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, directly connected to or bonded to other elements or layers, or there may be an intermediate element or intermediate layer. However, when an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on" another element or layer, "directly connected to" or "directly bonded to" another element or layer, there is no intermediate element or intermediate layer. For the purposes of this disclosure, "at least one of X, Y and Z" and "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y and Z" may be interpreted as any combination of only X, only Y, only Z or two or more of X, Y and Z, such as taking XYZ, XYY, YZ and ZZ as examples. Throughout the text, the same reference numerals represent the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination and all combinations of one or more related listed items.

[0039] Although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer and / or part from another element, component, region, layer and / or part. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure, the first element, component, region, layer and / or part discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer and / or part.

[0040] For descriptive purposes, spatially relative terms such as "under," "below," "below," "above," "on," and the like may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to other elements or features as shown in the figures. In addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings, spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use, operation, and / or manufacture. For example, if the device in the drawings is turned over, an element described as "under" or "below" other elements or features will subsequently be positioned as "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "under" may include both above and below orientations. In addition, the device may be positioned otherwise (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0041] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a (kind / person)" and "the / said" are also intended to include plural forms. In addition, when the terms "comprise", "include" and / or their variations are used in this specification, the description indicates the presence of the features, integral bodies, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integral bodies, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups.

[0042] Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views that are schematic diagrams of idealized exemplary embodiments and / or intermediate structures. As such, variations in the shapes shown due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are to be expected. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as being limited to the shapes of the specifically shown regions, but will include deviations in shapes due to, for example, manufacturing. For example, an implanted region shown as a rectangle will typically have rounded or curved features and / or a gradient of implant concentration at its edges, rather than a binary change from an implanted region to a non-implanted region. Similarly, a buried region formed by implantation may result in some implantation in the region between the buried region and the surface where the implantation occurs. Therefore, the regions shown in the drawings are schematic in nature, their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of the device, and are not intended to be limiting.

[0043] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure is a part. Unless explicitly defined as such herein, terms (such as those defined in general dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0044] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to one or more exemplary embodiments. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 1 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to one or more exemplary embodiments. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a display device according to one or more exemplary embodiments taken along a cross-sectional line III-III'. Figure 1 The protection frame 200 of the display device DA is not Figure 3 It will make the following description more clear.

[0045] The display surface on which the image IM is displayed is parallel to the surface defined by the first direction axis DR1 and the second direction axis DR2. The third direction axis DR3 indicates the normal direction of the display surface. The third direction axis DR3 indicates the thickness direction of the display device DA. The front surface and the rear surface of each component in the display device DA are separated by the third direction axis DR3 (or separated from each other on the third direction axis DR3). However, it is noted that, as a relative concept, the directions indicated by the first direction axis DR1, the second direction axis DR2, and the third direction axis DR3 can be converted into other directions. In the following, the first direction to the third direction are defined as the first direction axis DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction axis DR3 shown.

[0046] although Figure 1 A rigid flat display device DA is shown, but it is contemplated that the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the display device DA may be a curved display device having a predetermined curvature, a rollable display device, a foldable display device, a flexible display device, etc. Although not shown separately, the display device DA may be used in small and medium-sized electronic devices such as mobile phones, personal computers, notebook computers, tablet computers, personal digital terminals, in-vehicle navigation units, game consoles, portable electronic devices, watch-type electronic devices, refrigerators, washers, dryers, etc., in addition to large electronic devices such as televisions, monitors, outdoor signs, etc., or used in conjunction with these electronic devices.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown in , the display device DA may include a plurality of regions divided on a display surface. For example, the display device DA may include a display region DR displaying an image IM and a non-display region NDR adjacent to the display region DR. Figure 1 An Internet search window is shown as an example of the image IM, but the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. As an example, the display region DR may have a rectangular shape, but any other suitable geometric shape may be used in association with the exemplary embodiments described herein. The non-display region NDR may surround the display region DR. According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the non-display region NDR may be disposed only on the horizontal side of the display region DR or only on the vertical side of the display region DR.

[0048] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown in FIG, the display device DA includes a window member 100, a protection frame 200, a display panel 300, and a touch screen 400. The display device DA includes a first flexible circuit board 300-F connected to the display panel 300 and a second flexible circuit board 400-F connected to the touch screen 400. A driving integrated circuit (IC) 400-IC for driving the touch screen 400 may be mounted on the second flexible circuit board 400-F. Although not separately shown, a driver IC (not shown) for driving the display panel 300 may be mounted on the first flexible circuit board 300-F.

[0049] Each of the window member 100, the display panel 300, and the touch screen 400 may be divided by regions corresponding to the display region DR and the non-display region NDR of the display device DA on respective planes (e.g., respective planes defined with respect to the first direction axis DR1 and the second direction axis DR2). Figure 3 , the widths of the window member 100 , the display panel 300 , and the touch screen 400 according to the first direction axis DR1 are the same, but this is only one exemplary embodiment and the widths of the window member 100 , the display panel 300 , and the touch screen 400 may vary.

[0050] The window member 100 includes a base member 100-BS and a black matrix BM. The black matrix BM is disposed on the rear surface of the base member 100-BS to define a non-display region NDR. The base member 100-BS may include any suitable material such as a glass substrate, a sapphire substrate, a plastic film, etc. For example, the black matrix BM may be formed as a colored organic layer by a coating method. Although not shown separately, the window member 100 may further include a functional coating layer disposed on the front surface of the base member 100-BS. The functional coating layer may include at least one of an anti-fingerprint layer, an anti-reflection layer, and a hard coating layer.

[0051] The protective frame 200 is combined with the window member 100 to accommodate the display panel 300 and the touch screen 400. The protective frame 200 may include a main body assembled with a plurality of parts or formed by at least one of injection, compression and extrusion. The main body may also be formed by any other suitable manufacturing technology, such as casting, grinding, etc. The protective frame 200 may include any suitable material, such as plastic, metal, composite material, etc. It is also contemplated that the protective frame 200 may be omitted.

[0052] The display panel 300 generates an image IM corresponding to input data (e.g., input image data). The display panel 300 may be a liquid crystal display panel, an organic light emitting display panel, etc. For the convenience of description, the exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to an organic light emitting display panel embodiment. A more detailed description of the organic light emitting display panel will be provided later.

[0053] The touch screen 400 obtains the coordinate information of the input point. For example, the touch screen 400 may be a capacitive touch screen. The touch screen 400 will be described in more detail later.

[0054] The window member 100 and the touch screen 400 may be bonded to each other through an optically transparent adhesive film OCA1. In addition, the touch screen 400 and the display panel 300 may be bonded to each other through another optically transparent adhesive film OCA2. According to an exemplary embodiment, any one of the two optically transparent adhesive films OCA1 and OCA2 may be omitted. For example, the touch screen 400 and the display panel 300 may be manufactured through a continuous process, so that the touch screen 400 may be directly disposed on the display panel 300 without the optically transparent adhesive film OCA2.

[0055] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a touch screen according to one or more exemplary embodiments. Figure 4 The viewing angle corresponds to Figure 1 The viewing angles associated with the section line I-I'. Figure 5A yes Figure 4 A plan view of a touch screen according to one or more exemplary embodiments. Figure 5B is a plan view of a sensor block SB according to one or more exemplary embodiments. Figure 5C yes Figure 5A FIG. 1 is an enlarged plan view of sensor columns SC1 and SC2 of a touch screen according to one or more exemplary embodiments. Figure 5D yes Figure 5A FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view of a circuit board 400 -F of a touch screen according to one or more exemplary embodiments. Figure 5E and Fig. 5F yes Figure 5A 4 is a block diagram of a driving circuit 400-IC of a touch screen according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0056] Reference Figure 4 , the touch screen 400 includes a base member 400-BS, a conductive layer 400-CL and an insulating layer 400-IL. In this way, the touch screen 400 can be a single-layer capacitive touch screen; however, it is expected that any other suitable touch screen can be used in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described herein. The single-layer capacitive touch screen can obtain coordinate information of the touch point through a self-capacitance method or a mutual capacitance method. It is also noted that the touch screen 400 can be a multi-layer capacitive touch screen and can have different layer structures according to the region DR and the region NDR.

[0057] Conductive layer 400-CL may include at least one transparent conductive layer or metal layer. The transparent conductive layer may include indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), metal nanowires and graphene. However, it is contemplated that any other suitable material may be used in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described herein. The metal layer may include molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper, aluminum and alloys thereof. According to one or more exemplary embodiments, conductive layer 400-CL may include a plurality of transparent conductive layers or a plurality of conductive layers. Conductive layer 400-CL may include at least one transparent conductive layer and at least one conductive layer stacked on each other relative to a third directional axis DR3. It is also contemplated that conductive layer 400-CL may have a mesh structure. That is, a plurality of meshes MSH (not shown) may be defined in conductive layer 400-CL to form a mesh structure.

[0058] The conductive layer 400-CL includes a plurality of conductive patterns disposed on a first surface of the base member 400-BS. As will become clearer below, the plurality of conductive patterns construct touch sensors and signal lines of the touch screen 400. The insulating layer 400-IL may provide a plurality of conductive patterns or insulate some of the plurality of conductive patterns from other conductive patterns.

[0059] Reference Figure 5A , the touch screen 400 includes a plurality of sensor blocks SB. Each of the plurality of sensor blocks SB includes a plurality of first sensors RP and a plurality of second sensors TP. Figure 5A A sensor block SB including three first sensors RP and nine second sensors TP is exemplarily shown; however, the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. The three first sensors RP may be electrically connected to each other. The nine second sensors TP may be electrically isolated (i.e., insulated) from each other. The three second sensors TP may be respectively arranged on the first side (i.e., the right side) of the three first sensors RP. The arrangement relationship between the first sensor RP and the second sensor TP may vary.

[0060] The plurality of sensor blocks SB may be arranged in a matrix. The plurality of sensor blocks SB arranged in a matrix may include a plurality of sensor columns (eg, sensor columns SC1 to SC3) and a plurality of sensor rows (eg, sensor rows SL1 to SL4). Figure 5A A touch screen 400 including three sensor columns SC1 to SC3 and four sensor rows SL1 to SL4 is exemplarily shown, however, any suitable arrangement may be used in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0061] The second flexible circuit board 400-F may be mounted on the non-display region NDR of the touch screen 400. Although not shown in detail, the pads of the touch screen 400 and the pads of the second flexible circuit board 400-F may be electrically connected to each other through a conductive adhesive film. The conductive adhesive film may be an anisotropic conductive film (ACF). It is also contemplated that the solder bump may replace the conductive adhesive film. A driver IC 400-IC for driving the touch screen 400 may be mounted on the second flexible circuit board 400-F. The driver IC 400-IC generates a transmission Tx signal for driving the touch screen 400. The Tx signal may be an alternating current (AC) signal applied to the sensor as a Tx signal (e.g., a touch drive signal for input point detection). In addition, the driver IC 400-IC calculates the coordinate information of the input point by receiving the Rx signal received from the touch screen 400. The received Rx signal as a received signal may be an AC signal obtained when the transmission Tx signal is changed by an external input (e.g., based on a change in capacitance associated with a touch or hovering action).

[0062] Reference Figure 5B , the sensor block SB-R will be described in more detail. Figure 5B The sensor block SB-R shown in the figure can be used with Figure 5A The sensor block SB shown in the figure corresponds to the sensor block SB. The sensor block SB-R includes k first sensors RP-1 to RP-k arranged along the first direction axis DR1. Here, k is a natural number of 2 or greater. The sensor block SB-R can be divided into j sensor groups TP-G1 to TP-Gj. Here, j is a natural number of 2 or greater. The first sensor group (TP-G1) to the j-th sensor group (TP-Gj) are arranged along the first direction axis DR1. The j sensor groups TP-G1 to TP-Gj correspond one-to-one to the k first sensors RP-1 to RP-k. Each of the first sensor group (TP-G1) to the j-th sensor group (TP-Gj) may include i second sensors (TP1 to TPi). Here, i is a natural number of 2 or greater.

[0063] Figure 5C A touch screen 400 according to one or more exemplary embodiments is shown in more detail. The touch screen 400 includes two sensor columns SC1 and SC2 and four sensor rows SL1 to SL4. The connection relationship between the first sensor column SC1 and the signal line described below can also be applied to other sensor columns and signals of the touch screen 400.

[0064] The first sensor column SC1 including each of the four sensor blocks SB1 to SB4 arranged along the second direction axis DR2 is exemplarily shown. The four sensor blocks SB1 to SB4 including three first sensors RP-1 to RP-3 and three sensor groups TP-G1 to TP-G3 are exemplarily shown. The three sensor groups TP-G1 to TP-G3 including three second sensors TP1 to TP3 are exemplarily shown. Each of the sensor columns SC1 and SC2 may be divided into a plurality of sub-columns S-1, S-2, and S-3. Each of the sub-columns S-1, S-2, and S-3 may include one first sensor and one sensor group in each of the four sensor blocks SB1 to SB4. The first sensor column SC1 of the sensor block may be divided into first to third sub-columns S-1, S-2, and S-3. Hereinafter, for the convenience of description, the reference numerals "SL1-1 to SL1-4" are written only as the first sub-column S-1. The number of sub-columns between the sensor columns SC1 and SC2 may vary. Signal lines connected to the four sensor blocks SB1 to SB4 are provided in the display region DR. The first signal lines SL1-1 to SL1-4 are connected to a plurality of first sensors RP-1, RP-2, and RP-3 of the four sensor blocks SB1 to SB4. To this end, the first sensors RP-1, RP-2, and RP-3 are electrically separated from each other by the units of the sensor blocks SB1 to SB4. For example, the first sensors RP-1, RP-2, and RP-3 of the first sensor block SB1 and the first sensors RP-1, RP-2, and RP-3 of the second sensor block SB2 may receive or transmit different signals. The first sensors RP-1, RP-2, and RP-3 of the first sensor block SB1 may receive or transmit the same signal, and the first sensors RP-1, RP-2, and RP-3 of the second sensor block SB2 may receive or transmit the same signal.

[0065] The first type line SL1-1 among the first signal lines SL1-1 to SL1-4 is connected to the first sensors RP-1 to RP-3 of the first sensor block SB1. The second type line SL1-2, the third type line SL1-3, and the fourth type line SL1-4 among the first signal lines SL1-1 to SL1-4 are respectively connected to the first sensors RP-1 to RP-3 of the second sensor block SB2, the first sensors RP-1 to RP-3 of the third sensor block SB3, and the first sensors RP-1 to RP-3 of the fourth sensor block SB4. The pads PD-1 to PD-4 (hereinafter referred to as the first pads) are respectively connected to the first ends of the first signal lines SL1-1 to SL1-4 disposed at each of the first to third sub-columns S-1, S-2, and S-3. The first pads PD-1 to PD-4 may be disposed in the non-display region NDR.

[0066] The second sensors of the first to fourth sensor blocks SB1 to SB4 are electrically connected to the corresponding second sensors of the other first to fourth sensor blocks SB1 to SB4, respectively. Hereinafter, the connection relationship of the corresponding second sensors in different sensor blocks will be described in more detail.

[0067] For example, the corresponding second sensors of two sensor blocks sequentially arranged in the first sensor block SB1 to the fourth sensor block SB4 have the following connection relationship. The mth second sensor among the i second sensors of the nth sensor group among the j sensor groups of one sensor block among the two sensor blocks is electrically connected to the i-m+1th second sensor among the i second sensors of the nth sensor group among the j sensor groups of the remaining one sensor block among the two sensor blocks. Here, n is a natural number of 1 or greater and less than j, and m is a natural number of 1 or greater and less than i. For example, the first second sensor among the three second sensors of the first sensor group among the three sensor groups of the second sensor block SB2 is electrically connected to the third second sensor among the three second sensors of the first sensor group among the three sensor groups of the third sensor block SB3. The second signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-3 connect the corresponding second sensors of different sensor blocks. The second signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-3 electrically connect the mth second sensor of the nth sensor group of one sensor block among the two sensor blocks to the i-m+1th second sensor of the nth sensor group of the remaining one sensor block among the two sensor blocks.

[0068] The connection relationship of the second sensor is described with reference to the second signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-3 arranged in the first sub-column S-1 among the first to third sub-columns S-1, S-2, and S-3 of the first sensor column SC1. The first type line SL2-1 among the second signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-3 connects the first second sensor of the first sensor group TP-G1 of the first sensor block SB1, the third second sensor of the first sensor group TP-G1 of the second sensor block SB2, the first second sensor of the first sensor group TP-G1 of the third sensor block SB3, and the third second sensor of the first sensor group TP-G1 of the fourth sensor block SB4. The second type line SL2-2 among the second signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-3 connects the second second sensor of the first sensor group TP-G1 of the first to fourth sensor blocks SB1 to SB4. The third type line SL2-3 among the second signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-3 connects the third second sensor of the first sensor group TP-G1 of the first sensor block SB1, the first second sensor of the first sensor group TP-G1 of the second sensor block SB2, the third second sensor of the first sensor group TP-G1 of the third sensor block SB3, and the first second sensor of the first sensor group TP-G1 of the fourth sensor block SB4.

[0069] The pads PD2-1 to PD2-3 (hereinafter referred to as second pads) are respectively connected to the first ends of the second signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-3 disposed at each of the first to third sub-columns S-1, S-2, and S-3. The second pads PD2-1 to PD2-3 may be disposed in the non-display region NDR.

[0070] The first sensors RP-1, RP-2, and RP-3, the second sensors of the sensor groups TP-G1 to TP-G3, the first signal lines SL1-1 to SL1-4, and the second signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-3 may be disposed on the same layer as each other. The first sensors RP-1, RP-2, and RP-3, the second sensors of the sensor groups TP-G1 to TP-G3, the first signal lines SL1-1 to SL1-4, and the second signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-3 may be formed by patterning a conductive layer formed during the same process as each other.

[0071] Figure 5D The example shows the connection to Figure 5C 4. A second flexible circuit board 400-F according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the touch screen 400 shown in FIG. According to the configuration of the touch screen 400, the configuration of the second flexible circuit board 400-F may be changed.

[0072] Reference Figure 5DThe second flexible circuit board 400-F includes a plurality of pads and a plurality of signal lines. Figure 5C The first signal lines SL1-1 to SL1-4 and the second signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-3 shown in FIG. 4 are referred to as connection lines. The signal lines provided on the second flexible circuit board 400-F are referred to as connection lines.

[0073] The second flexible circuit board 400-F includes a plurality of insulating layers and a plurality of conductive layers disposed between the insulating layers. Some of the conductive layers may include pads. The connection lines disposed on different layers may be electrically connected through contact holes penetrating the insulating layers. The plurality of pads may include contact holes with the conductive layers. Figure 5C The pads (hereinafter referred to as third pads) PD3-1 to PD3-3 corresponding to the first pads PD1-1 to PD1-4 shown in FIG. 1 and the pads (hereinafter referred to as fourth pads) PD4-1 to PD4-3 corresponding to the second pads PD2-1 to PD2-3 shown in FIG. The connection lines of the first signal line group SL-F1 can be connected to the third pads PD3-1 to PD3-4, and the connection lines of the second signal line group SL-F2 can be connected to the fourth pads PD4-1 to PD4-3. Each of the first signal line group SL-F1 and the second signal line group SL-F2 forms a group to be connected to the reference Figure 5C The described first to third sub-columns S-1, S-2, and S-3 correspond to and are separated from each other by group units.

[0074] The connection lines of the third signal line group SL-F3 are respectively connected to the connection lines of the first signal line group SL-F1 related to the first sensor column SC1. For example, the first connection line among the connection lines of the third signal line group SL-F3 connects the connection lines of the first signal line group SL-F1 connected to the third pad PD3-1 corresponding to the first sensor column SC1. The third pad PD3-1 is electrically connected to the first pad PD1-1 of the first to third sub-columns S-1, S-2 and S-3 of the first sensor column SC1 (see Figure 5C As a result, the first sensors RP-1, RP-2, and RP-3 of the first sensor block SB1 of the first sensor column SC1 are electrically connected to each other.

[0075] The connection lines of the fourth signal line group SL-F4 are respectively connected to the connection lines of the first signal line group SL-F1 related to the second sensor column SC2. For example, the first connection line among the connection lines of the fourth signal line group SL-F4 connects the connection lines of the first signal line group SL-F1 connected to the third pad PD3-1 corresponding to the second sensor column SC2. The third pad PD3-1 is electrically connected to the first pad PD1-1 of the first to third sub-columns S-1, S-2 and S-3 of the second sensor column SC2 (see Figure 5CAs a result, the first sensors RP-1, RP-2, and RP-3 of the first sensor block SB1 of the second sensor column SC2 are electrically connected to each other.

[0076] The connection lines of the fifth signal line group SL-F5 are connected to the connection lines of the second signal line group SL-F2. For example, the first connection line among the connection lines of the fifth signal line group SL-F5 is connected to the connection lines of the second signal line group SL-F2 connected to the fourth pads PD4-1 corresponding to the first sensor column SC1 and the second sensor column SC2. The fourth pads PD4-1 are electrically connected to the second pads PD2-1 of the first sensor column SC1 and the second sensor column SC2 (see Figure 5C As a result, the second sensor connected to the second signal line SL2-3 of the first sub-column S-1 of the first sensor column SC1 and the second sensor connected to the second signal line SL2-3 of the first sub-column S-1 of the second sensor column SC2 are electrically connected to each other.

[0077] The signal lines of the third signal line group SL-F3 are connected to the signal lines of the first signal line group SL-F1 related to the first sensor column SC1. For example, one of the signal lines of the third signal line group SL-F3 is connected to the first signal line electrically connected to the first pad PD1-1 of the first to third sub-columns S-1, S-2 and S-3 in the first sensor column SC1.

[0078] The connection lines of the sixth signal line group SL-F6 connect the connection lines of the third signal line group SL-F3 to the driver IC 400-IC. The connection lines of the seventh signal line group SL-F7 connect the connection lines of the fourth signal line group SL-F4 to the driver IC 400-IC. The connection lines of the eighth signal line group SL-F8 connect the connection lines of the fifth signal line group SL-F5 to the driver IC 400-IC. The third pads PD3-1 to PD3-4 and the fourth pads PD4-1 to PD4-3 are connected to the driver IC 400-IC through the sixth signal line group SL-F6, the seventh signal line group SL-F7 and the eighth signal line group SL-F8, so that the number of pads of the driver IC 400-IC can be reduced compared with the number of the third pads PD3-1 to PD3-4 and the fourth pads PD4-1 to PD4-3.

[0079] In addition, the connection lines of the ninth signal line group SL-F9 (each of which has a first end connected to the driver IC 400-IC) may be provided at the second flexible circuit board 400-F. Although not shown in detail, the first ends of the connection lines of the ninth signal line group SL-F9 may be respectively connected to the pads of the driver IC 400-IC. The second ends of the connection lines of the ninth signal line group SL-F9 may be respectively connected to the fifth pads PD5. The second flexible circuit board 400-F may be electrically connected to another circuit board or an electronic component such as a connector through the fifth pads PD5. A control signal for driving the touch screen 400 may be received from a central control circuit provided at other circuit boards through the fifth pads PD5. The control signal for driving the touch screen 400 may be a signal for controlling the scan drive circuit 410, the touch detection circuit 420, and the switch circuit 430, which refers to Figure 5E and Fig. 5F to describe.

[0080] like Figure 5E As shown in FIG. 4 , the driver IC 400-IC may include: a scan driving circuit 410, providing a Tx signal Tx-S; a touch detection circuit 420, calculating the coordinate information of the input point through the Rx signal Rx-S. The connection lines of the second flexible circuit board 400-F may be connected to the plurality of first sensors RP (see FIG. Figure 5A ) and a plurality of second sensors TP (see Figure 5A ) provides a Tx signal Tx-S. The Rx signal Rx-S can be provided from other sensors among the plurality of first sensors RP and the plurality of second sensors TP to the touch detection circuit 420 through the connection line of the second flexible circuit board 400-F. In this way, the coordinate information of the input point can be obtained by the mutual capacitance method.

[0081] In the following, it is exemplarily described that a Tx signal Tx-S is provided to the second sensor TP. The scan driving circuit 410 provides a Tx signal Tx-S with different information to the second sensor TP. The Tx signal Tx-S is an AC signal. Here, "Tx signal Tx-S with different information" means a Tx signal Tx-S with different time information, frequency information, and code information. The Tx signal Tx-S modulated by time division multiple access can be activated in different parts. That is, the part in which the Tx signal Tx-S has a high level can vary. The Tx signal Tx-S modulated by time division multiple access can have different frequencies. The Tx signal Tx-S modulated by time division multiple access can have different code information.

[0082] Due to the application of the second sensor TP (see Figure 5A), the first sensor RP and the second sensor TP adjacent to each other are capacitively coupled. When the input tool is set on the capacitively coupled first sensor RP and the second sensor TP, the capacitance between the first sensor RP and the second sensor TP changes. The touch detection circuit 420 calculates the coordinate information of the input tool by detecting the changed capacitance. For example, although not shown, the touch detection circuit 420 may include an amplifier, a noise filter, and an analog-to-digital converter. The amplifier amplifies the received Rx signal Rx-S. The noise filter eliminates the noise of the amplified Rx signal Rx-S. The analog-to-digital converter converts the noise-eliminated Rx signal Rx-S into a digital signal. The coordinate information of the input point can be calculated by the digital signal.

[0083] like Fig. 5F As shown in FIG. 4 , the driver IC 400-IC10 may include a scan drive circuit 410, a touch detection circuit 420, and a switch circuit 430. The input coordinate information may be obtained by a self-capacitance method or a mutual capacitance method. The switch circuit 430 selectively connects the scan drive circuit 410 and the touch detection circuit 420 to the third pads PD3-1 to PD3-4 (see FIG. 4 ). Figure 5D ) and the fourth pads PD4-1 to PD4-3 (see Figure 5D This is to provide a signal to the first sensor RP (see Figure 5A ) and the second sensor TP (see Figure 5A ) selectively provides a Tx signal Tx-S.

[0084] The switch circuit 430 may include a first switch SW1 that selectively connects the third pads PD3-1 to PD3-4 to the scan driving circuit 410 and the touch detection circuit 420, and a second switch SW2 that selectively connects the fourth pads PD4-1 to PD4-3 to the scan driving circuit 410 and the touch detection circuit 420. Although the switch circuit 430 including one first switch SW1 and one second switch SW2 is exemplarily shown, the number of the first switches SW1 and the second switches SW2 may be determined according to the number of sensor columns, sub-columns, and sensor rows.

[0085] The method of obtaining the coordinate information of the input point by the mutual capacitance method can be compared with the reference Figure 5E The described method is basically the same. In order to obtain the coordinate information of the input point by the self-capacitance method, a Tx signal Tx-S may be provided to each of the first sensor RP and the second sensor TP. The coordinate information of the input point may be obtained by detecting the change in capacitance generated by the sensor providing the Tx signal Tx-S.

[0086] Fig. 6A is a conceptual diagram of a first operation mode of the touch screen 400 according to one or more exemplary embodiments. Figure 6Bis a conceptual diagram of a sensor line SL1 of a touch screen 400 according to one or more exemplary embodiments. Figure 6C is a conceptual diagram of a second operation mode of the touch screen 400 according to one or more exemplary embodiments. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C The operation of the touch screen 400 is described.

[0087] You can Fig. 6A The simplified reference shown in FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C The symbols in brackets displayed in the first sensor RP represent electrical connectivity. Referring to the first sensor row SL1, if the symbols A1, B1, and C1 displayed in brackets in the first sensor RP are the same, this means that the corresponding sensors are electrically connected to each other. For example, the first sensor RP displaying the symbol A1 can be electrically connected to each other through the first signal line SL1-1, the first pad PD1-1 (see FIG. Figure 5C ), the third pad PD3-1, the connection line of the first signal line group SL-F1 and the connection line of the third signal line group SL-F3 are electrically connected. The fact that the symbols A1, B1 and C1 shown in the brackets of the first sensors RP of the first sensor row SL1 are different from the symbols A2, B2 and C2 shown in the brackets of the first sensors RP of the second sensor row SL2 means that the corresponding sensors are electrically insulated from each other.

[0088] The X value in the symbol (X, Y) displayed in the second sensor TP indicates information of the scanning signal, and the Y value indicates electrical connectivity between the second sensors TP. Referring to one sensor block, 1 to 9 displayed as X values ​​indicate that nine second sensors TP receive different scanning signals. Referring to the sensor block SB of the first sensor column SC1, four second sensors TP of the sensor rows SL1 to SL4 whose X value is 3 indicate that they receive the same scanning signal. Figure 5C 1, the four second sensors TP with an X value of 3 can receive the same scanning signal. Referring to the first sensor column SC1, 1 to 3 shown as Y values ​​represent the electrical connectivity of the second sensors TP disposed on different sensor blocks in the corresponding subcolumns. For example, the second sensor TP shown as 1 corresponding to the Y value can be connected through the second signal line SL2-1 (see Figure 5C ) are connected to each other. The second sensor displayed with a value of 2 corresponding to Y can be connected to each other through the second signal line SL2-2 (see Figure 5C ) are connected to each other.

[0089] The even-numbered second sensors arranged in different sensor columns SC1 and SC2 can receive the same scanning signal. The four second sensors TP with an X value of 3 arranged in the first sub-column S-1 of the first sensor column SC1 and the four second sensors TP with an X value of 3 arranged in the first sub-column S-1 of the second sensor column SC2 can receive the same scanning signal. Figure 5C and Figure 5D As described above, the second sensors arranged in different sensor columns SC1 and SC2 can be connected to the first sensor column SC1 and the second sensor column SC2 through the second signal line SL2-3 and the second pad PD2-1 (see Figure 5C ), the fourth pad PD4-1, the connecting wires of the second signal line group SL-F2 and some connecting wires of the fifth signal line group SL-F5 are electrically connected.

[0090] Reference Figure 6B , exemplarily showing two external inputs OP1 and OP2 occurring through the first sensor line SL1. The first external input OP1 and the second external input OP2 may be individually detected by a mutual capacitance method.

[0091] When the first external input OP1 occurs, the capacitance between the two first sensors RP(A1) and the one second sensor TP(2,2) changes. The coordinate information of the input point can be obtained by the Rx signal received from the first sensor RP(A1). When the second external input OP2 occurs, the capacitance between the two first sensors RP(A1) and RP(B1) and the one second sensor TP(8,2) changes. The coordinate information of the second external input OP2 is calculated by the Rx signal received from the first sensor RP(A1) and the Rx signal received from the first sensor RP(B1). Figure 5E The touch detection circuit 420 shown in FIG. 4 may detect an external input occurring from a boundary located between sensor blocks by adding an Rx signal received from the first sensor RP( A1 ) and an Rx signal received from the second sensor RP( B1 ).

[0092] Reference Figure 6C , simplifies and illustrates a touch screen 400 operated using a first sensor RP through a self-capacitance method. Fig. 6A Each of the plurality of sensor blocks SB shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the touch sensors HP1-1 to HP4-3 (in Figure 6CIn the embodiment of the present invention, the touch sensors HP1-1 to HP4-3 detect the input tool in the hovering state by applying the same Tx signal to the first sensor RP in the corresponding sensor block. A signal of the same waveform as the Tx signal applied to the first sensor RP in the corresponding sensor block, a signal of the reverse waveform, or a bias voltage may be applied to the second sensor TP in the corresponding sensor block. The input tool in the hovering state may be detected by detecting a capacitance change caused by the capacitive coupling of the input tool and the touch sensors HP1-1 to HP4-3.

[0093] Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11A , Fig. 11B , Fig. 12A , Fig. 12B , Fig.13A , Fig. 13B and Fig.14 400 - 1 to 400 - 8 according to one or more exemplary embodiments. The touch screens 400 - 1 to 400 - 8 will be described in detail, but the description of the touch screens 400 - 1 to 400 - 8 will be omitted. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C , Figure 5D , Figure 5E , Fig. 5F , Fig. 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C Detailed descriptions of similar configurations are described to avoid obscuring the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0094] Figure 7 Three sensor columns SC1 to SC3 of the touch screen 400-1 are shown. The second sensors TP(1,1) to TP(9,3) of the sensor block SB of the first sensor column SC1 may represent second sensors of odd-numbered sensor columns, and the second sensors TP(1,1) to TP(6,3) and TP(10,1) to TP(12,3) of the sensor block SB-1 of the second sensor column SC2 may represent second sensors of even-numbered sensor columns.

[0095] Referring to the first sensor row SL1 of the first sensor column SC1 and the first sensor row SL2 of the second sensor column SC2, corresponding sensors among some sensors TP(1,1) to TP(6,3) of the first sensor column SC1 and some sensors TP(1,1) to TP(6,3) of the second sensor column SC2 are electrically connected to each other. Some sensors of the first sensor column SC1 and some sensors of the second sensor column SC2 may be electrically insulated from each other. That is, different Rx signals may be received. The second sensors TP(7,1) to TP(9,3) of the third sensor group of the first sensor column SC1 and the second sensors TP(10,1) to TP(12,3) of the third sensor group of the second sensor column SC2 may receive different TX signals. In relation to the sensor blocks arranged in the same sensor row, the i second sensors of the j-th sensor group among the j sensor groups of the sensor block of one sensor column and the i second sensors of the j-th sensor group among the j sensor groups of the sensor block of another sensor column are electrically insulated from each other. Even when the touch Figure 7 When two external inputs OP10 and OP20 are used as shown in FIG, multi-touch can also be recognized through different Tx signals Tx-S. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C Compared with the touch screen 400 shown in FIG. Figure 7 It may be possible.

[0096] and Figure 8 As with the touch screen 400-2 shown in FIG. 1 , the sensor block SB-2 of the third sensor column SC3 may include more first sensors RP than the sensor block SB of the first sensor column SC1. The second sensor TP disposed in the third sub-column S-3 of the sensor column SC3 is capacitively coupled with the two first sensors RP. In this manner, an external input adjacent to the second sensor TP disposed in the third sub-column S-3 of the third sensor column SC3 may be detected by an Rx signal generated by two first sensors RP adjacent to the second sensor TP disposed in the third sub-column S-3 of the third sensor column SC3. An external input occurring from the frame of the touch screen 400-2 may be detected by adding the Rx signals received from the two first sensors RP adjacent to the second sensor TP disposed in the third sub-column S-3. For this purpose, a touch screen 400-2 including three sensor columns SC1, SC2, and SC3 is exemplarily described, and in relation to the touch screen including the sensor columns, when the touch screen 400-2 includes s (here, s is a natural number equal to or greater than 4) sensor columns, the s-th sensor column may include more first sensors than the remaining sensor columns.

[0097] and Fig. 9Like the touch screen 400-3 shown in FIG. 1 , different numbers of second sensors TP can be set according to the sensor blocks SB and SB-3. That is, the first sensors RP-1 to RP-k (see FIG. 1 ) in the sensor block Figure 5B ) and sensor groups TP-G1 to TP-Gj (see Figure 5B The first sub-column S-10 of the first sensor column SC1 may include two sensor groups in correspondence with one first sensor RP.

[0098] and Fig.10 As with the touch screen 400-4 shown in FIG, each of the sensor columns SC1, SC2, and SC3 may include two sub-columns S-1 and S-2. Each of the sensor blocks SB-4, SB-5, and SB-6 may include two first sensors RP and two sensor groups. Each of the sensor blocks may include four or more first sensors RP and corresponding sensor groups.

[0099] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the second sensor TPs of some sensor blocks SB-4 to SB-6 may receive the same Tx signal, and the second sensor TPs of some sensor blocks SB-4 to SB-6 and the second sensor TPs of the remaining sensor block SB-5 may receive partially different Tx signals. Figure 7 Such a configuration has been described, and thus, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0100] and Fig.11A As with the touch screen 400-5 shown in FIG, the plurality of first sensors RP electrically connected to each other among the plurality of first sensors RP may not be arranged sequentially. That is, some sensor blocks SB-7 and SB-8 among the sensor blocks SB-7, SB-8, and SB-9 include a first type of sensor and a second type of sensor distinguished according to an electrical connection relationship. At least a plurality of first type sensors are provided. The second type of sensor may be provided as one or more. The first type of sensors are electrically connected to each other, and the second type of sensors are electrically connected to each other. The first type of sensors and the second type of sensors are electrically insulated from each other.

[0101] and Fig.11A The touch screen 400-5 shown in FIG. Figure 7 Compared to the touch screen 400-1 shown in FIG. 4 , positions of the third sub-columns S-3 of the first sensor columns SC1 and the second sensor columns SC2 may be changed. Figure 5D The connection relationship of the connecting lines SL-F1 to SL-F8 shown in FIG. 1 is changed to Fig. 11B As shown in , some of the first sensors RP that are not continuously arranged among the plurality of first sensors RP may be electrically connected together.

[0102] and Fig. 12A The touch screen 400-6 shown in FIG. Figure 7 Compared to the touch screen 400-1 shown in FIG. 4 , the electrically connected first touch sensors RP may be disposed in different sensor rows. The sensor blocks SB-10, SB-11, and SB-12 may include two first type sensors and one second type sensor. Figure 5B The connection relationship of the connecting lines SL-F1 to SL-F8 shown in FIG. 1 is changed to Fig. 12B As shown in , some of the first sensors RP disposed in different sensor rows among the plurality of first sensors RP may be electrically connected together.

[0103] and Fig.13A , each of the sensor columns SC10 and SC20 includes four sub-columns S-1 to S-4. Each of the sensor blocks SB-13 and SB-14 includes four first sensors RP. The sensor blocks SB-13 and SB-14 include first type sensors and second type sensors alternately arranged along the direction in which the sensor columns SC10 and SC20 are arranged.

[0104] Referring to the sensor block SB-13 disposed in the first sensor row SL1 and the first sensor column SC10, two first type first sensors RP(A1) and two second type first sensors RP(B1) are disposed in the sensor block. Figure 5D The connection relationship of the connection lines SL-F1 to SL-F8 shown in FIG. 1 is changed to the connection relationship of the connection lines SL-F1 to SL-F8 shown in FIG. Fig. 11B and Fig. 12B When described in the above, the electrically insulated first sensor and the electrically connected first sensor can be arranged simultaneously in one sensor block.

[0105] Fig. 13B When Fig. 6A The sensing unit SU1 of the sensor block SB shown in FIG. Fig.13A 1. A view of the sensor block SB-13 shown in FIG. 1 when compared with the sensing unit SU2. The sensing units SU1 and SU2 correspond to external inputs that are distinguished from each other. In the same area, nine sensing units SU1 (indicated by a dotted box) are defined in Fig. 6A In the sensor block SB shown in FIG. 1 , fifteen sensing units SU2 are defined in FIG. Fig.13A The sensor block shown in the SB-13. Fig. 6A Compared with the sensor block SB shown in Fig.13A The sensor block SB-13 shown in FIG. 1 is capable of more accurate touch detection.

[0106] and Fig.144, each of the sensor columns SC100 and SC200 includes four sub-columns S-1 to S-4. Each of the sensor blocks SB-15 and SB-16 includes four first sensors RP. Each of the sensor blocks SB-15 and SB-16 includes first sensors that are electrically insulated from each other. Figure 5D The connection relationship of the connection lines SL-F1 to SL-F8 shown in FIG. 1 is changed to the connection relationship of the connection lines SL-F1 to SL-F8 shown in FIG. Fig. 11B and Fig. 12B As described, the electrically insulating first sensor can be arranged in a sensor block.

[0107] Fig.15A , Fig. 15B , Fig.16A and Fig. 16B is a plan view of a touch screen according to one or more exemplary embodiments. Fig.15A , Fig. 15B , Fig.16A and Fig. 16B The touch screens 400-9 and 400-10 are described; however, the description of the touch screens 400-9 and 400-10 will be omitted. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C , Figure 5D , Figure 5E , Fig. 5F , Fig. 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 6C , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11A , Fig. 11B , Fig. 12A , Fig. 12B , Fig.13A , Fig. 13B and Fig.14 Detailed description of similar configurations is described to avoid obscuring the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0108] like Fig.15A and Fig. 15B As shown in FIG. 1 , the driver IC 400-IC may be mounted on the non-display region NDR of the touch screen 400-9. The touch screen 400-9 may have different layer structures according to the display region DR and the non-display region NDR. For example, a single conductive layer may be provided in the display region DR, and a multi-conductive layer and a multi-insulating layer may be provided in the non-display region.

[0109] Since the first signal lines SL1-1 to SL1-4 and the second signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-3 disposed in the display region DR do not cross each other, this may be formed of a single conductive layer. A plurality of signal lines may be formed by patterning the single conductive layer through a photolithography process.

[0110] Reference Figure 5D The first signal line group SL-F1, the second signal line group SL-F2, the third signal line group SL-F3, the fourth signal line group SL-F4, the fifth signal line group SL-F5, the sixth signal line group SL-F6, the seventh signal line group SL-F7, the eighth signal line group SL-F8 and the ninth signal line group SL-F9 described may be disposed in the non-display region NDR. Since the first signal lines SL1-1 to SL1-4 and the second signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-3 are directly connected to the third signal line group SL-F3 and the fifth signal line group SL-F5, the first signal lines SL1-1 to SL1-4 and the second signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-3 are omitted. The fourth signal line group SL-F4 and the seventh signal line group SL-F7 associated with the second sensor column SC2 are not Fig. 15B Shown in.

[0111] The second flexible circuit board 400-F10 may include a first pad connected to the fifth pad PD5 (see Figure 5D ) and a signal line connected to the pad. The second flexible circuit board 400-F10 can be connected to another circuit board or an electronic component such as a connector.

[0112] like Fig.16A and Fig. 16B As shown in FIG. 4 , the driver IC 400-IC may be disposed on another circuit board 400-M. The touch screen 400-10 may be connected to Fig.15A and Fig. 15B The touch screen 400-9 shown in FIG. 1 is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. Figure 5D The third signal line group SL-F3, the fourth signal line group SL-F4, the fifth signal line group SL-F5, the sixth signal line group SL-F6, the seventh signal line group SL-F7 and the eighth signal line group SL-F8 described above may be disposed in the non-display region NDR. The fourth signal line group SL-F4 and the seventh signal line group SL-F7 associated with the second sensor column SC2 are not disposed in the non-display region NDR. Fig. 16B The pads are provided at the ends of the sixth signal line group SL-F6 and the eighth signal line group SL-F8.

[0113] The second flexible circuit board 400 - F20 may include connection lines for connecting the signal lines provided in the circuit board 400 -M with the sixth and eighth signal line groups SL- F6 and SL- F8 .

[0114] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the touch screen 400-10 may be connected to the reference Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C and Figure 5D The touch screen 400 described above is substantially the same. Figure 5D The described first signal line group SL-F1, second signal line group SL-F2, third signal line group SL-F3, fourth signal line group SL-F4, fifth signal line group SL-F5, sixth signal line group SL-F6, seventh signal line group SL-F7 and eighth signal line group SL-F8 may be disposed in the second flexible circuit board 400-F20. The second flexible circuit board 400-F20 may connect the first pads PD1-1 to PD1-4 of the touch screen 400 with the signal lines disposed in the circuit board 400-M.

[0115] Fig.17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a display panel 300 according to one or more exemplary embodiments. Fig.18 is a plan view of a display panel 300 according to one or more exemplary embodiments. Fig.19 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel PX according to one or more exemplary embodiments. Fig.17 , Fig.18 and Fig.19 The display panel 300 will be described; however, the description of the display panel 300 will be omitted. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C , Figure 5D , Figure 5E , Fig. 5F , Fig. 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 6C , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11A , Fig. 11B , Fig. 12A , Fig. 12B , Fig.13A , Fig. 13B , Fig.14 , Fig.15A , Fig. 15B , Fig.16A and Fig. 16B Detailed descriptions of similar configurations are described to avoid obscuring the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0116] like Fig.17As shown in FIG, the display panel 300 includes a base member 300-BS, a circuit layer 300-CL, a device layer 300-EL, and a sealing layer 300-ECL. Although not shown separately, the display panel 300 may further include optical members, such as a phase delay plate and a polarizing plate, disposed on the sealing layer 300-ECL.

[0117] The base member 300-BS may include at least one plastic film. The base member 300-BS may include two plastic films and an inorganic layer, a silicon nitride layer, and / or a silicon oxide layer therebetween. The base member 300-BS may include at least one of polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyether sulfone (PES), and fiber reinforced plastic (FRP).

[0118] The circuit layer 300-CL includes a plurality of signal lines SGL and electronic devices equipped in the display panel 300. In addition, the circuit layer 300-CL includes a plurality of insulating layers (not shown) for insulating the signal lines SGL from the electronic devices.

[0119] like Fig.18 and Fig.19 As shown in , the circuit layer 300-CL may include a plurality of signal lines SGL. The plurality of signal lines SGL include a gate line GL arranged along the second direction axis DR2 and a data line DL arranged along the first direction axis DR1. Each of the gate line GL and the data line DL is connected to a corresponding pixel PX among a plurality of pixels PX. The circuit layer 300-CL may include a circuit of the pixel PX, for example, at least one thin film transistor TFT1 and TFT2 and at least one capacitor Cap. The circuit layer 300-CL may also include a gate driving circuit DCV disposed on a first side of the non-display region NDR of the display panel 300. The gate line GL and the data line DL may include a gate pad portion GL-P and a data pad portion DL-P disposed in the non-display region NDR. The first flexible circuit board 300-F may be connected to the gate pad portion GL-P and the data pad portion DL-P. The display panel 300 may be connected to a main driving circuit (not shown) through the first flexible circuit board 300-F.

[0120] The device layer 300-EL includes a display device. Fig.18 and Fig.19 As shown in FIG. 1 , the device layer 300 -EL includes an organic light emitting diode OLED of a pixel PX. The device layer 300 -EL may also include electronic devices for assisting the OLED.

[0121] The sealing layer 300-ECL seals the device layer 300-EL. The sealing layer 300-ECL includes a thin film encapsulation layer, that is, a plurality of inorganic thin layers and a plurality of organic thin layers. According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the sealing layer 300-ECL can be replaced with a sealing plate. The sealing plate can be separated from the base member 300-BS and the device layer 300-EL is located between the sealing plate and the base member 300-BS. The sealant can fill the space along the sealing plate and the frame of the base member 300-BS.

[0122] The base member 400-BS (see Figure 4 ) is disposed on the sealing layer 300-ECL or the sealing plate. According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the conductive layer 400-CL (see Figure 4 ) can be directly set on the sealing layer 300-ECL or the sealing plate.

[0123] Fig. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a touch screen 400 - 5 according to one or more exemplary embodiments. Fig.21 is an enlarged plan view of a sensor column SC1 according to one or more exemplary embodiments. Fig.22A yes Fig.21 An enlarged plan view of a portion AA of the sensor column SC1, and Fig. 22B yes Fig.22A 4 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor column SC1 taken along the cross-sectional line II-II'. Fig.23A is an enlarged plan view of a sensor block SB according to one or more exemplary embodiments. Fig. 23B yes Fig.23A A cross-sectional view of a sensor block according to one or more exemplary embodiments taken along a cross-sectional line III-III'. Fig. 20 , Fig.21 , Fig.22A , Fig. 22B , Fig.23A and Fig. 23B The touch screen 400-11 will be described; however, the description of the reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C , Figure 5D , Figure 5E , Fig. 5F , Fig. 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 6C , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11A , Fig. 11B , Fig. 12A , Fig. 12B , Fig.13A , Fig. 13B , Fig.14 , Fig.15A , Fig. 15B , Fig.16A , Fig. 16B , Fig.17 , Fig.18 and Fig.19 Detailed descriptions of similar configurations are described to avoid obscuring the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0124] Reference Fig. 20 The touch screen 400-11 includes a base member 400-BS, a first conductive layer 400-CL1, a first insulating layer 400-IL1, a second conductive layer 400-CL2, and a second insulating layer 400-IL2. Each of the first conductive layer 400-CL1 and the second conductive layer 400-CL2 may be connected to the reference Figure 4 The conductive layers 400-CL described above are substantially the same, and therefore, detailed description is omitted. The first conductive layer 400-CL1 may include reference FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D The second conductive layer 400-CL2 may include two groups among the plurality of first sensors RP, the plurality of second sensors TP, the plurality of first signal lines SL1-1 to SL1-4, and the plurality of second signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-3 described above. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D The other two groups among the plurality of first sensors RP, the plurality of second sensors TP, the plurality of first signal lines SL1 - 1 to SL1 - 4 , and the plurality of second signal lines SL2 - 1 to SL2 - 3 are described.

[0125] Reference Fig.21 , exemplarily shows a part of the first sensor column SC1. Fig.21 As shown in , the first conductive layer 400-CL1 may include: a plurality of first sensors RP-1, RP-2 and RP-3 and a plurality of second sensors TP1-1, TP1-2 and TP1-3, which are arranged at each of the sensor lines SL1, SL2 and SL3. The plurality of first sensors RP-1, RP-2 and RP-3 may include a plurality of openings OP-RP. The second sensors TP1-1, TP1-2 and TP1-3 are respectively arranged in the openings OP-RP.

[0126] The second conductive layer 400-CL2 may include a plurality of first signal lines SL1-1, SL1-2, and SL1-3 and a plurality of second signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-3. The plurality of first signal lines SL1-1, SL1-2, and SL1-3 are respectively connected to a plurality of first sensors RP-1, RP-2, and RP-3. Each of the plurality of second signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-3 is connected to a corresponding second sensor in the sensor rows SL1, SL2, and SL3.

[0127] like Fig.22A and Fig. 22B As shown in FIG. 4 , the first sensor RP-1 and the second sensor TP1-3 are disposed on the first surface of the base member 400-BS. The first insulating layer 400-IL1 covering the first sensor RP-1 and the second sensor TP1-3 is disposed on the first surface of the base member 400-BS. The second signal line SL2-3 is disposed on the first surface of the first insulating layer 400-IL1. The second signal line SL2-3 is connected to the third sensor TP1-3 through a contact hole CH penetrating the first insulating layer 400-IL1. The second insulating layer 400-IL2 covering the second signal line SL2-3 is disposed on the first surface of the first insulating layer 400-IL1.

[0128] Fig.23A and Fig. 23B 1 and 2 are diagrams showing a plan view and a cross-sectional view of a sensor block SB according to one or more exemplary embodiments. The first conductive layer 400-CL1 may include a first sensor RP-1 and a first signal line SL1-1. The second conductive layer 400-CL2 may include second sensors TP1-1, TP1-2, and TP1-3 and second signal lines SL2-1, SL2-2, and SL2-3.

[0129] like Fig. 23B As shown in FIG. 4 , the first sensor RP-1 and the first signal line SL1-1 are disposed on the first surface of the base member 400-BS. The first insulating layer 400-IL1 covering the first sensor RP-1 and the signal line SL1-1 is disposed on the first surface of the base member 400-BS. The second sensor TP1-2 and the second signal line SL2-2 are disposed on the first surface of the first insulating layer 400-IL1. The second insulating layer 400-IL2 covering the second sensor TP1-2 and the second signal line SL2-2 is disposed on the first surface of the first insulating layer 400-IL1. Fig.21 , Fig.22A and Fig. 22B The differences shown in Fig.23A and Fig. 23B The touch screen can omit the contact hole CH.

[0130] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, since the second sensor of the first sensor block and the second sensor of the second sensor block arranged along the second direction axis are electrically connected together, the number of signal lines can be reduced. Since the number of signal lines is reduced, the interval between the first sensors is reduced. In this way, the touch sensitivity can be improved. In addition, since the plurality of first sensors can be electrically connected together, the number of pads in the driving circuit can be reduced. To this end, since some of the plurality of second sensors in the first sensor block and the plurality of second sensors in the second sensor block can be electrically connected to each other, the number of pads in the driving circuit can be reduced.

[0131] While specific 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 such embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the given claims and various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements.

Claims

1. A display device, wherein: The display device comprises: display panel; and A touch screen is arranged on the display panel, and the touch screen includes a sensor block and a signal line, Each of the sensor blocks includes: k first sensors arranged along a first direction, k being a natural number of 2 or greater; and j sensor groups, each of the j sensor groups being disposed adjacent to a corresponding first sensor among the k first sensors and including i second sensors arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction, j being a natural number of 2 or greater, and i being a natural number of 3 or greater, and in: The sensor blocks include a first sensor block and a second sensor block arranged along the second direction; and The corresponding signal line among the signal lines directly connects the m-th second sensor among the i-th second sensors of the n-th sensor group among the j sensor groups of the first sensor block to the i-m+1-th second sensor among the i-th second sensors of the n-th sensor group among the j sensor groups of the second sensor block, wherein n is a natural number that is 1 or greater and less than j, and m is a natural number that is 1 or greater and less than i.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The touch screen also includes: first signal lines, respectively connected to the k first sensors of the first sensor block; and The second signal lines are respectively connected to the k first sensors of the second sensor block.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The touch screen also includes: a first connecting line connecting the first signal lines to each other; and The second connecting lines connect the second signal lines to each other.

4. The display device according to claim 2, further comprising a flexible circuit board, in, The touch screen also includes: first pads, respectively connected to first ends of the first signal lines; and second pads, respectively connected to the second ends of the second signal lines, and Wherein, the flexible circuit board comprises: third pads, connected to the first pads respectively; The fourth pads are connected to the second pads respectively.

5. The display device according to claim 4, further comprising: A driving circuit is disposed on the flexible circuit board and is electrically connected to the third pad and the fourth pad.

6. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The k first sensors, the i second sensors of the j sensor groups, the first signal line, and the second signal line are disposed in the same layer as each other.

7. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The touch screen also includes: a base member; and an insulating layer, which is arranged on the base member; and two groups of the k first sensors, the i second sensors of the j sensor groups and the first signal line are arranged on a first surface of the base member, and another group of the k first sensors, the i second sensors of the j sensor groups and the first signal line are arranged on a second surface of the insulating layer.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor block further includes a third sensor block, and the third sensor block is arranged along the first direction from the first sensor block; The k first sensors of the first sensor block are electrically connected to each other, and the k first sensors of the third sensor block are electrically connected to each other; and The k first sensors of the first sensor block and the k first sensors of the third sensor block are electrically insulated from each other.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: The mth second sensor among the i second sensors of the nth sensor group among the j sensor groups of the first sensor block and the mth second sensor among the i second sensors of the nth sensor group among the j sensor groups of the third sensor block are electrically connected to each other.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein: The touch screen also includes: a first signal line connected to the m-th second sensor among the i-th second sensors of the n-th sensor group among the j-th sensor groups of the first sensor block; and A second signal line is connected to the m-th second sensor among the i-th second sensors of the n-th sensor group among the j-th sensor groups of the third sensor block.

11. The display device according to claim 10, further comprising a flexible circuit board, in, The touch screen further includes: a first pad connected to the first signal line; and a second pad connected to the second signal line, and Wherein, the flexible circuit board includes: a third pad connected to the first pad; and a fourth pad connected to the second pad.

12. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The k first sensors and the j sensor groups are in one-to-one correspondence.

13. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor block further includes a third sensor block, the third sensor block being arranged along the second direction from the second sensor block; and The corresponding signal line among the signal lines directly connects the i-m+1th second sensor among the i second sensors of the nth sensor group among the j sensor groups of the second sensor block to the mth second sensor among the i second sensors of the nth sensor group among the j sensor groups of the third sensor block.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein: The corresponding signal line includes a first portion and a second portion spaced apart from the first portion; the first part directly connects the mth second sensor among the i second sensors of the nth sensor group among the j sensor groups of the first sensor block to the i-m+1th second sensor among the i second sensors of the nth sensor group among the j sensor groups of the second sensor block; and The second part directly connects the i-m+1th second sensor among the i second sensors of the nth sensor group among the j sensor groups of the second sensor block to the mth second sensor among the i second sensors of the nth sensor group among the j sensor groups of the third sensor block.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein: The first portion is disposed at one side of the i second sensors of the n-th sensor group among the j sensor groups of the second sensor block; and The second portion is disposed at the other side of the i second sensors of the n-th sensor group among the j sensor groups of the second sensor block, the one side being different from the other side.

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