Display device

By arranging pressure sensors on the display panel and controlling the threshold voltage, the problem of erroneous operation caused by pressure afterimages of the touch unit when the display device is folded and unfolded is solved, achieving higher operation accuracy and reliability.

CN112783359BActive Publication Date: 2025-09-30SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202011041594.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2019-11-06
Filing Date
2020-09-28
Publication Date
2025-09-30
Estimated Expiration
2040-09-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

When the display device is converted from a folded state to an unfolded state, pressure afterimages of multiple touch units may cause malfunction of the pressure sensor.

Method used

By arranging pressure sensors on the display panel and controlling the threshold voltage using the touch driving unit, the difference between the strength of the basic pressure of multiple touch units and the threshold voltage is constant, thereby preventing erroneous operations.

Benefits of technology

This effectively prevents misoperation of the pressure sensor when the display device switches between the folded and unfolded states, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of the operation.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A display device is provided. The display device includes: a display panel including a first area, a second area, and a folding area disposed between the first area and the second area; and a pressure sensor disposed on one side of the display panel, wherein the pressure sensor includes: a plurality of second touch units overlapping the folding area; and a touch driving unit that controls threshold voltages for the plurality of second touch units based on the strength of a base pressure of the plurality of second touch units.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device. Background Art

[0002] Electronic devices that provide images to users, such as smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, laptops, navigation systems, and smart TVs, include display devices for displaying images. Display devices include display panels that generate and display images and various input devices.

[0003] Touch panels that recognize touch input are increasingly being used in display devices, primarily in smartphones and tablets. Due to their convenient touch-based operation, touch panels are replacing existing physical input devices such as keyboards. Furthermore, research is underway to incorporate pressure sensors into display devices and utilize them as input devices. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a display device that can remove pressure afterimages of multiple touch units overlapping with a folded area when the display device is converted from a folded state to an unfolded state, thereby preventing malfunction of a pressure sensor.

[0005] The subject matter of the present invention is not limited to the technical subject matter mentioned above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other technical subjects not mentioned through the following description.

[0006] A display device according to one embodiment for solving the above-mentioned problem includes: a display panel including a first area, a second area, and a folding area arranged between the first area and the second area; and a pressure sensor arranged on one side of the display panel, wherein the pressure sensor includes: a plurality of second touch units overlapping with the folding area; and a touch driving unit that controls a threshold voltage for the plurality of second touch units based on the strength of a basic pressure of the plurality of second touch units.

[0007] When the folding area is converted from a folded state to an unfolded state, the touch driving unit may control the threshold voltage so that a difference between an intensity of a basic pressure of the plurality of second touch units and an intensity of a threshold pressure corresponding to the threshold voltage is constant.

[0008] The pressure sensor further includes: a plurality of first touch units overlapping with the first area or the second area, wherein, when the folding area is converted from a folded state to an unfolded state, the touch drive unit can control the threshold voltages for the plurality of second touch units so that the difference between the intensity of the basic pressure of the plurality of second touch units and the intensity of the threshold pressure corresponding to the threshold voltage for the plurality of second touch units is the same as the difference between the intensity of the basic pressure of the plurality of first touch units and the intensity of the threshold pressure corresponding to the threshold voltage for the plurality of first touch units.

[0009] When the folding area is converted from the folded state to the unfolded state, the touch driving unit may control a reduction rate of the threshold voltages for the second touch units based on a reduction rate of the base pressures of the second touch units.

[0010] During a first time period immediately after the folding area is converted from a folded state to an unfolded state, the touch drive unit may control the threshold voltage for the multiple second touch units based on the basic pressure of the multiple second touch units, and during a second time period in which the basic pressure of the multiple second touch units is maintained constant, the touch drive unit may maintain the threshold voltage for the multiple second touch units constant.

[0011] The touch drive unit may include: a basic pressure detection unit that detects the strength of the basic pressure of the multiple second touch units when the folding area is converted from a folded state to an unfolded state; and a threshold voltage control unit that controls the threshold voltage for the multiple second touch units so that the magnitude of a reference pressure that is the difference between the strength of the basic pressure of the multiple second touch units and the strength of the threshold pressure corresponding to the threshold voltage for the multiple second touch units is maintained constant.

[0012] The touch driving unit may further include a touch pressure detecting unit configured to receive sensing data having a magnitude exceeding the reference pressure and detect touch pressures applied to the plurality of second touch units.

[0013] A display device according to another embodiment for solving the above-mentioned problem includes: a display panel that is folded in at least one direction; and a pressure sensor arranged on one side of the display panel, wherein the pressure sensor includes: a plurality of touch units that sense touch pressure; and a touch drive unit that detects a portion of the plurality of touch units whose basic pressure has relatively increased when the display panel is converted from a folded state to an unfolded state, and controls a threshold voltage for the portion of the touch units based on the intensity of the basic pressure of the portion of the touch units.

[0014] When the display panel is unfolded in a folding area extending in a direction parallel to the short side of the display panel, the base pressure of a portion of the touch units overlapping with the folding area among the multiple touch units can be increased, and the touch driving unit can control the threshold voltage for the portion of the touch units based on the intensity of the base pressure of the portion of the touch units.

[0015] When the display panel is unfolded in a folding area extending in a direction parallel to the long side of the display panel, the base pressure of a portion of the touch units overlapping with the folding area among the multiple touch units can be increased, and the touch driving unit can control the threshold voltage for the portion of the touch units based on the intensity of the base pressure of the portion of the touch units.

[0016] When the folding area of ​​the display panel extending in a diagonal direction between the short side direction and the long side direction of the display panel is unfolded, the basic pressure of a portion of the touch units overlapping with the folding area among the multiple touch units can be increased, and the touch driving unit can control the threshold voltage for the portion of the touch units based on the intensity of the basic pressure of the portion of the touch units.

[0017] The touch drive unit may include: a folding area detection unit, which detects a portion of the touch units whose basic pressure increases when the display panel is converted from a folded state to an unfolded state; a basic pressure detection unit, which detects the intensity of the basic pressure of the portion of the touch units; and a threshold voltage control unit, which controls the threshold voltage for the portion of the touch units.

[0018] The threshold voltage control unit can control the threshold voltage for the part of the touch unit so that the magnitude of the reference pressure, which is the difference between the intensity of the basic pressure of the part of the touch unit and the intensity of the threshold pressure corresponding to the threshold voltage for the part of the touch unit, is maintained constant.

[0019] The touch driving unit may further include a touch pressure detecting unit configured to receive sensing data having a magnitude exceeding the reference pressure to detect a touch pressure applied to the portion of the touch unit.

[0020] According to another embodiment, a display device for solving the above-mentioned problem includes: a display panel for displaying an image; and a pressure sensor arranged on one side of the display panel, wherein the pressure sensor includes: a plurality of touch units for sensing touch pressure; and a touch driving unit for detecting a portion of the plurality of touch units in which a base pressure is relatively increased, and controlling a threshold voltage for the portion of the touch units based on the intensity of the base pressure of the portion of the touch units.

[0021] In a case where the basic pressure of the portion of the touch unit exceeds a reference pressure during a reference time, the touch driving part may control a threshold voltage for the portion of the touch unit based on the intensity of the basic pressure of the portion of the touch unit.

[0022] When a magnitude of a reference pressure, which is a difference between a strength of a base pressure of the portion of the touch unit and a strength of a threshold pressure corresponding to a threshold voltage for the portion of the touch unit, exceeds a reference pressure, the touch driving unit may control the threshold voltage to reduce a magnitude of the reference pressure.

[0023] When the basic pressure of the portion of the touch unit exceeds the reference pressure during the reference time, the touch driving part may control a reduction rate of the threshold voltage for the portion of the touch unit based on a reduction rate of the basic pressure of the portion of the touch unit.

[0024] The touch drive unit may include: a pressure afterimage detection unit for detecting a portion of the touch units whose basic pressure exceeds a reference pressure during a reference time; a basic pressure detection unit for detecting the intensity of the basic pressure of the portion of the touch units; and a threshold voltage control unit for controlling a threshold voltage for the portion of the touch units so that a reference pressure, which is a difference between the intensity of the basic pressure of the portion of the touch units and the intensity of a threshold pressure corresponding to the threshold voltage for the portion of the touch units, is maintained constant.

[0025] The touch driving unit may further include a touch pressure detecting unit configured to receive sensing data having a magnitude exceeding the reference pressure to detect a touch pressure applied to the portion of the touch unit.

[0026] Details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0027] According to a display device of one embodiment, the threshold voltages for the multiple touch units overlapping with the folding area of ​​the display panel are controlled based on the strength of the base pressure of the multiple touch units, so that the magnitude of the reference pressure of the multiple touch units overlapping with the folding area is maintained constant, thereby preventing malfunction of the pressure sensor.

[0028] According to a display device of another embodiment, when a display panel is converted from a folded state to an unfolded state, a portion of touch units whose base pressure is relatively increased is detected among a plurality of touch units, and the threshold voltage for the portion of touch units is controlled based on the intensity of the base pressure of the portion of touch units, so that the magnitude of the reference pressure of the portion of touch units whose base pressure is relatively increased is maintained constant, thereby preventing malfunction of the pressure sensor.

[0029] According to a display device of yet another embodiment, a portion of touch units whose base pressure exceeds a base pressure during a base time is detected among a plurality of touch units, and a threshold voltage for the portion of touch units is controlled based on the intensity of the base pressure of the portion of touch units, so that the magnitude of the reference pressure of the portion of touch units whose base pressure relatively increases is maintained constant, thereby preventing malfunction of the pressure sensor.

[0030] The effects according to the embodiment are not limited to those shown above, and more various effects are included in this specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a folded structure of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a deployed structure of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 An example diagram of a cross section taken along line II'.

[0034] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 An example diagram of a cross section taken along line II-II'.

[0035] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a second display unit of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 6 FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a second pressure sensor of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a first substrate and a printed circuit substrate of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 8 is a plan view showing a second substrate and a printed circuit substrate of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 9 is a plan view illustrating a state in which a first substrate and a second substrate of a display device according to an embodiment are bonded.

[0040] Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a touch driving unit of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0041] Figure 11 is a graph showing basic pressures and threshold voltages of a plurality of second touch units in a display device according to an embodiment.

[0042] Figure 12 is a graph illustrating reference pressures of a plurality of second touch units in a display device according to an embodiment.

[0043] Figure 13 is a graph showing touch pressures of a plurality of second touch units in a display device according to an embodiment.

[0044] Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating a process of detecting touch pressure in a display device according to an embodiment.

[0045] Figure 15 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a touch driving portion of a display device according to another embodiment.

[0046] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating a pressure sensor folded in one direction in a display device according to another embodiment.

[0047] Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating a pressure sensor folded in another direction in a display device according to another embodiment.

[0048] Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating a process of detecting touch pressure in a display device according to another embodiment.

[0049] Figure 19 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a touch driving unit of a display device according to yet another embodiment.

[0050] Figure 20 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the occurrence of a pressure afterimage due to a touch in a display device according to still another embodiment.

[0051] Figure 21 is a flowchart illustrating a process of detecting touch pressure in a display device according to still another embodiment.

[0052] Explanation of symbols:

[0053] 100: first display unit 110: first display panel

[0054] 120: First touch window 130: First pressure sensor

[0055] 200: Second display unit 210: Second display panel

[0056] 220: Second touch window 230: Second pressure sensor

[0057] 300: First panel lower part 400: Second panel lower part

[0058] TIC: Touch drive unit 510: Basic pressure detection unit

[0059] 520: Threshold voltage control unit 530: Touch pressure detection unit

[0060] 610: Folding area detection unit 620: Basic pressure detection unit

[0061] 630: Threshold voltage control unit 640: Touch pressure detection unit

[0062] 710: Pressure residual image detection unit 720: Basic pressure detection unit

[0063] 730: Threshold voltage control unit 740: Touch pressure detection unit DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] References and Attachments Figure 1 The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as methods for achieving these advantages and features, will be made clearer by the following detailed embodiments. However, the present invention can be presented in a variety of different forms and is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below. These embodiments are provided solely to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to fully inform those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. The present invention is defined solely by the scope of the claims.

[0065] Reference to an element or layer being "on" another element or layer includes reference to the element being immediately above the other element or having another layer or element interposed therebetween. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same constituent elements. The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, quantities, etc. disclosed in the drawings for illustrating the embodiments are exemplary, and the present invention is not limited to the matters shown in the drawings.

[0066] Although the terms "first," "second," and so on are used to describe various components, these components are clearly not limited to these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, the first component mentioned below can also be the second component within the technical concept of the present invention.

[0067] Each feature of the various embodiments of the present invention can be partially or completely combined or combined with each other, and can technically achieve multiple linkages and drives. Moreover, each embodiment can be implemented independently of each other, or can be implemented together in a related relationship.

[0068] Hereinafter, specific embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0069] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a folded structure of a display device according to an embodiment, Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a deployed structure of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0070] In this specification, "upper," "top," "above," and "upper end" refer to the upper direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) relative to the display device, and "lower," "bottom," "below," and "lower end" refer to the lower direction (i.e., the direction opposite to the Z-axis direction) relative to the display device. Furthermore, "left," "right," "up," and "down" refer to directions when the display device is viewed from a plane. For example, "left" refers to the direction opposite to the X-axis direction, "right" refers to the X-axis direction, "up" refers to the Y-axis direction, and "down" refers to the direction opposite to the Y-axis direction.

[0071] Reference Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 , the display device may include a first display unit 100 having a first display area DA1 and a second display unit 200 having a second display area DA2.

[0072] The first display unit 100 can be formed into a rectangular shape on a plane. For example, the first display unit 100 can have a rectangular shape, wherein the rectangular shape has a first side S1 along a first direction (X-axis direction) and a second side S2 along a second direction (Y-axis direction). The length of each of the first sides S1 can be less than the length of each of the second sides S2. The corner where any one of the first sides S1 and any one of the second sides S2 intersect can be formed into an arc with a predetermined curvature or can be formed into a right angle. As another example, in addition to a rectangle, the first display unit 100 can have a polygonal, circular or elliptical plane shape.

[0073] The first display area DA1 of the first display unit 100 may have a rectangular planar shape consisting of a first display side DS1 aligned with the first side S1 along the first direction (X-axis direction) and a second display side DS2 aligned with the second side S2 along the second direction (Y-axis direction). For example, the length of each of the first display sides DS1 may be less than the length of each of the second display sides DS2. The corner where any one of the first display sides DS1 and any one of the second display sides DS2 intersect may be formed as an arc with a predetermined curvature or may be formed as a right angle. In addition to a rectangle, the first display area DA1 may have a polygonal, circular, or elliptical planar shape.

[0074] The second display unit 200 may include a first area A1, a second area A2, and a folding area FA disposed between the first area A1 and the second area A2. The second display unit 200 may be configured as follows according to the state of the folding area FA. Figure 1 Fold the same or Figure 2The second display unit 200 can be configured to have a rectangular shape on a plane when unfolded. The second display unit 200 can have a rectangular plane shape, wherein the rectangular plane shape has a third side S3 along the first direction (X-axis direction) and a fourth side S4 along the second direction (Y-axis direction). For example, the length of each of the third sides S3 can be greater than the length of each of the fourth sides S4. In this case, the user can view a screen with a long side along the first direction (X-axis direction). As another example, the length of each of the third sides S3 can be less than the length of each of the fourth sides S4. In this case, the user can view a screen with a long side along the second direction (Y-axis direction). As another example, the length of each of the third sides S3 can be substantially the same as the length of each of the fourth sides S4. In this case, the user can view a square screen. The corner where any one of the third sides S3 and any one of the fourth sides S4 intersect can be formed as an arc with a predetermined curvature or can be formed as a right angle. In addition to a rectangle, the second display unit 200 can have a polygonal, circular or elliptical plane shape.

[0075] The second display area DA2 of the second display unit 200 may have a rectangular plane form in the expanded state, which is composed of a third display side DS3 side by side with the third side S3 along the first direction (X-axis direction) and a fourth display side DS4 side by side with the fourth side S4 along the second direction (Y-axis direction). For example, the length of each of the third display sides DS3 may be greater than the length of each of the fourth display sides DS4. As another example, the length of each of the third display sides DS3 may be less than the length of each of the fourth display sides DS4. As yet another example, the length of each of the third display sides DS3 may be less than the length of each of the fourth display sides DS4. The corner where any one of the third display sides DS3 and any one of the fourth display sides S4 intersect may be formed as an arc with a predetermined curvature or may be formed as a right angle. In addition to a rectangle, the second display area DA2 may have a polygonal, circular or elliptical plane form.

[0076] For example, the second display unit 200 includes a flexible substrate capable of bending, folding, rolling, etc., thereby being easily folded in the folding area FA. As another example, to improve the folding function of the folding area FA, the second display unit 200 may include a hinge arranged on one side of the second display unit 200.

[0077] like Figure 1As shown, in the folded state, the second display unit 200 can be folded inward (in-folding) so that the second display area DA2 of the first area A1 and the second display area DA2 of the second area A2 face each other. The second display unit 200 is curved at a predetermined curvature in the folding area FA, thereby folding the second display area DA2 of the second display unit 200. For example, the first display area DA1 of the first display unit 100 can be oriented in the third direction (Z-axis direction), and the second display area DA2 of the second display unit 200 can be oriented in the third direction (Z-axis direction).

[0078] When the second display unit 200 is folded, the display device can display an image in the third direction (Z-axis direction) using the first display unit 100. When the second display unit 200 is unfolded, the display device can display an image in the direction opposite to the third direction (Z-axis direction) using the second display unit 200. In this case, the first display unit 100 can display an image in the third direction (Z-axis direction) or may not display any image.

[0079] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 An example diagram of a cross section taken along line II', Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 An example diagram of a cross section taken along line II-II'.

[0080] Reference Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The display device may include a first display unit 100 , a second display unit 200 , a first panel lower part 300 , and a second panel lower part 400 .

[0081] The first display unit 100 can display an image in a third direction (Z-axis direction). The first display unit 100 can be arranged on one side of the first panel lower component 300 and can be supported by the first panel lower component 300. The first display unit 100 can include a first display panel 110, a first cover window 120, and a first pressure sensor 130.

[0082] The first display panel 110 can be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel, a micro LED display panel, or a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QD) display panel. The following description assumes that the first display panel 110 is an OLED display panel. The first display panel 110 is positioned closer to the first cover window 120 than the first pressure sensor 130, thereby improving the image quality of the display device.

[0083] The first cover window 120 can be arranged on top of the first display panel 110. The first cover window 120 can cover the top of the first display panel 110, thereby protecting the first display panel 110. The first cover window 120 can be attached to the first display panel 110 using a transparent adhesive member. The first cover window 120 can correspond to the surface of the first display area DA1 and can directly contact the user's body. For example, the first cover window 120 can be made of at least one of glass, sapphire, and plastic. The first cover window 120 can be hard or soft.

[0084] The first pressure sensor 130 may be arranged at the lower portion of the first display panel 110. The first pressure sensor 130 may detect a user's touch occurring on the first cover window 120. The first pressure sensor 130 may be arranged to overlap the entire surface (Full Surface) of the first display panel 110. The first pressure sensor 130 may be arranged to overlap the entire surface of the first cover window 120. For example, the first pressure sensor 130 may include a plurality of touch units overlapping the entire surface of the first display panel 110 or the entire surface of the first cover window 120. A touch unit among the plurality of touch units of the first pressure sensor 130 that is subjected to pressure due to a touch may change its resistance value according to the magnitude of the pressure. Therefore, the first pressure sensor 130 may detect the position where the touch occurs based on the position of the touch unit whose resistance value changes, and may detect the magnitude of the touch pressure based on the degree of the change in resistance value.

[0085] The second display unit 200 can be configured as follows according to the state of the folding area FA. Figure 3 Fold or Figure 4 The second display unit 200 can display an image in the opposite direction of the third direction (Z-axis direction) when it is unfolded. The second display unit 200 can include a second display panel 210, a second cover window 220, and a second pressure sensor 230.

[0086] The second display panel 210 may be an organic light emitting display panel using organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), a micro light emitting diode display panel using micro LEDs (Micro LEDs), or a quantum dot light emitting display panel including quantum dot light emitting diodes (QDs).

[0087] The second display panel 210 may include a first area A1, a second area A2, and a folding area FA between the first area A1 and the second area A2. For example, the second display panel 210 may include a flexible substrate capable of bending, folding, and rolling, thereby being easily foldable in the folding area FA. As another example, to enhance the folding function of the folding area FA, the second display panel 210 may include a hinge disposed on one side of the second display unit 200.

[0088] The first area A1 of the second display panel 210 may be disposed on the other side of the first panel lower part 300 and supported by the first panel lower part 300. The first area A1 of the second display panel 210 and the first display panel 110 may face each other with the first panel lower part 300 interposed therebetween.

[0089] The second area A2 of the second display panel 210 may be connected to the first area A1 through the folding area FA. Figure 3 When the folding area FA of the second display panel 210 is formed as shown in FIG. Figure 4 When the folding area FA is unfolded, the second area A2 of the second display panel 210 may be arranged on the same plane together with the folding area FA and the first area A1.

[0090] The second area A2 of the second display panel 210 may be disposed on one side of the second panel lower part 400 and may be supported by the second panel lower part 400 .

[0091] The second cover window 220 can be arranged on one side of the second display panel 210. The second cover window 220 covers one side of the second display panel 210, thereby protecting the second display panel 210. The second cover window 220 can be attached to one side of the second display panel 210 by means of a transparent adhesive component. The second cover window 220 can correspond to the surface of the second display area DA2 and can directly contact the user's body. For example, the second cover window 220 can be made of at least one material selected from glass, sapphire, and plastic. A portion of the second cover window 220 can overlap with the folding area FA of the second display panel 210, and at least a portion of the second cover window 220 can be formed to be flexible.

[0092] The second pressure sensor 230 may be arranged on the other side of the second display panel 210 opposite to the one side. The second pressure sensor 230 may detect a user's touch on the second cover window 220. The second pressure sensor 230 may be arranged to overlap the entire surface (Full Surface) of the second display panel 210. The second pressure sensor 230 may be arranged to overlap the entire surface of the second cover window 220. For example, the second pressure sensor 230 may include a plurality of touch units overlapping the entire surface of the second display panel 210 or the entire surface of the second cover window 220. A touch unit among the plurality of touch units of the second pressure sensor 230 that is subjected to pressure due to a touch may change its resistance value according to the magnitude of the pressure. Therefore, the second pressure sensor 230 may detect the position where the touch occurs based on the position of the touch unit whose resistance value changes, and may detect the magnitude of the touch pressure based on the degree of the change in resistance value.

[0093] The first panel lower component 300 may be disposed between the first display unit 100 and the first area A1 of the second display panel 210. One surface of the first panel lower component 300 may support the first display unit 100, and the other surface of the first panel lower component 300 may support the first area A1 of the second display panel 210. For example, one surface of the first panel lower component 300 may directly support the first pressure sensor 130 of the first display unit 100. One surface of the first panel lower component 300 may indirectly support the first display panel 110 and the first cover window 120. The other surface of the first panel lower component 300 may directly support a portion of the second pressure sensor 230 that overlaps with the first area A1 of the second display panel 210. The other surface of the first panel lower component 300 may indirectly support the first area A1 and a portion of the second cover window 220 that overlaps with the first area A1.

[0094] The first panel lower part 300 may include a buffer component and a heat dissipation component. The buffer component of the first panel lower part 300 can absorb external impact to prevent damage to the portion of the first display unit 100 and the second display unit 200 that overlaps with the first area A1. For example, the buffer component of the first panel lower part 300 can be formed as a single layer or multiple layers composed of a polymer resin such as polyurethane, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, etc. As another example, the first panel lower part 300 can be composed of an elastic material such as a sponge foamed from rubber, polyurethane, or acrylic.

[0095] For example, the heat dissipation member of the first panel lower member 300 may include graphite or carbon nanotubes to shield electromagnetic waves. As another example, the heat shielding member of the first panel lower member 300 may be formed using a metal thin film such as copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), ferrite, or silver (Ag) with excellent thermal conductivity to release heat generated from the first display unit 100 or the second display unit 200.

[0096] The second panel lower part 400 may support the second display unit 200. The second panel lower part 400 may directly support a portion of the second pressure sensor 230 overlapping the second area A2, and may indirectly support the second area A2 and a portion of the second cover window 220 overlapping the second area A2.

[0097] In the second display unit 200 Figure 3 When the second display unit 200 is folded, the second panel lower part 400 can overlap with the first panel lower part 300 along the third direction (Z-axis direction). Figure 4 When the second panel lower part 400 is unfolded, the second panel lower part 400 can be arranged on the same plane as the first panel lower part 300. Figure 4 , the first panel lower part 300 and the second panel lower part 400 may be spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the folding area FA.

[0098] The second panel lower part 400 may include a buffer component and a heat dissipation component. The buffer component of the second panel lower part 400 can absorb external impact to prevent damage to the portion of the second display unit 200 that overlaps with the second area A2. For example, the buffer component of the second panel lower part 400 can be formed as a single layer or multiple layers made of a polymer resin such as polyurethane, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, etc. As another example, the second panel lower part 400 can be made of an elastic material such as a sponge foamed from rubber, polyurethane, or acrylic.

[0099] For example, the heat dissipation member of the second panel lower member 400 may include graphite or carbon nanotubes to shield electromagnetic waves. As another example, the heat dissipation member of the second panel lower member 400 may be formed using a metal thin film such as copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), ferrite, or silver (Ag) having excellent thermal conductivity to release heat generated from the second display unit 200.

[0100] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a second display unit of a display device according to an embodiment. Here, the cross-sectional view of the unfolded second display unit 200 may include substantially the same configuration as the cross-sectional view of the first display unit 100. The cross-sectional configuration of each of the second display panel 210, the second cover window 220, and the second pressure sensor 230 may correspond to the cross-sectional configuration of each of the first display panel 110, the first cover window 120, and the first pressure sensor 130. The cross-sectional configuration of the second display unit 200 will be described in detail below, and the description of the cross-sectional configuration of the first display unit 100 will be omitted.

[0101] Reference Figure 5 The second display panel 210 may include a base film BL, a thin film transistor layer TFTL, a light emitting element layer EML, and a thin film encapsulation layer TFEL.

[0102] The base film BL may be a base substrate and may be formed using an insulating material such as a polymer resin. For example, the base film BL may be formed using polyethersulfone (PES), polyacrylate (PAC), polyarylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate (CTA), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), or a combination thereof. The base film BL may be a flexible substrate capable of bending, folding, or rolling.

[0103] The thin-film transistor layer TFTL may be disposed on top of the base film BL. The thin-film transistor layer TFTL may include at least one thin-film transistor that drives each of the plurality of sub-pixels. The at least one thin-film transistor in a sub-pixel may include a semiconductor layer, a gate electrode, a drain electrode, and a source electrode. For example, the thin-film transistor layer TFTL may also include scan lines, data lines, power lines, scan control lines, and routing lines that connect pads and data lines to the at least one thin-film transistor in the sub-pixel.

[0104] The light-emitting element layer (EML) may be disposed above the thin-film transistor layer (TFTL). The light-emitting element layer (EML) may include a light-emitting element connected to at least one thin-film transistor (TFTL) of the thin-film transistor layer (TFTL). The light-emitting element may include a first electrode, a light-emitting layer, and a second electrode. For example, the light-emitting layer may be an organic light-emitting layer formed using an organic substance, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the case where the light-emitting layer corresponds to the organic light-emitting layer, if the thin-film transistor (TFTL) of the thin-film transistor layer (TFTL) applies a predetermined voltage to the first electrode of the light-emitting element, and the second electrode of the light-emitting element receives a common voltage or a cathode voltage, holes and electrons may respectively move to the organic light-emitting layer through the hole transport layer and the electron transport layer, and the holes and electrons may combine with each other in the organic light-emitting layer to emit light.

[0105] The light emitting element layer EML may include a pixel definition film defining a plurality of sub-pixels, and the first electrode of the light emitting element and the light emitting layer may be separated and insulated from each other by the pixel definition film.

[0106] The thin film encapsulation layer (TFEL) can be arranged on top of the light-emitting element layer (EML) to cover the thin film transistor layer (TFTL) and the light-emitting element layer (EML). The thin film encapsulation layer (TFEL) can prevent oxygen or moisture from penetrating into the light-emitting element layer (EML). For example, the thin film encapsulation layer (TFEL) can include at least one inorganic film. The thin film encapsulation layer (TFEL) can include an inorganic film such as a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer, but is not limited thereto.

[0107] The thin film encapsulation layer (TFEL) can protect the light emitting element layer (EML) from foreign matter such as dust. For example, the thin film encapsulation layer (TFEL) can include at least one organic film. The thin film encapsulation layer (TFEL) can include an organic film such as acryl resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, or polyimide resin, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0108] The second display panel 210 may include a first area A1, a second area A2, and a folding area FA between the first area A1 and the second area A2.

[0109] The second cover window 220 may be disposed on the upper portion of the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL and may cover the upper surface of the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL to protect the second display panel 210 .

[0110] The second pressure sensor 230 may be disposed at a lower portion of the base film BL. The second pressure sensor 230 may include a first substrate SUB1, a driving electrode layer TEL, a pressure sensing layer PSL, a sensing electrode layer REL, and a second substrate SUB2.

[0111] The first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 may face each other with the driving electrode layer TEL, the pressure sensing layer PSL, and the sensing electrode layer REL interposed therebetween. For example, each of the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 may be formed using polyethersulfone (PES), polyacrylate (PAC), polyarylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate (CTA), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), or a combination thereof.

[0112] The driving electrode layer TEL may be disposed on the first substrate SUB1. The driving electrode layer TEL may include a plurality of driving electrodes. Each of the plurality of driving electrodes may be connected to a touch driving unit through a driving line and receive a touch driving voltage from the touch driving unit.

[0113] The sensing electrode layer REL may be disposed on the second substrate SUB2. The sensing electrode layer REL may face the driving electrode layer TEL, with the pressure sensing layer PSL interposed therebetween. The sensing electrode layer REL may include a plurality of sensing electrodes. Each of the plurality of sensing electrodes may be connected to a touch driving unit via a sensing line and provide a touch input signal to the touch driving unit.

[0114] The multiple touch units composed of the multiple driving electrodes of the driving electrode layer TEL, the pressure sensing layer PSL, and the multiple sensing electrodes of the sensing electrode layer REL can change the resistance value according to the applied pressure. For example, as the pressure applied to the multiple touch units increases, the resistance value of the touch units can decrease. When the pressure applied to the multiple touch units is relatively low, the change in the resistance value of the touch units may be small. The touch driving unit can sense the change in the current value or voltage value of the touch input signal according to the change in the resistance value of the multiple touch units connected to the sensing line. Therefore, the touch driving unit can sense the pressure of the user's hand, so that the second pressure sensor 230 can be used as an input device for sensing the user's touch input.

[0115] The pressure sensing layer PSL may be disposed between the driving electrode layer TEL and the sensing electrode layer REL. The pressure sensing layer PSL may overlap with a plurality of driving electrodes and a plurality of sensing electrodes to form a plurality of touch units.

[0116] The pressure sensing layer (PSL) can include a polymer resin containing a pressure-sensitive material. The pressure-sensitive material can be metal fine particles (or metal nanoparticles) such as nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), tin (Sn), or copper (Cu). For example, the pressure sensing layer (PSL) can be a quantum tunneling composite (QTC) material.

[0117] The second pressure sensor 230 may include a plurality of touch cells CE formed in each region where the plurality of driving electrodes of the driving electrode layer TEL, the pressure sensing layer PSL, and the plurality of sensing electrodes of the sensing electrode layer PEL overlap. Each of the plurality of touch cells CE may independently sense pressure at a corresponding position. Each of the plurality of touch cells CE may be arranged at predetermined intervals or continuously.

[0118] The second pressure sensor 230 includes a plurality of first touch units CE1 and a plurality of second touch units CE2. The plurality of first touch units CE1 may overlap with the first area A1 or the second area A2 of the second display panel 210. The plurality of first touch units CE1 can sense pressure from the first area A1 or the second area A2 of the second display panel 210. Because the first area A1 or the second area A2 of the second display panel 210 does not fold or unfold, the base pressure of the plurality of first touch units CE1 may not change due to folding of the second display panel 210. Therefore, the plurality of first touch units CE1 may not produce a pressure afterimage caused by the folding of the second display panel 210.

[0119] The plurality of second touch cells CE2 may overlap with the folding area FA of the second display panel 210. The plurality of second touch cells CE2 may sense pressure from the folding area FA of the second display panel 210. When the folding area FA of the second display panel 210 folds, the intensity of the base pressure of the plurality of second touch cells CE2 increases. Here, the base pressure may correspond to pressure applied to the plurality of second touch cells CE2 due to structural characteristics or residual pressure. For example, the plurality of second touch cells CE2 of the second pressure sensor 230 may fold along with the folding area FA of the second display panel 210, so that the base pressure may increase depending on the structural characteristics of the folding. When the folding area FA of the second display panel 210 transitions from a folded state to an unfolded state, the base pressure of the plurality of second touch cells CE2 may temporarily remain. The second pressure sensor 230 may control a threshold voltage for the plurality of second touch cells CE2 based on the intensity of the base pressure of the plurality of second touch cells CE2, and may maintain a constant reference pressure. Here, the threshold voltage represents a critical voltage at which the plurality of second touch cells CE2 are capable of operation. The reference pressure may correspond to the difference between the strength of the base pressure of the plurality of second touch units CE2 and the strength of the threshold pressure corresponding to the threshold voltage for the plurality of second touch units CE2 (hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the "difference between the strength of the base pressure and the strength of the threshold pressure corresponding to the threshold voltage" is simply recorded as "the difference between the strength of the base pressure and the magnitude of the threshold voltage"). The second pressure sensor 230 maintains the magnitude of the reference pressure constant, thereby accurately sensing the magnitude of the touch pressure for the plurality of second touch units CE2. Reference Figures 10 to 13 The configuration for maintaining the magnitude of the reference pressure will be described in detail.

[0120] The second display unit 200 may further include an adhesive layer (PSA) for bonding the second display panel 210 and the second pressure sensor 230. The adhesive layer (PSA) may be disposed between the lower portion of the base film BL and the upper portion of the second substrate SUB2. For example, the adhesive layer (PSA) may be a transparent adhesive film (OCA) or a transparent adhesive resin (OCR).

[0121] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of a second pressure sensor of a display device according to one embodiment. The configuration of the second pressure sensor 230 can be substantially the same as that of the first pressure sensor 130. The configuration of the second pressure sensor 230 will be described in detail below, while the description of the configuration of the first pressure sensor 130 will be omitted.

[0122] Reference Figure 6, the second pressure sensor 230 may include a first substrate SUB1, a plurality of driving electrodes TE, a pressure sensing layer PSL, a plurality of sensing electrodes RE, and a second substrate SUB2.

[0123] A plurality of drive electrodes TE may be arranged on the first substrate SUB1. Each of the plurality of drive electrodes TE extends along a first direction (X-axis direction) and may be spaced apart from each other along a second direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (X-axis direction). Each of the plurality of drive electrodes TE may be connected to a touch drive unit via a drive line and may receive a touch drive voltage from the touch drive unit. For example, the plurality of drive electrodes TE may include a conductive material such as silver (Ag) or copper (Cu). The plurality of drive electrodes TE may be formed on the first substrate SUB1 using screen printing, but this is not necessarily limited to this.

[0124] The pressure sensing layer PSL may be formed on the plurality of drive electrodes TE. The pressure sensing layer PSL may be patterned along the arrangement of the plurality of drive electrodes TE. The plurality of patterns of the pressure sensing layer PSL may extend along a first direction (X-axis direction) and may be spaced apart from each other along a second direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, the plurality of patterns of the pressure sensing layer PSL may intersect with the plurality of sensing electrodes RE.

[0125] The pressure sensing layer PSL may be disposed between the plurality of driving electrodes TE and the plurality of sensing electrodes RE. The pressure sensing layer PSL overlaps the plurality of driving electrodes TE and the plurality of sensing electrodes RE, thereby forming a plurality of touch units CE.

[0126] The plurality of touch cells CE may correspond to respective regions where the plurality of drive electrodes TE, the pressure sensing layer PSL, and the plurality of sensing electrodes RE overlap. The plurality of touch cells CE may change their resistance values ​​according to the pressure applied. For example, as the pressure applied to the plurality of touch cells CE increases, the resistance value of the touch cells CE may decrease. In the case where the pressure applied to the plurality of touch cells CE is relatively low, the change in the resistance value of the touch cells CE may be slight. The touch drive unit may sense the change in the current value or voltage value of the touch input signal according to the change in the resistance value of the plurality of touch cells CE connected to the sensing line. Therefore, the touch drive unit can sense the pressure of the user's hand, so that the second pressure sensor 230 can be used as an input device for sensing the user's touch input.

[0127] The pressure sensing layer (PSL) can include a polymer resin containing a pressure-sensitive material. The pressure-sensitive material can be metal fine particles (or metal nanoparticles) such as nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), tin (Sn), or copper (Cu). For example, the pressure sensing layer (PSL) can be a quantum tunneling composite (QTC) material.

[0128] A plurality of sensing electrodes RE may be arranged on the second substrate SUB2. Each of the plurality of sensing electrodes RE may extend along the second direction (Y-axis direction) and may be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X-axis direction). Each of the plurality of sensing electrodes RE may intersect with the plurality of drive electrodes TE. The second substrate SUB2 having the plurality of sensing electrodes RE formed thereon may be bonded to the first substrate SUB1 having the plurality of drive electrodes TE and the pressure sensing layer PSL formed thereon.

[0129] The first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 can be bonded together by an adhesive component. The adhesive component can fill the gap between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2. The adhesive component can cover the area between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 where the multiple touch units are not formed. The adhesive component can insulate each of the multiple drive electrodes TE and each of the multiple sensing electrodes RE, and can prevent the multiple drive electrodes TE and the multiple sensing electrodes RE from being exposed to the outside and oxidized. In the case where the second pressure sensor 230 is subjected to pressure from the outside, the adhesive component can also prevent the multiple drive electrodes TE and the multiple sensing electrodes RE from direct contact.

[0130] Figure 7 is a plan view showing a first substrate and a printed circuit substrate of a display device according to an embodiment, Figure 8 is a plan view showing a second substrate and a printed circuit substrate of a display device according to an embodiment, Figure 9 is a plan view illustrating a state in which a first substrate and a second substrate of a display device according to an embodiment are bonded.

[0131] Reference Figures 7 to 9 The second pressure sensor 230 may further include a touch driving unit TIC for driving the second pressure sensor 230 and a printed circuit substrate PCB on which the touch driving unit TIC is mounted.

[0132] The touch drive unit TIC can be arranged on a printed circuit board PCB to measure the resistance change of multiple touch units CE. Multiple touch units CE can be formed in each area where multiple drive electrodes TE, a pressure sensing layer PSL, and multiple sensing electrodes RE overlap. For example, the multiple touch units CE can be spaced apart from each other along the second direction (Y-axis direction) according to the arrangement pitch of the multiple drive electrodes TE, and can be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X-axis direction) according to the arrangement pitch of the multiple sensing electrodes RE.

[0133] The touch driver TIC can detect the user's touch position and touch pressure based on the resistance change of the multiple touch elements CE. Here, the user's touch refers to the user's finger or an object such as a pen directly contacting the surface of the second display unit 200. The touch driver TIC receives sensing data based on the user's touch pressure and removes noise, thereby accurately detecting the user's touch input.

[0134] The printed circuit substrate PCB can be connected to the first substrate SUB1 via a first circuit film CF1 and to the second substrate SUB2 via a second circuit film CF2. The third connection terminal CT3 of the printed circuit substrate PCB can be connected to the first connection terminal CT1 of the first circuit film CF1, and the fourth connection terminal CT4 of the printed circuit substrate PCB can be connected to the second connection terminal CT2 of the second circuit film CF2. For example, the printed circuit substrate PCB can be a flexible film such as a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), a printed circuit board (PCB), or a chip on film (COF).

[0135] The touch driving unit TIC may be connected to the third connection terminal CT3 or the fourth connection terminal CT4 of the printed circuit substrate PCB through a wire of the printed circuit substrate PCB.

[0136] exist Figure 7 In the embodiment, the touch drive unit TIC can be connected to the third connection terminal CT3 of the printed circuit substrate PCB via a lead wire, and the first connection terminal CT1 of the first circuit film CF1 can be connected to the plurality of drive electrodes TE on the first substrate SUB1 via a drive line TL. Therefore, the touch drive unit TIC can be electrically connected to the plurality of drive electrodes TE via the lead wire, the third connection terminal CT3, the first connection terminal CT1, and the drive line TL. For example, one end of each of the plurality of drive electrodes TE can be connected to the drive line TL on the left side of the first substrate SUB1. Each of the plurality of drive electrodes TE can extend side by side along the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0137] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment, the touch drive unit TIC can be connected to the fourth connection terminal CT4 of the printed circuit substrate PCB via a lead wire, and the second connection terminal CT2 of the second circuit film CF2 can be connected to the plurality of sensing electrodes RE on the second substrate SUB2 via a sensing line RL. Therefore, the touch drive unit TIC can be electrically connected to the plurality of sensing electrodes RE via the lead wire, the fourth connection terminal CT4, the second connection terminal CT2, and the sensing line RL. For example, one end of each of the plurality of sensing electrodes RE can be connected to the sensing line RL on the upper side of the second substrate SUB2. Each of the plurality of sensing electrodes RE can extend side by side in opposite directions of the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0138] exist Figure 9 In the embodiment, the second pressure sensor 230 may include a plurality of first touch units CE1 and a plurality of second touch units CE2. The plurality of first touch units CE1 may overlap with the first area A1 or the second area A2 of the second display panel 210. The plurality of first touch units CE1 may sense pressure in the first area A1 or the second area A2 of the second display panel 210.

[0139] The plurality of second touch units CE2 may overlap the folding area FA of the second display panel 210. The plurality of second touch units CE2 may sense pressure of the folding area FA of the second display panel 210.

[0140] When the second display panel 210 is folded along the folding axis in the Y-axis direction, the second pressure sensor 230 can also be folded along the folding axis in the Y-axis direction. The folding area FA of the second display panel 210 can be determined based on the folding axis, and the plurality of second touch units CE2 can be arranged along the folding axis. For example, the plurality of second touch units CE2 can be arranged along three columns, but this is not necessarily limited to this. When the folding area FA of the second display panel 210 is increased, the number of the plurality of second touch units CE2 can also be increased.

[0141] The driving lines TL may be formed on the first substrate SUB1 to connect the plurality of driving electrodes TE and the first connection terminals CT1 of the first circuit film CF1. The sensing lines RL may be formed on the second substrate SUB2 to connect the plurality of sensing electrodes RE and the second connection terminals CT2 of the second circuit film CF2. The driving lines TL and the sensing lines RL may be insulated from each other by an adhesive member disposed between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2.

[0142] Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a touch driving unit of a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 11is a graph showing basic pressures and threshold voltages of a plurality of second touch units in a display device according to an embodiment, Figure 12 is a graph showing reference pressures of a plurality of second touch units in a display device according to an embodiment, Figure 13 is a graph showing the touch pressure of a plurality of second touch units in a display device according to an embodiment. Figures 11 to 13 The X-axis of the graph represents the time (Time) in seconds (s), and the Y-axis represents the intensity (ForceIntensity) of the pressure of the plurality of second touch units CE2. Figure 11 The graph of the threshold voltage Vth shows the relative value of the value obtained by converting the intensity of the basic pressure BF into a voltage. Figures 11 to 13 The values ​​in the graph shown are for explaining the invention, and the configuration and effects of the present application are not limited to the values ​​in the graph.

[0143] Reference Figures 10 to 13 The touch driving unit TIC may include a basic pressure detecting unit 510 , a threshold voltage controlling unit 520 and a touch pressure detecting unit 530 .

[0144] When the folding area FA of the second display panel 210 is converted from a folding state (Folding State) to an unfolding state (Unfolding State), the basic pressure detection unit 510 can detect the intensity of the basic pressure BF of the multiple second touch units CE2. For example, the multiple second touch units CE2 of the second pressure sensor 230 are folded together with the folding area FA of the second display panel 210, so that the basic pressure BF can be increased due to the structural characteristics of the folding. Here, the basic pressure BF can correspond to the pressure applied to the multiple second touch units CE2 or the pressure remaining in the multiple second touch units CE2 due to the structural characteristics. When the folding area FA of the second display panel 210 is converted from a folding state to an unfolding state, the basic pressure BF of the multiple second touch units CE2 existing in the folded state can temporarily remain. Figure 11 The basic pressure BF of the second touch units CE2 can remain for 6 seconds after the folding area FA is transformed from the folded state to the unfolded state. The basic pressure detection unit 510 can detect the strength of the basic pressure BF of the second touch units CE2 and provide it to the threshold voltage control unit 520.

[0145] The threshold voltage control unit 520 may control the threshold voltage Vth for the second touch units CE2 based on the strength of the base pressure BF of the plurality of second touch units CE2. When the folding area FA transitions from the folded state to the unfolded state, the threshold voltage control unit 520 may control the threshold voltage Vth so that the reference pressure RF, which is the difference between the strength of the base pressure BF of the plurality of second touch units CE2 and the threshold voltage Vth, remains constant.

[0146] When the folding area FA is transformed from the folded state to the unfolded state, the threshold voltage control unit 520 may control the reduction rate RD2 of the threshold voltage Vth for the plurality of second touch units CE2 based on the reduction rate RD1 of the basic pressure BF of the plurality of second touch units CE2. Here, the reduction rate RD1 of the basic pressure BF may correspond to the amount of change in the basic pressure BF per unit time (RD1=ΔBF / ΔT), and the reduction rate RD2 of the threshold voltage Vth may correspond to the amount of change in the threshold voltage Vth per unit time (RD2=ΔVth / ΔT). Figure 11 In the embodiment of the present invention, during a first time period (0s-6s) immediately after the folding area FA transitions from the folded state to the unfolded state, the threshold voltage control unit 520 may control the threshold voltage Vth for the plurality of second touch cells CE2 based on the base pressure BF of the plurality of second touch cells CE2, and during a second time period (after 6s) in which the base pressure BF of the plurality of second touch cells CE2 remains constant, the threshold voltage control unit 520 may maintain the threshold voltage Vth for the plurality of second touch cells CE2 constant. The threshold voltage control unit 520 may control the reduction rate RD2 of the threshold voltage Vth for the plurality of second touch cells CE2 to be the same as the reduction rate RD1 of the base pressure BF of the plurality of second touch cells CE2 during the first time period (0s-6s), and may maintain the threshold voltage Vth constant during the second time period (after 6s). Therefore, the threshold voltage control unit 520 may maintain the reference pressure RF of the plurality of second touch cells CE2 constant.

[0147] When the folding area FA is converted from the folded state to the unfolded state, the threshold voltage control unit 520 can control the threshold voltage Vth for the plurality of second touch units CE2 so that the difference (reference pressure RF) between the strength of the basic pressure BF of the plurality of second touch units CE2 and the magnitude of the threshold voltage Vth for the plurality of second touch units CE2 is the same as the difference between the strength of the basic pressure of the plurality of first touch units CE1 and the magnitude of the threshold voltage for the plurality of first touch units CE1. Since the first area A1 or the second area A2 of the second display panel 210 is not folded or unfolded, the basic pressure of the plurality of first touch units CE1 may not change due to the folding of the second display panel 210. For example, the basic pressure of the plurality of first touch units CE1 may be the same as the difference between the strength of the basic pressure BF of the plurality of second touch units CE2 and the magnitude of the threshold voltage Vth for the plurality of second touch units CE1. Figure 11 The multiple second touch units CE2 shown have the same base pressure BF after 6 seconds. Therefore, the base pressure of the multiple first touch units CE1 can be maintained constant as long as they are not subjected to additional external pressure, and the threshold voltage of the multiple first touch units CE1 is also maintained constant, thereby maintaining a constant reference pressure for the multiple first touch units CE1. Furthermore, when the folding area FA transitions from a folded state to an unfolded state, the threshold voltage control unit 520 can maintain the reference pressure RF of the multiple second touch units CE2 the same as the reference pressure of the multiple first touch units CE1, thereby eliminating the pressure afterimage caused by the folding of the second display unit 200. The display device according to the present application eliminates the pressure afterimage caused by the folding of the second display unit 200, thereby preventing malfunction of the second pressure sensor 230 and improving the sensitivity of the second pressure sensor 230.

[0148] The touch pressure detection unit 530 can receive sense data SD from the plurality of touch elements CE via the sense lines RL. The sense data SD for each of the plurality of touch elements CE may include information about the pressure occurring at the location of the corresponding touch element CE. In other words, the magnitude of the sense data SD may correspond to the magnitude of the pressure occurring at the location of the corresponding touch element CE. The touch pressure detection unit 530 may receive sense data SD exceeding the intensity of the reference pressure RF and detect the touch pressure TF for the plurality of second touch elements CE2. Here, the touch pressure TF may correspond to the difference between the magnitude of the sense data SD and the intensity of the reference pressure RF. Since the reference pressure RF can remain constant after the folding area FA transitions from the folded state to the unfolded state, the touch pressure detection unit 530 can accurately detect the user's touch pressure TF. Therefore, the touch drive unit TIC can remove the pressure afterimage caused by the folding of the second display unit 200, thereby preventing malfunction of the second pressure sensor 230 and improving its sensitivity.

[0149] Figure 14is a flowchart illustrating a process of detecting touch pressure in a display device according to an embodiment.

[0150] Reference Figure 14 The second display unit 200 can be configured as follows according to the state of the folding area FA. Figure 1 Fold the same or Figure 2 Expand in the same way.

[0151] The folding area FA of the second display panel 210 can be transformed from a folding state to an unfolding state, and the second pressure sensor 230 can be transformed from the folding state to the unfolding state together with the folding area FA of the second display panel 210 (step S110). The plurality of second touch units CE2 arranged to overlap with the folding area FA can increase the base pressure BF due to the structural characteristics of the folding structure.

[0152] When the folding area FA of the second display panel 210 is transformed from the folded state to the unfolded state, the basic pressure detection unit 510 can detect the strength of the basic pressure BF of the plurality of second touch units CE2 (step S120). When the folding area FA of the second display panel 210 is transformed from the folded state to the unfolded state, the basic pressure BF of the plurality of second touch units CE2 existing in the folded state may temporarily remain.

[0153] When the folding area FA is converted from the folded state to the unfolded state, the threshold voltage control part 520 may control the threshold voltage Vth for the plurality of second touch units CE2 based on the strength of the base pressure BF of the plurality of second touch units CE2 (step S130).

[0154] The threshold voltage controller 520 may control the threshold voltage Vth for the second touch units CE2 so that the reference pressure RF, which is the difference between the strength of the base pressure BF of the second touch units CE2 and the threshold voltage Vth, is maintained constant (step S140).

[0155] The touch pressure detecting part 530 may receive sensing data SD from the plurality of touch cells CE through the sensing lines RL (step S150 ).

[0156] The touch pressure detecting unit 530 receives the sensing data SD exceeding the reference pressure RF and detects the touch pressure TF for the second touch units CE2 (step S160). Here, the touch pressure TF may correspond to the difference between the sensing data SD and the reference pressure RF.

[0157] Therefore, the touch driving part TIC can remove the pressure afterimage caused by the folding of the second display unit 200, thereby preventing malfunction of the second pressure sensor 230 and improving the sensitivity of the second pressure sensor 230.

[0158] Figure 15 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a touch driving portion of a display device according to another embodiment. Figure 16 is a diagram showing a pressure sensor folded in one direction in a display device according to another embodiment, Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating a pressure sensor folded in another direction in a display device according to another embodiment. Figures 15 to 17 The touch driving unit TIC also includes a folding area detection unit 610, so the same structure as the above structure will be briefly described or omitted. Figures 15 to 17 The second display unit 200 of the display device according to another embodiment shown can be folded in any one of a plurality of directions.

[0159] Reference Figures 15 to 17 The touch driving unit TIC may include a folding area detection unit 610 , a basic pressure detection unit 620 , a threshold voltage control unit 630 and a touch pressure detection unit 640 .

[0160] When the second display panel 210 is transformed from the folded state to the unfolded state, the folding area detection unit 610 can detect a portion of the touch units CE where the base pressure BF increases. Figure 9 The second pressure sensor 230 can be folded along a folding axis in the short side direction (Y-axis direction). Figure 16 The second pressure sensor 230 can be folded along the folding axis (Folding Axis) in the long side direction (X-axis direction). Figure 17 The second pressure sensor 230 can be folded along a folding axis (FoldingAxis) that is a diagonal line between the short side (Y-axis) and the long side (X-axis). When the second pressure sensor 230 is folded in any of a plurality of directions, the folding area detection unit 610 can detect a portion of the touch unit CE where the base pressure BF has increased.

[0161] Will Figure 15 Combined with Figure 9When the second display panel 210 is folded along the folding axis (Folding Axis) in the short side direction (Y-axis direction), the second pressure sensor 230 may also be folded along the folding axis in the short side direction (Y-axis direction). In this case, the folding area FA of the second display panel 210 can be determined based on the folding axis, and the multiple first touch units CE1 may overlap with the non-folding area of ​​the second display panel (for example, the first area A1 or the second area A2), and the multiple second touch units CE2 may overlap with the folding area FA. Therefore, the folding area detection unit 610 can detect the multiple second touch units CE2 arranged along the folding axis (Folding Axis) in the short side direction (Y-axis direction). For example, the multiple second touch units CE2 may be arranged along three columns, but this is not necessarily limited to this. When the folding area FA of the second display panel 210 increases, the number of the multiple second touch units CE2 of the second pressure sensor 230 may also increase. The multiple first touch units CE1 may be arranged on the left or right side of the multiple second touch units CE2.

[0162] Will Figure 15 Combined with Figure 16 When the second display panel 210 is folded along the folding axis in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction), the second pressure sensor 230 can also be folded along the folding axis in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). In this case, the folding area FA of the second display panel 210 can be determined based on the folding axis, and the multiple first touch units CE1 can overlap with the non-folding area of ​​the second display panel 210 (for example, the first area A1 or the second area A2), and the multiple second touch units CE2 can overlap with the folding area FA. Therefore, the folding area detection unit 610 can detect the multiple second touch units CE2 arranged along the folding axis in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). For example, the multiple second touch units CE2 can be arranged along three rows, but this is not necessarily limited to this. When the folding area FA of the second display panel 210 increases, the number of the multiple second touch units CE2 of the second pressure sensor 230 can also increase. The multiple first touch units CE1 can be arranged on the upper side or lower side of the multiple second touch units CE2.

[0163] Will Figure 15 Combined with Figure 17When the second display panel 210 is folded along a folding axis in a diagonal direction between the short side direction (Y-axis direction) and the long side direction (X-axis direction), the second pressure sensor 230 may also be folded along the folding axis in the diagonal direction. In this case, the folding area FA of the second display panel 210 can be determined based on the folding axis, and the multiple first touch units CE1 may overlap with the non-folding area of ​​the second display panel 210 (for example, the first area A1 or the second area A2), and the multiple second touch units CE2 may overlap with the folding area FA. Therefore, the folding area detection unit 610 can detect the multiple second touch units CE2 arranged along the folding axis in the diagonal direction. When the folding area FA of the second display panel 210 increases, the number of the multiple second touch units CE2 of the second pressure sensor 230 may also increase. The multiple first touch units CE1 may be arranged on the upper right side or the lower left side of the multiple second touch units CE2.

[0164] When the folding area FA of the second display panel 210 is converted from the folded state to the unfolded state, the basic pressure detecting unit 620 may detect the strength of the basic pressure BF of the plurality of second touch units CE2. Figure 9 In the second pressure sensor 230, the basic pressure detection unit 620 can detect the strength of the basic pressure BF of the plurality of second touch units CE2 arranged along the folding axis in the short side direction (Y-axis direction). Figure 16 In the second pressure sensor 230, the basic pressure detection unit 620 can detect the strength of the basic pressure BF of the plurality of second touch units CE2 arranged along the folding axis in the long side direction (X-axis direction). Figure 17 In the second pressure sensor 230, the basic pressure detection unit 620 can detect the intensity of the basic pressure BF of the plurality of second touch units CE2 arranged along the folding axis between the short side direction (Y-axis direction) and the long side direction (X-axis direction). The basic pressure detection unit 620 can detect the intensity of the basic pressure BF of the plurality of second touch units CE2 and provide the detected intensity to the threshold voltage control unit 630.

[0165] The threshold voltage control unit 630 may control the threshold voltage Vth for a portion of the touch cells CE (i.e., the plurality of second touch cells CE2) based on the strength of the base pressure BF for the portion of the touch cells CE where the base pressure BF increases. When the folding area FA transitions from the folded state to the expanded state, the threshold voltage control unit 630 may control the threshold voltage Vth so that the reference pressure RF, which is the difference between the strength of the base pressure BF for the plurality of second touch cells CE2 and the threshold voltage Vth, remains constant. When the folding area FA transitions from the folded state to the expanded state, the threshold voltage control unit 630 may control the reduction rate RD2 of the threshold voltage Vth for the plurality of second touch cells CE2 based on the reduction rate RD1 of the base pressure BF for the plurality of second touch cells CE2.

[0166] The touch pressure detection unit 640 can receive sensing data SD from the plurality of touch cells CE via the sensing lines RL. The touch pressure detection unit 640 can receive sensing data SD exceeding the reference pressure RF and detect the touch pressure TF of a portion of the touch cells CE that is increased relative to the base pressure BF. Therefore, the touch drive unit TIC can remove the pressure afterimage caused by the folding of the second display unit 200, thereby preventing malfunction of the second pressure sensor 230 and improving the sensitivity of the second pressure sensor 230.

[0167] Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating a process of detecting touch pressure in a display device according to another embodiment.

[0168] Reference Figure 18 , the second pressure sensor 230 can be folded or unfolded in any one of a plurality of directions. For example, the second pressure sensor 230 can be as follows Figure 9 Similarly, fold along the short side direction (Y axis direction), Figure 16 Similarly, folding along the folding axis of the long side direction (X axis direction) can be done as follows Figure 17 The folding is performed similarly along the folding axis in the diagonal direction between the short side direction (Y-axis direction) and the long side direction (X-axis direction).

[0169] The folding area FA of the second display panel 210 may be transformed from the folded state to the unfolded state, and the second pressure sensor 230 may be transformed from the folded state to the unfolded state together with the folding area FA of the second display panel 210 (step S210 ).

[0170] The folding area detection unit 610 may detect a portion of the touch units CE where the base pressure BF increases (step S220). For example, the folding area detection unit 610 may detect the touch units CE where the base pressure BF increases. Figure 9The folding area detection unit 610 can detect the second touch units CE2 arranged along the folding axis in the short side direction (Y axis direction) of the second pressure sensor 230. Figure 16 The folding area detection unit 610 can detect the second touch units CE2 arranged along the folding axis in the long side direction (X axis direction) of the second pressure sensor 230. Figure 17 The second pressure sensor 230 includes a plurality of second touch units CE2 arranged along a folding axis between the short side direction (Y-axis direction) and the long side direction (X-axis direction).

[0171] When the folding area FA of the second display panel 210 is transformed from the folded state to the unfolded state, the basic pressure detection unit 620 can detect the intensity of the basic pressure BF of the touch units CE where the basic pressure BF has increased (step S230). When the folding area FA of the second display panel 210 is transformed from the folded state to the unfolded state, the basic pressure BF of the plurality of second touch units CE2 existing in the folded state may temporarily remain.

[0172] When the folding area FA is converted from the folded state to the unfolded state, the threshold voltage control part 630 may control the threshold voltage Vth for a portion of the touch cells CE based on the strength of the basic pressure BF of the portion of the touch cells CE where the basic pressure BF increases (step S240).

[0173] The threshold voltage control unit 630 controls the threshold voltage Vth of the touch cells CE increased with respect to the basic pressure BF, thereby maintaining the reference pressure RF, which is the difference between the basic pressure BF of the touch cells CE and the threshold voltage Vth, constant (step S250).

[0174] The touch pressure detecting part 640 may receive sensing data SD from the plurality of touch cells CE through the sensing lines RL (step S260 ).

[0175] The touch pressure detecting part 640 may receive the sensing data SD having a magnitude exceeding the reference pressure RF to detect the touch pressure TF of a portion of the touch unit CE increased with respect to the basic pressure BF (step S270 ).

[0176] Therefore, the touch driving part TIC can remove the pressure afterimage caused by the folding of the second display unit 200, thereby preventing the malfunction of the second pressure sensor 230 and improving the sensitivity of the second pressure sensor 230.

[0177] Figure 19 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a touch driving unit of a display device according to another embodiment. Figure 20FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the occurrence of a pressure afterimage due to a touch in a display device according to another embodiment. Figure 19 as well as Figure 20 The touch driving unit TIC is used to indicate the increase of the base pressure according to the touch pressure and its solution, which is not related to the folding of the second display unit 200, so the same structure as the above structure is briefly described or omitted. Figure 19 as well as Figure 20 The second display unit 200 of the display device according to still another embodiment shown may increase the basic pressure BF according to the user's touch F, and the basic pressure BF may temporarily remain even if the user terminates the touch.

[0178] Reference Figure 19 as well as Figure 20 The touch driving unit TIC may include a pressure afterimage detecting unit 710 , a basic pressure detecting unit 720 , a threshold voltage controlling unit 730 and a touch pressure detecting unit 740 .

[0179] The pressure afterimage detection unit 710 can detect a portion of the touch units CE where the base pressure BF has relatively increased among the multiple touch units CE. The pressure afterimage detection unit 710 can detect a portion of the touch units CE where the base pressure BF has exceeded the base pressure during the reference time. For example, when the user's touch F applies excessive pressure to the second display unit 200, the intensity of the base pressure BF may increase due to the structural characteristics of the second pressure sensor 230. In this case, even if the user terminates the touch on the second pressure sensor 230, the base pressure BF may temporarily remain. The temporarily remaining base pressure BF may be reduced according to a predetermined reduction rate RD1. When the temporarily remaining base pressure BF exceeds the base pressure during the reference time, the pressure afterimage detection unit 710 can detect a portion of the touch units CE where the base pressure BF has increased.

[0180] exist Figure 20In the case where the user's touch F applies excessive pressure to the second pressure sensor 230, the pressure afterimage detection unit 710 can detect a portion of the multiple touch cells CE where the base pressure BF has increased. For example, if the user's touch F applies excessive pressure to the second pressure sensor 230, the base pressure BF may temporarily remain even after the user's touch F on the second pressure sensor 230 ends due to the structural characteristics of the second pressure sensor 230. In this case, the base pressure BF of the multiple first touch cells CE1 may remain constant due to the lack of user touch pressure, while the base pressure of the multiple second touch cells CE2 may increase due to the excessive user touch pressure. Therefore, the pressure afterimage detection unit 710 can detect the multiple second touch cells CE2 where the base pressure BF exceeds the base pressure within a reference time.

[0181] The basic pressure detection unit 720 may detect the strength of the basic pressure BF of a portion of the touch unit CE where the basic pressure BF increases after the user touch is terminated. Figure 20 In the second pressure sensor 230, the basic pressure detection unit 720 can detect the strength of the basic pressure BF of the plurality of second touch units CE2 overlapping with the user's touch area. The basic pressure detection unit 720 can detect the strength of the basic pressure BF of the plurality of second touch units CE2 and provide it to the threshold voltage control unit 730.

[0182] The threshold voltage control unit 730 may control the threshold voltage Vth for a portion of the touch cells CE based on the strength of the base pressure BF of the portion of the touch cells CE where the base pressure BF increases. When detecting a portion of the touch cells CE where the base pressure BF exceeds the base pressure during a reference time, the threshold voltage control unit 730 may control the threshold voltage Vth so that the reference pressure RF, which is the difference between the strength of the base pressure BF of the portion of the touch cells CE and the threshold voltage Vth, remains constant. For example, after the user's touch is terminated, the threshold voltage control unit 730 may control the reduction rate RD2 of the threshold voltage Vth for the plurality of second touch cells CE2 based on the reduction rate RD1 of the base pressure BF of the plurality of second touch cells CE2.

[0183] The touch pressure detection unit 740 can receive sensing data SD from the plurality of touch cells CE via the sensing lines RL. The touch pressure detection unit 740 can receive sensing data SD exceeding the reference pressure RF to detect the touch pressure TF of the touch cells CE that is increased relative to the base pressure BF. Therefore, the touch drive unit TIC can remove the pressure afterimage caused by the folding of the second display unit 200, thereby preventing malfunction of the second pressure sensor 230 and improving the sensitivity of the second pressure sensor 230.

[0184] Figure 21 is a flowchart illustrating a process of detecting touch pressure in a display device according to still another embodiment.

[0185] Reference Figure 21 In the case of excessive touch pressure from the user, the strength of the base pressure BF of the second pressure sensor 230 may be increased (step S310). In this case, even if the user's touch on the second pressure sensor 230 is terminated, the base pressure BF may temporarily remain.

[0186] The pressure afterimage detection unit 710 may detect a portion of the touch cells CE whose base pressure BF exceeds the base pressure during the base time (step S320). For example, the base pressure BF of the plurality of first touch cells CE1 may be constant due to no touch pressure from the user, while the base pressure BF of the plurality of second touch cells CE2 may increase due to excessive touch pressure from the user.

[0187] After the user's touch is terminated, the basic pressure detecting unit 720 may detect the intensity of the basic pressure BF of a portion of the touch unit CE where the basic pressure BF is increased (step S330 ).

[0188] The threshold voltage control part 730 may control the threshold voltage Vth for a portion of the touch cells CE based on the intensity of the basic pressure BF of the portion of the touch cells CE to which the basic pressure BF is increased (step S340 ).

[0189] The threshold voltage control unit 730 can control the threshold voltage Vth of a portion of the touch unit CE for which the basic pressure BF exceeds the reference pressure during the reference time, so that the reference pressure RF, which is the difference between the intensity of the basic pressure BF of the portion of the touch unit CE and the magnitude of the threshold voltage Vth, can be constant (step S350).

[0190] The touch pressure detecting part 740 may receive sensing data SD from the plurality of touch cells CE through the sensing lines RL (step S360 ).

[0191] The touch pressure detecting part 740 may receive the sensing data SD having a magnitude exceeding the reference pressure RF and detect the touch pressure TF of a portion of the touch unit CE increased with respect to the basic pressure BF (step S370 ).

[0192] Therefore, the touch driving part TIC can remove the pressure afterimage caused by the touch of the second display unit 200, thereby preventing the malfunction of the second pressure sensor 230 and improving the sensitivity of the second pressure sensor 230.

[0193] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical concept or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be considered in all respects as illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. A display device comprising: The display panel includes a first area, a second area, and a folding area arranged between the first area and the second area; as well as A pressure sensor is arranged on one side of the display panel. Wherein, the pressure sensor includes: a plurality of second touch units overlapping the folding area; and a touch driving unit configured to control a threshold voltage for the plurality of second touch units based on the strength of the basic pressure of the plurality of second touch units, When the folding area is transformed from a folded state to an unfolded state, the touch driving unit controls the threshold voltage so that a difference between the strength of the basic pressure of the plurality of second touch units and the strength of the threshold pressure corresponding to the threshold voltage is constant.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The pressure sensor further includes: a plurality of first touch units overlapping with the first area or the second area; When the folding area is converted from a folded state to an unfolded state, the touch driving unit controls the threshold voltages for the multiple second touch units so that a difference between an intensity of a basic pressure of the multiple second touch units and an intensity of a threshold pressure corresponding to the threshold voltage for the multiple second touch units is the same as a difference between an intensity of a basic pressure of the multiple first touch units and an intensity of a threshold pressure corresponding to the threshold voltage for the multiple first touch units.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein When the folding area is converted from a folded state to an unfolded state, the touch driving unit controls a reduction rate of a threshold voltage for the plurality of second touch units based on a reduction rate of a base pressure of the plurality of second touch units.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein During a first time period immediately after the folding area is converted from the folded state to the unfolded state, the touch drive unit controls the threshold voltages for the multiple second touch units based on the basic pressures of the multiple second touch units, and during a second time period in which the basic pressures of the multiple second touch units are maintained constant, the touch drive unit maintains the threshold voltages for the multiple second touch units constant.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The touch driving unit includes: a basic pressure detecting unit configured to detect the strength of the basic pressures of the plurality of second touch units when the folding area is transformed from the folded state to the unfolded state; and The threshold voltage control unit controls the threshold voltages for the plurality of second touch units so that a reference pressure, which is a difference between a base pressure intensity of the plurality of second touch units and a threshold pressure intensity corresponding to the threshold voltages for the plurality of second touch units, is maintained constant.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The touch driving unit further includes: The touch pressure detecting unit receives sensing data having a magnitude exceeding the reference pressure to detect touch pressures on the plurality of second touch units.

7. A display device comprising: a display panel foldable in at least one direction; as well as A pressure sensor is arranged on one side of the display panel. Wherein, the pressure sensor includes: a plurality of touch units for sensing touch pressure; and a touch driving unit configured to detect a portion of the touch units having a relatively increased basic pressure among the plurality of touch units when the display panel is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state, and to control a threshold voltage for the portion of the touch units based on the strength of the basic pressure of the portion of the touch units; In which, when the display panel is unfolded in the folding area, the basic pressure of a portion of the touch units overlapping with the folding area among the multiple touch units increases, and the touch driving unit controls the threshold voltage for the portion of the touch units based on the intensity of the basic pressure of the portion of the touch units.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The folding area extends in a direction parallel to a short side of the display panel.

9. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The folding area extends in a direction parallel to a long side of the display panel.

10. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The folding area extends along a diagonal direction between a short side direction and a long side direction of the display panel.

11. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The touch driving unit includes: a folding area detection unit configured to detect a portion of the touch units in which a base pressure increases when the display panel is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state; a basic pressure detecting unit configured to detect the strength of the basic pressure of the part of the touch unit; and The threshold voltage control unit controls a threshold voltage for the part of the touch cells.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein The threshold voltage control unit controls the threshold voltage for the portion of the touch unit so that the magnitude of the reference pressure, which is the difference between the intensity of the basic pressure of the portion of the touch unit and the intensity of the threshold pressure corresponding to the threshold voltage for the portion of the touch unit, is maintained constant.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein The touch driving unit further includes: The touch pressure detecting unit receives sensing data having a magnitude exceeding the reference pressure to detect the touch pressure on the part of the touch unit.

14. A display device comprising: A display panel displays an image; as well as A pressure sensor is arranged on one side of the display panel. Wherein, the pressure sensor includes: a plurality of touch units for sensing touch pressure; and a touch driving unit configured to detect a portion of the touch units having a relatively increased basic pressure among the plurality of touch units, and control a threshold voltage for the portion of the touch units based on the strength of the basic pressure of the portion of the touch units; When the basic pressure of the portion of the touch unit exceeds the reference pressure during a reference time, the touch driving unit controls the threshold voltage for the portion of the touch unit based on the intensity of the basic pressure of the portion of the touch unit.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein When a magnitude of a reference pressure, which is a difference between a strength of a base pressure of the portion of the touch unit and a strength of a threshold pressure corresponding to a threshold voltage for the portion of the touch unit, exceeds a reference pressure, the touch driving unit controls the threshold voltage to reduce the magnitude of the reference pressure.

16. The display device according to claim 14, wherein: When the basic pressure of the portion of the touch unit exceeds a reference pressure during a reference time, the touch driving part controls a reduction rate of a threshold voltage for the portion of the touch unit based on a reduction rate of the basic pressure of the portion of the touch unit.

17. The display device according to claim 14, wherein: The touch driving unit includes: a pressure afterimage detecting unit configured to detect a portion of the touch units where a basic pressure exceeds a reference pressure during a reference time period; a basic pressure detecting unit configured to detect the strength of the basic pressure of the part of the touch unit; and The threshold voltage control unit controls the threshold voltage for the portion of the touch unit so that the reference pressure, which is the difference between the intensity of the basic pressure for the portion of the touch unit and the intensity of the threshold pressure corresponding to the threshold voltage for the portion of the touch unit, is maintained constant.

18. The display device according to claim 17, wherein: The touch driving unit further includes: The touch pressure detecting unit receives sensing data having a magnitude exceeding the reference pressure to detect the touch pressure on the part of the touch unit.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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