Touch Sensor

Abstract

A touch sensor is provided. The touch sensor includes a first electrode, a second electrode and a sensing channel. The first electrode includes a first electrode monomer arranged in a first direction, a first connecting portion connecting the first electrode monomer in the first direction, and a first opening in at least one first electrode monomer arranged in the first electrode monomer. The second electrode includes an electrode portion arranged in the first opening. The electrode portion is arranged on the same layer as the first electrode monomer and is separated from the first electrode. The sensing channel includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal is connected to the first electrode. The second terminal is connected to the second electrode.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a patent application with application date of May 14, 2018, application number 201810455871.0, and title “Touch sensor and display device including the same”. Technical Field

[0002] Example embodiments relate to a touch sensor and a display device including the touch sensor. Background Art

[0003] A touch sensor is an information input device and can be used in a display device. For example, the touch sensor can be attached to one side of a display panel or can be manufactured integrally with the display panel. A user can input information by pressing or touching the touch sensor while watching an image displayed on the screen of the display device.

[0004] The above information disclosed in this section is only for understanding the background of the inventive concept and therefore it may contain information that does not constitute the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0005] Exemplary embodiments provide a highly sensitive touch sensor and a display device including the touch sensor.

[0006] Additional aspects will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the disclosure, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concepts.

[0007] According to some exemplary embodiments, the touch sensor includes a first electrode, a second electrode and a sensing channel. The first electrode includes a first electrode monomer arranged in a first direction, a first connecting portion connecting the first electrode monomer in the first direction, and a first opening in at least one first electrode monomer arranged in the first electrode monomer. The second electrode includes an electrode portion arranged in the first opening. The electrode portion is arranged on the same layer as the first electrode monomer and is separated from the first electrode. The sensing channel includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal is connected to the first electrode. The second terminal is connected to the second electrode.

[0008] In some exemplary embodiments, the first opening may be one of a plurality of first openings; the electrode portion may be one of a plurality of electrode portions; each of the first electrode units may include a corresponding first opening among the plurality of first openings; the second electrode may include a plurality of electrode portions arranged in the plurality of first openings and a connecting pattern connecting the plurality of electrode portions in a first direction.

[0009] In some exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of first openings may overlap a corresponding electrode portion of the plurality of electrode portions and a region of the connection pattern connected to the corresponding electrode portion.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments, a region of the connection pattern overlapping a corresponding one of the first electrode monomers and the first electrode monomers may be disposed in different layers, and an insulating layer may be disposed between the different layers.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments, another region of the connection pattern may be disposed in a corresponding first opening in which a corresponding first electrode monomer is disposed. The corresponding first opening may be disposed in any one of the first electrode monomers. The another region may be integrally connected to the corresponding first electrode monomer.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, each of the first electrode monomers may include a fine line crossing the corresponding first opening. The second electrode may include: a sub-electrode portion, which is disposed in a region between the fine lines and is separated from the fine lines, the sub-electrode portion configuring each of the plurality of electrode portions; and a sub-electrode line, which is disposed in a different layer from the sub-electrode portion, so that the sub-electrode line is separated from the sub-electrode portion via an insulating layer, and the sub-electrode line electrically connects the sub-electrode portions to each other.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments, among the first electrode monomers arranged in the first direction, the first electrode monomer disposed only at one end may include a first opening, or the first opening may be one of a plurality of first openings, and among the first electrode monomers arranged in the first direction, each of the two first electrode monomers disposed only at different ends may include a corresponding first opening of the plurality of first openings. The electrode portion may overlap with the first opening, or may overlap with the plurality of first openings.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments, the touch sensor may further include a third electrode separated from the first electrode and the second electrode, and a driving circuit configured to supply a driving signal to the third electrode.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments, the third electrode may include a second opening.

[0016] In some exemplary embodiments, the touch sensor may further include a fourth electrode disposed in the second opening and separated from the third electrode.

[0017] In some exemplary embodiments, the touch sensor may further include: a plurality of first electrodes including the first electrodes; a plurality of second electrodes including the second electrodes; a plurality of sensing channels including the sensing channels; and a processor configured to receive output signals from the plurality of sensing channels and detect touch input based on the output signals. The first terminal of each of the plurality of sensing channels may be connected to a corresponding first electrode of the plurality of first electrodes. The second terminal of each of the plurality of sensing channels may be connected to a corresponding second electrode of the plurality of second electrodes. Each of the plurality of sensing channels is configured to generate an output signal corresponding to a voltage difference between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0018] In some exemplary embodiments, the plurality of second electrodes may be electrically connected to each other.

[0019] In some exemplary embodiments, the touch sensor may further include a wiring commonly connected to one end of each of the plurality of second electrodes.

[0020] In some exemplary embodiments, the touch sensor may further include another wiring commonly connected to the other end of each of the plurality of second electrodes.

[0021] In some exemplary embodiments, the first opening may be one of a plurality of first openings. The first connection portion may be one of a plurality of first connection portions. Each of the plurality of first electrodes may include: a first electrode monomer, each of the first electrode monomers including a corresponding first opening of the plurality of first openings; and a corresponding first connection portion of the plurality of first connection portions. Each of the plurality of second electrodes may overlap with a corresponding first electrode of the plurality of first electrodes. Each of the plurality of second electrodes may include: an electrode portion, each of the electrode portions may overlap with a corresponding first opening of the plurality of first openings located in a corresponding first electrode; and a connection pattern connecting the electrode portions in a first direction. The touch sensor may further include a cross-connection wiring extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The cross-connection wiring may cross with and connect the second electrodes.

[0022] In some exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of first openings may overlap a corresponding one of the electrode parts, a region of the connection pattern connected to the corresponding electrode part, and a region crossing the connection wiring.

[0023] In some exemplary embodiments, the touch sensor may further include an amplification circuit connected between the plurality of second electrodes and the second terminals of the plurality of sensing channels. The amplification circuit may include an amplifier commonly connected to the plurality of second electrodes.

[0024] In some exemplary embodiments, the amplification circuit may further include resistors connected in series with each other between the output terminal of the amplifier and the reference power supply. Each of the plurality of sensing channels may be connected to a different node among the nodes between the output terminal of the amplifier and the reference power supply.

[0025] In some exemplary embodiments, the amplification circuit may further include a variable resistor connected in parallel to an output terminal of the amplifier. Each of the plurality of sensing channels may be connected to a different one of the variable resistors.

[0026] In some exemplary embodiments, the amplification circuit may further include: a resistor group connected in parallel to an output terminal of the amplifier; and a first switch unit including a switch connected between the output terminal of the amplifier and each of the resistor groups.

[0027] In some exemplary embodiments, each of the resistor groups may include resistors connected to different sensing channels of the plurality of sensing channels, and the resistors may be connected in parallel to each other.

[0028] In some exemplary embodiments, the amplification circuit may further include a second switch unit, and the second switch unit may include a switch connected between each of the plurality of sensing channels and the resistor group.

[0029] According to some exemplary embodiments, a display device includes a display panel and a touch sensor. The display panel includes a display area. The display area includes pixels. The touch sensor includes an active area overlapping the display area. The touch sensor includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a sensing channel, and a processor. The first electrode is disposed in the active area. The first electrode includes a first opening. The second electrode is separated from the first electrode. Each of the second electrodes includes an electrode portion overlapping a corresponding first opening of the first opening. Each of the sensing channels includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal is connected to a first electrode of the first electrodes. The second terminal is connected to a second electrode of the second electrodes. Each of the sensing channels is configured to generate an output signal corresponding to a voltage difference between a corresponding first terminal of the first terminals of the sensing channel and a corresponding second terminal of the second terminals of the sensing channel. The processor is configured to receive the output signal from the sensing channel and detect a touch input based on the output signal.

[0030] In some exemplary embodiments, the touch sensor may further include: a third electrode separated from the first electrode and the second electrode; and a driving circuit configured to sequentially supply a driving signal to the third electrode.

[0031] In some exemplary embodiments, the touch sensor may further include a dummy pattern overlapping a region of each third electrode. The dummy pattern may be separated from the third electrode.

[0032] In some exemplary embodiments, the second electrodes may be electrically connected to each other.

[0033] In some exemplary embodiments, the display device may further include an amplification circuit commonly connected between the second electrode and the second terminal of the sensing channel. The amplification circuit may include an amplifier commonly connected to the second electrode.

[0034] In some exemplary embodiments, the amplification circuit may further include a variable resistor connected in parallel to an output terminal of the amplifier, and each of the sensing channels may be connected to a different one of the variable resistors.

[0035] In some exemplary embodiments, the display panel may further include: a first substrate; a light emitting element disposed on a first surface of the first substrate; and a thin film sealing layer disposed on the light emitting element and at least covering the light emitting element. The first electrode and the second electrode may be disposed on the thin film sealing layer.

[0036] According to various exemplary embodiments, a touch sensor (which may be included in a display device or as a part of the display device) can effectively eliminate (or at least reduce) a noise signal input to a sensing unit of the touch sensor from a display panel, etc. Therefore, a malfunction of the touch sensor due to the noise signal can be minimized (or at least a malfunction of the touch sensor due to the noise signal can be reduced), and sensing sensitivity can be improved.

[0037] The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the inventive concept, wherein the accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the inventive concept and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

[0039] Figure 1 Display devices according to some exemplary embodiments are schematically illustrated.

[0040] Figure 2A sensing unit of a touch sensor according to some example embodiments is shown.

[0041] Figure 3 A touch sensor according to some example embodiments is shown.

[0042] Figure 4 A touch sensor according to some example embodiments is shown.

[0043] Figure 5 According to some exemplary embodiments, Figure 4 An embodiment of a sensing unit is shown in FIG.

[0044] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B According to some exemplary embodiments, Figure 5 A modified embodiment of the sensing unit shown in FIG.

[0045] Fig. 7A According to some exemplary embodiments, Figure 5 The first layer of the sensing unit is shown in FIG.

[0046] Figure 7B According to some exemplary embodiments, Figure 5 The second layer of the sensing unit is shown in FIG.

[0047] Fig. 8A According to some exemplary embodiments, Figure 5 An example of a cross section taken along section line II' in FIG.

[0048] Figure 8B According to some exemplary embodiments, Figure 5 An example of a cross section taken along section line II-II' in FIG.

[0049] Figure 8C An example of a cross section of a region of a display device according to some exemplary embodiments is shown.

[0050] Fig. 9 According to some exemplary embodiments, Figure 4 An embodiment of a sensing unit is shown in FIG.

[0051] Fig. 10A According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig. 9 The first layer of the sensing unit is shown in FIG.

[0052] Fig. 10B According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig. 9 The second layer of the sensing unit is shown in FIG.

[0053] Fig.11According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig. 9 An example of a cross section taken along section line III-III' in FIG.

[0054] Fig.12 According to some exemplary embodiments, Figure 4 An embodiment of a sensing unit is shown in FIG.

[0055] Fig.13A According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig.12 The first layer of the sensing unit is shown in FIG.

[0056] Fig. 13B According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig.12 The second layer of the sensing unit is shown in FIG.

[0057] Fig.14 According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig.12 An example of a cross section taken along section line IV-IV' in FIG.

[0058] Fig.15 According to some exemplary embodiments, Figure 4 An embodiment of a sensing unit is shown in FIG.

[0059] Fig.16A According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig.15 The first layer of the sensing unit is shown in FIG.

[0060] Fig. 16B According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig.15 The second layer of the sensing unit is shown in FIG.

[0061] Fig.17A According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig.15 An example of a cross section taken along section line V-V' in FIG.

[0062] Fig. 17B According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig.15 An example of a cross section taken along section line VI-VI' in FIG.

[0063] Fig.18 According to some exemplary embodiments, Figure 4 An embodiment of a sensing unit is shown in FIG.

[0064] Fig.19A According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig.18 The first layer of the sensing unit is shown in FIG.

[0065] Fig.19B According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig.18 The second layer of the sensing unit is shown in FIG.

[0066] Fig. 20 According to some exemplary embodiments, Figure 4 An embodiment of a sensing unit is shown in FIG.

[0067] Fig.21A According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig. 20 The first layer of the sensing unit is shown in FIG.

[0068] Fig.21B According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig. 20 The second layer of the sensing unit is shown in FIG.

[0069] Fig. 22 According to some exemplary embodiments, Figure 4 An embodiment of a sensing unit is shown in FIG.

[0070] Fig.23A According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig. 22 The first layer of the sensing unit is shown in FIG.

[0071] Fig. 23B According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig. 22 The second layer of the sensing unit is shown in FIG.

[0072] Fig.24 A touch sensor according to some example embodiments is shown.

[0073] Fig.25 A touch sensor according to some example embodiments is shown.

[0074] Fig.26 A touch sensor according to some example embodiments is shown.

[0075] Fig. 27 A touch sensor according to some example embodiments is shown.

[0076] Fig.28 A touch sensor according to some example embodiments is shown.

[0077] Fig.29 A touch sensor according to some example embodiments is shown.

[0078] Fig.30 According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig.29 An embodiment of a sensing unit is shown in FIG.

[0079] Fig.31 A touch sensor according to some example embodiments is shown.

[0080] Fig.32 According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig.31 An embodiment of a method for adjusting a gain value of a noise signal in a touch sensor is shown.

[0081] Fig.33 According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig.31 An embodiment of the amplifier circuit is shown in FIG.

[0082] Fig.34 According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig.33 An embodiment of a method for adjusting a gain value of a noise signal in an amplifier circuit is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0083] In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, many specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments. However, it is apparent that various exemplary embodiments may be implemented without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other cases, in order to avoid making various exemplary embodiments unnecessarily obscure, well-known structures and devices are shown in the form of block diagrams. In addition, various exemplary embodiments may be different, but need not be exclusive. For example, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, the specific shape, configuration and characteristics of an exemplary embodiment may be implemented in another exemplary embodiment.

[0084] Unless otherwise specified, the illustrated exemplary embodiments will be understood as providing exemplary features of different details of some exemplary embodiments. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the various illustrated features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions or aspects, etc. (hereinafter, individually or collectively referred to as "elements") may be further combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0085] It is generally provided that the boundaries between adjacent elements are clarified using cross hatching and / or shading in the drawings. Thus, unless otherwise specified, the presence or absence of cross hatching or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for the specific material, material properties, size, ratio, commonality between the elements shown and / or any other characteristics, attributes, properties, etc. of the elements. In addition, in the drawings, the size and relative size of the elements may be exaggerated for clarity and / or descriptive purposes. When the exemplary embodiments may be implemented differently, a specific process sequence may be performed differently from the described sequence. For example, two processes described in succession may be performed substantially simultaneously or in an order opposite to the described sequence. In addition, the same reference numerals represent the same elements.

[0086] When an element is referred to as "on" another element, "connected to" or "bound to" another element, the element may be directly on the other element, directly connected to or directly bound to the other element, or there may be an intermediate element. However, when an element is referred to as "directly on" another element, "directly connected to" or "directly bound to" another element, there is no intermediate element. For this reason, the term "connection" may refer to physical connection, electrical connection and / or fluid connection. In addition, the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis are not limited to the three axes of the rectangular coordinate system, and may be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis may be perpendicular to each other, or may represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. For the purpose of this disclosure, "at least one (kind / person) of X, Y and Z" and "at least one (kind / person) selected from the group consisting of X, Y and Z" may be interpreted as any combination of only X, only Y, only Z or two or more of X, Y and Z, such as taking XYZ, XYY, YZ and ZZ as examples. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0087] Although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another element. Therefore, the first element discussed below may be named as the second element without departing from the disclosed teachings.

[0088] For descriptive purposes, spatially relative terms such as "under," "below," "under," "below," "above," "on," "above," "higher than," and "on the side" (e.g., as in "sidewall") may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element to another element as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to the orientations depicted in the accompanying drawings, the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use, operation, and / or manufacture. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is turned over, an element described as "under" or "beneath" other elements or features would subsequently be positioned as "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "under" can include both above and below orientations. In addition, the device may be otherwise positioned (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and as such, the spatially relative descriptors used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0089] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to be limited. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "one (kind)" and "said (the)" are also intended to include plural forms. In addition, when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" and their variations are used in this specification, it is explained that there are stated features, integral bodies, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups, but it is not excluded that there are or add one or more other features, integral bodies, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups. It is also noted that, as used herein, the terms "substantially", "approximately" and other similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than as terms of degree, so that they are used to explain the inherent deviations of the measured values, calculated values ​​and / or the values ​​provided that will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0090] Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views and / or exploded views that are schematic diagrams of idealized exemplary embodiments and / or intermediate structures. As such, variations in the shapes of the illustrations, such as those caused by manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, are expected to occur. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific illustrated shapes of the regions, but rather include deviations in shapes, such as those caused by manufacturing. In this manner, the regions illustrated in the accompanying drawings are schematic in nature, and the shapes of these regions may not illustrate the actual shapes of the regions of the device, and are not intended to be limiting as such.

[0091] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure is a part. Unless explicitly defined as such herein, terms (such as those defined in general dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0092] According to the practice of the art, some exemplary embodiments are described and shown in the accompanying drawings according to functional blocks, units and / or modules. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that these blocks, units and / or modules are physically implemented by electronic (or optical) circuits (such as, logic circuits, discrete components, microprocessors, hard-wired circuits, storage elements, wiring connections, etc.), which can be formed using semiconductor-based manufacturing techniques or other manufacturing techniques. In the case where blocks, units and / or modules are implemented by microprocessors or other similar hardware, they can be programmed and controlled using software (e.g., microcode) to perform the various functions discussed herein, and they can be optionally driven by firmware and / or software. It is also contemplated that each block, unit and / or module can be implemented by dedicated hardware, or as a combination of dedicated hardware that performs certain functions and processors that perform other functions (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and related circuits). In addition, without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventive concept, each block, unit and / or module of some exemplary embodiments can be physically separated into two or more interactive and discrete blocks, units and / or modules. Furthermore, the blocks, units and / or modules of some exemplary embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks, units and / or modules without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventive concept.

[0093] Figure 1 Display devices according to some exemplary embodiments are schematically illustrated. Figure 2 A sensing unit of a touch sensor according to some example embodiments is shown.

[0094] Reference Figure 1 , the display device includes a sensing unit (or structure) 100, a touch driver 200, a display panel 300, and a display driver 400. The sensing unit 100 and the touch driver 200 construct a touch sensor. Figure 1 1 and 2 are separately shown in FIG. 1 , but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the sensing unit 100 and the display panel 300 may be integrally manufactured.

[0095] According to some embodiments, the sensing unit 100 may be disposed in at least one area of ​​the display panel 300. For example, the sensing unit 100 may be disposed to overlap the display panel 300 on at least one surface of the display panel 300. For example, the sensing unit 100 may be disposed on one surface (e.g., the upper surface) of the two surfaces of the display panel 300 along a direction along which an image is emitted (e.g., a third direction such as the Z direction). In some embodiments, the sensing unit 100 may be directly formed on at least one of the two surfaces of the display panel 300, or may be formed inside the display panel 300. For example, the sensing unit 100 may be directly formed on the upper surface (or sealing layer) of the display panel 300, or may be directly formed on the inner surface of the upper substrate or the lower substrate (e.g., the lower surface of the upper substrate or the upper surface of the lower substrate).

[0096] The sensing unit 100 includes an active area 101 capable of sensing a touch input and an inactive area 102 located outside the active area 101 (e.g., surrounding at least a portion of the active area 101). According to some embodiments, the active area 101 may be set to correspond to the display area 301 of the display panel 300, and the inactive area 102 may be set to correspond to the non-display area 302 of the display panel 300. For example, the active area 101 of the sensing unit 100 may overlap with the display area 301 of the display panel 300, and the inactive area 102 of the sensing unit 100 may overlap with the non-display area 302 of the display panel 300.

[0097] According to some embodiments, the active area 101 may be provided with at least one electrode (e.g., a plurality of sensing electrodes 120 and a plurality of driving electrodes 130) for detecting a touch input. The sensing electrodes 120 and the driving electrodes 130 may be provided in the active area 101 or overlapped with the display area 301 of the display panel 300. In this case, the sensing electrodes 120 and the driving electrodes 130 may overlap with at least one electrode of the display panel 300. For example, when the display panel 300 is an organic light emitting display panel or a liquid crystal display panel, the sensing electrodes 120 and the driving electrodes 130 may overlap with at least a cathode electrode or a common electrode of the display panel 300.

[0098] More specifically, the sensing unit 100 may include a plurality of sensing electrodes 120 and a plurality of driving electrodes 130 disposed to cross each other in the active area 101. For example, the active area 101 may be provided with a plurality of sensing electrodes 120 extending in a first direction (e.g., X direction) and a plurality of driving electrodes 130 extending in a second direction (e.g., Y direction) to cross the plurality of sensing electrodes 120. Although not shown, according to some embodiments, the sensing electrodes 120 may be insulated from the driving electrodes 130 by at least one insulating layer or at least one insulating film.

[0099] Capacitance Cse is formed between the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130 (particularly at their intersections). When a touch input (or interaction) occurs at or around a corresponding point, the capacitance Cse changes. Therefore, the touch input can be detected by detecting the change in capacitance Cse.

[0100] The shape, size and / or arrangement direction of the sensing electrodes 120 and the driving electrodes 130 are not particularly limited. As a non-limiting example of the arrangement and configuration of the sensing electrodes 120 and the driving electrodes 130, Figure 2 The sensing electrodes 120 and the driving electrodes 130 are configured as shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the present invention, although a mutual capacitance touch sensor is disclosed as an exemplary touch sensor, a touch sensor according to some embodiments is not limited to a mutual capacitance touch sensor.

[0101] Reference Figure 2 , the sensing unit 100 includes: a base substrate 110, including an active area 101 and a non-active area 102; a plurality of sensing electrodes 120 and a plurality of driving electrodes 130, which are arranged in the active area 101; and a plurality of wirings 140 and a pad (or pad) portion 150, which are arranged in the non-active area 102 on the base substrate 110. Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the touch sensor may be a self-capacitive touch sensor, and a plurality of sensing electrodes 120 that receive a driving signal during one period of a touch driving period and output a sensing signal during another period may be arranged in the active area 101.

[0102] The base substrate 110 is a base of the sensing unit 100, and may be a rigid base or a soft (or pliable) base. For example, the base substrate 110 may be a rigid base formed of glass or tempered glass, or a soft base formed of at least one flexible plastic material film. Meanwhile, according to some embodiments, the base substrate 110 may be one of the bases for constructing the display panel 300. For example, in some embodiments in which the sensing unit 100 and the display panel 300 are integrally formed, the base substrate 110 may be at least one base (e.g., an upper base) for constructing the display panel 300, or a thin film sealing layer (or thin film encapsulation layer).

[0103] The sensing electrode 120 may extend in a first direction (e.g., X direction). According to some embodiments, each sensing electrode 120 disposed in each row may include a plurality of first electrode monomers 122 arranged in the first direction and at least one first connection portion 124 connecting the first electrode monomers 122 in each row in the first direction. As used herein, the term "connection" may broadly represent a physical "connection" and / or an electrical "connection". According to some embodiments, if each sensing electrode 120 includes three or more first electrode monomers 122, each sensing electrode 120 may include a plurality of first connection portions 124. According to some embodiments, the first connection portion 124 may be constructed integrally with the first electrode monomer 122, or may be constructed by a bridge connection pattern.

[0104] Although Figure 2 , the first connection portion 124 is arranged in the first direction, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, in at least one other embodiment, the first connection portion 124 may be arranged in an inclined direction relative to the first direction. Figure 2 , the first connection portion 124 has a straight line shape (or a bar shape), but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, in at least one other embodiment, the first connection portion 124 may have a bent or curved shape in at least one region. Figure 2 , two adjacent first electrode monomers 122 are connected to each other by a first connecting portion 124 disposed therebetween, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, in at least one other embodiment, two adjacent first electrode monomers 122 may be connected to each other by a plurality of first connecting portions 124 disposed therebetween.

[0105] According to some embodiments, the first electrode monomer 122 and / or the first connecting portion 124 may have conductivity by including at least one of a metal material, a transparent conductive material, and various other conductive materials. For example, the first electrode monomer 122 and / or the first connecting portion 124 may be formed of at least one metal among various metal materials (such as, at least one of gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), and platinum (Pt) and / or their alloys). In addition or optionally, the first electrode monomer 122 and / or the first connecting portion 124 may be formed of at least one of various transparent conductive materials (such as, silver nanowires (AgNW), indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), antimony zinc oxide (AZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), tin oxide (SnO 2), carbon nanotubes and graphene). In addition or alternatively, the first electrode monomer 122 and / or the first connecting portion 124 may include at least one of various conductive materials that can provide conductivity (such as a conductive polymer). According to some embodiments, the first electrode monomer 122 and / or the first connecting portion 124 may be configured as a single layer, a single composite layer of multiple materials, or multiple layers.

[0106] According to some embodiments, when the touch sensor is a mutual capacitance touch sensor, the sensing electrode 120 may sense a sensing signal corresponding to a driving signal input to the driving electrode 130. For example, the sensing electrode 120 may be an Rx electrode that outputs a sensing signal corresponding to a touch input.

[0107] The drive electrode 130 may extend in a second direction (e.g., the Y direction). According to some embodiments, each drive electrode 130 disposed in each column may include a plurality of second electrode monomers 132 arranged in the second direction and at least one second connection portion 134 connecting the second electrode monomers 132 in each column in the second direction. According to some embodiments, if each drive electrode 130 includes three or more second electrode monomers 132, each drive electrode 130 may include a plurality of second connection portions 134. According to some embodiments, the second connection portion 134 may be formed integrally with the second electrode monomer 132, or may be formed by a bridge connection pattern. When the touch sensor is a mutual capacitive touch sensor, the drive electrode 130 may be a Tx electrode that receives a drive signal during a period when the touch sensor is activated.

[0108] Although the first electrode unit 122 and the second electrode unit 132 are Figure 2 Although shown in a diamond shape, the shapes, sizes, etc. of the first electrode monomer 122 and the second electrode monomer 132 may be variously changed. For example, the first electrode monomer 122 and the second electrode monomer 132 may have other shapes such as a circular shape, a hexagonal shape, or any other suitable polygonal shape or amorphous shape.

[0109] In addition, although Figure 2 , the second connection portion 134 is arranged in the second direction, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, in at least one other embodiment, the second connection portion 134 may be arranged in an inclined direction relative to the second direction. Figure 2 , the second connection portion 134 has a straight line shape (or a bar shape), but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, in at least one other embodiment, the second connection portion 134 may have a bent or curved shape in at least one region. Figure 2, two adjacent second electrode monomers 132 are connected to each other by a second connection portion 134 disposed therebetween, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, in at least one other embodiment, two adjacent second electrode monomers 132 may be connected to each other by a plurality of second connection portions 134 disposed therebetween.

[0110] According to some embodiments, the second electrode monomer 132 and / or the second connection portion 134 may have conductivity by including at least one of a metal material, a transparent conductive material, and various other conductive materials. For example, the second electrode monomer 132 and / or the second connection portion 134 may include at least one of the conductive materials described as the construction materials of the first electrode monomer 122 and / or the first connection portion 124 described above. In addition, the second electrode monomer 132 and / or the second connection portion 134 may be formed of the same material as the conductive material forming the first electrode monomer 122 and / or the first connection portion 124, or may be formed of different materials. In addition, the second electrode monomer 132 and / or the second connection portion 134 may be formed of a single layer, a single composite layer of multiple materials, or multiple layers.

[0111] According to some embodiments, the wiring 140 for electrically connecting the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130 disposed in the active area 101 to the touch driver 200 may be disposed in the non-active area 102. According to some embodiments, the wiring 140 may include a first wiring 142 for electrically connecting each sensing electrode 120 to the pad 150 and a second wiring 144 for electrically connecting each driving electrode 130 to the pad 150. For example, each wiring 140 may electrically connect one of the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130 to a predetermined pad 152 included in the pad 150. Meanwhile, although for convenience Figure 2 It is shown that the first wiring 142 is connected to one end of the sensing electrode 120 and the second wiring 144 is connected to one end of the driving electrode 130, but the connection structure between the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130 and the first wiring 142 and the second wiring 144 can be variously changed. For example, in at least one other embodiment, at least one of the first wiring 142 and the second wiring 144 can be connected to both ends of the sensing electrode 120 or both ends of the driving electrode 130.

[0112] The pad portion 150 may include a plurality of pads 152 for electrically connecting the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130 to an external driving circuit (eg, the touch driver 200 ). The sensing unit 100 and the touch driver 200 may communicate with each other through the pad portion 150 .

[0113] Refer again Figure 1The touch driver 200 is electrically connected to the sensing unit 100 to transmit and receive a signal for driving the sensing unit 100. For example, the touch driver 200 may detect a touch input by receiving a sensing signal corresponding to the driving signal from the sensing unit 100 after supplying the driving signal to the sensing unit 100. To this end, the touch driver 200 may include a driving circuit 210 and a sensing circuit 220 (see FIG. Figure 3 ). In some embodiments, the driving circuit 210 and the sensing circuit 220 may be integrated into one touch integrated circuit (IC) (T-IC), but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0114] According to some embodiments, the driving circuit 210 may be electrically connected to the driving electrodes 130 of the sensing unit 100 to sequentially supply driving signals to the driving electrodes 130. According to some embodiments, the sensing circuit 220 may be electrically connected to the sensing electrodes 120 of the sensing unit 100 to receive sensing signals from the sensing electrodes 120, and perform signal processing on the sensed signals to detect a touch input.

[0115] The display panel 300 includes a display area 301 and a non-display area 302 of at least one area surrounding the display area 301. The display area 301 is provided with a plurality of scan lines 310, a plurality of data lines 320, and a plurality of pixels P connected to the scan lines 310 and the data lines 320. The non-display area 302 may be provided with wiring (such as power wiring, etc.) for supplying various driving signals and / or driving power for driving the pixels P.

[0116] The type of the display panel 300 is not limited. For example, the display panel 300 may be a self-luminous display panel such as an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED panel). In addition or alternatively, the display panel 300 may be a non-luminous display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel (LCD panel), an electrophoretic display panel (EPD panel), an electrowetting display panel (EWD panel), etc. If the display panel 300 is a non-luminous display panel, the display device may further include a light source (e.g., a backlight unit) for supplying light to the display panel 300. The light source may provide one or more edge lights and a backlight.

[0117] The display driver 400 is electrically connected to the display panel 300 to supply a signal for driving the display panel 300. For example, the display driver 400 may include at least one of a scan driver for supplying a scan signal to the scan line 310, a data driver for supplying a data signal to the data line 320, and a timing control unit (or timing controller) for driving the scan driver and the data driver. According to some embodiments, the scan driver, the data driver, and / or the timing control unit may be integrated in one display IC (D-IC), but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, in at least one other embodiment, at least one of the scan driver, the data driver, and the timing control unit may be integrated or mounted on the display panel 300.

[0118] Figure 3 A touch sensor according to some exemplary embodiments is shown. For convenience, Figure 3 Each of the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130 provided in the sensing unit 100 and a capacitance Cse formed at an intersection between the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130 are shown. Figure 3 Driving circuit 210 and sensing circuit 220 are shown around sensing electrode 120 and driving electrode 130 forming capacitance Cse.

[0119] Reference Figure 3 , the sensing unit 100 includes at least one pair of sensing electrodes 120 and driving electrodes 130 forming a capacitance Cse. The driving electrode 130 is electrically connected to the driving circuit 210 of the touch driver 200, and the sensing electrode 120 is electrically connected to the sensing circuit 220 of the touch driver 200. Meanwhile, although Figure 3 The driving circuit 210 and the sensing circuit 220 are shown as being separated from each other, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, according to some embodiments, the driving circuit 210 and the sensing circuit 220 may be separately provided, or at least a portion of the driving circuit 210 and the sensing circuit 220 may be integrally integrated.

[0120] According to some embodiments, a method of driving a touch sensor will be described. First, a driving signal Sdr is supplied from a driving circuit 210 to a driving electrode 130. If the sensing unit 100 includes Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the driving circuit 210 can sequentially supply the driving signal Sdr to the driving electrodes 130. Then, through the coupling effect of the capacitance Cse, a sensing signal Sse corresponding to the driving signal Sdr applied to each driving electrode 130 is output from each sensing electrode 120. The sensing signal Sse is input to the sensing circuit 220 of the touch driver 200.

[0121] According to some embodiments, if the sensing unit 100 includes Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the sensing circuit 220 may include a plurality of sensing channels (Rx channels) 222 electrically connected to each sensing electrode 120, and may receive the sensing signal Sse output from the plurality of sensing electrodes 120 through the sensing channel 222. The sensing circuit 220 amplifies, converts, and processes the sensing signal Sse output from each sensing electrode 120, and detects the touch input according to the result. To this end, the sensing circuit 220 may include a plurality of sensing channels 222 corresponding to each sensing electrode 120, at least one analog-to-digital converter (hereinafter, referred to as ADC) 224 connected to the sensing channel 222, and a processor 226. For convenience, hereinafter, the sensing channel 222 and the ADC 224 will be described as separate construction elements, but in some embodiments, the ADC 224 may be constructed within each sensing channel 222.

[0122] According to some embodiments, each sensing channel 222 may include at least one analog front end (hereinafter, referred to as "AFE"). In addition, according to some embodiments, if the sensing circuit 220 includes an ADC 224 connected to each AFE in a 1:1 manner, each sensing channel 222 may include a pair of AFEs and ADCs 224 connected to each other. However, in at least one other embodiment, a plurality of AFEs may share one ADC 224. For convenience, the exemplary embodiment will be described by defining an AFE connected to each sensing electrode 120 as each sensing channel 222 and treating the ADC 224 as a construction element separated from the sensing channel 222.

[0123] The sensing channel 222 may receive a sensing signal Sse from each sensing electrode 120 and amplify the received signal to output to the ADC 224. According to some embodiments, each sensing channel 222 may be configured as an AFE including at least one first amplifier AMP1 (such as an operational amplifier). According to some embodiments, a first input terminal (also referred to as a first terminal) IN1 of the sensing channel 222 (e.g., an inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier AMP1) may be connected to one of the sensing electrodes 120. That is, a sensing signal Sse from any one of the sensing electrodes 120 may be input to the first input terminal IN1. In addition, a second input terminal (also referred to as a second terminal) IN2 of the sensing channel 222 (e.g., a non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier AMP1) may be connected to a reference power supply (such as ground (GND)). Meanwhile, a capacitor C and a reset switch SW may be connected in parallel between the output terminal OUT1 of the operational amplifier AMP1 and the first input terminal IN1.

[0124] The ADC 224 converts the analog signal output from the sensing channel 222 into a digital signal. According to some embodiments, the ADC 224 may be provided as many as the number of sensing electrodes 120, so as to correspond to each sensing channel 222 corresponding to each sensing electrode 120 at a ratio of 1:1. Alternatively, in at least one other embodiment, a plurality of sensing channels 222 may be configured to share one ADC 224. In this case, a switch circuit for selecting the sensing channel 222 may be additionally provided between the sensing channel 222 and the ADC 224.

[0125] The processor 226 processes the converted signal (digital signal) from the ADC 224 and detects the touch input according to the signal processing result. For example, the processor 226 may collectively analyze the signals (e.g., the amplified and converted sensing signals Sse) output from the plurality of sensing electrodes 120 via each sensing channel 222 and each ADC 224 to detect whether a touch input occurs and the location of the touch input. According to some embodiments, the processor 226 may be configured as a microprocessor (MPU). In this case, a memory (not shown) required to drive the processor 226 (e.g., to provide one or more sequences of one or more instructions (e.g., programming codes) to the processor 226) may be additionally provided inside the sensing circuit 220 (or connected to the sensing circuit 220); however, the configuration of the processor 226 is not limited thereto. According to some embodiments, the processor 226 may be configured as a microcontroller (MCU) or the like.

[0126] As described above, the touch sensor may be combined with the display panel 300 , etc. For example, the sensing unit 100 of the touch sensor may be integrally manufactured with the display panel 300 or may be attached to at least one surface of the display panel 300 after being manufactured separately from the display panel 300 .

[0127] If the sensing unit 100 is coupled to the display panel 300, parasitic capacitance is generated between the sensing unit 100 and the display panel 300. A noise signal from the display panel 300 is transmitted to the touch sensor (e.g., the sensing unit 100) through the coupling effect of the parasitic capacitance. For example, a noise signal at least partially caused by a display driving signal for driving the display panel 300 is input to the sensing unit 100. For example, the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130 of the sensing unit 100 may be arranged to overlap with a cathode electrode or a common electrode of the display panel 300, in which case a common mode noise at least partially caused by a display driving signal applied to the display panel 300 is input to the sensing unit 100.

[0128] For example, in a display device according to some embodiments, the display panel 300 may be an organic light-emitting display panel having a thin film sealing layer (TFE), and may be implemented by an on-cell sensor in which the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130 are directly formed on one surface (e.g., the upper surface) of the TFE. In this case, at least one electrode (e.g., a cathode electrode) disposed in the organic light-emitting display panel is disposed close to the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130. Therefore, a relatively large noise signal at least partially caused by the display driving signal is input to the sensing unit 100. The noise signal input to the sensing unit 100 may cause ripples in the sensing signal Sse (or cause ripples in the sensing signal Sse). As a result, the sensitivity of the touch sensor may be reduced. Therefore, the inventive concept provides various embodiments capable of improving the sensitivity of the touch sensor, and a detailed description thereof will be described below.

[0129] Figure 4 A touch sensor according to some exemplary embodiments is shown. For convenience, Figure 2 The base substrate 110 and the pad portion 150 shown in FIG. Figure 4 In, but Figure 4 The sensing unit 100 may be formed on a base substrate 110. Figure 4 In the drawings, the same reference numerals or symbols are used to represent Figures 1 to 3 The structural elements are similar or identical to the structural elements in , and their detailed description will be omitted.

[0130] Reference Figure 4 , the touch sensor includes a sensing unit 100, a driving circuit 210 electrically connected to the sensing unit 100, and a sensing circuit 220 electrically connected to the sensing unit 100. The sensing unit 100 further includes at least one noise detection electrode 160 disposed in the active area 101.

[0131] According to some embodiments, a plurality of noise detection electrodes 160 separated from each other may be provided in the active area 101 of the sensing unit 100, and the noise detection electrode 160 may be formed in pairs with any one of the sensing electrodes 120. That is, according to some embodiments, the sensing unit 100 includes an electrode pair configured with sensing electrodes 120 and noise detection electrodes 160 corresponding to each other. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, in a touch sensor according to at least one other embodiment, a plurality of noise detection electrodes 160 among the noise detection electrodes 160 provided in the active area 101 may be electrically connected to each other. As an example, all noise detection electrodes 160 provided in the active area 101 may be electrically connected to each other to be substantially implemented as one noise detection electrode 160.

[0132] For example, the sensing unit 100 includes at least one pair of sensing electrodes (first electrodes) 120 and noise detection electrodes (second electrodes) 160. In addition, according to some embodiments, the sensing unit 100 may further include at least one driving electrode (third electrode) 130 intersecting the paired sensing electrodes 120 and the noise detection electrodes 160. For example, the sensing unit 100 may include a plurality of noise detection electrodes (second electrodes) 160 and a plurality of driving electrodes (third electrodes) 130, the plurality of noise detection electrodes (second electrodes) 160 being paired with each sensing electrode 120 and being separated from the sensing electrodes 120, and the plurality of driving electrodes (third electrodes) 130 intersecting the sensing electrodes 120 and the noise detection electrodes 160 and being separated from the sensing electrodes 120 and the noise detection electrodes 160.

[0133] According to some embodiments, the sensing electrode 120, the noise detection electrode 160, and the driving electrode 130 may be physically and / or electrically separated from each other. For example, at least a portion of the sensing electrode 120, the driving electrode 130, and the noise detection electrode 160 may overlap and / or cross each other, and may be separated from each other in at least the overlapping region by one or more insulating layers or insulating patterns (not shown). That is, the sensing electrode 120, the driving electrode 130, and the noise detection electrode 160 may be separated from each other to be electrically isolated, and a capacitance may be formed therebetween.

[0134] According to some embodiments, the sensing electrode 120 may extend in a first direction (e.g., X direction) in the active area 101, and the driving electrode 130 may extend in a second direction (e.g., Y direction) in the active area 101 to cross the sensing electrode 120. In addition, the noise detection electrode 160 may extend in the first direction in the active area 101 like the sensing electrode 120, and a region of the noise detection electrode 160 may overlap with the sensing electrode 120.

[0135] According to some embodiments, each sensing electrode 120 may include a plurality of first electrode monomers 122 arranged in a first direction and at least one first connection portion 124 connecting the first electrode monomers 122 in the first direction. According to some embodiments, if each sensing electrode 120 includes three or more first electrode monomers 122, each sensing electrode 120 may include a plurality of first connection portions 124. According to some embodiments, the first electrode monomer 122 and / or the first connection portion 124 may have conductivity by including at least one of various transparent conductive materials (including ITO and IZO), various metal materials (including Ag), and other various conductive materials. At the same time, the shape of the sensing electrode 120 is not limited to the shape shown. For example, in at least one other embodiment, each sensing electrode 120 may be formed by an integral strip electrode.

[0136] According to some embodiments, each sensing electrode 120 may include at least one first opening (or hole) OP1 therein. For example, at least the center of each first electrode monomer 122 may be opened.

[0137] According to some embodiments, each noise detection electrode 160 may include at least one electrode portion 162 located inside the first opening OP1 included in any one of the sensing electrodes 120. That is, the at least one electrode portion 162 may overlap with the first opening OP1. For example, if each of the first electrode monomers 122 includes at least one first opening OP1, each of the noise detection electrodes 160 may include a plurality of electrode portions 162 disposed inside (or overlapping with) the first opening OP1 in the first electrode monomer 122, and the first electrode monomer 122 configures any one of the first electrodes 120 paired with the corresponding noise detection electrode 160 in the noise detection electrodes 160. Any one of the first electrodes 120 and any one of the noise detection electrodes 160 configured in pairs may be arranged to correspond to each other so that at least one region may overlap with each other. In addition, each of the noise detection electrodes 160 may include at least one connection line (also referred to as a connection pattern) 164 connecting the electrode portions 162 in the first direction. According to some embodiments, if each of the noise detection electrodes 160 includes three or more electrode portions 162, each of the noise detection electrodes 160 may include a plurality of connection lines 164.

[0138] According to some embodiments, the electrode portion 162 and / or the connecting line 164 may have conductivity by including at least one of a metal material, a transparent conductive material, and various other conductive materials. For example, the electrode portion 162 and / or the connecting line 164 may include at least one of the conductive materials described as forming the first electrode monomer 122, the first connecting portion 124, the second electrode monomer 132, and / or the second connecting portion 134. In addition, the electrode portion 162 and / or the connecting line 164 may be formed of the same material as the conductive material forming the first electrode monomer 122, the first connecting portion 124, the second electrode monomer 132, and / or the second connecting portion 134, or may be formed of different materials. In addition, each of the electrode portion 162 and / or the connecting line 164 may be constructed as a single layer, a single composite layer of multiple materials, or multiple layers.

[0139] According to some embodiments, each first opening OP1 may overlap with any one of the electrode portions 162 and at least one region of the connection line 164 connected to any one of the electrode portions 162. For example, each first opening OP1 may overlap with any one of the electrode portions 162 located in the first opening OP1, and may overlap with a region of at least one end of at least one connection line 164 connected to any one of the electrode portions 162.

[0140] According to some embodiments, each sensing electrode 120 may be connected to a different sensing channel 222 through a different first wiring 142. Each noise detection electrode 160 may be connected to a different sensing channel 222 through a different third wiring 146. According to some embodiments, a pair of sensing electrodes 120 and noise detection electrodes 160 may be connected to the same sensing channel 222. For example, a pair of sensing electrodes 120 and noise detection electrodes 160 may be connected to the same sensing channel 222 among a plurality of sensing channels 222, and may be respectively connected to different input terminals (e.g., the first input terminal IN1 and the second input terminal IN2) in any one sensing channel 222.

[0141] According to some embodiments, at least one buffer BU may be provided between each noise detection electrode 160 and the sensing channel 222 corresponding thereto. According to some embodiments, each buffer BU is connected between the noise detection electrode 160 and the sensing channel 222 corresponding to each other, and buffers the signal (e.g., the noise signal Sno) output from the noise detection electrode 160 to output the buffered signal. According to some embodiments, the buffer BU may include a third input terminal IN3 electrically connected to the output terminal OUT2 and a fourth input terminal IN4 electrically connected to the corresponding noise detection electrode 160 to receive the noise signal Sno. According to some embodiments, the third input terminal IN3 and the fourth input terminal IN4 may be an inverting input terminal and a non-inverting input terminal, respectively, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, the connection structure of the buffer BU may be variously changed.

[0142] According to some embodiments, each driving electrode 130 may include a plurality of second electrode monomers 132 arranged in the second direction and at least one second connection portion 134 connecting adjacent second electrode monomers 132 in the second direction. According to some embodiments, if each driving electrode 130 includes three or more second electrode monomers 132, each driving electrode 130 may include a plurality of second connection portions 134. According to some embodiments, the second electrode monomers 132 and / or the second connection portions 134 may have conductivity by including at least one of various transparent conductive materials (including ITO and IZO), various metal materials (including Ag), and other various conductive materials.

[0143] The shape of the driving electrode 130 is not limited to the example shown. For example, in at least one other embodiment, each driving electrode 130 may be formed by an integral strip electrode. According to some embodiments, each driving electrode 130 may be connected to the driving circuit 210 via a different second wiring 144.

[0144] According to some embodiments, the sensing unit 100 may further include at least one first dummy pattern (also referred to as a fourth electrode) 166 overlapping at least one driving electrode 130. For example, the sensing unit 100 may include a plurality of first dummy patterns 166 overlapping one region of each second electrode monomer 132. According to some embodiments, at least one insulating layer (not shown) may be provided between the first dummy pattern 166 and the driving electrode 130. For example, each first dummy pattern 166 may be separated from the driving electrode 130 by at least one insulating layer, and may be implemented as an electrically floating island pattern. According to some embodiments, each first dummy pattern 166 may be provided to be separated from the electrode portion 162 in the same layer as the electrode portion 162. According to some embodiments, the first dummy pattern 166 may be formed of the same material as that of the electrode portion 162, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0145] According to some embodiments, the first dummy pattern 166 and the electrode portion 162 may have the same (or substantially the same) shape and size as each other. In this case, the active area 101 has an overall uniform pattern. Therefore, it is possible to ensure uniform visibility characteristics throughout the active area 101. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the first dummy pattern 166 may not be provided, and the first dummy pattern 166 may be selectively provided. For example, in at least one other embodiment, the first dummy pattern 166 may not be provided.

[0146] Although Figure 4 The embodiment in which each of the sensing electrode 120, the driving electrode 130 and the noise detection electrode 160 includes the plate-shaped electrode monomers 122 and 132 or the electrode portion 162 is shown, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, in at least one other embodiment, at least one of the sensing electrode 120, the driving electrode 130 and the noise detection electrode 160 may be formed by a mesh-shaped electrode.

[0147] The driving circuit 210 is electrically connected to the driving electrode 130 to supply the driving signal Sdr to the driving electrode 130. For example, the driving circuit 210 may sequentially supply the driving signal Sdr to the driving electrode 130 during a period in which the touch sensor is activated. According to some embodiments, the driving signal Sdr may be an alternating current (AC) signal (such as a pulse wave) having a predetermined period.

[0148] The sensing circuit 220 may include: a plurality of sensing channels 222 receiving a sensing signal Sse1 from each sensing electrode 120; a plurality of ADCs 224 electrically connected to an output terminal OUT1 of each sensing channel 222; and a processor 226 receiving a converted signal (digital signal) from the ADC 224 to detect a touch input.

[0149] According to some embodiments, each sensing channel 222 may include a first input terminal IN1 connected to any one sensing electrode 120 and a second input terminal IN2 connected to at least one noise detection electrode 160. For example, the first input terminal IN1 of each sensing channel 222 may be connected to a different sensing electrode 120 among the sensing electrodes 120, and the second input terminal IN2 of each sensing channel 222 may be connected to at least one noise detection electrode 160.

[0150] For example, the first input terminal IN1 and the second input terminal IN2 of each sensing channel 222 may be connected to the pairs of sensing electrodes 120 and noise detection electrodes 160 corresponding to each other, respectively. For example, the first input terminal IN1 of the sensing channel 222 receiving the sensing signal Sse1 from the sensing electrode 120 located in the first row of the active area 101 may be connected to the sensing electrode 120 in the first row, and the second input terminal IN2 of the sensing channel 222 may be electrically connected to the noise detection electrode 160 in the first row. Each sensing channel 222 generates an output signal Sse2 corresponding to the voltage difference between the first input terminal IN1 and the second input terminal IN2. For example, each sensing channel 222 may amplify the sensing signal Sse1 input from the first input terminal IN1 using the potential of the noise signal Sno input to the second input terminal IN2, and may output the amplified signal as the output signal Sse2. That is, the sensing channel 222 may operate using the potential of the noise signal Sno as a reference, rather than using a predetermined reference potential (e.g., a ground potential) as a fixed reference.

[0151] The signal output from the sensing channel 222 (eg, output signal Sse2) is input to at least one ADC 224 to be converted into a digital signal and then input to the processor 226. The processor 226 receives the output signal Sse2 of the sensing channel 222 through the ADC 224 and detects a touch input based on the output signal Sse2.

[0152] As described above, in addition to the electrodes for detecting touch input (e.g., the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130), the noise detection electrode 160 is additionally provided. The noise detection electrode 160 is isolated from the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130. Therefore, capacitance may be formed between the sensing electrode 120, the driving electrode 130, and / or the noise detection electrode 160.

[0153] According to some embodiments, the noise detection electrode 160 is electrically connected to the second input terminal IN2 (reference terminal) of each sensing channel 222. Therefore, the reference voltage of each noise detection electrode 160 changes together according to the voltage change of each noise detection electrode 160. That is, the reference potential of the sensing channel 222 can be changed according to the potential (voltage level) of the noise detection electrode 160. The potential of the noise detection electrode 160 can be changed according to the noise signal Sno input to the sensing unit 100 from the display panel 300, etc. For example, the potential of the noise detection electrode 160 can be changed corresponding to the common mode noise input to the sensing unit 100 from the display panel 300, etc.

[0154] Therefore, as described above, since the noise detection electrode 160 is further disposed in the effective area 101, and the reference potential of the sensing channel 222 is changed using the output signal (e.g., the noise signal Sno) from the noise detection electrode 160, the common mode noise input to the sensing unit 100 can be eliminated (or removed). For example, the paired sensing electrode 120 and the noise detection electrode 160 have ripples corresponding to each other corresponding to the common mode noise. That is, the paired sensing electrode 120 and the noise detection electrode 160 extend in the same direction in the effective area 101 and are disposed at positions corresponding to each other, thereby receiving the noise signal Sno having a very similar shape and / or size. In addition, each noise detection electrode 160 is electrically connected to a different sensing channel 222 through a different third wiring 146. For example, the second input terminal IN2 of the sensing channel 222 in which the first input terminal IN1 is connected to the predetermined sensing electrode 120 is electrically connected to the noise detection electrode 160 paired with the predetermined sensing electrode 120 through the predetermined third wiring 146.

[0155] As such, if the first input terminal IN1 and the second input terminal IN2 of each sensing channel 222 are electrically connected to the sensing electrode 120 and the noise detection electrode 160 corresponding to each other, respectively, the noise component (e.g., ripple) included in the sensing signal Sse1 from the sensing unit 100 can be effectively eliminated in the sensing channel 222. Therefore, each sensing channel 222 can output the output signal Sse2 whose noise is removed (or reduced).

[0156] In addition, according to some embodiments, the electrode portion 162 of each noise detection electrode 160 is disposed inside each sensing electrode 120 (for example, disposed inside the first opening OP1). Therefore, it is possible to ensure a sufficient separation distance between the driving electrode 130 for receiving the driving signal Sdr and the noise detection electrode 160 for receiving the noise signal Sno. Therefore, it is possible to effectively detect the noise signal Sno by reducing or preventing the voltage change of the noise detection electrode 160 caused by the driving signal Sdr.

[0157] In addition, in some embodiments, at least one first opening OP1 is formed in each sensing electrode 120, and the electrode portion 162 of the noise detection electrode 160 is disposed inside the first opening OP1. In addition, according to some embodiments, the first opening OP1 may overlap with at least one electrode portion 162 and a region of at least one connection line 164 connected to the electrode portion 162. That is, according to some embodiments, the region where the sensing electrode 120 and the noise detection electrode 160 overlap each other may be reduced or minimized. According to some embodiments, the parasitic capacitance between the sensing electrode 120 and the noise detection electrode 160 may be reduced or minimized.

[0158] As described above, according to some embodiments, the noise signal Sno input to the sensing unit 100 of the touch sensor from the display panel 300 or the like can be effectively eliminated, and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) can be improved. Therefore, the failure of the touch sensor caused by the noise signal Sno can be minimized (or at least the failure of the touch sensor caused by the noise signal Sno can be reduced), and the sensing sensitivity can be improved. That is, according to some embodiments, a touch sensor with high sensitivity and a display device including the touch sensor can be provided. This can be effectively applied to a display device having a short distance between the sensing unit 100 and the display panel 300. For example, by directly forming the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130 on the upper substrate or thin film sealing layer of the display panel 300, this can be effectively applied to improve the touch sensitivity of an on-cell display device that is sensitive to noise. The scope of application is not limited thereto, and needless to say, the inventive concept can be applied to various display devices and / or electronic devices.

[0159] Figure 5 According to some exemplary embodiments, Figure 4 An embodiment of a sensing unit is shown in Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The following are respectively shown according to various exemplary embodiments. Figure 5 Different modified embodiments of the sensing unit are shown in FIG. Fig. 7A According to some exemplary embodiments, Figure 5 The first layer of the sensing unit shown in Figure 7B According to some exemplary embodiments, Figure 5 The second layer of the sensing unit is shown in FIG. Fig. 8A According to some exemplary embodiments, Figure 5 An example of a section taken along section line II' in FIG. Figure 8B According to some exemplary embodiments, Figure 5An example of a cross section taken along section line II-II' in FIG. Figure 8C An example of a cross section of a region of a display device according to some exemplary embodiments is shown. That is, Figure 8C FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an arrangement structure of a sensing unit 100 and a display panel 300 stacked on each other in a display device. Figure 5 , Fig. 6A , Figure 6B , Fig. 7A , Figure 7B and FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C In the drawings, the same (or similar) reference numerals or symbols are used to represent Figure 4 The structural elements are similar or identical to the structural elements in the figure, and their detailed description will be omitted.

[0160] First, refer to Figure 5 , Fig. 6A , Figure 6B , Fig. 7A , Figure 7B , Fig. 8A and Figure 8B The first electrode monomer 122, 122_1 or 122_2 and the second electrode monomer 132, 132_1 or 132_2 may be disposed on the same layer. For example, the first electrode monomer 122, 122_1 or 122_2 and the second electrode monomer 132, 132_1 or 132_2 may be disposed on the first layer L1 on the base substrate 110.

[0161] According to some embodiments, one of the first connection portion 124, 124_1 or 124_2 and the second connection portion 134, 134_1 or 134_2 may be disposed on the first layer L1 together with the first electrode monomer 122, 122_1 or 122_2 and the second electrode monomer 132, 132_1 or 132_2. Figure 5 , Fig. 7A , Figure 7B , Fig. 8A and Figure 8B As shown in , the second connection portion 134 is integrally connected to the second electrode monomer 132 and is disposed in the first layer L1, and the first connection portion 124 may be formed in a bridge-shaped connection pattern and disposed in a second layer L2 different from the first layer L1. According to some embodiments, the first opening OP1 may be formed in the interior of each first electrode monomer 122, 122_1, or 122_2 (e.g., in at least the center region).

[0162] According to some embodiments, the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 may be separated from each other by placing at least one insulating layer (e.g., the first insulating layer 170) therebetween. The first connection portion 124, 124_1, or 124_2 may be connected to the first electrode monomer 122, 122_1, or 122_2 by passing through the first contact hole CH1 of the first insulating layer 170. According to some embodiments, the second layer L2 may be located between the base substrate 110 and the first layer L1. That is, the first connection portion 124, 124_1, or 124_2 may be formed as a first connection portion 124 in combination with the first connection portion 124. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B 1 and 124_2. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, in at least one other embodiment, the positions of the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 may be reversed. That is, according to some embodiments, the first layer L1 may be disposed between the base substrate 110 and the second layer L2, and the first connection portion 124, 124_1, or 124_2 may be formed as an upper bridge.

[0163] Alternatively, if Fig. 6A As shown in , the first connection portion 124_1 may be integrally connected to the first electrode monomer 122_1 and may be disposed in the first layer L1. In this case, as an example, the second connection portion 134_1 may be formed in a bridge-shaped connection pattern and may be disposed in the second layer L2.

[0164] However, the inventive concept is not limited to Figure 5 , Fig. 6A , Figure 6B , Fig. 7A , Figure 7B , Fig. 8A and Figure 8B For example, in at least one other embodiment, both the first connection portion 124, 124_1 or 124_2 and the second connection portion 134, 134_1 or 134_2 may be disposed in a layer different from the first electrode monomer 122, 122_1 or 122_2 and the second electrode monomer 132, 132_1 or 132_2, or may be disposed in different layers separated from each other. For example, in at least one other embodiment, the first electrode monomer 122, 122_1 or 122_2 and the first connection portion 124, 124_1 or 124_2 that construct each sensing electrode 120, 120_1 or 120_2 can be integrally formed and arranged in the first layer L1, and the second electrode monomer 132, 132_1 or 132_2 and the second connection portion 134, 134_1 or 134_2 that construct each driving electrode 130, 130_1 or 130_2 can be integrally formed and arranged in the second layer L2.

[0165] According to some embodiments, each electrode portion 162 or 162_1 may be disposed inside the first opening OP1 and may be disposed in a layer different from the first electrode monomer 122, 122_1, or 122_2, and the first opening OP1 is disposed in any one of the first electrode monomers 122, 122_1, or 122_2. For example, the electrode portion 162 or 162_1 may be disposed in a different layer from the first electrode monomer 122, 122_1, or 122_2 by placing the first insulating layer 170 between the electrode portion 162 or 162_1 and the first electrode monomer 122, 122_1, or 122_2, and may be separated from the first electrode monomer 122, 122_1, or 122_2. For example, the first electrode monomer 122, 122_1, or 122_2 may be disposed in the first layer L1 on the base substrate 110, and the electrode portion 162 or 162_1 may be disposed in the second layer L2.

[0166] According to some embodiments, the connection line 164 may be provided in the same layer (eg, the second layer L2) as the electrode portion 162 or 162_1. In this case, the electrode portion 162 or 162_1 and the connection line 164 or 164_1 configuring each noise detecting electrode 160 or 160_1 may be integrally connected.

[0167] In addition, according to some embodiments, the electrode portion 162 or 162_1 and the connecting line 164 or 164_1 may be arranged on the same layer as the first connecting portion 124, 124_1 or 124_2. In this case, the electrode portion 162 or 162_1 and the connecting line 164 or 164_1 may be arranged not to overlap with the first connecting portion 124, 124_1 or 124_2. For example, the connecting line 164 or 164_1 may bypass without passing through the area where the first connecting portion 124, 124_1 or 124_2 is arranged, thereby connecting two adjacent electrode portions 162 or 162_1. Therefore, the sensing electrode 120, 120_1 or 120_2 and the noise detection electrode 160 or 160_1 may remain insulated from each other.

[0168] According to some embodiments, the first dummy pattern 166 or 166_1 may be disposed in the same layer (e.g., the second layer L2) as the electrode portion 162 or 162_1. In addition, the first dummy pattern 166 or 166_1 may have a shape and size substantially the same as those of the electrode portion 162 or 162_1. In this case, the active area 101 may be always uniformly viewed.

[0169] at the same time, Figure 5 and Fig. 6AThe first electrode monomers 122 and 122_1, the second electrode monomers 132 and 132_1, the first connection parts 124 and 124_1, the second connection parts 134 and 134_1, the electrode part 162, and the first dummy pattern 166 are shown, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, at least one of the first electrode monomers 122 and 122_1, the second electrode monomers 132 and 132_1, the first connection parts 124 and 124_1, the second connection parts 134 and 134_1, the electrode part 162, and the first dummy pattern 166 may be a grid-shaped electrode or pattern. That is, in at least one other embodiment, at least one of the sensing electrodes 120 and 120_1, the driving electrodes 130 and 130_1, the noise detection electrode 160, and the first dummy pattern 166 may be formed in a grid shape.

[0170] For example, Figure 6B As shown in , each of the first electrode monomer 122_2, the second electrode monomer 132_2, the first connection portion 124_2, the second connection portion 134_2, the electrode portion 162_1, and the first dummy pattern 166_1 may be a mesh-shaped electrode or pattern including a plurality of conductive fine lines FL. In addition, Figure 6B Each connection line 164_1 is shown to be in a single line shape, but in some embodiments, each connection line 164_1 may also be formed in a mesh shape including a plurality of conductive fine lines FL. Figure 6B An embodiment in which the conductive fine line FL is arranged in an oblique direction is shown as an example, but the arrangement direction and / or shape of the conductive fine line FL may be variously changed. In addition, if the first electrode monomer 122_2 and the first connection portion 124_2 are arranged on different layers, according to some embodiments, the first electrode monomer 122_2 and the connection portion 124_2 configuring each sensing electrode 120_2 may be physically and / or electrically connected to each other through a contact hole (not shown).

[0171] Meanwhile, in at least one other embodiment, a portion of the first electrode monomer 122 or 122_1, the second electrode monomer 132 or 132_1, the first connection portion 124 or 124_1, the second connection portion 134 or 134_1, the electrode portion 162, and the first dummy pattern 166 may be formed as a plate-shaped or strip-shaped electrode or pattern, and the remaining portion may be formed in a mesh shape. That is, the shapes and structures of the sensing electrodes 120, 120_1, and 120_2, the driving electrodes 130, 130_1, and 130_2, the noise detection electrodes 160 and 160_1, and the first dummy patterns 166 and 166_1 may be modified in various forms.

[0172] exist Figure 5 , Fig. 6A , Figure 6B , Fig. 7A , Figure 7B , Fig. 8A and Figure 8B In the embodiment of the present invention, each first opening OP1 overlaps with at least one electrode portion 162 or 162_1 disposed inside each first electrode monomer 122, 122_1 or 122_2. In addition, each first opening OP1 overlaps with a region of at least one end (e.g., both ends) of at least one connecting line 164 or 164_1 connected to any one electrode portion 162 or 162_1. At the same time, a region of the first electrode monomer 122, 122_1 or 122_2 may overlap with a region of the noise detection electrode 160 or 160_1 to prevent each first electrode monomer 122, 122_1 or 122_2 from being separated from the noise detection electrode 160 or 160_1. For example, each first electrode monomer 122, 122_1, or 122_2 may overlap a region of the connection line 164 or 164_1 at both ends adjacent to the first connection portion 124, 124_1, or 124_2 and the second connection portion 134, 134_1, or 134_2, thereby preventing the upper and lower portions of the first electrode monomer 122, 122_1, or 122_2 from being separated from each other.

[0173] According to various embodiments, parasitic capacitance that may be formed between the noise detection electrode 160 or 160_1, the sensing electrode 120, 120_1 or 120_2, and / or the driving electrode 130, 130_1 or 130_2 may be reduced or minimized. Thus, the touch sensor may be prevented from malfunctioning and the noise signal Sno may be effectively detected.

[0174] Meanwhile, according to some embodiments, the base substrate 110 used as the base of the sensing unit 100 may be a thin film sealing layer of an organic light-emitting display panel. In this case, the base substrate 110 may be formed as a multilayer including at least one organic layer and at least one inorganic layer, or may be configured with a single layer including a combination of organic materials. For example, the base substrate 110 may be configured with a multilayer including at least two inorganic layers and at least one organic layer disposed between the at least two inorganic layers. In this way, in a display device in which the base substrate 110 is configured with a thin film sealing layer of an organic light-emitting display panel, a sensor pattern configuring the sensing unit 100 and a display pattern configuring the display panel 300 may be provided on different surfaces of the base substrate 110.

[0175] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 8C An embodiment of an arrangement structure of a sensor pattern provided in the sensing unit 100 and a display pattern provided in the display panel 300 is described. Fig. 8A In the same way as shown in Figure 8CThe structure of the sensing unit 100 is shown in FIG. 1 , but the structure of the sensing unit 100 is not limited thereto. Figure 8C A detailed description of the structure of the sensing unit 100 will be omitted.

[0176] Reference Figure 8C , the sensing unit 100 may be directly formed and / or disposed on the thin film sealing layer 110_1 of the display panel (specifically, the organic light emitting display panel) 300. Therefore, a sensor-display integrated organic light emitting display panel may be provided. That is, according to some embodiments, the base substrate 110 of the sensing unit 100 described above may be the thin film sealing layer 110_1 of the display panel 300, and thus similar reference numerals or numbers will be given. For convenience, Figure 8C Only one light emitting element (eg, organic light emitting diode) OLED provided in a pixel pattern in each pixel region of the display panel 300 and one thin film transistor TFT connected to the one light emitting element OLED are shown.

[0177] According to some embodiments, the display panel 300 includes a first substrate 330, a light emitting element OLED disposed on one surface of the first substrate 330, and a thin film sealing layer 110_1 disposed on the light emitting element OLED and at least covering the light emitting element OLED. In addition, according to some embodiments, the display panel 300 may further include at least one thin film transistor TFT connected to the light emitting element OLED. According to some embodiments, the thin film transistor TFT may be located between the first substrate 330 and the light emitting element OLED. In addition, the display panel 300 may further include at least one power line, a signal line and / or a capacitor, Figure 8C Power supply lines, signal lines and capacitors are not shown.

[0178] According to some embodiments, the first substrate 330 may be a rigid substrate and / or a soft (or pliable) substrate, and its material is not specifically limited. For example, the first substrate 330 may be a thin film substrate having flexible properties. The buffer layer BFL is disposed on one surface of the first substrate 330. The buffer layer BFL may prevent impurities from diffusing from the first substrate 330 and improve the flatness of the first substrate 330. According to some embodiments, the buffer layer BFL may be provided as a single layer, but may also be provided as at least two or more layers, or a composite layer of two or more materials. According to some embodiments, the buffer layer BFL may be an inorganic insulating layer formed of an inorganic material. For example, the buffer layer BFL may be formed of at least one of silicon nitride, silicon oxide, and silicon oxynitride, etc. If the buffer layer BFL is provided as a multilayer, each layer may be formed of the same material or a different material. Meanwhile, in at least one other embodiment, the buffer layer BFL may be omitted.

[0179] The thin film transistor TFT is disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The thin film transistor TFT includes an active layer ACT, a gate electrode GE, a source electrode SE, and a drain electrode DE. According to some embodiments, the active layer ACT may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL and may be formed of a semiconductor material. For example, the active layer ACT may be a semiconductor pattern formed of polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, or an oxide semiconductor, and may be formed of a semiconductor layer doped with impurities or an undoped semiconductor layer. Optionally, a region of the active layer ACT (for example, a region overlapping the gate electrode GE) may not be doped with impurities, and the remaining region may be doped with impurities.

[0180] According to some embodiments, the gate insulating layer GI may be disposed on the active layer ACT, and the gate electrode GE may be disposed on the gate insulating layer GI. In addition, the interlayer insulating layer IL may be disposed on the gate electrode GE and the gate insulating layer GI, and the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE may be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer IL. The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE may be connected to different ends of the active layer ACT through corresponding second contact holes CH2 passing through the gate insulating layer GI and the interlayer insulating layer IL.

[0181] According to some embodiments, a passivation layer PSV is disposed on the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE. The passivation layer PSV may cover the thin film transistor TFT, and an upper surface of the passivation layer PSV may be planarized.

[0182] According to some embodiments, the light emitting element OLED is disposed on the passivation layer PSV. The light emitting element OLED may include a first electrode EL1, a second electrode EL2, and a light emitting layer EML disposed between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2. According to some embodiments, the first electrode EL1 of the light emitting element OLED may be an anode electrode, but is not limited thereto. The first electrode EL1 of the light emitting element OLED is connected to one electrode (e.g., drain electrode DE) of the thin film transistor TFT through a third contact hole CH3 passing through the passivation layer PSV.

[0183] A pixel defining layer PDL for separating each pixel region (or a light emitting region of each pixel) is disposed on one surface of the first substrate 330 on which the first electrode EL1 of the light emitting element OLED is formed. According to some embodiments, the pixel defining layer PDL may expose the upper surface (or a portion of the upper surface) of the first electrode EL1 and may protrude from the first substrate 330 along the periphery of each pixel region. In this way, the pixel defining layer PDL may cover an edge portion of the first electrode EL1.

[0184] The light-emitting layer EML is disposed in a pixel region surrounded by the pixel defining layer PDL. For example, the light-emitting layer EML may be disposed on an exposed surface of the first electrode EL1. According to some embodiments, the light-emitting layer EML may have a multilayer thin film structure including at least a light-generating layer. For example, the light-emitting layer EML may include at least some of a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), a light-generating layer, a hole blocking layer (HBL), an electron transport layer (ETL), and an electron injection layer (EIL). According to some embodiments, the color of light generated in the light-emitting layer EML may be one of red, green, blue, and white, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, the color of light generated in the light-emitting layer EML may be one of magenta, cyan, and yellow.

[0185] According to some embodiments, the second electrode EL2 of the light emitting element OLED may be disposed on the light emitting layer EML. According to some embodiments, the second electrode EL2 of the light emitting element OLED may be a cathode electrode, but is not limited thereto.

[0186] According to some embodiments, a thin film sealing layer 110_1 covering the second electrode EL2 of the light emitting element OLED may be disposed on the second electrode EL2 of the light emitting element OLED. If the pixel region of the display panel 300 is sealed using the thin film sealing layer 110_1, the thickness of the display device may be reduced and flexibility characteristics may be ensured.

[0187] According to some embodiments, the thin film sealing layer 110_1 may have a multi-layer or single-layer structure. For example, the thin film sealing layer 110_1 may include a first inorganic layer 111 and a second inorganic layer 113 stacked on each other and an organic layer 112 disposed between the first inorganic layer 111 and the second inorganic layer 113. Alternatively, in at least one other embodiment, the thin film sealing layer 110_1 may be a single layer including an organic material or an inorganic material.

[0188] According to some embodiments, the organic layer 112 may have a greater thickness than the first and second inorganic layers 111 and 113. For example, the organic layer 112 may have a thickness of about 4 μm to 10 μm, and each of the first and second inorganic layers 111 and 113 may have a thickness of about 10 μm to about 20 μm. to Thickness.

[0189] According to various embodiments, the display panel 300 may be implemented as an organic light emitting display panel having a thin film sealing layer 110_1, and the sensor pattern of the sensing unit 100 may be directly formed on the thin film sealing layer 110_1. For example, the sensing electrode 120, the driving electrode 130, the noise detection electrode 160, and / or the first dummy pattern 166 may be directly disposed on the thin film sealing layer 110_1.

[0190] In this case, the sensor pattern is disposed close to the display pattern (specifically, the second electrode EL2 of the light emitting element OLED) disposed in the display panel 300. Therefore, the noise signal from the second electrode EL2 of the light emitting element OLED is input to the sensor pattern. However, in various embodiments, as described above, the noise signal is effectively eliminated by using the noise detection electrode 160. Figure 8C The sensor-display integrated panel is formed as shown in FIG. 1 , and the organic layer 112 of the thin film sealing layer 110_1 is formed to a thickness of less than or equal to 10 μm, but the sensitivity of the touch sensor can be sufficiently ensured. For example, if the noise reduction / elimination structure according to some embodiments is applied, although the overall thickness of the thin film sealing layer 110_1 is designed to be less than or equal to 10 μm, the sensitivity of the touch sensor can be sufficiently ensured.

[0191] Fig. 9 According to some exemplary embodiments, Figure 4 An embodiment of a sensing unit is shown in FIG. Fig. 10A According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig. 9 The first layer of the sensing unit shown in Fig. 10B According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig. 9 The second layer of the sensing unit is shown in FIG. Fig.11 According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig. 9 An example of a cross section taken along the section line III-III'. Fig. 9 , Fig. 10A , Fig. 10B and Fig.11 In the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals or symbols are used to represent Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Fig. 6A , Figure 6B , Fig. 7A , Figure 7B , Fig. 8A and Figure 8B The structural elements in FIG. 1 are similar or identical to the structural elements in FIG. 1 , and repeated detailed description will be omitted.

[0192] Reference Fig. 9 , Fig. 10A , Fig. 10B and Fig.11, the touch sensor may further include a plurality of second dummy patterns 126 disposed in the sensing unit 100 to overlap with the electrode portion 162. According to some embodiments, the second dummy pattern 126 is disposed to overlap with the electrode portion 162 in the first opening OP1 of each first electrode monomer 122, and may be disposed to be separated from the first electrode monomer 122 and the electrode portion 162. For example, the second dummy pattern 126 may be disposed in the same layer (e.g., the first layer L1_1) as the first electrode monomer 122 as a floating island-shaped pattern in a state separated from the first electrode monomer 122. According to some embodiments, the second dummy pattern 126 may be formed of the same material as the material of the first electrode monomer 122, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto. Therefore, while reducing the parasitic capacitance that may be formed between the noise detection electrode 160, the sensing electrode 120, and / or the driving electrode 130, the active area 101 may be viewed uniformly at all times.

[0193] Fig.12 According to some exemplary embodiments, Figure 4 An embodiment of a sensing unit is shown in FIG. Fig.13A According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig.12 The first layer of the sensing unit shown in Fig. 13B According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig.12 The second layer of the sensing unit is shown in FIG. Fig.14 According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig.12 Example of a section taken along section line IV-IV' in FIG. Figure 12 to Figure 14 In the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals or symbols are used to represent Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Fig. 6A , Figure 6B , Fig. 7A , Figure 7B , Fig. 8A and Figure 8B The structural elements in FIG. 1 are similar or identical to the structural elements in FIG. 1 , and repeated detailed description will be omitted.

[0194] Reference Fig.12 , Fig.13A , Fig. 13B and Fig.14 , each driving electrode 130_3 may include at least one second opening OP2 and may be disposed in the first layer L1_2. For example, each second electrode monomer 132_3 may include at least one second opening OP2.

[0195] According to some embodiments, each second opening OP2 may have a shape and / or size similar to each first opening OP1. For example, each second opening OP2 may extend in the same direction as the longitudinal direction (e.g., X direction) of each first opening OP1. However, the shape and / or size of the second opening OP2 may be variously changed according to considerations of the visual characteristics of the active area 101. Therefore, while reducing the parasitic capacitance that may be formed between the noise detection electrode 160, the sensing electrode 120, and / or the drive electrode 130_3, the active area 101 may be viewed uniformly at all times.

[0196] Fig.15 According to some exemplary embodiments, Figure 4 An embodiment of a sensing unit is shown in FIG. Fig.16A According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig.15 The first layer of the sensing unit shown in Fig. 16B According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig.15 The second layer of the sensing unit is shown in FIG. Fig.17A According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig.15 An example of a section taken along the section line V-V', Fig. 17B According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig.15 An example of a cross section taken along the section line VI-VI'. Fig.15 , Fig.16A , Fig. 16B , Fig.17A and Fig. 17B , structural elements similar or identical to those described previously are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals or symbols, and repeated detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0197] Reference Fig.15 , Fig.16A , Fig. 16B , Fig.17A and Fig. 17B , each driving electrode 130_4 may include a second opening OP2_1 corresponding to the first opening OP1 included in the sensing electrode 120. For example, each second electrode monomer 132_4 may include a second opening OP2_1 having a size and shape substantially the same as that of the first opening OP1. In addition, the sensing unit 100 may further include a plurality of second dummy patterns 126 and a plurality of third dummy patterns 136. For example, each second dummy pattern 126 may be disposed in each first opening OP1, and each third dummy pattern 136 may be disposed in each second opening OP2_1.

[0198] According to some embodiments, the second dummy pattern 126 may be disposed to overlap the electrode portion 162 in the first opening OP1 of each first electrode monomer 122, and may be disposed to be separated from the first electrode monomer 122 and the electrode portion 162. For example, the second dummy pattern 126 may be disposed in the same layer (e.g., the first layer L1_3) as the first electrode monomer 122 as a floating island-shaped pattern in a state of being separated from the first electrode monomer 122.

[0199] According to some embodiments, the third dummy pattern 136 may be disposed to overlap with the first dummy pattern 166 in the second opening OP2_1 of each second electrode monomer 132_4, and may be disposed to be separated from the second electrode monomer 132_4 and the first dummy pattern 166. For example, the third dummy pattern 136 may be disposed in the same layer (e.g., the first layer L1_3) as the second electrode monomer 132_4 in a state separated from the second electrode monomer 132_4. That is, the third dummy pattern 136 may be disposed in the interior of the driving electrode 130_4 (e.g., an area surrounded by the driving electrode 130_4), and may be disposed in a floating island-shaped pattern in a state separated from the driving electrode 130_4. According to some embodiments, the third dummy pattern 136 may be formed of the same material as the first electrode monomer 122 and / or the second electrode monomer 132_4, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0200] Therefore, by uniformly distributing the uniformly shaped patterns in the active area 101, more uniform visual characteristics can be ensured throughout the active area 101. However, parasitic capacitance that may be formed between the noise detection electrode 160, the sensing electrode 120, and / or the driving electrode 130_3 may be reduced.

[0201] Fig.18 According to some exemplary embodiments, Figure 4 An embodiment of a sensing unit is shown in FIG. Fig.19A According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig.18 The first layer of the sensing unit shown in Fig.19B According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig.18 The second layer of the sensing unit is shown in FIG. Fig.18 , Fig.19A and Fig.19B , structural elements similar or identical to those of the previous embodiment are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals or symbols, and repeated detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0202] Reference Fig.18 , Fig.19A and Fig.19B, the first layer L1_4 includes each first electrode monomer 122_3 and each second electrode monomer 132_5, each first electrode monomer 122_3 includes a first opening OP1 in a region overlapping with each electrode portion 162, and each second electrode monomer 132_5 includes a second opening OP2_2 in a region overlapping with each first dummy pattern 166. In addition, in some embodiments, the first electrode monomer 122_3 may have a grid-shaped pattern in a region overlapping with the electrode portion 162, and may overlap with one region of the electrode portion 162; the second electrode monomer 132_5 may have a grid-shaped pattern in a region overlapping with the first dummy pattern 166, and may overlap with one region of the first dummy pattern 166.

[0203] For example, each first electrode monomer 122_3 may overlap with a region of the electrode portion 162 disposed in the first opening OP1, and may have a mesh-shaped fine line 122a that crosses the first opening OP1 in at least two directions. In addition, each second electrode monomer 132_5 may overlap with a region of the first dummy pattern 166 disposed in the second opening OP2_2, and may have a mesh-shaped fine line 132a that crosses the second opening OP2_2 in at least two directions.

[0204] According to some embodiments, the first opening OP1 is formed in the sensing electrode 120_3 to minimize the overlap of the sensing electrode 120_3 with the noise detection electrode 160, and one region of the first electrode monomer 122_3 (i.e., the fine line 122a) is disposed in a portion of a region of the electrode portion 162 in which the noise detection electrode 160 is disposed. Therefore, by providing uniform sensitivity throughout the active area 101, the sensitivity of the touch sensor can be improved. In addition, by uniformly distributing patterns of uniform shapes throughout the active area 101, more uniform visual characteristics throughout the active area 101 can be ensured.

[0205] Fig. 20 According to some exemplary embodiments, Figure 4 An embodiment of a sensing unit is shown in FIG. Fig.21A According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig. 20 The first layer of the sensing unit shown in Fig.21B According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig. 20 The second layer of the sensing unit is shown in FIG. Fig. 20 , Fig.21A and Fig.21B , structural elements similar or identical to those described previously are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals or symbols, and repeated detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0206] Reference Fig. 20 , Fig.21A and Fig.21B , each of the first electrode monomers 122_1 and each of the second electrode monomers 132_6 include a first opening OP1 and a second opening OP2_3, respectively. According to some embodiments, each electrode portion 162 and a region of the connection line 164_2 connected to the electrode portion 162 may be disposed in each first opening OP1, and each third dummy pattern 136 may be disposed in each second opening OP2_3.

[0207] According to some embodiments, although the electrode portion 162 of the noise detection electrode 160_2 may be disposed in the same layer as the first electrode monomer 122_1 (e.g., disposed in the first layer L1_5), the electrode portion 162 of the noise detection electrode 160_2 may be disposed to be separated from the first electrode monomer 122_1. In addition, according to some embodiments, by disposing at least one insulating layer (e.g., the above-mentioned first insulating layer 170) between the connection line 164_2 and the first electrode monomer 122_1 in a region at least overlapping with the first electrode monomer 122_1, the connection line 164_2 may be disposed in a different layer from the first electrode monomer 122_1. For example, in a region at least overlapping with the first electrode monomer 122_1, the connection line 164_2 may be disposed in the second layer L2_1 separated from the first layer L1_5 by the first insulating layer 170.

[0208] Meanwhile, another region of the connection line 164_2 (e.g., at least a portion of a region overlapping each first opening OP1) may be disposed in the same layer as the electrode portion 162, and may be integrally connected to any one of the electrode portions 162. For example, one region of each connection line 164_2 may overlap the first opening OP1 disposed in any one of the first electrode monomers 122_1, and may be disposed in the same layer as the electrode portion 162 disposed in the first opening OP1 to be integrally connected to the electrode portion 162. In this case, each connection line 164_2 may include a first sub-connection line 164a disposed in the first layer L1_5 and a second sub-connection line 164b disposed in the second layer L2_1. The first sub-connection line 164a and the second sub-connection line 164b may be connected to each other through at least one contact hole (not shown).

[0209] Fig. 22 According to some exemplary embodiments, Figure 4 An embodiment of a sensing unit is shown in FIG. Fig.23A According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig. 22 The first layer of the sensing unit shown in Fig. 23B According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig. 22 The second layer of the sensing unit is shown in FIG. Fig. 22 , Fig.23A and Fig. 23B , structural elements similar or identical to those described previously are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals or symbols, and repeated detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0210] Reference Fig. 22 , Fig.23A and Fig. 23B The first electrode monomer 122_4 of the sensing electrode 120_4 and the second electrode monomer 132_7 of the driving electrode 130_7 have Fig.18 , Fig.19A and Fig.19B The electrode portion 162_2 and the third dummy pattern 136a may be arranged in a manner similar to the mesh-shaped pattern in FIG. Fig. 20 , Fig.21A and Fig.21B In the same manner as in the above, the first electrode monomer 122_4 and the second electrode monomer 132_7 are respectively arranged in the same layer (for example, the first layer L1_6). Fig. 22 , Fig.23A and Fig. 23B In the embodiment, each first electrode monomer 122_4 may have a plurality of fine lines 122a intersecting the first opening OP1, and each second electrode monomer 132_7 may have a plurality of fine lines 132a intersecting the second opening OP2_4. In this case, each electrode portion 162_2 may be divided into a plurality of sub-electrode portions 162a and may be separated from the first electrode monomer 122_4. Fig.23A and Fig. 23B As shown in FIG. 1 , the sub-electrode parts 162 a disposed in the same first opening OP1 may be electrically connected to each other through a plurality of sub-electrode lines 162 b disposed in a different layer (eg, the second layer L2_2 ) from the first electrode monomer 122_4 .

[0211] That is, each electrode portion 162_2 may include a plurality of sub-electrode portions 162a and a plurality of sub-electrode lines 162b, the plurality of sub-electrode portions 162a being disposed in a region between the fine lines 122a of the first electrode monomer 122_4 and being disposed in the same layer as the first electrode monomer 122_4, the plurality of sub-electrode lines 162b being separated from the fine lines 122a of the first electrode monomer 122_4 by disposing at least one insulating layer (e.g., the first insulating layer 170) between the sub-electrode lines 162b and the fine lines 122a of the first electrode monomer 122_4, and being electrically connected to the sub-electrode portions 162a. According to some embodiments, the sub-electrode lines 162b may be disposed in the same layer (e.g., the second layer L2_2) as the connection lines 164 configuring the same noise detection electrode 160_3, and may be integrally connected to the connection lines 164.

[0212] In the same manner as described above, the touch sensor according to various embodiments may include a noise detection electrode 160_3 disposed in the active area 101 of the sensing unit 100 to detect the noise signal Sno. In addition, the sensing unit 100 includes a first opening OP1 for reducing parasitic capacitance between the noise detection electrode 160_3, the sensing electrode 120_4, and / or the driving electrode 130_7. According to some embodiments, the sensing unit 100 may be implemented in various forms to ensure high touch sensitivity and / or uniform visual characteristics.

[0213] Fig.24 A touch sensor according to some exemplary embodiments is shown. Fig.24 In the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals or symbols are used to represent Figure 4 The structural elements are similar or identical to the structural elements in , and their detailed description will be omitted.

[0214] Reference Fig.24 In the touch sensor, a plurality of noise detection electrodes 160 share the third wiring 146. For example, the third wiring 146 may be commonly connected to one end of each noise detection electrode 160 at one side of the active area 101. According to some embodiments, the noise detection electrodes 160 may be commonly connected to the second input terminals IN2 of the plurality of sensing channels 222 through the third wiring 146. In this case, the noise detection electrode 160 may be integrated into one electrode, and therefore, the noise detection electrode 160 may be regarded as an integrated electrode. Although Fig.24 It is shown that all the noise detection electrodes 160 disposed in the active area 101 share the third wiring 146 , but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, a part of the noise detection electrodes 160 may share the third wiring 146 .

[0215] According to some embodiments, the noise detection electrodes 160 disposed in the active region 101 are commonly connected to the same third wiring 146 to be electrically connected to each other. Therefore, all noise signals Sno can be detected at once. According to some embodiments, the number of wirings disposed inside the sensing unit 100_1 can be reduced. Therefore, Fig.24 The noise reduction structure can be applied to narrow-frame touch sensors.

[0216] also, Fig.24The touch sensor may further include an amplification circuit 230 connected between the second input terminal IN2 of the sensing channel 222 and the noise detection electrode 160. According to some embodiments, the amplification circuit 230 may include at least a second amplifier AMP2. According to some embodiments, the second amplifier AMP2 may include a fifth input terminal IN5 commonly connected to the noise detection electrode 160 through a third wiring 146 and a sixth input terminal IN6 connected to the output terminal OUT3 through at least one resistor Ra. According to some embodiments, the fifth input terminal IN5 and the sixth input terminal IN6 may be an inverting input terminal and a non-inverting input terminal, respectively, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. According to some embodiments, Fig.24 The resistors Ra and Rb in represent the input impedance and output impedance of the second amplifier AMP2, respectively.

[0217] The amplifying circuit 230 may receive the noise signal Sno from the noise detecting electrode 160 through the third wiring 146, amplify the noise signal Sno to a magnitude corresponding to the gain value of the second amplifier AMP2, and output the amplified noise signal Sno2 to the sensing channel 222. At this time, by adjusting the gain value of the amplifying circuit 230, the magnitude of the amplified noise signal Sno2 input to the sensing channel 222 may be easily adjusted. Specifically, according to some embodiments, the gain value of the amplifying circuit 230 may be adjusted so that the noise component included in the sensing signal Sse1 output from the sensing electrode 120 may be effectively eliminated in the sensing channel 222.

[0218] Fig.25 A touch sensor according to some exemplary embodiments is shown. Fig.25 In the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals or symbols are used to represent the same or similar reference numerals or symbols as those used in conjunction with, for example, Figure 4 and Fig.24 The structural elements are similar or identical to the structural elements described above, and their detailed description will be omitted.

[0219] Reference Fig.25 The amplification circuit 230_1 may further include a plurality of resistors R1, R2, R3, and R4 connected in series with each other between the output terminal OUT3 of the second amplifier AMP2 and a predetermined reference power supply (e.g., GND). For example, the amplification circuit 230_1 may include resistors (e.g., resistors R1, R2, R3, and R4) whose number corresponds to the number of the sensing channels 222.

[0220] According to some embodiments, the sensing channel 222 may be connected to different nodes (e.g., nodes N1, N2, N3, and N4) between the second amplifier AMP2 and the reference power supply GND, respectively. According to some embodiments, the resistors R1, R2, R3, and R4 may be variable resistors whose resistance values ​​may be adjusted, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in at least one other embodiment, each of the resistors R1, R2, R3, and R4 may also have a predetermined fixed resistance value.

[0221] According to some embodiments, the gain value of the noise signal Sno3 input to the sensing channel 222 receiving the sensing signal Sse1 from each sensing electrode 120 may be applied differently according to the position of the sensing electrode 120. For example, if the size of the noise signal Sno input to the sensing unit 100_2 gradually decreases from the first row to the last row of the active area 101, the gain value of the noise signal Sno3 may gradually decrease from the first sensing channel 222 receiving the sensing signal Sse1 from the sensing electrode 120 in the first row to the last sensing channel 222 receiving the sensing signal Sse1 from the sensing electrode 120 in the last row.

[0222] According to some embodiments, after the noise signal Sno is measured according to the position of the sensing unit 100_2, the gain value (or attenuation amount) of the noise signal Sno3 applied to each sensing channel 222 can be individually adjusted corresponding to the size of the measured noise signal Sno. In some embodiments, the noise signal Sno of the sensing unit 100_2 can be detected together by connecting a plurality of noise detection electrodes 160 to the third wiring 146, and the gain value of the noise signal Sno3 can be adjusted differently for each sensing channel 222 using the amplification circuit 230_1. Therefore, not only can the number of wirings provided in the sensing unit 100_2 be reduced, but also the noise signal Sno in each sensing channel 222 can be effectively eliminated.

[0223] Fig.26 A touch sensor according to some exemplary embodiments is shown. Fig.26 In the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals or symbols are used to represent the same or similar reference numerals or symbols as those used in conjunction with, for example, Figure 4 , Fig.24 and Fig.25 The structural elements are similar or identical to the structural elements described above, and their detailed description will be omitted.

[0224] Reference Fig.26, the touch sensor may have a noise detection electrode 160 distributed only in one side edge region of the active region 101_1 of the sensing unit 100_3 (or distributed only on one side region of the active region 101_1 of the sensing unit 100_3). For example, the noise detection electrode 160 may be disposed only inside the first electrode monomer 122_5 and disposed in the left edge of the first electrode monomer 122_5 configuring each sensing electrode 120_5.

[0225] For example, only one first electrode monomer 122_5 disposed at one end (e.g., left edge) of the first electrode monomer 122_5 constituting each sensing electrode 120_5 may include a first opening OP1. Each noise detection electrode 160 may be configured by an electrode portion disposed inside the first opening OP1 disposed at one end of any one sensing electrode 120_5. According to some embodiments, the noise detection electrodes 160 disposed in the sensing unit 100_3 may be formed as an integrated electrode by being commonly connected to one third wiring 146.

[0226] Therefore, the noise detection electrode 160 is provided only on one side edge region of the sensing unit 100_3, thereby providing a touch sensor that is more resistant to damage such as cracks due to bending, compared to a touch sensor in which the noise detection electrode 160 is provided in the entire sensing unit (e.g., the sensing unit 100). In addition, according to some embodiments, the generation of parasitic capacitance caused by the noise detection electrode 160 and the peripheral electrodes (e.g., the sensing electrode 120_5 and the driving electrode 130) can be minimized (or at least reduced), and the noise detection electrode 160 visible to the user can be minimized (or at least reduced).

[0227] Fig. 27 A touch sensor according to some exemplary embodiments is shown. Fig. 27 In the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals or symbols are used to represent the same or similar reference numerals or symbols as those used in conjunction with, for example, Figure 4 and Figure 24 to Figure 26 The structural elements are similar or identical to the structural elements described above, and their detailed description will be omitted.

[0228] Reference Fig. 27, the touch sensor may further include a third wiring 146 commonly connected to one end of each noise detection electrode 160 and a fourth wiring 148 commonly connected to the other end of each noise detection electrode 160. For example, the noise detection electrode 160 is connected in a first direction (e.g., X direction) through a connection line 164 located inside the active area 101_2 of the sensing unit 100_4 and is connected in a second direction (e.g., Y direction) through a third wiring 146 and a fourth wiring 148 located outside the active area 101_2, thereby forming an integrated electrode. At the same time, the wiring structure of the noise detection electrode 160 is not specifically limited and may be variously modified.

[0229] Fig.28 A touch sensor according to some exemplary embodiments is shown. Fig.28 In the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals or symbols are used to represent the same or similar reference numerals or symbols as those used in conjunction with, for example, Figure 4 and Figure 24 to Figure 27 The structural elements are similar or identical to the structural elements described above, and their detailed description will be omitted.

[0230] Reference Fig.28 , the touch sensor may have noise detection electrodes 160 distributed only in the two side edge regions of the active region 101_3 of the sensing unit 100_5. For example, the noise detection electrode 160 may be disposed only in the interior of the two first electrode monomers 122_6 (such as disposed in different ends of the first electrode monomers 122_6 configuring each sensing electrode 120_6).

[0231] For example, in the first electrode monomer 122_6 that constructs each sensing electrode 120_6, any one or both of the first electrode monomer 122_6 disposed in the left edge and the first electrode monomer 122_6 disposed in the right edge may include a first opening OP1, and the other first electrode monomer 122_6 may not be provided with a first opening OP1. Each noise detection electrode 160 may be constructed by an electrode portion disposed inside the first opening OP1 disposed in one end of any one sensing electrode 120_6. In some embodiments, the noise detection electrode 160 disposed in the sensing unit 100_5 may be electrically connected to each other through the third wiring 146 and the fourth wiring 148 to form an integrated electrode. In this case, the integrated electrode may be configured as a plurality of electrode portions disposed inside each first opening OP1 disposed in both ends of each sensing electrode 120_6. According to some embodiments, the third wiring 146 and the fourth wiring 148 may be connected together to the fifth input terminal IN5 of the amplification circuit 230_1.

[0232] Therefore, the noise detection electrode 160 is provided only in a partial area of ​​the effective area 101_3 (particularly, a partial edge area of ​​the sensing unit 100_5), thereby providing a touch sensor that is more resistant to damage such as cracks due to bending, compared with a touch sensor in which the noise detection electrode 160 is dispersedly provided in the entire sensing unit (such as the sensing unit 100). In addition, by providing the noise detection electrode 160 on both sides of the sensing unit 100_5, the noise signal Sno can be more effectively detected, compared with a touch sensor in which the noise detection electrode 160 is provided only in one side of the sensing unit (such as the sensing unit 100_3). In addition, the generation of parasitic capacitance caused by the noise detection electrode 160 and the peripheral electrodes (for example, the sensing electrode 120_6 and the driving electrode 130) can be minimized (or at least reduced), and the noise detection electrode 160 visible to the user can be minimized (or at least reduced).

[0233] Fig.29 A touch sensor according to some exemplary embodiments is shown. Fig.29 In the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals or symbols are used to represent the same or similar reference numerals or symbols as those used in conjunction with, for example, Figure 4 and Figure 24 to Figure 28 The structural elements are similar or identical to the structural elements described above, and their detailed description will be omitted.

[0234] Reference Fig.29 , the touch sensor further includes a cross-connection wiring 168, which connects the noise detection electrodes 160 to each other in a second direction (e.g., Y direction) inside the effective area 101_4 of the sensing unit 100_6. For example, in the touch sensor, the noise detection electrodes 160 are connected in a first direction (e.g., X direction) through a connection line 164 located inside the effective area 101_4, and are connected in a second direction intersecting the first direction through at least one cross-connection wiring 168. For example, the noise detection electrodes 160 may be connected in a grid shape inside the effective area 101_4 to form an integrated single electrode. That is, the wiring structure of the noise detection electrode 160 is not specifically limited and may be variously modified.

[0235] Fig.30 According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig.29 An embodiment of a sensing unit is shown in FIG. Fig.30 , structural elements similar or identical to those described previously are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals or symbols, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0236] Reference Fig.30, each first opening OP1_1 may overlap with any one of the electrode portions 162 that constitute the noise detection electrode 160, and may also overlap with an area of ​​the connection line 164 that connects any one of the electrode portions 162 and an area of ​​the cross-connection wiring 168 that connects any one of the electrode portions 162. That is, in some embodiments, a partial area of ​​the first electrode monomer 122_7 of the sensing electrode 120_7 may be additionally opened corresponding to an area where the cross-connection wiring 168 is provided. For example, an area of ​​each first electrode monomer 122_7 may be opened in the first direction and the second direction around the electrode portion 162 corresponding thereto. In this case, each first opening OP1_1 may have a cross shape around the electrode portion 162.

[0237] Therefore, it is possible to reduce or minimize the overlapping area between the sensing electrode 120_7, the noise detection electrode 160, and / or the cross connection wiring 168. Therefore, it is possible to reduce or minimize the parasitic capacitance that may be generated in the sensing unit 100_6.

[0238] Fig.31 A touch sensor according to some exemplary embodiments is shown. Fig.31 In the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals or symbols are used to represent the same or similar reference numerals or symbols as those used in conjunction with, for example, Fig.24 The structural elements are similar or identical to the structural elements described above, and their detailed description will be omitted.

[0239] Reference Fig.31 The sensing unit 100_1 may have a structure in which at least one of the above-described embodiments is applied (eg, in combination with Fig.24 However, Fig.31 Embodiments of the structure of the sensing unit 100_1 are not limited thereto. For example, within the range in which the sensing unit 100_1 includes the sensing electrode 120 and at least one noise detection electrode 160 corresponding to the sensing electrode 120, the structure of the sensing unit 100_1 may be variously changed. For example, in at least one other embodiment, the sensing electrode 120 may overlap the electrode portion 162 of the noise detection electrode 160, and the first opening OP1 corresponding to the noise detection electrode 160 may not be included.

[0240] In some embodiments, the amplification circuit 230_2 may further include a plurality of variable resistors VR1, VR2, VR3, and VR4 connected in parallel between the output terminal OUT3 of the second amplifier AMP2 and a predetermined reference power supply (e.g., GND). For example, the amplification circuit 230_2 may include variable resistors VR1, VR2, VR3, and VR4 corresponding in number to the number of the sensing channels 222.

[0241] According to some embodiments, the sensing channel 222 may be connected to different variable resistors among the variable resistors VR1, VR2, VR3, and VR4 provided in the amplification circuit 230_2. For example, the second input terminal IN21 of the first sensing channel 222a may be connected to the first variable resistor VR1, and the second input terminal IN22 of the second sensing channel 222b may be connected to the second variable resistor VR2. In addition, the second input terminal IN23 of the third sensing channel 222c may be connected to the third variable resistor VR3, and the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth sensing channel 222d may be connected to the fourth variable resistor VR4.

[0242] Therefore, according to the size of the noise component included in the sensing signal Sse1 input to each sensing channel (e.g., one of the sensing channels 222a to 222d), the gain value of the noise signal Sno4 input to the second input terminal (e.g., one of the second input terminals IN21 to IN24) of one corresponding sensing channel (e.g., one of the sensing channels 222a to 222d) can be independently adjusted. For example, according to the position of the sensing electrode 120, the gain value of the noise signal Sno4 input to the sensing channels 222a to 222d connected to each sensing electrode 120 can be differently applied. For example, if the size of the noise signal Sno detected via the sensing unit 100_1 gradually decreases from the first row to the last row of the active area 101, the gain value of the noise signal Sno4 can gradually decrease from the first sensing channel 222a connected to the sensing electrode 120 of the first row to the fourth sensing channel 222d connected to the sensing electrode 120 of the last row. Therefore, according to the vertical position (eg, Y coordinate) of the sensing electrode 120 in the sensing unit 100_1 , the gain value can be independently adjusted to more effectively eliminate the noise component included in the sensing signal Sse1 .

[0243] In addition, according to some embodiments, during the period of sequentially driving the driving electrodes 130, the resistance values ​​of the variable resistors VR1, VR2, VR3, and VR4 can be adjusted in units of sub-periods for driving each driving electrode 130, so that the gain value of the noise signal Sno4 can be independently adjusted in units of sub-periods. Therefore, it is also possible to compensate for the size deviation of the noise caused by the lateral position (e.g., X coordinate) of the sensing unit 100_1. For example, it is also possible to compensate for the size deviation of the noise caused by the lateral deviation of the impedance of the common electrode or cathode electrode of the display panel 300. Therefore, according to some embodiments, the noise component contained in the sensing signal Sse1 can be eliminated more accurately and effectively.

[0244] Fig.32 According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig.31 An embodiment of a method for adjusting a gain value of a noise signal in a touch sensor is shown.

[0245] Reference Fig.32 , during the period Pe of sequentially driving the driving electrodes 130, the resistance values ​​of the variable resistors VR1, VR2, VR3, and VR4 may be adjusted in units of sub-periods SP1, SP2, and SP3 of driving each driving electrode 130. In this way, the gain value of the noise signal Sno4 input to the second input terminals IN21 to IN24 of the sensing channels 222a to 222d may be independently adjusted for each sub-period SP1, SP2, and SP3. For convenience, according to some embodiments, in the following description, Fig.31 A method of adjusting the gain value of the noise signal Sno4 will be described below on the assumption that three driving electrodes 130 are provided in the sensing unit 100_1 .

[0246] First, the driving signal Sdr may be supplied to the first driving electrode 130 (hereinafter, referred to as "Tx1 electrode") provided in the first column of the sensing unit 100_1 during the first sub-period SP1. During the first sub-period SP1, the first gain value Gain1 according to the first variable resistor VR1 may be set to the eleventh gain G11, the second gain value Gain2 according to the second variable resistor VR2 may be set to the twenty-first gain G21, the third gain value Gain3 according to the third variable resistor VR3 may be set to the thirty-first gain G31, and the fourth gain value Gain4 according to the fourth variable resistor VR4 may be set to the forty-first gain G41. Then, during the first sub-period SP1, the noise signal Sno4 amplified to the extent corresponding to the eleventh gain G11 is input to the second input terminal IN21 of the first sensing channel 222a, and the noise signal Sno4 amplified to the extent corresponding to the twenty-first gain G21 is input to the second input terminal IN22 of the second sensing channel 222b. In addition, during the first sub-period SP1, the noise signal Sno4 amplified to a degree corresponding to the 31st gain G31 is input to the second input terminal IN23 of the third sensing channel 222c, and the noise signal Sno4 amplified to a degree corresponding to the 41st gain G41 is input to the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth sensing channel 222d. In this way, the 11th gain G11 to the 41st gain G41 are set to values ​​through which the noise components contained in the sensing signal Sse1 can be effectively eliminated in the respective sensing channels 222a to 222d during the first sub-period SP1.

[0247] Next, during the second sub-period SP2 after the first sub-period SP1, the driving signal Sdr may be supplied to the second driving electrode 130 (hereinafter, referred to as "Tx2 electrode") provided in the second column of the sensing unit 100_1. During the second sub-period SP2, the first gain value Gain1 according to the first variable resistor VR1 may be set to the twelfth gain G12, the second gain value Gain2 according to the second variable resistor VR2 may be set to the twenty-second gain G22, the third gain value Gain3 according to the third variable resistor VR3 may be set to the thirty-second gain G32, and the fourth gain value Gain4 according to the fourth variable resistor VR4 may be set to the forty-second gain G42. Then, during the second sub-period SP2, the noise signal Sno4 amplified to the extent corresponding to the twelfth gain G12 is input to the second input terminal IN21 of the first sensing channel 222a, and the noise signal Sno4 amplified to the extent corresponding to the twenty-second gain G22 is input to the second input terminal IN22 of the second sensing channel 222b. In addition, during the second sub-period SP2, the noise signal Sno4 amplified to a degree corresponding to the 32nd gain G32 is input to the second input terminal IN23 of the third sensing channel 222c, and the noise signal Sno4 amplified to a degree corresponding to the 42nd gain G42 is input to the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth sensing channel 222d. In this way, the 12th gain G12 to the 42nd gain G42 can be set to values ​​through which the noise components included in the sensing signal Sse1 can be effectively eliminated in the respective sensing channels 222a to 222d during the second sub-period SP2.

[0248] Next, during the third sub-period SP3 after the second sub-period SP2, the driving signal Sdr may be supplied to the third driving electrode 130 (hereinafter, referred to as "Tx3 electrode") provided in the third column of the sensing unit 100_1. During the third sub-period SP3, the first gain value Gain1 according to the first variable resistor VR1 may be set to the thirteenth gain G13, the second gain value Gain2 according to the second variable resistor VR2 may be set to the twenty-third gain G23, the third gain value Gain3 according to the third variable resistor VR3 may be set to the thirty-third gain G33, and the fourth gain value Gain4 according to the fourth variable resistor VR4 may be set to the forty-third gain G43. Then, during the third sub-period SP3, the noise signal Sno4 amplified to the extent corresponding to the thirteenth gain G13 is input to the second input terminal IN21 of the first sensing channel 222a, and the noise signal Sno4 amplified to the extent corresponding to the twenty-third gain G23 is input to the second input terminal IN22 of the second sensing channel 222b. In addition, during the third sub-period SP3, the noise signal Sno4 amplified to a degree corresponding to the 33rd gain G33 is input to the second input terminal IN23 of the third sensing channel 222c, and the noise signal Sno4 amplified to a degree corresponding to the 43rd gain G43 is input to the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth sensing channel 222d. In this way, the 13th gain G13 to the 43rd gain G43 can be set to values ​​through which the noise component included in the sensing signal Sse1 can be effectively eliminated in the respective sensing channels 222a to 222d during the third sub-period SP3.

[0249] According to some embodiments, the Tx1 electrode to the Tx3 electrode can be repeatedly and sequentially driven in the aforementioned manner. According to some embodiments, the gain value of the noise signal Sno4 can be applied differently according to each position (e.g., two-dimensional XY coordinates) of the sensing unit 100_1. Therefore, the noise component included in the sensing signal Sse1 can be more effectively eliminated.

[0250] Fig.33 According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig.31 An embodiment of the amplifier circuit is shown in FIG. Fig.33 In the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals or symbols are used to represent Fig.31 The configuration elements of the amplifier circuit are similar or identical to the configuration elements, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0251] Reference Fig.33The amplification circuit 230_3 includes: a second amplifier AMP2, connected to the noise detection electrode 160 through a third wiring 146; a plurality of resistor groups GR1, GR2 and GR3, connected in parallel to the output terminal OUT3 of the second amplifier AMP2; and a first switch unit 232, connected between the second amplifier AMP2 and the resistor groups GR1, GR2 and GR3.

[0252] According to some embodiments, the first switch unit 232 includes a plurality of switches SW1, SW2, and SW3 connected between the output terminal OUT3 of the second amplifier AMP2 and the respective resistor groups GR1, GR2, and GR3. For example, the first switch unit 232 may include: a first switch SW1 connected between the output terminal OUT3 of the second amplifier AMP2 and the first resistor group GR1; a second switch SW2 connected between the output terminal OUT3 of the second amplifier AMP2 and the second resistor group GR2; and a third switch SW3 connected between the output terminal OUT3 of the second amplifier AMP2 and the third resistor group GR3.

[0253] According to some embodiments, each of the resistor groups GR1, GR2, and GR3 may include a plurality of resistors VR11, VR21, VR31, VR41, VR12, VR22, VR32, VR42, VR13, VR23, VR33, and VR43 (hereinafter, collectively referred to as "VR11 to VR43") connected to different sensing channels among the sensing channels 222a to 222d and connected in parallel with each other. For example, the first resistor group GR1 may include: an eleventh resistor VR11 connected to the second input terminal IN21 of the first sensing channel 222a; a twenty-first resistor VR21 connected to the second input terminal IN22 of the second sensing channel 222b; a thirty-first resistor VR31 connected to the second input terminal IN23 of the third sensing channel 222c; and a forty-first resistor VR41 connected to the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth sensing channel 222d. The second resistor group GR2 may include: a twelfth resistor VR12 connected to the second input terminal IN21 of the first sensing channel 222a; a twenty-second resistor VR22 connected to the second input terminal IN22 of the second sensing channel 222b; a thirty-second resistor VR32 connected to the second input terminal IN23 of the third sensing channel 222c; and a forty-second resistor VR42 connected to the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth sensing channel 222d. The third resistor group GR3 may include: a thirteenth resistor VR13 connected to the second input terminal IN21 of the first sensing channel 222a; a twenty-third resistor VR23 connected to the second input terminal IN22 of the second sensing channel 222b; a thirty-third resistor VR33 connected to the second input terminal IN23 of the third sensing channel 222c; and a forty-third resistor VR43 connected to the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth sensing channel 222d.

[0254] According to some embodiments, each of the resistors VR11 to VR43 included in the resistor groups GR1, GR2, and GR3 may be configured as a variable resistor, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in at least one other embodiment, the resistors VR11 to VR43 may have a fixed resistance value.

[0255] In addition, according to some embodiments, the amplification circuit 230_3 further includes a second switch unit 234 connected between each of the sensing channels 222a to 222d and the resistor groups GR1, GR2, and GR3. According to some embodiments, the second switch unit 234 includes: an eleventh switch SW11 connected between the second input terminal IN21 of the first sensing channel 222a and the eleventh resistor VR11; a twelfth switch SW12 connected between the second input terminal IN21 of the first sensing channel 222a and the twelfth resistor VR12; a thirteenth switch SW13 connected between the second input terminal IN21 of the first sensing channel 222a and the thirteenth resistor VR13; a twenty-first switch SW21 connected between the second input terminal IN22 of the second sensing channel 222b and the twenty-first resistor VR21; a twenty-second switch SW22 connected between the second input terminal IN22 of the second sensing channel 222b and the twenty-second resistor VR22; and a twenty-third switch SW23 connected between the second input terminal IN22 of the second sensing channel 222b and the twenty-third resistor VR23. In addition, the second switch unit 234 includes: a thirty-first switch SW31, connected between the second input terminal IN23 of the third sensing channel 222c and the thirty-first resistor VR31; a thirty-second switch SW32, connected between the second input terminal IN23 of the third sensing channel 222c and the thirty-second resistor VR32; a thirty-third switch SW33, connected between the second input terminal IN23 of the third sensing channel 222c and the thirty-third resistor VR33; a forty-first switch SW41, connected between the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth sensing channel 222d and the forty-first resistor VR41; a forty-second switch SW42, connected between the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth sensing channel 222d and the forty-second resistor VR42; and a forty-third switch SW43, connected between the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth sensing channel 222d and the forty-third resistor VR43.

[0256] Therefore, according to each position (eg, two-dimensional XY coordinates) of the sensing unit 100_1, the gain value of the noise signal Sno can be independently set. In this way, the noise component included in the sensing signal Sse1 can be more effectively eliminated.

[0257] Fig.34 According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig.33 For the convenience of explanation and description, the embodiment of the method for adjusting the gain value of the noise signal by using the amplifier circuit shown in FIG. Fig.31 The method is described with reference to the configuration of the sensing unit 100_1.

[0258] Reference Fig.34, during the first sub-period SP1, the driving signal Sdr may be supplied to the Tx1 electrode provided in the first column of the sensing unit 100_1. During the first sub-period SP1, the first switch SW1 connected to the first resistor group GR1 among the switches SW1 to SW3 provided in the first switching unit 232 is turned on. In addition, during the first sub-period SP1, the eleventh switch SW11, the twenty-first switch SW21, the thirty-first switch SW31, and the forty-first switch SW41 connected to the first resistor group GR1 among the switches SW11 to SW43 provided in the second switching unit 234 are turned on. Therefore, the sensing channels 222a to 222d receive the noise signal Sno4 through the first resistor group GR1.

[0259] During the first sub-period SP1, the second input terminal IN21 of the first sensing channel 222a receives the noise signal Sno4 amplified to a degree corresponding to the eleventh gain G11 according to the eleventh resistor VR11, and the second input terminal IN22 of the second sensing channel 222b receives the noise signal Sno4 amplified to a degree corresponding to the twenty-first gain G21 according to the twenty-first resistor VR21. In addition, during the first sub-period SP1, the second input terminal IN23 of the third sensing channel 222c receives the noise signal Sno4 amplified to a degree corresponding to the thirty-first gain G31 according to the thirty-first resistor VR31, and the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth sensing channel 222d receives the noise signal Sno4 amplified to a degree corresponding to the forty-first gain G41 according to the forty-first resistor VR41. At this time, the eleventh gain G11 to the forty-first gain G41 can be set to values ​​through which the noise components contained in the sensing signal Sse1 can be effectively eliminated in the respective sensing channels 222a to 222d during the first sub-period SP1.

[0260] Next, during the second sub-period SP2 after the first sub-period SP1, the driving signal Sdr may be supplied to the Tx2 electrode provided in the second column of the sensing unit 100_1. During the second sub-period SP2, the second switch SW2 connected to the second resistor group GR2 among the switches SW1 to SW3 provided in the first switching unit 232 is turned on. In addition, during the second sub-period SP2, the twelfth switch SW12, the twenty-second switch SW22, the thirty-second switch SW32, and the forty-second switch SW42 connected to the second resistor group GR2 among the switches SW11 to SW43 provided in the second switching unit 234 are turned on. Therefore, the sensing channels 222a to 222d receive the noise signal Sno4 through the second resistor group GR2.

[0261] During the second sub-period SP2, the noise signal Sno4 amplified to a degree corresponding to the twelfth gain G12 according to the twelfth resistor VR12 is input to the second input terminal IN21 of the first sensing channel 222a, and the noise signal Sno4 amplified to a degree corresponding to the twelfth gain G22 according to the twenty-second resistor VR22 is input to the second input terminal IN22 of the second sensing channel 222b. In addition, during the second sub-period SP2, the noise signal Sno4 amplified to a degree corresponding to the thirty-second gain G32 according to the thirty-second resistor VR32 is input to the second input terminal IN23 of the third sensing channel 222c, and the noise signal Sno4 amplified to a degree corresponding to the forty-second gain G42 according to the forty-second resistor VR42 is input to the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth sensing channel 222d. In this way, the twelfth gain G12 to the forty-second gain G42 can be set to values ​​by which the noise components contained in the sensing signal Sse1 can be effectively eliminated in the respective sensing channels 222a to 222d during the second sub-period SP2.

[0262] Next, during the third sub-period SP3 after the second sub-period SP2, the driving signal Sdr may be supplied to the Tx3 electrode provided in the third column of the sensing unit 100. During the third sub-period SP3, the third switch SW3 connected to the third resistor group GR3 among the switches SW1 to SW3 provided in the first switching unit 232 is turned on. In addition, during the third sub-period SP3, the thirteenth switch SW13, the twenty-third switch SW23, the thirty-third switch SW33, and the forty-third switch SW43 connected to the third resistor group GR3 among the switches SW11 to SW43 provided in the second switching unit 234 are turned on. Therefore, the sensing channels 222a to 222d receive the noise signal Sno4 through the third resistor group GR3.

[0263] During the third sub-period SP3, the noise signal Sno4 amplified to a degree corresponding to the thirteenth gain G13 according to the thirteenth resistor VR13 is input to the second input terminal IN21 of the first sensing channel 222a, and the noise signal Sno4 amplified to a degree corresponding to the twenty-third gain G23 according to the twenty-third resistor VR23 is input to the second input terminal IN22 of the second sensing channel 222b. In addition, during the third sub-period SP3, the noise signal Sno4 amplified to a degree corresponding to the thirty-third gain G33 according to the thirty-third resistor VR33 is input to the second input terminal IN23 of the third sensing channel 222c, and the noise signal Sno4 amplified to a degree corresponding to the forty-third gain G43 according to the forty-third resistor VR43 is input to the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth sensing channel 222d. In this way, the thirteenth gain G13 to the forty-third gain G43 can be set to values ​​through which the noise components contained in the sensing signal Sse1 can be effectively eliminated in the respective sensing channels 222a to 222d during the third sub-period SP3.

[0264] When the Tx1 electrode to the Tx3 electrode are repeatedly and sequentially driven in the manner described above, the noise signal Sno4 may be supplied to each of the sensing channels 222a to 222d. According to some embodiments, the gain value of the noise signal Sno4 is independently set according to each position (e.g., two-dimensional XY coordinates) of the sensing unit 100_1, so that the noise component included in the sensing signal Sse1 may be more effectively eliminated.

[0265] While certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this description. Accordingly, the inventive concept is not limited to such embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the presented claims and various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements.

Claims

1. A touch sensor, comprising: A first electrode including a plurality of first electrode monomers arranged in a first direction and each including at least one first opening and at least one first connection portion connecting the plurality of first electrode monomers in the first direction; a second electrode comprising: a plurality of electrode portions, each of which is disposed inside the first opening of each of the plurality of first electrode units; and at least one connection pattern connecting the plurality of electrode portions in the first direction, the plurality of electrode portions being arranged on the same layer as the plurality of first electrode units and being separated from the first electrode; and The third electrode includes a plurality of second electrode monomers arranged in a second direction and at least one second connection portion connecting the plurality of second electrode monomers. The first opening has a closed loop shape and includes: a central portion in which the electrode portion is disposed; and at least one extension portion extending from the central portion in the first direction, and Wherein, the at least one connection pattern includes: a first sub-connection line, which is arranged in the extension portion of the first opening and is integrally connected to the electrode portion; and a second sub-connection line, which is connected to the electrode portion through the first sub-connection line and is on a different layer from the first sub-connection line, and the second sub-connection line and the at least one second connection portion are arranged on the same layer but separated from each other.

2. The touch sensor according to claim 1, wherein: A region of the second sub-connection line overlapping at least one of the plurality of first electrode cells is disposed in a different layer from the plurality of first electrode cells, and an insulating layer is interposed between the region of the second sub-connection line and the plurality of first electrode cells.

3. The touch sensor according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of first electrode units includes a plurality of fine lines crossing the first opening; and The second electrode includes: a plurality of sub-electrode portions, which are arranged in the area between the plurality of fine lines and separated from each other, constituting each electrode portion among the plurality of electrode portions; and a plurality of sub-electrode lines, which are arranged in a layer separated from the plurality of sub-electrode portions and an insulating layer is placed between the plurality of sub-electrode portions and the plurality of sub-electrode lines, and electrically connect the plurality of sub-electrode portions to each other.

4. The touch sensor according to claim 1, further comprising: The driving circuit supplies a driving signal to the third electrode.

5. The touch sensor according to claim 4, wherein: The third electrode is separated from the first electrode and the second electrode and includes at least one second opening.

6. The touch sensor according to claim 5, further comprising: At least one fourth electrode is disposed inside the second opening and is separated from the third electrode.

7. The touch sensor according to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of first electrodes, including said first electrode; a plurality of second electrodes, including the second electrode; Multiple sensing channels; as well as A processor receives output signals of the plurality of sensing channels; and detecting a touch input based on the output signal, in: A first terminal of each of the plurality of sensing channels is connected to a different first electrode of the plurality of first electrodes; A second terminal of each of the plurality of sensing channels is connected to at least one second electrode of the plurality of second electrodes; and Each of the plurality of sensing channels generates an output signal corresponding to a voltage difference between the first terminal and the second terminal.

8. The touch sensor according to claim 7, wherein: The plurality of second electrodes are electrically connected to each other.

9. The touch sensor according to claim 8, further comprising: At least one wiring is commonly connected to one end of each of the plurality of second electrodes.

10. The touch sensor according to claim 9, further comprising: At least one other wiring is commonly connected to the other end of each of the plurality of second electrodes.

11. The touch sensor according to claim 7, wherein: Each of the plurality of first electrodes comprises: the plurality of first electrode monomers, each of the plurality of first electrode monomers comprising the at least one first opening; and the at least one first connecting portion connecting the plurality of first electrode monomers in the first direction; Each of the plurality of second electrodes comprises: the plurality of electrode portions disposed inside the first openings of the plurality of first electrode units included in any one of the plurality of first electrodes; and the at least one connection pattern connecting the plurality of electrode portions in the first direction; and The touch sensor further includes at least one cross-connection wiring extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, the cross-connection wiring crossing the plurality of second electrodes and connecting the plurality of second electrodes to each other.

12. The touch sensor according to claim 11, wherein: The at least one first opening overlaps any one of the plurality of electrode portions, and also overlaps one region of the connection pattern connected to any one of the plurality of electrode portions and one region of the cross connection wiring.

13. The touch sensor according to claim 7, further comprising: an amplifying circuit connected between the plurality of second electrodes and the second terminals of the plurality of sensing channels, Wherein, the amplifying circuit includes an amplifier commonly connected to the plurality of second electrodes.

14. The touch sensor according to claim 13, wherein: The amplifying circuit further includes a plurality of resistors connected in series with each other between an output terminal of the amplifier and a reference power supply; and The plurality of sensing channels are connected to different ones of nodes between the output terminal of the amplifier and the reference power supply.

15. The touch sensor according to claim 13, wherein: The amplification circuit further includes a plurality of variable resistors connected in parallel to an output terminal of the amplifier; and The plurality of sensing channels are connected to different variable resistors among the plurality of variable resistors.

16. The touch sensor according to claim 13, wherein: The amplifying circuit further comprises: a plurality of resistor groups connected in parallel to output terminals of the amplifier; and The first switch unit includes a plurality of switches connected between the output terminal of the amplifier and each of the plurality of resistor groups.

17. The touch sensor according to claim 16, wherein: each resistor group of the plurality of resistor groups includes a plurality of resistors connected to a different one of the plurality of sensing channels; and The plurality of resistors are connected in parallel to each other.

18. The touch sensor according to claim 17, wherein: The amplifying circuit further includes a second switching unit including a plurality of switches connected between each of the plurality of sensing channels and the plurality of resistor groups.

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