Display device including touch sensor

Abstract

Disclosed is a display device including a display panel having a short side and a long side, and a touch sensor located on the display panel and including a sensing area and a non-sensing area located around the sensing area, wherein the touch sensor includes a first touch electrode unit including a plurality of first touch electrodes located in the sensing area, the first touch electrode unit extending in a direction in which the short side of the display panel extends, and each of the plurality of first touch electrodes including a first opening, a second touch electrode unit including a plurality of second touch electrodes located in the sensing area, the second touch electrode unit extending in a direction in which the long side of the display panel extends, and each of the plurality of second touch electrodes including a second opening, and a pressure sensor including a strain gauge, at least a portion of the strain gauge being positioned in the sensing area.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0020789, filed on February 20, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Some exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to display devices including touch sensors. Background Technology

[0004] Display devices can be used to display images and are integrated into various electronic devices (such as smartphones, tablet PCs, digital cameras, laptops, navigators, and televisions) for displaying images to users. Display devices typically include a display panel for generating and displaying images, as well as various input devices.

[0005] In the fields of smartphones and tablet PCs, touch sensors, which are used to recognize touch input, can be used as input devices for display devices. Touch sensors tend to replace physical input devices such as keypads due to their ease of use.

[0006] In addition to touch sensors used to detect touch location, pressure sensors can be used to detect pressure intensity by applying pressure sensors, which serve as alternatives to physical buttons, to the display device.

[0007] The information disclosed in this Background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background art, and therefore the information discussed in this Background section does not necessarily constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Some exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a display device that includes a touch sensor capable of detecting pressure.

[0009] However, the aspects of the invention according to embodiments are not limited to those specifically set forth herein. The above and other aspects of the invention according to embodiments will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon which this invention pertains from the following detailed description of the invention.

[0010] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a display device includes: a display panel having a short side and a long side; and a touch sensor positioned on the display panel and including a sensing area and a non-sensing area surrounding the sensing area, wherein the touch sensor includes a first touch electrode unit, a second touch electrode unit, and a pressure sensor, the first touch electrode unit including a plurality of first touch electrodes positioned in the sensing area, the first touch electrode unit extending in a direction extending along the short side of the display panel, and each of the plurality of first touch electrodes including a first opening, the second touch electrode unit including a plurality of second touch electrodes positioned in the sensing area, the second touch electrode unit extending in a direction extending along the long side of the display panel, and each of the plurality of second touch electrodes including a second opening, the pressure sensor including a strain gauge, at least a portion of the strain gauge being positioned in the sensing area, wherein, in the second opening of at least one of the plurality of second touch electrodes, the strain gauge includes a plurality of first resistance lines and a plurality of second resistance lines electrically connected to each other in the direction extending along the long side of the display panel.

[0011] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a display device includes: a display panel including a first display area having a short side and a long side and a second display area curving downward along a long side of the first display area; a touch sensor positioned on the display panel and including a sensing area and a non-sensing area located around the sensing area, wherein the touch sensor includes a first touch electrode unit, a second touch electrode unit and a pressure sensor, the first touch electrode unit including a plurality of first touch electrodes positioned in the sensing area, the first touch electrode unit extending in a direction extending along the short side of the first display area, and each of the plurality of first touch electrodes including a first opening, the second touch electrode unit including a plurality of second touch electrodes positioned in the sensing area, the second touch electrode unit extending in a direction extending along the long side of the first display area, and each of the plurality of second touch electrodes including a second opening, the pressure sensor including a strain gauge, at least a portion of the strain gauge being positioned in the sensing area, wherein, in the second opening of at least one of the plurality of second touch electrodes, the strain gauge includes a plurality of first resistance lines and a plurality of second resistance lines electrically connected to each other in a direction extending along the long side of the first display area. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The above and other aspects and features of the invention will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings, which describe some exemplary embodiments of the invention in more detail with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a display device according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0014] Figure 2This is a schematic perspective view of a display device according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0015] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device taken by line X1-X1';

[0016] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device taken by line X3-X3';

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 and Figure 4 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the touch sensor layer shown;

[0018] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 and Figure 4 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the upper insulating layer shown;

[0019] Figure 7 This is a schematic plan view of a display panel included in a display device according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0020] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 An exemplary circuit diagram of the pixels shown;

[0021] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of the pixel shown and the display device including the pixel;

[0022] Figure 10 This is an exemplary block diagram of a touch sensor included in a display device according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0023] Figure 11 This is a view illustrating a touch sensor according to some exemplary embodiments, showing the planar structure of the unfolded touch sensor layer and the connection relationship between the touch sensor layer and the touch controller;

[0024] Figure 12 It is shown Figure 11 A planar view of the first and second pressure sensors shown in the diagram;

[0025] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 An enlarged plan view of the first and second resistance wires of the strain gauge shown in the figure.

[0026] Figure 14 yes Figure 11An enlarged plan view of the first pressure sensor and the first and second touch electrode units located around the first pressure sensor;

[0027] Figure 15 This is an enlarged plan view of a first pressure sensor and a first touch electrode unit and a second touch electrode unit located around the first pressure sensor, according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0028] Figure 16 It is along Figure 14 A schematic cross-sectional view of the touch sensor layer taken by line X18-X18';

[0029] Figure 17 It is along Figure 14 A schematic cross-sectional view of the touch sensor layer taken by line X19-X19';

[0030] Figure 18 This is a view illustrating the touch position detection operation of a touch sensor according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0031] Figure 19 It is shown schematically. Figure 11 A plan view showing the connection relationship between the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, the pressure wiring, and the Wheatstone bridge circuit unit;

[0032] Figure 20 This is a schematic plan view illustrating the connection relationships between a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, pressure wiring, and a Wheatstone bridge circuit unit according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0033] Figure 21 It is shown Figure 19 A view of the Wheatstone bridge circuit unit connected to the first pressure sensor shown;

[0034] Figure 22 It is shown Figure 20 A view of the Wheatstone bridge circuit unit connected to the first pressure sensor shown;

[0035] Figure 23 This is a view illustrating a touch sensor according to some exemplary embodiments, showing the planar structure of the unfolded touch sensor layer and the connection relationship between the touch sensor layer and the touch controller;

[0036] Figure 24 This is a view illustrating a touch sensor according to some exemplary embodiments, showing the planar structure of the unfolded touch sensor layer and the connection relationship between the touch sensor layer and the touch controller;

[0037] Figure 25 This is a view illustrating a touch sensor according to some exemplary embodiments, showing the planar structure of the unfolded touch sensor layer and the connection relationship between the touch sensor layer and the touch controller;

[0038] Figure 26 It is shown Figure 25 A planar structure view of the first pressure sensor and temperature sensing pattern shown in the figure;

[0039] Figure 27 yes Figure 25 and Figure 26 An enlarged view of the conductive pattern of the temperature sensing pattern shown.

[0040] Figure 28 It is a conceptual representation Figure 25 A view showing the connection relationships between the first pressure sensor, temperature sensing pattern, pressure wiring, and Wheatstone bridge circuit unit;

[0041] Figure 29 It is shown Figure 28 A view of the Wheatstone bridge circuit unit connected to the first pressure sensor;

[0042] Figure 30 This is a conceptual view illustrating the connections between a first pressure sensor, a temperature sensing pattern, pressure wiring, and a Wheatstone bridge circuit unit according to some exemplary embodiments; and

[0043] Figure 31 It is shown Figure 30 A view of the Wheatstone bridge circuit unit connected to the first pressure sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Some exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. However, the invention may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be more thorough and complete, and will more fully convey to those skilled in the art the scope of embodiments according to the invention. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same components. In the drawings, the thickness of layers and regions is exaggerated for clarity.

[0045] It should also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "on" another layer or substrate, it may be directly on that other layer or substrate, or there may be an intervening layer. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly" on another element, there is no intervening element.

[0046] While 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. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of one or more exemplary embodiments, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element. The description of an element as a “first” element does not require or imply the existence of a second element or other elements. The terms “first,” “second,” etc., may also be used herein to distinguish different categories or sets of elements. For the sake of brevity, the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may respectively represent “first category (or first set),” “second category (or second set),” etc.

[0047] Some aspects of exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to perspective views, sectional views, and / or plan views in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated. Therefore, the outlines of the exemplary views may be modified depending on manufacturing techniques and / or allowances. That is, embodiments of the invention are not intended to limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments described herein, but rather to cover all variations and modifications that may arise due to variations in manufacturing processes. Therefore, the areas shown in the drawings are illustrated in schematic form, and the shapes of these areas are presented only by way of example and not as a limitation.

[0048] For ease of description, the dimensions and thickness of each component shown in the accompanying drawings are illustrated, and embodiments of the invention are not necessarily limited to the dimensions and thicknesses of the illustrated components.

[0049] In the following description, some exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Figure 1 These are schematic perspective views of a display device according to some exemplary embodiments, and Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of a display device according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0051] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display device 1 can be applied to portable terminals, etc. Examples of portable terminals may include tablet PCs, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), game consoles, and watch-type electronic devices. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to a specific type of display device 1. For example, according to some exemplary embodiments, the display device 1 can be used not only in large electronic devices such as televisions or outdoor billboards, but also in small and medium-sized electronic devices such as personal computers, laptops, car navigation systems, smartwatches, and cameras.

[0052] Unless otherwise defined, as used herein, “on,” “above,” “top,” “upper side,” or “upper surface” means the direction of the arrow in the third direction Z, which intersects the first direction X and the second direction Y in the figure, and “below,” “under,” “bottom,” “lower side,” or “lower surface” means the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow in the third direction Z.

[0053] refer to Figure 1 The display device 1 can be disposed on at least one surface of the portable terminal. Here, the at least one surface can be the upper surface of the portable terminal. The display device 1 may include a first region A1, a second region A2, and a third region A3 disposed on different planes from each other.

[0054] The first region A1 may include two short sides extending in a first direction X and two long sides extending in a second direction Y intersecting the first direction X. The edge where the long and short sides of the first region A1 meet may form a curved surface. Furthermore, the planar shape of the first region A1 is not limited to this and may be circular or other shapes. The first region A1 may be placed or arranged on a first plane. According to some exemplary embodiments, the first region A1 of the display device 1 may be used as a main display surface.

[0055] The second region A2 is positioned along one long side of the first region A1 and is connected to the first region A1, but is curved or warped from the first region A1. The second region A2 may be placed on a second plane having an intersection angle (e.g., a set or predetermined intersection angle) relative to the first plane, or may have a curved surface. According to some exemplary embodiments, the second region A2 may be curved or warped from the first region A1 toward the underside of the first region A1.

[0056] A third region A3 is positioned along the other long side of the first region A1 and is connected to the first region A1, but is curved or warped from the first region A1. That is, the third region A3 may be positioned on the opposite side of the second region A2, and the first region A1 is positioned between the third region A3 and the second region A2. The third region A3 may be placed on a third plane having an intersection angle (e.g., a set or predetermined intersection angle) relative to the first plane, or may have a curved surface. According to some exemplary embodiments, the third region A3 may be curved or warped from the first region A1 toward the underside of the first region A1.

[0057] refer to Figure 2 According to some exemplary embodiments, the first region A1', the second region A2', and the third region A3' may be placed on the same plane. Optionally, only one of the second and third regions may be placed on the same plane as the first region.

[0058] According to some exemplary embodiments, at least one of the lengths of the second region A2 in the second direction Y and the third region A3 in the second direction Y may be the same as the length of the first region A1 in the second direction Y.

[0059] In the following description, an embodiment in which the first region A1 of the display device 1 is a flat portion, the second region A2 is a first side portion, and the third region A3 is a second side portion will be described as an example, but the embodiments according to the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0060] When the display device 1 is divided into regions based on whether or not an image is displayed, the display device 1 includes a display area IDA in which an image is displayed and a peripheral area INDA adjacent to the display area IDA. The display area IDA is the region in which an image is displayed, and the peripheral area INDA may be the region in which no image is displayed.

[0061] According to some exemplary embodiments, the display area IDA may be positioned across the first area A1, the second area A2, and the third area A3 (e.g., positioned to overlap with the first area A1, the second area A2, and the third area A3), and the peripheral area INDA may surround the display area IDA. According to some exemplary embodiments, the portions positioned in the first area A1 and the portions positioned in the second area A2 of the display area IDA may be continuous and not separated from each other, and the portions positioned in the first area A1 and the portions positioned in the third area A3 of the display area IDA may also be continuous and not separated from each other.

[0062] According to some exemplary embodiments, the display device 1 may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor can be used as an input device for the display device 1 and can replace physical buttons. Illustratively, the pressure sensor can be used as a volume button, power button, menu button, etc., of the display device 1.

[0063] As an example, a case is shown where at least one pressure sensor is disposed in the first region A1. The pressure sensor may be disposed along the second direction Y. When the pressure sensor is disposed along the second direction Y, the sensing sensitivity of the pressure sensor to pressure applied perpendicular to the length direction of the display device 1 is improved. At least one pressure sensor may include a first pressure sensor PS1 and a second pressure sensor PS2.

[0064] According to some exemplary embodiments, a first pressure sensor PS1 and a second pressure sensor PS2 may be disposed in at least a portion of a first region A1 along a second direction Y. Here, at least a portion of the first region A1 may be a region adjacent to the long side of the first region A1 extending in the second direction Y. According to some exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the first region A1 may be positioned in a direction relative to the center of the first region A1 and the direction in which the camera of the portable terminal is positioned, or may be positioned in the direction in which the main button of the portable terminal is positioned.

[0065] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The shape or arrangement of the first pressure sensor PS1 and the second pressure sensor PS2 in the diagram is merely an example and is not limited to this. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The implementation method.

[0066] In the following description, the display device 1 will include a first pressure sensor PS1 and a second pressure sensor PS2 as an example, but this is merely an example. According to some exemplary embodiments, at least one of the first pressure sensor PS1 and the second pressure sensor PS2 may be omitted. Alternatively, according to some exemplary embodiments, additional pressure sensors may be added in addition to the first pressure sensor PS1 and the second pressure sensor PS2.

[0067] According to some exemplary embodiments, each of the first pressure sensor PS1 and the second pressure sensor PS2 may include a strain gauge or the like. Optionally, each of the first pressure sensor PS1 and the second pressure sensor PS2 may be formed by a transducer such as a variable capacitor or a variable inductor. Hereinafter, the scenario where each of the first pressure sensor PS1 and the second pressure sensor PS2 may include a strain gauge or the like will be described as an example.

[0068] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device taken by line X1-X1'. Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device taken by line X3-X3'. Figure 5 yes Figure 3 and Figure 4 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the touch sensor layer shown, and Figure 6 yes Figure 3 and Figure 4 The enlarged cross-sectional view of the upper insulating layer shown.

[0069] Reference Figures 3 to 6A schematic stacked structure of display device 1 is described. Display device 1 includes a display panel DP and a touch sensor. The touch sensor may include a touch sensor layer TSL positioned on the display panel DP. The display panel DP generates an image, and the touch sensor acquires coordinate information of external input (touch event). According to some exemplary embodiments, display device 1 may also include a protective member positioned below the display panel DP, an anti-reflective member positioned on the touch sensor layer TSL, and / or a window member.

[0070] According to some exemplary embodiments, the display panel DP may include a self-emissive element. According to some exemplary embodiments, the self-emissive element may include at least one of organic light-emitting diodes, quantum dot light-emitting diodes, micron-sized light-emitting diodes based on inorganic materials (e.g., micron-sized light-emitting diodes), and nano-sized light-emitting diodes based on inorganic materials (e.g., nano-sized light-emitting diodes).

[0071] The display panel DP may include a base substrate 110, a component layer DSL positioned on the base substrate 110, and an upper insulating layer TFL positioned on the component layer DSL.

[0072] The base substrate 110 is a substrate supporting the element layer DSL. According to some exemplary embodiments, the base substrate 110 may include an insulating material. According to some exemplary embodiments, the base substrate 110 may be a flexible substrate and may include an insulating material such as a polymer resin. Examples of polymer resins may include polyethersulfone (PES), polyacrylate (PA), polyarylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyallyl ester, polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate (CAT), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), and combinations thereof.

[0073] The component layer DSL is positioned on the base substrate 110. According to some exemplary embodiments, the component layer DSL may include a plurality of pixels and a plurality of display signal lines positioned on the base substrate 110. Each pixel may include a thin-film transistor (TFT), a capacitor, and a light-emitting element, which will be described in more detail below. The plurality of display signal lines may include scan lines for transmitting scan signals to each pixel and data lines for transmitting data signals to each pixel.

[0074] According to some exemplary implementations, pixels included in the element layer DSL can be located in the display area IDA.

[0075] The component layer DSL may also include components and wiring positioned on the base substrate 110 and in the peripheral region INDA. The components and wiring can generate various signals applied to the pixels or transmit signals to the pixels.

[0076] The upper insulating layer TFL can be positioned on the element layer DSL. The upper insulating layer TFL protects the element layer DSL.

[0077] like Figure 6 As shown, the upper insulating layer TFL may include a thin film encapsulation layer TFE, and may also include a capping layer CPL.

[0078] The thin-film encapsulation layer TFE may include a first inorganic layer IOL1, an organic layer OL, and a second inorganic layer IOL2.

[0079] The capping layer CPL may be positioned on the element layer DSL, and according to some exemplary embodiments, may be positioned on the cathode electrode of the element layer DSL. According to some exemplary embodiments, the capping layer CPL may contact the cathode electrode. The capping layer CPL may include an organic material.

[0080] The thin-film encapsulation layer TFE may include a first inorganic layer IOL1, an organic layer OL, and a second inorganic layer IOL2.

[0081] The first inorganic layer IOL1 is positioned on and in contact with the capping layer CPL. The organic layer OL is positioned on and in contact with the first inorganic layer IOL1. The second inorganic layer IOL2 is positioned on and in contact with the organic layer OL.

[0082] The capping layer CPL protects the cathode electrode from subsequent processes (such as sputtering) and improves the luminous efficiency of the self-emissive element. The capping layer CPL can have a higher refractive index than the first inorganic layer IOL1.

[0083] The first inorganic layer IOL1 and the second inorganic layer IOL2 protect the element layer DSL from moisture / oxygen, and the organic layer OL protects the element layer DSL from foreign matter such as dust particles. Each of the first inorganic layer IOL1 and the second inorganic layer IOL2 can be any of a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxide nitride layer, and a silicon oxide layer. According to some exemplary embodiments, each of the first inorganic layer IOL1 and the second inorganic layer IOL2 may include a titanium oxide layer or an aluminum oxide layer. The organic layer OL may include, but is not limited to, an acrylate-based organic layer.

[0084] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an inorganic layer, such as a lithium fluoride (LiF) layer, may be further positioned between the capping layer CPL and the first inorganic layer IOL1. The lithium fluoride layer can improve the luminous efficiency of the self-emissive element.

[0085] The touch sensor layer TSL can be positioned on the upper insulating layer TFL. According to some exemplary embodiments, the touch sensor layer TSL can be positioned on the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE, and a separate bonding layer (e.g., adhesive layer) may not be positioned between the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE and the touch sensor layer TSL. Illustratively, at least one of the touch electrode unit, touch wiring, and pressure wiring included in the touch sensor layer TSL can be directly positioned on the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE.

[0086] Optionally, when a separate buffer layer or insulating layer is positioned between the touch sensor layer TSL and the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE, at least one of the touch electrode unit, touch wiring, and pressure wiring included in the touch sensor layer TSL can be directly positioned on the insulating layer on the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE. That is, the base layer providing the base surface to the touch sensor layer TSL can be the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE or may include the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE.

[0087] A touch sensor, including a touch sensor layer (TSL), can acquire the coordinates of a touch input point using a capacitive method. In the capacitive method, the coordinate information of the touched point can be acquired through self-capacitance or mutual capacitance. In the following description, for ease of explanation, the case where the touch sensor layer (TSL) is formed as a mutual capacitance structure will be described as an example; however, the invention is not limited to this.

[0088] According to some exemplary embodiments, the portion of the touch sensor layer TSL located in the display area IDA may include touch electrode units, and the portion of the touch sensor layer TSL located in the peripheral area INDA may include touch signal lines for transmitting signals to and / or receiving signals from the touch electrode units.

[0089] According to some exemplary embodiments, the touch sensor layer TSL may also include the first pressure sensor PS1 and the second pressure sensor PS2 described above.

[0090] The following section will explain the stacking structure of the touch sensor layer (TSL). In some implementations, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the touch sensor layer TSL may include a first conductive layer ML1, an insulating layer IL, and a second conductive layer ML2.

[0091] The first conductive layer ML1 may include an opaque conductive material. In some embodiments, the first conductive layer ML1 may include a metal such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), or platinum (Pt), or may include alloys thereof. In some embodiments, the first conductive layer ML1 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. Illustratively, the first conductive layer ML1 may have a titanium / aluminum / titanium three-layer structure.

[0092] An insulating layer IL may be positioned on the first conductive layer ML1. The insulating layer IL may be positioned between the first conductive layer ML1 and the second conductive layer ML2. According to some exemplary embodiments, the insulating layer IL may include an insulating material. According to some exemplary embodiments, the insulating material may be an inorganic insulating material or an organic insulating material. Inorganic insulating materials may include at least one selected from aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride oxide, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. Organic insulating materials may include at least one selected from acrylic resin, methacrylic resin, polyisoprene, vinyl resin, epoxy resin, polyurethane resin, cellulose resin, siloxane resin, polyimide resin, polyamide resin, and dinaphthalene-containing resin.

[0093] The second conductive layer ML2 may be positioned on the insulating layer IL. In some embodiments, the second conductive layer ML2 may include a conductive material with light transmittance. Examples of conductive materials with light transmittance may include silver nanowires (AgNW), indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc antimony oxide (AZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), tin oxide (SnO2), carbon nanotubes, graphene, and conductive polymers (e.g., PEDOT). Optionally, the second conductive layer ML2 may include a conductive material such as a metal or its alloy, as long as light transmittance is ensured. Examples of metals may include gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), and platinum (Pt). According to some exemplary embodiments, when the second conductive layer ML2 is made of a metal or its alloy, the second conductive layer ML2 may be formed with a mesh structure to prevent it from being seen by the user. In the following text, the case where the second conductive layer ML2 is formed with a mesh structure will be described as an example.

[0094] Figure 7 This is a schematic plan view of a display panel included in a display device according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 An exemplary circuit diagram of the pixels shown, and Figure 9 yes Figure 7 The pixel shown is illustrated in a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device including the pixel.

[0095] refer to Figures 7 to 9 , can be defined separately with Figure 1 The display area IDA and peripheral area INDA of the display device 1 shown correspond to the display area DA and non-display area NDA. In the following text, when one area corresponds to another, the two areas overlap and are not limited to having the same area.

[0096] The display area DA may include: a first display area DA1, located in the first area A1; a second display area DA2, at least a portion of which is located in the first area A1 and another portion of which is located in the second area A2; and a third display area DA3, at least a portion of which is located in the first area A1 and another portion of which is located in the third area A3.

[0097] According to some exemplary embodiments, the first width W1a of the first display area DA1, measured along the first direction X, may be wider than the first width W2a of the second display area DA2, and may be wider than the first width W3a of the third display area DA3, measured along the first direction X. Furthermore, the second width W1b of the first display area DA1, measured along the second direction Y, may be wider than the second width W2b of the second display area DA2, and wider than the second width W3b of the third display area DA3, measured along the second direction Y.

[0098] According to some exemplary embodiments, the maximum width of the display area DA measured along the first direction X can be substantially the same as the sum of the first width W1a of the first display area DA1, the first width W2a of the second display area DA2, and the first width W3a of the third display area DA3. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the maximum width of the display area DA measured along the second direction Y can be substantially the same as the second width W1b of the first display area DA1.

[0099] In the display area DA, multiple signal lines SGL and multiple pixels PX can be positioned on the base substrate 110. In the non-display area NDA, signal pad units DPD can be positioned on the base substrate 110, and touch pad units TPD1 and TPD2, which are connected to touch wiring and pressure wiring included in the touch sensor layer TSL, can also be positioned on the base substrate 110.

[0100] Signal lines SGL, pixels PX, and signal pad units DPD may be included in the component layer DSL. According to some exemplary embodiments, the component layer DSL may also include touch pad units TPD1 and TPD2.

[0101] Multiple signal lines SGL may include scan line GL, data line DL, and power supply line PL.

[0102] The scan line GL is connected to the corresponding pixel PX among multiple pixels PX to transmit scan signals to the pixel PX.

[0103] The data line DL is connected to the corresponding pixel PX among multiple pixels PX to transmit data signals to the pixel PX.

[0104] The power supply line PL is connected to multiple pixels PX to transmit drive voltage to the pixels PX.

[0105] The signal pad unit DPD is located in the non-display area NDA and can be connected to the signal line SGL, such as the data line DL. The signal pad unit DPD can receive data signals from the outside.

[0106] According to some exemplary embodiments, the scan line GL may extend along a first direction X, and the data line DL may extend along a second direction Y. In some embodiments, the power supply line PL may extend along the same second direction Y as the data line DL, but is not limited thereto.

[0107] Figure 8 The diagram shows a scan line GL, a data line DL, a power supply line PL, and the pixel PX connected to them. The configuration of the pixel PX is not limited to... Figure 7 And it can be modified and then implemented.

[0108] Pixel PX includes a self-emissive element ELD, a first transistor T1 (or a switching transistor), a second transistor T2 (or a driving transistor), and a capacitor Cst, wherein the first transistor T1, the second transistor T2, and the capacitor Cst constitute a pixel driving circuit for driving the self-emissive element ELD. The second transistor T2 is supplied with a first power supply voltage ELVDD, and the self-emissive element ELD is supplied with a second power supply voltage ELVSS. The second power supply voltage ELVSS may be lower than the first power supply voltage ELVDD.

[0109] The first transistor T1 outputs a data signal applied to the data line DL in response to a scan signal applied to the scan line GL. The capacitor Cst is charged using a voltage corresponding to the data signal received from the first transistor T1. The second transistor T2 is connected to a self-emissive element ELD. The second transistor T2 controls the drive current flowing through the self-emissive element ELD in response to the amount of charge stored in the capacitor Cst.

[0110] The equivalent circuit is merely one implementation and is not limited thereto. The pixel PX may also include multiple transistors and may include a larger number of capacitors. A self-emissive element ELD may be connected between the power supply line PL and the second transistor T2.

[0111] According to some exemplary embodiments, the self-emissive element ELD can be an organic light-emitting element as described above. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the self-emissive element ELD can be any of a quantum dot light-emitting element, a light-emitting element based on inorganic materials, a micron-sized light-emitting diode based on inorganic materials, and a nano-sized light-emitting diode based on inorganic materials.

[0112] Figure 9 It shows the relationship with Figure 8 The equivalent circuit shown is a partial cross-section of the display panel DP, and together with it, the touch sensor layer TSL is shown.

[0113] The stacking structure of the display panel (DP) will be described in more detail below.

[0114] A buffer layer BFL can be positioned on the base substrate 110.

[0115] The semiconductor pattern of the first transistor T1 (OSP1: hereinafter referred to as the first semiconductor pattern) and the semiconductor pattern of the second transistor T2 (OSP2: the second semiconductor pattern) can be positioned on the buffer layer BFL. The first semiconductor pattern OSP1 and the second semiconductor pattern OSP2 can be selected from amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, and metal oxide semiconductor. In some embodiments, one of the first semiconductor pattern OSP1 and the second semiconductor pattern OSP2 can be made of polycrystalline silicon, and the other of the first semiconductor pattern OSP1 and the second semiconductor pattern OSP2 can be made of metal oxide semiconductor.

[0116] A first insulating layer 111 is positioned on the first semiconductor pattern OSP1 and the second semiconductor pattern OSP2. The control electrode GE1 of the first transistor T1 (hereinafter referred to as the first control electrode) and the control electrode GE2 of the second transistor T2 (hereinafter referred to as the second control electrode) are positioned on the first insulating layer 111. When the first control electrode GE1 and the second control electrode GE2 are positioned on the same layer, the first control electrode GE1 and the second control electrode GE2 can be adjusted according to the scan line GL (reference). Figure 8 The same photolithography process is used to manufacture it. However, embodiments according to the present invention are not limited to this, and the first control electrode GE1 and the second control electrode GE2 can be positioned on different layers. In this case, only one of the first control electrode GE1 and the second control electrode GE2 can be manufactured according to the scan line GL (reference). Figure 8 It is manufactured using the same photolithography process.

[0117] A second insulating layer 112 is positioned on the first insulating layer 111, covering the first control electrode GE1 and the second control electrode GE2. The input electrode (DE1: hereinafter referred to as the first input electrode) and output electrode (SE1: the first output electrode) of the first transistor T1, and the input electrode (DE2: hereinafter referred to as the second input electrode) and output electrode (SE2: the second output electrode) of the second transistor T2 are positioned on the second insulating layer 112.

[0118] According to some exemplary embodiments, each of the first insulating layer 111 and the second insulating layer 112 may include inorganic or organic materials.

[0119] The first input electrode DE1 and the first output electrode SE1 are connected to the first semiconductor pattern OSP1 through a first via CH1 and a second via CH2, respectively, with the first via CH1 and the second via CH2 penetrating the first insulating layer 111 and the second insulating layer 112. The second input electrode DE2 and the second output electrode SE2 are connected to the second semiconductor pattern OSP2 through a third via CH3 and a fourth via CH4, respectively, with the third via CH3 and the fourth via CH4 penetrating the first insulating layer 111 and the second insulating layer 112. Furthermore, according to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a portion of the first transistor T1 and a portion of the second transistor T2 can be implemented by modifying them into a bottom-gate structure.

[0120] An intermediate organic layer 113 is positioned on the second insulating layer 112, covering the first input electrode DE1, the second input electrode DE2, the first output electrode SE1, and the second output electrode SE2. The intermediate organic layer 113 can provide a flat surface.

[0121] A pixel defining layer (PDL) and a self-emissive element (ELD) may be positioned on the intermediate organic layer 113. The pixel defining layer (PDL) may include an organic material. An anode electrode (AE) is positioned on the intermediate organic layer 113. The anode electrode (AE) is connected to the second output electrode (SE2) through a fifth via (CH5) penetrating the intermediate organic layer 113. An opening (OPN) may be defined in the pixel defining layer (PDL) to expose at least a portion of the anode electrode (AE).

[0122] Pixel PX may be positioned within display area DA. Display area DA may include a light-emitting area PXA and a non-light-emitting area NPXA adjacent to the light-emitting area PXA. The non-light-emitting area NPXA may surround the light-emitting area PXA. According to some exemplary embodiments, the light-emitting area PXA is defined to correspond to the portion exposed by the opening OPN of the anode electrode AE.

[0123] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the light-emitting region PXA may overlap with at least one of the first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2. The opening OPN may be enlarged, and the anode electrode AE ​​and the light-emitting layer EML, which will be described later, may also be enlarged.

[0124] A hole control layer HCL is commonly located in both the light-emitting region PXA and the non-light-emitting region NPXA. According to some exemplary embodiments, a common layer such as the hole control layer HCL may be commonly formed in the pixel PX (reference). Figure 7 )middle.

[0125] A light-emitting layer (EML) is positioned on the hole control layer (HCL). The EML generates (e.g., sets or predetermines a color) colored light. The EML can be positioned in a region corresponding to an opening (OPN). According to some exemplary embodiments, the EML can be formed separately from each of the pixels (PX), but embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto. According to some exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the EML can be positioned across two or more pixels (PX).

[0126] When the self-emissive element (ELD) is an organic light-emitting element, the light-emitting layer (EML) may include organic materials. That is, according to some exemplary embodiments, the light-emitting layer (EML) may be an organic light-emitting layer.

[0127] When the self-emissive element (ELD) is a quantum dot light-emitting element, the light-emitting layer (EML) may include quantum dot material. That is, the light-emitting layer (EML) may be a quantum dot light-emitting layer.

[0128] Quantum dots can emit light in a color that can be controlled by the particle size, and therefore, quantum dots can have a variety of colors, such as blue, red, and green.

[0129] An electronic control layer (ECL) is positioned on the light-emitting layer (EML). According to some exemplary embodiments, the electronic control layer (ECL) may be commonly formed in the pixel (PX).

[0130] A cathode electrode CE is positioned on the electronic control layer ECL. The cathode electrode CE is commonly located within the pixel PX.

[0131] The upper insulating layer TFL can be positioned on the cathode electrode CE, and the touch sensor layer TSL can be positioned on the upper insulating layer TFL or the thin film encapsulation layer TFE.

[0132] The anode electrode AE, hole control layer HCL, light-emitting layer EML, electron control layer ECL, and cathode electrode CE located in the light-emitting region PXA can constitute a self-luminous element ELD.

[0133] That is, the self-emissive element ELD can be defined as the portion in which the anode electrode AE, hole control layer HCL, light-emitting layer EML, electron control layer ECL and cathode electrode CE are all located in the light-emitting region PXA.

[0134] Figure 10 This is an exemplary block diagram of a touch sensor included in a display device according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0135] refer to Figure 10 The touch sensor TSM includes the touch sensor layer TSL and the touch controller TSC.

[0136] The touch sensor layer (TSL) may include a plurality of first touch electrode units 120 and a plurality of second touch electrode units 130 to detect touch input.

[0137] The first touch electrode unit 120 and the second touch electrode unit 130 are electrically connected to the touch controller TSC. According to some exemplary embodiments, the second touch electrode unit 130 may be a driving electrode unit that receives a driving signal Ts for touch detection from the touch controller TSC, and the first touch electrode unit 120 may be a sensing electrode unit that outputs a sensing signal Rs for touch detection to the touch controller TSC. Optionally, according to some exemplary embodiments, the first touch electrode unit 120 may be a driving electrode unit that receives the driving signal Ts, and the second touch electrode unit 130 may be a sensing electrode unit that outputs a sensing signal Rs for touch detection. In the following description, although the case where the first touch electrode unit 120 is a sensing electrode unit and the second touch electrode unit 130 is a driving electrode unit will be described, the invention is not limited thereto by embodiments thereof.

[0138] The first touch electrode unit 120 and the second touch electrode unit 130 may overlap with at least one electrode disposed in the display panel DP. For example, when the display panel DP is an organic light-emitting display panel, the first touch electrode unit 120 and the second touch electrode unit 130 may overlap with at least one electrode disposed in the display panel DP. Figure 9 The cathode electrode CE of the display panel DP shown overlaps.

[0139] The touch sensor layer TSL may also include a noise sensing electrode unit 170.

[0140] The noise sensing electrode unit 170 may be electrically connected to the touch controller TSC, and for example, may be electrically connected to the touch detector 230, which will be described later. The noise sensing electrode unit 170 may sense noise generated in the touch sensor layer TSL and provide the noise as a noise sensing signal Ns to the touch detector 230.

[0141] The touch sensor layer TSL may also include a pressure sensor 150. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 150 may include a first pressure sensor PS1, a second pressure sensor PS2, and a third pressure sensor PS3. According to some exemplary embodiments, the resistance value in the pressure sensor 150 may change in response to an externally applied force or pressure. The pressure sensor 150 may be electrically connected to the pressure detector 250.

[0142] The touch controller TSC can be electrically connected to the touch sensor layer TSL to provide a drive signal Ts to the touch sensor layer TSL, and receive a sensing signal Rs corresponding to the drive signal Ts from the touch sensor layer TSL to detect the touch position. In addition, the touch controller TSC can be electrically connected to the pressure sensor 150 to detect touch pressure or touch force.

[0143] According to some exemplary embodiments, a touch controller (TSC) may include a touch driver 210, a touch detector 230, and a pressure detector 250.

[0144] The touch driver 210 can provide a drive signal Ts to the second touch electrode unit 130 for detecting touch input.

[0145] Touch detector 230 can receive a sensing signal Rs corresponding to a drive signal Ts from the first touch electrode unit 120 to detect the presence and / or location of a touch input. According to some exemplary embodiments, the sensing signal Rs can be a change in the mutual capacitance generated between the first touch electrode unit 120 and the second touch electrode unit 130. For example, when a touch input occurs, the capacitance changes at or around the point providing the touch input. Touch detector 230 can receive the change in mutual capacitance between the first touch electrode unit 120 and the second touch electrode unit 130 as the sensing signal Rs, and can detect the presence and / or location of the touch input based on the change in mutual capacitance. Furthermore, touch detector 230 can receive a noise sensing signal Ns from the noise sensing electrode unit 170, and can use the noise sensing signal Ns to remove or eliminate noise included in the sensing signal Rs.

[0146] According to some exemplary embodiments, the touch detector 230 may include at least one amplifier for amplifying the received sensing signal Rs, an analog-to-digital converter connected to the output of the amplifier, and a processor. Reference will be made later. Figure 18 Describe it in further detail.

[0147] The pressure detector 250 may be electrically connected to the pressure sensor 150 and may detect touch pressure or touch force based on changes in the resistance value of the pressure sensor 150. According to some exemplary embodiments, the pressure detector 250 may include at least one Wheatstone bridge circuit unit.

[0148] According to some exemplary embodiments, the touch driver 210, touch detector 230, and pressure detector 250 may be integrated into a single touch IC. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0149] According to some exemplary embodiments, the touch driver 210 and the touch detector 230 may be integrated into a single touch IC, and the pressure detector 250 may be located in a portion outside the touch IC. Illustratively, the pressure detector 250 may be located on the display panel DP, or it may be located on a separate flexible circuit board.

[0150] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 11 to 31 A more detailed description of the touch sensor TSM.

[0151] Figure 11 This is a view illustrating a touch sensor according to some exemplary embodiments, showing the planar structure of the unfolded touch sensor layer and the connection relationship between the touch sensor layer and the touch controller. Figure 12 It is shown Figure 11 The diagram shows a planar structure of the first and second pressure sensors. Figure 13 yes Figure 12 The enlarged plan view of the first and second resistance wires of the strain gauge shown. Figure 14 yes Figure 11 The image shows an enlarged plan view of the first pressure sensor and the first and second touch electrode units located around the first pressure sensor. Figure 15 This is an enlarged plan view of a first pressure sensor and a first touch electrode unit and a second touch electrode unit located around the first pressure sensor, according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 16 It is along Figure 14 A schematic cross-sectional view of the touch sensor layer taken by line X18-X18', and Figure 17 It is along Figure 14 A schematic cross-sectional view of the touch sensor layer taken by line X19-X19'.

[0152] refer to Figure 11 The touch sensor layer (TSL) defines a sensing area (SA) and a non-sensing area (NSA). Within the TSL, the sensing area (SA) is the region that detects touch input, while the non-sensing area (NSA) can be the region that does not detect touch input.

[0153] Sensing area SA can be with Figure 1 or Figure 2 The display area IDA of the display device 1 shown corresponds to, or is related to, the display area IDA of the display device 1 shown. Figure 7The display area DA of the display panel DP shown corresponds to this. The non-sensing area NSA can be associated with... Figure 1 or Figure 2 The peripheral area INDA of the display device 1 shown corresponds to, or is related to, the peripheral area INDA of the display device 1 shown. Figure 7 The non-display area NDA of the display panel DP shown corresponds to this. According to some exemplary embodiments, the sensing area SA may be associated with... Figure 7 The display area DA of the display panel DP shown is essentially the same, and the non-sensing area NSA can be the same as... Figure 7 The non-display area NDA of the display panel DP shown is essentially the same.

[0154] The sensing area SA will be described in more detail below.

[0155] The sensing area SA includes: a first sensing area SA1, located within a first area A1; a second sensing area SA2, at least a portion of which is located within the first area A1 and the other portion within the second area A2; and a third sensing area SA3, at least a portion of which is located within the first area A1 and the other portion within the third area A3. The first sensing area SA1 may correspond to... Figure 7 The first display area DA1 and the second sensing area SA2 of the display panel DP shown can correspond to Figure 7 The second display area DA2 of the display panel DP shown, and the third sensing area SA3 can correspond to Figure 7 The third display area DA3 of the display panel DP shown in the diagram.

[0156] According to some exemplary embodiments, the first width of the first sensing region SA1, measured along the first direction X, may be greater than the first width of the second sensing region SA2, measured along the first direction X, and the first width of the third sensing region SA3, measured along the first direction X. Furthermore, the second width of the first sensing region SA1, measured along the second direction Y, may be greater than the second width of the second sensing region SA2, measured along the second direction Y, and the second width of the third sensing region SA3, measured along the second direction Y.

[0157] According to some exemplary embodiments, the maximum width of the sensing region SA measured along the first direction X may be substantially the same as the sum of the first width of the first sensing region SA1, the first width of the second sensing region SA2, and the first width of the third sensing region SA3. In some embodiments, the maximum width of the sensing region SA measured along the second direction Y may be substantially the same as the second width of the first sensing region SA1.

[0158] A portion of the second sensing area SA2 is located on the display device (e.g., Figure 1The second sensing area SA2 is located in the second region A2 of the display device 1, that is, in the first side portion of the display device. Therefore, the second sensing area SA2 can be bent or folded in a direction opposite to the third direction Z.

[0159] A portion of the third sensing area SA3 is located within the third region A3 of the display device (i.e., the second side portion of the display device). Therefore, the third sensing area SA3 can be bent or folded in a direction opposite to the third direction Z.

[0160] As described above, a portion of the display panel DP can be the base layer of the touch sensor layer TSL, and illustratively, the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE can be the base layer of the touch sensor layer TSL. In the following text, the terms "thin-film encapsulation layer TFE" and "base layer" are used interchangeably and are given the same reference numerals.

[0161] The touch sensor layer TSL may include a first touch electrode unit 120, a second touch electrode unit 130, and a pressure sensor 150 positioned in the sensing area SA and on the base layer TFE. The touch sensor layer TSL may also include a first pattern 180 and a second pattern 190. The pressure sensor 150 may include a first pressure sensor PS1 and a second pressure sensor PS2.

[0162] A plurality of first touch electrode units 120 may extend along a first direction X and may be spaced apart from each other along a second direction Y. Each of the plurality of first touch electrode units 120 may constitute an electrode row. For ease of description, the electrode rows of the first touch electrode units 120 are sequentially referred to as first electrode row RE1c, second electrode row RE2c, third electrode row RE3c, fourth electrode row RE4c, fifth electrode row RE5c, sixth electrode row RE6c, etc., along with the arrows in the second direction Y.

[0163] The first touch electrode unit 120 may include a plurality of first touch electrodes 121 adjacent to each other along a first direction X and a first connection portion 123 electrically connecting the plurality of first touch electrodes 121 arranged along the first direction X. In the description of the following embodiments, the term "connection" may mean "linkage" in a physical and / or electrical sense.

[0164] According to some exemplary embodiments, the first touch electrode 121 may have a rhomboid shape or a square shape, but its shape is not limited to these. The first touch electrode 121 may have various shapes, such as pentagons, circles, bars, triangles, squares, and rectangles other than squares.

[0165] The first touch electrode 121 may include a conductive material. The first touch electrode 121 may be made of the material described above. Figure 5The second conductive layer ML2 is formed as described. Specific examples of conductive materials will be omitted, as they are the same as those described above in the description of the second conductive layer ML2.

[0166] Because the first touch electrode 121 is formed by the second conductive layer ML2, the first touch electrode 121 can be as follows: Figure 17 It is positioned on the insulating layer IL as shown in the diagram. According to some exemplary embodiments, the first connection portion 123 may be positioned on the same layer as the first touch electrode 121.

[0167] According to some exemplary embodiments, the first touch electrode 121 may be formed as a mesh structure to prevent it from being seen by the user. When the first touch electrode 121 is formed as a mesh structure, the first touch electrode 121 may be arranged so as not to be in contact with the display panel ( Figure 9 The luminescent region of DP in ( Figure 9 The first touch electrode 121, having a mesh structure, can be arranged to overlap with the display panel (PXA). In other words, the first touch electrode 121, having a mesh structure, can be arranged to overlap with the display panel (PXA). Figure 9 The non-luminescent region of DP in ( Figure 9 The NPXA in the middle overlaps.

[0168] The first touch electrodes 121 of the first touch electrode unit 120, spaced apart from each other along the second direction Y, can form a column. For ease of description, the columns of the first touch electrode unit 120 along the first direction X are sequentially referred to as the first column CE1c, the second column CE2c, the third column CE3c, the fourth column CE4c, the fifth column CE5c, the sixth column CE6c, etc.

[0169] The first touch electrode 121 may include a first opening OP1. For example, each of the first touch electrodes 121 may have at least a central portion opening to expose a layer positioned beneath the first touch electrode 121. Illustratively, as Figure 17 As shown, the first opening OP1 exposes the insulating layer IL located below the first touch electrode 121.

[0170] The first connection portion 123 can electrically connect adjacent first touch electrodes 121 along the first direction X to each other, and can contact the first touch electrodes 121.

[0171] According to some exemplary embodiments, the first connection portion 123 may be positioned on the same layer as the first touch electrode 121. According to some exemplary embodiments, the first connection portion 123 may be based on the above references. Figure 5 The second conductive layer ML2 is formed as described, and may be formed of the same material as the first touch electrode 121.

[0172] Because the first connection portion 123 is formed by the second conductive layer ML2, the first connection portion 123 can be as follows: Figure 16 and Figure 17 It is positioned on the insulating layer IL as shown in the diagram.

[0173] The number of first connecting portions 123 can vary. For example, two or more first connecting portions 123 may be arranged between two adjacent first touch electrodes 121 along the first direction X.

[0174] like Figure 11 As shown, the second touch electrode units 130 can extend along the second direction Y and can be spaced apart from each other along the first direction X. Each of the plurality of second touch electrode units 130 can form a column. For ease of description, the columns of the second touch electrode units 130 along the first direction X are sequentially referred to as the first column CO1c, the second column CO2c, the third column CO3c, the fourth column CO4c, the fifth column CO5c, the sixth column CO6c, the seventh column CO7c, and so on.

[0175] The second touch electrode unit 130 can be positioned in the second sensing area SA2, the third sensing area SA3, and the first sensing area SA1.

[0176] The second touch electrode unit 130 may include a plurality of second touch electrodes 131 adjacent in the second direction Y and a second connection portion 133 electrically connecting the plurality of second touch electrodes 131 arranged in the second direction Y. According to some exemplary embodiments, the second connection portion 133 may be formed by at least one bridge-type connection pattern. According to some exemplary embodiments, the second connection portion 133 may include two or more connection portions (…). Figure 17 (133a and 133b in the text).

[0177] Multiple second touch electrodes 131 may be electrically connected to each other along a second direction Y. In addition, the second touch electrodes 131 may be spaced apart from each other along a first direction X.

[0178] The second touch electrode units 130, with their second touch electrodes 131 spaced apart along the first direction X, can form rows. For ease of description, the rows of the second touch electrodes 131 are sequentially referred to as the first row RO1c, the second row RO2c, the third row RO3c, the fourth row RO4c, the fifth row RO5c, the sixth row RO6c, etc., along with the arrows in the second direction Y.

[0179] According to some exemplary embodiments, the row formed by the second touch electrode 131 can be positioned between two electrode rows formed by the first touch electrode unit 120. Illustratively, the second row RO2c can be positioned between the first electrode row RE1c and the second electrode row RE2c, and the third row RO3c can be positioned between the second electrode row RE2c and the third electrode row RE3c. That is, the row formed by the second touch electrode 131 and the electrode rows formed by the first touch electrode unit 120 can be repeatedly arranged along the second direction Y.

[0180] The second touch electrode 131 may include a second opening OP2. For example, each of the second touch electrodes 131 may have at least one central portion opening to expose a layer positioned beneath the second touch electrode 131. Illustratively, as Figure 16 As shown, the second opening OP2 exposes the insulating layer IL located below the second touch electrode 131.

[0181] According to some exemplary embodiments, the area of ​​the second opening OP2 may differ from the area of ​​the first opening OP1. Illustratively, the area of ​​the second opening OP2 may be larger than the area of ​​the first opening OP1.

[0182] According to some exemplary embodiments, the planar shape of the second touch electrode 131 may be rhomboid, but the embodiments are not limited to this. The second touch electrode 131 may have various shapes, such as pentagon, circle, bar, triangle, square and rectangle other than square.

[0183] The second touch electrode 131 may include a conductive material. The second touch electrode 131 may be made of the material described above. Figure 5 The second conductive layer ML2 is formed as described. According to some exemplary embodiments, the second touch electrode 131 may have a mesh structure like the first touch electrode 121.

[0184] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 11 As shown, the pressure sensor 150 may include a first pressure sensor PS1 and a second pressure sensor PS2. Here, the first pressure sensor PS1 and the second pressure sensor PS2 may be located in the first sensing area SA1.

[0185] According to some exemplary implementations, such as Figure 11 As shown, the first pressure sensor PS1 and the second pressure sensor PS2 can be positioned within the first sensing area SA1, but the invention is not limited thereto. According to some exemplary embodiments, such as... Figure 23 or Figure 24As shown, the first pressure sensor PS1 and the second pressure sensor PS2 can be positioned in the second sensing area SA2 and the third sensing area SA3, respectively.

[0186] The first pressure sensor PS1 may include a first strain gauge 150m. The first pressure sensor PS1 may also include a second strain gauge 150n.

[0187] The first strain gauge 150m and / or the second strain gauge 150n may be positioned in the second direction Y. According to some exemplary embodiments, each of the first strain gauge 150m and the second strain gauge 150n may be positioned in a column formed by the second touch electrode 131. Here, the column formed by the second touch electrode 131 may be a column adjacent to the edge located by the long side of the first sensing area SA1 in the second direction Y. Alternatively, as will be described in more detail later... Figure 23 and Figure 24 As shown, the column formed by the second touch electrode 131 can be a column adjacent to the edge located by the long side in the second direction Y of the second sensing area SA2 or the third sensing area SA3. Illustratively, as Figure 11 As shown, the first strain gauge 150m can be positioned in the first column of CO1c, and the second strain gauge 150n can be positioned in the second column of CO2c. That is, in a pressure sensor according to some exemplary embodiments ( Figure 10 In 150), the strain gauge is positioned in the second direction Y, which can improve the sensing sensitivity to the pressure applied to the display device 1 in the first direction X.

[0188] like Figures 12 to 15 As shown, the first strain gauge 150m may include a first resistance line 151m, a second resistance line 153m, a first connecting line 155m, a second connecting line 157m, and a first connecting pattern 159m.

[0189] The first resistance line 151m and the second resistance line 153m may be positioned within the second opening OP2 of the second touch electrode 131 formed in the first column CO1c, and may be spaced apart from the second touch electrode 131. Furthermore, the first resistance line 151m and the second resistance line 153m may be spaced apart from each other within the second opening OP2. According to some exemplary embodiments, the first resistance line 151m and the second resistance line 153m may not overlap each other in a plane.

[0190] The first resistance wire 151m and the second resistance wire 153m may be formed into a curved shape to have a pattern (e.g., a set or predetermined pattern). When pressure of intensity (e.g., a set or predetermined intensity) is applied to the touch sensor layer TSL of the touch sensor TSM, at least one of the lengths of the first resistance wire 151m and the second resistance wire 153m is changed. Therefore, the resistance value of the first strain gauge 150m is changed, and the pressure detector 250 can sense the changed resistance value to determine the intensity of the touch pressure.

[0191] According to some exemplary implementations, such as Figure 13 As shown, the first resistance line 151m and the second resistance line 153m can be formed into a shape including two or more curved portions. For example, the first resistance line 151m or the second resistance line 153m may include a zigzag pattern that reciprocates along the second direction Y or in a direction opposite to the second direction Y.

[0192] Furthermore, the shape of the first resistance wire 151m and the shape of the second resistance wire 153m can be changed differently.

[0193] Illustratively, when the first touch electrode 121 and the second touch electrode 131 are formed with a mesh structure, the first resistance line 151m and the second resistance line 153m can be formed by removing a portion of the mesh structure.

[0194] According to some exemplary embodiments, the first resistance line 151m and the second resistance line 153m may be positioned on the same layer as the first touch electrode 121 and the second touch electrode 131. Illustratively, when the first touch electrode 121 and the second touch electrode 131 are as... Figure 16 and Figure 17 When positioned on the insulating layer IL as shown, the first resistance line 151m and the second resistance line 153m can also be positioned on the insulating layer IL.

[0195] The first resistance line 151m and the second resistance line 153m may comprise conductive materials. According to some exemplary embodiments, the first resistance line 151m may be formed of the same material as the first touch electrode 121 and / or the second touch electrode 131, and may be as described above. Figure 5 The second conductive layer ML2, as described, is formed.

[0196] The first connecting line 155m can electrically connect adjacent first resistance lines 151m along the second direction Y to each other, and can contact the first resistance line 151m. The second connecting line 157m can electrically connect adjacent second resistance lines 153m along the second direction Y to each other, and can contact the second resistance line 153m. The first connecting line 155m and the second connecting line 157m can be spaced apart from the first touch electrode unit 120 and the second touch electrode unit 130, and do not contact the first touch electrode unit 120 and the second touch electrode unit 130, and the first connecting line 155m and the second connecting line 157m can be spaced apart from each other.

[0197] According to some exemplary embodiments, the first connecting line 155m and the second connecting line 157m can be formed of the same material as the second connecting portion 133, and can be based on the above references. Figure 5 The first conductive layer ML1, as described, is formed.

[0198] According to some exemplary embodiments, the insulating layer IL may be positioned between the first resistance line 151m and the first connecting line 155m, and between the second resistance line 153m and the second connecting line 157m. Here, the first resistance line 151m and the second resistance line 153m may be positioned on the insulating layer IL, and the first connecting line 155m and the second connecting line 157m may be positioned below the insulating layer IL. For example, as... Figure 16 As shown, the second resistance line 153m and the second connecting line 157m can be connected to each other and are in direct contact with each other through the second contact hole CN2 formed in the insulating layer IL. The connection and arrangement of the first resistance line 151m and the first connecting line 155m can also be carried out in the same manner as the second resistance line 153m and the second connecting line 157m.

[0199] When viewed from a plane, the first strain gauge 150m can extend along the second direction Y from one side of the touch sensor layer TSL to the other side, and then extend along the opposite direction from the other side of the touch sensor layer TSL to one side. Therefore, the two ends of the first strain gauge 150m can be positioned adjacent to one side of the sensing area SA, for example, based on... Figure 11 It is located on the lower side adjacent to the first sensing area SA1.

[0200] The second strain gauge 150n may include a first resistance line 151n, a second resistance line 153n, a first connecting line 155n, a second connecting line 157n, and a first connecting pattern 159n. Because the second strain gauge 150n is substantially the same as or similar to the first strain gauge 150m, a detailed description of it will be omitted.

[0201] refer to Figures 14 to 17The second connecting portion 133, the first connecting line 155m, and the second connecting line 157m can be connected without overlapping each other. In the following text, for ease of description, the second connecting portion 133, located in the same column, is positioned as... Figure 14 and Figure 15 The second connecting portion 133 on the right side is referred to as a second connecting portion 133a, and is positioned at... Figure 14 and Figure 15 The second connecting portion 133 on the left side is referred to as another second connecting portion 133b.

[0202] According to some exemplary implementations, such as Figures 14 to 17 As shown, a second connecting portion 133a and another second connecting portion 133b may be disposed between the first connecting line 155m and the second connecting line 157m. For example, the first connecting line 155m and the second connecting line 157m are spaced apart from the second connecting portion 133 by a certain distance (e.g., a set or predetermined distance) to be configured in a "C" shape, thereby externally surrounding the second connecting portion 133. According to some exemplary embodiments, such as Figure 15 As shown, the first connecting line 155m and the second connecting line 157m can be disposed between a second connecting portion 133a and another second connecting portion 133b.

[0203] The second pressure sensor PS2 may include a third strain gauge 150p and a fourth strain gauge 150q.

[0204] According to some exemplary embodiments, the first strain gauge 150m and the second strain gauge 150n may be arranged symmetrically with respect to an imaginary axis passing through the center of the first sensing region SA1 along a second direction Y with respect to the third strain gauge 150p and the fourth strain gauge 150q. According to some exemplary embodiments, the third strain gauge 150p and the fourth strain gauge 150q may be positioned in a column formed by the second touch electrode 131. Illustratively, as... Figure 11 As shown, the third strain gauge 150p can be positioned in the sixth column CO6c, and the fourth strain gauge 150q can be positioned in the seventh column CO7c.

[0205] Since the third strain gauge 150p and the fourth strain gauge 150q are essentially the same as or similar to the first strain gauge 150m and the second strain gauge 150n, some detailed descriptions of them can be omitted.

[0206] refer to Figure 11The first pattern 180 can be positioned in the first opening OP1 of the first touch electrode 121, where neither the first pressure sensor PS1 nor the second pressure sensor PS2 is disposed. Furthermore, the second pattern 190 can be positioned in the second opening OP2 of the second touch electrode 131, where neither the first pressure sensor PS1 nor the second pressure sensor PS2 is disposed.

[0207] Since the first opening OP1 is formed in the first touch electrode 121 and the second opening OP2 is formed in the second touch electrode 131, a difference in the reflectivity of external light may occur, and therefore, pattern inhomogeneity may be visually identifiable. The first pattern 180 and the second pattern 190 can reduce the difference in the reflectivity of external light, thereby reducing the possibility of visually identifying pattern inhomogeneity from the outside.

[0208] According to some exemplary embodiments, the first pattern 180 may have a shape substantially the same as the first opening OP1, and the second pattern 190 may have a shape substantially the same as the second opening OP2. Illustratively, the first pattern 180 and the second pattern 190 may also be formed as rhomboid shapes when the planar shapes of the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 are rhomboid shapes.

[0209] The first pattern 180 may be positioned in the first opening OP1 and may be spaced apart from the first touch electrode 121. The second pattern 190 may be positioned in the second opening OP2 and may be spaced apart from the second touch electrode 131. That is, each of the first pattern 180 and the second pattern 190 may be an island-shaped conductive pattern. According to some exemplary embodiments, each of the first pattern 180 and the second pattern 190 may be in a floating state.

[0210] The first pattern 180 and the second pattern 190 can be formed from the same layer as the first touch electrode 121 and the second touch electrode 131, and can be formed from the same material. That is, the first pattern 180 and the second pattern 190 can be positioned on the insulating layer IL. According to some exemplary embodiments, the first pattern 180 and the second pattern 190 can be formed from a second conductive layer ( Figure 5 ML2) is formed.

[0211] The non-sensing area (NSA) will be described in more detail below.

[0212] like Figure 11 As shown, the touch sensor layer TSL may include pressure wiring positioned in the non-sensing area NSA and on the base layer TFE. The pressure wiring may be connected to the strain gauges of pressure sensors PS1 and PS2.

[0213] The pressure wiring includes a first pressure wiring 941, a second pressure wiring 942, a third pressure wiring 943, and a fourth pressure wiring 944 connected to the first pressure sensor PS1. The pressure wiring includes a fifth pressure wiring 945, a sixth pressure wiring 946, a seventh pressure wiring 947, and an eighth pressure wiring 948 connected to the second pressure sensor PS2.

[0214] First pressure wiring 941 to fourth pressure wiring 944 can be connected to first touch pad unit TPD1. Fifth pressure wiring 945 to eighth pressure wiring 948 can be connected to second touch pad unit TPD2. Here, each of the first touch pad unit TPD1 and the second touch pad unit TPD2 may include at least one Wheatstone bridge circuit unit. Reference will be made below. Figures 19 to 22 Provide a detailed description of the connections for the strain gauge, pressure wiring, and Wheatstone bridge circuit unit.

[0215] Touch pad units TPD1 and TPD2 can be positioned within the non-sensing area (NSA). According to some exemplary embodiments, as described above, touch pad units TPD1 and TPD2 can be positioned on the display panel (…). Figure 9 The base substrate of DP (in the middle) Figure 9 On 110). However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and according to some exemplary embodiments, touch pad units TPD1 and TPD2 may be positioned on the base layer TFE.

[0216] According to some exemplary embodiments, touch pad units TPD1 and TPD2 may include a first touch pad unit TPD1 and a second touch pad unit TPD2. According to some exemplary embodiments, the first touch pad unit TPD1 and the second touch pad unit TPD2 may be spaced apart from each other along a first direction X. The first touch pad unit TPD1 and the second touch pad unit TPD2 may be connected to a touch controller TSC.

[0217] Because the touch sensor TSM according to the above embodiment uses two conductive layers to realize the touch electrode units TPD1 and TPD2 and the pressure sensors PS1 and PS2, the manufacturing process can be relatively simplified, and the touch sensor TSM can be realized in the form of a thin film while having pressure sensing function.

[0218] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 18 This describes the touch position detection operation of the touch controller (TSC).

[0219] Figure 18 This is a view illustrating the touch position detection operation of a touch sensor according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0220] refer to Figure 18The touch driver 210 can provide a drive signal Ts to the second touch electrode unit 130 via touch wiring. According to some exemplary embodiments, the drive signal Ts can be provided to the second touch electrode unit 130 sequentially.

[0221] Touch detector 230 can receive a sensing signal Rs from first touch electrode unit 120 via touch wiring. According to some exemplary embodiments, as described above, the sensing signal Rs may include information about the change in mutual capacitance Cm between the first touch electrode unit 120 and the second touch electrode unit 130. When a drive signal Ts is provided to the second touch electrode unit 130, a mutual capacitance Cm is formed between the second touch electrode unit 130 and the first touch electrode unit 120. When a touch input occurs, the mutual capacitance Cm changes, and the sensing signal Rs may include information about this change in mutual capacitance Cm.

[0222] According to some exemplary embodiments, the touch detector 230 may include at least one amplifier 231 (such as an operational amplifier (OP amplifier)), an analog-to-digital converter 233, and a processor 235.

[0223] Amplifier 231 may include a first input terminal 231a, a second input terminal 231b, and an output terminal 231c. According to some exemplary embodiments, the first input terminal 231a of amplifier 231 (such as the inverting input terminal of an OP amplifier) ​​may be electrically connected to the first touch electrode unit 120 via a first touch wiring, and the sensing signal Rs may be input to the first input terminal 231a.

[0224] According to some exemplary embodiments, capacitor C and reset switch SW may be connected in parallel between the first input terminal 231a and the output terminal 231c of amplifier 231.

[0225] Meanwhile, in the above embodiments, amplifier 231 is described as being implemented as a non-inverting amplifier, but the embodiments according to the present invention are not limited thereto. According to some exemplary embodiments, amplifier 231 may be implemented as an inverting amplifier or the like.

[0226] The output terminal 231c of amplifier 231 can be electrically connected to analog-to-digital converter 233.

[0227] The analog-to-digital converter 233 converts the input analog signal into a digital signal. According to some exemplary embodiments, the number of analog-to-digital converters 233 may be the same as the number of first touch electrode units 120, so that they correspond 1:1 to each of the first touch electrode units 120. Alternatively, according to some exemplary embodiments, the individual first touch electrode units 120 may be configured to share a single analog-to-digital converter 233, and in this case, a switching circuit for channel selection may be additionally provided.

[0228] Processor 235 processes the signal (digital signal) converted from analog-to-digital converter 233 and detects touch input based on the signal processing result. For example, processor 235 may synthesize and analyze a first sensing signal amplified by amplifier 231 and converted by analog-to-digital converter 233 to detect the occurrence and location of touch input. According to some exemplary embodiments, processor 235 may be implemented as a microprocessor (MPU). In this case, the memory required to drive processor 235 may be additionally located within touch detector 230. However, the configuration of processor 235 is not limited to this. As another example, processor 235 may be implemented as a microcontroller (MCU).

[0229] The touch sensor TSM according to the above embodiment can effectively eliminate noise signals introduced from the display panel DP, etc., and can improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Therefore, the failure of the touch sensor TSM due to noise signals can be minimized, and the sensing sensitivity of the touch sensor TSM can be improved.

[0230] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 19 to 22 This describes the touch pressure detection operation of the touch controller (TSC).

[0231] Figure 19 It is shown schematically. Figure 11 A plan view showing the connection relationship between the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, the pressure wiring, and the Wheatstone bridge circuit unit; Figure 20 This is a schematic plan view illustrating the connection relationships between a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, pressure wiring, and a Wheatstone bridge circuit unit according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 21 It is shown Figure 19 The view shown is of the Wheatstone bridge circuit unit connected to the first pressure sensor; and Figure 22 It is shown Figure 20 The diagram shows a view of the Wheatstone bridge circuit unit connected to the first pressure sensor.

[0232] refer to Figure 19 and Figure 21 In the absence of touch input, the first strain gauge 150m may have a first resistance value Rm, the second strain gauge 150n may have a second resistance value Rn, the third strain gauge 150p may have a third resistance value Rp, and the fourth strain gauge 150q may have a fourth resistance value Rq.

[0233] Because the second pressure sensor PS2 is substantially the same as or similar to the first pressure sensor PS1, the first strain gauge 150m and the second strain gauge 150n based on the first pressure sensor PS1 will be described below.

[0234] The pressure detector 250 may include a first Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBd.

[0235] The first Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBd may include a first node N1d, a second node N2d, a first output node N3d, and a second output node N4d. The first Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBd may also include a first element 253d connected to the first output node N3d and the second output node N4d, and a second element 255d connected to the first node N1d and the second node N2d.

[0236] According to some exemplary embodiments, a drive voltage Vd may be provided to the first node N1d, and a reference voltage Vref may be provided to the second node N2d. Illustratively, the reference voltage Vref may be a ground voltage.

[0237] The first element 253d can sense the current between the first output node N3d and the second output node N4d. For example, the first element 253d can be a current element or a voltage measuring element.

[0238] The second element 255d may be a voltage supply element that provides voltage to the first node N1d and the second node N2d. According to some exemplary embodiments, the second element 255d may provide a drive voltage Vd to the first node N1d and a reference voltage Vref to the second node N2d.

[0239] The first pressure sensor PS1 can be electrically connected to the first Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBd. For example, according to some exemplary embodiments, one end of the first strain gauge 150m can be connected to the first node N1d of the first Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBd via a first pressure wiring 941, and the other end of the first strain gauge 150m can be connected to the first output node N3d of the first Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBd via a second pressure wiring 942. One end of the second strain gauge 150n can be connected to the second node N2d of the first Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBd via a third pressure wiring 943, and the other end of the second strain gauge 150n can be connected to the second output node N4d of the first Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBd via a fourth pressure wiring 944. The other resistors R2 and R4 of the first Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBd can have fixed values. Therefore, when a touch input is applied to the touch sensor layer TSL, the first resistance value Rm and the second resistance value Rn can change together to enable more sensitive sensing.

[0240] According to some exemplary embodiments, in the absence of touch input or external force, the first resistance value Rm of the first strain gauge 150m, the second resistance value Rn of the second strain gauge 150n, and the resistance values ​​of the remaining resistors R2 and R4 can be substantially the same as each other.

[0241] When no touch input is applied to the touch sensor layer TSL, the first resistance value Rm of the first strain gauge 150m, the second resistance value Rn of the second strain gauge 150n, and the resistance values ​​of the remaining resistors R2 and R4 can remain in a balanced state. For example, the value obtained by multiplying the first resistance value Rm of the first strain gauge 150m by the second resistance value Rn of the second strain gauge 150n is substantially the same as the value obtained by multiplying the resistance values ​​of the remaining resistors R2 and R4. That is, when no touch input is applied to the touch sensor layer TSL, the voltages of the first output node N3d and the second output node N4d can be the same.

[0242] When a touch input is applied to the touch sensor layer TSL, the shape of at least one of the first strain gauge 150m and the second strain gauge 150n may deform due to the applied pressure, and at least one of the first resistance value Rm of the first strain gauge 150m and the second resistance value Rn of the second strain gauge 150n may change due to the shape deformation. Therefore, a voltage difference occurs between the first output node N3d and the second output node N4d. The intensity or pressure of the touch can be detected by measuring the voltage difference or the amount of current generated by the voltage difference using the first element 253d.

[0243] Since the connection relationship between the second pressure sensor PS2, including the third strain gauge 150p and the fourth strain gauge 150q, and another Wheatstone bridge circuit unit corresponding to the second pressure sensor PS2 can be substantially the same as or similar to the connection relationship between the first pressure sensor PS1 and the first Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBd, some aspects thereof can be omitted in a detailed description.

[0244] refer to Figure 20 and Figure 22 ,and Figure 19 and Figure 21The implementation methods differ, and the first strain gauge 150m can be connected to the second strain gauge 150n. For example, one end of the first strain gauge 150m can be connected to the first node N1e of the second Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBe via a first pressure wiring 941, and the other end of the first strain gauge 150m can be connected to one end of the second strain gauge 150n via a ninth pressure wiring 949. The other end of the second strain gauge 150n can be connected to the first output node N3e of the second Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBe via a fourth pressure wiring 944. Similarly, the third strain gauge 150p can be connected to the fourth strain gauge 150q via another pressure wiring 950.

[0245] That is, when no touch input is applied, the value of the resistor connected between the first node N1e and the first output node N3e of the second Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBe can be equal to the sum of the first resistance value Rm and the second resistance value Rn (Rm+Rn).

[0246] When no touch input is applied, the sum of the first resistance value Rm and the second resistance value Rn, as well as the resistance values ​​of the remaining resistors R2, R3, and R4, can remain in a balanced state. For example, the value obtained by multiplying the sum of the first resistance value Rm and the second resistance value Rn by the resistance value of resistor R3 is essentially the same as the value obtained by multiplying the resistance values ​​of resistors R2 and R4.

[0247] Since the second Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBe is essentially the same as or similar to the first Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBd, some detailed descriptions of its aspects can be omitted.

[0248] Figure 23 This is a view illustrating a touch sensor according to some exemplary embodiments, showing the planar structure of an unfolded touch sensor layer and the connection relationship between the touch sensor layer and the touch controller. Figure 24 This is a view illustrating a touch sensor according to some exemplary embodiments, showing the planar structure of the unfolded touch sensor layer and the connection relationship between the touch sensor layer and the touch controller.

[0249] refer to Figure 23 and Figure 24 According to some exemplary implementations, such as Figure 23 and Figure 24 As shown, the first pressure sensor PS1 and the second pressure sensor PS2 can be positioned in the second region A2 and the third region A3, respectively, and can be positioned in the display area IDA in the second region A2 and the third region A3.

[0250] refer to Figure 23 ,and Figure 11In different cases, at least one of the first pressure sensor PS1 and the second pressure sensor PS2 may be disposed on the side surface of the display device 1. Here, the side surface may be a surface that forms an angle (e.g., a set or predetermined angle) with respect to the surface forming the upper surface of the display device 1. For example, the first pressure sensor PS1 may be positioned in the second sensing area SA2, and the second pressure sensor PS2 may be positioned in the third sensing area SA3.

[0251] The first pressure sensor PS1 may include at least one of a first strain gauge 150m and a second strain gauge 150n, and the second pressure sensor PS2 may include at least one of a third strain gauge 150p and a fourth strain gauge 150q.

[0252] As described above, the first pressure sensor PS1 and the second pressure sensor PS2 can be arranged along the second direction Y. For example, at least one of the first strain gauge 150m, the second strain gauge 150n, the third strain gauge 150p, and the fourth strain gauge 150q can be arranged along the long side of the second direction Y that defines the first sensing region SA1, the second sensing region SA2, and the third sensing region SA3. For example, at least one of the first strain gauge 150m, the second strain gauge 150n, the third strain gauge 150p, and the fourth strain gauge 150q can be positioned adjacent to the edge forming the boundary between the first sensing region SA1 and the second sensing region SA2, or the edge forming the boundary between the first sensing region SA1 and the third sensing region SA3. According to some exemplary embodiments, at least one of the first strain gauge 150m, the second strain gauge 150n, the third strain gauge 150p, and the fourth strain gauge 150q can be positioned adjacent to the long side of the second direction Y that forms the boundary of the sensing region SA2 or the third sensing region SA3. Reference Figure 24 At least one of the first pressure sensor PS1 and the second pressure sensor PS2 may be disposed on a flat portion of the display device 1. Here, the flat portion may include a first sensing area SA1 to a third sensing area SA3. That is, Figure 24 The first region A1' to the third region A3' shown correspond to the first sensing region SA1 to the third sensing region SA3, respectively. The first sensing region SA1 to the third sensing region SA3 can form the same plane.

[0253] According to some exemplary embodiments, the first pressure sensor PS1 may be disposed in at least some of the plurality of columns constituting the second touch electrode unit 130. For example, the first pressure sensor PS1 may be disposed in the second sensing region SA2 adjacent to the long side of the second sensing region SA2 in the second direction Y. Here, the long side in the second direction Y may be a long side located at the edge of the sensing region SA or a long side located between the second sensing region SA2 and the first sensing region SA1. For example, the first strain gauge 150m and the second strain gauge 150n of the first pressure sensor PS1 may be disposed along the second column CO2c and the third column CO3c, respectively.

[0254] According to some exemplary embodiments, the first pressure sensor PS1 may be disposed in at least some of the plurality of rows constituting the second touch electrode unit 130. For example, the first strain gauge 150m of the first pressure sensor PS1 may be disposed along the first row RO1c to the sixth row RO6c in the second column CO2c. Because Figure 23 and Figure 24 The configuration of pressure sensors PS1 and PS2 and Figure 11 The pressure sensors PS1 and PS2 have essentially the same or similar configurations, so detailed descriptions of some aspects of them can be omitted.

[0255] Figure 25 This is a view illustrating a touch sensor according to some exemplary embodiments, showing the planar structure of the unfolded touch sensor layer and the connection relationship between the touch sensor layer and the touch controller. Figure 26 It is shown Figure 25 A view of the planar structure of the first pressure sensor and temperature sensing pattern shown, and Figure 27 yes Figure 25 and Figure 26 An enlarged view of the conductive pattern of the temperature sensing pattern shown.

[0256] refer to Figure 25 and Figure 27 Touch sensors (e.g.) Figure 10 The touch sensor (TSM) may also include at least one temperature sensing pattern TS1 disposed along the second direction Y. Here, the temperature sensing pattern TS1 may include a resistor for sensing temperature changes.

[0257] According to some exemplary embodiments, the touch sensor may include at least one pressure sensor 150. Here, the at least one pressure sensor 150 may include a first pressure sensor PS1 and a second pressure sensor PS2. (As already referenced above...) Figures 1 to 25 Various arrangements of the pressure sensor 150 are described.

[0258] The temperature sensing pattern TS1 can be located in a different column than the column where the first pressure sensor PS1 or the second pressure sensor PS2 is located. Here, at least one column can be positioned between the column where the first pressure sensor PS1 or the second pressure sensor PS2 is located and the column where the temperature sensing pattern TS1 is located. For example, the first pressure sensor PS1 can be located in the first column CO1c and the second column CO2c, and the temperature sensing pattern TS1 can be located in the fourth column CO4c.

[0259] According to some exemplary embodiments, the temperature sensing pattern TS1 may be disposed in at least some of the plurality of rows constituting the second touch electrode unit 130. Furthermore, the temperature sensing pattern TS1 may be disposed in at least some of the plurality of columns constituting the second touch electrode unit 130.

[0260] According to some exemplary embodiments, a first pressure sensor PS1 is disposed in a first sensing region SA1 adjacent to the edge of any one of the long sides of the first sensing region SA1 in the second direction Y, and a temperature sensing pattern TS1 may be disposed in the central region of the first sensing region SA1. Here, the central region may be a region in which columns are disposed, spaced apart from the column where the first pressure sensor PS1 is disposed by at least one column. For example, the at least one column may be a third column CO3c.

[0261] According to some exemplary embodiments, the temperature sensing pattern TS1 may be disposed between the first pressure sensor PS1 and the second pressure sensor PS2. For example, the first pressure sensor PS1 may be disposed in the first column CO1c and the second column CO2c, the second pressure sensor PS2 may be disposed in the sixth column CO6c and the seventh column CO7c, and the temperature sensing pattern TS1 may be disposed in the fourth column CO4c.

[0262] The temperature sensing pattern TS1 may include a first conductive portion 150r. The temperature resistance component of the strain gauge of the touch sensor can be compensated for or eliminated by the temperature resistance component of the first conductive portion 150r, thereby improving the sensitivity of pressure detection. The first conductive portion 150r may include a first conductive pattern 151r, a second conductive pattern 153r, a third connecting line 155r, a fourth connecting line 157r, and a second connecting pattern 159r.

[0263] The first conductive pattern 151r and the second conductive pattern 153r may be positioned within the second opening OP2 formed in the second touch electrode 131. According to some exemplary embodiments, such as... Figure 26As shown, the first conductive pattern 151r and the second conductive pattern 153r may be spaced apart from the second touch electrode 131, and according to some exemplary embodiments, the first conductive pattern 151r and the second conductive pattern 153r may be spaced apart from each other in the second opening OP2.

[0264] The planar shape of the first conductive pattern 151r may be different from the planar shape of the first resistance line 151m, and the planar shape of the second conductive pattern 153r may be different from the planar shape of the second resistance line 153m.

[0265] According to some exemplary implementations, such as Figure 27 As shown, the first conductive pattern 151r and the second conductive pattern 153r may have a pair of mesh structures.

[0266] According to some exemplary embodiments, when the same pressure is applied, the change in length or cross-sectional area of ​​the first conductive pattern 151r may be less than the change in length or cross-sectional area of ​​the first resistance wire 151m. That is, for the same pressure, the change in resistance value of the first conductive pattern 151r may be less than the change in resistance value of the first resistance wire 151m. Similarly, for the same pressure, the change in resistance value of the second conductive pattern 153r may be less than the change in resistance value of the second resistance wire 153m.

[0267] According to some exemplary implementations, such as Figure 27 As shown, the second connecting pattern 159r can be positioned in the second opening OP2. The second connecting pattern 159r can connect the first conductive pattern 151r and the second conductive pattern 153r to each other.

[0268] According to some exemplary embodiments, the first conductive pattern 151r, the second conductive pattern 153r, and the second connecting pattern 159r can be made of the same material as the first touch electrode 121 and the second touch electrode 131, and can be made of a second conductive layer ( Figure 5 ML2) is formed.

[0269] According to some exemplary embodiments, the third connecting line 155r may be made of the same material as the second connecting portion 133, and may be made of the first conductive layer ( Figure 5 ML1) is formed in the middle.

[0270] When a user's touch input is applied to the first pressure sensor PS1 or the second pressure sensor PS2, at least one of the resistance values ​​of the first strain gauge 150m and the second strain gauge 150n can change according to the intensity of the touch input. Furthermore, when a temperature change occurs based on the user's body temperature, at least one of the resistance values ​​of the first strain gauge 150m and the second strain gauge 150n can change. That is, when described based on the first strain gauge 150m, the amount of change in the resistance value of the first strain gauge 150m may include a component that changes according to the shape deformation caused by the touch pressure (hereinafter referred to as the "pressure resistance component") and a component that changes according to temperature changes (hereinafter referred to as the "temperature resistance component"). Because the temperature resistance component is independent of the intensity of the touch pressure, it can act as noise when detecting pressure. Conversely, according to some exemplary embodiments, the touch sensor also includes a temperature sensing pattern TS1. Therefore, when a user touches the sensing area SA, the resistance value in the first conductive pattern 151r and the second conductive pattern 153r does not change significantly with the intensity of the touch input (or the withstand voltage component does not change significantly with the intensity of the touch input). Furthermore, the resistance value in the first conductive pattern 151r and the second conductive pattern 153r changes with temperature. Therefore, the temperature-resistant components of the first strain gauge 150m and the second strain gauge 150n can be compensated for or eliminated by the temperature-resistant component of the first conductive portion 150r, thereby improving the pressure detection sensitivity.

[0271] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 28 to 31 Describe the touch pressure detection operation of the touch controller (TSC).

[0272] Figure 28 It is a conceptual representation Figure 25 A view showing the connection relationships between the first pressure sensor, temperature sensing pattern, pressure wiring, and Wheatstone bridge circuit unit, and... Figure 29 It is shown Figure 28 A view of the Wheatstone bridge circuit unit connected to the first pressure sensor.

[0273] refer to Figure 28 and Figure 29 In the absence of touch input, the first strain gauge 150m may have a first resistance value Rm, the second strain gauge 150n may have a second resistance value Rn, the third strain gauge 150p may have a third resistance value Rp, and the fourth strain gauge 150q may have a fourth resistance value Rq. Furthermore, the first conductive portion 150r may have a fifth resistance value Rr.

[0274] The pressure detector 250 may include a third Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBf. The third Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBf may include a first node N1f, a second node N2f, a first output node N3f, and a second output node N4f. The third Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBf may include a first element 253f connected to the first output node N3f and the second output node N4f, ​​and a second element 255f connected to the first node N1f and the second node N2f.

[0275] The first pressure sensor PS1 and the first conductive portion 150r are electrically connected to the third Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBf. The following will primarily describe... Figure 20 As shown, the other end of the first strain gauge 150m of the first pressure sensor PS1 is connected to one end of the second strain gauge 150n of the first pressure sensor PS1. However, as in Figure 19 In this case, it is unnecessary to further explain that the first strain gauge 150m and the second strain gauge 150n can be individually connected to the nodes of the Wheatstone bridge circuit unit.

[0276] For example, one end of the first strain gauge 150m is connected to the first node N1f of the third Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBf via a first pressure wiring 941, and the other end of the first strain gauge 150m is connected to one end of the second strain gauge 150n via a ninth pressure wiring 949. The other end of the second strain gauge 150n is connected to the first output node N3f of the third Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBf via a fourth pressure wiring 944. One end of the first conductive portion 150r is connected to the first node N1f of the third Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBf via a tenth pressure wiring 951, and the other end of the first conductive portion 150r is connected to the second output node N4f of the third Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBf via an eleventh pressure wiring 952.

[0277] Therefore, when a touch input is applied to the touch sensor layer TSL, the first resistance value Rm, the second resistance value Rn, and the fifth resistance value Rr are changed together, thereby enabling more sensitive sensing.

[0278] because Figure 28 and Figure 29 The connection relationships of the strain gauge, conductive parts, and Wheatstone bridge circuit unit shown are as follows: Figures 19 to 22 The connections of the strain gauges, conductive parts, and Wheatstone bridge circuit units are basically the same or similar, so detailed descriptions of some aspects can be omitted.

[0279] Figure 30 This is a conceptual view illustrating the connections between a first pressure sensor, a temperature sensing pattern, pressure wiring, and a Wheatstone bridge circuit unit according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 31 It is shown Figure 30 A view of the Wheatstone bridge circuit unit connected to the first pressure sensor.

[0280] refer to Figure 30 and Figure 31 , and reference Figure 28 and Figure 29 The described implementation differs, and the pressure sensor 150 and temperature sensing pattern TS1 can be connected to other Wheatstone bridge circuit units. For example, the first pressure sensor PS1 can be connected to the fourth Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBg, and the temperature sensing pattern TS1 can be connected to the fifth Wheatstone bridge circuit unit. Because the fifth Wheatstone bridge circuit unit has a configuration that is substantially the same or similar to that of the fourth Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBg, certain aspects thereof are omitted in detail below, and the fifth Wheatstone bridge circuit unit is not shown separately.

[0281] Without any touch input, the first strain gauge 150m may have a first resistance value Rm, the second strain gauge 150n may have a second resistance value Rn, the third strain gauge 150p may have a third resistance value Rp, and the fourth strain gauge 150q may have a fourth resistance value Rq. The first conductive portion 150r may have a fifth resistance value Rr.

[0282] The pressure detector 250 may include a fourth Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBg and a fifth Wheatstone bridge circuit unit. The fourth Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBg may include a first node N1g, a second node N2g, a first output node N3g, and a second output node N4g. The fourth Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBg may also include a first element 253g connected to the first output node N3g and the second output node N4g, and a second element 255g connected to the first node N1g and the second node N2g.

[0283] The first pressure sensor PS1 can be electrically connected to the fourth Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBg, and the first conductive portion 150r can be electrically connected to the fifth Wheatstone bridge circuit unit.

[0284] For example, one end of the first strain gauge 150m can be connected to the first node N1g of the fourth Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBg via the first pressure wiring 941, and the other end of the first strain gauge 150m can be connected to one end of the second strain gauge 150n via the ninth pressure wiring 949. The other end of the second strain gauge 150n can be connected to the first output node N3g of the fourth Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBg via the fourth pressure wiring 944. One end of the first conductive portion 150r can be connected to the first node of the fifth Wheatstone bridge circuit unit via the tenth pressure wiring 951, and the other end of the first conductive portion 150r can be connected to the first output node of the fifth Wheatstone bridge circuit unit via the eleventh pressure wiring 952.

[0285] Therefore, the resistance value of the resistor R1 connected between the first node N1g and the first output node N3g of the fourth Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WBg can be equal to the sum of the first resistance value Rm and the second resistance value Rn (Rm+Rn). Furthermore, the resistance value of the resistor connected between the first node and the first output node of the fifth Wheatstone bridge circuit unit connected to the first conductive portion 150r can be equal to the fifth resistance value Rr.

[0286] because Figure 30 and Figure 31 The connection relationships of the strain gauge, conductive parts, and Wheatstone bridge circuit unit shown are as follows: Figures 19 to 22 The connections of the strain gauges, conductive parts, and Wheatstone bridge circuit units are basically the same or similar, so detailed descriptions of some aspects can be omitted.

[0287] In the touch sensor and display device including the touch sensor according to the above embodiments, since the pressure sensor is located within the touch sensor, the intensity of pressure can be detected even without a separate pressure sensor. Furthermore, since the pressure sensor can be formed concurrently with the process of forming the touch electrode unit, the manufacturing process can be relatively simplified without increasing the thickness of the touch sensor. Moreover, since the pressure sensor can replace or be used in conjunction with a physical input button, various user interfaces can be provided to the user.

[0288] Furthermore, because touch sensors can eliminate noise introduced from the display panel and other components, they can relatively improve touch sensitivity.

[0289] Additionally, according to some exemplary embodiments, the sensitivity of touch pressure detection can be relatively improved because the pressure sensor included in the touch sensor can compensate for resistance changes caused by temperature.

[0290] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a touch sensor capable of sensing not only the position of a touch input but also the pressure of the touch input can be provided, and a display device including the touch sensor can be provided.

[0291] The features of embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the foregoing, and various other features are contemplated herein.

[0292] Although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, additions, and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the appended claims and its equivalents.

[0293] In concluding this detailed description, those skilled in the art will understand that many variations and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments without substantially departing from the principles of embodiments according to the invention. Therefore, the disclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention are used in a general and descriptive sense only, and not for limiting purposes.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: The display panel has a short side and a long side; as well as A touch sensor is positioned on the display panel and includes a sensing area and a non-sensing area surrounding the sensing area; The touch sensor includes: The first touch electrode unit includes a plurality of first touch electrodes located in the sensing area, extending in the direction of the short side extension of the display panel, and each of the plurality of first touch electrodes includes a first opening; The second touch electrode unit includes a plurality of second touch electrodes located in the sensing area, extending in the direction of the long side of the display panel, and each of the plurality of second touch electrodes includes a second opening; and A pressure sensor, including a strain gauge, at least a portion of which is located in the sensing region; In the second opening of at least one of the plurality of second touch electrodes, the strain gauge includes a plurality of first resistance lines and a plurality of second resistance lines electrically connected to each other in the direction of the long side extension of the display panel. In the second opening of at least one of the plurality of second touch electrodes, at least one of the plurality of first resistance lines and at least one of the plurality of second resistance lines are disposed, and In the second opening of at least one of the plurality of second touch electrodes, at least one of the plurality of first resistance lines and at least one of the plurality of second resistance lines are spaced apart from each other.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The pressure sensor includes a first pressure sensor along the first long side of the sensing area.

3. The display device of claim 2, wherein, The pressure sensor includes a second pressure sensor along the second long side of the sensing area, wherein the length of the first pressure sensor is different from the length of the second pressure sensor.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein The sensing area includes a first sensing area, a second sensing area that curves downward along a first long side of the first sensing area, and a third sensing area that curves downward along the second long side of the first sensing area on the opposite side of the second sensing area. as well as The first pressure sensor is located in the second sensing area, and the second pressure sensor is located in the third sensing area.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein A plurality of second touch electrode units are arranged along the direction of the short side of the display panel, the plurality of second touch electrodes define columns along the direction of the long side of the display panel, and the strain gauge includes a first strain gauge located in a first column of the columns defined by the plurality of second touch electrodes and a second strain gauge located in a second column adjacent to the first column.

6. The display device according to claim 5, further comprising: A Wheatstone bridge circuit unit includes a first node provided with a drive voltage, a second node provided with a reference voltage, a first output node connected to one end of a voltage measuring element, and a second output node connected to the other end of the voltage measuring element; as well as Pressure wiring is located in the non-sensing area and electrically connects the first strain gauge and the second strain gauge to the Wheatstone bridge circuit unit.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The second touch electrode unit includes at least one connection portion electrically connecting the second touch electrodes that are adjacent to each other in a direction extending along the long side of the display panel; and The strain gauge also includes a first connecting line and a second connecting line. The first connecting line is electrically connected to the first resistance lines that are adjacent to each other along the direction of the long side of the display panel. The second connecting line is electrically connected to the second resistance lines that are adjacent to each other along the direction of the long side of the display panel.

8. The display device according to claim 5, wherein The touch sensor also includes a temperature sensing pattern positioned in a column different from the first column where the first strain gauge is positioned and the second column where the second strain gauge is positioned.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The strain gauge includes a portion formed of the same layer as the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode.

10. A display device, comprising: The display panel includes a first display area having a short side and a long side, and a second display area that curves downward along one long side of the first display area; A touch sensor is located on the display panel and includes a sensing area and a non-sensing area surrounding the sensing area; The touch sensor includes: The first touch electrode unit includes a plurality of first touch electrodes located in the sensing area, extending in the direction of the short side extension of the first display area, and each of the plurality of first touch electrodes includes a first opening; The second touch electrode unit includes a plurality of second touch electrodes located in the sensing area, extending in the direction of the long side of the first display area, and each of the plurality of second touch electrodes includes a second opening; and A pressure sensor, including a strain gauge, at least a portion of which is located in the sensing region; In the second opening of at least one of the plurality of second touch electrodes, the strain gauge includes a plurality of first resistance lines and a plurality of second resistance lines electrically connected to each other in the direction of the long side extension of the first display area. In the second opening of at least one of the plurality of second touch electrodes, at least one of the plurality of first resistance lines and at least one of the plurality of second resistance lines are disposed, and In the second opening of at least one of the plurality of second touch electrodes, at least one of the plurality of first resistance lines and at least one of the plurality of second resistance lines are spaced apart from each other.

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