Touch sensor and display device having the same

Abstract

Provided are a touch sensor and a display device including the same, wherein the touch sensor includes a base layer including a first sensing area and a second sensing area, a sensing driving electrode extending in a first direction in the first sensing area and the second sensing area, a first sub-sensing electrode disposed in the first sensing area and extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, a second sub-sensing electrode disposed in the second sensing area and extending in the second direction, a first common electrode disposed in the first sensing area, and a second common electrode disposed in the second sensing area. The first sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode are electrically connected to each other.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0082315, filed on July 3, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments of the invention generally relate to touch sensors and display devices including the touch sensors. Background Technology

[0003] Display devices have been developed that include information input functions in addition to image display functions. Typically, the information input function of a display device can be implemented as an input sensing unit for receiving touches from a user or from a predetermined tool.

[0004] Input sensing units, such as touch sensors, are attached to a surface of the display panel that enables image display, or are integrally formed with the display panel to be used. Users can input information by pressing or touching the input sensing units while viewing images displayed on the display panel.

[0005] Recently, to improve position recognition accuracy, multiple sensing electrodes and multiple sensing lines have been applied to touch sensors. However, to connect to the sensing lines, a large-area circuit board with multiple input / output pins is required, thus increasing the manufacturing cost of touch sensors and display devices that include touch sensors.

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

[0007] Embodiments of the invention provide a touch sensor with reduced manufacturing costs and a display device including the touch sensor.

[0008] Additional features of the inventive concept will be set forth in the following description and will be partly apparent from the description or may be learned by practice of the inventive concept.

[0009] An embodiment of the invention provides a touch sensor, comprising: a substrate layer including a first sensing region and a second sensing region; a sensing driving electrode extending along a first direction in the first and second sensing regions; a first sub-sensing electrode disposed in the first sensing region and extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction; a second sub-sensing electrode disposed in the second sensing region and extending along the second direction; a first common electrode disposed in the first sensing region; and a second common electrode disposed in the second sensing region. The first and second sub-sensing electrodes are electrically connected to each other.

[0010] The touch sensor may also include a pad assembly disposed in a non-sensing area and comprising multiple pads, the substrate layer may include a non-sensing area adjacent to the first sensing area and the second sensing area, and the first sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode may be connected to the same first pad via a first sensing signal line.

[0011] The sensing drive electrode can be connected to the pad assembly via a drive signal line to receive a sensing drive signal. The first sub-sensing electrode and the sensing drive electrode can form a first capacitor, and the second sub-sensing electrode and the sensing drive electrode can form a second capacitor.

[0012] The first common electrode can be connected to the pad group through the first common signal line to receive the first common signal, the second common electrode can be connected to the pad group through the second common signal line to receive the second common signal, the first common electrode and the sensing drive electrode can form a third capacitor, the second common electrode and the sensing drive electrode can form a fourth capacitor, the first common electrode and the first sub-sensing electrode can form a fifth capacitor, and the second common electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode can form a sixth capacitor.

[0013] The capacitance of the first capacitor, the capacitance of the third capacitor, and the capacitance of the fifth capacitor can change according to the touch input generated in the first sensing area, and the first sub-sensing electrode can output a first sensing signal based on the change in the capacitance of the first capacitor, the capacitance of the third capacitor, and the capacitance of the fifth capacitor.

[0014] The capacitance of the second capacitor, the capacitance of the fourth capacitor, and the capacitance of the sixth capacitor can change according to the touch input generated in the second sensing area, and the second sub-sensing electrode can output a second sensing signal based on the change in the capacitance of the second capacitor, the capacitance of the fourth capacitor, and the capacitance of the sixth capacitor.

[0015] The first sensing signal and the second sensing signal can be provided to the same first pad through the first sensing signal line.

[0016] The touch sensor may also include an amplifier circuit connected to the pad assembly. The amplifier circuit may include an operational amplifier and a capacitor. The operational amplifier includes a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and an output terminal. The first input terminal may be connected to a first sensing signal line, the second input terminal may be connected to ground, and the capacitor may be connected between the first input terminal and the output terminal.

[0017] The first common signal and the second common signal can be applied alternately.

[0018] The first common signal and the second common signal can be different signals from each other.

[0019] The first capacitor and the second capacitor can have different capacitance values.

[0020] The sensing drive electrode may include a first sensing unit arranged along a first direction and a first connection portion that electrically connects adjacent first sensing units.

[0021] Each of the first sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode may include a second sensing unit arranged along a second direction and a second connection portion that electrically connects adjacent second sensing units, and the second sensing unit may be disposed on the same layer as the first sensing unit.

[0022] The first common electrode can be disposed between the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit of the first sub-sensing electrode, and the second common electrode can be disposed between the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit of the second sub-sensing electrode.

[0023] The first common electrode and the second common electrode can be formed on the same layer as the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit.

[0024] The touch sensor may further include an insulating layer disposed on the first connecting portion, the first common electrode, and the second common electrode. The second connecting portion may be disposed on the insulating layer and may be connected to a second sensing unit through the first sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode.

[0025] Another embodiment of the invention provides a touch sensor comprising: a substrate layer including a first sensing region to a p-th (p is a natural number greater than or equal to 3) sensing region; a sensing drive electrode extending along a first direction in the first to p-th sensing regions; a first to p-th sensing electrode group respectively disposed corresponding to the first to p-th sensing regions; and a first to p-th common electrode respectively disposed corresponding to the first to p-th sensing regions. Each of the first to p-th sensing electrode groups includes a first to n-th (n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) sub-sensing electrode extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the k-th (k is a natural number less than or equal to n) sub-sensing electrode of each of the first to p-th sensing electrode groups is electrically connected to each other.

[0026] The sensing drive electrode and the j-th (j is a natural number less than or equal to p) sensing electrode group among the first sensing electrode group to the p-th sensing electrode group can form a first capacitor, the sensing drive electrode and the j-th common electrode among the first common electrode to the p-th common electrode can form a second capacitor, and the j-th common electrode and the j-th sensing electrode group can form a third capacitor.

[0027] The capacitance of the first capacitor, the capacitance of the second capacitor, and the capacitance of the third capacitor can be changed according to the touch input generated in the j-th sensing region among the first sensing region to the p-th sensing region, and the j-th sensing electrode group can output a sensing signal based on the change in the capacitance of the first capacitor, the capacitance of the second capacitor, and the capacitance of the third capacitor.

[0028] Another embodiment of the invention provides a display device comprising: a display panel including a light-emitting element and an encapsulation layer covering the light-emitting element; and a touch sensor disposed on the display panel. The touch sensor includes: a substrate layer including a first sensing region and a second sensing region; a sensing driving electrode extending along a first direction in the first and second sensing regions; a first sub-sensing electrode disposed in the first sensing region and extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction; a second sub-sensing electrode disposed in the second sensing region and extending along the second direction; a first common electrode disposed in the first sensing region; and a second common electrode disposed in the second sensing region. The first and second sub-sensing electrodes can be electrically connected to each other.

[0029] The present invention provides a touch sensor with reduced manufacturing costs and a display device including the touch sensor.

[0030] It will be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory, and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed invention. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the inventive concept. The drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0033] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a plan view illustrating a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0035] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 The diagram shows the touch position detection operation of the touch sensor.

[0036] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The equivalent circuit diagram of the touch sensor is shown in the figure.

[0037] Figure 6A It shows the driver Figure 4 The waveform diagram shows an example of a touch sensor method.

[0038] Figure 6B It shows the driver Figure 4 Waveform diagram of another example of the touch sensor method shown in the figure.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a plan view illustrating a touch sensor according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a plan view showing a touch sensor according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

[0041] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A magnified plan view of the EA region.

[0042] Figure 10 It is along Figure 9 A sectional view taken by line A-A'. Detailed Implementation

[0043] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth for illustrative purposes to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the invention. As used herein, “embodiment” is a non-limiting example employing one or more of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent that various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and arrangements are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various embodiments. Furthermore, the various embodiments may be different, but are not necessarily exclusive. For example, a particular shape, construction, and characteristic of one embodiment may be used or implemented in another embodiment without departing from the inventive concept.

[0044] Unless otherwise stated, the illustrated embodiments are to be understood as exemplary features providing details of variations in some ways in which the inventive concept can be implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions and / or aspects, etc. (hereinafter individually or uniformly referred to as “elements”) of various embodiments may be additionally combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged without departing from the inventive concept.

[0045] The use of crosshairs and / or shading in accompanying drawings is typically to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. Thus, unless otherwise stated, the presence or absence of crosshairs or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for the specific material, material properties, dimensions, scale, commonalities between the elements shown, or any other characteristics, properties, etc., of the elements. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the dimensions and relative dimensions of elements may be exaggerated for clarity and / or descriptive purposes. When embodiments can be implemented differently, a particular process sequence may be performed in a different order than that described. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order of their description. Moreover, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0046] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "bonded to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly bonded to the other element or layer, or an intermediary element or layer may be present. However, when an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly bonded to" another element or layer, an intermediary element or layer is not present. Therefore, the term "connection" can refer to a physical connection, electrical connection, and / or fluid connection, with or without an intermediary element. Furthermore, the D1, D2, and D3 axes are not limited to the three axes of a Cartesian coordinate system such as the x, y, and z axes, but can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the D1, D2, and D3 axes can be perpendicular to each other, or can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. For the purposes of this disclosure, “at least one of X, Y, and Z” and “at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z” can be interpreted as only X, only Y, only Z, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0047] Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., can be used here to describe various types of elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another. Therefore, the first element discussed below can be referred to as the second element without departing from the publicly stated teaching.

[0048] For descriptive purposes, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “below,” “down,” “above,” “above,” “higher,” “side” (e.g., as in “sidewall”) may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element to another, as shown in the accompanying drawings. Spatial relative terms are intended to include not only the orientation depicted in the drawings but also different orientations of the device in use, operation, and / or manufacture. For example, if the device in the drawings is rotated, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” said other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations. Furthermore, the device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and thus, the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein shall be interpreted accordingly.

[0049] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “the” as used herein are intended to include the plural forms as well. Furthermore, when the terms “comprising,” “including,” and / or variations thereof are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It should also be noted that, as used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and other similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than as terms of degree, and are thus used to interpret the inherent biases in measurements, calculated values, and / or provided values ​​that will be recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0050] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to sectional views and / or exploded views, which are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Thus, variations in the shapes of the illustrations, for example, due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, will be anticipated. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to the shapes of the specifically shown areas, but will include deviations in shape caused, for example, by manufacturing processes. In this way, the areas shown in the drawings can be schematic in nature, and the shapes of these areas may not reflect the actual shapes of the areas of the device, so they are not intended to be limiting.

[0051] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure is a part. Terms (such as those defined in a general dictionary) shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as they have in the context of the relevant field, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly defined herein.

[0052] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0053] Reference Figure 1 The display device DD can display the image IM through the display surface DD-IS. The display surface DD-IS can be substantially parallel to the surface defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The normal direction of the display surface DD-IS (i.e., the thickness direction of the display device DD) can be indicated by the third direction DR3.

[0054] The front (or upper) and rear (or lower) surfaces of each of the components, layers, or units described below can be distinguished by a third direction DR3. However, the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 are merely examples, and as relative concepts, the directions indicated by the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 can be converted to different directions.

[0055] Figure 1 The display device DD shown may have a flat display surface. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto; the display device DD may have various types of display surfaces capable of displaying images, such as curved or three-dimensional display surfaces.

[0056] The display device DD can be a flexible display device. For example, the display device DD can also be applied to foldable display devices, flexible display devices, rollable display devices, etc. The inventive concept is not limited thereto, and the display device DD can also be a rigid display device.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, the display surface DD-1S of the display device DD may include a display area DD-DA in which an image IM is displayed and a non-display area DD-NDA adjacent to the display area DD-DA. The non-display area DD-NDA may be an area in which no image is displayed. The non-display area DD-NDA may be located outside the display area DD-DA.

[0058] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0059] To illustrate the stacking relationship of the functional panels and / or functional units constituting the display device DD, a simplified diagram is shown. Figures 2A to 2C .

[0060] Reference Figures 2A to 2C The display device DD may include a display panel DP, input sensing units ISL and ISL-1 (e.g., a touch sensor), and window units WL and WP. The display device DD may also include an anti-reflective unit.

[0061] At least some of the components of the display panel DP, the input sensing units ISL and ISL-1, and the window units WL and WP can be formed by a continuous process, or at least some of the components can be assembled together by adhesive components. The adhesive components may include general adhesives or pressure-sensitive adhesives. Figure 2A and Figure 2C The adhesive component shown can be, for example, an optically transparent adhesive component (OCA).

[0062] In an embodiment, the display panel DP may include a substrate layer, circuit elements, display elements, and an encapsulation layer.

[0063] Circuit elements can be placed on the substrate layer and can include signal lines, pixel driving circuits, etc.

[0064] In this embodiment, the display element may include a pixel-defining film and a light-emitting diode (LED). The display element may be disposed on and electrically connected to a circuit element. The LED may be an organic LED or an inorganic LED. The display element may constitute a pixel.

[0065] The encapsulation layer can be configured to cover and seal the display element. The encapsulation layer may include at least one organic film and at least one inorganic film. The encapsulation layer may be the substrate layer of the input sensing units ISL and ISL-1.

[0066] In an embodiment, the input sensing units ISL and ISL-1 can sense touch or input from an external medium (such as a hand or pen) onto the display surface DD-IS of the display device DD.

[0067] exist Figures 2A to 2C In this context, the corresponding structures formed by a continuous process with another structure in the input sensing units ISL and ISL-1, as well as the window units WL and WP, ​​are described as "layers". The structures in the touch sensor and window units that are combined with another structure are described as "panels".

[0068] Depending on the presence or absence of the substrate layer, the input sensing units ISL and ISL-1, as well as the window units WL and WP, ​​can be referred to as the input sensing panel, the window panel WP, the input sensing layer ISL or ISL-1, or the window layer WL.

[0069] In an embodiment, such as Figure 2A As shown, the display device DD may include a display panel DP, an input sensing layer ISL, an anti-reflective panel RPP, and a window panel WP.

[0070] In this embodiment, the input sensing layer (ISL) can be directly disposed on the display panel (DP).

[0071] The display module DM can be defined by including a display panel DP and an input sensing layer ISL disposed on the display panel DP. An optically transparent adhesive member OCA can be disposed between the display module DM and the anti-reflective panel RPP, and between the anti-reflective panel RPP and the window panel WP.

[0072] The input sensing layer (ISL) can be set in the display panel (DP) or on the display panel (DP).

[0073] In this embodiment, the display panel DP can be a light-emitting display panel, but there are no specific limitations. For example, the display panel DP can be an organic light-emitting display panel or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel.

[0074] The anti-reflective panel RPP reduces the reflectivity of external light incident from the upper side of the window panel WP. In an embodiment, the anti-reflective panel RPP may include a phase retarder and a polarizer. The phase retarder may be a film type or a liquid crystal coating type, and may include a λ / 2 phase retarder and / or a λ / 4 phase retarder. The polarizer may also be a film type or a liquid crystal coating type.

[0075] In one embodiment, the anti-reflective panel RPP may include color filters. The color filters have a predetermined arrangement. The arrangement of the color filters may be determined by taking into account the emitted colors of the pixels included in the display panel DP. The anti-reflective panel RPP may also include a black matrix adjacent to the color filters.

[0076] In this embodiment, the window panel WP may include a substrate film WP-BS and a light-blocking pattern WP-BZ. The substrate film WP-BS may include a glass substrate, a synthetic resin film, etc. The substrate film WP-BS is not limited to a single layer. The substrate film WP-BS may include two or more films combined with each other by adhesive members.

[0077] The light-blocking pattern WP-BZ is partially superimposed on the substrate film WP-BS. The light-blocking pattern WP-BZ can be disposed on the rear surface of the substrate film WP-BS to define the bezel area of ​​the display device DD (i.e., the non-display area DD-NDA). Figure 1 )).

[0078] The window panel WP may also include a functional coating applied to the upper surface of the substrate film WP-BS. This functional coating may include an anti-fingerprint layer, an anti-reflective layer, a hard coating, etc.

[0079] like Figure 2B As shown, the display device DD may include a display panel DP, an input sensing layer ISL, an anti-reflective layer RPL, and a window layer WL. Adhesive components can be omitted from the display device DD, and the input sensing layer ISL, anti-reflective layer RPL, and window layer WL can be formed on the substrate surface provided by the display panel DP using a continuous process. The stacking order of the input sensing layer ISL and the anti-reflective layer RPL can be changed.

[0080] like Figure 2C As shown, the display device DD may not include a separate anti-reflective unit. In an embodiment, the display device DD may include a display panel DP, an input sensing layer ISL-1, and a window panel WP. Here, the input sensing layer ISL-1 may also have anti-reflective functionality.

[0081] exist Figures 2A to 2CIn the diagram, input sensing units ISL and ISL-1 are shown stacked with the entire display panel DP. However, this is merely an example; the input sensing units may be stacked only with a portion of the display area DD-DA, or only with the non-display area DD-NDA. Input sensing units ISL and ISL-1 can be a touch sensing panel for sensing a user's touch, or a fingerprint sensing panel for sensing the fingerprint information of a user's finger. The spacing and width of the sensing electrodes described below can be varied depending on the input sensing units used.

[0082] Figure 3 This is a plan view illustrating a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the invention. Here, the touch sensor may be a reference... Figures 2A to 2C The input sensing units ISL and ISL-1 are described.

[0083] Reference Figure 3 The touch sensor TS may include a substrate layer BL, a driving electrode group TE, a first sensing electrode group RE1, a second sensing electrode group RE2, a first common electrode group OE1, and a second common electrode group OE2. Additionally, the touch sensor TS may include first driving signal lines TL1 to the m-th (m is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) driving signal lines TLm, first sensing signal lines RL1 to the n-th (n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) sensing signal lines RLn, a first common signal line OL1, a second common signal line OL2, and pad (or "soldering pad") groups PD connected to these lines.

[0084] The substrate layer BL can be formed from a transparent insulating material, such as glass, quartz, ceramic, or plastic. When the substrate layer BL is formed from plastic, it can be configured as a flexible substrate.

[0085] In this embodiment, the substrate layer BL can be an inorganic material. For example, the substrate layer BL can be combined with... Figures 2A to 2C This corresponds to the topmost layer of the encapsulation layer of the display panel DP. In this case, the substrate layer BL may include a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, etc.

[0086] The substrate layer BL may include a sensing area SA that recognizes the user's touch and a non-sensing area NSA that does not recognize the user's touch. In the accompanying drawings, the sensing area SA and the non-sensing area NSA are shown as quadrilaterals, but are not limited thereto.

[0087] The sensing area SA can be superimposed on the display area of ​​a display panel (not shown) that can be disposed on one surface of the substrate layer BL. For example, the sensing area SA can have the same shape as the display area. The non-sensing area NSA can be superimposed on the non-display area of ​​the display panel.

[0088] In an embodiment, the sensing area SA may include a first sensing area SA1 and a second sensing area SA2.

[0089] Each of the first sensing area SA1 and the second sensing area SA2 may have a quadrilateral shape, but is not limited thereto. For example, each of the first sensing area SA1 and the second sensing area SA2 may have various shapes such as polygonal shapes, circular shapes, or elliptical shapes.

[0090] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, each of the first sensing region SA1 and the second sensing region SA2 may be arranged along the second direction DR2 and extend along the first direction DR1, but is not limited thereto. For example, each of the first sensing region SA1 and the second sensing region SA2 may be arranged along the first direction DR1 and extend along the second direction DR2.

[0091] In the sensing area SA, a driving electrode group TE, a first sensing electrode group RE1, a second sensing electrode group RE2, a first common electrode group OE1, and a second common electrode group OE2 can be set.

[0092] In the non-sensing area (NSA), a pad group PD comprising multiple pads P, first drive signal lines TL1 to m-th drive signal lines TLm, first sensing signal lines RL1 to n-th sensing signal lines RLn, first common signal line OL1, and second common signal line OL2 can be configured. Drive electrode group TE, first sensing electrode group RE1, second sensing electrode group RE2, first common electrode group OE1, and second common electrode group OE2 can be respectively connected to the first drive signal lines TL1 to m-th drive signal lines TLm, the first sensing signal lines RL1 to n-th sensing signal lines RLn, the first common signal line OL1, and the second common signal line OL2 to receive signals through the pad group PD or output signals to the pad group PD.

[0093] The pad assembly (PD) can be connected to a touch sensing driver (not shown). The touch sensing driver can transmit sensing drive signals, a first common signal, and a second common signal to the drive electrode group (TE), the first common electrode group (OE1), and the second common electrode group (OE2) via the pad assembly (PD). Additionally, the touch sensing driver can receive a first sensing signal and a second sensing signal from the first sensing electrode group (RE1) and the second sensing electrode group (RE2) from the pad assembly (PD), and can detect the touch input position based on the first and second sensing signals.

[0094] The driving electrode assembly TE can be disposed on the substrate layer BL and can be disposed in the first sensing region SA1 and the second sensing region SA2. As an embodiment, the driving electrode assembly TE can include a plurality of sensing driving electrodes TE1 to TEm arranged along a first direction DR1 and extending along a second direction DR2. For example, the driving electrode assembly TE can include a first sensing driving electrode TE1 to an m-th sensing driving electrode TEm. Each of the first sensing driving electrodes TE1 to the m-th sensing driving electrode TEm can extend in the first sensing region SA1 and the second sensing region SA2 and can be integrally formed.

[0095] The first sensing drive electrode TE1 to the m-th sensing drive electrode TEm of the drive electrode group TE can be connected to the first drive signal line TL1 to the m-th drive signal line TLm, respectively. The first sensing drive electrode TE1 to the m-th sensing drive electrode TEm can be connected to different pads P of the pad group PD via the first drive signal line TL1 to the m-th drive signal line TLm. For example, the first sensing drive electrode TE1 can be connected to the first drive signal line TL1, and the second sensing drive electrode TE2 can be connected to the second drive signal line TL2. Therefore, the drive electrode group TE can receive sensing drive signals from the pad group PD.

[0096] The first sensing electrode group RE1 can be disposed on the substrate layer BL and can be disposed in the first sensing region SA1. As an embodiment, the first sensing electrode group RE1 may include a plurality of first sub-sensing electrodes RE11 to RE1n arranged along the second direction DR2 and extending along the first direction DR1.

[0097] The second sensing electrode group RE2 can be disposed on the substrate layer BL and can be disposed in the second sensing region SA2. As an embodiment, the second sensing electrode group RE2 may include a plurality of second sub-sensing electrodes RE21 to RE2n arranged along the second direction DR2 and extending along the first direction DR1.

[0098] Each of the first sensing electrode group RE1 and the second sensing electrode group RE2 can be connected to its counterpart among the first sensing signal lines RL1 to the nth sensing signal line RLn. The first sensing electrode group RE1 and the second sensing electrode group RE2 can be electrically connected to the pad group PD through the first sensing signal lines RL1 to the nth sensing signal line RLn.

[0099] As an example, the first sub-sensing electrodes RE11 to RE1n of the first sensing electrode group RE1 and the second sub-sensing electrodes RE21 to RE2n of the second sensing electrode group RE2 can be electrically connected to each other. For example, the first sub-sensing electrode RE11 of the first sensing electrode group RE1 and the second sub-sensing electrode RE21 of the second sensing electrode group RE2 can be electrically connected to each other via a first sensing signal line RL1. The first sensing signal line RL1 connected to the first sub-sensing electrode RE11 and the second sensing electrode RE21 can extend toward the pad group PD and can be connected to a pad P. That is, the first sub-sensing electrode RE11 and the second sensing electrode RE21 can be connected to the same pad P.

[0100] Similarly, the first sub-sensing electrode RE12 of the first sensing electrode group RE1 and the second sub-sensing electrode RE22 of the second sensing electrode group RE2 can be electrically connected to each other via the second sensing signal line RL2. The second sensing signal line RL2 can be electrically connected to a pad P that is different from the pad P to which the first sensing signal line RL1 is connected.

[0101] Figure 3 The diagram shows a structure in which the first sensing electrode group RE1 and the second sensing electrode group RE2 are formed separately. However, the shapes of the first sensing electrode group RE1 and the second sensing electrode group RE2 are not limited thereto, and at least a portion of the first sensing electrode group RE1 and the second sensing electrode group RE2 can be formed integrally. For example, the first sub-sensing electrode RE11 and the second sub-sensing electrode RE21, which are electrically connected to each other, can be formed integrally.

[0102] The first common electrode group OE1 can be disposed on the substrate layer BL and can be disposed in the first sensing region SA1. As an embodiment, the first common electrode group OE1 can include a plurality of first common electrodes OE11 to OE1m arranged along the first direction DR1 and extending along the second direction DR2. The first common electrodes OE11 to OE1m can be disposed between adjacent sensing driving electrodes TE1 to TEm. For example, the first common electrodes OE11 to OE1m and the sensing driving electrodes TE1 to TEm can be disposed alternately along the first direction DR1, but are not limited thereto.

[0103] The first common electrodes OE11 to OE1m can be connected together to a first common signal line OL1. That is, the first common electrodes OE11 to OE1m can be electrically connected to each other. The first common electrodes OE11 to OE1m can be connected to the pad assembly PD through the first common signal line OL1.

[0104] According to an embodiment, the first common electrodes OE11 to OE1m can be integrally formed.

[0105] The second common electrode group OE2 can be disposed on the substrate layer BL and can be disposed in the second sensing region SA2. As an embodiment, the second common electrode group OE2 can include a plurality of second common electrodes OE21 to OE2m arranged along a first direction DR1 and extending along a second direction DR2. The second common electrodes OE21 to OE2m can be disposed between adjacent sensing drive electrodes TE1 to TEm. For example, the second common electrodes OE21 to OE2m and the sensing drive electrodes TE1 to TEm can be alternately disposed along the first direction DR1, but are not limited thereto.

[0106] The second common electrodes OE21 to OE2m can be connected together to a second common signal line OL2. That is, the second common electrodes OE21 to OE2m can be electrically connected to each other. The second common electrodes OE21 to OE2m can be connected to the pad assembly PD via the second common signal line OL2. Here, the pad P to which the second common signal line OL2 of the pad assembly PD is connected can be different from the pad P to which the first common signal line OL1 is connected.

[0107] According to an embodiment, the second common electrodes OE21 to OE2m can be integrally formed.

[0108] The aforementioned driving electrode group TE, first sensing electrode group RE1, second sensing electrode group RE2, first common electrode group OE1, and second common electrode group OE2 can be formed of a transparent conductive material. For example, the transparent conductive material can be indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), carbon nanotubes, silver nanowires (AgNW), graphene, etc., but is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, at least some of the driving electrode group TE, first sensing electrode group RE1, second sensing electrode group RE2, first common electrode group OE1, and second common electrode group OE2 can include metals or alloys. For example, the metal can be gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), platinum (Pt), etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0109] As described above, the first sensing electrode group RE1 of the first sensing area SA1 and the second sensing electrode group RE2 of the second sensing area SA2 can be electrically connected to each other. Since the corresponding first sub-sensing electrodes RE11 to RE1n and the corresponding second sub-sensing electrodes RE21 to RE2n are connected to the same pad P, the number of pads P connected to each of the first sub-sensing electrodes RE11 to RE1n and the corresponding second sub-sensing electrodes RE21 to RE2n can be reduced. For example, when the first sub-sensing electrodes RE11 to RE1n and the corresponding second sub-sensing electrodes RE21 to RE2n are connected to different pads P, a total of 2 × n pads P are required. However, when the corresponding first sub-sensing electrodes RE11 to RE1n and the corresponding second sub-sensing electrodes RE21 to RE2n are connected to the same pad P, a total of n pads P are required. Therefore, the number of pads P required to connect the first sensing electrode group RE1 and the second sensing electrode group RE2 to the pad group PD can be reduced by half, and the size of the touch sensing driver (not shown) or the circuit board connected to the pad group PD can be reduced. Therefore, the cost of manufacturing the touch sensor TS can be reduced.

[0110] As described above, the first common electrode group OE1 can be disposed in the first sensing area SA1, and the second common electrode group OE2 can be disposed in the second sensing area SA2. The common signals provided to the first common electrode group OE1 and the second common electrode group OE2 can be provided alternately, or they can be different signals. Therefore, the touch sensor TS can detect the touch position by distinguishing the sensing signals provided from the first sensing electrode group RE1 and the second sensing electrode group RE2.

[0111] In the following text, refer to Figures 4 to 6B Describe in detail the touch position detection operation of the touch sensor TS.

[0112] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 The diagram shows the touch position detection operation of the touch sensor.

[0113] For ease of description, Figure 4 Only shown Figure 3 The touch sensor TS has a first sensing drive electrode TE1, a first sub-sensing electrode RE11, a second sub-sensing electrode RE21, a first common electrode OE11, and a second common electrode OE21.

[0114] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first sensing drive electrode TE1 can be disposed in the first sensing region SA1 and the second sensing region SA2. The first sub-sensing electrode RE11 and the first common electrode OE11 can be disposed in the first sensing region SA1. The second sub-sensing electrode RE21 and the second common electrode OE21 can be disposed in the second sensing region SA2.

[0115] The first sensing drive electrode TE1 can receive a first sensing drive signal TS1. The first sensing drive signal TS1 can be a pulse signal, and can be a signal provided a predetermined number of times during a specific time period.

[0116] The first common electrode OE11 can receive the first common signal OS1, and the second common electrode OE21 can receive the second common signal OS2. As an embodiment, the first common signal OS1 and the second common signal OS2 can be signals that are provided alternately to each other. For example, after providing the first common signal OS1 during a first time period, the second common signal OS2 can be provided during the first time period. The touch sensor TS can detect touch input generated in the first sensing area SA1 during the time period in which the first common signal OS1 is provided, and can detect touch input generated in the second sensing area SA2 during the time period in which the second common signal OS2 is provided.

[0117] According to an embodiment, a first common signal OS1 and a second common signal OS2 can be provided simultaneously. In this case, the first common signal OS1 and the second common signal OS2 can be different signals. For example, the second common signal OS2 can be a signal in which the high and low levels of the first common signal OS1 are inverted. As another example, the second common signal OS2 can be a signal in which the phase of the first common signal OS1 is delayed.

[0118] As an example, the first sensing drive signal TS1, the first common signal OS1, and the second common signal OS2 described above may be signals provided from a touch sensing driver TDR connected to the pad assembly PD, but are not limited thereto. For example, at least one of the first sensing drive signal TS1, the first common signal OS1, and the second common signal OS2 may be a signal provided by a separate external circuit or driver.

[0119] The first sensing drive electrode TE1, the first sub-sensing electrode RE11, the second sub-sensing electrode RE21, the first common electrode OE11, and the second common electrode OE21 can form a capacitor with each other. The capacitance of the capacitor can be changed according to the touch input generated in the first sensing area SA1 and the second sensing area SA2, and the first sub-sensing electrode RE11 and the second sub-sensing electrode RE21 can output a first sensing signal RS11 and a second sensing signal RS21 based on the change in capacitance.

[0120] For example, the first sensing drive electrode TE1 can form a first capacitor C1 with the first sub-sensing electrode RE11, and a second capacitor C2 with the second sub-sensing electrode RE21. The first sensing drive electrode TE1 can form a third capacitor C3 with the first common electrode OE11, and a fourth capacitor C4 with the second common electrode OE21. In addition, the first sub-sensing electrode RE11 can form a fifth capacitor C5 with the first common electrode OE11, and the second sub-sensing electrode RE21 can form a sixth capacitor C6 with the second common electrode OE21.

[0121] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The equivalent circuit diagram of the touch sensor is shown in the figure. Figure 6A It shows the driver Figure 4 The waveform diagram shows an example of a touch sensor method. Figure 6B It shows the driver Figure 4 Waveform diagram of another example of the touch sensor method shown in the figure.

[0122] Combination Figure 4 Reference Figure 5 The equivalent circuit of the first sensing drive electrode TE1, the first sub-sensing electrode RE11, the second sub-sensing electrode RE21, the first common electrode OE11, and the second common electrode OE21 may include a first signal input terminal SI1, a second signal input terminal SI2, a third signal input terminal SI3, and a signal output terminal SO. It may also include a first resistor Ra, a second resistor Rb, a third resistor Rc, and a fourth resistor Rd connected between the first signal input terminal SI1, the second signal input terminal SI2, the third signal input terminal SI3, and the signal output terminal SO, as well as a first capacitor C1, a second capacitor C2, a third capacitor C3, a fourth capacitor C4, a fifth capacitor C5, and a sixth capacitor C6.

[0123] The first resistor Ra, the second resistor Rb, the third resistor Rc, and the fourth resistor Rd can be the internal resistances of each electrode. For example, the first resistor Ra can be the internal resistance of the first sensing drive electrode TE1, the second resistor Rb can be the internal resistance of the first common electrode OE11, the third resistor Rc can be the internal resistance of the second common electrode OE21, and the fourth resistor Rd can be the internal resistance of the first sub-sensing electrode RE11 and the second sub-sensing electrode RE21.

[0124] The first sensing drive electrode TE1 can receive the first sensing drive signal TS1 through the first signal input terminal SI1. The first common electrode OE11 can receive the first common signal OS1 through the second signal input terminal SI2. The second common electrode OE21 can receive the second common signal OS2 through the third signal input terminal SI3. The first sub-sensing electrode RE11 and the second sub-sensing electrode RE21 can output the sensing signal RS1 through the signal output terminal SO.

[0125] A first capacitor C1 may be formed between a first sensing drive electrode TE1 and a first sub-sensing electrode RE11, and a second capacitor C2 may be formed between a first sensing drive electrode TE1 and a second sub-sensing electrode RE21. As an example, the capacitance of the first capacitor C1 and the capacitance of the second capacitor C2 may be the same, but this is not a limitation. As another example, the capacitance of the first capacitor C1 may be different from the capacitance of the second capacitor C2.

[0126] The third capacitor C3 can be formed between the first sensing drive electrode TE1 and the first common electrode OE11, and the fourth capacitor C4 can be formed between the first sensing drive electrode TE1 and the second common electrode OE21. As an example, the capacitance of the third capacitor C3 and the capacitance of the fourth capacitor C4 can be the same, but are not limited thereto. As another example, the capacitance of the third capacitor C3 can be different from the capacitance of the fourth capacitor C4.

[0127] A fifth capacitor C5 may be formed between the first common electrode OE11 and the first sub-sensing electrode RE11, and a sixth capacitor C6 may be formed between the second common electrode OE21 and the second sub-sensing electrode RE21. As an example, the capacitance of the fifth capacitor C5 and the sixth capacitor C6 may be the same, but this is not a limitation. As another example, the capacitance of the fifth capacitor C5 may be different from the capacitance of the sixth capacitor C6.

[0128] The sensing signal RS1 output through the signal output terminal SO can be changed in accordance with the signals input to the first signal input terminal SI1, the second signal input terminal SI2, and the third signal input terminal SI3.

[0129] See also Figure 6A and Figure 6B The first sensing drive signal TS1 input to the first signal input terminal SI1 can be a signal input during a constant time period with a predetermined period. The basic waveform of the sensing signal RS1 can be determined corresponding to the first sensing drive signal TS1.

[0130] The first common signal OS1 input to the second signal input terminal SI2 and the second common signal OS2 input to the third signal input terminal SI3 can be selective input signals. For example, Figure 6AThis illustrates the case where the first common signal OS1 is input but the second common signal OS2 is not input. Figure 6B This illustrates the case where the second common signal OS2 is input instead of the first common signal OS1.

[0131] As an example, such as Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the first common signal OS1 and the second common signal OS2 can be signals with different waveforms. Therefore, the sensing signal RS1 when only the first common signal OS1 is supplied can be different from the sensing signal RS1 when only the second common signal OS2 is supplied. When a touch input occurs, the touch sensor TS can analyze the sensing signal RS1, distinguish between the sensing signal RS1 supplied with the first common signal OS1 and the sensing signal RS1 supplied with the second common signal OS2, and determine the touch position. However, the first common signal OS1 and the second common signal OS2 are not limited to the above.

[0132] According to an embodiment, the first common signal OS1 and the second common signal OS2 can be signals comprising the same pulse, and can be alternating input signals. In this case, the touch sensor TS can determine the touch position by the input time points of the first common signal OS1 and the second common signal OS2 and the waveform of the output sensing signal RS1. For example, when the sensing signal RS1 output at the time point of input to the first common signal OS1 is a pulse with a shape similar to that of the first sensing drive signal TS1 but without the influence of the first common signal OS1, it can be determined that the sensing signal RS1 is a signal not generated in the first sensing area SA1.

[0133] Refer again Figure 3 and Figure 4 When a touch input occurs in the first sensing area SA1, the capacitances of the first capacitor C1, the third capacitor C3, and the fifth capacitor C5 can change. The first sub-sensing electrode RE11 can output a first sensing signal RS11 based on the change in capacitance of the first capacitor C1, the third capacitor C3, and the fifth capacitor C5.

[0134] Similarly, when a touch input occurs in the second sensing area SA2, the capacitances of the second capacitor C2, the fourth capacitor C4, and the sixth capacitor C6 can change. The second sub-sensing electrode RE21 can output a second sensing signal RS21 based on the change in capacitance of the second capacitor C2, the fourth capacitor C4, and the sixth capacitor C6.

[0135] The first sensing signal RS11 and the second sensing signal RS21 output from the first sub-sensing electrode RE11 and the second sensing electrode RE21 can be transmitted as sensing signal RS1 through the first sensing signal line RL1 to... Figure 3The pad assembly (PD) is used to detect touch position. The touch sensor driver (TDR) can be electrically connected to the pad assembly (PD), and the touch sensor driver (TDR) can detect touch input and touch position based on the sensing signal RS1.

[0136] like Figure 4 As shown, the touch sensing driver TDR may include an amplifier circuit ITG, an analog-to-digital converter ADC, and a processor MPU.

[0137] An amplifier circuit ITG may include an operational amplifier AMP and a capacitor C.

[0138] An operational amplifier (AMP) may include a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and an output terminal. For example, the first input terminal may be an inverting input terminal, and the second input terminal may be a non-inverting input terminal.

[0139] The first input terminal of the operational amplifier AMP can be connected to the first sensing signal line RL1. The sensing signal RS1 output from the first sub-sensing electrode RE11 and the second sub-sensing electrode RE21 can be input to the first input terminal. The second input terminal of the operational amplifier AMP can be a reference potential terminal and can be connected to a reference power supply. For example, the reference power supply can be ground power GND. A capacitor C can be connected between the first input terminal and the output terminal of the operational amplifier AMP. Therefore, the operational amplifier AMP can amplify the sensing signal RS1 input to the first input terminal and output the amplified sensing signal RS1 to the output terminal. According to an embodiment, the operational amplifier AMP may further include a reset switch SW connected in parallel with the capacitor C between the first input terminal and the output terminal.

[0140] In the example above, the amplifier circuit ITG is implemented as an inverting amplifier circuit, but it is not limited to this. In another embodiment, the amplifier circuit ITG can be implemented as a non-inverting amplifier circuit.

[0141] An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) can be connected to the output terminal of an ITG amplifier circuit. An ADC converts an input analog signal into a digital signal.

[0142] A processor MPU can perform signal processing on the converted signals (digital signals) from an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), synthesize and analyze the signal processing results, and detect touch input. For example, a processor MPU can be implemented as a microprocessor unit. In this case, the memory required to drive the processor MPU can be separately allocated in the touch sensing driver (TDR). The construction of the processor MPU is not limited to this.

[0143] Other embodiments of the touch sensor are described below. In the following embodiments, the same construction as the previously described embodiments is indicated by the same reference numerals, the description of which is omitted or simplified, and the differences are mainly described.

[0144] Figure 7 This is a plan view illustrating a touch sensor according to another disclosed embodiment. The touch sensor in Figure 6 includes two sensing areas, but... Figure 7 The difference between this touch sensor and the touch sensor in Figure 6 is that... Figure 7 The touch sensor includes three or more sensing areas.

[0145] Reference Figure 7 The touch sensor TS_1 may include a substrate layer BL, a driving electrode group TE, a first sensing electrode group RE1 to the p-th (p is a natural number greater than or equal to 3) sensing electrode group REp, and a first common electrode group OE1 to the p-th common electrode group OEp. Additionally, the touch sensor TS_1 may include a first driving signal line TL1 to the m-th driving signal line TLm, a first sensing signal line RL1 to the n-th sensing signal line RLn, a first common signal line OL1 to the p-th common signal line OLp, and a pad group PD connected to these lines.

[0146] The substrate layer BL may include a sensing area SA that recognizes the user's touch and a non-sensing area NSA that does not recognize the user's touch. As an example, the sensing area SA may include a first sensing area SA1 to a p-th sensing area SAp.

[0147] The driving electrode group TE, the first sensing electrode group RE1 to the p-th sensing electrode group REp, and the first common electrode group OE1 to the p-th common electrode group OEp can be set in the sensing area SA.

[0148] In the non-sensing area (NSA), a pad group PD comprising multiple pads P, first drive signal lines TL1 to m-th drive signal lines TLm, first sensing signal lines RL1 to n-th sensing signal lines RLn, and first common signal lines OL1 to p-th common signal lines OLp can be configured. Drive electrode groups TE, first sensing electrode groups RE1 to p-th sensing electrode groups REp, and first common electrode groups OE1 to p-th common electrode groups OEp can be respectively connected to the first drive signal lines TL1 to m-th drive signal lines TLm, the first sensing signal lines RL1 to n-th sensing signal lines RLn, and the first common signal lines OL1 to p-th common signal lines OLp to receive signals through the pad group PD or output signals to the pad group PD.

[0149] The driving electrode group TE can be disposed on the substrate layer BL and can be disposed in the first sensing region SA1 to the p-th sensing region SAp. As an embodiment, the driving electrode group TE may include a plurality of sensing driving electrodes TE1 to TEm arranged along the first direction DR1 and extending along the second direction DR2.

[0150] The first sensing electrode group RE1 to the p-th sensing electrode group REp can be disposed on the substrate layer BL, and can be respectively disposed in the first sensing region SA1 to the p-th sensing region SAp. As an embodiment, each of the first sensing electrode group RE1 to the p-th sensing electrode group REp may include a plurality of sub-sensing electrodes arranged along the second direction DR2 and extending along the first direction DR1. For example, the first sensing electrode group RE1 may include a plurality of first sub-sensing electrodes RE11 to RE1n, and the p-th sensing electrode group REp may include a plurality of p-th sub-sensing electrodes REp1 to REpn.

[0151] The first sensing electrode group RE1 to the p-th sensing electrode group REp can be connected to the first sensing signal line RL1 to the n-th sensing signal line RLn, respectively. The first sensing electrode group RE1 to the p-th sensing electrode group REp can be electrically connected to the pad group PD through the first sensing signal line RL1 to the n-th sensing signal line RLn.

[0152] As an example, corresponding sub-sensing electrodes among the plurality of sub-sensing electrodes included in the first sensing electrode group RE1 to the p-th sensing electrode group REp can be electrically connected to each other. For example, the first sub-sensing electrodes to the p-th sub-sensing electrodes RE11, RE21, ... and REp1 in the first column of each of the first sensing electrode groups RE1 to the p-th sensing electrode group REp can be electrically connected to each other through the first sensing signal line RL1, and the first sub-sensing electrodes to the p-th sub-sensing electrodes RE1n, RE2n, ... and REpn in the n-th column of each of the first sensing electrode groups RE1 to the p-th sensing electrode group REp can be electrically connected to each other through the n-th sensing signal line RLn.

[0153] The first common electrode group OE1 to the p-th common electrode group OEp can be disposed on the substrate layer BL, and can be respectively disposed in the first sensing region SA1 to the p-th sensing region SAp. As an embodiment, the first common electrode group OE1 to the p-th common electrode group OEp can include a plurality of common electrodes arranged along the first direction DR1 and extending along the second direction DR2. For example, the first common electrode group OE1 can include a plurality of first common electrodes OE11 to OE1m, and the p-th common electrode group OEp can include a plurality of p-th common electrodes OEp1 to OEpm.

[0154] The first common electrode group OE1 to the p-th common electrode group OEp can be connected to the first common signal line OL1 to the p-th common signal line OLp, respectively. For example, the first common electrodes OE11 to OE1m of the first common electrode group OE1 can be connected to the first common signal line OL1, and the p-th common electrodes OEp1 to OEpm of the p-th common electrode group OEp can be connected to the p-th common signal line OLp.

[0155] The following describes the methods for detecting touch on the touch sensor TS_1 and driving the touch sensor TS_1. Figure 3 The methods used in the embodiments are substantially the same or similar, therefore, any repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0156] As described above, when the sub-sensing electrodes corresponding to each other in each of the sensing areas SA1 to SAp are electrically connected to each other via corresponding ones in the first sensing signal lines RL1 to the nth sensing signal lines RLn and connected to the same pad P, the number of pads P that are respectively connected to the first sensing electrode groups RE1 to the pth sensing electrode groups REp can be reduced. For example, when the sub-sensing electrodes included in the first sensing electrode groups RE1 to the pth sensing electrode groups REp are connected to different pads P, a total of p×n pads P are required. However, when the corresponding first to pth sub-sensing electrodes are connected to the same pad P, a total of n pads P are required. Therefore, the number of pads P required to connect the first sensing electrode groups RE1 to the pth sensing electrode groups REp to the pad group PD can be reduced to 1 / p, and the size of the touch sensing driver (not shown) or the circuit board connected to the pad group PD can be reduced. Therefore, the cost of manufacturing the touch sensor TS_1 can be further reduced.

[0157] Figure 8 This is a plan view showing a touch sensor according to yet another embodiment of the invention. Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A magnified plan view of the EA region. Figure 10 It is along Figure 9 A sectional view taken by line A-A'.

[0158] Figures 8 to 10 Implementation examples and Figure 3 The difference in the embodiments is that the shapes of the driving electrode group TE_2, the first sensing electrode group RE1_2, the second sensing electrode group RE2_2, the first common electrode group OE1_2, and the second common electrode group OE2_2 are different.

[0159] Reference Figures 8 to 10 The touch sensor TS_2 may include a driving electrode group TE_2, a first sensing electrode group RE1_2, a second sensing electrode group RE2_2, a first common electrode group OE1_1, and a second common electrode group OE2_2.

[0160] For ease of description, Figure 8 The diagram shows a structure in which the drive electrode group TE_2 includes seven sensing drive electrodes and each of the first sensing electrode group RE1_2 and the second sensing electrode group RE2_2 includes three sub-sensing electrodes. However, the disclosure is not limited to this and more sensing drive electrodes and sub-sensing electrodes can be provided.

[0161] The driving electrode group TE_2 may include a first sensing driving electrode TE1 to a seventh sensing driving electrode TE7 arranged along a first direction DR1 and extending along a second direction DR2 in a first sensing region SA1 and a second sensing region SA2.

[0162] Each of the first sensing drive electrodes TE1 to the seventh sensing drive electrode TE7 may include a plurality of sensing units arranged along the second direction DR2. For example, the first sensing drive electrode TE1 may include a plurality of first sensing units TE1a arranged along the second direction DR2. The first sensing units TE1a may have a planar rhomboid shape, but are not limited thereto. In addition, the first sensing drive electrode TE1 may include a first connection portion TE1b that electrically connects adjacent first sensing units TE1a. The first sensing units TE1a and the first connection portion TE1b may be integrally formed, but are not limited thereto.

[0163] The first sensing electrode group RE1_2 may include first sub-sensing electrodes RE11, RE12 and RE13 arranged along the second direction DR2 and extending along the first direction DR1 in the first sensing region SA1.

[0164] The second sensing electrode group RE2_2 may include second sub-sensing electrodes RE21, RE22 and RE23 arranged along the second direction DR2 and extending along the first direction DR1 in the second sensing region SA2.

[0165] The first sub-sensing electrodes RE11, RE12, and RE13 of the first sensing electrode group RE1_2 and the second sub-sensing electrodes RE21, RE22, and RE23 of the second sensing electrode group RE2_2 can be electrically connected to each other. For example, the first sub-sensing electrode RE11 and the second sub-sensing electrode RE21 can be electrically connected to each other through the first sensing signal line RL1 and can be connected to the same pad P.

[0166] Each of the first sub-sensing electrodes RE11, RE12, and RE13, and each of the second sub-sensing electrodes RE21, RE22, and RE23, includes a plurality of sensing units arranged along a first direction DR1. For example, the first sub-sensing electrode RE11 may include a plurality of second sensing units RE11a arranged along the first direction DR1. The second sensing units RE11a may have a planar rhomboid shape, but are not limited thereto. In addition, the first sub-sensing electrode RE11 may include a second connection portion RE11b that electrically connects adjacent second sensing units RE11a.

[0167] The first common electrode group OE1_2 can be disposed in the first sensing area SA1, and can be disposed between the first sensing unit TE1a and the second sensing unit of the first sub-sensing electrodes RE11, RE12 and RE13.

[0168] The second common electrode group OE2_2 can be disposed in the second sensing area SA2, and can be disposed between the first sensing unit TE1a and the second sensing unit of the second sub-sensing electrodes RE21, RE22 and RE23.

[0169] As an example, the first sensing unit TE1a and the second sensing unit RE11a can be disposed on the same layer. Additionally, as... Figure 10 As shown, the first connection portion TE1b can be disposed on the same layer as the second sensing unit RE11a.

[0170] According to an embodiment, the first common electrode group OE1_2 and the second common electrode group OE2_2 can be disposed on the same layer as the first sensing unit TE1a and the second sensing unit RE11a. For example, the first common electrode group OE1_2 can be disposed on the same layer as the first sensing unit TE1a, the second sensing unit RE11a, and the first connecting portion TE1b. However, the arrangement of the first common electrode group OE1_2 and the second common electrode group OE2_2 is not limited to this. For example, the first common electrode group OE1_2 and the second common electrode group OE2_2 can be disposed on different layers, or both the first common electrode group OE1_2 and the second common electrode group OE2_2 can be disposed on different layers from the first sensing unit TE1a and the second sensing unit RE11a.

[0171] According to an embodiment, the second connection portion RE11b connecting adjacent second sensing units RE11a can be disposed on a different layer from the second sensing units RE11a. For example, as Figure 10As shown, the insulating layer IL can be disposed on the second sensing unit RE11a, the first connecting portion TE1b, the first common electrode group OE1-2 and the second common electrode group OE2_2 (not shown), and the second connecting portion RE11b can be disposed on the insulating layer IL and can electrically connect adjacent second sensing units RE11a through the first contact hole CNT1 and the second contact hole CNT2 passing through the insulating layer IL. The second connecting portion RE11b can be formed of a material different from that of the second sensing unit RE11a, but is not limited thereto.

[0172] In the following text, the methods for detecting touch on the touch sensor TS_2 and driving the touch sensor TS_2 are substantially the same as or similar to the methods in the above embodiments, therefore, any repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0173] In this embodiment, when the corresponding first sub-sensing electrodes RE11 to RE13 and the second sub-sensing electrodes RE21 to RE23 are electrically connected to each other and connected to the same pad P, the number of pads P required to connect the first sensing electrode group RE1_2 and the second sensing electrode group RE2_2 to the pad group PD can be reduced by half, and the size of the touch sensing driver (not shown) or the circuit board connected to the pad group PD can be reduced. Therefore, the cost of manufacturing the touch sensor TS_2 can be further reduced.

[0174] Furthermore, when the driving electrode group TE_2 of the touch sensor TS_2 is formed to include a first sensing unit and a first connection portion, and each of the first sensing electrode group RE1_2 and the second sensing electrode group RE2_2 is formed to include a second sensing unit and a second connection portion, the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit can be disposed on the same layer. Therefore, a touch sensor TS_2 with a smaller thickness can be manufactured, and the light transmittance of the touch sensor TS_2 can be improved.

[0175] Although certain embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this description. Therefore, the inventive concept is not limited to such embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the appended claims and the various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements that will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A touch sensor, the touch sensor comprising: The substrate layer includes a first sensing region and a second sensing region; A plurality of sensing driving electrodes, each of the plurality of sensing driving electrodes extending along a first direction and spanning the first sensing region and the second sensing region; A first sub-sensing electrode is disposed in the first sensing region and extends along a second direction intersecting the first direction; A second sub-sensing electrode is disposed in the second sensing region and extends along the second direction; A first common electrode is disposed in the first sensing region, extends along a first direction, and is arranged between adjacent sensing driving electrodes among the plurality of sensing driving electrodes. as well as The second common electrode is disposed in the second sensing region, extends along the first direction, and is arranged between adjacent sensing driving electrodes among the plurality of sensing driving electrodes. The first sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode are electrically connected to each other.

2. The touch sensor according to claim 1, further comprising: A pad assembly, positioned in a non-sensing area, comprises multiple pads. in: The substrate layer also includes the non-sensing region adjacent to the first sensing region and the second sensing region; and The first sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode are connected to the same first pad via a first sensing signal line.

3. The touch sensor according to claim 2, wherein: The sensing drive electrode is connected to the pad assembly via a drive signal line to receive sensing drive signals; The first sub-sensing electrode and the sensing driving electrode form a first capacitor; and The second sub-sensing electrode and the sensing drive electrode form a second capacitor.

4. The touch sensor according to claim 3, wherein: The first common electrode is connected to the pad assembly via a first common signal line to receive a first common signal; The second common electrode is connected to the pad assembly via a second common signal line to receive the second common signal; The first common electrode and the sensing drive electrode form a third capacitor; The second common electrode and the sensing drive electrode form a fourth capacitor; The first common electrode and the first sub-sensing electrode form a fifth capacitor; and The second common electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode form the sixth capacitor.

5. The touch sensor according to claim 4, wherein: The capacitance of the first capacitor, the capacitance of the third capacitor, and the capacitance of the fifth capacitor change according to the touch input generated in the first sensing area; and The first sub-sensing electrode outputs a first sensing signal based on the change in the capacitance of the first capacitor, the capacitance of the third capacitor, and the capacitance of the fifth capacitor.

6. The touch sensor according to claim 5, wherein: The capacitance of the second capacitor, the capacitance of the fourth capacitor, and the capacitance of the sixth capacitor change according to the touch input generated in the second sensing area. The second sub-sensing electrode outputs a second sensing signal based on the change in the capacitance of the second capacitor, the capacitance of the fourth capacitor, and the capacitance of the sixth capacitor.

7. The touch sensor according to claim 6, wherein, The first sensing signal and the second sensing signal are provided to the same first pad through the first sensing signal line.

8. The touch sensor according to claim 7, further comprising: Amplification circuitry is connected to the pad assembly. in: The amplifier circuit includes an operational amplifier and a capacitor, and the operational amplifier includes a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and an output terminal; The first input terminal is connected to the first sensing signal line; The second input terminal is connected to ground; and The capacitor is connected between the first input terminal and the output terminal.

9. The touch sensor according to claim 4, wherein, The first common signal and the second common signal are applied alternately to each other.

10. The touch sensor according to claim 4, wherein, The first common signal and the second common signal are different signals from each other.

11. The touch sensor according to claim 3, wherein, The first capacitor and the second capacitor have different capacitance values.

12. The touch sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The sensing drive electrode includes a first sensing unit arranged along the first direction and a first connection portion that electrically connects adjacent first sensing units.

13. The touch sensor according to claim 12, wherein: Each of the first sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode includes a second sensing unit arranged along the second direction and a second connection portion electrically connecting adjacent second sensing units; and The second sensing unit is disposed on the same layer as the first sensing unit.

14. The touch sensor according to claim 13, wherein: The first common electrode is disposed between the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit of the first sub-sensing electrode; and The second common electrode is disposed between the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit of the second sub-sensing electrode.

15. The touch sensor according to claim 13, wherein, The first common electrode and the second common electrode are formed on the same layer as the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit.

16. The touch sensor according to claim 13, further comprising: An insulating layer is disposed on the first connection portion, the first common electrode, and the second common electrode. The second connection portion is disposed on the insulating layer and is connected to the second sensing unit of the first sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode by passing through the insulating layer.

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