Detection device and display device

Abstract

A detection device includes: a plurality of first electrodes (COML) arranged in a first direction and a second direction within a detection region (Ad); an electrode driving circuit (41) that supplies a detection driving signal to the first electrodes (COML); a detection circuit (42) that detects a detection signal from the first electrodes (COML); and a connection circuit (17) that connects a part of the plurality of first electrodes (COML) as detection electrodes (RX) to the detection circuit (42), and connects the first electrodes (COML) adjacent to the detection electrodes (RX) at least in the first direction and the second direction as driving electrodes (TX) to the electrode driving circuit (41).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In recent years, a touch detection device called a so-called touch panel, which can detect an externally approaching object, has attracted attention. The touch panel is assembled or integrated with a display device such as a liquid crystal display device and used as the display device. In a structure in which the touch panel and the display device are integrated, a structure is known in which drive electrodes for display are divided into a matrix shape and shared as drive electrodes for touch detection (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0031523 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In self-capacitance type touch detection, it is impossible to detect that an externally approaching object has approached the panel. Therefore, in order to perform detection including the approach of an externally approaching object to the panel, mutual-capacitance type touch detection needs to be performed. In the structure of the above prior art, it is considered to use electrodes arranged in one direction as detection electrodes and other electrodes as drive electrodes to achieve mutual-capacitance type touch detection, but the signal strength required for performing mutual-capacitance type touch detection cannot be obtained, and the detection sensitivity may decrease.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a detection device and a display device capable of improving detection sensitivity.

[0009] Solution for Solving the Technical Problem

[0010] A detection device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a plurality of first electrodes arranged in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction in a detection region; an electrode drive circuit that supplies a drive signal to the first electrodes; a detection circuit that detects a detection signal from the first electrodes; and a connection circuit that, during a first detection period, connects a part of the plurality of first electrodes as detection electrodes to the detection circuit, and connects first electrodes adjacent to the detection electrodes at least in the first direction and the second direction as drive electrodes to the electrode drive circuit.

[0011] A display device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a detection device and a plurality of pixels. The detection device includes: a plurality of first electrodes arranged in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction in a detection region; an electrode driving circuit that supplies a driving signal to the first electrodes; a detection circuit that detects a detection signal from the first electrodes; and a connection circuit that, during a first detection period, connects a part of the plurality of first electrodes as detection electrodes to the detection circuit and connects first electrodes adjacent to the detection electrodes at least in the first direction and the second direction as driving electrodes to the electrode driving circuit, and supplies a driving signal for display to the first electrodes during a display period in which an image is displayed by the pixels. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a detection device according to a first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic cross-sectional structure of a detection device according to a first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 is a circuit diagram showing a pixel array of a display panel according to a first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 is a top view of a first substrate according to a first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line A1 - A2.

[0017] Figure 6A is a state transition diagram showing an example of the setting and switching sequence of driving electrodes and detection electrodes in a comparative example.

[0018] Figure 6B is a state transition diagram showing an example of the setting and switching sequence of driving electrodes and detection electrodes in a comparative example.

[0019] Figure 7A is a state transition diagram showing an example of the setting and switching sequence of driving electrodes and detection electrodes in a first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7B is a state transition diagram showing an example of the setting and switching sequence of driving electrodes and detection electrodes in a first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 7C is a state transition diagram showing an example of the setting and switching sequence of driving electrodes and detection electrodes in a first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 7DIt is a state transition diagram showing an example of the setting and switching order of the drive electrode and the detection electrode in the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 8A It shows Figure 7A A diagram showing an example of the connection state of the connection circuit in the state shown.

[0024] Figure 8B It shows Figure 7B A diagram showing an example of the connection state of the connection circuit in the state shown.

[0025] Figure 8C It shows Figure 7C A diagram showing an example of the connection state of the connection circuit in the state shown.

[0026] Figure 8D It shows Figure 7D A diagram showing an example of the connection state of the connection circuit in the state shown.

[0027] Figure 9A It is a schematic diagram showing the state of the fringe electric field generated between the drive electrode and the detection electrode in the comparative example.

[0028] Figure 9B It is a schematic diagram showing the state of the fringe electric field generated between the drive electrode and the detection electrode in the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 10 It is a timing diagram showing the state transition of each electrode.

[0030] Figure 11 It shows Figure 9A The signal intensity of the detection signal output from the detection electrode of the comparative example shown and Figure 9B A schematic diagram of the signal intensity of the detection signal output from the detection electrode of the embodiment shown.

[0031] Figure 12A It is a diagram showing a first example of the connection between the first electrode and the connection circuit.

[0032] Figure 12B It is a diagram showing a second example of the connection between the first electrode and the connection circuit.

[0033] Figure 13 It is a diagram showing a division example of the detection area of the first modification of the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 14 It is a diagram showing a division example of the detection area of the second modification of the first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 15 It is a diagram showing a division example of the detection area of the third modification of the first embodiment.

[0036] Figure 16 It is a diagram showing a division example of a detection area in a fourth modification of the first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 17 It is a diagram showing a division example of a detection area in a fifth modification of the first embodiment.

[0038] Figure 18 It is a top view of a first substrate of the second embodiment.

[0039] Figure 19 It is along Figure 18 a cross-sectional view taken along line B1 - B2.

[0040] Figure 20 It is a diagram showing a detection area and a peripheral area of the second embodiment.

[0041] Figure 21 It is a timing diagram showing the state transition of each electrode in the second embodiment.

[0042] Figure 22 It is a top view of a first substrate of the third embodiment.

[0043] Figure 23 It is along Figure 22 a cross-sectional view taken along line C1 - C2.

[0044] Figure 24 It is a diagram showing a detection area and a peripheral area of the third embodiment.

[0045] Figure 25 It is a diagram showing a detection area and a peripheral area of the third embodiment.

[0046] Figure 26 It is a timing diagram showing the state transition of each electrode in the third embodiment. Detailed Embodiments

[0047] The embodiments for implementing the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the content described in the following embodiments. In addition, among the components described below, there are components that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art and components that are substantially the same. Furthermore, the components described below can be combined as appropriate. It should be noted that the disclosure is merely an example, and appropriate modifications that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art while maintaining the gist of the invention are of course included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, for the sake of clearer explanation, the drawings sometimes schematically show the widths, thicknesses, shapes, etc. of each part compared with the actual embodiment, but this is only an example and does not limit the interpretation of the present invention. In addition, in this specification and each figure, for elements that are the same as those described in the previously presented figures, the same reference numerals are assigned, and detailed descriptions are sometimes appropriately omitted.

[0048] (First Embodiment)

[0049] Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing a structural example of the detection device of the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the detection device 1 integrates the display unit 20 and the sensor unit 30 to form a display device.

[0050] As Figure 1 shown, the detection device 1 includes a display panel 10, a control unit 11, a gate driver 12, a source driver 13, a connection circuit 17, and a detection unit 40. The display panel 10 includes a display unit 20 that displays an image and a sensor unit 30 that detects an external approaching object on the detection surface.

[0051] The display panel 10 is a device in which the display unit 20 and the sensor unit 30 are integrated. Specifically, in the display panel 10, a part of the components such as the electrodes and substrates of the display unit 20 also serves as the electrodes and substrates of the sensor unit 30.

[0052] The display unit 20 uses liquid crystal display elements as display elements. The display unit 20 receives the input of the video signal Vdisp and displays an image composed of a plurality of pixels on the display surface. In addition, the display panel 10 may also be a device in which the sensor unit 30 is assembled on the display unit 20. In addition, for example, the display panel 10 may be a self-luminous display panel including a display unit 20 that uses self-luminous elements as display elements. In addition, the self-luminous element may be either an organic light-emitting element in which the light-emitting layer is made of an organic material or an inorganic light-emitting element in which the light-emitting layer is made of an inorganic material.

[0053] The control unit 11 supplies control signals to the gate driver 12, the source driver 13, the connection circuit 17, and the detection unit 40. The control unit 11 is a circuit that controls the display operation and the detection operation.

[0054] The gate driver 12 supplies a scan signal Vscan to the display panel 10 based on a control signal supplied from the control unit 11. More specifically, the gate driver 12 sequentially or simultaneously selects a plurality of gate lines GCL as driving objects for display, and supplies the scan signal Vscan to the selected gate lines GCL. In addition, a plurality of display elements are respectively connected to the gate lines GCL.

[0055] The source driver 13 is a circuit that supplies a pixel signal Vpix to each sub-pixel SPix (refer to Figure 3 ) of the display unit 20. A part of the function of the source driver 13 may also be mounted on the display panel 10. In this case, it may also be that the control unit 11 generates the pixel signal Vpix, and the source driver 13 selectively supplies the pixel signal Vpix supplied from the control unit 11 to each sub-pixel SPix.

[0056] The sensor unit 30 detects an external approaching object on the detection surface. When the sensor unit 30 detects an external approaching object on the detection surface, it outputs a detection signal Vdet.

[0057] The connection circuit 17 is a connection switching circuit that switches the connection and disconnection between the first electrode COML and the detection unit 40, and for example, a multiplexer (MUX) can be used.

[0058] The detection unit 40 is a circuit that detects whether there is an external approaching object toward the detection surface of the sensor unit 30 based on a control signal supplied from the control unit 11 and a detection signal Vdet output from the sensor unit 30 via the connection circuit 17. The detection unit 40 obtains coordinates and the like on the detection surface where an external approaching object is detected.

[0059] The detection unit 40 includes an electrode driving circuit 41 and a detection circuit 42. In addition, the detection unit 40 may also be a structure including an AD conversion unit, a signal processing unit, a coordinate extraction unit, a detection timing control unit, etc. as constituent elements for detecting whether there is an external approaching object toward the detection surface of the sensor unit 30.

[0060] The electrode driving circuit 41 is a circuit that supplies a display driving signal VcomD to the first electrode COML (refer to Figure 4 ) during a display operation in which the display unit 20 performs display. In addition, the electrode driving circuit 41 supplies a detection driving signal VcomS to the first electrode COML during a detection operation in which the sensor unit 30 detects an external approaching object.

[0061] In the present embodiment, the control unit 11 performs a display operation and a detection operation in a time-sharing manner. The electrode driving circuit 41 generates a display driving signal VcomD and a detection driving signal VcomS based on a control signal from the control unit 11.

[0062] The detection circuit 42 includes an amplification circuit that amplifies the detection signal Vdet, and an AD conversion circuit that converts the detection signal Vdet, which is an analog signal, into a digital signal. For example, the amplification circuit is an integration circuit. Additionally, the detection circuit 42 is, for example, an AFE (Analog Front End). Based on the detection signal Vdet after being digitalized and output from the detection circuit 42, noise removal based on the signal processing unit and detection of whether an external approaching object faces the detection surface based on the coordinate extraction unit are performed. Further, the electrode drive circuit 41 and the detection circuit 42 are controlled according to signals from the detection timing control unit.

[0063] Next, a structural example of the detection device 1 of the present embodiment will be described in detail. Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic cross-sectional structure of the detection device of the first embodiment. As Figure 2 shown, the detection device 1 includes a pixel substrate 2, a counter substrate 3, and a liquid crystal layer 6 as a display function layer for displaying an image. The counter substrate 3 is arranged to face the first surface 21a of the first substrate 21 of the pixel substrate 2 in a direction perpendicular thereto. Additionally, the liquid crystal layer 6 is provided between the pixel substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3.

[0064] The pixel substrate 2 has a first substrate 21, pixel electrodes 22, a first electrode COML, and a polarizing plate 35B. On the first substrate 21, circuits such as a gate scanner included in the gate driver 12, switching elements such as TFTs (Thin Film Transistors), various wirings such as gate lines GCL and signal lines SGL (omitted from the illustration in Figure 2 ) are provided.

[0065] The first electrode COML is provided on the first substrate 21. The pixel electrodes 22 are provided on the first electrode COML with an insulating layer 24 therebetween. The pixel electrodes 22 are provided in a layer different from the first electrode COML and are arranged to overlap the first electrode COML in a plan view. Additionally, a plurality of pixel electrodes 22 are arranged in a matrix in a plan view. The polarizing plate 35B is provided on the lower side of the first substrate 21. In the present embodiment, an example in which the pixel electrodes 22 are provided on the first electrode COML is described, but it is not limited thereto. The first electrode COML may also be provided on the pixel electrodes 22. That is, the pixel electrodes 22 and the first electrode COML are separated and provided in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 21a of the first substrate 21 with the insulating layer 24 therebetween, and either one is located on the upper side of the other.

[0066] In addition, in this specification, in the direction perpendicular to the first surface 21a of the first substrate 21, the direction from the first substrate 21 toward the second substrate 31 is defined as the "upper side". In addition, the direction from the second substrate 31 toward the first substrate 21 is defined as the "lower side". In addition, "top view" means the case of observing from the direction perpendicular to the first surface 21a of the first substrate 21.

[0067] The pixel electrodes 22 are provided corresponding to the sub-pixels SPix of the respective pixels Pix constituting the display panel 10. Pixel signals Vpix for performing a display operation are supplied from the source driver 13 (see Figure 1 ). In addition, during the display operation, a display driving signal VcomD is supplied to the first electrode COML. Thereby, the first electrode COML functions as a common electrode for a plurality of pixel electrodes 22 during the display operation. In addition, the display driving signal VcomD is, for example, a DC voltage signal, and in the case where the display element is a liquid crystal display element, it is driven in such a manner that the voltage of the liquid crystal layer of the sub-pixel Spix is inverted. In addition, the first electrode COML is selectively connected to a supply wiring or a detection circuit of the detection driving signal VcomS. Thereby, the first electrode COML functions as a detection electrode or a driving electrode during the detection operation.

[0068] In the present embodiment, the pixel electrodes 22 and the first electrode COML are made of a light-transmissive conductive material such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), for example.

[0069] The counter substrate 3 includes a second substrate 31, a color filter 32 formed on one surface of the second substrate 31, and a polarizing plate 35A provided on the other surface of the second substrate 31. The color filter 32 faces the liquid crystal layer 6 in the direction perpendicular to the first substrate 21. In addition, the color filter 32 may be disposed on the first substrate 21. In the present embodiment, the first substrate 21 and the second substrate 31 are, for example, glass substrates or resin substrates.

[0070] The first substrate 21 and the second substrate 31 are arranged to face each other with a predetermined interval therebetween. A liquid crystal layer 6 is provided between the first substrate 21 and the second substrate 31. The liquid crystal layer 6 modulates the transmitted light according to the state of the electric field. As the liquid crystal layer 6, for example, a liquid crystal of a transverse electric field mode such as IPS (In-Plane Switching) including FFS (Fringe Field Switching) is used. In addition, Figure 2 alignment films (not shown in Figure 2 ) are respectively provided between the liquid crystal layer 6 shown and the pixel substrate 2 and between the liquid crystal layer 6 and the counter substrate 3.

[0071] A lighting unit (backlight) (not shown) is provided on the lower side of the first substrate 21. The lighting unit has a light source such as an LED, for example, and emits light from the light source toward the first substrate 21. The light from the lighting unit passes through the pixel substrate 2 and is modulated according to the state of the liquid crystal at that position, and the transmission state to the display surface varies according to the location. Thereby, an image is displayed on the display surface.

[0072] Next, the display operation of the display panel 10 will be described. Figure 3 It is a circuit diagram showing the pixel arrangement of the display panel of the first embodiment. On the first substrate 21 (refer to Figure 2 ), there are formed Figure 3 switching elements Tr, signal lines SGL, gate lines GCL, etc. of the respective sub-pixels SPix shown. The signal line SGL and the gate line GCL are electrically connected to the switching element Tr. The switching element Tr is provided at the intersection of the signal line SGL and the gate line GCL. The signal line SGL is a wiring for supplying the pixel signal Vpix to each pixel electrode 22. The gate line GCL is a wiring for supplying the scan signal Vscan for driving each switching element Tr. The signal line SGL and the gate line GCL extend on a plane parallel to the first surface 21a of the first substrate 21.

[0073] Figure 3 The display unit 20 shown has a plurality of sub-pixels SPix arranged in a matrix. Each sub-pixel SPix includes a switching element Tr and a liquid crystal element 6a. The switching element Tr is composed of a thin film transistor, and in this example, it is composed of an n-channel MOS (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type TFT. An insulating layer 24 is provided between the pixel electrode 22 and the first electrode COML, thereby forming Figure 3 the holding capacitor 6b shown.

[0074] Figure 1 The gate driver 12 shown sequentially selects the gate lines GCL. The gate driver 12 applies the scan signal Vscan to the gate of the switching element Tr of the sub-pixel SPix via the selected gate line GCL. Thereby, one row (one horizontal line) of the sub-pixels SPix is sequentially selected as the object of display driving. In addition, the source driver 13 supplies the pixel signal Vpix to the selected sub-pixel SPix via the signal line SGL. Moreover, in these sub-pixels SPix, according to the supplied pixel signal Vpix, each performs one horizontal line of display.

[0075] When performing this display operation, Figure 1The electrode driving circuit 41 shown applies a display driving signal VcomD to the first electrode COML. The display driving signal VcomD is a voltage signal that becomes a common potential for a plurality of sub-pixels SPix. Thus, each first electrode COML functions as a common electrode for the pixel electrodes 22 during the display operation. During display, the electrode driving circuit 41 applies the display driving signal VcomD to all the first electrodes COML via the connection circuit 17.

[0076] Figure 2 The color filter 32 shown may also have color regions where color filters 32 colored, for example, red (R), green (G), and blue (B) are periodically arranged. The color regions 32R, 32G, and 32B of the three colors R, G, and B form a group and correspond to the above-mentioned Figure 3 each of the sub-pixels SPix shown. And, the sub-pixels SPix corresponding to the three color regions 32R, 32G, and 32B form a group to constitute a pixel Pix. In addition, the color filter 32 may include color regions of four or more colors.

[0077] Next, the structure and detection operation of the first electrode COML will be described. Figure 4 is a top view of the first substrate of the first embodiment. As Figure 4 shown, a detection region Ad and a peripheral region Gd are provided in the detection device 1. In this specification, the detection region Ad is a region that overlaps the display region used for displaying an image during the display operation, and is a region that overlaps a plurality of pixels Pix (sub-pixels SPix) and a plurality of first electrodes COML. The peripheral region Gd represents a region that is closer to the inside than the outer periphery of the first substrate 21 and closer to the outside than the detection region Ad. In addition, the peripheral region Gd is a frame-shaped region that surrounds the detection region Ad, and in this case, the peripheral region Gd may also be referred to as a border region.

[0078] In the present embodiment, a plurality of first electrodes COML are arranged in a matrix in the detection region Ad of the first substrate 21. In other words, a plurality of first electrodes COML are arranged in the first direction Dx, and a plurality of first electrodes COML are arranged in the second direction Dy. Wires 27 are respectively connected to the first electrodes COML. In Figure 4 the example shown, the wires 27 are connected to the first electrodes COML in a one-to-one relationship. The wires 27 extend in the second direction Dy, and a plurality of wires 27 are arranged at intervals in the first direction Dx. The first electrodes COML are respectively connected to the connection circuit 17 via the wires 27.

[0079] In the present embodiment, the first direction Dx is a direction along one side of the detection area Ad. The second direction Dy is a direction orthogonal to the first direction Dx. Without limitation, the second direction Dy may intersect the first direction Dx at an angle other than 90°. The plane defined by the first direction Dx and the second direction Dy is parallel to the first surface 21a of the first substrate 21. In addition, the third direction Dz orthogonal to the first direction Dx and the second direction Dy is the first substrate 21 (see Figure 2 ) in the thickness direction.

[0080] like Figure 4 As shown, the connection circuit 17 and the detection unit 40 are provided in the peripheral area Gd of the first substrate 21 .

[0081] The wiring 27 is provided on a layer different from the first electrode COML via an insulating layer (not shown), and is provided so as to overlap with the first electrode COML in a plan view.

[0082] Although not shown in the figure, a driver IC is provided in the peripheral region Gd of the first substrate 21. Figure 1 The control unit 11 shown in FIG. Figure 1 The gate driver 12 and source driver 13 shown can be formed on the first substrate 21, or can be included in a driver IC. Figure 1 At least a part of the functions of the detection unit 40 shown may be formed on the first substrate 21, or may be included in the driver IC. In addition, the driver IC for display and the driver IC for touch may also be configured as separate ICs. In addition, at least a part of the functions of the detection unit 40 may be included in the driver IC, or may be provided as the functions of an external MPU (Micro-Processing Unit).

[0083] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A1-A2 line cross-sectional view. Figure 5 As shown, in the detection area Ad, a plurality of wirings 27 are provided on the upper side of the first substrate 21 via an insulating layer 25a and a planarization layer 25b. A first electrode COML is provided on the upper side of the plurality of wirings 27 via an insulating layer 25c. A pixel electrode 22 is provided on the upper side of the first electrode COML via an insulating layer 24. One wiring 27 among the plurality of wirings 27 overlapping the first electrode COML is connected to the first electrode COML via a contact hole H1.

[0084] As an example of an operation method of the detection device 1, the detection device 1 performs the detection operation and the display operation in a time-division manner. In other words, the detection period in which the detection operation is performed does not overlap with the display period in which the display operation is performed.

[0085] In the display operation, the connection circuit 17 connects all the first electrodes COML to the electrode driving circuit 41. The electrode driving circuit 41 supplies the display driving signal VcomD to all the first electrodes COML.

[0086] In the detection operation, the connection circuit 17 connects the first electrode COML of the first object to the detection circuit 42 of the detection unit 40 as a detection electrode. In addition, the connection circuit 17 connects the first electrode COML of the second object different from the first object to the electrode driving circuit 41 as a driving electrode.

[0087] In the detection operation, the electrode driving circuit 41 supplies the detection driving signal VcomS to the driving electrodes simultaneously or in a time-division manner. In addition, the detection electrodes output the detection signal Vdet corresponding to the change in the electrostatic capacitance to the detection circuit 42. The detection unit 40 detects the external approaching object on the detection surface of the sensor unit 30 based on the detection signal Vdet from each first electrode COML. That is, the first electrode COML functions as a common electrode during the display operation and functions as a driving electrode or a detection electrode during the detection operation.

[0088] According to the contact or approach of the external approaching object OBJ to the detection surface, the capacitance between the driving electrode TX(COML) and the detection electrode RX(COML) changes, and the detection signal Vdet output from the detection electrode RX(COML) (refer to Figure 1 ) changes. The detection unit 40 detects the external approaching object on the detection surface of the sensor unit 30 by detecting the change in the detection signal Vdet.

[0089] Figures 6A to 6B is a state transition diagram showing an example of the setting and switching order of the driving electrode and the detection electrode in the comparative example. Figures 7A to 7D is a state transition diagram showing an example of the setting and switching order of the driving electrode and the detection electrode in the first embodiment. Figures 8A to 8D is showing Figures 7A to 7D an example of the connection state of the connection circuit in each state shown.

[0090] Figure 9A is a schematic diagram showing the state of the fringe electric field generated between the driving electrode and the detection electrode in the comparative example. Figure 9B is a schematic diagram showing the state of the fringe electric field generated between the driving electrode and the detection electrode in the first embodiment. In Figure 9A and Figure 9B the examples shown, the fringe electric field is schematically shown by arrows. Figure 11 is showing the signal intensity of the detection signal output from the detection electrode in the comparative example shown in Figure 9A and the signal intensity of the detection signal output from Figure 9BSchematic diagram of the signal intensity of the detection signal output by the detection electrode of the embodiment shown.

[0091] Figure 10 It is a timing chart showing the state transition of each electrode. In Figure 10 an example is shown in which the first detection periods Pt1, Pt2, Pt3, and Pt4 are set, and the display period Pd is set between each of the first detection periods Pt1, Pt2, Pt3, and Pt4. In addition, the order of setting each of the first detection periods Pt1, Pt2, Pt3, and Pt4 is not limited to this. Alternatively, each of the first detection periods Pt1, Pt2, Pt3, and Pt4 can be set continuously. In this case, it can also be a method in which each of the first detection periods Pt1, Pt2, Pt3, and Pt4 is set as one detection period Pt, and the detection period Pt and the display period Pd are set time-divisionally.

[0092] In Figures 6A to 6B the comparative example shown, an example is shown in which one column of the first electrodes COML arranged in the second direction Dy is used as the detection electrode RX, and the first electrodes COML in at least the column adjacent to the detection electrode RX are used as the drive electrode TX. In this comparative example, an example is shown in which the columns of the first electrodes COML used as the detection electrode RX are sequentially switched from the left column in the figure of the detection area Ad. In this case, as Figure 9A shown, each detection electrode RX mainly generates power lines of the fringe electric field between two drive electrodes TX arranged along the first direction Dx.

[0093] In the present embodiment, as Figures 7A to 7D shown, the region surrounding four first electrodes COML arranged in two rows each in the first direction Dx and the second direction Dy is set as the divided region Dd. In Figures 7A to 7D the example shown, the numbers assigned to the first electrodes COML in each divided region Dd correspond to the order of setting the first detection periods. That is, as Figure 10 shown, in the order of the first detection periods Pt1, Pt2, Pt3, and Pt4, as Figures 8A to 8DThe connection state of the switching connection circuit 17 shown is switched for the detection electrode RX(COML) in the order of the numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 assigned to the first electrodes COML in the divided region Dd. The connection circuit 17 includes a first switch SW1 that connects the first electrode COML to the detection circuit 42 via the wiring 27, and a second switch SW2 that connects the first electrode COML to the electrode drive circuit 41. Hereinafter, the first electrode COML labeled with the number 1 will also be referred to as "electrode 1", the first electrode COML labeled with the number 2 will be referred to as "electrode 2", the first electrode COML labeled with the number 3 will be referred to as "electrode 3", and the first electrode COML labeled with the number 4 will be referred to as "electrode 4". In addition, the first switch SW1 connected to the electrode 1 will also be referred to as "first switch SW11", and the second switch SW2 will be referred to as "second switch SW21". Similarly, the electrode 2, electrode 3, and electrode 4 are also respectively connected to the first switches SW12, SW13, and SW14, and connected to the second switches SW22, SW23, and SW24. In addition, the first switch SW1 is connected to the first switch control wiring SCL1, and the second switch SW2 is connected to the second switch control wiring SCL2. The first switch control wiring SCL1 and the second switch control wiring SCL2 control the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 according to the control signal from the control unit 11. Specifically, the first switches SW11, SW12, SW13, and SW14 are respectively connected to the first switch control wirings SCL11, SCL12, SCL13, and SCL14, and the second switches SW21, SW22, SW23, and SW24 are respectively connected to the switch control wirings SCL21, SCL22, SCL23, and SCL24.

[0094] Specifically, during the first detection period Pt1 (refer to Figure 10 ), as Figure 8A shown, the first switch SW11, the second switches SW22, SW23, and SW24 are set to ON, and the first switches SW12, SW13, and SW14 and the second switch SW21 are set to OFF. Thereby, the detection driving signals VcomS are supplied from the electrode drive circuit 14 to the electrodes 2, 3, and 4, and the detection signal Vdet from the electrode 1 is output to the detection circuit 42. At this time, the electrodes 2, 3, and 4 function as the driving electrodes TX(COML), and the electrode 1 functions as the detection electrode RX(COML).

[0095] In addition, during the first detection period Pt2 (refer to Figure 10 ), as Figure 8BAs shown, the first switch SW12, the second switches SW21, SW23, and SW24 are set to ON, and the first switches SW11, SW13, SW14, and the second switch SW22 are set to OFF. Thus, the detection drive signal VcomS is supplied from the electrode drive circuit 14 to the electrodes 1, 3, and 4, and the detection signal Vdet from the electrode 2 is output to the detection circuit 42. At this time, the electrodes 1, 3, and 4 function as drive electrodes TX(COML), and the electrode 2 functions as a detection electrode RX(COML).

[0096] In addition, during the first detection period Pt3 (refer to Figure 10 ), as Figure 8C shown, the first switch SW13, the second switches SW21, SW22, and SW24 are set to ON, and the first switches SW11, SW12, SW14, and the second switch SW23 are set to OFF. Thus, the detection drive signal VcomS is supplied from the electrode drive circuit 14 to the electrodes 1, 2, and 4, and the detection signal Vdet from the electrode 3 is output to the detection circuit 42. At this time, the electrodes 1, 2, and 4 function as drive electrodes TX(COML), and the electrode 3 functions as a detection electrode RX(COML).

[0097] In addition, during the first detection period Pt4 (refer to Figure 10 ), as Figure 8D shown, the first switch SW14, the second switches SW21, SW22, and SW23 are set to ON, and the first switches SW11, SW12, SW13, and the second switch SW24 are set to OFF. Thus, the detection drive signal VcomS is supplied from the electrode drive circuit 14 to the electrodes 1, 2, and 3, and the detection signal Vdet from the electrode 4 is output to the detection circuit 42. At this time, the electrodes 1, 2, and 3 function as drive electrodes TX(COML), and the electrode 4 functions as a detection electrode RX(COML).

[0098] As Figures 7A to 7D shown, the detection electrode RX(COML) is adjacent to the drive electrodes TX(COML) in both the first direction Dx and the second direction Dy during any of the first detection periods Pt1, Pt2, Pt3, and Pt4. Therefore, as Figure 9B shown, the power lines of the fringe electric field are mainly generated between two drive electrodes TX arranged along the first direction Dx and two drive electrodes TX arranged along the second direction Dy for each detection electrode RX.

[0099] Thus, as Figure 11 shown, it is possible to make the signal intensity of the detection signal Vdet output from the detection electrode RX larger than that in the comparative example (in Figure 11In the example shown, it is about 1.5 times. As a result, the detection sensitivity of an externally approaching object can be improved.

[0100] Figure 12A It is a diagram showing a first example of the connection between the first electrode and the connection circuit. Figure 12B It is a diagram showing a second example of the connection between the first electrode and the connection circuit. In Figure 12A and Figure 12B In the example shown, the structure of the first switch SW1 connected to the detection circuit 42 of the detection unit 40 is shown, and the structure of the second switch SW2 connected to the electrode drive circuit 41 is omitted. In addition, in Figure 12A and Figure 12B shows the connection example in the first detection period Pt1 shown in Figure 10 . In addition, in Figure 12A and Figure 12B , the first switch SW1 has a first switch circuit 171 formed by the first switches SW11, SW12, SW13, and SW14 arranged in the first direction Dx. In addition, although omitted in Figure 12A and Figure 12B , regarding the second switch SW2, similarly to the first switch SW1, a second switch circuit 172 formed by the second switches SW21, SW22, SW23, and SW24 is arranged in the first direction Dx.

[0101] In Figure 12A , the structure in which one first switch circuit 171 corresponds to each divided region Dd is shown.

[0102] In contrast, in Figure 12B , an example is shown in which the detection region is divided into four sub-detection regions SAd1, SAd2, SAd3, and SAd4, and the electrodes 1, 2, 3, and 4 in the divided regions Dd of each sub-detection region SAd1, SAd2, SAd3, and SAd4 are respectively connected to four first switch circuits 171a, 171b, 171c, and 171d.

[0103] Specifically, in Figure 12B , the electrode 1 of the sub-detection region SAd1 is connected to the switch SW11 of the first switch circuit 171a, the electrode 2 of the sub-detection region SAd2 is connected to the switch SW12 of the first switch circuit 171a, the electrode 3 of the sub-detection region SAd3 is connected to the switch SW13 of the first switch circuit 171a, and the electrode 4 of the sub-detection region SAd4 is connected to the switch SW14 of the first switch circuit 171a.

[0104] In addition, the electrode 1 of the sub-detection area SAd2 is connected to the switch SW11 of the first switch circuit 171b, the electrode 2 of the sub-detection area SAd3 is connected to the switch SW12 of the first switch circuit 171b, the electrode 3 of the sub-detection area SAd4 is connected to the switch SW13 of the first switch circuit 171b, and the electrode 4 of the sub-detection area SAd1 is connected to the switch SW14 of the first switch circuit 171b.

[0105] In addition, the electrode 1 of the sub-detection area SAd3 is connected to the switch SW11 of the first switch circuit 171c, the electrode 2 of the sub-detection area SAd4 is connected to the switch SW12 of the first switch circuit 171c, the electrode 3 of the sub-detection area SAd1 is connected to the switch SW13 of the first switch circuit 171c, and the electrode 4 of the sub-detection area SAd2 is connected to the switch SW14 of the first switch circuit 171c.

[0106] In addition, the electrode 1 of the sub-detection area SAd4 is connected to the switch SW11 of the first switch circuit 171d, the electrode 2 of the sub-detection area SAd1 is connected to the switch SW12 of the first switch circuit 171d, the electrode 3 of the sub-detection area SAd2 is connected to the switch SW13 of the first switch circuit 171d, and the electrode 4 of the sub-detection area SAd3 is connected to the switch SW14 of the first switch circuit 171d.

[0107] In this structure, the routing of the wiring between each electrode and the connection circuit 17 becomes complicated. However, since the switch circuits within the connection circuit 17 can be aggregated, it is possible to suppress the deviation of the detection value caused by the imbalance in the power supply wiring length.

[0108] (Modification example)

[0109] Figure 13 FIG. is a diagram showing a division example of a detection area according to a first modification example of the first embodiment. Figure 14 FIG. is a diagram showing a division example of a detection area according to a second modification example of the first embodiment. Figure 15 FIG. is a diagram showing a division example of a detection area according to a third modification example of the first embodiment. Figure 16 FIG. is a diagram showing a division example of a detection area according to a fourth modification example of the first embodiment. Figure 17 FIG. is a diagram showing a division example of a detection area according to a fifth modification example of the first embodiment.

[0110] In Figures 13 to 17 In the example shown, the area surrounding a plurality of first electrodes COML arranged in the second direction Dy is set as the division area Dd. Specifically, in Figure 13 the area surrounding two first electrodes COML arranged in the second direction Dy is set as the division area Dd. In addition, in Figure 14In this case, a region surrounding three first electrodes COML arranged in the second direction Dy is set as a divided region Dd. In addition, in Figure 15 In this case, a region surrounding four first electrodes COML arranged in the second direction Dy is set as a divided region Dd. In addition, in Figure 16 In this case, a region surrounding five first electrodes COML arranged in the second direction Dy is set as a divided region Dd. In addition, in Figure 17 In this case, a region surrounding six first electrodes COML arranged in the second direction Dy is set as a divided region Dd. In addition, in Figures 13 to 17 In the example shown in, the numbers assigned to the first electrodes COML within each divided region Dd correspond to the order of setting the first detection period, similarly to the example shown in FIGS. 7 to Figure 10 shown.

[0111] More specifically, during the first detection period Pt1, the first electrode COML numbered 1 is connected to the detection circuit 42 via the first switch SW1 during the first detection period Pt1 according to a signal from the first switch control wiring SCL1. In other words, the first electrode COML numbered 1 outputs a detection signal Vdet to the detection circuit 42 as a detection electrode RX. On the other hand, during the first detection period Pt1, the first electrodes COML other than those numbered 1 are connected to the electrode driving circuit 41 via the second switch SW2 according to a signal from the second switch control wiring SCL2. In other words, during the first detection period Pt1, the first electrodes COML other than those numbered 1 output a detection driving signal VcomS as driving electrodes TX. Similarly, in Figures 13 to 17 In the example shown in, different first electrodes COML are selected as the detection electrode RX and the driving electrode TX during each first detection period according to the number of first electrodes COML included in each divided region Dd.

[0112] In addition, in Figures 13 to 17 In the example shown in, similarly to the example shown in FIGS. 7 to Figure 10 shown, the first electrode COML assigned each number has a first switch circuit 171 composed of a plurality of first switches SW1 controlled by different first switch control wirings SCL1 respectively and a second switch circuit 172 composed of a plurality of second switches SW2 controlled by different second switch control wirings SCL2 respectively. For example, in Figure 17 In this case, the first switch circuit 171 has six different first switches SW11, SW12, SW13, SW14, SW15, and SW16, and the six different first switches SW1 (first switches SW11 to SW16) are controlled by different first switch control wirings SCL11, SCL12, SCL13, SCL14, SCL15, and SCL16 respectively.

[0113] As Figures 13 to 17 shown, in each modification of the first embodiment, between the divided regions Dd adjacent in the first direction Dx, the first electrodes COML adjacent in the first direction Dx do not simultaneously become detection electrodes. In other words, a detection electrode is adjacent to a driving electrode in the first direction Dx. Further, between the divided regions Dd adjacent in the second direction Dy, the first electrodes COML adjacent in the second direction Dy do not simultaneously become detection electrodes. In other words, a detection electrode is adjacent to a driving electrode in the second direction Dy.

[0114] Further, in Figures 13 to 17 the example shown, a structure is shown in which a region surrounding a plurality of first electrodes COML arranged in the second direction Dy is set as the divided region Dd, but it is not limited thereto. It may also be a structure in which a region surrounding a plurality of first electrodes COML arranged in the first direction Dx is set as the divided region Dd.

[0115] (Second Embodiment)

[0116] Figure 18 is a top view of the first substrate of the second embodiment. In the detection device 1a of the present embodiment, a second electrode 53 surrounding the detection region Ad is provided in the peripheral region Gd. The second electrode 53 is connected to the connection circuit 17 via the wiring 28.

[0117] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view along Figure 18 the line B1 - B2 of. As Figure 19 shown, in the peripheral region Gd, the wiring 28 is provided on the upper side of the first substrate 21 with an insulating layer 25a and a planarization layer 25b interposed therebetween. The second electrode 53 is provided on the upper side of the wiring 28 with an insulating layer 25c interposed therebetween. The wiring 28 overlapping with the second electrode 53 is connected to the second electrode 53 via the contact hole H2. In addition, in Figure 18 the example, a structure is illustrated in which two wirings 28 are provided in the peripheral region Gd and are respectively connected to the second electrode 53 via the contact holes H2, but it is not limited thereto, and any structure in which at least one wiring 28 is connected to the second electrode 53 via the contact hole H2 is acceptable. In addition, the positions where the wiring 28 and the contact hole H2 are provided are not limited.

[0118] Figure 20 is a diagram showing the detection region and the peripheral region of the second embodiment. Figure 21 is a timing chart showing the state transition of each electrode in the second embodiment.

[0119] In Figure 20In the example shown, regarding the state transition during the first detection periods Pt1, Pt2, Pt3, and Pt4 of the divided region Dd within the detection region Ad and each of the electrodes 1, 2, 3, and 4 within the divided region Dd, as Figure 21 shown, it is the same as that described in the first embodiment Figures 7A to 7D and Figure 10 identical.

[0120] In the present embodiment, as Figure 21 shown, during each of the first detection periods Pt1, Pt2, Pt3, and Pt4, the second electrode 53 and the electrode drive circuit 41 are connected via the connection circuit 17a, and the second electrode 53 is used as a drive electrode to supply the detection drive signal VcomS.

[0121] Thereby, through the power lines of the fringe electric field emitted from the second electrode 53 to which the detection drive signal VcomS is supplied as a drive electrode, it is possible to increase the signal intensity of the detection signal Vdet when the first electrode COML within the divided region Dd adjacent to the peripheral region Gd is used as the detection electrode RX(COML). As a result, it is possible to improve the detection sensitivity of an external approaching object at the end (also referred to as the edge) of the detection region Ad.

[0122] In addition, regarding the manner of the divided region Dd within the detection region Ad, it may also be the manner described in each modification of the first embodiment Figures 13 to 17 shown.

[0123] (Third Embodiment)

[0124] Figure 22 is a top view of the first substrate of the third embodiment. In the detection device 1b of the present embodiment, a third electrode 54 that further surrounds the second electrode 53 is provided in the peripheral region Gd. The third electrode 54 is connected to the connection circuit 17 via the wiring 29.

[0125] Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view along the Figure 22 C1 - C2 line. As Figure 23 shown, in the peripheral region Gd, the wiring 29 is provided on the upper side of the first substrate 21 with the insulating layer 25a and the planarization layer 25b interposed therebetween. The third electrode 54 is provided on the upper side of the wiring 29 with the insulating layer 25c and the insulating layer 24 interposed therebetween. The wiring 29 overlapping the third electrode 54 is connected to the second electrode 53 via the contact hole H3. In addition, in Figure 22In [the figure], a structure is illustrated in which two wirings 29 are provided in the peripheral region Gd and are respectively connected to the third electrode 54 via contact holes H3. However, it is not limited thereto, and any structure in which at least one wiring 29 is connected to the third electrode 54 via a contact hole H3 is acceptable. In addition, the positions where the wiring 29 and the contact hole H3 are provided are not limited. Further, in Figure 23 an example is shown in which the third electrode 54 is formed as a layer different from the second electrode 53. However, the third electrode 54 and the second electrode 53 may also be formed in the same layer.

[0126] Figure 24 And Figure 25 is a diagram showing the detection region and the peripheral region of the third embodiment. Figure 26 is a timing diagram showing the state transition of each electrode in the third embodiment.

[0127] In Figure 26 the example shown, regarding the state transition during the first detection periods Pt1, Pt2, Pt3, and Pt4 of the divided regions Dd within the detection region Ad and the respective electrodes 1, 2, 3, and 4 within the divided regions Dd, as Figure 24 shown, it is the same as that described in the first embodiment Figures 7A to 7D and Figure 10 . Further, during each of the first detection periods Pt1, Pt2, Pt3, and Pt4, the second electrode 53 and the electrode drive circuit 41 are connected via the connection circuit 17b, and the detection drive signal VcomS is supplied with the second electrode 53 as the drive electrode in the same manner as that described in the second embodiment Figure 21 .

[0128] In the present embodiment, as Figure 26 shown, during a second detection period Pe different from each of the first detection periods Pt1, Pt2, Pt3, and Pt4, the second electrode 53, the third electrode 54, and the electrode drive circuit 41 are connected via the connection circuit 17b, and the detection drive signal VcomS is supplied with the second electrode 53 and the third electrode 54 as the drive electrodes. Further, during the second detection period Pe, the electrodes 1 to 4 within the detection region Ad are connected to the detection circuit 42 via the connection circuit 17b. In other words, all the first electrodes COML within the detection region Ad are used as detection electrodes.

[0129] Thereby, during the second detection period Pe, the detection sensitivity of an external approaching object at the edge of the detection region Ad can be improved as compared with the second embodiment by the lines of force of the fringe electric field emitted from the second electrode 53 and the third electrode 54 to which the detection drive signal VcomS is supplied as the drive electrodes.

[0130] In addition, regarding the method of dividing the divided area Dd within the detection area Ad in Pt1, Pt2, Pt3, and Pt4 during the first detection period, it can also be the method described in each modification of the first embodiment. Figures 13 to 17 The method shown.

[0131] In addition, the second detection period Pe is not necessarily limited to the method of being continuously set with the first detection periods Pt1, Pt2, Pt3, and Pt4. For example, it can also be the method of setting the second detection period Pe after setting the first detection periods Pt1, Pt2, Pt3, and Pt4 multiple times.

[0132] The above-described embodiments can appropriately combine each component. In addition, regarding other effects brought about by the methods described in this embodiment, it is of course understood that the effects are brought about by the present invention from the content clearly described in this specification or the content that can be appropriately conceived by those skilled in the art.

[0133] Description of Reference Numerals

[0134] 1, 1a, 1b, detection device; 2, pixel substrate; 3, counter substrate; 6, liquid crystal layer; 10, display panel; 11, control unit; 12, gate driver; 13, source driver; 17, 17a, 17b, connection circuit (MUX); 20, display unit; 21, first substrate; 22, pixel electrode; 27, 28, 29, wiring; 30, sensing unit; 31, second substrate; 40, detection unit; 41, electrode drive circuit; 42, detection circuit (AFE); 53, second electrode; 54, third electrode; Ad, detection area; COML, first electrode; GCL, gate line; Gd, peripheral area; OBJ, external approaching object; Pix, pixel; RX, detection electrode; SGL, signal line; SPix, sub-pixel; TX, drive electrode; Vdisp, video signal; Vpix, pixel signal; VcomD, display drive signal; VcomS, detection drive signal; Vscan, scan signal.

Claims

1. A detection device, comprising: A plurality of first electrodes arranged in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction within a detection region; An electrode driving circuit that supplies a driving signal to the first electrodes; A detection circuit that detects a detection signal from the first electrodes; And A connection circuit that, during a first detection period, connects a part of the plurality of first electrodes as detection electrodes to the detection circuit, and connects at least the first electrodes adjacent to the detection electrodes in the first direction and the second direction as driving electrodes to the electrode driving circuit, The connection circuit switches the first electrode serving as the detection electrode during each of the plurality of first detection periods, The connection circuit uses one of the first electrodes within a divided region as the detection electrode and the remaining ones as the driving electrodes, and the divided region is a region formed by dividing the detection region into a plurality of regions, The detection device includes a second electrode surrounding the detection region, The connection circuit connects the second electrode as a driving electrode to the electrode driving circuit during the first detection period.

2. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein The connection circuit uses a region surrounding four first electrodes arranged in two in the first direction and two in the second direction as the divided region.

3. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein The connection circuit uses a region surrounding a plurality of first electrodes arranged in the first direction as the divided region.

4. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein The connection circuit uses a region surrounding a plurality of first electrodes arranged in the second direction as the divided region.

5. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein The detection device includes a third electrode surrounding the second electrode, The connection circuit connects the first electrodes as detection electrodes to the detection circuit and connects the third electrode as a driving electrode to the electrode driving circuit during a second detection period different from the first detection period.

6. A display device, Comprising a detection device and a plurality of pixels, The detection device includes: A plurality of first electrodes arranged in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction within a detection region; An electrode driving circuit that supplies a driving signal to the first electrodes; A detection circuit that detects a detection signal from the first electrodes; And A connection circuit that, during a first detection period, connects a part of the plurality of first electrodes as detection electrodes to the detection circuit, and connects at least the first electrodes adjacent to the detection electrodes in the first direction and the second direction as driving electrodes to the electrode driving circuit, During a display period when an image is displayed through the pixels, a driving signal for display is supplied to the first electrodes, The connection circuit switches the first electrode serving as the detection electrode during each of the plurality of first detection periods, One of the first electrodes in the divided region is used as the detection electrode, and the remaining ones are used as the drive electrodes. The divided region is a region formed by dividing the detection region into a plurality of regions. The detection circuit includes a second electrode surrounding the detection region. During the first detection period, the connection circuit connects the second electrode as a drive electrode to the electrode drive circuit.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein The connection circuit uses the region surrounding four first electrodes arranged in two rows in the first direction and two rows in the second direction as the divided region.

8. The display device according to claim 6, wherein The connection circuit uses the region surrounding a plurality of first electrodes arranged in the first direction as the divided region.

9. The display device according to claim 6, wherein The connection circuit uses the region surrounding a plurality of first electrodes arranged in the second direction as the divided region.

10. The display device according to claim 6, wherein The detection circuit includes a third electrode surrounding the second electrode. During a second detection period different from the first detection period, the connection circuit connects the first electrode as a detection electrode to the detection circuit, and connects the third electrode as a drive electrode to the electrode drive circuit.

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