Pressure detection device

Abstract

This pressure detection device is provided with a pressure sensor and a drive control unit. The pressure sensor includes a first circuit forming layer, a sensor layer, and a second circuit forming layer. The first circuit formation layer has a first detection electrode, a first switching element, a first gate line, and a first gate line drive circuit. The second circuit formation layer has a second detection electrode, a second switching element, a second gate line, and a second gate line drive circuit. The first detection electrode and the second detection electrode overlap each other when viewed from an orthogonal direction. The drive control section: sequentially selects the first gate lines from one side of the second direction when pressure is detected in the first circuit formation layer, sequentially selects the second gate lines from one side of the second direction when pressure is detected in the second circuit formation layer, and sequentially selects the first gate lines from one side of the second direction when an n-th first gate line from one side of the second direction is selected. Second gate lines other than the nth gate lines starting from one side in the second direction are selected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a pressure detection device. Background Art

[0002] The pressure detection device includes a pressure sensor to which pressure is input and a drive control unit that controls the drive of the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor of the following patent document includes a circuit forming layer provided with a plurality of inspection electrodes, a common electrode opposite to the detection electrode, and a sensor layer sandwiched between the detection electrode and the common electrode. When pressure is not input to the pressure sensor, the sensor layer is away from the detection electrode. When pressure is input to the pressure sensor, the sensor layer moves toward the detection electrode and contacts the detection electrode. As a result, current flows from the common electrode to the detection electrode. In addition, the current input to the detection electrode (detection result) is transmitted to the drive control unit through the signal line.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-146489 Summary of the invention

[0004] In recent years, there has been a demand to increase the number of pressure detections per unit time.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a pressure detection device capable of increasing the number of pressure detections per unit time.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a pressure detection device comprising: a pressure sensor having a detection surface to which pressure is input; and a drive control unit that controls the drive of the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor comprises a substrate, a first circuit forming layer, a sensor layer, and a second circuit forming layer that overlap in sequence in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the detection surface. The first circuit forming layer comprises: a first surface that is opposite to the sensor layer; a plurality of first detection electrodes that are arranged on the first surface and along a first direction parallel to the detection surface and a second direction that is parallel to the detection surface and intersecting with the first direction; a plurality of first switch elements that are respectively arranged corresponding to the plurality of first detection electrodes; a plurality of first gate lines that extend along the first direction, and a plurality of them are arranged along the second direction and are connected to the first switch elements; and a first gate line drive circuit that drives the first gate lines. The second circuit forming layer has: a second surface, which is opposite to the sensor layer; a plurality of second detection electrodes, which are arranged on the second surface and arranged along the first direction and the second direction; a plurality of second switching elements, which are respectively provided corresponding to the plurality of second detection electrodes; a plurality of second gate lines, which extend along the first direction, and a plurality of second gate lines are provided in the second direction and are connected to the second switching elements; and a second gate line driving circuit, which drives the second gate lines. When viewed from the orthogonal direction, the first detection electrode and the second detection electrode overlap each other. When the pressure is detected in the first circuit forming layer, the drive control unit sequentially selects the first gate line starting from one side of the second direction. When the pressure is detected in the second circuit forming layer, the second gate line is sequentially selected starting from one side of the second direction. When the nth first gate line starting from one side of the second direction is selected, the second gate line other than the nth one starting from one side of the second direction is selected. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 It is a perspective view schematically showing the pressure detection device according to the embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a cross section of a pressure sensor.

[0009] Figure 3 : is a circuit diagram showing the circuit configuration of the first circuit forming layer according to the embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state where pressure is input to a detection surface of a pressure sensor according to an embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a pressure detection device according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 6It is a timing chart of the operation of the pressure detection device in the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 7 Schematic diagram showing a driving example of the pressure sensor of the comparative example.

[0014] Figure 8 It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a pressure detection device according to an embodiment.

[0015] Fig. 9 This is a timing chart of the operation of the pressure detection device in the second embodiment.

[0016] Fig.10 This is a diagram for explaining a reading operation in the first circuit formation layer and a reading operation in the second circuit formation layer in the second embodiment.

[0017] Fig.11 It is a timing chart of the operation of the pressure detection device in the modified example.

[0018] Description of Reference Numerals

[0019] 1: pressure sensor; 2: detection area; 3: peripheral area; 4: separate detection area; 6: substrate; 10: first circuit forming layer; 11: first surface; 12: first detection electrode; 18: first common electrode; 20: sensor layer; 30: second circuit forming layer; 31: second surface; 32: second detection electrode; 38: second common electrode; 80: control substrate; 81: control circuit; 82: power supply circuit; 83: drive control unit; 84: timing control unit; 85: first drive control unit; 86: second drive control unit; 87: data sending unit; 100: pressure detection device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The method (implementation method) for implementing the pressure detection device disclosed in the present invention is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention disclosed in the present invention is not limited by the contents described in the following implementation methods. In addition, the constituent elements described below include elements that are easily conceivable and substantially the same to those skilled in the art. Moreover, the constituent elements described below can be appropriately combined. It should be noted that the disclosure is ultimately just an example, and appropriate changes that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of maintaining the main purpose of the invention are of course also included in the scope of the present disclosure. In order to make the description clearer, the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part are sometimes schematically shown in the accompanying drawings compared to the actual situation, but it is ultimately just an example and is not a limitation on the interpretation of the present invention. In addition, in this specification and the accompanying drawings, for constituent elements that are the same as those described in the figures that have been shown, the same figure mark is sometimes marked, and detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0021] In addition, in the present specification and claims, when expressing a situation in which other structures are arranged on a certain structure, when it is recorded only as "on", unless otherwise specified, it includes the following two situations, namely, both the other structures are arranged directly above the certain structure in a manner of being connected to the certain structure and the other structures are arranged above the certain structure with other structures interposed therebetween.

[0022] (Implementation Method 1)

[0023] Figure 1 Schematically shows a three-dimensional diagram of a pressure detection device according to an embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the pressure detection device 100 includes a pressure sensor 1 and a control substrate 80 for controlling the operation of the pressure sensor 1. The control substrate 80 is provided with a control circuit 81 and a power supply circuit 82. The control substrate 80 is connected to a host 90. The host 90 is a high-level control device for controlling the pressure detection device 100.

[0024] One side of the pressure sensor 1 is a detection surface 1a for detecting pressure. The thickness of the pressure sensor 1 in the orthogonal direction perpendicular to the detection surface 1a is small, and it is formed in a plate shape. When viewed from the orthogonal direction, the pressure sensor 1 is divided into a detection area 2 for detecting pressure and a peripheral area 3 for not detecting pressure. The detection area 2 is located in the central part of the pressure sensor 1. The peripheral area 3 is formed in a frame shape, surrounding the outside of the detection area 2.

[0025] The detection area 2 is formed into a rectangle when viewed from above. The outer frame M of the detection area 2 has a pair of short sides 2a and a pair of long sides 2b. Hereinafter, the direction parallel to the detection surface 1a and parallel to the short sides 2a is referred to as the first direction X. The direction parallel to the detection surface 1a and parallel to the long sides 2b is referred to as the second direction Y. Therefore, the second direction Y is a direction orthogonal to (intersecting with) the first direction X.

[0026] The detection area 2 is divided into a plurality of individual detection areas 4. In other words, the detection area 2 is composed of a plurality of individual detection areas 4, and a pressure value is detected in each individual detection area 4. The plurality of individual detection areas 4 are arranged along the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0027] Figure 2 Schematic diagram schematically showing a cross section of a pressure sensor. Figure 2 As shown, the pressure sensor 1 includes a substrate 6 , a first circuit forming layer 10 , a sensor layer 20 , a second circuit forming layer 30 , and a protective layer 40 which are sequentially stacked in an orthogonal direction.

[0028] Hereinafter, the direction from the first circuit forming layer 10 to the second circuit forming layer 30 is referred to as the first orthogonal direction Z1. The opposite direction to the first orthogonal direction Z1 is referred to as the second orthogonal direction Z2. Observation from the first orthogonal direction Z1 is referred to as top view.

[0029] The substrate 6 is a base material that supports the first circuit forming layer 10 and is made of a material that is difficult to deform even when a load is applied. In addition, the substrate 6 has insulating properties. For example, the substrate 6 is formed of a glass substrate, a resin substrate, or the like.

[0030] The first circuit forming layer 10 is stacked on the substrate 6 and integrated with the substrate 6. Although not specifically shown in the figure, the first circuit forming layer 10 is a stacked structure formed by stacking a plurality of insulating layers. The first circuit forming layer 10 has a first surface 11 facing the first orthogonal direction Z1. A plurality of first detection electrodes 12 and a plurality of first common electrodes 18 are provided on the first surface 11.

[0031] The first detection electrode 12 is an electrode for detecting pressure, and is made of a metal material such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide). The first detection electrode 12 is formed into a rectangular shape when viewed from above. One first detection electrode 12 is configured for each individual detection area 4. That is, a plurality of first detection electrodes 12 are configured in the detection area 2, and are arranged along the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0032] A plurality of first driving transistors (first switching elements) 13 are provided inside the first circuit formation layer 10. One first driving transistor 13 is provided for each individual detection region 4. Therefore, the plurality of first driving transistors 13 are arranged in the detection region 2 and are arranged in the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0033] The first circuit forming layer 10 includes various components for driving the first driving transistor 13. Specifically, the first circuit forming layer 10 includes a first connecting portion 7 (see Figure 1 )、First gate line driving circuit 8 (refer to Figure 1 )、First signal line selection circuit 9 (refer to Figure 1 ), the first gate line 14 (refer to Figure 3 ) and the first signal line 15 (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the first connection portion 7, the first gate line driving circuit 8 and the first signal line selection circuit 9 are arranged in the peripheral area 3. The first connection portion 7 is a component for connecting to the control substrate 80, and examples thereof include a flexible printed substrate and a rigid substrate.

[0035] The first gate line driving circuit 8 drives the plurality of first gate lines 14 based on various control signals supplied from the control circuit 81 (see Figure 3 ) circuit. The first gate line drive circuit 8 sequentially selects a plurality of first gate lines 14 and supplies a gate drive signal to the selected first gate lines 14. The first signal line selection circuit 9 sequentially or simultaneously selects a plurality of first signal lines 15 (see Figure 3 ). The first signal line selection circuit 9 is, for example, a multiplexer. The first signal line selection circuit 9 connects the selected first signal line 15 and the control circuit 81 based on a selection signal supplied from the control circuit 81.

[0036] Figure 3 1 is a circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration of a first circuit forming layer according to an embodiment. Figure 3 As shown, the first gate line 14 extends along the first direction X in the detection area 2. In addition, the plurality of first gate lines 14 are arranged along the second direction Y. The first signal line 15 extends along the second direction Y in the detection area 2. In addition, the plurality of first signal lines 15 are arranged along the first direction X.

[0037] Although not particularly shown, a first common wiring is provided in the peripheral region 3 of the first circuit forming layer 10. The first common wiring is a wiring for supplying current to the first common electrode 18. The first common wiring is connected to the control substrate 80 via the first connecting portion 7, and a certain amount of current is supplied from the control circuit 81.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, the first driving transistor 13 includes a semiconductor layer 13a, a gate insulating film 13b, a gate electrode 13c, a drain electrode 13d, and a source electrode 13e. The source electrode 13e is connected to the first detection electrode 12. The gate electrode 13c is connected to the first gate line 14 (see Figure 3 ) is connected. The drain electrode 13d is connected to the first signal line 15 (see Figure 3 ) is connected. When the first gate line 14 is driven, the first driving transistor 13 is turned off. As a result, the electric signal (current) input to the first detection electrode 12 is output to the first signal line 15 through the first driving transistor 13. Then, the electric signal (current) is transmitted from the first signal line 15 to the control circuit 81.

[0039] One first common electrode 18 is provided for each individual detection region 4. The first common electrode 18 is separated from the first detection electrode 12. The first common electrode 18 is connected to the first common wiring (not shown) through a wiring (not shown) buried in the second orthogonal direction Z2 relative to the first surface 11 of the first circuit forming layer 10, and a certain amount of current is supplied.

[0040] The sensor layer 20 is formed in a plate shape and extends in the first direction X and the second direction Y. The sensor layer 20 has a first sensor surface 21 facing the first orthogonal direction Z1 and a second sensor surface 22 facing the second orthogonal direction Z2. The second sensor surface 22 covers the first circuit forming layer 10 from the first orthogonal direction Z1 and contacts the first detection electrode 12 and the first common electrode 18, respectively.

[0041] The sensor layer 20 is made of a material containing conductive microparticles inside a highly insulating resin layer. The conductive microparticles are dispersed inside the resin layer and separated from each other. Therefore, the resistance value of the sensor layer 20 is high when the resin layer is not deformed. Therefore, although the sensor layer 20 is in contact with the first detection electrode 12 and the first common electrode 18 respectively, the first detection electrode 12 and the first common electrode 18 are not electrically connected. On the other hand, if the resin layer is deformed, the microparticles will be in contact or close to each other. Therefore, the resistance value of the sensor layer 20 becomes smaller, and the first detection electrode 12 is electrically connected to the first common electrode 18. In addition, when the deformation amount of the resin layer becomes larger, the amount of contact between the microparticles increases, and the resistance value of the sensor layer 20 is greatly reduced. Therefore, the amount of current flowing from the first common electrode 18 to the first detection electrode 12 increases.

[0042] Next, the second circuit forming layer 30 will be described. The second circuit forming layer 30 has the same technical elements as the first circuit forming layer 10. Therefore, in the description of the second circuit forming layer 30, the description of the common technical elements will be simplified.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the second circuit forming layer 30 has a second surface 31 facing the second orthogonal direction Z2. A plurality of second detection electrodes 32 and a plurality of second common electrodes 38 are provided on the second surface 31. The second detection electrode 32 is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view and has the same size as the first detection electrode 12.

[0044] Each of the individual detection regions 4 is provided with a second detection electrode 32. That is, a plurality of second detection electrodes 32 are provided in the detection region 2, and are arranged along the first direction X and the second direction Y. Therefore, when viewed from the orthogonal direction, the first detection electrode 12 and the second detection electrode 32 overlap each other. Figure 2 , all the first detection electrodes 12 overlap with all the second detection electrodes 32 . However, the present disclosure may be configured such that at least a portion of the first detection electrodes 12 overlaps with a portion of the second detection electrodes 32 .

[0045] like Figure 2As shown, a plurality of second driving transistors (second switching elements) 33 are provided inside the second circuit forming layer 30. One second driving transistor 33 is provided for each individual detection area 4. In addition, although not particularly shown, in order to drive the second driving transistor 33, the second circuit forming layer 30 has a second connecting portion, a second gate line driving circuit, a second signal line selecting circuit, a second gate line, and a second signal line.

[0046] A second common electrode 38 is provided for each individual detection area 4. The second common electrode 38 is separated from the second detection electrode 32. The second common electrode 38 is connected to a second common wiring (not shown) through a wiring (not shown) buried in the second circuit forming layer 30. It should be noted that the second common wiring (not shown) is provided in the peripheral area of ​​the second circuit forming layer 30. The second common wiring is connected to the control substrate 80 through the second connecting portion, and a certain amount of current is supplied from the control circuit 81. Therefore, a certain amount of current is supplied to the second common electrode 38.

[0047] In addition, the second circuit forming layer 30 covers the first sensor surface 21 of the sensor layer 20 from the first orthogonal direction Z1. Therefore, the second detection electrode 32 and the second common electrode 38 are in contact with the first sensor surface 21 of the sensor layer 20, respectively.

[0048] The protective layer 40 is formed of a material such as rubber, resin, etc. that is elastically deformable and has insulation properties. In addition, the surface of the protective layer 40 that faces the first orthogonal direction Z1 becomes the detection surface 1a. It should be noted that in the present disclosure, the protective layer 40 is not a necessary component. In other words, the surface of the second circuit forming layer 30 that faces the first orthogonal direction Z1 can also constitute the detection surface 1a.

[0049] Figure 4 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state where pressure is input to a detection surface of a pressure sensor of an embodiment. Next, a state where pressure is input to the pressure sensor 1 will be described. Figure 4 As shown, when the pressure is input to the detection surface 1a (the load in the second orthogonal direction Z2, refer to Figure 4 When the pressure is transmitted to the sensor layer 20 through the protective layer 40 and the second circuit forming layer 30, the first sensor surface 21 of the sensor layer 20 is recessed in the second orthogonal direction Z2, and the thickness of the sensor layer 20 in the orthogonal direction becomes smaller.

[0050] As a result, the resistance value of the sensor layer 20 decreases, and the first detection electrode 12 is electrically connected to the first common electrode 18. Then, the current flows from the first common electrode 18 to the first detection electrode 12 (see arrow A2). The current flowing through the first detection electrode 12 is transmitted to the control circuit 81 through the first signal line 15. In addition, the second detection electrode 32 is also electrically connected to the second common electrode 38, and the current flows from the second common electrode 38 to the second detection electrode 32 (see arrow A3). The current flowing through the second detection electrode 32 is transmitted to the control circuit 81 through the second signal line (not shown).

[0051] As can be seen from the above, when pressure is input to the detection surface 1a, the pressure can be detected in the first circuit formation layer 10 and the second circuit formation layer 30. In addition, the first detection electrode 12 and the second detection electrode 32 are arranged for each individual detection area 4. Therefore, the pressure input to each individual detection area 4 can be detected in the first circuit formation layer 10 and the second circuit formation layer 30.

[0052] When the pressure (see arrow A1) increases, the deformation of the sensor layer 20 increases, and the resistance value of the sensor layer 20 decreases. That is, by measuring the current flowing through the first detection electrode 12 and the second detection electrode 32, the magnitude of the input pressure can be detected.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, the control circuit 81 provided on the control substrate 80 is a control IC (Control Integrated Circuit). The power supply circuit 82 supplies power to the control circuit 81. Thus, the control circuit 81 can generate a signal to be supplied to the pressure sensor 1.

[0054] Figure 5 81 and the power supply circuit 82 constitute a drive control unit 83. The drive control unit 83 includes a timing control unit 84, a first drive control unit 85, a second drive control unit 86, and a data transmission unit 87.

[0055] The timing control unit 84 receives the pressure detection command from the host 90 and issues a sensing command to the first drive control unit 85 and the second drive control unit 86. The timing control unit 84 also shifts the timing of issuing the sensing command to the first drive control unit 85 and the timing of issuing the sensing command to the second drive control unit 86.

[0056] The first drive control unit 85 receives the sensing instruction and supplies the drive signal to the first gate line drive circuit 8 and the first signal line selection circuit 9. It should be noted that, in the first circuit formation layer 10 of the present embodiment, the number of first gate lines 14 arranged along the second direction Y is set to K. In addition, regarding the arrangement order of the gate lines (the first gate line 14 and the second gate line), the number from the side of the second direction Y is taken as the reference and further configured as the Qth is called the "Qth row".

[0057] The first drive control unit 85 first drives the first gate line 14 of the first row. The first drive control unit 85 then drives the second gate line of the second row. That is, the first gate lines 14 are driven one by one in sequence from one side of the second direction Y toward the other side, and finally the first gate line 14 of the Kth row arranged at the other end of the second direction Y is driven. Thus, the first circuit forming layer 10 detects the pressure input to each individual detection area 4. In addition, the first drive control unit 85 receives the detection result of the first circuit forming layer 10 (the pressure value (current value) of each individual detection area 4) and transmits it to the data sending unit 87.

[0058] When receiving the sensing instruction, the second drive control unit 86 supplies a drive signal to the second gate drive circuit (not shown) and the second signal line selection circuit (not shown). It should be noted that in the second circuit forming layer 30, the number of second gate lines (not shown) arranged along the second direction Y is set to L. In addition, the number K of the first gate lines 14 is the same as the number L of the second gate lines (K=L). Therefore, the second detection electrode 32 connected to the second gate line of the first row is opposite to the first detection electrode 12 that is arranged in the first row of the separate detection area 4 starting from one side of the second direction Y among the multiple separate detection areas 4 and is connected to the first gate line 14 of the first row. In addition, the second detection electrode 32 connected to the second gate line of the Lth row is opposite to the first detection electrode 12 that is arranged in the Lth row (Kth row) of the separate detection area 4 starting from one side of the second direction Y among the multiple separate detection areas 4 and is connected to the first gate line 14 of the Kth row.

[0059] The driving method of the second driving control unit 86 is the same as that of the first driving control unit 85. First, the second gate line of the first row is driven. Then, the second gate line of the second row is driven. In this way, the second gate lines are driven one by one from one side of the second direction Y to the other side, and finally the second gate line of the Lth row arranged at the other end of the second direction Y is driven. Thus, the second circuit forming layer 30 detects the pressure input to each individual detection area 4. In addition, the second driving control unit 86 receives the detection result of the second circuit forming layer 30 (the pressure value (current value) of each individual detection area 4) and transmits it to the data sending unit 87.

[0060] The data transmission unit 87 receives the detection result of the first circuit formation layer 10 and the detection result of the second circuit formation layer 30 , and transmits the received data to the host computer 90 .

[0061] Figure 6 is a timing diagram of the operation of the pressure detection device in the embodiment. Figure 6 The operation example of the pressure detection device of the first embodiment is described. Figure 8 As shown, a case where a pressure detection command is issued from the host 90 to the timing control unit 84 so that the pressure is detected six times continuously is given as an example. According to a plurality of such pressure detection commands, it is possible to detect the change over time in the pressure input to the pressure sensor 1. In addition, the time (pressure detection time) for detecting the pressure input to the plurality of individual detection areas 4 in the first circuit formation layer 10 and the time (pressure detection time) for detecting the pressure input to the plurality of individual detection areas 4 in the second circuit formation layer 30 are the same period.

[0062] The timing control unit 84 generates six sensing instructions (a first sensing instruction, a second sensing instruction, a third sensing instruction, a fourth sensing instruction, a fifth sensing instruction, and a sixth sensing instruction). Then, the six sensing instructions are alternately transmitted to the first drive control unit 85 and the second drive control unit 86. In addition, the time interval for transmitting the six sensing instructions is half of the pressure detection time (half of the same period). Therefore, at the timing of time T1, time T3, and time T5, the first drive control unit 85 receives the sensing instructions (the first sensing instruction, the third sensing instruction, and the fifth sensing instruction). In addition, at the timing of time T2, time T4, and time T6, the second drive control unit 86 receives the sensing instructions (the second sensing instruction, the fourth sensing instruction, and the sixth sensing instruction).

[0063] Therefore, the second circuit forming layer 30 starts to detect the pressure from time T2. That is, from time T2, the second gate line of the first row of the second circuit forming layer 30 is driven. On the other hand, time T2 is half of the pressure detection time from the first sensing instruction. Therefore, in the first circuit forming layer 10, the first gate line 14 of the K / 2th row is driven.

[0064] At the time point of time T3, the first circuit forming layer 10 drives the first gate line 14 of the first row according to the third sensing instruction. In addition, at the time point of time T3, in the second circuit forming layer 30, the second gate line (not shown) of the L / 2th row is driven. Therefore, in the first circuit forming layer 10 and the second circuit forming layer 30, different numbers of gate lines counted from one side of the second direction Y are being driven. In addition, at each time point of time T4, T5, and T6, in the first circuit forming layer 10 and the second circuit forming layer 30, the gate lines being driven are offset in the second direction Y. Based on the above, in the first circuit forming layer 10 and the second circuit forming layer 30, the gate lines being driven are offset in the second direction Y.

[0065] In summary, in Embodiment 1, the pressure input to the pressure sensor 1 can be detected in the first circuit forming layer 10 and the second circuit forming layer 30 respectively. In addition, in the conventional pressure sensor having a single circuit forming layer, the second sensing is performed after the first sensing is completed. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, the second sensing can be performed before the first sensing is completed. Therefore, the number of times the pressure is detected per unit time increases, and the detection time of the pressure sensor 1 can be shortened.

[0066] In addition, if the sensing of the first circuit forming layer 10 and the second circuit forming layer 30 is performed simultaneously, they will be driven by the gate lines of the same number of rows. Figure 4 As shown, there is a current flowing from the first common electrode 18 of the first circuit forming layer 10 to the second detection electrode 32 of the second circuit forming layer 30 (refer to Figure 4 Arrow A4) or current flows from the second common electrode 38 of the second circuit forming layer 30 to the first detection electrode 12 of the first circuit forming layer 10 (refer to Figure 4 possibility of arrow A5).

[0067] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the first gate line 14 driven in the first circuit forming layer 10 is the nth (nth row) counted from one side of the second direction Y, the second gate line driven in the second circuit forming layer 30 is the (n+(L / 2))th ((n+(L / 2))th row) or the (n-(L / 2))th ((n-(L / 2))th row) counted from one side of the second direction Y. That is, when the nth first gate line 14 counted from one side of the second direction Y is being driven, the second gate lines other than the nth one counted from one side of the second direction Y are being driven. Therefore, it is possible to prevent current from flowing from the first common electrode 18 to the second detection electrode 32 (refer to Figure 4 Arrow A4) or current flows from the second common electrode 38 to the first detection electrode 12 (refer to Figure 4Therefore, the reliability of the sensing result will not be impaired.

[0068] Embodiment 1 has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the example shown in Embodiment 1. For example, in Embodiment 1, the pressure detection instructions transmitted multiple times from the host 90 are assigned as sensing instructions to the first circuit formation layer 10 and the second circuit formation layer 30, but it is also possible to receive one pressure detection instruction from the host 90 and perform multiple detection operations, and calculate the average value of the pressure. The details are described below using a comparative example.

[0069] In the first embodiment, in the driving of one gate line, a plurality of signal lines are selected sequentially or simultaneously. Thus, a current value (detection result) is read from a detection electrode connected to the gate line. In the first embodiment, in the driving of one gate line, the reading action (detection action) is performed once. With respect to this driving method, since the reading action (detection action) is performed once, noise may be input in the reading, and the reliability of the detected pressure value is low.

[0070] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a driving example of a pressure sensor of a comparative example. On the other hand, in the comparative example, Figure 7 As shown, in the driving of a gate line ( Figure 7 The gate line is "turned on"), and the reading action is performed multiple times (four times in the comparative example). That is, in the drive of one gate line, the action of reading the detection result from the detection electrode again after the detection result is read from the detection electrode is repeated. In this way, multiple (four) detection results can be obtained. In addition, it is possible to calculate an average value based on the multiple (four) detection results, and set the average value as the pressure value. According to this driving method, even if noise is input in one of the multiple reading actions, the influence of the noise is reduced because the average value is calculated. Therefore, the reliability of the detected pressure value is higher.

[0071] In the following second embodiment, a pressure detection device 100A that performs four reading operations and uses an average value as a pressure value will be described. In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0072] (Implementation Method 2)

[0073] Figure 8 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a pressure detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 As shown, the pressure detection device 100A includes a drive control unit 83A instead of the drive control unit 83. The drive control unit 83A includes a timing control unit 84A, a first drive control unit 85A, a second drive control unit 86A, and a data transmission unit 87A.

[0074] The first drive control section 85A is different from the first drive control section 85 in that, upon receiving a sensing command from the timing control section 84A, the first signal line 15 is selected twice in driving one first gate line 14 and a reading operation is performed twice.

[0075] Similarly, the second drive control section 86A is different from the second drive control section 86 in that, when receiving a sensing command, the second signal line is selected twice in driving one second gate line and the reading operation is performed twice.

[0076] As can be seen from the above, in the second embodiment, the four reading operations are distributed to be performed twice on the first circuit formation layer 10 and twice on the second circuit formation layer 30 .

[0077] The data transmission unit 87A receives the total four detection results transmitted from the first drive control unit 85A and the second drive control unit 86A, respectively. The data transmission unit 87A calculates an average value from the four detection results and transmits the average value to the host computer 90 as a pressure value.

[0078] The timing control unit 84A is different from the timing control unit 84 of the first embodiment in that it generates two sensing commands when receiving one pressure detection command from the host 90. That is, two sensing commands are generated so that the first circuit formation layer 10 and the second circuit formation layer 30 each perform four reading operations.

[0079] Fig. 9 1 is a timing diagram of the operation of the pressure detection device in Embodiment 2. In addition, the timing of transmitting the sensing to the first drive control unit 85A and the timing of transmitting the sensing to the second drive control unit 86A are staggered in time. Specifically, Fig. 9 As shown, the timing control unit 84A sends a sensing instruction to the first drive control unit 85A at time T11. Then, the timing control unit 84A sends a sensing instruction to the second drive control unit 86A at time T12. The interval between time T11 and time T12 is the time for one gate line to be driven until two reading operations are completed.

[0080] In summary, according to the pressure detection device 100A of the second embodiment, between time T11 and time T12, in the first circuit forming layer 10, the first gate line 14 of the first row is driven. Between time T12 and time T13, in the first circuit forming layer 10, the first gate line 14 of the second row is driven, and in the second circuit forming layer 30, the second gate line of the first row is driven. Between time T13 and time T14, in the first circuit forming layer 10, the first gate line 14 of the third row is driven, and in the second circuit forming layer 30, the second gate line of the second row is driven.

[0081] Fig.10 1 is a diagram for explaining a reading operation in the first circuit formation layer and a reading operation in the second circuit formation layer in Embodiment 2. Fig.10 As shown, between time T11 and time T12, in the first circuit formation layer 10, the first detection electrode 12 connected to the first gate line 14 of the first row is read twice. Between time T12 and time T13, in the second circuit formation layer 30, the second detection electrode 32 connected to the second gate line of the first row is read twice. Based on the above, the pressure input to the individual detection area 4 of the first row arranged at one end of the second direction Y among the multiple individual detection areas 4 is detected four times.

[0082] In addition, between time T12 and time T13, the first detection electrode 12 connected to the first gate line 14 of the second row is read twice in the first circuit formation layer 10. Between time T13 and time T14, the second detection electrode 32 connected to the second gate line of the second row is read twice in the second circuit formation layer 30. Thus, the pressure input to the separate detection area 4 of the second row is detected four times.

[0083] In summary, in Embodiment 2, the reading operation is performed for the first and second times in the first circuit forming layer 10, and for the third and fourth times in the second circuit forming layer 30. As can be seen from this, detection can be performed in the first circuit forming layer 10 and the second circuit forming layer 30. Therefore, compared with the case where the circuit forming layer is one layer, the number of detection operations is approximately doubled, and the amount of detection results per unit time increases.

[0084] In addition, in Embodiment 2, when the first gate line 14 driven in the first circuit forming layer 10 is the nth (nth row) counted from one side in the second direction Y, the second gate line driven in the second circuit forming layer 30 is the (n-1)th ((n-1)th row) counted from one side in the second direction Y. That is, in the first circuit forming layer 10 and the second circuit forming layer 30, the gate lines driven are offset by one in the second direction Y. Therefore, the current is prevented from flowing from the first common electrode 18 to the second detection electrode 32 (refer to Figure 4 Arrow A4) or current flows from the second common electrode 38 to the first detection electrode 12 (refer to Figure 4 ).

[0085] In addition, in the four reading operations, when the second reading operation of the first circuit forming layer 10 is completed, the third reading operation of the second circuit forming layer 30 is immediately performed. Therefore, the pressure value fluctuation between the completion of the second reading operation and the start of the third reading operation is avoided. Therefore, the reliability of the pressure value (average value) is high.

[0086] In addition, since there are two circuit formation layers, for example, the following driving method can be considered, that is, in the first circuit formation layer 10, the pressure input to the individual detection area 4 arranged in the odd-numbered rows is read four times, and in the second circuit formation layer 30, the pressure input to the individual detection area 4 arranged in the even-numbered rows is read four times. As a result, the manufacturing error of the detection capability cannot be absorbed in the first circuit formation layer 10 and the second circuit formation layer 30. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the four reading operations are allocated twice to the first circuit formation layer 10 and the second circuit formation layer 30. Therefore, the manufacturing error of the detection capability can be absorbed in the first circuit formation layer 10 and the second circuit formation layer 30.

[0087] It should be noted that, in Embodiment 2, in the first circuit forming layer 10 and the second circuit forming layer 30, the gate lines for driving are offset by one in the second direction Y, but in the present disclosure, the gate lines for driving may be offset by two or more in the second direction Y. However, Embodiment 2 is preferred because it is difficult to cause a change in the pressure value.

[0088] In the second embodiment, detection is started from the first circuit forming layer 10, but detection may be started from the second circuit forming layer 30. In this case, when the first gate line 14 driven in the first circuit forming layer 10 is the nth (nth row) counted from one side in the second direction Y, the second gate line driven in the second circuit forming layer 30 is the (n+1)th ((n+1)th row) counted from one side in the second direction Y.

[0089] Fig.11 is a timing diagram of the operation of the pressure detection device in the modified example. In addition, the present disclosure may also be configured to perform multiple detection operations for the pressure detection instructions transmitted multiple times from the host 90, and the average value is the pressure value. If specifically described, Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , when receiving three pressure detection instructions transmitted from the host 90, the timing control unit 84A generates two first sensing instructions. Then, at time T21, the first first sensing instruction is transmitted to the first circuit forming layer 10, and at time T22, the second first sensing instruction is transmitted to the second circuit forming layer 30. It should be noted that the interval between time T21 and time T22 is the time from when one gate line is driven until the two reading operations are completed.

[0090] In addition, the timing control section 84A generates two second sensing instructions, and at time T23, the first second sensing instruction is transmitted to the first circuit forming layer 10, and at time T24, the second second sensing instruction is transmitted to the second circuit forming layer 30. It should be noted that time 23 is the time point when the first sensing of the first circuit forming layer 10 is completed. Furthermore, the timing control section 84A generates two third sensing instructions, and at time T25, the first third sensing instruction is transmitted to the first circuit forming layer 10, and at time T26, the second third sensing instruction is transmitted to the second circuit forming layer 30.

[0091] According to this modification, since the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor are detected three times in total with an interval, the change of the pressure value over time can be detected. In addition, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor are read four times respectively, and the average value is the pressure value. Therefore, the reliability of the information (pressure value) is high.

[0092] In addition, the sensor layer 20 of the embodiment is made of a material containing conductive microparticles inside a resin layer, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the sensor layer may be formed of a conductive resin, and the detection electrode and the common electrode may be electrically connected by increasing the contact area between the detection electrode and the common electrode.

Claims

1. A pressure detection device, comprising: a pressure sensor having a detection surface to which pressure is input; and a drive control unit for controlling the drive of the pressure sensor, The pressure sensor includes a substrate, a first circuit forming layer, a sensor layer, and a second circuit forming layer which are sequentially stacked in a direction orthogonal to the detection surface. The first circuit forming layer has: a first surface, opposite to the sensor layer; A plurality of first detection electrodes are disposed on the first surface and arranged in a first direction parallel to the detection surface and in a second direction parallel to the detection surface and intersecting the first direction; A plurality of first switch elements are respectively arranged corresponding to the plurality of first detection electrodes; a plurality of first gate lines extending along the first direction, a plurality of first gate lines being arranged in the second direction and connected to the first switching element; and A first gate line driving circuit drives the first gate line, The second circuit forming layer has: a second surface, opposite to the sensor layer; a plurality of second detection electrodes, configured on the second surface and arranged along the first direction and the second direction; A plurality of second switch elements are respectively arranged corresponding to the plurality of second detection electrodes; a plurality of second gate lines extending along the first direction, a plurality of second gate lines being arranged in the second direction and connected to the second switch element; as well as A second gate line driving circuit, driving the second gate line; When viewed from the orthogonal direction, the first detection electrode and the second detection electrode overlap each other. The drive control unit: When the pressure is detected in the first circuit forming layer, the first gate lines are sequentially selected starting from one side in the second direction, When the pressure is detected in the second circuit forming layer, the second gate lines are sequentially selected starting from one side in the second direction, When the nth first gate line from one side in the second direction is selected, the second gate lines other than the nth one from one side in the second direction are selected.

2. The pressure detection device according to claim 1, wherein: The pressure detection time of the first circuit forming layer and the pressure detection time of the second circuit forming layer are the same period, The detection start timing of the pressure of the first circuit formation layer and the detection start timing of the pressure of the second circuit formation layer are shifted by half of the same period.

3. The pressure detection device according to claim 1, wherein: When the nth first gate line from one side in the second direction is selected, the drive control unit selects the (n+1)th or (n-1)th second gate line from one side in the second direction.

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