Touch panel with electrostatic discharge protection pattern and display device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a touch panel having an improved electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection pattern for effectively preventing electrostatic discharge. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a touch panel having an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection pattern comprises: a plurality of sensing electrodes arranged in a matrix of a plurality of columns and a plurality of columns; a touch integrated circuit (IC) that applies a sensing voltage to the sensing electrodes to detect whether there is a touch on the sensing electrodes; and a plurality of ground (GND) signal lines arranged in a predetermined pattern within the touch panel to protect the touch panel from electrostatic discharge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a touch panel having an improved electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection pattern for effectively preventing electrostatic discharge, and a display device including the touch panel. Background Art

[0002] Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is a sudden flow of electric current between two charged objects due to contact, electrical short circuit, or dielectric breakdown. This phenomenon occurs when static charges accumulate on an object or a person and then suddenly move to another object with an opposite charge.

[0003] In particular, electrostatic discharge (ESD) is a common phenomenon in the electronics manufacturing and handling industries and can cause damage to electronic components. Integrated circuits, semiconductors, and other sensitive electronic components are vulnerable to damage caused by ESD.

[0004] In industries dealing with sensitive electronic components, various measures are implemented to prevent damage caused by electrostatic discharge.

[0005] Some common strategies include:

[0006] · Using anti-static materials: Anti-static materials are used to make workbenches, floors, and protective clothing to reduce the generation of static electricity;

[0007] · ESD-safe workbenches: Work areas are designed with proper grounding, having anti-static work surfaces and anti-static tools;

[0008] · Personal grounding: Wear grounded wristbands or foot straps to provide a path for static electricity dissipation;

[0009] · Humidity control: Maintain an appropriate humidity level to reduce the risk of static electricity accumulation; and

[0010] · Packaging: Anti-static packaging materials are used for the transportation and storage of sensitive electronic components.

[0011] Failure to properly manage the ESD risk can lead to potential defects in electronic components, reducing their reliability and service life.

[0012] Therefore, appropriate ESD prevention measures are crucial in environments where electronic devices are manufactured, assembled, repaired, or handled.

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a typical touch panel having a grounded signal line.

[0014] Referring to Figure 1 , a typical touch panel includes only a grounded signal line 140 on its side.

[0015] In Figure 1 the structure, when a sensing voltage is applied to the sensing electrode 110, signal interference occurs between adjacent sensing electrodes 110.

[0016] In addition, to reduce such signal interference, it may be necessary to apply a separate ground voltage to the sensing electrode 110.

[0017]

Prior Art Reference

[0018]

Patent Document

[0019] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Publication Bulletin No. 10-2015-0128558 (November 18, 2015) Summary of the Invention

[0020]

Technical Problem

[0021] The present invention aims to solve the above problems of a typical touch panel and provide a touch panel with an improved electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection pattern to effectively protect against electrostatic discharge, as well as a display device including the touch panel.

[0022] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly seen by those of ordinary skill in the art from the detailed description of the present invention.

[0023]

Technical Solution

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a touch panel having an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection pattern includes:

[0025] A plurality of sensing electrodes arranged in a multi-column and multi-row matrix;

[0026] A touch integrated circuit (IC) for applying a sensing voltage to the sensing electrodes to detect a touch on the sensing electrodes; and

[0027] A plurality of ground (GND) signal lines arranged in a predetermined pattern within the touch panel to protect the touch panel from electrostatic discharge.

[0028] Preferably, the touch panel further includes:

[0029] A plurality of sensing signal lines, each sensing signal line connected to a corresponding one of the sensing electrodes to transmit a sensing signal from the sensing electrode to the touch IC,

[0030] Some of the ground (GND) signal lines are parallel to the sensing signal lines.

[0031] Preferably, the ground (GND) signal lines include:

[0032] The first ground GND signal line is led out from the ground terminal of the touch IC and is disposed on the first side end of the touch panel;

[0033] A plurality of second ground GND signal lines, each second ground GND signal line being disposed between adjacent columns of the array of sensing electrodes; and

[0034] The third ground GND signal line is led out from the ground terminal of the touch IC and is disposed on the second side end of the touch panel opposite to the first side end.

[0035] Preferably, some of the second ground GND signal lines are connected to the first ground GND signal line, and

[0036] Other second ground GND signal lines are connected to the third ground GND signal line.

[0037] Preferably, the touch panel further includes:

[0038] A fan-out region, wherein a plurality of sensing signal lines are multiplexed and input into the touch integrated circuit; and

[0039] At least one fourth ground GND signal line is led out from the ground terminal of the touch integrated circuit and is disposed within the fan-out region,

[0040] wherein the free ends of the second ground GND signal lines not connected to the first ground GND signal line or the third ground GND signal line extend into the fan-out region.

[0041] Preferably, the touch panel further includes:

[0042] At least one fourth ground GND signal line is connected to the second ground GND signal line and is disposed perpendicular to the sensing signal lines,

[0043] wherein the fourth ground GND signal line is disposed between adjacent columns of the array of sensing electrodes.

[0044] Preferably, the touch panel further includes:

[0045] A fan-out region, wherein a plurality of sensing signal lines are multiplexed and input into the touch integrated circuit; and

[0046] At least one fifth ground GND signal line is connected to the fourth ground GND signal line and is disposed within the fan-out region,

[0047] wherein the free ends of the second ground GND signal lines not connected to the first ground GND signal line or the third ground GND signal line extend into the fan-out region.

[0048] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a display device includes a touch panel having a predetermined electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection pattern.

[0049]

Advantages of the Invention

[0050] A touch panel having an electrostatic discharge protection pattern and a display device including the touch panel can provide effective protection against electrostatic discharge.

[0051] The advantages of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned advantages, and those skilled in the art can clearly see other unmentioned advantages from the detailed description of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a typical touch panel having a ground (GND) signal line.

[0053] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a touch panel having an improved electrostatic discharge protection pattern according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a touch panel having an improved electrostatic discharge protection pattern according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a touch panel having an improved electrostatic discharge protection pattern according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a touch panel having an improved electrostatic discharge protection pattern according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0058] 110, 210, 310, 410, 510: Sensing electrodes

[0059] 120, 220, 320, 420, 520: Touch ICs

[0060] 130, 230, 330, 430, 530: Sensing signal lines

[0061] 140: Ground signal line

[0062] 150, 250, 350, 450, 550: Fan-out regions

[0063] 240-1, 340-1, 440-1, 540-1: First ground signal lines

[0064] 240-2, 340-2, 440-2, 540-2: Second ground signal lines

[0065] 240-3, 340-3, 440-3, 540-3: Third ground signal lines

[0066] 340-4, 440-4, 540-4: Fourth ground signal line

[0067] 540-5: Fifth ground signal line Detailed implementation manners

[0068] To fully understand the present invention, its operational advantages, and the objectives achieved by implementing the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the preferred embodiments of the present invention and the description thereof.

[0069] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in the specification and the accompanying drawings, the same elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0070] Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0071] As used herein, the term "touch panel" refers to a capacitive touch panel, which is a device that generates a predetermined capacitance between its touch pattern and a human finger or a touch input tool having similar conductive characteristics to detect the presence of a touch based on the voltage change of the generated capacitance.

[0072] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a touch panel having an improved electrostatic discharge protection pattern according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a touch panel having an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection pattern includes: a plurality of sensing electrodes 210 arranged in a matrix of multiple columns and rows; a touch integrated circuit (IC) 220 for applying a sensing voltage to the sensing electrodes 210 to detect the presence of a touch on the sensing electrodes 210; and a plurality of ground signal lines 240-1, 240-2, 240-3 arranged in a predetermined pattern within the touch panel to protect the touch panel from electrostatic discharge.

[0074] In one embodiment, a touch panel having an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection pattern according to the present invention further includes a plurality of sensing signal lines 230, each sensing signal line 230 being connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of sensing electrodes 210 to transmit a sensing signal from the sensing electrodes 210 to the touch IC 220.

[0075] In one embodiment, some of the ground signal lines are arranged in parallel with the sensing signal lines 230.

[0076] In another embodiment, some of the ground signal lines are arranged perpendicular to the sensing signal lines 230.

[0077] Refer to Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, the ground signal line includes: a first ground signal line 240-1, which is led out from the ground terminal of the touch IC 220 and disposed at the first side end of the touch panel; a plurality of second ground signal lines 240-2, each of which is disposed between adjacent columns of the sensing electrode 210 array; and a third ground signal line 240-3, which is led out from the ground terminal of the touch IC 220 and disposed at the second side end of the touch panel opposite to the first side end.

[0078] The number of the second ground signal lines 240-2 may vary according to the size of the touch panel and the number of the sensing electrodes.

[0079] In one embodiment, some of the second ground signal lines 240-2 are connected to the first ground signal line 240-1, and the other second ground signal lines 240-2 are connected to the third ground signal line 240-3.

[0080] In another embodiment, each of the second ground signal lines 240-2 may be individually led out from the ground terminal of the touch IC 220 and disposed between adjacent columns of the sensing electrode 210 array without being connected to the first ground signal line 240-1 or the third ground signal line 240-3.

[0081] Since the separate second ground signal lines 240-2 are disposed between adjacent columns of the sensing electrode array, electrostatic discharge can be prevented from reaching the sensing electrode 210 and the sensing signal line 230. In addition, any electrostatic discharge introduced into the touch panel can be quickly dissipated through the second ground signal lines 240-2.

[0082] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of a touch panel with an improved electrostatic discharge protection pattern according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment is substantially the same as Figure 2 the embodiment except that the free ends of the second ground signal lines 340-2 extend to the fan-out area of the touch panel, and the touch panel further includes separate fourth ground signal lines 340-4 in the fan-out area.

[0084] In one embodiment, a touch panel with an improved electrostatic discharge protection pattern according to the present invention further includes: a fan-out area 350, where a plurality of sensing signal lines 330 are multiplexed and input to the touch integrated circuit 320; and at least one fourth ground signal line 340-4, which is led out from the ground terminal of the touch integrated circuit 320 and disposed in the fan-out area 350.

[0085] In one embodiment, the free ends of the second ground signal lines 340-2 not connected to the first ground signal line 340-1 or the third ground signal line 340-3 extend to the fan-out area 350.

[0086] In one embodiment, a fourth ground signal line 340-4 is disposed between adjacent second ground signal lines 340-2 and is parallel thereto.

[0087] Figure 4 FIG. is a schematic diagram of a touch panel having an improved electrostatic discharge protection pattern according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Figure 4 The illustrated embodiment is substantially the same as the Figure 2 embodiment, except that the touch panel further includes a fourth ground signal line 440-4.

[0089] In one embodiment, a touch panel having improved electrostatic discharge protection according to the present invention further includes at least one fourth ground signal line 440-4, which is connected to a second ground signal line 440-2 and is disposed perpendicular to the sensing signal line 430.

[0090] In one embodiment, the fourth ground signal line 440-4 is disposed between adjacent columns of the sensing electrode 410 array.

[0091] In Figure 4 the illustrated embodiment, since the ground signal lines 440-1, 440-2, 440-3, 440-4 are disposed on both sides and the upper / lower sides of the sensing electrode 410, electrostatic discharge can be effectively prevented from reaching the sensing signal line 430 of the touch panel.

[0092] Figure 5 FIG. is a schematic diagram of a touch panel having an improved electrostatic discharge protection pattern according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Figure 5 The illustrated embodiment is substantially the same as the Figure 4 embodiment, except that the touch panel further includes a fifth ground signal line 540-5 disposed in the fan-out region 550.

[0094] In one embodiment, a touch panel having an improved electrostatic discharge protection pattern according to the present invention further includes: a fan-out region 550, in which a plurality of sensing signal lines 530 are multiplexed and input to a touch integrated circuit 520; and at least one fifth ground signal line 540-5, which is connected to a fourth ground signal line 540-4 and is disposed in the fan-out region 550.

[0095] In one embodiment, a free end of a second ground signal line 540-2 that is not connected to a first ground signal line 540-1 or a third ground signal line 540-3 extends to the fan-out region 550.

[0096] Since a separate fifth ground signal line 540-5 is disposed in the fan-out region 550, the fan-out region 550 can be effectively protected from electrostatic discharge.

[0097] Although some embodiments have been described, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and the accompanying drawings, and various modifications, variations, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A touch panel with an electrostatic discharge protection pattern, comprising: A plurality of sensing electrodes arranged in a matrix of multiple columns and rows; A touch integrated circuit for applying a sensing voltage to the sensing electrodes to detect whether there is a touch on the sensing electrodes; And A plurality of ground signal lines arranged in a predetermined pattern within the touch panel for protecting the touch panel from electrostatic discharge.

2. The touch panel according to claim 1, further comprising: A plurality of sensing signal lines, each sensing signal line connected to a corresponding one of the sensing electrodes for transmitting a sensing signal from the sensing electrode to the touch integrated circuit, Wherein some of the ground signal lines are arranged parallel to the sensing signal lines.

3. The touch panel according to claim 2, wherein the ground signal lines comprise: A first ground signal line led out from the ground terminal of the touch integrated circuit and arranged at a first side end of the touch panel; A plurality of second ground signal lines, each second ground signal line arranged between adjacent columns of the array of sensing electrodes; And A third ground signal line led out from the ground terminal of the touch integrated circuit and arranged at a second side end of the touch panel opposite to the first side end.

4. The touch panel according to claim 3, wherein Some of the second ground signal lines are connected to the first ground signal line, and Other of the second ground signal lines are connected to the third ground signal line.

5. The touch panel according to claim 4, further comprising: A fan-out area, wherein the plurality of sensing signal lines are multiplexed and input into the touch integrated circuit; And At least one fourth ground signal line led out from the ground terminal of the touch integrated circuit and arranged within the fan-out area, Wherein the free ends of the second ground signal lines not connected to the first ground signal line or the third ground signal line extend into the fan-out area.

6. The touch panel according to claim 4, further comprising: At least one fourth ground signal line connected to the second ground signal line and arranged perpendicular to the sensing signal lines, Wherein the fourth ground signal line is arranged between adjacent columns of the array of sensing electrodes.

7. The touch panel according to claim 6, further comprising: A fan-out area, wherein the plurality of sensing signal lines are multiplexed and input into the touch integrated circuit; And At least one fifth ground signal line connected to the fourth ground signal line and arranged within the fan-out area, Wherein the free ends of the second ground signal lines not connected to the first ground signal line or the third ground signal line extend into the fan-out area.

8. A display device comprising the touch panel with an electrostatic discharge protection pattern according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images