Touch sensor and touch input device including the same

Abstract

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates to a touch sensor and a touch input device including the same. A touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of driving electrodes, each having a shape extending in a first direction and having a number of openings arranged along the first direction, and a plurality of receiving electrodes including a plurality of receiving electrode patterns arranged within the multiple openings of the plurality of driving electrodes and a plurality of connecting patterns arranged along a second direction different from the first direction and electrically connecting the plurality of receiving electrode patterns.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a touch sensor and a touch input device including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Various types of input devices are used to operate computing systems, such as buttons, keys, joysticks, and touch screens. The ease and convenience of touch screens has led to an increasing use of touch screens when operating computing systems.

[0003] A touch sensor can be provided in a display device as a type of information input device. For example, the touch sensor can be attached to one surface of a display panel or manufactured integrally with the display panel. A user can input information by pressing or touching the touch sensor while viewing an image displayed on the screen of the display device.

[0004] When a touch sensor is implemented with driving electrodes and receiving electrodes in a single layer or double layer, if a touch input device on which the touch sensor is mounted is touched without being held by hand (floating state), a signal that should be detected normally may disappear due to the low ground mass (LGM), or a signal that should be detected may be split and indicate that the signal was touched at two or more points. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention provides a touch sensor capable of improving touch sensing sensitivity and a touch input device including the same.

[0006] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention provide a touch sensor capable of eliminating various noises that may occur during touch sensing and a touch input device including the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of driving electrodes, each having a shape extending in a first direction and having a plurality of openings arranged along the first direction, and a plurality of receiving electrodes, the plurality of receiving electrode patterns being arranged within the plurality of openings of the driving electrodes, and a plurality of connecting patterns being arranged along a second direction different from the first direction and electrically connecting the plurality of receiving electrode patterns.

[0008] A touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a touch sensor, a driving unit, and a sensing unit. The touch sensor includes a plurality of driving electrodes, each having a shape extending in a first direction and having a plurality of openings arranged along the first direction, and a plurality of receiving electrodes, each including a plurality of receiving electrode patterns arranged in the plurality of openings of the plurality of driving electrodes and a plurality of connecting patterns arranged along a second direction different from the first direction and electrically connecting the plurality of receiving electrode patterns. The driving unit provides driving signals to the plurality of driving electrodes, and the sensing unit senses a plurality of sensing signals output via the plurality of connecting patterns. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The use of a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention and a touch input device including the touch sensor has the advantage of improving touch sensing sensitivity.

[0010] Also, there is an advantage that various noises that may occur during touch sensing can be removed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a touch input device including a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a plan view of a portion of one embodiment of touch sensor 10 shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 3 is a plan view of the touch sensor shown in FIG. 2 separated into layers. [Figure 4] 3 is a diagram illustrating electrical connections between a plurality of receiving electrodes shown in FIG. 2; [Figure 5] 2 is a plan view of a portion of another embodiment of the touch sensor 10 shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 6 is a plan view of the touch sensor shown in FIG. 5 separated into layers. [Figure 7] 6 is a diagram illustrating electrical connections between a plurality of receiving electrodes shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] 1. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a portion of yet another embodiment of the touch sensor 10 shown in FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a plan view of the touch sensor shown in FIG. 8 separated into layers. [Figure 10] 1. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a portion of yet another embodiment of the touch sensor 10 shown in FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is a plan view of the touch sensor shown in FIG. 10 separated into layers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The following detailed description of the present invention refers to the accompanying drawings, which show, by way of example, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It should be understood that various embodiments of the present invention, although different from one another, are not necessarily mutually exclusive. For example, specific shapes, structures, and characteristics described herein in connection with one embodiment may be embodied in other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It should also be understood that the location or arrangement of individual components within each disclosed embodiment may be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not intended to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims, if properly interpreted, are entitled. In the drawings, like reference numerals indicate the same or similar functionality throughout the various aspects.

[0013] The touch input device according to various embodiments of the present document may include, as an electronic device, at least one of a smartphone, a tablet personal computer, a vehicle display device, a mobile phone, a video phone, an e-book reader, a laptop personal computer, a netbook computer, a mobile medical device, a camera, or a wearable device. Here, the wearable device may include at least one of an accessory type (e.g., a watch, a ring, a bracelet, an anklet, a necklace, glasses, contact lenses, or a head-mounted device (HMD)), a textile or clothing integrated type (e.g., electronic clothing), a body-attached type (e.g., a skin pad or a tattoo), or a biologically implanted type (e.g., an implantable circuit).

[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a touch input device including a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, a touch input device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a touch sensor 10, a sensing unit 11, a driving unit 12, and a control unit 13.

[0016] The driving unit 12 applies a driving signal (or a TX signal) to the touch sensor 10 under the control of the control unit 13, and the sensing unit 11 receives a sensing signal (or an RX signal) received from the touch sensor 10.

[0017] The driver 12 can sequentially supply drive signals to the plurality of drive electrodes of the touch sensor 10 .

[0018] The sensing unit 11 receives signals output from a plurality of receiving electrodes of the touch sensor 10. Here, the signals may include information on the amount of capacitance change between adjacent driving electrodes and receiving electrodes, an LGM (Low Ground Mass) noise signal, a display noise signal, etc.

[0019] The sensing unit 11 may subtract two signals from the signals output from the plurality of receiving electrodes and output a subtracted signal, and may perform analog-to-digital conversion on the output subtracted signal. To this end, the sensing unit 11 may include a comparator and an ADC.

[0020] The control unit 13 can detect the presence or absence of a touch and / or the touch position based on the digital signal output from the sensing unit 11.

[0021] 1, the sensing unit 11, the driving unit 12, and the control unit 13 are shown separately for convenience of explanation, but are not limited to this. For example, at least one or more of the sensing unit 11, the driving unit 12, and the control unit 13 may be embodied in a single module, unit, or chip, or the sensing unit 11, the driving unit 12, and the control unit 13 may be embodied in a single module, unit, or chip.

[0022] The touch input device 1 shown in FIG. 1 may include a display panel. In this case, the touch sensor 10 may be disposed on or within the display panel. In some cases, the touch sensor 10 may also be disposed below the display panel. As an example, the touch sensor 10 may be formed directly on the outer surface (e.g., the upper surface of the upper substrate or the lower surface of the lower substrate) or the inner surface (e.g., the lower surface of the upper substrate or the upper surface of the lower substrate) of the upper and / or lower substrate of the display panel. The touch sensor 10 may be coupled to the display panel to form a touch screen.

[0023] The touch sensor 10 includes electrodes of a predetermined shape, and the predetermined electrodes may include a plurality of drive electrodes TX0 to TXm and a plurality of reception electrodes RX0 to RXn.

[0024] Between the plurality of drive electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, . . . and the plurality of receive electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, . . . , and particularly at their intersections, predetermined capacitances 14 (C00, C01, C10, C11, . . . Cnm) are formed.

[0025] For the operation of the touch sensor 10, the sensing unit 11 can receive sensing signals (or reception signals) including information on the amount of capacitance change that changes due to a touch on the touch surface from the driving unit 12 that applies driving signals to the plurality of driving electrodes TX0 to TXm and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0 to RXn.

[0026] 1, the plurality of drive electrodes TX0-TXm and the plurality of receive electrodes RX0-RXn of the touch sensor 10 are shown as constituting an orthogonal array, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the plurality of drive electrodes TX0-TXm and the plurality of receive electrodes RX0-RXn may have any number of dimensions and application arrangements thereof, including diagonal, concentric, and three-dimensional random arrangements, etc. Here, n and m may be integers and may have the same value or other values, and may vary in size depending on the embodiment.

[0027] The plurality of drive electrodes TX0 to TXm and the plurality of receive electrodes RX0 to RXn may be arranged to intersect with each other. The drive electrodes TX may include the plurality of drive electrodes TX0 to TXm extending in a first axis direction, and the receive electrodes RX may include the plurality of receive electrodes RX0 to RXn extending in a second axis direction intersecting the first axis direction.

[0028] The plurality of driving electrodes TX0 to TXm and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0 to RXn may be formed in the same layer (1 layer) or in two different layers (2 layers). Some of the plurality of driving electrodes TX0 to TXm may be arranged in a layer different from the rest, and some of the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0 to RXn may be arranged in a layer different from the rest. The plurality of driving electrodes TX0 to TXn and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0 to RXm may have a diamond pattern, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or a polygonal shape.

[0029] Various embodiments of touch sensor 10 according to embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a portion of one embodiment of the touch sensor 10 shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a plan view of the touch sensor shown in FIG. 2 separated by layers, and FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the electrical connection of multiple receiving electrodes shown in FIG. 2.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention may be disposed in an area where a touch is input of a touch input device, or may be disposed in a display area of a display panel included in the touch input device.

[0032] A touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of drive electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, TX3, . . . and a plurality of receive electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, RX3, RX4, .

[0033] The plurality of drive electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, TX3, . . . may include a 0th drive electrode TX0, a first drive electrode TX1, a second drive electrode TX2, and a third drive electrode TX3.

[0034] The plurality of receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, RX3, RX4, . . . may include a 0th receiving electrode RX0, a first receiving electrode RX1, a second receiving electrode RX2, a third receiving electrode RX3, and a fourth receiving electrode RX4.

[0035] The plurality of drive electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, TX3, ... may be arranged along a second direction (or vertical direction), and the plurality of receive electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, RX3, RX4, ... may be arranged along a first direction (or horizontal direction) perpendicular to the second direction. Here, the plurality of drive electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, TX3, ... may be arranged along the first direction (or horizontal direction), and the plurality of receive electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, RX3, RX4, ... may be arranged along the second direction (or vertical direction).

[0036] A predetermined capacitance may be formed between the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, TX3, ... and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, RX3, RX4, .... This capacitance changes when a touch input occurs at or around a corresponding point. Therefore, by detecting the amount of change in capacitance from signals output from the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, RX3, RX4, ..., it is possible to detect the presence or absence of a touch and the touch input.

[0037] Each of the multiple drive electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, TX3, ... may have a rectangular pattern or a bar pattern shape extending in a first direction, as shown in (a) of Figure 3, and may have multiple openings O arranged inside along the first direction.

[0038] One receiving electrode is disposed in each opening O. The shape of each opening O corresponds to the shape of one receiving electrode disposed therein. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the openings O, excluding the openings disposed on the left and right edges, may have a diamond shape, and the openings disposed on the left and right edges may have a triangular shape. Although not shown in the drawing, all the openings O may have a diamond shape. The openings O may have various shapes, such as a polygon, a rectangle, a circle, or an ellipse.

[0039] Each of the receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, RX3, RX4, ... includes a plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX0a, RX0b, RX1a, RX1b, RX2a, RX2b, RX3a, RX3b, RX4a, RX4b and connecting patterns P0, P1, P2, P3, P4.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3A, a plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, TX3, ... and a plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX0a, RX0b, RX1a, RX1b, RX2a, RX2b, RX3a, RX3b, RX4a, RX4b may be arranged on a first layer. Here, the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, TX3, ... and a plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX0a, RX0b, RX1a, RX1b, RX2a, RX2b, RX3a, RX3b, RX4a, RX4b arranged on the first layer may be embodied as a metal mesh. As shown in FIG. 3B, a plurality of connecting patterns P0a, P0b, P1a, P1b, P2a, P2b, P3a, P3b, P4a, P4b may be arranged on a second layer. The second layer is a layer different from the first layer in FIG. 3(a) and is electrically insulated from the first layer. Here, the plurality of connection patterns P0a, P0b, P1a, P1b, P2a, P2b, P3a, P3b, P4a, and P4b may be embodied as a metal mesh. The first layer in FIG. 3(a) may be disposed on the second layer in FIG. 3(b), or vice versa.

[0041] The plurality of receiving electrode patterns included in each receiving electrode may be divided into at least two or more groups. The receiving electrode patterns of one group are alternately arranged with one receiving electrode pattern in another group. The receiving electrode patterns of one group are electrically isolated from the receiving electrode patterns in the other group. The plurality of connection patterns included in each receiving electrode include a first connection pattern that electrically connects the receiving electrode patterns in one group and a second connection pattern that electrically connects the receiving electrodes in the other group.

[0042] For example, the 0th receiving electrode RX0 may include a plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX0a, RX0b and a plurality of connecting patterns P0. The plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX0a, RX0b may include a first group of receiving electrode patterns RX0a and a second group of receiving electrode patterns RX0b arranged alternately one by one along the second direction. The first group of receiving electrode patterns RX0a and the second group of receiving electrode patterns RX0b may be electrically isolated from each other. The 0th connecting pattern P0 may include a first connecting pattern P0a electrically connecting the first group of receiving electrode patterns RX0a and a second connecting pattern P0b electrically connecting the second group of receiving electrode patterns RX0b.

[0043] The first receiving electrode RX1 may include a plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX1a, RX1b and a plurality of connecting patterns P1. The plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX1a, RX1b may include a first group of receiving electrode patterns RX1a and a second group of receiving electrode patterns RX1b arranged alternately one by one along the second direction. The first group of receiving electrode patterns RX1a and the second group of receiving electrode patterns RX1b may be electrically isolated from each other. The first connecting pattern P1 may include a first connecting pattern P1a electrically connecting the first group of receiving electrode patterns RX1a and a second connecting pattern P1b electrically connecting the second group of receiving electrode patterns RX1b.

[0044] The second receiving electrode RX2 may include a plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX2a, RX2b and a plurality of connecting patterns P2. The plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX2a, RX2b may include a first group of receiving electrode patterns RX2a and a second group of receiving electrode patterns RX2b arranged alternately one by one along the second direction. The first group of receiving electrode patterns RX2a and the second group of receiving electrode patterns RX2b may be electrically isolated from each other. The second connecting pattern P2 may include a first connecting pattern P2a electrically connecting the first group of receiving electrode patterns RX2a and a second connecting pattern P2b electrically connecting the second group of receiving electrode patterns RX2b.

[0045] The third receiving electrode RX3 may include a plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX3a, RX3b and a plurality of connecting patterns P3. The plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX3a, RX3b may include a first group of receiving electrode patterns RX3a and a second group of receiving electrode patterns RX3b arranged alternately one by one along the second direction. The first group of receiving electrode patterns RX3a and the second group of receiving electrode patterns RX3b may be electrically isolated from each other. The third connecting pattern P3 may include a first connecting pattern P3a electrically connecting the first group of receiving electrode patterns RX3a and a second connecting pattern P3b electrically connecting the second group of receiving electrode patterns RX3b.

[0046] The fourth receiving electrode RX4 may include a plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX4a, RX4b and a plurality of connecting patterns P4. The plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX4a, RX4b may include a first group of receiving electrode patterns RX4a and a second group of receiving electrode patterns RX4b arranged alternately one by one along the second direction. The first group of receiving electrode patterns RX4a and the second group of receiving electrode patterns RX4b may be electrically isolated from each other. The fourth connecting pattern P4 may include a first connecting pattern P4a electrically connecting the first group of receiving electrode patterns RX4a and a second connecting pattern P4b electrically connecting the second group of receiving electrode patterns RX4b.

[0047] The multiple receiving electrode patterns RX0a, RX0b, RX1a, RX1b, RX2a, RX2b, RX3a, RX3b, RX4a, and RX4b are arranged inside the multiple openings O of the multiple driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, TX3, .... One receiving electrode pattern is arranged inside one opening O. The shape of each receiving electrode pattern corresponds to the shape of the corresponding opening.

[0048] In any given receiving electrode RX1, between a receiving electrode pattern RX1a in the first group and a receiving electrode pattern RX1b in the second group that are arranged adjacent to each other, a portion of the driving electrode TX0 immediately adjacent to the periphery of the receiving electrode pattern RX1a in the first group and a portion of the driving electrode TX1 immediately adjacent to the periphery of the receiving electrode pattern RX1b in the second group are both arranged.

[0049] Any drive electrode TX0 is arranged immediately adjacent to the periphery of receiving electrode patterns RX0a, RX1a, RX2a, RX3a, and RX4a of one group, and another drive electrode TX1 arranged immediately adjacent to the periphery of receiving electrode patterns RX0b, RX1b, RX2b, RX3b, and RX4b of another group is arranged so as to be separated from the receiving electrode patterns RX0a, RX1a, RX2a, RX3a, and RX4a of the one group by the arbitrary drive electrode TX0.

[0050] Each of the connection patterns P0a, P0b, P1a, P1b, P2a, P2b, P3a, P3b, P4a, and P4b may have a bar pattern shape extending along the second direction and include at least one conductive via v. The conductive via v may be disposed at both ends of each of the connection patterns.

[0051] In the zeroth receiving electrode RX0, each of the first connecting patterns P0a electrically connects two adjacent receiving electrode patterns RX0a of the first group of receiving electrode patterns RX0a through conductive vias v and is arranged to overlap below a receiving electrode pattern RX0b of the second group arranged between the two adjacent receiving electrode patterns RX0a. Each of the second connecting patterns P0b electrically connects two adjacent receiving electrode patterns RX0b of the second group of receiving electrode patterns RX0b through conductive vias v and is arranged to overlap below a receiving electrode pattern RX0a of the first group arranged between the two adjacent receiving electrode patterns RX0b. The first connecting patterns P1a, P2a, P3a, and P4a and the second connecting patterns P1b, P2b, P3b, and P4b of the remaining receiving electrodes RX1, RX2, RX3, and RX4 are arranged in the same manner as described above.

[0052] Hereinafter, the operation when the driving signals are applied to the driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, and TX3 will be described in detail. For convenience of explanation, the operation of the first receiving electrode RX1 and the operation of the sensing unit 11 of FIG. 1 will be specifically described.

[0053] When drive signals are applied to the drive electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, and TX3, two sensing signals are output via the first connecting pattern P1. The first signal is output via the first connecting pattern P1a, and the second signal is output via the second connecting pattern P1b. Therefore, first and second signals of two channels are output for each of the receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, RX3, and RX4. The first and second signals are output simultaneously, and the output first and second signals may be output to the sensing unit 11 of FIG. 2.

[0054] Depending on the drive electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, TX3, ... to which the drive signal is applied, one of the first signal and the second signal may become an active channel signal (or an active reception signal ARX), and the remaining one may become a dummy channel signal (or a dummy reception signal DRX). Specifically, when the drive signal is applied to the drive electrodes TX0 and TX2 on which the first group of reception electrode patterns RX1a are arranged, the first signal output through the first connection pattern P1a becomes the active channel signal, and the second signal output through the second connection pattern P1b becomes the dummy channel signal. Conversely, when the drive signal is applied to the drive electrodes TX1 and TX3 on which the second group of reception electrode patterns RX1b are arranged, the second signal output through the second connection pattern P1b becomes the active channel signal, and the first signal output through the first connection pattern P1a becomes the dummy channel signal.

[0055] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, if a driving signal is applied to the first driving electrode TX1 and an object (dotted line) approaches or touches the intersection of the first driving electrode TX1 and the first receiving electrode RX1, the capacitance (or active capacitance) formed between the first driving electrode TX1 and the receiving electrode pattern RX1b belonging to the second group of the first receiving electrode RX1 changes. A second signal including information on the amount of capacitance change is output as an active channel signal via the second connecting pattern P1b. Here, the second signal may include an LGM noise signal and a display noise signal generated by the display panel.

[0056] Then, the capacitance (or dummy capacitance) formed between the first receiving electrode RX1 and the receiving electrode pattern RX1a belonging to the first group also changes. A first signal including information on the capacitance change amount is output as a dummy channel signal via the first connecting pattern P1a. Here, the first signal may include an LGM noise signal and a display noise signal generated by the display panel. Here, since the cross-sectional areas of the receiving electrode pattern RX1b belonging to the second group and the receiving electrode pattern RX1a belonging to the first group that are in contact with the object (dotted line) are the same, approximately the same or similar LGM noise signals may be input to each, and approximately the same display noise signals may also be input to each.

[0057] The sensing unit 11 shown in FIG. 1 can cancel out the LGM noise signal and display noise signal input to the receiving electrode pattern RX1b belonging to the second group and the receiving electrode pattern RX1a belonging to the first group by subtracting the first signal output via the first connecting pattern P1a from the second signal output via the second connecting pattern P1b. As a result of this subtraction, the active capacitance change amount included in the second signal, which is the active channel signal, is slightly reduced by the dummy capacitance change amount included in the first signal. However, because the distance between the first driving electrode TX1 and the receiving electrode pattern RX1a is relatively greater than the distance between the first driving electrode TX1 and the receiving electrode pattern RX1b, the dummy capacitance change amount included in the first signal is relatively smaller than the active capacitance change amount included in the second signal. Therefore, the subtracted active capacitance change amount alone is sufficient to detect the presence or absence of a touch and / or the touch location.

[0058] 1, when the drive signal is applied to the 0th drive electrode TX0 rather than the 1st drive electrode TX1, the sensing unit 11 shown in FIG. 1 subtracts the second signal (dummy channel signal) output through the connecting pattern P1b from the first signal (active channel signal) output through the connecting pattern P1a, thereby canceling out the LGM noise signal and the display noise signal input to the receiving electrode pattern RX1a belonging to the 1st group and the receiving electrode pattern RX1b belonging to the 2nd group. This has the advantage of being able to remove various noises that may occur during touch sensing, such as display noise and LGM noise.

[0059] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a portion of another embodiment of the touch sensor 10 shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 6 is a plan view of the touch sensor shown in FIG. 5 separated by layers, and FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the electrical connection of multiple receiving electrodes shown in FIG. 5.

[0060] The touch sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 5 to 7 differs from the touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 2 to 4 in the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0', RX1', RX2', RX3', and RX4'. In particular, the structure of the plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX1a' included in each of the receiving electrodes RX0', RX1', RX2', RX3', and RX4' is different. The structure of the plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX1a' will be described in detail below, and the remaining configuration will be replaced with the content previously described.

[0061] Each of the receiving electrodes RX0', RX1', RX2', RX3', and RX4' includes a plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX1a', each of which has an opening O' therein and includes a dummy pattern DX1a disposed within the opening O'. Here, the dummy pattern DX1a may have a shape corresponding to the opening O'.

[0062] The dummy pattern DX1a is not electrically connected to the connecting patterns P0a, P0b, P1a, P1b, P2a, P2b, P3a, P3b, P4a, and P4b, and maintains an electrically floating state.

[0063] The operation of the touch sensor according to the other embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 5 to 7 is the same as the operation of the touch sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 2 to 4. Therefore, the touch input device including the touch sensor according to the other embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 5 to 7 also has the advantage of being able to remove various noises that may occur during touch sensing, such as display noise and LGM noise.

[0064] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a portion of yet another embodiment of touch sensor 10 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 9 is a plan view of the touch sensor shown in FIG. 8 separated into layers.

[0065] The touch sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 differs from the touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 in the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0'', RX1'', RX2'', RX3'', and RX4''. In particular, the difference lies in the arrangement of the plurality of connecting patterns P0', P1', P2', P3', and P4' included in each of the receiving electrodes RX0'', RX1'', RX2'', RX3'', and RX4''. The arrangement of the connecting patterns P0', P1', P2', P3', and P4' will be described in detail below, and the remaining configuration will be replaced with the content previously described.

[0066] Each of the concatenated patterns P0', P1', P2', P3', and P4' includes a first concatenated pattern P0a', P1a', P2a', P3a', and P4a' and a second concatenated pattern P0b', P1b', P2b', P3b', and P4b'.

[0067] Each of the first connecting patterns P0a', P1a', P2a', P3a', and P4a' electrically connects two receiving electrode patterns RX0a, RX1a, RX2a, RX3a, and RX4a of the first group, but is arranged so as not to overlap with the receiving electrode patterns RX0b, RX1b, RX2b, RX3b, and RX4b of the second group arranged between the two receiving electrode patterns. For example, at least a portion of each of the first connecting patterns P0a', P1a', P2a', P3a', and P4a' may be arranged between the receiving electrode patterns RX0b, RX1b, RX2b, RX3b, and RX4b of the second group and the driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, and TX3 arranged immediately adjacent to the receiving electrode patterns RX0b, RX1b, RX2b, RX3b, and RX4b of the second group, so as not to overlap with the receiving electrode patterns RX0b, RX1b, RX2b, RX3b, and RX4b of the second group. On the other hand, the remaining portions may be arranged to overlap with the drive electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, and TX3.

[0068] Each of the second connecting patterns P0b', P1b', P2b', P3b', and P4b' electrically connects two receiving electrode patterns RX0b, RX1b, RX2b, RX3b, and RX4b of the second group, but is arranged so as not to overlap with the receiving electrode patterns RX0a, RX1a, RX2a, RX3a, and RX4a of the first group arranged between the two receiving electrode patterns. For example, at least a portion of each of the second connecting patterns P0b', P1b', P2b', P3b', and P4b' may be arranged between the receiving electrode patterns RX0a, RX1a, RX2a, RX3a, and RX4a of the first group and the driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, and TX3 arranged immediately adjacent to the receiving electrode patterns RX0a, RX1a, RX2a, RX3a, and RX4a of the first group, so as not to overlap with the receiving electrode patterns RX0a, RX1a, RX2a, RX3a, and RX4a of the first group. On the other hand, the remaining portions may be arranged to overlap with the drive electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, and TX3.

[0069] The touch sensor according to this further embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of being able to reduce the capacitance value between the first connecting pattern and the second group of receiving electrode patterns, or between the second connecting pattern and the first group of receiving electrode patterns, compared to the touch sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 2 to 4.

[0070] Meanwhile, although not shown in a separate drawing, the dummy pattern DX1a shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 may also be applied to a touch sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a portion of yet another embodiment of the touch sensor 10 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 11 is a plan view of the touch sensor shown in FIG. 10 separated into layers.

[0072] The touch sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 differs from the touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 in the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0''', RX1''', RX2''', and RX3'''. In particular, the differences are in the structure and arrangement of the plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX0a-1, RX0a-2, RX0b-1, RX0b-2, RX1a-1, RX1a-2, RX1b-1, RX1b-2, RX2a-1, RX2a-2, RX2b-1, RX2b-2, RX3a-1, RX3a-2, RX3b-1, and RX3b-2 included in each receiving electrode RX0''', RX1''', RX2''', and RX3''', and the plurality of connection patterns P0'', P1'', P2'', and P3''. Below, the structures and arrangements of the receiving electrode patterns RX0a-1, RX0a-2, RX0b-1, RX0b-2, RX1a-1, RX1a-2, RX1b-1, RX1b-2, RX2a-1, RX2a-2, RX2b-1, RX2b-2, RX3a-1, RX3a-2, RX3b-1, RX3b-2 and the connecting patterns P0'', P1'', P2'', P3'' will be described in detail, and the remaining configurations will be replaced with the contents previously described.

[0073] The multiple receiving electrode patterns RX0a-1, RX0a-2, RX0b-1, RX0b-2, RX1a-1, RX1a-2, RX1b-1, RX1b-2, RX2a-1, RX2a-2, RX2b-1, RX2b-2, RX3a-1, RX3a-2, RX3b-1, RX3b-2 of each receiving electrode RX0''',RX1''',RX2''',RX3''' include a first group of receiving electrode patterns RX0a-1, RX0a-2, RX1a-1, RX1a-2, RX2a-1, RX2a-2, RX3a-1, RX3a-2 and a second group of receiving electrode patterns RX0b-1, RX0b-2, RX1b-1, RX1b-2, RX2b-1, RX2b-2, RX3b-1, RX3b-2 arranged alternately one by one along the second direction. The receiving electrode patterns of the first group RX0a-1, RX0a-2, RX1a-1, RX1a-2, RX2a-1, RX2a-2, RX3a-1, RX3a-2 and the receiving electrode patterns of the second group RX0b-1, RX0b-2, RX1b-1, RX1b-2, RX2b-1, RX2b-2, RX3b-1, RX3b-2 may be electrically isolated from each other.

[0074] Each of the first group of receiving electrode patterns RX0a-1, RX0a-2, RX1a-1, RX1a-2, RX2a-1, RX2a-2, RX3a-1, and RX3a-2 includes first receiving electrode patterns RX0a-1, RX1a-1, RX2a-1, and RX3a-1 and second receiving electrode patterns RX0a-2, RX1a-2, RX2a-2, and RX3a-2. The first receiving electrode patterns RX0a-1, RX1a-1, RX2a-1, and RX3a-1 and the second receiving electrode patterns RX0a-2, RX1a-2, RX2a-2, and RX3a-2 are respectively disposed in two openings O adjacent to each other in the first direction from the corresponding driving electrodes TX0 and TX2. One first or second receiving electrode pattern is arranged in the openings located on both sides of the multiple openings O of each driving electrode TX0, TX1, TX2, TX3, and in the remaining openings, the second receiving electrode pattern of the receiving electrode pattern of the first group of one of the multiple receiving electrodes RX0''',RX1''',RX2''',RX3''' and the first receiving electrode pattern of the receiving electrode pattern of the first group of one receiving electrode that is different are arranged together but spaced apart from each other.

[0075] Each of the connection patterns P0'', P1'', P2'', and P3'' includes first connection patterns P0a'', P1a'', P2a'', and P3a'' that electrically connect the receiving electrode patterns RX0a-1, RX0a-2, RX1a-1, RX1a-2, RX2a-1, RX2a-2, RX3a-1, and RX3a-2 of the first group, and second connection patterns P0b'', P1b'', P2b'', and P3b'' that electrically connect the receiving electrode patterns RX0b-1, RX0b-2, RX1b-1, RX1b-2, RX2b-1, RX2b-2, RX3b-1, and RX3b-2 of the second group.

[0076] Each of the first connecting patterns P0a'', P1a'', P2a'', and P3a'' and the second connecting patterns P0b'', P1b'', P2b'', and P3b'' is constructed and arranged to connect two adjacent receiving electrode patterns in each group via the shortest distance. For example, each of the first connecting patterns P0a'', P1a'', P2a'', and P3a'' and the second connecting patterns P0b'', P1b'', P2b'', and P3b'' may have one end connected to one side of a lower end of one of two adjacent receiving electrode patterns in one group and the other end connected to one side of an upper end of the remaining receiving electrode pattern. The remaining portion excluding the one and other ends extends in the second direction and is arranged so that the largest cross-sectional area overlaps with the opening O of the driving electrode without overlapping with the receiving electrode pattern of another group that is arranged between the one receiving electrode pattern and the remaining receiving electrode pattern.

[0077] In addition, each of the first connecting patterns P0a'', P1a'', P2a'', and P3a'' further includes a receiving connecting pattern that electrically connects the first receiving electrode pattern and the second receiving electrode pattern of the first group of receiving electrode patterns, and each of the second connecting patterns P0b'', P1b'', P2b'', and P3b'' further includes a receiving connecting pattern that electrically connects the first receiving electrode pattern and the second receiving electrode pattern of the second group of receiving electrode patterns.

[0078] The touch sensor according to this further embodiment of the present invention has the advantage that, compared to the touch sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 2 to 4, the capacitance value between the first connecting pattern and the receiving electrode patterns of the second group, or between the second connecting pattern and the receiving electrode patterns of the first group, can be reduced, and the resistance value of each connecting pattern can also be reduced.

[0079] Meanwhile, although not shown in a separate drawing, the dummy pattern DX1a shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 may also be applied to a touch sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] The features, structures, effects, etc. described in the above embodiments are included in one embodiment of the present invention and are not necessarily limited to only one embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures, effects, etc. exemplified in each embodiment can be combined or modified in other embodiments by a person skilled in the art to which the embodiment belongs. Therefore, content related to such combinations and modifications should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

[0081] Furthermore, although the above description has focused on the embodiments, these are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and applications other than those illustrated above are possible within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention. For example, each component specifically illustrated in the embodiments can be modified and implemented. Differences related to such modifications and applications should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. a plurality of drive electrodes each having a shape extending in a first direction and having a number of openings arranged along the first direction; a plurality of receiving electrodes including a plurality of receiving electrode patterns arranged in a number of openings of the plurality of driving electrodes and a plurality of connecting patterns arranged along a second direction different from the first direction and electrically connecting the plurality of receiving electrode patterns; The plurality of receiving electrode patterns of at least one of the plurality of receiving electrodes are electrically separated from each other, and the plurality of receiving electrode patterns of one group and the plurality of receiving electrode patterns of another group are electrically separated from each other. Including, the receiving electrode patterns of the one group and the receiving electrode patterns of the other group are alternately arranged one by one along the second direction, the plurality of connection patterns of the at least one receiving electrode include a first connection pattern electrically connecting the receiving electrode patterns of the one group and a second connection pattern electrically connecting the receiving electrode patterns of the other group; A touch sensor in which, between the receiving electrode patterns of the one group and the receiving electrode patterns of the other group that are arranged adjacent to each other, a portion of a drive electrode immediately adjacent to the periphery of the receiving electrode pattern in the one group and a portion of a drive electrode immediately adjacent to the periphery of the receiving electrode pattern in the other group are both arranged.

2. The touch sensor of claim 1 , wherein a first sensing signal is output through the first connecting pattern and a second sensing signal is output through the second connecting pattern.

3. A plurality of drive electrodes, each having a shape extending in a first direction and having a number of openings arranged along the first direction; a plurality of receiving electrodes including a plurality of receiving electrode patterns arranged in a number of openings of the plurality of driving electrodes and a plurality of connecting patterns arranged along a second direction different from the first direction and electrically connecting the plurality of receiving electrode patterns; The plurality of receiving electrode patterns of at least one of the plurality of receiving electrodes are electrically separated from each other, and the plurality of receiving electrode patterns of one group and the plurality of receiving electrode patterns of another group are electrically separated from each other. Including, the receiving electrode patterns of the one group and the receiving electrode patterns of the other group are alternately arranged one by one along the second direction, the plurality of connection patterns of the at least one receiving electrode include a first connection pattern electrically connecting the receiving electrode patterns of the one group and a second connection pattern electrically connecting the receiving electrode patterns of the other group; A touch sensor, wherein the drive electrodes arranged immediately adjacent to the periphery of the receiving electrode patterns of the other group are arranged so as to be separated from the receiving electrode patterns of the one group by the drive electrodes arranged immediately adjacent to the periphery of the receiving electrode patterns of the one group.

4. The touch sensor of claim 1 , wherein the first connecting pattern is arranged so as not to overlap with the receiving electrode patterns of the other group that are arranged between two receiving electrode patterns connected by the first connecting pattern.

5. A plurality of drive electrodes, each having a shape extending in a first direction and having a number of openings arranged along the first direction; a plurality of receiving electrodes including a plurality of receiving electrode patterns arranged in a number of openings of the plurality of driving electrodes and a plurality of connecting patterns arranged along a second direction different from the first direction and electrically connecting the plurality of receiving electrode patterns; the plurality of receiving electrode patterns of at least one of the plurality of receiving electrodes includes one group of receiving electrode patterns and another group of receiving electrode patterns that are electrically separated from each other, the receiving electrode patterns of the one group and the receiving electrode patterns of the other group are alternately arranged one by one along the second direction, the receiving electrode pattern includes a first receiving electrode pattern and a second receiving electrode pattern; the first receiving electrode pattern and the second receiving electrode pattern are respectively disposed in two adjacent openings among the plurality of openings of the driving electrode; the plurality of connection patterns of the at least one receiving electrode include a first connection pattern electrically connecting the receiving electrode patterns of the one group and a second connection pattern electrically connecting the receiving electrode patterns of the other group; the first and second connection patterns further include a receiving connection pattern electrically connecting the first receiving electrode pattern and the second receiving electrode pattern; Touch sensor.

6. The touch sensor according to claim 1 , wherein the receiving electrode pattern includes a dummy pattern disposed in an opening formed therein.

7. a touch sensor, a driving unit, and a sensing unit; The touch sensor is a plurality of drive electrodes each having a shape extending in a first direction and having a number of openings arranged along the first direction; a plurality of receiving electrodes including a plurality of receiving electrode patterns arranged in a number of openings of the plurality of driving electrodes and a plurality of connecting patterns arranged along a second direction different from the first direction and electrically connecting the plurality of receiving electrode patterns; the driving unit provides driving signals to the driving electrodes, and the sensing unit senses sensing signals output through the connection patterns; the plurality of receiving electrode patterns of at least one of the plurality of receiving electrodes includes one group of receiving electrode patterns and another group of receiving electrode patterns that are electrically separated from each other, the receiving electrode patterns of the one group and the receiving electrode patterns of the other group are alternately arranged one by one along the second direction, the plurality of connection patterns of the at least one receiving electrode include a first connection pattern electrically connecting the receiving electrode patterns of the one group and a second connection pattern electrically connecting the receiving electrode patterns of the other group; A touch input device, wherein a portion of a drive electrode immediately adjacent to the periphery of the receiving electrode pattern in the one group and a portion of a drive electrode immediately adjacent to the periphery of the receiving electrode pattern in the other group are both arranged between the receiving electrode patterns of the one group and the receiving electrode patterns of the other group that are arranged adjacent to each other.

8. a first sensing signal is output through the first connecting pattern, and a second sensing signal is output through the second connecting pattern; The touch input device of claim 7 , wherein the sensing unit outputs a subtraction of the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal.

9. A touch sensor, a driving unit, and a sensing unit, The touch sensor is a plurality of drive electrodes each having a shape extending in a first direction and having a number of openings arranged along the first direction; a plurality of receiving electrodes including a plurality of receiving electrode patterns arranged in a number of openings of the plurality of driving electrodes and a plurality of connecting patterns arranged along a second direction different from the first direction and electrically connecting the plurality of receiving electrode patterns; the driving unit provides driving signals to the driving electrodes, and the sensing unit senses sensing signals output through the connection patterns; the plurality of receiving electrode patterns of at least one of the plurality of receiving electrodes includes one group of receiving electrode patterns and another group of receiving electrode patterns that are electrically separated from each other, the receiving electrode patterns of the one group and the receiving electrode patterns of the other group are alternately arranged one by one along the second direction, the plurality of connection patterns of the at least one receiving electrode include a first connection pattern electrically connecting the receiving electrode patterns of the one group and a second connection pattern electrically connecting the receiving electrode patterns of the other group; A touch input device, wherein the drive electrodes arranged immediately adjacent to the periphery of the receiving electrode patterns of the other group are arranged so as to be separated from the receiving electrode patterns of the one group by the drive electrodes arranged immediately adjacent to the periphery of the receiving electrode patterns of the one group.

10. The touch input device of claim 7 , wherein the first connecting pattern is arranged so as not to overlap with the receiving electrode patterns of the other group that are arranged between two receiving electrode patterns connected by the first connecting pattern.

11. A touch sensor, a driving unit, and a sensing unit, The touch sensor is a plurality of drive electrodes each having a shape extending in a first direction and having a number of openings arranged along the first direction; a plurality of receiving electrodes including a plurality of receiving electrode patterns arranged in a number of openings of the plurality of driving electrodes and a plurality of connecting patterns arranged along a second direction different from the first direction and electrically connecting the plurality of receiving electrode patterns; the driving unit provides driving signals to the driving electrodes, and the sensing unit senses sensing signals output through the connection patterns; the plurality of receiving electrode patterns of at least one of the plurality of receiving electrodes includes one group of receiving electrode patterns and another group of receiving electrode patterns that are electrically separated from each other, the receiving electrode patterns of the one group and the receiving electrode patterns of the other group are alternately arranged one by one along the second direction, and the receiving electrode patterns include first receiving electrode patterns and second receiving electrode patterns; the first receiving electrode pattern and the second receiving electrode pattern are respectively disposed in two adjacent openings among the plurality of openings of the driving electrode, and the plurality of connection patterns of at least one receiving electrode include a first connection pattern electrically connecting the receiving electrode patterns of one group and a second connection pattern electrically connecting the receiving electrode patterns of the other group; the first and second connection patterns further include a receiving connection pattern electrically connecting the first receiving electrode pattern and the second receiving electrode pattern; Touch input device.

12. The touch input device according to claim 7 , wherein the receiving electrode pattern includes a dummy pattern disposed in an opening formed therein.

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