Force sensor and display device including the same
Patent Information
- Application Number
- KR1020190124462
- Authority / Receiving Office
- KR · KR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2019-10-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-18
- Estimated Expiration
- Not applicable · inactive patent
Smart Images

Figure 112019102589357-PAT00012_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technology Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a pressure sensor and a display device including the same. Background Technology
[0002] Electronic devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, digital cameras, laptop computers, navigation systems, and smart televisions that provide video to users include a display device for displaying video. The display device includes a display panel that generates and displays video and various input devices.
[0003] Recently, touch panels that recognize touch input are being widely applied to display devices, primarily in smartphones and tablet PCs. Due to the convenience of touch input, there is a trend to replace existing physical input devices such as keypads. Going a step further than touch panels, research is being conducted to integrate pressure sensors into display devices to implement them as input devices. The problem to be solved
[0004] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a pressure sensor with reduced overall thickness.
[0005] Another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a display device including a pressure sensor with reduced overall thickness.
[0006] The problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem
[0007] A pressure sensor according to one embodiment for solving the above problem comprises: a first substrate; a pressure sensing layer disposed on one surface of the first substrate; and a driving electrode and a sensing electrode disposed on the pressure sensing layer and spaced apart from each other, wherein the driving electrode and the sensing electrode are disposed on the same layer and the driving electrode and the sensing electrode are each directly disposed on the pressure sensing layer.
[0008] The pressure sensing layer may include a first portion disposed on one surface of the first substrate, and a plurality of second portions protruding from the first portion toward the sensing electrode and the driving electrode.
[0009] The second part above can be in direct contact with the driving electrode and the sensing electrode.
[0010] The first part above may be spaced apart from the driving electrode and the sensing electrode with a spaced-apart space between them.
[0011] The first contact area between the second part, the driving electrode, and the sensing electrode before pressure is applied to the pressure sensor may be smaller than the second contact area between the second part, the driving electrode, and the sensing electrode after pressure is applied to the pressure sensor.
[0012] The cross-sectional shape of the second part may include a semicircle, a semi-ellipse, a triangle, a trapezoid, or a square.
[0013] The pressure sensing layer may include a first portion disposed on one surface of the first substrate, and a plurality of second portions indented from the first portion toward the first substrate.
[0014] The plurality of second parts may be arranged to overlap with the driving electrode and the sensing electrode in the thickness direction, and may be arranged non-overlapping with the space between the driving electrode and the sensing electrode.
[0015] The driving electrode may include a first driving electrode portion and a second driving electrode portion protruding from the first driving electrode portion to the pressure sensing layer, and the sensing electrode may include a first sensing electrode portion and a second sensing electrode portion protruding from the first sensing electrode portion to the pressure sensing layer.
[0016] The second driving electrode is in direct contact with the pressure sensing layer, and the second sensing electrode can be in direct contact with the pressure sensing layer.
[0017] The driving electrode and the sensing electrode may each include an indentation pattern in the opposite direction facing the pressure sensing layer.
[0018] The driving electrode and the sensing electrode each extend along a first direction, and the driving electrode and the sensing electrode each have a plurality of units, and the plurality of driving electrodes and the plurality of sensing electrodes are alternately arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and one of the driving electrodes and one of the sensing electrodes may each include a plurality of patterns.
[0019] A pressure sensor according to another embodiment for solving the above problem comprises: a first substrate; a second substrate facing the first substrate; a pressure sensing layer disposed on one surface of the first substrate facing the second substrate; and a driving electrode and a sensing electrode disposed on one surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate and spaced apart from each other, wherein the driving electrode and the sensing electrode are disposed on the same layer, and the pressure sensing layer includes an uneven structure on the surface facing the driving electrode and the sensing electrode.
[0020] A display device according to one embodiment for solving the above other problems comprises a display panel; and a pressure sensor disposed below the display panel, wherein the pressure sensor comprises a first substrate; a pressure sensing layer disposed on one surface of the first substrate; and a driving electrode and a sensing electrode disposed on the pressure sensing layer and spaced apart from each other, wherein the driving electrode and the sensing electrode are disposed on the same layer, and the driving electrode and the sensing electrode are each directly disposed on the pressure sensing layer.
[0021] The pressure sensing layer may include a first portion disposed on one surface of the first substrate, and a plurality of second portions protruding from the first portion toward the sensing electrode and the driving electrode.
[0022] The pressure sensing layer may include a first portion disposed on one surface of the first substrate, and a plurality of second portions indented from the first portion toward the first substrate.
[0023] The plurality of second parts may be arranged to overlap with the driving electrode and the sensing electrode in the thickness direction, and may be arranged non-overlapping with the space between the driving electrode and the sensing electrode.
[0024] The driving electrode comprises a first driving electrode portion and a second driving electrode portion protruding from the first driving electrode portion to the pressure sensing layer, and the sensing electrode comprises a first sensing electrode portion and a second sensing electrode portion protruding from the first sensing electrode portion to the pressure sensing layer, wherein the second driving electrode portion is in direct contact with the pressure sensing layer and the second sensing electrode portion can be in direct contact with the pressure sensing layer.
[0025] The driving electrode and the sensing electrode may each include an indentation pattern in the opposite direction facing the pressure sensing layer.
[0026] The driving electrode and the sensing electrode each extend along a first direction, and the driving electrode and the sensing electrode each have a plurality of units, and the plurality of driving electrodes and the plurality of sensing electrodes are alternately arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and one of the driving electrodes and one of the sensing electrodes may each include a plurality of patterns.
[0027] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings. Effects of the invention
[0028] According to one embodiment, the pressure sensor and the display device including the same can reduce the overall thickness by configuring the pressure sensor as one layer.
[0029] The effects according to the embodiments are not limited to those exemplified above, and a wider variety of effects are included in this specification. Brief explanation of the drawing
[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment. Figure 3 is a bottom view showing an example of a display panel attached to the cover window of Figure 2. Figure 4 is a plan view showing an example of the lower frame of Figure 2. Figure 5 is a plan view showing an example of the main circuit board of Figure 2. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of I-I' of Figure 3. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the display area of the display panel in detail. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a pressure sensor according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a pressure sensor according to one embodiment. Figure 10 is an enlarged plan view showing an example of area A of Figure 9. Figure 11 is an enlarged plan view showing an example of area A-1 of Figure 10. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of II-II' of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor according to one embodiment when pressure is applied. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor according to another embodiment. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor according to another embodiment. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor according to another embodiment. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor according to another embodiment. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor according to another embodiment. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor according to another embodiment. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor according to another embodiment. FIG. 21 is an enlarged plan view of a pressure sensor according to another embodiment. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXII-XXII' of FIG. 21. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor according to another embodiment. FIG. 24 is an enlarged plan view of a pressure sensor according to another embodiment. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXV-XXV' of FIG. 24. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor according to another embodiment. FIG. 27 is an enlarged plan view of a pressure sensor according to another embodiment. FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXVIII-XXVIII' of FIG. 27. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor according to another embodiment. FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor according to another embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention
[0031] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims.
[0032] When elements or layers are referred to as being "on" another element or layer, this includes cases where another layer or element is interposed directly on or in the middle of another element. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components. Shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, numbers, etc., disclosed in the drawings for describing embodiments are exemplary and the invention is not limited to the depicted details.
[0033] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, it goes without saying that the first component mentioned below may also be the second component within the technical scope of the present invention.
[0034] The features of each of the various embodiments of the present invention may be combined or combined with one another, either partially or wholly, and may technically enable various interlocking and operation. Each embodiment may be implemented independently of one another or may be implemented together in an associated relationship.
[0035] Specific embodiments will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.
[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a display device (10) according to one embodiment includes a cover window (100), a touch detection device (200), a touch circuit board (210), a touch driving unit (220), a display panel (300), a display circuit board (310), a display driving unit (320), a pressure detection unit (330), a first pressure sensor (510), a second pressure sensor (520), a pressure detection circuit board (550), a lower frame (600), a main circuit board (700), and a lower cover (900).
[0038] In this specification, "top," "top," and "top surface" refer to the direction in which the window (100) is positioned relative to the display panel (300), i.e., the Z-axis direction, and "bottom," "bottom," and "bottom surface" refer to the direction in which the lower frame (600) is positioned relative to the display panel (300), i.e., the opposite direction of the Z-axis direction. Additionally, "left," "right," "up," and "down" refer to the direction when viewing the display panel (300) from a flat plane. For example, "left" refers to the opposite direction of the X-axis direction, "right" refers to the X-axis direction, "up" refers to the Y-axis direction, and "down" refers to the opposite direction of the Y-axis direction.
[0039] The display device (10) may be formed in a rectangular shape on a plane. For example, the display device (10) may have a rectangular planar shape having a short side in the first direction (X-axis direction) and a long side in the second direction (Y-axis direction), as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The corner where the short side in the first direction (X-axis direction) and the long side in the second direction (Y-axis direction) meet may be formed rounded to have a predetermined curvature or formed at a right angle. The planar shape of the display device (10) is not limited to a rectangle and may be formed in other polygons, circles, or ellipses.
[0040] The display device (10) may include a first region (DR1) formed flat and a second region (DR2) extending from the left and right sides of the first region (DR1). The second region (DR2) may be formed flat or curved. If the second region (DR2) is formed flat, the angle formed by the first region (DR1) and the second region (DR2) may be obtuse. If the second region (DR2) is formed curved, it may have a constant curvature or a changing curvature.
[0041] In FIG. 1, the second region (DR2) is illustrated as being extended from each of the left and right sides of the first region (DR1), but is not limited thereto. That is, the second region (DR2) may be extended from only one of the left and right sides of the first region (DR1). Alternatively, the second region (DR2) may be extended from at least one of the upper and lower sides as well as the left and right sides of the first region (DR1). Hereinafter, the second region (DR2) is described with the focus on being positioned at the left and right edges of the display device (10).
[0042] A cover window (100) may be positioned on the upper surface of a display panel (300) to cover the upper surface of the display panel (300). As a result, the cover window (100) may function to protect the upper surface of the display panel (300). The cover window (100) may be attached to a touch sensing device (200) via a first adhesive member (910) as shown in FIG. 6. The first adhesive member (910) may be an optically cleared adhesive film (OCA) or an optically cleared resin (OCR).
[0043] The cover window (100) may include a transparent portion (DA100) corresponding to the display panel (300) and a light-blocking portion (NDA100) corresponding to an area other than the display panel (300). The cover window (100) may be positioned in a first area (DR1) and a second area (DR2). The transparent portion (DA100) may be positioned in a part of the first area (DR1) and a part of the second areas (DR2). The light-blocking portion (NDA100) may be formed to be opaque. Alternatively, the light-blocking portion (NDA100) may be formed as a decorative layer having a pattern that can be shown to the user when an image is not being displayed. For example, the light-blocking portion (NDA100) may have a pattern of a company logo, such as "SAMSUNG", or various characters. Additionally, holes (HH) for exposing a front camera, front speaker, infrared sensor, iris recognition sensor, ultrasonic sensor, light sensor, etc. may be formed in the light-blocking portion (NDA100), but are not limited thereto. For example, some or all of the front camera, front speaker, infrared sensor, iris recognition sensor, ultrasonic sensor, and light sensor may be embedded in the display panel (300), in which case some or all of the holes (HH) may be removed.
[0044] The cover window (100) may be made of glass, sapphire, and / or plastic. The cover window (100) may be formed rigid or flexible.
[0045] A touch detection device (200) may be placed between the cover window (100) and the display panel (300). The touch detection device (200) may be placed in a first area (DR1) and a second area (DR2). As a result, a user's touch can be detected in the second area (DR2) as well as in the first area (DR1).
[0046] The touch detection device (200) can be attached to the lower surface of the cover window (100) through the first adhesive member (910) as shown in FIG. 6. A polarizing film may be added to the touch detection device (200) to prevent a decrease in visibility due to external light reflection. In this case, the polarizing film can be attached to the lower surface of the cover window (100) through the first adhesive member (910).
[0047] The touch detection device (200) is a device for detecting the touch location of a user and can be implemented in a capacitive manner, such as a self-capacitance method or a mutual capacitance method. When the touch detection device (200) is implemented in a self-capacitance method, it includes only touch driving electrodes, whereas when it is implemented in a mutual capacitance method, it may include touch driving electrodes and touch detection electrodes. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the touch detection device being implemented in a mutual capacitance method.
[0048] The touch sensing device (200) may be formed in the form of a panel or a film. In this case, the touch sensing device (200) may be attached to a thin film encapsulation film of a display panel (300) through a second adhesive member (920) as shown in FIG. 6. The second adhesive member (920) may be a transparent adhesive film (OCA) or a transparent adhesive resin (OCR).
[0049] Alternatively, the touch sensing device (200) may be formed integrally with the display panel (300). In this case, the touch driving electrodes and touch sensing electrodes of the touch sensing device (200) may be formed on the thin film encapsulation film of the display panel (300).
[0050] A touch circuit board (210) may be attached to one side of the touch detection device (200). Specifically, one side of the touch circuit board (210) may be attached to pads provided on one side of the touch detection device (200) using an anisotropic conductive film. Additionally, a touch connection portion may be provided on the other side of the touch circuit board (210), and the touch connection portion may be connected to a touch connector (312a) of a display circuit board (310) as shown in FIG. 3. The touch circuit board may be a flexible printed circuit board.
[0051] The touch driving unit (220) can apply touch driving signals to the touch driving electrodes of the touch detection device (200), detect detection signals from the touch detection electrodes of the touch detection device (200), and analyze the detection signals to calculate the user's touch location. The touch driving unit (220) can be formed as an integrated circuit and mounted on the touch circuit board (210).
[0052] The display panel (300) may be placed at the bottom of the touch detection device (200). The display panel (300) may be placed overlapping the transparent portion (100DA) of the cover window (100). The display panel (300) may be placed in the first area (DR1) and the second area (DR2). As a result, the image of the display panel (300) can be seen in the second area (DR2) as well as in the first area (DR1).
[0053] The display panel (300) may be a light-emitting display panel including a light-emitting element. For example, the display panel (300) may be an organic light-emitting display panel using an organic light-emitting diode, a micro light-emitting diode display panel using a micro LED, and a quantum dot light-emitting display panel including a quantum dot light-emitting diode. Hereinafter, the display panel (300) will be described with an organic light-emitting display panel as shown in FIG. 7.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 7, the display area of the display panel (300) refers to an area where a light-emitting element layer (304) is formed to display an image, and the non-display area refers to an area surrounding the display area. The display panel (300) may include a support substrate (301), a flexible substrate (302), a thin-film transistor layer (303), a light-emitting element layer (304), and a thin-film encapsulation layer (305).
[0055] A flexible substrate (302) is disposed on a support substrate (301). Each of the support substrate (301) and the flexible substrate (302) may include a polymer material having flexibility. For example, the support substrate (301) and the flexible substrate (302) may each be polyethersulfone (PES), polyacrylate (PA), polyarylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylenenapthalate (PEN), polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), polyphenylenesulfide (PPS), polyallylate, polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate (CAT), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), or a combination thereof.
[0056] A thin film transistor layer (303) is formed on a flexible substrate (302). The thin film transistor layer (303) includes thin film transistors (335), a gate insulating film (336), an interlayer insulating film (337), a protective film (338), and a planarization film (339).
[0057] A buffer film may be formed on the flexible substrate (302). The buffer film may be formed on the flexible substrate (302) to protect thin-film transistors (335) and light-emitting elements from moisture penetrating through the support substrate (301) and the flexible substrate (302), which are susceptible to moisture permeability. The buffer film may be composed of a plurality of inorganic films that are alternately stacked. For example, the buffer film may be formed as a multilayer film in which one or more inorganic films selected from silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), and SiON are alternately stacked. The buffer film may be omitted.
[0058] A thin-film transistor (335) is formed on the buffer film. The thin-film transistor (335) includes an active layer (331), a gate electrode (332), a source electrode (333), and a drain electrode (334). In FIG. 7, the thin-film transistor (335) is illustrated as being formed in a top gate configuration where the gate electrode (332) is located above the active layer (331), but it should be noted that this is not limited thereto. That is, the thin-film transistors (335) may be formed in a bottom gate configuration where the gate electrode (332) is located below the active layer (331), or in a double gate configuration where the gate electrode (332) is located above and below the active layer (331).
[0059] An active layer (331) is formed on the buffer film. The active layer (331) may be formed of a silicon-based semiconductor material or an oxide-based semiconductor material. A light-blocking layer may be formed between the buffer film and the active layer (331) to block external light incident on the active layer (331).
[0060] A gate insulating film (336) may be formed on the active layer (331). The gate insulating film (316) may be formed from an inorganic film, for example, a silicon oxide film (SiOx), a silicon nitride film (SiNx), or a combination thereof.
[0061] A gate electrode (332) and a gate line may be formed on the gate insulating film (316). The gate electrode (332) and the gate line may be formed as a single layer or multiple layers made of any one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu), or an alloy thereof.
[0062] An interlayer insulating film (337) may be formed on the gate electrode (332) and the gate line. The interlayer insulating film (337) may be formed from an inorganic film, for example, a silicon oxide film (SiOx), a silicon nitride film (SiNx), or a combination thereof.
[0063] A source electrode (333), a drain electrode (334), and a data line may be formed on the interlayer insulating film (337). Each of the source electrode (333) and the drain electrode (334) may be connected to the active layer (331) through a contact hole penetrating the gate insulating film (336) and the interlayer insulating film (337). The source electrode (333), the drain electrode (334), and the data line may be formed as a single layer or a multilayer made of any one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu), or an alloy thereof.
[0064] A protective film (338) for insulating a thin-film transistor (335) may be formed on the source electrode (333), drain electrode (334), and data line. The protective film (338) may be formed of an inorganic film, for example, a silicon oxide film (SiOx), a silicon nitride film (SiNx), or a combination thereof.
[0065] A flattening film (339) may be formed on the protective film (338) to flatten the step caused by the thin-film transistor (335). The flattening film (339) may be formed from an organic film such as an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyamide resin, or a polyimide resin.
[0066] A light-emitting element layer (304) is formed on the thin-film transistor layer (303). The light-emitting element layer (304) includes light-emitting elements and a pixel defining film (344).
[0067] The light-emitting elements and the pixel defining film (344) are formed on the planarization film (339). The light-emitting element may be an organic light-emitting device. In this case, the light-emitting element may include an anode electrode (341), light-emitting layers (342), and a cathode electrode (343).
[0068] The anode electrode (341) can be formed on the planarization film (339). The anode electrode (341) can be connected to the source electrode (333) of the thin-film transistor (335) through a contact hole penetrating the protective film (338) and the planarization film (339).
[0069] A pixel defining film (344) can be formed to cover the edge of an anode electrode (341) on a flattening film (339) to partition pixels. That is, the pixel defining film (344) serves as a pixel defining film that defines pixels. Each pixel represents an area in which an anode electrode (341), a light-emitting layer (342), and a cathode electrode (343) are sequentially stacked so that holes from the anode electrode (341) and electrons from the cathode electrode (343) combine with each other in the light-emitting layer (342) to emit light.
[0070] Light-emitting layers (342) are formed on the anode electrode (341) and the pixel defining film (344). The light-emitting layer (342) may be an organic light-emitting layer. The light-emitting layer (342) may emit one of red light, green light, and blue light. The peak wavelength range of the red light may be about 620 nm to 750 nm, and the peak wavelength range of the green light may be about 495 nm to 570 nm. Additionally, the peak wavelength range of the blue light may be about 450 nm to 495 nm. Alternatively, the light-emitting layer (342) may be a white light-emitting layer that emits white light, in which case it may have a stacked form of a red light-emitting layer, a green light-emitting layer, and a blue light-emitting layer, and may be a common layer formed in common with the pixels. In this case, the display panel (300) may further include a separate color filter for displaying red, green, and blue.
[0071] The light-emitting layer (342) may include a hole transporting layer, a light-emitting layer, and an electron transporting layer. Additionally, the light-emitting layer (342) may be formed in a tandem structure of two or more stacks, in which case a charge-generating layer may be formed between the stacks.
[0072] A cathode electrode (343) is formed on the light-emitting layer (342). A second electrode (343) may be formed to cover the light-emitting layer (342). The second electrode (343) may be a common layer formed in common across the pixels.
[0073] When the light-emitting element layer (304) is formed in a top emission manner that emits light in an upward direction, the anode electrode (341) may be formed from a highly reflective metallic material such as a stacked structure of aluminum and titanium (Ti / Al / Ti), a stacked structure of aluminum and ITO (ITO / Al / ITO), an APC alloy, and a stacked structure of APC alloy and ITO (ITO / APC / ITO). The APC alloy is an alloy of silver (Ag), palladium (Pd), and copper (Cu). Additionally, the cathode electrode (263) may be formed from a transparent metallic material (TCO, Transparent Conductive Material) such as ITO or IZO that can transmit light, or a semi-transmissive metallic material (Semi-transmissive Conductive Material) such as magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), or an alloy of magnesium (Mg) and silver (Ag). When the cathode electrode (343) is formed of a semi-transparent metal material, the light emission efficiency can be increased by micro-cavity.
[0074] When the light-emitting element layer (304) is formed in a bottom emission manner that emits light in a downward direction, the anode electrode (341) may be formed from a transparent conductive material (TCO) such as ITO or IZO, or a semi-transmissive conductive material such as magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), or an alloy of magnesium (Mg) and silver (Ag). The second electrode (343) may be formed from a highly reflective conductive material such as a stacked structure of aluminum and titanium (Ti / Al / Ti), a stacked structure of aluminum and ITO (ITO / Al / ITO), an APC alloy, and a stacked structure of APC alloy and ITO (ITO / APC / ITO). When the anode electrode (341) is formed from a semi-transmissive conductive material, the light emission efficiency may be increased by micro-cavity.
[0075] A thin film encapsulation layer (305) is formed on the light-emitting element layer (304). The thin film encapsulation layer (305) serves to prevent oxygen or moisture from penetrating into the light-emitting layer (342) and the cathode electrode (343). To this end, the thin film encapsulation layer (305) may include at least one inorganic film. The inorganic film may be formed from silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, zirconium nitride, titanium nitride, hafnium nitride, tantalum nitride, silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, or titanium oxide. Additionally, the thin film encapsulation layer (305) may further include at least one organic film. The organic film may be formed with a sufficient thickness to prevent foreign particles from penetrating the thin film encapsulation layer (305) and entering the light-emitting layer (342) and the cathode electrode (343). The organic film may include any one of epoxy, acrylate, or urethane acrylate.
[0076] A display circuit board (310) may be attached to one side of the display panel (300). Specifically, one side of the display circuit board (310) may be attached to pads provided on one side of the display panel (300) using an anisotropic conductive film. The display circuit board (310) may be bent toward the lower surface of the display panel (300). The touch circuit board (210) may also be bent toward the lower surface of the display panel (300). As a result, a touch connection portion disposed at one end of the touch circuit board (210) may be connected to the touch connector (312a) of the display circuit board (310). A detailed description of the display circuit board (310) will be provided later in conjunction with FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4.
[0077] The display driving unit (320) outputs signals and voltages to drive the display panel (300) through the display circuit board (310). The display driving unit (320) may be formed as an integrated circuit and mounted on the display circuit board (310), but is not limited thereto. For example, the display driving unit (320) may be directly attached to the substrate of the display panel (300), and in this case, it may be attached to the upper or lower surface of the substrate of the display panel (300).
[0078] A panel lower member (400) may be disposed at the bottom of the display panel (300) as shown in FIG. 6. The panel lower member (400) may be attached to the lower surface of the display panel (300) through a third adhesive member (930). The third adhesive member (930) may be a transparent adhesive film (OCA) or a transparent adhesive resin (OCR).
[0079] The panel lower member (400) may include at least one of a light-absorbing member for absorbing light incident from the outside, a buffer member for absorbing shock from the outside, a heat-dissipating member for efficiently discharging heat from the display panel (300), and a light-blocking layer for blocking light incident from the outside.
[0080] A light-absorbing member may be placed at the bottom of a display panel (300). The light-absorbing member prevents the transmission of light, thereby preventing components placed at the bottom of the light-absorbing member, such as a first pressure sensor (510), a second pressure sensor (520), a display circuit board (310), etc., from being visible from the top of the display panel (300). The light-absorbing member may include a light-absorbing material such as a black pigment or a dye.
[0081] A cushioning member may be placed below the light-absorbing member. The cushioning member absorbs external shocks to prevent the display panel (300) from being damaged. The cushioning member may consist of a single layer or multiple layers. For example, the cushioning member may be formed from a polymer resin such as polyurethane, polycarbonate, polypropylene, or polyethylene, or may include an elastic material such as a foam-molded sponge made of rubber, a urethane-based material, or an acrylic-based material. The cushioning member may be a cushion layer.
[0082] A heat dissipation member may be placed at the bottom of a buffer member. The heat dissipation member may include a first heat dissipation layer comprising graphite or carbon nanotubes, and a second heat dissipation layer formed of a metal thin film such as copper, nickel, ferrite, or silver, which can shield electromagnetic waves and has excellent thermal conductivity.
[0083] The first pressure sensor (510) and the second pressure sensor (520) may be placed in the second area (DR2). That is, the first pressure sensor (510) may be placed at the bottom of the display panel (300) at the right edge of the display panel (300). The second pressure sensor (520) may be placed at the bottom of the display panel (300) at the left edge of the display panel (300). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the left and right sides of the display panel (300) are sides facing each other.
[0084] The first pressure sensor (510) and the second pressure sensor (520) can be attached to the lower surface of the panel lower member (400). The first pressure sensor (510) and the second pressure sensor (520) can be connected to the display circuit board (310) through the pressure sensing circuit board (550). In FIG. 3, the first pressure sensor (510) and the second pressure sensor (520) are shown connected to a single pressure sensing circuit board (550), but this is not limited thereto. The first pressure sensor (510) and the second pressure sensor (520) can be connected to the display circuit board (310) through different pressure sensing circuit boards (550).
[0085] As shown in FIG. 3, a pressure sensing unit (330) for detecting pressure by driving a first pressure sensor (510) and a second pressure sensor (520) may be mounted on the display circuit board (310). In this case, the pressure sensing unit (330) may be formed as an integrated circuit. The pressure sensing unit (330) may be integrated into the display driving unit (320) to form a single integrated circuit.
[0086] Alternatively, the pressure sensing circuit board (550) may be connected to the touch circuit board (210) rather than the display circuit board (310). In this case, the pressure sensing unit (330) may be mounted on the touch circuit board (210). The pressure sensing unit (330) may be integrated into the touch driving unit (220) to form a single integrated circuit.
[0087] A lower frame (600) may be disposed at the bottom of the panel lower member (400). The lower frame (600) may include synthetic resin, metal, or both synthetic resin and metal.
[0088] A waterproof member (610) may be placed on the edge of the lower frame (600). A waterproof member (610) may be placed on the outer side of the first pressure sensor (510) and the outer side of the second pressure sensor (520). A waterproof member (610) may be adhered to the upper surface of the panel lower member (400) and the lower surface of the lower frame (600).
[0089] According to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, since the waterproof member (610) is positioned on the outside of the first pressure sensor (510) and the outside of the second pressure sensor (520), moisture or dust can be prevented from penetrating between the display panel (300) and the lower frame (600) by the waterproof member (610). That is, a display device (10) capable of waterproofing and dustproofing can be provided.
[0090] In the lower frame (600), a first camera hole (CMH1) into which a camera device (720) is inserted, a battery hole (BH) for heating the battery, and a cable hole (CAH) through which a second connecting cable (314) connected to a display circuit board (310) passes may be formed. Specifically, the cable hole (CAH) may be positioned close to the right edge of the lower frame (600), in which case it may be covered by a first pressure sensor (510) positioned at the bottom of the panel lower member (400) at the right edge of the display panel (300). Accordingly, the first pressure sensor (510) may include a first concave portion (NTH1) formed in a notch shape on one side to expose the cable hole (CAH) without covering it, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0091] Additionally, the lower frame (600) is positioned below the panel lower member (400) of the display panel (300), the first pressure sensor (510), and the second pressure sensor (520). The lower frame (600) can support the first pressure sensor (510) and the second pressure sensor (520) when pressure is applied to the first pressure sensor (510) and the second pressure sensor (520). Thus, the first pressure sensor (510) and the second pressure sensor (520) can detect the applied pressure.
[0092] A main circuit board (700) may be placed at the bottom of the lower frame (600). The main circuit board (700) may be a printed circuit board or a flexible printed circuit board.
[0093] The main circuit board (700) may include a main processor (710), a camera device (720), and a main connector (730). The main processor (710) and the main connector (730) may be placed on the lower surface of the main circuit board (700) facing the lower cover (900). Additionally, the camera device (720) may be placed on both the upper and lower surfaces of the main circuit board (700).
[0094] The main processor (710) can control all functions of the display device (10). For example, the main processor (710) can output image data to the display driving unit (320) of the display circuit board (310) so that the display panel (300) displays an image. Additionally, the main processor (710) can receive touch data from the touch driving unit (220), determine the user's touch location, and then execute an application indicated by an icon displayed at the user's touch location. Additionally, the main processor (710) can receive pressure detection data from the touch driving unit (220) or the pressure detection unit (330) and execute an application indicated by an icon displayed at the user's pressure location according to the pressure detection data. Additionally, the main processor (710) can control the vibration generating device (901) to vibrate according to the pressure detection data to implement haptics. The main processor (710) may be an application processor, a central processing unit, or a system chip made of an integrated circuit.
[0095] The camera device (720) processes image frames, such as still images or video, obtained by an image sensor in camera mode and outputs them to the main processor (710).
[0096] The second connecting cable (314) passing through the connector hole (CAH) of the lower frame (600) can be connected to the main connector (730) placed on the lower surface of the main circuit board (700) through the gap between the lower frame (600) and the main circuit board (700). As a result, the main circuit board (700) can be electrically connected to the display circuit board (310) and the touch circuit board (210).
[0097] In addition, the main circuit board (700) may be further equipped with a mobile communication module capable of transmitting and receiving wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server on a mobile communication network. The wireless signal may include various forms of data such as voice signals, video call signals, or text / multimedia message transmission and reception. Furthermore, the main circuit board (700) may be further equipped with an audio output device, such as a speaker capable of outputting sound.
[0098] The lower cover (900) may be placed on the lower frame (600) and the lower part of the main circuit board (700). The lower cover (900) may be fastened and fixed to the lower frame (600). The lower cover (900) may form the lower surface of the display device (10). The lower cover (900) may include plastic and / or metal.
[0099] A second camera hole (CMH2) may be formed in the lower cover (900) so that a camera device (720) is inserted therein and protrudes outward. The position of the camera device (720) and the positions of the first and second camera holes (CMH1, CMH2) corresponding to the camera device (720) are not limited to the embodiments shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5.
[0100] Additionally, a vibration generating device (901) may be disposed on the upper surface of the lower cover (900), and the vibration generating device (901) may be connected to the lower surface of the main circuit board (700). As a result, the vibration generating device (901) can generate vibration in response to a vibration signal from the main processor (710). The vibration generating device (901) may be any one of an eccentric rotating mass (ERM), a linear resonant actuator (LRA), and a piezo actuator.
[0101] FIG. 3 is a bottom view showing an example of a display panel attached to the cover window of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a top view showing an example of a lower frame of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a top view showing an example of a main circuit board of FIG. 2.
[0102] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, the connection between the display circuit board (310) and the third circuit board (550), and the connection between the second connecting cable (314) and the main connector (730) of the main circuit board (700) will be described in detail. Meanwhile, since FIG. 4 is a top view while FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 5 are bottom views, it should be noted that in FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 5, the left and right sides of the display device (10) in FIG. 4 are reversed. Also, for convenience of explanation, the display circuit board (310) is shown with a dotted line in FIG. 4, and the second connecting cable (314) is shown with a dotted line in FIG. 5.
[0103] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the display circuit board (310) may include a first circuit board (311), a second circuit board (312), and a first connecting cable (313).
[0104] The first circuit board (311) is attached to one side of the upper or lower surface of the substrate of the display panel (300) and can be bent toward the lower surface of the substrate of the display panel (300). The first circuit board (311) can be fixed to the fixing holes (FH) formed in the lower frame (600) as shown in FIG. 4 by fixing members.
[0105] The first circuit board (311) may include a display driving unit (320), a pressure sensing unit (330), a first connector (311a), and a second connector (311b). The display driving unit (320), the pressure sensing unit (330), the first connector (311a), and the second connector (311b) may be disposed on one side of the first circuit board (311).
[0106] The first connector (311a) can be connected to one end of the first connecting cable (313) connected to the second circuit board (312). As a result, the display driving unit (320) and the pressure sensing unit (330) mounted on the first circuit board (311) can be electrically connected to the second circuit board (312) through the first connecting cable (313).
[0107] The second connector (311b) can be connected to one end of the third circuit board (550) connected to the first pressure sensor (510) and the second pressure sensor (520). As a result, the first pressure sensor (510) and the second pressure sensor (520) can be electrically connected to the pressure sensing unit (330).
[0108] The second circuit board (312) may include a touch connector (312a), a first connection connector (312b), and a second connection connector (312c). The first connection connector (312b) and the second connection connector (312c) may be disposed on one side of the second circuit board (312), and the touch connector (312a) may be disposed on the other side of the second circuit board (312).
[0109] The touch connector (312a) can be connected to a touch connection provided at one end of the touch circuit board (210). As a result, the touch driving unit (220) can be electrically connected to the second circuit board (312).
[0110] The first connection connector (312b) can be connected to the other end of the first connection cable (313) connected to the first circuit board (311). As a result, the display driving unit (320) and the pressure sensing unit (330) mounted on the first circuit board (311) can be electrically connected to the second circuit board (312) through the first connection cable (313).
[0111] The second connection connector (312c) can be connected to one end of the second connection cable (314) which is connected to the main connector (730) of the main circuit board (700). As a result, the second circuit board (312) can be electrically connected to the second circuit board (312) through the second connection cable (314).
[0112] A connector connection portion (315) may be formed at the other end of the second connecting cable (314). The connector connection portion (315) of the second connecting cable (314) may pass through the cable hole (CAH) of the lower frame (600) and extend to the lower part of the lower frame (600) as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Since a first concave portion (NTH1) in the form of a notch is formed in the area corresponding to the cable hole (CAH) of the lower frame (600) on the inner side of the first pressure sensor (510), the cable hole (CAH) of the lower frame (600) may be exposed without being covered by the first pressure sensor (510).
[0113] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 5, since there is a gap between the lower frame (600) and the main circuit board (700), the connector connection part (315) of the second connecting cable (314) passing through the cable hole (CAH) can exit through the gap between the lower frame (600) and the main circuit board (700) and extend to the lower part of the main circuit board (700). Finally, the connector connection part (315) of the second connecting cable (314) can be connected to the main connector (730) placed on the lower surface of the main circuit board (700).
[0114] According to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5, a first notch-shaped recess (NTH1) is formed on one side of the first pressure sensor (510) so as not to cover the cable hole (CAH) of the lower frame (600). As a result, the second connecting cable (314) connected to the display circuit board (310) can be extended through the cable hole (CAH) to the lower part of the lower frame (600) and connected to the main connector (730) of the main circuit board (700). Thus, the display circuit board (310) and the main circuit board (700) can be stably connected.
[0115] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of I-I' of Figure 3.
[0116] Referring to FIG. 6, the cover window (100), touch sensing device (200), display panel (300), panel lower member (400), and lower frame (600) may be formed flat in the first area (DR1) and formed curved in the second area (DR2).
[0117] The first pressure sensor (510) may be placed in a second area (DR2) corresponding to a curved portion of the display device (10). First bumps (530) are placed on the upper portion of the first pressure sensor (510), and each of the first bumps (530) may be attached to the lower surface of the panel lower member (400) via a fourth adhesive member (940) and attached to the upper surface of the first pressure sensor (510) via a sixth adhesive member (960). Additionally, the first pressure sensor (510) may be attached to the upper surface of the lower frame (600) via a fifth adhesive member (950). The fourth adhesive member (940), the fifth adhesive member (950), and the sixth adhesive member (960) may be pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA). Either the fourth adhesive member (940) or the fifth adhesive member (950) may be omitted.
[0118] The waterproof member (610) may be positioned on the outside of the first pressure sensor (510). That is, the waterproof member (610) may be positioned on one side of the first pressure sensor (510), and one side of the first pressure sensor (510) may be positioned closer to one edge of the display panel (300) than the other sides. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the first pressure sensor (510) is positioned on the right edge of the display panel (300), the waterproof member (610) may be positioned on the right side of the first pressure sensor (510).
[0119] A waterproof member (610) may be attached to the lower surface of a panel lower member (400) and the upper surface of a lower frame (600). To this end, the waterproof member (610) may include a base film, a first adhesive film disposed on one side of the base film, and a second adhesive film disposed on the other side of the base film. The base film may be polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and cushion layer, or polyethylene foam (PE-foam). The first adhesive film and the second adhesive film may be pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs). The first adhesive film may be attached to the lower surface of the panel lower member (400), and the second adhesive film may be attached to the upper surface of the lower frame (600).
[0120] Since the waterproof member (610) is attached by applying pressure to the lower surface of the panel lower member (400) and the upper surface of the lower frame (600), if the height of the waterproof member (610) is lower than the sum of the height of the first pressure sensor (510) and the height of the first bump (530), the first pressure sensor (510) may be damaged by the force applied to attach the waterproof member (610). Therefore, it is preferable that the height of the waterproof member (610) be higher than the sum of the height of the first pressure sensor (510) and the height of the first bump (530). However, if the height of the waterproof member (610) is much higher than the sum of the height of the first pressure sensor (510) and the height of the first bump (530), pressure may not be detected by the first pressure sensor (510). Therefore, it is preferable that the height of the waterproof member (610) be determined in advance through a preliminary experiment, taking into account whether the first pressure sensor (510) is damaged by the force for attaching the waterproof member (610) and whether pressure is detected by the first pressure sensor (510) after the waterproof member (610) is attached.
[0121] In addition, for the first bump (530) to pressurize the pressure sensing cells (CE1~CE8) of the first pressure sensor (510) according to the user's pressure, it is preferable that the height of the first bump (530) be higher than the height of the first pressure sensor (510).
[0122] In addition, it is preferable that the width of the waterproof member (610) be at least about 1 mm or more to prevent the penetration of moisture and dust.
[0123] According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, a waterproof member (610) is positioned on the outside of the first pressure sensor (510) and attached to the lower surface of the panel lower member (400) and the upper surface of the lower frame (600), so that moisture or dust can be prevented from penetrating between the display panel (300) and the lower frame (600) by the waterproof member (610). That is, a display device (10) capable of waterproofing and dustproofing can be provided.
[0124] Meanwhile, since the second pressure sensor (520) is positioned on the left edge of the display panel (300), the waterproof member (610) is positioned on the left side of the second pressure sensor (520), and thus differs only from the position of the waterproof member (610) and the first pressure sensor (510), a detailed description of the position of the waterproof member (610) and the second pressure sensor (520) is omitted.
[0125] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a pressure sensor according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a pressure sensor according to one embodiment.
[0126] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the first pressure sensor (510) may include a first substrate (SUB1), a driving line (TL), sensing lines (RL1~RL8), first to eighth pressure sensing cells (CE1~CE8), a driving pad (TPD), and a sensing pad (RPD).
[0127] The first substrate (SUB1) may include materials of the polyethylene, polyimide, polycarbonate, polysulfone, polyacrylate, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl alcohol, polynorbornene, and polyester series. In one embodiment, the first substrate (SUB1) may be made of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film or a polyimide film.
[0128] The first substrate (SUB1) may have a rectangular planar shape having a short side in the first direction (X-axis direction) and a long side in the second direction (Y-axis direction). However, the planar shape of the first substrate (SUB1) is not limited to this and may vary depending on the application location.
[0129] A notch-shaped recess (NTH1) may be formed on one side of the first substrate (SUB1) so as not to cover the cable hole (CAH) of the lower frame (600).
[0130] A pad portion (PAD) to which a pressure sensing circuit board (550) is attached may be formed on the first substrate (SUB1). The pad portion (PAD) may protrude from one side of the first substrate (SUB1). In FIGS. 8 and 9, the pad portion (PAD) is illustrated as protruding from one side corresponding to the long side of the first substrate (SUB1), but is not limited thereto.
[0131] The pad section (PAD) may include a driving pad (TPD) connected to a driving line (TL) and sensing pads (RD) connected to sensing lines (RL1~RL8). A pressure sensing circuit board (550) may be attached to the driving pad (TPD) and the sensing pads (RD).
[0132] Pressure sensing cells (CE1 to CE8) are disposed on the first substrate (SUB1). Although FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate that the first pressure sensor (510) includes eight pressure sensing cells (CE1 to CE8), the number of pressure sensing cells (CE1 to CE8) is not limited thereto.
[0133] Each of the pressure sensing cells (CE1 to CE8) can independently detect the pressure at the corresponding location. Although FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the pressure sensing cells (CE1 to CE8) arranged in a single column, they are not limited thereto. The pressure sensing cells (CE1 to CE8) may be arranged in multiple columns as needed. Additionally, each of the pressure sensing cells (CE1 to CE8) may be spaced apart at a predetermined interval as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, or arranged continuously.
[0134] The pressure sensing cells (CE1 to CE8) may have different areas depending on their application. For example, the first to seventh pressure sensing cells (CE1 to CE7) may be used as physical buttons, such as volume control buttons (VB+, VB-) or power buttons (PB) placed on one edge of the display device (10). Alternatively, the eighth pressure sensing cell (CE8) may be used as a button (SQB) for detecting the user's squeezing pressure. In this case, the eighth pressure sensing cell (CE8) may be formed with a larger area than the first to seventh pressure sensing cells (CE1 to CE7). The eighth pressure sensing cell (CE8) may be formed longer than the first to seventh pressure sensing cells (CE1 to CE7) in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the first pressure sensor (510).
[0135] Additionally, FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate that the first to seventh pressure sensing cells (CE1 to CE7), used as physical buttons, are formed with the same area, but are not limited thereto. That is, the areas of the first to seventh pressure sensing cells (CE1 to CE7) may differ from one another. Alternatively, some of the pressure sensing cells among the first to seventh pressure sensing cells (CE1 to CE7) may have the same area as each other and the remaining pressure sensing cells may have the same area as each other, but the area of each of the pressure sensing cells and the area of each of the remaining pressure sensing cells may differ from each other.
[0136] Each of the pressure sensing cells (CE1 to CE8) may include driving electrodes (TE) and sensing electrodes (RE) disposed on one side of a first substrate (SUB1), and a pressure sensing layer (PSL) disposed between the first substrate (SUB1) and the driving electrodes (TE) and sensing electrodes (RE). The driving electrodes (TE) and sensing electrodes (RE) may be arranged alternately. One of the driving electrodes (TE) may be connected to a driving line (TL), and one of the sensing electrodes (RE) may be connected to one of the sensing lines (RL1 to RL8). The pressure sensing layer (PSL) may overlap the driving electrodes (TE) and the sensing electrodes (RE).
[0137] First, a pressure sensing layer (PSL) may be disposed on one side of the first substrate (SUB1). A driving line (TL), sensing lines (RL1 to RL8), a driving pad (TPD), and a sensing pad (RPD) are disposed on the pressure sensing layer (PSL). The driving line (TL) is commonly connected to the pressure sensing cells (CE1 to CE8), whereas the sensing lines (RL1 to RL8) may be connected one-to-one to the pressure sensing cells (CE1 to CE8). The driving pad (TPD) is connected to the driving line (TL), and the sensing pads (RPD) may be connected one-to-one to the sensing lines (RL1 to RL8). In FIGS. 8 and 9, the first pressure sensor (510) is illustrated as having eight sensing lines (RL1 to RL8), but the number of sensing lines (RL1 to RL8) is not limited thereto.
[0138] Meanwhile, the second pressure sensor (520) differs from the first pressure sensor (510) shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 only in that the second pressure sensor (520) does not include a concave portion (NTH1), so a detailed description of the second pressure sensor (520) is omitted.
[0139] FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view showing an example of region A of FIG. 9, FIG. 11 is an enlarged plan view showing an example of region A-1 of FIG. 10, FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of II-II' of FIG. 11, and FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor according to an embodiment when pressure is applied. FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor when pressure is not applied.
[0140] In FIG. 10, for convenience of explanation, only the fourth pressure sensing cell (CE4), the fifth pressure sensing cell (CE5), the driving line (TL), the first to eighth sensing lines (RL1 to RL8) connected to the first to eighth pressure sensing cells (CE1 to CE8), the driving pad (TPD), and the sensing pad (RPD) are shown. Additionally, FIG. 10 shows a pressure sensing circuit board (550) attached to the driving pad (TPD) and the sensing pad (RPD).
[0141] Referring to FIGS. 10 through 12, each of the pressure sensing cells (CE1 to CE8) can be connected to at least one driving line and at least one sensing line. For example, the pressure sensing cells (CE1 to CE8) can be commonly connected to one driving line (TL), whereas they can be connected one-to-one to the sensing lines (RL1 to RL5). As shown in FIG. 10, the fourth pressure sensing cell (CE4) can be connected to the driving line (TL) and the fourth sensing line (RL4), and the fifth pressure sensing cell (CE5) can be connected to the driving line (TL) and the fifth sensing line (RL5). Additionally, the driving line (TL) can be connected to a driving pad (TPD), and the sensing lines (RL1 to RL5) can be connected one-to-one to the sensing pads (RPD).
[0142] A driving pad (TPD) and sensing pads (RP1 to RP8) may be disposed on the pad section (PAD). The driving pad (TPD) is connected to the driving lead line (TLR) of the pressure sensing circuit board (550), and the sensing pads (RP1 to RP8) may be connected one-to-one to the sensing lead lines (RLR1 to RLR8) of the pressure sensing circuit board (550). Since the pressure sensing circuit board (550) is connected to the display circuit board (310), the first pressure sensor (510) may be electrically connected to the pressure sensing section (330) mounted on the display circuit board (310). Therefore, the pressure sensing section (330) can apply a driving voltage to the driving line (TL) through the driving lead line (TLR) of the pressure sensing circuit board (550) and the driving pad (TPD) of the first pressure sensor (510). In addition, the pressure applied to the pressure sensing cells (CE1~CE8) can be detected by detecting current values or voltage values from the sensing lines (RL1~RL8) through the sensing lead lines (RLR1~RLR8) connected to the sensing pads (RP1~RP8) of the first pressure sensor (510).
[0143] Each of the pressure sensing cells (CE1 to CE8) includes a driving connection electrode (TCE), a sensing connection electrode (RCE), driving electrodes (TE), sensing electrodes (RE), and a pressure sensing layer (PSL) as shown in FIG. 11.
[0144] The driving connection electrode (TCE), the sensing connection electrode (RCE), the driving electrodes (TE), and the sensing electrodes (RE) are disposed on one side of the first substrate (SUB1).
[0145] The drive connecting electrode (TCE) is connected to the drive line (TL) and the drive electrodes (TE). Specifically, the drive connecting electrode (TCE) is connected to the drive line (TL) at one end in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). The drive electrodes (TE) can be branched in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the drive connecting electrode (TCE).
[0146] The sensing connection electrode (RCE) is connected to any one of the sensing lines (RL1–RL8) and the sensing electrodes (RE). Specifically, the sensing connection electrode (TCE) is connected to any one of the sensing lines (RL1–RL8) at one end in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). The sensing electrodes (RE) can be branched in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the sensing connection electrode (RCE).
[0147] The driving electrodes (TE) and the sensing electrodes (RE) are arranged adjacently but are not connected to each other. The driving electrodes (TE) and the sensing electrodes (RE) may be arranged parallel to each other. The driving electrodes (TE) and the sensing electrodes (RE) may be arranged alternately along the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the driving connection electrode (TCE) and the sensing connection electrode (RCE). That is, they may be repeatedly arranged in the order of driving electrode (TE), sensing electrode (RE), driving electrode (TE), and sensing electrode (RE) along the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the driving connection electrode (TCE) and the sensing connection electrode (RCE).
[0148] The driving line (TL), sensing lines (RL1 to RL8), driving connection electrodes (TCE), sensing connection electrodes (RCE), driving electrodes (TE), and sensing electrodes (RE) may be disposed on the same layer. The driving line (TL), sensing lines (RL1 to RL8), driving connection electrodes (TCE), sensing connection electrodes (RCE), driving electrodes (TE), and sensing electrodes (RE) may be made of the same material. For example, the driving line (TL), sensing lines (RL1 to RL8), driving connection electrodes (TCE), sensing connection electrodes (RCE), driving electrodes (TE), and sensing electrodes (RE) may include a conductive material such as silver (Ag) or copper (Cu). The driving line (TL), sensing lines (RL1~RL8), driving connection electrodes (TCE), sensing connection electrodes (RCE), driving electrodes (TE), and sensing electrodes (RE) can be formed on the first substrate (SUB1) and on the pressure sensing layer (PSL) by screen printing.
[0149] A pressure sensing layer (PSL) is disposed on one side of the first substrate (SUB1). The pressure sensing layer (PSL) may be disposed overlapping the driving electrodes (TE) and the sensing electrodes (RE). The pressure sensing layer (PSL) may be disposed directly on one side of the first substrate (SUB1).
[0150] The pressure sensing layer (PSL) may comprise a polymer resin having a pressure-sensitive material. The pressure-sensitive material may be metal microparticles (or metal nanoparticles) such as nickel, aluminum, titanium, tin, or copper. For example, the pressure sensing layer (PSL) may be a Quantum Tunneling Composite (QTC).
[0151] Referring to FIG. 11, when no pressure is applied in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the first pressure sensor (510), the driving electrode (TE) and the sensing electrode (RE) can each be placed directly on the pressure sensing layer (PSL). The driving electrode (TE) and the sensing electrode (RE) can come into direct contact with the pressure sensing layer (PSL). The contact area between the driving electrode (TE) and the sensing electrode (RE) and the pressure sensing layer (PSL) will hereinafter be referred to as the first contact area (CRa).
[0152] The pressure sensing layer (PLS) may include surface irregularities. The surface irregularities may include protrusions on the surface that protrude in the thickness direction and depressions on the surface that are indented from the thickness direction. In other words, the pressure sensing layer (PSL) may include a first portion (PSLa) and a second portion (PSLb). The first portion (PLSa) of the pressure sensing layer (PLS) may be placed directly on one surface of the first substrate (SUB1). The first portion (PLSa) of the pressure sensing layer (PLS) may generally have a flat surface shape. The second portion (PLSb) of the pressure sensing layer (PLS) may protrude in the thickness direction (downward direction) from the first portion (PLSa) of the pressure sensing layer (PLS). There may be multiple second portions (PLSb) of the pressure sensing layer (PLS). The portion where the second portion (PSLb) of the multiple pressure sensing layers (PSL) and the first portion (PLSa) of the pressure sensing layer (PLS) are overlapped may be the above-mentioned portion of the pressure sensing layer (PLS), and the portion where the second portion (PLSb) of the pressure sensing layer (PLS) is not placed and only the first portion (PLSa) of the pressure sensing layer (PLS) is placed may be the above-mentioned portion of the pressure sensing layer (PSL).
[0153] The first part (PLSa) of the pressure sensing layer (PLS) can be spaced apart from the driving electrode (TE) and the sensing electrode (RE) by the thickness of the second part (PLSb) of the pressure sensing layer (PLS). That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the first part (PLSa) of the pressure sensing layer (PLS) can be spaced apart from the driving electrode (TE) and the sensing electrode (RE) by a predetermined gap (GAP).
[0154] The cross-sectional shape of the second part (PLSb) of the pressure sensing layer (PSL) may be a semicircle or a semi-elliptical shape.
[0155] As illustrated in FIG. 12, when pressure is applied in the thickness direction to the first pressure sensor (510), the second part (PSLb) of the pressure sensing layer (PSL) is compressed, and the contact area between the second part (PSLb) of the pressure sensing layer (PSL) and the driving electrode (TE), and between the second part (PSLb) of the pressure sensing layer (PSL) and the sensing electrode (RE) may be increased. The sum of the contact areas between the second part (PSLb) of the pressure sensing layer (PSL) and the driving electrode (TE), and between the second part (PSLb) of the pressure sensing layer (PSL) and the sensing electrode (RE) will hereinafter be referred to as the second contact area (CRb).
[0156] The pressure sensing cell of the first pressure sensor (510) can accommodate a change in the resistance value of the sensing line as the difference between the first contact area (CRa) when no pressure is applied and the second contact area (CRb) when pressure is applied is greater. A large change in the resistance value of the sensing line can accommodate means that a large amount of pressure change can be accommodated.
[0157] When the pressure sensing layer (PSL), the driving electrode (TE), and the sensing electrode (RE) are placed on different substrates, there is a gap between the pressure sensing layer (PSL) and the driving electrodes (TE), and between the pressure sensing layer (PSL) and the sensing electrodes (RE). That is, when pressure is not applied to the substrate on which the pressure sensing layer (PSL) is placed, or to the substrate on which the driving electrode (TE) and the sensing electrode (RE) are placed, the pressure sensing layer (PSL) is spaced apart from the driving electrodes (TE) and the sensing electrodes (RE).
[0158] Since the pressure sensing layer (PSL), the driving electrode (TE), and the sensing electrode (RE) are placed on different substrates, the process procedure may become more complex, such as requiring more process masks, and the overall thickness of the first pressure sensor (510) may increase because the pressure sensing layer (PSL), the driving electrode (TE), and the sensing electrode (RE) are placed on different substrates. In addition, as described above, since there is a gap between the pressure sensing layer (PSL) and the driving electrodes (TE) and between the pressure sensing layer (PSL) and the sensing electrodes (RE), when the display device (10) is bent or folded, a decrease in reliability and a decrease in the sensitivity of the first pressure sensor (510) may occur.
[0159] However, in the first pressure sensor (510) of the display device (10) according to one embodiment, the driving electrode (TE) and the sensing electrode (RE) are disposed directly on the pressure sensing layer (PSL), thereby implementing the first pressure sensor (510) in one layer (1 layer), which not only reduces the overall thickness of the first pressure sensor (510) but also simplifies the process procedure. Furthermore, as described above, when pressure is not applied, there is no gap between the pressure sensing layer (PSL) and the driving electrodes (TE) and between the pressure sensing layer (PSL) and the sensing electrodes (RE), so it is possible to prevent a decrease in reliability and a decrease in sensitivity of the first pressure sensor (510) during bending or folding.
[0160] Furthermore, when a direct driving electrode (TE) and a sensing electrode (RE) are placed on the pressure sensing layer (PSL), if the pressure sensing layer (PSL) has a flat shape, there may be no difference in contact area (CRa, CRb) depending on whether pressure is applied to the first pressure sensor (510) or not.
[0161] However, the first pressure sensor (510) according to one embodiment includes surface irregularities protruding toward the driving electrode (TE) and the sensing electrode (RE), thereby allowing the difference in contact area (CRa, CRb) between when pressure is applied to the first pressure sensor (510) and when pressure is not applied to the first pressure sensor (510) to be increased. As a result, the amount of pressure change that can be accommodated by the first pressure sensor (510) composed of a single layer can be increased.
[0162] Hereinafter, other embodiments of the display device will be described. In the following embodiments, components identical to those already described are referred to by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted or simplified.
[0163] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor according to another embodiment, FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor according to yet another embodiment, and FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor according to yet another embodiment.
[0164] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, the first pressure sensor according to the embodiments illustrates that the cross-sectional shape of the second part (PSLb) of the pressure sensing layer (PSL) of FIG. 12 can be varied.
[0165] Referring to FIG. 14, the cross-sectional shape of the second part (PSLb_1) of the pressure sensing layer (PSL_1) may be triangular, and referring to FIG. 15, the cross-sectional shape of the second part (PSLb_2) of the pressure sensing layer (PSL_2) may be trapezoidal, and referring to FIG. 16, the cross-sectional shape of the second part (PSLb_3) of the pressure sensing layer (PSL_3) may be rectangular.
[0166] Other explanations are detailed in FIG. 12, and redundant explanations will be omitted below.
[0167] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor according to another embodiment.
[0168] Referring to FIG. 17, the first pressure sensor according to the present embodiment is different from the first pressure sensor according to FIG. 12 in that the second part (PSLb_4) of the pressure sensing layer (PSL_4) is positioned only in the area where the driving electrode (TE) and the sensing electrode (RE) are positioned, and may not be positioned in the area where the driving electrode (TE) and the sensing electrode (RE) are not positioned.
[0169] Other explanations are detailed in FIG. 12, and redundant explanations will be omitted below.
[0170] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor according to another embodiment.
[0171] Referring to FIG. 18, the surface of the pressure sensing layer (PSL_5) may include an indentation pattern (IDP) indented from the surface of the pressure sensing layer (PSL_5) toward the first substrate (SUB1), which is different from the first pressure sensor (510) according to FIG. 12.
[0172] More specifically, the portion where the indentation pattern (IDP) of the pressure sensing layer (PSL_5) is placed can constitute a key portion of the pressure sensing layer (PSL_5), and the portion where the indentation pattern (IDP) of the pressure sensing layer (PSL_5) is not placed can constitute a protruding portion of the pressure sensing layer (PSL_5). The key portion can be indented toward the first substrate (SUB1) relative to the protruding portion.
[0173] The indentation pattern (IDP) of the pressure sensing layer (PSL_5) may be placed only in the area where the driving electrode (TE) and the sensing electrode (RE) are placed, and may not be placed in the area where the driving electrode (TE) and the sensing electrode (RE) are not placed.
[0174] The cross-sectional shape of the indentation pattern (IDP) can have a rectangular or square shape, as shown in FIG. 18.
[0175] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor according to another embodiment, and FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor according to another embodiment.
[0176] Referring to FIGS. 19 and FIGS. 20, it is illustrated that the cross-sectional shape of the indentation pattern (IDP) of the pressure sensing layer (PSL_5) of FIG. 18 can be varied.
[0177] Referring to FIG. 19, the cross-sectional shape of the indentation pattern (IDP_1) of the pressure sensing layer (PSL_6) may be a trapezoidal shape that becomes wider as it faces the first substrate (SUB1), and referring to FIG. 20, the cross-sectional shape of the indentation pattern (IDP_2) of the pressure sensing layer (PSL_7) may be an elliptical or semicircular shape.
[0178] FIG. 21 is an enlarged plan view of a pressure sensor according to another embodiment, and FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXII-XXII' of FIG. 21.
[0179] Referring to FIGS. 21 and FIGS. 22, the cross-sectional shape of the driving electrode (TE_1) and the sensing electrode (RE_1) of the first pressure sensor according to the present embodiment is different from the cross-sectional shape of the driving electrode (TE) and the sensing electrode (RE) according to FIG. 12.
[0180] More specifically, the cross-sectional shapes of the driving electrode (TE_1) and the sensing electrode (RE_1) according to the present embodiment each include surface irregularities, and the pressure sensing layer (PSL_8) may have a generally flat cross-sectional shape without surface irregularities. The driving electrode (TE_1) may include a first portion (TE_1a) and a second portion (TE_1b) connected to the first portion (TE_1a), protruding toward the pressure sensing layer (PSL_8), and in contact with the pressure sensing layer (PSL_8), and the sensing electrode (RE_1) may include a first portion (RE_1a) and a second portion (RE_1b) connected to the first portion (RE_1a), protruding toward the pressure sensing layer (PSL_8), and in contact with the pressure sensing layer (PSL_8). The first part (TE_1a) may be a first driving electrode part, the second part (TE_1b) may be a second driving electrode part, the first part (RE_1a) may be a first sensing electrode part, and the second part (RE_1b) may be a second sensing electrode part.
[0181] The portion where the first portion (TE_1a, RE_1a) and the second portion (TE_1b, RE_1b) of the driving electrode (TE_1) and the sensing electrode (RE_1) are arranged in an overlapping manner may be a surface protruding portion of the driving electrode (TE_1) and the sensing electrode (RE_1), and the portion where the first portion (TE_1a, RE_1a) and the second portion (TE_1b, RE_1b) of the driving electrode (TE_1) and the sensing electrode (RE_1) are arranged in a non-overlapping manner and only the first portion (TE_1a, RE_1a) is arranged may be a surface recess of the driving electrode (TE_1) and the sensing electrode (RE_1).
[0182] Other explanations are described in detail in Fig. 12, so further detailed explanations below will be omitted.
[0183] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor according to another embodiment.
[0184] Referring to FIG. 23, the first pressure sensor according to the present embodiment differs from the first pressure sensor according to FIG. 22 in that the pressure sensing layer (PSL) of FIG. 12 is disposed instead of the pressure sensing layer (PSL_8) of FIG. 22.
[0185] Further details are omitted as they are described in detail in FIG. 12 and FIG. 22.
[0186] FIG. 24 is an enlarged plan view of a pressure sensor according to another embodiment, and FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line XXV-XXV' of FIG. 24.
[0187] Referring to FIGS. 24 and FIGS. 25, the first pressure sensor according to the present embodiment is different from the first pressure sensor according to FIG. 22 in that the driving electrode (TE_2) and the sensing electrode (RE_2) each include indentation patterns (IDP_3) in the opposite direction to the direction toward the first substrate (SUB1).
[0188] More specifically, the driving electrode (TE_2) and the sensing electrode (RE_2) may each include an indentation pattern (IDP_3) that is indented in the opposite direction toward the first substrate (SUB1) from the surface (or surface) in contact with the pressure sensing layer (PSL_8).
[0189] The cross-sectional shape of the indentation pattern (IPD_3) may be rectangular as shown in FIG. 25, but is not limited thereto and may include other shapes such as triangles, circles, and ellipses.
[0190] Further details are omitted as they are described in detail in FIG. 12 and FIG. 22.
[0191] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor according to another embodiment.
[0192] Referring to FIG. 26, the first pressure sensor according to the present embodiment is different from the first pressure sensor according to FIG. 25 in that the pressure sensing layer (PSL_8) of the first pressure sensor according to FIG. 25 is applied to the pressure sensing layer (PSL) according to FIG. 12.
[0193] Other explanations are described in detail in FIG. 12 and FIG. 25, so further detailed explanations will be omitted below.
[0194] FIG. 27 is an enlarged plan view of a pressure sensor according to another embodiment, and FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line XXVIII-XXVIII' of FIG. 27.
[0195] Referring to FIGS. 27 and 28, the first pressure sensor according to FIGS. 11 and FIGS. 12 is different in that one driving electrode (TE) and one sensing electrode (RE) of FIG. 11 are each composed of a plurality of line-shaped patterns.
[0196] To explain more specifically, one driving electrode (TE) and one sensing electrode (RE) of FIG. 11 may each include a plurality of line-shaped patterns. Although the driving electrode (TE_3) and the sensing electrode (RE_3) are illustrated in the drawing as having three plurality of line-shaped patterns, they are not limited thereto and may have two or four or more.
[0197] Other explanations are described in detail in FIGS. 11 and FIGS. 12, so further detailed explanations will be omitted below.
[0198] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor according to another embodiment.
[0199] Referring to FIG. 29, the first pressure sensor according to the present embodiment differs from the first pressure sensor according to FIG. 28 in that the pressure sensing layer (PSL) of FIG. 12 is disposed instead of the pressure sensing layer (PSL_8) of FIG. 28.
[0200] Other explanations are described in detail in FIG. 12 and FIG. 28, so further detailed explanations will be omitted below.
[0201] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor according to another embodiment.
[0202] Referring to FIG. 30, the driving electrode (TE) and the sensing electrode (RE) are arranged on one side facing the first substrate (SUB1) of the second substrate (SUB2) opposite the first substrate (SUB1), rather than on the first substrate (SUB1), and differ from the first pressure sensor according to FIG. 12.
[0203] To explain more specifically, the second substrate (SUB2) may be opposite to the first substrate (SUB1). The constituent material of the second substrate (SUB2) may be substantially the same as the constituent material of the first substrate (SUB1).
[0204] The driving electrode (TE) and the sensing electrode (RE) may be disposed on one side of the second substrate (SUB2) facing the first substrate (SUB1). Accordingly, before pressure is applied to the first pressure sensor, the driving electrode (TE) and the sensing electrode (RE) may each be disposed spaced apart from the pressure sensing layer (PSL) with a gap between them.
[0205] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical concept or essential features thereof. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. Explanation of the symbols
[0206] 10: Display device 100: Cover window 200: Touch detection device 210: Touch circuit board 220: Touch actuator 300: Display panel 310: Display circuit board 311: First circuit board 312: Second circuit board 313: First connecting cable 314: Second connecting cable 320: Display drive unit 330: Pressure sensing unit 400: Panel lower member 510: 1st pressure sensor 520: 2nd pressure sensor 550: Pressure sensing circuit board 540: Second flexible circuit board 550: 1st bump 600: Lower frame 610: Waterproof component 700: Main circuit board 710: Main processor 720: Camera device 730: Main connector 900: Lower cover
Claims
Claim 1 A pressure sensor comprising: a first substrate; a pressure sensing layer disposed on one surface of the first substrate; and a driving electrode and a sensing electrode disposed on the pressure sensing layer and spaced apart from each other, wherein the driving electrode and the sensing electrode are disposed on the same layer, and the driving electrode and the sensing electrode are each directly disposed on the pressure sensing layer, and the pressure sensing layer comprises a first portion disposed on one surface of the first substrate and a plurality of second portions indented from the first portion toward the first substrate, wherein the plurality of second portions are disposed overlappingly with the driving electrode and the sensing electrode in the thickness direction and are disposed non-overlappingly with the spaced-apart space between the driving electrode and the sensing electrode. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete Claim 6 delete Claim 7 delete Claim 8 delete Claim 9 In claim 1, the driving electrode comprises a first driving electrode portion and a second driving electrode portion protruding from the first driving electrode portion to the pressure sensing layer, and the sensing electrode comprises a first sensing electrode portion and a second sensing electrode portion protruding from the first sensing electrode portion to the pressure sensing layer. Claim 10 In claim 9, the pressure sensor in which the second driving electrode is in direct contact with the pressure sensing layer and the second sensing electrode is in direct contact with the pressure sensing layer. Claim 11 In claim 1, the pressure sensor wherein the driving electrode and the sensing electrode each include an indentation pattern indented in a direction opposite to facing the pressure sensing layer. Claim 12 A pressure sensor according to claim 1, wherein the driving electrode and the sensing electrode each extend along a first direction, the driving electrode and the sensing electrode each have a plurality of numbers, the plurality of driving electrodes and the plurality of sensing electrodes are alternately arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and one of the driving electrodes and one of the sensing electrodes each include a plurality of patterns. Claim 13 A pressure sensor comprising: a first substrate; a second substrate facing the first substrate; a pressure sensing layer disposed on one surface of the first substrate facing the second substrate; and a driving electrode and a sensing electrode disposed on one surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate and spaced apart from each other, wherein the driving electrode and the sensing electrode are disposed on the same layer, and the pressure sensing layer includes an uneven structure on the surface facing the driving electrode and the sensing electrode, and wherein the pressure sensing layer includes a first portion disposed on one surface of the first substrate and a plurality of second portions indented from the first portion toward the first substrate, wherein the plurality of second portions are disposed overlappingly with the driving electrode and the sensing electrode in the thickness direction and are disposed non-overlappingly with the spaced-apart space between the driving electrode and the sensing electrode. Claim 14 A display device comprising: a display panel; and a pressure sensor disposed below the display panel, wherein the pressure sensor comprises: a first substrate; a pressure sensing layer disposed on one surface of the first substrate; and a driving electrode and a sensing electrode disposed on the pressure sensing layer and spaced apart from each other, wherein the driving electrode and the sensing electrode are disposed on the same layer, and the driving electrode and the sensing electrode are each directly disposed on the pressure sensing layer, and the pressure sensing layer comprises a first portion disposed on one surface of the first substrate and a plurality of second portions indented from the first portion toward the first substrate, wherein the plurality of second portions are disposed overlappingly with the driving electrode and the sensing electrode in the thickness direction and are disposed non-overlappingly with the spaced-apart space between the driving electrode and the sensing electrode. Claim 15 delete Claim 16 delete Claim 17 delete Claim 18 In claim 14, the driving electrode comprises a first driving electrode portion and a second driving electrode portion protruding from the first driving electrode portion to the pressure sensing layer, and the sensing electrode comprises a first sensing electrode portion and a second sensing electrode portion protruding from the first sensing electrode portion to the pressure sensing layer, wherein the second driving electrode portion is in direct contact with the pressure sensing layer and the second sensing electrode portion is in direct contact with the pressure sensing layer. Claim 19 In claim 14, the driving electrode and the sensing electrode each include an indentation pattern indented in a direction opposite to facing the pressure sensing layer. Claim 20 In claim 14, the driving electrode and the sensing electrode each extend along a first direction, the driving electrode and the sensing electrode each have a plurality of units, the plurality of driving electrodes and the plurality of sensing electrodes are alternately arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and one of the driving electrodes and one of the sensing electrodes each include a plurality of patterns.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Display device
US20190273217A1
