JP6117138B2 - Display device with sensor - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a sensor-equipped display device.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, sensor-equipped display devices equipped with sensors (or sometimes called touch panels) that detect contact or approach of an object have been put into practical use. As an example of the sensor, there is a capacitance type sensor that detects contact or approach of an object based on a change in capacitance. The detection electrode and the sensor drive electrode that constitute such a sensor are arranged in a display area for displaying an image, and are opposed to each other through a dielectric. The detection electrode is electrically connected to a lead wire located outside the display area.

  While the display area is enlarged, there is an increasing demand for downsizing the display device, and the periphery around the display area tends to be narrowed. For this reason, the sensor drive electrode and the lead wire may be arranged close to each other. In this case, the lead wire functions like a sensor due to capacitive coupling between the sensor drive electrode and the lead wire. For example, when an object to be detected comes into contact with or approaches the outermost periphery of the display area, a change in electrostatic capacitance at the lead wire is detected. Therefore, the detection electrode connected to the lead wire malfunctions as if the detection object was detected at a position different from the detection electrode where the detection target should be detected.

  Therefore, a technique has been proposed in which a grounded conductor material is provided outside the display area between the sensor drive electrode and the outer peripheral wiring (lead wire) to block capacitive coupling between the sensor drive electrode and the outer peripheral wiring.

JP 2012-208749 A

  An object of the present embodiment is to provide a sensor-equipped display device that can suppress malfunction of the sensor.

According to this embodiment,
A common electrode and a pixel electrode arranged in a display area for displaying an image, a shield electrode arranged at an end of the display area, a detection electrode facing the common electrode, and a non-display area outside the display area And a display panel that is electrically connected to the detection electrode and outputs a sensor output value from the detection electrode, and an image using the pixel electrode for the common electrode A first drive circuit that supplies a common drive signal at the time of display driving to display a sensor drive signal at the time of sensing drive that performs sensing by the detection signal, and the common drive signal at the time of display drive to the shield electrode And a second drive circuit that maintains a potential different from that of the sensor drive signal during the sensing drive.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the sensor-equipped display device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a basic configuration and an equivalent circuit of the liquid crystal display device DSP shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an equivalent circuit diagram showing the pixel PX shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a partial structure of the liquid crystal display device DSP. FIG. 5 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of the sensor SE in the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view schematically showing a part of the sensor SE shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of the liquid crystal display panel PNL including a part of the sensor SE shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the principle of an example of the sensing method. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating experimental results of experiments for measuring the wiring noise amount and the touch signal. FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing another configuration of the sensor SE in the present embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the disclosure is merely an example, and those skilled in the art can easily conceive of appropriate changes while maintaining the gist of the invention are naturally included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, for the sake of clarity, the drawings may be schematically represented with respect to the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part as compared to actual aspects, but are merely examples, and The interpretation is not limited. In addition, in the present specification and each drawing, components that perform the same or similar functions as those described above with reference to the previous drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated detailed description may be omitted as appropriate. .

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the sensor-equipped display device according to the present embodiment. In this embodiment, the case where the display device is a liquid crystal display device will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a self-luminous display device such as an organic electroluminescence display device, or an electronic paper type having an electrophoretic element or the like. Any flat panel display device such as a display device may be used.

  The liquid crystal display device DSP includes an active matrix type liquid crystal display panel PNL, a driving IC chip IC1 that drives the liquid crystal display panel PNL, a capacitive sensor SE, a driving IC chip IC2 that drives the sensor SE, and a liquid crystal display panel PNL. A backlight unit BL for illuminating, a control module CM, flexible wiring boards FPC1, FPC2, and FPC3 are provided.

  The liquid crystal display panel PNL includes a flat plate-like first substrate SUB1, a flat plate-like second substrate SUB2 disposed opposite to the first substrate SUB1, and a liquid crystal sandwiched between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2. A layer (a liquid crystal layer LQ to be described later). In the present embodiment, the first substrate SUB1 can be referred to as an array substrate, and the second substrate SUB2 can be referred to as a counter substrate. The liquid crystal display panel PNL includes a display area (active area) DA for displaying an image. The liquid crystal display panel PNL is a transmissive type having a transmissive display function for displaying an image by selectively transmitting backlight light from the backlight unit BL. The liquid crystal display panel PNL may be a transflective type having a reflective display function for displaying an image by selectively reflecting external light in addition to the transmissive display function.

  The backlight unit BL is disposed on the back side of the first substrate SUB1. As such a backlight unit BL, various forms can be applied, and any one using a light emitting diode (LED) or a cold cathode tube (CCFL) as a light source can be applied. There is no detailed description of the structure. Note that, when the liquid crystal display panel PNL is of a reflective type having only a reflective display function, the backlight unit BL is omitted.

  The sensor SE includes a plurality of detection electrodes Rx. These detection electrodes Rx are provided on the display surface of the liquid crystal display panel PNL, for example. In the illustrated example, each detection electrode Rx extends substantially in the first direction X and is aligned in the second direction Y. Each detection electrode Rx may extend in the second direction Y and be arranged in the first direction X, or may be formed in an island shape and arranged in a matrix in the first direction X and the second direction Y. Good. Here, the first direction X and the second direction Y are orthogonal to each other. The third direction Z is orthogonal to each of the first direction X and the second direction Y.

The driving IC chip IC1 is mounted on the first substrate SUB1 of the liquid crystal display panel PNL. The flexible wiring board FPC1 connects the liquid crystal display panel PNL and the control module CM. The flexible wiring board FPC2 connects the detection electrode Rx of the sensor SE and the control module CM. The driving IC chip IC2 is mounted on the flexible wiring board FPC2. The flexible wiring board FPC3 connects the backlight unit BL and the control module CM. Here, the control module CM can be rephrased as an application processor.
The drive IC chip IC1 and the drive IC chip IC2 are connected via a flexible wiring board FPC2 and the like. For example, when the flexible wiring board FPC2 has a branch portion FPCB connected on the first substrate SUB1, the driving IC chip IC1 and the driving IC chip IC2 include the wiring included in the branching portion FPCB and the first substrate SUB1. It may be connected via the upper wiring. Further, the driving IC chip IC1 and the driving IC chip IC2 may be connected via wiring included in each of the flexible wiring board FPC1 and the flexible wiring board FPC2. The driving IC chip IC2 can provide a timing signal that informs the driving timing of the sensor SE to the driving IC chip IC1. Alternatively, the driving IC chip IC1 can supply a timing signal that informs the driving timing of the common electrode CE described later to the driving IC chip IC2. Alternatively, the control module CM can provide timing signals to the driving IC chips IC1 and IC2. With the timing signal, the driving of the driving IC chip IC1 and the driving of the driving IC chip IC2 can be synchronized.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a basic configuration and an equivalent circuit of the liquid crystal display device DSP shown in FIG.

  The liquid crystal display device DSP includes a source line drive circuit SD, a gate line drive circuit GD, a common electrode drive circuit CD, and the like in the non-display area NDA outside the display area DA in addition to the liquid crystal display panel PNL. In one example, at least a part of the source line drive circuit SD and the common electrode drive circuit CD is built in the drive IC chip IC1. The non-display area NDA is formed in a frame shape surrounding the display area DA.

  The liquid crystal display panel PNL includes a plurality of pixels PX in the display area DA. The plurality of pixels PX are provided in a matrix in the first direction X and the second direction Y, and m × n are arranged (provided that m and n are positive integers). Further, the liquid crystal display panel PNL includes n gate lines G (G1 to Gn), m source lines S (S1 to Sm), a common electrode CE, and the like in the display area DA.

  The gate line G extends substantially linearly in the first direction X, is drawn outside the display area DA, and is connected to the gate line driving circuit GD. Further, the gate lines G are arranged at intervals in the second direction Y. The source line S extends substantially linearly in the second direction Y, is led out of the display area DA, and is connected to the source line drive circuit SD. The source lines S are arranged in the first direction X at intervals and intersect the gate lines G. Note that the gate line G and the source line S do not necessarily extend linearly, and some of them may be bent. The common electrode CE is drawn outside the display area DA and connected to the common electrode drive circuit CD. The common electrode CE is shared by a plurality of pixels PX. Details of the common electrode CE will be described later.

  FIG. 3 is an equivalent circuit diagram showing the pixel PX shown in FIG.

  Each pixel PX includes a pixel switching element PSW, a pixel electrode PE, a common electrode CE, a liquid crystal layer LQ, and the like. The pixel switching element PSW is formed of, for example, a thin film transistor. The pixel switching element PSW is electrically connected to the gate line G and the source line S. The pixel switching element PSW may be either a top gate type or a bottom gate type. In addition, the semiconductor layer of the pixel switching element PSW is formed of, for example, polysilicon, but may be formed of amorphous silicon, an oxide semiconductor, or the like. The pixel electrode PE is electrically connected to the pixel switching element PSW. The pixel electrode PE is opposed to the common electrode CE. The common electrode CE, the insulating film, and the pixel electrode PE form a storage capacitor CS.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a partial structure of the liquid crystal display device DSP.

  That is, the liquid crystal display device DSP includes a first optical element OD1, a second optical element OD2, and the like in addition to the liquid crystal display panel PNL and the backlight unit BL described above. Although the illustrated liquid crystal display panel PNL has a configuration corresponding to an FFS (Fringe Field Switching) mode as a display mode, an IPS (In-Plane Switching) mode, a TN (Twisted Nematic) mode, an OCB (Optically) You may have the structure corresponding to other display modes, such as Compensated Bend) mode and VA (Vertical Aligned) mode. The FFS mode and the IPS mode are display modes that mainly use a lateral electric field substantially parallel to the main surface of the substrate. In the display mode using the horizontal electric field, for example, a configuration in which both the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE are provided on the first substrate SUB1 is applicable. The TN mode, OCB mode, and VA mode are display modes that mainly use a vertical electric field substantially perpendicular to the main surface of the substrate. In the display mode using the vertical electric field, for example, a configuration in which the pixel electrode PE is provided on the first substrate SUB1 and the common electrode CE is provided on the second substrate SUB2 is applicable. Here, the main surface of the substrate is a plane parallel to the XY plane defined by the first direction X and the second direction Y orthogonal to each other.

  The liquid crystal display panel PNL includes a first substrate SUB1, a second substrate SUB2, and a liquid crystal layer LQ. The first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 are bonded together with a predetermined gap. The liquid crystal layer LQ is sealed in a gap between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2.

  The first substrate SUB1 is formed using a first insulating substrate 10 having optical transparency such as a glass substrate or a resin substrate. The first substrate SUB1 has a source line S, a common electrode CE, a pixel electrode PE, a first insulating film 11, a second insulating film 12, and a third insulating film on the side of the first insulating substrate 10 facing the second substrate SUB2. 13, a first alignment film AL1 and the like.

  The first insulating film 11 is disposed on the first insulating substrate 10. Although not described in detail, in this embodiment, for example, a pixel switching element having a top gate structure is applied. In such an embodiment, the first insulating film 11 includes a plurality of insulating layers stacked in the third direction Z. For example, the first insulating film 11 includes an undercoat layer interposed between the first insulating substrate 10 and the semiconductor layer of the pixel switching element, a gate insulating layer interposed between the semiconductor layer and the gate electrode, a gate electrode and a source. -It includes various insulating layers such as an interlayer insulating layer interposed between the drain electrode. Similarly to the gate electrode, the gate wiring is disposed between the gate insulating layer and the interlayer insulating layer. The source line S is formed on the first insulating film 11. The source / drain electrodes of the pixel switching element are also formed on the first insulating film 11. In the illustrated example, the source line S extends in the second direction Y.

  The second insulating film 12 is disposed on the source line S and the first insulating film 11. The common electrode CE is formed on the second insulating film 12. Such a common electrode CE is formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). In the illustrated example, the metal layer ML is formed on the common electrode CE to reduce the resistance of the common electrode CE, but the metal layer ML may be omitted.

  The third insulating film 13 is disposed on the common electrode CE and the second insulating film 12. The pixel electrode PE is formed on the third insulating film 13. Each pixel electrode PE is located between adjacent source lines S and is opposed to the common electrode CE. Each pixel electrode PE has a slit SL at a position facing the common electrode CE. Such a pixel electrode PE is formed of, for example, a transparent conductive material such as ITO or IZO. The first alignment film AL1 covers the pixel electrode PE and the third insulating film 13.

  On the other hand, the second substrate SUB2 is formed using a second insulating substrate 20 having optical transparency such as a glass substrate or a resin substrate. The second substrate SUB2 includes a black matrix BM, color filters CFR, CFG, CFB, an overcoat layer OC, a second alignment film AL2, and the like on the side of the second insulating substrate 20 facing the first substrate SUB1.

  The black matrix BM is formed on the inner surface of the second insulating substrate 20 and partitions each pixel. The color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB are respectively formed on the inner surface of the second insulating substrate 20, and part of them overlaps the black matrix BM. The color filter CFR is a red color filter disposed in the red pixel, and is formed of a red resin material. The color filter CFG is a green color filter disposed in a green pixel, and is formed of a green resin material. The color filter CFB is a blue color filter disposed in a blue pixel, and is formed of a blue resin material. The illustrated example corresponds to a case where a unit pixel which is a minimum unit constituting a color image is configured by three color pixels of a red pixel, a green pixel, and a blue pixel. However, the unit pixel is not limited to the combination of the above three color pixels. For example, the unit pixel may be configured by four color pixels of a white pixel in addition to a red pixel, a green pixel, and a blue pixel. In this case, a white or transparent color filter may be disposed in the white pixel, or the white pixel color filter itself may be omitted. The overcoat layer OC covers the color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB. The overcoat layer OC is formed of a transparent resin material. The second alignment film AL2 covers the overcoat layer OC.

  The detection electrode Rx is formed on the outer surface ES side of the second insulating substrate 20. In the illustrated example, the detection electrode Rx is in contact with the outer surface ES of the second insulating substrate 20, but may be separated from the outer surface ES. In the configuration in which the detection electrode Rx is separated from the outer surface ES, an insulating member is interposed between the outer surface ES and the detection electrode Rx. The detailed structure of the detection electrode Rx will be described later. Further, here, the illustration is simplified, and illustration of a lead wire L to be described later is omitted. Such a detection electrode Rx is formed of, for example, a metal material such as aluminum described later. The detection electrode Rx may be formed of a transparent conductive material such as ITO or IZO, and further, a metal material (for example, a fine metal wire) and a transparent conductive material (for example, a strip-shaped conductive layer). And a combination (aggregate). Each detection electrode Rx includes a dielectric such as the third insulating film 13, the first alignment film AL1, the liquid crystal layer LQ, the second alignment film AL2, the overcoat layer OC, the color filters CFR, CFG, CFB, and the second insulating substrate 20. Via the common electrode CE.

  The first optical element OD1 is disposed between the first insulating substrate 10 and the backlight unit BL. The second optical element OD2 is disposed above the detection electrode Rx. Each of the first optical element OD1 and the second optical element OD2 includes at least a polarizing plate, and may include a retardation plate as necessary. The polarizing plate included in the first optical element OD1 and the polarizing plate included in the second optical element OD2 are, for example, arranged so as to have a crossed Nicols positional relationship in which the respective absorption axes are orthogonal.

  Next, the capacitance type sensor SE mounted on the liquid crystal display device DSP of the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of the sensor SE in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the sensor SE includes a common electrode CE on the first substrate SUB1 and a detection electrode Rx on the second substrate SUB2. That is, the common electrode CE functions as a display electrode and also functions as a sensor drive electrode.

  That is, the liquid crystal display panel PNL includes a shield electrode SLE and a lead wire L in addition to the common electrode CE and the detection electrode Rx. The common electrode CE and the detection electrode Rx are arranged in the display area DA. In the illustrated example, the common electrode CE includes a plurality of divided electrodes C that are arranged at intervals in the first direction X and extend substantially linearly in the second direction Y in the display area DA. The detection electrodes Rx are arranged in the second direction Y at intervals in the display area DA and extend substantially linearly in the first direction X. That is, here, the detection electrode Rx extends in a direction intersecting with the divided electrode C. As described above, the common electrode CE and the detection electrode Rx face each other with various dielectrics interposed therebetween.

  The number, size, and shape of the divided electrodes C are not particularly limited and can be variously changed. Further, the common electrodes CE may be arranged in the second direction Y with an interval and extend substantially linearly in the first direction X, as in an example described later. Furthermore, the common electrode CE may be a single flat plate electrode formed continuously in the display area DA without being divided.

  The shield electrode SLE is disposed at the end of the display area DA. In the illustrated example, the shield electrodes SLE are respectively disposed at both end portions (the left end portion and the right end portion in the drawing) along the first direction X in the display area DA. The shield electrodes SLE extend substantially linearly in the second direction Y, and are aligned with the divided electrodes C at intervals. Such a shield electrode SLE is disposed on the first substrate SUB1, for example, like the common electrode CE.

The lead wire L is disposed in the non-display area NDA and is electrically connected to the detection electrode Rx on a one-to-one basis. Each of the lead wires L outputs a sensor output value from the detection electrode Rx. In the illustrated example, the lead wires L are disposed on both sides of the non-display area NDA with the display area DA interposed therebetween. For example, among the detection electrodes Rx arranged in the second direction Y, the lead wires L connected to the odd-numbered detection electrodes Rx are arranged in the non-display area NDA on the left side of the drawing, and are connected to the even-numbered detection electrodes Rx. The connected lead L is arranged in the non-display area NDA on the right side of the drawing. Such a layout of the lead wire L corresponds to uniform width on both sides of the non-display area NDA and narrow frame. Such a lead wire L is disposed on the second substrate SUB2 similarly to the detection electrode Rx, for example.
Note that the lead lines L are arranged at one end of the non-display area NDA with respect to the plurality of detection electrodes Rx arranged in the Y direction on the display area. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the lead wires L corresponding to the lower half of the plurality of detection electrodes Rx are arranged at the other end of the non-display area NDA.

  The liquid crystal display device DSP further includes a common electrode drive circuit (first drive circuit) CD and a shield electrode drive circuit (second drive circuit) SLD arranged in the non-display area NDA. In one example, at least a part of the common electrode drive circuit CD and the shield electrode drive circuit SLD is built in the drive IC chip IC1, but not limited to this example, only the common electrode drive circuit CD or the shield electrode drive circuit SLD is included. The drive IC chip IC1 may be built in, or both the common electrode drive circuit CD and the shield electrode drive circuit SLD may be provided outside the drive IC chip IC1. Each of the divided electrodes C is electrically connected to the common electrode drive circuit CD. Each of the shield electrodes SLE is electrically connected to the shield electrode drive circuit SLD. The common electrode driving circuit CD supplies a common driving signal to the common electrode CE during display driving for displaying an image, and supplies a sensor driving signal during sensing driving for sensing. The shield electrode drive circuit SLD supplies a common drive signal to the shield electrode SLE during display driving, and maintains the potential different from the sensor drive signal during sensing driving. For example, the shield electrode drive circuit SLD maintains the shield electrode SLE at the ground potential during sensing drive. Alternatively, the shield electrode drive circuit SLD switches the shield electrode SLE to an electrically floating state during sensing drive. Alternatively, the shield electrode drive circuit SLD supplies a common drive signal to the shield electrode SLE during sensing drive. In addition to the above example, the shield electrode drive circuit SLD may be driven so that the shield electrode SLE has a desired potential during sensing drive.

  The flexible wiring board FPC2 is connected to the second board SUB2 and is electrically connected to each of the lead wires L. The detection circuit RC is built in, for example, the drive IC chip IC2. This detection circuit RC detects the contact or approach of the detected object to the liquid crystal display device DSP based on the sensor output value from the detection electrode Rx. Furthermore, the detection circuit RC can also detect position information of a location where the detected object has contacted or approached. Note that the detection circuit RC may be provided in the control module CM.

  FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view schematically showing a part of the sensor SE shown in FIG.

  A peripheral light shielding layer LS is arranged in the non-display area NDA. The peripheral light shielding layer LS extends over substantially the entire non-display area NDA. The divided electrodes C1 and C2 included in the common electrode CE are arranged in this order in the first direction X in the display area DA. The divided electrode C2 is located closer to the end of the display area DA than the divided electrode C1. The shield electrode SLE is arranged at the end of the display area DA along with the divided electrode C2. More specifically, the shield electrode SLE is provided between the boundary B between the display area DA and the non-display area NDA and the divided electrode C2. Here, the boundary B between the display area DA and the non-display area NDA corresponds to the position of the edge of the peripheral light shielding layer LS on the display area side. The end of the display area DA is an area near the boundary B among the areas in the display area.

  The divided electrode C1 has an electrode width W1 in the first direction X, and the divided electrode C2 has an electrode width W2 in the first direction X. The electrode width W2 is smaller than the electrode width W1. Similarly, on the opposite side of the display area DA (not shown), the divided electrode located on the end portion (left end portion in FIG. 5) side of the display area DA has the same electrode width W2 as the divided electrode C2. That is, among the plurality of divided electrodes C, the divided electrodes positioned on both end sides have the electrode width W2, while the other divided electrodes positioned therebetween have the electrode width W1.

  The shield electrode SLE has an electrode width W3 in the first direction X. For example, the sum of the electrode width W2 and the electrode width W3 is equivalent to the electrode width W1. The electrode width W3 can be variously set within a range not exceeding the electrode width W1. According to the results of studies by the inventors described later, the electrode width W3 is desirably less than or equal to half of the electrode width W1. However, it is desirable that the electrode widths W1 to W3 are all integer multiples of the pixel pitch Pu along the first direction X of the pixel PX. Here, the pixel pitch Pu is a pitch in the first direction X of the centers of the adjacent source lines S shown in FIG.

  The lead wire L is arranged in the non-display area NDA. That is, the lead wire L is disposed at a position overlapping the peripheral light shielding layer LS. Each of the lead wires L extends substantially in the second direction Y in the non-display area NDA and is arranged at substantially equal intervals in the first direction X.

  In the present embodiment, the detection electrode Rx is formed by a connection line LC and a plurality of detection lines LB. The connection line LC is arranged in the non-display area NDA. The connection line LC is connected to the lead wire L and extends in the second direction Y. The detection line LB is arranged from the non-display area NDA to the display area DA. Each of the detection lines LB is connected to the connection line LC in the non-display area NDA and extends in the first direction X in the display area DA. In the illustrated example, each of the detection lines LB is formed in a waveform (more specifically, a triangular waveform). These detection lines LB are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the second direction Y.

  A dummy electrode DR is disposed between the adjacent detection electrodes Rx. The dummy electrodes DR are arranged in parallel with the detection lines LB and at substantially equal intervals. Such a dummy electrode DR is not connected to a wiring such as the lead wire L and is in an electrically floating state.

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of the liquid crystal display panel PNL including a part of the sensor SE shown in FIG. In addition, only the main part required for description is shown here.

  The common electrode CE, the pixel electrode PE, and the shield electrode SLE are located on the inner surface side of the first substrate SUB1 facing the second substrate SUB2. That is, the common electrode CE and the shield electrode SLE are both formed on the second insulating film 12 and covered with the third insulating film 13. As with the common electrode CE, the shield electrode SLE is formed of a transparent conductive material such as ITO or IZO. The pixel electrode PE is formed on the third insulating film 13 and faces the common electrode CE or the shield electrode SLE. In the illustrated example, the pixel electrode PE for five pixels is disposed immediately above the divided electrode C2 in the common electrode CE, and the pixel electrode PE for three pixels is disposed immediately above the shield electrode SLE. However, the number of pixel electrodes located immediately above the common electrode CE and the shield electrode SLE is not limited to this example. Note that illustration of various wirings such as source lines and the first alignment film is omitted.

  The black matrix BM, the color filters CFR, CFG, CFB, the overcoat layer OC, and the peripheral light shielding layer LS are located on the inner surface side of the second substrate SUB2 facing the first substrate SUB1. That is, in the display area DA, the color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB are formed at positions facing each pixel electrode PE. The black matrix BM is located at the boundary between these color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB. In the non-display area NDA, the peripheral light shielding layer LS is formed on the inner surface of the second insulating substrate 20. This peripheral light shielding layer LS is formed of the same material as that of the black matrix BM. The overcoat layer OC extends over the display area DA and the non-display area NDA. Note that the second alignment film is not shown.

  The detection electrode Rx and the lead wire L are located on the outer surface side of the second substrate SUB2 opposite to the side facing the first substrate SUB1. The detection electrode Rx and the lead wire L are formed of a metal material such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), copper (Cu), or chromium (Cr). ing. The detection electrode Rx located in the display area DA is made of the above-described opaque metal material. However, since the detection electrode Rx is formed by a detection line LB made of a thin line having a width of about 3 to 5 μm, for example, The transmittance is not significantly reduced. In addition, each detection line LB is formed of a thin line extending in a direction different from the pixel arrangement direction (first direction X and second direction Y), so that moire with the pixel layout is suppressed and display quality is deteriorated. It is suppressed. The detection electrode Rx may be configured by a strip electrode made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO instead of the plurality of detection lines LB made of a metal material.

  Next, an operation at the time of display driving for displaying an image in the above-described FFS mode liquid crystal display device DSP will be described.

  First, an off state in which no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer LQ will be described. The off state corresponds to a state in which no potential difference is formed between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE. Further, since the shield electrode SLE functions in the same manner as the common electrode CE during display driving, no potential difference is formed between the pixel electrode PE and the shield electrode SLE.

  In such an off state, the liquid crystal molecules included in the liquid crystal layer LQ are initially aligned in one direction in the XY plane by the alignment regulating force of the first alignment film AL1 and the second alignment film AL2. Part of the backlight light from the backlight unit BL passes through the polarizing plate of the first optical element OD1 and enters the liquid crystal display panel PNL. The light incident on the liquid crystal display panel PNL is linearly polarized light orthogonal to the absorption axis of the polarizing plate. The polarization state of such linearly polarized light hardly changes when it passes through the liquid crystal display panel PNL in the off state. For this reason, most of the linearly polarized light transmitted through the liquid crystal display panel PNL is absorbed by the polarizing plate of the second optical element OD2 (black display). A mode in which the liquid crystal display panel PNL displays black in the off state is referred to as a normally black mode.

  Next, an on state in which a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer LQ will be described. The on state corresponds to a state in which a potential difference is formed between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE. Further, since the shield electrode SLE functions in the same manner as the common electrode CE during display driving, a potential difference is also formed between the pixel electrode PE and the shield electrode SLE. That is, a common drive signal is supplied from the common electrode drive circuit CD to the common electrode CE, and a common drive signal is supplied from the shield electrode drive circuit SLD to the shield electrode SLE. In the present embodiment, the same common drive signal as that of the divided electrode C2 adjacent to the shield electrode SLE is supplied to the shield electrode SLE. On the other hand, a video signal that forms a potential difference with respect to the common potential is supplied to the pixel electrode PE. Thereby, in the ON state, a fringe electric field is formed between the pixel electrode PE, the common electrode CE, and the shield electrode SLE.

  In such an on state, the liquid crystal molecules are aligned in an azimuth different from the initial alignment direction in the XY plane. In the on state, linearly polarized light orthogonal to the absorption axis of the polarizing plate of the first optical element OD1 is incident on the liquid crystal display panel PNL, and the polarization state depends on the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules when passing through the liquid crystal layer LQ. Change. For this reason, in the ON state, at least part of the light that has passed through the liquid crystal layer LQ is transmitted through the polarizing plate of the second optical element OD2 (white display).

  With such a configuration, a normally black mode is realized. In the display area DA, not only the area where the common electrode CE and the pixel electrode PE face each other but also the area where the shield electrode SLE and the pixel electrode PE face each other contributes to display.

  Next, an operation at the time of sensing driving in which sensing for detecting contact or approach of an object to be detected in the above-described liquid crystal display device DSP will be described.

  That is, a sensor drive signal is supplied from the common electrode drive circuit CD to the common electrode CE. At this time, the shield electrode SLE is maintained at a potential different from the sensor drive signal. For example, the shield electrode drive circuit SLD maintains the shield electrode SLE at the ground potential or switches the shield electrode SLE to an electrically floating state. Sensing is performed in such a state.

  Here, the principle of an example of the sensing method will be described with reference to FIG.

  A capacitance Cc exists between the divided electrode C and the detection electrode Rx. A pulsed writing signal (sensor driving signal) Vw is sequentially supplied to each of the divided electrodes C at a predetermined cycle. In this example, it is assumed that the user's finger, which is the object to be detected, is close to the position where the specific detection electrode Rx and the divided electrode C intersect. A capacitor Cx is generated by a user's finger in proximity to the detection electrode Rx. When a pulse-like write signal Vw is supplied to the divided electrode C, a pulse-like read signal (sensor output value) Vr having a lower level than a pulse obtained from another detection electrode is output from a specific detection electrode Rx. Is obtained.

  In the detection circuit RC shown in FIG. 5, the finger within the XY plane of the sensor SE is based on the timing at which the write signal Vw is supplied to the divided electrodes C and the read signal Vr from each detection electrode Rx. Can be detected. In addition, the capacitance Cx is different between when the finger is close to the detection electrode Rx and when the finger is far away. For this reason, the level of the read signal Vr also differs between when the finger is close to the detection electrode Rx and when it is far away. Therefore, the detection circuit RC can also detect the proximity of the finger to the sensor SE (distance in the normal direction of the sensor SE) based on the level of the read signal Vr.

Further, an intersection between the shield electrode SLE and the detection electrode Rx is included near the outermost periphery of the display area DA. Even when an object to be detected contacts or approaches such a region, a capacitance toward the intersection is generated on the edge side of the shield electrode of the divided electrode C2, thereby touching the intersection. The detection is also reliably detected.
That is, when a touch is detected, a signal other than the sensor drive signal is supplied to the shield electrode SLE, so that no capacitance is formed between the shield electrode SLE and the detection electrode Rx. No capacitance is formed between the SLE and the lead wire L. As a result, an interval corresponding to the width of the shield electrode SLE is formed between the divided electrode C2 that forms a capacitance with the detection electrode Rx and the lead wire L, and the physical distance generated by the interval Thus, the generation of capacitance between the divided electrode C2 and the lead wire L is suppressed. On the other hand, since the distance from the detection electrode Rx on the shield electrode SLE is relatively short in an oblique direction, a capacitance is generated between them, and as a result, it is possible to detect contact or proximity of an object to be detected. is there.

  According to the present embodiment, during such sensing driving, the shield electrode SLE located between the common electrode CE and the lead wire L is maintained at a fixed potential or switched to a floating state. For this reason, even if the common electrode CE and the lead wire L are arranged close to each other due to a request for narrowing the frame, the parasitic capacitance between the common electrode CE and the lead wire L can be reduced. Therefore, malfunction of the sensor SE due to capacitive coupling between the common electrode CE and the lead wire L can be suppressed. Note that the potential of the shield electrode SLE during sensing driving is not limited to the above example as long as the parasitic capacitance between the common electrode CE and the lead wire L can be reduced.

  The shield electrode SLE is disposed in the display area DA and functions in the same manner as the common electrode CE during display driving. For this reason, in the present embodiment, it is not necessary to secure a space for arranging the shield electrode SLE in the non-display area NDA as compared with the case where the shield electrode SLE is arranged in the non-display area NDA. Become. Moreover, since the shield electrode SLE is disposed on the second insulating film 12 together with the common electrode CE, the shield electrode SLE can be formed in the same process using the same material as the common electrode CE, and the shield electrode SLE is formed. A separate process is not necessary.

  Moreover, since the detection line LB and the lead wire L of the detection electrode Rx are disposed on the outer surface of the second insulating substrate 20, they can be formed in the same process using the same material. In addition, since the detection line LB and the lead line L can be formed of a metal material having an electric resistance value much lower than that of the transparent conductive material, the line width can be reduced and the thin line width can be maintained. Long distances can be routed. Since the line width of the lead wire L is thin, it is possible to suppress the formation of an undesired capacitance with the detected object that is in contact with or close to the non-display area NDA, and noise can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the electrode width W3 of the shield electrode SLE is desirably less than or equal to half of the electrode width W1 of the divided electrode C1. That is, the divided electrodes C of the common electrode CE are arranged at an equal pitch, and have a uniform electrode width W1 except for the divided electrode C2 adjacent to the shield electrode SLE. The electrode width W2 of the divided electrode C2 is narrowed by an amount corresponding to the shield electrode SLE. As the electrode width W3 of the shield electrode SLE is increased, the distance between the common electrode CE and the lead wire L can be secured, and noise due to the parasitic capacitance between the common electrode CE and the lead wire L can be reduced. On the other hand, since the shield electrode SLE does not function as a sensor drive electrode, the sensing sensitivity is reduced near the outermost periphery of the display area DA.

Therefore, the inventor sets the electrode width W1 to a constant value, changes the electrode width W3 in various ways, and the amount of wiring noise in the lead wire L and when the object to be detected contacts near the outermost periphery of the display area DA. An experiment was conducted to measure the touch signal. FIG. 9 shows the experimental results.
The electrode widths W1 and W3 and the electrode width W2 of the divided electrode C2 are W1 = W2 + s + W3, and the electrode width W1 is the width of the divided electrode C1 and the sum of the widths of the shield electrode and the divided electrode. Say. Note that s is a gap between the shield electrode and the divided electrode, and is set to several μm to several tens of μm, and is a size that can be ignored with respect to the width of W1.

  First, when the electrode width W1 was set to 4200 μm, the electrode width W3 was changed in the range of 0 μm to 3000 μm, and the wiring noise amount and the touch signal were measured. According to this experimental result, it was confirmed that when the value of W3 / W1 is 0.5 or less, the amount of wiring noise becomes substantially zero and the deterioration of the touch signal can be suppressed. However, it was confirmed that when the value of W3 / W1 is 0.13 or less, the common electrode CE and the lead wire L are close to each other, so that wiring noise is generated.

  Further, when the electrode width W1 was set to 2325 μm, the electrode width W3 was changed in the range of 0 μm to 1500 μm, and the wiring noise amount and the touch signal were measured. According to this experimental result, it was confirmed that when the value of W3 / W1 is 0.5 or less, the amount of wiring noise becomes substantially zero and the deterioration of the touch signal can be suppressed. However, it was confirmed that when the value of W3 / W1 is 0.32 or less, the common electrode CE and the lead wire L are close to each other, so that wiring noise is generated.

  According to the above experimental results, from the viewpoint of wiring noise and sensing sensitivity, the electrode width W3 is desirably 0.5 times or less of the electrode width W1, and further desirably 0.3 times or more. .

  Next, a modified example of the capacitance type sensor SE mounted on the liquid crystal display device DSP of the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing another configuration of the sensor SE in the present embodiment.

  In the example shown in FIG. 10, each divided electrode C and shield electrode SLE of the common electrode CE extends in the first direction X, and the detection electrode Rx is substantially in the second direction Y, compared to the example shown in FIG. It is different in that it extends to.

  That is, the common electrode CE includes a plurality of divided electrodes C that are arranged in the second direction Y at intervals in the display area DA and extend substantially linearly in the first direction X. The detection electrodes Rx are arranged in the first direction X at intervals in the display area DA and extend substantially linearly in the second direction Y. As described above, the common electrode CE and the detection electrode Rx face each other with various dielectrics interposed therebetween. Each of the divided electrodes C is electrically connected to the common electrode drive circuit CD.

  The shield electrode SLE is disposed at the end of the display area DA. In the illustrated example, the shield electrode SLE is arranged at one end (the lower end in the drawing) in the display area DA. The shield electrode SLE extends substantially linearly in the first direction X and is aligned with the divided electrode C at an interval. Such a shield electrode SLE is disposed on the first substrate SUB1, for example, like the common electrode CE. Each of the shield electrodes SLE is electrically connected to the shield electrode drive circuit SLD.

  The lead wire L is disposed in the non-display area NDA and is electrically connected to the detection electrode Rx on a one-to-one basis. In the illustrated example, the lead wire L is disposed in the non-display area NDA along one end portion of the display area DA. Such a lead wire L is disposed on the second substrate SUB2 similarly to the detection electrode Rx, for example. Each of the lead wires L is electrically connected to the detection circuit RC via the flexible wiring board FPC2.

  Also in such a modification, the same effect as the above example can be obtained. In addition, compared with the example shown in FIG. 5, the length of the lead wire L connecting each detection electrode Rx and the flexible wiring board FPC2 can be shortened, and the noise of the lead wire L is further reduced. It becomes possible to do.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a sensor-equipped display device that can suppress malfunction of the sensor.

  In addition, although some embodiment of this invention was described, these embodiment is shown as an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DSP ... Liquid crystal display device SE ... Sensor Rx ... Detection electrode LC ... Connection line LB ... Detection line L ... Lead wire PNL ... Liquid crystal display panel DA ... Display area NDA ... Non-display area CE ... Common electrode C ... Divided electrode SLE ... Shield electrode PE ... Pixel electrode CD ... Common electrode drive circuit SLD ... Shield electrode drive circuit RC ... Detection circuit

Claims (7)

A common electrode and a pixel electrode arranged in a display area for displaying an image, a shield electrode arranged at an end of the display area, a detection electrode facing the common electrode, and a non-display area outside the display area And a lead wire that is electrically connected to the detection electrode and outputs a sensor output value from the detection electrode, and a display panel,
A first drive circuit that supplies a common drive signal to the common electrode during display drive for displaying an image using the pixel electrode, and supplies a sensor drive signal during sensing drive that performs sensing using the detection electrode ; ,
A second drive circuit that supplies the common drive signal to the shield electrode during the display drive and maintains a potential different from the sensor drive signal during the sensing drive;
A sensor-equipped display device.   2. The sensor-equipped display device according to claim 1, wherein the second drive circuit maintains the shield electrode at a ground potential during the sensing drive.   The display device with a sensor according to claim 1, wherein the second drive circuit switches the shield electrode to an electrically floating state during the sensing drive. The display panel includes a first substrate and a second substrate disposed to face each other at an interval,
The common electrode, the pixel electrode, and the shield electrode are located on an inner surface side of the first substrate facing the second substrate,
2. The sensor-equipped display device according to claim 1, wherein the detection electrode and the lead wire are located on an outer surface side of the second substrate opposite to a side facing the first substrate. The common electrode includes a first divided electrode and a second divided electrode that are arranged in an interval in the first direction and extend in a second direction that intersects the first direction, and the second divided electrode is the first divided electrode. Located closer to the end of the display area than the electrode,
The sensor-equipped display device according to claim 1, wherein the shield electrode extends in a second direction and is provided between a boundary between the display area and the non-display area and the second divided electrode.   The sensor according to claim 5, wherein the first divided electrode has a first electrode width in a first direction, and the second divided electrode has a second electrode width smaller than the first electrode width in the first direction. Display device.   The shield electrode has a third electrode width in a first direction, a sum of the second electrode width and the third electrode width is equal to the first electrode width, and the third electrode width is equal to the first electrode width. The sensor-equipped display device according to claim 6, wherein the display device is less than half of the width.

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