KR102005856B1 - Touch input device - Google Patents

Abstract

A touch input device according to an embodiment includes a cover made of a transparent material; A display module disposed under the cover; A substrate disposed below the display module and made of a nonconductive material; And a pressure electrode formed on the substrate, wherein the display module has a reference potential with respect to the pressure electrode, the pressure electrode outputs a sensing signal, and the display module displays, by the touch pressure input to the cover, Sensing a change in capacitance value due to a change in distance between the pressure electrode and the reference potential due to warping of the display module from the sensing signal and detecting the magnitude of the touch pressure input to the cover, The edge portion of the substrate is connected to a lower surface of the display module, the remaining portion of the substrate is separated from the lower surface of the display module by a predetermined distance, and the pressure electrode is formed in the remaining portion.

Description

A touch input device {TOUCH INPUT DEVICE}

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a touch input device for detecting pressure, and more particularly, to a touch input device capable of improving sensitivity of a touch pressure and reducing a thickness.

Various types of input devices are used for the operation of the computing system. For example, an input device such as a button, a key, a joystick, and a touch screen is used. Due to the easy and simple operation of the touch screen, the use of the touch screen in the operation of the computing system is increasing.

The touch screen may comprise a touch surface of a touch input device including a touch sensor panel, which may be a transparent panel having a touch-sensitive surface. Such a touch sensor may be attached to the front of the display screen such that the touch-sensitive surface covers the visible side of the display screen. The user simply touches the touch screen with a finger or the like so that the user can operate the computing system. Generally, a computing system is able to recognize touch and touch locations on a touch screen and interpret the touch to perform operations accordingly.

At this time, there is a need for a touch input device capable of detecting not only the touch position according to the touch on the touch screen, but also the pressure magnitude of the touch.

An object of the present invention is to provide a touch input device capable of reducing parasitic capacitance in a sensing signal output from a pressure electrode to improve sensitivity of a touch pressure.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a touch input device capable of reducing the thickness of a touch input device.

A touch input device according to an embodiment includes a cover made of a transparent material; A display module disposed under the cover; A substrate disposed below the display module and made of a nonconductive material; And a pressure electrode formed on the substrate, wherein the display module has a reference potential with respect to the pressure electrode, the pressure electrode outputs a sensing signal, and the display module displays, by the touch pressure input to the cover, Sensing a change in capacitance value due to a change in distance between the pressure electrode and the reference potential due to warping of the display module from the sensing signal and detecting the magnitude of the touch pressure input to the cover, And an edge portion of the substrate is connected to a lower surface of the display module.

A touch input device according to an embodiment includes a cover made of a transparent material; A display module disposed under the cover; A substrate disposed below the display module and made of a nonconductive material; A first pressure electrode formed on the display module; And a second pressure electrode formed on the substrate and spaced apart from the first pressure electrode by a predetermined distance, wherein one of the first pressure electrode and the second pressure electrode outputs a sensing signal, Wherein the display module is bent along with the cover by the touch pressure inputted to the cover and changes a capacitance value according to a change in distance between the first pressure electrode and the second pressure electrode due to warping of the display module And detects the magnitude of the touch pressure inputted to the cover by sensing from the sensing signal, and the edge of the substrate is connected to the lower surface of the display module.

A touch input device according to an embodiment includes a cover made of a transparent material; A display module disposed under the cover; A substrate disposed below the display module; And a pressure electrode formed on the substrate, wherein the substrate includes: a conductor portion on which the pressure electrode is formed and electrically floated; And an insulating member disposed between the edge of the conductor and the lower surface of the display module, wherein the insulating member includes a double-sided adhesive tape for connecting the insulating member of the substrate and the lower surface of the display module, Wherein the display module has one of an additional pressure electrode and a reference potential disposed at a predetermined interval on the pressure electrode, the pressure electrode outputs a sensing signal, and the display module outputs a touch signal Sensing a change in capacitance value due to a change in distance between the pressure electrode and the one of the pressure electrodes due to warping of the display module from the sensing signal, As shown in FIG.

The use of the touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention has an advantage that the parasitic capacitance can be reduced in the sensing signal output through the pressure electrode to improve the sensitivity of the touch pressure.

Further, there is an advantage that the thickness of the touch input device can be reduced.

1A and 1B are schematic diagrams of a capacitive touch sensor and its operation.
2A and 2B are diagrams showing a detailed configuration of a display module in a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a touch input device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
3C is a schematic cross-sectional view of a touch input device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
4A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a touch input device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a touch input device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5A shows a display module 200A including an LCD panel, and FIG. 5B shows a display module 200B including an OLED panel.
6A and 6B are views for explaining the coupling relation between the display module 200 and the substrate 500 shown in FIGS. 3A to 4B.
FIG. 7 is an overall sectional view of a touch input device including the display module 200 and the substrate 500a shown in FIG. 6A.
8 is a cross-sectional view of a modification of the touch input device shown in Fig.

The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present invention may be different but need not be mutually exclusive. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar functions throughout the several views.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a touch input device capable of pressure detection according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, a capacitive touch sensor 10 is exemplified, but a touch sensor 10 capable of detecting a touch position in an arbitrary manner can be applied.

1A is a schematic diagram of a touch sensor 10 of a capacitive type included in a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention and a configuration for its operation.

1A, the touch sensor 10 includes a plurality of driving electrodes TX1 to TXn and a plurality of receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm. The touch sensor 10 includes a plurality of driving electrodes And a plurality of receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm for receiving a sensing signal including information on a capacitance change amount that changes in accordance with a touch on a touch surface, And a sensing unit 11 for sensing a touch position.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the touch sensor 10 may include a plurality of driving electrodes TX1 to TXn and a plurality of receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm. 1A, a plurality of driving electrodes TX1 to TXn and a plurality of receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm of the touch sensor 10 are shown as an orthogonal array. However, the present invention is not limited to this, The electrodes TX1 to TXn and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm can have any number of dimensions including the diagonal, concentric and three-dimensional random arrangement, and the like and their application arrangements. Here, n and m are positive integers, and they may have the same value or different values, and the size may be changed according to the embodiment.

The plurality of driving electrodes TX1 to TXn and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm may be arranged to cross each other. The driving electrode TX includes a plurality of driving electrodes TX1 to TXn extending in a first axis direction and a receiving electrode RX includes a plurality of receiving electrodes extending in a second axis direction intersecting the first axis direction RX1 to RXm).

2A and 2B, in the touch sensor 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of driving electrodes TX1 to TXn and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm are formed in the same layer . For example, the plurality of driving electrodes TX1 to TXn and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm may be formed on a top surface of a display module 200 to be described later.

Also, as shown in FIG. 2C, the plurality of driving electrodes TX1 to TXn and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm may be formed in different layers. For example, one of the plurality of driving electrodes TX1 to TXn and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm is formed on the upper surface of the display module 200, and the other is formed on the lower surface of the cover 100 Or may be formed inside the display module 200.

The plurality of driving electrodes TX1 to TXn and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm are formed of ITO (indium tin oxide) or ATO (tin oxide), which is made of a transparent conductive material (for example, tin oxide (SnO2) (Antimony Tin Oxide)) or the like. However, this is merely an example, and the driving electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX may be formed of another transparent conductive material or an opaque conductive material. For example, the driving electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX may include at least one of silver ink, copper, nano silver, and carbon nanotube (CNT) . In addition, the driving electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX may be realized by a metal mesh.

The driving unit 12 shown in FIG. 1A can apply a driving signal to the driving electrodes TX1 to TXn. In the embodiment of the present invention, the driving signal may be sequentially applied to one driving electrode at a time from the first driving electrode TX1 to the nth driving electrode TXn. This application of the driving signal can be repeated again. This is merely an example, and driving signals may be simultaneously applied to a plurality of driving electrodes according to an embodiment.

The sensing unit 11 acquires information on the electrostatic capacitance Cm generated between the driving electrodes TX1 to TXn and the receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm to which the driving signal is applied through the receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm And the touch position and the touch position can be detected by receiving the sensing signal. For example, the sensing signal may be a signal in which a driving signal applied to the driving electrode TX is coupled by a capacitance Cm: 14 generated between the driving electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX. The process of sensing the driving signal applied from the first driving electrode TX1 to the nth driving electrode TXn through the receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm may be referred to as scanning the touch sensor 10 .

For example, the sensing unit 11 may include a receiver (not shown) connected to each of the reception electrodes RX1 to RXm through a switch. The switch is turned on during a period of sensing the signal of the corresponding receiving electrode RX so that a sensing signal can be sensed from the receiving electrode RX at the receiver. The receiver may be comprised of an amplifier (not shown) and a feedback capacitor coupled between the negative input of the amplifier and the output of the amplifier, i. E., The feedback path. At this time, the positive input terminal of the amplifier may be connected to the ground. In addition, the receiver may further include a reset switch connected in parallel with the feedback capacitor. The reset switch can reset the conversion from current to voltage performed by the receiver. A negative input terminal of the amplifier may be connected to the corresponding receiving electrode RX to receive a current signal including information on the capacitance Cm, and integrate the current signal to convert the voltage into a voltage. The sensing unit 11 may further include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for converting the integrated data to digital data through the receiver. The digital data may then be input to a processor (not shown) and processed to obtain touch information for the touch sensor 10. The sensing unit 11 may be configured to include an ADC and a processor together with a receiver.

The control unit 13 may perform a function of controlling the operation of the driving unit 12 and the sensing unit 11. For example, the controller 13 may generate a driving control signal and transmit the driving control signal to the driving unit 12 so that the driving signal is applied to the driving electrode TX predetermined at a predetermined time. The control unit 13 generates a sensing control signal and transmits the sensing control signal to the sensing unit 11 so that the sensing unit 11 receives a sensing signal from the sensing electrode RX previously set at a predetermined time to perform a predetermined function can do.

In FIG. 1A, the driving unit 12 and the sensing unit 11 may constitute a touch detection device (not shown) capable of detecting whether or not to touch the touch sensor 10 and a touch position. The touch detection apparatus may further include a control section (13). The touch sensing device may be integrated on a touch sensing IC (touch sensing integrated circuit), which is a touch sensing circuit, in a touch input device including the touch sensor 10. The driving electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX included in the touch sensor 10 are included in the touch sensing IC through a conductive trace and / or a conductive pattern printed on a circuit board And may be connected to the driving unit 12 and the sensing unit 11. The touch sensing IC may be placed on a circuit board on which a conductive pattern is printed, for example, a first printed circuit board (hereinafter, referred to as a first PCB). According to the embodiment, the touch sensing IC may be mounted on a main board for operating the touch input device.

As described above, a capacitance Cm of a predetermined value is generated at each intersection of the driving electrode TX and the reception electrode RX. When an object such as a finger is close to the touch sensor 10, Can be changed. In FIG. 1A, the capacitance may represent mutual capacitance (Cm). The sensing unit 11 senses such electrical characteristics and can detect whether the touch sensor 10 is touched and / or touched. For example, it is possible to detect the touch and / or the position of the touch on the surface of the touch sensor 10 having the two-dimensional plane including the first axis and the second axis.

More specifically, the position of the touch in the second axial direction can be detected by detecting the drive electrode TX to which the drive signal is applied when a touch to the touch sensor 10 occurs. Likewise, the position of the touch in the first axis direction can be detected by detecting the capacitance change from the received signal received through the receiving electrode RX when touching the touch sensor 10.

In the above description, the operation of the touch sensor 10 for sensing the touch position has been described based on the amount of mutual capacitance change between the driving electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, as shown in FIG. 1B, it is also possible to sense the touch position based on the amount of change in self capacitance.

1B is a schematic diagram for explaining another capacitive touch sensor 10 included in the touch input device according to another embodiment of the present invention and its operation.

A plurality of touch electrodes 30 are provided on the touch sensor panel 10 shown in FIG. 1B. The plurality of touch electrodes 30 may be arranged in a lattice pattern at regular intervals as shown in Fig. 2D, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The driving control signal generated by the control unit 130 is transmitted to the driving unit 12 and the driving unit 12 applies the driving signal to the predetermined touch electrode 30 at a predetermined time based on the driving control signal. The sensing control signal generated by the control unit 13 is transmitted to the sensing unit 11. The sensing unit 11 senses the sensing signal from the touch electrode 30 preset at a predetermined time Receive input. At this time, the sensing signal may be a signal for the amount of change in self-capacitance formed on the touch electrode 30.

At this time, the presence or absence of a touch and / or the touch position with respect to the touch sensor panel 10 is detected by the sensing signal sensed by the sensing unit 11. For example, since the coordinates of the touch electrode 30 are known in advance, it is possible to detect the touch of the object with respect to the surface of the touch sensor 10 and / or its position.

Although the driving unit 12 and the sensing unit 11 are divided into separate blocks for the sake of convenience, the operation of applying the driving signal to the touch electrode 30 and the sensing signal from the touch electrode 30 May be performed by one driving and sensing unit.

The touch input device including the touch sensor 10 capable of detecting touch and / or touch position has been described above. By applying the above-described touch sensor 10 to the touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the touch position and / or the touch position can be easily detected. In addition, the touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention can easily detect the magnitude of the touch pressure to be described below. Hereinafter, the case of detecting the touch pressure in the touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail, for example.

FIG. 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a touch input apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a sectional view briefly showing only some components necessary for detecting a touch pressure in a touch input apparatus.

3A, a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cover 100, a display module 200, a reference electrode 250, pressure electrodes 400a and 400b, , 500).

The cover 100 is a member to which a predetermined object such as a user's finger and a predetermined pressure are directly input, and can be located at the top of the touch input device.

The cover 100 protects the touch sensor 10 and the display module 200 shown in FIG. 1A or 1B.

The cover 100 may be made of transparent glass or plastic so that the screen output from the display module 200 disposed at the bottom can be seen from the outside. The cover 100 may be made of a flexible material that can be bent at a position where the pressure is applied.

The display module 200 is disposed under the cover 100. Specifically, the display module 200 may be disposed on the lower surface of the cover 100. [

The display module 200 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel and an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) panel. Will be described with reference to Figs. 5A and 5B.

FIG. 5A shows a display module 200A including an LCD panel, and FIG. 5B shows a display module 200B including an OLED panel.

5A, the display panel 200A includes a liquid crystal layer 250 including a liquid crystal cell, a first substrate layer 251 including electrodes on both sides of the liquid crystal layer 250, A first polarizer 253 and a second polarizer 252 are formed on one surface of the first substrate layer 251 as a direction opposite to the liquid crystal layer 250, The second polarizing layer 254 may include a second polarizing layer 254. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the LCD panel may further include other configurations for performing the display function and may be modified. Here, the first substrate layer 251 may be a color filter glass, and the second substrate layer 252 may be a TFT glass. Also, at least one of the first substrate layer 251 and the second substrate layer 252 may be formed of a bendable material such as a plastic according to the embodiment.

Although not shown in the drawings, the display module 200A may further include a backlight unit (not shown) disposed under the display panel 200A.

5B, the display panel 200A may include a first substrate layer 261 and a second substrate layer 262 disposed on both sides of the organic layer 260 and the organic layer 260, respectively. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the OLED panel may further include other configurations for performing the display function and may be modified. Here, the first substrate layer 261 may be an encapsulation glass, and the second substrate layer 262 may be a TFT glass. Also, according to the embodiment, at least one of the first substrate layer 261 and the second substrate layer 262 may be formed of a bendable material such as plastic.

3A, the display module 200 receives a predetermined signal from a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (CPU), or the like, which is a central processing unit on a main board for operating the touch input device And to display desired contents on the display panel. The control circuit for operation of the display panel 200 may include a display panel control IC, a graphic controller IC, and other circuits necessary for operation of the display panel.

The reference electrode 250 is additionally configured separately from the display module 200. The reference electrode 250 serves as a reference potential layer for detecting the touch pressure using the pressure electrodes 400a and 400b. The reference electrode 250 is disposed on the lower surface of the display module 200.

The pressure electrodes 400a and 400b may be disposed below the display module 200 and spaced apart from the display module 200 and the reference electrode 250 at predetermined intervals. A predetermined space may be formed between the pressure electrodes 400a and 400b and the display module 200 and the reference electrode 250. The predetermined space may be compressed by an external force, A restorable member (not shown), for example, a cushion may be disposed.

The pressure electrodes 400a and 400b are formed on the substrate 500. Here, the pressure electrodes 400a and 400b may be disposed on the upper surface of the substrate 500, and the pressure electrodes 400a and 400b may be disposed on the lower surface of the substrate 500, though they are not shown in the drawing. Here, the pressure electrodes 400a and 400b may include a first pressure electrode 400a and a second pressure electrode 400b. Here, the first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b are electrically insulated from each other and have different functions, for example, a touch pressure driving signal is input to the first pressure electrode 400a, The touch pressure sensing signal may be output from the touch sensing unit 400b. The first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b are electrically connected to each other to perform the same function, for example, the first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b, And outputs a touch pressure sensing signal. Will be described with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D.

The first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b may be composed of a plurality of electrodes in the shape of a rhombus, as shown in FIG. 2A. Here, the first pressure electrode 400a is a plurality of first axial electrodes 510 extending in the first axis direction and the second pressure electrode 400b is extended in the second axial direction orthogonal to the first axial direction And at least one of the first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b is connected to each of the plurality of diamond-shaped electrodes through a bridge, The pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b may be insulated from each other.

The first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b may include a plurality of first axis electrodes 510 and a plurality of second axis electrodes 520 as shown in FIG. The first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b do not intersect with each other and each second pressure electrode 400b extends in a direction crossing the extending direction of the first pressure electrode 400a And can be arranged to be connected.

2C, each of the first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b includes a plurality of first axis electrodes 510 and a plurality of second axis electrodes 520, Respectively.

In addition, the first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b may be arranged in a lattice shape at regular intervals to be electrically connected as shown in FIG. 2D. In the example shown in FIG. 2D, the first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b are electrically connected to each other to perform the same function.

Referring again to FIG. 3A, the touch pressure input to the cover 100 can be detected using the first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b. Various touch pressure detection methods will be described below.

One touch pressure detection method is a method in which the first pressure electrode 400a according to a change in distance between the reference electrode 250 and the first and second pressure electrodes 400a and 400b due to the touch pressure input to the cover 100, The touch pressure can be detected through the touch pressure sensing signal output from either one of the first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b by mutual capacitance change between the first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b. At this time, one of the first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b is a driving electrode to which a touch pressure driving signal is applied, and the other is a receiving electrode to which a touch pressure sensing signal is output.

Another touch pressure detection method is a touch pressure detection method in which the first pressure electrode 400a (400a) and the second pressure electrode 400a (400a) are formed in accordance with a change in distance between the reference electrode 250 and the first and second pressure electrodes 400a and 400b And the second pressure electrode 400b can detect the touch pressure through the sensing signal output from the first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b. In this case, each of the first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b is a driving electrode to which a touch pressure driving signal is applied and a receiving electrode to which a touch pressure sensing signal is output. The touch pressure driving signal and the touch pressure sensing signal may be divided into time and applied to the respective pressure electrodes 400a and 400b.

Again, referring to FIG. 3A, the substrate 500 may comprise a conductor comprised of electrically non-conductive or electrically floating. Here, the meaning of the substrate 500 including conductors made of non-conductive or electrically floating means that the substrate 500 on which the pressure electrodes 400a and 400b are formed is electrically insulated. When the substrate 500 is made of non-conductive material, the substrate 500 may be made of a resin material such as plastic.

When the substrate 500 is electrically insulated, the first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b may be formed directly on the substrate 500. [

In the case where the substrate 500 is composed of one metal which is a conductor as a whole, a conductive pressure electrode can not be disposed directly on a substrate made of a conductive metal. However, in the embodiment of the present invention, since the substrate 500 is electrically insulated, the pressure electrodes 400a and 400b can be formed directly on the upper surface of the substrate 500. [ Therefore, since no separate member is disposed between the pressure electrodes 400a and 400b and the substrate 500, there is an advantage that the thickness of the entire touch input device can be reduced.

In addition, when the substrate 500 is made of one metal as a whole, a substrate made of a metal and an insulating member for insulating the pressure electrode, for example, a cushion (for example, cushion must be placed. However, parasitic capacitance may be generated between the metal substrate and the pressure electrode even if the insulating member such as the cushion is disposed between the metal substrate and the pressure electrode. Since the distance between the metal substrate and the pressure electrode is quite small, the parasitic capacitance generated is quite large. A considerably large parasitic capacitance is reflected in the sensing signal from the pressure electrode and is outputted, so that the sensitivity of the touch pressure sensing may be lowered. However, in the embodiment of the present invention, parasitic capacitance is not generated between the pressure electrodes 400a and 400b and the substrate 500 because the substrate 500 is electrically insulated. Accordingly, since the parasitic capacitance between the pressure electrodes 400a and 400b and the substrate 500 is not reflected in the sensing signal output from the pressure electrodes 400a and 400b, sensitivity of the touch pressure sensing is improved.

FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a touch input device according to another embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view briefly showing only some components necessary for detecting a touch pressure in a touch input device.

Referring to FIG. 3B, the touch input device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a cover 100, a display module 200, a reference electrode 250, pressure electrodes 400a and 400b, Substrate, 500).

The touch input device shown in FIG. 3B differs from the touch input device shown in FIG. 3A in the position of the reference electrode 250. Specifically, a reference electrode 250 is disposed inside the display module 200.

The reference electrode 250 serves as a reference potential layer for detecting the touch pressure using the pressure electrodes 400a and 400b.

5A, the reference electrode 250 is disposed between the first polarizing layer 253 and the first substrate layer 251, and between the first polarizing layer 253 and the first substrate layer 251. The reference electrode 250 is disposed inside the display module 200, The second substrate layer 252 and the second polarizing layer 254 may be disposed between the first substrate layer 251 and the liquid crystal layer 250, between the liquid crystal layer 250 and the second substrate layer 252, . 5B, the reference electrode 250 may be disposed between the first substrate layer 261 and the organic layer 260, or between the organic layer 260 and the second substrate layer 262 have.

The touch pressure detection method using the pressure electrodes 400a and 400b is the same as the method described above with reference to FIG. 3A, except that the reference electrode 250 is provided inside the display module 200, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted .

FIG. 3C is a schematic cross-sectional view of a touch input device according to another embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view briefly showing only some components necessary for detecting touch pressure in a touch input device.

Referring to FIG. 3C, a touch input device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a cover 100, a display module 200, pressure electrodes 400a and 400b, and a substrate 500 .

The touch input device shown in FIG. 3C differs from the touch input devices shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B in that a reference electrode 250 is not separately provided. The reference potential layer serving as the reference electrode 250 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B may have at least any one of various components constituting the display module 200 or the touch sensor. In this case, The potential layer may have a ground potential (GND).

One touch pressure detection method using the pressure electrodes 400a and 400b is a method in which the touch pressure inputted to the cover 100 changes according to the distance between the reference potential layer and the first and second pressure electrodes 400a and 400b The amount of mutual electrostatic capacitance change between the first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b is detected by touching the touch pressure sensing signal output from any one of the first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b Pressure can be detected. At this time, one of the first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b is a driving electrode to which a touch pressure driving signal is applied, and the other is a receiving electrode to which a touch pressure sensing signal is output.

The other touch pressure detection method is a touch pressure detection method in which the first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b vary in accordance with the distance between the reference potential layer and the first and second pressure electrodes 400a and 400b, The touch pressure can be detected through the sense signal outputted from the first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b with respect to the amount of change in self-capacitance of each of the second pressure electrodes 400b. In this case, each of the first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b is a driving electrode to which a touch pressure driving signal is applied and a receiving electrode to which a touch pressure sensing signal is output. The touch pressure driving signal and the touch pressure sensing signal may be divided into time and applied to the respective pressure electrodes 400a and 400b.

4A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a touch input device according to another embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view briefly showing only some components necessary for detecting a touch pressure in a touch input device.

4A, a touch input device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a cover 100, a display module 200, a first pressure electrode 400a, a second pressure electrode 400b, And a substrate (Substrate) 500.

The touch input device shown in FIG. 4A differs from the touch input device shown in FIG. 3A in the positions of the first and second pressure electrodes 400a and 400b. More specifically, the first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b are not disposed together on the substrate 500, and one of the first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b is disposed on the display 500. [ Is disposed on the lower surface of the module (200). In the drawing, the first pressure electrode 400a is disposed on the lower surface of the display module 200.

By this positional relationship, the second pressure electrode 400b is disposed at a predetermined distance below the first pressure electrode 400a. Here, although not shown in the figure, the second pressure electrode 400b may be disposed on the lower surface of the substrate 500. [

Since the first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b are located on different layers, they may be overlapped with each other. For example, the first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b may include a plurality of first axis electrodes 510 and a plurality of second axis electrodes 520, respectively, as shown in FIG. 2c. And may be arranged to intersect with each other. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2A, the first axis electrode 510 and the second axis electrode 520 in the shape of a rhombus may be located on different layers, respectively.

The touch pressure detection method using the pressure electrodes 400a and 400b is a method in which the touch pressure inputted to the cover 100 is applied to the first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b, The mutual electrostatic capacitance change amount between the electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b can be detected by detecting the touch pressure through the sensing signal output from either the first pressure electrode 400a or the second pressure electrode 400b have. At this time, one of the first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b is a driving electrode to which a touch pressure driving signal is applied, and the other is a receiving electrode to which a touch pressure sensing signal is output.

Another touch pressure detection method using the pressure electrodes 400a and 400b is a method in which a reference potential is formed in the display module 200 as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, 200 between the first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b in accordance with a change in distance between the reference potential of the first pressure electrode 400a and at least one of the first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b, The capacitance change amount can be detected through the sensing signal output from any one of the first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b. At this time, one of the first pressure electrode 400a and the second pressure electrode 400b is a driving electrode to which a touch pressure driving signal is applied, and the other is a receiving electrode to which a touch pressure sensing signal is output.

FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a touch input device according to another embodiment of the present invention, and is a sectional view briefly showing only some components necessary for detecting a touch pressure in a touch input device.

4B, a touch input device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a cover 100, a display module 200, a first pressure electrode 400a, a second pressure electrode 400b, And a substrate (Substrate) 500.

The touch input device shown in FIG. 4B differs from the touch input device shown in FIG. 4A in the position of the first pressure electrode 400a. Specifically, the first pressure electrode 400a is disposed inside the display module 200. [

5A, the first pressure electrode 400a is disposed between the first polarizer layer 253 and the first substrate layer 251, between the first substrate layer 251 and the liquid crystal layer 250, , Between the liquid crystal layer 250 and the second substrate layer 252, or between the second substrate layer 252 and the second polarizing layer 254. 5B, the first pressure electrode 400a is disposed between the first substrate layer 261 and the organic layer 260, or between the organic layer 260 and the second substrate layer 262 .

4C is a schematic cross-sectional view of a touch input device according to another embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view briefly showing only some components necessary for detecting a touch pressure in a touch input device.

Referring to FIG. 4C, the touch input device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a cover 100, a display module 200, a second pressure electrode 400b, and a substrate 500 .

The touch input device shown in FIG. 4C does not show a first pressure electrode as compared with the touch input device shown in FIG. 4A. The reason why the first pressure electrode is not shown is that any of the constituent elements constituting the display module 200 serves as the first pressure electrode 400a shown in FIG. 4A. 4A and 4B, the first pressure electrode 400a is provided separately from the components constituting the display module 200, and in FIG. 4C, any one of the components constituting the display module 200 is the first It should be understood that the further function of the pressure electrode is to be performed.

The touch input devices according to various embodiments of the present invention shown in FIGS. 3A to 4C include an electrically floating substrate 500 and at least one pressure electrode 400a or 400b ). It should be noted here that the electrically-driven substrate 500 and the at least one pressure electrode 400a or 400b are not applied to the touch input device shown in Figs. 3A to 4C. The technical idea of the present invention is to detect the touch pressure by using the electrically floating substrate 500 and at least one or more pressure electrodes 400a or 400b so that the touch input other than the touch input device shown in Figs. The substrate 500 and the at least one pressure electrode 400a or 400b may be applied to the apparatus.

6A and 6B are views for explaining the coupling relation between the display module 200 and the substrate 500 shown in FIGS. 3A to 4C.

6A, the edge of the substrate 500a is coupled to the lower surface of the display module 200, and the remaining portion of the substrate 500a except for the edge portion is spaced apart from the display module 200 by a predetermined distance. The pressure electrode 400 is disposed on the upper surface of the substrate 500a. Here, the pressure electrode 400 may be the first and second pressure electrodes 400a and 400b shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, and may be the second pressure electrode 400b shown in FIGS. 4A to 4B .

In order for the substrate 500a to be electrically insulated, the substrate 500a may be non-conductive. For example, the substrate 500a may be made of a resin material such as plastic. Since the substrate 500a is nonconductive, the edge of the substrate 500a can be directly bonded to the bottom of the display module 200. [ Here, a double-sided adhesive tape (DAT) may be used to join the edge of the substrate 500a to the lower surface of the display module 200. [

Using the non-conductive substrate 500a, the electrically isolated substrate 500 shown in Figures 3A-4B can be implemented.

6A, the substrate 500a is made of a non-conductive material in order to electrically insulate the substrate 500a. However, the thickness of the non-conductive substrate 500a, for example, the substrate 500a made of a resin, , The strength is lowered and can be easily damaged by an external force. A method for solving such a problem will be described with reference to Fig. 6B.

Referring to FIG. 6B, the substrate 500b may be a conductor. For example, the substrate 500b may be a metal such as steel, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). To electrically float the substrate 500b of the conductor, And an insulating member 550 is disposed between the display module 200 and the edge portion of the display module 200. Here, the insulating member 550 may be a non-conductive material such as plastic.

The edge of the substrate 500b can be coupled to the insulating member 550 using a double-sided adhesive tape DAT and the insulating member 550 can be bonded to the lower surface of the display module 200 using a double- Can be combined.

6B, the substrate 500b is made of a conductor having electrical conductivity, but is electrically insulated from the display module 200 by the insulating member 500, and electrically connected to other components not shown in the drawing The substrate 500b of the conductor can be electrically floated. Accordingly, by using the substrate 500b and the insulating member 550 of the conductor, the electrically floating substrate 500 in the touch input device shown in Figs. 3A to 4B can be realized.

Thus, implementing the electrically floated substrate 500 shown in FIGS. 3A through 4C using the substrate 500b of the conductor and the insulating member 550 shown in FIG. 6B, There is an advantage in that even if the substrate 500b is constituted, it is not easily damaged by an external force, and there is an advantage that the substrate 500b of a conductive material can be electrically floated by using the insulating member 550. [

FIG. 7 is an overall sectional view of a touch input device including the display module 200 and the substrate 500a shown in FIG. 6A.

Referring to FIG. 7, a display module 200 is disposed under the cover 100, and a substrate 500 is coupled under the display module 200. Since the substrate 500 is made of a resin material, the substrate 500 is electrically floated. The substrate 500 may have a thickness of about 200 [mu] m or more. Although not shown in a separate drawing, the space where the air exists may be filled with a cushion of an elastic material.

The pressure electrode 400 is disposed on the upper surface of the substrate 500. In order to fix the pressure electrode 400 to the substrate 500, a double-sided adhesive tape (DAT) 450 may be used. Here, the pressure electrode 400 may have a thickness of about 75 [mu] m and the double-sided adhesive tape 450 may have a thickness of about 30 [mu] m.

The pressure electrode 400 and the display module 200 are spaced apart from each other and air may be present between the pressure electrode 400 and the display module 200.

The midframe 600 may be coupled to the cover 100 through a glue 650 and a graphite 670 may be disposed on the upper surface of the midframe 600. The graphite 670 serves to dissipate heat.

A back cover 700 is disposed below the midframe 600 and the back cover 700 includes a cover 100, a display module 200, a pressure electrode 400, a substrate 500, 600, and a battery and a main board (800). The back cover 700 is coupled with the cover 100 to form the external shape of the touch input device.

As described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 4C, a reference potential may be formed in the display module 200. FIG.

For reference, it is needless to say that the touch input device as shown in FIG. 7 can also be constituted by the display module 200, the insulating member 550 and the substrate 500b shown in FIG. 6B.

The touch input device shown in Fig. 7 is shown as including graphite 670, but it is not limited thereto, and graphite 670 may be omitted. In this case, the substrate 500 can directly come into contact with the midframe 600.

Although the touch input apparatus shown in Fig. 7 is shown as including the double-sided adhesive tape 450, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the double-sided adhesive tape 450 may be omitted.

8 is a cross-sectional view of another modification of the touch input device shown in Fig.

Compared with the touch input apparatus shown in Fig. 7, the touch input apparatus shown in Fig. 8 is arranged under the substrate 500, not on the substrate 500, with the pressure electrode 400. [ There is no air between the display module 200 and the substrate 500.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, the display module 200 does not have a reference potential for the pressure electrode 400, and the midframe 600 can have the reference potential for the pressure electrode 400. Fig.

When the midframe 600 has a reference potential with respect to the pressure electrode 400, the mutual capacitance due to the change in the distance between the pressure electrode 400 and the midframe 600 due to the touch pressure input to the cover 100 The touch pressure can be detected through the touch pressure sensing signal outputted from the pressure electrode 400. [ This pressure sensing scheme is possible because the substrate 500 comprises a nonconductor or an electrically floated conductor. That is, although the substrate 500 is physically present between the pressure electrode 400 and the display module 200, the mutual capacitance variation due to the distance change between the pressure electrode 400 and the midframe 600, It is considered that the substrate 500 is not electrically present at the time of detecting the capacitance variation.

The touch input device shown in Fig. 8 includes graphite 670, but is not limited thereto. Graphite 670 may be omitted.

The touch input apparatus shown in FIG. 8 includes a double-sided adhesive tape 450, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The double-sided adhesive tape 450 may be omitted.

While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. It will be appreciated that many variations and applications not illustrated are possible. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments can be modified and implemented. It is to be understood that all changes and modifications that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

10: Touch sensor
11: sensing part 12: driving part
13: control unit 100: cover
200: Display module
400a: first pressure electrode 400b: second pressure electrode

Claims (11)

delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete A transparent cover;
A display module disposed under the cover;
A substrate disposed below the display module; And
And a pressure electrode formed on the substrate,
Wherein the substrate comprises: a conductor portion on which the pressure electrode is formed and electrically floated; And an insulating member disposed between the edge of the conductor and the bottom surface of the display module,
And a double-sided adhesive tape connecting the insulating member of the substrate and the lower surface of the display module,
Wherein the insulating member is nonconductive,
Wherein the display module has any one of an additional pressure electrode and a reference potential disposed at a predetermined interval on the pressure electrode,
The pressure electrode outputs a sensing signal,
Wherein the display module is bent together with the cover by a touch pressure input to the cover,
Sensing a change in capacitance value due to a change in distance between the pressure electrode and the one of the pressure electrodes due to bending of the display module from the sensing signal and detecting a magnitude of the touch pressure input to the cover,
Touch input device.

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