KR102015449B1 - Force-touch panel, and fource-touch detection device and display system having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A force-touch panel endowed with a touch-sensing function and a force-sensing function, a force-touch sensing device and a display system having the same are disclosed. The force-touch panel includes: a plurality of drive lines with a plurality of drive electrodes connected in series; A plurality of touch-sensing electrodes are connected in series and disposed under a layer on which the driving electrodes are formed, and output a touch-sensing signal coupled by a capacitance formed between the driving electrode and the touch-sensing electrode. A plurality of touch-sensing lines; And a plurality of force-sensing electrodes are connected in series, disposed under the drive lines to cover each of the drive electrodes, and disposed on the same plane as the touch-sensing lines, such that the drive electrode and the force- A number of force-sensing lines including a plurality of force-sensing lines for outputting a force-sensing signal coupled by a capacitance formed between the sensing electrodes, wherein the number of force-sensing electrodes is enabled to enable multi-force sensing through the force-sensing electrodes; And the number of the driving electrode is the same. Accordingly, by arranging the driving lines close to the surface touched by the user's finger or the like, and arranging the touch-sensing lines and the force-sensing lines away from the surface touched by the user's finger or the like to form a force-touch panel, The touch panel can be given a touch-sensing function and a force-sensing function.

Description

Force-Touch Panel, Force-Touch Sensing Device and Display System Having the Same [FORCE-TOUCH PANEL, AND FOURCE-TOUCH DETECTION DEVICE AND DISPLAY SYSTEM HAVING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to a force-touch panel, a force-touch sensing device and a display system having the same, and more particularly, a force-touch panel to which a touch-sensing function and a force-sensing function are provided, and a force-touch sensing device having the same. And a display system.

In general, the touch screen may constitute a touch surface of a touch input device that includes a touch panel, which may be a transparent panel having a touch-sensitive surface. Such a touch panel may be attached to the front of the display screen such that the touch-sensitive surface may cover the visible side of the display screen.

By simply touching the touch screen with a finger or the like, the user can operate the computing system. In general, a computing system may recognize a touch and a touch location on a touch screen and interpret the touch to perform the calculation accordingly. At this time, there is a need for a touch input device capable of detecting the pressure (or force) magnitude of the touch as well as the touch position according to the touch on the touch screen without degrading the performance of the display module.

In view of this, a touch input device including a display module capable of detecting the size of the touch force as well as the position of the touch on the touch screen has been proposed.

In addition, a touch input device including a display module, which is configured to be able to detect a touch position and a force magnitude of the touch, without lowering the visibility and the light transmittance of the display module, has been proposed.

Korea Patent Registration No. 10-1634315 (2016. 06. 22.) Korean Laid-Open Patent No. 2016-0042236 (2016. 04. 19.)

Therefore, the technical problem of the present invention has been made in view of this point, and an object of the present invention is to provide a force-touch panel provided with a touch-sensing function and a force-sensing function to detect a touch force as well as a touch position on a touch screen. To provide.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a force-touch sensing device having the aforementioned force-touch panel.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a display system having the above-mentioned force-touch panel.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a force touch panel includes: a plurality of drive lines having a plurality of drive electrodes connected in series; A plurality of touch-sensing electrodes are connected in series and disposed under a layer on which the driving electrodes are formed, and output a touch-sensing signal coupled by a capacitance formed between the driving electrode and the touch-sensing electrode. A plurality of touch-sensing lines; And a plurality of force-sensing electrodes are connected in series, disposed under the drive lines to cover each of the drive electrodes, and disposed on the same plane as the touch-sensing lines, such that the drive electrode and the force- A number of force-sensing lines including a plurality of force-sensing lines for outputting a force-sensing signal coupled by a capacitance formed between the sensing electrodes, wherein the number of force-sensing electrodes is enabled to enable multi-force sensing through the force-sensing electrodes; And the number of the driving electrode is the same.

In example embodiments, each of the driving electrodes may have a diamond shape, and each of the driving lines may have a band shape in which diamonds are connected in series.

In example embodiments, each of the touch-sensing electrodes may have a diamond shape, and each of the touch-sensing lines may have a band shape in which diamonds are connected in series.

In one embodiment, each of the force-sensing electrodes may have a diamond shape, and each of the force-sensing lines may have a band shape in which diamond shapes are connected in series.

In one embodiment, the drive line may extend along a first axis, and each of the touch-sensing line and the force-sensing line may extend along a second axis.

In one embodiment, the size of each of the force-sensing electrodes may be smaller than the size of each of the driving electrodes.

In one embodiment, when viewed in plan view, each of the drive electrodes can completely cover each of the force-sensing electrodes.

In one embodiment, when viewed in a plan view, each of the touch-sensing electrodes may be formed to cover an area where the driving electrodes are not formed.

In one embodiment, when viewed on a plane, each of the force-sensing electrodes may be formed in a region where the drive electrodes are formed.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a force-touch sensing device includes a plurality of driving lines in which a plurality of driving electrodes are connected in series, a plurality of touch-sensing electrodes in series, and the driving. A plurality of touch-sensing lines and a plurality of force-sensing electrodes are arranged in series under the layer in which the electrodes are formed, and output a touch-sensing signal formed between the driving electrode and the touch-sensing electrode; A force disposed under the drive lines so as to cover each of the drive electrodes, disposed on the same plane as the touch-sensing lines, and coupled by a capacitance formed between the drive electrode and the force-sensing electrode; A force-touch panel comprising a plurality of force-sensing lines for outputting a sensing signal; A driver providing a driving signal to each of the driving lines; A touch sensing unit configured to receive a touch-sensing signal on each of the touch-sensing lines; A force sensing unit configured to receive a force-sensing signal on each of the force-sensing lines; And controlling operations of the driving unit, the touch sensing unit, and the force sensing unit, calculating whether a touch is made and a touch position based on the touch-sensing signals, and calculating whether a force or a force position is based on the force-sensing signals. It includes a control unit, characterized in that the number of the force-sensing electrode and the number of the drive electrode is the same so that multi-force-sensing through the force-sensing electrodes.

In one embodiment, the driver, the touch sensing unit, the force sensing unit and the control unit may be implemented in a single chip.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a display system includes a display panel; And a force-touch panel disposed on the display panel, wherein the force-touch panel comprises: a plurality of drive lines having a plurality of drive electrodes connected in series; A plurality of touch-sensing electrodes are connected in series and disposed under a layer on which the driving electrodes are formed, and output a touch-sensing signal coupled by a capacitance formed between the driving electrode and the touch-sensing electrode. A plurality of touch-sensing lines; And a plurality of force-sensing electrodes are connected in series, disposed under the drive lines to cover each of the drive electrodes, and disposed on the same plane as the touch-sensing lines, such that the drive electrode and the force- A number of force-sensing lines including a plurality of force-sensing lines for outputting a force-sensing signal coupled by a capacitance formed between the sensing electrodes, wherein the number of force-sensing electrodes is enabled to enable multi-force sensing through the force-sensing electrodes; And the number of the driving electrode is the same.

In example embodiments, the force-touch panel may further include a first insulating layer formed under the driving lines. The touch-sensing lines may be disposed under the first insulating layer.

In example embodiments, the force-touch panel may further include a first insulating layer formed under the driving lines. The force-sensing lines and the touch-sensing lines may be formed on the same surface of the first insulating layer.

In example embodiments, the force-touch panel may further include a first insulating layer formed under the driving lines. The force-sensing lines may be formed on one surface of the first insulating layer, and the touch-sensing lines may be formed on the other surface of the first insulating layer.

In one embodiment, the force-touch panel, the first insulating layer formed under the drive lines; And a second insulating layer formed under the first insulating layer. The force-sensing lines may be formed on one surface of the first insulating layer, and the touch-sensing lines may be formed on one surface of the second insulating layer.

According to such a force-touch panel, a force-touch sensing device and a display system having the same, touch-sensing lines are arranged so that the driving lines are disposed close to a surface touched by a user's finger or the like, and far from a surface touched by the user's finger or the like. By arranging the force-sensing lines to form the force-touch panel, it is possible to give the force-touch panel a touch-sensing function and a force-sensing function. Accordingly, the touch force as well as the touch position on the touch screen can be detected.

1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a touch detection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically illustrating the force-touch panel illustrated in FIG. 1.
3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the force-touch panel of FIG. 2.
4 shows a capacitive flux line in the absence of a touch in a force-touch panel according to the invention.
Figure 5 shows a capacitive flux line when a force-free touch is made by a finger in a force-touch panel according to the present invention.
FIG. 6A is a graph schematically illustrating capacitance values of a touch-sensing electrode by touch and soft touch in the force-touch panel of FIG. 5.
FIG. 6B is a graph for schematically describing capacitance values of a force-sensing electrode by touch and soft touch in the force-touch panel of FIG. 5.
Figure 7 shows a capacitive flux line when a forced touch is made by a finger in a force-touch panel according to the present invention.
FIG. 8A is a graph schematically illustrating capacitance values of the touch-sensing electrode by the touch and the touch made in the force-touch panel of FIG. 7.
FIG. 8B is a graph for schematically describing capacitance values of the force-sensing electrode by untouch and force touch in the force-touch panel of FIG. 7.
Figure 9 shows a capacitive flux line when force is produced by a non-conductive material in a force-touch panel according to the present invention.
FIG. 10A is a graph for schematically describing capacitance values of touch-sensing electrodes by touch and touch made in the force-touch panel of FIG. 9.
FIG. 10B is a graph for schematically describing capacitance values of the force-sensing electrode by untouching and touching in the force-touch panel of FIG. 9.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be described in detail the present invention. As the inventive concept allows for various changes and numerous embodiments, particular embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific disclosed form, it should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In describing the drawings, similar reference numerals are used for similar elements. In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of the structures are shown in an enlarged scale than actual for clarity of the invention.

Terms such as first and second may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component may also be referred to as the first component. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In this application, the terms "comprise" or "have" are intended to indicate that there is a feature, number, step, action, component, part, or combination thereof described on the specification, and one or more other features. It is to be understood that the present invention does not exclude the possibility of the presence or the addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

Also, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Terms such as those defined in the commonly used dictionaries should be construed as having meanings consistent with the meanings in the context of the related art and shall not be construed in ideal or excessively formal meanings unless expressly defined in this application. Do not.

1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a touch detection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a touch detection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a force touch panel 100, a driver 110, a touch sensing unit 120, a force sensing unit 130, and a controller 140. Include.

The force-touch panel 100 includes a plurality of driving lines TXL1 to TXLn, a plurality of touch-sensing lines TRL1 to TRLm, and a plurality of force-sensing lines FRL1 to FRLm.

In FIG. 1, although the driving lines TXL1 to TXLn and the touch-sensing lines TRL1 to TRLm are shown to constitute an orthogonal array (ie, a matrix shape), the present invention is not limited thereto. The lines TXL1 to TXLn and the touch-sensing lines TRL1 to TRLm may have any number of dimensions and application arrangements thereof, including diagonal, concentric circles, and three-dimensional random arrangements. Here, n and m are positive integers and may have the same or different values, and may vary in size according to embodiments.

Also, in FIG. 1, although the driving lines TXL1 to TXLn and the force-sensing lines FRL1 to FRLm constitute an orthogonal array with each other, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the driving lines TXL1 are not limited thereto. ˜TXLn) and force-sensing lines FRL1 to FRLm may have any number of dimensions and application arrangements thereof, including diagonal, concentric and three-dimensional random arrangements and the like. Here, n and m are positive integers and may have the same or different values, and may vary in size according to embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 1, the driving lines TXL1 to TXLn and the touch-sensing lines TRL1 to TRLm may be arranged to cross each other. Each of the driving lines TXL1 to TXLn includes a plurality of driving electrodes extending in a first axis direction, and each of the touch-sensing lines TRL1 to TRLm extends in a second axis direction crossing the first axis direction. A plurality of touch-sensing electrodes.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the driving lines TXL1 to TXLn and the force-sensing lines FRL1 to FRLm may be arranged to cross each other. Each of the force-sensing lines FRL1 to FRLm may include a plurality of force-sensing electrodes extending in a second axial direction crossing the first axial direction.

In the force-touch panel 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the force-sensing lines FRL1 to FRLm and the touch-sensing lines TRL1 to TRLm may be formed on the same layer. For example, the force-sensing lines FRL1 to FRLm and the touch-sensing lines TRL1 to TRLm may be formed on the same surface of an insulating layer (not shown). In addition, the force-sensing lines FRL1 to FRLm and the touch-sensing lines TRL1 to TRLm may be formed on different layers. For example, the force-sensing lines FRL1 to FRLm and the touch-sensing lines TRL1 to TRLm may be formed on both surfaces of one insulation layer (not shown), or the force-sensing lines FRL1 to FRL1 to FRLm. FRLm may be formed on one surface of a first insulating layer (not shown), and touch-sensing lines TRL1 to TRLm may be formed on one surface of a second insulating layer (not shown) different from the first insulating layer.

The driving lines TXL1 to TXLn, the touch-sensing lines TRL1 to TRLm, and the force-sensing lines FRL1 to FRLm are transparent conductive materials (eg, tin oxide (SnO 2) and indium oxide (In 2 O 3), and the like. It may be formed of ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) or ATO (Antimony Tin Oxide). However, this is merely an example and the driving line TXL, the touch-sensing line TRL and the force-sensing lines FRL1 to FRLm may be formed of another transparent conductive material or an opaque conductive material. For example, the driving line TXL, the touch-sensing line TRL, and the force-sensing lines FRL1 to FRLm may include at least one of silver ink, copper, or carbon nanotube (CNT). It may include any one. In addition, the driving line TXL, the touch-sensing line TRL, and the force-sensing lines FRL1 to FRLm may be implemented with a metal mesh or made of a silver nano material.

The driving unit 110 applies a driving signal to the driving lines TXL1 to TXLn to operate the force-touch panel 100. In the present embodiment, the driving signal may be sequentially applied to one driving line from the first driving line TX1 to the nth driving line TXn at a time. The application of the driving signal may be repeated again. This is merely an example, and a driving signal may be simultaneously applied to a plurality of driving lines according to an embodiment.

The touch sensing unit 120 detects a touch and a touch position by receiving a touch-sensing signal including information on an amount of capacitance change that changes according to a touch on the touch surface of the force-touch panel 100. The touch sensing unit 120 may generate capacitance between the driving lines TXL1 to TXLn to which the driving signal is applied and the touch-sensing lines TRL1 to TRLm through the touch-sensing lines TRL1 to TRLm. By receiving a touch-sensing signal including information regarding CT), whether or not the touch is detected and the touch position may be detected. For example, the touch-sensing signal may be a signal in which a driving signal applied to the driving line TXL is coupled by the capacitance CT generated between the driving line TXL and the touch-sensing line TRL. As described above, the process of detecting the driving signal applied from the first driving line TXL1 to the nth driving line TXLn through the touch-sensing lines TRL1 to TRLm may be performed by scanning the force-touch panel 100 ( scan).

The touch sensing unit 120 may include a receiver (not shown) connected to each of the touch-sensing lines TRL1 to TRLm through a switch. The switch is turned on in a time interval for detecting the signal of the corresponding touch-sensing line TRL so that the touch-sensing signal from the touch-sensing line TRL can be detected at the receiver.

The receiver may include an amplifier (not shown) and a feedback capacitor coupled between the negative input terminal of the amplifier and the output terminal of the amplifier, i.e., in the feedback path. In this case, the positive input terminal of the amplifier may be connected to ground. In addition, the receiver may further include a reset switch connected in parallel with the feedback capacitor.

The reset switch may reset the conversion from current to voltage performed by the receiver. The sub-input terminal of the amplifier may be connected to the corresponding touch-sensing line TRL to receive a current signal including information about the capacitance CT, and then integrate and convert the current signal into a voltage.

The touch sensing unit 120 may further include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) (not shown) for converting data integrated through the receiver into digital data. Later, the digital data may be input to a processor (not shown) and processed to obtain touch information for the force-touch panel 100. In addition to the receiver, the touch sensing unit 120 may include an ADC and a processor.

The force sensing unit 130 detects a force and a force position by receiving a force-sensing signal including information on an amount of change in capacitance changed according to the force on the touch surface of the force-touch panel 100. The force sensing unit 130 may generate capacitance between the driving lines TXL1 to TXLn to which the driving signal is applied and the force sensing lines FRL1 to FRLm through the force-sensing lines FRL1 to FRLm. Force presence and force position can be detected by receiving a force-sensing signal comprising information about CF). For example, the force-sensing signal may be a signal in which a driving signal applied to the driving line TXL is coupled by the capacitance CF generated between the driving line TXL and the force-sensing line FRL. As described above, the process of detecting the driving signal applied from the first driving line TXL1 to the n-th driving line TXLn through the force-sensing lines FRL1 to FRLm may scan the force-touch panel 100. scan).

The controller 140 may perform a function of controlling operations of the driving unit 110, the touch sensing unit 120, and the force sensing unit 130. For example, the controller 140 may generate a driving control signal and transmit the driving control signal to the driving unit 200 so that the driving signal is applied to the predetermined driving line TXL at a predetermined time. In addition, the controller 140 generates a sensing control signal and transmits the generated sensing control signal to the touch sensing unit 120 so that the touch sensing unit 120 receives the touch-sensing signal from the touch-sensing line TRL preset at a predetermined time. Can perform a preset function.

In FIG. 1, the driving unit 110 and the touch sensing unit 120 may configure a touch detection device (not shown) capable of detecting whether or not the touch is applied to the force-touch panel 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Can be. The touch detection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include a controller 140. The touch detection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention may be integrated and implemented on a touch sensing integrated circuit (IC), which is a touch sensing circuit, in the touch input device including the force-touch panel 100. The drive line TXL, touch-sensing line TRL, and force-sensing line FRL included in the force-touch panel 100 are, for example, conductive traces and / or conductive patterns printed on a circuit board. It may be connected to the driver 110 and the touch sensing unit 120 included in the touch sensing IC (not shown). The touch sensing IC may be located on a circuit board on which a conductive pattern is printed. According to an embodiment, the touch sensing IC may be mounted on a main board for operating the touch input device.

As described above, a capacitance C having a predetermined value is generated at each intersection of the driving line TXL, the touch-sensing line TRL, and the force-sensing lines FRL, and an object such as a finger The value of the capacitance may change when approaching the touch panel 100. In FIG. 1, the capacitance may represent mutual capacitance (Cm). The electrical characteristics may be sensed by the touch sensing unit 120 to detect whether the force-touch panel 100 is touched and / or the touch position. For example, it is possible to detect whether a touch is made on the surface of the force-touch panel 100 formed of a two-dimensional plane having a first axis and a second axis, and / or a location thereof. More specifically, the position of the touch in the second axial direction may be detected by detecting the driving line TXL to which the driving signal is applied when the touch on the force-touch panel 100 occurs. Similarly, by detecting the change in capacitance from the received signal received through the touch-sensing line TRL when touching the force-touch panel 100, the position in the first axial direction of the touch may be detected.

In the above description, a mutual capacitive force touch panel as the force touch panel 100 has been described in detail, but a force touch panel for detecting whether a touch and a touch position is detected in a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 100) is self-capacitance, surface capacitive, projected capacitive, resistive, surface acoustic wave (SAW), infrared (infrared), optical imaging in addition to the above-described method It may be implemented using any touch sensing scheme, such as optical imaging, distributed signal technology and acoustic pulse recognition.

The force-touch panel 100 for detecting a touch position in the touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention may be disposed on a display module (not shown). The display module may be a display panel included in a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), or the like. Accordingly, the user may perform an input operation by performing a touch on the touch surface while visually confirming the screen displayed on the display panel. In this case, the display module receives an input from a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP), which is a central processing unit on the main board for operating the touch input device 100, and displays desired contents on the display panel. It may include a control circuit to make.

FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically illustrating the force-touch panel 100 shown in FIG. 1. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the force-touch panel 100 of FIG. 2.

2 and 3, the force-touch panel 100 is disposed under a plurality of driving lines TXL, an insulating layer ISL disposed below the driving lines TXL, and an insulating layer ISL. A plurality of touch-sensing lines TRL and a plurality of force-sensing lines FRL disposed below the insulating layer ISL adjacent to the touch-sensing lines TRL. In the present embodiment, the driving lines TXL are close to the surface touched by the user's finger or the like, and the touch-sensing lines TRL and the force-sensing lines FRL are far from the user's finger or the like. Accordingly, the touch-sensing lines TRL and the force-sensing lines FRL are disposed close to the display module, and the driving lines TXL are disposed far from the display module.

Each of the driving lines TXL includes a plurality of driving electrodes TX1, TX2, TX3, and TX4 connected in series and is formed on the insulating layer ISL. In this embodiment, each of the drive lines TXL extends along the first axis and is formed along the second axis. Each of the driving electrodes TX1, TX2, TX3, and TX4 has a diamond shape, and each of the driving lines TXL has a band shape in which diamond shapes are connected in series. In the present embodiment, each of the driving electrodes TX1, TX2, TX3, and TX4 has a diamond shape, but each of the driving electrodes TX1, TX2, TX3, and TX4 has a circular shape, a triangular shape, a pentagonal shape, and the like. It may have various shapes.

The insulating layer ISL is formed under the driving lines TXL. In the present embodiment, the driving lines TXL are formed on the insulating layer ISL, and the touch-sensing lines TRL and the force-sensing lines FRL are formed below the insulating layer ISL. .

Each of the touch-sensing lines TRL includes a plurality of touch-sensing electrodes TRX connected in series and a touch-connecting member TRC connecting the touch-sensing electrodes TRX adjacent to each other. Each of the touch-sensing lines TRL is disposed under the insulating layer ISL to cover each of the driving electrodes TE1, TE2, TX3, and TX4.

In this embodiment, each of the touch-sensing lines TRL is formed along a second axis. Each of the touch-sensing electrodes TRX has a diamond shape, and each of the touch-sensing lines TRL has a band shape in which diamond shapes are connected in series. In the present exemplary embodiment, each of the touch-sensing electrodes TRX has a diamond shape, but each of the touch-sensing electrodes TRX may have various shapes such as a circular shape, a triangular shape, a pentagonal shape, and the like.

Each of the force-sensing lines FRL includes a plurality of force-sensing electrodes FRX connected in series and a force-connecting member FRC connecting the force-sensing electrodes FRX adjacent to each other. Each of the subscription-sensing lines is disposed on the same plane as the touch-sensing lines TRL. That is, each of the subscription-sensing lines and each of the touch-sensing lines TRL may be formed in the same layer. In addition, each of the subscription-sensing lines and each of the touch-sensing lines TRL may be formed of the same material.

In this embodiment, each of the force-sensing lines FRL extends along a second axis and is formed along the first axis. Each of the force-sensing electrodes FRX has a diamond shape, and each of the force-sensing lines FRL has a band shape in which diamond shapes are connected in series. The size of each of the force-sensing electrodes FRX is smaller than the size of each of the driving electrodes TX1, TE2, TX3, TX4. In the present exemplary embodiment, each of the force-sensing electrodes FRX has a diamond shape, but each of the force-sensing electrodes FRX may have various shapes such as a circular shape, a triangular shape, a pentagonal shape, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 3, when viewed in a plane, each of the driving electrodes TX1, TE2, TX3, TX4 may completely cover each of the force-sensing electrodes FRX. In particular, each of the force-sensing electrodes FRX is disposed to be orthogonal to a portion of each of the driving electrodes TX1, TE2, TX3, TX4. Accordingly, each of the force-sensing electrodes FRX may define a first electrode of the capacitor, and a portion of the driving electrodes TX1, TE2, TX3, and TX4 that are orthogonal to the force-sensing electrodes FRX. May define a second electrode of the capacitor.

In addition, when viewed in a plan view, each of the touch-sensing electrodes TRX may be formed to cover an area where the driving electrodes TX1, TE2, TX3, and TX4 are not formed.

In addition, when viewed on a plane, each of the force-sensing electrodes FRX may be formed in a region in which the driving electrodes TX1, TE2, TX3, and TX4 are formed.

4 shows a capacitive flux line in the absence of a touch in a force-touch panel 100 according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, when the driving electrode TX is driven, a flux line that is horizontally symmetrical in a fractional shape is formed between the driving electrode TX and the touch-sensing electrode TRX. In this case, the formed flux line is referred to as touch-flux.

On the other hand, when the driving electrode TX is driven, a strong flux line is formed between the driving electrode TX and the force-sensing electrode FRX. In this case, the formed flux line is called force-flux.

5 shows a capacitive flux line when a force-free touch is made by a finger in the force-touch panel 100 according to the present invention. FIG. 6A is a graph schematically illustrating capacitance values of the touch-sensing electrode TRX by touch and soft touch in the force-touch panel 100 of FIG. 5. FIG. 6B is a graph for schematically describing a capacitance value of the force-sensing electrode FRX by touch and soft touch in the force-touch panel 100 of FIG. 5.

5 to 6B, when a soft touch is generated by a conductor such as a finger with little pressing pressure, the touch-flux line is absorbed by the conductor and flows into the touch-sensing electrode TRX. The amount is reduced. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6A, the capacitance value of the touch-sensing electrode TRX is reduced to recognize the touch.

On the other hand, since the force-flux has no pressure, there is no change in the gap between the driving electrode TX and the force-sensing electrode FRX. Thus, as shown in FIG. 6B, the capacitance value of the force-sensing electrode FRX does not change, and the force is also not recognized.

7 shows a capacitive flux line when a forced touch is made by a finger in a force-touch panel 100 according to the present invention. FIG. 8A is a graph for schematically describing capacitance values of the touch-sensing electrode TRX by the touch and the touch made in the force-touch panel 100 of FIG. 7. FIG. 8B is a graph for schematically describing capacitance values of the force-sensing electrode FRX due to untouch and force touch in the force-touch panel 100 of FIG. 7.

7 to 8B, when pressure is additionally applied as compared to the soft touch described with reference to FIG. 5, the density of the flux line flowing into the touch-sensing electrode TRX is increased because the touch-flux line is absorbed by the finger more. And the number decreases. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8A, the capacitance value of the touch-sensing electrode TRX decreases even more so that the touch feels stronger.

On the other hand, due to the additional pressure applied to the cover glass, the OCA film under the cover glass and the like bend downwards, thereby driving between the drive electrode (TX), ITO, OCA film and force-sensing electrode (FRX) The thickness is reduced. Therefore, the force-flux has a strong flux line due to the narrowed distance between the two electrodes, which increases the capacitance value of the force-sensing electrode FRX as shown in FIG. 8B.

In other words, the capacitance d increases because the distance d decreases in the formula C =? A / d (where A is the area of overlapping electrodes and d is the gap between overlapping electrodes).

9 shows a capacitive flux line when force is generated by a non-conductive material in the force-touch panel 100 according to the present invention. FIG. 10A is a graph for schematically describing capacitance values of the touch-sensing electrode TRX by the touch and the touch made in the force-touch panel 100 of FIG. 9. FIG. 10B is a graph for schematically describing capacitance values of the force-sensing electrode FRX by the touch and the touch made in the force-touch panel 100 of FIG. 9.

9 to 10B, when pressure is applied to an insulating material or a non-conductive material, the touch-flux passes through the non-conductive material and flows directly into the touch-sensing electrode TRX. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 10A, the capacitance reference value (that is, the reference value of the mutual capacitance) of the touch-sensing electrode TRX due to the touch of the insulating material or the non-conductive material is almost unchanged.

Meanwhile, the thickness between the driving electrode TX, the ITO, the OCA film, and the force-sensing electrode FRX is reduced due to the pressure of the insulating material or the nonconductive material. Therefore, the force-flux is formed with a strong flux line due to the narrowed distance between the two electrodes, thereby increasing the capacitance value of the force-sensing electrode FRX as shown in FIG. 10B.

As described above, according to the present invention, the driving lines are arranged close to the surface touched by the user's finger or non-conductive medium and the like, and the touch-sensing lines and force-sensing are far from the surface touched by the user's finger or the like. Lines are arranged to form a force-touch panel. Accordingly, the touch-sensing function and the force-sensing function may be provided to the force-touch panel to detect the touch force as well as the touch position on the touch screen.

Although described above with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art can be variously modified and changed within the scope of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention described in the claims below. I can understand.

100: force touch panel 110: drive unit
120: touch sensing unit 130: force sensing unit
140: control unit TXL1 ~ TXLn: drive lines
TRL1 ~ TRLm: Touch-sensing lines FRL1 ~ FRLm: Force-sensing lines
ISL: insulation layer TX1, TX2, TX3, TX4: drive electrodes
TRB: touch-sensing electrodes TRC: touch-connecting member
FRB: Force-sensing electrodes FRC: Force-connecting member

Claims (16)

A plurality of drive lines with a plurality of drive electrodes connected in series;
A plurality of touch-sensing electrodes are connected in series and disposed under a layer on which the driving electrodes are formed, and output a touch-sensing signal coupled by a capacitance formed between the driving electrode and the touch-sensing electrode. A plurality of touch-sensing lines; And
A plurality of force-sensing electrodes are connected in series, disposed under the drive lines to cover each of the drive electrodes, and disposed on the same plane as the touch-sensing lines, so that the drive electrode and the force-sensing A plurality of force-sensing lines for outputting a force-sensing signal coupled by a capacitance formed between the electrodes,
And the number of the force-sensing electrodes and the number of the driving electrodes are the same so that multi-force-sensing is possible through the force-sensing electrodes. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the driving electrodes has a diamond shape,
And each of the drive lines has a band shape in which diamond shapes are connected in series. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the touch-sensing electrodes has a diamond shape,
And each of the touch-sensing lines has a band shape in which diamond shapes are connected in series. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the force-sensing electrodes has a diamond shape,
And each of the force-sensing lines has a band shape in which diamond shapes are connected in series. The force-touch panel of claim 1, wherein the drive line extends along a first axis, and wherein the touch-sensing line and the force-sensing line each extend along a second axis. The force-touch panel of claim 1, wherein a size of each of the force-sensing electrodes is smaller than a size of each of the driving electrodes. The force-touch panel of claim 1, wherein when viewed in plan view, each of the drive electrodes completely covers each of the force-sensing electrodes. The force-touch panel of claim 1, wherein when viewed in a plan view, each of the touch-sensing electrodes is formed to cover an area where the drive electrodes are not formed. The force-touch panel of claim 1, wherein when viewed in plan view, each of the force-sensing electrodes is formed in an area in which the drive electrodes are formed. A plurality of drive lines connected in series with a plurality of drive electrodes, a plurality of touch-sensing electrodes connected in series, and disposed under a layer on which the drive electrodes are formed, and formed between the drive electrode and the touch-sensing electrode A plurality of touch-sensing lines and a plurality of force-sensing electrodes for outputting a touch-sensing signal are connected in series, disposed under the drive lines so as to cover each of the drive electrodes, and the touch-sensing lines. A force-touch panel disposed on the same plane and including a plurality of force-sensing lines for outputting a force-sensing signal coupled by a capacitance formed between the drive electrode and the force-sensing electrode;
A driver providing a driving signal to each of the driving lines;
A touch sensing unit configured to receive a touch-sensing signal on each of the touch-sensing lines;
A force sensing unit configured to receive a force-sensing signal on each of the force-sensing lines; And
Controlling operations of the driving unit, the touch sensing unit, and the force sensing unit, calculating whether a touch is made and a touch position based on the touch-sensing signals, and calculating a force or force position based on the force-sensing signals. Including a control unit,
And the number of the force-sensing electrodes and the number of the driving electrodes are the same to enable multi-force-sensing through the force-sensing electrodes. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the driving unit, the touch sensing unit, the force sensing unit, and the control unit are implemented in a single chip. Display panel; And
A force-touch panel disposed on the display panel, wherein the force-touch panel includes:
A plurality of drive lines with a plurality of drive electrodes connected in series;
A plurality of touch-sensing electrodes are connected in series and disposed under a layer on which the driving electrodes are formed, and output a touch-sensing signal coupled by a capacitance formed between the driving electrode and the touch-sensing electrode. A plurality of touch-sensing lines; And
A plurality of force-sensing electrodes are connected in series, disposed under the drive lines to cover each of the drive electrodes, and disposed on the same plane as the touch-sensing lines, so that the drive electrode and the force-sensing A plurality of force-sensing lines for outputting a force-sensing signal coupled by a capacitance formed between the electrodes,
And the number of the force-sensing electrodes and the number of the driving electrodes are the same to enable multi-force-sensing through the force-sensing electrodes. The method of claim 12, wherein the force-touch panel,
Further comprising a first insulating layer formed under the drive lines,
And the touch-sensing lines are disposed under the first insulating layer. The method of claim 12, wherein the force-touch panel,
Further comprising a first insulating layer formed under the drive lines,
And the force-sensing lines and the touch-sensing lines are formed on the same side of the first insulating layer. The method of claim 12, wherein the force-touch panel,
Further comprising a first insulating layer formed under the drive lines,
The force-sensing lines are formed on one surface of the first insulating layer, and the touch-sensing lines are formed on the other surface of the first insulating layer. The method of claim 12, wherein the force-touch panel,
A first insulating layer formed under the driving lines; And
Further comprising a second insulating layer formed under the first insulating layer,
The force-sensing lines are formed on one surface of the first insulating layer, and the touch-sensing lines are formed on one surface of the second insulating layer.

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