KR102521062B1 - Touch sensor and display device having the touch sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

A touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first electrode including at least one first opening; a second electrode including an electrode part positioned inside the first opening and spaced apart from the first electrode; and a sensing channel having a first input terminal connected to the first electrode and a second input terminal connected to the second electrode, and generating an output signal corresponding to a voltage difference between the first and second input terminals. do.

Description

Touch sensor and display device having the same {TOUCH SENSOR AND DISPLAY DEVICE HAVING THE TOUCH SENSOR}

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a touch sensor and a display device having the same.

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

A technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a highly sensitive touch sensor and a display device having the same.

A touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first electrode including at least one first opening; a second electrode including an electrode part positioned inside the first opening and spaced apart from the first electrode; and a sensing channel having a first input terminal connected to the first electrode and a second input terminal connected to the second electrode, and generating an output signal corresponding to a voltage difference between the first and second input terminals. do.

According to an embodiment, the first electrode may include a plurality of first electrode cells arranged along a first direction; and at least one first connection portion connecting the first electrode cells along the first direction.

In some embodiments, each of the first electrode cells may include the first opening, and the second electrode may include a plurality of electrode parts disposed inside the first opening of each of the first electrode cells; and at least one connection line connecting the electrode parts along the first direction.

Depending on the embodiment, each of the first openings may overlap at least one region of one of the electrode parts and a connection line connected to the one of the electrode parts.

Depending on the embodiment, the first electrode cells and the electrode parts may be provided on different layers with at least one insulating film interposed therebetween.

According to an embodiment, the touch sensor may include a plurality of electrode cells provided to overlap the electrode parts in the first opening of each of the first electrode cells and spaced apart from the first electrode cells on the same layer as the first electrode cells. Dummy patterns may be further included.

Depending on the embodiment, each of the first electrode cells may include a plurality of thin lines crossing the first opening so as to overlap a region of the electrode part provided inside the first opening.

Depending on the embodiment, the first electrode cells and the electrode parts may be provided to be spaced apart from each other on the same layer.

Depending on the embodiment, the connection line may be provided on a layer different from that of the first electrode cells with an insulating film interposed therebetween in a region overlapping the first electrode cells.

Depending on the embodiment, another area of the connection line may be provided in a first opening disposed in any one of the first electrode cells among the first electrode cells, and may be integrally connected to an electrode unit disposed in the first opening. there is.

According to an embodiment, each of the first electrode cells includes a plurality of thin lines crossing the first opening, and each of the electrode parts is provided to be spaced apart from each other in an area between the thin lines, and the first electrode cells and a plurality of sub-electrode parts provided on the same layer; and a plurality of sub-electrode lines disposed on a layer separated from the sub-electrode parts with an insulating film interposed therebetween and electrically connecting the sub-electrode parts to each other.

Depending on the embodiment, one first electrode cell disposed at one end of the first electrode cells or two first electrode cells disposed at different ends among the first electrode cells each includes the first opening. And, the second electrode may be disposed inside the first opening provided in the one first electrode cell or inside the first opening provided in each of the two first electrode cells.

According to an embodiment, the touch sensor may include a third electrode spaced apart from the first and second electrodes; and a driving circuit supplying a driving signal to the third electrode.

Depending on the embodiment, the touch sensor may further include at least one dummy pattern overlapping the third electrode and spaced apart from the third electrode with an insulating film interposed therebetween.

In some embodiments, the dummy pattern may be provided on the same layer as the electrode part and spaced apart from the electrode part, and the dummy pattern and the electrode part may have the same shape and size.

Depending on the embodiment, the third electrode may include at least one second opening.

Depending on the embodiment, the touch sensor may further include at least one dummy pattern provided inside the second opening to be spaced apart from the third electrode.

According to an embodiment, the touch sensor may include a plurality of first electrodes including the first electrode; a plurality of second electrodes including the second electrode; a plurality of detection channels including the detection channel; and a processor receiving output signals of the sense channels and detecting a touch input based on the output signals. Further, the first input terminal of each of the sensing channels is connected to a different first electrode among the first electrodes, and the second input terminal of each of the sensing channels is connected to at least one second electrode of the second electrodes. may be connected to an electrode.

Depending on the embodiment, the second electrodes may be electrically connected to each other.

Depending on the embodiment, the touch sensor may further include at least one wire commonly connected to one end of the second electrodes.

Depending on the embodiment, the touch sensor may further include at least one other wire commonly connected to the other ends of the second electrodes.

According to an embodiment, each of the first electrodes may include a plurality of first electrode cells arranged along a first direction and each including the first opening; and at least one first connection portion connecting the first electrode cells along the first direction, wherein each of the second electrodes is a first electrode cell included in any one of the first electrodes. a plurality of electrode parts disposed inside the first opening of the; and at least one connection line connecting the electrode parts along the first direction. The touch sensor may further include at least one cross-connection wire extending along a second direction crossing the first direction and connecting the second electrodes while crossing the second electrodes.

According to an embodiment, each of the first openings overlaps one of the electrode parts, and each of the first openings includes one region of a connection line connected to the one electrode part and one part of the cross connection wire. It can further overlap with regions.

According to an embodiment, the touch sensor further includes an amplification circuit connected between the second electrodes and the second input terminals of the sensing channels, wherein the amplification circuit includes an amplifier commonly connected to the second electrodes. can include

According to an embodiment, the amplifier circuit further includes a plurality of resistors connected in series between the output terminal of the amplifier and the reference power supply, and the sensing channels are among nodes between the output terminal of the amplifier and the reference power supply. They can be connected to different nodes.

According to an embodiment, the amplifier circuit may further include a plurality of variable resistors connected in parallel to the output terminal of the amplifier, and the sensing channels may be connected to different variable resistors among the variable resistors.

According to an embodiment, the amplification circuit may include a plurality of resistance groups connected in parallel with each other to the output terminal of the amplifier; and a first switch unit including a plurality of switches connected between an output terminal of the amplifier and each of the resistance groups.

Depending on the embodiment, each of the resistor groups includes a plurality of resistors connected to different detection channels among the detection channels, and the resistors may be connected in parallel with each other.

Depending on the embodiment, the amplifier circuit may further include a second switch unit including a plurality of switches connected between each of the sensing channels and the resistance groups.

A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a display panel including a display area provided with a plurality of pixels, and a touch sensor including an active area overlapping the display area. The touch sensor may include a plurality of first electrodes provided in the active region and each including at least one first opening; a plurality of second electrodes each including at least one electrode part disposed inside the first opening of any one of the first electrodes and spaced apart from the first electrodes; and a first input terminal connected to any one of the first electrodes and a second input terminal connected to at least one of the second electrodes, and an output corresponding to a voltage difference between the first and second input terminals. a plurality of sensing channels generating signals; and a processor receiving output signals of the sense channels and detecting a touch input based on the output signals.

According to an embodiment, the touch sensor may include third electrodes spaced apart from the first and second electrodes; and a driving circuit sequentially supplying a driving signal to the third electrodes.

Depending on the embodiment, the touch sensor may further include a plurality of dummy patterns overlapping a region of each of the third electrodes and spaced apart from the third electrodes.

Depending on the embodiment, the second electrodes may be electrically connected to each other.

According to an embodiment, the display device further includes an amplification circuit commonly connected between the second electrodes and second input terminals of the sensing channels, and the amplification circuit is commonly connected to the second electrodes. An amplifier may be included.

According to an embodiment, the amplifier circuit may further include a plurality of variable resistors connected in parallel to the output terminal of the amplifier, and the sensing channels may be connected to different variable resistors among the variable resistors.

According to an embodiment, the display panel may include a first substrate; a light emitting element provided on one surface of the first substrate; and a thin film encapsulation layer provided on the light emitting element and covering at least the light emitting element, wherein the first and second electrodes may be provided on the thin film encapsulation layer.

According to the touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention and a display device having the same, a noise signal flowing from a display panel or the like to the sensor unit of the touch sensor can be effectively canceled. Accordingly, malfunction of the touch sensor according to the noise signal may be minimized and sensing sensitivity may be improved.

1 schematically shows a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 shows a sensor unit of a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 shows a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 shows a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 shows an embodiment related to the sensor unit shown in FIG. 4 .
6A and 6B respectively show different modified embodiments of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 5 .
FIG. 7A shows a first layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 5 .
FIG. 7B shows a second layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 5 .
FIG. 8A shows an example of a cross section along the line II' of FIG. 5 .
FIG. 8B shows an example of a cross section taken along line II-II' in FIG. 5 .
8C shows an example of a cross section of one region of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows an embodiment of an arrangement structure of a sensor unit and a display panel overlapping each other.
FIG. 9 shows an embodiment related to the sensor unit shown in FIG. 4 .
FIG. 10A shows a first layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 9 .
FIG. 10B shows a second layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 9 .
FIG. 11 shows an example of a cross section taken along line III-III' in FIG. 9 .
FIG. 12 shows an embodiment related to the sensor unit shown in FIG. 4 .
FIG. 13A shows a first layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 12 .
FIG. 13B shows a second layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 12 .
FIG. 14 shows an example of a cross section taken along line IV-IV' in FIG. 12 .
15 shows an embodiment related to the sensor unit shown in FIG. 4 .
FIG. 16A shows a first layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 15 .
FIG. 16B shows a second layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 15 .
FIG. 17A shows an example of a cross section taken along line V-V' in FIG. 15 .
FIG. 17B shows an example of a cross section taken along line VI-VI' in FIG. 15 .
18 illustrates an embodiment related to the sensor unit shown in FIG. 4 .
FIG. 19A shows a first layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 18 .
FIG. 19B shows a second layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 18 .
FIG. 20 shows an embodiment related to the sensor unit shown in FIG. 4 .
FIG. 21A shows a first layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 20 .
FIG. 21B shows a second layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 20 .
FIG. 22 shows an embodiment related to the sensor unit shown in FIG. 4 .
FIG. 23A shows a first layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 22 .
FIG. 23B shows a second layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 22 .
24 shows a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
25 shows a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
26 shows a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
27 shows a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
28 shows a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
29 shows a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 30 illustrates an embodiment related to the sensor unit shown in FIG. 29 .
31 shows a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 32 illustrates an embodiment related to a method of adjusting a gain value of a noise signal using the touch sensor shown in FIG. 31 .
FIG. 33 shows another embodiment of the amplifier circuit shown in FIG. 31 .
FIG. 34 illustrates an embodiment related to a method of adjusting a gain value of a noise signal using the amplifier circuit shown in FIG. 33 .

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention and other matters necessary for those skilled in the art to easily understand the contents of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments described below are only examples regardless of whether they are expressed or not. That is, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be changed and implemented in various forms. In addition, in the following description, when a part is said to be connected to another part, this includes not only a case where it is directly connected but also a case where another element is interposed therebetween.

Meanwhile, in the drawings, some elements not directly related to the features of the present invention may be omitted to clearly show the present invention. In addition, the size or ratio of some components in the drawings may be slightly exaggerated. For the same or similar components throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals and symbols have been given as much as possible even though they are shown on different drawings.

1 schematically shows a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, Figure 2 shows the sensor unit of the touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor unit 100, a touch driver 200, a display panel 300, and a display driver 400. The sensor unit 100 and the touch driver 200 constitute a touch sensor.

Meanwhile, in the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the sensor unit 100 and the display panel 300 are shown separately, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the sensor unit 100 and the display panel 300 may be integrally manufactured.

Depending on the embodiment, the sensor unit 100 may be provided on at least one area of the display panel 300 . For example, the sensor unit 100 may be provided on at least one surface of the display panel 300 to overlap the display panel 300 . For example, the sensor unit 100 may be disposed on one surface (eg, upper surface) of both sides of the display panel 300 in a direction in which an image is projected. In another embodiment, the sensor unit 100 may be formed directly on at least one of both sides of the display panel 300 or inside the display panel 300 . For example, the sensor unit 100 is directly formed on an outer surface (eg, an upper surface of the upper substrate or a lower surface of the lower substrate) of an upper substrate (or encapsulation layer) or a lower substrate of the display panel 300, or an upper substrate. It may be directly formed on the substrate or the inner surface of the lower substrate (eg, the lower surface of the upper substrate or the upper surface of the lower substrate).

The sensor unit 100 includes an active area 101 capable of detecting a touch input and an inactive area 102 surrounding at least a portion of the active area 101 . According to embodiments, the active area 101 is disposed to correspond to the display area 301 of the display panel 300, and the inactive area 102 is disposed to correspond to the non-display area 302 of the display panel 300. It can be. For example, the active area 101 of the sensor unit 100 overlaps the display area 301 of the display panel 300, and the inactive area 102 of the sensor unit 100 is the non-display area of the display panel 300. (302) may overlap.

According to embodiments, at least one electrode for detecting a touch input, for example, a plurality of sensing electrodes 120 and driving electrodes 130 may be provided in the active region 101 . That is, the sensing electrodes 120 and the driving electrodes 130 may be provided on the display area 301 of the display panel 300 . In this case, the sensing electrodes 120 and the driving electrodes 130 may overlap at least one electrode provided on the display panel 300 . For example, when the display panel 300 is an organic light emitting display panel or a liquid crystal display panel, the sensing electrodes 120 and the driving electrodes 130 may overlap at least a cathode electrode or a common electrode.

More specifically, the sensor unit 100 may include a plurality of sensing electrodes 120 and driving electrodes 130 provided to cross each other in the active region 101 . For example, the active region 101 includes a plurality of sensing electrodes 120 extending along a first direction (eg, X direction) and a second direction (eg, Y direction) to cross the sensing electrodes 120 . A plurality of driving electrodes 130 extending along ) may be provided. Depending on the embodiment, the sensing electrodes 120 and the driving electrodes 130 may be insulated by at least one insulating layer (not shown).

A capacitance Cse is formed between the sensing electrodes 120 and the driving electrodes 130, particularly at an intersection thereof. This capacitance Cse is changed when a touch input occurs at or around the corresponding point. Accordingly, a touch input may be sensed by detecting a change in capacitance Cse.

The shape, size, and/or arrangement direction of the sensing electrodes 120 and the driving electrodes 130 are not particularly limited. As a non-limiting example in this regard, the sensing electrodes 120 and the driving electrodes 130 may be configured as shown in FIG. 2 . In FIGS. 1 and 2, the mutual capacitance touch sensor is disclosed as a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention, but the touch sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention is necessarily limited to the mutual capacitance touch sensor. It doesn't work.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the sensor unit 100 includes a base substrate 110 including an active area 101 and an inactive area 102, and a plurality of sensing provided on the active area 101 on the base substrate 110. It includes electrodes 120 and driving electrodes 130 , a plurality of wires 140 provided in the inactive region 102 on the base substrate 110 , and a pad part 150 . Meanwhile, in another embodiment of the present invention, when the touch sensor is a self-capacitance type touch sensor, a plurality of sensor electrodes receiving a driving signal for one period of the touch driving period and outputting a detection signal for another period are provided. may be distributed in the active area 101 .

The base substrate 110 is a substrate for the sensor unit 100 and may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate. For example, the base substrate 110 may be a rigid substrate made of glass or tempered glass, or a flexible substrate made of a thin film of a flexible plastic material. Meanwhile, depending on embodiments, the base substrate 110 may be one of the substrates constituting the display panel 300 . For example, in an embodiment in which the sensor unit 100 and the display panel 300 are integrally implemented, the base substrate 110 may include at least one substrate (eg, an upper substrate) or a thin film encapsulation layer constituting the display panel 300. (Thin Film Encapsulation: TFE).

The sensing electrodes 120 may extend along a first direction, for example, an X direction. Depending on the embodiment, each of the sensing electrodes 120 disposed in each row may include a plurality of first electrode cells 122 arranged along the first direction and the first electrode cells 122 in each row in the first direction. It may include at least one first connection part 124 connected along the. In describing the embodiments of the present invention, "connection" may comprehensively mean "connection" in terms of physical and/or electrical aspects. Depending on the embodiment, when each of the sensing electrodes 120 includes three or more first electrode cells 122, each of the sensing electrodes 120 may include a plurality of first connectors 124. there is. Depending on the embodiment, the first connection parts 124 may be formed integrally with the first electrode cells 122 or may be formed in a bridge-shaped connection pattern.

Meanwhile, although FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment in which the first connectors 124 are disposed in the first direction, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment, the first connection parts 124 may be disposed in an oblique direction inclined with respect to the first direction. In addition, although FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment in which the first connectors 124 have a straight (or bar) shape, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment, at least one area of the first connection parts 124 may have a curved or bent shape. In addition, although FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment in which two adjacent first electrode cells 122 are connected to each other through one first connection portion 124 disposed therebetween, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment, two adjacent first electrode cells 122 may be connected to each other through a plurality of first connection parts 124 disposed therebetween.

Depending on the embodiment, the first electrode cells 122 and/or the first connectors 124 may have conductivity by including at least one of a metal material, a transparent conductive material, and various other conductive materials. For example, the first electrode cells 122 and/or the first connectors 124 may include gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti) ), at least one of various metal materials including nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), platinum (Pt), or the like, or an alloy thereof. In addition, the first electrode cells 122 and/or the first connectors 124 may include silver nanowires (AgNW), indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), antimony zinc oxide (AZO), ITZO ( It may include at least one of various transparent conductive materials including indium tin zinc oxide, zinc oxide (ZnO), tin oxide (SnO 2 ), carbon nanotubes, and graphene. In addition to this, the first electrode cells 122 and/or the first connectors 124 may include at least one of various conductive materials capable of providing conductivity. Depending on the embodiment, each of the first electrode cells 122 and/or the first connectors 124 may be formed of a single layer or multiple layers.

Depending on the embodiment, when the touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention is a mutual capacitance type touch sensor, the sensing electrodes 120 transmit a sensing signal corresponding to a driving signal input to the driving electrodes 130. can be printed out. For example, the sensing electrodes 120 may be Rx electrodes that output a sensing signal corresponding to a touch input.

The driving electrodes 130 may extend along the second direction, for example, the Y direction. Depending on the embodiment, each of the second electrodes 130 disposed in each column may include a plurality of second electrode cells 132 arranged along the second direction and the second electrode cells 132 in each column in the second direction. It may include at least one second connection part 134 connected along. Depending on the embodiment, when each of the driving electrodes 130 includes three or more second electrode cells 132, each of the driving electrodes 130 may include a plurality of second connectors 134. there is. Depending on the embodiment, the second connection parts 134 may be integrally formed with the second electrode cells 132 or may be formed in a bridge-shaped connection pattern. When the touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention is a mutual capacitance type touch sensor, the drive electrodes 130 may be Tx electrodes that receive a drive signal during a period in which the touch sensor is activated.

Meanwhile, although the first and second electrode cells 122 and 132 are shown in a diamond shape in FIG. 2 for convenience, the shape and size of the first and second electrode cells 122 and 132 may be variously changed. For example, the first and second electrode cells 122 and 132 may have other shapes such as circular or hexagonal.

In addition, although FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment in which the second connectors 134 are disposed in the second direction, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment, the second connectors 134 may be disposed in an oblique direction inclined with respect to the second direction. In addition, although FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment in which the second connectors 134 have a straight (or bar) shape, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment, at least one area of the second connectors 134 may have a curved or bent shape. In addition, although FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment in which two adjacent second electrode cells 132 are connected to each other through one second connection portion 134 disposed therebetween, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment, two adjacent second electrode cells 132 may be connected to each other through a plurality of second connection parts 134 disposed therebetween.

Depending on the embodiment, the second electrode cells 132 and/or the second connectors 134 may have conductivity by including at least one of a metal material, a transparent conductive material, and various other conductive materials. For example, the second electrode cells 132 and/or the second connectors 134 may include at least one of the conductive materials mentioned above as the constituent materials of the first electrode cells 122 and/or the first connectors 124 . may contain one. In addition, the second electrode cells 132 and/or the second connection parts 134 are made of the same material as the conductive material constituting the first electrode cells 122 and/or the first connection parts 124, Or they can be made of different materials. In addition, each of the second electrode cells 132 and/or the second connectors 134 may be formed of a single layer or multiple layers.

Depending on the embodiment, wires 140 for electrically connecting the sensing electrodes 120 and the driving electrodes 130 provided in the active area 101 to the touch driver 200 and the like are disposed in the inactive area 102 . It can be. Depending on the embodiment, the wirings 140 include first wirings 142 for electrically connecting each of the sensing electrodes 120 to the pad unit 150 and each of the driving electrodes 130 . Second wires 144 to be electrically connected to the pad part 150 may be included. For example, each of the wires 140 may electrically connect one of the sensing electrodes 120 and the driving electrodes 130 to a predetermined pad 152 provided in the pad unit 150 . Meanwhile, for convenience, FIG. 2 shows that the first wires 142 and the second wires 144 are connected to one end of the sensing electrodes 120 and the driving electrodes 130, respectively, but the sensing electrodes 120 A connection structure between the driving electrodes 130 and the first and second wires 142 and 144 may be variously changed. For example, in another embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the first wires 142 and the second wires 144 may be connected to both ends of the sensing electrodes 120 or the driving electrodes 130 .

The pad unit 150 may include a plurality of pads 152 for electrically connecting the sensing electrodes 120 and the driving electrodes 130 to an external driving circuit, for example, the touch driver 200 . The sensor unit 100 and the touch driver 200 may communicate through the pad unit 150 .

Referring back to FIG. 1 , the touch driver 200 is electrically connected to the sensor unit 100 to transmit/receive signals necessary for driving the sensor unit 100 . For example, the touch driver 200 may detect a touch input by supplying a driving signal to the sensor unit 100 and then receiving a detection signal corresponding to the driving signal from the sensor unit 100 . To this end, the touch driver 200 may include a driving circuit and a sensing circuit. According to embodiments, the driving circuit and the sensing circuit may be integrated inside one touch IC (T-IC), but is not limited thereto.

Depending on the embodiment, the driving circuit may be electrically connected to the driving electrodes 130 of the sensor unit 100 and sequentially supply driving signals to the driving electrodes 130 . According to the embodiment, the sensing circuit is electrically connected to the sensing electrodes 120 of the sensor unit 100, receives sensing signals from the sensing electrodes 120, and performs signal processing to input touch input. can be detected.

The display panel 300 includes a display area 301 and a non-display area 302 surrounding at least one area of the display area 301 . A plurality of scan lines 310 and data lines 320 and a plurality of pixels P connected to the scan lines 310 and data lines 320 are provided in the display area 301 . Wires for supplying various driving signals and/or driving power for driving the pixels P may be provided in the non-display area 302 .

In the present invention, the type of display panel 300 is not particularly limited. For example, the display panel 300 may be a self-luminous display panel such as an organic light emitting display panel (OLED panel). Alternatively, the display panel 300 includes a liquid crystal display panel (LCD panel), an electro-phoretic display panel (EPD panel), and an electro-wetting display panel (EWD panel). It may be a non-emissive display panel such as When the display panel 300 is a non-emissive display panel, the display device may further include a back-light unit for supplying light to the display panel 300 .

The display driver 400 is electrically connected to the display panel 300 and supplies signals necessary for driving the display panel 300 . For example, the display driver 400 includes a scan driver for supplying scan signals to the scan lines 310, a data driver for supplying data signals to the data lines 320, and a timing controller for driving the scan driver and the data driver. may contain at least one. According to embodiments, the scan driver, data driver, and/or timing controller may be integrated into one display IC (D-IC), but is not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment, at least one of the scan driver, data driver, and timing controller may be integrated or mounted on the display panel 300 .

3 shows a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. For convenience, in FIG. 3 , one sensing electrode and one driving electrode among sensing electrodes and driving electrodes provided in the sensor unit and a capacitance formed at an intersection thereof are illustrated. In addition, in FIG. 3, the driving circuit and the sensing circuit are shown centering on the sensing electrode and the driving electrode forming the capacitance.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the sensor unit 100 includes at least one pair of sensing electrodes 120 and driving electrodes 130 forming a capacitance Cse. The driving electrode 130 is electrically connected to the driving circuit 210 of the touch driver 200 and the sensing electrode 120 is electrically connected to the sensing circuit 220 of the touch driver 200 . Meanwhile, in FIG. 3, the driving circuit 210 and the sensing circuit 220 are shown separately, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, according to embodiments, the driving circuit 210 and the sensing circuit 220 may be provided separately from each other, or at least a part of the driving circuit 210 and the sensing circuit 220 may be integrally integrated.

Describing a method for driving a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention, first, a driving signal Sdr is supplied from the driving circuit 210 to the driving electrode 130 . When the sensor unit 100 includes a plurality of driving electrodes 130 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the driving circuit 210 sequentially transmits driving signals Sdr to the driving electrodes 130 . can supply Then, a sensing signal Sse corresponding to the driving signal Sdr applied to each driving electrode 130 is output from each sensing electrode 120 by a coupling action of the capacitance Cse. This sensing signal Sse is input to the sensing circuit 220 of the touch driver 200 .

Depending on the embodiment, when the sensor unit 100 includes a plurality of sensing electrodes 120 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the sensing circuit 220 is electrically connected to each sensing electrode 120 . A plurality of connected sensing channels (Rx channels) 222 may be provided, and sensing signals Sse output from the plurality of sensing electrodes 120 may be received through the sensing channels 222 . The sensing circuit 220 amplifies, converts, and processes the sensing signal Sse input from each sensing electrode 120 and detects a touch input according to the result. To this end, the sensing circuit 220 includes a plurality of sensing channels 222 corresponding to each sensing electrode 120 and at least one analog-to-digital converter connected to the sensing channels 222; Hereinafter referred to as “ADC”) 224 and a processor 226. For convenience, the sensing channel 222 and the ADC 224 will be described as separate components, but in other embodiments, the ADC 224 may be configured within each sensing channel 222 .

According to an embodiment, each of the sensing channels 222 may include at least an analog front end (hereinafter referred to as “AFE”). In addition, according to an embodiment, when the sensing circuit 220 includes the ADC 224 connected 1:1 to each AFE, a pair of AFEs and ADCs to which each sensing channel 222 is connected to each other ( 224) can also be considered as including. However, in another embodiment, a plurality of AFEs may share one ADC 224. Therefore, for convenience, hereinafter, the AFE connected to each sensing electrode 120 is defined as each sensing channel 222, and the ADC 224 is regarded as a separate component from the sensing channel 222 to implement the present invention. An example will be given.

The detection channel 222 may receive the detection signal Sse from each first electrode 120, amplify the received detection signal Sse, and output the amplified signal. According to embodiments, each sensing channel 222 may be implemented as an AFE including at least one first amplifier AMP1 such as, for example, an operational amplifier (OP amp). According to an embodiment, a first input terminal (also referred to as “first terminal” IN1 ) of the sense channel 222 , for example, an inverting input terminal of an operational amplifier, may be connected to one of the sense electrodes 120 . That is, the sensing signal Sse from any one sensing electrode 120 may be input to the first input terminal IN1. In addition, the second input terminal (also referred to as "second terminal"; IN2) of the sense channel 222, for example, the non-inverting input terminal of the OP amp, is a reference potential terminal, for example, a reference such as a ground (GND) power supply. It can be connected to a power source (reference power supply). Meanwhile, a capacitor C and a reset switch SW may be connected in parallel between the first input terminal IN1 and the output terminal OUT1 of the OP amp.

The ADC 224 converts the analog signal input from the sense channel 222 into a digital signal. Depending on the embodiment, the ADC 224 may be provided as many as the number of sensing electrodes 120 to correspond 1:1 to each sensing channel 222 corresponding to each sensing electrode 120 . Alternatively, in another embodiment, a plurality of sense channels 222 may be configured to share one ADC 224. In this case, a switching circuit for channel selection may be additionally provided between the sensing channels 222 and the ADC 224 .

The processor 226 processes the conversion signal (digital signal) from the ADC 224 and detects a touch input according to the signal processing result. For example, the processor 226 comprehensively analyzes a signal (amplified and converted sensing signal Sse) input from the plurality of sensing electrodes 120 via each sensing channel 222 and the ADC 224. Thus, it is possible to detect whether or not a touch input has occurred and its location. Depending on the embodiment, the processor 226 may be implemented as a microprocessor (MPU). In this case, a memory necessary for driving the processor 226 may be additionally provided inside the sensing circuit 220 . Meanwhile, the configuration of the processor 226 is not limited thereto. As another example, the processor 226 may be implemented as a microcontroller (MCU) or the like.

The touch sensor as described above may be coupled to the display panel 300 or the like. For example, the sensor unit 100 of the touch sensor may be integrally manufactured with the display panel 300 or may be manufactured separately from the display panel 300 and attached to at least one surface of the display panel 300 .

As such, when the sensor unit 100 is coupled to the display panel 300, parasitic capacitance is generated between the sensor unit 100 and the display panel 300. A noise signal from the display panel 300 may be transmitted to the touch sensor, particularly the sensor unit 100, due to the coupling action of the parasitic capacitance. For example, a noise signal due to a display driving signal used to drive the display panel 300 may flow into the sensor unit 100 . For example, the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130 of the sensor unit 100 may be disposed to overlap the cathode electrode or the common electrode of the display panel 300, and in this case, applied to the display panel 300 Common mode noise caused by the display driving signal may flow into the sensor unit 100 .

For example, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the display panel 300 may be an organic light emitting display panel having a thin film encapsulation layer (TFE), and the sensor unit 100 may include the thin film encapsulation layer (TFE). It may be implemented as an on-cell type sensor in which the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130 are directly formed on one surface (eg, upper surface) of a TFE. In this case, at least one electrode provided in the organic light emitting display panel, for example, a cathode electrode, the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130 are positioned close to each other. Accordingly, a relatively large noise signal according to display driving may flow into the sensor unit 100 .

The noise signal flowing into the sensor unit 100 causes a ripple in the detection signal Sse. As a result, the sensitivity of the touch sensor may decrease. Therefore, in the present invention, various embodiments capable of improving the sensitivity of a touch sensor are provided, and detailed descriptions thereof will be described later.

4 shows a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. For convenience, in FIG. 4 , the base substrate and the pad portion shown in FIG. 2 are omitted, but the sensor unit of FIG. 4 may be implemented on the base substrate. In FIG. 4 , components similar to or identical to those of FIGS. 1 to 3 are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 4 , a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor unit 100 , a driving circuit 210 and a sensing circuit 220 electrically connected to the sensor unit 100 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor unit 100 further includes at least one noise detection electrode 160 provided in the active region 101 .

Depending on the embodiment, a plurality of noise detection electrodes 160 separated from each other may be provided in the active region 101 of the sensor unit 100, and the noise detection electrodes 160 are the sensing electrodes 120 Can be paired with any one of them. That is, according to the embodiment, the sensor unit 100 includes an electrode pair composed of the sensing electrode 120 and the noise detection electrode 160 corresponding to each other. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in a touch sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of noise detection electrodes 160 among noise detection electrodes 160 provided in the active region 101 may be electrically connected to each other. For example, all of the noise detection electrodes 160 provided in the active region 101 may be electrically connected to each other to substantially realize one noise detection electrode 160 .

Specifically, the sensor unit 100 includes at least one pair of sensing electrodes (first electrodes) 120 and noise detection electrodes (second electrodes) 160 . In addition, according to the embodiment, the sensor unit 100 may further include at least one driving electrode (third electrode) 130 crossing the pair of sensing electrodes 120 and noise detection electrodes 160. . For example, the sensor unit 100 detects a plurality of sensing electrodes (first electrodes) 120 and a plurality of noises spaced apart from the sensing electrodes 120 while forming a pair with each of the sensing electrodes 120 . electrodes (second electrodes) 160, and a plurality of drive electrodes (third electrodes) 130 spaced apart while intersecting the sensing electrodes 120 and noise detection electrodes 160 can include

Depending on the embodiment, the sensing electrodes 120, the noise detection electrodes 160, and the driving electrodes 130 may be physically and/or electrically separated from each other. For example, at least some of the sensing electrodes 120, the drive electrodes 130, and the noise detection electrodes 160 may overlap and/or cross each other in one area, but they may overlap one another in at least one overlapping area. They may be spaced apart from each other by the above insulating film. That is, the sensing electrodes 120, the driving electrodes 130, and the noise detection electrodes 160 are spaced apart from each other and electrically insulated, and a capacitance may be formed between them.

According to an embodiment, the sensing electrodes 120 extend along a first direction (eg, the X direction) in the active area 101 , and the driving electrodes 130 intersect the sensing electrodes 120 in the active area. It may extend along the second direction (eg, Y direction) in 101 . Also, the noise detection electrodes 160 extend along the first direction in the active area 101 like the sensing electrodes 120, and one area may overlap the sensing electrodes 120.

Depending on the embodiment, each of the sensing electrodes 120 includes a plurality of first electrode cells 122 arranged along a first direction and at least one connecting the first electrode cells 122 along the first direction. It may include a first connection portion 124 of. Depending on the embodiment, when each of the sensing electrodes 120 includes three or more first electrode cells 122, each of the sensing electrodes 120 may include a plurality of first connectors 124. there is. Depending on the embodiment, the first electrode cells 122 and/or the first connectors 124 may be selected from among various transparent conductive materials such as ITO and IZO, various metal materials such as Ag, and various other conductive materials. Conductivity may be obtained by including at least one. Meanwhile, in the present invention, the shape of the sensing electrodes 120 is not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment, each of the sensing electrodes 120 may be implemented as an integral bar type electrode.

According to an embodiment, each of the sensing electrodes 120 may include at least one first opening (or hole) OP1 inside. For example, at least a central portion of each of the first electrode cells 122 may be open.

According to the embodiment, each of the noise detection electrodes 160 is at least one electrode part 162 located inside the first opening OP1 included in any one of the sensing electrodes 120. ) may be included. For example, when each of the first electrode cells 122 includes at least one first opening OP1 , each of the noise detection electrodes 160 is paired with itself (eg, located in a region corresponding to each other). It may include a plurality of electrode parts 162 disposed in the first opening OP1 of each of the first electrode cells 122 constituting any one first electrode 120 (with at least one region overlapping). . Also, each of the noise detection electrodes 160 may include at least one connection line (also referred to as a “connection pattern” 164) connecting the electrode parts 162 along the first direction. Depending on the embodiment, when each of the noise detection electrodes 160 includes three or more electrode parts 162, each of the noise detection electrodes 160 may include a plurality of connection lines 164. .

Depending on the embodiment, the electrode parts 162 and/or the connection lines 164 may have conductivity by including at least one of a metal material, a transparent conductive material, and various other conductive materials. As an example, the electrode parts 162 and/or the connection lines 164 are the first electrode cells 122, the first connection parts 124, the second electrode cells 132, and/or the second connection parts. As a constituent material of the fields 134, at least one of the aforementioned conductive materials may be included. In addition, the electrode parts 162 and/or the connection lines 164 may include the first electrode cells 122, the first connection parts 124, the second electrode cells 132, and/or the second connection parts ( 134) may be made of the same material as the conductive material constituting, or may be made of a different material. Also, each of the electrode parts 162 and/or the connection lines 164 may be formed of a single layer or multiple layers.

Depending on the embodiment, each first opening OP1 may include at least one of the electrode parts 162 and a connection line 164 connected to the one electrode part 162 . Can overlap with realm. For example, each of the first openings OP1 overlaps with any one electrode part 162 located in the first opening part OP1 and is connected to at least one end of the any one electrode part 162. It may overlap with one area of at least one connection line 164 to be.

Depending on the embodiment, each of the sensing electrodes 120 may be connected to different sensing channels 222 through different first wires 142 . Also, each of the noise detection electrodes 160 may be connected to different sensing channels 222 through different third wires 146 . Depending on the embodiment, the pair of sensing electrodes 120 and noise detection electrodes 160 may be connected to the same sensing channel 222 . For example, a pair of sensing electrodes 120 and noise detection electrodes 160 are connected to one of the plurality of sensing channels 222 and the same sensing channel 222, and the one sensing channel 222 may be connected to different input terminals, for example, a first input terminal (also referred to as “first terminal”; IN1) and a second input terminal (also referred to as “second terminal”; IN2), respectively.

Depending on the embodiment, at least one buffer BU may be provided between each noise detection electrode 160 and the corresponding detection channel 222 . Depending on the embodiment, each buffer BU is connected between the noise detection electrode 160 and the detection channel 222 corresponding to each other, and a signal input from the noise detection electrode 160 (eg, a noise signal Sno )) is buffered and output. According to the embodiment, the buffer BU is electrically connected to the third input terminal IN3 electrically connected to the output terminal OUT2 and the corresponding noise detection electrode 160 to receive the noise signal Sno. It may include 4 input terminals (IN4). Depending on the embodiment, the third input terminal IN3 and the fourth input terminal IN4 may be an inverting input terminal and a non-inverting input terminal, respectively, but are not limited thereto. That is, the connection structure of the buffer BU may be changed.

Depending on the embodiment, each of the driving electrodes 130 may include a plurality of second electrode cells 132 arranged along the second direction and at least one connecting the second electrode cells 132 along the second direction. A second connection portion 134 may be included. Depending on the embodiment, when each of the driving electrodes 130 includes three or more second electrode cells 132, each of the driving electrodes 130 may include a plurality of second connectors 134. there is. Depending on the embodiment, the second electrode cells 132 and/or the second connectors 134 may be selected from among various transparent conductive materials such as ITO and IZO, various metal materials such as Ag, and various other conductive materials. Conductivity may be obtained by including at least one.

Meanwhile, in the present invention, the shape of the driving electrodes 130 is not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment, each of the driving electrodes 130 may be implemented as an integral bar type electrode. Depending on the embodiment, each of the driving electrodes 130 may be connected to the driving circuit 210 through different second wires 144 .

According to example embodiments, the sensor unit 100 may further include at least one first dummy pattern (also referred to as “fourth electrode” 166 ) overlapping the at least one driving electrode 130 . For example, the sensor unit 100 may include a plurality of first dummy patterns (also referred to as “fourth electrodes” 166 ) overlapping one region of each of the second electrode cells 132 . In some embodiments, at least one insulating layer may be interposed between the first dummy patterns 166 and the driving electrodes 130 . For example, each of the first dummy patterns 166 may be spaced apart from the driving electrodes 130 by at least one insulating layer and implemented as a floating island pattern. Depending on the embodiment, each of the first dummy patterns 166 may be provided on the same layer as the electrode parts 162 and spaced apart from the electrode parts 162 . According to embodiments, the first dummy patterns 166 may be made of the same material as the electrode parts 162, but are not limited thereto.

Depending on the embodiment, the first dummy patterns 166 and the electrode parts 162 may have the same (substantially the same) shape and size as each other. In this case, the active region 101 has an overall uniform pattern. Accordingly, it is possible to secure uniform viewing characteristics throughout the active region 101 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, in the present invention, the first dummy patterns 166 are not necessarily provided, and the first dummy patterns 166 may be selectively provided. For example, in another embodiment, the first dummy patterns 166 may not be provided.

Meanwhile, in FIG. 4 , the sensing electrodes 120, the driving electrodes 130, and the noise detection electrodes 160 include plate-shaped electrode cells 122 and 132 or electrode parts 162, respectively. Although shown, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment, at least one of the sensing electrodes 120, the driving electrodes 130, and the noise detection electrodes 160 may be implemented as a mesh electrode.

The driving circuit 210 is electrically connected to the driving electrodes 130 and supplies a driving signal Sdr to the driving electrodes 130 . For example, the driving circuit 210 may sequentially supply the driving signal Sdr to the driving electrodes 130 during a period in which the touch sensor is activated. Depending on the embodiment, the driving signal Sdr may be an AC signal having a predetermined period, such as a pulse wave.

The sensing circuit 220 includes a plurality of sensing channels 222 receiving a sensing signal Sse1 from each of the sensing electrodes 120, and an output terminal (eg, a first amplifier (eg, a first amplifier) of each of the sensing channels 222). A plurality of ADCs 224 electrically connected to the output terminal (OUT1) of AMP1), and a processor 226 receiving conversion signals (digital signals) from the ADCs 224 to detect touch input can do.

According to an embodiment, each sensing channel 222 includes a first input terminal IN1 connected to one of the sensing electrodes 120 and at least one noise sensing electrode 160. It may be provided with a second input terminal (IN2) connected to. For example, the first input terminal IN1 of each of the sensing channels 222 is connected to a different sensing electrode 120 among the sensing electrodes 120, and the second input terminal of each of the sensing channels 222 ( IN2) may be connected to at least one noise detection electrode 160 among the noise detection electrodes 160 .

For example, each of the first and second input terminals IN1 and IN2 of the sensing channels 222 may be connected to a pair of sensing electrodes 120 and noise detection electrodes 160 corresponding to each other. Specifically, the first input terminal IN1 of the first sensing channel 222 receiving the sensing signal Sse1 from the sensing electrode 120 located in the first row of the active area 101 is It is electrically connected to the sensing electrode 120, and the second input terminal IN2 of the first sensing channel 222 may be electrically connected to the noise sensing electrode 160 in the first row. Each of these sensing channels 222 generates an output signal corresponding to a voltage difference between the first and second input terminals IN1 and IN2. For example, each of the detection channels 222 amplifies and outputs the detection signal Sse1 input from the first input terminal IN1 based on the potential of the noise signal Sno input to the second input terminal IN2. can do. That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, the sensing channels 222 may operate based on the potential of the noise signal Sno instead of operating based on a predetermined reference potential (eg, ground potential). .

Signals output from the sensing channels 222 are input to at least one ADC 224, converted into digital signals, and then input to the processor 226. The processor 226 receives output signals of the sensing channels 222 via the ADC 224 and detects a touch input based on the output signals.

As described above, in one embodiment of the present invention, noise detection electrodes 160 are additionally provided in addition to electrodes for detecting a touch input, for example, the sensing electrodes 120 and the driving electrodes 130 . The noise detection electrodes 160 are insulated from the sensing electrodes 120 and the driving electrodes 130 . Accordingly, capacitance may be formed between the sensing electrodes 120 , the driving electrodes 130 , and/or the noise detection electrodes 160 .

Depending on the embodiment, the noise detection electrodes 160 are electrically connected to the second input terminal IN2 (reference terminal) of each detection channel 222, and accordingly, the voltage of each of the noise detection electrodes 160 According to the change, the reference voltage (reference voltage) of each of the sensing channels 222 is also changed. That is, the reference potential of the sensing channels 222 may vary according to the potential (voltage level) of the noise detection electrodes 160 .

The potential of the noise detection electrodes 160 may vary according to the noise signal Sno flowing into the sensor unit 100 from the display panel 300 or the like. For example, the potential of the noise detection electrodes 160 may vary in response to common mode noise flowing into the sensor unit 100 from the display panel 300 or the like.

Therefore, as in one embodiment of the present invention, noise detection electrodes 160 are further provided in the active region 101, and an output signal (ie, noise signal Sno) from these noise detection electrodes 160 When the reference potential of the sensing channels 222 is varied using , common mode noise flowing into the sensor unit 100 may be offset (or removed). Specifically, the pair of sensing electrodes 120 and noise detection electrodes 160 have ripples corresponding to each other in response to common mode noise. In particular, in one embodiment of the present invention, a pair of sensing electrodes 120 and noise detection electrodes 160 extend in the same direction within the active region 101 and are arranged at positions corresponding to each other, so that they are the same or very similar. A noise signal Sno of shape and/or magnitude is received. In addition, the noise detection electrodes 160 are electrically connected to different sensing channels 222 through different third wires 146 . For example, the second input terminal IN2 of the sensing channel 222 to which the first input terminal IN1 is connected to a predetermined sensing electrode 120 is connected to the sensing electrode 120 through a predetermined third wire 146. ) and the noise detection electrode 160 forming a pair.

As such, when the first and second input terminals IN1 and IN2 of each sensing channel 222 are electrically connected to the sensing electrode 120 and the noise sensing electrode 160 corresponding to each other, each sensing electrode A noise component (ripple) included in the sensing signal Sse1 from 120 can be effectively canceled inside the sensing channel 222 . Accordingly, each sensing channel 222 can output a sensing signal Sse2 from which noise is removed (or reduced).

In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the electrode parts 162 of each of the noise detection electrodes 160 are disposed inside each of the sensing electrodes 120 . Accordingly, a sufficient separation distance between the driving electrodes 130 for receiving the driving signal Sdr and the noise detection electrodes 160 for receiving the noise signal Sno may be secured. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively detect the noise signal Sno by reducing or preventing voltage fluctuation of the noise detection electrodes 160 caused by the driving signal Sdr.

Additionally, in an embodiment of the present invention, at least one first opening OP1 is formed in each of the sensing electrodes 120, and the electrode parts 162 of the noise detection electrodes 160 are connected to the first opening OP1. ) is placed inside the Also, according to embodiments, the first opening OP1 may overlap not only the at least one electrode part 162 but also a region of the at least one connection line 164 connected to the electrode part 162. there is. That is, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an overlapping area between the sensing electrodes 120 and the noise detection electrodes 160 may be reduced or minimized. According to such an embodiment of the present invention, parasitic capacitance between the sensing electrodes 120 and the noise detection electrodes 160 may be reduced or minimized.

According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the noise signal Sno flowing from the display panel 300 or the like to the sensor unit 100 of the touch sensor is effectively canceled and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the touch sensor is increased. can Accordingly, malfunction of the touch sensor according to the noise signal Sno can be minimized and sensing sensitivity can be improved. That is, according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a high-sensitivity touch sensor and a display device having the same.

Such an embodiment of the present invention can be usefully applied to a display device having a short distance between the sensor unit 100 and the display panel 300 . For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the sensing electrodes 120 and the driving electrodes 130 are directly formed on the upper substrate or thin film encapsulation layer of the display panel 300, and the on-cell type display device is sensitive to noise. It can be usefully applied to improve touch sensitivity in the etc. However, the scope of application of the present invention is not limited thereto, and one embodiment of the present invention can be applied to various types of display devices or electronic devices.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment related to the sensor unit shown in FIG. 4 , and FIGS. 6A and 6B respectively show different modified embodiments of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 5 . FIG. 7A shows a first layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 5 , and FIG. 7B shows a second layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 5 . FIG. 8A shows an example of a cross section taken along line II' of FIG. 5, and FIG. 8B shows an example of a cross section taken along line II-II' of FIG. 8C shows an example of a cross section of one region of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows an embodiment of an arrangement structure of a sensor unit and a display panel overlapping each other. In FIGS. 5 to 8C, components similar to or identical to those in FIG. 4 are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

First, referring to FIGS. 5 to 8B , in one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode cells 122 and the second electrode cells 132 may be disposed on the same layer. For example, the first electrode cells 122 and the second electrode cells 132 may be provided on the first layer L1 on the base substrate 110 .

Depending on the embodiment, one of the first connection parts 124 and the second connection parts 134 may be disposed on the first layer L1 together with the first and second electrode cells 122 and 132 . For example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7A to 8B , the second connection parts 134 are integrally connected to the second electrode cells 132 and are provided on the first layer L1, and the first connection parts 124 may be implemented as a bridge-shaped connection pattern and provided to a second layer L2 different from the first layer L1. Depending on the embodiment, a first opening OP1 may be formed inside each of the first electrode cells 122 , eg, at least in a central region.

Depending on the embodiment, the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 may be layers separated from each other with at least one insulating layer, for example, the first insulating layer 170 interposed therebetween. Also, the first connection parts 124 may be connected to the first electrode cells 122 through first contact holes CH1 penetrating the first insulating layer 170 . Depending on the embodiment, the second layer (L2) may be positioned between the substrate 110 and the first layer (L1). That is, the first connectors 124 may be implemented as lower bridges as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B . However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment, the positions of the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 may be reversed. That is, depending on the embodiment, the first layer L1 may be disposed between the substrate 110 and the second layer L2, and the first connectors 124 may be implemented as an upper bridge.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6A , the first connection parts 124 may be integrally connected to the first electrode cells 122 and provided to the first layer L1. In this case, the second connection parts 124 may be implemented in a bridge-shaped connection pattern and provided to the second layer L2, for example.

However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 to 8B. For example, in another embodiment of the present invention, both the first and second connectors 124 and 134 are disposed on a different layer from the first and second electrode cells 122 and 132, or the first and second electrode cells 122 and 132 may be disposed on different layers spaced apart from each other. For example, in another embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode cells 122 and the first connectors 124 constituting each sensing electrode 120 are integrally implemented and provided on the first layer L1, The second electrode cells 132 and the second connectors 134 constituting each of the driving electrodes 130 may be integrally implemented and provided to the second layer L2.

Depending on the embodiment, each of the electrode units 162 may be disposed inside the first opening OP1 provided in any one of the first electrode cells 122, but may be provided on a layer different from that of the first electrode cells 122. there is. For example, the electrode parts 162 may be provided on a different layer from the first electrode cells 122 with the first insulating film 170 interposed therebetween, and may be spaced apart from the first electrode cells 122 . For example, the first electrode cells 122 may be provided on the first layer L1 on the base substrate 110, and the electrode parts 162 may be provided on the second layer L2.

Depending on the embodiment, the connection lines 164 may be provided on the same layer as the electrode parts 162 , for example, the second layer L2 . In this case, the electrode parts 162 and the connection lines 164 constituting each of the noise detection electrodes 160 may be integrally connected.

Also, depending on the embodiment, the electrode parts 162 and the connection lines 164 may be disposed on the same layer as the first connection parts 124 . In this case, the electrode parts 162 and the connection lines 164 may be provided so as not to overlap with the first connection parts 124 . For example, the connecting lines 164 may connect two adjacent electrode parts 162 by detouring so as not to pass through an area where the first connection parts 124 are provided. Accordingly, the sensing electrodes 120 and the noise detection electrodes 160 may remain insulated from each other.

Depending on the embodiment, the first dummy patterns 166 may be provided on the same layer as the electrode parts 162 , for example, the second layer L2 . Also, the first dummy patterns 166 may have substantially the same shape and size as the electrode parts 162 . In this case, the active region 101 may be uniformly viewed as a whole.

Meanwhile, according to embodiments, in FIGS. 5 and 6A , first and second electrode cells 122 and 132 , first and second connection parts 124 and 134 , electrode parts 162 , and first dummy patterns Although all 166 are shown in a plate-shaped or bar-shaped pattern, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, at least one of the first and second electrode cells 122 and 132, the first and second connection parts 124 and 134, the electrode parts 162, and the first dummy patterns 166 is a mesh electrode. Or it can be implemented as a pattern. That is, in another embodiment, at least one of the sensing electrodes 120, the driving electrodes 130, the noise detection electrodes 160, and the first dummy patterns 166 may be implemented in a mesh shape.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6B , the first and second electrode cells 122 and 132 , the first and second connection parts 124 and 134 , the electrode parts 162 and the first dummy patterns 166 ) may be a mesh type electrode or pattern each including a plurality of conductive fine lines (FL). In addition, although each of the connection lines 164 is shown in the form of a single line in FIG. 6B, depending on embodiments, each of the connection lines 164 may also be implemented in the form of a mesh including a plurality of thin conductive wires (not shown). there is. In addition, although FIG. 6B shows an example in which the thin conductive lines FL are disposed in an oblique direction as an example, the disposition direction or shape of the thin conductive lines FL may be variously changed. In addition, according to the embodiment, when the first electrode cells 122 and the first connectors 124 are disposed on different layers, the first electrode cells 122 and the first electrode cells constituting each sensing electrode 120 1 connection units 124 may be physically and/or electrically connected to each other through contact holes (not shown).

Meanwhile, in another embodiment of the present invention, the first and second electrode cells 122 and 132, the first and second connection parts 124 and 134, the electrode parts 162 and the first dummy patterns 166 Some of them may be implemented as plate-shaped or bar-shaped electrodes or patterns, and the rest may be implemented as meshes. That is, in the present invention, the shapes or structures of the sensing electrodes 120, the driving electrodes 130, the noise detection electrodes 160, and the first dummy patterns 166 may be variously changed.

In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 5 to 8B , each first opening OP1 overlaps at least one electrode part 162 disposed inside each first electrode cell 122 . In addition, each first opening OP1 also overlaps a region of at least one connection line 164 connected to at least one end (eg, both ends) of any one electrode part 162 . However, in order to prevent each of the first electrode cells 122 from being separated based on the noise detection electrode 160, one region of the first electrode cell 122 overlaps one region of the noise detection electrode 160. It can be. For example, each of the first electrode cells 122 overlaps a region of the connection line 164 at both ends adjacent to the first and second connection parts 124 and 134, so that the upper and lower separation of the first electrode cells 122 is possible. can be prevented

According to the above-described embodiment, parasitic capacitance that may be formed between the noise detection electrodes 160 , the sensing electrodes 120 , and/or the driving electrodes 130 may be reduced or minimized. Accordingly, malfunction of the touch sensor can be prevented and the noise signal Sno can be effectively detected.

Meanwhile, according to embodiments, the base substrate 110 serving as a substrate for the sensor unit 100 may be a thin film encapsulation layer of an organic light emitting display panel. In this case, the base substrate 110 may be implemented as a multilayer including at least one organic layer and an inorganic layer, or as a single layer including a combination of organic and inorganic materials. For example, the base substrate 110 may include a multilayer structure including at least two inorganic layers and at least one organic layer interposed between the inorganic layers. In this way, in a display device in which the base substrate 110 is implemented as a thin film encapsulation layer of an organic light emitting display panel, sensor patterns constituting the sensor unit 100 are respectively formed on different surfaces of the base substrate 110, and display Display patterns constituting the panel 300 may be disposed.

Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of an arrangement structure of sensor patterns provided to the sensor unit 100 and display patterns provided to the display panel 300 will be described with reference to FIG. 8C . For convenience, FIG. 8C shows the structure of the sensor unit 100 as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, but the structure of the sensor unit 100 is not limited thereto. In order to avoid redundant description, a detailed description of the structure of the sensor unit 100 will be omitted in the description of FIG. 8C.

Referring to FIG. 8C , the sensor unit 100 may be directly formed and/or provided on the thin film encapsulation layer 110 of the display panel (in particular, the organic light emitting display panel) 300 . Accordingly, a sensor-display integrated organic light emitting display panel may be provided. That is, according to the embodiment, the base substrate 110 of the sensor unit 100 described above may be the thin film encapsulation layer 110 of the display panel 300, and therefore, the same reference numerals will be given to them. For convenience, in FIG. 8C , only a light emitting element (eg, an organic light emitting diode) (OLED) and one thin film transistor (TFT) connected thereto are illustrated among the pixel patterns provided in each pixel area of the display panel 300. do.

According to the embodiment, the display panel 300 includes a first substrate 330, a light emitting device OLED provided on one surface of the first substrate 330, and provided on the light emitting device OLED to at least the above A thin film encapsulation layer 110 covering the light emitting element OLED is included. Also, according to embodiments, the display panel 300 may further include at least one thin film transistor (TFT) connected to the light emitting element (OLED). Depending on the embodiment, the thin film transistor TFT may be positioned between the first substrate 330 and the light emitting device OLED. In addition, the display panel 300 may further include at least one power line, signal line, and/or capacitor, which are not shown.

Depending on the embodiment, the first substrate 330 may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate, and the material is not particularly limited. For example, the first substrate 330 may be a thin film substrate having a flexible characteristic. A buffer layer BFL is provided on one surface of the first substrate 330 . The buffer layer BFL may prevent diffusion of impurities from the first substrate 330 and improve flatness of the first substrate 330 . Depending on the embodiment, the buffer layer (BFL) may be provided as a single layer, but may also be provided as a multilayer of at least two or more layers. Depending on the embodiment, the buffer layer BFL may be an inorganic insulating layer made of an inorganic material. For example, the buffer layer BFL may be formed of silicon nitride, silicon oxide, or silicon oxynitride. When the buffer layer BFL is provided in multiple layers, each layer may be formed of the same material or different materials. Meanwhile, in another embodiment, the buffer layer (BFL) may be omitted.

A thin film transistor (TFT) is provided on the buffer layer (BFL). The thin film transistor (TFT) includes an active layer (ACT), a gate electrode (GE), a source electrode (SE), and a drain electrode (DE). According to an embodiment, the active layer ACT is provided on the buffer layer BFL and may be formed of a semiconductor material. For example, the active layer ACT may be a semiconductor pattern made of polysilicon, amorphous silicon, an oxide semiconductor, or the like, and may be made of a semiconductor layer doped with impurities or not doped with impurities. Alternatively, one region (eg, a region overlapping the gate electrode) of the active layer ACT may not be doped with impurities, and the other region may be doped with impurities.

Depending on the embodiment, a gate insulating layer GI may be provided on the active layer ACT, and a gate electrode GE may be provided on the gate insulating layer GI. In addition, an interlayer insulating layer IL may be provided on the gate electrode GE, and a source electrode SE and a drain electrode DE may be provided on the interlayer insulating layer IL. The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE may be connected to different ends of the active layer ACT by respective second contact holes CH2 penetrating the gate insulating layer GI and the interlayer insulating layer IL. there is.

According to an embodiment, a passivation layer (PSV) is provided on the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE. The protective layer PSV covers the thin film transistor TFT and may planarize an upper surface thereof.

According to an embodiment, the light emitting device OLED is provided on the protective layer PSV. The light emitting element OLED may include the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 and the light emitting layer EML interposed between the first and second electrodes EL1 and EL2. Accordingly, the first electrode EL1 of the light emitting element OLED may be an anode electrode, but is not limited thereto. The first electrode EL1 of the light emitting element OLED is connected to one electrode, for example, the drain electrode DE, of the thin film transistor TFT through a third contact hole CH3 penetrating the passivation layer PSV. .

A pixel defining layer PDL that partitions each pixel area (or the light emitting area of each pixel) is provided on one surface of the first substrate 330 on which the first electrode EL1 of the light emitting element OLED is formed. Depending on the exemplary embodiment, the pixel defining layer PDL may expose an upper surface of the first electrode EL1 and may protrude from the first substrate 330 along the circumference of each pixel area.

An emission layer EML is provided in the pixel area surrounded by the pixel defining layer PDL. For example, the light emitting layer EML may be disposed on the exposed surface of the first electrode EL1. Depending on the embodiment, the light emitting layer EML may have a multilayer thin film structure including at least a light generation layer. For example, the light emitting layer (EML) may include a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, a light generating layer, a hole blocking layer (HBL), and an electron transport layer (ETL). ), and an electron injection layer (EIL). Depending on the embodiment, the color of light generated from the light emitting layer EML may be one of red, green, blue, and white, but is not limited thereto. For example, the color of light generated from the light emitting layer EML may be one of magenta, cyan, and yellow.

Depending on the embodiment, the second electrode EL2 of the light emitting element OLED may be disposed on the light emitting layer EML. Depending on the embodiment, the second electrode EL2 of the light emitting element OLED may be a cathode electrode, but is not limited thereto.

Depending on the embodiment, a thin film encapsulation layer 110 covering the second electrode EL2 of the light emitting element OLED may be provided. When the pixel area of the display panel 300 is sealed using the thin film encapsulation layer 110, the thickness of the display device can be reduced and flexible characteristics can be secured.

Depending on the embodiment, the thin film encapsulation layer 110 may have a multi-layer or single-layer structure. For example, the thin film encapsulation layer 110 includes the first inorganic layer 111 and the second inorganic layer 113 overlapping each other and an organic layer interposed between the first and second inorganic layers 111 and 113 ( 112) may be included. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the thin film encapsulation layer 110 may be implemented as a single layer including an organic/inorganic material.

Depending on the embodiment, the organic layer 112 may have a greater thickness than the first and second inorganic layers 111 and 113 . For example, the organic layer 112 may have a thickness of approximately 4 μm to 10 μm, and the first and second inorganic layers 111 and 113 may each have a thickness of 8000 Å to 10000 Å.

In the display device according to the above-described embodiment, the display panel 300 is implemented as an organic light emitting display panel having a thin film encapsulation layer 110, and the sensor of the sensor unit 100 on the thin film encapsulation layer 110. Patterns are formed directly. For example, the sensing electrodes 120 , the driving electrodes 130 , the noise detection electrodes 160 , and/or the first dummy patterns 166 may be directly provided on the thin film encapsulation layer 110 .

In this case, the sensor patterns are positioned close to the display patterns provided on the display panel 300, particularly the second electrode EL2 of the light emitting element OLED. Accordingly, a noise signal from the second electrode EL2 of the light emitting element OLED may flow into the sensor patterns. However, in the embodiment of the present invention, the noise signal is effectively canceled using the noise detection electrodes 160 as described above. Therefore, for example, even if a sensor-display integrated panel as shown in FIG. 8C is implemented and the organic film 112 of the thin film encapsulation layer 110 is formed to a thickness of about 10 μm or less, it is possible to sufficiently secure the sensitivity of the touch sensor. can For example, when the noise reduction/cancellation structure according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied, even if the entire thickness of the thin film encapsulation layer 110 is designed to be 10 μm or less, it is possible to sufficiently secure the sensitivity of the touch sensor.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment related to the sensor unit shown in FIG. 4 . FIG. 10A shows a first layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 9 , and FIG. 10B shows a second layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 9 . FIG. 11 shows an example of a cross section taken along line III-III' in FIG. 9 . In FIGS. 9 to 11, components similar or identical to those of FIGS. 4 to 8B are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

9 to 11 , the touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a plurality of second dummy patterns 126 provided on the sensor unit 100 to overlap the electrode units 162. can do.

According to an embodiment, the second dummy patterns 126 are provided to overlap the electrode parts 162 in the first opening OP1 of each of the first electrode cells 122, and the first electrode cells 122 and the electrode It may be provided to be spaced apart from the parts 162 . For example, the second dummy patterns 126 have an island shape floating apart from the first electrode cells 122 on the same layer as the first electrode cells 122 (eg, the first layer L1). Patterns can be provided. Depending on the embodiment, the second dummy patterns 126 may be made of the same material as the first electrode cells 122, but are not limited thereto.

According to the above-described embodiment, while reducing the parasitic capacitance that may be formed between the noise detection electrodes 160, the sensing electrodes 120, and/or the driving electrodes 130, the active region 101 Overall, it can be uniformly recognized.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment related to the sensor unit shown in FIG. 4 . FIG. 13A shows a first layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 12 , and FIG. 13B shows a second layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 12 . FIG. 14 shows an example of a cross section taken along line IV-IV' in FIG. 12 . In FIGS. 12 to 14, components similar or identical to those of FIGS. 4 to 8B are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 12 to 14 , each driving electrode 130 may include at least one second opening OP2 . For example, each of the second electrode cells 132 may include at least one second opening OP2 .

Depending on the embodiment, each second opening OP2 may have a similar shape and/or size to each first opening OP1. For example, each of the second openings OP2 may extend in the same direction as the longitudinal direction (eg, the X direction) of each of the first openings OP1 . However, the shape and size of the second opening OP2 may be variously changed in consideration of the viewing characteristics of the active region 101 . According to the above-described embodiment, the active region 101 can be uniformly viewed as a whole.

15 shows an embodiment related to the sensor unit shown in FIG. 4 . FIG. 16A shows a first layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 15 , and FIG. 16B shows a second layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 15 . FIG. 17A shows an example of a cross section taken along line V-V' in FIG. 15, and FIG. 17B shows an example of a cross section taken along line VI-VI' in FIG. In FIGS. 15 to 17B , the same reference numerals are assigned to components similar or identical to those of the previously described embodiments, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

15 to 17B , each driving electrode 130 may include a second opening OP2 corresponding to the first opening OP1 included in the sensing electrode 120 . For example, each of the second electrode cells 132 may include a second opening OP2 having substantially the same size and shape as each first opening OP1 .

In addition, a plurality of third dummy patterns 136 may be further provided in the sensor unit 100 in addition to the plurality of second dummy patterns 126 . For example, each second dummy pattern 126 may be disposed within each first opening OP1 , and each third dummy pattern 136 may be disposed within each second opening OP2 .

According to an embodiment, the second dummy patterns 126 are provided to overlap the electrode parts 162 in the first opening OP1 of each of the first electrode cells 122, and the first electrode cells 122 and the electrode It may be provided spaced apart from parts 162 . For example, the second dummy patterns 126 have an island shape floating apart from the first electrode cells 122 on the same layer as the first electrode cells 122 (eg, the first layer L1). Patterns can be provided.

According to an embodiment, the third dummy patterns 136 are provided to overlap the first dummy patterns 166 in the second opening OP2 of each of the second electrode cells 132 , and the second electrode cells 132 ) and spaced apart from the first dummy patterns 166 . For example, the third dummy patterns 136 may be spaced apart from the second electrode cells 132 on the same layer as the second electrode cells 132 (eg, the first layer L1). That is, the third dummy patterns 136 are disposed on the inner side of the drive electrodes 130 (eg, an area surrounded by the drive electrodes 130), but are spaced apart from the drive electrodes 130 and are floating islands. It can be provided in a pattern of shapes. Depending on the embodiment, the third dummy patterns 136 may be made of the same material as the first electrode cells 122 and/or the second electrode cells 132, but are not limited thereto.

According to the above-described exemplary embodiment, by evenly distributing uniformly shaped patterns inside the active region 101 , more uniform viewing characteristics may be secured throughout the active region 101 .

18 illustrates an embodiment related to the sensor unit shown in FIG. 4 . FIG. 19A shows a first layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 18 , and FIG. 19B shows a second layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 18 . 18 to 19B, components similar or identical to those of the previously described embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 18 to 19B , the first electrode cells 122 include first openings OP1 in areas overlapping the electrode parts 162 . Also, the second electrode cells 132 include second openings OP2 in areas overlapping the first dummy patterns 166 . In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode cells 122 and the second electrode cells 132 are mesh-shaped patterns in areas overlapping the electrode parts 162 and the first dummy patterns 166, respectively. It may overlap one region of the electrode parts 162 and the first dummy patterns 166 while having .

For example, each of the first electrode cells 122 overlaps with one region of the electrode part 162 provided in the first opening OP1 and includes thin mesh lines crossing the first opening OP1 in at least two directions. (122a). In addition, each of the second electrode cells 132 has a mesh shape overlapping one area of the first dummy patterns 166 provided in the second opening OP2 and crossing the second opening OP2 in at least two directions. It may include thin wires 132a.

According to the above-described embodiment, in order to minimize overlap between the sensing electrodes 120 and the noise detection electrodes 160, while forming the first opening OP1 inside the sensing electrodes 120, the noise detection electrode One area of the first electrode cells 122 (ie, the thin lines 122a) is also disposed in a partial area among the areas where the electrode parts 162 of the fields 160 are disposed. Accordingly, the sensitivity of the touch sensor may be improved by providing uniform sensitivity throughout the active region 101 . In addition, even in the above-described embodiment, by evenly distributing the uniformly shaped patterns inside the active region 101 , more uniform viewing characteristics can be secured throughout the active region 101 .

FIG. 20 shows an embodiment related to the sensor unit shown in FIG. 4 . FIG. 21A shows a first layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 20 , and FIG. 21B shows a second layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 20 . In FIGS. 20 to 21B , the same reference numerals are assigned to elements similar or identical to those of the previously described embodiments, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

20 to 21B , the first electrode cells 122 and the second electrode cells 132 each include a first opening OP1 and a second opening OP2. According to the embodiment, each electrode part 162 and one region of the connection line 164 connected thereto are disposed in each first opening OP1 , and each electrode unit 162 is disposed in each second opening OP2 . A third dummy pattern 136 may be disposed.

Depending on the embodiment, the electrode units 162 may be disposed on the same layer as the first electrode cells 122 , for example, on the first layer L1 but spaced apart from the first electrode cells 122 . In addition, according to the embodiment, the connection lines 164 interpose at least one insulating film (eg, the first insulating film 170 described above) in a region overlapping at least the first electrode cells 122 and It may be disposed on a layer different from that of the first electrode cells 122 . For example, the connection lines 164 may be disposed on a second layer L2 separated from the first layer L1 by the first insulating film 170 in at least one area overlapping the first electrode cells 122 . there is.

Meanwhile, at least a portion of another region of the connection lines 164, for example, a region overlapping each of the first openings OP1, is disposed on the same layer as the electrode parts 162, so that one of the electrode parts 162 It may be integrally connected with the electrode part 162 of the. For example, one area of each connection line 164 overlaps a first opening OP1 disposed in any one of the first electrode cells 122, and the first opening ( It may be provided on the same layer as the electrode part 162 disposed in OP1) and integrally connected to the electrode part 162.

In this case, each of the connection lines 164 may include a first sub-connection line 164a provided on the first layer L1 and a second sub-connection line 164b provided on the second layer L2. there is. Also, the first sub connection line 164a and the second sub connection line 164b may be connected to each other through at least one contact hole (not shown).

FIG. 22 shows an embodiment related to the sensor unit shown in FIG. 4 . FIG. 23A shows a first layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 22 , and FIG. 23B shows a second layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 22 . In FIGS. 22 to 23B , the same reference numerals are given to elements similar or identical to those of the previously described embodiments, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 22 to 23B, the first electrode cells 122 and the second electrode cells 132 have a mesh pattern as in the embodiments of FIGS. 18 to 19B, but the As in the exemplary embodiment, the electrode parts 162 and the third dummy patterns 136 may be disposed on the same layer as the first electrode cells 122 and the second electrode cells 132 . That is, in the embodiments of FIGS. 22 to 23B , the first electrode cells 122 and the second electrode cells 132 include a plurality of thin lines crossing the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2, respectively ( 122a, 132a).

In this case, each of the electrode parts 162 may be divided into a plurality of sub-electrode parts 162a and spaced apart from the first electrode cells 122 . Also, the sub-electrode parts 162a disposed in the same first opening OP1 may be electrically connected to each other through a plurality of sub-electrode lines 162b disposed on a different layer from the first electrode cells 122 .

That is, in the present embodiment, each of the electrode units 162 is provided to be spaced apart from each other in the region between the thin wires 122a of the first electrode cells 122 and a plurality of electrode cells 122 and the same layer are provided. The sub-electrode portions 162a and at least one insulating film (eg, the first insulating film 170) are interposed therebetween and spaced apart from the thin wires 122a of the first electrode cells 122, and the sub-electrode parts 162a ) may include a plurality of sub-electrode lines 162b electrically connecting them. Depending on the embodiment, the sub-electrode lines 162b are disposed on the same layer (eg, the second layer L2) as the connection line 164 constituting the same noise detection electrode 160, and the connection line 164 can be connected integrally with

As in the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 4 to 23B, the touch sensor according to the present invention includes noise detection electrodes 160 provided in the active region 101 of the sensor unit 100 to detect the noise signal Sno. includes In addition, the sensor unit 100 includes a first opening OP1 to reduce parasitic capacitance between the noise detection electrodes 160 and the sensing electrodes 120 and/or the driving electrodes 130 . Depending on the embodiment, the sensor unit 100 may be implemented in various forms to ensure high touch sensitivity and/or uniform viewing characteristics.

24 shows a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 24, components similar or identical to those in FIG. 4 are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 24 , in the touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of noise detection electrodes 160 share one third wire 146 . For example, the third wire 146 may be connected in common to one end of the noise detection electrodes 160 at one side of the active region 101 .

Depending on the embodiment, the noise detection electrodes 160 may be commonly connected to the second input terminal IN2 of the plurality of detection channels 222 through the third wire 146 . In this case, the noise detection electrodes 160 may implement an integrated electrode, and thus the noise detection electrodes 160 may be regarded as a single integrated electrode.

Meanwhile, in FIG. 24 , all noise detection electrodes 160 provided in the active region 101 share one third wire 146, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, some of the noise detection electrodes 160 among the noise detection electrodes 160 may share one third wire 146 .

According to the above-described embodiment, the noise detection electrodes 160 provided in the active region 101 are commonly connected to the same third wire 146 and electrically connected to each other. Accordingly, the noise signal Sno generally applied to the sensor unit 100 can be detected at once. According to this embodiment, the number of wires arranged inside the sensor unit 100 can be reduced. Therefore, the noise reduction structure according to the present embodiment can be usefully applied to a narrow bezel type touch sensor.

In addition, the touch sensor according to the above-described embodiment may further include an amplifier circuit 230 connected between the second input terminal IN2 of the detection channels 222 and the noise detection electrodes 160. . Depending on the embodiment, the amplifier circuit 230 may include at least one second amplifier AMP2. According to an embodiment, the second amplifier AMP2 includes a fifth input terminal IN5 commonly connected to the noise detection electrodes 160 through a third wire 146 and at least one resistor Ra. A sixth input terminal IN6 connected to the output terminal OUT3 via a sixth input terminal IN6 may be included. According to exemplary embodiments, the fifth input terminal IN5 and the sixth input terminal IN6 may be an inverting input terminal and a non-inverting input terminal, respectively, but are not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, Ra and Rb in FIG. 24 represent input and output impedances of the second amplifier AMP2.

The amplification circuit 230 receives the noise signal Sno from the noise detection electrodes 160 via the third wiring 146 and applies the noise signal Sno to the gain value of the second amplifier AMP2. It may be amplified to a corresponding degree and output to the sense channels 222 . At this time, by adjusting the gain value of the amplifier circuit 230, the magnitude of the noise signal Sno input to the sensing channels 222 can be easily adjusted. In particular, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the amplification circuit 230 is used so that noise components included in the sensing signal Sse1 output from the sensing electrodes 120 can be effectively canceled inside the sensing channels 222. Gain value can be adjusted.

25 shows a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 25, the same reference numerals are assigned to elements similar or identical to those of the previous embodiments, for example, the embodiment of FIG. 24, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 25, according to an embodiment, the amplifier circuit 230 includes a plurality of resistors (eg, serially connected between the output terminal OUT3 of the second amplifier AMP2 and a predetermined reference power supply (eg, GND)). R1, R2, R3, R4) may further be included. For example, the amplifier circuit 230 may include the number of resistors R1 , R2 , R3 , and R4 corresponding to the number of the sensing channels 222 .

Depending on the embodiment, the sense channels 222 may be connected to different nodes among nodes (eg, N1, N2, N3, and N4) between the second amplifier AMP2 and the reference power source GND. Depending on embodiments, the resistors R1, R2, R3, and R4 may be variable resistors whose resistance values can be adjusted, but are not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment, each of the resistors R1 , R2 , R3 , and R4 may have a predetermined fixed resistance value.

According to the above-described embodiment, the gain value of the noise signal Sno input to the sensing channels 222 receiving the sensing signal Sse1 from each sensing electrode 120 for each position of the sensing electrodes 120 can be applied differentially. For example, when the magnitude of the noise signal Sno introduced into the sensor unit 100 gradually decreases from the first row to the last row of the active region 101, the detection signal from the sensing electrode 120 in the first row The gain value of the noise signal Sno gradually increases from the first sensing channel 222 receiving Sse1 to the last sensing channel 222 receiving the sensing signal Sse1 from the sensing electrode 120 in the last row. can be reduced to

According to the embodiment, after measuring the noise signal Sno for each position of the sensor unit 100, the noise signal Sno applied to each detection channel 222 corresponding to the magnitude of the measured noise signal Sno The gain value (or attenuation amount) of can be individually adjusted. According to this embodiment, the plurality of noise detection electrodes 160 are connected to one third wire 146 to collectively detect the noise signal Sno of the sensor unit 100, but the amplifier circuit 230 The gain value of the noise signal Sno may be differentially adjusted for each sensing channel 222 by using Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, the noise signal Sno can be effectively canceled in each sensing channel 222 while reducing the number of wires arranged inside the sensor unit 100 .

26 shows a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 26, the same reference numerals are assigned to elements similar or identical to those of the previous embodiments, for example, the embodiment of FIG. 25, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 26 , in the touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention, the noise detection electrodes 160 may be distributed only in an edge region on one side of the sensor unit 100 . For example, the noise detection electrodes 160 may be disposed only inside the first electrode cell 122 disposed at the left edge among the first electrode cells 122 constituting each sensing electrode 120. will be.

For example, only one first electrode cell 122 disposed at one end (eg, a left edge) of the first electrode cells 122 constituting each sensing electrode 120 may include the first opening OP1. You will be able to. In addition, each noise detection electrode 160 may be composed of one electrode part disposed inside the first opening OP1 provided at one end of the sensing electrodes 120 . Depending on the embodiment, the noise detection electrodes 160 provided in the sensor unit 100 may be commonly connected to one third wire 146 and implemented as an integrated electrode.

According to the above-described embodiment, by disposing the noise detection electrodes 160 only in an edge region on one side of the sensor unit 100, compared to the touch sensor of the embodiment in which the noise detection electrodes 160 are disposed throughout the sensor unit 100. , it is possible to provide a touch sensor that is more robust against damage such as cracks due to bending. In addition, according to the above-described embodiment, generation of parasitic capacitance by the noise detection electrodes 160 and peripheral electrodes (eg, the detection electrodes 120 and the driving electrodes 130) is minimized, and the noise detection Visibility of the electrodes 160 to the user may be minimized.

27 shows a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 27, the same reference numerals are assigned to elements similar or identical to those of the previous embodiments, for example, the embodiment of FIG. 25, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 27 , the touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a third wire 146 commonly connected to one end of the noise detection electrodes 160, and A fourth wire 148 commonly connected to the other end is further included. For example, the noise detection electrodes 160 are connected along the first direction (eg, the X direction) through connection lines 164 inside the active region 160, and outside the active region 160, the second noise detection electrodes 160 are connected. By being connected along the second direction (eg, the Y direction) through the third wire 146 and the fourth wire 148, it can be implemented as one integrated electrode. Meanwhile, in the present invention, the wiring structure of the noise detection electrodes 160 is not particularly limited, and may be variously changed.

28 shows a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 28, the same reference numerals are assigned to components similar or identical to those of the previous embodiments, for example, the embodiments of FIGS. 26 and 27, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 28 , in the touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention, noise detection electrodes 160 may be distributed only in both edge regions of the sensor unit 100 . For example, the noise detection electrodes 160 may be disposed only inside two first electrode cells 122 disposed at different ends among the first electrode cells 122 constituting each sensing electrode 120. There will be.

For example, among the first electrode cells 122 constituting each sensing electrode 120, one first electrode cell 122 disposed on the left edge and the other first electrode cell 122 disposed on the right edge Each includes a first opening OP1 , and the first opening OP1 may not be provided to the remaining first electrode cells 122 . In addition, each noise detection electrode 160 may be composed of one electrode part disposed inside the first opening OP1 provided at one end of the sensing electrodes 120 . Depending on the embodiment, the noise detection electrodes 160 provided in the sensor unit 100 may be electrically connected to each other through the third wire 146 and the fourth wire 148 to be implemented as one integrated electrode. . In this case, the integrated electrode may be composed of a plurality of electrode parts disposed in each of the first openings OP1 provided at both ends of each of the sensing electrodes 120 . Depending on the embodiment, the third wire 146 and the fourth wire 148 may be commonly connected to the fifth input terminal IN5 of the amplifier circuit 230 .

According to the above-described embodiment, the noise detection electrodes 160 are distributed over the entire area of the sensor unit 100 by disposing the noise detection electrodes 160 only in a partial area of the sensor unit 100, particularly in some edge areas. It is possible to provide a touch sensor that is more robust against damage such as cracks due to bending, compared to the touch sensor of the embodiment arranged in such a manner. In addition, by disposing the noise detection electrodes 160 on both sides of the sensor unit 100, the noise signal ( Sno) can be detected more effectively. Additionally, according to the above-described embodiment, the generation of parasitic capacitance by the noise detection electrodes 160 and peripheral electrodes (eg, the sensing electrodes 120 and the driving electrodes 130) is minimized, and the noise detection Visibility of the electrodes 160 to the user may be minimized.

29 shows a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 29, the same reference numerals are assigned to elements similar or identical to those of the previous embodiments, for example, the embodiment of FIG. 25, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 29 , in the touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention, noise detection electrodes 160 are cross-connected in a second direction (eg, Y direction) inside the active region 101. It further includes wiring 168.

Specifically, in the touch sensor according to the present embodiment, the noise detection electrodes 160 are connected along the first direction (eg, the X direction) through the connection lines 164 inside the active region 101 and In addition, they are connected along a second direction crossing the first direction through at least one cross connection wire 168 . For example, the noise detection electrodes 160 may be connected in a mesh form inside the active region 101 to be implemented as one integrated electrode. That is, in the present invention, the wiring structure of the noise detection electrodes 160 is not particularly limited, and may be variously changed.

30 illustrates an embodiment related to the sensor unit shown in FIG. 29 . In FIG. 30, the same reference numerals are given to elements similar or identical to those of the previous embodiments, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 30 , according to an embodiment, each of the first openings OP1 overlaps with any one electrode part 162 among the electrode parts 162 constituting the noise detection electrodes 160, and It may further overlap one area of the connection line 164 and the cross connection wire 168 connected to the electrode part 162 of the . That is, in the present embodiment, a partial area of the first electrode cells 122 may be additionally opened corresponding to the area where the cross connection wire 168 is disposed. For example, in each of the first electrode cells 122 , one area may be opened in the first direction and the second direction with the corresponding electrode part 162 as the center. In this case, each first opening OP1 may have a cross shape with the electrode part 162 as the center.

According to the above-described embodiment, an overlapping area between the sensing electrodes 120, the noise detection electrodes 160, and/or the cross connection line 168 may be reduced or minimized. Accordingly, parasitic capacitance that may occur in the sensor unit 100 may be reduced or minimized.

31 shows a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 31, the same reference numerals are assigned to components similar or identical to those of the previous embodiments, for example, the embodiment of FIG. 24, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 31 , according to an embodiment, the sensor unit 100 may have a structure in which at least one of the above-described embodiments is applied. However, in the touch sensor according to the embodiment of FIG. 31 , the structure of the sensor unit 100 is not limited thereto. For example, the structure of the sensor unit 100 may be variously changed within the scope of including the sensing electrodes 120 and at least one noise detection electrode 160 corresponding to the sensing electrodes 120 . For example, in another embodiment of the present invention, the sensing electrodes 120 overlap the electrode portion 162 of the noise detection electrode 160 and include a first opening OP1 corresponding to the noise detection electrode 160. Maybe not.

Depending on the embodiment, the amplification circuit 230 includes a plurality of variable resistors VR1, VR2, which are connected in parallel to each other between the output terminal OUT3 of the second amplifier AMP2 and a predetermined reference power source (eg, GND). VR3 and VR4) may be further included. For example, the amplifier circuit 230 may include variable resistors VR1 , VR2 , VR3 , and VR4 corresponding to the number of the sensing channels 222 .

Depending on the embodiment, the sensing channels 222 may be connected to different variable resistors among the variable resistors VR1 , VR2 , VR3 , and VR4 provided in the amplifier circuit 230 . For example, the second input terminal IN21 of the first detection channel 222a is connected to the first variable resistor VR1, and the second input terminal IN22 of the second detection channel 222b is connected to the second variable resistor ( VR2) can be connected. In addition, the second input terminal IN23 of the third detection channel 222c is connected to the third variable resistor VR3, and the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth detection channel 222d is connected to the fourth variable resistor ( VR4) can be connected.

According to the above-described embodiment, the second input terminal of the corresponding sensing channel (one of 222a to 222d) according to the size of the noise component included in the sensing signal Sse1 input to each sensing channel (one of 222a to 222d). The gain value of the noise signal Sno input to (one of IN21 to IN24) can be independently adjusted. For example, a gain value of a noise signal Sno input to the sensing channels 222a to 222d connected to each sensing electrode 120 may be differentially applied according to the position of the sensing electrodes 120 . For example, when the magnitude of the noise signal Sno introduced into the sensor unit 100 gradually decreases from the first row to the last row of the active region 101, the first row connected to the sensing electrode 120 in the first row The gain value of the noise signal Sno may be gradually reduced from the first sensing channel 222a to the last sensing channel 222d connected to the sensing electrode 120 in the last row. Accordingly, the noise component included in the sensing signal Sse1 can be more effectively canceled for each vertical position (eg, Y coordinate) of the sensing electrodes 120 in the sensor unit 100. Gain values can be adjusted independently.

In addition, according to the above-described embodiment, during the period in which the driving electrodes 130 are sequentially driven, the variable resistors VR1 , VR2 , VR3 , and VR4 are operated in units of sub-periods in which each driving electrode 130 is driven. By adjusting the resistance value, the gain value of the noise signal Sno may be independently adjusted in units of the sub-period. Accordingly, it is possible to compensate for size deviation of noise that may occur even for each left and right position (eg, X coordinate) of the sensor unit 100 . For example, it is possible to compensate for noise size deviation due to left-right deviation of the impedance of the common electrode or the cathode electrode of the display panel 300 . Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, the noise component included in the detection signal Sse1 can be canceled more accurately and effectively.

32 illustrates an embodiment related to a method of adjusting a gain value of a noise signal using the touch sensor shown in FIG. 31 .

Referring to FIG. 32 , according to an exemplary embodiment, during the period P in which the driving electrodes 130 are sequentially driven, the variable resistance is applied in units of sub-periods SP1 , SP2 , and SP3 in which each of the driving electrodes 130 are driven. The resistance values of VR1, VR2, VR3, and VR4 can be adjusted. Accordingly, the gain value of the noise signal Sno input to the second input terminals IN21 to IN24 of the detection channels 222a to 222d can be independently adjusted for each sub-period SP1, SP2, and SP3. . For convenience, hereinafter, a method for adjusting a gain value of the noise signal Sno according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described on the assumption that the sensor unit 100 is provided with three driving electrodes 130 .

First, the driving signal Sdr may be supplied to the first driving electrode 130 (hereinafter referred to as “Tx1 electrode”) disposed in the first column of the sensor unit 100 during the first sub period SP1. During the first sub-period SP1, the first gain value Gain1 according to the first variable resistor VR1 is converted to the eleventh gain G11 and the second gain value Gain2 according to the second variable resistor VR2 ) as the 21st gain G21, the third gain value Gain3 according to the third variable resistor VR3 as the 31st gain G31, and the fourth gain value Gain4 according to the fourth variable resistor VR4. ) can be set as the 41st gain (G41). Then, during the first sub-period SP1, the noise signal Sno amplified to a degree corresponding to the eleventh gain G11 is input to the second input terminal IN21 of the first detection channel 222a, and the second detection The noise signal Sno amplified to a degree corresponding to the twenty-first gain G21 is input to the second input terminal IN22 of the channel 222b. In addition, during the first sub-period SP1, the noise signal Sno amplified to a degree corresponding to the 31st gain G31 is input to the second input terminal IN23 of the third detection channel 222c. The noise signal Sno amplified to a degree corresponding to the forty-first gain G41 is input to the second input terminal IN24 of the sensing channel 222d. At this time, the 11th to 41st gains G11 to G41 are values at which noise components included in the detection signal Sse1 in each of the detection channels 222a to 222d can be effectively canceled during the first sub-period SP1. can be set to

Next, during the second sub-period SP2 following the first sub-period SP1, the second driving electrode 130 (hereinafter referred to as “Tx2 electrode”) disposed in the second column of the sensor unit 100 A driving signal Sdr may be supplied. During the second sub-period SP2, the first gain value Gain1 according to the first variable resistor VR1 is converted into a twelfth gain G12 and the second gain value Gain2 according to the second variable resistor VR2 ) as the 22nd gain G22, the third gain value Gain3 according to the third variable resistor VR3 as the 32nd gain G32, and the fourth gain value Gain4 according to the fourth variable resistor VR4 ) can be set as the 42nd gain (G42). Then, the noise signal Sno amplified to a degree corresponding to the twelfth gain G12 is input to the second input terminal IN21 of the first detection channel 222a during the second sub period SP2, and the second detection The noise signal Sno amplified to a degree corresponding to the 22nd gain G22 is input to the second input terminal IN22 of the channel 222b. In addition, the noise signal Sno amplified to a degree corresponding to the 32nd gain G32 is input to the second input terminal IN23 of the third detection channel 222c during the second sub period SP2, and the fourth The noise signal Sno amplified to a degree corresponding to the forty-second gain G42 is input to the second input terminal IN24 of the sensing channel 222d. At this time, the twelfth to 42nd gains G12 to G42 are values at which the noise component included in the detection signal Sse1 in each of the detection channels 222a to 222d can be effectively canceled during the second sub-period SP2. can be set to

Next, during the third sub-period SP3 following the second sub-period SP2, the third driving electrode 130 (hereinafter referred to as “Tx3 electrode”) disposed in the third column of the sensor unit 100 A driving signal Sdr may be supplied. During the third sub-period SP3, the first gain value Gain1 according to the first variable resistor VR1 is converted to the thirteenth gain G13 and the second gain value Gain2 according to the second variable resistor VR2 ) as the 23rd gain G23, the third gain value Gain3 according to the third variable resistor VR3 as the 33rd gain G33, and the fourth gain value Gain4 according to the fourth variable resistor VR4 ) can be set as the 43rd gain (G43). Then, during the third sub-period SP3, the noise signal Sno amplified to a degree corresponding to the thirteenth gain G13 is input to the second input terminal IN21 of the first detection channel 222a, and the second detection The noise signal Sno amplified to a degree corresponding to the 23rd gain G23 is input to the second input terminal IN22 of the channel 222b. Also, during the third sub-period SP3, the noise signal Sno amplified to a degree corresponding to the 33rd gain G33 is input to the second input terminal IN23 of the third detection channel 222c. The noise signal Sno amplified to a degree corresponding to the forty-third gain G43 is input to the second input terminal IN24 of the sensing channel 222d. At this time, the thirteenth to forty-third gains G13 to G43 are values at which the noise component included in the detection signal Sse1 in each of the detection channels 222a to 222d can be effectively canceled during the third sub-period SP3. can be set to

In the above-described manner, the Tx1 to Tx3 electrodes may be repeatedly and sequentially driven. According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the gain value of the noise signal Sno may be differentially applied according to each position (eg, two-dimensional XY coordinates) of the sensor unit 100 . Accordingly, it is possible to more effectively cancel the noise component included in the detection signal Sse1.

FIG. 33 shows another embodiment of the amplifier circuit shown in FIG. 31 . In FIG. 33, components similar or identical to those of the amplifier circuit according to the embodiment of FIG. 31 are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 33 , according to an embodiment, the amplifier circuit 230 includes a second amplifier AMP2 connected to the noise detection electrodes 160 through a third wire 146, and a second amplifier AMP2 connected to the second amplifier AMP2. A plurality of resistor groups GR1, GR2, and GR3 connected in parallel to the output terminal OUT3, and a first switch connected between the second amplifier AMP2 and the resistor groups GR1, GR2, and GR3. section 232.

According to an embodiment, the first switch unit 232 includes a plurality of switches SW1 and SW2 connected between the output terminal OUT3 of the second amplifier AMP2 and each of the resistor groups GR1, GR2, and GR3. , SW3). For example, the first switch unit 232 includes the first switch SW1 connected between the output terminal OUT3 of the second amplifier AMP2 and the first resistance group GR1, and the output of the second amplifier AMP2. A second switch SW2 connected between the terminal OUT3 and the second resistor group GR2, and a third connected between the output terminal OUT3 of the second amplifier AMP2 and the third resistor group GR3. A switch SW3 may be included.

According to an embodiment, each of the resistance groups GR1 , GR2 , and GR3 is connected to a different sensing channel among the sensing channels 222a to 222d and includes a plurality of resistors VR11 to VR43 connected in parallel with each other. can do. For example, the first resistor group GR1 includes an eleventh resistor VR11 connected to the second input terminal IN21 of the first detection channel 222a and a second input terminal IN22 of the second detection channel 222b. 21 resistor VR21 connected to , a 31 resistor VR31 connected to the second input terminal IN23 of the third sensing channel 222c, and connected to the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth sensing channel 222d. A forty-first resistor VR41 may be included. The second resistor group GR2 includes a twelfth resistor VR12 connected to the second input terminal IN21 of the first sensing channel 222a and a second input terminal IN22 of the second sensing channel 222b. A 22nd resistor VR22, a 32nd resistor VR32 connected to the second input terminal IN23 of the third sensing channel 222c, and a 42nd resistor connected to the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth sensing channel 222d. A resistor VR42 may be included. The third resistor group GR3 is connected to the thirteenth resistor VR13 connected to the second input terminal IN21 of the first sensing channel 222a and connected to the second input terminal IN22 of the second sensing channel 222b. A 23rd resistor VR23, a 33rd resistor VR33 connected to the second input terminal IN23 of the third detection channel 222c, and a 43rd resistor connected to the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth detection channel 222d. A resistor VR43 may be included.

According to exemplary embodiments, the resistors VR11 to VR43 included in the resistor groups GR1 , GR2 , and GR3 may be implemented as variable resistors, but are not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment, the resistors VR11 to VR43 may have fixed resistance values.

Also, according to an embodiment, the amplifier circuit 230 further includes a second switch unit 234 connected between each of the sensing channels 222a to 222d and the resistance groups GR1 , GR2 , and GR3 . Depending on the embodiment, the second switch unit 234 includes an eleventh switch SW11 connected between the second input terminal IN21 of the first detection channel 222a and the eleventh resistor VR11, the first detection A twelfth switch SW12 connected between the second input terminal IN21 of the channel 222a and the twelfth resistor VR12, the second input terminal IN21 of the first detection channel 222a and the thirteenth resistor ( A thirteenth switch (SW13) connected between VR13, a twentieth switch (SW21) connected between the second input terminal (IN22) of the second sensing channel (222b) and the twenty-first resistor (VR21), and a second sensing channel (222b) a 22nd switch (SW22) connected between the second input terminal (IN22) and the 22nd resistor (VR22), the second input terminal (IN22) of the second sensing channel (222b) and the 23rd resistor (VR23) ) and a 23rd switch (SW23) connected between them. In addition, the second switch unit 234 includes a 31st switch SW31 connected between the second input terminal IN23 of the third detection channel 222c and the 31st resistor VR31, and the third detection channel 222c. The 32nd switch (SW32) connected between the second input terminal (IN23) of the ) and the 32nd resistor (VR32), the second input terminal (IN23) of the third sensing channel (222c) and the 33rd resistor (VR33) The 33rd switch (SW33) connected between the 41st switch (SW41) connected between the 2nd input terminal (IN24) of the 4th sensing channel (222d) and the 41st resistor (VR41), and the 4th sensing channel (222d) between the second input terminal IN24 and the 42nd resistor VR42 of the 42nd switch SW42 and between the second input terminal IN24 and the 43rd resistor VR43 of the fourth sensing channel 222d. It includes a 43rd switch (SW43) connected to.

According to the above-described embodiment, the gain value of the noise signal Sno may be independently set according to each position (eg, two-dimensional XY coordinates) of the sensor unit 100 . Accordingly, it is possible to more effectively cancel the noise component included in the detection signal Sse1.

FIG. 34 illustrates an embodiment related to a method of adjusting a gain value of a noise signal using the amplifier circuit shown in FIG. 33 .

Referring to FIG. 34 , the driving signal Sdr may be supplied to the Tx1 electrode disposed in the first column of the sensor unit 100 during the first sub-period SP1 . During the first sub-period SP1, the first switch SW1 connected to the first resistance group GR1 among the switches SW1 to SW3 provided in the first switch unit 232 is turned on. Also, during the first sub-period SP1, among the switches SW11 to SW43 provided in the second switch unit 234, the 11th switch SW11 and the 21st switch SW21 connected to the first resistance group GR1 ), the 31st switch SW31 and the 41st switch SW41 are turned on. Accordingly, the sensing channels 222a to 222d receive the noise signal Sno via the first resistor group GR1.

During the first sub-period SP1, the noise signal Sno amplified to a degree corresponding to the eleventh gain G11 according to the eleventh resistor VR11 is applied to the second input terminal IN21 of the first detection channel 222a. ) is input, and the noise signal Sno amplified to a degree corresponding to the 21st gain G21 according to the 21st resistor VR21 is input to the second input terminal IN22 of the second detection channel 222b. In addition, during the first sub period SP1, the second input terminal IN23 of the third detection channel 222c is amplified to a degree corresponding to the 31st gain G31 according to the 31st resistor VR31 ( Sno) is input, and the noise signal Sno amplified to a degree corresponding to the 41st gain G41 according to the 41st resistor VR41 is input to the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth detection channel 222d. . At this time, the 11th to 41st gains G11 to G41 are values at which noise components included in the detection signal Sse1 in each of the detection channels 222a to 222d can be effectively canceled during the first sub-period SP1. can be set to

Next, the driving signal Sdr may be supplied to the Tx2 electrode disposed in the second column of the sensor unit 100 during the second sub period SP2 following the first sub period SP1. During the second sub-period SP2, the second switch SW2 connected to the second resistor group GR2 among the switches SW1 to SW3 provided in the first switch unit 232 is turned on. Also, during the second sub-period SP2, among the switches SW11 to SW43 provided in the second switch unit 234, the twelfth switch SW12 and the twelfth switch SW22 connected to the second resistance group GR2 ), the 32nd switch SW32 and the 42nd switch SW42 are turned on. Accordingly, the sensing channels 222a to 222d receive the noise signal Sno via the second resistor group GR2.

During the second sub-period SP2, the noise signal Sno amplified to a degree corresponding to the twelfth gain G12 according to the twelfth resistor VR12 is applied to the second input terminal IN21 of the first detection channel 222a. ) is input, and the noise signal Sno amplified to a degree corresponding to the 22nd gain G22 according to the 22nd resistor VR22 is input to the second input terminal IN22 of the second detection channel 222b. In addition, during the second sub period SP2, the second input terminal IN23 of the third detection channel 222c is amplified to a degree corresponding to the 32nd gain G32 according to the 32nd resistor VR32 ( Sno) is input, and the noise signal Sno amplified to a degree corresponding to the 42nd gain G42 according to the 42nd resistor VR42 is input to the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth detection channel 222d. . At this time, the twelfth to 42nd gains G12 to G42 are values at which the noise component included in the detection signal Sse1 in each of the detection channels 222a to 222d can be effectively canceled during the second sub-period SP2. can be set to

Next, the driving signal Sdr may be supplied to the Tx3 electrode disposed in the third column of the sensor unit 100 during the third sub period SP3 following the second sub period SP2. During the third sub-period SP3, the third switch SW3 connected to the third resistor group GR3 among the switches SW1 to SW3 provided in the first switch unit 232 is turned on. Also, during the third sub-period SP3, among the switches SW11 to SW43 provided in the second switch unit 234, the thirteenth switch SW13 and the twenty-third switch SW23 connected to the third resistance group GR3 ), the 33rd switch SW33 and the 43rd switch SW43 are turned on. Accordingly, the sensing channels 222a to 222d receive the noise signal Sno via the third resistor group GR3.

During the third sub-period SP3, the noise signal Sno amplified to a degree corresponding to the thirteenth gain G13 according to the thirteenth resistor VR13 is applied to the second input terminal IN21 of the first detection channel 222a. ) is input, and the noise signal Sno amplified to a degree corresponding to the 23rd gain G23 according to the 23rd resistor VR23 is input to the second input terminal IN22 of the second detection channel 222b. In addition, during the third sub period SP3, the second input terminal IN23 of the third detection channel 222c is amplified to a degree corresponding to the 33rd gain G33 according to the 33rd resistor VR33 ( Sno) is input, and the noise signal Sno amplified to a degree corresponding to the 43rd gain G43 according to the 43rd resistor VR43 is input to the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth detection channel 222d. . At this time, the thirteenth to forty-third gains G13 to G43 are values at which the noise component included in the detection signal Sse1 in each of the detection channels 222a to 222d can be effectively canceled during the third sub-period SP3. can be set to

The noise signal Sno may be supplied to each of the sensing channels 222a to 222d while repeatedly and sequentially driving the Tx1 to Tx3 electrodes in the above-described manner. According to such an embodiment of the present invention, by independently setting the gain value of the noise signal Sno according to each position (eg, two-dimensional XY coordinates) of the sensor unit 100, included in the detection signal Sse1 Noise components can be canceled more effectively.

Although the technical spirit of the present invention has been specifically described according to the foregoing embodiments, it should be noted that the above embodiments are for explanation and not for limitation. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention.

The scope of the present invention is not limited to the contents described in the detailed description of the specification, but should be defined by the claims. In addition, all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

100: sensor unit 101: active area
102: inactive area 110: base substrate (thin film encapsulation layer)
120: sensing electrode (first electrode) 122: first electrode cell
124: first connection part 126: second dummy pattern
130: driving electrode (third electrode) 132: second electrode cell
134: second connection part 136: third dummy pattern
140: wiring 142: first wiring
144: second wire 146: third wire
148: fourth wire 150: pad part
160: noise detection electrode (second electrode) 162: electrode part
164: connection line (connection pattern) 166: first dummy pattern (fourth electrode)
168: cross connection wiring 170: insulating film
200: touch driver 210: driving circuit
220 detection circuit 222 detection channel
224: analog to digital converter 226: processor
230: amplifier circuit 232: first switch unit
234: second switch unit 300: display panel
301: display area 302: non-display area
400: display driving unit

Claims (20)

a first electrode including a plurality of first electrode cells arranged along a first direction and each including a first opening, and at least one first connection portion connecting the first electrode cells along the first direction;
A plurality of electrode parts disposed to be spaced apart from the first electrode cells in the first opening of each of the first electrode cells and disposed on the same layer as the first electrode cells, and at least one connection pattern connecting the electrode parts A second electrode including; and
A plurality of second electrode cells arranged on the same layer as the first electrode cells and the electrode parts to be spaced apart from the first electrode cells and the electrode parts and arranged along a second direction, and the second electrode cells A third electrode including at least one second connection portion connected in a second direction;
The first electrode cells have a mesh shape including a plurality of first conductive thin wires,
touch sensor. According to claim 1,
The first connection part includes at least one thin conductive wire extending from the first thin conductive wires,
touch sensor. According to claim 2,
Each of the electrode parts has a mesh shape including a plurality of second conductive thin wires,
touch sensor. According to claim 3,
The connection pattern includes at least one thin conductive wire extending from the second thin conductive wires.
touch sensor. According to claim 4,
The number of the at least one thin conductive wire included in the first connection part is greater than the number of the at least one thin conductive wire included in the connection pattern.
touch sensor. According to claim 5,
The number of the at least one thin conductive wire included in the connection pattern is one;
touch sensor. According to claim 1,
At least one region of the connection pattern is disposed on a different layer from the first and second electrode cells and the electrode parts,
touch sensor. According to claim 7,
At least one region of the connection pattern and the second connection part are disposed to be spaced apart from each other on the same layer,
touch sensor. According to claim 1,
The connection pattern has at least one insulating film interposed therebetween and partially overlaps with at least one electrode cell among the first and second electrode cells.
touch sensor. According to claim 1,
The electrode parts are arranged along the first direction,
The connection pattern connects the electrode parts along the first direction,
touch sensor. According to claim 1,
Each of the second electrode cells includes a second opening,
Further comprising a plurality of conductive patterns disposed spaced apart from the second electrode cells in the second openings of each of the second electrode cells,
touch sensor. According to claim 11,
The conductive patterns are disposed on the same layer as the first and second electrode cells and the electrode parts.
touch sensor. According to claim 1,
The first opening of each of the first electrode cells overlaps a region of a connection pattern connected to any one of the electrode parts and the one electrode part,
touch sensor. According to claim 13,
Another area of the connection pattern overlaps with at least one of the first electrode cells with at least one insulating film interposed therebetween.
touch sensor. According to claim 1,
a plurality of first electrodes each extending along the first direction and arranged to be separated from each other along a second direction crossing the first direction;
a plurality of second electrodes extending along the first direction to overlap a region of each of the first electrodes and arranged along the second direction; and
Including a plurality of third electrodes each extending along the second direction and arranged to be separated from each other along the first direction,
touch sensor. According to claim 15,
The second electrodes are electrically connected to each other,
touch sensor. A display panel including organic light emitting elements and a thin film encapsulation layer covering the organic light emitting elements, and a touch sensor disposed on the display panel,
The touch sensor,
a first electrode including a plurality of first electrode cells arranged along a first direction and each including a first opening, and at least one first connection portion connecting the first electrode cells along the first direction;
A plurality of electrode parts disposed to be spaced apart from the first electrode cells in the first opening of each of the first electrode cells and disposed on the same layer as the first electrode cells, and at least one connection pattern connecting the electrode parts A second electrode including; and
A plurality of second electrode cells arranged on the same layer as the first electrode cells and the electrode parts to be spaced apart from the first electrode cells and the electrode parts and arranged along a second direction, and the second electrode cells A third electrode including at least one second connection portion connected in a second direction;
The first electrode cells have a mesh shape including a plurality of first conductive thin wires,
display device. According to claim 17,
The first connection part includes at least one thin conductive wire extending from the first thin conductive wires,
display device. According to claim 18,
Each of the electrode parts has a mesh shape including a plurality of second conductive thin wires,
The connection pattern includes at least one thin conductive wire extending from the second thin conductive wires.
display device. According to claim 19,
The number of the at least one thin conductive wire included in the first connection part is greater than the number of the at least one thin conductive wire included in the connection pattern.
display device.

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