KR20110132976A - Touch panel integrated display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A touch panel integrated display device is provided to improve the touch sensitivity of a display panel by directly collecting light from a light source to a sensor via a display panel. CONSTITUTION: A display panel includes a plurality of pixels and displays an image. A touch panel(300) senses a touch on the upper side of the display panel. A plurality of light sources(310) emit light to the upper side of the display panel. A plurality of sensors(320) collect light passing through the upper side of the display panel. A waveguide(340) includes a cladding with lower refractive index than the refractive index of the plurality of cores. A sensor control unit produces the coordinate of the touch.

Description

Touch panel integrated display device

The present invention relates to a touch panel integrated display device capable of reducing overall thickness and weight and preventing deterioration of image quality.

In recent years, as the information age has entered, the display field for visually expressing electrical information signals has been rapidly developed, and various flat panel display devices having excellent performance of thinning, light weight, and low power consumption have been developed. Flat Display Device has been developed to quickly replace the existing Cathode Ray Tube (CRT).

Specific examples of such a flat panel display device include a liquid crystal display device (LCD), a plasma display panel device (PDP), a field emission display device (FED), and an electroluminescent display device. Electro luminescence Display Device (ELD) and Electro-Wetting Display (EWD). Such flat panel displays essentially include a display panel that implements an image by bonding a pair of insulating substrates to each other with a unique light emitting or polarizing material layer interposed therebetween.

Among them, the liquid crystal display device displays an image by using the light transmittance of the liquid crystal that is adjusted according to the electric field, and has the advantages of miniaturization, thinning, and low power consumption, and is used for notebook computers, office automation devices, and audio / video devices. It is widely used.

In general, personal computers, portable communication devices, and other personal information processing devices use various input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a digitizer to configure an interface with a user. In recent years, as the development of mobile communication equipment has been expanded, input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse have difficulty in increasing the completeness of a product, and thus, development of an input device having high portability, which can be used in a simpler method, continues. Accordingly, a touch panel has been proposed in which a user directly touches a screen with a hand or a pen to input information.

The touch panel is simple, has less malfunctions, can be inputted without any other input device, and thus is easy to carry, and the user can easily recognize how to use it. In particular, when an icon or a keyboard displayed on the screen is selected, a flat panel display device with a touch panel is frequently applied to a portable information processing device such as a personal computer or a mobile phone so that an icon or a keyboard can be selected to input information. have. As one of the flat panel display apparatuses to which the touch panel is added, a touch panel type liquid crystal display apparatus in which a touch panel is attached to a liquid crystal panel has been proposed.

1 is a cross-sectional view of a touch panel attached liquid crystal display device according to the related art.

In the conventional touch panel type liquid crystal display device, as shown in FIG. 1, the liquid crystal panel 10 displaying an image by adjusting the light transmittance of each pixel in the direction of the liquid crystal cell, and the touch panel 20 sensing touch. And an adhesive layer 30 attached between the liquid crystal panel 10 and the touch panel 20.

The liquid crystal panel 10 is provided on any one of a pair of substrates and a pair of substrates which are bonded to each other with a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween, defining each pixel region corresponding to each pixel, and controlling luminance of each pixel. And a color filter array unit provided on any one of the transistor array and the pair of substrates and transmitting light of a color corresponding to each pixel. The upper and lower surfaces of the liquid crystal panel 10 include a first polarization layer 11 for polarizing light incident on the liquid crystal panel 10 and a second polarization layer for polarizing light emitted from the liquid crystal panel 10. (12) are formed respectively.

The touch panel 20 includes a transparent substrate 21 provided with an optical waveguide through which light is transmitted with low loss, a light source 22 disposed on one side of the transparent substrate 21, and irradiates light into the transparent substrate 21, and a transparent substrate. The reflecting plate 23 formed on the other side of the 21 to face the light source 22 and reflecting the light penetrating the inside of the transparent substrate 21 to supply the light traveling straight in parallel on the upper surface of the transparent substrate 21. And a sensor 24 formed at the edge on the transparent substrate 21 so as to face the reflecting plate 23 and collecting the top surface light. The touch panel 20 is touched by detecting coordinates corresponding to the sensor 24 that cannot collect the surface light by using the reflection of the surface light by the touch generated on the upper surface of the transparent substrate 21. Deduce the coordinates of the part.

According to the prior art, the light emitted from the light source 22 passes through the inside of the transparent substrate 21, the process of being reflected by the reflecting plate 23, and the process of passing through the upper surface of the transparent substrate 21. 24) can be reached. In other words, the intensity of radiation (light) emitted from the light source 22 is reduced at a large reduction rate by the long light path to the sensor 24. Accordingly, the upper surface light collected by the sensor 24 has a relatively small amount of light, which increases the likelihood of not being effectively recognized by the controller (not shown). Thus, there is a limit to improving the touch sensing sensitivity of the touch panel 20. There is a problem.

According to the prior art, a touch panel type liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal panel 10 including a pair of substrates and a touch panel 20 including a separate transparent substrate 21, and then, an adhesive layer 30. Manufactured by attaching the liquid crystal panel 10 and the touch panel 20 to each other. As such, since the pair of substrates of the liquid crystal panel 10 and the transparent substrate 21 of the touch panel 20 are separately included, there is a problem in that the total weight and the overall thickness of the device are limited. In addition to this, since the process of attaching the liquid crystal panel 10 and the touch panel 30 should be included, the manufacturing process becomes complicated and there is a problem that the yield improvement is difficult.

In addition, light emitted from the liquid crystal panel 10 (hereinafter, referred to as “display light”) in order to display an image may be emitted to the outside only after passing through the touch panel 20 and the adhesive layer 30. As a result, the transmittance of the display light is lowered, thereby degrading the image quality of the liquid crystal panel 10.

Accordingly, the present invention, while including the touch panel and the display panel, the overall weight and thickness can be reduced than before, the image quality of the display panel can be improved, the touch panel can improve the touch sensing sensitivity of the display panel An integrated display device is provided.

In order to solve such a problem, the present invention provides a display panel including an image including a plurality of pixels; And a touch panel formed on an upper edge of the display panel to sense a touch generated on an upper portion of the display panel. The touch panel may include at least one light source disposed at each corner of an upper edge of the display panel and emitting light toward an upper portion of the display panel; A plurality of sensors disposed at respective corners of the upper edge of the display panel at predetermined intervals to collect light emitted from the plurality of light sources and crossing the upper portion of the display panel; A waveguide disposed at an upper edge of the display panel and including a plurality of cores connected to the plurality of sensors, and a cladding surrounding the plurality of cores; And a sensor controller connected to the plurality of sensors through the plurality of cores to detect whether each of the plurality of sensors collects light and to derive the coordinates of the touch.

As described above, since the touch panel integrated display device includes a touch panel formed on an upper portion of the display panel, a separate support substrate provided in the touch panel can be removed, thereby reducing the overall thickness and thickness of the device. It can make it possible to improve portability.

In addition, according to the related art, as the touch panel and the display panel are attached by using the adhesive layer, the light of the display panel is reflected or lost by the adhesive substrate and the support substrate of the touch panel, thereby degrading the image quality. According to the touch panel of the integrated touch panel display device is formed directly on the display panel without a separate support substrate, the light of the display panel can be directly emitted to the outside without passing through the adhesive layer and the support substrate of the touch panel. The picture quality can be improved. In addition, by removing the support substrate and the adhesive layer of the touch panel, the structure of the device is simplified and the manufacturing process is easy, the yield can be improved.

In addition, according to the present invention, since the light emitted from the light source is collected by the sensor directly past the upper portion of the display panel, the light amount reduction rate due to the optical path may be reduced than before, so the touch sensing sensitivity of the touch panel may be improved. .

1 is a cross-sectional view of a touch panel attached liquid crystal display device according to the related art.
2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a touch panel integrated liquid crystal display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a perspective view illustrating a TN type liquid crystal panel of a touch panel integrated liquid crystal display according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a perspective view illustrating a transverse electric field type liquid crystal panel of a touch panel integrated liquid crystal display according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a perspective view illustrating a part of a touch panel of a touch panel integrated liquid crystal display according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view in the YZ direction showing a first support substrate, a second polarizing layer, and a touch panel in response to I-I 'shown in FIG. 5, and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along II-II' shown in FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view in the XZ direction showing a supporting substrate, a second polarizing layer, and a waveguide.
FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of a light source and a sensor in the touch panel illustrated in FIG. 5, and FIGS. 7B to 7E are diagrams illustrating other examples of an arrangement of a light source and a sensor.
8A and 8B are XY direction top views showing the waveguide shown in FIG.
9 is a plan view illustrating a touch panel of a touch panel integrated liquid crystal display according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10A is a view showing a light amount effective area by light sources disposed at upper and lower edges of the outer side of the first support substrate in the plan view shown in FIG. 9.
FIG. 10B is a view showing an effective amount of light by a light source disposed at left and right corners of the outer side of the first support substrate in the plan view shown in FIG. 9.
FIG. 11 is a view schematically illustrating a principle of detecting a touched part by using a touch panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 9.
12 is a plan view illustrating a touch panel of a touch panel integrated liquid crystal display according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
13A and 13B illustrate an example in which a transmittance of a conventional touch panel type liquid crystal display device is compared with a transmittance of a touch panel integrated liquid crystal display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
14A and 14B illustrate an example of comparing an incident rate of a conventional touch panel type liquid crystal display device with an incident rate of a touch panel integrated liquid crystal display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a touch panel integrated liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a touch panel integrated liquid crystal display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a perspective view showing a TN type liquid crystal panel of a touch panel integrated liquid crystal display according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a transverse electric field method of a touch panel integrated liquid crystal display according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows a liquid crystal panel. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a part of a touch panel of a touch panel integrated liquid crystal display according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view in the YZ direction showing a first support substrate, a second polarizing layer, and a touch panel in response to I-I 'shown in FIG. 5, and FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view in the XZ direction showing a supporting substrate, a second polarizing layer, and a waveguide. FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of a light source and a sensor in the touch panel illustrated in FIG. 5, and FIGS. 7B to 7E are diagrams illustrating other examples of an arrangement of a light source and a sensor. 8A and 8B are XY direction top views showing waveguides connecting the sensor and the control unit shown in FIG. 5.

As shown in FIG. 2, the touch panel integrated display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a liquid crystal panel 100 that displays an image including a plurality of pixels, and a liquid crystal panel 100 disposed on a rear surface of the liquid crystal panel 100. It is configured to include a backlight unit 200 for irradiating light to 100, the touch panel 300 is disposed on the upper edge of the liquid crystal panel 100 to sense the touch generated on the liquid crystal panel 100.

In the touch panel integrated display device illustrated in FIG. 2, the liquid crystal panel 100 may be replaced with an field emission display panel, an electroluminescent display panel, an electrowetting display panel, and an organic electroluminescent display panel. However, hereinafter, only the case where the display panel is a liquid crystal panel will be described for convenience.

In FIG. 2, when the liquid crystal panel 100 is a transmissive or semi-transmissive type, the touch panel integrated liquid crystal display device essentially includes a backlight unit 200 for irradiating light to the liquid crystal panel 100. However, when the liquid crystal panel 100 is reflective, the backlight unit 200 may be excluded.

And, since the touch panel 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention is directly formed on the first support substrate 121 of the liquid crystal panel 100 to be described later, it does not include a separate support substrate, but in the present specification For convenience, it will be referred to as a panel. Here, the first support substrate 121 is any one including a surface for emitting light of the display panel while forming a touch area among a pair of substrates of the display panel that face each other.

The liquid crystal panel 100 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes a thin film transistor array substrate 110 (hereinafter referred to as a TFT substrate) and a color filter array substrate 120, which are mutually bonded to each other. And a liquid crystal layer 130 filled between the TFT substrate 110 and the CF substrate 120, and formed on the rear surface of the TFT substrate 110 to form a liquid crystal layer 130 in the backlight unit 200. The first polarization layer 140 for polarizing the light irradiated by the () and the second polarization layer 141 is formed on the upper surface of the CF substrate 120, the polarization of the light emitted from the liquid crystal layer 130 to the outside It is done by Here, the color filter array substrate 120 includes a first support substrate 121 made of a material having transparency and insulation, wherein the color filter array portion 122 is formed on the rear surface of the first support substrate 121. The upper surface of the touch panel 300 is formed.

The liquid crystal panel 100 is classified into a twisted nematic (TN) method and a transverse electric field method according to a direction of forming an electric field for adjusting the direction of a liquid crystal cell included in the liquid crystal layer 130.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the TN type liquid crystal panel, the TFT substrate 110a crosses each other on the second support substrate 111 and the second support substrate 111 facing the first support substrate 121. A plurality of gate lines 112, a plurality of data lines 113, a plurality of gate lines 112, and a plurality of data lines 113 formed to define a plurality of pixel regions P respectively corresponding to the plurality of pixels. ) And a plurality of thin film transistors T respectively formed at regions where the crossovers) and a plurality of pixel electrodes 114 respectively formed in the plurality of pixel regions P and connected to the plurality of thin film transistors T, respectively. do.

In the TN type liquid crystal panel, the CF substrate 120a includes the first support substrate 121 and the color filter array unit 122 formed on the rear surface of the first support substrate 121. The color filter array unit 122 is formed outside the plurality of pixel areas P on the rear surface of the first support substrate 121 to block light leakage from the outside of the pixel area 1220 and the first support substrate. 121. A color filter layer 1221 and a color filter layer 1221 formed at least partially overlapping with the black matrix 1220 layer on each of the plurality of pixel regions P on the rear surface, and transmitting light of a predetermined color corresponding to each pixel. ) And a common electrode 1223 formed on the overcoat layer 1222 and the overcoat layer 1222 corresponding to the plurality of pixels. Here, the color filter layer 1221 may be formed to emit light in a wavelength region corresponding to any one of red, green, and blue corresponding to the plurality of pixel regions P, respectively. .

The TN liquid crystal panel includes a common electrode 1223 disposed above and below the liquid crystal layer 130 in a state in which the direction of the liquid crystal cell included in the liquid crystal layer 130 is twisted by 90 degrees. By applying a common voltage and a pixel voltage to the pixel electrode 114, respectively, the direction of the liquid crystal cells of the liquid crystal layer 130 is adjusted according to the electric field, thereby adjusting the light transmittance of each of the plurality of pixel regions P, thereby The luminance of each pixel is controlled to display an image.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 4, in the transverse electric field type liquid crystal panel, the TFT substrate 110b is a top surface of the second support substrate 110b facing the second support substrate 111 and the first support substrate 121. A plurality of gate lines 112, a plurality of data lines 113, a plurality of gate lines 112, and a plurality of gates 112 formed on the substrate to cross each other and define a plurality of pixel regions P respectively corresponding to the plurality of pixels. A plurality of pixel electrodes 114 respectively formed in a plurality of thin film transistors T and a plurality of pixel regions P respectively formed in regions where the data lines 113 intersect, and connected to a plurality of thin film transistors T, respectively. ) And a plurality of common electrodes 115 formed alternately with the plurality of pixel electrodes 114 in the plurality of pixel regions P.

In the transverse electric field type liquid crystal panel, the CF substrate 120b includes a first support substrate 121 and a color filter array unit 122 formed on a rear surface of the first support substrate 121. The color filter array unit 122 is formed outside the plurality of pixel areas P on the rear surface of the first support substrate 121 to block light leakage from the outside of the pixel area 1220 and the first support substrate. 121. The color filter layer 1221 and the color filter layer 1221 are formed at least partially overlapping each other with the black matrix 1220 layer on each of the plurality of pixel regions P on the rear surface, and transmit light of a predetermined color corresponding to each pixel. ) And an overcoat layer 1222 formed flat on the surface. That is, the CF substrate 120b of the transverse electric field liquid crystal panel does not include a common electrode unlike the TN method. The color filter layer 1221 may be formed to emit visible light in a wavelength band corresponding to any one of red, green, and blue corresponding to the plurality of pixel regions P, respectively. .

In such a transverse electric field type liquid crystal panel, the common electrode 115 and the pixel electrode disposed on the same plane in a state in which the directions of the liquid crystal cells included in the liquid crystal layer 130 are aligned side by side on an alignment layer (not shown). (114) By applying a common voltage and a pixel voltage, respectively, by adjusting the direction of the liquid crystal cells of the liquid crystal layer 130 in accordance with the transverse electric field, thereby adjusting the light transmittance of each of the plurality of pixel regions (P), thereby each pixel Display the image by controlling the luminance.

As described above, the TN type liquid crystal panel adjusts the light transmittance of each pixel region P by applying an electric field in the vertical direction to the liquid crystal layer 130, while the liquid crystal panel of the transverse electric field type is applied to the liquid crystal layer 130. The light transmittance of each pixel area P is adjusted by applying a horizontal electric field.

As mentioned above, the first support substrate 121 is formed of a material having a permeability and an insulating property, for example, glass or acrylic. As such, since the first support substrate 121 is formed to have transparency and insulation, the first support substrate 121 not only electrically stabilizes the liquid crystal panel 100 but also transmits light emitted from the liquid crystal layer 130 to the outside with low loss. Can be improved.

The touch panel 300 is formed at the upper edge of the liquid crystal panel 100. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, when the second polarization layer 141 is provided on the top of the liquid crystal panel 100, the touch panel 300 is formed at the upper edge of the second polarization layer 141. Alternatively, although not separately illustrated, when the liquid crystal panel 100 does not include the second polarization layer 141, the touch panel 300 is formed on the upper edge of the first support substrate 121. That is, the touch panel 300 is supported by the first support substrate 121.

The touch panel 300 is disposed at least at each corner of the upper edge of the liquid crystal panel 100, the plurality of light sources 310 for emitting light toward the upper liquid crystal panel 100, the upper edge of the liquid crystal panel 100 A plurality of sensors 320, a plurality of light sources 310 and a plurality of sensors are disposed spaced at regular intervals at each corner, and collect the light emitted from the light source 310 and passed through the upper portion of the liquid crystal panel 100. A flexible printed circuit (FPC, hereinafter referred to as “FPC”) that supports the sensor 320 and is connected to the plurality of light sources 310 and the plurality of sensors 320 to supply a driving voltage. Each of the sensors 320 of the sensor 320 (not shown, corresponding to the identification number "350" in FIG. 5), the waveguide 340 for transmitting the light input to the sensor 320 to the sensor controller (not shown). waveguide). In this case, the sensor controller detects whether the top surface light of each of the plurality of sensors 320 is collected, and derives the coordinates of the touch part by combining coordinates corresponding to the sensors 320 that do not collect the top surface light.

As shown in FIG. 5, the waveguide 340 is disposed to surround the upper edge of the liquid crystal panel (corresponding to the identification number “100” in FIG. 2), and the FPC 330 is attached around the inner side of the waveguide 340. . At least one sensor controller 350 is disposed at an upper edge of the liquid crystal panel 100.

The plurality of light sources 310 are fixed to one surface of the FPC 330 that is not in contact with the waveguide 340 in the direction toward the upper portion of the liquid crystal panel 100. In this case, the light emitted from each light source 310 is not collected as the effective surface light through the entire plurality of sensors 320, but only through the sensors 320 in each light quantity effective region corresponding to each light source 310. Collected with valid image light.

That is, the upper portion of the liquid crystal panel 100 is divided into a plurality of light quantity effective regions respectively corresponding to the plurality of light sources 310. A plurality of light quantity effective regions are set so as not to overlap each other. In addition, the light emitted by one of the light sources 310 and collected by the sensor 320 disposed in one light quantity effective area corresponding to one light source 310 may be effectively detected by the sensor controller 350. It has the amount of light that can be. This will be described in more detail below.

The plurality of sensors 320, like the plurality of light sources 310, are fixed to one surface of the FPC 330 in a direction toward the upper portion of the liquid crystal panel 100, and at each corner of the upper edge of the liquid crystal panel 100. Spaced apart from each other at regular intervals.

6A and 6B, the waveguide 340 is formed to surround the plurality of cores 341 and cores 341 connected to the plurality of sensors 320, respectively. A cladding 342 having a refractive index lower than that of the core 341, and a buffer layer 343 formed between the plurality of cores 341 and the liquid crystal panel 100. In this case, by adjusting the height of the buffer layer 343, the core 341 may be disposed to connect with the sensor 320 disposed in the FPC 330.

When the FPC 330 in which the plurality of sensors 320 are disposed and the waveguide 340 are attached to each other, the plurality of cores 341 and the plurality of sensors 320 are aligned to each other. Afterwards.

Meanwhile, as an example of the plurality of light sources 310 and the plurality of sensors 320 on the FPC 330 corresponding to one edge of the upper edge of the liquid crystal panel 100, FIGS. 7A to 7E. It may be illustrated.

That is, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7A, the plurality of light sources 310 may be arranged side by side in the X direction on one surface of the FPC 330. In addition, the plurality of sensors 320 may include one row in the X direction (where “column” means a row in the XZ plane) below one surface of the FPC 330 below the plurality of light sources 320. It can be arranged spaced apart at regular intervals.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, the plurality of light sources 310 and the plurality of sensors 320 are changed up and down so that the plurality of light sources 310 are arranged side by side in the X direction under one surface of the FPC 330. The plurality of sensors 320 may be spaced apart at regular intervals while forming two rows in the X direction on one surface of the FPC 330.

Although not separately illustrated, the plurality of sensors 320 disposed above one surface of the FPC 330 may be arranged in one column in the X direction instead of two columns as shown in FIG. 7A. In addition, two or more sensor controllers 350 disposed at different regions of the upper edge of the liquid crystal panel 100 are provided, and the sensor 320 disposed at each corner is divided into two sides, and thus different sensor controllers 350 are provided. By connecting to (hereinafter, referred to as a "divided structure"), it is possible to minimize the increase in width due to the large number of cores 341 connected to the sensor control unit 350.

As such, when the plurality of sensors 320 are arranged in a plurality of rows, as the number of sensors 320 increases, the touch sensing sensitivity corresponding to each unit area of the touch area may be increased, but provided in the waveguide 340. As each core 341 is arranged in a multilayer structure with a reduced cross-sectional area, the bezel width (BEZEL WIDTH, or "width") of the waveguide 340 can be reduced. In addition, the bezel width of the waveguide 340 may be reduced by using a split structure in which sensors 320 disposed at each corner are divided into both sides and connected to different sensor controllers 350.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7C, the plurality of light sources 310 may be arranged side by side in the X direction on one surface of the FPC 330. In addition, the plurality of sensors 320 may be spaced apart at regular intervals while forming two rows in the X direction having a zigzag shape under one surface of the FPC 330. In this case, the plurality of sensors 320 are arranged in two columns in the X direction, that is, the matrix is arranged in two columns in the X direction having the same row in the Z direction (where “rows” means columns in the XZ plane). Alternatively, it is also possible to arrange two rows in the X direction in an alternating order in the row in the Z direction. In other words, the sensors arranged in the first column in the X direction, which is the upper side of the two columns, are arranged in the even rows in the Z direction, and the sensors arranged in the second column in the X direction, which is the lower side, the cells arranged in the odd rows in the Z direction. Can be. As such, when the plurality of sensors 320 are arranged in a zigzag form, the touch sensing sensitivity corresponding to each unit area of the touch area may be increased without increasing the cross-sectional area of the core 341 or increasing the number of sensors 320. Can be maintained. Accordingly, the manufacturing cost of the device can be reduced, and due to the reduced sensor 320, control of touch sensing can be made easier.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 7D and 7E, the plurality of sensors 320 may be selected to have a circular cross section, not a rectangular cross section. 7D is the same as that shown in FIG. 7B except that the plurality of sensors 320 have a circular cross section in the XZ direction and are disposed below the light source 310, and therefore, will be described below. Duplicate explanations are omitted.

7E is the same as that shown in FIG. 7C except that the plurality of sensors 320 have a circular XZ-direction cross section, and thus descriptions thereof will be omitted below.

On the other hand, FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are mentioned as an example regarding the form in which the some core 341 corresponding to each of the some sensor 320 is arrange | positioned.

That is, as shown in FIG. 7A, the plurality of cores 341 may be arranged side by side to be spaced apart from each other in the XY plane so as not to cross. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7B, in order to reduce the bezel width of the waveguide 340, the plurality of cores 341 may be arranged at least partially overlap each other in the XY plane and spaced apart from each other in the Z direction so as not to cross each other. have. Alternatively, although not separately illustrated, the plurality of cores 341 are arranged in groups of at least two cores 341, and are arranged to be at least partially overlapped with each other in the XY plane while being spaced apart in the Z direction to form a bezel width of the waveguide 340. And height may be adjusted to an appropriate level.

Next, the touch panels according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 9 through 12. For reference, FIGS. 9 and 12 are plan views, in order to prevent the components from being confused, in FIGS. 9 and 12, each component is illustrated in a different pattern from FIGS. 2 to 8B.

9 is a plan view illustrating a touch panel of a touch panel integrated liquid crystal display according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10A is a view showing a light quantity effective area by a light source disposed at upper and lower edges of the outer side of the first support substrate in FIG. 9, and FIG. 10B is a first support substrate in the plan view shown in FIG. 9. Figure 1 shows the effective amount of light by a light source disposed at the left and right corners of the outer edge. FIG. 11 is a view schematically illustrating a principle of detecting a touched part by using a touch panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 9.

As shown in FIG. 9, the touch panel 300 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is disposed to be spaced apart from each other in a shape surrounding the top edge of the second polarization layer 141, and emits top light. A plurality of light sources 311 to 318 (corresponding to identification number “310” in FIGS. 2 and 3 to 8B) and upper surface light crossing the upper surface of the first polarizing layer 141 and the first support substrate 121. The sensor 320, a waveguide 340 including a core 341 respectively connected to the plurality of sensors 320, and a plurality of sensors 320 connected to the plurality of sensors 320 through the waveguide 340. It includes a sensor control unit 350 for detecting whether each of the top light collected. At this time, the waveguide 340 is connected between each of the plurality of sensors 320 and the sensor control unit 350, is disposed so as not to cross-talk each other, by the cladding (corresponding to the identification number "342" in Figures 6a and 6b). Surrounding includes a plurality of cores 341.

Each of the plurality of light sources 311 to 318 is formed of a plurality of light emitting devices that emit top surface light of a wavelength band corresponding to ultraviolet (UltraViolet ray) or infrared ray (infrared ray). In this case, the light emitting device may be provided as a light emitting diode (LED) or a lamp (LAMP). As described above, the plurality of light sources 311 to 318 emit surface light of a wavelength band corresponding to ultraviolet (UltraViolet ray) or infrared ray having low visibility, thereby affecting the image quality of the liquid crystal panel 100. Don't get crazy.

The plurality of light sources 311 to 318 are disposed on the upper edge of the liquid crystal panel 100 and spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals to form a plurality of light quantity effective regions that do not overlap each other.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the first to eighth light sources 311 to 318 form an A to H light amount effective region, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 10A, the first to fifth light sources 311 to 315 form the A to E light amount effective regions in the vertical direction (corresponding to the Y direction in FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 10B, the sixth to eighth light sources 316 to 318 form the F to H light amount effective regions in the left and right directions (corresponding to the X direction in FIG. 5).

10A, the first light source disposed at one side (corresponding to the upper edge in FIG. 10A) of the top edge of the second polarization layer 141 (corresponding to the left side in FIG. 10A). 311) emits upper surface light directed to one side of the second corner (corresponding to the lower edge in FIG. 10A) facing the first corner, thereby forming an A light quantity effective region in the vertical direction. In this case, the effective amount of A-light amount collected through some of the sensors 320 disposed at one side of the second edge of the upper surface edge of the second polarizing layer 141 among the plurality of sensors 320. The image light may be effectively detected by the sensor controller 350.

In particular, even if the upper surface light of the A light effective amount area is collected through some sensors 320 of the B light effective amount area adjacent to the A light effective amount area, the sensor controller 350 effectively detects the light as it has less than the effective range. It doesn't work.

Similar to the first light source 311, the second light source 312 disposed on the other side (which corresponds to the right side in FIG. 10A) of the first edge of the upper surface edge of the second polarizing layer 141 is disposed on the other side of the second edge. The upper surface of the B light quantity effective region effectively collected by some sensors 320 emits light. The third light source 313 disposed at one side of the second edge of the upper edge of the second polarization layer 141 is effective by some sensors 320 disposed at one side of the first edge of the upper edge of the second polarization layer 141. It emits the upper surface light of the C light amount effective region collected. The fourth light source 314 disposed at the center of the second edge of the top edge of the second polarizing layer 141 is partially disposed by the sensor 320 disposed at the center of the first edge of the top edge of the second polarization layer 141. It emits the upper surface light of the effective area for collecting the D light quantity effectively. The fifth light source 315 disposed at the other side of the second edge of the upper edge of the second polarization layer 141 is partially connected to the sensor 320 disposed at the other side of the first edge of the upper edge of the second polarization layer 141. Emits the upper surface light of the E-light amount effective region which is effectively collected.

10B, the sixth bar is disposed on one side (corresponding to the upper side in FIG. 10B) of the third corner (corresponding to the right corner in FIG. 10B) of the upper edge of the second polarization layer 141. The light source 316 emits top surface light directed to one side of the fourth corner (corresponding to the left corner in FIG. 10B) of the top edge of the second polarization layer 141 facing the third corner, thereby forming an F light amount effective region in the left and right directions. Form. Here, the upper surface of the F light amount effective region collected through some of the sensors 320 disposed on one side of the fourth corner of the upper edge of the second polarization layer 141 to face the sixth light source 316 of the plurality of sensors 320. The light is effectively detected by the sensor controller 350. If the image light of the F light quantity effective region is collected through the sensor 320 of the G light effective region that is adjacent to the F light effective region, as it has a light amount less than the effective range, it is not effectively detected by the sensor controller 350. .

Similar to the sixth light source 316, the seventh light source 317 disposed on the other side of the third edge of the upper surface edge of the second polarizing layer 141 (which corresponds to the lower side in FIG. 10B) is the upper surface of the second polarizing layer 141. The upper surface of the G light quantity effective region which is effectively collected by some of the sensors 320 disposed at the other side of the fourth corner of the edge is emitted. In addition, the eighth light source 318 disposed at the center of the fourth edge of the top edge of the second polarization layer 141 is partially partially disposed by the sensor 320 disposed at the third edge of the top edge of the polarization layer 141. It emits the upper surface light of the effective amount of the H light quantity effective region collected.

As described above, the upper surface of the second polarizing layer 141 is divided into the A to E light amount effective area corresponding to the first to fifth light sources 311 to 315 along the vertical direction, and the sixth light source along the left and right directions. F to H light quantity effective regions corresponding to the eighth light sources 316 to 318. Therefore, when a touch is generated that touches an arbitrary point of the upper surface of the second polarization layer 141, the touch among the sensors 320 disposed at the first and second corners of the upper edge of the second polarization layer 141. At least one of failing to collect the surface light by the sensor, and at least one of the sensors 320 disposed at the third and fourth corners, and failing to collect the surface light by the touch, and coordinates corresponding to the detected sensors. Detects the coordinates of the touch point.

That is, as shown in FIG. 11, when the touch point TP is generated, the first sensor 321 and the third and third sensors of the D light effective area among the sensors 320 disposed at the first and second corners. Among the sensors 320 disposed at four corners, the second sensor 322 of the H light amount effective region cannot collect the top surface light. In this case, the touch controller 350 detects the first sensor 321 and the second sensor 322 which do not collect the surface light among the plurality of sensors 320, and thereby, the first sensor 321 and the second sensor 322. By combining the positions where the sensors 322 are arranged, the coordinates of the touch point TP may be derived.

Next, a touch panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 12.

12 is a plan view illustrating a touch panel of a touch panel integrated liquid crystal display according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 12, in the touch panel 300 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of sensors 320 are turned toward the light sources 311 to 318 for each light quantity effective area A to H. Except for being disposed, since it is the same as the first embodiment shown in Figs. 2 to 11, the description overlapping below is omitted.

That is, the touch panel 300 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, like the first embodiment, is disposed to be spaced apart from each other in a form covering the top edge of the second polarizing layer 141, and emits the top surface light. The plurality of light sources 311 to 318, the second polarizing layer 141, and a plurality of sensors 320 to detect the light of the upper surface crossing the upper surface of the first support substrate 121, and a plurality of through the waveguide 340. It is connected to the sensor 320, and includes a sensor controller 350 for detecting whether the top light of each of the plurality of sensors 320 is collected. At this time, the waveguide 340 is connected between each of the plurality of sensors 320 and the sensor control unit 350, is disposed so as not to cross-talk each other, by the cladding (corresponding to the identification number "342" in Figures 6a and 6b). Surrounding includes a plurality of cores 341.

In addition, the plurality of sensors 320 are twisted toward the light source to form the corresponding light quantity effective region with at least one sensor 320 corresponding to each light quantity effective region, so that the sensors 320 corresponding to each light quantity effective region are It is arranged to have a concave shape as a whole.

More specifically, the sensors of the first group (1) that effectively collect the image light of the A light amount effective region emitted from the first light source 311 are twisted toward the first light source 311 in a concave lens shape. Is placed. Accordingly, the A-light-quantity effective area and the sensors of the first group ① have an overall fan shape.

Sensors of the second group (②) that effectively collect the image light of the B light quantity effective region emitted from the second light source 312 are arranged in a concave lens shape and twisted toward the second light source 312, thereby effectively preventing the B light quantity effective. The area and the sensors of the second group (2) have a fan shape as a whole.

Similarly, the sensors of the third group ③, which effectively collect the image light of the C light amount effective region emitted from the third light source 313, are twisted toward the third light source 313, and are arranged in a concave lens shape. The sensors of the fourth group ④ that effectively collect the image light of the D light quantity effective region emitted from the fourth light source 314 are twisted toward the fourth light source 314 and are arranged in a concave lens shape. Then, the sensors of the fifth group ⑤ that effectively collect the image light of the E-light amount effective region emitted from the fifth light source 315 are twisted toward the fifth light source 315, and are arranged in a concave lens shape. At this time, the overall shape by the C light effective amount area and the sensors of the third group (③) is linearly symmetrical to the overall shape by the E light effective amount area and the sensors of the fifth group (⑤), the two shapes are divided into two sectors Form.

The sixth group (6) of sensors that effectively collect the image light of the F light quantity effective region emitted from the sixth light source 316 are twisted toward the sixth light source 316 and arranged in a concave lens shape. The sensors of the seventh group ⑦ that effectively collect the image light of the G light quantity effective region emitted from the seventh light source 317 are twisted toward the seventh light source 317 and are arranged in a concave lens shape. Then, the sensors of the eighth group (8) that effectively collect the image light of the H light quantity effective region emitted from the eighth light source 318 are twisted toward the eighth light source 318, and are arranged in a concave lens shape. At this time, the overall shape by the F light effective amount area and the sensors of the sixth group (⑥) is linearly symmetrical to the overall shape by the G light effective amount area and the sensors of the seventh group (⑦), so that the two shapes are divided into two sectors. Form.

In general, since the light has a linearity and the light emitting device emits light in all directions (up, down, left, right) in a predetermined wide angle range, the top surface light emitted from each of the light sources 310 and 311 to 318 is disposed on the second polarization layer 141. Spread in a conical form and go straight to the sensor 320. Accordingly, when the sensor 320 is distorted and the light collecting surface of the sensor 320 faces the light sources 310 and 311 to 318, the area where the light collecting surface of the sensor 320 comes into contact with the surface light is increased. As widened, since the image light collected by the sensor 320 may have a larger amount of light, the touch sensing sensitivity of the touch panel may be further improved.

As described above, the touch panel integrated liquid crystal display according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a first support substrate 121 having a color filter array 122 formed on a rear surface thereof and a touch panel 300 formed on an upper surface thereof. The color filter array substrate 120 and the touch panel 300 have a structure in which the first support substrate 121 is shared. That is, as the touch panel 300 is directly formed on the first support substrate 121, the adhesive layer for attaching the touch panel 300 to the color filter array substrate 120 may be removed, thereby providing a structure of the device. Becomes even simpler. In addition to this, the lowering of durability due to the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is prevented, and the manufacturing process is facilitated, so that the yield can be improved. In addition, as the touch panel 300 does not include a separate support substrate and is directly formed on the first support substrate 121, the total weight and thickness of the touch panel integrated liquid crystal display device may be reduced.

In addition, since the light generated by the light source 310 may reach the sensor 320 by a path that crosses the upper portion of the liquid crystal panel 100 from the upper portion of the liquid crystal panel 100, the light path is shorter than that of the conventional art. The amount of light reduction due to this can be reduced. Accordingly, assuming that the light source emits the same light amount, the light amount of the image light reaching the sensor 320 may be larger than that of the related art, and thus the touch sensing sensitivity may be improved.

Meanwhile, the conventional touch panel type liquid crystal display device includes two support substrates provided on the touch panel and the color filter array substrate, and an adhesive layer attaching the touch panel to the color filter array substrate. Light is emitted outside only through a large number of interfaces with varying refractive indices.

On the contrary, the touch panel integrated liquid crystal display according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention includes a touch panel and a color filter array substrate 120 sharing one support substrate 121 and are generated in the liquid crystal panel. The light may be emitted to the outside through a smaller number of interfaces than in the related art, and thus transmittance or incident rate may be improved.

This will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 13A, 13B, 14A, and 14B as follows.

13A and 13B illustrate an example in which a transmittance of a conventional touch panel type liquid crystal display device is compared with a transmittance of a touch panel integrated liquid crystal display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 14A and 14B illustrate an example of comparing an incident rate of a conventional touch panel type liquid crystal display device with an incident rate of a touch panel integrated liquid crystal display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

As mentioned above, the conventional touch panel type liquid crystal display device includes two support substrates provided on the touch panel and the color filter array substrate, and thus, the adhesive layer 30 for attaching the two support substrates to each other is provided. It must be included.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 13A, the display light TL generated in the liquid crystal panel 10 may be emitted to the outside only after passing through the adhesive layer 30 and the supporting substrate of the touch panel 20. In this case, as the display light TL is reflected or disappeared at an interface where the refractive index fluctuates, that is, between the liquid crystal panel 10 and the adhesive layer 30 and between the support substrate and the adhesive layer of the touch panel 20, the transmittance of the display light decreases. Is inevitable, there is a limit to improving image quality.

In contrast, the touch panel integrated liquid crystal display device according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention has a structure in which the touch panel 300 and the color filter array substrate 120 share the first support substrate 121. .

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 13B, the display light TL generated in the liquid crystal panel 100 may be directly emitted from the liquid crystal panel 100 to the outside without passing through the support substrate of the touch panel. The transmittance can be improved than before. In particular, through simulation, the display light TL exhibits a transmittance of 92% in the structure of the conventional touch panel type liquid crystal display device, whereas the display light of the touch panel integrated liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment of the present invention TL) transmittance was confirmed to be 100% improved 8% compared to the prior art.

As shown in FIG. 14A, even when a conventional touch panel type liquid crystal display device includes a reflective liquid crystal panel, similarly to the case of a transmissive liquid crystal panel, external light IL incident from the outside is touch panel 30. ) May be incident to the liquid crystal panel 10 only through the adhesive layer 40. Accordingly, the incident light IL has a boundary surface between the outside of the refractive index and the touch substrate 30, an interface surface between the touch panel 30 and the adhesive layer 40, and a space between the adhesive layer 40 and the liquid crystal panel 10. Reflecting or disappearing at the interface, a decrease in the incident rate is inevitable.

In contrast, as shown in FIG. 14B, according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention, since the external light IL is directly incident on the liquid crystal panel 100, an interface between the outside and the liquid crystal panel 100 is provided. Only reflected or lost. In particular, through simulation, it was confirmed that the external light IL reflectance of the touch panel integrated liquid crystal display according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is reduced by 7% compared to the structure of the conventional touch panel attached liquid crystal display.

As described above, the touch panel integrated liquid crystal display device according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention has a structure in which the touch panel and the color filter array substrate share one support substrate, thereby reducing the overall weight and thickness. And it can be designed to be slim can be improved portability. In addition, the manufacturing process is facilitated by the simplified structure, and the transmittance or incidence of the transmitted light or the incident light can be improved over the prior art, so that the image quality can be improved. In addition, the amount of light of the surface light reaching the light receiving unit is prevented from being reduced by the optical path, so that the touch sensing efficiency can be improved.

Meanwhile, the touch panel 300 illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 12 is merely an example for briefly describing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and the touch panel integrated liquid crystal display according to the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the number of light sources other than eight may be included depending on the performance of the light source, or the light sources in the left and right directions and the light sources in the vertical direction may be provided with different performances. Therefore, it is obvious that the light quantity effective region can be divided into various shapes and numbers. In addition, although the touch panel 300 illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12 is illustrated as including two sensor controllers 350, this is merely an example and includes a sensor controller including a channel that can be connected to all sensors. 350) may be provided with only one, or may be provided with two or more depending on the number of channels that can be processed.

The present invention described above is not limited to the above-described embodiment and the accompanying drawings, and various substitutions, modifications, and changes may be made without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention.

100: liquid crystal panel
110: transistor array substrate
120: color filter array substrate
130: liquid crystal layer
140 and 141: first and second polarizing layers
200: backlight unit 300: touch panel
310: light source 320: sensor
330: FPC 340: waveguide
341: core 342: cladding
350: sensor control unit A to G: light effective area

Claims (10)

A display panel for displaying an image including a plurality of pixels; And
A touch panel formed at an upper edge of the display panel to sense a touch generated on the display panel;
The touch panel,
At least one light source disposed at each corner of an upper edge of the display panel and emitting light toward an upper portion of the display panel;
A plurality of sensors disposed at respective corners of the upper edge of the display panel at predetermined intervals and collecting light emitted from the plurality of light sources and reached through the display panel;
A waveguide including a plurality of cores each connected to the plurality of sensors, and a cladding formed to surround the plurality of cores and having a lower refractive index than the plurality of cores; And
And a sensor control unit connected to the plurality of sensors through the plurality of cores to detect whether each of the plurality of sensors collects light and to derive the coordinates of the touch. The method of claim 1,
And the plurality of light sources are a plurality of light emitting devices that emit light in a wavelength band corresponding to ultraviolet rays or infrared rays. The method of claim 1,
An upper portion of the display panel is divided into a plurality of light quantity effective regions respectively corresponding to the plurality of light sources,
In one light quantity effective region corresponding to any one of the plurality of light sources, light collected by at least one sensor emitted from the one light source and disposed in the one light quantity effective region is effectively used by the sensor controller. A touch panel integrated display device having an amount of light that can be detected. The method of claim 3,
The plurality of sensors are arranged in a concave lens shape for each of the respective light quantity effective regions toward the respective light sources forming the light quantity effective regions. The method of claim 1,
And a plurality of sensors arranged side by side in the at least one row at each corner of the upper edge of the display panel. The method of claim 1,
And a plurality of sensors arranged in at least two rows having a zigzag shape at each corner of an upper edge of the display panel. The method of claim 1,
And a light source disposed above the sensor at each corner of the upper edge of the display panel. The method of claim 1,
The display panel is a liquid crystal panel including a transistor array substrate and a color filter array substrate that are opposed to each other, and a liquid crystal layer filled between the transistor array substrate and the color filter array substrate.
The transistor array substrate,
A second support substrate facing the first support substrate;
A plurality of gate lines and a plurality of data lines formed on the second support substrate so as to cross each other and defining a plurality of pixel regions respectively corresponding to the plurality of pixels;
A plurality of thin film transistors respectively formed in regions where the plurality of gate lines and the plurality of data lines cross each other; And
A plurality of pixel electrodes formed in the plurality of pixel regions on the second support substrate and connected to the plurality of thin film transistors, respectively;
The color filter array substrate includes a color filter array unit formed on a rear surface of the first support substrate opposite to a surface on which the touch panel is formed. The method of claim 8,
The color filter array unit,
A black matrix layer formed outside the plurality of pixel areas on the rear surface of the first support substrate and blocking light leakage from the outside of the plurality of pixel areas;
A color filter layer formed in the plurality of pixel regions on the rear surface of the first support substrate and transmitting light of a wavelength region corresponding to each pixel; And
And an overcoat layer formed flat on the color filter layer. The method of claim 8,
The liquid crystal panel,
A backlight unit formed under the transistor array substrate to irradiate light to the liquid crystal layer;
A first polarization layer formed on a rear surface of the second support substrate to polarize light emitted from the backlight unit; And
And a second polarization layer formed on an upper surface of the first support substrate to polarize light passing through the liquid crystal layer.

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