KR20190038770A - Force-touch panel, and fource-touch detection device and display system having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed are a force-touch panel having a touch-sensing function and a force-sensing function, a force-touch detection device including the same and a display system thereof. According to the present invention, the force-touch panel comprises: a plurality of driving lines connected to a plurality of driving electrodes in series; a plurality of touch-sensing lines connected to a plurality of touch-sensing electrodes in series and disposed on the lower part of a layer having the driving electrodes formed thereon to output a touch-sensing signal coupled to capacitance formed between the driving electrode and the touch-sensing electrode; and a plurality of force-sensing lines connected to a plurality of force-sensing electrodes in series, disposed on the lower part of the driving lines to be covered by the driving electrodes, respectively, and disposed on the same plane as that of the touch-sensing lines to output a force-sensing signal coupled to capacitance formed between the driving electrode and the force-sensing electrode, wherein the number of force-sensing electrodes is equal to the number of driving electrodes in order to realize multi force-sensing through the force-sensing electrodes. Accordingly, the driving lines are close to a surface touched by a user′s finger and the touch-sensing lines and the force-sensing lines are spaced apart from the surface touched by the user′s finger such that the force-touch panel is formed, thereby providing the touch-sensing function and the force-sensing function to the force-touch panel.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a force-touch panel, a force-touch sensing device having the same,

The present invention relates to a force-touch panel, and more particularly, to a force-touch panel having a touch-sensing function and a force-sensing function, and a force- And a display system.

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

The user simply touches the touch screen with a finger or the like so that the user can operate the computing system. Generally, a computing system is able to recognize touch and touch locations on a touch screen and interpret the touch to perform operations accordingly. At this time, there is a need for a touch input device capable of detecting a pressure (or force) size of a touch as well as a touch position according to a touch on the touch screen without deteriorating the performance of the display module.

In consideration of this point, a touch input device including a display module capable of detecting not only the position of a touch on a touch screen but also the size of the touch force has been proposed.

Further, a touch input device including a display module configured to detect a touch position and a force size of a touch without lowering the visibility and light transmittance of the display module has been proposed.

Korean Patent No. 10-1634315 (June 22, 2016) Korean Patent Publication No. 2016-0042236 (May 19, 2016)

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a force-touch panel having a touch-sensing function and a force- .

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

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a display system having the above-described force-touch panel.

In order to achieve the object of the present invention, a force-touch panel according to an embodiment includes a plurality of driving lines in which a plurality of driving electrodes are connected in series; Sensing signal is coupled in series by a plurality of touch-sensing electrodes connected to each other by a capacitance formed between the driving electrode and the touch-sensing electrode, the touch- A plurality of touch-sensing lines; And a plurality of force-sensing electrodes connected in series and disposed below the driving lines so as to cover each of the driving electrodes, wherein the driving electrodes are disposed on the same plane as the touch-sensing lines, A plurality of force-sensing lines for outputting a force-sensing signal coupled by a capacitance formed between the sensing electrodes, wherein the number of force-sensing electrodes is set so as to enable multi-force sensing through the force- And the number of the driving electrodes is the same.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In one embodiment, when viewed in a plan view, each of the force-sensing electrodes may be formed in an area where the driving electrodes are formed.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a force-touch sensing apparatus including a plurality of driving lines in which a plurality of driving electrodes are connected in series, a plurality of touch-sensing electrodes connected in series, A plurality of touch-sensing lines and a plurality of force-sensing electrodes arranged in a lower portion of the layer in which the electrodes are formed and outputting a touch-sensing signal formed between the driving electrode and the touch- Sensing lines, and a force-sensing electrode disposed on the same plane as the touch-sensing lines and coupled by a capacitance formed between the driving electrode and the force- A force-touch panel including a plurality of force-sensing lines for outputting a sensing signal; A driving unit for supplying a driving signal to each of the driving lines; A touch sensing unit receiving a touch-sensing signal at each of the touch-sensing lines; A force sensing unit for receiving a force-sensing signal in each of the force-sensing lines; And a controller for controlling operations of the driving unit, the touch sensing unit, and the force sensing unit, computing touch states and touch positions based on the touch-sensing signals, calculating a force state and a force position based on the force- The number of the force-sensing electrodes is equal to the number of the driving electrodes so that the force-sensing electrodes can be multi-posed through the force-sensing electrodes.

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

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display system including: a display panel; And a force-touch panel disposed on the display panel, wherein the force-touch panel includes: a plurality of driving lines in which a plurality of driving electrodes are connected in series; Sensing signal is coupled in series by a plurality of touch-sensing electrodes connected to each other by a capacitance formed between the driving electrode and the touch-sensing electrode, the touch- A plurality of touch-sensing lines; And a plurality of force-sensing electrodes connected in series and disposed below the driving lines so as to cover each of the driving electrodes, wherein the driving electrodes are disposed on the same plane as the touch-sensing lines, A plurality of force-sensing lines for outputting a force-sensing signal coupled by a capacitance formed between the sensing electrodes, wherein the number of force-sensing electrodes is set so as to enable multi-force sensing through the force- And the number of the driving electrodes is the same.

In one embodiment, the force-touch panel may further include a first insulating layer formed under the driving lines. Here, the touch-sensing lines may be disposed under the first insulation layer.

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

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

In one embodiment, the force-touch panel includes: a first insulating layer formed below the driving lines; And a second insulating layer formed under the first insulating layer. Here, the force-sensing lines may be formed on one side of the first insulation layer, and the touch-sensing lines may be formed on one side of the second insulation layer.

According to such a force-touch panel, a force-touch sensing device and a display system having the touch-sensing panel and the touch panel, driving lines are arranged close to a surface to be touched by a user's finger, By forming the force-sensing lines to form the force-touch panel, a touch-sensing function and a force-sensing function can be given to the force-touch panel. Accordingly, not only the touch position on the touch screen, but also the touch force can be detected.

1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a touch detection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically illustrating the force-touch panel shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the force-touch panel of FIG.
FIG. 4 illustrates a capacitive flux line when there is no touch in the force-touch panel according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 illustrates a capacitive flux line when a force-free touch is made by a finger in a force-touch panel according to the present invention.
FIG. 6A is a graph for schematically explaining a capacitance value of a touch-sensing electrode by a touch and a soft touch in the force-touch panel of FIG.
FIG. 6B is a graph for schematically explaining capacitance values of the force-sensing electrode by touch and soft touch in the force-touch panel of FIG.
FIG. 7 illustrates a capacitive flux line when a force is applied by a finger in a force-touch panel according to the present invention.
FIG. 8A is a graph for schematically explaining electrostatic capacitance values of the touch-sensing electrodes by untouch and touch in the force-touch panel of FIG.
FIG. 8B is a graph for schematically explaining capacitance values of the force-sensing electrode by the untouch and force-touch in the force-touch panel of FIG.
FIG. 9 illustrates a capacitive flux line when a force is applied by a non-conductive material in a force-touch panel according to the present invention.
FIG. 10A is a graph for schematically explaining electrostatic capacitance values of the touch-sensing electrode by untouch and touch in the force-touch panel of FIG.
FIG. 10B is a graph for schematically explaining electrostatic capacitance values of force-sensing electrodes in the force-touch panel of FIG. 9 by untouch and touch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is capable of various modifications and various forms, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the text. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Like reference numerals are used for like elements in describing each drawing. In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of the structures are enlarged to illustrate the present invention in order to clarify the present invention.

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

In this application, the terms "comprises", "having", and the like are used to specify that a feature, a number, a step, an operation, an element, a part or a combination thereof is described in the specification, But do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Also, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries are to be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the contextual meaning of the related art and are to be interpreted as either ideal or overly formal in the sense of the present application Do not.

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

Referring to FIG. 1, a touch sensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a force-touch panel 100, a driving unit 110, a touch sensing unit 120, a force sensing unit 130, and a control unit 140 .

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

1, the driving lines TXL1 to TXLn and the touch-sensing lines TRL1 to TRLm are shown to form an orthogonal array (i.e., a matrix shape) with each other, but the present invention is not limited thereto, The lines TXL1 to TXLn and the touch-sensing lines TRL1 to TRLm may have any number of dimensions and application arrangements thereof, including diagonal, concentric and three-dimensional random arrangements. Here, n and m are positive integers and may be the same or different from each other, and the size may be changed according to the embodiment.

1, although the driving lines TXL1 to TXLn and the force-sensing lines FRL1 to FRLm are shown as constituting an orthogonal array with each other, the present invention is not limited to this, and the driving lines TXL1 To TXLn and force-sensing lines FRL1 to FRLm may have any number of dimensions, including diagonal, concentric and three-dimensional random arrays, and their application arrangements. Here, n and m are positive integers and may be the same or different from each other, and the size may be changed according to the embodiment.

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

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

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

The driving lines TXL1 to TXLn, the touch-sensing lines TRL1 to TRLm and the force-sensing lines FRL1 to FRLm are formed of a transparent conductive material (for example, tin oxide (SnO2) and indium oxide (In2O3) (Indium Tin Oxide) or ATO (Antimony Tin Oxide)). However, this is merely an example, and the driving line TXL, the touch-sensing line TRL and the force-sensing lines FRL1 through FRLm may be formed of other transparent conductive materials or opaque conductive materials. For example, the driving line TXL, the touch-sensing line TRL and the force-sensing lines FRL1 through FRLm may be at least one of silver ink, copper, or carbon nanotubes (CNTs) And may include any one of them. In addition, the driving line TXL, the touch-sensing line TRL and the force-sensing lines FRL1 through FRLm may be realized by a metal mesh or a nano silver material.

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

The touch sensing unit 120 receives a touch-sensing signal including information on a capacitance change amount that changes according to a touch with respect to a touch surface of the force-touch panel 100, and detects a touch and a touch position. The touch sensing unit 120 senses a capacitance generated between the driving lines TXL1 to TXLn and the touch-sensing lines TRL1 to TRLm to which the driving signal is applied through the touch-sensing lines TRL1 to TRLm CT) by receiving a touch-sensing signal including information on the touch position and the touch position. For example, the touch-sensing signal may be a signal coupled to the driving line TXL by a capacitance CT generated between the driving line TXL and the touch-sensing line TRL. The process of sensing the drive signal applied from the first drive line TXL1 to the n th drive line TXLn through the touch-sensing lines TRL1 through TRLm may be performed by scanning the force-touch panel 100 scan.

The touch sensing unit 120 may include a receiver (not shown) connected to each of the touch-sensing lines TRL1 to TRLm through a switch. The switch is turned on during a period of sensing a signal of the touch-sensing line TRL so that a touch-sensing signal can be sensed at the receiver from the touch-sensing line TRL.

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

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

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

The force sensing unit 130 receives a force-sensing signal including information on a capacitance change amount that varies according to a force on the touch surface of the force-touch panel 100, and detects a force and a force position. The force sensing unit 130 senses a capacitance generated between the driving lines TXL1 to TXLn and the force sensing lines FRL1 to FRLm to which the driving signal is applied through the force sensing lines FRL1 to FRLm CF) by receiving a force-sensing signal including information on the force and the force position. For example, the force-sensing signal may be a signal in which the driving signal applied to the driving line TXL is coupled by the electrostatic capacitance CF generated between the driving line TXL and the force-sensing line FRL. The process of sensing the driving signals applied from the first driving line TXL1 to the nth driving line TXLn through the force sensing lines FRL1 through FRLm may be performed by scanning the force touch panel 100 scan.

The controller 140 may control the operation of the driving unit 110, the touch sensing unit 120, and the force sensing unit 130. For example, the controller 140 may generate a driving control signal and transmit the driving control signal to the driving unit 200 so that the driving signal is applied to the driving line TXL previously set at a predetermined time. The controller 140 generates a sensing control signal and transmits the sensed sensing signal to the touch sensing unit 120 so that the touch sensing unit 120 receives the touch sensing signal from the preset touch sensing line TRL at a predetermined time It is possible to perform a preset function.

1, the driving unit 110 and the touch sensing unit 120 constitute a touch detection device (not shown) capable of detecting whether or not the force-touch panel 100 is touched and the touch position according to the embodiment of the present invention . The touch detection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include a control unit 140. [ The touch detection device according to the embodiment of the present invention may be integrated on a touch sensing integrated circuit (IC), which is a touch sensing circuit, in a touch input device including the force-touch panel 100. [ The driving line TXL, the touch-sensing line TRL and the force-sensing line FRL included in the force-touch panel 100 may be formed, for example, on a conductive trace and / And may be connected to the driving unit 110 and the touch sensing unit 120 included in the touch sensing IC (not shown). The touch sensing IC can be placed on a circuit board on which a conductive pattern is printed. According to the embodiment, the touch sensing IC may be mounted on a main board for operating the touch input device.

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

Although the mutual capacitance type force-touch panel has been described in detail as the force-touch panel 100 in the above description, the force-touch panel for detecting the touch position and the touch position in the touch input apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention 100 may be fabricated by other methods than the above-described methods such as a self-capacitance method, a surface capacitance method, a projected capacitance method, a resistive film method, a surface acoustic wave (SAW) method, an infrared An optical sensing method, a dispersive signal technology, and an acoustic pulse recognition method.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3, each of the driving electrodes TX1, TE2, TX3, and TX4 can completely cover each of the force-sensing electrodes FRX when viewed in a plan view. In particular, each of the force-sensing electrodes FRX is disposed to be orthogonal to a portion of each of the driving electrodes TX1, TE2, TX3, and TX4. Each of the force sensing electrodes FRX may define a first electrode of the capacitors and may include a portion of the driving electrodes TX1, TE2, TX3, and TX4 orthogonally extending to the force sensing electrodes FRX, May define a second electrode of the capacitor.

Further, when viewed on a plane, each of the touch-sensing electrodes TRX may be formed so as to cover an area where the driving electrodes TX1, TE2, TX3, and TX4 are not formed.

Further, when viewed in a plan view, each of the force-sensing electrodes FRX may be formed in a region where the driving electrodes TX1, TE2, TX3, and TX4 are formed.

FIG. 4 illustrates a capacitive flux line when there is no touch in the force-touch panel 100 according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, when the driving electrode TX is driven, a flux line is formed between the driving electrode TX and the touch-sensing electrode TRX. At this time, the formed flux line is referred to as a touch-flux.

On the other hand, when the driving electrode TX is driven, strong flux lines are formed between the driving electrode TX and the force-sensing electrode FRX. At this time, the formed flux lines are referred to as force-flux.

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

5 to 6B, when a soft touch is generated by a conductor such as a finger with almost no pressure being applied, the touch-flux line is absorbed by the conductor and enters the touch-sensing electrode TRX, . Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6A, the electrostatic capacitance value of the touch-sensing electrode TRX is reduced and the touch is recognized.

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

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

7 to 8B, when the pressure is further applied to the soft touch as described with reference to FIG. 5, since the touch-flux line is more absorbed by the finger, the density of the flux line flowing into the touch- And the number decreases. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8A, the electrostatic capacitance value of the touch-sensing electrode TRX is further reduced, and the touch is felt more strongly.

On the other hand, due to the additional applied pressure, the cover glass contacting with the finger, the OCA film under the cover glass, and the like are bent downward, and thereby the gap between the driving electrode TX, ITO, OCA film and force- The thickness is reduced. Therefore, the force-flux has a strong flux line due to the distance between the two narrowed electrodes, which increases the electrostatic capacitance value of the force-sensing electrode FRX rather as shown in FIG. 8B.

That is, the capacitance value increases because the distance d decreases in the equation of C = proverb A / d (where A is the area of overlapping electrodes, and d is the overlapping overlapping electrode interval).

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

9 to 10B, when pressure is applied by an insulating material or a non-conductive material, the touch-flux passes through the nonconductive material and flows into the touch-sensing electrode TRX as it is. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 10A, the capacitance reference value (i.e., the reference value of the mutual capacitance) of the touch-sensing electrode TRX is hardly changed due to the touch of the insulating material or the nonconductive material.

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

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to arrange the driving lines close to the surface to be touched by the user's fingers or the non-conductive medium, and to arrange the touch-sensing lines and the force- Lines are arranged to form a force-touch panel. Accordingly, the touch-sensing function and the force-sensing function can be applied to the force-touch panel to detect the touch position as well as the touch position on the touch screen.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. You will understand.

100: force-touch panel 110: driving part
120: touch sensing unit 130: force sensing unit
140: control units TXL1 to TXLn: driving lines
TRL1 to TRLm: Touch-sensing lines FRL1 to FRLm: Force-sensing lines
ISL: Insulating layers TX1, TX2, TX3, TX4: Driving electrodes
TRB: touch-sensing electrodes TRC: touch-connection member
FRB: force-sensing electrodes FRC: force-connection member

Claims (16)

A plurality of driving lines in which a plurality of driving electrodes are connected in series;
Sensing signal is coupled in series by a plurality of touch-sensing electrodes connected to each other by a capacitance formed between the driving electrode and the touch-sensing electrode, the touch- A plurality of touch-sensing lines; And
A plurality of force-sensing electrodes connected in series and disposed below the driving lines so as to be respectively covered by the driving electrodes, and arranged on the same plane as the touch-sensing lines, A plurality of force-sensing lines for outputting a force-sensing signal coupled by a capacitance formed between the electrodes,
Wherein the number of the force-sensing electrodes and the number of the driving electrodes are the same so that the force-sensing electrodes can be multi-posed through the force-sensing electrodes. The plasma display panel of claim 1, wherein each of the driving electrodes has a diamond shape,
Wherein each of the drive lines has a band shape in which diamond shapes are connected in series. The touch sensing device of claim 1, wherein each of the touch-sensing electrodes has a diamond-
Wherein each of the touch-sensing lines has a band shape in which diamond shapes are connected in series. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the force-sensing electrodes has a diamond shape,
Wherein each of the force-sensing lines has a band shape in which diamond shapes are connected in series. 2. The force-touch panel of claim 1, wherein the drive line extends along a first axis, and each of the touch-sensing line and the force-sensing line extends along a second axis. 2. The force-touch panel according to claim 1, wherein a size of each of the force-sensing electrodes is smaller than a size of each of the driving electrodes. The force-touch panel of claim 1, wherein when viewed in a plan view, each of the drive electrodes completely covers each of the force-sensing electrodes. The force-touch panel according to claim 1, wherein when viewed on a plane, each of the touch-sensing electrodes is formed to cover an area where the driving electrodes are not formed. 2. The force-touch panel according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed in a plan view, each of the force-sensing electrodes is formed in a region where the driving electrodes are formed. A plurality of driving lines in which a plurality of driving electrodes are connected in series and a plurality of touch-sensing electrodes connected in series, and disposed under the layer in which the driving electrodes are formed and formed between the driving electrodes and the touch- A plurality of touch-sensing lines and a plurality of force-sensing electrodes for outputting a touch-sensing signal are serially connected, and are disposed below the driving lines so as to be respectively covered by the driving electrodes, A force-touch panel disposed on the same plane and including a plurality of force-sensing lines for outputting a force-sensing signal coupled by a capacitance formed between the driving electrode and the force-sensing electrode;
A driving unit for supplying a driving signal to each of the driving lines;
A touch sensing unit receiving a touch-sensing signal at each of the touch-sensing lines;
A force sensing unit for receiving a force-sensing signal in each of the force-sensing lines; And
The touch sensing unit, and the force sensing unit, calculates a touch position and a touch position based on the touch-sensing signals, and calculates a force and a force position based on the force-sensing signals And a control unit,
Wherein the number of the force-sensing electrodes and the number of the driving electrodes are the same so that the force-sensing electrodes can be multi-posed through the force-sensing electrodes. 11. The force-touch sensing device of claim 10, wherein the driving unit, the touch sensing unit, the force sensing unit, and the control unit are implemented in a single chip. A display panel; And
And a force-touch panel disposed on the display panel, wherein the force-
A plurality of driving lines in which a plurality of driving electrodes are connected in series;
Sensing signal is coupled in series by a plurality of touch-sensing electrodes connected to each other by a capacitance formed between the driving electrode and the touch-sensing electrode, the touch- A plurality of touch-sensing lines; And
A plurality of force-sensing electrodes connected in series and disposed below the driving lines so as to be respectively covered by the driving electrodes, and arranged on the same plane as the touch-sensing lines, A plurality of force-sensing lines for outputting a force-sensing signal coupled by a capacitance formed between the electrodes,
Wherein the number of the force-sensing electrodes and the number of the driving electrodes are the same so as to enable multi-force sensing through the force-sensing electrodes. 13. The force-touch panel according to claim 12,
Further comprising a first insulating layer formed below the driving lines,
Wherein the touch-sensing lines are disposed below the first insulating layer. 13. The force-touch panel according to claim 12,
Further comprising a first insulating layer formed below the driving lines,
Wherein the force-sensing lines and the touch-sensing lines are formed on the same side of the first insulation layer. 13. The force-touch panel according to claim 12,
Further comprising a first insulating layer formed below the driving lines,
Wherein the force-sensing lines are formed on one side of the first insulation layer, and the touch-sensing lines are formed on the other side of the first insulation layer. 13. The force-touch panel according to claim 12,
A first insulating layer formed below the driving lines; And
And a second insulating layer formed under the first insulating layer,
Wherein the force-sensing lines are formed on one side of the first insulation layer, and the touch-sensing lines are formed on one side of the second insulation layer.

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