KR20220113198A - Touch sensor and touch input device thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a touch sensor and a touch input device including the same. The touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of first electrodes each including a plurality of first pattern parts arranged along a first direction and a connection pattern electrically connecting two first pattern parts adjacent to each other in the plurality of first pattern parts; a guard electrode including a plurality of guard pattern parts disposed to overlap under one or more first electrodes among the plurality of first electrodes and having a shape corresponding to the first pattern parts, and a connection pattern connecting two guard patterns adjacent to each other among the plurality of guard pattern parts; and a plurality of second electrodes, each of which includes a plurality of second pattern parts arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and a connection pattern electrically connecting two second pattern parts adjacent to each other among the plurality of second pattern parts. The connection patterns of the guard electrode and the plurality of second electrodes are disposed together on a first layer. The plurality of second pattern parts of the plurality of second electrodes and the plurality of first electrodes are disposed together on a second layer different from the first layer. According to the present invention, hovering touch sensing is possible.

Description

TOUCH SENSOR AND TOUCH INPUT DEVICE THEREOF

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a touch sensor and a touch input device including the same.

Various types of input devices are used to operate a computing system. For example, input devices such as buttons, keys, joysticks, and touch screens are being used. Due to the easy and convenient operation of the touch screen, the use of the touch screen is increasing when operating a computing system.

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

In the case of implementing the touch sensor as a single layer or a double layer as the driving electrode and the receiving electrode, when the touch input device on which the touch sensor is mounted is touched without holding it by hand (floating state), it is normally caused by LGM (low ground mass). In some cases, a signal to be sensed disappears, or a signal to be sensed is split so that a signal appears as a touch at two or more points.

KR 10-1979891 (2019.05.13)

An embodiment of the present invention provides a touch sensor capable of sensing a hovering touch and a touch input device including the same.

In addition, an embodiment of the present invention provides a touch sensor capable of improving touch sensing sensitivity and a touch input device including the same.

In addition, an embodiment of the present invention includes a touch sensor capable of driving a stylus pen and a touch input device including the same.

A touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of first pattern portions each arranged in a first direction and a connection pattern for electrically connecting two first pattern portions adjacent to each other in the plurality of first pattern portions. comprising: a plurality of first electrodes; It is disposed to overlap under one or more first electrodes of the plurality of first electrodes, and includes a plurality of guard pattern parts having a shape corresponding to the first pattern part, and two guard patterns adjacent to each other among the plurality of guard pattern parts. A guard electrode comprising a connection pattern connecting the parts; and a connection pattern for electrically connecting a plurality of second pattern portions each arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and two second pattern portions adjacent to each other in the plurality of second pattern portions, a plurality of second electrodes; a connection pattern between the guard electrode and the plurality of second electrodes is disposed together on a first layer, and a plurality of second electrodes of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes are included. The pattern portion is disposed together in a second layer different from the first layer.

A touch sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of driving pattern parts each arranged in a first direction and a connection pattern for electrically connecting two driving pattern parts adjacent to each other in the plurality of driving pattern parts, a plurality of driving electrodes; A first receiving pattern portion and a second receiving pattern portion disposed with the connection pattern of the driving electrode therebetween are alternately arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the first receiving pattern portion and the second receiving pattern portion A receiving electrode comprising a connection pattern for electrically connecting the receiving pattern unit; and a plurality of guard pattern parts disposed to overlap under at least one driving electrode among the plurality of driving electrodes and having a shape corresponding to the driving pattern part, and connecting two guard pattern parts adjacent to each other among the plurality of guard pattern parts. and a guard electrode including a connection pattern to.

A touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a touch sensor including a plurality of first electrodes, at least one or more guard electrodes, and a plurality of second electrodes; a driving unit for applying a driving signal to the touch sensor; a sensing unit sensing a signal received from the touch sensor; and a control unit controlling the driving unit and the sensing unit, wherein the first electrode includes a plurality of first pattern units arranged in a first direction and two first pattern units adjacent to each other in the plurality of first pattern units. and a connection pattern for electrically connecting, wherein the guard electrode is disposed to overlap under one or more first electrodes among the plurality of first electrodes, and includes a plurality of guard pattern parts having a shape corresponding to the first pattern part, , a connection pattern for connecting two adjacent guard pattern portions among the plurality of guard pattern portions, wherein the receiving electrode includes a plurality of second pattern portions and a plurality of second pattern portions arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. and a connection pattern electrically connecting two second pattern portions adjacent to each other in the second pattern portion of the .

A touch input device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a touch sensor including a plurality of driving electrodes, at least one or more guard electrodes, and a plurality of receiving electrodes; a driving unit for applying a driving signal to the touch sensor; a sensing unit sensing a signal received from the touch sensor; and a control unit controlling the driving unit and the sensing unit, wherein the driving electrode electrically connects a plurality of driving pattern units arranged in a first direction and two driving pattern units adjacent to each other in the plurality of driving pattern units a connection pattern, wherein the reception electrode is alternately arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction with first reception pattern portions and second reception pattern portions disposed with the connection pattern of the driving electrode interposed therebetween, , a connection pattern electrically connecting the first reception pattern part and the second reception pattern part, wherein the guard electrode is disposed to overlap under one or more driving electrodes among the plurality of driving electrodes, and the driving pattern part and a plurality of guard pattern portions having a shape corresponding to , and a connection pattern connecting two adjacent guard pattern portions among the plurality of guard pattern portions.

When the touch sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention and a touch input device including the same are used, there is an advantage in that hovering touch sensing is possible.

In addition, there is an advantage of improving the touch sensing sensitivity.

In addition, there is an advantage that the stylus pen can be driven.

1 is a schematic diagram of a touch input device including a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of a part of the touch sensor 10 shown in FIG. 1 .
3 is a plan view showing the touch sensor shown in FIG. 2 separated into two layers.
4 is a plan view of a portion of a touch sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a plan view of the touch sensor shown in FIG. 4 separated into two layers.
6 is a graph comparing the difference in mutual capacitance variation (dCm) between the conventional touch sensor and the touch sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 4 .
7 is a plan view of a touch sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a plan view of the touch sensor shown in FIG. 7 separated into two layers.
9 is a plan view of a touch sensor according to a modified example of the touch sensor illustrated in FIG. 4 .
10 is a plan view of the touch sensor shown in FIG. 9 separated into two layers.
11 is a plan view of a portion of a touch sensor according to another modified example of the touch sensor shown in FIG. 4 .
12 is a plan view of the touch sensor shown in FIG. 11 separated into two layers.
13 is a plan view showing a modified example of the touch sensor shown in FIGS. 4 to 5 separated into two layers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0010] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which show by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present invention. It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present invention are different but need not be mutually exclusive. For example, certain shapes, structures, and characteristics described herein may be embodied in other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention with respect to one embodiment. In addition, it should be understood that the location or arrangement of individual components within each disclosed embodiment may be changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the detailed description set forth below is not intended to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention, if properly described, is limited only by the appended claims, along with all scope equivalents to those claimed. Like reference numerals in the drawings refer to the same or similar functions throughout the various aspects.

A touch input device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is an electronic device, for example, a smartphone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a vehicle display device, a mobile phone, a video phone, It may include at least one of an e-book reader, a laptop personal computer, a netbook computer, a mobile medical device, a camera, or a wearable device. Here, the wearable device may be an accessory type (eg, watch, ring, bracelet, anklet, necklace, eyeglasses, contact lens, or head-mounted-device (HMD)), a textile or an integrated garment (eg, electronic garment). ), a body attachable type (eg, a skin pad or a tattoo), or a bioimplantable type (eg, an implantable circuit).

1 is a schematic diagram of a touch input device including a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a touch input device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a touch sensor 10 , a sensing unit 11 , a driving unit 12 , and a control unit 13 .

The driving unit 12 applies a driving signal to the touch sensor 10 under the control of the control unit 13 , and the sensing unit 11 receives the sensing signal received from the touch sensor 10 .

The driving unit 12 may sequentially supply driving signals to the plurality of driving electrodes of the touch sensor 10 .

The sensing unit 11 receives signals output from the plurality of receiving electrodes of the touch sensor 10 . Here, the signal may include information on the amount of capacitance change between the driving electrode and the receiving electrode adjacent to each other, an LGM noise signal, and a display noise signal.

The sensing unit 11 may output a subtracted signal by subtracting two signals among signals output from the plurality of receiving electrodes, and may output the subtracted signal by analog-to-digital conversion. To this end, the sensing unit 11 may include a comparator and an ADC.

The control unit 13 may detect whether a touch has been made and/or a touch position based on a digital signal output from the sensing unit 11 .

In FIG. 1 , the sensing unit 11 , the driving unit 12 , and the control unit 13 are illustrated separately for convenience of description, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, at least two or all of the sensing unit 11 , the driving unit 12 , and the control unit 13 may be implemented as one module, unit, or chip.

The touch input device 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 may include a display panel. In this case, the touch sensor 10 may be disposed on the display panel or may be disposed within the display panel. In some cases, the touch sensor 10 may also be disposed under the display panel. For example, the touch sensor 10 may include an outer surface (eg, an upper surface of an upper substrate or a lower surface of a lower substrate) or an inner surface (eg, a lower surface or a lower surface of the upper substrate) of the upper substrate and/or lower substrate of the display panel. on the upper surface of the substrate). A touch sensor 10 may be coupled to the display panel to constitute a touch screen.

The touch sensor 10 may include electrodes having a predetermined shape, and the predetermined electrodes may include a plurality of driving electrodes TX0 to TXn and a plurality of receiving electrodes RX0 to RXm.

A predetermined capacitance 14 (C00, C00, C01, C10, C11,...) are formed.

For the operation of the touch sensor 10 , the capacitance that changes according to the touch on the touch surface from the driving unit 12 and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0 to RXm for applying a driving signal to the plurality of driving electrodes TX0 to TXn It may include a sensing unit 11 for receiving a sensing signal (or a received signal) including information on the amount of change.

In FIG. 1 , the plurality of driving electrodes TX0 to TXn and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0 to RXm of the touch sensor 10 are illustrated as forming an orthogonal array, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The electrodes TX0 to TXn and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0 to RXm may have any number of dimensions and application arrangements thereof, including diagonal, concentric circles, and a three-dimensional random arrangement. Here, n and m are positive integers, and may have the same or different values and may have different sizes according to embodiments.

The plurality of driving electrodes TX0 to TXn and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0 to RXm may be arranged to cross each other. The driving electrode TX includes a plurality of driving electrodes TX0 to TXn extending in a first axial direction, and the receiving electrode RX includes a plurality of receiving electrodes extending in a second axial direction intersecting the first axial direction ( RX0 to RXm).

The plurality of driving electrodes TX0 to TXn and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0 to RXm may be formed on the same layer (1 layer) or formed on different double layers (2 layers). The plurality of driving electrodes TX0 to TXn and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0 to RXm may have a diamond pattern shape.

2 is a plan view of a part of the touch sensor 10 shown in FIG. 1 , and FIG. 3 is a plan view in which the touch sensor shown in FIG. 2 is divided into two layers.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the touch sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention may be disposed in the active area 101 of the touch input device. The active area 101 may be an area to which a touch is input, or an area corresponding to a display area of a display panel included in the touch input device.

The touch sensor includes a plurality of first electrodes, a guard electrode GX, and a plurality of second electrodes. Here, the plurality of first electrodes is any one of the plurality of driving electrodes (TX0, TX1, TX2, ...) and the plurality of receiving electrodes (RX0, RX1, RX2, ...), and the plurality of second electrodes is can be the other one. 2 to 3, the plurality of first electrodes are the plurality of driving electrodes (TX0, TX1, TX2, ...), and the plurality of second electrodes are the plurality of receiving electrodes (RX0, RX1, RX2, ...) However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and conversely, the plurality of first electrodes may be the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, ..., and the plurality of second electrodes may be the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1. , TX2,...).

The plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2,... have a shape extending along the first direction, and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2,...) have a first direction perpendicular to the first direction. It has a shape extending along two directions.

A predetermined capacitance is formed between the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, ... and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, ..., particularly at their intersections. This capacitance is changed when a touch input occurs at or around the corresponding point. Accordingly, by detecting the amount of change in capacitance from the signals output from the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, ..., it is possible to detect whether a touch has been made and a touch input.

Each of the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, ... includes a driving pattern unit 111 and a connection pattern 115 as shown in FIG. 3 . A plurality of driving pattern parts 111 are arranged in the first direction, and a connection pattern 115 is disposed between two adjacent driving pattern parts 111 .

The driving pattern unit 111 may have a diamond shape or a rhombus shape. Although the driving pattern part 111 is illustrated in a diamond or rhombus shape in the drawings, this is only an example, and the driving pattern part 111 may have a polygonal or rectangular shape, for example.

One end of the connection pattern 115 is connected to the driving pattern part 111 disposed on one side, and the other end is connected to the first pattern part disposed on the other side. The connection pattern 115 may have a bar shape, but is not limited thereto.

The plurality of driving pattern units 111 and the plurality of connection patterns 115 are disposed together on the same layer (the ^2nd layer of FIG. 3 ). The plurality of driving pattern units 111 and the plurality of connection patterns 115 may be formed of the same material. For example, the plurality of driving pattern units 111 and the plurality of connection patterns 115 may be formed of a metal mesh. By patterning the metal mesh according to the shapes of the plurality of driving pattern portions 111 and the plurality of connection patterns 115 , a plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, ... may be formed.

Each of the plurality of reception electrodes RX0 , RX1 , RX2 , ... includes a reception pattern unit 131 and a connection pattern 135 as shown in FIG. 3 . A plurality of reception pattern units 131 are arranged along the second direction, and a connection pattern 135 is disposed between two adjacent reception pattern units 131 .

The reception pattern unit 131 may have a diamond shape or a rhombus shape. Although the receiving pattern unit 131 is illustrated in a diamond or rhombus shape in the drawing, this is only an example, and the receiving pattern unit 131 may have, for example, a polygonal or rectangular shape.

The connection pattern 135 may be disposed on a layer other than the second layer on which the reception pattern unit 131 is disposed ( ^{1st layer} ). One end of the connection pattern 135 may be connected to the receiving pattern portion 111 disposed on one side through a conductive via, and the other end may be connected to the receiving pattern portion disposed on the other side through a conductive via. The connection pattern 115 may have a bar shape, but is not limited thereto.

The plurality of reception pattern units 131 and the plurality of connection patterns 135 are disposed on different layers. The plurality of reception pattern units 131 are disposed on the same layer as the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, .... The plurality of reception pattern units 131 may be formed of a metal mesh together with the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, ....

The guard electrode GX is disposed to overlap at least a portion of the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2,.... For example, the guard electrode GX may be disposed to overlap the driving electrode adjacent to the edge of the active region 101 .

The guard electrode GX is, as shown in FIG. 3, to be disposed on a layer different from the layer (2 ^nd layer) on which the plurality of driving electrodes (TX0, TX1, TX2, ...) are disposed (1 ^st layer). can Here, the other layer (1 ^st layer) may be disposed under a layer (2 ^nd layer) on which a plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, ... are disposed.

The guard electrode GX includes a plurality of guard pattern units 151 disposed to overlap the driving pattern units 111 of some of the driving electrodes TX0, and connects between the plurality of guard pattern units 151 . A connection pattern 155 may be included.

The guard pattern part 151 and the connection pattern 155 may be disposed together on the same layer as the connection pattern 135 of the reception electrodes ^RX0 , RX1, .... Accordingly, the guard pattern unit 151 and the connection pattern 155 and the connection pattern 135 of the receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, ... may be formed together of a metal mesh. As such, the guard electrode GX may be formed in an unused region in the layer 1 ^st layer in which some components (connection pattern 135) of the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, ... are formed. Therefore, there is no need to provide a separate layer for the guard electrode GX, and when manufacturing some components (connection pattern 135) of the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, ... with a metal mesh Since the guard electrode GX can also be manufactured, the manufacturing cost can be reduced, and the touch input device can be miniaturized.

The guard pattern part 151 may have a shape corresponding to the driving pattern part 111 . For example, it may have a diamond or rhombus shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the guard pattern unit 151 may have any shape as long as it can cover the driving pattern unit 111 .

A touch sensor and a touch input device including the same according to an embodiment of the present invention may sense a hovering touch or a proximity touch by using the guard electrode GX.

A touch sensor and a touch input device including the same according to an embodiment of the present invention may operate in a touch sensing mode or a hovering sensing mode. The touch sensing mode and the hovering sensing mode have a time period during which each mode is operated.

The hovering sensing mode may be a mode for sensing the proximity of an object by sensing a change in capacitance (self-capacitance) of the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, .... In this hovering sensing mode, the driving signals applied to the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, ... are also applied to the guard electrode GX. The driving unit 12 illustrated in FIG. 1 may simultaneously apply the same driving signal to the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, ... and the guard electrode GX.

When a driving signal is simultaneously applied to the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, ... and the guard electrode GX, the driving unit 12 moves from the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, ... to the proximity of the object. It is possible to receive a signal including information on the amount of change in capacitance by , and detect information on information on the amount of change in capacitance due to proximity of an object from the received signal to the controller 13 . The controller 13 may sense whether the object is close to the object based on the received capacitance change amount information due to the proximity of the object.

When a driving signal is simultaneously applied to the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, ... and the guard electrode GX, the guard electrode GX becomes equipotential with the corresponding driving electrode TX0 disposed to overlap itself, A capacitance is not formed between the corresponding driving electrode TX0 and the guard electrode GX. In addition, the guard electrode GX may block formation of a capacitance between the corresponding driving electrode TX0 and the ground of the touch input device located under the guard electrode GX.

In the absence of the guard electrode GX, the self-capacitance value between the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, ... and the ground of the touch input device is close to the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, ... It is relatively larger than the self-capacitance value between objects. Accordingly, it is difficult to sense a change in the self-capacitance value between the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, ... and an object adjacent thereto. However, as in the embodiment of the present invention, the guard electrode GX is disposed to overlap some driving electrodes TX0 among the plurality of driving electrodes, and the guard electrode GX and the driving electrode TX0 overlapping each other are driven in the same manner. Since the signal is applied, the corresponding driving electrode TX0 is blocked from forming a capacitance with the ground of the touch input device. Accordingly, since the signal output from the corresponding driving electrode TX0 includes only capacitance change amount information with the adjacent object, the controller 13 shown in FIG. 1 can detect whether the object is close from the signal.

Alternatively, the hovering sensing mode may be a mode for sensing the proximity of an object by sensing a change in mutual capacitance between the guard electrode GX and the driving electrode TX0. In the hovering sensing mode, a driving signal may be applied to the guard electrode GX, and a signal including mutual capacitance variation information may be output from the driving electrode TX0. The driver 12 receives a signal including information on the amount of capacitance change due to proximity of an object from a plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, ..., and detects information on the amount of change in capacitance due to proximity of an object from the received signal It can be transmitted to the control unit 13 . The controller 13 may sense whether the object is close to the object based on the received capacitance change amount information due to the proximity of the object.

As in the embodiment of the present invention, the guard electrode GX is disposed to overlap some driving electrodes TX0 among the plurality of driving electrodes, and a driving signal is applied to the guard electrodes GX overlapping each other, so the corresponding driving electrode ( TX0) is cut off from grounding and capacitance formation of the touch input device. Accordingly, since the signal output from the corresponding driving electrode TX0 includes only capacitance change amount information with the adjacent object, the controller 13 shown in FIG. 1 can detect whether the object is close from the signal.

4 is a plan view of a portion of a touch sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a plan view of the touch sensor shown in FIG. 4 separated into two layers.

Referring to FIG. 4 , a touch sensor according to another exemplary embodiment may be disposed in the active area 101 of the touch input device. The active area 101 may be an area to which a touch is input, or an area corresponding to a display area of a display panel included in the touch input device.

The touch sensor includes a plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2,..., one or more guard electrodes GX, and a plurality of receiving electrodes RX0', RX1', RX2',...). .

The plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, ... have a shape extending along the first direction, and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0', RX1', RX2', ... It has a shape extending along the second vertical direction.

A predetermined capacitance is formed between the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, ... and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0', RX1', RX2', ..., particularly at their intersections. This capacitance is changed when a touch input occurs at or around the corresponding point. Accordingly, by detecting the amount of change in capacitance from signals output from the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0', RX1', RX2', ..., it is possible to detect whether or not a touch has been made and a touch input.

Each of the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, ... shown in FIG. 4 is, as shown in FIG. 5 , a driving pattern part 311 , a dummy pattern part 313 , and a connection pattern 315 . includes Here, the dummy pattern part 313 may be omitted as an additional configuration. When there is no dummy pattern part 313 , each of the plurality of driving electrodes TX0 , TX1 , TX2 , ... may include a driving pattern part 311 and a connection pattern 315 .

The driving pattern part 311 has a diamond shape or a rhombus shape, and has an opening O having an opened inside. The opening O has a diamond shape or a rhombus shape corresponding to the external shape of the driving pattern part 311 . Due to the opening O, the driving pattern unit 311 may have a diamond or rhombus band shape.

In the drawings, the driving pattern unit 311 is illustrated in a diamond or rhombus shape, but this is only an example, and the driving pattern unit 311 may have, for example, a polygonal or rectangular shape.

A dummy pattern part 313 is disposed in the opening O of the driving pattern part 311 .

The dummy pattern part 313 has a diamond shape or a rhombus shape. The external shape of the dummy pattern part 313 has a shape corresponding to that of the driving pattern part 311 . Unlike the driving pattern part 311 , the dummy pattern part 313 may not have an opening therein.

The driving pattern part 311 and the dummy pattern part 313 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and the driving pattern part 311 and the dummy pattern part 313 are electrically insulated from each other.

A plurality of driving pattern units 311 in which the dummy pattern units 313 are disposed are arranged along the first direction (or horizontal direction). A connection pattern 315 disposed between the plurality of driving pattern parts 311 electrically connects the driving pattern parts 311 to each other.

The connection pattern 315 connects two adjacent driving pattern parts 311 . One end is connected to the driving pattern part 311 disposed on one side, and the other end is connected to the first pattern part disposed on the other side. The connection pattern 315 may have a bar shape, but is not limited thereto.

The plurality of driving pattern portions 311 , the plurality of dummy pattern portions 313 , and the plurality of connection patterns 315 are disposed together on the same layer (the ^2nd layer of FIG. 5 ). The plurality of driving pattern portions 311 , the plurality of dummy pattern portions 313 , and the plurality of connection patterns 315 may be formed of the same material. For example, the plurality of driving pattern portions 311 , the plurality of dummy pattern portions 313 , and the plurality of connection patterns 315 may be formed of a metal mesh. By patterning the metal mesh according to the shapes of the plurality of driving pattern portions 311 , the plurality of dummy pattern portions 313 , and the plurality of connection patterns 315 , the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, ... ) can be formed.

4 to 5 , the dummy pattern part 313 is illustrated as being disposed in the opening O inside the driving pattern part 311, but each driving electrode of the present invention is not limited thereto, and the driving pattern part ( 311 and the dummy pattern part 313 may have shapes other than diamond or rhombus shapes. The driving pattern unit 311 and the dummy pattern unit 313 may be combined in various shapes to form a driving electrode.

The guard electrode GX shown in FIGS. 4 to 5 is disposed to overlap at least a portion of the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2,....

The guard electrode GX is, as shown in FIG. 5, to be disposed on a layer different from the layer (2 ^nd layer) on which the plurality of driving electrodes (TX0, TX1, TX2, ...) are disposed (1 ^st layer). can Here, the other layer (1 ^st layer) may be disposed under a layer (2 ^nd layer) on which a plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, ... are disposed.

The guard electrode GX may be disposed to overlap some of the driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, ..., and the driving electrodes TX0. For example, the guard electrode GX may be disposed to overlap the driving electrode adjacent to the edge of the active region 101 .

The guard electrode GX includes a plurality of guard pattern parts 351 disposed to overlap the driving pattern part 311 of some of the driving electrodes TX0, and connects between the plurality of guard pattern parts 351 . A connection pattern 355 may be included.

The guard pattern part 351 and the connection pattern 355 may be disposed together on the same layer as the first and second connection patterns 335 and 337 of the reception electrodes ^RX0 , RX1, ... have.

The guard pattern part 351 may have a shape corresponding to the driving pattern part 311 . For example, it may have a diamond or rhombus shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the guard pattern part 351 may have any shape as long as it can cover the driving pattern part 311 .

A touch sensor and a touch input device including the same according to an embodiment of the present invention may sense a hovering touch or a proximity touch by using the guard electrode GX.

A touch sensor and a touch input device including the same according to an embodiment of the present invention may operate in a touch sensing mode or a hovering sensing mode. The touch sensing mode and the hovering sensing mode have a time period during which each mode is operated.

The hovering sensing mode is a mode for sensing the proximity of an object by sensing changes in capacitance (self-capacitance) of the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, .... In the hovering sensing mode, driving signals applied to the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, ... are applied together to the guard electrode GX. The driving unit 12 illustrated in FIG. 1 may simultaneously apply the same driving signal to the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, ... and the guard electrode GX.

When a driving signal is simultaneously applied to the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, ... and the guard electrode GX, the driving unit 12 moves from the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, ... to the proximity of the object. It is possible to receive a signal including information on the amount of change in capacitance by , and detect information on information on the amount of change in capacitance due to proximity of an object from the received signal to the controller 13 . The controller 13 may sense whether the object is close to the object based on the received capacitance change amount information due to the proximity of the object.

When a driving signal is simultaneously applied to the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, ... and the guard electrode GX, the guard electrode GX becomes equipotential with the corresponding driving electrode TX0 disposed to overlap itself, A capacitance is not formed between the corresponding driving electrode TX0 and the guard electrode GX. In addition, the guard electrode GX may block formation of a capacitance between the corresponding driving electrode TX0 and the ground of the touch input device located under the guard electrode GX.

In the absence of the guard electrode GX, the self-capacitance value between the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, ... and the ground of the touch input device is close to the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, ... It is relatively larger than the self-capacitance value between objects. Accordingly, it is difficult to sense a change in the self-capacitance value between the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, ... and an object adjacent thereto. However, as in the embodiment of the present invention, the guard electrode GX is disposed to overlap some driving electrodes TX0 among the plurality of driving electrodes, and the guard electrode GX and the driving electrode TX0 overlapping each other are driven in the same manner. Since the signal is applied, the corresponding driving electrode TX0 is blocked from forming a capacitance with the ground of the touch input device. Accordingly, since the signal output from the corresponding driving electrode TX0 includes only capacitance change amount information with the adjacent object, the controller 13 shown in FIG. 1 can detect whether the object is close from the signal.

Alternatively, the hovering sensing mode may be a mode for sensing the proximity of an object by sensing a change in mutual capacitance between the guard electrode GX and the driving electrode TX0. In the hovering sensing mode, a driving signal may be applied to the guard electrode GX, and a signal including mutual capacitance variation information may be output from the driving electrode TX0. The driver 12 receives a signal including information on the amount of capacitance change due to proximity of an object from a plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, ..., and detects information on the amount of change in capacitance due to proximity of an object from the received signal It can be transmitted to the control unit 13 . The controller 13 may sense whether the object is close to the object based on the received capacitance change amount information due to the proximity of the object.

As in the embodiment of the present invention, the guard electrode GX is disposed to overlap some driving electrodes TX0 among the plurality of driving electrodes, and a driving signal is applied to the guard electrodes GX overlapping each other, so the corresponding driving electrode ( TX0) is cut off from grounding and capacitance formation of the touch input device. Accordingly, since the signal output from the corresponding driving electrode TX0 includes only capacitance change amount information with the adjacent object, the controller 13 shown in FIG. 1 can detect whether the object is close from the signal.

In addition, the guard electrode GX of the embodiment of the present invention is a layer in which some components (first and second connection patterns 335 and 337 ) of the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0 ′, RX1 ′, ... are formed. Since it can be formed in an area not used in (1 ^st layer), there is no need to provide a separate layer for the guard electrode GX, and a plurality of receiving electrodes RX0', RX1', .. .) when manufacturing some components (the first and second connection patterns 335 and 337 ), the guard electrode GX can also be manufactured, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and reducing the size of the touch input device.

Each of the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0', RX1', RX2', ... shown in FIG. 4 is, as shown in FIG. 5 , a first receiving pattern unit 331 and a second receiving pattern unit 333 . ), a first connection pattern 335 and a second connection pattern 337 may be included.

The first reception pattern part 331 and the second reception pattern part 333 are disposed between two adjacent driving pattern parts 311 in each of the driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2,....

The first reception pattern part 331 has an inverted triangular shape, and the second reception pattern part 333 has a triangular shape symmetrical to the first reception pattern part 331 . Here, the first and second reception pattern units 331 and 333 are not limited to triangular shapes. For example, although not shown in the drawings, each of the first and second reception pattern units 331 and 333 may have a shape surrounding the outer periphery of one driving pattern unit 331 , and the driving pattern unit 331 may have a shape. The first and second reception pattern portions surrounding the periphery of may have a rectangular or polygonal shape as a whole.

The first reception pattern unit 331 and the second reception pattern unit 333 may have the same size and shape. The first reception pattern unit 331 and the second reception pattern unit 333 may have the same cross-sectional area.

The second reception pattern unit 333 is disposed below the first reception pattern unit 331 to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval. Alternatively, the second reception pattern unit 333 is disposed to be spaced apart from the first reception pattern unit 331 by a predetermined distance in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

A connection pattern 315 of each of the driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, ... may be disposed between the first reception pattern part 331 and the second reception pattern part 333 . The first reception pattern part 331 is disposed on the connection pattern 315 , and the second reception pattern part 333 is disposed below the connection pattern 315 .

A plurality of first reception pattern units 331 and second reception pattern units 333 are alternately arranged along the second direction.

The plurality of first reception pattern portions 331 and the plurality of second reception pattern portions 333 alternately arranged along the second direction are electrically connected by the first connection pattern 335 and the second connection pattern 337 . is connected to Here, the first connection pattern 335 and the second connection pattern 337 may be electrically connected to the plurality of first reception pattern portions 331 and the plurality of second reception pattern portions 333 through conductive vias. have.

The first connection pattern 335 and the second connection pattern 337 are formed on a different layer (1 ^st layer) from the layer (2 ^nd layer) in which the first reception pattern part 331 and the second reception pattern part 333 are located. can be placed. This is to prevent an electrical short circuit with the driving electrodes ^TX0 , TX1, TX2, ... located on the second layer where the second reception pattern part 333 is located. An insulating layer may be disposed between the layer ( ^2nd layer) in which the first reception pattern part 331 and the second reception pattern part 333 are located and the other layer ( ^1st layer).

When the first receiving pattern units 331 and the second receiving pattern units 333 adjacent to each other in the vertical direction with the connection pattern 315 therebetween are defined as one group, they are arranged alternately in the second direction. The plurality of first reception pattern units 331 and the plurality of second reception pattern units 333 may be defined as a plurality of groups arranged along the second direction. Under this definition, the first connection pattern 335 includes a first reception pattern part (0-0-1, 2-0-1, ...) and a second reception pattern part ( 0-0-2, 2-0-2,...) are electrically connected. The second connection pattern 337 electrically connects the first reception pattern part 331 and the second reception pattern part 333 of each of the even-numbered groups from the top.

The first connection pattern 335 is a first reception pattern portion (0-0-1, 2-0-1,...) and the second reception pattern unit (0-0-2, 2-0-2,...) are electrically connected. In addition, the first connection pattern 335 includes a second reception pattern unit 0-0-2 located between two driving pattern units 311 adjacent to each other in the left and right directions in one driving electrode TX0 located at an odd-numbered position; , electrically connecting the first receiving pattern unit 2-0-1 located between two driving pattern units adjacent to each other in the left and right direction in the other driving electrode TX3 located at an odd-numbered position after the one driving electrode TX0 do. The odd-numbered driving electrodes TX0, TX2, ... are electrically connected by the first connection pattern 335 .

The second connection pattern 337 includes a first reception pattern part 331 and a second reception pattern part located between two driving pattern parts 311 adjacent in the left and right directions at the even-numbered driving electrodes TX1, ... 333 is electrically connected. In addition, the second connection pattern 337 includes a second reception pattern unit 333 located between two driving pattern units 311 adjacent to each other in the left and right directions in one driving electrode TX1 located at an even-numbered position; In another driving electrode positioned at an even-numbered position after the driving electrode TX1, the first receiving pattern units 3-0-1 positioned between two driving pattern units adjacent to each other in the left and right directions are electrically connected. The even-numbered driving electrodes TX1 , TX3 , ... are electrically connected by the second connection pattern 337 .

A first signal is output through the first connection pattern 335 , and a second signal is output through the second connection pattern 337 . Accordingly, signals of two channels are output to each of the receiving electrodes RX0', RX1', RX2', ....

Depending on the driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2,... can When a driving signal is applied to the odd-numbered driving electrodes TX0, TX2, ..., the first signal output through the first connection pattern 335 becomes an active channel signal, and through the second connection pattern 337 The output second signal becomes a dummy channel signal. On the other hand, when a driving signal is applied to the even-numbered driving electrodes TX1 , ... , the second signal output through the second connection pattern 337 becomes an active channel signal and through the first connection pattern 335 . The output first signal becomes a dummy channel signal.

For a specific example, in FIG. 3 , a driving signal TX signal is applied to the first driving electrode TX1 , and an object (dotted line) crosses the first driving electrode TX1 and the 0th receiving electrode RX0 ′. It is assumed that the point is in contact.

When a driving signal is applied to the first driving electrode TX1 and an object (dotted line) is located in a partial region including the intersection of the first driving electrode TX1 and the zero receiving electrode RX0', the first driving electrode The capacitance (or active capacitance) formed between the driving pattern part 311 of TX1 and the first reception pattern part 331 of the zero-th reception electrode RX0' is changed. The second signal including the capacitance change amount information is output through the second connection pattern 337 . Here, the second signal may include an LGM noise signal and a display noise signal by the display panel.

In addition, the capacitance (or dummy capacitance) formed between the driving pattern part 311 of the first driving electrode TX1 and the second reception pattern part 0-0 - 2 of the zero receiving electrode RX0' also changes. do. The first signal including the capacitance change amount information is output through the first connection pattern 335 . Here, the first signal may include an LGM noise signal and a display noise signal by the display panel.

Here, since the cross-sectional area of the first reception pattern part 331 and the second reception pattern part 0-0-2 that are in contact with the object (dotted line) is the same, almost the same or similar LGM noise signal may be input to each, and , a display noise signal by the display panel may be input in almost the same way.

The sensing unit 11 illustrated in FIG. 1 subtracts the second signal output through the first connection pattern 335 from the first signal output through the second connection pattern 337 , and thus the first reception pattern The LGM noise signal and the display noise signal input to the unit 331 and the second reception pattern unit 0-0-2 may be canceled. Although the amount of change in the active capacitance included in the second signal, which is the active channel signal, is reduced by subtraction, since the amount of change in the dummy capacitance included in the first signal is relatively small, there is no problem in detecting whether or not there is a touch and/or the touch position. .

In addition, since the first reception pattern unit 331 serves as an AC ground between the driving pattern unit 311 and the second reception pattern unit 0-0-2, the first reception pattern unit 331 is The amount of change in capacitance included in the output second signal may be improved, and the amount of change in capacitance included in the first signal output to the second reception pattern unit 0-0-2 may be reduced. In this regard, it will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6 .

6 is a graph comparing the difference in mutual capacitance variation (dCm) between the conventional touch sensor and the touch sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 4 .

Referring to FIG. 6 , the conventional touch sensor is a touch sensor disclosed in (Patent Document 1), and has a structure in which a dummy electrode is disposed inside a receiving electrode as well as a driving electrode.

The graph shown in FIG. 6 shows a capacitance change value (①) included in a signal output from an arbitrary reception electrode of a conventional touch sensor according to PET thickness and a dummy reception electrode disposed inside the arbitrary reception electrode. The capacitance variation value (②) included in the output signal, the active capacitance variation value (③) included in the signal output from the arbitrary second reception pattern unit 333 of the touch sensor shown in FIG. 4 and the second reception pattern A dummy capacitance variation value (④) included in a signal output from the first reception pattern unit 331 disposed under the unit 333 is shown.

In the graph of FIG. 6 , PET has a configuration corresponding to a conventional touch sensor and a window layer positioned on the touch sensor of FIG. 4 . For example, when PET compares the ① value, ② value, ③ value, and ④ value at 400 (um), it can be seen that the ③ value of the touch sensor shown in FIG. 4 is increased more than the ① value of the conventional touch sensor. It can be seen that the value of the touch sensor shown in FIG. 4 is further reduced than the value of the conventional touch sensor.

In particular, when the PET thickness (Thickness) is 400 (um), the ④ value of the touch sensor shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to approximately 20-30% of the ③ value, so even if the ④ value is subtracted from the ③ value, 70 to 80% The presence or absence of a touch and the touch position can be detected through a relatively high capacitance change value of the level.

On the other hand, in the conventional touch sensor, the value of ② corresponds to 70-80% of the value of ①, so if the value of ② is subtracted from the value of ①, only 20-30% of the capacitance change value is left, so it is necessary to detect the touch and the touch position. Therefore, the sensing sensitivity is low and the detection accuracy is lowered.

7 is a plan view of a touch sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a plan view of the touch sensor shown in FIG. 7 separated into two layers.

The touch sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention shown in Figs. 7 to 8, compared with the touch sensor shown in Figs. 4 to 5, conductive patterns (At0, At1, At2, ...) more include Accordingly, hereinafter, the conductive patterns At0, At1, At2, ... will be described in detail, and the remaining components will be replaced with the contents described above.

7 to 8 , a touch sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention may have at least one or more conductive loops At1-At0 and At1-At2.

At least one or more conductive loops At1-At0 and At1-At2 generate a magnetic field signal for driving the stylus pen. The generated magnetic field signal may drive the stylus pen by resonating the resonator inside the stylus pen.

The at least one or more conductive loops At1-At0 and At1-At2 may include a first loop At1-At0 and a second loop At1-At2. Although it is illustrated that two loops are formed in FIGS. 7 to 8 , the present invention is not limited thereto, and the touch sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention may form three or more conductive loops. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, two conductive loops At1-At0 and At1-At2 will be used.

The first loops At1-At0 are formed by electrically connecting the zeroth conductive pattern At0 and the first conductive pattern At01.

The zeroth conductive pattern At0 is formed along the second direction in which each of the receiving electrodes RX0', RX1', RX2', ... is arranged, and each of the driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, ...) Each driving dummy pattern part 313 is electrically connected. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 8 , the zeroth conductive pattern At0 is connected to the first driving dummy pattern portion of the second driving electrode TX2 and the first driving of the second driving electrode TX2 is The dummy pattern part and the first driving dummy pattern part of the first driving electrode TX1 are connected, and the first driving dummy pattern part of the first driving electrode TX1 and the first driving dummy pattern part of the 0th driving electrode TX0 are connected. And, it extends from the first driving dummy pattern part 313 of the zeroth driving electrode TX0 in the second direction.

The first conductive pattern At1 is formed along the second direction in which the receiving electrodes RX0', RX1', RX2', ... are arranged, and is disposed parallel to the zeroth conductive pattern At0, and each Each driving electrode TX0, TX1, TX2, ... is electrically connected to one driving dummy pattern part. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 8 , the first conductive pattern At1 is connected to the second driving dummy pattern portion of the second driving electrode TX2 and the second driving electrode TX2 is driven second. The dummy pattern part and the second driving dummy pattern part of the first driving electrode TX1 are connected, and the second driving dummy pattern part of the first driving electrode TX1 and the second driving dummy pattern part of the 0th driving electrode TX0 are connected. And, it extends from the second driving dummy pattern portion of the zeroth driving electrode TX0 in the second direction.

The second loops At1-At2 are formed by electrically connecting the first conductive pattern At1 and the second conductive pattern At02.

The second conductive pattern At2 is formed along the second direction in which the receiving electrodes RX0', RX1', RX2', ... are arranged, and is disposed parallel to the zeroth conductive pattern At0, each Each driving electrode TX0, TX1, TX2, ... is electrically connected to one driving dummy pattern part. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 8 , the second conductive pattern At2 is connected to the third driving dummy pattern portion of the second driving electrode TX2 and the third driving of the second driving electrode TX2 is The dummy pattern part and the third driving dummy pattern part of the first driving electrode TX1 are connected, and the third driving dummy pattern part of the first driving electrode TX1 and the third driving dummy pattern part of the 0th driving electrode TX0 are connected. And, it extends from the third driving dummy pattern portion of the zeroth driving electrode TX0 in the second direction.

One end of each of the plurality of conductive patterns At0, At1, and At2 may be connected to each other.

A loop driving signal loop TX is applied to any one of the plurality of conductive patterns At0, At1, and At2, and the two conductive patterns disposed adjacent to each other on both sides of the one conductive pattern are may be grounded. Here, the loop driving signal is a signal having a resonant frequency capable of resonating the stylus pen, and may be a signal provided by the driving unit 12 under the control of the control unit 13 shown in FIG. 1 . In addition, a signal having a phase opposite to that of a loop driving signal other than ground may be applied to the two conductive patterns. When a signal having a phase opposite to that of the loop driving signal is applied to the two conductive patterns, the amplitude of the current loop can be doubled, and flicker that may occur in the display panel of the touch input device can be eliminated. have.

For example, a loop driving signal is applied to the first conductive pattern At1 , and the zeroth conductive pattern At0 and the second conductive pattern At2 disposed adjacent to both sides of the first conductive pattern At1, respectively, are It can be connected to ground. When the loop driving signal is applied to the first conductive pattern At1 , a counterclockwise current direction is formed between the first conductive pattern At1 and the zeroth conductive pattern At0 , and the first conductive pattern At1 and the second conductive pattern At1 The second conductive pattern At2 has a clockwise current direction. This forms two current loops. A predetermined magnetic field signal is generated by the formed current loop, and when the stylus pen is positioned in the current loop, the generated magnetic field signal resonates the resonance part of the stylus pen, and the stylus pen may be driven by the resonance.

As described above, in the touch sensor shown in FIGS. 7 to 8 and the touch input device including the same, hovering touch sensing is possible using the guard electrode GX, and the first and second reception pattern units 331 and 333 are provided. Thus, the touch sensing sensitivity may be improved, and a magnetic field signal for driving the stylus pen may be generated using the conductive patterns At0, At1, and At2.

In addition, the conductive patterns At0, At1, At2 are combined with some components (first and second connection patterns 335 and 337) of the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0', RX1', ... and the guard electrode GX ) can be formed in an area not used in the formed layer (1 ^st layer), so there is no need to provide a separate layer for the conductive patterns (At0, At1, At2), and a plurality of receiving electrodes ( When manufacturing some components (first and second connection patterns 335 and 337) of RX0', RX1', ...) and the guard electrode GX, the conductive patterns At0, At1, At2 can also be produced together. Therefore, the manufacturing cost can be reduced and the touch input device can be miniaturized.

9 is a plan view of a touch sensor according to a modified example of the touch sensor illustrated in FIG. 4 , and FIG. 10 is a plan view in which the touch sensor illustrated in FIG. 9 is divided into two layers.

The touch sensor shown in FIGS. 9 to 10 has the same plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, ..., but a plurality of receiving electrodes ( There is a difference in RX0'', RX1'', RX2'',...). Therefore, hereinafter, the plurality of receiving electrodes (RX0'', RX1'', RX2'', ...) will be described in detail, and the description of the plurality of driving electrodes (TX0, TX1, TX2, ...) will be Replace with the above. In addition, the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0', RX1', RX2', of the touch sensor shown in FIGS. 4 to 5 in the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0'', RX1'', RX2'', ...). ..) and the description of the same part is also replaced with the above.

The touch sensor shown in FIGS. 9 to 10 is generated between the first and second receiving pattern units and the first and second connection patterns formed on different layers, compared to the touch sensor shown in FIGS. 4 to 5 . Since the used capacitance can be reduced, there is an advantage that the RC time constant value can be reduced.

The shapes of some of the first and second reception pattern parts 331-1, 333-1, 331-2, 333-2, and 331-3 are the first and second reception patterns of the touch sensor illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 5 . It is different from the shape of the pattern parts 331 and 333 .

The plurality of receiving electrodes RX0'', RX1'', RX2'',...) includes a plurality of first receiving pattern units 331-0, 331-1, 331-2,... and a plurality of second receiving patterns. 2 reception pattern units 333-0, 333-1, 333-2, ..., and a plurality of first reception pattern units 331-0, 331-1, 331-2, ...) and a plurality of first reception pattern units 331-0, 331-1, 331-2, ...) The second reception pattern units 333-0, 333-1, 333-2, ... are alternately arranged along the second direction.

When one first reception pattern unit 331 - 0 and one second reception pattern unit 333 - 0 constitute one group, a plurality of groups may be arranged along the second direction.

One first reception pattern unit 331-1 among the plurality of first reception pattern units 331-0, 331-1, and 331-2 is to which the first reception pattern unit 331-1 belongs. and a depression pattern portion corresponding to the protruding pattern portion 333p of the second receiving pattern portion 333 - 0 of the other group adjacent to the group.

In addition, one second reception pattern unit 333-1 among the plurality of second reception pattern units 333-0, 333-1, and 333-2 includes the one second reception pattern unit 333-1. and a concave pattern portion corresponding to the protruding pattern portion of the first receiving pattern portion 331 - 2 of another group adjacent to the group to which is belongs.

By the protrusion pattern part 333p of the second reception pattern part 333-0 of another group and the protrusion pattern part of the first reception pattern part 331-2 of another group, the second reception pattern part of another group The minimum distance between 333 - 0 and the first receiving pattern part 331 - 2 of another group becomes shorter than the corresponding distance in the touch sensor shown in FIG. 2 . Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the length of the first connection pattern 335 ′ connecting between the second reception pattern unit 333-0 of another group and the first reception pattern unit 331-2 of another group, and further Capacitance formed between the first and second reception pattern portions 331-1 and 333-1 overlapping the first connection pattern 335 ′ but not electrically connected may be reduced.

Hovering sensing is possible by applying the guard electrode GX shown in FIGS. 4 to 5 to the touch sensor shown in FIGS. 9 to 10 and a touch input device including the same as it is, and the conductive pattern At0 shown in FIG. , At1, At2) can be applied as it is to drive the stylus pen.

11 is a plan view of a portion of a touch sensor according to another modified example of the touch sensor illustrated in FIG. 4 , and FIG. 12 is a plan view in which the touch sensor illustrated in FIG. 11 is divided into two layers.

The touch sensor shown in FIGS. 11 to 12 has the same plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, ..., but a plurality of receiving electrodes ( There is a difference in RX0''', RX1''', RX2''',...). Therefore, in the following, the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0''', RX1''', RX2''', ...) will be described in detail, and the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, ...) The description is replaced with the above. In addition, the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0', RX1', RX2 of the touch sensor shown in FIGS. 4 to 5 in the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0''', RX1''', RX2''', ... ',...) and the description of the same part is also replaced with the above.

The shape and arrangement of the first and second reception pattern units 331-0, 333-0, 331-1, 333-1, 331-2, 333-2, and 331-3 are shown in FIGS. 4 to 5 . The shape and arrangement of the first and second reception pattern units 331 and 333 of the touch sensor are the same.

When one first reception pattern unit 331 - 0 and one second reception pattern unit 333 - 0 constitute one group, a plurality of groups may be arranged along the second direction.

The first connection pattern 335 ″ is a pattern for electrically connecting odd-numbered groups among a plurality of groups, and overlaps with the first and second reception pattern units 331-1 and 333-1 of the even-numbered group. It is disposed in the , not electrically connected, and has a corresponding pattern 335 - a having a shape corresponding to that of the first and second reception pattern portions 331-1 and 333-1 of the even-numbered group. In addition, the first connection pattern 335 ″ includes the first and second reception pattern portions 331-0, 333-0, 331-2, and 333-2 of odd-numbered groups in the corresponding pattern 335-a. It may include an extension pattern 335 - c extending in the lateral direction.

The second connection pattern 337' is a pattern for electrically connecting even-numbered groups among a plurality of groups, and is located at a position overlapping the first and second reception pattern units 331-2 and 333-2 of the odd-numbered group. It is disposed and not electrically connected, and has a corresponding pattern having a shape corresponding to that of the first and second receiving pattern units 331 - 2 and 333 - 2 of the odd-numbered group. In addition, the second connection pattern 337 ″ may include an extension pattern extending in the direction toward the first and second reception pattern portions 331-1, 333-1, and 331-3 of the even-numbered group in the corresponding pattern. can

The touch sensor shown in FIGS. 11 to 12 overlaps the corresponding pattern 335-a and the corresponding pattern 335-1, but is not electrically connected to the touch sensor shown in FIGS. 4 to 5 . Although the capacitance between the first and second reception pattern parts 331-1 and 331-1 is slightly increased, the cross-sectional area of the first connection pattern 335'' increases, so that resistance is reduced.

The touch sensor shown in FIGS. 11 to 12 and the touch input device including the same can also be used for hovering sensing by applying the guard electrode GX shown in FIGS. 4 to 5 as it is, and the conductive pattern At0 shown in FIG. , At1, At2) can be applied as it is to drive the stylus pen.

13 is a plan view showing a modified example of the touch sensor shown in FIGS. 4 to 5 separated into two layers.

Referring to FIG. 13 , a plurality of guard electrodes GX may be provided, and the plurality of guard electrodes GX may be disposed to overlap the entire plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, ....

When the plurality of guard electrodes GX are disposed to overlap the entire plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, ..., there is an advantage in that hovering sensing or proximity sensing is possible in the entire active region of the touch input device.

The connection patterns 355 of each guard electrode GX may be disposed so as not to be short-circuited with the first and second connection patterns 335 and 337 of the plurality of reception electrodes RX0', RX1, RX2', ... have.

A configuration in which the plurality of guard electrodes GX illustrated in FIG. 13 are disposed to overlap the entire plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, ... is illustrated in FIGS. 2, 7, 9 and 11 . It can also be applied to a touch sensor.

Features, structures, effects, etc. described in the above embodiments are included in one embodiment of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to one embodiment. Furthermore, features, structures, effects, etc. illustrated in each embodiment can be combined or modified for other embodiments by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong. Accordingly, the contents related to such combinations and modifications should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

In addition, although the embodiment has been mainly described in the above, this is only an example and does not limit the present invention, and those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains to the above in a range that does not deviate from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. It will be appreciated that various modifications and applications not illustrated are possible. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiment can be implemented by deformation|transformation. And the differences related to these modifications and applications should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.

Claims (18)

a plurality of first electrodes each including a plurality of first pattern portions arranged in a first direction and a connection pattern for electrically connecting two first pattern portions adjacent to each other in the plurality of first pattern portions;
It is disposed to overlap under one or more first electrodes of the plurality of first electrodes, and includes a plurality of guard pattern parts having a shape corresponding to the first pattern part, and two guard patterns adjacent to each other among the plurality of guard pattern parts. A guard electrode comprising a connection pattern connecting the parts; and
A plurality of each including a plurality of second pattern portions arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and a connection pattern for electrically connecting two second pattern portions adjacent to each other in the plurality of second pattern portions a second electrode of
The connection patterns of the guard electrode and the plurality of second electrodes are disposed together on the first layer,
A plurality of second pattern portions of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes are disposed together in a second layer different from the first layer, the touch sensor.
a plurality of driving electrodes, each of which includes a plurality of driving pattern units arranged in a first direction and a connection pattern for electrically connecting two driving pattern units adjacent to each other in the plurality of driving pattern units;
A first receiving pattern portion and a second receiving pattern portion disposed with the connection pattern of the driving electrode therebetween are alternately arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the first receiving pattern portion and the second receiving pattern portion A receiving electrode comprising a connection pattern for electrically connecting the receiving pattern unit; and
It is disposed to overlap under one or more driving electrodes among the plurality of driving electrodes, includes a plurality of guard pattern parts having a shape corresponding to the driving pattern part, and connects two guard pattern parts adjacent to each other among the plurality of guard pattern parts. A guard electrode comprising a connection pattern;
Including, a touch sensor.
3. The method of claim 2,
The first and second receiving pattern portions of the plurality of receiving electrodes are disposed on the same layer as the plurality of driving electrodes,
The connection pattern of the plurality of receiving electrodes is disposed in a layer under the same layer together with the guard electrode, a touch sensor.
3. The method of claim 2,
The first reception pattern part and the second reception pattern part are symmetrical to each other based on the connection pattern of the driving electrode, a touch sensor.
3. The method of claim 2,
The connection pattern of the receiving electrode includes a first connection pattern and a second connection pattern,
The first receiving pattern portion and the second receiving pattern portion disposed with the connection pattern of the driving electrode therebetween constitute a group,
The first connection pattern electrically connects the first reception pattern part and the second reception pattern part of each of the odd-numbered groups along the second direction among the plurality of groups, and electrically connects the odd-numbered groups connected to,
The second connection pattern electrically connects the first reception pattern part and the second reception pattern part of each of the even-numbered groups along the second direction among the plurality of groups, and electrically connects the even-numbered groups Connected with a touch sensor.
6. The method of claim 5,
The first receiving pattern portion of one of the plurality of groups has a recessed pattern portion corresponding to the protruding pattern portion of the second receiving pattern portion of the other group adjacent to the first receiving pattern portion of the one group,
The second receiving pattern part of the one group has a recessed pattern part corresponding to the protruding pattern part of the first receiving pattern part of another group adjacent to the second receiving pattern part of the one group,
The first connection pattern connects the protruding pattern part of the second receiving pattern part of the other group and the protruding pattern part of the first receiving pattern part of the another group, the touch sensor.
6. The method of claim 5,
The first connection pattern may include a corresponding pattern arranged to have a shape corresponding to and overlap with the first and second reception pattern portions of the even-numbered group among the plurality of groups; and an extension pattern extending in an odd-numbered direction from the corresponding pattern toward the group.
6. The method of claim 5,
The driving electrode further includes a dummy pattern portion disposed in an opening formed inside the driving pattern portion,
a conductive pattern extending along the second direction and electrically connected to one dummy pattern part for each of the plurality of driving electrodes;
Two or more of the conductive patterns are electrically connected to configure a current loop that provides a magnetic field signal to the stylus pen,
The conductive pattern is disposed on the same layer as the guard electrode and the first and second connection patterns, the touch sensor.
a touch sensor including a plurality of first electrodes, at least one or more guard electrodes, and a plurality of second electrodes;
a driving unit for applying a driving signal to the touch sensor;
a sensing unit sensing a signal received from the touch sensor; and
Including; a control unit for controlling the driving unit and the sensing unit;
The first electrode includes a plurality of first pattern portions arranged in a first direction and a connection pattern for electrically connecting two first pattern portions adjacent to each other in the plurality of first pattern portions,
The guard electrode is disposed to overlap under one or more first electrodes among the plurality of first electrodes, and includes a plurality of guard pattern parts having a shape corresponding to the first pattern part, and is adjacent to each other among the plurality of guard pattern parts. Containing a connection pattern connecting the two guard pattern parts,
The receiving electrode includes a plurality of second pattern portions arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and a connection pattern for electrically connecting two second pattern portions adjacent to each other in the plurality of second pattern portions , touch input devices.
10. The method of claim 9,
The control unit controls the driving unit to apply a driving signal together to the plurality of first electrodes and the guard electrode, and determines whether an object is close from self-capacitance change amount information included in a signal output from the plurality of first electrodes which is a touch input device.
10. The method of claim 9,
The control unit controls the driving unit to apply a driving signal to the guard electrodes, and determines whether an object is close from mutual capacitance variation information included in signals output from the plurality of first electrodes.
a touch sensor including a plurality of driving electrodes, at least one or more guard electrodes, and a plurality of receiving electrodes;
a driving unit for applying a driving signal to the touch sensor;
a sensing unit sensing a signal received from the touch sensor; and
Including; a control unit for controlling the driving unit and the sensing unit;
The driving electrode includes a plurality of driving pattern units arranged in a first direction and a connection pattern for electrically connecting two driving pattern units adjacent to each other in the plurality of driving pattern units,
In the receiving electrode, a first receiving pattern portion and a second receiving pattern portion disposed with the connection pattern of the driving electrode therebetween are alternately arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the first receiving pattern and a connection pattern electrically connecting the unit and the second receiving pattern unit,
The guard electrode is disposed to overlap under at least one driving electrode among the plurality of driving electrodes, and includes a plurality of guard pattern parts having a shape corresponding to the driving pattern part, and two adjacent ones of the plurality of guard pattern parts. A touch input device comprising a connection pattern connecting the guard pattern unit.
13. The method of claim 12,
The first and second receiving pattern portions of the plurality of receiving electrodes are disposed on the same layer as the plurality of driving electrodes,
The connection pattern of the plurality of receiving electrodes is disposed on a layer under the same layer together with the guard electrode, the touch input device.
13. The method of claim 12,
The first reception pattern part and the second reception pattern part are symmetrical to each other based on the connection pattern of the driving electrode, a touch input device.
13. The method of claim 12,
The connection pattern of the receiving electrode includes a first connection pattern and a second connection pattern,
The first receiving pattern portion and the second receiving pattern portion disposed with the connection pattern of the driving electrode therebetween constitute a group,
The first connection pattern electrically connects the first reception pattern part and the second reception pattern part of each of the odd-numbered groups along the second direction among the plurality of groups, and electrically connects the odd-numbered groups connected to,
The second connection pattern electrically connects the first reception pattern part and the second reception pattern part of each of the even-numbered groups along the second direction among the plurality of groups, and electrically connects the even-numbered groups Connected with a touch input device.
16. The method of claim 15,
The first receiving pattern portion of one of the plurality of groups has a recessed pattern portion corresponding to the protruding pattern portion of the second receiving pattern portion of the other group adjacent to the first receiving pattern portion of the one group,
The second receiving pattern part of the one group has a recessed pattern part corresponding to the protruding pattern part of the first receiving pattern part of another group adjacent to the second receiving pattern part of the one group,
The first connection pattern connects the protruding pattern part of the second receiving pattern part of the other group and the protruding pattern part of the first receiving pattern part of the another group, the touch input device.
16. The method of claim 15,
The first connection pattern may include a corresponding pattern arranged to have a shape corresponding to and overlap with the first and second reception pattern portions of the even-numbered group among the plurality of groups; and an extension pattern extending in an odd-numbered group direction from the corresponding pattern.
16. The method of claim 15,
The driving electrode further includes a dummy pattern portion disposed in an opening formed inside the driving pattern portion,
a conductive pattern extending along the second direction and electrically connected to one dummy pattern part for each of the plurality of driving electrodes;
Two or more of the conductive patterns are electrically connected to configure a current loop that provides a magnetic field signal to the stylus pen,
The conductive pattern is disposed on the same layer as the guard electrode and the first and second connection patterns, the touch input device.

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