阅读说明：本技术 显示装置 (Display device ) 是由 李春协 李康源 郑承焕 李相哲 于 2020-02-11 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供压力传感器和包括压力传感器的显示装置。显示装置包括：显示面板,包括第一侧表面和连接到第一侧表面且为与显示表面相对的表面的第一下表面；压力传感器,设置在显示面板的第一下表面上；以及下支架,包括面向显示面板的第一下表面的第二下表面和面向显示面板的第一侧表面的第二侧表面。(A pressure sensor and a display device including the pressure sensor are provided. The display device includes: a display panel including a first side surface and a first lower surface connected to the first side surface and being a surface opposite to the display surface; a pressure sensor disposed on a first lower surface of the display panel; and a lower bracket including a second lower surface facing the first lower surface of the display panel and a second side surface facing the first side surface of the display panel.)

1. A display device, wherein the display device comprises:

a display panel including a first side surface and a first lower surface connected to the first side surface and being a surface opposite to a display surface;

a pressure sensor disposed on the first lower surface of the display panel; and

a lower chassis including a second lower surface facing the first lower surface of the display panel and a second side surface facing the first side surface of the display panel,

wherein the pressure sensor is disposed between the first lower surface of the display panel and the second lower surface of the lower bracket, and is disposed on the second side surface of the lower bracket,

the pressure sensor includes: a first substrate facing the second side surface of the lower bracket; a first pressure sensing layer disposed between the first substrate and the second side surface of the lower support; a first driving electrode disposed between the first pressure sensing layer and the second side surface of the lower support; and a first sensing electrode spaced apart from the first driving electrode and

a gap exists between the first pressure sensing layer and the first drive and sense electrodes.

2. The display device according to claim 1,

the second side surface of the lower bracket includes: a first sub-side surface; a second sub-side surface; and a third sub-side surface recessed deeper than the first and second sub-side surfaces and

the pressure sensor is disposed to overlap the third sub-side surface and to be embedded in a side surface portion formed from the first sub-side surface to the third sub-side surface.

3. The display device of claim 1, wherein the pressure sensor further comprises: a second substrate facing the first substrate and disposed between the second side surface of the lower support and the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode, wherein the second substrate is attached to the lower support.

4. The display device according to claim 3,

the strength of the first substrate is greater than the strength of the second substrate, and

the first substrate further includes a rigidity enhancing material.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode are directly disposed on the second side surface of the lower support.

6. The display device of claim 1, wherein the pressure sensor further comprises: a second driving electrode disposed between the second side surface of the lower support and the first pressure sensing layer; a second sensing electrode spaced apart from the second driving electrode; and a second pressure sensing layer in contact with the second driving electrode and the second sensing electrode.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the pressure sensor includes: a first drive electrode; a first sensing electrode; a first pressure sensing layer disposed to overlap the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode; and a second pressure sensing layer in contact with the first drive electrode and the first sense electrode and spaced apart from the first pressure sensing layer,

wherein the first pressure-sensing layer includes a pattern depressed in one direction, and

the second pressure-sensing layer is disposed within the recessed region of the first pressure-sensing layer.

8. The display device according to claim 7,

each of the first drive electrode and the first sense electrode extends in one direction, and

the extending directions of the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode are parallel to each other and do not cross each other.

9. The display device according to claim 7, wherein the first drive electrode and the first sense electrode extend in directions crossing each other.

10. The display device according to claim 7,

the first drive electrode includes: a first portion extending in a first direction; and a second portion extending from the first portion in a second direction crossing the first direction,

the first sensing electrode includes: a third portion extending in the first direction; and a fourth portion extending from the third portion in the second direction,

the first portion overlaps the third portion, and

the second portion overlaps the fourth portion.

11. The display device according to claim 1,

the pressure sensor includes: a first pressure unit and a second pressure unit,

the first pressure unit includes: a first drive electrode; a first sensing electrode; a first pressure sensing layer disposed to overlap the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode; and a second pressure sensing layer in contact with the first drive electrode and the first sense electrode and spaced apart from the first pressure sensing layer,

the second pressure unit includes: the first drive electrode; a second sensing electrode; and a third pressure sensing layer contacting the first driving electrode and the second sensing electrode, and

the second pressure-sensing layer and the third pressure-sensing layer are disposed to overlap the first pressure-sensing layer in the same direction in a plan view.

12. The display device according to claim 1,

the pressure sensor includes a first pressure cell and a second pressure cell,

the first pressure unit includes: a first drive electrode; a first sensing electrode; a first pressure sensing layer disposed to overlap the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode; and a second pressure sensing layer in contact with the first drive electrode and the first sense electrode and spaced apart from the first pressure sensing layer,

the second pressure unit includes: the first drive electrode; a second sensing electrode; and a third pressure sensing layer contacting the first driving electrode and the second sensing electrode, and

the first pressure-sensing layer is disposed between the second pressure-sensing layer and the third pressure-sensing layer.

13. The display device according to claim 1,

the pressure sensor includes a first pressure cell and a second pressure cell,

the first pressure unit includes: a first drive electrode; a first sensing electrode; a first pressure sensing layer disposed to overlap the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode; and a second pressure sensing layer in contact with the first drive electrode and the first sense electrode and spaced apart from the first pressure sensing layer,

the second pressure unit includes: the first drive electrode; a second sensing electrode; and a third pressure sensing layer contacting the first driving electrode and the second sensing electrode, and

the second pressure-sensing layer is disposed between the first pressure-sensing layer and the third pressure-sensing layer.

14. The display device according to claim 1,

the pressure sensor includes: a first pressure unit; a second pressure unit; and a third pressure unit disposed between the first pressure unit and the second pressure unit,

the first pressure unit includes: a first drive electrode; a first sensing electrode; a first pressure sensing layer disposed to overlap the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode; and a second pressure sensing layer in contact with the first drive electrode and the first sense electrode and spaced apart from the first pressure sensing layer,

the second pressure unit includes: the first drive electrode; a second sensing electrode; a third pressure sensing layer disposed to overlap the first driving electrode and the second sensing electrode; and a fourth pressure sensing layer in contact with the first drive electrode and the second sense electrode and spaced apart from the third pressure sensing layer,

the third pressure unit includes: the first drive electrode; a third sensing electrode; and a fifth pressure sensing layer in contact with the first driving electrode and the third sensing electrode, and

the fifth pressure-sensing layer is disposed between the first pressure-sensing layer and the third pressure-sensing layer.

15. The display device according to claim 1,

the pressure sensor includes: a first pressure unit; a second pressure unit; and a third pressure unit disposed between the first pressure unit and the second pressure unit,

the first pressure unit includes: a first drive electrode; a first sensing electrode; a first pressure sensing layer disposed to overlap the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode; and a second pressure sensing layer in contact with the first drive electrode and the first sense electrode and spaced apart from the first pressure sensing layer,

the second pressure unit includes: the first drive electrode; a second sensing electrode; a third pressure sensing layer disposed to overlap the first driving electrode and the second sensing electrode; and a fourth pressure sensing layer in contact with the first drive electrode and the second sense electrode and spaced apart from the third pressure sensing layer,

the third pressure unit includes: the first drive electrode; a third sensing electrode; and a fifth pressure sensing layer in contact with the first driving electrode and the third sensing electrode, and

the fifth pressure-sensing layer is disposed between the first pressure-sensing layer and the fourth pressure-sensing layer.

16. The display device according to claim 1,

the pressure sensor includes: a first pressure unit; a second pressure unit; and a third pressure unit disposed between the first pressure unit and the second pressure unit,

the first pressure unit includes: a first drive electrode; a first sensing electrode; a first pressure sensing layer disposed to overlap the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode; and a second pressure sensing layer in contact with the first drive electrode and the first sense electrode and spaced apart from the first pressure sensing layer,

the second pressure unit includes: the first drive electrode; a second sensing electrode; a third pressure sensing layer disposed to overlap the first driving electrode and the second sensing electrode; and a fourth pressure sensing layer in contact with the first drive electrode and the second sense electrode and spaced apart from the third pressure sensing layer,

the third pressure unit includes: the first drive electrode; a third sensing electrode; and a fifth pressure sensing layer in contact with the first driving electrode and the third sensing electrode, and

the fifth pressure-sensing layer is disposed between the second pressure-sensing layer and the fourth pressure-sensing layer.

17. A display device, wherein the display device comprises:

a display panel including a first side surface and a first lower surface connected to the first side surface and being a surface opposite to a display surface;

a pressure sensor disposed on the first lower surface of the display panel; and

a lower chassis including a second lower surface facing the first lower surface of the display panel and a second side surface facing the first side surface of the display panel,

wherein the pressure sensor is disposed between the first lower surface of the display panel and the second lower surface of the lower bracket, and is disposed on the second side surface of the lower bracket,

the second side surface of the lower bracket includes: a first sub-side surface; a second sub-side surface; and a third sub-side surface recessed deeper than the first and second sub-side surfaces and

the pressure sensor is disposed to overlap the third sub-side surface and to be embedded in a side surface portion formed from the first sub-side surface to the third sub-side surface.

18. The display device according to claim 17,

the pressure sensor includes: a first substrate facing the second side surface of the lower bracket; a first pressure sensing layer disposed between the first substrate and the second side surface of the lower support; a first driving electrode disposed between the first pressure sensing layer and the second side surface of the lower support; and a first sensing electrode spaced apart from the first driving electrode and

a gap exists between the first pressure sensing layer and the first drive and sense electrodes.

19. The display device of claim 18, wherein the pressure sensor further comprises: a second substrate facing the first substrate and disposed between the second side surface of the lower support and the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode, wherein the second substrate is attached to the lower support.

20. The display device of claim 18, wherein the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode are disposed directly on the second side surface of the lower support.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a display device.

Background

Electronic devices that provide images to users, such as smart phones, tablet Personal Computers (PCs), digital cameras, notebook computers, navigation systems, and smart televisions, include display devices for displaying images. The display device includes a display panel for generating and displaying an image and various input devices.

Recently, a touch panel recognizing a touch input is widely applied to a display device mainly in a smart phone or a tablet PC. The touch panel tends to replace a conventional physical input device such as a keyboard due to the convenience of a touch method.

In addition to the touch panel, various inputs are currently being studied by mounting a pressure sensor on a display device. Further, studies have been made to reduce the area occupied by the pressure sensor when the pressure sensor is mounted on the display device.

Disclosure of Invention

[ problem ] to

The present invention aims to provide a display device with a simplified set of pressure sensors.

The present invention is also directed to providing a pressure sensor having a reduced appearance.

The present invention is also directed to providing a display device including a pressure sensor having a reduced appearance.

It should be noted that the object of the present invention is not limited to the above object, and other objects of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.

[ solution ]

According to a display device of an embodiment for solving the above-described problems, the display device includes: a display panel including a first side surface and a first lower surface connected to the first side surface and being a surface opposite to the display surface; a pressure sensor disposed on a first lower surface of the display panel; and a lower bracket including a second lower surface facing the first lower surface of the display panel and a second side surface facing the first side surface of the display panel, wherein the pressure sensor is disposed between the first lower surface of the display panel and the second lower surface of the lower bracket and on the second side surface of the lower bracket, the pressure sensor including: a first substrate facing the second side surface of the lower bracket; a first pressure sensing layer disposed between the first substrate and the second side surface of the lower support; a first driving electrode disposed between the first pressure sensing layer and the second side surface of the lower supporter; and a first sensing electrode spaced apart from the first driving electrode, and a gap exists between the first pressure sensing layer and the first driving electrode and between the first pressure sensing layer and the first sensing electrode.

The second side surface of the lower bracket may include: a first sub-side surface; a second sub-side surface; and a third sub-side surface recessed deeper than the first and second sub-side surfaces, and the pressure sensor is disposed to overlap the third sub-side surface and embedded in a side surface portion formed from the first to third sub-side surfaces.

The pressure sensor may further include: and a second substrate facing the first substrate and disposed between the second side surface of the lower support and the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode, wherein the second substrate is attached to the lower support.

The strength of the first substrate may be greater than the strength of the second substrate, and the first substrate further includes a rigidity enhancing material.

The first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode may be directly disposed on the second side surface of the lower supporter.

The pressure sensor may further include: a second driving electrode disposed between the second side surface of the lower supporter and the first pressure sensing layer; a second sensing electrode spaced apart from the second driving electrode; and a second pressure sensing layer contacting the second driving electrode and the second sensing electrode.

The pressure sensor may include: a first drive electrode; a first sensing electrode; a first pressure sensing layer disposed to overlap the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode; and a second pressure sensing layer contacting the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode and spaced apart from the first pressure sensing layer, wherein the first pressure sensing layer includes a pattern recessed in one direction, and the second pressure sensing layer is disposed within a recessed region of the first pressure sensing layer.

Each of the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode may extend in one direction, and the extending directions of the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode are parallel to each other and do not cross each other.

The first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode may extend in directions crossing each other.

The first driving electrode may include: a first portion extending in a first direction; and a second portion extending from the first portion in a second direction crossing the first direction, the first sensing electrode including: a third portion extending in the first direction; and a fourth portion extending from the third portion in the second direction, the first portion overlapping the third portion, and the second portion overlapping the fourth portion.

The pressure sensor may include: a first pressure unit and a second pressure unit, the first pressure unit including: a first drive electrode; a first sensing electrode; a first pressure sensing layer disposed to overlap the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode; and a second pressure sensing layer contacting the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode and spaced apart from the first pressure sensing layer, the second pressure unit including: a first drive electrode; a second sensing electrode; and a third pressure sensing layer contacting the first driving electrode and the second sensing electrode, and disposed to overlap the first pressure sensing layer in the same direction in a plan view.

The pressure sensor may include a first pressure unit and a second pressure unit, the first pressure unit including: a first drive electrode; a first sensing electrode; a first pressure sensing layer disposed to overlap the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode; and a second pressure sensing layer contacting the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode and spaced apart from the first pressure sensing layer, the second pressure unit including: a first drive electrode; a second sensing electrode; and a third pressure sensing layer in contact with the first driving electrode and the second sensing electrode, and the first pressure sensing layer is disposed between the second pressure sensing layer and the third pressure sensing layer.

The pressure sensor may include a first pressure unit and a second pressure unit, the first pressure unit including: a first drive electrode; a first sensing electrode; a first pressure sensing layer disposed to overlap the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode; and a second pressure sensing layer contacting the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode and spaced apart from the first pressure sensing layer, the second pressure unit including: a first drive electrode; a second sensing electrode; and a third pressure sensing layer in contact with the first driving electrode and the second sensing electrode, and the second pressure sensing layer is disposed between the first pressure sensing layer and the third pressure sensing layer.

The pressure sensor may include: a first pressure unit; a second pressure unit; and a third pressure unit disposed between the first pressure unit and the second pressure unit, the first pressure unit including: a first drive electrode; a first sensing electrode; a first pressure sensing layer disposed to overlap the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode; and a second pressure sensing layer contacting the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode and spaced apart from the first pressure sensing layer, the second pressure unit including: a first drive electrode; a second sensing electrode; a third pressure sensing layer disposed to overlap the first driving electrode and the second sensing electrode; and a fourth pressure sensing layer contacting the first driving electrode and the second sensing electrode and spaced apart from the third pressure sensing layer, the third pressure unit including: a first drive electrode; a third sensing electrode; and a fifth pressure sensing layer in contact with the first driving electrode and the third sensing electrode, and disposed between the first pressure sensing layer and the third pressure sensing layer.

The pressure sensor may include: a first pressure unit; a second pressure unit; and a third pressure unit disposed between the first pressure unit and the second pressure unit, the first pressure unit including: a first drive electrode; a first sensing electrode; a first pressure sensing layer disposed to overlap the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode; and a second pressure sensing layer contacting the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode and spaced apart from the first pressure sensing layer, the second pressure unit including: a first drive electrode; a second sensing electrode; a third pressure sensing layer disposed to overlap the first driving electrode and the second sensing electrode; and a fourth pressure sensing layer contacting the first driving electrode and the second sensing electrode and spaced apart from the third pressure sensing layer, the third pressure unit including: a first drive electrode; a third sensing electrode; and a fifth pressure sensing layer in contact with the first driving electrode and the third sensing electrode, and disposed between the first pressure sensing layer and the fourth pressure sensing layer.

The pressure sensor may include: a first pressure unit; a second pressure unit; and a third pressure unit disposed between the first pressure unit and the second pressure unit, the first pressure unit including: a first drive electrode; a first sensing electrode; a first pressure sensing layer disposed to overlap the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode; and a second pressure sensing layer contacting the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode and spaced apart from the first pressure sensing layer, the second pressure unit including: a first drive electrode; a second sensing electrode; a third pressure sensing layer disposed to overlap the first driving electrode and the second sensing electrode; and a fourth pressure sensing layer contacting the first driving electrode and the second sensing electrode and spaced apart from the third pressure sensing layer, the third pressure unit including: a first drive electrode; a third sensing electrode; and a fifth pressure sensing layer in contact with the first driving electrode and the third sensing electrode, and disposed between the second pressure sensing layer and the fourth pressure sensing layer.

According to a display device of another embodiment for solving the above-mentioned problems, the display device includes: a display panel including a first side surface and a first lower surface connected to the first side surface and being a surface opposite to the display surface; a pressure sensor disposed on a first lower surface of the display panel; and a lower bracket including a second lower surface facing the first lower surface of the display panel and a second side surface facing the first side surface of the display panel, wherein the pressure sensor is disposed between the first lower surface of the display panel and the second lower surface of the lower bracket and on the second side surface of the lower bracket, the second side surface of the lower bracket including: a first sub-side surface; a second sub-side surface; and a third sub-side surface recessed deeper than the first and second sub-side surfaces, and the pressure sensor is disposed to overlap the third sub-side surface and embedded in a side surface portion formed from the first to third sub-side surfaces.

The pressure sensor may include: a first substrate facing the second side surface of the lower bracket; a first pressure sensing layer disposed between the first substrate and the second side surface of the lower support; a first driving electrode disposed between the first pressure sensing layer and the second side surface of the lower supporter; and a first sensing electrode spaced apart from the first driving electrode, and a gap exists between the first pressure sensing layer and the first driving electrode and between the first pressure sensing layer and the first sensing electrode.

The pressure sensor may further include: and a second substrate facing the first substrate and disposed between the second side surface of the lower support and the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode, wherein the second substrate is attached to the lower support.

The first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode may be directly disposed on the second side surface of the lower supporter.

Specific items of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[ advantageous effects ]

In the display device according to an embodiment, a set of pressure sensors can be simplified.

In the pressure sensor and the display device according to one embodiment, the pressure sensor has a reduced appearance, so that a set of pressure sensors can be simplified.

Effects according to the exemplary embodiments are not limited by the contents illustrated above, and more various effects are included in the present specification.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the display device of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a schematic plan layout view of the pressure sensor and the lower bracket.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view showing an example taken along line IV-IV' of fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view illustrating a display area of the display panel in fig. 4 in detail.

FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a pressure sensor according to one embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a plan view showing an example of the region a of fig. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Q1-Q1' of FIG. 7.

Fig. 9 and 10 are sectional views showing examples of a case where the user presses the pressure sensor without using the hand and a case where the user presses the pressure sensor with the hand, respectively.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view showing an example of a case where a user presses a pressure sensor without hands according to another embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a sectional view showing an example of a case where a user presses a pressure sensor without hands according to still another embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a plan view illustrating a pressure sensor according to another embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Q2-Q2' of FIG. 13.

Fig. 15 is a circuit diagram showing the pressure sensor of fig. 13.

Fig. 16 is a plan view showing a pressure sensor according to still another embodiment.

Fig. 17 is a plan view illustrating a pressure sensor according to still another embodiment.

Fig. 18 is a plan view illustrating a pressure sensor according to still another embodiment.

Fig. 19 is a plan view illustrating a pressure sensor according to still another embodiment.

Fig. 20 is a plan view illustrating a pressure sensor according to still another embodiment.

Fig. 21 is a plan view illustrating a pressure sensor according to still another embodiment.

Fig. 22 is a plan view illustrating a pressure sensor according to still another embodiment.

Fig. 23 is a plan view illustrating a pressure sensor according to still another embodiment.

Fig. 24 is a plan view showing a pressure sensor according to still another embodiment.

Fig. 25 is a plan view illustrating a pressure sensor according to still another embodiment.

Fig. 26 is a plan view showing a pressure sensor according to still another embodiment.

Fig. 27 is a plan view showing a pressure sensor according to still another embodiment.

Detailed Description

The advantages and features of embodiments of the present invention and methods of accomplishing the same will become more apparent with reference to the following detailed description of embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and may be embodied in many different forms. The embodiments of the present invention are provided only for the purpose of completeness of disclosure of the present invention and the present invention is defined only by the scope of claims in order to fully inform the scope of the present invention to a person having ordinary knowledge in the art to which the present invention pertains.

When an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, it can be directly on the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. The shapes, sizes, proportions, angles, numbers, and the like disclosed in the drawings for explaining the embodiments are examples, and the present invention is not limited to the matters disclosed in the drawings.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one constituent element from another constituent element. Thus, a first constituent element discussed below could be termed a second constituent element without departing from the teachings herein.

The features of the embodiments of the present invention may be partially or wholly combined or combined with each other, various interlocking and driving may be technically performed, and the embodiments may be implemented independently of each other or may be implemented together in a related relationship.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment, fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the display device of fig. 1, fig. 3 is a schematic plan layout view of a pressure sensor and a lower bracket, fig. 4 is a sectional view illustrating an example taken along a line IV-IV' of fig. 1, and fig. 5 is a sectional view illustrating a display area of the display panel in fig. 4 in detail.

Referring to fig. 1 to 5, a display device 1 according to an embodiment includes a cover window 100, a touch sensing device 200, a touch circuit board 210, a display panel 300, a display circuit board 310, a panel lower member 400, a first pressure sensor 510, a second pressure sensor 520, a pressure sensing plate 550, a lower bracket 800, a main circuit board 910, and a lower cover 900.

In this specification, the terms "upper", "top", and "upper surface" refer to a direction in which the cover window 100 is disposed with respect to the display panel 300, i.e., a Z direction, and the terms "lower", "bottom", and "lower surface" refer to a direction in which the panel lower member 400 is disposed with respect to the display panel 300, i.e., a direction opposite to the Z direction.

The display device 1 may be formed in a rectangular shape in plan view. For example, as shown in fig. 1, the display device 1 may have a rectangular planar shape having a short side in the first direction (X direction) and a long side in the second direction (Y direction). A corner where a short side in the first direction (X direction) intersects with a long side in the second direction (Y direction) may be formed as a rounded corner to have a predetermined curvature or as a right angle. The planar shape of the display device 1 is not limited to a rectangular shape, but may be formed into other polygonal shapes, circular shapes, or elliptical shapes.

The cover window 100 may be disposed over the display panel 300 to cover an upper surface of the display panel 300. Accordingly, the cover window 100 may function to protect the upper surface of the display panel 300. As shown in fig. 27, the cover window 100 may be attached to the touch sensing device 200 by an adhesive layer 110. The adhesive layer 110 may be an optically clear adhesive film (OCA) or an Optically Clear Resin (OCR).

The cover window 100 may include a light transmission portion DA100 corresponding to the display area DA of the display panel 300 and a light blocking portion NDA100 corresponding to the non-display area NDA of the display panel 300. The light block NDA100 covering the window 100 may be formed to be opaque. Alternatively, the light blocking part NDA100 covering the window 100 may be formed as a decoration layer having a pattern visible to a user when an image is not displayed. For example, a company logo such as "SAMSUNG" or various characters may be patterned on the light blocking part NDA100 covering the window 100.

The cover window 100 may be made of glass, sapphire, and/or plastic. The cover window 100 may be formed to be rigid or flexible.

The touch sensing device 200 including a touch sensor for sensing a user's touch may be disposed between the cover window 100 and the display panel 300. The touch sensing device 200 may be a device for sensing a touch position of a user and may be implemented in a capacitive type such as a self-capacitive type or a mutual capacitive type, or in an infrared type.

The touch sensing device 200 may be formed in a panel form or a thin film form. Alternatively, the touch sensing device 200 may be integrally formed with the display panel 300. For example, when the touch sensing device 200 is formed in a thin film form, the touch sensing device 200 may be integrally formed with the barrier film 306 for encapsulating the display panel 300.

The touch circuit board 210 may be attached to one side of the touch sensing device 200. Specifically, the touch circuit board 210 may be attached to a pad provided on one side of the touch sensing device 200 using an anisotropic conductive film. In addition, a touch connection part may be provided on the touch circuit board 210 and may be connected to a connector of the display circuit board 310. The touch circuit board 210 may be a flexible printed circuit board or a chip on film.

The touch driver 220 may apply a touch driving signal to the touch sensing apparatus 200, sense a sensing signal from the touch sensing apparatus 200, and calculate a touch position of a user by analyzing the sensing signal. The touch driver 220 may be formed as an integrated circuit and mounted on the touch circuit board 210.

The display panel 300 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display area DA is an area where an image is displayed, and the non-display area NDA may be an area where no image is displayed and may be a peripheral area of the display area NDA. As shown in fig. 25 and 26, the non-display area NDA may be disposed to surround the display area DA, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The display area DA may overlap with the light transmission portion 100DA of the cover window 100, and the non-display area NDA may overlap with the light blocking portion 100NDA of the cover window 100.

The display panel 300 may be a light emitting display panel including light emitting elements. For example, the display panel 300 may be an organic light emitting display panel using Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs), a micro light emitting display panel using micro Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), or a quantum dot light emitting display panel including quantum dot LEDs. Hereinafter, a case where the display panel 300 is an organic light emitting display panel as shown in fig. 28 will be mainly described.

The display area DA of the display panel 300 refers to an area where the light emitting element layer 304 is formed to display an image, and the non-display area NDA refers to a peripheral area of the display area DA.

As shown in fig. 5, the display panel 300 may include a support substrate 301, a flexible substrate 302, a thin-film transistor layer 303, a light emitting element layer 304, an encapsulation layer 305, and a barrier film 306.

The flexible substrate 302 is disposed on the support substrate 301. Each of the support substrate 301 and the flexible substrate 302 may include a polymer material having flexibility. For example, each of the support substrate 301 and the flexible substrate 302 may include Polyethersulfone (PES), Polyacrylate (PA), Polyarylate (PAR), Polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyallylate, Polyimide (PI), Polycarbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate (CAT), Cellulose Acetate Propionate (CAP), or a combination thereof.

Thin-film-transistor layer 303 is formed on flexible substrate 302. The thin-film transistor layer 303 includes a thin-film transistor 335, a gate insulating film 336, an interlayer insulating film 337, a protective film 338, and a planarization film 339.

The buffer film may be formed on the flexible substrate 302. A buffer film may be formed on the flexible substrate 302 to protect the thin film transistor 335 and the light emitting element from moisture penetrating through the support substrate 301 and the flexible substrate 302, which are susceptible to moisture penetration. The buffer film may be formed of a plurality of inorganic films alternately stacked. For example, the buffer film may be formed of silicon oxide (SiO)_x) Film, silicon nitride (SiN)_x) And a multilayer film in which one or more inorganic films of films and silicon oxynitride (SiON) films are alternately stacked. The buffer film may be omitted.

The thin film transistor 335 is formed on the buffer film. The thin film transistor 335 includes an active layer 331, a gate electrode 332, a source electrode 333, and a drain electrode 334. The thin film transistor 335 shown in fig. 8 is formed in a top gate type in which the gate electrode 332 is disposed on the active layer 331, but it should be noted that the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the thin film transistor 335 may be formed in a bottom gate type in which the gate electrode 332 is disposed under the active layer 331 or a dual gate type in which the gate electrode 332 is disposed both at the upper and lower portions of the active layer 331.

The active layer 331 is formed on the buffer film. The active layer 331 may be formed of a silicon-based semiconductor material or an oxide-based semiconductor material. A light blocking layer for blocking external light incident on the active layer 331 may be formed between the buffer film and the active layer 331.

A gate insulating film 336 may be formed on the active layer 331. The gate insulating film 316 may be formed such as silicon oxide (SiO)_x) Film, silicon nitride (SiN)_x) Inorganic film of the film or a multilayer film thereof.

The gate electrode 332 and the gate line may be formed on the gate insulating film 316. Each of the gate electrode 332 and the gate line may be formed in a single layer or a multi-layer made of one or an alloy thereof selected from molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu).

An interlayer insulating film 337 may be formed on the gate electrode 332 and the gate line. The interlayer insulating film 337 mayFormed as, for example, silicon oxide (SiO)_x) Film, silicon nitride (SiN)_x) Inorganic film of the film or a multilayer film thereof.

The source electrode 333, the drain electrode 334, and the data line may be formed on the interlayer insulating film 337. Each of the source electrode 333 and the drain electrode 334 may be connected to the active layer 331 through a contact hole passing through the gate insulating film 336 and the interlayer insulating film 337. Each of the source electrode 333, the drain electrode 334, and the data line may be formed in a single layer or a multi-layer made of one or an alloy thereof selected from molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu).

A protective film 338 for insulating the thin film transistor 335 may be formed on the source electrode 333, the drain electrode 334, and the data line. The protective film 338 may be formed, for example, of silicon oxide (SiO)_x) Film, silicon nitride (SiN)_x) Inorganic film of the film or a multilayer film thereof.

A planarization film 339 may be formed on the protection film 338 to planarize a step difference due to the thin film transistor 335. The planarization film 339 may be formed as an organic film made of acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenol resin, polyamide resin, polyimide resin, or the like.

Light-emitting element layer 304 may be formed on thin-film-transistor layer 303. The light emitting element layer 304 includes light emitting elements and a pixel defining film 344.

A light-emitting element and pixel defining film 344 is formed on the planarization film 339. The light emitting element may be an organic light emitting element. In this case, the light emitting element may include an anode 341, a light emitting layer 342, and a cathode 343.

The anode 341 may be formed on the planarization film 339. The anode 341 may be connected to the drain electrode 334 of the thin film transistor 335 through a contact hole passing through the protective film 338 and the planarization film 339.

In order to separate the pixels, a pixel defining film 344 may be formed on the planarization film 339 to cover the edge of the anode 341. That is, the pixel defining film 344 functions as a pixel defining film configured to define pixels. Each of the pixels represents a region where the anode 341, the light emitting layer 342, and the cathode 343 are sequentially stacked and holes from the anode 341 and electrons from the cathode 343 are recombined in the light emitting layer 342 to emit light.

A light emitting layer 342 is formed on the anode 341 and the pixel defining film 344. The light emitting layer 342 may be an organic light emitting layer. The light emitting layer 342 may emit one of red, green, and blue light. The peak wavelength range for red light may range from about 620nm to about 750nm, and the peak wavelength range for green light may range from about 495nm to about 570 nm. Additionally, the peak wavelength of blue light may range from about 450nm to about 495 nm. Alternatively, the light emitting layer 342 may be a white light emitting layer emitting white light, and in this case, the light emitting layer 342 may have a form in which a red light emitting layer, a green light emitting layer, and a blue light emitting layer are stacked, and the light emitting layer 342 may be a common layer commonly formed in a pixel. In this case, the display panel 300 may further include separate color filters for displaying red, green, and blue colors.

The light emitting layer 342 may include a hole transport layer, a light emitting layer, and an electron transport layer. In addition, the light emitting layer 342 may be formed in a series structure having two or more layers stacked, and in this case, a charge generation layer may be formed between the stacks.

In some embodiments, the display panel 300 may emit blue or ultraviolet light having a wavelength range adjacent to that of the blue light, and may further include a light conversion pattern disposed in each pixel and over the light emitting layer 342. The light conversion patterns may include a first wavelength conversion pattern for converting emission light (e.g., blue light or ultraviolet light) emitted from the light emitting layer 342 into red light, a second wavelength conversion pattern for converting emission light (e.g., blue light or ultraviolet light) emitted from the light emitting layer 342 into green light, and a light transmission pattern for emitting emission light (e.g., blue light or ultraviolet light) emitted from the light emitting layer 342 without change.

The first wavelength conversion pattern may include a first matrix resin and a first wavelength converter dispersed in the first matrix resin, and may further include a first scatterer dispersed in the first matrix resin.

The first wavelength converter may convert or shift the peak wavelength of the incident light to another specific peak wavelength. Examples of the first wavelength converter may include quantum dots, quantum rods, or phosphors, etc., that convert emitted light (e.g., blue or ultraviolet light) into red light having a red wavelength range.

The second wavelength conversion pattern may include a second matrix resin and a second wavelength converter dispersed in the second matrix resin, and may further include a second scatterer dispersed in the second matrix resin.

The second wavelength converter may convert or shift the peak wavelength of the incident light to another specific peak wavelength. Examples of the second wavelength converter may include quantum dots, quantum rods, or phosphors, etc. that convert emitted light (e.g., blue light or ultraviolet light) into green light having a green wavelength range.

The light-transmitting pattern may include a third matrix resin and a third scatterer dispersed in the third matrix resin.

In some embodiments, the light emitting layer 342 may include a matrix resin and a wavelength converter dispersed in the matrix resin. That is, the red light emitting layer may include a first matrix resin and a first wavelength converter, the green light emitting layer may include a second matrix resin and a second wavelength converter, and the blue light emitting layer may include a third matrix resin. In some embodiments, each of the red, green, and blue light emitting layers may further include a diffuser.

In some embodiments, emissive layer 342 can comprise an inorganic material. That is, the light emitting layer 342 may be an LED, and particularly, may be an inorganic LED having a micro-scale or nano-scale size, and may be made of an inorganic material. The inorganic LED may be aligned between two electrodes in which a polarity is formed by forming an electric field in a specific direction between two electrodes facing each other. The LED may be aligned between the two electrodes due to an electric field formed between the two electrodes.

The cathode 343 is formed on the light emitting layer 342. The second electrode 343 may be formed to cover the light emitting layer 342. The second electrode 343 may be a common layer commonly formed in the pixels.

When the light emitting element layer 304 is formed as a top emission type that emits light upward, the anode 341 may be made of a conductive (metal) material having a high reflectance, and may include, for example, a stacked structure of aluminum and titanium (Ti/Al/Ti), a stacked structure of aluminum and Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) (ITO/Al/ITO), a silver palladium copper (APC) alloy, and a stacked structure of an APC alloy and ITO (ITO/APC/ITO). The APC alloy is an alloy of silver (Ag), palladium (Pd), and copper (Cu). In addition, the cathode 263 may be made of a light-transmitting transparent conductive material (TCO) such as ITO or Indium Zinc Oxide (IZO), or a semi-transmissive conductive (metal) material such as magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), or an alloy of magnesium (Mg) and silver (Ag). When the cathode 343 is made of a semi-transmissive conductive (metal) material, light output efficiency can be improved by the micro-cavity.

When the light emitting element layer 304 is formed as a bottom emission type that emits light downward, the anode 341 may be made of a transparent conductive material (TCO) such as ITO or IZO, or may be made of a semi-transmissive conductive (metal) material such as magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), or an alloy of magnesium (Mg) and silver (Ag). The second electrode 343 may be made of a conductive material having high reflectivity, such as a stacked structure of aluminum and titanium (Ti/Al/Ti), a stacked structure of aluminum and ITO (ITO/Al/ITO), a silver palladium copper (APC) alloy, and a stacked structure of APC alloy and ITO (ITO/APC/ITO). When the anode 341 is made of a semi-transmissive conductive (metal) material, light output efficiency can be improved by the micro-cavity.

The encapsulation layer 305 is formed on the light emitting element layer 304. The encapsulation layer 305 serves to prevent oxygen or moisture from penetrating into the light emitting layer 342 and the cathode 343. To this end, the encapsulation layer 305 may include at least one inorganic film. The inorganic film may be made of silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, zirconium nitride, titanium nitride, hafnium nitride, tantalum nitride, silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, or titanium oxide. In addition, the encapsulation layer 305 may further include at least one organic film. The organic film may be formed to have a sufficient thickness to prevent foreign substances from entering the light emitting layer 342 and the cathode 343 through the encapsulation layer 305. The organic film may include any one of epoxy, acrylate, and urethane acrylate.

A barrier film 306 is disposed on the encapsulation layer 305. The barrier film 306 is provided to cover the encapsulation layer 305 to protect the light emitting element layer 304 from oxygen or moisture. The barrier film 306 may be integrally formed with the touch sensing device 200.

A polarizing film may be additionally attached to the upper surface of the display panel 300 to prevent visibility from being reduced due to reflection of external light.

The display circuit board 310 may be attached to one side of the display panel 300. Specifically, the display circuit board 310 may be attached to a pad provided on one side of the display panel 300 using an anisotropic conductive film.

The touch circuit board 210 and the display circuit board 310 as shown in fig. 2 may be bent downward from the upper portion of the display panel 300. The display circuit board 310 may be connected to the touch connection portion of the touch circuit board 210 through a connector. Alternatively, the display circuit board 310 may include pads corresponding to connectors instead of the connectors, and in this case, the display circuit board 310 may be connected to the touch circuit board 210 using an anisotropic conductive film. The display circuit board 310 may be connected to the main circuit board 910 by another connector 330.

The display driver 320 outputs signals and voltages for driving the display panel 300 through the display circuit board 310. The display driver 320 may be formed as an integrated circuit and mounted on the display circuit board 310, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the display driver 320 may be attached to one side of the display panel 300.

The panel lower member 400 may be disposed on a lower surface of the display panel 300. The panel lower member 400 may include a heat dissipation layer configured to effectively dissipate heat from the display panel 300, an electromagnetic wave shielding layer configured to shield electromagnetic waves, a light blocking layer configured to block light incident from the outside, a light absorbing layer configured to absorb light incident from the outside, and a buffer layer configured to absorb impact from the outside.

Specifically, the panel lower member 400 may include a light absorbing member, a buffering member, and a heat dissipating member.

The light absorbing member may be disposed under the display panel 300. The light absorption member prevents transmission of light to prevent elements (i.e., the first and second pressure sensors 510 and 520) disposed under the light absorption member from being visible above the display panel 300. The light absorbing member may include a light absorbing material such as a black pigment or dye.

The buffer member may be disposed under the light absorbing member. The buffer member absorbs external impact to prevent the display panel 300 from being damaged. The cushioning member may comprise a single layer or multiple layers. For example, the cushioning member may be made of a polymer resin such as polyurethane, polycarbonate, polypropylene, or polyethylene, or may be made of a material having elasticity such as a sponge formed of a foam-molded rubber, a polyurethane-based material, or an acrylic-based material. The buffer member may be a buffer layer.

The heat dissipation member may be disposed below the buffer member. The heat dissipation member may include at least one heat dissipation layer. For example, the heat dissipation member may include a first heat dissipation layer including graphite, carbon nanotubes, or the like, and a second heat dissipation layer formed as a thin film of copper, nickel, ferrite (ferrite), or silver that is capable of shielding electromagnetic waves and is excellent in thermal conductivity.

The first pressure sensor 510 may be disposed on a side surface of the lower bracket 800. Specifically, the first pressure sensor 510 may be disposed on an inner side surface of the lower bracket 800. Accordingly, the first pressure sensor 510 may sense pressure applied to the side surface of the lower bracket 800.

More specifically, the display panel 300 may include a first side surface facing a side portion of the lower bracket 800, and a first lower surface connected to the first side surface of the display panel 300 and being a surface opposite to the display surface. The first pressure sensor 510 may be disposed to overlap the first lower surface of the display panel 300 in the thickness direction.

The second pressure sensor 520 may be disposed under the panel lower member 400. The second pressure sensor 520 may be disposed near one side of the panel lower member 400. The second pressure sensor 520 may sense pressure applied to the light transmissive portion DA100a of the cover window 100.

The first pressure sensor 510 and the second pressure sensor 520 may be used as substitutes for physical buttons of the display device 1.

For example, the second pressure sensor 520 provided on the lower portion of the panel lower member 400 may be used as a substitute for the power button of the display device 1, and the first pressure sensor 510 provided on the inner side surface of the lower bracket 800 may be used as a substitute for the sound control button of the display device 1. That is, when the second pressure is sensed by the second pressure sensor 520, the screen of the display device 1 may be turned off. Alternatively, when a first pressure higher than a second pressure is sensed through the second pressure sensor 520 or the second pressure is continuously sensed for a predetermined period of time, a screen for selecting shutdown of the display apparatus 1 may be displayed. In addition, when the third pressure is sensed by the first pressure sensing unit of the first pressure sensor 510 disposed on the inner side surface of the lower bracket 800, the sound of the display apparatus 1 may be attenuated, and when the fourth pressure is sensed by the second pressure sensing unit, the sound of the display apparatus 1 may be enhanced.

The first pressure sensor 510 and the second pressure sensor 520 will be described in detail below.

The lower bracket 800 may be disposed under the panel lower member 400. The lower bracket 800 may include a synthetic resin, a metal, or both of the synthetic resin and the metal.

Specifically, the lower bracket 800 may be disposed to surround the cover window 100, the touch sensing device 200, the display panel 300, the panel lower member 400, the first pressure sensor 510, the second pressure sensor 520, the touch circuit board 210, the display circuit board 310, and the like. In addition, the first pressure sensor 510 is disposed on one side of the side surface of the lower bracket 800 in the first direction (X direction) to support the first pressure sensor 510 through the side surface of the lower bracket 800, so that the first pressure sensor 510 can sense pressure applied to the side surface of the lower bracket 800.

The main circuit board 910 may be disposed under the lower bracket 800. The main circuit board 910 may be connected to another connector of the display circuit board 310 through a cable connected to the main connector 920. Accordingly, the main circuit board 910 may be electrically connected to the display circuit board 310 and the touch circuit board 210. In addition, the main circuit board 910 may be electrically connected to the pressure sensing plate 550 when the pressure sensing plate 550 is connected to the display circuit board 310 or the touch circuit board 210. The main circuit board 910 may be a printed circuit board or a flexible printed circuit board.

The main circuit board 910 may include a main processor 990 and a camera device 960. In fig. 2, a case where the main processor 990, the camera device 960, and the main connector 920 are mounted on one surface of the main circuit board 910 facing the lower bracket 800 is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the main processor 990, the camera device 960, and the main connector 920 may be mounted on the other surface of the main circuit board 910 facing the lower cover 900.

Main processor 990 may control all functions of display device 1. For example, the main processor 990 may output image data to the display driver 320 mounted on the display circuit board 310 so that the display panel 300 may display an image. In addition, the main processor 990 may receive touch data from the touch driver 220 and determine a touch position of the user, and then execute an application indicated by an icon displayed at the touch position of the user. In addition, main processor 990 may receive pressure sensing data from pressure sensing part FD, and may control such that a main screen is output, control the volume of display apparatus 1, or implement a tactile sense according to the pressure sensing data. Main processor 990 may be an application processor, a central processing unit, or a system chip formed as an integrated circuit.

The camera device 960 processes image frames, such as still images or video, obtained by the image sensor in a camera mode and outputs the processed image frames to the main processor 990.

In addition, the main circuit board 910 may be further equipped with a mobile communication module capable of transmitting and receiving wireless signals to and from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on the mobile communication network. The wireless signals may include various types of data associated with the transmission and reception of voice signals, video call signals, or text/multimedia messages. In addition, the main circuit board 910 may be further equipped with a sound output device capable of outputting sound and a vibration device capable of generating vibration for tactile realization.

The lower cover 900 may be disposed under the lower bracket 800 and the main circuit board 910. The lower cover 900 may form a lower exterior of the display device 1. The lower cover 900 may include plastic and/or metal.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4, the lower bracket 800 may include a bracket side 800a disposed on a side surface of the first pressure sensor 510, the cover window 100, the touch sensing device 200, the touch circuit board 210, the display panel 300, the display circuit board 310, and the panel lower member 400 and may include a lower support part 800C supporting the first pressure sensor 510, the cover window 100, the touch sensing device 200, the touch circuit board 210, the display panel 300, the display circuit board 310, and the panel lower member 400 from a lower portion of the bracket side 800 a.

The stent side 800a and the lower support 800C are physically connected. The lower support 800C may include a first support 800C1 disposed in the central region, a second support 800C2 located at one side of the first support 800C1 in the first direction (X direction), and a third support 800C3 located at the other side of the first support 800C1 in the first direction (X direction). Each of the second and third supporting parts 800C2 and 800C3 may overlap the first pressure sensor 510, the cover window 100, the touch sensing device 200, the touch circuit board 210, the display panel 300, the display circuit board 310, and the panel lower member 400 in the thickness direction, and the first supporting part 800C1 may not overlap the first pressure sensor 510 in the thickness direction.

The lower support 800C may include an upper surface facing the display panel 300 above the lower support 800C and a lower surface that is an opposite surface of the upper surface, and the upper surface of the first support 800C1 may protrude farther in the third direction (Z direction) than the upper surface of each of the second and third supports 800C2 and 800C 3. In other words, the upper surface of each of second supporting part 800C2 and third supporting part 800C3 may be recessed more downward in the third direction (Z direction) than the upper surface of first supporting part 800C1 in the third direction (Z direction). First pressure sensor 510 may be disposed on a concave upper surface of each of second supporting part 800C2 and third supporting part 800C 3.

The bracket side 800a may include a plurality of sides and serve to support the first pressure sensor 510, and the first pressure sensor 510 may be mounted and attached to the bracket side 800 a.

The bracket side 800a may include a first sub-side 800a1 and a second sub-side 800a2 having different widths in a first direction (X direction). The width of the first sub-side 800a1 in the first direction (X-direction) may be greater than the width of the second sub-side 800a2 in the first direction (X-direction). As shown in fig. 3, the first sub-sides 800a1 may be spaced apart from each other by the second sub-sides 800a 2.

The first sub-sides 800a1 spaced apart from each other may be referred to as other components. That is, the sub-side located on the upper side of the second sub-side 800a2 in the second direction (Y direction) may be the first sub-side, and the sub-side located on the lower side of the second sub-side 800a2 in the second direction (Y direction) may be the third sub-side. The first and third sub-sides may each be physically connected to an adjacent second sub-side 800a 2.

The bracket side 800a may include a first surface facing the first pressure sensor 510 and a second surface that is a surface opposite to the first surface. A first surface of the stent-side 800a at the first sub-side 800a1 may protrude more inward than a first surface of the stent-side 800a at the second sub-side 800a 2.

That is, in other words, the first surface of the lower bracket 800 may include a first sub-side surface, a second sub-side surface, and a third sub-side surface recessed deeper than the first and second sub-side surfaces, and the first pressure sensor 510 may be disposed to overlap the third sub-side surface in the first direction (X direction) and may be embedded in the bracket side 800a formed of the first to third sub-sides.

Hereinafter, the pressure sensor will be described in detail. Hereinafter, the above-described first pressure sensor 510 will be mainly described as a pressure sensor, but it is apparent that the following description may be a case specifically applied to the second pressure sensor 520.

Fig. 6 is a plan view illustrating a pressure sensor according to an embodiment, fig. 7 is a plan view illustrating an example of a region a of fig. 6, and fig. 8 is a sectional view taken along a line Q1-Q1' of fig. 7.

Referring to fig. 6 to 8, the first pressure sensor 510 may have a shape extending in one direction, for example, the second direction (Y direction), in a plan view, and in this case, the first pressure sensor 510 may have a length greater than a width in the extending direction. However, the shape of the first pressure sensor 510 is not limited thereto and may vary according to the location where the first pressure sensor 510 is applied.

The first pressure sensor 510 includes a first substrate SUB1, a second substrate SUB2, a driving line TL, first to p-th sensing lines RL1 to RLp, a driving pad TP, first to p-th sensing pads RP1 to RPp, and first to p-th pressure sensing cells CE1 to CEp, where p is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

The first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 are disposed to face each other.

The pressure sensing units CE1 to CEp are disposed between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB 2. The driving lines TL, the first to p-th sensing lines RL1 to RLp, the driving pads TP, and the first to p-th sensing pads RP1 to RPp are disposed on one surface of the first substrate SUB1 facing the second substrate SUB 2. The pressure sensing units CE1 to CEp are disposed between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB 2.

Each of the pressure sensing units CE1 through CEp may independently sense the pressure of the corresponding position. Although the pressure sensing cells CE1 through CEp are shown as being arranged in a row in fig. 6, the present invention is not limited thereto. It is necessary that the pressure sensing cells CE1 to CEp may be arranged in a plurality of rows. In addition, as shown in fig. 1, the pressure sensing units CE1 to CEp may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval or may be disposed continuously.

The pressure sensing cells CE1 to CEp may have different areas according to use. For example, when the pressure sensing cells CE1 to CEp are used as physical buttons, such as volume control buttons provided at a side surface of the display device 1 as shown in fig. 1, the pressure sensing cells CE1 to CEp may be formed to have an area similar to that of the physical buttons. In addition, when the pressure sensing cells CE1 to CEp are used to detect pressure applied to the front surface of the display device 1 as shown in fig. 1, the pressure sensing cells CE1 to CEp may be formed to have a size corresponding to the pressure sensing area.

Each of the pressure sensing cells CE1 through CEp may be connected to at least one driving line and at least one sensing line. For example, as shown in fig. 6, the pressure sensing units CE1 to CEp are commonly connected to one driving line TL, and the pressure sensing units CE1 to CEp may be connected to sensing lines RL1 to RLp, respectively. The first pressure sensing unit CE1 may be connected to the drive line TL and the first sensing line RL1, and the second pressure sensing unit CE2 may be connected to the drive line TL and the second sensing line RL 2. In addition, the third pressure sensing unit CE3 may be connected to the driving line TL and the third sensing line RL3, and the pth pressure sensing unit CEp may be connected to the driving line TL and the pth sensing line RLp.

The driving line TL may be connected to the driving pad TP, and the first to p-th sensing lines RL1 to RLp may be connected to the first to p-th sensing pads RP1 to RPp, respectively. The first sensing line RL1 may be connected to the first sensing pad RP1, the second sensing line RL2 may be connected to the second sensing pad RP2, the third sensing line RL3 may be connected to the third sensing pad RP3, and the p-th sensing line RLp may be connected to the p-th sensing pad RPp. The driving pad TP and the first to p-th sensing pads RP1 to RPp may be disposed on one side of the first substrate SUB1 and connected to the pressure sensing plate 550 through an anisotropic conductive film.

The pressure sensing plate 550 may include a pressure sensing part FD. The pressure sensing part FD may apply a driving voltage to the driving line TL through the driving pad TP and sense a current value or a voltage value from the sensing lines RL1 to RLp through the sensing pads RP1 to RPp, thereby sensing a pressure applied to the pressure sensing cells CE1 to CEp. The pressure sensing part FD may be mounted on the pressure sensing plate 550 or on another circuit board connected to the pressure sensing plate 550. When the pressure sensing part FD is mounted on another circuit board connected to the pressure sensing plate 550, the pressure sensing part FD may be integrated with a driver performing a different function. For example, the pressure sensing part FD may be integrated with the touch driver 220 mounted on the touch circuit board 210 shown in fig. 2.

The first pressure sensor 510 may further include a bonding layer disposed between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 and bonding the first substrate SUB1 to the second substrate SUB 2. The bonding layer may be formed of a pressure sensitive adhesive layer or an adhesive layer. The bonding layer may be disposed along the periphery of the first and second substrates SUB1 and SUB 2. In one embodiment, the bonding layer may completely surround the edges of the first and second substrates SUB1 and SUB2 and serve to seal the interior of the first pressure sensor 510. In addition, the bonding layer may function as a spacer for always maintaining a gap between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB 2. The bonding layer may not overlap the driving lines TL, the sensing lines RL1 to RLp, the pressure sensing cells CE1 to CEp, the driving pads TP, and the sensing pads RP1 to RPp.

During the process of bonding the first and second substrates SUB1 and SUB2, the bonding layer may be first bonded to one surface of the first or second substrate SUB1 or SUB2 and then bonded to one surface of the other substrate. As another example, a bonding layer may be provided on one surface of each of the first and second substrates SUB1 and SUB2, and in the process of bonding the first and second substrates SUB1 and SUB2, the bonding layer of the first substrate SUB1 and the bonding layer of the second substrate SUB2 may be bonded to each other.

Each of the pressure sensing cells CE1 to CEp includes a driving connection electrode TCE, a sensing connection electrode RCE, a first driving electrode TE1, a first sensing electrode RE1, and a first pressure sensing layer PSL 1.

The driving connection electrode TCE, the sensing connection electrode RCE, the first driving electrode TE1 and the first sensing electrode RE1 are disposed on the first substrate SUB1 facing the second substrate SUB 2.

The driving connection electrode TCE is connected to the driving line TL and the first driving electrode TE 1. Specifically, the driving connection electrodes TCE are connected to the driving lines TL at both ends in the length direction (X direction) of the driving connection electrodes TCE. The first driving electrode TE1 may be branched in the width direction (Y direction) of the driving connection electrode TCE.

The sensing connection electrode RCE is connected to one of the sensing lines RL1 to RLp and the first sensing electrode RE 1. Specifically, at one end in the length direction (X direction) of the sensing connection electrode RCE, the sensing connection electrode RCE is connected to one of the sensing lines RL1 to RLp. The first sensing electrode RE1 may be branched in the width direction (Y direction) of the sensing connection electrode.

The first driving electrode TE1 and the first sensing electrode RE1 may be disposed on the same layer. The first drive electrode TE1 and the first sense electrode RE1 may be made of the same material. For example, each of the first driving electrode TE1 and the first sensing electrode RE1 may include a conductive material such as silver (Ag) or copper (Cu). The first driving electrode TE1 and the first sensing electrode RE1 may be formed on the first substrate SUB1 by a screen printing method.

The first driving electrode TE1 and the first sensing electrode RE1 are disposed adjacent to each other but are not connected to each other. The first driving electrode TE1 may be disposed parallel to the first sensing electrode RE 1. The first driving electrode TE1 and the first sensing electrode RE1 may be alternately disposed in the length direction (X direction) of the driving connection electrode TCE and the sensing connection electrode RCE. That is, it may be repeatedly disposed in the length direction (X direction) of the driving connection electrode TCE and the sensing connection electrode RCE in the order of the first driving electrode TE1, the first sensing electrode RE1, the first driving electrode TE1 and the first sensing electrode RE 1.

The first pressure-sensing layer PSL1 is disposed on one surface of the second substrate SUB2 facing the first substrate SUB 1. The first pressure sensing layer PSL1 may be disposed to overlap the first driving electrode TE1 and the first sensing electrode RE 1.

The first pressure-sensing layer PSL1 may include a pressure-sensitive material and a polymer resin on which the pressure-sensitive material is disposed. The pressure sensitive material may be metal particles (or metal nanoparticles) such as nickel, aluminum, titanium, tin, and copper. For example, the first pressure-sensing layer PSL1 may be a Quantum Tunneling Composite (QTC).

When pressure is not applied to the second substrate SUB2 in the height direction (Z direction) of the first pressure sensor 510, gaps exist between the first pressure-sensing layer PSL1 and the first drive electrode TE1 and between the first pressure-sensing layer PSL1 and the first sense electrode RE 1. That is, when pressure is not applied to the second substrate SUB2, the first pressure sensing layer PSL1 is spaced apart from the first driving electrode TE1 and the first sensing electrode RE 1.

When pressure is applied to the second substrate SUB2 in the height direction (Z direction) of the first pressure sensor 510, the first pressure sensing layer PSL1 is in contact with the first driving electrode TE1 and the first sensing electrode RE 1. Accordingly, the first driving electrode TE1 and the first sensing electrode RE1 may be physically connected through the first pressure sensing layer PSL1, and the first pressure sensing layer PSL1 may act as a resistor.

Hereinafter, a structure in which the above-described first pressure sensor 510 is embedded in the bracket side 800a of the lower bracket 800 will be described in detail.

Fig. 9 and 10 are sectional views showing examples of a case where the user presses the pressure sensor without using the hand and a case where the user presses the pressure sensor with the hand, respectively.

Referring to fig. 9 and 10, the above-described case where the first pressure sensor 510 is embedded in the bracket side 800a of the lower bracket 800 is described. As shown in fig. 9, the first substrate SUB1 may be disposed on the second SUB side 800a2 of the bracket side 800 a. That is, the first substrate SUB1 may be disposed on the first surface of the second SUB side 800a2 of the bracket side 800 a. Although not shown in the drawings, a pressure sensor coupling member may also be disposed between the first substrate SUB1 and the first surface of the second SUB side 800a 2. The pressure sensor coupling member may be used to couple the first substrate SUB1 and the first surface of the second SUB side 800a2 to each other.

The first driving electrode TE1 and the first sensing electrode RE1 may be disposed on the first substrate SUB 1. As described above, the first driving electrode TE1 and the first sensing electrode RE1 may be spaced apart from each other and may be alternately arranged along one direction. The first driving electrode TE1 and the first sensing electrode RE1 may be formed on the first substrate SUB1 by a screen printing method.

The first pressure sensing layer PSL1 may be disposed over the first drive electrode TE1 and the first sense electrode RE 1. That is, the first driving electrode TE1 and the first sensing electrode RE1 may be disposed between the first pressure sensing layer PSL1 and the first substrate SUB 1.

When pressure is not applied to the first substrate SUB1 of the first pressure sensor 510 in a direction of pressing the bracket side 800a, there are gaps between the first pressure-sensing layer PSL1 and the first drive electrode TE1 and between the first pressure-sensing layer PSL1 and the first sense electrode RE 1. That is, when pressure is not applied to the first substrate SUB2, the first pressure sensing layer PSL1 is spaced apart from the first driving electrode TE1 and the first sensing electrode RE 1.

The second substrate SUB2 may be disposed on the first pressure-sensing layer PSL 1. The second substrate SUB2 may be opposite to the first substrate SUB 1. That is, the first pressure sensing layer PSL1 may be disposed between the second substrate SUB2 and the first driving electrode TE1 and the first sensing electrode RE 1. The first pressure-sensing layer PSL1 may be directly disposed on one surface of the second substrate SUB2 facing the first substrate SUB 1.

When a pressure is applied to the first substrate SUB1 of the first pressure sensor 510 in a direction of pressing the bracket side 800a, as shown in fig. 10, the first drive electrode TE1 and the first sense electrode RE1 are in contact with the first pressure-sensing layer PSL 1. Accordingly, the first driving electrode TE1 and the first sensing electrode RE1 may be physically connected through the first pressure sensing layer PSL1, and the first pressure sensing layer PSL1 may act as a resistor.

In one embodiment, since the first substrate SUB1 is attached to the bracket side 800a of the lower bracket 800, when a pressure is applied to the first substrate SUB1 of the first pressure sensor 510 in a direction of pressing the bracket side 800a, the first substrate SUB1 moves inward together with the first driving electrode TE1 and the first sensing electrode RE1, but the second substrate SUB2 may not move substantially inward. In contrast, when the second substrate SUB2 is moved inward along the movement of the first substrate SUB1, the first drive electrode TE1, and the first sense electrode RE1, even when pressure is applied through the bracket side 800a, the contact area between the first drive electrode TE1 and the first sense electrode RE1, and the first pressure-sensing layer PSL1 may be reduced.

In addition, when pressure is applied to the first substrate SUB1 of the first pressure sensor 510 in a direction of pressing the bracket side 800a, physical damage may be generated on the second substrate SUB2 due to the pressure.

Accordingly, the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 may have different constituent materials. That is, the second substrate SUB2 may also include a rigid material, as compared to the first substrate SUB 1.

For example, each of the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 may include a polyethylene-based material, a polyimide-based material, a polycarbonate-based material, a polysulfone-based material, a polyacrylate-based material, a polystyrene-based material, a polyvinyl chloride-based material, a polyvinyl alcohol-based material, a polynorbornene-based material, or a polyester-based material. In one embodiment, each of the first and second substrates SUB1 and SUB2 may include a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film or a polyimide film.

Examples of the rigid material include thermosetting resins such as epoxy resins, polyetherketone-based thermoplastic resins, reinforcing materials such as reinforcing members, stainless steel, and the like. That is, the first substrate SUB1 may also include at least one of the materials of the above examples of rigid materials.

Therefore, when pressure is applied through the bracket side 800a, a phenomenon in which the second substrate SUB2 is pushed inward by the pressure may be prevented, and furthermore, physical damage may be prevented in advance.

Hereinafter, other embodiments of the display device 1 according to an embodiment will be described. In the following embodiments, the same components as those described above will be assigned the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions of the same components will be omitted or simplified herein.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view showing an example of a case where a user presses a pressure sensor without hands according to another embodiment.

Referring to fig. 11, the first pressure sensor 510_1 of the display device according to the present embodiment is different from the first pressure sensor 510 according to the embodiment of fig. 9 in that the first driving electrode TE1 and the first sensing electrode RE1 may be directly formed on the second sub-side 800a2 of the lower supporter 800 and directly embedded in the lower supporter 800.

More specifically, the first driving electrode TE1 and the first sensing electrode RE1 according to the present embodiment may be directly formed on the second sub-side portion 800a2 of the lower supporter 800. For example, as described above, the first driving electrode TE1 and the first sensing electrode RE1 may be directly formed on the second sub-side portion 800a2 of the lower supporter 800 by a screen printing method.

Fig. 12 is a sectional view showing an example of a case where a user presses a pressure sensor without hands according to still another embodiment.

The first pressure sensor 510_2 of the display device according to the present embodiment is different from the first pressure sensor 510 of the embodiment described above with reference to fig. 9 in that the first pressure sensor 510_2 is mounted on the lower bracket 800 with the left and right sides reversed.

More specifically, the second substrate SUB2 may be disposed on the second SUB side 800a2 of the lower supporter 800, the first pressure-sensing layer PSL1 may be disposed between the second substrate SUB2 and the second SUB side 800a2, the first substrate SUB1 may be disposed to face the second substrate SUB2, and the first driving electrode TE1 and the first sensing electrode RE1 may be disposed between the first substrate SUB1 and the first pressure-sensing layer PSL 1. That is, the second substrate SUB2 may be directly disposed on the first surface of the second SUB side 800a 2.

Fig. 13 is a plan view illustrating a pressure sensor according to another embodiment, fig. 14 is a sectional view taken along line Q2-Q2' of fig. 13, and fig. 15 is a circuit diagram illustrating the pressure sensor of fig. 13. The embodiment described with reference to fig. 13 and 14 shows that the first pressure sensor 510 includes only the first and second pressure-sensing cells CE1 and CE2, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is apparent that the first pressure sensor 510 may include a plurality of pressure-sensing cells CE1 to CEp.

Referring to fig. 13 to 15, the difference from the embodiment according to fig. 7 is that each of the pressure sensing cells CE1 to CEp further includes a second driving electrode TE2, a second sensing electrode RE2, and a second pressure sensing layer RPL 2.

More specifically, the second driving electrode TE2 and the second sensing electrode RE2 are disposed on one surface of the first substrate SUB1 facing the second substrate SUB 2. In fig. 13 and 14, one second driving electrode TE2 and one second sensing electrode RE2 are illustrated, but the embodiment illustrated in fig. 13 and 14 is not limited thereto. That is, the plurality of second driving electrodes TE2 and the plurality of second sensing electrodes RE2 may be disposed on one surface of the first substrate SUB1 facing the second substrate SUB 2.

The second driving electrode TE2 may be branched in the width direction (Y direction) of the driving connection electrode TCE. The second driving electrode TE2 may be disposed in parallel to the first driving electrode TE 1.

The second sensing electrode RE2 may branch in the width direction (Y direction) of the sensing connection electrode RCE. The second sense electrode RE2 may be disposed parallel to the first sense electrode RE 1.

The second driving electrode TE2 and the second sensing electrode RE2 may be disposed on the same layer as the first driving electrode TE1 and the first sensing electrode RE 1. The second driving electrode TE2 and the second sensing electrode RE2 may be made of the same material as that of the first driving electrode TE1 and the first sensing electrode RE 1. For example, each of the second driving electrode TE2 and the second sensing electrode RE2 may include a conductive material such as silver (Ag) or copper (Cu). The second driving electrode TE2 and the second sensing electrode RE2 may be formed on the first substrate SUB1 by a screen printing method.

The second driving electrode TE2 and the second sensing electrode RE2 are disposed adjacent to each other but are not connected to each other. The second driving electrode TE2 may be disposed in parallel to the second sensing electrode RE 2.

The second driving electrode TE2 and the second sensing electrode RE2 may not overlap the first pressure sensing layer PSL 1. The second sensing electrode RE2 may be disposed between the second driving electrode TE2 and the first driving electrode TE 1. In this case, the distance between the second drive electrode TE2 and the second sense electrode RE2 may be smaller than the distance between the first drive electrode TE1 and the second sense electrode RE 2.

The second pressure sensing layer PSL2 may be in contact with the second drive electrode TE2 and the second sense electrode RE 2. That is, the second driving electrode TE2 and the second sensing electrode RE2 may be connected through the second pressure sensing layer PSL 2.

As shown in fig. 14, the second pressure sensing layer PSL2 may be disposed to cover the second driving electrode TE2 and the second sensing electrode RE 2. More specifically, the second pressure sensing layer PSL2 may be disposed to cover upper and side surfaces of the second driving electrode TE2 and the second sensing electrode RE 2. The second pressure-sensing layer PSL2 may not overlap with the first pressure-sensing layer PSL 1.

The second pressure-sensing layer PSL2 may be formed of the same material as that of the first pressure-sensing layer PSL 1. In this case, the second pressure-sensing layer PSL2 may include a pressure-sensitive material and a polymer resin on which the pressure-sensitive material is disposed. The pressure sensitive material may be metal particles of nickel, aluminum, titanium, tin, copper, and the like. For example, the second pressure-sensing layer PSL2 may be a QTC.

As shown in fig. 7, the first pressure sensing cell CE1_1 may be represented as including a first resistor R1 and a second resistor R2 connected in parallel between the driving line TL and the first sensing line RL 1. The first resistance R1 refers to a resistance due to the first pressure sensing layer PSL1 disposed between the first drive electrode TE1 and the first sense electrode RE1, and the second resistance R2 refers to a resistance due to the second pressure sensing layer PSL2 disposed between the second drive electrode TE2 and the second sense electrode RE 2. Since the contact area of the first pressure sensing layer PSL1 in contact with the first driving electrode TE1 and the first sensing electrode RE1 varies according to pressure, the first resistance R1 corresponds to a variable resistance.

According to the embodiment described with reference to fig. 13 to 15, each of the first and second pressure sensing cells CE1_1 and CE2_1 may include a first resistance R1 having a variable resistance according to pressure applied through the first pressure sensing layer PSL1, and a second resistance R2 defined by the second pressure sensing layer PSL2 contacting the second driving electrode TE2 and the second sensing electrode RE 2. That is, since each of the first and second pressure sensing cells CE1_1 and CE2_1 includes the second resistance R2 regardless of the applied pressure, the resistance of the resistance R of each of the first and second pressure sensing cells CE1_1 and CE2_1 may be reduced.

Meanwhile, the second driving electrode TE2 and the second sensing electrode RE2 are electrodes connected to the second pressure sensing layer PSL2 to form the second resistance R2, and thus the number of the second driving electrodes TE2 and the number of the second sensing electrodes RE2 do not need to be large. On the other hand, since the first driving electrode TE1 and the first sensing electrode RE1 are electrodes that sense pressure according to an area in contact with the first pressure sensing layer PSL1, it is preferable that a plurality of first driving electrodes TE1 and a plurality of first sensing electrodes RE1 are formed. The number of the second driving electrodes TE2 may be less than the number of the first driving electrodes TE1, and the number of the second sensing electrodes RE2 may be less than the number of the first sensing electrodes RE 1.

In addition, as the thickness of the second driving electrode TE2 and the thickness of the second sensing electrode RE2 become larger, the resistance of the second resistor R2 may become smaller. In addition, as the width of the second driving electrode TE2 and the width of the second sensing electrode RE2 become larger, the resistance of the second resistor R2 may become smaller. In addition, as the number of the second driving electrodes TE2 and the number of the second sensing electrodes RE2 contacting the second pressure-sensing layer PSL2 increase, the contact area between the second pressure-sensing layer PSL2 and the second driving electrodes TE2 and the contact area between the second pressure-sensing layer PSL2 and the second sensing electrodes RE2 increase so that the resistance of the second resistance R2 may become smaller. In addition, as the area of the second pressure sensing layer PSL2 contacting the second driving electrode TE2 and the second sensing electrode RE2 increases, the resistance of the second resistor R2 may become smaller. Therefore, the size of the second resistance R2 may be designed in consideration of the thickness of the second driving electrode TE, the thickness of the second sensing electrode RE2, the width of the second driving electrode TE, the width of the second sensing electrode RE2, the number of the second driving electrodes TE2, the number of the second sensing electrodes RE2, and the area of the second pressure sensing layer PSL2 in contact with the second driving electrode TE2 and the second sensing electrode RE 2.

Fig. 16 is a plan view showing a pressure sensor according to still another embodiment.

Referring to fig. 16, the first pressure sensor according to the present embodiment is different from the first pressure sensor according to the embodiment of fig. 13 in that the total area occupied by the first pressure sensor is reduced.

More specifically, in the first pressure sensor according to the present embodiment, the driving line TL _1, the first pressure sensing unit CE1_2, and the second pressure sensing unit CE2_1 may be connected to each other, the first pressure sensing unit CE1_2 may include a first sensing line RL1_1 and a second pressure sensing layer PSL2 in contact with a first driving electrode branched from the driving line TL _1, and the second pressure sensing unit CE2_1 may include a first sensing electrode RE1 of a second sensing line RL2 and a second pressure sensing layer PSL2 in contact with a second driving electrode branched from the driving line TL _ 1.

Each of the second pressure-sensing layer PSL2 of the first pressure-sensing cell CE1_2 and the second pressure-sensing layer PSL2 of the second pressure-sensing cell CE2_1 may be disposed to overlap the first pressure-sensing layer PSL1 of the second pressure-sensing cell CE2_1 in the first direction (X direction).

Fig. 17 is a plan view illustrating a pressure sensor according to still another embodiment.

Referring to fig. 17, the first pressure sensor according to the present embodiment is different from the first pressure sensor in the embodiment shown in fig. 13 in that the first pressure sensor includes three pressure sensing units.

More specifically, the first pressure sensor according to the present embodiment may include the first pressure sensing cell CE1_1, the second pressure sensing cell CE2_1 positioned on the left side of the first pressure sensing cell CE1_1 in the second direction (Y direction), and the third pressure sensing cell CE3 positioned on the left side of the second pressure sensing cell CE2_1 in the second direction (Y direction). Like the first pressure sensing cell CE1_1, the third pressure sensing cell CE3 may include one driving electrode, one sensing electrode, and a first pressure sensing layer PSL1 overlapping the driving electrode and the sensing electrode. The first pressure sensing layer PSL1 of the third pressure sensing cell CE3 may be disposed to overlap the driving electrode connected to the driving line TL and the first sensing electrode connected to the third sensing line RL 3.

Fig. 18 is a plan view illustrating a pressure sensor according to still another embodiment.

Referring to fig. 18, the first pressure sensor according to the present embodiment is different from the first pressure sensor according to the embodiment of fig. 17 in that the second pressure sensing cell CE2_2 does not include the first pressure sensing layer PSL 1.

More specifically, the second pressure-sensing layer PSL2 of the second pressure-sensing cell CE2_2 according to the present embodiment may be disposed between the first pressure-sensing layer PSL1 of the first pressure-sensing cell CE1_1 and the first pressure-sensing layer PSL1 of the third pressure-sensing cell CE3 to overlap the first pressure-sensing layer PSL1 in the second direction (Y direction).

Fig. 19 is a plan view illustrating a pressure sensor according to still another embodiment.

Referring to fig. 19, the first pressure sensor according to the present embodiment is different from the first pressure sensor according to the embodiment of fig. 17 in that the pressure sensing cells include the first and second pressure sensing layers PSL1 and PSL2 disposed in the second direction (Y direction), and the second pressure sensing cell CE2_3 does not include the first pressure sensing layer PSL 1.

More specifically, in the first pressure sensor according to the present embodiment, the pressure sensing cell may include the first and second pressure sensing layers PSL1 and PSL2 disposed in the second direction (Y direction), and the second pressure sensing cell CE2_3 may not include the first pressure sensing layer PSL 1.

Fig. 20 is a plan view illustrating a pressure sensor according to still another embodiment.

Referring to fig. 20, the first pressure sensor according to the present embodiment is different from the first pressure sensor according to the embodiment of fig. 19 in that the second pressure sensing cell CE2_4 does not include a region where the first pressure sensing layer PSL1 is not disposed.

More specifically, in the first pressure sensor according to the present embodiment, the second pressure sensing cell CE2_4 may not include a region where the first pressure sensing layer PSL1 is not disposed. That is, the second pressure-sensing layer PSL2 of the second pressure-sensing cell CE2_4 may be interposed between the second pressure-sensing layer PSL2 of the first pressure-sensing cell CE1_3 and the first pressure-sensing layer PSL1 of the third pressure-sensing cell CE3_ 1.

That is, the second pressure-sensing layer PSL2 of the first pressure-sensing cell CE1_3 may be disposed between the second pressure-sensing layer PSL2 of the second pressure-sensing cell CE2_4 and the first pressure-sensing layer PSL1 of the first pressure-sensing cell CE1_ 3.

Fig. 21 is a plan view illustrating a pressure sensor according to still another embodiment.

Referring to fig. 21, in the first pressure sensor according to the present embodiment, the second pressure-sensing layer PSL2 of the second pressure-sensing cell CE2_4 may be interposed between the second pressure-sensing layer PSL2 of the first pressure-sensing cell CE1_3 and the second pressure-sensing layer PSL2 of the third pressure-sensing cell CE3_ 2.

That is, the second pressure-sensing layer PSL2 of the first pressure-sensing cell CE1_3 may be disposed between the first pressure-sensing layer PSL1 of the first pressure-sensing cell CE1_3 and the second pressure-sensing layer PSL2 of the second pressure-sensing cell CE2_4, and the second pressure-sensing layer PSL2 of the third pressure-sensing cell CE3_2 may be disposed between the first pressure-sensing layer PSL1 of the third pressure-sensing cell CE3_2 and the second pressure-sensing layer PSL2 of the second pressure-sensing cell CE2_ 4.

Fig. 22 is a plan view illustrating a pressure sensor according to still another embodiment.

Referring to fig. 22, the first pressure sensor according to the present embodiment is different from the first pressure sensor in the embodiment according to fig. 19 in that the first pressure sensing unit CE1_3 may be omitted from the embodiment according to fig. 19. That is, the first pressure sensing unit CE1_4 according to the present embodiment may be substantially the same as the second pressure sensing unit CE2_3 of fig. 19, and the second pressure sensing unit CE2_5 may be substantially the same as the third pressure sensing unit CE3_1 of fig. 19.

Fig. 23 is a plan view illustrating a pressure sensor according to still another embodiment.

Referring to fig. 23, the first pressure sensor according to the present embodiment is different from the first pressure sensor according to the embodiment of fig. 22 in that a region where the first pressure sensing layer PSL1 of the first pressure sensing cell CE1_4 is not disposed may be omitted.

Fig. 24 is a plan view showing a pressure sensor according to still another embodiment.

Referring to fig. 24, the first pressure sensor according to the present embodiment is different from the first pressure sensor according to the embodiment of fig. 23 in that the second pressure-sensing layer PSL2 of the second pressure-sensing cell CE2_6 is disposed between the second pressure-sensing layer PSL2 of the first pressure-sensing cell CE1_5 and the first pressure-sensing layer PSL1 of the second pressure-sensing cell CE2_ 6.

Fig. 25 is a plan view illustrating a pressure sensor according to still another embodiment.

Referring to fig. 25, in the first pressure sensor according to the present embodiment, only one pressure sensing cell, for example, the first pressure sensing cell CE1_6 is shown, and is different from the embodiment according to fig. 13 in that the first pressure sensing layer PSL1 of the first pressure sensing cell CE1_6 has a depression pattern IDP, and the second pressure sensing layer PSL2 of the first pressure sensing cell CE1_6 is disposed in a region of the depression pattern IDP of the first pressure sensing layer PSL 1. That is, the embodiment according to fig. 25 shows that the cell area can be reduced.

More specifically, the first pressure-sensing layer PSL1 of the first pressure-sensing cell CE1_6 has a concave pattern IDP, and the second pressure-sensing layer PSL2 of the first pressure-sensing cell CE1_6 may be disposed in the region of the concave pattern IDP of the first pressure-sensing layer PSL 1.

In addition, the sensing connection electrode RCE may include a first sub-sensing connection electrode RCE1 extending along the second direction (Y direction) and a second sub-sensing connection electrode RCE2 bent from the first sub-sensing connection electrode RCE1 in the first direction (X direction). In addition, the driving connection electrode TCE may include a first sub driving connection electrode TCE1 extending along the first direction (X direction) and a second sub driving connection electrode TCE2 bent from the first sub driving connection electrode TCE1 in the second direction (Y direction).

The first sensing electrode RE1 and the first driving electrode TE1 may branch from the sub driving connection electrode and the sub sensing connection electrode, respectively. As shown in fig. 25, each of the first driving electrode TE1 and the first sensing electrode RE1 may extend in one direction between the first direction (X direction) and the second direction (Y direction), and the extending directions of each of the first driving electrode TE1 and the first sensing electrode RE1 may be parallel to each other without crossing each other.

Fig. 26 is a plan view showing a pressure sensor according to still another embodiment.

Referring to fig. 26, the first pressure sensor according to the present embodiment is different from the first pressure sensor according to the embodiment of fig. 25 in that the extending directions of the first driving electrode TE1 and the first sensing electrode RE1 cross each other.

More specifically, a first extension line TEL extending along the extending direction of the first driving electrode TE1 and a second extension line REL extending along the extending direction of the first sensing electrode RE1 may cross each other at a point extending to each other.

Fig. 27 is a plan view showing a pressure sensor according to still another embodiment.

Referring to fig. 27, the first pressure sensor according to the present embodiment is different from the first pressure sensor according to the embodiment of fig. 25 in that each of the first drive electrode TE1 and the first sense electrode RE1 includes a curved portion.

More specifically, the first driving electrode TE1 according to the present embodiment may include a first sub-driving electrode TE11 branched from the driving connection electrode TCE and extending in the first direction (X direction) and a second sub-driving electrode TE12 branched from the first sub-driving electrode TE11 in the second direction (Y direction), and the first sensing electrode RE1 may include a first sub-sensing electrode RE11 branched from the sensing connection electrode RCE and extending in the second direction (Y direction) and a second sub-sensing electrode RE12 extending from the first sub-sensing electrode RE11 along the first direction (X direction).

The first driving electrode TE1 may be disposed parallel to the first sensing electrode RE 1. That is, the first sub-drive electrode TE11 of the first drive electrode TE1 and the second sub-sense electrode RE12 of the first sense electrode RE1 may be disposed parallel to each other, and the second sub-drive electrode TE12 of the first drive electrode TE1 and the first sub-sense electrode RE11 of the first sense electrode RE1 may be disposed parallel to each other.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.