Display device with touch detection in peripheral region

A display device includes a substrate, first electrodes, second electrodes, and a driver. The first electrodes are disposed in a matrix (row-column configuration) in a display region of the substrate. The second electrodes are disposed in a peripheral region on the outside of the display region of the substrate. The driver supplies a drive signal to the first electrodes and the second electrodes. The first electrodes output detection signals corresponding to self-capacitance changes in the first electrodes. The second electrodes output detection signals corresponding to self-capacitance changes in the second electrodes.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from Japanese Application No. 2017-064838, filed on Mar. 29, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a display device.

2. Description of the Related Art

Touch detection devices capable of detecting an external proximity object, what are called touch panels, have recently been attracting attention. Touch panels are mounted on or integrated with a display device, such as a liquid crystal display device, and used as display devices with a touch detection function. The touch screen panel described in U.S. Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0202829, for example, includes a plurality of detection electrodes formed in a matrix (row-column configuration). The touch screen panel described in U.S. Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0202829 performs touch detection on a display region based on capacitance changes in the detection electrodes. Display devices with a touch detection function include a button having an input function in a peripheral region around a display region. Widely known are techniques for integrating such an input button in the peripheral region of touch panels and display devices.

U.S. Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0202829, however, does not describe touch detection on the peripheral region. It may possibly be difficult for the detection electrodes provided in the display region to perform touch detection on the peripheral region.

SUMMARY

A display device according to one aspect includes a substrate, a plurality of first electrodes disposed in a matrix in a display region of the substrate, a plurality of second electrodes disposed in a peripheral region on an outside of the display region of the substrate, a driver configured to supply a drive signal to the first electrodes and the second electrodes, and a plurality of wires coupled to the respective first electrodes. The first electrodes are electrically coupled to the driver via the respective wires, the first electrodes output detection signals corresponding to self-capacitance changes in the first electrodes, and the second electrodes output detection signals corresponding to self-capacitance changes in the second electrodes.

A display device according to one aspect includes a substrate, a plurality of first electrodes disposed in a matrix in a display region of the substrate, a second electrode provided along at least one side of a peripheral region on an outside of the display region, a driver configured to supply a drive signal to the second electrode, and a plurality of wires coupled to the respective first electrodes. The first electrodes are electrically coupled to the driver via the respective wires, and the first electrodes output a detection signal corresponding to capacitance changes between the first electrodes and the second electrode when the drive signal is supplied to the second electrode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary aspects (embodiments) to embody the present disclosure are described below in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The contents described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Components described below include components easily conceivable by those skilled in the art and components substantially identical therewith. Furthermore, the components described below may be appropriately combined. What is disclosed herein is given by way of example only, and appropriate modifications made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure and easily conceivable by those skilled in the art naturally fall within the scope of the disclosure. To simplify the explanation, the drawings may possibly illustrate the width, the thickness, the shape, and other elements of each unit more schematically than the actual aspect. These elements, however, are given by way of example only and are not intended to limit interpretation of the disclosure. In the present specification and the drawings, components similar to those previously described with reference to previous figures are denoted by like reference numerals, and overlapping explanation thereof may be appropriately omitted.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1is a block diagram of an exemplary configuration of a display device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 1, a display device1includes a display panel10, a controller11, a gate driver12, a source driver13, a first electrode driver14, and a detector40. The display panel10includes a display portion20and a touch sensor30. The display portion20displays an image. The touch sensor30is a detection device that detects touch input.

The display panel10is a display device in which the display portion20and the touch sensor30are integrated. Specifically, part of members, such as electrodes and substrates, of the display portion20are also used as electrodes and substrates of the touch sensor30in the display panel10.

The display portion20includes liquid crystal display elements serving as display elements. The display portion20includes a plurality of pixels provided with the display elements and has a display surface facing the pixels. The display portion20receives video signals Vdisp to display an image composed of the pixels on the display surface. The display panel10may be a device in which the touch sensor30is mounted on the display portion20. The display portion20may be an organic electroluminescence (EL) display panel, for example.

The controller11supplies control signals to the gate driver12, the source driver13, the first electrode driver14, and the detector40based on the video signals Vdisp supplied from the outside. The controller11is a circuit that controls a display operation and a detection operation performed by the display device1.

The gate driver12supplies scanning signals Vscan to one horizontal line to be a target of display drive in the display panel10based on the control signals supplied from the controller11. As a result, one horizontal line to be a target of display drive is sequentially or simultaneously selected.

The source driver13is a circuit that supplies pixel signals Vpix to respective sub-pixels SPix (refer toFIG. 10) of the display portion20. Part of the functions of the source driver13may be mounted on the display panel10. In this case, the controller11may generate the pixel signals Vpix and supply them to the source driver13.

The first electrode driver14is a circuit that supplies display drive signals Vcomdc to first electrodes COML (refer toFIG. 11) of the display panel10. In touch detection, the first electrode driver14supplies detection drive signals Vcom to the first electrodes COML and second electrodes53,54, and55(refer toFIG. 11).

The controller11according to the present embodiment causes the display portion20to perform a display operation of performing display and causes the touch sensor30to perform a detection operation of detecting an object to be detected in a time-division manner. The first electrode driver14supplies the drive signals Vcomdc and Vcom to the first electrodes COML and the second electrodes53,54, and55based on the control signals supplied from the controller11.

The touch sensor30performs touch detection based on the basic principle of touch detection by a self-capacitance method (also referred to as a self-method). If the touch sensor30detects an object to be detected in a contact state, the touch sensor30outputs detection signals Vdet2to the detector40. The touch sensor30can also perform touch detection based on the basic principle of touch detection by a mutual capacitance method (also referred to as a mutual method). If the touch sensor30detects an object to be detected in a contact state by the mutual capacitance method, the touch sensor30outputs detection signals Vdet1to the detector40.

In the present specification, a “contact state” indicates a state where an object to be detected is in contact with the display surface or in proximity to the display surface close enough to consider it in contact therewith. A “non-contact state” indicates a state where an object to be detected is neither in contact with the display surface nor in proximity to the display surface close enough to consider it in contact therewith.

The detector40is a circuit that determines whether a touch is made by an object to be detected on the display surface of the display panel10based on the control signals supplied from the controller11and on the detection signals Vdet1output from the display panel10in mutual capacitance touch detection. The detector40also determines whether a touch is made by an object to be detected on the display surface of the display panel10based on the control signals supplied from the controller11and on the detection signals Vdet2output from the display panel10in self-capacitance touch detection. If a touch is detected, the detector40calculates the coordinates at which the touch input is made, for example.

The detector40includes an analog front end circuit48, a signal processor44, a coordinate extractor45, and a detection timing controller46. The analog front end circuit48(hereinafter, referred to as an AFE48) includes a detection signal amplifier42and an analog/digital (A/D) converter43. The AFE48is an analog signal processing circuit that converts the detection signals Vdet1and Vdet2into digital signals and outputs them to the signal processor44. The detection timing controller46controls the A/D converter43, the signal processor44, and the coordinate extractor45such that they operate synchronously with one another based on the control signals supplied from the controller11.

In touch detection, the detection signal amplifier42amplifies the detection signals Vdet1supplied from the display panel10. The A/D converter43samples analog signals output from the detection signal amplifier42at a timing synchronized with the drive signals Vcom, thereby converting the analog signals into digital signals.

The signal processor44is a logic circuit that determines whether a touch is made on the display panel10based on the output signals from the A/D converter43. The signal processor44performs processing of extracting a signal (absolute value |ΔV|) of the difference between the detection signals caused by a finger. The signal processor44compares the absolute value |ΔV| with a predetermined threshold voltage. If the absolute value |ΔV| is lower than the threshold voltage, the signal processor44determines that the object to be detected is in the non-contact state. By contrast, if the absolute value |ΔV| is equal to or higher than the threshold voltage, the signal processor44determines that the object to be detected is in the contact state or a proximity state. The detector40thus can perform touch detection.

The coordinate extractor45is a logic circuit that calculates, when the signal processor44detects a touch, the touch panel coordinates of the touch. The coordinate extractor45outputs the touch panel coordinates as output signals Vout. The coordinate extractor45may output the output signals Vout to the controller11. The controller11can perform a predetermined display operation or a predetermined detection operation based on the output signals Vout.

The detection signal amplifier42, the A/D converter43, the signal processor44, the coordinate extractor45, and the detection timing controller46of the detector40are provided to the display device1. The configuration is not limited thereto, and all or part of the functions of the detector40may be provided to an external control substrate, an external processor, or the like. The coordinate extractor45, for example, may be provided to an external processor different from the display device1. In this case, the detector40may output the signals processed by the signal processor44as the output signals Vout. Alternatively, the AFE48may be provided to the display device1, and the signal processor44and the coordinate extractor45may be provided to an external processor. In this case, the detector40may output the digital signals processed by the A/D converter43as the output signals Vout.

The following describes the basic principle of mutual capacitance touch detection performed by the display device1according to the present embodiment with reference toFIGS. 2 to 4.FIG. 2is a diagram for explaining the basic principle of mutual capacitance touch detection.FIG. 3is a diagram for explaining an example of an equivalent circuit in mutual capacitance touch detection.FIG. 4is a diagram of an example of waveforms of a drive signal and a detection signal in mutual capacitance touch detection. While the following describes a case where a finger is in contact with or in proximity to a detection electrode, the object to be detected is not limited to a finger and may be a stylus, for example.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, a capacitance element C1includes a pair of electrodes, that is, a drive electrode E1and a detection electrode E2facing each other with a dielectric D interposed therebetween. The capacitance element C1generates fringe lines of electric force extending from the ends of the drive electrode E1to the upper surface of the detection electrode E2besides lines of electric force (not illustrated) generated between the facing surfaces of the drive electrode E1and the detection electrode E2. As illustrated inFIG. 3, a first end of the capacitance element C1is coupled to an alternating-current (AC) signal source (drive signal source) S, and a second end thereof is coupled to a voltage detector DET. The voltage detector DET is an integration circuit included in the detection signal amplifier42illustrated inFIG. 1, for example.

When the AC signal source S applies an AC rectangular wave Sg at a predetermined frequency (e.g., a frequency of the order of several kilohertz to several hundred kilohertz) to the drive electrode E1(first end of the capacitance element C1), an output waveform (detection signal Vdet1) illustrated inFIG. 4appears via the voltage detector DET.

In the non-contact state, an electric current depending on the capacitance value of the capacitance element C1flows. The voltage detector DET illustrated inFIG. 3converts fluctuations in the electric current depending on the AC rectangular wave Sg into fluctuations in the voltage (waveform V0indicated by the solid line (refer toFIG. 4)).

In the contact state, as illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3, capacitance C2generated by the finger is in contact with the detection electrode E2or in proximity to the detection electrode E2close enough to consider it in contact therewith. The fringe lines of electric force between the drive electrode E1and the detection electrode E2are blocked by a conductor (finger). As a result, the capacitance element C1acts as a capacitance element having a capacitance value smaller than that in the non-contact state. The voltage detector DET converts fluctuations in an electric current I1depending on the AC rectangular wave Sg into fluctuations in the voltage (waveform V1indicated by the dotted line (refer toFIG. 4)).

In this case, the waveform V1has amplitude smaller than that of the waveform V0described above. Consequently, the absolute value |ΔV| of the voltage difference between the waveform V0and the waveform V1varies depending on an effect of an external object, such as a finger, in contact with or in proximity to the detection electrode from the outside. The voltage detector DET resets charge and discharge of a capacitor based on the frequency of the AC rectangular wave Sg by switching in the circuit. With the period Reset, the voltage detector DET can accurately detect the absolute value |ΔV| of the voltage difference.

As described above, the detector40compares the absolute value |ΔV| with the predetermined threshold voltage, thereby determining whether an external proximity object is in the non-contact state or in the contact or proximity state. The detector40thus can perform touch detection based on the basic principle of mutual capacitance touch detection.

The following describes the basic principle of self-capacitance touch detection with reference toFIGS. 5 to 8.FIG. 5is a diagram for explaining the basic principle of self-capacitance touch detection and illustrates a non-contact state.FIG. 6is a diagram for explaining the basic principle of self-capacitance touch detection and illustrates a contact state.FIG. 7is a diagram for explaining an example of an equivalent circuit in self-capacitance touch detection.FIG. 8is a diagram of an example of waveforms of a drive signal and a detection signal in self-capacitance touch detection.

The left figure inFIG. 5illustrates a state where a detection electrode E3is coupled to a power source Vdd by a switch SW1but is not coupled to a capacitor Ccr by a switch SW2in the non-contact state. In this state, capacitance Cx1in the detection electrode E3is charged. The right figure inFIG. 5illustrates a state where the detection electrode E3is not coupled to the power source Vdd by the switch SW1but is coupled to the capacitor Ccr by the switch SW2. In this state, an electric charge of the capacitance Cx1is discharged via the capacitor Ccr.

The left figure inFIG. 6illustrates a state where the detection electrode E3is coupled to the power source Vdd by the switch SW1but is not coupled to the capacitor Ccr by the switch SW2in the contact state. In this state, capacitance Cx2generated by the finger in proximity to the detection electrode E3is also charged besides the capacitance Cx1in the detection electrode E3. The right figure inFIG. 6illustrates a state where the detection electrode E3is not coupled to the power source Vdd by the switch SW1but is coupled to the capacitor Ccr by the switch SW2. In this state, electric charges of the capacitance Cx1and the capacitance Cx2are discharged via the capacitor Ccr.

Because of the presence of the capacitance Cx2, the voltage change characteristics of the capacitor Ccr in discharging (contact state) illustrated in the right figure inFIG. 6are clearly different from those of the capacitor Ccr in discharging (non-contact state) illustrated in the right figure inFIG. 5. Consequently, the self-capacitance method determines whether operating input is made by a finger or the like using the fact that the voltage change characteristics of the capacitor Ccr vary depending on the presence of the capacitance Cx2.

Specifically, an AC rectangular wave Sg (refer toFIG. 8) at a predetermined frequency (e.g., a frequency of the order of several kilohertz to several hundred kilohertz) is applied to the detection electrode E3. The voltage detector DET illustrated inFIG. 7converts fluctuations in the electric current depending on the AC rectangular wave Sg into fluctuations in the voltage (waveforms V4and V5).

InFIG. 8, the voltage level of the AC rectangular wave Sg rises by an amount corresponding to voltage V6at time T01. At this time, the switch SW1is turned on, and the switch SW2is turned off. As a result, the electric potential of the detection electrode E3also rises to voltage V6. Subsequently, the switch SW1is turned off before time T11. While the detection electrode E3is in a floating state at this time, the electric potential of the detection electrode E3is maintained at voltage V6by the capacitance Cx1(or Cx1+Cx2, refer toFIG. 6) of the detection electrode E3. Subsequently, the voltage detector DET performs a reset operation before time T11.

Subsequently, when the switch SW2is turned on at time T11, the electric charge accumulated in the capacitance Cx1(or Cx1+Cx2) of the detection electrode E3moves to capacitance C5in the voltage detector DET. As a result, the output from the voltage detector DET increases (refer to the detection signal Vdet2inFIG. 8). In the non-contact state, the output (detection signal Vdet2) from the voltage detector DET corresponds to the waveform V4indicated by the solid line, and Vdet2=Cx1×V6/C5is satisfied. In the contact state, the output corresponds to the waveform V5indicated by the dotted line, and Vdet2=(Cx1+Cx2)×V6/C5is satisfied.

Subsequently, at time T31, the switch SW2is turned off, and the switch SW1and a switch SW3are turned on. As a result, the electric potential of the detection electrode E3is reduced to a low level equal to the electric potential of the AC rectangular wave Sg, and the voltage detector DET is reset. The operation described above is repeated at a predetermined frequency (e.g., several kilohertz to several hundred kilohertz). The detector40thus can perform touch detection based on the basic principle of self-capacitance touch detection.

The following describes an exemplary configuration of the display device1according to the present embodiment in greater detail.FIG. 9is a sectional view of a schematic sectional structure of the display panel according to the first embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 9, the display device1includes a pixel substrate2, a counter substrate3, and a liquid crystal layer6serving as a display functional layer. The counter substrate3is disposed facing the pixel substrate2in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the pixel substrate2. The liquid crystal layer6is provided between the pixel substrate2and the counter substrate3.

The pixel substrate2includes a first substrate21, pixel electrodes22, the first electrodes COML, the second electrodes53, and a polarization plate35B. The first substrate21is provided with circuits, such as gate scanners included in the gate driver12, switching elements such as thin film transistors (TFT), and various kinds of wiring such as gate lines GCL and signal lines SGL (not illustrated inFIG. 9).

The first electrodes COML are provided on the first substrate21. The pixel electrodes22are provided on the first electrodes COML with an insulating layer24interposed therebetween. The pixel electrodes22are provided to a layer different from that of the first electrodes COML and disposed overlapping the first electrodes COML in planar view. The second electrodes53are provided to the same layer as that of the pixel electrodes22and disposed on the side closer to the outer periphery of the first substrate21than the pixel electrodes22. The pixel electrodes22are disposed in a matrix (row-column configuration) in planar view. The polarization plate35B is provided below the first substrate21. While the pixel electrodes22according to the present embodiment are provided above the first electrodes COML, the configuration is not limited thereto. The first electrodes COML may be provided on the pixel electrodes22. In other words, the pixel electrodes22and the first electrodes COML are separated from each other in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the first substrate21with the insulating layer24interposed therebetween. One of the pixel electrodes22and the first electrodes COML is provided above the other thereof.

In the present specification, “above” indicates a direction from the first substrate21toward a second substrate31in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the first substrate21, and “below” indicates a direction from the second substrate31toward the first substrate21. The “planar view” indicates a view seen in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the first substrate21.

The pixel electrodes22are provided corresponding to the respective sub-pixels SPix constituting each pixel Pix in the display panel10. The pixel electrodes22are supplied with the pixel signals Vpix for performing a display operation from the source driver13(refer toFIG. 1). In the display operation, the first electrodes COML are supplied with the display drive signals Vcomdc serving as direct-current (DC) voltage signals. As a result, the first electrodes COML serve as common electrodes for a plurality of pixel electrodes22. The first electrodes COML also serve as detection electrodes in touch detection.

The pixel electrodes22, the first electrodes COML, and the second electrodes53,54, and55(FIG. 9illustrates the second electrodes53alone) according to the present embodiment are made of a translucent conductive material, such as indium tin oxide (ITO).

The counter substrate3includes the second substrate31, a color filter32, and a polarizing plate35A. The color filter32is provided to a first surface of the second substrate31. The polarizing plate35A is provided to a second surface of the second substrate31. The color filter32faces the liquid crystal layer6in the direction perpendicular to the first substrate21. The color filter32may be disposed on the first substrate21. The first substrate21and the second substrate31according to the present embodiment are glass substrates or resin substrates, for example.

The first substrate21and the second substrate31are disposed facing each other with a predetermined space interposed therebetween. The liquid crystal layer6is provided between the first substrate21and the second substrate31. The liquid crystal layer6modulates light passing therethrough depending on the state of an electric field. The liquid crystal layer6, for example, includes liquid crystals in a lateral electric-field mode, such as the in-plane switching (IPS) mode including the fringe field switching (FFS) mode. Orientation films (not illustrated inFIG. 9) are provided between the liquid crystal layer6and the pixel substrate2and between the liquid crystal layer6and the counter substrate3illustrated inFIG. 9.

An illuminator (backlight), which is not illustrated, is provided below the first substrate21. The illuminator includes a light source, such as a light emitting diode (LED), and outputs light from the light source to the first substrate21. The light from the illuminator passes through the pixel substrate2and is modulated depending on the state of the liquid crystals at the corresponding position. The state of light transmission to the display surface varies depending on the positions. With this mechanism, an image is displayed on the display surface.

The following describes a display operation performed by the display panel10.FIG. 10is a circuit diagram of a pixel array in the display portion. The first substrate21(refer toFIG. 9) is provided with switching elements Tr of the respective sub-pixels SPix, the signal lines SGL, the gate lines GCL, and other components as illustrated inFIG. 10. The signal lines SGL and the gate lines GCL are electrically coupled to the switching elements Tr. The switching elements Tr are provided at respective intersections of the signal lines SGL and the gate lines GCL. The signal lines SGL are wiring that supplies the pixel signals Vpix to the pixel electrodes22. The gate lines GCL are wiring that supplies drive signals for driving the switching elements Tr. The signal lines SGL and the gate lines GCL extend on a plane parallel to the surface of the first substrate21.

The display portion20illustrated inFIG. 10includes a plurality of sub-pixels SPix arrayed in a matrix (row-column configuration). The sub-pixels SPix each include the switching element Tr and a liquid crystal element6a. The switching element Tr is a thin-film transistor and is an n-channel metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) TFT in this example. The insulating layer24is provided between the pixel electrodes22and the first electrodes COML to form holding capacitance6billustrated inFIG. 10.

The gate driver12illustrated inFIG. 1sequentially selects the gate line GCL. The gate driver12applies scanning signals Vscan to the gates of the switching elements Tr of the respective sub-pixels SPix via the selected gate line GCL. As a result, one row (one horizontal line) out of the sub-pixels SPix is sequentially selected as a target of display drive. The source driver13supplies the pixel signals Vpix to the selected sub-pixels SPix via the signal lines SGL. The sub-pixels SPix perform display on each horizontal line based on the supplied pixel signals Vpix.

To perform the display operation, the first electrode driver14illustrated inFIG. 1applies the display drive signals Vcomdc to the first electrodes COML. The display drive signal Vcomdc is a voltage signal serving as a common potential for a plurality of sub-pixels SPix. As a result, the first electrodes COML serve as common electrodes for the pixel electrodes22in the display operation. To perform display, the first electrode driver14applies the drive signals Vcomdc to all the first electrodes COML in a display region Ad (refer toFIG. 11).

The color filter32illustrated inFIG. 9may include periodically arrayed color areas of the color filter32in three colors of red (R), green (G), and blue (B), for example. Color areas32R,32G, and32B in the three colors of R, G, and B, respectively, serve as a set and correspond to the respective sub-pixels SPix illustrated inFIG. 10. A pixel Pix is composed of a set of sub-pixels SPix corresponding to the respective color areas32R,32G, and32B in the three colors. The color filter32may include color areas in four or more colors.

The following describes the configuration of the first electrodes COML and the second electrodes53,54, and55and a touch detection operation.FIG. 11is a plan view of the first substrate according to the first embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 11, the display device1has the display region Ad and a peripheral region Gd. In the present specification, the display region Ad is a region for displaying an image and overlapping with a plurality of pixels Pix (sub-pixels SPix). The peripheral region Gd is a region positioned on the inner side than the outer periphery of the first substrate21and on the outer side than the display region Ad. The peripheral region Gd may have a frame shape surrounding the display region Ad. In this case, the peripheral region Gd may also be referred to as a frame region.

The first electrodes COML according to the present embodiment are disposed in a matrix (row-column configuration) in the display region Ad of the first substrate21. In other words, the first electrodes COML are arrayed in a first direction Dx and in a second direction Dy. The first electrodes COML are arrayed in the whole region of the display region Ad. The first electrodes COML are coupled to respective wires27. In the example illustrated inFIG. 11, the wires27are coupled to the first electrodes COML in a one-to-one correspondence. The wires27extend in the second direction Dy and are arrayed in the first direction Dx with a space interposed therebetween. The first electrodes COML are coupled to a driver integrated circuit (IC)19via the respective wires27.

The first direction Dx according to the present embodiment extends along one side of the display region Ad. The second direction Dy intersects the first direction Dx. The first direction Dx and the second direction Dy are not limited thereto, and the second direction Dy may intersect the first direction Dx at an angle other than 90 degrees. The plane defined by the first direction Dx and the second direction Dy is parallel to the surface of the first substrate21. The direction orthogonal to the first direction Dx and the second direction Dy is the thickness direction of the first substrate21(refer toFIG. 9).

The second electrodes53,54, and55are disposed in the peripheral region Gd on the outside of the display region Ad. The second electrodes53,54, and55are provided not overlapping the first electrodes COML in planar view. A plurality of second electrodes53are provided in the peripheral region Gd along the second direction Dy and arrayed in the second direction Dy. The second electrode53has a rectangular shape with its long side extending in the second direction Dy. The array pitch of the second electrodes53according to the present embodiment in the second direction Dy is equal to that of the first electrodes COML in the second direction Dy. In other words, the second electrodes53are disposed side by side with the respective first electrodes COML in the first direction Dx. The length of the second electrode53in the second direction Dy is substantially equal to that of the first electrode COML in the second direction Dy. The space between the second electrodes53is substantially equal to that of the first electrodes COML in the second direction Dy. The length of the second electrode53in the first direction Dx is shorter than that of the first electrode COML in the first direction Dx.

A plurality of second electrodes54are provided in the peripheral region Gd along the first direction Dx and arrayed in the first direction Dx. The second electrode54has a rectangular shape with its long side extending in the first direction Dx. The array pitch of the second electrodes54according to the present embodiment is equal to that of the first electrodes COML in the first direction Dx. The second electrodes54are disposed side by side with the respective first electrodes COML in the second direction Dy. The length of the second electrode54in the first direction Dx is substantially equal to that of the first electrode COML in the first direction Dx. The space between the second electrodes54is substantially equal to that of the first electrodes COML in the first direction Dx. The length of the second electrode54in the second direction Dy is shorter than that of the first electrode COML in the second direction Dy. In other words, the array pitch of the second electrodes53and that of the second electrodes54in the respective directions along one side of the peripheral region Gd are equal to the array pitches of the first electrodes COML.

The second electrodes55are provided at corners of the peripheral region Gd. The second electrode55is disposed side by side with an end of the second electrode53in the second direction Dy and with an end of the second electrode54in the first direction Dx. As described above, the second electrodes53,54, and55are provided to the four sides of the peripheral region Gd surrounding the first electrodes COML and disposed like a frame as a whole. The configuration is not limited thereto, and the second electrodes53and54may be provided along at least one side of the peripheral region Gd.

As illustrated inFIG. 11, a flexible substrate72is provided in the peripheral region Gd of the first substrate21. The driver IC19is provided in the peripheral region Gd between the first electrodes COML and the flexible substrate72.

The second electrodes53are coupled to the driver IC19via respective wires28A. The second electrodes54are coupled to the driver IC19via respective wires28B. The second electrodes55are coupled to the driver IC19via respective wires28C.

The wires27are provided to a layer different from that of the first electrodes COML with an insulating layer (not illustrated) interposed therebetween. The wires27are provided under the first electrodes COML in planar view. The wires28A,28B, and28C are provided to a layer different from that of the second electrodes53,54, and55with an insulating layer (not illustrated) interposed therebetween. The wires28A and28C are provided under the second electrodes53and55and extend in the second direction Dy. The wires28B coupled to the second electrodes54on the opposite side of the driver IC19across the display region Ad are provided under the first electrodes COML and extend in the second direction Dy.

The driver IC19serves as the controller11illustrated inFIG. 1. The first electrode driver14illustrated inFIG. 1is included in the driver IC19. Part of the functions of the detector40may be included in the driver IC19or provided as functions of an external micro-processing unit (MPU). The AFE48, for example, is included in the driver IC19. The configuration is not limited thereto, and the first electrode driver14may be provided to the first substrate21or an external control substrate. The configuration of the driver IC19is not limited thereto, and the driver IC19may be provided to an external control substrate outside the module, for example. A touch IC18(refer toFIG. 15) may be provided besides the driver IC19. In this case, the AFE48and other components may be provided to the touch IC18.

In an example of an operating method performed by the display device1, the display device1performs a touch detection operation (touch detection period) and a display operation (display period) in a time-division manner. The display device1may perform the touch detection operation and the display operation in any division manner.

In the display operation, the first electrode driver14(refer toFIG. 1) included in the driver IC19supplies the display drive signals Vcomdc to all the first electrodes COML. In self-capacitance touch detection, the first electrode driver14supplies the drive signals Vcom to the first electrodes COML simultaneously or in a time-division manner. The first electrodes COML output sensor output signals corresponding to capacitance changes in the first electrodes COML to the AFE48. Based on the sensor output signals from the first electrodes COML, the display device1performs touch detection on the display region Ad. In other words, the first electrodes COML serve not only as common electrodes in the display operation but also as detection electrodes in self-capacitance touch detection.

In the display operation, the first electrode driver14(refer toFIG. 1) included in the driver IC19supplies voltage signals having the same electric potential as that of the display drive signals Vcomdc to all the second electrodes53,54, and55. As a result, the second electrodes53,54, and55serve as shielding electrodes in the display operation.

In self-capacitance touch detection, the first electrode driver14supplies the drive signals Vcom to the second electrodes53,54, and55simultaneously or in a time-division manner. The second electrodes53,54, and55output sensor output signals corresponding to capacitance changes in the second electrodes53,54, and55to the AFE48. Based on the sensor output signals from the second electrodes53,54, and55, the display device1performs touch detection on the peripheral region Gd. In other words, the second electrodes53,54, and55are used as detection electrodes in self-capacitance touch detection.

With the second electrodes53,54, and55having the configuration described above, the distance between an object to be detected in contact with or in proximity to the peripheral region Gd and the second electrodes53,54, and55is smaller than that between the object to be detected and the first electrodes COML. As a result, the capacitance changes in the second electrodes53,54, and55caused by the object to be detected in the peripheral region Gd increase, thereby increasing the detection sensitivity in the peripheral region Gd. Consequently, the display device1according to the present embodiment has high detection performance in the peripheral region Gd.

FIG. 12is a sectional view along line A1-A2inFIG. 11. As illustrated inFIG. 12, in the display region Ad, a plurality of wires27are provided on the first substrate21with an insulating layer25aand a planarization layer25binterposed therebetween. The first electrode COML is provided on the wires27with an insulating layer25cinterposed therebetween. The pixel electrodes22are provided on the first electrode COML with the insulating layer24interposed therebetween. One of the wires27provided under the first electrode COML is coupled to the first electrode COML through a contact hole H1.

In the peripheral region Gd, the second electrode53is provided on the insulating layer24, that is, to a layer identical with that of the pixel electrodes22and different from that of the first electrode COML. The other second electrodes53, which are not illustrated inFIG. 12, are provided to the same layer. In other words, the other second electrodes53are also provided to the same layer as that of the pixel electrodes22. The wires28A and28C are provided to the same layer as that of the wires27. One of the wires28A is coupled to the second electrode53through a contact hole H2. Wires12aand12bare provided between the second electrode53and the first substrate21in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the first substrate21. The wires12aand12bare included in a circuit, such as a gate scanner, included in the gate driver12(refer toFIG. 1).

The second electrodes53according to the present embodiment may be provided by using a guard ring provided to increase the reliability in the display operation as the drive electrodes for touch detection. In the display operation, the first electrode driver14supplies DC voltage signals having the same electric potential as that of the drive signals Vcomdc to the second electrodes53. As a result, the second electrodes53shield noise in various kinds of circuits including the wires12aand12b, thereby increasing the display reliability.

FIGS. 13 and 14are diagrams for explaining an exemplary operation in touch detection performed by the display device according to the first embodiment. In touch detection, the display device1may drive the first electrodes COML and the second electrodes53,54, and55in any desired manner. In the example illustrated inFIGS. 13 and 14, the display device1performs detection on each detection electrode block BK in a time-division manner.

As illustrated inFIG. 13, the first electrode driver14(not illustrated inFIG. 13) included in the driver IC19selects a detection electrode block BK1. The detection electrode block BK1includes the second electrodes54and the second electrodes55arrayed in the first direction Dx and the first electrodes COML and the second electrodes53arrayed in the first direction Dx. The first electrode driver14supplies the drive signals Vcom simultaneously to the first electrodes COML and the second electrodes53,54, and55included in the detection electrode block BK1. The first electrodes COML and the second electrodes53,54, and55included in the detection electrode block BK1output the sensor output signals corresponding to respective self-capacitance changes to the AFE48(refer toFIG. 1). The display device1thus performs touch detection on the display region Ad and the peripheral region Gd overlapping with the detection electrode block BK1.

In the next period different from the period when the detection electrode block BK1is selected, as illustrated inFIG. 14, the first electrode driver14(not illustrated inFIG. 14) selects a detection electrode block BK2. The detection electrode block BK2includes the first electrodes COML and the second electrodes53arrayed in the first direction Dx and the first electrodes COML and the second electrodes53disposed side by side with them in the second direction Dy. The first electrode driver14supplies the drive signals Vcom simultaneously to the first electrodes COML and the second electrodes53included in the detection electrode block BK2. The first electrodes COML and the second electrodes53included in the detection electrode block BK2output the sensor output signals corresponding to respective self-capacitance changes to the AFE48. The display device1thus performs touch detection on the display region Ad and the peripheral region Gd overlapping with the detection electrode block BK2.

The first electrode driver14sequentially scans the detection electrode block BK including the first electrodes COML and the second electrodes53,54, and55of two lines. The display device1thus performs touch detection on one detection surface. The first electrode driver14supplies guard signals to the first electrodes COML and the second electrodes53,54, and55not included in the detection electrode block BK. The guard signal is a voltage signal synchronized with the drive signal Vcom and having the same electric potential as that of the drive signal Vcom. As a result, the non-selected first electrodes COML and the non-selected second electrodes53,54, and55not included in the detection electrode block BK are driven at the same electric potential as that of the detection electrode block BK. This mechanism can reduce stray capacitance in the detection electrode block BK.

As described above, the first electrodes COML and the second electrodes53,54, and55according to the present embodiment are divided into a plurality of detection electrode blocks BK each including a predetermined number of first electrodes COML and second electrodes53,54, and55. The first electrode driver14supplies the drive signals Vcom to the detection electrode blocks BK in a time-division manner. The display device1simultaneously drives the first electrodes COML and the second electrodes53,54, and55in each of the detection electrode blocks BK, thereby performing touch detection on the display region Ad and the peripheral region Gd simultaneously.

As described above, the display device1performs detection on each of the detection electrode blocks BK. With this configuration, the display device1requires a smaller number of electrodes simultaneously coupled to the AFE48(refer toFIG. 1) than in a case where it drives all the first electrodes COML and the second electrodes53,54, and55simultaneously. As a result, the driver IC19provided with the AFE48requires a smaller number of terminals.

The exemplary operation illustrated inFIGS. 13 and 14is given by way of example only, and the display device1may operate by another driving method. The first electrode driver14, for example, may select the first electrodes COML and the second electrodes53,54, and55of one line as the detection electrode block BK. Alternatively, the first electrode driver14may select the first electrodes COML and the second electrodes53,54, and55of three or more lines as the detection electrode block BK. The number of simultaneously driven electrodes may be appropriately modified depending on the number of channels of the AFE48.

Modifications of the First Embodiment

In the configuration according to the first embodiment, one driver IC19is provided in the peripheral region Gd of the first substrate21as illustrated inFIG. 11, for example. The configuration is not limited thereto.FIG. 15is a schematic of a coupling configuration between the first electrodes and the analog front end circuit in the display device according to a modification of the first embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 15, a display device1A according to the present embodiment includes a chip on film (COF)75coupled to the first substrate21. The flexible substrate72is coupled to the COF75on the opposite side of the first substrate21. The COF75includes a film-like substrate74and the driver IC19. The driver IC19is mounted on the substrate74. The flexible substrate72is provided with the touch IC18. The touch IC18includes the AFE48.

The driver IC19mainly controls a display operation. The touch IC18mainly controls touch detection. In other words, the driver IC19supplies the display drive signals Vcomdc to the first electrodes COML. The touch IC18supplies the detection drive signals Vcom to the first electrodes COML and the second electrodes53,54, and55.

A coupling circuit17is provided between the first electrodes COML and the COF75in the peripheral region Gd of the first substrate21. The coupling circuit17is a coupling switching circuit that switches coupling and cutting off of the first electrodes COML to and from the AFE48and is a multiplexer, for example. The first electrodes COML are coupled to the coupling circuit17via the respective wires27. The second electrodes53,54, and55are coupled to the coupling circuit17via the wires28A,28B, and28C, respectively. The coupling circuit17is coupled to the AFE48via wires L11. The wires L11are provided across the first substrate21, the substrate74, and the flexible substrate72and disposed not overlapping the driver IC19. The coupling circuit17couples a plurality of wires27and a plurality of wires28A,28B, and28C collectively to one wire L11. This configuration can make the number of wires L11provided to the substrate74and the flexible substrate72smaller than the number of wires27and wires28A,28B, and28C.

With the coupling circuit17, the display device1A requires a smaller number of terminals in the AFE48and the touch IC18than in a configuration where it couples all the wires27and the wires28A,28B, and28C to the AFE48and the touch IC18. Consequently, the touch IC18has a simpler configuration and a smaller chip size.

FIG. 16is a circuit diagram of an example of the coupling circuit according to the modification of the first embodiment.FIG. 16illustrates none of the second electrodes53,54, and55, the wires28A,28B, and28C, the COF75, the driver IC19, and the touch IC18, for example. As illustrated inFIG. 16, for example, first electrodes COML(11), COML(12), COML(13), and COML(14) are arrayed in the second direction Dy. The first electrodes COML(11), COML(12), COML(13), and COML(14) are disposed closer to the AFE48in this order. First electrodes COML(12), COML(22), COML(32), and COML(42) are arrayed in the first direction Dx. In the following description, the first electrodes COML(11), COML(12), COML(13), COML(14), COML(22), COML(32), and COML(42) are referred to as the first electrodes COML when they need not be distinguished from one another.

The coupling circuit17includes switches SW11, SW12, SW13, and SW14and wires L12. The switches SW11, SW12, SW13, and SW14are provided corresponding to the first electrodes COML(11), COML(12), COML(13), and COML(14), respectively, arrayed in the second direction Dy. The switches SW11, SW12, SW13, and SW14are coupled to one wire L11via the common wire L12. The sets of the switches SW11, SW12, SW13, and SW14and the wire L12are provided for the respective sets of the first electrodes COML arrayed in the first direction Dx.

The operation of the switches SW11, SW12, SW13, and SW14are controlled based on the control signals supplied from the driver IC19(refer toFIG. 15). In the example illustrated inFIG. 16, the switches SW12are turned on, and the switches SW11, SW13, and SW14are turned off. The first electrodes COML(12), COML(22), COML(32), and COML(42) arrayed in the first direction Dx are coupled to the AFE48via the respective wires L11. As a result, a detection electrode block Rx is selected. The switches SW11to SW14operate based on the control signals supplied from the driver IC19, thereby sequentially selecting the detection electrode block Rx.

With the coupling circuit17, the number of wires L11coupled to the AFE48is equal to the number of first electrodes COML included in one detection electrode block Rx. In other words, this configuration can make the number of wires L11smaller than the number of wires27coupled to the respective first electrodes COML.

The configuration of the coupling circuit17illustrated inFIG. 16is given by way of example only, and the configuration is not limited thereto.FIG. 17is a circuit diagram of another example of the coupling circuit according to the modification of the first embodiment. A coupling circuit17aillustrated inFIG. 17includes the switches SW11, SW12, SW13, and SW14and wires L13, L14, L15, and L16.

The switches SW11are coupled to the AFE48via the common wire L13. The switches SW12are coupled to the AFE48via the common wire L14. The switches SW13are coupled to the AFE48via the common wire L15. The switches SW14are coupled to the AFE48via the common wire L16.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 17, the switches SW11, SW12, SW13, and SW14coupled to the first electrodes COML(21), COML(22), COML(23), and COML(24), respectively, arrayed in the second direction Dy are turned on. The first electrodes COML(21), COML(22), COML(23), and COML(24) arrayed in the second direction Dy are coupled to the AFE48via the wires L13, L14, L15, and L16, respectively. As a result, the detection electrode block Rx is selected. The switches SW11to SW14operate in each set of the first electrodes COML arrayed in the second direction Dy based on the control signals supplied from the driver IC19, thereby sequentially selecting the detection electrode block Rx in the first direction Dx.

In the configuration of the coupling circuit17aillustrated inFIG. 17, the array direction of the first electrodes COML included in the detection electrode block Rx is different from that in the configuration illustrated inFIG. 16. Also in the example illustrated inFIG. 17, the number of wires L11coupled to the AFE48is equal to the number of first electrodes COML included in one detection electrode block Rx. In other words, this configuration can make the number of wires L11smaller than the number of wires27coupled to the respective first electrodes COML. The coupling circuit17illustrated inFIG. 16includes none of the wires L13, L14, L15, and L16and thus is advantageously used to make the peripheral region Gd narrower compared with the coupling circuit17aillustrated inFIG. 17.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 18is a plan view of the first substrate according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. A display device1B according to the present embodiment includes two second electrodes53A and53B and two second electrodes54A and54B in the peripheral region Gd. The second electrodes53A and53B have a long shape with their long sides extending in the second direction Dy. The second electrodes54A and54B have a long shape with their long sides extending in the first direction Dx.

The second electrode53A is provided to one of the long sides of the peripheral region Gd, and the second electrode53B is provided to the other of the long sides of the peripheral region Gd. The first electrodes COML are disposed between the two second electrodes53A and53B. The second electrodes53A and53B are provided side by side with a plurality of first electrodes COML arrayed in the second direction Dy. The length of the second electrodes53A and53B in the second direction Dy is preferably substantially equal to or longer than that of the display region Ad in the second direction Dy. The length of the second electrodes53A and53B in the second direction Dy may be shorter than that of the display region Ad in the second direction Dy. The second electrodes53A and53B are coupled to the driver IC19via the respective wires28A.

The second electrode54A is provided to one of the short sides of the peripheral region Gd, and the second electrode54B is provided to the other of the short sides of the peripheral region Gd. The second electrode54A is provided in the peripheral region Gd at a position farther from the driver IC19than the display region Ad. The second electrode54B is provided in the peripheral region Gd at a position closer to the driver IC19than the display region Ad.

The first electrodes COML are disposed between the two second electrodes54A and54B. The second electrodes54A and54B are provided side by side with a plurality of first electrodes COML arrayed in the first direction Dx. The length of the second electrodes54A and54B in the first direction Dx is preferably substantially equal to or longer than that of the display region Ad in the first direction Dx. The length of the second electrodes54A and54B in the first direction Dx may be shorter than that of the display region Ad in the first direction Dx. The second electrodes54A and54B are coupled to the driver IC19via the respective wires28B.

With this configuration, the second electrodes53A,53B,54A, and54B form capacitance between themselves and the first electrodes COML disposed side by side therewith. The second electrodes53A,53B,54A, and54B are provided to the four sides of the peripheral region Gd surrounding the first electrodes COML. In other words, the second electrodes53A,53B,54A, and54B are provided like a frame as a whole. The configuration is not limited thereto, and at least one of the second electrodes53A,53B,54A, and54B may be provided along at least one side of the peripheral region Gd. The second electrodes53A,53B,54A, and54B each preferably continuously extend without being electrically separated in a portion along at least one side of the display region Ad.

In touch detection on the display region Ad, the display device1B according to the second embodiment detects an object to be detected in the display region Ad based on capacitance changes in the first electrodes COML by self-capacitance touch detection described in the first embodiment. By contrast, the display device1B detects an object to be detected in the peripheral region Gd by mutual capacitance touch detection. The following describes the touch detection in greater detail.

FIGS. 19, 20, and 21are diagrams for explaining an exemplary operation in touch detection performed by the display device according to the second embodiment. The display device1B according to the present embodiment performs touch detection on the peripheral region Gd based on changes in capacitance between the second electrodes53A,53B,54A, and54B and the first electrodes COML. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 19, the first electrode driver14supplies the drive signals Vcom to the second electrodes54A and54B.

The controller11(refer toFIG. 1) selects a plurality of first electrodes COML disposed side by side with the second electrode54A out of the first electrodes COML as a detection target. The first electrodes COML disposed side by side with the second electrode54A and arrayed in the first direction Dx are referred to as a detection electrode block Rx1. In other words, the first electrodes COML in the detection electrode block Rx1are disposed side by side with the second electrode54A and arrayed in the longitudinal direction of the second electrode54A. The controller11(refer toFIG. 1) selects a plurality of first electrodes COML disposed side by side with the second electrode54B out of the first electrodes COML as a detection target. The first electrodes COML disposed side by side with the second electrode54B and arrayed in the first direction Dx are referred to as a detection electrode block Rx2. In other words, the first electrodes COML in the detection electrode block Rx2are disposed side by side with the second electrode54B and arrayed in the longitudinal direction of the second electrode54B.

When the drive signal Vcom is supplied to the second electrode54A, the first electrodes COML in the detection electrode block Rx1output the sensor output signals corresponding to changes in capacitance between the second electrode54A and the first electrodes COML to the AFE48. Simultaneously, the first electrodes COML in the detection electrode block Rx2output the sensor output signals corresponding to changes in capacitance between the second electrode54B and the first electrodes COML to the AFE48(refer toFIG. 1). As described above, the first electrodes COML in the detection electrode blocks Rx1and Rx2serve as detection electrodes. Consequently, the display device1B can detect the position of an object to be detected in a region along the short sides of the peripheral region Gd even in a case of the second electrodes54A and54B having a long shape. As described above, the display device1B performs touch detection on the peripheral region Gd provided with the second electrodes54A and the second electrode54B by the mutual capacitance method.

In this case, the number of first electrodes COML included in the detection electrode blocks Rx1and Rx2is determined depending on the number of channels in the AFE48. In the example illustrated inFIG. 19, eight first electrodes COML are simultaneously coupled to the AFE48in the same detection period. The number of first electrodes COML is not limited thereto, and seven or less or nine or more first electrodes COML may be coupled to the AFE48.

As illustrated inFIG. 20, the first electrode driver14supplies the drive signal Vcom to the second electrode53A. The controller11(refer toFIG. 1) selects a plurality of first electrodes COML disposed side by side with the second electrode53A out of the first electrodes COML as a detection target. The first electrodes COML disposed side by side with the second electrode53A and arrayed in the second direction Dy are referred to as a detection electrode block Rx3.

The detection electrode block Rx3outputs the sensor output signals corresponding to changes in capacitance between the second electrode53A and the first electrodes COML to the AFE48. The display device1B thus performs touch detection on one of the long sides of the peripheral region Gd provided with the second electrode53A. In the example illustrated inFIG. 20, eight first electrodes COML arrayed in the second direction Dy are simultaneously coupled to the AFE48in the same detection period.

As illustrated inFIG. 21, the first electrode driver14supplies the drive signal Vcom to the second electrode53B. The controller11(refer toFIG. 1) selects a plurality of first electrodes COML disposed side by side with the second electrode53B out of the first electrodes COML as a detection target. The first electrodes COML disposed side by side with the second electrode53B and arrayed in the second direction Dy are referred to as a detection electrode block Rx4.

The detection electrode block Rx4outputs the sensor output signals corresponding to changes in capacitance between the second electrode53B and the first electrodes COML to the AFE48. The display device1B thus performs touch detection on the other of the long sides of the peripheral region Gd provided with the second electrode53B. Also in the example illustrated inFIG. 21, eight first electrodes COML arrayed in the second direction Dy are simultaneously coupled to the AFE48in the same detection period.

As described above, the first electrodes COML disposed side by side with the second electrodes53A,53B,54A, and54B serve as the detection electrode blocks Rx1, Rx2, Rx3, and Rx4including a predetermined number of first electrodes COML. When a first number is the predetermined number, and a second number is the total number of first electrodes COML, the first number is smaller than the second number. The first electrode driver14supplies the drive signals Vcom to the second electrodes53A,53B,54A, and54B simultaneously or in a time-division manner. The first electrodes COML output the sensor output signals corresponding to the capacitance changes to the AFE48from each of the detection electrode blocks Rx1, Rx2, Rx3, and Rx4. The display device1B thus performs touch detection on the peripheral region Gd by the mutual capacitance method. In other words, the second electrodes53A,53B,54A, and54B according to the present embodiment serve as drive electrodes, and the first electrodes COML in the detection electrode blocks Rx1, Rx2, Rx3, and Rx4serve as detection electrodes. By performing the detection operation described above, the display device1B can accurately detect the position of an object to be detected in the peripheral region Gd.

While the display device1B performs touch detection on every eight first electrodes COML in a time-division manner inFIGS. 19 to 21, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. If the AFE48has enough channels, for example, the detection electrode blocks Rx1, Rx2, Rx3, and Rx4may include eight or more first electrodes COML, or the second electrodes53A,53B,54A, and54B may be driven simultaneously. The detection electrode blocks Rx1, Rx2, Rx3, and Rx4include the first electrodes COML positioned on the outermost side of the display region Ad, the configuration is not limited thereto. The detection electrode blocks Rx1, Rx2, Rx3, and Rx4may include the first electrodes COML disposed on the inside of the display region Ad. In touch detection on the display region Ad, the display device1B can detect an object to be detected based on capacitance changes in the first electrodes COML by the self-capacitance method described above.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 22is a plan view of the first substrate according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. A display device1C according to the present embodiment includes a frame-like second electrode56in the peripheral region Gd. The second electrode56has a first region56a, a second region56b, a third region56c, and a fourth region56d.

The first region56aand the second region56bhave a long shape with their long sides extending in the second direction Dy. The third region56cand the fourth region56dhave a long shape with their long sides extending in the first direction Dx. The third region56ccouples one end of the first region56aand one end of the second region56b. The fourth region56dcouples the other end of the first region56aand the other end of the second region56b. As described above, the second electrode56is provided continuously along the four sides of the peripheral region Gd, thereby having a continuous frame shape. The second electrode56surrounds the display region Ad. The second electrode56is coupled to the driver IC19via the wire28A.

Similarly to the example illustrated inFIG. 12, in the peripheral region Gd, the second electrode56according to the present embodiment is provided on the insulating layer24, that is, to a layer identical with that of the pixel electrodes22and different from that of the first electrodes COML. The first region56a, the second region56b, the third region56c, and the fourth region56dare provided to a single layer identical with that of the pixel electrodes22.

The second electrode56according to the present embodiment may be provided by using a guard ring provided to increase the reliability in the display operation as the drive electrodes for touch detection. In the display operation, the first electrode driver14supplies DC voltage signals having the same electric potential as that of the drive signals Vcomdc to the second electrode56. As a result, the second electrode56shields noise in various kinds of circuits including the wires12aand12b, thereby increasing the display reliability.

Similarly to the second embodiment, the display device1C according to the present embodiment performs touch detection on the peripheral region Gd by the mutual capacitance method.FIGS. 23 to 25are diagrams for explaining an exemplary operation in touch detection performed by the display device according to the third embodiment. The display device1C according to the present embodiment performs touch detection on the peripheral region Gd based on changes in capacitance between the second electrode56and the first electrodes COML. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 23, the first electrode driver14supplies the drive signals Vcom to the second electrode56.

The controller11(refer toFIG. 1) selects a plurality of first electrodes COML disposed side by side with the third region56cout of the first electrodes COML as a detection target. The first electrodes COML disposed side by side with the third region56cand arrayed in the first direction Dx are referred to as the detection electrode block Rx1. In other words, the first electrodes COML in the detection electrode block Rx1are disposed side by side with the third region56cand arrayed in the longitudinal direction of the third region56c. The controller11(refer toFIG. 1) selects a plurality of first electrodes COML disposed side by side with the fourth region56dout of the first electrodes COML as a detection target. The first electrodes COML disposed side by side with the fourth region56dand arrayed in the first direction Dx are referred to as the detection electrode block Rx2. In other words, the first electrodes COML in the detection electrode block Rx2are disposed side by side with the fourth region56dand arrayed in the longitudinal direction of the fourth region56d.

When the drive signal Vcom is supplied to the second electrode56, the first electrodes COML in the detection electrode block Rx1output the sensor output signals corresponding to changes in capacitance between the third region56cand the first electrodes COML to the AFE48. Simultaneously, the first electrodes COML in the detection electrode block Rx2output the sensor output signals corresponding to changes in capacitance between the fourth region56dand the first electrodes COML to the AFE48(refer toFIG. 1). As described above, the first electrodes COML in the detection electrode blocks Rx1and Rx2serve as detection electrodes. Consequently, the display device1C can detect the position of an object to be detected in a region along the short sides of the peripheral region Gd even in a case of the second electrode56having a frame shape. As described above, the display device1C performs touch detection on the peripheral region Gd provided with the third region56cand the fourth region56dby the mutual capacitance method.

In this case, the number of first electrodes COML included in the detection electrode blocks Rx1and Rx2is determined depending on the number of channels in the AFE48. In the example illustrated inFIG. 23, eight first electrodes COML are simultaneously coupled to the AFE48in the same detection period. The number of first electrodes COML is not limited thereto, and seven or less or nine or more first electrodes COML may be coupled to the AFE48.

As illustrated inFIG. 24, the first electrode driver14supplies the drive signal Vcom to the second electrode56. The controller11(refer toFIG. 1) selects a plurality of first electrodes COML disposed side by side with the first region56aout of the first electrodes COML as a detection target. The first electrodes COML disposed side by side with the first region56aand arrayed in the second direction Dy are referred to as the detection electrode block Rx3.

The detection electrode block Rx3outputs the sensor output signals corresponding to changes in capacitance between the first region56aand the first electrodes COML to the AFE48. The display device1C thus performs touch detection on the peripheral region Gd provided with the first region56a. In the example illustrated inFIG. 24, eight first electrodes COML arrayed in the second direction Dy are simultaneously coupled to the AFE48in the same detection period.

As illustrated inFIG. 25, the first electrode driver14supplies the drive signal Vcom to the second electrode56. The controller11(refer toFIG. 1) selects a plurality of first electrodes COML disposed side by side with the second region56bout of the first electrodes COML as a detection target. The first electrodes COML disposed side by side with the second region56band arrayed in the second direction Dy are referred to as the detection electrode block Rx4.

The detection electrode block Rx4outputs the sensor output signals corresponding to changes in capacitance between the second region56band the first electrodes COML to the AFE48. The display device1C thus performs touch detection on the peripheral region Gd provided with the second region56b. Also in the example illustrated inFIG. 25, eight first electrodes COML arrayed in the second direction Dy are simultaneously coupled to the AFE48in the same detection period.

As described above, the first electrodes COML disposed side by side with the second electrode56serve as the detection electrode blocks Rx1, Rx2, Rx3, and Rx4including a predetermined number of first electrodes COML. The first electrode driver14supplies the drive signals Vcom to the second electrode56. The first electrodes COML output the sensor output signals corresponding to the capacitance changes to the AFE48from each of the detection electrode blocks Rx1, Rx2, Rx3, and Rx4. The display device1C thus performs touch detection on the peripheral region Gd by the mutual capacitance method. In other words, the second electrode56according to the present embodiment serves as a drive electrode, and the first electrodes COML in the detection electrode blocks Rx1, Rx2, Rx3, and Rx4serve as detection electrodes. By performing the detection operation described above, the display device1C can accurately detect the position of an object to be detected in the peripheral region Gd.

The present embodiment includes one second electrode56in the peripheral region Gd. With this configuration, the present embodiment requires a smaller number of wires28A that couple the second electrode56to the driver IC19than the configuration according to the first and the second embodiments. As a result, the driver IC19requires a smaller number of terminals. The present embodiment does not require any circuit that scans the second electrode56.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 26is a sectional view of a schematic sectional structure of the display device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 27is a plan view of the first substrate according to the fourth embodiment.FIG. 28is a plan view of a cover substrate according to the fourth embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 26, a display device1D according to the present embodiment includes a cover substrate51besides the pixel substrate2and the counter substrate3. The cover substrate51is separated from the first substrate21in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the first substrate21. The cover substrate51is disposed on the opposite side of the pixel substrate2across the counter substrate3. The cover substrate51according to the present embodiment is also referred to as a third substrate.

The cover substrate51is a protective member that covers and protects the pixel substrate2and the counter substrate3. The cover substrate51may be a glass substrate or a film-like substrate made of a resin material, for example. The cover substrate51has a first surface51aand a second surface51bopposite to the first surface51a. The first surface51aof the cover substrate51is a display surface on which an image is displayed and a detection surface with or to which an object to be detected is in contact or in proximity. The second surface51bof the cover substrate51faces the counter substrate3and is bonded to the counter substrate3with an adhesive layer, which is not illustrated, interposed therebetween.

The cover substrate51according to the present embodiment has an outer shape larger than that of the display panel10in planar view. The second surface51bof the cover substrate51is provided with a colored layer52. The colored layer52is provided in the peripheral region Gd. The colored layer52can prevent various kinds of circuits, such as the gate driver12and the source driver13, and wires from being visually recognized from the outside. The colored layer52is a decorative layer made of a resin material or a metal material colored to suppress transmission of light, for example.

Second electrodes53C and53D according to the present embodiment are provided under the colored layer52on the second surface51bof the cover substrate51. In other words, the second electrodes53C and53D are provided to a layer different from that of the pixel electrodes22. The second electrodes53C and53D serve as drive electrodes in touch detection on the peripheral region Gd.

The material of the second electrodes53C and53D is not limited to a translucent conductive material, such as ITO. The second electrodes53C and53D may be a metal layer made of one or more of aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), and tungsten (W), for example. The second electrodes53C and53D may be made of an alloy including one or more of these metal materials or a multilayered body including a plurality of conductive layers made of these materials.

As illustrated inFIG. 27, the second electrodes53C and53D are not provided in the peripheral region Gd of the first substrate21. The first electrodes COML in a matrix (row-column configuration) are provided in the display region Ad of the first substrate21. The configuration of the first electrodes COML is the same as that according to the second and the third embodiments. In other words, the present embodiment also performs touch detection on the display region Ad by the self-capacitance method. The guard ring described in the third embodiment may be provided in the peripheral region Gd of the first substrate21.

FIG. 28is a plan view of the cover substrate51viewed from the first surface51a. The second electrodes53C and53D and a second electrode54C are provided in the peripheral region Gd of the cover substrate51. A flexible substrate73is provided in the peripheral region Gd of the cover substrate51. The flexible substrate73is provided overlapping the flexible substrate72illustrated inFIG. 27. Alternatively, the flexible substrate73is preferably provided to the same side as the side provided with the flexible substrate72.

The second electrodes53C and53D have a long shape with their long sides extending in the second direction Dy. The second electrode54C has a long shape with its long side extending in the first direction Dx. The second electrode53C is provided to one of the long sides of the peripheral region Gd of the cover substrate51, and the second electrode53D is provided to the other of the long sides. The second electrode54C is provided to the short side coupled to the flexible substrate73in the peripheral region Gd of the cover substrate51. The second electrodes53C,53D, and54C are provided not overlapping the first electrodes COML in planar view.

The second electrodes53C and53D are electrically coupled to the flexible substrate73via wires L1. The second electrode54C is electrically coupled to the flexible substrate73via wires L2. The wires L1and L2are coupled to a terminal73A via wires L3provided to the flexible substrate73. The terminal73A of the flexible substrate73is coupled to a terminal72A of the flexible substrate72illustrated inFIG. 27. The terminal72A is coupled to the driver IC19via wires L4provided to the flexible substrate72. With this configuration, the second electrodes53C,53D, and54C provided to the cover substrate51are electrically coupled to the driver IC19.

The second electrodes53C,53D, and54C according to the present embodiment also form capacitance between themselves and the first electrodes COML disposed side by side therewith in planar view. Similarly to the second and the third embodiments, the display device1D according to the present embodiment can perform touch detection on the peripheral region Gd by the mutual capacitance method.

Specifically, in touch detection on the peripheral region Gd, the first electrode driver14supplies the drive signals Vcom to the second electrodes53C,53D, and54C simultaneously or in a time-division manner similarly to the example illustrated inFIGS. 19 to 21. The controller11(refer toFIG. 1) selects the detection electrode blocks Rx2, Rx3, and Rx4(refer toFIGS. 19 to 21) out of the first electrodes COML simultaneously or in a time-division manner. The present embodiment includes no second electrode in the peripheral region Gd on the opposite side of the second electrode54C across the display region Ad. As a result, the detection electrode block Rx1illustrated inFIG. 19is not selected as a detection electrode.

The detection electrode blocks Rx2, Rx3, and Rx4output the sensor output signals corresponding to changes in capacitance between the second electrodes53C,53D,54C, and56and the first electrodes COML to the AFE48. The display device1D thus can perform touch detection on the peripheral region Gd. The first electrodes COML in the detection electrode blocks Rx2, Rx3, and Rx4serve as detection electrodes. Consequently, the display device1D can accurately detect the position of an object to be detected in the peripheral region Gd.

The second electrodes53C,53D, and54C according to the present embodiment are provided to the cover substrate51. With this configuration, the present embodiment can make the peripheral region Gd of the first substrate21narrower. Furthermore, the second electrodes53C,53D, and54C can have a larger area than those of the second and the third embodiments because they are less restricted by the various kinds of wiring and circuits provided to the peripheral region Gd of the first substrate21. Consequently, the present embodiment can increase the detection sensitivity in touch detection on the peripheral region Gd.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 29is a plan view of the first substrate according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 30is a plan view of the cover substrate according to the fifth embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 29, no second electrode is provided in the peripheral region Gd of the first substrate21. The first electrodes COML in a matrix (row-column configuration) are provided in the display region Ad of the first substrate21. The present embodiment also performs touch detection on the display region Ad by the self-capacitance method. The guard ring described in the third embodiment may be provided in the peripheral region Gd of the first substrate21.

A display device1E according to the present embodiment includes a second electrode56A in the peripheral region Gd of the cover substrate51. The second electrode56A has a frame shape similarly to the third embodiment illustrated inFIG. 22. In other words, the second electrode56A has a first region56Aa, a second region56Ab, a third region56Ac, and a fourth region56Ad.

The first region56Aa and the second region56Ab have a long shape with their long sides extending in the second direction Dy. The third region56Ac and the fourth region56Ad have a long shape with their long sides extending in the first direction Dx. The third region56Ac couples one end of the first region56Aa and one end of the second region56Ab. The fourth region56Ad couples the other end of the first region56Aa and the other end of the second region56Ab. As described above, the second electrode56A has a continuous frame shape. The second electrode56A surrounds the display region Ad.

The second electrode56A is electrically coupled to the flexible substrate73via wires L5coupled to the fourth region56Ad. The wires L5are coupled to the terminal73A via a wire L6provided to the flexible substrate73. The terminal73A of the flexible substrate73is coupled to the terminal72A of the flexible substrate72illustrated inFIG. 29. The terminal72A is coupled to the driver IC19via a wire L7provided to the flexible substrate72. With this configuration, the second electrode56A provided to the cover substrate51is electrically coupled to the driver IC19.

The second electrode56A according to the present embodiment also forms capacitance between itself and the first electrodes COML disposed side by side therewith in planar view. The display device1E according to the present embodiment can perform touch detection on the peripheral region Gd by the mutual capacitance method.

Specifically, in touch detection on the peripheral region Gd, the first electrode driver14supplies the drive signals Vcom to the second electrode56A. Similarly to the example illustrated inFIGS. 19 to 21, the controller11(refer toFIG. 1) selects the detection electrode blocks Rx1, Rx2, Rx3, and Rx4simultaneously or in a time-division manner. The detection electrode blocks Rx1, Rx2, Rx3, and Rx4output the sensor output signals corresponding to changes in capacitance between the second electrode56A and the first electrodes COML to the AFE48. The display device1E thus can perform touch detection on the peripheral region Gd.

The present embodiment includes one second electrode56A in the peripheral region Gd of the cover substrate51. With this configuration, the present embodiment requires a smaller number of wires L5that couple the second electrode56A to the flexible substrate73than the configuration according to the fourth embodiment. The present embodiment also requires a smaller number of wires L6and L7provided to the flexible substrates73and72, respectively. Consequently, the flexible substrates73and72have a simpler configuration.

Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 31is a schematic of a coupling configuration between the first electrodes and the analog front end circuit in the display device according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 32is a sectional view along line B1-B2inFIG. 31. WhileFIG. 31illustrates no second electrode in the peripheral region Gd, the present embodiment may include the second electrodes in the first substrate21similarly to the first to the third embodiments described above. Alternatively, the present embodiment may include the second electrodes in the cover substrate51similarly to the fourth and the fifth embodiments.

As illustrated inFIG. 31, a display device1F according to the present embodiment includes the COF75coupled to the first substrate21. The flexible substrate72is coupled to the COF75on the opposite side of the first substrate21. The COF75includes the film-like substrate74and the driver IC19. The driver IC19is mounted on the substrate74. The flexible substrate72is provided with the touch IC18. The touch IC18includes the AFE48.

In the display device1F according to the present embodiment, the wires L11are provided under the driver IC19. The wires L11pass under the driver IC19to couple the coupling circuit17and the AFE48.

As illustrated inFIG. 32, the driver IC19is mounted on the substrate74with coupling members81interposed therebetween. The substrate74is provided with the wires L11, wires74B, pads74A, and pads74C. The pad74A is provided on and electrically coupled to the wire74B. The wires74B are electrically coupled to the first electrodes COML. The pad74C is provided on and electrically coupled to the wire L11.

The coupling member81is provided between the pad74A of the substrate74and a pad19A of the driver IC19. As a result, the driver IC19is electrically coupled to the substrate74. The wire L11is provided under a dummy pad19B of the driver IC19with the coupling member81interposed therebetween. As a result, the wire L11is provided under the driver IC19. With this configuration, the wires L11pass under the driver IC19to extend from the coupling circuit17to the AFE48.

FIG. 33is a sectional view of the display device according to a modification of the sixth embodiment. The driver IC19according to the present modification is provided with no dummy pad19B. The wires L11are provided between the pads19A adjacent to each other. Even in this configuration, the wires L11pass under the driver IC19to extend from the coupling circuit17to the AFE48. While the wires L11are not electrically coupled to the driver IC19inFIGS. 32 and 33, the configuration is not limited thereto. The wires L11may be coupled to the driver IC19and electrically coupled to the touch IC18via a circuit or wiring of the driver IC19.

Seventh Embodiment

While the first substrate21according to the first to the sixth embodiments has a rectangular shape in planar view, the structure is not limited thereto.FIG. 34is a plan view of the first substrate according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. A display device1G according to the present embodiment includes a first substrate21A having an irregular shape in planar view. Corners102of the first substrate21A have a curved shape. The corner102is a portion at which an extension of one side extending in the first direction Dx out of the sides of the first substrate21A intersects an extension of the other side extending in the second direction Dy. First electrodes COMLa, COMLb, COMLc, and COMLd disposed at the respective corners of the display region Ad have an outer shape including a curve corresponding to the shape of the corners102.

A recess101is formed on the opposite side of the driver IC19across the display region Ad out of the sides of the first substrate21A. The recess101bends toward the display region Ad from the outer periphery of the first substrate21A. First electrodes COMLe and COMLf disposed at the portion where the recess101is formed have irregular shapes corresponding to the shape of the recess101. Specifically, the first electrodes COMLf have a rectangular shape with a width smaller than that of the other first electrodes COML. The first electrodes COMLe have an outer shape including a curve bending inward.

Two first electrodes COMLf are arrayed in the first direction Dx with the recess101sandwiched therebetween. Two first electrodes COMLe are arrayed in the first direction Dx with an end of the recess101sandwiched therebetween. It may possibly be difficult for the first substrate21A having such an irregular shape to secure coupling between the wires27and the respective first electrodes COML.

As illustrated inFIG. 34, wiring blocks127A,127B,127C,127D,127E, and127F are provided to respective sets of first electrodes COML arrayed in the second direction Dy. The wiring blocks127A,127B,127C,127D,127E, and127F each include wires27a,27b,27c,27d,27e,27f,27g, and27h. The wires27a,27b,27c,27d,27e,27f,27g, and27hare coupled to the respective first electrodes COML arrayed in the second direction Dy. The wires27a,27b,27c,27d,27e,27f,27g, and27hare arrayed in this order in the first direction Dx.

In the following description, the wires27a,27b,27c,27d,27e,27f,27g, and27hare referred to as the wires27when they need not be distinguished from one another.

The wiring blocks127A and127F are disposed on the outer side in the first direction Dx than the wiring blocks127B,127C,127D, and127E. In the wiring block127A, the wire27his provided at a position farthest from the corner102in the first direction Dx, that is, a position farthest from the outer periphery of the first substrate21A. The wire27his coupled to the first electrode COMLa farthest from the driver IC19. The wire27his disposed closer to the center of the display region Ad than the wire27g.

The wire27ais provided at a position closest to the corner102in the first direction Dx, that is, a position closest to the outer periphery of the first substrate21A. The wire27ais not coupled to the first electrode COMLa or COMLc disposed at both ends out of the first electrodes COML arrayed in the second direction Dy. The wire27ais coupled to the first electrode COML disposed at the center in the second direction Dy.

The wire27bis coupled to the first electrode COML disposed side by side with the first electrode COML coupled to the wire27aon the side close to the driver IC19out of the first electrodes COML arrayed in the second direction Dy. The wire27cis coupled to the first electrode COML disposed side by side with the first electrode COML coupled to the wire27bon the side close to the driver IC19out of the first electrodes COML arrayed in the second direction Dy. The wire27dis coupled to the first electrode COMLc disposed side by side with the first electrode COML coupled to the wire27con the side close to the driver IC19out of the first electrodes COML arrayed in the second direction Dy. In other words, the wire27dis provided between the wire27hfarthest from the outer periphery of the first substrate21A and the wire27aclosest to the outer periphery of the first substrate21A in the first direction Dx and is coupled to the first electrode COMLc closest to the driver IC19.

The wire27eis coupled to the first electrode COML disposed side by side with the first electrode COML coupled to the wire27aon the side away from the driver IC19out of the first electrodes COML arrayed in the second direction Dy. The wires27f,27g, and27hare coupled in this order to the respective first electrodes COML disposed farther from the driver IC19.

As illustrated inFIG. 34, in the wiring block127A, the wire27dis provided between the wire27hfarthest from the outer periphery of the first substrate21A and the wire27aclosest to the outer periphery of the first substrate21A out of the wires27a,27b,27c,27d,27e,27f,27g, and27h. The wire27dis coupled to the first electrode COMLc closest to the driver IC19. The wires disposed closer to the outer periphery of the first substrate21A with respect to the wire27d, that is, the wires27d,27c,27b, and27aare coupled in this order to the first electrodes COML disposed farther from the driver IC19. The wires disposed farther from the outer periphery of the first substrate21A with respect to the wire27d, that is, the wires27d,27e,27f,27g, and27hare coupled in this order to the first electrodes COML disposed farther from the driver IC19.

The wires27a,27b,27c,27d,27e,27f,27g, and27hof the wiring block127F are line-symmetric to those of the wiring block127A with respect to a symmetry line AX passing through the center of the recess101in the first direction Dx and extending in the second direction Dy. In the wiring block127F, the wire27ais coupled to the first electrode COMLb farthest from the driver IC19. The wire27his coupled not to the first electrode COMLb nor COMLd but to the first electrode COML disposed at the center in the second direction Dy. The wire27ebetween the wires27aand27his coupled to the first electrode COMLd. This configuration can secure coupling between the wires27and the first electrodes COMLa, COMLb, COMLc, and COMLd disposed at the respective corners of the display region Ad.

The wiring block127B is coupled to the first electrodes COML line-symmetrically to the wiring block127A. The wiring block127E is coupled to the first electrodes COML line-symmetrically to the wiring block127F.

The wiring block127C is coupled to the first electrodes COML in the same pattern as that of the wiring block127B. The wiring blocks127C and127D disposed near the recess101are line-symmetric to each other with respect to the symmetry line AX passing through the center of the recess101in the first direction Dx and extending in the second direction Dy. Specifically, the wire27aof the wiring block127C and the wire27hof the wiring block127D are disposed side by side with the recess101sandwiched therebetween. The wire27aof the wiring block127C and the wire27hof the wiring block127D are coupled to the respective first electrodes COMLf farthest from the driver IC19. The wire27bof the wiring block127C and the wire27gof the wiring block127D are disposed near the end of the recess101and coupled to the respective first electrodes COMLe.

The wire27cof the wiring block127C and the wire27fof the wiring block127D are coupled to the respective first electrode COML disposed side by side with the first electrodes COMLe on the side close to the driver IC19. The wire27dof the wiring block127C and the wire27eof the wiring block127D are coupled to the respective first electrode COML disposed side by side with the first electrodes COML coupled to the wire27cof the wiring block127C and the wire27fof the wiring block127D on the side close to the driver IC19.

The wire27eof the wiring block127C and the wire27dof the wiring block127D are coupled to the respective first electrodes COML closest to the driver IC19. The wires27f,27g, and27hof the wiring block127C are coupled in this order to the respective first electrodes COML disposed farther from the driver IC19. The wires27c,27b, and27aof the wiring block127D are coupled in this order to the respective first electrodes COML disposed farther from the driver IC19.

As described above, at least a pair of first electrodes (e.g., the first electrodes COMLe) out of the first electrodes COML is disposed side by side in the first direction Dx across the symmetry line AX extending in the second direction Dy passing through the recess101and intersecting the first direction Dx. The wire (e.g., the wire27b) coupled to one of the pair of the first electrodes COMLe is disposed line-symmetrically to the wire (e.g., the wire27g) coupled to the other thereof with respect to the symmetry line AX. The wires27of the wiring block127C coupled to the respective first electrodes COML arrayed in the second direction Dy are disposed line-symmetrically, with respect to the symmetry line AX, to those of the wiring block127D coupled to the respective first electrodes COML disposed side by side with the first electrodes COML corresponding to the wiring block127C in the first direction Dx. This configuration can secure coupling between the wires27and the first electrodes COMLe and COMLf having irregular shapes corresponding to the shape of the recess101.

The wiring patterns in the wiring blocks127A,127B,127C,127D,127E, and127F are not limited to those illustrated inFIG. 34.FIG. 35is a plan view of the first substrate according to a first modification of the seventh embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 35, in a display device1H according to the present modification, the shape of the first substrate21A is the same as that illustrated inFIG. 34. In other words, the first substrate21A has the corners102having a curved shape and the recess101formed on one side of the outer periphery.

In the wiring block127A, the wire27his provided at a position farthest from the corner102in the first direction Dx, that is, a position farthest from the outer periphery of the first substrate21A. The wire27his coupled to the first electrode COMLa farthest from the driver IC19. The wire27gprovided side by side with the wire27hin the first direction Dx is coupled to the first electrode COMLc closest to the driver IC19.

The wire27fprovided side by side with the wire27gis coupled to the first electrode COML disposed closer to the driver IC19than the first electrode COMLa is. The wire27eprovided side by side with the wire27fis coupled to the first electrode COML disposed farther from the driver IC19than the first electrode COMLc is. The wire27dprovided side by side with the wire27eis coupled to the first electrode COML disposed closer to the driver IC19than the first electrode COML coupled to the wire27fis. The wire27cprovided side by side with the wire27dis coupled to the first electrode COML disposed farther from the driver IC19than the first electrode COML coupled to the wire27eis. The wire27bprovided side by side with the wire27cis coupled to the first electrode COML disposed closer to the driver IC19than the first electrode COML coupled to the wire27dis. The wire27ais provided at a position closest to the corner102, that is, a position closest to the outer periphery of the first substrate21A. The wire27ais coupled to the first electrode COML disposed at the center other than the first electrodes COML disposed at both ends out of the first electrodes COML arrayed in the second direction Dy. As described above, the wires27h,27g,27f,27e,27d,27c,27b, and27aare alternately coupled to the first electrodes COML in this order and converge to the first electrode COML disposed at the center. Also in the present modification, the wire27gdisposed between the wires27aand27his coupled to the first electrode COMLc closest to the driver IC19out of the first electrodes COML arrayed in the second direction Dy.

The wires27a,27b,27c,27d,27e,27f,27g, and27hof the wiring block127F are coupled to the respective first electrodes COML line-symmetrically to those of the wiring block127A. This configuration can secure coupling between the wires27and the first electrodes COMLa, COMLb, COMLc, and COMLd disposed at the respective corners of the display region Ad.

Also in the present modification, the wiring blocks127C and127D disposed at the position corresponding to the recess101are line-symmetric to each other with respect to the symmetry line AX passing through the center of the recess101in the first direction Dx and extending in the second direction Dy. This configuration can secure coupling between the wires27and the first electrodes COMLe and COMLf having irregular shapes corresponding to the shape of the recess101.

The wiring block127B according to the present modification is coupled to the first electrodes asymmetrically to the wiring block127A. The wiring block127B is coupled to the first electrodes COML line-symmetrically to the wiring block127E. The wiring block127B may have the wiring pattern described above.

InFIG. 35, only the wiring blocks disposed on the outermost side in the first direction Dx, that is, only the wiring blocks127A and127F have the wiring pattern in which the wires27are alternately coupled to the first electrodes COML and converge to the first electrode COML disposed at the center. The configuration is not limited thereto. The wiring blocks127A and127B inFIG. 35, for example, may be defined as typical patterns of the wires27, and they may be alternately provided. Alternatively, a plurality of wiring blocks127B and one wiring block127A may be arrayed in the first direction Dx. Still alternatively, one wiring block127B and a plurality of wiring blocks127A may be arrayed in the first direction Dx.

FIG. 36is a plan view of the first substrate according to a second modification of the seventh embodiment.FIG. 37is a plan view of the first substrate according to a third modification of the seventh embodiment. In a display device1I according to the second modification illustrated inFIG. 36, the wiring patterns of the wiring blocks127A to127F are the same as those illustrated inFIG. 34. In a display device1J according to the third modification illustrated inFIG. 37, the wiring patterns of the wiring blocks127A to127F are the same as those illustrated inFIG. 35.

The modifications illustrated inFIGS. 36 and 37are different from the display device1G inFIG. 34and the display device1H inFIG. 35in that dummy wires Ld are provided. As illustrated inFIGS. 36 and 37, the wires27are coupled to the first electrodes COML through the respective contact holes H1. The dummy wires Ld extending in a direction parallel to the wires27are provided to the first electrodes COML disposed farther from the driver IC19than the first electrodes COML coupled to the respective wires27are.

The dummy wire Ld is disposed under the first electrode COML. The dummy wire Ld is separated from the wire27by a slit SL. A plurality of dummy wires Ld are arrayed in the second direction Dy. In this case, the dummy wires Ld are separated from each other by the slits SL. The dummy wires Ld may be electrically coupled to the respective first electrodes COML disposed overlapping them. In the example illustrated inFIGS. 36 and 37, the width of the slit SL is equal to the space between the first electrodes COML disposed side by side in the second direction Dy.

The dummy wires Ld are made of the same material as that of the wires27. The dummy wires Ld are disposed with the same width and at the same pitch as those of the wires27. The dummy wires Ld suppress fluctuations in the light transmittance between the portions provided with the wires27and the portions provided with the dummy wires Ld. Consequently, the display devices1I and1J can provide high visibility.

While exemplary embodiments according to the present invention have been described, the embodiments are not intended to limit the invention. The contents disclosed in the embodiments are given by way of example only, and various changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Appropriate changes made without departing from the spirit of the invention naturally fall within the technical scope of the invention.

The display device according to the present aspect may have the following aspects, for example.

(1) A display device comprising:

a substrate;

a plurality of first electrodes disposed in a matrix in a display region of the substrate;

a plurality of second electrodes disposed in a peripheral region on an outside of the display region of the substrate;

a driver configured to supply a drive signal to the first electrodes and the second electrodes; and

a plurality of wires coupled to the respective first electrodes, wherein

the first electrodes are electrically coupled to the driver via the respective wires, and

the first electrodes output detection signals corresponding to self-capacitance changes in the first electrodes, and

the second electrodes output detection signals corresponding to self-capacitance changes in the second electrodes.

(2) The display device according to (1), wherein

the second electrodes are provided along at least one side of the peripheral region, and

an array pitch of the second electrodes is equal to an array pitch of the first electrodes in a direction along one side of the peripheral region.

(3) The display device according to (1) or (2), wherein the second electrodes are provided to four sides of the peripheral region surrounding the first electrodes.

(4) The display device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein

the first electrodes and the second electrodes are divided into a plurality of detection electrode blocks, and

the driver supplies the drive signal to the detection electrode blocks in a time-division manner.

(5) The display device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the first electrodes are provided to a layer different from a layer of the second electrodes.

(6) A display device comprising:

a substrate;

a plurality of first electrodes disposed in a matrix in a display region of the substrate;

a second electrode provided along at least one side of a peripheral region on an outside of the display region;

a driver configured to supply a drive signal to the second electrode; and

a plurality of wires coupled to the respective first electrodes, wherein

the first electrodes are electrically coupled to the driver via the respective wires, and

the first electrodes output detection signals corresponding to capacitance changes between the first electrodes and the second electrode when the drive signal is supplied to the second electrode.

(7) The display device according to (6), wherein

the second electrode is provided continuously along at least one side of the peripheral region, and

the first electrodes are provided side by side with the second electrode and arrayed in a longitudinal direction of the second electrode.

(8) The display device according to (6) or (7), wherein the second electrode is provided to four sides of the peripheral region surrounding the first electrodes.

(9) The display device according to (6) or (7), wherein the second electrode is provided continuously along four sides of the peripheral region.

(10) The display device according to (8) or (9), wherein

the first electrodes arrayed side by side with the second electrode are divided into a plurality of detection electrode blocks, and

the first electrodes in each of the detection electrode blocks output the detection signals.

(11) The display device according to any one of (6) to (10), further comprising:

a cover substrate separated from the substrate in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the substrate, wherein

the second electrode is provided in the peripheral region of the cover substrate.

(12) The display device according to any one of (1) to (11), further comprising a coupling switching circuit configured to switch coupling and cutting off of the first electrodes to and from the driver.

(13) The display device according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein

an outer periphery of the substrate has a corner having a curved shape and where a side extending in a first direction intersects a side extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction in a plane parallel to a surface of the substrate in planar view,

the wires coupled to the respective first electrodes arrayed in the second direction are arrayed in the first direction,

a wire, among the wires, farthest from the outer periphery of the substrate in the first direction is electrically coupled to a first electrode, among the first electrodes, farthest from the driver, and

a wire, among the wires, disposed between a wire, among the wires, closest to the outer periphery of the substrate in the first direction and the wire farthest from the outer periphery of the substrate is electrically coupled to a first electrode, among the first electrodes, closest to the driver.

an outer periphery of the substrate has a recess recessed toward the display region on a side extending in a first direction in a plane parallel to a surface of the substrate in planar view,

at least a pair of the first electrodes out of the first electrodes are disposed side by side in the first direction across a symmetry line extending in a second direction passing through the recess and intersecting the first direction, and

a wire, among the wires, coupled to a first one of the pair of the first electrodes is disposed line-symmetrically to a wire, among the wires, coupled to a second one of the pair of the first electrodes with respect to the symmetry line.

(15) The display device according to any one of (1) to (14), wherein a dummy wire extending in a direction parallel to the wires is provided to the first electrode disposed farther from the driver than the first electrodes coupled to the respective wires are.