Patent Description:
Electronic devices that provide images to a user, such as a smartphone, a tablet PC, a digital camera, a notebook computer, a navigation system and a smart television, include a display device for displaying images. The display device includes a display panel that generates and displays an image and various input devices.

Recently, a touch sensor that recognizes a touch input has been widely applied to display devices, mainly in smartphones and tablet PCs. Due to the convenience of a touch method, the touch sensor is replacing an existing physical input device such as a keypad.

Going further from the touch sensor, research has been conducted to provide a force sensor or a pressure sensor in a display device and utilize the force sensor in place of existing physical buttons. However, incorporating the force sensor may cause an interference of the force sensor with other components of the display device which should be addressed.

<CIT> discloses a display device including a display panel including a display area including at least a partially curved surface area; a touch sensor overlapping the display area to acquire touch information on a touch of a user; a pressure sensor to sense a pressure of the touch; and a controller configured to perform user authentication by controlling the display panel, the touch sensor, and the pressure sensor, wherein the touch sensor includes a plurality of sensor pixels that senses a change in capacitance corresponding to the touch, wherein the pressure sensor includes: a first electrode; a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode; and a pressure sensing element provided between the first electrode and the second electrode.

<CIT> discloses a capacitive touch screen with pressure sensors at the edges of the touch screen.

Devices constructed according to exemplary implementations of the invention are capable of providing a display device with improved sensitivity of a force sensor.

According to an aspect, there is provided a display device as set out in claim <NUM>. Additional features are set out in claims <NUM> to <NUM>.

Further, the d1-axis, the d2-axis, and the d3-axis are not limited to three axes of a rectangular coordinate system, such as the x, y, and z - axes, and may be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the d1-axis, the d2-axis, and the d3-axis may be perpendicular to one another, or may represent different directions that are not perpendicular to one another.

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

<FIG> is a perspective view of a display device <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the display device <NUM> according to the exemplary embodiment. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along a sectional line XI-XI' of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the display device <NUM> includes a display panel <NUM> and a first force sensor <NUM> and a second force sensor <NUM> disposed near edges of the display panel <NUM>. The display device <NUM> further includes a window <NUM> disposed above the display panel <NUM>, a light shielding layer <NUM> disposed below the display panel <NUM>, a conductive sheet <NUM> and bump portions <NUM> and <NUM> disposed below the light shielding layer <NUM>, and a bracket <NUM> (or a middle frame) disposed below the conductive sheet <NUM>.

Unless otherwise defined, the terms "above" and "upper surface" in a thickness direction, as used herein, denote a display surface side of the display panel <NUM>, for example, a direction in which an arrow of a third direction d3 faces, and the terms "below" and "lower surface" in the thickness direction, as used herein, denote an opposite side of the display panel <NUM> from the display surface side, for example, a direction opposite to the direction in which the arrow of the third direction d3 faces. In addition, the terms "above (upper)," "below (lower)," "left," and "right" in a planar direction refer to directions when a display surface placed in position is viewed from above.

The display device <NUM> may have a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. The display device <NUM> may be shaped like a rectangle with right-angled corners or a rectangle with round corners in plan view. The display device <NUM> may include both long sides LS1 and LS2 extending along a first direction d1 and both short sides SS1 and SS2 extending along a second direction d2 intersecting the first direction d1. In the rectangular display device <NUM> or members such as the display panel <NUM> included in the rectangular display device <NUM>, a long side located on a right side in plan view will be referred to as a first long side LS1, a long side located on a left side in plan view will be referred to as a second long side LS2, a short side located on an upper side in plan view will be referred to as a first short side SS1, and a short side located on a lower side in plan view will be referred to as a second short side SS2. The long sides LS1 and LS2 of the display device <NUM> may be, but are not necessarily, about <NUM> to <NUM> times longer than the short sides SS1 and SS2.

The display device <NUM> includes a first area DR1 and a second area DR2 lying in different planes. The first area DR1 lies in a first plane. The second area DR2 is connected to the first area DR1, but is bent or curved from the first area DR1. The second area DR2 lies in a second plane located at a predetermined crossing angle to the first plane or has a curved surface. The second area DR2 of the display device <NUM> is disposed around the first area DR1. The first area DR1 of the display device <NUM> is used as a main display surface. The second area DR2 as well as the first area DR1 are used as a display area of the display device <NUM>. A case where the first area DR1 of the display device <NUM> is a flat portion and the second area DR2 is a curved portion will be described below as an example.

The second area DR2, which is the curved portion, may have a constant curvature or a varying curvature.

The second area DR2 is disposed at edges of the display device <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the second area DR2 may be disposed to respective sides of the first area DR1 adjacent to both long edges (long sides LS1 and LS2) of the display device <NUM>. Alternatively, the second area DR2 may be disposed at one edge, at both short edges (short sides SS1 and SS2), at three edges, or at all edges of the display device <NUM>.

The display panel <NUM> is a panel for displaying a screen and may be, for example, an organic light emitting display panel. In the following exemplary embodiments, a case where an organic light emitting display panel is applied as the display panel <NUM> will be described as an example. However, other types of display panels such as a liquid crystal display panel, an electrophoresis display panel, a micro-LED display panel, a quantum dot light emitting display panel and other inorganic light emitting display panels may also be applied. A display flexible circuit board <NUM> may be coupled to the display panel <NUM>.

The display panel <NUM> includes a plurality of organic light emitting elements disposed on a substrate. The substrate may be a rigid substrate made of glass, quartz or the like or may be a flexible substrate made of polyimide or other polymer resins. When a polyimide substrate is applied as the substrate, the display panel <NUM> can be bent or curved, folded, or rolled. In the drawings, the second short side SS2 of the display panel <NUM> is bent. In this case, the display flexible circuit board <NUM> may be attached to a bending area BA of the display panel <NUM>.

The window <NUM> is disposed above the display panel <NUM>. The window <NUM> is disposed above the display panel <NUM> to protect the display panel <NUM> and transmit light emitted from the display panel <NUM>. The window <NUM> may be made of glass or transparent plastic.

The window <NUM> may be disposed to overlap the display panel <NUM> and cover the entire surface of the display panel <NUM>. The window <NUM> may be larger than the display panel <NUM>. For example, the window <NUM> may protrude outward from the display panel <NUM> at both short sides SS1 and SS2 of the display device <NUM>. The window <NUM> may also protrude from the display panel <NUM> at both long sides LS1 and LS2 of the display device <NUM>. However, the protruding distance of the window <NUM> may greater at both short sides SS1 and SS2.

In some exemplary embodiments, the display device <NUM> may further include a touch member <NUM> disposed between the display panel <NUM> and the window <NUM>. The touch member <NUM> may be of a rigid panel type, a flexible panel type, or a film type. The touch member <NUM> may have substantially the same size as the display panel <NUM> and may overlap the display panel <NUM>. Side surfaces of the touch member <NUM> may be, but are not necessarily, aligned with side surfaces of the display panel <NUM> at all sides excluding the bent short side SS2 of the display panel <NUM>. The display panel <NUM> and the touch member <NUM>, and the touch member <NUM> and the window <NUM> may be bonded together respectively by transparent bonding layers <NUM> and <NUM> such as optically clear adhesives (OCA) or optically clear resins (OCR). A touch flexible circuit board <NUM> may be coupled to the touch member <NUM>.

The touch member <NUM> can be omitted. In this case, the display panel <NUM> and the window <NUM> may be bonded together by an OCA or an OCR. In some exemplary embodiments, the display panel <NUM> may include a touch electrode portion. Alternatively, the touch electrode portion may be disposed directly on the display panel <NUM>. For example, when the display panel <NUM> includes a thin-film encapsulation layer covering the organic light emitting elements, the touch electrode portion may be disposed on the thin-film encapsulation layer. Alternatively, when the display panel <NUM> includes a rigid encapsulation substrate, the touch electrode portion may be disposed on the encapsulation substrate.

The light shielding layer <NUM>, the conductive sheet <NUM>, the bump portions <NUM> and <NUM>, and the first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM> (or pressure sensors) are disposed below the display panel <NUM>.

The light shielding layer <NUM> is disposed below the display panel <NUM> to prevent or reduce transmission of light and prevent or reduce components disposed under the light shielding layer <NUM> from being seen from above. In some exemplary embodiments, the light shielding layer <NUM> may be disposed over the entire lower surface of the display panel <NUM>. The light shielding layer <NUM> may overlap the conductive sheet <NUM>, the first bump portion <NUM> and the second bump portion <NUM> which will be described later and may completely cover the first bump portion <NUM> and the second bump portion <NUM>. In addition, the light shielding layer <NUM> may overlap the first force sensor <NUM> and the second force sensor <NUM> which will be described later and may completely cover the first force sensor <NUM> and the second force sensor <NUM>. In other words, each of the first force sensor <NUM>, the second force sensor <NUM>, the first bump portion <NUM>, and the second bump portion <NUM> may be completely overlapped by the light shielding layer <NUM>. Since the light shielding layer <NUM> is disposed below the display panel <NUM>, the first force sensor <NUM>, the second force sensor <NUM>, the first bump portion <NUM>, the second bump portion <NUM>, and the conductive sheet <NUM> can be prevented or reduced from being seen from the outside.

In some exemplary embodiments, the light shielding layer <NUM> may include a light absorbing material such as a black pigment or dye. In some exemplary embodiments, the light shielding layer <NUM> may further include a base layer, and the light absorbing material may be coated or printed on one surface or both surfaces of the base layer.

The light shielding layer <NUM> may be attached to the lower surface of the display panel <NUM> by a bonding layer <NUM> such as a force-sensitive adhesive layer or an adhesive layer.

The conductive sheet <NUM> may be disposed below the light shielding layer <NUM>. The conductive sheet <NUM> is disposed to overlap the display panel <NUM> and overlaps a portion of the display panel <NUM> which is located in the first area DR1. In other words, the conductive sheet <NUM> is disposed to overlap the flat portion of the display panel <NUM>.

The conductive sheet <NUM> may perform a heat dissipating function, an electromagnetic wave shielding function, a pattern detection preventing or reducing function, a grounding function, a buffering function, and a strength enhancing function. In some exemplary embodiments, the conductive sheet <NUM> may be a copper sheet.

The conductive sheet <NUM> may be attached to a lower surface of the light shielding layer <NUM> by a bonding layer <NUM> such as a force-sensitive adhesive layer or an adhesive layer.

The bump portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed below the light shielding layer <NUM>. In some exemplary embodiments, the bump portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed to overlap the display panel <NUM> and overlap a portion of the display panel <NUM> which is located in the second area DR2. In other words, the bump portions <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed to overlap the curved portion of the display panel <NUM>.

Bump portions <NUM> and <NUM> are provided. As illustrated in the drawings, the bump portions <NUM> and <NUM> may include the first bump portion <NUM> disposed at a first long edge (first long side LS1) of the display panel <NUM> and the second bump portion <NUM> disposed at a second long edge (second long side LS2) of the display panel <NUM>.

The first bump portion <NUM> and the second bump portion <NUM> each include a plurality of force concentration bumps and may overlap the first force sensor <NUM> and the second force sensor <NUM> to be described later, respectively.

The bump portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be attached to the lower surface of the light shielding layer <NUM> by bonding layers <NUM> and <NUM> such as force-sensitive adhesive layers or adhesive layers.

The bump portions <NUM> and <NUM> will be described in more detail later.

The first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed to overlap at least one edge of the display panel <NUM>. A plurality of force sensors <NUM> and <NUM> may be provided. As illustrated in the drawings, the first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM> may include the first force sensor <NUM> overlapping the first long edge (first long side LS1) of the display panel <NUM> and the second force sensor <NUM> overlapping a second long edge (second long side LS2) of the display panel <NUM>. The first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed in the second area DR2 (i.e., the curved portion) of the display device <NUM>. However, the first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM> are not necessarily disposed in the second area DR2. In some embodiments only one of the force sensor <NUM> or force sensor <NUM> is present.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first force sensor <NUM> may be attached to the first bump portion <NUM>, and the second force sensor <NUM> may be attached to the second bump portion <NUM>. The first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed in the second area DR2 of the display device <NUM> and may not be disposed in the first area DR1. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM> may also be disposed in the second area DR2 and extended in a width direction to a part of the first area DR1.

Although the first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM> are overlapped by the display panel <NUM>, an area of the display panel <NUM> which overlaps the first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM> may be, in an exemplary embodiment, a non-display area around the display area. An outermost black matrix may be disposed in the non-display area of the display panel <NUM> around the display area. In addition, although the first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM> are overlapped by the touch member <NUM>, an area of the touch member <NUM> which overlaps the first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM> may be a peripheral area where a touch electrode is not disposed. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, the area of the display panel <NUM> which overlaps the first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM> may be the display area where an image is displayed. In addition, a touch electrode may also be disposed in the area of the touch member <NUM> which overlaps the first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM>.

Along the thickness direction, the first force sensor <NUM> overlaps the first bump portion <NUM>, and the second force sensor <NUM> may overlap the second bump portion <NUM>.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first force sensor <NUM> may be attached to the first bump portion <NUM> by a bonding layer <NUM> such as a force-sensitive adhesive layer or an adhesive layer, and the second force sensor <NUM> may be attached to the second bump portion <NUM> by a bonding layer <NUM>.

The first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM> will be described in detail later.

A bracket <NUM> is disposed below the first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM> and the conductive sheet <NUM>. The bracket <NUM> may be a storage container or a protective container for housing other components. For example, the bracket <NUM> may house the window <NUM>, the touch member <NUM>, the display panel <NUM>, the first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM>, the conductive sheet <NUM> and the bump portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

The bracket <NUM> may include a bottom portion <NUM> and sidewalls <NUM> extending from sides of the bottom portion <NUM>.

The bottom portion <NUM> of the bracket <NUM> faces the first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM> and the conductive sheet <NUM>. In some exemplary embodiments, the first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM> may be attached to the bottom portion <NUM> of the bracket <NUM> respectively by bonding layers WT1 and WT2 such as force-sensitive adhesive layers or adhesive layers. In an exemplary embodiment, the bonding layers WT1 and WT2 which attach the first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM> to the bottom portion <NUM> of the bracket <NUM> may be waterproof tapes. In some exemplary embodiments, when the first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM> are attached to the bracket <NUM> by the bonding layers WT1 and WT2 such as waterproof tapes, the bonding layers <NUM> and <NUM> may be omitted.

The sidewalls <NUM> of the bracket <NUM> face side surfaces of the touch member <NUM>, the display panel <NUM>, the first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM>, and the bump portions <NUM> and <NUM>. Upper ends of the sidewalls <NUM> of the bracket <NUM> face the window <NUM>. An outer surface of the bracket <NUM> may be aligned with an outer surface of the window <NUM>. In some exemplary embodiments, the window <NUM> may be attached to the bracket <NUM> by the bonding layers WT1 and WT2. In an exemplary embodiment, the window <NUM> may be attached to the bracket <NUM> with a waterproof tape (not illustrated).

The bracket <NUM> may include a connect hole <NUM>, through which a display connector <NUM> (see <FIG>) passes, near the first long edge (first long side LS1). The connect hole <NUM> may penetrate the bottom portion <NUM> of the bracket <NUM> in the thickness direction and may have a slit shape. The first force sensor <NUM> may have a notch-shaped recess NTH near the connect hole <NUM> of the bracket <NUM>. This will be described in detail with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> is a bottom view of the display device <NUM> according to the exemplary embodiment. <FIG> illustrates the bottom shape of the display device <NUM> excluding the bracket <NUM>. In <FIG>, the display device <NUM> is flipped horizontally to show the bottom view of the display device <NUM>. Thus, the left and right sides are reversed, and the positions of the first long side LS1 and the second long side LS2 are also reversed. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the arrangement of the bracket <NUM> and the first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the display flexible circuit board <NUM> is connected to the display connector <NUM>. The display flexible circuit board <NUM> is housed in the bracket <NUM>, but the display connector <NUM> comes out of the bracket <NUM> through the connect hole <NUM> so as to be connected to an external terminal. When the first force sensor <NUM> overlaps or physically contacts a space through which the display connector <NUM> comes out, there is a possibility that the first force sensor <NUM> will malfunction. Therefore, the first force sensor <NUM> may have the recess NTH at a corresponding position to avoid interfering with the display connector <NUM>. Since the first force sensor <NUM> is recessed outward due to the recess NTH, it may not overlap or physically contact the display connector <NUM> passing through the connect hole <NUM>. The recess NTH of the first force sensor <NUM> disposed in the bracket <NUM> may have a shape bypassing the connect hole <NUM> in an outward direction.

The display connector <NUM> may be made of a flexible circuit board. Although the display flexible circuit board <NUM> and the display connector <NUM> are formed as separate members and connected to each other in the drawings, the display flexible circuit board <NUM> itself may also pass through the connect hole <NUM>.

Unlike the first force sensor <NUM>, the second force sensor <NUM> may not include a notch-shaped recess.

The first force sensor <NUM> overlaps the first bump portion <NUM>, and the second force sensor <NUM> may overlap the second bump portion <NUM> as described above.

The first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM> will now be described in more detail.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the first force sensor <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment, more specifically, an exploded perspective view of the first force sensor <NUM>, illustrating the relationship between the first force sensor <NUM> and the first bump portion <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the first force sensor <NUM> of <FIG> as viewed from above. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along a sectional line X3-X3' of <FIG>. <FIG> is a graph illustrating the electrical resistance of a force sensing layer <NUM> in response to a force or pressure applied thereto. <FIG> is a layout view of the first force sensor <NUM> and the second force sensor <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment.

In <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the structure and operation of the first force sensor <NUM> are described as an example. However, the second force sensor <NUM> also has substantially the same structure as the first force sensor <NUM> except for the recess NTH.

A layout view of a first substrate <NUM> and a second substrate <NUM> of the first force sensor <NUM> is illustrated on the left side of <FIG>, and a layout view of a first substrate <NUM> and a second substrate <NUM> of the second force sensor <NUM> is illustrated on the right side of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the first force sensor <NUM> extends in one direction in a plane. The length of the first force sensor <NUM> in the extending direction is much greater than the width of the first force sensor <NUM>. The width of the first force sensor <NUM> may be about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The length of the first force sensor <NUM> may be substantially similar to the length of the long sides LS1 and LS2 of the display device <NUM>. The length of the first force sensor <NUM> may be, but embodiments are not limited to, about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of the length of the long sides LS1 and LS2 of the display device <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the length of the first force sensor <NUM> may be in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM> or in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The first force sensor <NUM> includes the first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM> facing each other. The first substrate <NUM> includes a first base <NUM> and an electrode layer <NUM>. The second substrate <NUM> includes a second base <NUM> and the force sensing layer <NUM>. The first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM> are bonded together by a bonding layer <NUM>. Each of the first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM> may be, but embodiments are not limited to, a film.

Each of the first base <NUM> and the second base <NUM> may include a polyethylene, polyimide, polycarbonate, polysulfone, polyacrylate, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl alcohol, polynorbornene, or polyester-based material. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first base <NUM> and the second base <NUM> may be made of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film or a polyimide film.

The electrode layer <NUM> is disposed on a surface of the first base <NUM>. Here, the surface of the first base <NUM> is a surface facing the second base <NUM>. The thickness of the electrode layer <NUM> may be about <NUM> to about <NUM>. For example, the thickness of the electrode layer <NUM> may be about <NUM>. The electrode layer <NUM> includes a first electrode 112TX and a second electrode 112RX. The first electrode 112TX may be a driving electrode, and the second electrode 112RX may be a sensing electrode. The first electrode 112TX and the second electrode 112RX may be disposed adjacent to each other, but are spaced apart from each other so as not to short-circuit.

The first electrode 112TX and the second electrode 112RX may be disposed on the same layer. The first electrode 112TX and the second electrode 112RX may be made of the same material. For example, the first electrode 112TX and the second electrode 112RX may include a conductive material such as silver (Ag) or copper (Cu). The first electrode 112TX and the second electrode 112RX may be formed by a screen printing method.

The force sensing layer <NUM> is disposed on a surface of the second base <NUM>. Here, the surface of the second base <NUM> is a surface facing the first base <NUM>. The force sensing layer <NUM> may include a force sensitive material. The force sensitive material may include metal nanoparticles such as nickel, aluminum, tin or copper, or may include carbon. The force sensitive material may be provided in polymer resin in the form of, but embodiments are not limited to, particles. As illustrated in <FIG>, the electrical resistance of the force sensing layer <NUM> decreases as the applied force increases. By using this characteristic, it is possible to sense whether a force has been applied as well as the magnitude of the force.

Specifically, a surface of the force sensing layer <NUM> is in contact with or at least adjacent to surfaces of the first electrode 112TX and the second electrode 112RX. When a force is applied to the first force sensor <NUM>, the surface of the force sensing layer <NUM> is brought into contact with the surfaces of the first electrode 112TX and the second electrode 112RX at a corresponding portion. Therefore, the first electrode 112TX and the second electrode 112RX may be physically connected by the force sensing layer <NUM>. The force sensing layer <NUM> lying between the first electrode 112TX and the second electrode 112RX may act as an electrical resistor.

When no or little force is applied to the force sensing layer <NUM>, the force sensing layer <NUM> has a high resistance. In this case, even if a driving voltage is applied to the first electrode 112TX, a current hardly flows to the second electrode 112RX. On the other hand, when a large force is applied to the force sensing layer <NUM>, the resistance of the force sensing layer <NUM> is reduced, thus increasing the amount of current flowing between the first electrode 112TX and the second electrode 112RX.

Therefore, by sensing the amount of current or voltage at the second electrode 112RX after applying a driving voltage to the first electrode 112TX, it is possible to identify how much force has been applied to the force sensing layer <NUM>.

The force sensing layer <NUM> may be, but embodiments are not limited to, thicker than the electrode layer <NUM>. The thickness of the force sensing layer <NUM> may be about <NUM> to about <NUM>. For example, the thickness of the force sensing layer <NUM> may be about <NUM>.

The first force sensor <NUM> may further include the bonding layer <NUM> disposed between the first base <NUM> and the second base <NUM> to bond the first base <NUM> and the second base <NUM>. The bonding layer <NUM> may be disposed along the periphery of the first base <NUM> and the second base <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the bonding layer <NUM> may completely surround the periphery of the first base <NUM> and the second base <NUM> to seal the first force sensor <NUM>. That is, the bonding layer <NUM> may serve as a gasket. Further, the bonding layer <NUM> may also serve as a spacer that maintains a constant gap between the first base <NUM> and the second base <NUM>. The bonding layer <NUM> may not overlap the electrode layer <NUM> and the force sensing layer <NUM>.

The thickness of the bonding layer <NUM> may be in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM> or in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The bonding layer <NUM> may be made of a force-sensitive adhesive layer or an adhesive layer. The bonding layer <NUM> may first be attached to one of the surface of the first base <NUM> and the surface of the second base <NUM> and then attached to the surface of the other base <NUM> or <NUM> in the process of assembling the first base <NUM> and the second base <NUM>. Alternatively, a bonding layer may be provided on each of the surface of the first base <NUM> and the surface of the second base <NUM>, and then the bonding layer of the first base <NUM> and the bonding layer of the second base <NUM> may be bonded together in the process of assembling the first base <NUM> and the second base <NUM>.

The first force sensor <NUM> may be placed in the display device <NUM> such that the first base <NUM> having the electrode layer <NUM> faces the display panel <NUM>. That is, the other surface (or the outer surface) of the first base <NUM> may be attached to the lower surface of the display panel <NUM>, and the other surface (or the outer surface) of the second base <NUM> may be attached to the bracket <NUM>. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the placement directions of the first base <NUM> and the second base <NUM> in the display device <NUM> may also be opposite to the directions described above.

Each of the first force sensor <NUM> and the second force sensor <NUM> includes a plurality of sensing regions SR1 and SR2. The sensing regions SR1 and SR2 are regions capable of sensing forces. The sensing regions SR1 and SR2 may sense forces at their corresponding positions independently of each other.

The sensing regions SR1 and SR2 may be arranged in a longitudinal direction of each of the first force sensor <NUM> and the second force sensor <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensing regions SR1 and SR2 may be arranged in a row. Neighboring sensing regions SR1 and SR2 may be arranged continuously. Alternatively, the neighboring sensing regions SR1 and SR2 may be spaced apart from each other. That is, a non-sensing region NSR may be disposed between the sensing regions SR1 and SR2.

The first electrode 112TX or 212TX, the second electrode 112RX or 212RX and the force sensing layer <NUM> or <NUM> are disposed in each of the sensing regions SR1 and SR2. While the second electrode 112RX or 212RX serving as a sensing electrode is a separate cell electrode disposed in each of the sensing regions SR1 and SR2, the first electrode 112TX or 212TX serving as a driving electrode is a common electrode, all portions of which are electrically connected regardless of the sensing regions SR1 and SR2. The force sensing layer <NUM> or <NUM> may also be patterned into separate segments respectively disposed in the sensing regions SR1 and SR2.

The sensing regions SR1 and SR2 may have different areas depending on their use. For example, the area of a second sensing region SR2 (a squeezing sensing region) that senses a squeezing force may be larger than the area of a first sensing region SR1 (a pressing sensing region) used in place of a physical button. The second sensing region SR2 has the same width as the first sensing region SR1 but may have a greater length (width in the extending direction of a force sensor) than the first sensing region SR1. The length of the second sensing region SR2 may be about three to fifteen times the length of the first sensing region SR1. For example, the length of the first sensing region SR1 may be about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and the length of the second sensing region SR2 may be about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of first sensing regions SR1 may be arranged from an upper end toward a lower end of each of the first force sensor <NUM> and the second force sensor <NUM>, and one second sensing region SR2 may be disposed near the lower end of each of the first force sensor <NUM> and the second force sensor <NUM>. The positions of the first sensing regions SR1 and the second sensing region SR2 in the first force sensor <NUM> may be distinguished based on the recess NTH. The first sensing regions SR1 may be disposed above the recess NTH, and the second sensing region SR2 may be disposed below the recess NTH. The number of the first sensing regions SR1 disposed above the recess NTH may be, but embodiments are not limited to, in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> or the range of <NUM> to <NUM>. Although the second force sensor <NUM> does not have the recess NTH, it may have the first sensing regions SR1 and the second sensing region SR2 at positions corresponding to the first sensing regions SR1 and the second sensing region SR2 of the first force sensor <NUM>. The sensing regions SR1 and SR2 of the first force sensor <NUM> and the sensing regions SR1 and SR2 of the second force sensor <NUM> may be, but embodiments are not limited to, substantially symmetrical in terms of number, area, spacing, position, etc..

The recess NTH of the first force sensor <NUM> may be located in the middle or below the middle of the first force sensor <NUM> in the longitudinal direction of the first force sensor <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. For example, a distance from the lower end of the first force sensor <NUM> to the recess NTH in plan view may be about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of the total length of the first force sensor <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the distance from the lower end of the first force sensor <NUM> to the recess NTH may be about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

When the first force sensor <NUM> is placed in the display device <NUM>, a long side positioned on an outer side of the display device <NUM> is defined as an outer side and a long side positioned on an inner side of the display device <NUM> is defined as an inner side, and the recess NTH is formed at the inner side of the first force sensor <NUM>. The width of the recess NTH recessed inward from the inner side of the first force sensor <NUM> may be about <NUM> to about <NUM> or may be about <NUM>. The length of the recess NTH may be, but embodiments are not limited to, equal to the width of the recess NTH. The length of the recess NTH may be equal to or greater than that of the connect hole <NUM>. When the first force sensor <NUM> is placed in the display device <NUM>, a recessed region of the recess NTH may overlap the connect hole <NUM>. The recessed shape of the recess NTH may be a rectangular shape or a square shape. However, the recessed shape of the recess NTH is not limited to the rectangular shape or the square shape and may also include a concave curve in embodiments.

The first electrode 112TX or 212TX and the second electrode 112RX or 212RX of the first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM> may be comb-shaped electrodes, respectively. The first electrode 112TX or 212TX and the second electrode 112RX or 212RX may be arranged such that the comb shapes are interlocked with each other.

Specifically, the first electrode 112TX or 212TX and the second electrode 112RX or 212RX may each include a stem electrode (or a connection electrode) and branch electrodes (or finger electrodes). The first electrode 112TX or 212TX and the second electrode 112RX or 212RX may be arranged such that the branch electrodes are alternately disposed. This arrangement increases an area where the first electrode 112TX or 212TX and the second electrode 112RX or 212RX face each other, thereby enabling effective force sensing.

More specifically, the first electrode 112TX or 212TX of the first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM> is structured to include a first stem electrode 112TX_ST or 212TX_ST extending in the longitudinal direction and a plurality of first branch electrodes 112TX_BR or 212TX_BR branching in the width direction from the first stem electrode 112TX_ST or 212TX_ST.

The first stem electrode 112TX_ST or 212TX_ST is disposed over the sensing regions SR1 and SR2 to provide a voltage (a driving voltage) to the sensing regions SR1 and SR2. The first stem electrode 112TX_ST or 212TX_ST is also disposed in the non-sensing region NSR between neighboring sensing regions SR1 and SR2 to electrically connect portions of the first stem electrode 112TX_ST or 212TX_ST which are disposed in the neighboring regions SR1 and SR2.

The first stem electrode 112TX_ST of the first force sensor <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the outer side of the first force sensor <NUM> which is opposite the inner side where the recess NTH is formed. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the first stem electrode 112TX_ST of the first force sensor <NUM> may also be disposed on the inner side of the first force sensor <NUM> where the recess NTH is formed. In this case, the first stem electrode 112TX_ST of the first force sensor <NUM> may be bent several times along the shape of the recess NTH of the first force sensor <NUM> to bypass the recess NTH and then extend to the lower end of the first force sensor <NUM>.

The first stem electrode 212TX_ST of the second force sensor <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to an outer side of the second force sensor <NUM> as illustrated in the drawings. However, the first stem electrode 212TX_ST of the second force sensor <NUM> may also be disposed adjacent to an inner side of the second force sensor <NUM>. Since the second force sensor <NUM> does not include the recess NTH, it may extend straight without being bent to bypass the recess NTH, on whichever side the second force sensor <NUM> is disposed.

The first branch electrodes 112TX_BR or 212TX_BR branch from the first stem electrode 112TX_ST or 212TX_ST and extend in the width direction. The first branch electrodes 112TX_BR or 212TX_BR may be disposed in the sensing regions SR1 and SR2 and may not be disposed in the non-sensing region NSR. If a region where the recess NTH is formed in the first force sensor <NUM> is the non-sensing region NSR, the first branch electrodes 112TX_BR may not be disposed in the region. In the second force sensor <NUM> structured symmetrically to the first force sensor <NUM>, the first branch electrodes 212TX_BR may not be disposed in a region corresponding to the recess NTH.

In one sensing region of the sensing regions SR1 or SR2, neighboring first branch electrodes 112TX_BR or 212TX_BR may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and a second branch electrode 112RX_BR or 212RX_BR of the second electrode 112RX or 212RX may be disposed in each space between the neighboring first branch electrodes 112TX_BR or 212TX_BR. The number of the first branch electrodes 112TX_BR or 212TX_BR disposed in one sensing region of the sensing regions SR1 or SR2 may vary depending on the area of the sensing region of the sensing regions SR1 or SR2, but may be about <NUM> to <NUM> based on one first sensing region SR1. The first branch electrodes 112TX_BR or 212TX_BR disposed in the second sensing region SR2 may have the same width and spacing as the first branch electrodes 112TX_BR or 212TX_BR disposed in each first sensing region SR1. However, the number of the first branch electrodes 112TX_BR or 212TX_BR disposed in the second sensing region SR2 may be greater in proportion to the area of the second sensing region SR2.

The second electrode 112RX or 212RX of the first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM> includes a plurality of second stem electrodes 112RX_ST or 212RX_ST extending in the longitudinal direction and a plurality of second branch electrodes 112RX_BR or 212RX_BR branching from each of the second stem electrodes 112RX_ST or 212RX_ST.

The second stem electrodes 112RX_ST or 212RX_ST face the first stem electrode 112TX_ST or 212TX_ST. When the first stem electrode 112TX_ST or 212TX_ST is disposed adjacent to the inner side of the first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM>, the second stem electrodes 112RX_ST or 212RX_ST may be disposed adjacent to the outer side of the first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM>. Unlike the first stem electrode 112TX_ST or 212TX_ST, one second stem electrode 112RX_ST or 212RX_ST covers one sensing region of the sensing regions SR1 and SR2. A separate second stem electrode 112RX_ST or 212RX_ST is disposed in each of the sensing regions SR1 and SR2, and second stem electrodes 112RX_ST or 212RX_ST disposed in different sensing region of the sensing regions SR1 and SR2 are electrically insulated from each other. Here, each second stem electrode 112RX_ST or 212RX_ST is connected to an independent sensing wiring 112RX_WR or 212RX_WR. Although not specifically illustrated for the sake of convenience, each sensing wiring 112RX_WR or 212RX_WR may extend in one direction and may be connected to a controller (not illustrated). Accordingly, each sensing wiring 112RX_WR or 212RX_WR may transmit data about the voltage or the amount of current applied to a corresponding second electrode 112RXor 212RX to the controller (not illustrated).

The second branch electrodes 112RX_BR or 212RX_BR branch from each of the second stem electrodes 112RX_ST or 212RX_ST and extend in the width direction. The extending direction of the second branch electrodes 112RX_BR or 212RX_BR and the extending direction of the first branch electrodes 112TX_BR or 212TX_BR are opposite to each other. The second branch electrodes 112RX_BR or 212RX_BR are disposed between the first branch electrodes 112TX_BR or 212TX_BR. The number of the first branch electrodes 112TX _BR or 212TX_BR and the number of the second branch electrodes 112RX_BR or 212RX_BR in one sensing region of the sensing regions SR1 or SR2 may be, but embodiments are not limited to, equal.

In one sensing region of the sensing regions SR1 or SR2, the first branch electrodes 112TX _BR or 212TX_BR and the second branch electrodes 112RX_BR or 212RX_BR may be alternately arranged. A gap between neighboring first and second branch electrodes 112TX_BR and 112RX_BR or 212TX_BR and 212RX_BR in one sensing region of the sensing regions SR1 or SR2 may be, but embodiments are not limited to, uniform. A gap between nearest branch electrodes 112TX_BR and 112RX_BR or 212TX_BR and 212RX_BR of different sensing regions SR1 and SR2, which neighbor each other with the non-sensing region NSR interposed between them, may be greater than the gap between the branch electrodes 112TX_BR and 112RX_BR or 212TX_BR and 212RX_BR in one sensing region of the sensing regions SR1 or SR2.

The second electrodes 112RXand 212RX may not be disposed in the recess NTH of the first force sensor <NUM> and in a region of the second force sensor <NUM> which corresponds to the recess NTH. In some cases, however, the sensing wirings 112RX_WR and 212RX_WR of the second electrodes 112RX and 212RX may pass through the above regions.

The force sensing layer <NUM> or <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to each of the sensing regions SR1 and SR2. The force sensing layer <NUM> or <NUM> covers each of the sensing regions SR1 and SR2. The first branch electrodes 112TX_BR or 212TX_BR and the second branch electrodes 112RX_BR or 212RX_BR in each of the sensing regions SR1 and SR2 may overlap the force sensing layer <NUM> or <NUM> in the thickness direction.

The first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM> described above can be used as input devices of various electronic devices including the display device <NUM>, such as a smart phone and a tablet PC. The first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM> can be used in place of physical input buttons or in combination with the physical input buttons.

The first bump portion <NUM> is disposed to overlap the first force sensor <NUM>. In some exemplary embodiments, the first bump portion <NUM> may include first force concentration bumps <NUM> and second force concentration bumps <NUM>.

The second bump portion <NUM> may be disposed to overlap the second force sensor <NUM>. In some exemplary embodiments, the second bump portion <NUM> may include third force concentration bumps <NUM> and fourth force concentration bumps <NUM>.

The first force concentration bumps <NUM> may be arranged to overlap the first sensing regions SR1 of the first force sensor <NUM>. In some exemplary embodiments, when a plurality of first sensing regions SR1 of the first force sensor <NUM> are arranged along the first direction d1, a plurality of first force concentration bumps <NUM> may also be arranged and spaced apart from each other along the first direction d1. In addition, the first force concentration bumps <NUM> may overlap the first sensing regions SR1, respectively.

Since the first force concentration bumps <NUM> overlap the first sensing regions SR1 of the first force sensor <NUM>, the force sensing layer <NUM>, the first electrode 112TX, the second electrode 112RX, and the first force concentration bump <NUM> may overlap each other in each of the first sensing regions SR1.

In some exemplary embodiments, the area of each of the first force concentration bumps <NUM> may be smaller than the area of each of the first sensing regions SR1. In some exemplary embodiments, the area of each of the first force concentration bumps <NUM> may be <NUM><NUM> or less.

The third force concentration bumps <NUM> may be arranged to overlap the first sensing regions SR1 of the second force sensor <NUM>. Since the third force concentration bumps <NUM> are substantially the same as the first force concentration bumps <NUM>, their detailed description will be omitted.

The second force concentration bumps <NUM> may be arranged to overlap the second sensing region SR2 of the first force sensor <NUM>.

In some exemplary embodiments, a plurality of second force concentration bumps <NUM> may be arranged and spaced apart from each other along the first direction d1. Each of the second force concentration bumps <NUM> may overlap the second sensing region SR2 of the first force sensor <NUM>. That is, a plurality of second force concentration bumps <NUM> may overlap one second sensing region SR2.

In some exemplary embodiments, the area of each of the second force concentration bumps <NUM> may be substantially equal to the area of each of the first force concentration bumps <NUM>.

Since the second force concentration bumps <NUM> overlap the second sensing region SR2 of the first force sensor <NUM>, the force sensing layer <NUM>, the first electrode 112TX, the second electrode 112RX, and the second force concentration bumps <NUM> may overlap each other in the second sensing region SR2 of the first force sensor <NUM>.

The fourth force concentration bumps <NUM> may be arranged to overlap the second sensing region SR2 of the second force sensor <NUM>. Since the fourth force concentration bumps <NUM> are substantially the same as the second force concentration bumps <NUM>, their detailed description will be omitted.

The first sensing regions SR1 of the first force sensor <NUM> may be arranged above the recess NTH, and the second sensing region SR2 of the first force sensor <NUM> may be disposed below the recess NTH. Therefore, the first force concentration bumps <NUM> may be arranged above the recess NTH, and the second force concentration bumps <NUM> may be arranged below the recess NTH. In some exemplary embodiments, the first force concentration bumps <NUM> may be spaced apart from the second force concentration bumps <NUM>.

The first force concentration bumps <NUM> and the second force concentration bumps <NUM> may protrude toward the first force sensor <NUM>, and the third force concentration bumps <NUM> and the fourth force concentration bumps <NUM> may protrude toward the second force sensor <NUM>. A cross-section of each of the first force concentration bumps <NUM>, the second force concentration bumps <NUM>, the third force concentration bumps <NUM> and the fourth force concentration bumps <NUM> may have a quadrilateral shape in some exemplary embodiments, but may also have various shapes such as a hemispherical shape and a polygonal shape.

When a pressing force or a pressure is applied in the thickness direction of the force sensors <NUM> or <NUM>, the first force concentration bumps <NUM> or the third force concentration bumps <NUM> can more reliably transmit the applied force to the force sensing layer <NUM> or <NUM> located in the first sensing regions SR1 without dispersing the applied force. In addition, the second force concentration bumps <NUM> or the fourth force concentration bump <NUM> can more reliably transmit the applied force to the force sensing layer <NUM> or <NUM> located in the second sensing region SR2. Accordingly, a greater change in resistance value may be detected, resulting in the improvement of the sensitivity of the force sensor <NUM> or <NUM>.

<FIG> are respectively cross-sectional views of modified examples of the first force sensor <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a first force sensor 100a according to the current exemplary embodiment is substantially the same as the exemplary embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG> except that a force sensing layer <NUM> is located on a surface of a first base <NUM>, and a first electrode 112TX and a second electrode 112RX are located on the force sensing layer <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a first force sensor 100b according to the current exemplary embodiment is substantially the same as the exemplary embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG> except that a force sensing layer <NUM> is located on a surface of a first base <NUM> and covers a first electrode 112TX and a second electrode 112RX.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the first force sensor <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. <FIG> is a layout view of a first force sensor 100c of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the shape and arrangement of first and second electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> of the first force sensor 100c according to the current exemplary embodiment are different from those of the exemplary embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>.

Specifically, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a first substrate 110c includes a first base <NUM> and the first electrode <NUM> disposed on the first base <NUM>. A second substrate 120c includes a second base <NUM>, the second electrode <NUM> disposed on the second base <NUM>, and a force sensing layer <NUM> disposed on the second electrode <NUM>. The first electrode <NUM> faces the force sensing layer <NUM> and is in contact with or adjacent to the force sensing layer <NUM>.

In the current exemplary embodiment, the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> face each other in the thickness direction with the force sensing layer <NUM> interposed between them. When a force is applied, the resistance of the force sensing layer <NUM> is changed, thereby changing the amount of current flowing between the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM>. Thus, the force input can be sensed.

In <FIG>, the first electrode <NUM> is a separate sensing electrode disposed in each sensing region, and the second electrode <NUM> is a driving electrode formed as a whole-plate electrode. However, the first electrode <NUM> may also be formed as a whole-plate electrode, and the second electrode <NUM> may also be formed as a sensing electrode.

<FIG> illustrates an example of the arrangement of the first force sensor <NUM>, the second force sensor <NUM>, the conductive sheet <NUM>, the first bump portion <NUM> and the second bump portion <NUM> in the display device <NUM> constructed according to the exemplary embodiment. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the conductive sheet <NUM>, the first bump portion <NUM> and the second bump portion <NUM> taken along a sectional line X5-X5' of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the conductive sheet <NUM>, the first bump portion <NUM> and the second bump portion <NUM> taken along a sectional line X7-X7' of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, the first force concentration bumps <NUM> and the second force concentration bumps <NUM> of the first bump portion <NUM> are spaced apart from the conductive sheet <NUM>. In addition, the third force concentration bumps <NUM> and the fourth force concentration bumps <NUM> of the second bump portion <NUM> are spaced apart from the conductive sheet <NUM>.

The first force concentration bumps <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other by a gap DS1 along the first direction d1. The first force concentration bumps <NUM> overlap the first sensing regions SR1 of the first force sensor <NUM>, respectively.

The third force concentration bumps <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other along the first direction d1 and overlap the first sensing regions SR1 of the second force sensor <NUM>, respectively. A gap between the third force concentration bumps <NUM> neighboring each other along the first direction d1 may be substantially equal to the gap DS1 between the first force concentration bumps <NUM>.

The second force concentration bumps <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other by a gap DS2 along the first direction d1. The second force concentration bumps <NUM> overlap the second sensing region SR2 of the first force sensor <NUM>. In some exemplary embodiments, the gap DS2 between the second force concentration bumps <NUM> may be substantially equal to the gap DS1 between the first force concentration bumps <NUM>.

The fourth force concentration bumps <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other along the first direction d1 and overlap the second sensing region SR2 of the sensor <NUM>. A gap between the fourth force concentration bumps <NUM> may be substantially equal to the gap DS2 between the second force concentration bumps <NUM>.

In some exemplary embodiments, the area of one first force concentration bump <NUM> and the area of one second force concentration bump <NUM> may be substantially equal. In addition, the area of one third force concentration bump <NUM> and the area of one fourth force concentration bump <NUM> may be substantially equal.

In some exemplary embodiments, a thickness W31 of the first force concentration bumps <NUM>, a thickness W33 of the second force concentration bumps <NUM>, a thickness W51 of the third force concentration bumps <NUM>, and a thickness W53 of the fourth force concentration bumps bump <NUM> may be substantially equal to or greater than a thickness W1 of the conductive sheet <NUM>.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first force concentration bumps <NUM>, the second force concentration bumps <NUM>, the third force concentration bumps <NUM> and the fourth force concentration bumps <NUM> may be made of a material that is relatively less deformed by force. In an exemplary embodiment, the first force concentration bumps <NUM>, the second force concentration bumps <NUM>, the third force concentration bumps <NUM> and the fourth force concentration bumps <NUM> are made of the same material as the conductive sheet <NUM>. For example, when the conductive sheet <NUM> is made of a copper sheet, the first force concentration bumps <NUM>, the second force concentration bumps <NUM>, the third force concentration bumps <NUM>, and the fourth force concentration bumps <NUM> may also be made of copper.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first force concentration bumps <NUM>, the second force concentration bumps <NUM>, the third force concentration bumps <NUM>, the fourth force concentration bumps <NUM>, and the conductive sheet <NUM> are simultaneously formed by processing one metal plate, for example, one copper plate. Since the first force concentration bumps <NUM>, the second force concentration bumps <NUM>, the third force concentration bumps <NUM> and the fourth force concentration bumps <NUM> are simultaneously formed together with the conductive sheet <NUM> by processing one metal plate, the manufacturing process can be simplified.

In addition to the above-described embodiment, the arrangement of the first force sensor <NUM>, the second force sensor <NUM>, the conductive sheet <NUM>, the first bump portion <NUM>, and the second bump portion <NUM> can be variously changed. Other examples of the arrangement of the first force sensor <NUM>, the second force sensor <NUM>, the conductive sheet <NUM>, the first bump portion <NUM> and the second bump portion <NUM> will hereinafter be described. In the following exemplary embodiment, the same components as those described above will be indicated by the same reference numerals, and a redundant description of the components will be omitted or given briefly. The following exemplary embodiment will be described, focusing mainly on differences with the above-described embodiment.

<FIG> illustrates an example of the arrangement of the first force sensor <NUM>, the second force sensor <NUM>, the conductive sheet <NUM>, the first bump portion <NUM> and the second bump portion <NUM> in the display device <NUM> constructed according to the exemplary embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the current exemplary embodiment is substantially the same as the exemplary embodiment of <FIG> except for the configurations of a first bump portion 53_1 and a second bump portion 55_1.

More specifically, a gap DS2 between second force concentration bumps <NUM> of the first bump portion 53_1 may be greater than a gap DS1 between first force concentration bumps <NUM>, and a gap between fourth force concentration bumps <NUM> of the second bump portion 55_1 may be greater than a gap between third force concentration bumps <NUM>.

In the current exemplary embodiment, the number of the second force concentration bumps <NUM> overlapping a second sensing region SR2 and the number of the fourth force concentration bumps <NUM> overlapping a second sensing region SR2 are smaller than those in the exemplary embodiment of <FIG>. Accordingly, the force sensing sensitivity in the second sensing regions SR2 may be relatively low compared with that in the exemplary embodiment of <FIG>. The second sensing regions SR2 may be located at portions that come into contact with the palm when a user grips the display device <NUM> by hand. Therefore, there is a possibility that the second sensing regions SR2 will unintentionally sense a force in the course of the user gripping the display device <NUM>. In the current exemplary embodiment, the second sensing regions SR2 may be made relatively insensitive by relatively increasing the gap between the second force concentration bumps <NUM> and the gap between the fourth force concentration bumps <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent or reduce an unintended motion from being sensed as an input in the second sensing regions SR2.

Referring to <FIG>, the current exemplary embodiment is substantially the same as the exemplary embodiment of <FIG> except for the configurations of a first bump portion 53_2 and a second bump portion 55_2.

More specifically, the area of each of second force concentration bumps <NUM> of the first bump portion 53_2 may be smaller than the area of each of first force concentration bumps <NUM>, and a gap DS2 between the second force concentration bumps <NUM> may be substantially equal to a gap DS1 between the first force concentration bumps <NUM>. In addition, the area of each of fourth force concentration bumps <NUM> of the second bump portion 55_2 may be smaller than the area of each of third force concentration bumps <NUM>, and a gap between the fourth force concentration bumps <NUM> may be substantially equal to a gap between the third force concentration bumps <NUM>.

In the current exemplary embodiment, the area of each of the second force concentration bumps <NUM> overlapping a second sensing region SR2 and the area of each of the fourth force concentration bumps <NUM> overlapping a second sensing region SR2 are smaller than those in the exemplary embodiment of <FIG>. Accordingly, the force sensing sensitivity in the second sensing regions SR2 may be relatively low compared with that in the exemplary embodiment of <FIG>. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or reduce an unintended input from being sensed in the second sensing regions SR2.

Referring to <FIG>, the current exemplary embodiment is substantially the same as the exemplary embodiment of <FIG> except for the configurations of a first bump portion 53_3 and a second bump portion 55_3.

More specifically, a gap DS2 between second force concentration bumps <NUM> of the first bump portion 53_3 may be greater than a gap DS1 between first force concentration bumps <NUM>. In addition, a gap between fourth force concentration bumps <NUM> of the second bump portion 55_3 may be greater than a gap between third force concentration bumps <NUM>.

In the current exemplary embodiment, the number of the second force concentration bumps <NUM> overlapping a second sensing region SR2 and the number of the fourth force concentration bumps <NUM> overlapping a second sensing region SR2 are smaller than those in the exemplary embodiment of <FIG>. Accordingly, the force sensing sensitivity in the second sensing regions SR2 may be relatively low compared with that in the exemplary embodiment of <FIG>. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or reduce an unintended input from being sensed in the second sensing regions SR2.

Referring to <FIG>, the current exemplary embodiment is substantially the same as the exemplary embodiment of <FIG> except for the configurations of a first bump portion 53_4 and a second bump portion 55_4.

More specifically, the area of a second force concentration bump <NUM> of the first bump portion 53_4 may be larger than the area of each of first force concentration bumps <NUM>. In addition, the second force concentration bump <NUM> may be shaped like a bar extending along the first direction d1 and overlap a second sensing region SR2. In some exemplary embodiments, the length (width in the extending direction of a force sensor) of the second force concentration bump <NUM> may be greater than the length of one first force concentration bump <NUM>.

The area of a fourth force concentration bump <NUM> of the second bump portion 55_4 may also be larger than the area of each of third force concentration bumps <NUM>, and the length of the fourth force concentration bump <NUM> may be greater than the length of one third force concentration bump <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the current exemplary embodiment is substantially the same as the exemplary embodiment of <FIG> except for a first force sensor 100_1 and a second force sensor 200_1.

More specifically, each of the first force sensor 100_1 and the second force sensor 200_1 may further include a sensing region SR1a, which has a larger area than each first sensing region SR1, around the first sensing regions SR1.

In some exemplary embodiments, the number of first force concentration bumps <NUM> overlapping one sensing region SR1a and the number of third force concentration bumps <NUM> overlapping one sensing region SR1a may be greater than the number of the first force concentration bumps <NUM> overlapping one first sensing region SR1 and the number of the third force concentration bumps <NUM> overlapping one first sensing region SR1.

Referring to <FIG>, the current exemplary embodiment is substantially the same as the exemplary embodiment of <FIG> except for a first bump portion 53_5 and a second bump portion 55_5.

More specifically, the first bump portion 53_5 includes first force concentration bumps <NUM> and second force concentration bumps <NUM> and may further include first sub-force concentration bumps <NUM> overlapping each sensing region SR1a. The second bump portion 55_5 includes third force concentration bumps <NUM> and fourth force concentration bumps <NUM> and may further include second sub-force concentration bumps <NUM> overlapping each sensing region SR1a.

In some exemplary embodiments, the area of each of the first sub-force concentration bumps <NUM> may be smaller than the area of each of the first force concentration bumps <NUM>, and a gap DS11 between the first sub-force concentration bumps <NUM> may be substantially equal to a gap DS1 between the first force concentration bumps <NUM>. In addition, the area of each of the second sub-force concentration bumps <NUM> of the second bump portion 55_5 may be smaller than the area of each of the third force concentration bumps <NUM>, and a gap between the second force concentration bumps <NUM> may be substantially equal to a gap between the third force concentration bumps <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the current exemplary embodiment is substantially the same as the exemplary embodiment of <FIG> except for a first bump portion 53_6 and a second bump portion 55_6.

More specifically, a gap DS11 between first sub-force concentration bumps <NUM> of the first bump portion 53_6 may be greater than a gap DS1 between first force concentration bumps <NUM>. In addition, a gap between second sub-force concentration bumps <NUM> of the second bump portion 55_6 may be greater than a gap between third force concentration bumps <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example of the arrangement of the first force sensor <NUM>, the second force sensor <NUM>, the conductive sheet <NUM>, the first bump portion <NUM> and the second bump portion <NUM> in the display device <NUM> constructed according to the exemplary embodiment. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a conductive sheet <NUM>, a first bump portion <NUM> and a second bump portion <NUM> taken along a sectional line X9-X9' of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the conductive sheet <NUM>, the first bump portion <NUM> and the second bump portion <NUM> taken along a sectional line X11-X11' of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, the current exemplary embodiment is substantially the same as the exemplary embodiment of <FIG> except that bridge patterns B1, B3, B5, and B7 are further disposed below the light shielding layer <NUM>.

The bridge patterns B1, B3, B5, and B7 include first bridge patterns B1, second bridge patterns B3, third bridge patterns B5, and fourth bridge patterns B7.

The first bridge patterns B1, the second bridge patterns B3, the third bridge patterns B5, and the fourth bridge patterns B7 may extend along the second direction d2.

The first bridge patterns B1 are located between first force concentration bumps <NUM> of the first bump portion <NUM> and the conductive sheet <NUM>, and the second bridge patterns B3 are located between second force concentration bumps <NUM> of the first bump portion <NUM> and the conductive sheet <NUM>. In addition, the third bridge patterns B5 are located between third force concentration bumps <NUM> of the second bump portion <NUM> and the conductive sheet <NUM>, and the fourth bridge patterns B7 are located between fourth force concentration bumps <NUM> of the second bump portion <NUM> and the conductive sheet <NUM>.

An end of each of the first bridge patterns B1 is connected to a first force concentration bump <NUM>, and an end of each of the second bridge patterns B3 is connected to a second force concentration bump <NUM>. An end of each of the third bridge patterns B5 is connected to a third force concentration bump <NUM>, and an end of each of the fourth bridge patterns B7 is connected to a fourth force concentration bump <NUM>. The other end of each of the first bridge patterns B1, the other end of each of the second bridge patterns B3, the other end of each of the third bridge patterns B5, and the other end of each of the fourth bridge patterns B7 are connected to the conductive sheet <NUM>.

In some exemplary embodiments, a plurality of first bridge patterns B1, a plurality of second bridge patterns B3, a plurality of third bridge patterns B5, and a plurality of fourth bridge patterns B7 may be provided and may be spaced apart from each other along the first direction d1.

In some exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>, a thickness WB of the first bridge patterns B1 may be smaller than a thickness W1 of the conductive sheet <NUM> and a thickness W31 of the first force concentration bumps <NUM>. In addition, the thickness of the second bridge patterns B3, the thickness of the third bridge patterns B5, and the thickness of the fourth bridge patterns B7 may be substantially equal to the thickness WB of the first bridge patterns B1. The thickness of the second bridge patterns B3, the thickness of the third bridge patterns B5, and the thickness of the fourth bridge patterns B7 may be smaller than the thickness W1 of the conductive sheet <NUM> and the thickness W31 of the first force concentration bumps <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. Since the bridge patterns B1, B3, B5, and B7 are formed relatively thinner than the conductive sheet <NUM>, they can be more easily deformed so as to correspond to the shape of the second area DR2 (or the shape of the curved portion) of the display device <NUM>.

However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The thickness WB of the first bridge patterns B1 may also be substantially equal to the thickness W1 of the conductive sheet <NUM> and the thickness W31 of the first force concentration bumps <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. In addition, the thickness of the second bridge patterns B3, the thickness of the third bridge patterns B5, and the thickness of the fourth bridge patterns B7 may also be substantially equal to the thickness WB of the first bridge patterns B1. As illustrated in <FIG>, the thickness of the second bridge patterns B3, the thickness of the third bridge patterns B5, and the thickness of the fourth bridge patterns B7 may be substantially equal to the thickness W1 of the conductive sheet <NUM> and the thickness W31 of the first force concentration bumps <NUM>. When the thicknesses of the bridge patterns B1, B2, B3, and B4 are substantially equal to the thickness of the conductive sheet <NUM> and the thicknesses of the force concentration bumps <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the manufacturing process can be simplified because the process of partially reducing thickness is not necessary.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first bridge patterns B1, the second bridge patterns B3, the third bridge patterns B5, and the fourth bridge patterns B7 may be made of the same material as the conductive sheet <NUM> and may be formed together in the manufacturing process of the conductive sheet <NUM>.

In the current exemplary embodiment, since the bridge patterns B1, B3, B5, and B7 are further provided, it is possible to place the first bump portion <NUM> and the second bump portion <NUM> at intended positions by preventing or reducing the movement of the first bump portion <NUM> and the second bump portion <NUM> in the process of bonding the first bump portion <NUM>, the second bump portion <NUM>, and the conductive sheet <NUM> to the lower surface of the light shielding layer <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent or reduce the misalignment of the first bump portion <NUM> and the first force sensor <NUM> and the misalignment of the second bump portion <NUM> and the second force sensor <NUM>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> respectively illustrate examples of the arrangement of the first force sensor <NUM>, the second force sensor <NUM>, the conductive sheet <NUM>, the first bump portion <NUM> and the second bump portion <NUM> in the display device <NUM> constructed according to the exemplary embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>,<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the exemplary embodiments of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are substantially the same as the exemplary embodiments of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> except that bridge patterns B1, B3, B5, and B7 are further disposed below the light shielding layer <NUM>. The bridge patterns B1, B3, B5, and B7 are the same as or similar to those described above in the exemplary embodiments of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and thus their description will be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the current exemplary embodiment is substantially the same as the exemplary embodiment of <FIG> except that bump connection patterns BV1 and BV2 as well as bridge patterns B1, B3, B5, and B7 are further disposed below the light shielding layer <NUM>.

The bump connection patterns BV1 and BV2 include a first bump connection pattern BV1 and a second bump connection pattern BV2.

The first bump connection pattern BV1 may extend along the first direction d1, may be located between first force concentration bumps <NUM> neighboring each other along the first direction d1, and may be connected to the first force concentration bumps <NUM> neighboring each other along the first direction d1. In some exemplary embodiments, the first bump connection pattern BV1 may be further located between second force concentration bumps <NUM> neighboring each other along the first direction d1 and may be connected to the neighboring second force concentration bumps <NUM>. In addition, the first bump connection pattern BV1 may be further located between a first force concentration bump <NUM> and a second force concentration bump <NUM> neighboring each other along the first direction d1 and may be connected to the neighboring first and second force concentration bumps <NUM> and <NUM>.

The second bump connection pattern BV2, like the first bump connection pattern BV1, may extend along the first direction d1, may be located between third force concentration bumps <NUM> neighboring each other along the first direction d1, and may be connected to the neighboring third force concentration bumps <NUM>. In some exemplary embodiments, the second bump connection pattern BV2 may be further located between fourth force concentration bumps <NUM> neighboring each other along the first direction d1 and may be connected to the neighboring fourth force concentration bumps <NUM>. In addition, the second bump connection pattern BV2 may be further located between a third force concentration bump <NUM> and a fourth force concentration bump <NUM> neighboring each other along the first direction d1 and may be connected to the neighboring third and fourth force concentration bumps <NUM> and <NUM>.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first bump connection pattern BV1 and the second bump connection pattern BV2 may be made of the same material as the conductive sheet <NUM> and may be formed together in the manufacturing process of the conductive sheet <NUM>.

In some exemplary embodiments, the thickness of the first bump connection pattern BV1 and the thickness of the second bump connection pattern BV2 may be substantially equal to a thickness WB of the first bridge patterns B1. For example, when the thickness WB of the first bridge patterns B1 is smaller than a thickness W1 of the conductive sheet <NUM>, the thickness of the first bump connection pattern BV1 and the thickness of the second bump connection pattern BV2 may also be smaller than the thickness W1 of the conductive sheet <NUM>. When the thickness WB of the first bridge pattern B1 is substantially equal to the thickness W1 of the conductive sheet <NUM>, the thickness of the first bump connection pattern BV1 and the thickness of the second bump connection pattern BV2 may also be substantially equal to the thickness W1 of the conductive sheet <NUM>.

In the current exemplary embodiment, since the bump connection patterns BV1 and BV2 are further provided, it is possible to place bump portions <NUM> and <NUM> more accurately at intended positions in the process of bonding the bump portions <NUM> and <NUM> to the lower surface of the light shielding layer <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent or reduce the misalignment of the bump portions <NUM> and <NUM> and force sensors <NUM> and <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the exemplary embodiments of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are substantially the same as the exemplary embodiments of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> except that bump connection patterns BV1 and BV2 are further disposed below the light shielding layer <NUM>. The bump connection patterns BV1 and BV2 are the same as or similar to those described above in the exemplary embodiment of <FIG>, and thus their description will be omitted.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are mimetic diagrams illustrating a method of transmitting a force signal to the display device <NUM> constructed according to the exemplary embodiment.

In <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the display device <NUM> applied as a smartphone is illustrated. In the display device <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed on the long sides in place of physical input buttons. In some exemplary embodiments, physical input buttons of the display device <NUM> may all be omitted, and the first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM> may replace all of the physical input buttons.

In <FIG> and <FIG>, a case where the first sensing regions SR1 are used as pressing recognition regions is illustrated. That is, in <FIG> and <FIG>, a user is pressing a specific position with an index finger while gripping the display device <NUM> with fingers. At the specific position, a first sensing region SR1 of the force sensor <NUM> or <NUM> is disposed. When the first sensing region SR1 receives a force, the resistance of the force sensing layer <NUM> or <NUM> is changed, and the change in the resistance of the force sensing layer <NUM> or <NUM> may be sensed through the second electrode 112RXor 212RX to identify whether the force has been applied to the specific position as well as the magnitude of the force. Then, a preprogrammed operation of the display device <NUM> may be output according to the force and/or the magnitude of the force applied to the specific position. For example, a preprogrammed function such as screen adjustment, screen lock, screen conversion, application calling, application execution, picture taking, or phone call reception may be performed.

In some exemplary embodiments, different operations may be preprogrammed for different first sensing regions SR1. Therefore, as the number of the first sensing regions SR1 increases, the display device <NUM> can easily produce more various outputs.

When a specific position on the display device <NUM> is pressed with a finger, a contact area between the finger and the display device <NUM> may be wider than the area of one first sensing region SR1. In other words, in some exemplary embodiments, the area of each first sensing region SR1 may be set to be smaller than the contact area between the finger and the display device <NUM>. In this case, when a specific position on the display device <NUM> is pressed with a finger, the force may be recognized by two or more first sensing regions SR1. In this case, as illustrated in <FIG>, a plurality of first sensing regions SR1 neighboring each other may form one sensing region group SRG, and the display device <NUM> may be programmed to execute a different operation in response to an input that occurs in each sensing region group SRG. Although two neighboring first sensing regions SR1 form one sensing region group SRG in <FIG>, this is only an example, and the number of the first sensing regions SR1 included in each sensing region group SRG can be variously changed to three or more.

Alternatively, if each first sensing region SR1 is formed to have a relatively wide area as illustrated in <FIG>, when a specific position on the display device <NUM> is pressed with a finger, the force may be recognized by one sensing region SR1. For example, the area of each first sensing region SR1 may be set to be substantially equal to or greater than a contact area between a finger and the display device <NUM> when pressing occurs. In this case, neighboring first sensing regions SR1 may not form a sensing region group, and the display device <NUM> may be programmed to execute a different operation in response to an input that occurs in each first sensing region SR1. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above description, and first sensing regions SR1 not neighboring each other, for example, a first sensing region SR1 located on the left side of the display device <NUM> and a first sensing region SR1 located on the right side of the display device <NUM> can be programmed to execute the same operation.

In some exemplary embodiments, sensing regions having a larger area than the first sensing regions SR1 may be further disposed around the first sensing regions SR1. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, a sensing region having a larger area than each first sensing region SR1 may be further disposed in a portion relatively closer to an upper end of the display device <NUM> than the first sensing regions SR1.

In <FIG>, a case where the second sensing regions SR2 are used as squeezing recognition regions is illustrated. That is, in <FIG>, a user is squeezing a relatively large area using the palm and fingers while gripping the display device <NUM> with the fingers. The second sensing regions SR2 are disposed in the area where the squeezing is performed to sense whether a force has been applied by the squeezing as well as the magnitude of the force. Thus, a preprogrammed operation of the display device <NUM> may be performed according to the sensing result.

The user may perform the squeezing operation by naturally or ergonomically applying force to the entire hand while gripping the display device <NUM>. Since the user can quickly perform the squeezing operation without the elaborate movement of the hand while gripping the display device <NUM>, a simpler and quicker input is possible. Therefore, the second sensing regions SR2 can be used as an input medium for a frequently used function or a program requiring speed such as snapshot shooting or an emergency rescue request.

In some exemplary embodiments, the display device <NUM> may perform a first operation when an input occurs in a first sensing region SR1 and may perform a second operation different from the first operation when an input occurs in a second sensing region SR2. That is, in some exemplary embodiments, a preprogrammed operation of the display device <NUM> corresponding to the first sensing region SR1 and a preprogrammed operation of the display device <NUM> corresponding to the first sensing region SR1 may be different from each other.

In some exemplary embodiments, physical input buttons may all be omitted from the display device <NUM> and replaced by force sensors. In this case, since input devices for receiving user input are not exposed on the surface of the display device <NUM>, the degree of freedom in design can be increased, and the aesthetic appearance can be enhanced.

In addition, the first force sensor <NUM> and the second force sensor <NUM> may be located on both long sides LS1 and LS2 of the display device <NUM> where the fingers of a user holding the display device <NUM> are naturally or ergonomically positioned. Therefore, the user's convenience of operating the display device <NUM> can be increased.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a display device <NUM> constructed according to an exemplary embodiment, taken along a sectional line X1-X1' of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates an example of the arrangement of a first force sensor <NUM>, a second force sensor <NUM>, a conductive sheet <NUM>, a first bump portion <NUM> and a second bump portion <NUM> in the display device <NUM> constructed according to the exemplary embodiment. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the conductive sheet <NUM>, the first bump portion <NUM> and the second bump portion <NUM> taken along a sectional line X13-X13' of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the display device <NUM> constructed according to the current exemplary embodiment is different from the display device <NUM> of <FIG> in that connecting portions <NUM> and <NUM> are further provided below a light shielding layer <NUM>, a bonding layer <NUM> extends further to overlap a second area DR2, and the first bump portion <NUM> and the second bump portion <NUM> are attached to a lower surface of the light shielding layer <NUM> by the bonding layer <NUM>.

The connecting portions <NUM> and <NUM> will now be described by additionally referring to <FIG> and <FIG>.

The connecting portions <NUM> and <NUM> include a first connecting portion <NUM> and a second connecting portion <NUM>.

The first connecting portion <NUM> is connected to the conductive sheet <NUM> and first force concentration bumps <NUM>. In addition, the first connecting portion <NUM> is connected to the conductive sheet <NUM> and second force concentration bumps <NUM>. In some exemplary embodiments, the first connecting portion <NUM> may surround the first force concentration bumps <NUM> and the second force concentration bumps <NUM> in plan view.

The second connecting portion <NUM> is connected to the conductive sheet <NUM> and third force concentration bumps <NUM>. In addition, the second connecting portion <NUM> is connected to the conductive sheet <NUM> and fourth force concentration bumps <NUM>. In some exemplary embodiments, the second connecting portion <NUM> may surround the third force concentration bumps <NUM> and the fourth force concentration bumps <NUM> in plan view.

In some exemplary embodiments, a thickness WP of the first connecting portion <NUM> may be substantially equal to the thickness of the second connecting portion <NUM>. In addition, the thickness WP of the first connecting portion <NUM> may be smaller than a thickness W1 of the conductive sheet <NUM>. A thickness W31 of the first force concentration bumps <NUM> and a thickness W51 of the third force concentration bumps <NUM> may be substantially equal to each other and may be substantially equal to or greater than the thickness W1 of the conductive sheet <NUM> as described above. Therefore, the thickness WP of the first connecting portion <NUM> may be smaller than the thickness W31 of the first force concentration bumps <NUM> and the thickness W51 of the third force concentration bumps <NUM>.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first force concentration bumps <NUM>, the second force concentration bumps <NUM>, the third force concentration bumps <NUM>, the fourth force concentration bumps <NUM>, the first connecting portion <NUM>, and the second connecting portion <NUM> may be made of the same material (e.g., copper) as the conductive sheet <NUM>.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first force concentration bumps <NUM>, the second force concentration bumps <NUM>, the third force concentration bumps <NUM>, the fourth force concentration bumps <NUM>, the first connecting portion <NUM>, the second connecting portion <NUM> and the conductive sheet <NUM> may be simultaneously formed by processing one metal plate, for example, one copper plate. For example, the first force concentration bumps <NUM>, the second force concentration bumps <NUM>, the third force concentration bumps <NUM>, the fourth force concentration bumps <NUM>, the first connecting portion <NUM>, the second connecting portion <NUM> and the conductive sheet <NUM> may be simultaneously formed by removing portions of a copper plate which correspond to the first connecting portion <NUM> and the second connecting portion <NUM> using laser processing.

According to the current exemplary embodiment, since the first force concentration bumps <NUM>, the second force concentration bumps <NUM>, the third force concentration bumps <NUM>, the fourth force concentration bumps <NUM>, the first connecting portion <NUM>, the second connecting portion <NUM> and the conductive sheet <NUM> are manufactured by the same process, the manufacturing process can be simplified. In addition, the presence of the first connecting portion <NUM> and the second connecting portion <NUM> makes it possible to place the bump portions <NUM> and <NUM> at intended positions by preventing or reducing the movement of the bump portions <NUM> and <NUM> in the process of manufacturing the display device <NUM>. Accordingly, this can prevent or reduce the misalignment of the first and second force sensors <NUM> and <NUM> and the bump portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

Furthermore, since the first connecting portion <NUM> and the second connecting portion <NUM> are connected to the conductive sheet <NUM>, heat dissipation efficiency can improved. Also, since the first connecting portion <NUM> and the second connecting portion <NUM> are formed to be thinner than the conductive sheet <NUM>, a heat radiation area can be increased, thereby further improving the heat dissipation efficiency.

Moreover, since the first connecting portion <NUM> and the second connecting portion <NUM> are formed to be thinner than the conductive sheet <NUM>, they can be more easily deformed so as to correspond to the second area DR2 of the display device <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example of the arrangement of the first force sensor <NUM>, the second force sensor <NUM>, the conductive sheet <NUM>, the first bump portion <NUM>, and the second bump portion <NUM> in the display device <NUM> constructed according to the exemplary embodiment. <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> respectively illustrate examples of the arrangement of the first force sensor <NUM>, the second force sensor <NUM>, the conductive sheet <NUM>, the first bump portion <NUM> and the second bump portion <NUM> in the display device <NUM> constructed according to the exemplary embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the exemplary embodiments of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are substantially the same as the exemplary embodiments of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> except that a first connecting portion <NUM> and a second connecting portion <NUM> are further disposed below the light shielding layer, a bonding layer <NUM> (see <FIG>) extends further to the second area DR2, and the first connecting portion <NUM> and the second connecting portion <NUM> are bonded to the light shielding layer <NUM> by the bonding layer <NUM> (see <FIG>). The first connecting portion <NUM> and the second connecting portion <NUM> are the same as or similar to those described above in the exemplary embodiment of <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, and thus their description will be omitted.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a display device <NUM> constructed according to an exemplary embodiment, taken along a sectional line X1-X1' of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates an example of the arrangement of a first force sensor <NUM>, a second force sensor <NUM>, a conductive sheet <NUM>, a first bump portion <NUM> and a second bump portion <NUM> in the display device <NUM> constructed according to the exemplary embodiment. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the conductive sheet <NUM>, the first bump portion <NUM> and the second bump portion <NUM> taken along a sectional line X15-X15' of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the conductive sheet <NUM>, the first bump portion <NUM> and the second bump portion <NUM> taken along a sectional line X17-X17' of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the display device <NUM> constructed according to the current exemplary embodiment is different from the display device <NUM> of <FIG> in that the conductive sheet <NUM> is disposed below a light shielding layer <NUM> and extends further to a second area DR2 of the display device <NUM>, a bonding layer <NUM> extends further to overlap the second area DR2, the conductive sheet <NUM> is attached to a lower surface of the light shielding layer <NUM> by the bonding layer <NUM> in the second area DR2, and the first bump portion <NUM> and the second bump portion <NUM> are located on the conductive sheet <NUM>.

The differences will now be described in more detail by additionally referring to <FIG>, <FIG>.

The conductive sheet <NUM> is located in the second area DR2 as well as a first area DR1 of the display device <NUM>. That is, the conductive sheet <NUM> is disposed to overlap not only a flat portion of a display panel <NUM> but also a curved portion of the display panel <NUM>.

In some exemplary embodiments, the thickness of the conductive sheet <NUM> may be substantially constant. For example, the thickness of a portion of the conductive sheet <NUM> which is located in the second area DR2 may be substantially equal to a thickness W2 of a portion of the conductive sheet <NUM> which is located in the first area DR1.

Each of the first bump portion <NUM> and the second bump portion <NUM> is located on the conductive sheet <NUM> in the second area DR2.

More specifically, first force concentration bumps <NUM> and second force concentration bumps <NUM> of the first bump portion <NUM> are located on the conductive sheet <NUM> in the second area DR2 adjacent to a first edge LS1 and protrude toward the first force sensor <NUM> from a surface of the conductive sheet <NUM> which faces the first force sensor <NUM>.

In addition, third force concentration bumps <NUM> and fourth force concentration bumps <NUM> of the second bump portion <NUM> are located on the conductive sheet <NUM> in the second area DR2 adjacent to a second edge LS2 and protrude toward the second force sensor <NUM> from a surface of the conductive sheet <NUM> which faces the second force sensor <NUM>.

In some exemplary embodiments, the conductive sheet <NUM>, the first force concentration bumps <NUM>, the second force concentration bumps <NUM>, the third force concentration bumps <NUM>, and the fourth force concentration bumps <NUM> may be made of the same material and may be integrally formed.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first force concentration bumps <NUM>, the second force concentration bumps <NUM>, the third force concentration bumps <NUM>, the fourth force concentration bumps <NUM>, and the conductive sheet <NUM> may be simultaneously formed by processing one metal plate, for example, one copper plate. For example, the first force concentration bumps <NUM>, the second force concentration bumps <NUM>, the third force concentration bumps <NUM>, the fourth force concentration bumps <NUM>, and the conductive sheet <NUM> may be simultaneously formed by partially removing a copper plate, excluding portions corresponding to the first bump portion <NUM> and the second bump portion <NUM>, using etching or laser processing.

However, the structures of the first force concentration bumps <NUM>, the second force concentration bumps <NUM>, the third force concentration bumps <NUM>, the fourth force concentration bumps <NUM>, and the conductive sheet <NUM> are not limited to the above structures and can vary depending on the manufacturing process in embodiments.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of <FIG>, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, in some exemplary embodiments, first force concentration bumps 531a, second force concentration bumps 533a, third force concentration bumps 551a, fourth force concentration bumps 553a, and a conductive sheet 52a may be formed by pressing one metal plate, for example, a copper plate.

In this case, depressions CV recessed in a downward direction of the conductive sheet 52a may be formed in portions of a surface (facing the display panel <NUM>) of the conductive sheet 52a which correspond to the first force concentration bumps 531a, the second force concentration bumps 533a, the third force concentration bumps 551a and the fourth force concentration bumps 531a, and the first force concentration bumps 533a, the second force concentration bumps 533a, the third force concentration bumps 551a and the fourth force concentration bumps 553a may be embodied as protrusions corresponding to the depressions CV, respectively.

Referring to <FIG>, in some exemplary embodiments, a support member ORP may be further located in each depression CV. The support members ORP may prevent or reduce first force concentration bumps 531a, second force concentration bumps 533a, third force concentration bumps 551a and fourth force concentration bumps 553a, which are in the form of protrusions, from being deformed when a force is applied as an input. In some exemplary embodiments, the support members ORP may be made of an organic material such as acrylic resin or epoxy resin and may be formed by filling the depressions CV with the organic material.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> respectively illustrate examples of the arrangement of the first force sensor <NUM>, the second force sensor <NUM>, the conductive sheet <NUM>, the first bump portion <NUM> and the second bump portion <NUM> in the display device <NUM> constructed according to the exemplary embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the exemplary embodiments of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are substantially the same as the exemplary embodiments of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, respectively, except that a conductive sheet <NUM> is disposed below the light shielding layer <NUM> and extends further to the second area DR2 of the display device <NUM>, a bonding layer <NUM> extends further to overlap the second area DR2, the conductive sheet <NUM> is attached to the lower surface of the light shielding layer <NUM> by the bonding layer <NUM> in the second area DR2, and a first bump portion <NUM> and a second bump portion <NUM> are located on the conductive sheet <NUM>. The conductive sheet <NUM> and the bump portions <NUM> and <NUM> are the same as or similar to those described above in the exemplary embodiments of <FIG>, and thus their description will be omitted.

Some of the advantages that may be achieved by exemplary embodiments of the invention include a device constructed according an exemplary embodiment of a force sensor having reduced malfunction due to interference with other components, and a simplified input method. In addition, a display device constructed according to an exemplary embodiment can have improved force sensing sensitivity.

Claim 1:
A display device (<NUM>) comprising:
a display panel (<NUM>);
a conductive sheet (<NUM>) disposed below the display panel;
a force concentration bump (<NUM>, <NUM>) disposed below a first edge region of the display panel (<NUM>); and
a force sensor (<NUM>, <NUM>) disposed below the conductive sheet (<NUM>), extending in a first direction along the first edge region of the display panel (<NUM>), the force sensor (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a sensing region,
wherein the force concentration bump (<NUM>, <NUM>) overlaps the sensing region, and the force concentration bump (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the conductive sheet (<NUM>) are made of a same material and are formed from a same conductive plate
wherein the display device (<NUM>) further comprises:
a first portion (DR1) which is flat and lies in a first plane, and
a second portion (DR2) located at the first edge region, the second portion (DR2) lying in a different plane to the first plane, the second portion (DR2) is connected to the first portion (DR1), but is bent or curved from the first portion (DR1);
wherein the conductive sheet (<NUM>) is disposed in the first portion (DR1), and the force concentration bump (<NUM>, <NUM>) and force sensor (<NUM>, <NUM>) are disposed in the second portion (DR2).