Display device

Abstract

A display device is provided, which may include a display element layer, a sensing element layer, and a second type sensor electrode. The display element layer may include a first through hole, a non-pixel area, and a display area. The display area may include pixels and may surround the non-pixel area. The non-pixel area may surround the first through hole. The sensing element layer may include a second through hole and a first sensing area. The first sensing area may include a first type sensor electrode, may overlap the display area, and may surround the second through hole. The second through hole may correspond to the first through hole. The second type sensor electrode may overlap the non-pixel area and may be electrically insulated from the first type sensor electrode.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0003312 filed on January 10, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The technical field relates to a display device. Background Art

[0003] The display device may be included in various types of electronic devices for displaying images, such as mobile phones, tablet PCs, and gaming devices. Additional functions may be integrated with the display device. Summary of the invention

[0004] Embodiments may relate to a display device including a sensor.

[0005] According to an embodiment, the display device includes: an active area; an opening area arranged inside the active area; a non-pixel area arranged between the active area and the opening area to surround the opening area; a display element layer including pixels arranged in the active area and a first through hole arranged in the opening area; a sensing element layer including a first sensor electrode arranged in the active area and a second through hole arranged in the opening area, wherein the second through hole is overlapped with the first through hole, and a second sensor electrode arranged in the non-pixel area, wherein the second sensor electrode is separated from the first sensor electrode.

[0006] The second sensor electrode may be disposed in the sensing element layer.

[0007] The first sensor electrode may include: a plurality of electrode parts distributed throughout the effective area; and a plurality of connection parts electrically connected to the electrode parts, and the second sensor electrode may include at least one conductive layer arranged on the same layer as at least one of the electrode parts and the connection parts.

[0008] The second sensor electrode may have a multilayer structure including: a first conductive layer disposed on the same layer as at least some of the connection portions; and a second conductive layer disposed on the same layer as the electrode portions, wherein the second conductive layer is electrically connected to the first conductive layer.

[0009] The display element layer may include: a first pixel electrode layer, including a first pixel electrode arranged in each pixel area, wherein the first pixel electrode layer includes a through hole corresponding to the opening area; an emission layer, arranged on the first pixel electrode layer, wherein the emission layer includes a through hole corresponding to the opening area and the non-pixel area; and a second pixel electrode layer, arranged on the emission layer, wherein the second pixel electrode layer includes a through hole corresponding to the opening area and the non-pixel area.

[0010] The first pixel electrode layer may further include a first protection electrode separated from the first pixel electrode, wherein the first protection electrode is disposed in the non-pixel region to overlap the second sensor electrode. The first protection electrode may be supplied with the same voltage or signal as that of the second sensor electrode.

[0011] The sensing element layer may further include at least one of: a first guard electrode, disposed below the second sensor electrode to overlap with the second sensor electrode; a second guard electrode, disposed in the non-pixel area to be located inside the second sensor electrode, wherein the second guard electrode is separated from the second sensor electrode; and a third guard electrode, disposed in the non-pixel area to be located between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode, wherein the third guard electrode is separated from the second sensor electrode.

[0012] The first guard electrode, the second guard electrode, and the third guard electrode may be respectively supplied with the same voltage or signal as that of the second sensor electrode.

[0013] The second sensor electrode may be disposed on the display element layer.

[0014] The display device may further include at least one protection electrode disposed on the display element layer, wherein the at least one protection electrode is located at a periphery of the second sensor electrode.

[0015] The second sensor electrode may have a closed loop shape surrounding the opening area.

[0016] The first sensor electrode may be formed as a mutual capacitance type touch sensor, and the second sensor electrode may be formed as a self capacitance type proximity sensor.

[0017] The first sensor electrode may include: a first touch sensor electrode, including a plurality of first electrode portions arranged in an effective area along a first direction and at least one first connecting portion for connecting the first electrode portions along the first direction; and a second touch sensor electrode, including a plurality of second electrode portions arranged in the effective area along a second direction and at least one second connecting portion for connecting the second electrode portions along the second direction.

[0018] The display element layer may further include an encapsulation layer for encapsulating the pixels. The encapsulation layer may include a through hole corresponding to the opening area.

[0019] The first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode may be formed or disposed directly on the encapsulation layer, or directly formed or disposed on an insulating layer formed on the encapsulation layer.

[0020] The display element layer may include a backplane layer including circuit elements of each pixel, and the second sensor electrode may be disposed on the backplane layer.

[0021] The display device may further include a sensor driver connected to the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode. The sensor driver may include: a first sensor driving circuit configured to sense a touch input generated in the active area, wherein the first sensor driving circuit is connected to the first sensor electrode; and a second sensor driving circuit configured to sense the approach of a body or an object, wherein the second sensor driving circuit is connected to the second sensor electrode.

[0022] The display device may further include: a window disposed on the display panel to completely cover a top surface of the display panel, wherein the display panel includes a display element layer and a sensing element layer; and a bottom cover disposed under the display panel to completely cover a bottom surface of the display panel.

[0023] The display device may further include a full cover case for accommodating a display panel, wherein the display panel includes a display element layer and a sensing element layer. The full cover case may include: a rear cover portion for covering a bottom surface of the display panel; and a front cover portion connected to the rear cover portion, wherein the front cover portion includes a dielectric material contained therein at a position corresponding to the position of the second sensor electrode.

[0024] The display device according to the embodiment includes a display panel, the display panel includes a display element layer and a sensing element layer. The display panel includes: an active area including pixels arranged in the display element layer, and a touch sensor electrode arranged in the sensing element layer; a through hole arranged inside the active area; and a non-pixel area arranged between the active area and the through hole to surround the through hole, wherein the non-pixel area includes a proximity sensor electrode separated from the touch sensor electrode.

[0025] According to the display device of the embodiment, the proximity sensor can be formed inside the display panel without requiring an additional component or process for forming the proximity sensor.

[0026] Embodiments may relate to a display device. The display device may include a display element layer, a sensing element layer, and a second type sensor electrode. The display element layer may include a first through hole, a non-pixel area, and a display area. The display area may include pixels and may surround the non-pixel area. The non-pixel area may surround the first through hole. The sensing element layer may include a second through hole and a first sensing area. The first sensing area may include a first type sensor electrode, may overlap the display area, and may surround the second through hole. The second through hole may correspond to the first through hole. The second type sensor electrode may overlap the non-pixel area and may be electrically insulated from the first type sensor electrode.

[0027] The second type sensor electrode may surround the second through hole.

[0028] The display device may include a first insulating layer. The first type sensor electrode may include a first electrode and a first connector. The first electrode may overlap with the display area and may directly contact a surface of the first insulating layer. The first connector may be electrically connected to the first electrode through a first contact hole in the first insulating layer. The second type sensor electrode may include a first conductive layer. The first conductive layer may directly contact a surface of the first insulating layer.

[0029] The second type sensor electrode may further include a second conductive layer. The second conductive layer may be electrically connected to the first conductive layer through a second contact hole in the first insulating layer.

[0030] The display element layer may include a first pixel electrode layer, an emission layer, and a second pixel electrode layer. The first pixel electrode layer may include a pixel electrode of a pixel and may include a first through hole. The emission layer may be disposed between the first pixel electrode layer and the second pixel electrode layer and may include a third through hole. The third through hole may correspond to both the first through hole and the non-pixel area. The second pixel electrode layer may overlap with the emission layer, may overlap with the pixel electrode, and may include a fourth through hole. The fourth through hole may correspond to the third through hole.

[0031] The first pixel electrode layer may further include a first protective electrode. The first protective electrode may be electrically insulated from the pixel electrode, may be disposed in a non-pixel region, may overlap the second type sensor electrode, and may be configured to receive the same non-zero voltage or signal as the non-zero voltage or signal received by the second type sensor electrode.

[0032] The display device may also include at least one of the following elements: a first protective electrode overlapping the second type sensor electrode; a second protective electrode overlapping the non-pixel area, located between two parts of the second type sensor electrode, and electrically insulated from the second type sensor electrode; and a third protective electrode overlapping the non-pixel area, located between the first type sensor electrode and the second type sensor electrode, and electrically insulated from the second type sensor electrode.

[0033] Each of the first guard electrode, the second guard electrode, and the third guard electrode may be configured to receive the same non-zero voltage or signal as that received by the second type sensor electrode.

[0034] The second type sensor electrodes may be disposed on the display element layer.

[0035] The display device may further include: at least one protection electrode disposed on the display element layer and located at the periphery of the second type sensor electrode.

[0036] The second type sensor electrode may have a closed loop structure surrounding the first through hole in a plan view of the display device.

[0037] The first type sensor electrodes may form a mutual capacitance type touch sensor. The second type sensor electrodes may form a self capacitance type proximity sensor.

[0038] The first type sensor electrodes may include the following elements: first type electrodes arranged in a first direction; a first type connector electrically connecting the first type electrodes; second type electrodes arranged in a second direction different from the first direction; and a second type connector electrically connecting the second type electrodes.

[0039] The display element layer may further include an encapsulation layer for encapsulating the pixel. The encapsulation layer may include a through hole corresponding to the first through hole.

[0040] The first type sensor electrodes and the second type sensor electrodes may be disposed directly on the encapsulation layer or directly on an insulating layer disposed directly on the encapsulation layer.

[0041] The display element layer may include a backplane layer including circuit elements of the pixels. The second type sensor electrodes may be provided in the backplane layer.

[0042] The display device may further include a sensor driver electrically connected to the first type sensor electrode and the second type sensor electrode. The sensor driver may include the following elements: a first sensor driving circuit electrically connected to the first type sensor electrode and configured to sense a touch input generated in the first sensing area; and a second sensor driving circuit electrically connected to the second type sensor electrode and configured to sense the approach of a conductive object.

[0043] The display device may further include the following elements: a window completely covering a first surface of the combination of the display element layer and the sensing element layer; and a bottom cover completely covering a second surface of the combination of the display element layer and the sensing element layer.

[0044] The display device may further include a rear cover for covering a rear surface of a combination of the display element layer and the sensing element layer; and a front cover connected to the rear cover and may include a dielectric material portion at a position corresponding to the second type sensor electrode.

[0045] An embodiment may relate to a display device, which may include the following elements: pixels; touch sensor electrodes; a through hole surrounded by the pixels and surrounded by the touch sensor electrodes; and a proximity sensor electrode disposed outside the through hole, surrounded by the touch sensor electrodes, and electrically insulated from the touch sensor electrodes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Figure 1 A schematic plan view showing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0047] Figure 2 A schematic exploded view showing layers of a display device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0048] Figure 3 A block diagram showing the configuration of a sensor driver according to an embodiment.

[0049] Figure 4 A circuit diagram of a pixel according to an embodiment is shown.

[0050] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view showing a pixel according to an embodiment is shown.

[0051] Figure 6 A plan view showing touch sensor electrodes according to an embodiment is shown.

[0052] Figure 7 According to an embodiment, Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along line II'.

[0053] Figure 8 According to the embodiment Figure 1 2 is a plan view showing a non-pixel region and an area AR1 of a proximity sensor electrode disposed in the non-pixel region.

[0054] Fig.9A A plan view showing an opening area, a non-pixel area, and a proximity sensor electrode according to an embodiment is shown.

[0055] Fig. 9B A plan view showing an opening area, a non-pixel area, and a proximity sensor electrode according to an embodiment is shown.

[0056] Fig. 9C A plan view showing an opening area, a non-pixel area, and a proximity sensor electrode according to an embodiment is shown.

[0057] Fig.9D A plan view showing an opening area, a non-pixel area, and a proximity sensor electrode according to an embodiment is shown.

[0058] Fig.9E A plan view showing an opening area, a non-pixel area, and a proximity sensor electrode according to an embodiment is shown.

[0059] Fig.10 According to the embodiment Figure 1 0 is a cross-sectional view of a region AR1 of a display device shown in FIG.

[0060] Fig.11 According to the embodiment Figure 1 0 is a cross-sectional view of a region AR1 of a display device shown in FIG.

[0061] Fig.12 According to the embodiment Figure 1 2 is a plan view of an area AR1 showing a non-pixel area and a plurality of electrodes provided in the non-pixel area.

[0062] Fig.13 According to the embodiment Fig.12 A cross-sectional view of area AR1.

[0063] Fig.14 According to the embodiment Fig.12 A cross-sectional view of area AR1.

[0064] Fig.15 is a cross-sectional view of a region AR1 of the display device according to the embodiment.

[0065] Fig.16 is a cross-sectional view of a backplane layer according to an embodiment.

[0066] Fig.17 is a cross-sectional view of a sensing element layer according to an embodiment.

[0067] Fig.18 is a cross-sectional view of a sensing element layer according to an embodiment.

[0068] Fig.19 A schematic plan view showing a display device with a cover opened according to an embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] Example embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Actual embodiments may be implemented in various forms.

[0070] The size, ratio, etc. of some elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. The same reference numerals and symbols may denote the same elements, and the related descriptions may not be repeated.

[0071] The terms "first", "second", etc. can be used to distinguish between various elements, and the element should not be limited by these terms. Without departing from the teaching of one or more embodiments, the first element can be referred to as the second element. Describing an element as a "first" element may not require or imply the existence of a second element or other elements. The terms "first", "second", etc. can be used to distinguish between elements of different categories or groups. For simplicity, the terms "first", "second", etc. can represent "first type (or first group)", "second type (or second group)", etc., respectively.

[0072] Terms such as “include” or “have” may indicate the existence of features, numbers, steps, actions, elements, components or combinations thereof, and may not exclude the existence or addition of one or more different features, numbers, steps, actions, elements, components or combinations thereof.

[0073] When a first element is referred to as being “on” a second element, the first element may be directly on the second element, or one or more intervening elements may be present between the first and second elements.

[0074] A specific position or direction is described relative to a viewpoint and may change according to different viewpoints or directions.

[0075] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, a singular form may include a plural form.

[0076] The term "connected" may mean "electrically connected". The term "conductive" may mean "electrically conductive". The term "insulated" may mean "electrically insulating" or "electrically isolated". The term "through hole" may mean a variation thereof. The expression that a first hole overlaps a second hole may mean that an area / position of the first hole overlaps an area / position of the second hole. The expression that a shape of a first element corresponds to a shape of a second element may mean that a periphery of the first element is similar to or identical to a periphery of the second element. The expression that two conductive elements are disposed on the same layer may mean that the two conductive elements directly contact the same surface of the same insulating layer and / or that the two conductive elements are included in the same conductive structure layer.

[0077] Figure 1 A display device 10 according to an embodiment is shown. For example, Figure 1 is a schematic top plan view of a display device 10 according to an embodiment.

[0078] Reference Figure 1 The display device 10 includes an active area AA and a non-active area NA surrounding the active area AA. The display device 10 includes an opening area OPA and a non-pixel area NPA, the opening area OPA is arranged inside the active area AA and / or surrounded by the active area AA, and the non-pixel area NPA is arranged between the active area AA and the opening area OPA and surrounds the opening area OPA. The display device 10 may also optionally include a function key FU, etc.

[0079] The active area AA may include a display area in which pixels are disposed. The active area AA may include a touch sensing area in which touch sensor electrodes (also referred to as "first sensor electrodes") are disposed. The display area and the touch sensing area may overlap each other. In an embodiment, only a portion of the display area may overlap with the touch sensing area, or the display area and the touch sensing area may not overlap with each other. The display area and the touch sensing area may be collectively referred to as the active area AA.

[0080] The non-active area NA may be a non-display area that does not include pixels and may surround the active area AA. In some embodiments, various types of wirings connected to pixels and touch sensor electrodes of the active area AA are provided in the non-active area NA. In this specification, the term "connection" may mean physical connection and / or electrical connection.

[0081] The display device 10 may have a HIAA (hole in active area) panel structure. The non-pixel area NPA may be disposed between the opening area OPA and the active area AA. The non-pixel area NPA may be disposed inside the active area AA, and the opening area OPA may be disposed inside the non-pixel area NPA.

[0082] One or more components such as a camera may be disposed under / in the opening area OPA, or may overlap the opening area OPA. The components may be integrated with the active area AA. One or more functions of one or more components may be integrated with one or more functions of the active area AA.

[0083] The non-pixel area NPA may be disposed outside the opening area OPA and may surround the opening area OPA. The non-pixel area NPA may not include pixels and may be surrounded by adjacent pixels.

[0084] The opening area OPA may include a through hole passing through at least some layers of the display panel. For example, the opening area OPA may include a through hole passing through a display element layer in which pixels are disposed and / or a sensing element layer in which predetermined sensor electrodes are disposed.

[0085] For user convenience, the function key FU may be provided at the outer side of the display device 10. At least one function key FU may be provided at one side or more sides of the display device 10.

[0086] The display device 10 may further include at least one proximity sensor electrode (proximity sensor electrode, or referred to as a proximity sensor electrode) PSE (also referred to as a "second sensor electrode") disposed in the non-pixel area NPA. The proximity sensor electrode PSE may have a closed loop structure surrounding the opening area OPA. The proximity sensor electrode PSE may form a capacitive proximity sensor. For example, the proximity sensor electrode PSE may form a self-capacitive proximity sensor.

[0087] When a human body or a different conductive object approaches the proximity sensor electrode PSE within the effective sensing distance, the capacitance of the proximity sensor electrode PSE changes. For example, the proximity sensor electrode PSE may receive a predetermined input signal (e.g., a drive signal) through wiring (not shown) during a period during which the proximity sensor is activated (e.g., a period during which the display device 10 is turned on). When a conductive object approaches the proximity sensor electrode PSE within the effective sensing distance, the capacitance of the proximity sensor electrode PSE changes according to the distance (e.g., proximity) to the object. Therefore, the proximity sensor electrode PSE outputs a sensing signal different from the input signal. For example, the sensing signal may have a size and / or waveform corresponding to the proximity of the object. Therefore, even if the object is not in direct contact with the proximity sensor electrode PSE, it is possible to detect whether the object is close to the proximity sensor electrode PSE and the proximity of the object.

[0088] Figure 2 1 shows the configuration of the display device 10 according to the embodiment. For example, Figure 2 Show Figure 1 The layers of the display device 10 shown in FIG. Figure 1 The same or similar components in Figure 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Figure 3 FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the sensor driver SDR according to the embodiment. For example, Figure 3 Show Figure 2 An embodiment of a sensor driver SDR in.

[0089] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The display device 10 includes a display panel PNL (which includes a display element layer DPL and a sensing element layer SSL) and a driving circuit DRC for driving the display panel PNL. The display element layer DPL and the sensing element layer SSL may overlap each other. For example, the sensing element layer SSL may be disposed on top of the display element layer DPL.

[0090] The driving circuit DRC may include a display driver DDR for driving the display element layer DPL and a sensor driver SDR for driving the sensing element layer SSL. The display driver DDR and the sensor driver SDR may be separated from each other, or at least some of them may be integrated together into one driver IC.

[0091] The display element layer DPL includes a plurality of pixels PXL disposed in an active area AA and a first through hole HOL1 disposed in an opening area OPA. The pixel PXL is connected to a signal line such as a scan line and a data line, and may emit light having a brightness corresponding to a drive signal supplied from a display driver DDR. Therefore, an image corresponding to the image data may be displayed in the active area AA of the display element layer DPL. The active area AA of the display device 10 may include a display area DA of the display element layer DPL.

[0092] The sensing element layer SSL includes a plurality of touch sensor electrodes (TSE, first sensor electrodes), proximity sensor electrodes (PSE, second sensor electrodes) and a second through hole HOL2, wherein the plurality of touch sensor electrodes (TSE, first sensor electrodes) are arranged in the active area AA, the proximity sensor electrodes (PSE, second sensor electrodes) are arranged in the non-pixel area NPA and are separated (and insulated) from the touch sensor electrodes TSE, and the second through hole HOL2 is arranged in the opening area OPA. Figure 2 As shown in , the proximity sensor electrode PSE may be disposed in the sensing element layer SSL. In another embodiment, the proximity sensor electrode PSE may be disposed inside the display element layer DPL. For example, the proximity sensor electrode PSE may be disposed around the first through hole HOL1 of the display element layer DPL.

[0093] The touch sensor electrode TSE may overlap with the pixel PXL. For example, one of the touch sensor electrodes TSE may overlap at least partially with at least one pixel region. The pixel region may include a pixel circuit region in which a pixel circuit of the pixel PXL is formed, a pixel electrode region in which a pixel electrode is disposed, and / or a light emitting region of a pixel defined by a pixel defining layer.

[0094] In an embodiment, the touch sensor electrode TSE may not overlap the pixel PXL. For example, each touch sensor electrode TSE may be a mesh electrode including a plurality of openings, and a thin wiring for forming the mesh electrode may be disposed between the pixels PXL and may not overlap the pixel PXL.

[0095] The second through hole HOL2 may overlap the first through hole HOL1. The first through hole HOL1 and the second through hole HOL2 may be combined to form one through hole HOL. The through hole HOL may include the first through hole HOL1 and the second through hole HOL2, and may penetrate the display panel PNL.

[0096] The touch sensor electrodes TSE may form a capacitive touch sensor, for example, a mutual capacitive touch sensor.

[0097] The touch sensor electrode TSE may include a first touch sensor electrode TSE1 supplied with a drive signal from a sensor driver SDR, and may include a second touch sensor electrode TSE2 for outputting a sensing signal corresponding to the drive signal (outputting the sensing signal to the sensor driver SDR). A capacitance may be formed between the first touch sensor electrode TSE1 and the second touch sensor electrode TSE2. The first touch sensor electrode TSE1 and the second touch sensor electrode TSE2 may extend in different directions in the active area AA. For example, the first touch sensor electrode TSE1 may extend in the first direction DR1 in the active area AA, and the second touch sensor electrode TSE2 may extend in the second direction DR2 in the active area AA and may cross the first touch sensor electrode TSE1.

[0098] In an embodiment, the touch sensor electrodes TSE may form self-capacitance type touch sensor electrodes.

[0099] When a touch occurs in the active area AA, the capacitance between the sensor electrodes TSE changes in the area where the touch occurs and / or around the area. Therefore, the touch input can be detected by sensing the change in capacitance. The active area AA of the display device 10 may include a touch sensing area TSA (also referred to as a "first sensing area") of the sensing element layer SSL.

[0100] The proximity sensor electrode PSE is disposed in the non-pixel area NPA and is separated from the touch sensor electrode TSE. When a body or an object approaches the proximity sensor electrode PSE, the capacitance of the proximity sensor electrode PSE changes. Therefore, the change in capacitance can be detected, so that the approach of the body or object can be recognized. The non-pixel area NPA of the display device 10 may include a proximity sensing area PSA (also referred to as a "second sensing area") of the sensing element layer SSL.

[0101] The proximity sensor electrode PSE may include at least one conductive layer disposed on the same layer as at least one conductive pattern for forming the touch sensor electrode TSE. The touch sensor electrode TSE and the proximity sensor electrode PSE may be formed simultaneously. The conductive material for forming the touch sensor electrode TSE may be used to form the proximity sensor electrode PSE. The proximity sensor may be formed inside the display panel PNL without requiring an additional component or an additional process for forming the proximity sensor electrode PSE.

[0102] The display driver DDR is electrically connected to the display element layer DPL, specifically to the pixels PXL arranged in the display element layer DPL. The display driver DDR supplies a driving signal to the pixels PXL. For example, the display driver DDR includes: a scan driver for supplying a scan signal to the pixels PXL through a scan line; a data driver for supplying a data signal to the pixels PXL through a data line; and a timing controller for controlling the scan driver and the data driver. The scan driver, the data driver and / or the timing controller may be integrated into one display IC (D-IC). In another embodiment, the scan driver, the data driver and / or the timing controller may be formed together with the pixels PXL or installed in the display element layer DPL.

[0103] The sensor driver SDR is electrically connected to the sensing element layer SSL, specifically to the touch sensor electrodes TSE and the proximity sensor electrodes PSE provided in the sensing element layer SSL. For example, the sensor driver SDR may include: a first sensor driving circuit SDC1 connected to the touch sensor electrodes TSE to sense a touch input generated from the active area AA; and a second sensor driving circuit SDC2 connected to the proximity sensor electrodes PSE to sense the approach of a body or an object.

[0104] The display device 10 includes a touch sensor including a touch sensor electrode TSE and a proximity sensor including a proximity sensor electrode PSE. Therefore, the display device 10 may perform a sensing function in addition to an image display function.

[0105] Figure 4 1 shows a circuit diagram of a pixel PXL according to an embodiment. For example, Figure 4 Pixels PXL disposed in the display area DA are shown. Figure 4 Pixels PXL arranged in the i-th (i is a natural number) row and the j-th (j is a natural number) column of the active area AA are shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The pixels PXL in the active area AA may have substantially the same structure as each other. For example, the pixels PXL may be formed in a repeated pattern in the display area DA while having the same structure in the backplane layer in which each pixel circuit PXC is disposed and the light emitting element layer in which each light emitting element EL is disposed. In another embodiment, at least one pixel PXL may have a structure different from that of the remaining pixels PXL.

[0106] Reference Figure 4, the pixel PXL may include: a light emitting element EL, connected between a first power supply ELVDD and a second power supply ELVSS; and a pixel circuit PXC, connected between the first power supply ELVDD and the light emitting element EL, wherein the pixel circuit PXC is also connected to a scan line SLi and a data line DLj to control a driving current flowing to the light emitting element EL. However, the position of the pixel circuit PXC is not limited thereto. For example, the pixel circuit PXC may also be connected between the light emitting element EL and the second power supply ELVSS. When the pixel PXL is a passive pixel, the pixel circuit PXC may be omitted. In this case, the opposite ends (e.g., anode and cathode) of the light emitting element EL may also be directly connected to a predetermined power line (e.g., a first power line or a second power line) or a predetermined signal line (e.g., a scan line SLi or a data line DLj), respectively.

[0107] The first power source ELVDD and the second power source ELVSS have different potentials. For example, the first power source ELVDD can be set as a high potential power source, and the second power source ELVSS can be set as a low potential power source. The potential difference between the first power source ELVDD and the second power source ELVSS (i.e., the voltage applied therebetween) can be greater than the threshold voltage of the light emitting element EL.

[0108] The light emitting element EL is connected to the first power source ELVDD through the pixel circuit PXC. For example, the anode of the light emitting element EL can be connected to the first power source ELVDD through the second transistor M2 of the pixel circuit PXC. The cathode of the light emitting element EL can be connected to the second power source ELVSS. The light emitting element EL emits light having a brightness corresponding to the driving current supplied from the pixel circuit PXC. The light emitting element EL can be an organic light emitting diode (OLED) including an organic light emitting layer. In another embodiment, a tiny inorganic light emitting element such as a nano-scale light emitting element or a micron-scale light emitting element can form the light source of the pixel PXL.

[0109] The pixel circuit PXC may include first and second transistors M1 and M2 and a capacitor C.

[0110] The first transistor M1 (also referred to as a "switching transistor") is connected between the data line DLj and the first node N1. The gate electrode of the first transistor M1 is connected to the scan line SLi. The first transistor M1 is turned on when a scan signal having a gate-on voltage (e.g., a low voltage) is supplied to the scan line SLi to electrically connect the data line DLj and the first node N1. Therefore, when the first transistor M1 is turned on, the data signal supplied to the data line DLj is transmitted to the first node N1.

[0111] The second transistor (also referred to as a "driving transistor") M2 is connected between the first power source ELVDD and the light emitting element EL. The gate electrode of the second transistor M2 is connected to the first node N1. The second transistor M2 controls the driving current flowing to the light emitting element EL according to the voltage of the first node N1. For example, the second transistor M2 can control whether to supply the driving current and / or control the size of the driving current according to the voltage of the first node N1.

[0112] The capacitor C is connected between the first power source ELVDD and the first node N1. The capacitor C stores a voltage corresponding to a data signal supplied to the first node N1 in each frame period.

[0113] The type and structure of the pixel PXL are not limited to Figure 4 Those shown in , and can be constructed according to the embodiments.

[0114] Figure 5 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a pixel PXL according to an embodiment. For example, Figure 5 Show Figure 4 For ease of description, Figure 5 Only one region of the pixel PXL (e.g., a region where the light emitting element EL and the second transistor M2 connected to the light emitting element EL are disposed) is shown. The first transistor M1 may have a cross-sectional structure substantially the same as or substantially similar to that of the second transistor M2. At least one of the electrodes of the capacitor C may be disposed on the same layer as at least one of the electrodes of the first transistor M1 and the second transistor M2.

[0115] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 Each pixel PXL may be formed on a display panel ( Figure 2 For example, each pixel PXL may be formed in each pixel area PXA on the base substrate SUB.

[0116] The base substrate SUB may be a hard substrate or a soft substrate, and the physical properties and materials of the base substrate SUB are not particularly limited. For example, the base substrate SUB may be a rigid substrate made of glass or tempered glass, a flexible film substrate, or at least one insulating layer.

[0117] In some embodiments, a buffer layer BFL may be formed on one surface of a base substrate SUB. The buffer layer BFL may prevent diffusion of impurities from the base substrate SUB and improve the flatness of the base substrate SUB. The buffer layer BFL may be provided as a single layer, but may also be provided as a multilayer of two or more layers. The buffer layer BFL may be an inorganic insulating layer made of an inorganic material. For example, the buffer layer BFL may be formed of silicon nitride, silicon oxide, and silicon oxynitride. When the buffer layer BFL is provided as a multilayer, each layer may be formed of the same material or a different material. In another embodiment, the buffer layer BFL may be unnecessary.

[0118] The second transistor M2 and various types of circuit elements for forming the pixel circuit PXC may be formed on the buffer layer BFL. In the process of forming the circuit elements, wiring including various power lines and / or signal lines may be formed together. In the process of forming the circuit elements of the pixel circuit PXC, first and second power lines for providing the first power ELVDD and the second power ELVSS and scan lines SLi and data lines DLj for transmitting scan signals and data signals to each pixel PXL may be formed together.

[0119] The second transistor M2 includes an active layer ACT, a gate electrode GE, a source electrode SE, and a drain electrode DE. The active layer ACT is disposed on the buffer layer BFL and may be formed of a semiconductor material. For example, the active layer ACT may be a semiconductor pattern made of polysilicon, amorphous silicon, or an oxide semiconductor, and may be a semiconductor layer doped with impurities or not doped with impurities. Alternatively, only one region of the active layer ACT may be selectively doped with impurities.

[0120] The gate insulating layer GI may be formed on the active layer ACT, and the gate electrode GE may be formed on the gate insulating layer GI. When the gate electrode GE is formed, the scan line SLi may be formed together.

[0121] An interlayer insulating film IL may be formed on the gate electrode GE, and source and drain electrodes SE and DE may be formed on the interlayer insulating film IL. The source and drain electrodes SE and DE may be connected to different regions of the active layer ACT through each contact hole CH passing through the gate insulating layer GI and the interlayer insulating layer IL.

[0122] Figure 5 It is shown that the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE are formed on a different layer from the active layer ACT. In embodiments, the source electrode SE and / or the drain electrode DE may be formed such that they integrally extend from opposite ends of the active layer ACT.

[0123] A passivation layer PSV may be formed on the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE. The passivation layer PSV may completely cover the pixel circuit PXC including the second transistor M2 and substantially planarize a top surface of the pixel circuit PXC.

[0124] The base substrate SUB, the circuit elements (e.g., the second transistor M2 of each pixel circuit PXC and other circuit elements) formed on one surface of the base substrate SUB, and various types of power lines and / or wirings formed together with the circuit elements may form a backplane layer BPL of the display device 10. For example, the backplane layer BPL may include the base substrate SUB, the circuit element layer (the circuit element layer in which the pixel circuit (PXC) and / or various types of wirings are formed) formed on one surface of the base substrate SUB.

[0125] The light emitting element EL may be formed on the passivation layer PSV. Each of the light emitting elements EL includes a first pixel electrode PXE1, an emission layer EML, and a second pixel electrode PXE2 sequentially disposed in the emission area EMA of the corresponding pixel PXL.

[0126] The first pixel electrode PXE1 may be disposed on the passivation layer PSV so that it is connected to one electrode (eg, drain electrode DE) of the second transistor M2 through a through hole VH passing through the passivation layer PSV. The first pixel electrode PXE1 may be an anode of the light emitting element EL.

[0127] On one surface of the base substrate SUB on which the first pixel electrode PXE1 is formed, a pixel defining layer PDL for separating each pixel region (particularly, the light emitting region EMA of each pixel PXL) may be formed. The pixel defining layer PDL is disposed between the respective light emitting regions EMA of the pixels PXL, and includes an opening for exposing the first electrode PXE1 in each light emitting region EMA. For example, the pixel defining layer PDL may protrude upward from one surface of the base substrate SUB on which the first electrode PXE1 and the like are formed along the periphery of the light emitting region EMA.

[0128] The emission layer EML may be formed in each light emitting area EMA surrounded by the pixel defining layer PDL. For example, the emission layer EML may be disposed on the surface of the exposed first pixel electrode PXE1. The emission layer EML may have a multilayer thin film structure including at least a light generating layer LGL. For example, the emission layer EML may include: a light generating layer LGL for emitting light of a predetermined color; a first common layer HCL disposed between the light generating layer LGL and the first pixel electrode PXE1; and a second common layer ECL disposed between the light generating layer LGL and the second pixel electrode PXE2. The first common layer HCL may include at least one of a hole injection layer and a hole transport layer. The second common layer ECL may include at least one of a hole blocking layer, an electron transport layer, and an electron injection layer. The light generating layer LGL may be patterned separately according to each light emitting area EMA. The first common layer HCL and the second common layer ECL may be formed in the entire effective area ( Figure 2 AA).

[0129] The second pixel electrode PXE2 is formed on the emission layer EML. The second pixel electrode PXE2 may be a cathode of the light emitting element EL. The second pixel electrode PXE2 may be formed in the entire active area AA.

[0130] The first pixel electrode PXE1 disposed in each pixel area PXA, the emission layer EML disposed on the first pixel electrode PXE1, and the second pixel electrode PXE2 disposed on the emission layer EML may form a light emitting element layer ELL of the display device 10. For example, the light emitting element layer ELL may include: a first pixel electrode layer including the first pixel electrode PXE1; an emission layer EML disposed on the first pixel electrode PXE1; and a second pixel electrode layer including the second pixel electrode PXE2 and disposed on the emission layer EML.

[0131] On the second pixel electrode PXE2, a thin film encapsulation layer TFE is formed to cover the second pixel electrode PXE2. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the display panel ( Figure 2 The display panel PNL is provided in an area (eg, at least the active area AA) of the display panel PNL in which the pixel PXL is disposed, thereby encapsulating the pixel PXL. When the thin film encapsulation layer TFE is used, the display panel PNL can have a reduced thickness and ensure flexibility of the display panel PNL while protecting the pixel PXL.

[0132] The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may have a multilayer structure or a single layer structure. For example, the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may form a multilayer including at least two inorganic layers stacked on each other and at least one organic layer inserted between the inorganic layers. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may form a single organic / inorganic hybrid insulating layer. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may be replaced with an encapsulation substrate ENC made of glass or plastic. For example, the encapsulation substrate ENC may be disposed in the active area AA to at least encapsulate the pixel PXL. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE or the encapsulation substrate ENC for encapsulating the pixel PXL may form the encapsulation layer ENL of the display device 10.

[0133] In some embodiments, a backplane layer BPL including a base substrate SUB and optionally including a circuit element layer (a circuit layer in which circuit elements of each pixel circuit PXC and various types of wiring connected to the circuit elements of each pixel circuit PXC are disposed), a light emitting element layer ELL including a light emitting element EL disposed in each pixel area PXA and disposed on the backplane layer BPL, and an encapsulation layer ENL disposed on the pixel PXL including the light emitting element EL may form a display element layer DPL of the display device 10. For example, the display device 10 may include a display element layer DPL including a backplane layer BPL, a light emitting element layer ELL, and an encapsulation layer ENL. The display element layer DPL is formed inside the display panel PNL so that a predetermined image is displayed on the display panel PNL.

[0134] Figure 6 1 shows a touch sensor electrode TSE according to an embodiment. For example, Figure 6 Shows the Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure of the touch sensor electrode TSE at the intersection of a pair of touch sensor electrodes TSE in the active area AA (specifically, the touch sensing area TSA of the sensing element layer SSL). Figure 7 Show Figure 6 An embodiment of a cross section taken along line II'.

[0135] First refer to Figure 6 as well as Figure 1 and Figure 2 The touch sensor electrode TSE includes a plurality of first electrode portions EP1 and a plurality of second electrode portions EP2 distributed throughout the active area AA, and first connection portions CP1 and second connection portions CP2 connected to the first electrode portions EP1 and the second electrode portions EP2, respectively. The first electrode portions EP1 and the second electrode portions EP2 may be alternately disposed so as not to overlap each other. The first connection portions CP1 may connect the first electrode portions EP1 along a first direction DR1, and the second connection portions CP2 may connect the second electrode portions EP2 along a second direction DR2.

[0136] For example, the touch sensor electrode TSE may include a first touch sensor electrode TSE1 extending or connected along a first direction DR1 in the active area AA, and a second touch sensor electrode TSE2 extending or connected along a second direction DR2 in the active area AA to cross the first touch sensor electrode TSE1. A plurality of first touch sensor electrodes TSE1 separated from each other and a plurality of second touch sensor electrodes TSE2 separated from each other and crossing the first touch sensor electrode TSE1 may be provided in the active area AA.

[0137] In some embodiments, each of the first touch sensor electrodes TSE1 may include a plurality of first electrode portions EP1 arranged along a first direction DR1 in the active area AA and at least one first connection portion CP1 for connecting the first electrode portions EP1 in the first direction DR1. The first electrode portions EP1 and the first connection portions CP1 may be connected integrally or non-integrally. For example, the first electrode portions EP1 and the first connection portions CP1 corresponding to the first electrode portions EP1 may be disposed on different layers so that they are electrically connected to each other through respective contact holes CH.

[0138] In some embodiments, each of the second touch sensor electrodes TSE2 may include a plurality of second electrode portions EP2 and at least one second connection portion CP2, the plurality of second electrode portions EP2 being arranged in the active area AA along the second direction DR2, and at least one second connection portion CP2 being used to connect the second electrode portions EP2 along the second direction DR2. The second electrode portions EP2 and the second connection portions CP2 may be connected integrally or non-integrally. For example, the second electrode portions EP2 and the second connection portions CP2 corresponding to the second electrode portions EP2 may be disposed on the same layer so that they are integrally connected.

[0139] The first touch sensor electrode TSE1 and the second touch sensor electrode TSE2 may be insulated from each other by at least one insulating layer. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first insulating layer INS1 may be interposed between at least the first connection portion CP1 and the second connection portion CP2 .

[0140] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7, the touch sensor electrodes TSE may be disposed on one surface of the base layer BSL. The base layer BSL serves as a base substrate of the sensing element layer SSL, and may be provided as a separate substrate for forming the sensing element layer SSL, or may be any of the elements for forming the display element layer DPL described previously. For example, the base layer BSL may be an encapsulation layer ENL (e.g., a thin film encapsulation layer TFE or an encapsulation substrate ENC) disposed on top of the display element layer DPL. In this case, the touch sensor electrodes TSE are directly formed and / or disposed on the encapsulation layer ENL, and the display element layer DPL and the sensing element layer SSL may form a sensor-integrated display panel (e.g., a touch sensor-integrated display panel).

[0141] In one embodiment, at least one first connection portion CP1 is disposed on one surface of the base layer BSL, and the first insulating layer INS1 is formed on one surface of the base layer BSL on which the first connection portion CP1 is disposed. Figure 7 It is shown that the first connection portion CP1 is directly formed and disposed on one surface of the base layer BSL. In embodiments, at least one insulating layer may be interposed between the base layer BSL and the first connection portion CP1.

[0142] The first electrode portion EP1 and the second electrode portion EP2 and at least one second connection portion CP2 may be disposed on one surface of the base layer BSL and on the first insulating layer INS1. In some embodiments, a pair of first electrode portions EP1 adjacent to each other may be electrically connected to each other through each contact hole CH and the first connection portion CP1. The second electrode portion EP2 and the second connection portion CP2 in each second touch sensor electrode TSE2 may be integrally connected on the first insulating layer INS1.

[0143] In some embodiments, at least one second insulating layer INS2 may be disposed on one surface of the base layer BSL on which the first touch sensor electrodes TSE1 and the second touch sensor electrodes TSE2 are disposed. The second insulating layer INS2 may be made of the same insulating material as that of the first insulating layer INS1 or made of an insulating material different from that of the first insulating layer INS1.

[0144] Figure 7 The first connection portion CP1 is shown disposed below the first electrode portion EP1 and the second electrode portion EP2, for example, the touch sensor has a low bridge structure. In another embodiment, the first connection portion CP1 can be disposed on top of the first electrode portion EP1 and the second electrode portion EP2 to form a touch sensor with a high bridge structure.

[0145] Because the first electrode portion EP1 and the second electrode portion EP2 and the first connection portion CP1 and the second connection portion CP2 contain at least one of a metal material, a transparent conductive material, and various other conductive materials, the first electrode portion EP1 and the second electrode portion EP2 and the first connection portion CP1 and the second connection portion CP2 may have conductivity. For example, the first electrode portion EP1 and the second electrode portion EP2 and the first connection portion CP1 and the second connection portion CP2 may include at least one of various metal materials such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), platinum (Pt), and alloys thereof. The first electrode portion EP1 and the second electrode portion EP2 and the first connection portion CP1 and the second connection portion CP2 may include materials such as silver nanowires (AgNW), indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), antimony zinc oxide (AZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), tin oxide (SnO 2 ), carbon nanotubes and graphene. In addition, the first electrode portion EP1 and the second electrode portion EP2 and the first connection portion CP1 and the second connection portion CP2 may include at least one of various conductive materials that can provide conductivity. The first electrode portion EP1 and the second electrode portion EP2 and the first connection portion CP1 and the second connection portion CP2 may be formed as a single layer or a multilayer, respectively, and their structures are not particularly limited.

[0146] In one embodiment, because the first electrode portion EP1 and the second electrode portion EP2 and the second connection portion CP2 include a transparent conductive material, the first electrode portion EP1 and the second electrode portion EP2 and the second connection portion CP2 can be formed substantially transparently. Alternatively, the first electrode portion EP1 and the second electrode portion EP2 and the second connection portion CP2 can form a mesh electrode or a mesh pattern so that a transmittance above a predetermined level is obtained. Therefore, light emitted from the display element layer DPL can be transmitted through the sensing element layer SSL. The first connection portion CP1 having a relatively small area can be formed of a metal material having a relatively low resistance. Therefore, the transparency of the sensing element layer SSL can be obtained, and signal delay can be prevented.

[0147] Figure 8 According to the embodiment Figure 1 2 is a plan view showing a non-pixel area NPA and an area AR1 of a proximity sensor electrode PSE disposed in the non-pixel area NPA.

[0148] Reference Figure 8, the non-pixel area NPA surrounds the opening area OPA and may have a shape corresponding to the opening area OPA. The periphery of the non-pixel area NPA may be similar to the periphery of the opening area OPA. For example, when the opening area OPA has a circular shape, the non-pixel area NPA may have a ring shape. At least one proximity sensor electrode PSE may be disposed in the non-pixel area NPA.

[0149] The proximity sensor electrode PSE may surround the opening area OPA. For example, the proximity sensor electrode PSE may have a closed loop structure surrounding the opening area OPA.

[0150] The proximity sensor electrode PSE may have a shape corresponding to the opening area OPA. The periphery of the proximity sensor electrode PSE may be similar to the periphery of the opening area OPA. For example, when the opening area OPA has a circular shape, the proximity sensor electrode PSE may have a ring shape. In an embodiment, the proximity sensor electrode PSE may have a shape that does not substantially correspond to the shape of the opening area OPA.

[0151] The proximity sensor electrode PSE may have a uniform width. In other embodiments, the cross-section of the proximity sensor electrode PSE may have different widths.

[0152] The proximity sensor electrode PSE may form a capacitive proximity sensor. For example, the proximity sensor electrode PSE may form a self-capacitive proximity sensor. For this purpose, the proximity sensor electrode PSE may include at least one conductive layer.

[0153] In addition to the touch sensor electrodes TSE, the proximity sensor electrodes PSE may be provided in the sensing element layer SSL. In one embodiment, the proximity sensor electrodes PSE may include at least one conductive layer formed on the same layer as the touch sensor electrodes TSE and formed in the same process as the touch sensor electrodes TSE. In this case, the efficiency of the process may be improved, and the thickness of the sensing element layer SSL may be minimized.

[0154] For example, refer to Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8, the proximity sensor electrode PSE may include at least one conductive layer (first conductive layer) formed on the same layer as the first electrode portion EP1 and the second electrode portion EP2 and formed in the same process as the first electrode portion EP1 and the second electrode portion EP2 and / or at least one conductive layer (second conductive layer) formed on the same layer as the first connection portion CP1 and formed in the same process as the first connection portion CP1. In this case, the proximity sensor electrode PSE may include at least one conductive layer made of the same material as the first electrode portion EP1 and the second electrode portion EP2 and / or at least one conductive layer made of the same material as the first connection portion CP1.

[0155] 9A to 9E The shapes / structures of the open area OPA, the non-pixel area NPA, and the proximity sensor electrode PSE according to the embodiment are shown. 9A to 9E Some features of some structures shown in one or more of the Figure 8 Some features of some structures shown in are the same or similar.

[0156] Reference 9A to 9E , the opening area OPA and the non-pixel area NPA may have shapes corresponding to each other, and their shapes may be configured according to the embodiment. In another embodiment, the outer edge of the non-pixel area NPA may have a predetermined shape regardless of the shape of the opening area OPA.

[0157] In one embodiment, the opening area OPA has a Fig.9A The proximity sensor electrode PSE may have an elliptical shape as shown in FIG. 1 , and accordingly, the non-pixel area NPA may have an elliptical closed loop shape. The proximity sensor electrode PSE may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the opening area OPA and / or the non-pixel area NPA. For example, Fig.9A As shown in , the proximity sensor electrode PSE may have an elliptical closed loop shape corresponding to the shapes of the open area OPA and the non-pixel area NPA.

[0158] In another embodiment, the opening area OPA has a FIG. 9B to FIG. 9D The proximity sensor electrode PSE may have a polygonal shape such as a square, a rectangle, a regular hexagon, etc., as shown in FIG. , and the non-pixel area NPA may have a corresponding polygonal closed loop shape. In this case, the proximity sensor electrode PSE may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the opening area OPA and / or the non-pixel area NPA. For example, the proximity sensor electrode PSE may have a polygonal closed loop shape corresponding to the shapes of the opening area OPA and the non-pixel area NPA.

[0159] In another embodiment, the proximity sensor electrode PSE may have a predetermined shape regardless of the shape of the opening area OPA and / or the non-pixel area NPA. Fig.9E As shown in , the opening area OPA and the non-pixel area NPA have a square shape and a square closed loop shape corresponding to the square shape, respectively, but the proximity sensor electrode PSE may have a circular closed loop shape.

[0160] The shape of the proximity sensor electrode PSE may be configured according to the embodiment. In the plan view of the display device, the proximity sensor electrode PSE may have a closed loop shape of one of a circular shape, an elliptical shape, and a polygonal shape, or a combination of some of these shapes. The proximity sensor electrode PSE does not necessarily have a closed loop shape. In another embodiment, the proximity sensor electrode PSE may have a "C" shape or a "ㄈ" shape.

[0161] Fig.10 and Fig.11 According to the embodiment Figure 1 0 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an area AR1 of a display device shown in FIG.

[0162] Reference Fig.10 and Fig.11 as well as Figures 1 to 9E The display device 10 includes a display panel PNL, the display panel PNL includes a through hole HOL corresponding to the opening area OPA. The display device 10 may include at least one of the following: a bottom cover BCV disposed under the display panel PNL, a first adhesive layer ADH1 inserted between the display panel PNL and the bottom cover BCV, a window WIN disposed above the display panel PNL, and a second adhesive layer ADH2 inserted between the display panel PNL and the window WIN.

[0163] The display panel PNL may include a backplane layer BPL, and may include a light emitting element layer ELL, an encapsulation layer ENL, and a sensing element layer SSL sequentially disposed on the backplane layer BPL. The backplane layer BPL, the light emitting element layer ELL, and the encapsulation layer ENL may form a display element layer DPL.

[0164] The display panel PNL may include a through hole HOL corresponding to the open area OPA. The backplane layer BPL, the light emitting element layer ELL, the encapsulation layer ENL, and the sensing element layer SSL may respectively include a portion of the through hole HOL corresponding to the open area OPA.

[0165] Reference Figure 5 The backplane layer BPL may include a base substrate SUB supporting the pixels PXL. The backplane layer BPL may include a circuit element layer formed with the pixel circuit PXC.

[0166] The light emitting element layer ELL may include: a first pixel electrode layer PEL1 including a first pixel electrode PXE1 disposed in a pixel area PXA; an emission layer EML disposed on the first pixel electrode layer PEL1 and including a light generating layer LGL; and a second pixel electrode layer PEL2 including a second pixel electrode PXE2 disposed on the emission layer EML and overlapping with a plurality of first pixel electrodes PXE1. The first pixel electrode layer PEL1, the emission layer EML, and the second pixel electrode layer PEL2 may include through holes HOL corresponding to the opening area OPA, respectively.

[0167] The first pixel electrode layer PEL1 may include a through hole HOL corresponding to the opening area OPA. The emission layer EML and the second pixel electrode layer PEL2 may each include a through hole HOL corresponding to both the opening area OPA and the non-pixel area NPA. A portion of the first pixel electrode PXE1 of the first pixel electrode layer PEL1, the first common layer HCL and the second common layer ECL of the light generating layer LGL and the emission layer EML, and the second pixel electrode PXE2 of the second pixel electrode layer PEL2 may be removed from the opening area OPA and the non-pixel area NPA. Therefore, the parasitic capacitance generated between the display element layer DPL (e.g., the light emitting element layer ELL) and the sensor electrode PSE can be minimized to reduce or prevent noise (e.g., display noise) from being introduced into the proximity sensor electrode PSE. Advantageously, the reliability of the proximity sensor can be ensured.

[0168] The first pixel electrode layer PEL1 may include a first protection electrode GDE1 disposed in the non-pixel area NPA and overlapping the proximity sensor electrode PSE. The first protection electrode GDE1 may be disposed on the same layer as the first pixel electrode PXE1 and may be separated (and insulated) from the first pixel electrode PXE1. The first protection electrode GDE1 may be made of the same material as the first pixel electrode PXE1. In this case, when the first pixel electrode PXE1 is formed, the first protection electrode GDE1 may be formed simultaneously to improve the efficiency of the process.

[0169] The first guard electrode GDE1 may be supplied with a non-zero voltage or signal that is the same as the non-zero voltage or signal received by the proximity sensor electrode PSE. For example, the first guard electrode GDE1 may be connected to one of the input / output terminals of the sensor driver SDR connected to the proximity sensor electrode PSE. In this case, the proximity sensor electrode PSE and the first guard electrode GDE1 may have substantially the same potential. Therefore, when the first guard electrode GDE1 is formed, a change in the voltage of the proximity sensor electrode PSE due to parasitic capacitance may be prevented, and noise generated around the proximity sensor electrode PSE may be shielded.

[0170] The first guard electrode GDE1 may be disposed below the proximity sensor electrode PSE and may overlap the proximity sensor electrode PSE. In one embodiment, the first guard electrode GDE1 may substantially have the same shape and width as the proximity sensor electrode PSE and may overlap the proximity sensor electrode PSE. The first guard electrode GDE1 may have the same shape and area as the proximity sensor electrode PSE within a predetermined tolerance range and may completely overlap the proximity sensor electrode PSE. In this case, the effect of shielding noise by the first guard electrode GDE1 may be optimized.

[0171] The encapsulation layer ENL may be disposed on the light emitting element layer ELL, and the sensing element layer SSL may be disposed on the encapsulation layer ENL. For example, the encapsulation layer ENL is disposed between the light emitting element layer ELL and the sensing element layer SSL, and the touch sensor electrodes TSE and the proximity sensor electrodes PSE of the sensing element layer SSL may be directly formed on the encapsulation layer ENL (or at least one insulating layer formed on the encapsulation layer ENL) and / or directly disposed on the encapsulation layer ENL (or at least one insulating layer formed on the encapsulation layer ENL).

[0172] The touch sensor electrodes TSE and the proximity sensor electrodes PSE may be formed on the encapsulation layer ENL using the encapsulation layer ENL as a base member. In some embodiments, at least one insulating layer may be interposed between the touch sensor electrodes TSE and the encapsulation layer ENL and between the proximity sensor electrodes PSE and the encapsulation layer ENL.

[0173] The encapsulation layer ENL may include a through hole HOL corresponding to the open area OPA. In one embodiment, the encapsulation layer ENL may be a hard encapsulation substrate ENC made of glass or plastic. Fig.10 , the encapsulation layer ENL may be an encapsulation substrate ENC including a through hole HOL corresponding to the open area OPA. In some embodiments, a protection film may be formed on one side of the light emitting element layer ELL adjacent to the through hole HOL, thereby protecting the light emitting element layer ELL.

[0174] In another embodiment, referring to Fig.11 , the encapsulation layer ENL may be a thin film encapsulation layer TFE including a through hole HOL corresponding to the opening area OPA. When the encapsulation layer ENL is a thin film encapsulation layer TFE, the encapsulation layer ENL may extend into the through hole HOL formed in the light emitting element layer ELL. For example, a portion of the encapsulation layer ENL may be disposed inside the through hole of the light emitting element layer ELL and may be disposed in the non-pixel area NPA.

[0175] The sensing element layer SSL may be disposed on the display element layer DPL, the display element layer DPL including the backplane layer BPL, the light emitting element layer ELL and the encapsulation layer ENL. The sensing element layer SSL may include a touch sensor electrode TSE and a proximity sensor electrode PSE, the touch sensor electrode TSE being disposed in the active area AA, and the proximity sensor electrode PSE being disposed in the non-pixel area NPA.

[0176] The sensing element layer SSL may include a through hole HOL corresponding to the open area OPA. The display panel PNL including the display element layer DPL and the sensing element layer SSL may include a through hole HOL corresponding to the open area OPA.

[0177] The window WIN and the bottom cover BCV may be disposed above and below the display panel PNL, respectively. The window WIN may completely cover the top surface of the display panel PNL, and the bottom cover BCV may completely cover the bottom surface of the display panel PNL.

[0178] The window WIN and the bottom cover BCV may cover both the top surface and the bottom surface of the opening area OPA. The top and bottom of the through hole HOL may be covered by the window WIN and the bottom cover BCV, respectively. In another embodiment, at least one of the window WIN and the bottom cover BCV may be partially opened in an area corresponding to the opening area OPA, thereby exposing the through hole HOL of the display panel PNL. In this case, the display device 10 may include a through hole HOL exposed at the top and / or bottom.

[0179] The first adhesive layer ADH1 may be disposed between the display panel PNL and the bottom cover BCV. The first adhesive layer ADH1 may cover the top surface of the bottom cover BCV. In an embodiment, the first adhesive layer ADH1 may be removed from the opening area OPA.

[0180] The second adhesion layer ADH2 may be disposed between the display panel PNL and the window WIN. In one embodiment, the second adhesion layer ADH2 may be formed on the bottom surface of the window WIN. In one embodiment, a portion of the second adhesion layer ADH2 may be removed from the opening area OPA.

[0181] Fig.12 According to the embodiment Figure 1 2 is a plan view showing a non-pixel area NPA and an area AR1 of a plurality of electrodes provided in the non-pixel area NPA. Fig.13 and Fig.14 is a cross-sectional view of the region AR1 according to the embodiment. Figure 12 to Figure 14 Some features of some of the components shown in Figure 8 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 Some features of some components shown in are the same or similar.

[0182] Reference Figure 12 to Figure 14 , the display device 10 may include at least one of the second protection electrode GDE2 and the third protection electrode GDE3 disposed in the non-pixel area NPA and in the sensing element layer SSL. The sensing element layer SSL may include the second protection electrode GDE2 and the third protection electrode GDE3 disposed in the non-pixel area NPA together with the proximity sensor electrode PSE.

[0183] The second guard electrode GDE2 may be located inside the proximity sensor electrode PSE and may be separated (and insulated) from the proximity sensor electrode PSE. The second guard electrode GDE2 may be located between the opening area OPA and the proximity sensor electrode PSE and may be located between two opposing portions of the proximity sensor electrode PSE.

[0184] The third guard electrode GDE3 may be located outside the proximity sensor electrode PSE and may be separated from (and insulated from) the proximity sensor electrode PSE. The third guard electrode GDE3 may be located between the touch sensor electrode TSE and the proximity sensor electrode PSE.

[0185] The second guard electrode GDE2 and the third guard electrode GDE3 may be supplied with a non-zero voltage or signal that is the same as the non-zero voltage or signal received by the proximity sensor electrode PSE. The second guard electrode GDE2 and the third guard electrode GDE3 may be connected to a sensor driver ( Figure 2 The proximity sensor electrode PSE and the second and third protection electrodes GDE2 and GDE3 may have substantially the same potential. Therefore, a voltage change of the proximity sensor electrode PSE due to parasitic capacitance may be prevented, and noise generated around the proximity sensor electrode PSE may be more effectively shielded.

[0186] The second and third protection electrodes GDE2 and GDE3 may be formed of the same material as the proximity sensor electrode PSE and may be formed on the same layer as the proximity sensor electrode PSE. When the proximity sensor electrode PSE is formed, the second and third protection electrodes GDE2 and GDE3 may be formed together without an additional process.

[0187] Fig.15 is a cross-sectional view of a region AR1 of the display device 10 according to the embodiment. Fig.16 is a cross-sectional view of a backplane layer BPL according to an embodiment. Fig.16 The proximity sensor electrode PSE is shown to be arranged in the display element layer DPL, for example, Fig.15In the backplane layer BPL shown in FIG. Fig.16 , two pixel regions PXA1 and PXA2 disposed at different sides of the opening region OPA are shown, and circuit elements and / or wiring including a transistor M are schematically shown. The transistor M may have Figure 5 The cross-sectional structure of the second transistor M2 disclosed in FIG. 1 is substantially the same as that of the second transistor M2 disclosed in FIG. 1 may not be repeated for the description of components that are the same as or similar to the above components.

[0188] Reference Fig.15 and Fig.16 The proximity sensor electrode PSE may be disposed on / in the display element layer DPL. For example, the proximity sensor electrode PSE may be disposed inside the backplane layer BPL of the display element layer DPL.

[0189] The backplane layer BPL includes a proximity sensor electrode PSE disposed in the non-pixel area NPA, and may further include at least one protection electrode disposed around the proximity sensor electrode PSE. For example, the backplane layer BPL may include a proximity sensor electrode PSE disposed in the non-pixel area NPA, and may include a first protection electrode GDE1, a second protection electrode GDE2, and a third protection electrode GDE3 disposed near the proximity sensor electrode PSE.

[0190] The proximity sensor electrode PSE and the first protection electrode GDE1, the second protection electrode GDE2, and the third protection electrode GDE3 may be disposed / included in the same layer as the circuit elements and / or wiring. For example, the first protection electrode GDE1 is disposed / included in the gate layer (also referred to as the "first gate layer") including the gate electrode GE of the transistor M, and the proximity sensor electrode PSE and the second protection electrode GDE2 and the third protection electrode GDE3 may be disposed / included in the source-drain layer including the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE of the transistor M. In an embodiment, at least one of the proximity sensor electrode PSE, the first protection electrode GDE1, the second protection electrode GDE2, the third protection electrode GDE3, and the electrode of the capacitor C of each pixel PXL may be disposed / included in a conductive layer (also referred to as the "second gate layer") between the gate layer and the source-drain layer, or may be disposed / included in a semiconductor layer including the active layer ACT of the transistor M.

[0191] When forming the circuit elements of the pixel PXL and / or the wiring connected to the pixel PXL, the proximity sensor electrode PSE and / or at least one protective electrode can be formed at the same time. Therefore, the proximity sensor can be formed inside the display panel PNL (e.g., the backplane layer BPL) without the need for additional components or processes.

[0192] Fig.17and Fig.18 Each of is a cross-sectional view of a sensing element layer SSL according to an embodiment. Fig.17 It is shown that the proximity sensor electrode PSE and the touch sensor electrode TSE each include a multilayer structure, Fig.18 It is shown that the proximity sensor electrode PSE and the first, second, and third protection electrodes GDE1, GDE2, and GDE3 are all formed in the sensing element layer SSL. Descriptions related to components that are the same as or similar to those described above may not be repeated.

[0193] First refer to Figures 1 to 17 , the proximity sensor electrode PSE may have a multilayer structure. For example, the proximity sensor electrode PSE may have a first conductive layer PSE1 and a second conductive layer PSE2. The first conductive layer PSE1 may be provided in the same layer as at least some of the connection portions (first connection portions CP1 and / or second connection portions CP2) of the touch sensor electrode TSE. The second conductive layer PSE2 may be electrically connected to the first conductive layer PSE1, and may be provided in the same layer as the electrode portions (first electrode portions EP1 and / or second electrode portions EP2) of the touch sensor electrode TSE.

[0194] The first conductive layer PSE1 may be disposed on / in the same layer as the first connection portion CP1 of the touch sensor electrode TSE. The second conductive layer PSE2 may be disposed on / in the same layer as the first electrode portion EP1 and the second electrode portion EP2 of the touch sensor electrode TSE and the second connection portion CP2 of the touch sensor electrode TSE. The first conductive layer PSE1 may include the same metal material as the metal material of the first connection portion CP1, and may be disposed on / in the same layer as the layer of the first connection portion CP1. The second conductive layer PSE2 may include the same transparent conductive material as the transparent conductive material of the first electrode portion EP1 and the second electrode portion EP2 and the transparent conductive material of the second connection portion CP2, and may be disposed on / in the same layer as the layer of the first electrode portion EP1 and the second electrode portion EP2 and the second connection portion CP2.

[0195] The first conductive layer PSE1 and the second conductive layer PSE2 may have substantially the same shape and area and may overlap each other. The first conductive layer PSE1 and the second conductive layer PSE2 may be electrically connected to each other through at least one contact hole CH passing through the first insulating layer INS1. When the touch sensor electrode TSE is formed, the proximity sensor electrode PSE having a multi-layer structure can be simultaneously formed without an additional process.

[0196] When the proximity sensor electrode PSE has a multi-layer structure, the total area of ​​the proximity sensor electrode PSE can be increased to increase capacitance for proximity sensing. Therefore, the sensitivity of the proximity sensor can be improved.

[0197] Reference Fig.18 , all of the proximity sensor electrode PSE and the first protection electrode GDE1, the second protection electrode GDE2, and the third protection electrode GDE3 may be disposed in the sensing element layer SSL. The first protection electrode GDE1 may be disposed on / in the same layer as the layer of the first connection portion CP1 of the touch sensor electrode TSE, and the proximity sensor electrode PSE and the second protection electrode GDE2 and the third protection electrode GDE3 may be disposed on / in the same layer as the layer of the first electrode portion EP1 and the second electrode portion EP2 and the second connection portion CP2 of the touch sensor electrode TSE. In another embodiment, the first electrode portion EP1 and the second electrode portion EP2 and the second connection portion CP2 of the touch sensor electrode TSE may be disposed below the first connection portion CP1, the first protection electrode GDE1 may be disposed on / in the same layer as the layer of the first electrode portion EP1 and the second electrode portion EP2 and the second connection portion CP2, and the proximity sensor electrode PSE and the second protection electrode GDE2 and the third protection electrode GDE3 may be disposed on / in the same layer as the layer of the first connection portion CP1. When forming the touch sensor electrodes, the proximity sensor electrodes PSE and the guard electrodes may be formed simultaneously without requiring an additional process.

[0198] Fig.19 A display device 10 according to an embodiment is shown. Fig.19 Showing full coverage shell FCOV is added according to Figures 1 to 18 In some embodiments, the full cover case FCOV may be considered as a separate component that may be combined with the display device 10.

[0199] Reference Figures 1 to 19 , the full cover case FCOV may accommodate and protect the display element layer DPL and the sensing element layer SSL. The full cover case FCOV may include a rear case portion (or rear cover) and a front case portion (or front cover). The rear case portion COV1 may substantially accommodate the display panel PNL and may cover the bottom surface of the display panel PNL. The front case portion COV2 may be (directly) connected to the rear case portion COV1.

[0200] The front cover portion COV2 may be opened and closed in a flipping manner to expose and cover the top surface of the display panel PNL. The front cover portion COV2 may include a dielectric portion DI positioned to correspond to the proximity sensor electrode PSE. When the front cover portion COV2 is disposed on the display panel PNL, the dielectric portion DI may overlap the proximity sensor electrode PSE.

[0201] The dielectric portion DI may have the same shape and area as those of the proximity sensor electrode PSE. Because of the dielectric portion DI, the capacitance of the proximity sensor electrode PSE changes as the full cover case FCOV is opened or closed. Therefore, the open / closed state of the full cover case FCOV can be determined.

[0202] The described embodiments are for illustrative purposes only. Actual embodiments cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, the display device include: A display element layer, comprising a first through hole, a non-pixel area and a display area, wherein the display area comprises pixels and surrounds the non-pixel area, and the non-pixel area surrounds the first through hole; a sensing element layer, comprising a second through hole and a first sensing area, wherein the first sensing area comprises a first type sensor electrode, overlaps the display area, and surrounds the second through hole, wherein the second through hole corresponds to the first through hole; as well as a second type sensor electrode overlapping the non-pixel region and electrically insulated from the first type sensor electrode, The first type sensor electrodes form a mutual capacitance touch sensor or a self capacitance touch sensor, and the second type sensor electrodes form a self capacitance proximity sensor.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The second type sensor electrode surrounds the second through hole.

3. The display device according to claim 2, further comprising: include: A first insulating layer, wherein The first type sensor electrode comprises a first electrode and a first connector, The first electrode overlaps the display area and directly contacts the surface of the first insulating layer. The first connector is electrically connected to the first electrode through a first contact hole in the first insulating layer, The second type sensor electrode comprises a first conductive layer, and The first conductive layer is in direct contact with the surface of the first insulating layer.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein The second type sensor electrode further comprises a second conductive layer, The second conductive layer is electrically connected to the first conductive layer through a second contact hole in the first insulating layer.

5. The display device according to claim 2, wherein The display element layer includes a first pixel electrode layer, an emission layer, and a second pixel electrode layer. The first pixel electrode layer includes a pixel electrode of the pixel and includes the first through hole, The emission layer is disposed between the first pixel electrode layer and the second pixel electrode layer, and includes a third through hole, The third through hole corresponds to both the first through hole and the non-pixel area, The second pixel electrode layer overlaps with the emission layer, overlaps with the pixel electrode, and includes a fourth through hole, and The fourth through hole corresponds to the third through hole.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein The first pixel electrode layer further includes a first protective electrode, The first protection electrode is electrically insulated from the pixel electrode, disposed in the non-pixel region, overlaps the second-type sensor electrode, and is configured to receive the same non-zero voltage or signal as that received by the second-type sensor electrode.

7. The display device according to claim 2, further comprising: At least one of the following: a first guard electrode, overlapping the second type sensor electrode; a second protection electrode overlapping the non-pixel region, located between two portions of the second-type sensor electrode, and electrically insulated from the second-type sensor electrode; and The third protection electrode overlaps the non-pixel region, is located between the first type sensor electrode and the second type sensor electrode, and is electrically insulated from the second type sensor electrode.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein Each of the first, second, and third guard electrodes is configured to receive the same non-zero voltage or signal as received by the second type sensor electrode.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The second type sensor electrodes are disposed on the display element layer.

10. The display device according to claim 9, further comprising: include: At least one protection electrode is disposed on the display element layer and is located at the periphery of the second type sensor electrode.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The second type sensor electrode has a closed loop structure surrounding the first through hole in a plan view of the display device.

12. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The first type sensor electrode include: The first type of electrodes are arranged in a first direction; A first type connector electrically connected to the first type electrodes; Second-type electrodes are arranged in a second direction different from the first direction; as well as The second type connector is electrically connected to the second type electrodes.

13. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The display element layer further includes an encapsulation layer for encapsulating the pixels, and The encapsulation layer includes a through hole corresponding to the first through hole.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein The first type sensor electrodes and the second type sensor electrodes are disposed directly on the encapsulation layer or directly on an insulating layer disposed directly on the encapsulation layer.

15. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The display element layer includes a backplane layer including circuit elements of the pixel, and The second type sensor electrodes are disposed in the backplate layer.

16. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The display device further includes a sensor driver electrically connected to the first type sensor electrodes and the second type sensor electrodes, and The sensor driver include: a first sensor driving circuit electrically connected to the first type sensor electrodes and configured to sense a touch input generated in the first sensing area; as well as The second sensor driving circuit is electrically connected to the second-type sensor electrodes and is configured to sense the approach of a conductive object.

17. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: include: a window completely covering a first surface of the combination of the display element layer and the sensing element layer; as well as A bottom cover completely covers the second surface of the combination of the display element layer and the sensing element layer.

18. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: include: A back cover, used to cover the back surface of the combination of the display element layer and the sensing element layer; as well as The front cover is connected to the rear cover and includes a dielectric material portion at a position corresponding to the second type sensor electrode.

19. A display device, the display device include: Pixels; touch sensor electrodes; a through hole surrounded by the pixel and surrounded by the touch sensor electrode; as well as The proximity sensor electrode is disposed outside the through hole, surrounded by the touch sensor electrode, and electrically insulated from the touch sensor electrode.

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