Touch sensor and display device including the touch sensor

Abstract

The present application relates to a touch sensor and a display device. The touch sensor includes a base layer and sensor electrodes, the base layer including a sensing region and a non-sensing region, the sensor electrodes being disposed in the sensing region and including sensor patterns. The sensing region may include a first region and a second region, the first region including at least one non-square boundary having a predetermined curvature, and the second region not including a non-square boundary. In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, among the sensor patterns, the sensor pattern disposed in the first region and the sensor pattern disposed in the second region may have different sizes from each other.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0060745, filed on May 23, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The inventive concept relates to a touch sensor and a display device including the touch sensor. Background Art

[0004] A touch sensor is an information input device that may be included in a display device. For example, the touch sensor may be attached to one side of a display panel or may be integrally manufactured with the display panel. A user can input information by pressing or touching the touch sensor while viewing an image displayed on the screen of the display device.

[0005] Recently, as display technology has advanced, display devices can have various shapes other than quadrilateral shapes. However, when sensor electrodes and sensor patterns in a non-square boundary region and another region have the same shape, the sensing sensitivity in the non-square boundary region may be lower than that in the other region. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept provide a touch sensor capable of improving sensing sensitivity in one region by differentiating the sizes of sensor electrodes disposed in the one region including a non-square boundary from the sizes of sensor electrodes disposed in another region not including the non-square boundary.

[0007] Furthermore, exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept provide a display device including a touch sensor.

[0008] A touch sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept includes a base layer including a sensing area and a non-sensing area, and a sensor electrode provided in the sensing area and including a sensor pattern.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the sensing region includes a first region and a second region, wherein the first region includes at least one non-square boundary having a predetermined curvature, and the second region does not include a non-square boundary. Among the sensor patterns, the sensor pattern disposed in the first region and the sensor pattern disposed in the second region may have different sizes from each other.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the sensor pattern disposed in the first region may have a smaller size than the sensor pattern disposed in the second region.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the sensor pattern may include at least one intermediate sensor pattern disposed to overlap a boundary line between the first region and the second region.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the intermediate sensor pattern may have a size different from each of the sensor patterns disposed in the second region.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the intermediate sensor pattern may include a first sub-sensor pattern disposed in the first area and a second sub-sensor pattern disposed in the second area.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first sub sensor pattern and the second sub sensor pattern may have a symmetrical structure with respect to a boundary line between the first region and the second region.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the middle sensor pattern may have a smaller size than the sensor pattern disposed in the second region.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first sub sensor pattern and the second sub sensor pattern may have different sizes from each other.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first sub sensor pattern may have a smaller size than the second sub sensor pattern.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first sub sensor pattern and the second sub sensor pattern may have an asymmetric structure with respect to a virtual line extending in one direction.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the sensor pattern may include a first sensor pattern and a first bridge pattern connecting the first sensor pattern, a second sensor pattern and a second bridge pattern connecting the second sensor pattern, and a dummy electrode disposed between the first and second sensor patterns.

[0020] In exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concepts, dummy electrodes disposed to overlap a boundary between the first region and the second region among the dummy electrodes may be connected to each other to maintain continuity.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the dummy electrodes disposed in the first region and the dummy electrodes disposed in the second region among the dummy electrodes may have the same shape.

[0022] In exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concepts, the dummy electrodes disposed in the first region and the dummy electrodes disposed in the second region, among the dummy electrodes, may have different shapes.

[0023] In exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept, the dummy electrode disposed in the first region may have a large width or a small width compared to the dummy electrode disposed in the second region.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first and second bridge patterns disposed in the first region may not be disposed on a line connecting the first and second bridge patterns disposed in the second region in the same column.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first and second bridge patterns disposed in the first region may be disposed closer to a boundary disposed between the first and second regions than the first and second bridge patterns disposed in the second region.

[0026] A display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept includes a display panel for displaying an image, and a touch sensor disposed on the display panel. The touch sensor may include a base layer and a sensing electrode, wherein the base layer includes a sensing region and a non-sensing region; the sensing electrode is disposed in the sensing region and includes a sensor pattern. The sensing region includes a first region and a second region, wherein the first region includes at least one non-square boundary having a predetermined curvature, and the second region does not include a non-square boundary.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the sensor pattern disposed in the first region and the sensor pattern disposed in the second region among the sensor patterns may have sizes different from each other.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a display panel may include: a substrate including a display area that displays an image and a non-display area arranged at at least one side of the display area; a pixel circuit layer arranged on the substrate and including at least one transistor; a display element layer arranged on the pixel circuit layer and including at least one light-emitting element that emits light; and an encapsulation layer arranged on the display element layer.

[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment of the touch sensor conceived in the present invention and a display device including the touch sensor, the size of the sensor electrode disposed in an area (e.g., a rounded area) including a non-square boundary can be reduced, so that a bridge pattern included in the sensor electrode can be disposed away from the non-square boundary, thereby improving the sensing sensitivity in the area.

[0030] Furthermore, the dummy electrodes included in the sensor electrodes disposed in the one region are connected to the dummy electrodes included in the sensor electrodes disposed at the center of the touch sensor to maintain continuity, thereby improving visibility in the one region.

[0031] The effects of the exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept are not limited to the contents set forth above, and more various effects are included in this specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0033] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a display device shown in FIG.

[0034] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 Schematic top plan view of a display panel shown in .

[0035] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 : An equivalent circuit of electrical connections of constituent elements included in one pixel shown in FIG.

[0036] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a display panel is shown in FIG.

[0037] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a touch sensor shown in FIG.

[0038] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 Schematic top plan view of a touch sensor shown in .

[0039] Figure 8 is shown in more detail Figure 7 A top plan view of the touch sensor shown in FIG.

[0040] Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 Schematic enlarged top plan view of an example of portion EA1.

[0041] Figure 10 It shows Figure 9 Schematic enlarged top plan view of an example of portion EA3.

[0042] Figure 11A It is along Figure 9 A cross-sectional view taken along line II'.

[0043] Figure 11B According to another exemplary embodiment, Figure 9 an arrangement relationship between the first sensor pattern and the second sensor pattern and the first bridge pattern and the second bridge pattern, and Figure 11B is with Figure 9 The cross-sectional view corresponding to the line II'.

[0044] Figure 12A It shows Figure 8 Schematic enlarged top plan view of an example of portion EA2.

[0045] Figure 12B It shows Figure 12A FIG. 1 is a schematic enlarged top plan view of a first intermediate sensor pattern. FIG.

[0046] Figure 12C It shows Figure 12A FIG. 1 is a schematic enlarged top plan view of a second intermediate sensor pattern. FIG.

[0047] Figure 12D is a diagram showing a method according to another exemplary embodiment Figure 8 An enlarged top plan view of portion EA2.

[0048] 13A to 13C is a diagram showing a method according to each exemplary embodiment Figure 8 An enlarged top plan view of portion EA2.

[0049] Figure 14A and Figure 14B is a diagram showing a method according to another exemplary embodiment Figure 8 An enlarged top plan view of portion EA2.

[0050] Figure 15 is a diagram showing a method according to another exemplary embodiment Figure 7 Schematic top plan view of a touch sensor shown in .

[0051] Figure 16 It shows Figure 15 Schematic enlarged top plan view of an example of portion EA4.

[0052] Figure 17 It shows Figure 15 Schematic enlarged top plan view of an example of portion EA5.

[0053] Figure 18A and Figure 18B is a diagram showing a method according to another exemplary embodiment Figure 15 An enlarged top plan view of portion EA5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made in the present disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure, and specific exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and explained in the detailed description. Therefore, the present inventive concept is intended to cover modifications and variations of the present inventive concept that fall within the scope of the present inventive concept and its equivalents.

[0055] Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. In the drawings, the dimensions of the structures are exaggerated for clarity. The terms "first," "second," etc. may be used only to describe various components, but those terms may not be limited to the restricted meanings. The above terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components. For example, within the scope of the appended claims, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component. When interpreting the singular, it may be interpreted as having a plural meaning unless explicitly described to the contrary.

[0056] In this specification, the words "including" or "having" are used to specify the presence of a feature, quantity, process, operation, constituent element, part or combination thereof, and it should be understood that the presence or possibility of adding one or more other features, quantities, processes, operations, constituent elements, parts or combinations thereof is not precluded. In addition, it should be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element. In the specification, it should be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, the setting direction is not limited to the upward direction and includes a lateral direction or a downward direction. Conversely, it should be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region or substrate is referred to as being "below" another element, it may be directly below the other element or there may be an intermediate element.

[0057] Hereinafter, preferred exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept and other embodiments required for those skilled in the art to understand the contents of the present inventive concept will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise indicated, terms in the singular may include plural forms.

[0058] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, and Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a display device shown in FIG.

[0059] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the display device DD may include a display module DM and a window WD.

[0060] The display device DD can be set in various shapes, for example, a rectangular shape having two pairs of sides parallel to each other, but the present invention is not limited thereto. When the display device DD is set in a rectangular shape, one pair of sides can be set to be longer than the other pair of sides. For better understanding and ease of description, the exemplary embodiment of the present invention shows a case in which the display device DD has a rectangular shape with a pair of long sides and a pair of short sides, and the extending direction of the long sides is referred to as the second direction DR2, the extending direction of the short sides is referred to as the first direction DR1, and the direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the long sides and the short sides is referred to as the third direction DR3. As described above, the display device DD set in a rectangular shape may have rounded corners at a position where one long side and one short side contact each other.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, at least a portion of the display device DD may have flexibility, and the display device DD may be foldable at the portion having flexibility.

[0062] The display device DD may include a display area DD_DA for displaying an image and a non-display area DD_NDA provided at at least one side of the display area DD_DA. The non-display area DD_NDA is an area where an image is not displayed.

[0063] According to an exemplary embodiment, the display device DD may include a sensing area SA and a non-sensing area NSA. The display device DD may not only display an image through the sensing area SA but also sense light incident from the front. The non-sensing area NSA may surround the sensing area SA, but this is an example and the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the sensing area SA has a shape with rounded corners and corresponds to the display area DD_DA, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto. According to an exemplary embodiment, some areas in the display area DD_DA may correspond to the sensing area SA.

[0064] The shape, size, and arrangement of the sensing area SA of the display device DD described above may be variously modified according to sensor electrodes to be described later.

[0065] The display module DM may include a display panel DP and a touch sensor TS. The touch sensor TS may be directly disposed on the display panel DP. In exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept, "directly disposed" may mean formed through a continuous process, and may also mean attached using a separate adhesive layer. However, the present inventive concept is not limited thereto, and other layers such as an adhesive layer, a substrate, etc. may be interposed between the display panel DP and the touch sensor TS.

[0066] The display panel DP can display an image. A display panel capable of emitting light, such as an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED panel), can be used as the display panel DP. In addition, a non-luminescent display panel, such as a liquid crystal display panel (LCD panel), an electrophoretic display panel (EPD panel), and an electrowetting display panel (EWD panel), can be used as the display panel DP. When a non-luminescent display panel is used as the display panel DP, the display device DD may include a backlight unit that provides light to the display panel DP. In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the display panel DP may be an organic light-emitting display panel.

[0067] The touch sensor TS may be provided on the surface of the display panel DP displaying an image to receive a user's touch input. The touch sensor TS may identify a touch event of the display device DD by a user's hand or a separate input device. The touch sensor TS may identify a touch event by sensing a change in capacitance.

[0068] The touch sensor TS may sense a touch input through a mutual capacitance method, or may sense a touch input through a self capacitance method.

[0069] A window WD may be provided on the display module DM to protect the exposed surface of the display module DM. The window WD may protect the display module DM from external impacts and may provide an input surface and / or a display surface for the user. The window WD may be combined with the display module DM using an optically transparent adhesive member (OCA).

[0070] The window WD may have a multilayer structure selected from a glass substrate, a plastic film, or a plastic substrate. Such a multilayer structure may be formed directly on the display module DM, or may be prepared separately and attached to the display module DM using an adhesive layer. All or part of the window WD may be flexible.

[0071] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 Schematic top plan view of a display panel shown in .

[0072] refer to Figures 1 to 3 The display panel DP includes a substrate SUB, pixels PXL disposed on the substrate SUB, a driver disposed on the substrate SUB and driving the pixels PXL, and wires for connecting the pixels PXL and the driver.

[0073] The substrate SUB may include one region having a substantially rectangular shape. However, the number of regions in the substrate SUB may vary, and the substrate SUB may have different shapes depending on the regions provided in the substrate SUB.

[0074] The substrate SUB may include an insulating material having an excellent light transmittance, such as glass or resin. Furthermore, the substrate SUB may include a flexible material for bending or folding, and may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. For example, the flexible material may include at least one of polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethersulfone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyimide, polycarbonate, cellulose triacetate, and cellulose acetate propionate. However, the material forming the substrate SUB may vary and may include fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) or the like.

[0075] The substrate SUB may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display area DA may be a region where pixels PXL are provided to display an image, and the non-display area NDA may be a region where pixels PXL are not provided and no image is displayed.

[0076] The display area DA of the display panel DP may correspond to the display area DD_DA of the display device DD, and the non-display area NDA of the display panel DP may correspond to the non-display area DD_NDA of the display device DD.

[0077] A driver for driving the pixels PXL and a portion of a conductive line (not shown) for connecting the pixels PXL and the driver may be disposed in the non-display area NDA. The non-display area NDA may correspond to a bezel area of the display device DD.

[0078] The display area DA may be configured to have a shape corresponding to the substrate SUB. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the display area DA may include a non-square boundary having a predetermined curvature. For example, at least one corner of the display area DA may be formed by a curve. In addition, the display area DA itself may be circular or elliptical. Alternatively, the display area DA may be in the form of a polygon such as a pentagon, hexagon, octagon, etc. In other words, the corners of the display area DA having a non-square boundary may have an obtuse angle or an acute angle. In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment, the display area DA may have a groove portion (or notch).

[0079] Pixels PXL may be disposed in the display area DA of the substrate SUB. Each pixel PXL may be the smallest unit for displaying an image. Pixels PXL may include an organic light-emitting element that emits white light and / or colored light. Each pixel PXL may emit one of red, green, and blue light, but is not limited thereto. Each pixel PXL may emit light having a color such as cyan, magenta, yellow, or the like.

[0080] The pixels PXL may be arranged in a matrix form and arranged in rows extending in a first direction DR1 and in columns extending in a second direction DR2 crossing the first direction DR1. However, the configuration of the pixels PXL is not particularly limited, and the pixels PXL may be arranged in various forms.

[0081] The driver provides a signal to each of the pixels PXL through a wire and controls the driving of the pixels PXL. Figure 3 The wires are omitted and will be referenced later. Figure 4 Describes the wire.

[0082] The driver may include a scan driver SDV, a light emission driver EDV, a data driver DDV, and a timing controller (not shown). The scan driver SDV transmits a scan signal to each pixel PXL connected to a scan line; the light emission driver EDV provides a light emission control signal to each pixel PXL connected to a light emission control line; and the data driver DDV provides a data signal to each pixel PXL connected to a data line. The timing controller controls the scan driver SDV, the light emission driver EDV, and the data driver DDV.

[0083] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 : An equivalent circuit of electrical connections of constituent elements included in one pixel shown in FIG.

[0084] refer to Figures 1 to 4 , each of the pixels PXL may include a light emitting element OLED and a pixel circuit PC for driving the light emitting element OLED. In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the light emitting element OLED may refer to an organic light emitting diode.

[0085] The pixel circuit PC can be connected to the scan line Si and the data line Dj of the corresponding pixel PXL. For example, when the pixel PXL is arranged at the i-th (i is a natural number) row and the j-th (j is a natural number) column of the display area DA of the display panel DP, the pixel circuit PC of the pixel PXL can be connected to the i-th scan line Si and the j-th data line Dj of the display area DA. In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment, in addition to the i-th scan line Si, the pixel circuit PC can also be connected to at least one scan line. For example, a pixel PXL arranged in the i-th row of the display area DA of the display panel DP can also be connected to the i-1-th scan line Si-1 and / or the i+1-th scan line Si+1. In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment, in addition to the first pixel power supply ELVDD and the second pixel power supply ELVSS, the pixel circuit PC can be connected to a third power supply. For example, the pixel circuit PC can also be connected to the initialization power supply Vint.

[0086] The pixel circuit PC may include first to seventh transistors T1 to T7 and a storage capacitor Cst.

[0087] One electrode (e.g., source electrode) of the first transistor T1 (or driving transistor) can be connected to a power line to which a first pixel power source ELVDD is applied via a fifth transistor T5, and the other electrode (e.g., drain electrode) of the first transistor T1 can be connected to the light-emitting element OLED via a sixth transistor T6. Subsequently, the gate electrode of the first transistor T1 can be connected to a first node N1. The first transistor T1 controls a driving current flowing between the first pixel power source ELVDD and the second pixel power source ELVSS through the light-emitting element OLED in response to a voltage at the first node N1.

[0088] The second transistor T2 (or switching transistor) may be connected between the j-th data line Dj connected to the pixel PXL and the source electrode of the first transistor T1. Subsequently, the gate electrode of the second transistor T2 may be connected to the i-th scan line Si, which is connected to the pixel PXL. When a scan signal having a gate-on voltage (e.g., a low voltage) is supplied from the i-th scan line Si, the second transistor T2 may be turned on, thereby electrically connecting the j-th data line Dj to the source electrode of the first transistor T1. Therefore, when the second transistor T2 is turned on, the data signal supplied from the j-th data line Dj is transmitted to the source electrode of the first transistor T1.

[0089] The third transistor T3 may be connected between the drain electrode of the first transistor T1 and the first node N1. A gate electrode of the third transistor T3 may then be connected to the i-th scan line Si. When a scan signal having a gate-on voltage is supplied from the i-th scan line Si, the third transistor T3 may be turned on, thereby electrically connecting the drain electrode of the first transistor T1 to the first node N1.

[0090] The fourth transistor T4 may be connected between the first node N1 and an initialization power supply line to which the initialization power supply Vint is applied. Subsequently, the gate electrode of the fourth transistor T4 may be connected to a previous scan line, for example, the (i-1)th scan line Si-1. When a scan signal having a gate-on voltage is supplied to the (i-1)th scan line Si-1, the fourth transistor T4 may be turned on, thereby transmitting the voltage of the initialization power supply Vint to the first node N1. Here, the initialization power supply Vint may have a voltage lower than the lowest voltage of the data signal.

[0091] The fifth transistor T5 may be connected between the first pixel power source ELVDD and the first transistor T1. A gate electrode of the fifth transistor T5 may then be connected to a corresponding light emission control line, for example, the i-th light emission control line Ei. When a light emission control signal having a gate-off voltage is supplied to the i-th light emission control line Ei, the fifth transistor T5 may be turned off; and when a light emission control signal having a gate-on voltage is supplied to the i-th light emission control line Ei, the fifth transistor T5 may be turned on.

[0092] The sixth transistor T6 may be connected between the first transistor T1 and the light-emitting element OLED. A gate electrode of the sixth transistor T6 may be connected to the i-th light emission control line Ei. When a light emission control signal having a gate-off voltage is supplied to the i-th light emission control line Ei, the sixth transistor T6 may be turned off; and when a light emission control signal having a gate-on voltage is supplied to the i-th light emission control line Ei, the sixth transistor T6 may be turned on.

[0093] The seventh transistor T7 may be connected between the light-emitting element OLED and an initialization power supply line to which an initialization power supply Vint is applied. The gate electrode of the seventh transistor T7 may be connected to one of the scan lines of the next stage, for example, the (i+1)th scan line Si+1. When a scan signal having a turn-on voltage is supplied to the (i+1)th scan line Si+1, the seventh transistor T7 may be turned on, thereby supplying the voltage of the initialization power supply Vint to the light-emitting element OLED.

[0094] The storage capacitor Cst may be connected between the first pixel power source ELVDD and the first node N1 and may store a voltage corresponding to the data signal supplied to the first node N1 and the threshold voltage of the first transistor T1 in each frame period.

[0095] The anode of the light-emitting element OLED can be connected to the first transistor T1 via the sixth transistor T6, and the cathode of the light-emitting element OLED can be connected to the second pixel power supply ELVSS. The light-emitting element OLED can generate light with a predetermined brightness in response to the amount of current supplied from the first transistor T1. The first pixel power supply ELVDD can be set to a higher voltage than the second pixel power supply ELVSS so that current can flow through the light-emitting element OLED. During the light-emitting period of the pixel PXL, the potential difference between the first pixel power supply ELVDD and the second pixel power supply ELVSS can be set to be equal to or higher than the threshold voltage of the light-emitting element OLED.

[0096] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a display panel is shown in FIG.

[0097] For better understanding and ease of description, Figure 5 Only the Figure 4, a cross section of a portion corresponding to each of the second transistor and the sixth transistor among the first to seventh transistors shown in .

[0098] refer to Figures 1 to 5 , the display panel DP may include a substrate SUB, a pixel circuit layer PCL, a display element layer DPL and a thin film encapsulation layer TFE.

[0099] The substrate SUB may include an insulating material such as glass, an organic polymer, quartz, etc. In addition, the substrate SUB may be formed of a flexible material so as to be bent or folded, and may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

[0100] The pixel circuit layer PCL may include a buffer layer BFL, second and sixth transistors T2 and T6 , an interlayer insulating layer ILD, a gate insulating layer GI, and a passivation layer PSV.

[0101] A buffer layer BFL may be provided on the substrate SUB and may prevent impurities from diffusing into the second transistor T2 and the sixth transistor T6. The buffer layer BFL may be provided as a single layer, but may also be provided as a multilayer having two or more layers. The buffer layer BFL may be omitted depending on the material of the substrate SUB and process conditions.

[0102] Each of the second transistor T2 and the sixth transistor T6 may include a semiconductor layer SCL, a gate electrode GE, a source electrode SE, and a drain electrode DE.

[0103] The semiconductor layer SCL of each of the second transistor T2 and the sixth transistor T6 may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The semiconductor layer SCL may include a source region and a drain region contacting the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE, respectively. The region between the source region and the drain region may be a channel region.

[0104] The semiconductor layer SCL may be a semiconductor pattern formed of polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, an oxide semiconductor, or the like. The channel region may be an intrinsic semiconductor pattern that is not doped with impurities. Here, the impurities may be n-type impurities, p-type impurities, or other impurities such as metals. The source region and the drain region may be semiconductor patterns that are heavily doped with impurities.

[0105] A gate electrode GE of each of the second transistor T2 and the sixth transistor T6 may be disposed on the corresponding semiconductor layer SCL with a gate insulating layer GI interposed therebetween.

[0106] The source electrode SE of each of the second transistor T2 and the sixth transistor T6 may contact the source region of the corresponding semiconductor layer SCL through a contact hole passing through the interlayer insulating layer ILD and the gate insulating layer GI. For example, the source electrode SE of the second transistor T2 may contact the source region of the corresponding semiconductor layer SCL through a first contact hole CH1 passing through the interlayer insulating layer ILD and the gate insulating layer GI, and the source electrode SE of the sixth transistor T6 may contact the source region of the corresponding semiconductor layer SCL through a third contact hole CH3 passing through the interlayer insulating layer ILD and the gate insulating layer GI.

[0107] The drain electrode DE of each of the second transistor T2 and the sixth transistor T6 may contact the drain region of the corresponding semiconductor layer SCL via a contact hole passing through the interlayer insulating layer ILD and the gate insulating layer GI. For example, the drain electrode DE of the second transistor T2 may contact the drain region of the corresponding semiconductor layer SCL via a second contact hole CH2 passing through the interlayer insulating layer ILD and the gate insulating layer GI, and the drain electrode DE of the sixth transistor T6 may contact the drain region of the corresponding semiconductor layer SCL via a fourth contact hole CH4 passing through the interlayer insulating layer ILD and the gate insulating layer GI.

[0108] In exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept, each of the interlayer insulating layer ILD and the gate insulating layer GI may be formed of an inorganic insulating layer including an inorganic material or an organic insulating layer including an organic material.

[0109] A passivation layer PSV may be disposed on the second transistor T2 and the sixth transistor T6 to cover the second transistor T2 and the sixth transistor T6 . The passivation layer PSV may include a fifth contact hole CH5 exposing a portion of the drain electrode DE of the sixth transistor T6 .

[0110] The display element layer DPL may include a light emitting element OLED disposed on the passivation layer PSV and emitting light.

[0111] The light-emitting element OLED may include a first electrode AE and a second electrode CE, and an emission layer EML disposed between the two electrodes AE and CE. Here, one of the first electrode AE and the second electrode CE may be an anode, and the other may be a cathode. For example, the first electrode AE may be an anode and the second electrode CE may be a cathode. When the light-emitting element OLED is a front-emitting organic light-emitting element, the first electrode AE may be a reflective electrode and the second electrode CE may be a transmissive electrode. In the exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, a case where the light-emitting element OLED is a front-emitting organic light-emitting element and the first electrode AE is an anode is described as an exemplary embodiment.

[0112] The first electrode AE can be electrically connected to the drain electrode DE of the sixth transistor T6 through a fifth contact hole CH5 passing through the passivation layer PSV. The first electrode AE may include a reflective layer (not shown) that can reflect light and a transparent conductive layer (not shown) disposed above or below the reflective layer. At least one of the transparent conductive layer and the reflective layer may be electrically connected to the drain electrode DE of the sixth transistor T6.

[0113] The display element layer DPL may further include a pixel defining layer PDL having an opening OP exposing a portion of the first electrode AE, for example, an upper surface of the first electrode AE.

[0114] Each pixel PXL provided in the display panel DP may be provided in a pixel region included in the display area DA. In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the pixel region may include an emission region EMA and a non-emission region NEMA adjacent to the emission region EMA. The non-emission region NEMA may surround the emission region EMA. In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the emission region EMA may be a region of the first electrode AE exposed through the opening OP of the pixel defining layer PDL.

[0115] The display element layer DPL may include a hole control layer HCL and an electron control layer ECL.

[0116] The hole control layer HCL may be commonly provided in the emission area EMA and the non-emission area NEMA. Although not separately shown, a common layer such as the hole control layer HCL may be commonly provided to the plurality of pixels PXL.

[0117] The emission layer EML may be provided on the hole control layer HCL. The emission layer EML may be provided in an area corresponding to the opening OP of the pixel defining layer PDL. In other words, an emission layer EML may be provided separately for each of the plurality of pixels PXL. The emission layer EML may include an organic material and / or an inorganic material. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a patterned emission layer EML is shown, but according to an exemplary embodiment, an emission layer EML may be provided in common to the pixels PXL. The color of the light generated in the emission layer EML may be one of red, green, blue and white, but is not limited thereto. For example, the color of the light generated in the emission layer EML may be one of magenta, cyan and yellow.

[0118] The electron control layer ECL may be disposed on the emission layer EML. The electron control layer ECL may be commonly provided to the pixels PXL and may be used to inject and / or transport electrons into the emission layer EML.

[0119] The second electrode CE may be disposed on the electron control layer ECL. The second electrode CE may be provided in common to the pixels PXL.

[0120] A thin film encapsulation layer TFE covering the second electrode CE may be disposed on the second electrode CE.

[0121] The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may be formed of a single layer, but may also be formed of multiple layers. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include multiple insulating layers covering the light-emitting element OLED. For example, the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer. For example, the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may have a structure in which inorganic layers and organic layers are alternately stacked. According to an exemplary embodiment, the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may be an encapsulation substrate provided on the light-emitting element OLED and bonded to the substrate SUB via a sealant.

[0122] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a touch sensor shown in FIG.

[0123] refer to Figures 1 to 6 , the touch sensor TS may include a first conductive pattern CP1, a first insulating layer INS1, a second conductive pattern CP2, and a second insulating layer INS2.

[0124] The first conductive pattern CP1 may be directly disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE of the display panel DP, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto. According to an exemplary embodiment, another inorganic insulating layer may be disposed between the first conductive pattern CP1 and the thin film encapsulation layer TFE, and in this case, the first conductive pattern CP1 may be directly disposed on the inorganic insulating layer.

[0125] Each of the first conductive pattern CP1 and the second conductive pattern CP2 may have a single-layer structure, or may have a multi-layer structure stacked in the thickness direction. The conductive pattern having a single-layer structure may include a metal layer or a transparent conductive layer. The metal layer may include molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper, aluminum, or an alloy thereof. The transparent conductive layer may include a transparent conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), etc. In addition, the transparent conductive layer may include PEDOT, metal nanowires, or graphene.

[0126] The conductive pattern having a multilayer structure may include multiple metal layers. The multilayer metal layer may have a three-layer structure, such as titanium / aluminum / titanium. The conductive pattern having a multilayer structure may include a single metal layer and a transparent conductive layer. The conductive pattern having a multilayer structure may include multiple metal layers and a transparent conductive layer.

[0127] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, each of the first and second conductive patterns CP1 and CP2 may include a sensor pattern and a sensing line.

[0128] Each of the first insulating layer INS1 and the second insulating layer INS2 may include an inorganic insulating layer including an inorganic material or an organic insulating layer including an organic material. The inorganic insulating layer may include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. The organic insulating layer may include at least one of an acryl-based resin, a methacrylic-based resin, polyisoprene, a vinyl resin, an epoxy-based resin, a urethane-based resin, a cellulose-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, a polyimide-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, and a perylene-based resin.

[0129] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 Schematic top plan view of a touch sensor shown in .

[0130] refer to Figure 7 The touch sensor TS may include a base layer BSL including a sensing area SA capable of sensing a touch input and a non-sensing area NSA surrounding at least a portion of the sensing area SA.

[0131] The base layer BSL may be formed of reinforced glass, transparent plastic, a transparent film, or the like.

[0132] The sensing area SA may be disposed in the central region of the base layer BSL so as to overlap with the display area DA of the display panel DP. The sensing area SA may be disposed in a shape substantially identical to that of the display area DA, but the present invention is not limited thereto. A sensor electrode (not shown) for sensing a touch input may be disposed and / or formed in the sensing area SA.

[0133] The non-sensing area NSA may be provided at an edge of the base layer BSL so as to overlap with the non-display area NDA of the display panel DP. A sensing line (not shown) electrically connected to the sensor electrodes for receiving and transmitting touch sensing signals is provided and / or formed in the non-sensing area NSA. Furthermore, a pad area PDA connected to the sensing line is provided in the non-sensing area NSA, and the sensing line is electrically connected to the sensor electrodes of the sensing area SA. The pad area PDA may include a plurality of pads PD.

[0134] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the sensing area SA may include a first sensing area A1 and a second sensing area A2.

[0135] The first sensing area A1 may be an area in the sensing area SA that includes a curve CUR having a predetermined curvature (i.e., a non-square boundary or rounded corners), and the second sensing area A2 may be an area in the sensing area SA other than the first sensing area A1. In other words, the second sensing area A2 may be an area that does not include the curve CUR (i.e., a non-square boundary or rounded corners). Figure 7As shown in , the first sensing area A1 may be at least one corner surrounded by a curve CUR having a predetermined curvature (ie, a non-square boundary or a rounded corner).

[0136] The first sensing area A1 may be a sector-shaped area formed by an arc. It is an area surrounded by a curve CUR, a first line NL1, and a second line NL2. The first line NL1 extends parallel to a first direction DR1 from one end PO1 of the curve CUR (a first contact point with one of the pair of long sides forming the second sensing area A2), and the second line NL2 extends parallel to a second direction DR2 from the other end PO2 of the curve CUR (a second contact point with one of the pair of short sides forming the second sensing area A2).

[0137] Figure 8 is shown in more detail Figure 7 A top plan view of the touch sensor shown in FIG. Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 A schematic enlarged top plan view of an example of a portion EA1, Figure 10 It shows Figure 9 A schematic enlarged top plan view of an example of portion EA3, Figure 11A It is along Figure 9 A sectional view taken along line II', and Figure 11B According to another exemplary embodiment, Figure 9 The arrangement relationship between the first sensor pattern and the second sensor pattern and the first bridge pattern and the second bridge pattern is Figure 9 The cross-sectional view corresponding to the line II'.

[0138] refer to Figures 1 to 11B , the touch sensor TS may include a base layer BSL having a sensing area SA and a non-sensing area NSA.

[0139] The sensing area SA may include a first sensing area A1 and a second sensing area A2. The first sensing area A1 may be a region including a curve CUR having a predetermined curvature, and the second sensing area A2 may be a region other than the first sensing area A1. In other words, the second sensing area A2 may be a region not including the curve CUR.

[0140] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the curve CUR may be formed by cutting off a portion of the base layer BSL during a cutting process for changing the shape of the touch sensor TS. In other words, the curve CUR may correspond to a cutting line formed by cutting off a portion of the base layer BSL to change the shape of the sensing area SA, and the shape of the base layer BSL may have a non-square boundary at at least one corner of the base layer BSL. Therefore, at least one corner of the sensing area SA may be the first sensing area A1 including the curve CUR. Figure 8 As shown in , the curve CUR may be provided at each corner of the sensing area SA.

[0141] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first sensing area A1 may be defined (or partitioned) as a sector-shaped area formed by arcs, which is an area surrounded by the curve CUR, the first line NL1, and the second line NL2.

[0142] Sensor electrodes may be disposed and / or formed in the sensing area SA, and a plurality of sensing lines SL connecting the sensor electrodes to pads PD in the pad area PDA may be disposed and / or formed in the non-sensing area NSA. The pad area PDA may include a plurality of pads PD. The pad area PDA may be electrically connected to the sensor electrodes of the sensing area SA via the sensing lines SL.

[0143] The sensor electrode may include a plurality of sensor patterns SP and first and second bridge patterns BRP1 and BRP2.

[0144] The sensor patterns SP may include a plurality of first sensor patterns SP1 and a plurality of second sensor patterns SP2 electrically insulated from the first sensor patterns SP1 .

[0145] The first sensor patterns SP1 may be arranged in a first direction DR1 and may be electrically connected to adjacent first sensor patterns SP1 via a first bridge pattern BRP1 to form at least one sensor row SER. The second sensor patterns SP2 may be arranged in a second direction DR2 crossing the first direction DR1 and may be electrically connected to adjacent second sensor patterns SP2 via a second bridge pattern BRP2 to form at least one sensor column SEC.

[0146] Each of the first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2 may be electrically connected to one pad PD through a corresponding sensing line SL.

[0147] The sensing lines SL may include a plurality of first sensing lines SL1 connected to the first sensor patterns SP1 and a plurality of second sensing lines SL2 connected to the second sensor patterns SP2. In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, each of the first sensor patterns SP1 may receive a drive signal for touch sensing via the corresponding first sensing line SL1, and each of the second sensor patterns SP2 may transmit a touch sensing signal via the corresponding second sensing line SL2. However, the present inventive concept is not limited thereto, and vice versa is also possible. For example, each of the second sensor patterns SP2 may receive a drive signal for touch sensing via the corresponding second sensing line SL2, and each of the first sensor patterns SP1 may transmit a touch sensing signal via the corresponding first sensing line SL1.

[0148] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the touch sensor TS may recognize a user's touch by sensing a change amount of mutual capacitance formed between the first sensor pattern SP1 and the second sensor pattern SP2 .

[0149] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, Figure 10 As shown in FIG, each of the second sensor patterns SP2 may include a plurality of conductive thin lines CFL1 and CFL2.

[0150] For example, the second sensor patterns SP2 may include a plurality of first conductive thin lines CFL1 extending in parallel with each other in a first direction DR1, and a plurality of second conductive thin lines CFL2 extending in parallel with each other in a second direction DR2. Each of the second sensor patterns SP2 may have a mesh structure due to the first and second conductive thin lines CFL1 and CFL2. The mesh structure may include a plurality of openings, for example, areas formed by the intersection of the first and second conductive thin lines CFL1 and CFL2.

[0151] Each of the second sensor patterns SP2 is shown as having a mesh structure, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first sensor pattern SP1 and the first and second bridge patterns BRP1 and BRP2 may also be formed of a mesh structure including first and second conductive thin lines CFL1 and CFL2.

[0152] When the first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2 have a mesh structure, the area where the first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2 overlap with the display panel DP can be reduced due to the openings. In this case, electromagnetic interference between the first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2 and the display panel DP can be prevented.

[0153] Each of the first bridge patterns BRP1 may electrically connect the first sensor patterns SP1 arranged in parallel in the first direction DR1 and may extend in the first direction DR1. Each of the first bridge patterns BRP1 may include a 1-1th bridge pattern BRP1_1 and a 1-2th bridge pattern BRP1_2.

[0154] Each of the second bridge patterns BRP2 may be used to electrically connect the second sensor patterns SP2 arranged in parallel in the second direction DR2 and may extend in the second direction DR2. In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, each second bridge pattern BRP2 may be integrally provided with the second sensor pattern SP2 using the same material and the same process as the second sensor pattern SP2. When each second bridge pattern BRP2 is integrally provided with the second sensor pattern SP2, the second bridge pattern BRP2 may be a region of the second sensor pattern SP2.

[0155] The touch sensor TS may include a first conductive pattern disposed on the base layer BSL (see Figure 6 CP1 in the figure), a first insulating layer INS1 disposed on the first conductive pattern CP1, a second conductive pattern (see Figure 6 CP2 in the middle) and a second insulating layer INS2 disposed on the second conductive pattern CP2.

[0156] like Figure 11A As shown in , the base layer BSL may be provided on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE of the display panel DP. The base layer BSL may include an organic insulating layer including an organic material or an inorganic insulating layer including an inorganic material. The base layer BSL may be formed of a flexible material so as to bend or fold, and may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. In order to perform a touch screen function, a touch sensor TS may be provided on the display panel DP for displaying an image. The touch sensor TS may be formed directly on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. However, the touch sensor TS may be prepared separately and the touch sensor TS may be attached to the thin film encapsulation layer TFE by using an adhesive. The touch sensor TS may have a transparency capable of transmitting light.

[0157] According to an exemplary embodiment, the base layer BSL may be the uppermost layer of the thin film encapsulation layer TFE of the display panel DP. For example, the base layer BSL may be an inorganic insulating layer (or inorganic layer) as the uppermost layer of the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. According to an exemplary embodiment, the base layer BSL may be an inorganic insulating layer (inorganic buffer layer) additionally provided on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. For example, the base layer BSL may include a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, an aluminum oxide layer, etc.

[0158] The first conductive pattern CP1 may be disposed directly on the base layer BSL. According to example embodiments, the first conductive pattern CP1 may be disposed to overlap the pixel defining layer PDL.

[0159] like Figure 11A As shown in FIG, the first conductive pattern CP1 may include a first sensor pattern SP1, a second sensor pattern SP2, and a second bridge pattern BRP2 (see FIG. Figure 9 ).

[0160] The first conductive pattern CP1 may include a conductive material. The conductive material may include a transparent conductive oxide or a metal material. In addition, the first conductive pattern CP1 may include multiple stacked metal layers. Transparent conductive oxides may include indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), antimony zinc oxide (AZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), tin oxide (SnO2), etc. The metal material may include copper, silver, gold, platinum, palladium, nickel, tin, aluminum, cobalt, rhodium, iridium, iron, ruthenium, osmium, manganese, molybdenum, tungsten, niobium, tantalum, titanium, bismuth, antimony, lead, etc. The first conductive pattern CP1 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

[0161] The first insulating layer INS1 may be disposed on the first conductive pattern CP1. The first insulating layer INS1 may include the same material as the base layer BSL, but is not limited thereto. In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first insulating layer INS1 may include an organic insulating layer including an organic material or an inorganic insulating layer including an inorganic material.

[0162] Similar to the first conductive pattern CP1, the second conductive pattern CP2 may include a single conductive material layer, or may include a plurality of stacked conductive material layers. Figure 11A As shown in FIG, the second conductive pattern CP2 may include a first bridge pattern BRP1 (eg, a 1-1th bridge pattern BRP1_1) disposed on the first insulating layer INS1. The first bridge pattern BRP1 may connect adjacent first sensor patterns SP1 through contact holes CNT passing through the first insulating layer INS1.

[0163] The second insulating layer INS2 may be disposed on the first insulating layer INS1 on which the second conductive pattern CP2 is disposed. The second insulating layer INS2 may prevent the second conductive pattern CP2 from being exposed to the outside, thereby preventing corrosion of the second conductive pattern CP2. The second insulating layer INS2 may be formed of an organic insulating layer including an organic material. The organic material may include one of acryl, polyimide (PI), polyamide (PA), and benzocyclobutene (BCB). Because the second insulating layer INS2 formed of the organic insulating layer may be transparent and fluid, unevenness of the lower structure below the second insulating layer INS2 may be alleviated and flattened. According to an exemplary embodiment, the second insulating layer INS2 may be formed of an inorganic insulating layer including an inorganic material.

[0164] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the second bridge pattern BRP2, the first sensor pattern SP1, and the second sensor pattern SP2 are included in the first conductive pattern CP1, and the first bridge pattern BRP1 is included in the second conductive pattern CP2, but the present inventive concept is not limited thereto. Figure 11B As shown in FIG, the first bridge pattern BRP1 (eg, the 1-1 bridge pattern BRP1_1) may be included in the first conductive pattern CP1, and the second bridge pattern BRP2 (eg, the 1-1 bridge pattern BRP1_1) may be included in the first conductive pattern CP1. Figure 9 ) and the first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2 may be included in the second conductive pattern CP2. In other words, the first bridge pattern BRP1 may be formed and / or disposed on the base layer BSL, and the second bridge pattern BRP2 and the first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2 may be formed and / or disposed on the first insulating layer INS1. In this case, each first sensor pattern SP1 may be connected to the corresponding first bridge pattern BRP1 via a contact hole CNT passing through the first insulating layer INS1, thereby electrically connecting to the first sensor pattern SP1 adjacently disposed in the first direction DR1.

[0165] In addition, in the exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first conductive pattern CP1 is disposed on the base layer BSL and the second conductive pattern CP2 is disposed on the first insulating layer INS1, but the present inventive concept is not limited thereto. According to the exemplary embodiment, the first conductive pattern CP1 may be disposed on the first insulating layer INS1, and the second conductive pattern CP2 may be disposed on the base layer BSL.

[0166] In addition, in an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first sensor pattern SP1 and the second sensor pattern SP2 are disposed on the same layer, but the present inventive concept is not limited thereto. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first sensor pattern SP1 and the second sensor pattern SP2 may be disposed on different layers.

[0167] The first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2 and the first and second bridge patterns BRP1 and BRP2 may be formed of a light-transmitting conductive layer such as ITO, IZO, or ZnO.

[0168] The sensor electrodes disposed and / or formed in the sensing area SA may include dummy electrodes DME spaced apart between the first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2. The dummy electrodes DME may be formed using the same process as the first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2, so they may include the same material and have the same stacking structure as the first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2. Because the dummy electrodes DME are floating electrodes not connected to any power source, they may not be electrically connected to the first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2. Because the dummy electrodes DME are disposed in the sensing area SA, the boundary region between the first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2 may not be detected. Furthermore, by adjusting the width and thickness of the dummy electrodes DME, the fringe effect between the first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2 can be controlled, and the capacitance between the first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2 can be optimized.

[0169] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the boundaries of each of the first sensor pattern SP1, the second sensor pattern SP2, and the dummy electrode DME may have a zigzag shape. Therefore, even if the display area DA of the display panel DP is arranged to overlap with the first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2, the impact of the first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2 on the visibility of the displayed image can be reduced. Specifically, the zigzag shape can prevent a moiré phenomenon caused by the repetition of specific patterns of the first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2.

[0170] On the other hand, in the second sensing area A2 of the sensing area SA, the two first sensor patterns SP1 disposed at both ends of the sensor row SER among the first sensor patterns SP1 included in the sensor row SER may have a smaller size, for example, half the size, than the first sensor pattern SP1 disposed in the center of the second sensing area A2. Furthermore, in the second sensing area A2 of the sensing area SA, the two second sensor patterns SP2 disposed at both ends of the sensor column SEC among the second sensor patterns SP2 included in the sensor column SEC may have a smaller size, for example, half the size, than the second sensor pattern SP2 disposed in the center of the second sensing area A2. However, this is illustrative, and the present inventive concept is not limited thereto.

[0171] In the first sensing area A1, a first sensor pattern SP1 and a second sensor pattern SP2 may be disposed adjacent to a curve CUR (i.e., a non-square boundary). In the following exemplary embodiments, for better understanding and ease of description, the first sensor pattern SP1 and the second sensor pattern SP2 disposed adjacent to the curve CUR (i.e., the non-square boundary) among the sensor patterns SP in the first sensing area A1 are referred to as first and second outermost sensor patterns MOSP1 and MOSP2. The shapes of the first and second outermost sensor patterns MOSP1 and MOSP2 may be arbitrarily determined based on the curvature of the curve CUR (i.e., the non-square boundary).

[0172] Typically, the first and second outermost sensor patterns MOSP1 and MOSP2 may have a configuration determined by the shape of the sensing area SA and have smaller areas than the first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2 positioned adjacent to the edges of the sensing area SA. Consequently, the areas of the first and second outermost sensor patterns MOSP1 and MOSP2 may be reduced, thereby reducing capacitance in the first sensing area A1 and lowering sensing sensitivity. In the first sensing area A1, depending on the curvature of the curve CUR (i.e., the non-square boundary), the first and second bridge patterns BRP1 and BRP2 connecting the adjacent first and second outermost sensor patterns MOSP1 and MOSP2 may be partially removed or positioned adjacent to the curve CUR (i.e., the non-square boundary). Specifically, in this case, the first and second bridge patterns BRP1 and BRP2 may become disconnected due to static electricity or external shock inflow from the outside, thereby reducing capacitance in the first sensing area A1 and lowering sensing sensitivity.

[0173] Therefore, the touch sensor TS according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be formed so that the size (or area) of the sensor pattern SP set to overlap with the boundary between the first sensing area A1 and the second sensing area A2 is different from the size of the sensor pattern SP set in the second sensing area A2, whereby the first bridge pattern BRP1 and the second bridge pattern BRP2 set in the first sensing area A1 can point in an inward direction (for example, the second sensing area A2). In other words, the touch sensor TS according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention can set the first bridge pattern BRP1 and the second bridge pattern BRP2 set in the first sensing area A1 to be as far away from the curve CUR (that is, a non-square boundary) as possible. In this case, when the shape of the sensing area SA changes, damage to the first bridge pattern BRP1 and the second bridge pattern BRP2 set in the first sensing area A1 can be minimized to ensure sufficient capacitance in the first sensing area A1. Therefore, the sensing sensitivity in the first sensing area A1 can be improved. Referring to Figure 12A and Figure 12B An exemplary embodiment in which the sensor pattern SP disposed to overlap the boundary between the first sensing area A1 and the second sensing area A2 of the touch sensor TS has a different size from the sensor pattern SP disposed in the second sensing area A2 is described in detail.

[0174] Figure 12A It shows Figure 8 A schematic enlarged top plan view of an example of portion EA2, Figure 12B It is schematically shown Figure 12A an enlarged top plan view of a first intermediate sensor pattern, Figure 12C It shows Figure 12A a schematic enlarged top plan view of a second intermediate sensor pattern, and Figure 12D is a diagram showing a method according to another exemplary embodiment Figure 8 An enlarged top plan view of portion EA2.

[0175] refer to Figures 1 to 12D The sensing area SA of the touch sensor TS may include a first sensing area A1 having a curved line CUR (i.e., a non-square boundary) and a second sensing area A2 in addition to the first sensing area A1. Sensor electrodes may be disposed and / or formed in each of the first sensing area A1 and the second sensing area A2. The second sensing area A2 may partially surround the perimeter of the first sensing area A1.

[0176] The first and second outermost sensor patterns MOSP1 and MOSP2 and the first and second bridge patterns BRP1 and BRP2 connected to the first and second outermost sensor patterns MOSP1 and MOSP2 may be disposed in the first sensing area A1 .

[0177] In addition, the first sensor pattern SP1 and the second sensor pattern SP2 arranged to overlap the boundary between the first sensing area A1 and the second sensing area A2 may include a portion of the first sensor pattern SP1 arranged in the first sensing area A1 and a portion of the second sensor pattern SP2 arranged in the first sensing area A1. In the following exemplary embodiments, for better understanding and ease of description, the first sensor pattern SP1 arranged to overlap the boundary between the first sensing area A1 and the second sensing area A2 is referred to as a first intermediate sensor pattern SP1', and the second sensor pattern SP2 arranged to overlap the boundary between the first sensing area A1 and the second sensing area A2 is referred to as a second intermediate sensor pattern SP2'.

[0178] The first middle sensor pattern SP1 ′ may include a 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a and a 1b-th sub-sensor pattern SP1b . The 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a may be disposed in the first sensing area A1 , and the 1b-th sub-sensor pattern SP1b may be disposed in the second sensing area A2 .

[0179] The second virtual line VL2 bisects the first sensor pattern SP1 in the second sensing area A2 and passes through the second contact point PO2 of the curve CUR (i.e., the non-square boundary) in the vertical direction (e.g., in the second direction DR2). The second virtual line VL2 may be a boundary line disposed between the first sensing area A1 and the second sensing area A2. In other words, the second line NL2 forming the first sensing area A1 may be a portion of the second virtual line VL2.

[0180] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a disposed on one side of the second virtual line VL2 and the 1b-th sub-sensor pattern SP1b disposed on the other side of the second virtual line VL2 may have different sizes (or areas). For example, the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a disposed on the left side of the second virtual line VL2 in the first sensing area A1 may have a smaller size (or area) than the 1b-th sub-sensor pattern SP1b disposed on the right side of the second virtual line VL2 in the second sensing area A2. Figure 12BAs shown in FIG, the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a may have a longest length L1 (hereinafter referred to as a 'first length') along the second virtual line VL2. The 1b-th sub-sensor pattern SP1b may have a longest length L2 (hereinafter referred to as a 'second length') along the second virtual line VL2. The first length L1 of the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a may be less than 0.9 times the second length L2 of the 1b-th sub-sensor pattern SP1b.

[0181] The second middle sensor pattern SP2 ′ may include a 2a-th sub-sensor pattern SP2a and a 2b-th sub-sensor pattern SP2b . The 2a-th sub-sensor pattern SP2a may be disposed in the first sensing area A1 and the 2b-th sub-sensor pattern SP2b may be disposed in the second sensing area A2 .

[0182] The first virtual line VL1 is a line that bisects the second sensor pattern SP2 in the second sensing area A2 and passes through the first contact point PO1 of the curve CUR (i.e., the non-square boundary) in the horizontal direction (e.g., in the first direction DR1). The first virtual line VL1 may be a boundary line disposed between the first sensing area A1 and the second sensing area A2. In other words, the first line NL1 forming the first sensing area A1 may be a portion of the first virtual line VL1.

[0183] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the 2a-th sub-sensor pattern SP2a disposed on one side of the first virtual line VL1 and the 2b-th sub-sensor pattern SP2b disposed on the other side of the first virtual line VL1 may have different sizes (or areas). For example, the 2a-th sub-sensor pattern SP2a disposed on the upper side of the first virtual line VL1 in the first sensing area A1 may have a smaller size (or area) than the 2b-th sub-sensor pattern SP2b disposed on the lower side of the first virtual line VL1 in the second sensing area A2. Specifically, as Figure 12C As shown in FIG, the 2a-th sub-sensor pattern SP2a may have a longest length L3 (hereinafter referred to as a 'third length') along the first virtual line VL1. The 2b-th sub-sensor pattern SP2b may have a longest length L4 (hereinafter referred to as a 'fourth length') along the first virtual line VL1. The third length L3 of the 2a-th sub-sensor pattern SP2a may be less than 0.9 times the fourth length L4 of the 2b-th sub-sensor pattern SP2b.

[0184] When the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a has the same size as the 1b-th sub-sensor pattern SP1b and the 2a-th sub-sensor pattern SP2a has the same size as the 2b-th sub-sensor pattern SP2b, when the base layer BSL is cut to have a curved line CUR (i.e., a non-square boundary), the first bridge pattern BRP1 and the second bridge pattern BRP2 connected to each of the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a and the 2a-th sub-sensor pattern SP2a may be cut to have a curved line CUR (i.e., a non-square boundary).

[0185] When the size of each of the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a and the 2a-th sub-sensor pattern SP2a in the first sensing area A1 is formed to be relatively smaller than the size of each of the 1b-th sub-sensor pattern SP1b and the 2b-th sub-sensor pattern SP2b in the second sensing area A2, the first bridge pattern BRP1 and the second bridge pattern BRP2 connected to the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a and the 2a-th sub-sensor pattern SP2a and arranged in the first sensing area A1 can be arranged away from the curve CUR (i.e., the non-square boundary) in the first sensing area A1. In other words, each of the first bridge pattern BRP1 and the second bridge pattern BRP2 in the first sensing area A1 can be arranged close to the second sensing area A2. Therefore, as Figure 12A As shown in FIG, the first bridge pattern BRP1 and the second bridge pattern BRP2 in the first sensing area A1 may be disposed in an inward direction compared to the first bridge pattern BRP1 and the second bridge pattern BRP2 included in the same sensor column SEC and disposed in the second sensing area A2.

[0186] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the shape of the first outermost sensor pattern MOSP1 may change due to changes in the shapes of the 1a-sub-sensor pattern SP1a and the 2a-sub-sensor pattern SP2a, but the present inventive concept is not limited thereto. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first outermost sensor pattern MOSP1 may be designed to have a size and shape different from the 1a-sub-sensor pattern SP1a. Furthermore, the shape of the second outermost sensor pattern MOSP2 may change due to changes in the shapes of the 1a-sub-sensor pattern SP1a and the 2a-sub-sensor pattern SP2a, but the present inventive concept is not limited thereto. According to an exemplary embodiment, the second outermost sensor pattern MOSP2 may be designed to have a size and shape different from the 2a-sub-sensor pattern SP2a.

[0187] The first and second outermost sensor patterns MOSP1 and MOSP2, as well as the 1a and 2a sub-sensor patterns SP1a and SP2a, disposed in the first sensing area A1 may be designed to have sizes and shapes different from those of the sensor patterns SP disposed in the second sensing area A2. In other words, the first and second outermost sensor patterns MOSP1 and MOSP2, as well as the 1a and 2a sub-sensor patterns SP1a and SP2a, disposed in the first sensing area A1 may be designed to be different from those of the sensor patterns SP disposed in the second sensing area A2.

[0188] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the dummy electrode DME may be disposed between the first outermost sensor pattern MOSP1 and the second outermost sensor pattern MOSP2 and between the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a and the 2a-th sub-sensor pattern SP2a.

[0189] The dummy electrode DME disposed in the first sensing area A1 may have the same width as the dummy electrode DME disposed in the second sensing area A2, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto. According to an exemplary embodiment, the dummy electrode DME disposed in the first sensing area A1 may have a different shape from the dummy electrode DME disposed in the second sensing area A2.

[0190] Furthermore, the dummy electrode DME disposed so as to overlap the boundary between the first sensing area A1 and the second sensing area A2 may be connected without interruption to maintain continuity. Specifically, the dummy electrode DME disposed between the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a and the 2a-th sub-sensor pattern SP2a in the first sensing area A1 may be connected without interruption to the dummy electrode DME disposed in the second sensing area A2 to maintain continuity.

[0191] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first outermost sensor pattern MOSP1 may be cut into a shape that maintains pattern continuity with the first sensor pattern SP1 (e.g., the first intermediate sensor pattern SP1′) disposed in the same sensor row SER and adjacent in the first direction DR1. Furthermore, the second outermost sensor pattern MOSP2 may be cut into a shape that maintains pattern continuity with the second sensor pattern SP2 (e.g., the second intermediate sensor pattern SP2′) disposed in the same sensor column SEC and adjacent in the second direction DR2.

[0192] As described above, the first bridge pattern BRP1 and the second bridge pattern BRP2 disposed in the first sensing area A1 can be arranged in a relatively inward direction, for example, closer to the second sensing area A2 than the first bridge pattern BRP1 and the second bridge pattern BRP2 disposed in the second sensing area A2 in the same sensor column SEC, thereby preventing damage to the first bridge pattern BRP1 and the second bridge pattern BRP2 when the shape of the sensing area SA changes. Therefore, exemplary embodiments can ensure sufficient capacitance in the first sensing area A1 and thus improve sensing sensitivity in the first sensing area A1. According to exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept, as Figure 12D As shown in FIG, the first and second bridge patterns BRP1 and BRP2 disposed in the first sensing area A1 may be arranged in a relatively inward direction, for example, closer to the second sensing area A2 than the first and second bridge patterns BRP1 and BRP2 disposed in the second sensing area A2 in the same sensor row SER, thereby preventing damage to the first and second bridge patterns BRP1 and BRP2 when the shape of the sensing area SA changes. Therefore, exemplary embodiments can ensure sufficient capacitance in the first sensing area A1, thereby improving sensing sensitivity in the first sensing area A1.

[0193] 13A to 13C is a diagram showing a method according to each exemplary embodiment Figure 8 An enlarged top plan view of portion EA2.

[0194] exist 13A to 13C In order to avoid repeated descriptions, the following description will be focused on the points that are different from the above-described exemplary embodiments. 13A to 13C With reference to the exemplary embodiments described above, the same reference numerals denote the same constituent elements, and similar reference numerals denote similar constituent elements.

[0195] refer to Figures 1 to 11B as well as 13A to 13C The touch sensor TS may include a base layer BSL having a sensing area SA and a non-sensing area NSA. The sensing area SA may include a first sensing area A1 having a curved line CUR (ie, a non-square boundary) and a second sensing area A2 other than the first sensing area A1.

[0196] First and second outermost sensor patterns MOSP1 and MOSP2 , 1a and 2a sub-sensor patterns SP1a and SP2a , first and second bridge patterns BRP1 and BRP2 , and dummy electrodes DME may be disposed in the first sensing area A1 .

[0197] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the dummy electrode DME of the first sensing area A1 may be connected to the dummy electrode DME of the second sensing area A2 without interruption to maintain continuity.

[0198] The dummy electrode DME of the first sensing area A1 may be connected to the dummy electrode DME of the second sensing area A2 and may be designed differently from the dummy electrode DME of the second sensing area A2. Figure 13A As shown in , the dummy electrode DME in the first sensing area A1 can be designed to have a smaller width than the dummy electrode DME in the second sensing area A2, so as to have a smaller size (or area) than the dummy electrode DME in the second sensing area A2. In this case, the area where the dummy electrode DME is provided in the first sensing area A1, for example, the distance between the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a and the 2a-th sub-sensor pattern SP2a and the distance between the first outermost sensor pattern MOSP1 and the second outermost sensor pattern MOSP2, can have the same distance as the distance between the first sensor pattern SP1 and the second sensor pattern SP2 in the second sensing area A2.

[0199] According to an exemplary embodiment, the distance between the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a and the 2a-th sub-sensor pattern SP2a and the distance between the first outermost sensor pattern MOSP1 and the second outermost sensor pattern MOSP2 may have different distances from the distance between the first sensor pattern SP1 and the second sensor pattern SP2 in the second sensing area A2. Figure 13B As shown in , when each of the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a and the 2a-th sub-sensor pattern SP2a has a relatively much smaller size (or area) than each of the corresponding 1b-th sub-sensor pattern SP1b and the 2b-th sub-sensor pattern SP2b, the distance between the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a and the 2a-th sub-sensor pattern SP2a may be greater than the distance between the first sensor pattern SP1 and the second sensor pattern SP2 in the second sensing area A2. Specifically, when the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a has a relatively much smaller size (or area) than the 1b-th sub-sensor pattern SP1b and the 2a-th sub-sensor pattern SP2a has a relatively much smaller size (or area) than the 2b-th sub-sensor pattern SP2b, the distance between the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a and the 2a-th sub-sensor pattern SP2a may increase by the reduced size (or area). In this case, the width of the dummy electrode DME disposed in the region between the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a and the 2a-th sub-sensor pattern SP2a may be increased such that the size of the dummy electrode DME is larger than that in the second sensing area A2 .

[0200] As described above, when the width of the dummy electrode DME disposed in the first sensing area A1 is different from the width of the dummy electrode DME disposed in the second sensing area A2, the edge effect between the 1a-th and 2a-th sub-sensor patterns SP1a and SP2a, and the first and second outermost sensor patterns MOSP1 and MOSP2, disposed in the first sensing area A1, can be effectively controlled. Therefore, the capacitance between the 1a-th and 2a-th sub-sensor patterns SP1a and SP2a, and the first and second outermost sensor patterns MOSP1 and MOSP2, in the first sensing area A1 can be optimized to improve sensing sensitivity in the first sensing area A1.

[0201] In the first sensing area A1, the first bridge pattern BRP1 can electrically connect the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a and the first outermost sensor pattern MOSP1, and the second bridge pattern BRP2 can electrically connect the 2a-th sub-sensor pattern SP2a and the second outermost sensor pattern MOSP2. The second bridge pattern BRP2 can be integrally provided with the second outermost sensor pattern MOSP2 and be considered as part of the second outermost sensor pattern MOSP2.

[0202] The first bridge pattern BRP1 may include a 1-1th bridge pattern BRP1_1 and a 1-2th bridge pattern BRP1_2. Each of the 1-1th bridge pattern BRP1_1 and the 1-2nd bridge pattern BRP1_2 may extend in the first direction DR1 to electrically connect the 1ath sub-sensor pattern SP1a and the first outermost sensor pattern MOSP1 arranged in the same sensor row SER.

[0203] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first bridge pattern BRP1 of the first sensing area A1 may have the same size (or the same area) as the first bridge pattern BRP1 disposed in the second sensing area A2, but the present inventive concept is not limited thereto. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first bridge pattern BRP1 in the first sensing area A1 may have a different size (or area) from the first bridge pattern BRP1 disposed in the second sensing area A2. For example, Figure 13C As shown in FIG, the first bridge pattern BRP1 in the first sensing area A1 can have a relatively large width compared to the first bridge pattern BRP1 in the second sensing area A2. In this case, the capacitance between the sensor patterns in the first sensing area A1 can be different, thereby compensating for the capacitance reduction caused by the reduced area of the first outermost sensor pattern MOSP1 and the second outermost sensor pattern MOSP2 in the first sensing area A1. As a result, the sensing sensitivity in the first sensing area A1 can be improved.

[0204] Figure 14A and Figure 14B is a diagram showing a method according to another exemplary embodiment Figure 8 An enlarged top plan view of portion EA2.

[0205] For better understanding and ease of description, Figure 14A and Figure 14B The diagram of the dummy electrodes disposed in the region between the sensing patterns in the sensing region is omitted. Figure 14A and Figure 14B Each of them schematically shows a first bridge pattern electrically connecting first sensor patterns adjacent in a first direction.

[0206] exist Figure 14A and Figure 14B In order to avoid repeated description, the following description will be focused on the points different from the above-described exemplary embodiments. Figure 14A and Figure 14B With reference to the exemplary embodiments described above, the same reference numerals denote the same constituent elements, and similar reference numerals denote similar constituent elements.

[0207] First, refer to Figures 1 to 11B and Figure 14A , the sensing area SA of the touch sensor TS may include a first sensing area A1 and a second sensing area A2.

[0208] The first sensing area A1 may be an area formed by changing the shape of the sensing area SA, including a curved line CUR (ie, a non-square boundary), and may be disposed at at least one corner of the touch sensor TS.

[0209] According to the curvature of the curve CUR (i.e., the non-square boundary), at least one outermost sensor pattern and at least one intermediate sensor pattern may be provided in the first sensing area A1. For example, as the curvature of the curve CUR (i.e., the non-square boundary) increases, a plurality of first outermost sensor patterns MOSP1 and second outermost sensor patterns MOSP2 having shapes different from those of the sensor patterns in the second sensing area A2 may be provided in the first sensing area A1.

[0210] When a plurality of first and second outermost sensor patterns MOSP1 and MOSP2 are disposed in the first sensing area A1, a plurality of first and second bridge patterns BRP1 and BRP2 connected to the first and second outermost sensor patterns MOSP1 and MOSP2 may be disposed in the first sensing area A1. When the base layer BSL is cut to have a curved line CUR (i.e., a non-square boundary), the plurality of first and second bridge patterns BRP1 and BRP2 disposed in the first sensing area A1 may be cut to have a curved line CUR (i.e., a non-square boundary), and the plurality of first and second bridge patterns BRP1 and BRP2 may be disposed very close to the curved line CUR (i.e., the non-square boundary). Consequently, the plurality of first and second bridge patterns BRP1 and BRP2 disposed in the first sensing area A1 may be damaged by static electricity or external shock inflow from the outside, thereby reducing the sensing sensitivity of the sensing electrodes in the first sensing area A1.

[0211] The touch sensor TS according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concepts can be formed so that the size (or area) of the 1a sub-sensor pattern SP1a, which is arranged in the first sensing area A1 and connected to the first bridge pattern BRP1, and the 2a sub-sensor pattern SP2a, which is arranged in the first sensing area A1 and connected to the second bridge pattern BRP2, are relatively small, thereby causing the first bridge pattern BRP1 and the second bridge pattern BRP2 to point inward (e.g., toward the second sensing area A2). In other words, in the touch sensor TS according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concepts, the plurality of first bridge patterns BRP1 and second bridge patterns BRP2 arranged in the first sensing area A1 are arranged as far away from the curve CUR (i.e., the non-square boundary) as possible. Therefore, sufficient capacitance in the first sensing area A1 can be ensured, thereby improving sensing sensitivity in the first sensing area A1.

[0212] Next, refer to Figures 1 to 11B and Figure 14B The sensing area SA of the touch sensor TS may include a first sensing area A1 and a second sensing area A2. The first sensing area A1 may be a region including a curve CUR formed by changing the shape of the sensing area SA and may be disposed at at least one corner of the touch sensor TS.

[0213] A plurality of first outermost sensor patterns MOSP1 and second outermost sensor patterns MOSP2 having shapes different from those of the first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2 may be provided in the first sensing area A1. Furthermore, the first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2 may be provided in the first sensing area A1 to have a smaller size (or area) than the first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2 in the second sensing area A2. In other words, the first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2 provided in the first sensing area A1 may be designed to have relatively smaller sizes than the first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2 provided in the second sensing area A2. In this case, a greater number of first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2 may be provided in the first sensing area A1.

[0214] When the size (or area) of each of the first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2 disposed in the first sensing area A1 is relatively small, the first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2 may not be disposed to overlap with the boundary between the first and second sensing areas A1 and A2, but the present inventive concept is not limited thereto. According to example embodiments, some of the first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2 disposed in the first sensing area A1 (e.g., the first sensor pattern SP1) may be disposed to overlap with the boundary between the first and second sensing areas A1 and A2.

[0215] The first sensor pattern SP1, which is positioned to overlap the boundary between the first sensing area A1 and the second sensing area A2, may be an intermediate sensor pattern. The intermediate sensor pattern may include a 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a positioned in the first sensing area A1 and a 1b-th sub-sensor pattern SP1b positioned in the second sensing area A2. In this case, the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a and the 1b-th sub-sensor pattern SP1b may have the same size. Therefore, the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a and the 1b-th sub-sensor pattern SP1b may have a symmetrical structure with respect to the second virtual line VL2.

[0216] When the size (or area) of the sensor patterns SP disposed in the first sensing area A1 is relatively smaller than the sensor patterns SP disposed in the second sensing area A2, the number of sensor patterns SP that can be disposed in the first sensing area A1 can be increased. Therefore, sufficient capacitance in the first sensing area A1 can be ensured to improve the sensing sensitivity in the first sensing area A1.

[0217] Figure 15 is a diagram showing a method according to another exemplary embodiment Figure 7 A schematic top plan view of a touch sensor shown in FIG. Figure 16 It shows Figure 15 a schematic enlarged top plan view of an example of portion EA4, and Figure 17 It shows Figure 15 Schematic enlarged top plan view of an example of portion EA5.

[0218] In addition to the sensor pattern having a diamond shape, Figures 15 to 17 The touch sensor shown in FIG may have Figures 8 to 12A The touch sensors shown in are substantially the same or similar configurations.

[0219] Therefore, in Figures 15 to 17 In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in order to avoid repeated description, the description will focus on the points different from the exemplary embodiment described above. Parts not specifically described in this exemplary embodiment refer to the exemplary embodiment described above, and the same reference numerals represent the same components, and similar reference numerals represent similar components.

[0220] refer to Figures 1 to 7 and Figures 15 to 17 , the touch sensor TS may include a base layer BSL having a sensing area SA and a non-sensing area NSA.

[0221] The sensing area SA may be an area where sensor electrodes are provided to sense a touch input, and the non-sensing area NSA may be an area surrounding at least one area of the sensing area SA.

[0222] The sensor electrodes may include a plurality of first sensor patterns SP1, a plurality of second sensor patterns SP2, a plurality of first bridge patterns BRP1, a plurality of second bridge patterns BRP2, and a plurality of dummy electrodes DME. The first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2 are shown as diamond-shaped, but the shapes of the first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2 are not limited thereto. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2 may have another polygonal shape.

[0223] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the sensing area SA may include a first sensing area A1 including a curve CUR having a predetermined curvature (ie, a non-square boundary) and a second sensing area A2 other than the first sensing area A1.

[0224] The first and second outermost sensor patterns MOSP1 and MOSP2 and the first and second bridge patterns BRP1 and BRP2 connected to the first and second outermost sensor patterns MOSP1 and MOSP2 may be disposed in the first sensing area A1. When the base layer BSL is cut to have a curved line CUR (i.e., a non-square boundary), the first and second outermost sensor patterns MOSP1 and MOSP2 may be cut to have a curved line CUR (i.e., a non-square boundary).

[0225] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first and second intermediate sensor patterns SP1 ′ and SP2 ′ disposed to overlap the boundary between the first and second sensing areas A1 and A2 may be disposed in a boundary area between the first and second sensing areas A1 and A2 .

[0226] The first intermediate sensor pattern SP1′ may include the 1ath sub-sensor pattern SP1a disposed in the first sensing area A1 and the 1bth sub-sensor pattern SP1b disposed in the second sensing area A2. The second intermediate sensor pattern SP2′ may include the 2ath sub-sensor pattern SP2a disposed in the first sensing area A1 and the 2bth sub-sensor pattern SP2b disposed in the second sensing area A2.

[0227] The 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a and the 1b-th sub-sensor pattern SP1b may have the same shape or substantially similar shapes.

[0228] Furthermore, the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a and the 1b-th sub-sensor pattern SP1b may have different sizes (or areas). For example, the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a, located on the left side of the second virtual line VL2 in the first sensing area A1, may have a smaller size (or area) than the 1b-th sub-sensor pattern SP1b, located on the right side of the second virtual line VL2 in the second sensing area A2. Therefore, the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a and the 1b-th sub-sensor pattern SP1b may have an asymmetric structure with respect to the second virtual line VL2.

[0229] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a may have an asymmetric structure with the 1b-th sub-sensor pattern SP1b relative to the second virtual line VL2 by reducing the length of the side forming the boundary of the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a or by changing the angle formed by the second virtual line VL2 and the side forming the boundary of the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a. However, the present inventive concept is not limited thereto. According to an exemplary embodiment, the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a and the 1b-th sub-sensor pattern SP1b may have a symmetric structure relative to the second virtual line VL2.

[0230] The 2a-th sub-sensor pattern SP2a and the 2b-th sub-sensor pattern SP2b may have the same shape or substantially similar shapes.

[0231] Furthermore, the 2a-th sub-sensor pattern SP2a and the 2b-th sub-sensor pattern SP2b may have different sizes (or areas). For example, the 2a-th sub-sensor pattern SP2a, positioned above the first virtual line VL1 in the first sensing area A1, may have a smaller size (or area) than the 2b-th sub-sensor pattern SP2b, positioned below the first virtual line VL1 in the second sensing area A2. Therefore, the 2a-th sub-sensor pattern SP2a and the 2b-th sub-sensor pattern SP2b may have an asymmetric structure with respect to the first virtual line VL1. However, the present inventive concept is not limited thereto. According to an exemplary embodiment, the 2a-th sub-sensor pattern SP2a and the 2b-th sub-sensor pattern SP2b may have a symmetric structure with respect to the first virtual line VL1.

[0232] When the size (or area) of each of the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a and the 2a-th sub-sensor pattern SP2a is formed to be relatively small, the first bridge pattern BRP1 connecting the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a and the first outermost sensor pattern MOSP1 and the second bridge pattern BRP2 connecting the 2a-th sub-sensor pattern SP2a and the second outermost sensor pattern MOSP2 can be arranged away from the curve CUR (i.e., the non-square boundary) in the first sensing area A1. In other words, the first bridge pattern BRP1 and the second bridge pattern BRP2 arranged in the first sensing area A1 can be arranged close to the second sensing area A2. Therefore, as Figure 17 As shown in FIG, the first bridge pattern BRP1 and the second bridge pattern BRP2 in the first sensing area A1 may be disposed in a relatively inward direction compared to the first bridge pattern BRP1 and the second bridge pattern BRP2 in the second sensing area A2 included in the same sensor column SEC.

[0233] As described above, the first bridge pattern BRP1 and the second bridge pattern BRP2 provided in the first sensing area A1 may be arranged in a relatively inward direction, for example, closer to the second sensing area A2, thereby preventing damage to the first bridge pattern BRP1 and the second bridge pattern BRP2 even when the shape of the sensing area SA changes. Therefore, exemplary embodiments can ensure sufficient capacitance in the first sensing area A1 to improve the sensing sensitivity of the first sensing area A1.

[0234] The dummy electrode DME disposed in the first sensing area A1 and the dummy electrode DME disposed in the second sensing area A2 may have the same shape. Furthermore, the dummy electrode DME disposed to overlap the boundary between the first sensing area A1 and the second sensing area A2 may maintain continuity by connecting the portion extending to the first sensing area A1 and the portion extending to the second sensing area A2 without interruption.

[0235] Figure 18A and Figure 18B is a diagram showing a method according to another exemplary embodiment Figure 15 An enlarged top plan view of portion EA5.

[0236] exist Figure 18A and Figure 18B In order to avoid repeated descriptions, the following description will be focused on the points that are different from the above-described exemplary embodiments. Figure 18A and Figure 18B With reference to the exemplary embodiments described above, the same reference numerals denote the same constituent elements, and similar reference numerals denote similar constituent elements.

[0237] refer to Figures 1 to 7 、 Figure 15 、 Figure 18A and Figure 18B The touch sensor TS may include a base layer BSL having a sensing area SA and a non-sensing area NSA. The sensing area SA may include a first sensing area A1 having a curved line CUR (ie, a non-square boundary) and a second sensing area A2 other than the first sensing area A1.

[0238] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first and second intermediate sensor patterns SP1′ and SP2′ disposed to overlap the boundary between the first and second sensing areas A1 and A2 may have different sizes (or areas) from the first and second sensor patterns SP1 and SP2 disposed in the second sensing area A2. For example, the first intermediate sensor pattern SP1′ may have a relatively smaller size (or a relatively smaller area) than the first sensor pattern SP1 disposed in the second sensing area A2, and the second intermediate sensor pattern SP2′ may have a relatively smaller size (or a relatively smaller area) than the second sensor pattern SP2 disposed in the second sensing area A2.

[0239] The first intermediate sensor pattern SP1′ may include a 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a disposed in the first sensing area A1 and a 1b-th sub-sensor pattern SP1b disposed in the second sensing area A2. Figure 18A and Figure 18BAs shown in FIG, the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a and the 1b-th sub-sensor pattern SP1b may have a symmetrical structure with respect to a boundary line intersecting the center (or middle) of the first intermediate sensor pattern SP1' in the second direction DR2 (i.e., the boundary line between the first sensing area A1 and the second sensing area A2). Therefore, the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a and the 1b-th sub-sensor pattern SP1b may have the same size (or area). Because the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a and the 1b-th sub-sensor pattern SP1b have the same size (or the same area), but the first intermediate sensor pattern SP1' has a relatively smaller size (or relatively smaller area) than the first sensor pattern SP1 disposed in the second sensing area A2, the first bridge pattern BRP1 connected to the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a may be disposed away from the curve CUR (i.e., a non-square boundary).

[0240] In the first sensing area A1, the dummy electrode DME may be disposed between the first outermost sensor pattern MOSP1 and the second outermost sensor pattern MOSP2 and between the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a and the 2a-th sub-sensor pattern SP2a. In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the dummy electrode DME disposed to overlap the boundary between the first sensing area A1 and the second sensing area A2 may maintain continuity by connecting a portion extending to the first sensing area A1 and a portion extending to the second sensing area A2 without interruption.

[0241] The dummy electrode DME disposed in the first sensing area A1 may have a stripe shape extending parallel to each of a boundary of the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a and a boundary of the 2a-th sub-sensor pattern SP2a. Figure 18A As shown in FIG, the dummy electrode DME disposed in the first sensing area A1 may have the same shape as the dummy electrode DME disposed in the second sensing area A2, but the present inventive concept is not limited thereto. According to an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 18B As shown in FIG, the dummy electrode DME disposed in the first sensing area A1 may have a zigzag shape. When the dummy electrode DME disposed in the first sensing area A1 has a zigzag shape, a boundary area between the 1a-th sub-sensor pattern SP1a and the 2a-th sub-sensor pattern SP2a disposed in the first sensing area A1 and a boundary area between the first outermost sensor pattern MOSP1 and the second outermost sensor pattern MOSP2 may not be recognized.

[0242] Of course, the shape of the dummy electrode DME provided in the first sensing area A1 may not be limited to the above-described exemplary embodiment and may be changed to various shapes.

[0243] While the present inventive concept has been shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0244] Therefore, the technical scope of the present disclosure can be determined by the technical scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. Touch sensor, including: a base layer comprising a sensing area and a non-sensing area; as well as a sensor electrode disposed in the sensing area and including a sensor pattern, The sensing area includes a first area and a second area, the first area includes at least one non-square boundary with a predetermined curvature, and the second area does not include the non-square boundary. Among the sensor patterns, one sensor pattern disposed in the first region and another sensor pattern disposed in the second region have sizes different from each other, Wherein, the sensor pattern includes: a first sensor pattern and a first bridge pattern connecting the first sensor patterns; and a second sensor pattern and a second bridge pattern, wherein the second bridge pattern connects the second sensor pattern, wherein the first sensor pattern provided at the boundary between the first area and the second area includes a first-first sub-sensor pattern provided in the first area and a second-first sub-sensor pattern provided in the second area, and A first length of the first-first sub-sensor pattern along the boundary between the first area and the second area is smaller than a second length of the second-first sub-sensor pattern along the boundary between the first area and the second area.

2. The touch sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor pattern disposed in the first region has a smaller size than the sensor pattern disposed in the second region.

3. The touch sensor according to claim 2, wherein: The sensor pattern includes at least one intermediate sensor pattern disposed to overlap a boundary between the first area and the second area.

4. The touch sensor according to claim 3, wherein: The intermediate sensor pattern has a size different from each of the sensor patterns disposed in the second area.

5. The touch sensor according to claim 4, wherein: The intermediate sensor pattern includes a first sub-sensor pattern disposed in the first area and a second sub-sensor pattern disposed in the second area, and The first sub-sensor pattern includes the first-first sub-sensor pattern, and the second sub-sensor pattern includes the second-first sub-sensor pattern.

6. The touch sensor according to claim 5, wherein: The intermediate sensor pattern has a smaller size than the sensor pattern disposed in the second area.

7. The touch sensor according to claim 5, wherein: The first sub sensor pattern and the second sub sensor pattern have different sizes from each other.

8. The touch sensor according to claim 7, wherein: The first sub sensor pattern has a smaller size than the second sub sensor pattern.

9. The touch sensor according to claim 8, wherein: The first sub sensor pattern and the second sub sensor pattern have an asymmetric structure with respect to a virtual line extending in one direction.

10. The touch sensor according to claim 7, wherein: The sensor pattern includes: The dummy electrode is disposed between the first sensor pattern and the second sensor pattern.

11. The touch sensor according to claim 10, wherein: Among the dummy electrodes, dummy electrodes disposed to overlap a boundary between the first region and the second region are connected to each other to maintain continuity.

12. The touch sensor according to claim 11, wherein: Among the dummy electrodes, the dummy electrodes disposed in the first region and the dummy electrodes disposed in the second region have the same shape.

13. The touch sensor according to claim 11, wherein: Among the dummy electrodes, the dummy electrodes disposed in the first region and the dummy electrodes disposed in the second region have different shapes.

14. The touch sensor according to claim 13, wherein: The dummy electrode disposed in the first region has a width greater than or smaller than that of the dummy electrode disposed in the second region.

15. The touch sensor according to claim 10, wherein The first bridge pattern and the second bridge pattern provided in the first region are not provided on a line connecting the first bridge pattern and the second bridge pattern provided in the second region and in the same column.

16. The touch sensor according to claim 15, wherein: The first bridge pattern and the second bridge pattern provided in the first region are provided closer to the boundary provided between the first region and the second region than the first bridge pattern and the second bridge pattern provided in the second region.

17. Display devices, including: A display panel for displaying images; as well as A touch sensor is provided on the display panel. Wherein, the touch sensor includes: A base layer including a sensing region and a non-sensing region; and a sensing electrode disposed in the sensing region and including a sensor pattern, The sensing area includes a first area and a second area, the first area includes at least one non-square boundary with a predetermined curvature, and the second area does not include the non-square boundary. Among the sensor patterns, one sensor pattern disposed in the first region and another sensor pattern disposed in the second region have sizes different from each other, Wherein, the sensor pattern includes: a first sensor pattern and a first bridge pattern connecting the first sensor patterns; and a second sensor pattern and a second bridge pattern, wherein the second bridge pattern connects the second sensor pattern, wherein the first sensor pattern provided at the boundary between the first area and the second area includes a first-first sub-sensor pattern provided in the first area and a second-first sub-sensor pattern provided in the second area, and A first length of the first-first sub-sensor pattern along the boundary between the first area and the second area is smaller than a second length of the second-first sub-sensor pattern along the boundary between the first area and the second area.

18. The display device according to claim 17, wherein The sensor pattern disposed in the first region has a smaller size than the sensor pattern disposed in the second region.

19. The display device according to claim 18, wherein The sensor pattern includes at least one intermediate sensor pattern disposed to overlap a boundary between the first area and the second area, and The intermediate sensor pattern has a size different from each of the sensor patterns disposed in the second area.

20. The display device according to claim 19, wherein The intermediate sensor pattern includes a first sub-sensor pattern disposed in the first area and a second sub-sensor pattern disposed in the second area, The first sub-sensor pattern includes the first-first sub-sensor pattern, and the second sub-sensor pattern includes the second-first sub-sensor pattern, and The first sub sensor pattern and the second sub sensor pattern have different sizes from each other.

21. The display device according to claim 20, wherein The sensor pattern includes: a dummy electrode disposed between the first sensor pattern and the second sensor pattern, and Among the dummy electrodes, the dummy electrodes arranged to overlap with the boundary between the first region and the second region are connected to each other to maintain continuity.

22. The display device according to claim 21, wherein The first bridge pattern and the second bridge pattern among the sensor patterns disposed in the first region are not disposed on a line connecting the first bridge pattern and the second bridge pattern in the same column disposed in the second region.

23. The display device according to claim 17, wherein The display panel includes: a substrate comprising a display area for displaying the image and a non-display area provided at at least one side of the display area; a pixel circuit layer, disposed on the substrate and comprising at least one transistor; a display element layer provided on the pixel circuit layer and including at least one light emitting element that emits light; and The encapsulation layer is arranged on the display element layer.

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