Sensor module and display device including the same

Abstract

A sensor module and a display apparatus including the same are provided. The sensor module includes a base layer including a fingerprint sensing area; a first touch electrode member extending along a first direction on the base layer and including a plurality of first touch electrodes connected to each other along the first direction, wherein each first touch electrode includes a first opening; a second touch electrode member extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction on the base layer and including a plurality of second touch electrodes connected to each other along the second direction; a first fingerprint electrode member disposed in the fingerprint sensing area and including a plurality of first fingerprint electrodes connected to each other; and a second fingerprint electrode member disposed in the fingerprint sensing area and including a plurality of second fingerprint electrodes connected to each other. The plurality of first fingerprint electrodes and the plurality of second fingerprint electrodes are disposed in the first opening.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0081376, filed on July 5, 2019, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a sensor module and a display device including the sensor module. Background Technology

[0004] Electronic devices that provide images to users, such as smartphones, tablet PCs, digital cameras, laptops, navigation systems, or smart TVs, include display devices for displaying images. Display devices include display panels for generating and displaying images, as well as various input devices.

[0005] Recently, touch sensors for recognizing touch input have been widely used in display devices, primarily smartphones and tablet PCs. Thanks to the convenience of touchscreen interfaces, touch sensors have replaced traditional keypads as physical input devices. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a sensor module includes: a substrate layer including a fingerprint sensing region; a first touch electrode member extending on the substrate layer along a first direction and including a plurality of first touch electrodes electrically connected to each other along the first direction, wherein each of the plurality of first touch electrodes includes a first opening; a second touch electrode member extending on the substrate layer along a second direction intersecting the first direction and including a plurality of second touch electrodes electrically connected to each other along the second direction; a first fingerprint electrode member disposed in the fingerprint sensing region and including a plurality of first fingerprint electrodes electrically connected to each other; and a second fingerprint electrode member disposed in the fingerprint sensing region and including a plurality of second fingerprint electrodes electrically connected to each other. The plurality of first fingerprint electrodes and the plurality of second fingerprint electrodes are disposed in the first opening of the plurality of first touch electrodes.

[0007] Each of the plurality of second touch electrodes includes a second opening, and at least two of the plurality of first fingerprint electrodes and at least two of the plurality of second fingerprint electrodes are disposed in the second opening.

[0008] The first fingerprint electrode component also includes a first connection pattern that electrically connects adjacent first fingerprint electrodes that are located in the same first opening among a plurality of first fingerprint electrodes.

[0009] The first fingerprint electrode member further includes a first connection line electrically connecting adjacent first fingerprint electrodes among the plurality of first fingerprint electrodes respectively disposed in the first and second openings.

[0010] The second fingerprint electrode member further includes a second connection line electrically connecting adjacent second fingerprint electrodes among the plurality of second fingerprint electrodes.

[0011] The first connection pattern and the second connection line are located on different layers, and the first connection pattern and the second connection line cross each other.

[0012] The plurality of first touch electrodes, the plurality of second touch electrodes, the plurality of first fingerprint electrodes, and the plurality of second fingerprint electrodes are disposed on the same layer.

[0013] The first connection line is located on a layer different from a layer on which the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes are located, and the first connection line partially overlaps the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes.

[0014] The second connection line is located on a layer different from a layer on which the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes are located, and the second connection line partially overlaps the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes.

[0015] The plurality of first fingerprint electrodes and the plurality of second fingerprint electrodes are spaced apart from each other.

[0016] The plurality of first fingerprint electrodes and the plurality of second fingerprint electrodes are spaced apart from the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes.

[0017] The first connection pattern and the first connection line extend in a first diagonal direction, and the second connection line extends in a second diagonal direction crossing the first diagonal direction, and the first diagonal direction and the second diagonal direction are diagonal with respect to the first direction.

[0018] The base layer includes a first encapsulation inorganic layer, an encapsulation organic layer disposed on the first encapsulation inorganic layer, and a second encapsulation inorganic layer disposed on the encapsulation organic layer, and the first connection line and the second connection line are disposed on the second encapsulation inorganic layer.

[0019] The first connection pattern is disposed on the same layer as the plurality of first fingerprint electrodes.

[0020] The sensor module further includes a touch driver electrically connected to the second touch electrode member and configured to apply a first driving signal to the second touch electrode member, and a touch detector electrically connected to the first touch electrode member and configured to receive a first sensing signal from the first touch electrode member to recognize a touch input.

[0021] The sensor module further includes a fingerprint driver electrically connected to the second fingerprint electrode member and configured to apply a second driving signal to the second fingerprint electrode member, and a fingerprint detector electrically connected to the first fingerprint electrode member and configured to receive a second sensing signal from the first fingerprint electrode member to identify a fingerprint pattern.

[0022] The first sensing signal includes mutual capacitance information between the first touch electrode member and the second touch electrode member, and the second sensing signal includes mutual capacitance information between the first fingerprint electrode member and the second fingerprint electrode member.

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, a display apparatus includes a base substrate, a light emitting element on the base substrate, a thin film encapsulation layer on the light emitting element, a touch electrode disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer and including an opening, a fingerprint electrode disposed in the opening and spaced apart from the touch electrode, and a sensor controller electrically connected to each of the touch electrode and the fingerprint electrode and configured to detect a touch input from the touch electrode and detect fingerprint pattern information from the fingerprint electrode.

[0024] The fingerprint electrode includes a plurality of first fingerprint electrodes and a plurality of second fingerprint electrodes, and the plurality of first fingerprint electrodes and the plurality of second fingerprint electrodes are disposed in the opening of the touch electrode.

[0025] The plurality of first fingerprint electrodes and the plurality of second fingerprint electrodes are spaced apart from each other, and the plurality of first fingerprint electrodes and the plurality of second fingerprint electrodes are disposed on the same layer as the touch electrode.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, a sensor module includes a plurality of first touch electrodes extending along a first direction and each including a first opening, a plurality of second touch electrodes extending along a second direction crossing the first direction and each including a second opening, and a plurality of fingerprint electrodes disposed in the first openings and the second openings. The plurality of first touch electrodes, the plurality of second touch electrodes, and the plurality of fingerprint electrodes are disposed on the same layer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] The above and other aspects and features of the inventive concept will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0029] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a sensor module according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept. Figure 1

[0030] Figure 3 ​This illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the concept according to the present invention. Figure 2 The diagram shows the plan view of the sensor unit of the sensor module and the connection relationship between the sensor unit and the controller.

[0031] Figure 4 This is an exemplary embodiment of the concept of the present invention. Figure 3 A magnified plan view of part of Qa.

[0032] Figure 5 This illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the concept according to the present invention. Figure 4 The diagram shows the structure of the first layer of the sensor unit.

[0033] Figure 6 This is an exemplary embodiment of the concept of the present invention. Figure 5 An enlarged plan view of the first dummy pattern.

[0034] Figure 7 This is an exemplary embodiment of the concept of the present invention. Figure 5 An enlarged plan view of the second dummy pattern.

[0035] Figure 8 This illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the concept according to the present invention. Figure 4 The diagram shows the structure of the second layer of the sensor unit and the location of the contact holes.

[0036] Figure 9 It is along the exemplary embodiment of the concept of the present invention. Figure 4 A sectional view taken by line X1-X1'.

[0037] Figure 10 It is along the exemplary embodiment of the concept of the present invention. Figure 4 The sectional view taken by line X2-X2'.

[0038] Figure 11 This is an exemplary embodiment of the concept of the present invention. Figure 3 A magnified planar view of the fingerprint sensing area.

[0039] Figure 12 This illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the concept according to the present invention. Figure 11 The diagram shows the structure of the first layer of the sensor unit.

[0040] Figure 13 This is an exemplary embodiment of the concept of the present invention. Figure 11 Enlarged plan view of the first fingerprint electrode and the first connection pattern.

[0041] Figure 14 This is an exemplary embodiment of the concept of the present invention. Figure 11a plan view of the second fingerprint electrode of the sensor unit of FIG. 1.

[0042] Figure 15 is a plan view of the second fingerprint electrode of the sensor unit of FIG. 1. Figure 11 is a plan view of the second fingerprint electrode of the sensor unit of FIG. 1.

[0043] Figure 16 is a plan view of the second fingerprint electrode of the sensor unit of FIG. 1. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X3-X3' of FIG. 1.

[0044] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X4-X4' of FIG. 1. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X4-X4' of FIG. 1.

[0045] Figure 18 is a plan view of the second fingerprint electrode of the sensor unit of FIG. 1. Figure 12 is a plan view of the second fingerprint electrode of the sensor unit of FIG. 1.

[0046] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X5-X5' of FIG. 1. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X5-X5' of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept provide a sensor module capable of sensing a user's touch input and its location as well as a user's fingerprint pattern, and a display apparatus including the same.

[0048] Exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals can refer to like elements throughout the application.

[0049] In the drawings, the thickness and size of layers and regions can be exaggerated for clarity. It will also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "on" another layer or substrate, it can be directly on the other layer or substrate, or intervening layers can also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0050] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present inventive concept.

[0051] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to the drawings, which are in schematic form showing idealized embodiments of the inventive concept. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, the inventive concept should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive concept.

[0052] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept. Figure 2 Figure 1 is a block diagram of a sensor module according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0053] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A display apparatus 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept can include a sensor module SM and a display panel 300. The display apparatus 1 can further include a display panel driver 400. The sensor module SM includes a sensor unit 100 and a sensor controller 200.

[0054] Although Figure 1 The sensor unit 100 and the display panel 300 are shown to be separated from each other, but this is only for ease of description and the inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, the sensor unit 100 and the display panel 300 can be integrally formed.

[0055] The display panel 300 includes a display area DA and a non-display area NDA surrounding at least one area of the display area DA. The display area DA is provided with a plurality of scan lines 310 and data lines 320 and a plurality of pixels P connected to the scan lines 310 and the data lines 320. The non-display area NDA can be provided with various driving signals for driving the pixels P and / or wirings for providing driving power.

[0056] ​According to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the type of the display panel 300 is not particularly limited. For example, the display panel 300 can be a self-emissive display panel such as an organic light emitting display (OLED) panel, a quantum dot light emitting display (QLED) panel, a micro light emitting diode (Micro-LED) display panel, a nano LED display panel, or the like. Alternatively, the display panel 300 can be a non-emissive display panel such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, an electrophoretic display (EPD) panel, or an electro-wetting display (EWD) panel. When the display panel 300 is a non-emissive display panel, the display apparatus 1 can further include a backlight unit for providing light to the display panel 300. Hereinafter, a case where the display panel 300 is an organic light emitting display panel will be described as an example for convenience of explanation.

[0057] The display panel driver 400 is electrically connected to the display panel 300 to provide a signal for driving the display panel 300. For example, the display panel driver 400 can include at least one of a scan driver for providing a scan signal to the scan lines 310, a data driver for providing a data signal to the data lines 320, and a timing controller for driving the scan driver and the data driver. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the scan driver, the data driver, and / or the timing controller can be integrated into one display integrated circuit (IC) (D-IC), but the present inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, in an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, at least one of the scan driver, the data driver, and the timing controller can be integrated or mounted on the display panel 300.

[0058] The sensor unit 100 can be disposed on the display panel 300 in at least one area of the display panel 300. For example, the sensor unit 100 can be disposed to overlap the display panel 300 on at least one surface of the display panel 300. For example, the sensor unit 100 can be disposed on one surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the display panel 300 in a direction z in which an image is emitted. Alternatively, the sensor unit 100 can be directly formed on at least one of two surfaces of the display panel 300, or the sensor unit 100 can be formed within the display panel 300. For example, the sensor unit 100 can be directly formed on an outer surface (e.g., an upper surface of an upper substrate or a lower surface of a lower substrate) of the upper substrate (or a thin film encapsulation layer) or the lower substrate of the display panel 300. Alternatively, the sensor unit 100 can be directly formed on an inner surface (e.g., a lower surface of the upper substrate or an upper surface of the lower substrate) of the upper substrate or the lower substrate.

[0059] The sensor unit 100 includes a sensing area SA and a peripheral area NSA surrounding at least a portion of the sensing area SA. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the sensing area SA can be an area in the sensor unit 100 capable of sensing a touch input and a fingerprint, and the peripheral area NSA can be an area in the sensor unit 100 incapable of sensing a touch input and a fingerprint. According to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the sensing area SA can be disposed to correspond to the display area DA of the display panel 300, and the peripheral area NSA can be disposed to correspond to the non-display area NDA of the display panel 300. For example, the sensing area SA of the sensor unit 100 can overlap the display area DA of the display panel 300, and the peripheral area NSA of the sensor unit 100 can overlap the non-display area NDA of the display panel 300.

[0060] The sensing area SA can include a touch sensing area TSA and a fingerprint sensing area FSA. The touch sensing area TSA is an area for sensing a touch input of a user, and the fingerprint sensing area FSA is an area for sensing a fingerprint pattern of a user. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the touch sensing area TSA can coincide with the sensing area SA, and the fingerprint sensing area FSA can be a portion of the touch sensing area TSA. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and the fingerprint sensing area FSA can coincide with the touch sensing area TSA.

[0061] In the touch sensing area TSA of the sensor unit 100, a plurality of first touch electrode members 120 and a plurality of second touch electrode members 130 can be disposed to detect a touch input.

[0062] The first touch electrode members 120 can extend in a first direction x, and can be spaced apart from each other in a second direction y crossing the first direction x. In other words, the first touch electrode members 120 extending in the first direction x can be spaced apart from each other along the second direction y to form an electrode row.

[0063] The second touch electrode members 130 can extend in the second direction y, and can be spaced apart from each other in the first direction x. The second touch electrode members 130 can be spaced apart from and insulated from the first touch electrode members 120. In other words, the second touch electrode members 130 extending in the second direction y can be spaced apart from each other along the first direction x to form an electrode column.

[0064] In the fingerprint sensing area FSA of the sensor unit 100, a plurality of first fingerprint electrode members 140 and a plurality of second fingerprint electrode members 150 can be disposed to detect a fingerprint pattern.

[0065] The first fingerprint electrode members 140 can extend in the first direction x and can be spaced apart from each other in the second direction y. In other words, the first fingerprint electrode members 140 extending in the first direction x can be spaced apart from each other along the second direction y to form electrode rows.

[0066] The second fingerprint electrode members 150 can extend in the second direction y and can be spaced apart from each other in the first direction x. The second fingerprint electrode members 150 can be spaced apart from and insulated from the first fingerprint electrode members 140. In other words, the second fingerprint electrode members 150 extending in the second direction y can be spaced apart from each other along the first direction x to form electrode columns.

[0067] The shapes, sizes, and / or arrangement directions of the first touch electrode members 120, the second touch electrode members 130, the first fingerprint electrode members 140, and the second fingerprint electrode members 150 are not particularly limited. For example, the first touch electrode members 120, the second touch electrode members 130, the first fingerprint electrode members 140, and the second fingerprint electrode members 150 can be configured as shown in FIG. 1B, which will be described below. Figure 3

[0068] The first touch electrode members 120, the second touch electrode members 130, the first fingerprint electrode members 140, and the second fingerprint electrode members 150 can be electrically connected to the sensor controller 200. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the second touch electrode members 130 and the second fingerprint electrode members 150 can be driving electrode members that receive driving signals Ts1 and Ts2 for touch detection and fingerprint detection from the sensor controller 200. The first touch electrode members 120 and the first fingerprint electrode members 140 can be sensing electrode members that output sensing signals Rs1 and Rs2 for touch detection and fingerprint detection to the sensor controller 200.

[0069] The first touch electrode members 120, the second touch electrode members 130, the first fingerprint electrode members 140, and the second fingerprint electrode members 150 can overlap at least one electrode of the display panel 300. For example, when the display panel 300 is an organic light emitting display panel, the first touch electrode members 120, the second touch electrode members 130, the first fingerprint electrode members 140, and the second fingerprint electrode members 150 can overlap a cathode electrode or the like of the display panel 300.

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the first fingerprint electrode members 140 and the second fingerprint electrode members 150 can partially overlap the first touch electrode members 120 and the second touch electrode members 130.

[0071] ​The sensor controller 200 can be electrically connected to the sensor unit 100, supply a first driving signal Ts1 to the sensor unit 100, and receive a first sensing signal Rs1 corresponding to the first driving signal Ts1 from the sensor unit 100 to detect a touch position. In addition, the sensor controller 200 can supply a second driving signal Ts2 to the sensor unit 100, and receive a second sensing signal Rs2 corresponding to the second driving signal Ts2 from the sensor unit 100 to detect a fingerprint pattern.

[0072] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the sensor controller 200 can include a touch driver 210, a touch detector 270, a fingerprint driver 280, and a fingerprint detector 290. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and the sensor controller 200 can be divided into a touch controller including the touch driver 210 and the touch detector 270, and a fingerprint controller including the fingerprint driver 280 and the fingerprint detector 290, the touch controller and the fingerprint controller being provided as separate components.

[0073] The touch driver 210 can supply a first driving signal Ts1 for detecting a touch input to the second touch electrode member 130.

[0074] The touch detector 270 can receive a first sensing signal Rs1 corresponding to the first driving signal Ts1 from the first touch electrode member 120 during a touch sensing operation to detect the presence and / or position of a touch input. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the first sensing signal Rs1 can be an amount of change in mutual capacitance generated between the first touch electrode member 120 and the second touch electrode member 130. For example, when a touch input occurs, the mutual capacitance changes at a point where the touch input is provided or a peripheral portion thereof. The touch detector 270 can receive the amount of change in mutual capacitance between the first touch electrode member 120 and the second touch electrode member 130 as the first sensing signal Rs1 to determine the presence and / or position of the touch input based thereon.

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the touch detector 270 can include at least one amplifier for amplifying the received first sensing signal Rs1, an analog-to-digital converter connected to an output terminal of the amplifier, and a processor.

[0076] The fingerprint driver 280 can supply a second driving signal Ts2 for detecting a fingerprint pattern to the second fingerprint electrode member 150.

[0077] The fingerprint detector 290 can receive a second sensing signal Rs2 corresponding to the second driving signal Ts2 from the first fingerprint electrode member 140 to detect a fingerprint pattern of a user during a sensing period of the fingerprint pattern. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the second sensing signal Rs2 can be an amount of change in mutual capacitance generated between the first fingerprint electrode member 140 and the second fingerprint electrode member 150. For example, when a finger of a user contacts the sensor unit 100, the mutual capacitance between the first fingerprint electrode member 140 and the second fingerprint electrode member 150 changes in an area where the finger contacts the sensor unit 100. In a location where a fingerprint appears, the change in mutual capacitance can be different between the first fingerprint electrode member 140 and the second fingerprint electrode member 150 adjacent to a valley and between the first fingerprint electrode member 140 and the second fingerprint electrode member 150 adjacent to a ridge. The fingerprint detector 290 can receive a difference in mutual capacitance between the first fingerprint electrode member 140 and the second fingerprint electrode member 150 as the second sensing signal Rs2 and determine fingerprint pattern information of the user based thereon.

[0078] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the touch driver 210, the touch detector 270, the fingerprint driver 280, and the fingerprint detector 290 can be integrated into one sensor IC. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the touch driver 210 and the touch detector 270 and the fingerprint driver 280 and the fingerprint detector 290 can be configured as separate ICs.

[0079] Hereinafter, a sensor module SM according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 3 to 17 The sensor module SM will be described in more detail.

[0080] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a sensor module according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept; Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a plan view of a sensor unit of the sensor module of FIG. 1, and a diagram illustrating a connection relationship between the sensor unit and a controller. Figure 4 FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of a portion Qa of the sensor module of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept; Figure 3 FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a first layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept; Figure 5 FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view of a first dummy pattern of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept; Figure 4 FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view of a second dummy pattern of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept; Figure 6 FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a second layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept; Figure 5 FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a third layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept; Figure 7 FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a fourth layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept; Figure 5 FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a fifth layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0081] Figure 8 FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a sixth layer of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept; Figure 4The diagram shows the structure of the second layer of the sensor unit and the location of the contact holes. Figure 9 It is along the exemplary embodiment of the concept of the present invention. Figure 4 A sectional view taken by line X1-X1'. Figure 10 It is along the exemplary embodiment of the concept of the present invention. Figure 4 The sectional view taken by line X2-X2'.

[0082] Figure 11 This is an exemplary embodiment of the concept of the present invention. Figure 3 A magnified planar view of the fingerprint sensing area. Figure 12 This illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the concept according to the present invention. Figure 11 The diagram shows the structure of the first layer of the sensor unit. Figure 13 This is an exemplary embodiment of the concept of the present invention. Figure 11 Enlarged plan view of the first fingerprint electrode and the first connection pattern. Figure 14 This is an exemplary embodiment of the concept of the present invention. Figure 11 A magnified planar view of the second fingerprint electrode. Figure 15 This illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the concept according to the present invention. Figure 11 The diagram shows the structure of the second layer of the sensor unit and the location of the contact holes. Figure 16 It is along the exemplary embodiment of the concept of the present invention. Figure 11 The sectional view taken by line X3-X3'. Figure 17 It is along the exemplary embodiment of the concept of the present invention. Figure 11 A sectional view taken from line X4-X4'.

[0083] refer to Figures 3 to 17 ,like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the sensor unit 100 may include a base layer 110, a first touch electrode component 120, a second touch electrode component 130, a first fingerprint electrode component 140, and a second fingerprint electrode component 150.

[0084] The base layer 110 may include a sensing region SA and a peripheral region NSA. As described above, the sensing region SA may include a fingerprint sensing region FSA.

[0085] The substrate layer 110 is a layer that serves as the substrate of the sensor unit 100. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the substrate layer 110 may be one of the layers constituting the display panel 300. For example, in an exemplary embodiment in which the sensor unit 100 and the display panel 300 are integrally formed, the substrate layer 110 may be at least one layer constituting the display panel 300. For example, the substrate layer 110 may be a thin-film encapsulation layer of the display panel 300. Alternatively, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the substrate layer 110 may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate. For example, the substrate layer 110 may be a rigid substrate made of glass or tempered glass, or a flexible substrate formed of a thin film of a flexible plastic material. Hereinafter, the case in which the substrate layer 110 includes at least one layer constituting the display panel 300 (e.g., a layer including a thin-film encapsulation layer) will be described as an example.

[0086] The first touch electrode component 120, the second touch electrode component 130, the first fingerprint electrode component 140, and the second fingerprint electrode component 150 can be located on the substrate layer 110 in the sensing area SA.

[0087] As described above, the first touch electrode members 120 can extend in a first direction x and can be spaced apart from each other in a second direction y. The first touch electrode members 120 spaced apart from each other along the second direction y can form an electrode row. Although Figure 3 Four first touch electrode components 120 are shown arranged along the second direction y to form four electrode rows, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto. The number of first touch electrode components 120 can be varied.

[0088] The first touch electrode component 120 may include a plurality of first touch electrodes 121 extending along a first direction x and a first connector 123 electrically connecting the first touch electrodes 121 adjacent to each other along the first direction x. In the following exemplary embodiments, the term "connection" may selectively refer to both physical and / or electrical "connection".

[0089] In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 5 As shown, the first touch electrode 121 can be located in the first layer L1. The first touch electrode 121 can have a rhombus shape or a square shape, but is not limited to these. The first touch electrode 121 can be modified into various shapes, such as triangles, quadrilaterals other than rhombuses and squares, pentagons, circles, stripes, etc.

[0090] The first touch electrode 121 can include a conductive material. For example, the conductive material can include a metal or an alloy thereof. The metal can be at least one selected from the group consisting of gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), platinum (Pt), etc. In addition, the first touch electrode 121 can be made of a transparent conductive material. Examples of the transparent conductive material can include silver nanowires (AgNW), indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), antimony zinc oxide (AZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), tin oxide (SnO2), carbon nanotubes, graphene, etc.

[0091] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the first touch electrode 121 can have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. When the first touch electrode 121 has a multi-layer structure, the first touch electrode 121 can include a plurality of metal layers. For example, the first touch electrode 121 can have a three-layer structure of Ti / Al / Ti.

[0092] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the first touch electrode 121 can have a mesh structure to prevent them from being visually recognized by a user. When the first touch electrode 121 has a mesh structure, the first touch electrode 121 can be disposed not to overlap with an emission area of the display panel 300. In other words, a mesh hole overlapping with the emission area can be defined in the first touch electrode 121 having a mesh structure.

[0093] The first touch electrode 121 can include a first opening OP1. For example, at least a central portion of each of the first touch electrodes 121 can be open to expose an underlying layer. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, when the insulating layer IL is located under the first touch electrode 121, a portion of the insulating layer IL can be exposed through the first opening OP1. Figure 9

[0094] The first connector 123 can electrically connect the first touch electrodes 121 adjacent to each other in the first direction x, and the first connector 123 can be in contact with the first touch electrodes 121. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, as shown in FIG. 1B, the first connector 123 can be located on the same first layer L1 as the first touch electrode 121 and the second touch electrode 131. Figure 5

[0095] The first connector 123 can be insulated from and can cross the second connector 133. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, as shown in FIG. 1B, the insulating layer IL can be located between the first connector 123 and the second connector 133. Figure 9 Figure 10

[0096] ​​​​The insulating layer IL can include an insulating material. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the insulating material can be an inorganic insulating material or an organic insulating material. The inorganic insulating material can include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. The organic insulating material can include at least one of acrylic resin, methacrylic resin, polyisoprene, vinyl resin, epoxy resin, polyurethane resin, cellulose resin, siloxane resin, polyimide resin, polyamide resin, and perylene resin.

[0097] The first connector 123 can include a conductive material. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the first connector 123 can include the same material as the first touch electrode 121, or can include one or more materials selected from the constituent materials of the first touch electrode 121. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the first connector 123 can have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. For example, the first connector 123 can have a three-layer structure of Ti / Al / Ti. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and the first connector 123 can be formed of a material different from that of the first touch electrode 121.

[0098] As described above, the second touch electrode member 130 can extend in the second direction y, and can be spaced apart from each other in the first direction x. The second touch electrode members 130 spaced apart from each other along the first direction x can form an electrode column. Although Figure 3 Three second touch electrode members 130 are shown arranged along the first direction x to form three electrode columns, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto. The number of second touch electrode members 130 can be variously changed.

[0099] The second touch electrode member 130 can include a plurality of second touch electrodes 131 extending along the second direction y, and a second connector 133 electrically connecting the plurality of second touch electrodes 131 adjacent to each other along the second direction y.

[0100] The plurality of second touch electrodes 131 can be electrically connected to each other along the second direction y. Also, the second touch electrodes 131 can be spaced apart from each other in the first direction x.

[0101] The second touch electrode 131 can include a second opening OP2. For example, at least a central portion of each of the second touch electrodes 131 can be open to expose an underlying layer. For example, as Figure 10 As shown in FIG. 1B, when the insulating layer IL is located under the second touch electrode 131, a portion of the insulating layer IL can be exposed through the second opening OP2.

[0102] In exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept, the area of the second opening OP2 can be different from the area of the first opening OP1. For example, the area of the second opening OP2 can be greater than the area of the first opening OP1. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and the area of the second opening OP2 can be the same as the area of the first opening OP1.

[0103] Although Figure 3 and Figure 4 It is shown that one second connector 133 is provided between two second touch electrodes 131 adjacent to each other in the second direction y, but the number of second connectors 133 can be variously changed. For example, two or more second connectors 133 can be provided between two second touch electrodes 131 adjacent to each other in the second direction y.

[0104] In exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept, as Figure 5 shown in FIG. 1, the second touch electrodes 131 can be located on the same first layer L1 as the first touch electrodes 121. The planar shape of the second touch electrodes 131 can be a rhombus, but is not limited thereto. For example, the second touch electrodes 131 can be modified into various shapes such as a triangle, a quadrilateral other than a rhombus, a pentagon, a circle, a bar, etc.

[0105] The second connector 133 can electrically connect the second touch electrodes 131 adjacent to each other in the second direction y, and the second connector 133 can be in contact with the second touch electrodes 131. In exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept, the second connector 133 can be formed in a bridge-shaped connection pattern. In exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept, as Figure 8 shown in FIG. 1, the second connector 133 can be located on a second layer L2 different from the first layer L1 on which the second touch electrodes 131 are located.

[0106] In exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept, as Figure 10 shown in FIG. 1, the insulating layer IL can be located between the second touch electrodes 131 and the second connector 133. In exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept, the second connector 133 located in the second layer L2 can be disposed on the base layer 110, the insulating layer IL can be disposed on the second connector 133, and the second touch electrodes 131 located in the first layer L1 can be disposed on the insulating layer IL. Further, the second connector 133 and the second touch electrodes 131 can be connected to each other and directly contact each other through the first contact hole CH1 formed in the insulating layer IL.

[0107] The second connector 133 can be insulated from and can cross the first connector 123. In exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept, as Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown in FIG. 1, the insulating layer IL can be located between the second connector 133 and the first connector 123.

[0108] The second touch electrode 131 and the second connector 133 can include a conductive material. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the second touch electrode 131 can be made of the same conductive material as the first touch electrode 121 and the first connector 123.

[0109] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, when the first touch electrode 121 has a mesh structure, the second touch electrode 131 and the first connector 123 can have a mesh structure similar to that of the first touch electrode 121.

[0110] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the second touch electrode 131 can be a driving electrode that receives driving signals Ts1 and Ts2 for detecting a touch position, and the first touch electrode 121 can be a sensing electrode that outputs sensing signals Rs1 and Rs2 for detecting a touch position.

[0111] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 5 The first dummy pattern DP1 can be disposed in the first opening OP1 and the second dummy pattern DP2 can be disposed in the second opening OP2, as shown in

[0112] As shown in Figure 3 The first dummy pattern DP1 and the second dummy pattern DP2 can be disposed in the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 in a region of the sensing area SA other than the fingerprint sensing area FSA, as shown in

[0113] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, when the first touch electrode 121 and the second touch electrode 131 have a mesh structure, as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 The first dummy pattern DP1 and the second dummy pattern DP2 can have a mesh structure, as shown in When the first dummy pattern DP1 and the second dummy pattern DP2 have a mesh structure, the first dummy pattern DP1 and the second dummy pattern DP2 can be disposed so as not to overlap with the emission area of the display panel 300. In other words, mesh holes overlapping with the emission area can be defined in the first dummy pattern DP1 and the second dummy pattern DP2 having a mesh structure.

[0114] The first dummy pattern DP1 and the second dummy pattern DP2 can be located on the same first layer L1 as the first touch electrode 121, the second touch electrode 131, and the first connector 123, and can be formed of the same material as the first touch electrode 121, the second touch electrode 131, and the first connector 123.

[0115] Since the first and second openings OP1 and OP2 are formed in the first and second touch electrodes 121 and 131, a difference in external light reflectance can occur. Accordingly, it can be possible to visually recognize a pattern stain from the outside. The first and second dummy patterns DP1 and DP2 can reduce the difference in external light reflectance, thereby reducing the possibility of visually recognizing the pattern stain from the outside.

[0116] The first dummy pattern DP1 can be located in the first opening OP1 and spaced apart from the first touch electrode 121. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the first dummy pattern DP1 can be in a floating state.

[0117] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the first dummy pattern DP1 can have substantially the same shape as the first opening OP1. For example, when the first opening OP1 has a lozenge shape, the first dummy pattern DP1 can also have a lozenge shape. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and the first dummy pattern DP1 can have substantially the same shape as the first and second fingerprint electrodes 141 and 151 to be described below.

[0118] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the second dummy pattern DP2 can have substantially the same shape as the second opening OP2. For example, when the second opening OP2 has a lozenge shape, the first dummy pattern DP1 can also have a lozenge shape. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and the second dummy pattern DP2 can have the same shape as the first and second fingerprint electrodes 141 and 151 to be described below.

[0119] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the area of the first opening OP1 can be smaller than the area of the second opening OP2. Accordingly, the area of the first dummy pattern DP1 can be greater than the area of the second dummy pattern DP2. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto. When the area of the first opening OP1 is the same as the area of the second opening OP2, the area of the first dummy pattern DP1 can be the same as the area of the second dummy pattern DP2.

[0120] The first and second fingerprint electrode members 140 and 150 can be located in the fingerprint sensing area FSA of the base layer 110.

[0121] The first fingerprint electrode member 140 can be disposed in the first and second openings OP1 and OP2 located in the fingerprint sensing area FSA.

[0122] The first fingerprint electrode member 140 can include a plurality of first fingerprint electrodes 141 extending along a first diagonal direction D1, a first connection pattern 143 electrically connecting the first fingerprint electrodes 141 located in the same openings OP1 and OP2 and adjacent to each other along the first diagonal direction D1, and a first connection line 145 electrically connecting the first fingerprint electrodes 141 located in the adjacent openings OP1 and OP2. The first diagonal direction D1 can be diagonal with respect to the first direction x.

[0123] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, as shown in Figure 12 The first fingerprint electrode 141 can be located in the first layer L1, as shown in

[0124] The first fingerprint electrode 141 can include a conductive material. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the first fingerprint electrode 141 can be formed of the same material as the first touch electrode 121 and the second touch electrode 131.

[0125] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the first fingerprint electrode 141 can have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. When the first fingerprint electrode 141 has a multi-layer structure, the first fingerprint electrode 141 can include a plurality of metal layers. For example, the first fingerprint electrode 141 can have a three-layer structure of Ti / Al / Ti.

[0126] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, as shown in Figure 13 The first fingerprint electrode 141 can have a mesh structure to prevent them from being visually recognized by a user. When the first fingerprint electrode 141 has a mesh structure, the first fingerprint electrode 141 can be disposed not to overlap the emission area of the display panel 300. In other words, a mesh hole overlapping the emission area can be defined in the first fingerprint electrode 141 having a mesh structure.

[0127] The first connection pattern 143 can electrically connect the first fingerprint electrodes 141 adjacent to each other along the first diagonal direction D1 in the same openings OP1 and OP2 and can be in contact with the first fingerprint electrodes 141. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, as shown in Figure 12 The first connection pattern 143 can be located in the same first layer L1 as the first touch electrode 121, the second touch electrode 131, the first connector 123, the first fingerprint electrode 141, and the second fingerprint electrode 151.

[0128] The first connection pattern 143 can be insulated from and cross the second connection line 153. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, as shown in Figure 16 and Figure 17As shown in FIG. 1A, the insulating layer IL can be positioned between the first connection pattern 143 and the second connection line 153.

[0129] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the first connection pattern 143 can include a conductive material. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the first connection pattern 143 can be made of the same material as the first fingerprint electrode 141. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto.

[0130] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, as Figure 13 As shown in FIG. 1A, the first connection pattern 143 can have a mesh structure to prevent them from being visually recognized by a user.

[0131] The first connection line 145 can electrically connect the first fingerprint electrode 141 positioned in the openings OP1 and OP2 adjacent to each other along the first diagonal direction D1, and the first connection line 145 can be in contact with the first fingerprint electrode 141. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the first connection line 145 can be formed as a bridge-shaped connection pattern. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, as Figure 15 As shown in FIG. 1A, the first connection line 145 can be positioned on a second layer L2 different from the first layer L1 on which the first fingerprint electrode 141 is positioned.

[0132] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, as Figure 17 As shown in FIG. 1A, the insulating layer IL can be positioned between the first fingerprint electrode 141 and the first connection line 145. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the first connection line 145 positioned in the second layer L2 can be disposed on the base layer 110, the insulating layer IL can be disposed on the first connection line 145, and the first fingerprint electrode 141 positioned in the first layer L1 can be disposed on the insulating layer IL. Further, the first connection line 145 and the first fingerprint electrode 141 can be connected to each other and directly contact each other through the second contact hole CH2 formed in the insulating layer IL.

[0133] The first connection line 145 can include a conductive material. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the first connection line 145 can be formed of the same material as the first connection pattern 143 and the first fingerprint electrode 141.

[0134] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the first connection line 145 can be insulated from the first touch electrode 121 and the second touch electrode 131, and the first connection line 145 can partially overlap the first touch electrode 121 and the second touch electrode 131. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, as Figure 17 As shown in FIG. 1A, the insulating layer IL can be positioned between the first connection line 145 and the first touch electrode 121.

[0135] The second fingerprint electrode members 150 can be disposed in the first and second openings OP1 and OP2 located in the fingerprint sensing area FSA.

[0136] The second fingerprint electrode members 150 can include a plurality of second fingerprint electrodes 151 extending along a second diagonal direction D2 and second connection lines 153 electrically connecting the second fingerprint electrodes 151 adjacent to each other along the second diagonal direction D2. The second diagonal direction D2 can be diagonal with respect to the first direction x and cross the first diagonal direction D1.

[0137] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, as shown in Figure 12 The second fingerprint electrodes 151 can be located in the first layer L1. The second fingerprint electrodes 151 can have a quadrangular shape, but are not limited thereto, and can be modified into various shapes.

[0138] The second fingerprint electrodes 151 can include a conductive material. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the second fingerprint electrodes 151 can be formed of the same material as the first touch electrodes 121, the second touch electrodes 131, and the first fingerprint electrodes 141.

[0139] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the second fingerprint electrodes 151 can have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. When the second fingerprint electrodes 151 have a multi-layer structure, the second fingerprint electrodes 151 can include a plurality of metal layers. For example, the second fingerprint electrodes 151 can have a three-layer structure of Ti / Al / Ti.

[0140] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, as shown in Figure 14 The second fingerprint electrodes 151 can have a mesh structure to prevent them from being visually recognized by a user. When the second fingerprint electrodes 151 have a mesh structure, the second fingerprint electrodes 151 can be disposed not to overlap with the emission area of the display panel 300. In other words, a mesh hole overlapping with the emission area can be defined in the second fingerprint electrodes 151 having a mesh structure.

[0141] The second connection lines 153 can electrically connect the second fingerprint electrodes 151 adjacent to each other in the second diagonal direction D2 and can be in contact with the second fingerprint electrodes 151. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the second connection lines 153 can be formed in a bridge-shaped connection pattern. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, as shown in Figure 15 The second connection lines 153 can be located on a second layer L2 different from the first layer L1 on which the second fingerprint electrodes 151 are located.

[0142] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, as shown in Figure 16As shown in FIG. 1, the insulating layer IL can be located between the second fingerprint electrode 151 and the second connection line 153. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the second connection line 153 located in the second layer L2 can be disposed on the base layer 110, the insulating layer IL can be disposed on the second connection line 153, and the second fingerprint electrode 151 located in the first layer L1 can be disposed on the insulating layer IL. In addition, the second connection line 153 and the second fingerprint electrode 151 can be connected to and directly contact each other through the third contact hole CH3 formed in the insulating layer IL.

[0143] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the second connection line 153 can include a conductive material. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the second connection line 153 can be made of the same material as the second fingerprint electrode 151. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto.

[0144] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the second connection line 153 can be insulated from the first touch electrode 121 and the second touch electrode 131, and the second connection line 153 can overlap the first touch electrode 121 and the second touch electrode 131. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, as shown in FIG. 1, the second connection line 153 can be insulated from the first touch electrode 121 and the second touch electrode 131, and the second connection line 153 can overlap the first touch electrode 121 and the second touch electrode 131. Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown in FIG. 1, the insulating layer IL can be located between the second connection line 153 and the first touch electrode 121.

[0145] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the second connection line 153 can have a mesh structure to prevent them from being visually recognized by a user.

[0146] The second connection line 153 can include a conductive material. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the second connection line 153 can be formed of the same material as the first connection pattern 143 and the first fingerprint electrode 141.

[0147] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the second fingerprint electrode 151 can be a drive electrode that receives drive signals Ts1 and Ts2 for detecting a touch position, and the first fingerprint electrode 141 can be a sense electrode that outputs sense signals Rs1 and Rs2 for detecting a touch position.

[0148] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, a plurality of first fingerprint electrodes 141 and a plurality of second fingerprint electrodes 151 can be disposed in each of the openings OP1 and OP2. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, two first fingerprint electrodes 141 and two second fingerprint electrodes 151 can be disposed in each of the openings OP1 and OP2. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and three or more first fingerprint electrodes 141 and three or more second fingerprint electrodes 151 can be disposed in each of the openings OP1 and OP2. Figure 11 In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, a plurality of first fingerprint electrodes 141 and a plurality of second fingerprint electrodes 151 can be disposed in each of the openings OP1 and OP2. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, two first fingerprint electrodes 141 and two second fingerprint electrodes 151 can be disposed in each of the openings OP1 and OP2. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and three or more first fingerprint electrodes 141 and three or more second fingerprint electrodes 151 can be disposed in each of the openings OP1 and OP2.

[0149] The first and second fingerprint electrodes 141 and 151 can be spaced apart from each other. Each of the first and second fingerprint electrodes 141 and 151 can be spaced apart from the first and second touch electrodes 121 and 131.

[0150] The first and second fingerprint electrodes 141 and 151 can be formed by the same process as the first and second dummy patterns DP1 and DP2. In this case, the first and second dummy patterns DP1 and DP2 can have substantially the same shape as the first and second fingerprint electrodes 141 and 151.

[0151] As described above, the fingerprint pattern of a user can be sensed by the first and second fingerprint electrodes 141 and 151 provided in the same layer as the first and second touch electrodes 121 and 131, the first and second dummy patterns DP1 and DP2. Therefore, since a separate fingerprint sensing layer conventionally used for fingerprint detection is not necessary, the manufacturing process can be simplified and costs can be reduced. In addition, the display apparatus 1 can be implemented as a thin display apparatus.

[0152] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, as shown in Figure 3 The wires 901, 905, 907, and 909 can be provided on the peripheral area NSA of the base layer 110, as shown in

[0153] For example, the wires 901, 905, 907, and 909 can include a second wire 905 connected to one end of each of the first touch electrode members 120, a first wire 901 connected to one end of each of the second touch electrode members 130, a third wire 907 connected to the first fingerprint electrode members 140, and a fourth wire 909 connected to the second fingerprint electrode members 150. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and in an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the first wire 901 connected to the second touch electrode members 130 can have a double path structure.

[0154] The first wire 901 can be provided in a plurality of pieces, and each of the first wires 901 can be connected to one of the second touch electrode members 130. In addition, the second wire 905 can be provided in a plurality of pieces, and each of the second wires 905 can be connected to one of the first touch electrode members 120. The third wire 907 can be provided in a plurality of pieces, and each of the third wires 907 can be connected to one of the first fingerprint electrode members 140. The fourth wire 909 can be provided in a plurality of pieces, and each of the fourth wires 909 can be connected to one of the second fingerprint electrode members 150.

[0155] The pad portions TP1, TP2 and FP can be located in a peripheral area NSA of the base layer 110. The pad portions TP1, TP2 and FP can include touch pad portions TP1 and TP2 and a fingerprint pad portion FP. The touch pad portions TP1 and TP2 and the fingerprint pad portion FP can be electrically connected to the wirings 901, 905, 907 and 909, respectively. In addition, the sensor controller 200 can be electrically connected to the touch pad portions TP1 and TP2 and the fingerprint pad portion FP.

[0156] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the touch pad portions TP1 and TP2 can include a first touch pad portion TP1 and a second touch pad portion TP2 spaced apart from each other along the first direction x. For example, the first touch pad portion TP1 can be connected to the first wiring 901, and the second touch pad portion TP2 can be connected to the second wiring 905. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, the first touch pad portion TP1 and the second touch pad portion TP2 can form one pad portion, rather than being spaced apart from each other. In addition, the wirings connected to each of the first touch pad portion TP1 and the second touch pad portion TP2 can be varied in various ways.

[0157] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the fingerprint pad portion FP can be disposed between the first touch pad portion TP1 and the second touch pad portion TP2. The fingerprint pad portion FP can be connected to the third wiring 907 and the fourth wiring 909. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the fingerprint pad portion FP can be divided into a first fingerprint pad portion connected to the third wiring 907 and a second fingerprint pad portion connected to the fourth wiring 909.

[0158] Figure 18 is a plan view of a portion Qb of Figure 12 is a plan view of a portion Qb of Figure 19 is a plan view of a portion Qb of Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor unit and the display panel taken along a line X5-X5' of

[0159] Referring to Figure 18 and Figure 19 The sensor unit 100 can include a thin film encapsulation layer of a display panel 300 (e.g., an organic light emitting display panel) as the base layer 110. In other words, the display panel 300 and the sensor unit 100 can be integrally formed. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals are used for the base layer 110 and the thin film encapsulation layer 110. For simplicity, Figure 19 Only a light emitting element (e.g., an organic light emitting diode OLED) provided in components for each pixel of the display panel 300 and one thin film transistor TFT connected thereto are illustrated.

[0160] The display panel 300 includes a base substrate 330, a light emitting element OLED disposed on one surface of the base substrate 330, and a thin film encapsulation layer 110 disposed on the light emitting element OLED to cover at least the light emitting element OLED. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the display panel 300 can further include at least one thin film transistor TFT connected to the light emitting element OLED. The thin film transistor TFT can be located between the base substrate 330 and the light emitting element OLED.

[0161] Further, the display panel 300 can further include at least one power line, a signal line, a capacitor, etc.

[0162] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the base substrate 330 can be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate, and a material thereof is not particularly limited. For example, the base substrate 330 can be a thin film substrate having flexibility.

[0163] A buffer layer BFL is disposed on one surface of the base substrate 330. The buffer layer BFL can prevent impurities from diffusing from the base substrate 330, and can improve flatness of the base substrate 330. The buffer layer BFL can be provided as a single layer, but is not limited thereto. For example, the buffer layer BFL can be provided as a plurality of layers of at least two or more layers. The buffer layer BFL can be an inorganic insulating layer made of an inorganic material. For example, the buffer layer BFL can be formed of silicon nitride, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, etc.

[0164] A thin film transistor TFT is disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The thin film transistor TFT includes an active layer ACT, a gate electrode GE, a source electrode SE, and a drain electrode DE. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the active layer ACT is disposed on the buffer layer BFL and can be formed of a semiconductor material. For example, the active layer ACT can be a semiconductor pattern made of polysilicon, amorphous silicon, oxide semiconductor, etc. One region of the active layer ACT (e.g., a region overlapping the gate electrode GE) can not be doped with impurities, and another region thereof can be doped with impurities.

[0165] A gate insulating layer GI can be disposed on the active layer ACT, and the gate electrode GE can be disposed on the gate insulating layer GI. Further, an interlayer insulating layer ILA can be disposed on the gate electrode GE, and the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE can be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer ILA. The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE can contact and be electrically connected to the active layer ACT via respective contact holes CHA passing through the gate insulating layer GI and the interlayer insulating layer ILA.

[0166] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, a passivation layer PSV is disposed on the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE. The passivation layer PSV can cover the thin film transistor TFT.

[0167] The light emitting element OLED is disposed on the passivation layer PSV. The light emitting element OLED can include a first electrode EL1, a second electrode EL2, and an emission layer EML interposed between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the first electrode EL1 of the light emitting element OLED can be an anode electrode. The first electrode EL1 of the light emitting element OLED can be in contact with and electrically connected to one electrode (e.g., a drain electrode DE) of the thin film transistor TFT via a contact hole CHB passing through the passivation layer PSV.

[0168] A pixel definition layer PDL is disposed on one surface of the passivation layer PSV on which the first electrode EL1 and the like of the light emitting element OLED are formed to separate the emission areas PXA of each pixel. The pixel definition layer PDL can expose the upper surface of the first electrode EL1 and can protrude from the passivation layer PSV along the outer periphery of each emission area PXA.

[0169] The emission layer EML is disposed in the emission area PXA surrounded by the pixel definition layer PDL. For example, the emission layer EML can be disposed on the exposed surface of the first electrode EL1. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the emission layer EML can have a multi-layer thin film structure including at least one light generating layer. For example, the emission layer EML can include a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, a light generating layer, a hole blocking layer, an electron transport layer, and an electron injection layer. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the color of light generated from the emission layer EML can be one of red, green, and blue, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, the color of light generated from the emission layer EML can be one of magenta, cyan, and yellow.

[0170] The second electrode EL2 of the light emitting element OLED can be disposed on the emission layer EML. The second electrode EL2 of the light emitting element OLED can be a cathode electrode.

[0171] A thin film encapsulation layer 110 can be disposed on the second electrode EL2 of the light emitting element OLED to cover the second electrode EL2 of the light emitting element OLED. The thin film encapsulation layer 110 encapsulates the light emitting element OLED. The thin film encapsulation layer 110 includes at least one inorganic layer (hereinafter referred to as an encapsulation inorganic layer). The thin film encapsulation layer 110 can further include at least one organic layer (hereinafter referred to as an encapsulation organic layer). The encapsulation inorganic layer protects the light emitting element OLED from moisture / oxygen, and the encapsulation organic layer protects the light emitting element OLED from foreign substances such as dust particles. When the light emitting element OLED is encapsulated using the thin film encapsulation layer 110, the thickness of the display apparatus 1 can be reduced and flexibility can be ensured.

[0172] The thin film encapsulation layer 110 can have a multi-layer structure or a single layer structure. For example, the thin film encapsulation layer 110 can include a first encapsulation inorganic layer 111, an encapsulation organic layer 112, and a second encapsulation inorganic layer 113 sequentially stacked on the second electrode EL2.

[0173] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, each of the first encapsulation inorganic layer 111 and the second encapsulation inorganic layer 113 can be formed of silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, zirconium nitride, titanium nitride, hafnium nitride, tantalum nitride, silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tin oxide, cerium oxide, silicon oxynitride (SiON), lithium fluoride, or the like.

[0174] In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, the encapsulation organic layer 112 can be formed of an acrylic resin, a methacrylic resin, a polyisoprene, a vinyl resin, an epoxy resin, a polyurethane resin, a cellulose resin, a perylene resin, or the like.

[0175] However, the structure of the thin film encapsulation layer 110 is not limited to the above-described example. In addition, the stacked structure of the thin film encapsulation layer 110 can be variously changed.

[0176] The components of the second layer (e.g., L2) of the sensor unit 100 as described above can be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer 110, the insulating layer IL can be located on the second layer L2, and the first layer (e.g., L1) of the sensor unit 100 can be located on the insulating layer IL. In the drawings, the second fingerprint electrode 151 is illustrated as a component of the first layer L1. As described above, the second fingerprint electrode 151 can have a mesh structure to prevent them from being visually recognized by a user, and the second fingerprint electrode 151 can be disposed not to overlap the emission area PXA. In other words, a mesh hole overlapping the emission area PXA can be defined in the second fingerprint electrode 151 having the mesh structure.

[0177] In the display apparatus 1 according to the above-described exemplary embodiment, the display panel 300 can be implemented as an organic light emitting display panel having the thin film encapsulation layer 110, and the components of the sensor unit 100 can be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer 110.

[0178] While the present inventive concept has been shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present inventive concept as set forth by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sensor module comprising: a substrate layer including a fingerprint sensing area; a first touch electrode member extending along a first direction on the substrate layer and including a plurality of first touch electrodes electrically connected to each other along the first direction, wherein each of the plurality of first touch electrodes includes a first opening; a second touch electrode member extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction on the substrate layer and including a plurality of second touch electrodes electrically connected to each other along the second direction; a first dummy pattern disposed in the first opening in an area other than the fingerprint sensing area; a first fingerprint electrode member disposed in the fingerprint sensing area and including a plurality of first fingerprint electrodes electrically connected to each other; and a second fingerprint electrode member disposed in the fingerprint sensing area and including a plurality of second fingerprint electrodes electrically connected to each other, wherein two first fingerprint electrodes among the plurality of first fingerprint electrodes and two second fingerprint electrodes among the plurality of second fingerprint electrodes are disposed in the first opening of the plurality of first touch electrodes, wherein the two first fingerprint electrodes disposed in the first opening and the two second fingerprint electrodes disposed in the first opening do not overlap in a plan view, and wherein the plurality of first touch electrodes, the plurality of second touch electrodes, the plurality of first fingerprint electrodes, and the plurality of second fingerprint electrodes are disposed on the same layer. 2.The sensor module of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of second touch electrodes includes a second opening, and at least two first fingerprint electrodes among the plurality of first fingerprint electrodes and at least two second fingerprint electrodes among the plurality of second fingerprint electrodes are disposed in the second opening.

3. The sensor module of claim 2, wherein, the first fingerprint electrode member further includes a first connection pattern electrically connecting adjacent first fingerprint electrodes among the plurality of first fingerprint electrodes in a same first opening.

4. The sensor module of claim 3, wherein, the first fingerprint electrode member further includes a first connection line electrically connecting adjacent first fingerprint electrodes among the plurality of first fingerprint electrodes respectively disposed in the first opening and the second opening.

5. The sensor module of claim 4, wherein, the second fingerprint electrode member further includes a second connection line electrically connecting adjacent second fingerprint electrodes among the plurality of second fingerprint electrodes.

6. The sensor module of claim 5, wherein, the first connection pattern and the second connection line are located on different layers, and the first connection pattern and the second connection line cross each other.

7. The sensor module of claim 5, wherein, the first connection line is located on a layer different from a layer on which the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes are located, and the first connection line partially overlaps the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes.

8. The sensor module of claim 5, wherein, the second connection line is located on a layer different from a layer on which the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes are located, and the second connection line partially overlaps the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes.

9. The sensor module of claim 2, wherein, The sensor module further includes a second dummy pattern disposed in the second opening in a region other than the fingerprint sensing region. 10.A display device comprising: a base substrate including a fingerprint sensing region; a light emitting element on the base substrate; a thin film encapsulation layer on the light emitting element; a touch electrode disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer and including an opening; a dummy pattern disposed in the opening in a region other than the fingerprint sensing region; a fingerprint electrode disposed in the opening in the fingerprint sensing region and spaced apart from the touch electrode; and a sensor controller electrically connected to each of the touch electrode and the fingerprint electrode and configured to detect a touch input from the touch electrode and detect fingerprint pattern information from the fingerprint electrode, wherein the fingerprint electrode includes a first fingerprint electrode and a second fingerprint electrode, and a plurality of the first fingerprint electrodes and a plurality of the second fingerprint electrodes are disposed in the opening of the touch electrode, wherein the first fingerprint electrode and the second fingerprint electrode disposed in the opening of the touch electrode do not overlap each other in a plan view, and wherein the first fingerprint electrode, the second fingerprint electrode, and the touch electrode are disposed on the same layer. ​

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