sensing unit

Abstract

A sensing unit is provided. The sensing unit includes a first sensing electrode arranged in a first direction in a sensing area, and a second sensing electrode arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the first sensing electrode including a plurality of first mesh lines, respectively, the second sensing electrode including a plurality of second mesh lines, respectively, and a line width of the first mesh lines being different from a line width of the second mesh lines.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a sensing unit. BACKGROUND

[0002] Electronic devices such as smart phones, tablet PCs, digital cameras, notebook computers, navigation devices, and televisions (TVs) that provide images to users include display devices for displaying images. The display devices include display panels that generate and display images and various input devices.

[0003] A sensing unit, as one of information input devices, can be installed in a display device and used. A touch sensor can be attached to one side of a display panel of the display device or manufactured in one body with the display panel and used. A user can input information by pressing or touching the sensing unit while watching an image displayed on a screen of the display device. The sensing unit can include first sensing electrodes electrically connected in one direction and second sensing electrodes electrically connected in another direction crossing the one direction. SUMMARY

[0004] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0005] The present application relates to a sensing unit.

[0006] In addition, a sensing unit that can minimize potential short-circuit points between sensing electrodes is provided.

[0007] The problems of the present application are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other technical problems not mentioned herein can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0008] METHOD FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0009] A sensing unit according to an embodiment for solving the above-mentioned problems includes first sensing electrodes arranged in a first direction in a sensing area, and second sensing electrodes arranged in a second direction crossing the first direction, the first sensing electrodes respectively including a plurality of first mesh lines, the second sensing electrodes respectively including a plurality of second mesh lines, and a line width of the first mesh lines being different from a line width of the second mesh lines.

[0010] The sensing unit can further include a conductive pattern electrically separated from the first sensing electrodes and the second sensing electrodes, the conductive pattern respectively including a plurality of third mesh lines.

[0011] The line width of the third mesh lines can be different from the line width of the first mesh lines or the line width of the second mesh lines.

[0012] It may be that at least one of the first grid line, the second grid line, and the third grid line includes a protrusion pattern protruding from a side portion.

[0013] It may be that the first grid lines include: a broken area that is broken in the second direction.

[0014] It may be that the first grid lines include compensation patterns protruding from a side portion.

[0015] It may be that the compensation pattern is arranged parallel to the second grid lines.

[0016] Alternatively, the sensing unit further includes a connecting electrode electrically connecting adjacent first sensing electrodes.

[0017] The connection electrode may not overlap with the disconnection area.

[0018] It may be that the connection electrode is arranged at a point where the first grid line and the second grid line intersect.

[0019] According to another embodiment for solving the above-mentioned problem, a sensing unit includes: a first sensing electrode arranged in a sensing area; a second sensing electrode electrically separated from the first sensing electrode; a first recognition pattern adjacent to the first sensing electrode; and a second recognition pattern adjacent to the second sensing electrode, wherein the number of the first recognition patterns is different from the number of the second recognition patterns.

[0020] Alternatively, the sensing unit further includes: a substrate; a first sensing conductive layer disposed on the substrate; and a sensing insulating layer disposed on the first sensing conductive layer, wherein the first recognition pattern or the second recognition pattern passes through the sensing insulating layer.

[0021] It may be that the first sensing electrodes include a plurality of first grid lines, respectively, and the first recognition pattern is arranged on one side of the first grid line.

[0022] Alternatively, the sensing unit further includes a sensing protection layer disposed on the sensing insulating layer, wherein the sensing protection layer is connected to the substrate via the first recognition pattern or the second recognition pattern.

[0023] It may be that the first sensing electrodes each include a plurality of first grid lines, and the first recognition pattern overlaps with the first grid lines on a plane.

[0024] Alternatively, the sensing unit further includes a second sensing conductive layer disposed on the sensing insulating layer.

[0025] The second sensing conductive layer can be connected to the first sensing conductive layer through the first identification pattern or the second identification pattern.

[0026] The sensing unit can further include a first sensing conductive layer, a second sensing conductive layer disposed above the first sensing conductive layer, and a sensing insulating layer disposed between the first sensing conductive layer and the second sensing conductive layer. The first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode can be formed of the first sensing conductive layer, and the first identification pattern and the second identification pattern can be formed of the second sensing conductive layer.

[0027] The first sensing electrode can include a plurality of first mesh lines, and the first identification pattern can overlap the first mesh lines.

[0028] The second sensing conductive layer can have a reflectivity less than that of the first sensing conductive layer.

[0029] Specific matters of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Effects of Invention

[0031] According to embodiments, the visibility of mesh lines constituting a sensing electrode can be designed to be different, or the mesh lines can be easily distinguished using identification patterns. Thus, the sensing electrode can be easily distinguished, and thus, defects of the sensing unit can be effectively analyzed.

[0032] In addition, since the mesh lines constituting the sensing electrode include a broken line area in which a portion of the broken line is broken in one direction, potential short-circuit points can be minimized.

[0033] Effects according to embodiments are not limited to the above-described examples, and various effects are included in the present specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a plan view of a display unit of FIG. 1. Figure 1

[0036] Figure 3 FIG. 4 is a plan view of a sensing unit of FIG. 1. Figure 1

[0037] Figure 4 FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a sensing area of FIG. 4. Figure 3

[0038] Figure 5 FIG. 6 is a plan view of a sensing unit according to an embodiment. Figure 6 Figure 4 ​​​​is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of

[0039] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a sensing region according to another embodiment.

[0040] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of a sensing region according to yet another embodiment.

[0041] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of Figure 8

[0042] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of a sensing region according to yet another embodiment. Figure 11

[0043] Figure 12 is an enlarged view of a sensing region according to yet another embodiment. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of Figure 10

[0044] Figure 14 is an enlarged view of a sensing region according to yet another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Advantages and features of the present application will become apparent from the detailed description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings, and it is understood that the present application is not limited to the embodiments disclosed but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present application. The present application is defined by the appended claims.

[0046] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, it includes all cases of being directly on the other element or layer, and cases of being indirectly on the other element or layer with intervening elements or layers present therebetween. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0047] 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" mentioned below can be "a second element" within the scope of the technical idea. Singular expressions also include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0049] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment.​​​

[0050] Reference Figure 1 The display device 1, as a device for displaying dynamic or still images, can be used not only as a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a smart watch, a watch phone, a mobile communication terminal, an electronic notebook, an electronic book, a PMP (portable multimedia player), a navigator, and an UMPC (Ultra Mobile PC), but can also be used as a display screen for various products such as televisions, laptops, monitors, billboards, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The display device 1 can be any one of an organic light-emitting display device, a liquid crystal display device, a plasma display device, a field emission display device, an electrophoretic display device, an electrowetting display device, a quantum dot light-emitting display device, and a micro-LED display device. The following description will focus on the case where the display device 1 is an organic light-emitting display device, but is not limited to this.

[0051] The display device 1 may include a display unit DU, a sensing unit SU, and an adhesive member SEAL that adheres the display unit DU and the sensing unit SU.

[0052] The display unit DU may include a first substrate SUB1 , a thin film transistor layer TFTL, and a light emitting element layer EML.

[0053] The first substrate SUB1 may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate capable of bending, folding, rolling, etc. The first substrate SUB1 may be made of an insulating material such as glass, quartz, or a polymer resin. Examples of the polymer resin include polyethersulfone (PES), polyacrylate (PA), polyarylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terepthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyallylate, polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate (CAT), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the first substrate SUB1 may further include a metal material.

[0054] The thin film transistor layer TFTL may be arranged on the first substrate SUB1. In addition to the thin film transistor of each pixel, the thin film transistor layer TFTL may also be provided with scan lines, data lines, power lines, scan control lines, and lines for connecting the display driving circuit ( Figure 2 The thin film transistors include a gate electrode, a semiconductor layer, a source electrode, and a drain electrode. This will be described in detail later.

[0055] A light-emitting element layer (EML) may be disposed on the thin film transistor layer TFTL. The EML may include a pixel formed by sequentially stacking a first electrode, a light-emitting layer, and a second electrode to emit light, and a pixel definition film defining a light-emitting region of the pixel. The pixels of the EML may be disposed in a display area.

[0056] The light-emitting layer may be an organic light-emitting layer containing an organic substance. In this case, the light-emitting layer may include: a hole transporting layer, an organic light-emitting layer, and an electron transporting layer. A predetermined voltage is applied to the first electrode through the thin-film transistor of the thin-film transistor layer TFTL, and a cathode voltage is applied to the second electrode. Holes and electrons then move toward the organic light-emitting layer through the hole transporting layer and the electron transporting layer, respectively, and combine with each other in the organic light-emitting layer to emit light. In this case, the first electrode may be an anode electrode, and the second electrode may be a cathode electrode.

[0057] The sensing unit SU may include a second substrate SUB2 and a sensing layer SL.

[0058] The second substrate SUB2 can be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate that can be bent, folded, rolled, etc. The second substrate SUB2 can be made of an insulating material such as glass, quartz, a polymer resin, etc. Examples of the polymer resin include polyethersulfone (PES), polyacrylate (PA), polyarylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene napthalate (PEN), polyethylene terepthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyallylate, polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate (CAT), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the second substrate SUB2 can also include a material made of metal. In addition, the second substrate SUB2 may be used as an encapsulation substrate for encapsulating the light emitting element layer EML.

[0059] A sensing layer SL may be disposed on the second substrate SUB2. The sensing layer SL may include sensing electrodes for sensing a user's touch, sensing electrode pads, and sensing signal lines connecting the sensing electrode pads and the sensing electrodes. In addition to the user's finger, the user's touch may also include a touch pen.

[0060] A polarizing film and a cover window may be further disposed on the sensing layer SL. In this case, the polarizing film may be disposed on the sensing layer SL, and the cover window may be attached to the polarizing film by a transparent adhesive member.

[0061] The adhesive member SEAL may bond the first substrate SUB1 of the display unit DU and the second substrate SUB2 of the sensing unit SU. The adhesive member SEAL may be a frit adhesive layer, an ultraviolet curable resin, or a thermal curable resin, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0062] exist Figure 1 The example in the figure shows that the space between the light emitting element layer EML and the second substrate SUB2 is empty, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, a filling film may be arranged between the light emitting element layer EML and the second substrate SUB2. The filling film may be an epoxy resin filling film or a silicon filling film.

[0063] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A plan view of the display unit.

[0064] For ease of explanation, Figure 2 Only the pixels P, scan lines GL, data lines DL, power lines PL, scan control lines SCL, scan driving section 110, display driving circuit 200, display pads DP, data link lines DLL, and pad link lines PLL of the display unit DU are shown.

[0065] Reference Figure 2 , the display unit DU may have a rectangular planar shape having a long side in a first direction (X-axis direction) and a short side in a second direction (Y-axis direction) crossing the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0066] The corner where the long side in the first direction (X-axis direction) and the short side in the second direction (Y-axis direction) intersect may be rounded or right-angled to have a predetermined curvature. The planar shape of the display unit DU is not limited to a quadrilateral and may have other polygonal, circular, or elliptical shapes.

[0067] The display unit DU may include a display area DA where a plurality of pixels P are arranged to display an image and a peripheral area of ​​the display area DA, namely a non-display area NDA. The non-display area NDA may be defined as an area from the outside of the display area DA to the edge of the display unit DU.

[0068] Scan lines GL, data lines DL, power lines PL, and pixels P may be arranged in the display area DA. The scan lines GL may be arranged side by side in a first direction (X-axis direction), and the data lines DL may be arranged side by side in a second direction (Y-axis direction) that intersects the first direction (X-axis direction). The power lines PL may include at least one line arranged side by side with the data lines DL in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and a plurality of lines branching from the at least one line in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0069] Each of the plurality of pixels P can be connected to at least one of the scan lines GL, any one of the data lines DL, and a power line PL. Each pixel P can include a thin film transistor including a drive transistor and at least one switching transistor, an organic light emitting diode (OLED), and a capacitor. When a scan signal is applied from the scan line GL, each pixel P can receive a data voltage from the data line DL and emit light by supplying a drive current to the OLED based on the data voltage applied to the gate electrode.

[0070] The scan driving part 110 , the display driving circuit 200 , the scan control lines SCL, the data link lines DLL, and the pad link lines PLL may be arranged in the non-display area NDA.

[0071] The scan driver 110 is connected to the display driver circuit 200 through at least one scan control line SCL. The scan driver 110 may receive a scan control signal from the display driver circuit 200. The scan driver 110 generates a scan signal according to the scan control signal and provides the scan signal to the scan line GL.

[0072] exist Figure 2 , the scan driver 110 is disposed in the non-display area NDA on one side of the display area DA, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the scan driver 110 may be disposed in the non-display area NDA on both sides of the display area DA.

[0073] The display driver circuit 200 is connected to the display pad DP of the display pad area DPA through the pad connection line PLL to receive digital video data and timing signals. The display driver circuit 200 converts the digital video data into analog positive polarity / negative polarity data voltage and provides it to the data line DL through the data connection line DLL. In addition, the display driver circuit 200 generates and provides a scan control signal for controlling the scan driver 110 through the scan control line SCL. The pixel P to be provided with the data voltage can be selected based on the scan signal of the scan driver 110, and the data voltage can be provided to the selected pixel P. The display driver circuit 200 can be composed of an integrated circuit IC and attached to the substrate in a COG (chip on glass; glass substrate chip) manner, a COP (chip on plastic; plastic chip) manner, or an ultrasonic bonding manner.

[0074] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A plan view of the sensing unit.

[0075] For ease of explanation, Figure 3 Only the first sensing electrode TE, the second sensing electrode RE, the conductive pattern DE, the driving routing lines TL1 and TL2, the sensing routing line RL, and the sensing pad SP of the sensing unit SU are shown.

[0076] Reference Figure 3 , the sensing unit SU may have a rectangular planar shape having a long side in a first direction (X-axis direction) and a short side in a second direction (Y-axis direction) crossing the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0077] The corner where the long side in the first direction (X-axis direction) and the short side in the second direction (Y-axis direction) intersect can be rounded or right-angled to have a predetermined curvature. The planar shape of the sensing unit SU is not limited to a quadrilateral and can have other polygonal, circular, or elliptical shapes. The planar shape of the sensing unit SU can be similar to the planar shape of the display unit DU.

[0078] The sensing unit SU includes a sensing area SA for sensing a user's touch and a sensing peripheral area NSA arranged around the sensing area SA. The sensing area SA may overlap with the display area DA of the display unit DU, and the sensing peripheral area NSA may overlap with the non-display area NDA of the display unit DU.

[0079] The first sensing electrode TE, the second sensing electrode RE, and the conductive pattern DE may be arranged in the sensing area SA. In the following, the description will be centered on the case where the first sensing electrode TE is a driving electrode and the second sensing electrode RE is a sensing electrode.

[0080] The first sensing electrodes TE may be arranged in a first direction (X-axis direction) in a plurality of rows and electrically connected. The second sensing electrodes RE may be arranged in a second direction (Y-axis direction) in a plurality of columns and electrically connected.

[0081] The first sensing electrode TE and the second sensing electrode RE may be electrically separated from each other.The first sensing electrode TE and the second sensing electrode RE may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

[0082] The conductive pattern DE may be electrically separated from the first sensing electrode TE and the second sensing electrode RE. That is, the conductive pattern DE may be arranged to be spaced apart from the first sensing electrode TE and the second sensing electrode RE. The conductive pattern DE may be arranged to be surrounded by each of the first sensing electrode TE and the second sensing electrode RE.

[0083] A sensing pad area SPA and a plurality of sensing pads SP provided in the sensing pad area SPA may be arranged in the sensing peripheral area NSA. Figure 3 3 , the sensing pad area SPA is arranged on the lower long side of the sensing unit SU, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0084] The plurality of sensing pads SP may be made of a metal oxide with strong corrosion resistance. Therefore, the sensing pads SP can minimize corrosion even when exposed to the outside or undergo subsequent processes such as washing. For example, the plurality of sensing pads SP may be made of a transparent metal oxide (TCO) such as ITO or IZO.

[0085] The routing lines (RL, TL1, TL2) may extend from the sensing pad area SPA and be arranged to the edge of the sensing area SA via the sensing peripheral area NSA. One end of the routing line (RL, TL1, TL2) may be connected to the sensing pad SP, and the other end of the routing line (RL, TL1, TL2) may be connected to the sensing electrode (TE, RE).

[0086] The routing lines (RL, TL1, TL2) may include driving routing lines TL1, TL2 connected to the first sensing electrode TE and a sensing routing line RL connected to the second sensing electrode RE. Figure 3 In the embodiment shown in FIG, the description will be centered on the case where the driving routing lines TL1 and TL2 are driving lines and the sensing routing line RL is a sensing line.

[0087] The driving routing lines TL1 and TL2 may include a first driving routing line TL1 and a second driving routing line TL2 .

[0088] One end of the first drive routing line TL1 may be connected to one side of the first sensing electrode TE. That is, one end of the first drive routing line TL1 may be connected to the first sensing electrode TE arranged on the first side of the sensing area SA. The first side of the sensing area SA may refer to the left short side of the four sides of the sensing area SA.

[0089] The other end of the first driving routing line TL1 may be connected to a portion of the sensing pads SP of the sensing pad area SPA. That is, the first driving routing line TL1 may function to connect one side of the first sensing electrode TE and the sensing pad SP.

[0090] One end of the second drive routing line TL2 can be connected to the other side of the first sensing electrode TE. That is, one end of the second drive routing line TL2 can be connected to the first sensing electrode TE arranged on the second side of the sensing area SA. The second side of the sensing area SA, as the opposite side to the first side, can refer to the right short side of the four sides of the sensing area SA.

[0091] The other end of the second driving routing line TL2 may be connected to another portion of the sensing pad SP of the sensing pad area SPA. That is, the second driving routing line TL2 may function to connect the other side of the first sensing electrode TE and the sensing pad SP.

[0092] One end of the sensing routing line RL may be connected to one side of the second sensing electrode RE. That is, one end of the sensing routing line RL may be connected to the second sensing electrode RE arranged on the third side of the sensing area SA. The third side of the sensing area SA, being a side arranged between the first side and the second side, may refer to the lower long side of the four sides of the sensing area SA.

[0093] The other end of the sensing routing line RL may be connected to the remaining portion of the sensing pads SP of the sensing pad area SPA. That is, the sensing routing line RL may function to connect the other side of the second sensing electrode RE and the sensing pad SP.

[0094] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of the sensing area.

[0095] Reference Figure 4 , the first sensing electrodes TE, the second sensing electrodes RE, and the conductive pattern DE may respectively have a mesh shape or a net shape.

[0096] Specifically, the first sensing electrode TE may include a plurality of first mesh lines TM, the second sensing electrode RE may include a plurality of second mesh lines RM, and the conductive pattern DE may include a plurality of third mesh lines DM.

[0097] The first grid line TM and the second grid line RM may be electrically separated from each other. In order to electrically separate the first grid line TM and the second grid line RM at their intersection region, the first grid line TM and the second grid line RM may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other at the intersection region. For example, Figure 4 As shown, the first grid line TM can be partially disconnected at a point adjacent to the second grid line RM. One end of the disconnected first grid line TM can be electrically connected via the connecting electrode CE. Therefore, the first grid line TM, i.e., the first sensing electrode TE, can be electrically connected in the first direction (X-axis direction), and the second grid line RM, i.e., the second sensing electrode RE, can be electrically connected in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0098] The third mesh line DM may be electrically separated from the first mesh line TM and the second mesh line RM. The third mesh line DM may be arranged to be separated from the first mesh line TM and the second mesh line RM. That is, the third mesh line DM may be partially disconnected at a point adjacent to the first mesh line TM and the second mesh line RM.

[0099] Line widths of the first mesh lines TM, the second mesh lines RM, and / or the third mesh lines DM may be different from each other.

[0100] Specifically, the line width D1 of the first grid line TM can be different from the line width D2 of the second grid line RM. In addition, the line width D3 of the third grid line DM can be different from the line width D1 of the first grid line TM and / or the line width D2 of the second grid line RM. Here, the line width of a grid line may refer to the width in a direction intersecting the direction in which each grid line extends.

[0101] exist Figure 4 In the figure, the case where the line width D1 of the first mesh line TM is the largest and the line width D3 of the third mesh line DM is the smallest is illustrated, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the sensing unit SU is designed to have different line widths (D1, D2, D3) of the grid lines (TM, RM, DM). This allows for different visibility of the grid lines (TM, RM, DM). Therefore, the first grid line TM, the second grid line RM, and the third grid line DM, i.e., the first sensing electrode TE, the second sensing electrode RE, and the conductive pattern DE, can be easily distinguished, effectively enabling analysis of defects in the sensing unit SU.

[0103] Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 is based on Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA'.

[0104] Reference Figure 5The sensing unit SU may include: a second substrate SUB2, a first sensing conductive layer SCL1, a sensing insulating layer SIL, a second sensing conductive layer SCL2 and a sensing protection layer SPVX.

[0105] Each of the above-mentioned layers may be composed of a single film, but may also be composed of a laminated film including a plurality of films. Other layers may be arranged between the respective layers.

[0106] A first sensing conductive layer SCL1 may be arranged on the second substrate SUB2. The first sensing conductive layer SCL1 may include copper, molybdenum, aluminum, and alloys thereof having low resistance characteristics. The first sensing conductive layer SCL1 may include: the above-mentioned first grid lines TM, second grid lines RM, and third grid lines DM, that is, the first sensing electrodes TE, the second sensing electrodes RE, and the conductive pattern DE. The first sensing electrodes TE, the second sensing electrodes RE, and the conductive pattern DE may not be visually recognized by the user. In addition, the first grid lines TM, the second grid lines RM, and the third grid lines DM constituting the first sensing electrodes TE, the second sensing electrodes RE, and the conductive pattern DE are configured to prevent the pixels ( Figure 2 The aperture ratio of P) is reduced and it can be arranged to overlap with the pixel definition film that defines the light-emitting area of ​​the pixel.

[0107] A sensing insulating layer SIL may be disposed on the first sensing conductive layer SCL1. The sensing insulating layer SIL insulates the first sensing conductive layer SCL1 from the second sensing conductive layer SCL2. The sensing insulating layer SIL may include an organic film and / or an inorganic film. The organic film may include, for example, 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. The inorganic film may include, for example, at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide.

[0108] A second sensing conductive layer SCL2 may be disposed on the sensing insulating layer SIL and may include the same material as the first sensing conductive layer SCL1 or one or more materials selected from the materials exemplified as constituent materials of the first sensing conductive layer SCL1.

[0109] In another embodiment, the second sensing conductive layer SCL2 may be made of the same material as the sensing pad SP. The second sensing conductive layer SCL2 may be formed simultaneously with the sensing pad SP. That is, the second sensing conductive layer SCL2 may be made of a transparent metal oxide TCO such as ITO or IZO.

[0110] The second sensing conductive layer SCL2 may include the aforementioned connection electrode CE. One end of the connection electrode CE may pass through the sensing insulating layer SIL and connect to one end of the first mesh line TM via a contact hole that exposes one end of the first mesh line TM. The other end of the connection electrode CE may pass through the sensing insulating layer SIL and connect to the other end of the first mesh line TM via a contact hole that exposes the other end of the first mesh line TM. Therefore, the connection electrode CE can electrically connect adjacent first mesh lines TM, that is, adjacent first sensing electrodes TE.

[0111] A sensing protection layer SPVX may be disposed on the second sensing conductive layer SCL2 . The sensing protection layer SPVX may include the same material as the sensing insulating layer SIL, or may include one or more materials selected from the materials exemplified as constituent materials of the sensing insulating layer SIL.

[0112] However, the cross-sectional structure of the sensing unit SU is not limited thereto. Figure 6 As shown, the first sensing conductive layer SCL1 may include a connection electrode CE, and the second sensing conductive layer SCL2 may include a first grid line TM, a second grid line RM, and a third grid line DM, namely, a first sensing electrode TE, a second sensing electrode RE, and a conductive pattern DE. In this case, one of the adjacent first grid lines TM may pass through the sensing insulating layer SIL and connect to one end of the connection electrode CE via a contact hole that exposes one end of the connection electrode CE. Another of the adjacent first grid lines TM may pass through the sensing insulating layer SIL and connect to the other end of the connection electrode CE via a contact hole that exposes the other end of the connection electrode CE. Therefore, adjacent first grid lines TM, i.e., adjacent first sensing electrodes TE, may be electrically connected via the connection electrode CE.

[0113] According to the above-described embodiment, by designing the line widths (D1, D2, D3) of the grid lines (TM, RM, DM) constituting the sensing electrodes (TE, RE) and the conductive pattern DE to be different from each other, the visibility of each grid line (TM, RM, DM) can be different. Therefore, the first grid line TM, the second grid line RM, and the third grid line DM, i.e., the first sensing electrode TE, the second sensing electrode RE, and the conductive pattern DE, can be easily distinguished, thereby effectively analyzing the failure of the sensing unit SU.

[0114] In the following, a sensing unit according to another embodiment of the present invention is described. In the following embodiments, the same components as those already described are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0115] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a sensing area according to another embodiment.

[0116] Reference Figure 7 ,and Figures 1 to 6 The embodiment is different from the embodiment in that, according to the sensing unit SU of the present embodiment, at least one of the mesh lines (TM, RM, DM) constituting the sensing electrodes (TE, RE) and the conductive pattern DE includes a protrusion pattern PP.

[0117] For ease of explanation, Figure 7 The description will focus on the case where the first mesh lines TM and the second mesh lines RM have different line widths and the third mesh lines DM include the protrusion patterns PP.

[0118] The plurality of protruding patterns PP may protrude from side portions of the third grid line DM. Although the plurality of protruding patterns PP protrude from a single point on the third grid line DM in both directions, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of protruding patterns PP may protrude from at least one side of the third grid line DM.

[0119] The plurality of protrusion patterns PP may protrude in a direction intersecting the direction in which the third mesh lines DM extend. That is, when the third mesh lines DM extend in one direction, the plurality of protrusion patterns PP may protrude in another direction intersecting the one direction.

[0120] The plurality of protruding patterns PP may be arranged at specific intervals. For example, the plurality of protruding patterns PP may be arranged at the same intervals, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The intervals between the plurality of protruding patterns PP may be adjusted within a range ensuring visibility for distinguishing the third grid lines DM.

[0121] like Figure 7 As shown, the plurality of protrusion patterns PP may have a rectangular shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the protrusion pattern PP may have various shapes such as a circle or a polygon.

[0122] On the one hand, Figure 7 The example in the figure illustrates a case where the third mesh line DM constituting the conductive pattern DE includes a protruding pattern PP, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, multiple mesh lines among the first mesh line TM, the second mesh line RM, and the third mesh line DM may include a protruding pattern PP. In this case, by designing the protruding patterns of each mesh line to differ in size, shape, and arrangement interval, the visibility of the mesh lines can be varied.

[0123] According to this embodiment, by including at least one of the grid lines in a protruding pattern, the visibility of each grid line can be different. Therefore, the first grid line TM, the second grid line RM, and the third grid line DM, i.e., the first sensing electrode TE, the second sensing electrode RE, and the conductive pattern DE, can be easily distinguished, thereby effectively analyzing the failure of the sensing unit SU, which is the same as the case described above.

[0124] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of a sensing area according to yet another embodiment. Figure 9 is based on Figure 8 Cross-sectional view taken along line BB'.

[0125] Reference Figure 8 ,and Figures 1 to 6 The embodiment is different from the embodiment in that the sensing unit SU according to this embodiment includes a plurality of recognition patterns (IP1, IP2).

[0126] Specifically, a plurality of identification patterns (IP1, IP2) may be arranged adjacent to the sensing electrodes (TE, RE) and / or the conductive pattern DE and serve to distinguish the sensing electrodes (TE, RE) and / or the conductive pattern DE to easily identify them.

[0127] The plurality of identification patterns (IP1, IP2) may include a first identification pattern IP1 adjacent to the first sensing electrode TE and a second identification pattern IP2 adjacent to the second sensing electrode RE. That is, the first identification pattern IP1 may be arranged adjacent to the first grid line TM, and the second identification pattern IP2 may be arranged adjacent to the second grid line RM. Here, the degree to which each identification pattern (IP1, IP2) is adjacent to each grid line (TM, RM) is relative, and the distance between the first identification pattern IP1 and the first grid line TM may be shorter than the distance between the first identification pattern IP1 and the second grid line RM, and the distance between the second identification pattern IP2 and the second grid line RM may be shorter than the distance between the second identification pattern IP2 and the first grid line TM.

[0128] The first recognition pattern IP1 may be arranged on one side of the first grid line TM, and the second recognition pattern IP2 may be arranged on one side of the second grid line RM. In this case, the first recognition pattern IP1 may be arranged so as not to overlap with the first grid line TM in a plane, and the second recognition pattern IP2 may be arranged so as not to overlap with the second grid line RM in a plane.

[0129] The number of the first identification patterns IP1 may be different from the number of the second identification patterns IP2. Figure 8, the number of each identification pattern ( IP1 , IP2 ) can be adjusted within a range that ensures visibility for distinguishing the first grid lines TM and the second grid lines RM.

[0130] Reference Figure 9 The first identification pattern IP1 and / or the second identification pattern IP2 can be implemented as contact holes. That is, the first identification pattern IP1 and / or the second identification pattern IP2 can penetrate the above-mentioned sensing insulation layer SIL. In this case, the sensing protection layer SPVX can be connected to the second substrate SUB2 through the first identification pattern IP1 and / or the second identification pattern IP2.

[0131] On the one hand, Figure 9 In the example, the first recognition pattern IP1 and / or the second recognition pattern IP2 penetrate the sensing insulating layer SIL along the third direction (Z-axis direction), but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first recognition pattern IP1 and / or the second recognition pattern IP2 may also partially remove the sensing insulating layer SIL to have a groove shape.

[0132] On the one hand, for the sake of convenience, Figure 8 The first recognition pattern IP1 adjacent to the first grid line TM and the second recognition pattern IP2 adjacent to the second grid line RM are illustrated, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the sensing unit SU may further include a third recognition pattern adjacent to the third grid line DM, or at least one of the first recognition pattern IP1 and the second recognition pattern IP2 may be omitted.

[0133] According to this embodiment, by designing different numbers of first identification patterns IP1 adjacent to first grid lines TM and second identification patterns IP2 adjacent to second grid lines RM, the grid lines can be easily distinguished. In other words, the first sensing electrodes TE, second sensing electrodes RE, and / or conductive patterns DE can be easily distinguished, thereby effectively analyzing sensing unit defects, which is similar to the situation described above.

[0134] Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 is an enlarged view of a sensing area according to yet another embodiment. Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 is based on Figure 10 Cross-sectional view taken along line CC'.

[0135] Reference Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 ,and Figure 8 as well as Figure 9The embodiment is different from the embodiment in that the identification patterns (IP1, IP2) according to the present embodiment are arranged to overlap with the grid lines (TM, RM) on a plane.

[0136] Specifically, if Figure 10 As shown, the first recognition pattern IP1 may be arranged to partially overlap with the first grid line TM and the second recognition pattern IP2 may be arranged to partially overlap with the second grid line RM. In this case, the number of the first recognition pattern IP1 may be different from the number of the second recognition pattern IP2. Figure 10 , the number of each identification pattern ( IP1 , IP2 ) can be adjusted within a range that ensures visibility for distinguishing the first grid lines TM and the second grid lines RM.

[0137] In addition, if Figure 11 As shown, the first identification pattern IP1 can be arranged to entirely overlap with the first grid lines TM in a plane. In this case, the shape of the first identification pattern IP1 can follow the shape of the first grid lines TM. For example, the first identification pattern IP1 can have a grid shape or a net shape. In addition, the extension direction of the first identification pattern IP1 can be substantially the same as the extension direction of the first grid lines TM.

[0138] On the one hand, for the sake of convenience, Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 Only the first recognition pattern IP1 and / or the second recognition pattern IP2 are illustrated, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the sensing unit SU may further include a third recognition pattern adjacent to the third grid line DM, or at least one of the first recognition pattern IP1 and the second recognition pattern IP2 may be omitted.

[0139] Reference Figure 12 The first identification pattern IP1 and / or the second identification pattern IP2 can be implemented as contact holes. That is, the first identification pattern IP1 and / or the second identification pattern IP2 can penetrate the above-mentioned sensing insulating layer SIL. In this case, the second sensing conductive layer SCL2 can be connected to the first sensing conductive layer SCL1 through the first identification pattern IP1 and / or the second identification pattern IP2.

[0140] When the first identification pattern IP1 and / or the second identification pattern IP2 are implemented as contact holes, the first sensing conductive layer SCL1 and the second sensing conductive layer SCL2 can be made of substantially the same material. For example, the first sensing conductive layer SCL1 and the second sensing conductive layer SCL2 can include copper, molybdenum, aluminum, or alloys thereof, all of which have low resistance. In this case, the reflectivity differences caused by the first identification pattern IP1 and / or the second identification pattern IP2 can be minimized while easily distinguishing the grid lines.

[0141] In addition, refer to Figure 13 , the first recognition pattern IP1 and / or the second recognition pattern IP2 can be implemented as separate conductive patterns. For example, the first recognition pattern IP1 and / or the second recognition pattern IP2 can be composed of a second sensing conductive layer SCL2. At this time, the second sensing conductive layer SCL2 can be composed of a material having a reflectivity lower than that of the first sensing conductive layer SCL1. For example, the first sensing conductive layer SCL1 can include copper, molybdenum, aluminum, and alloys thereof having low resistance characteristics, and the second sensing conductive layer SCL2 can include a transparent metal oxide (TCO) such as ITO, IZO, etc. At this time, the recognition pattern can be easily identified by utilizing the reflectivity difference between the sensing conductive layers, thereby making it easier to distinguish the grid lines.

[0142] According to this embodiment, by designing different numbers of first identification patterns IP1 adjacent to first grid lines TM and second identification patterns IP2 adjacent to second grid lines RM, and by forming the identification patterns from a material with a different reflectivity from the grid lines, the grid lines can be easily distinguished. Therefore, the first sensing electrodes TE, second sensing electrodes RE, and / or conductive patterns DE can be easily distinguished, thereby effectively analyzing failures in the sensing units SU, similar to the case described above.

[0143] Figure 14 is an enlarged view of a sensing area according to yet another embodiment.

[0144] Reference Figure 14 ,and Figures 1 to 6 The difference between the embodiment of the present invention and the embodiment of the present invention is that the sensing unit SU according to the present embodiment includes a disconnection area CA where the first sensing electrode TE is disconnected. Figure 14 The conductive pattern is omitted for illustration.

[0145] Specifically, the first grid line TM of the first sensing electrode TE may include a disconnection area CA that is partially disconnected in the second direction (Y-axis direction). The first grid line TM may be partially disconnected at a point adjacent to the second grid line RM in the second direction (Y-axis direction). At this time, the connection electrode CE connecting one end of the adjacent first grid line TM may not be arranged in the disconnection area CA. Therefore, within the disconnection area CA, the connection electrode CE may not overlap with the second grid line RM, so the point at which the connection electrode CE and the second grid line RM intersect can be minimized. That is, the potential short point between the connection electrode CE and the second grid line RM can be minimized.

[0146] The first grid lines TM may include a plurality of compensation patterns CP protruding from a side. The plurality of compensation patterns CP may protrude in a direction intersecting the direction in which the first grid lines TM extend. For example, when the first grid lines TM extend in one direction, the plurality of compensation patterns CP may protrude in another direction intersecting the one direction.

[0147] Multiple compensation patterns CP may protrude from one end of the first mesh line TM adjacent to the disconnection area CA. That is, the multiple compensation patterns CP may have a shape that bends from one end of the first mesh line TM. The multiple compensation patterns CP may be arranged parallel to the second mesh line RM. By having the first mesh line TM include multiple compensation patterns CP arranged parallel to the second mesh line RM, coupling caused by disconnection of the first mesh line TM can be compensated.

[0148] According to the present embodiment, the first mesh lines TM constituting the first sensing electrodes TE include disconnection areas CA partially disconnected in the second direction (Y-axis direction), thereby minimizing potential short points.

[0149] In addition, by the first mesh lines TM including the plurality of compensation patterns CP arranged in parallel with the second mesh lines RM, coupling caused by disconnection of the first mesh lines TM may be compensated.

[0150] The embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in other specific ways without changing the technical concept or essential features. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive.

Claims

1. A sensing unit, wherein: include: first sensing electrodes arranged along a first direction in the sensing area; as well as second sensing electrodes arranged along a second direction crossing the first direction, The first sensing electrodes each include a plurality of first grid lines, The second sensing electrodes each include a plurality of second grid lines, and The line width of the first grid line is different from the line width of the second grid line, The sensing unit further includes: a connecting electrode electrically connecting adjacent first sensing electrodes; a first sensing conductive layer; a second sensing conductive layer, arranged above the first sensing conductive layer; and a sensing insulating layer disposed between the first sensing conductive layer and the second sensing conductive layer, forming the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode in the first sensing conductive layer; forming the connecting electrode in the second sensing conductive layer, The sensing unit further includes: a conductive pattern electrically separated from the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode, The conductive patterns respectively include a plurality of third grid lines, At least one of the first grid line, the second grid line, and the third grid line includes a protruding pattern protruding from a side portion, Other grid lines among the first grid lines, the second grid lines, and the third grid lines do not include a protruding pattern.

2. The sensing unit according to claim 1, wherein The line width of the third grid line is different from the line width of the first grid line or the line width of the second grid line.

3. The sensing unit according to claim 1, wherein The first grid lines include: a disconnection area, disconnected in the second direction; and The compensation pattern protrudes from a side portion of the first grid line.

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