Display device

Abstract

A display device is provided. The display device includes a display panel and a touch sensing unit located on the display panel. The touch sensing unit includes: a plurality of first touch sensing parts arranged along a first direction and having a grid shape; a first connection part configured to connect adjacent first touch sensing parts among the first touch sensing parts to each other along the first direction; a plurality of second touch sensing parts arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction and having a grid shape; a second connection part configured to connect adjacent second touch sensing parts among the second touch sensing parts to each other along the second direction. An insulating layer is located between the first connection part and the second connection part, and the first connection part extends to intersect an adjacent second touch sensing part.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application "Display Device" with an application date of July 26, 2017 and an application number of 201710617645.3. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device. Background Art

[0003] Electronic devices for providing images to users, such as smart phones, digital cameras, laptop computers, navigation units, and smart televisions, include a display device for displaying an image. The display device may include a display panel for generating and displaying an image and an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel.

[0004] The touch panel is disposed above the display panel to generate an input signal when a user touches the touch panel. The input signal generated in the touch panel is provided to the display panel, and the display panel provides an image corresponding to the input signal in response to the input signal received from the touch panel.

[0005] In recent years, with the development of related technologies, display devices having various shapes have been developed. For example, flexible display devices that are deformed in a curved shape or are foldable or rollable are being developed. In addition, a method for improving the reliability of a touch panel used in a flexible display device is desired. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device having improved reliability.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, a display device includes a display panel and a touch sensing unit located on the display panel. The touch sensing unit includes: a plurality of first touch sensing portions arranged adjacent to each other in a first direction and having a grid shape; a first connection portion configured to connect adjacent first touch sensing portions among the first touch sensing portions to each other in the first direction; a plurality of second touch sensing portions arranged adjacent to each other in a second direction crossing the first direction and having a grid shape; and a second connection portion configured to connect adjacent second touch sensing portions among the second touch sensing portions to each other in the second direction. An insulating layer is located between the first connection portion and the second connection portion, and the first connection portion extends to cross an adjacent second touch sensing portion.

[0008] In an embodiment, the first connection portion may not overlap the second connection portion.

[0009] In an embodiment, the insulating layer may be located on the first connection portion, and the plurality of first touch sensing portions, the plurality of second touch sensing portions, and the second connection portion may be located on the insulating layer.

[0010] In an embodiment, adjacent second touch sensing portions include a third sub-touch sensing portion and a fourth sub-touch sensing portion, and the first connection portion may include: a first extension portion that intersects the third sub-touch sensing portion to connect adjacent first touch sensing portions to each other; and a second extension portion having a structure substantially symmetric to the first extension portion and intersecting the fourth sub-touch sensing portion to connect adjacent first touch sensing portions to each other. The second connection portion may be located between the first extension portion and the second extension portion.

[0011] In an embodiment, adjacent first touch sensing portions may include: a first sub-touch sensing portion; and a second sub-touch sensing portion that is located in a plane parallel to a first direction and a second direction with the first sub-touch sensing portion.

[0012] In an embodiment, the second connection portion may have a grid structure and may connect the third sub-touch sensing portion to the fourth sub-touch sensing portion.

[0013] In an embodiment, a region of the first extension portion close to the first end of the first extension portion may be connected to the first sub-touch sensing portion, a region of the first extension portion close to the second end of the first extension portion may be connected to the second sub-touch sensing portion, the second end being opposite to the first end, and the first extension portion may extend to intersect the third sub-touch sensing portion.

[0014] In an embodiment, a region of the second extension portion close to the first end of the second extension portion may be connected to the first sub-touch sensing portion, a region of the second extension portion close to the second end of the second extension portion may be connected to the second sub-touch sensing portion, the second end being opposite to the first end, and the second extension portion may extend to intersect the fourth sub-touch sensing portion.

[0015] In an embodiment, each of the first sub-touch sensing portion and the second sub-touch sensing portion may include a plurality of first branch portions extending in a first diagonal direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction in a plane, and a plurality of second branch portions extending in a second diagonal direction intersecting the first diagonal direction in the plane to intersect the first branch portions, the second branch portions being connected to the first branch portions, and each of the third sub-touch sensing portion and the fourth sub-touch sensing portion may include a plurality of third branch portions extending in the first diagonal direction, and a plurality of fourth branch portions extending in the second diagonal direction to intersect the third branch portions, the fourth branch portions being connected to the third branch portions.

[0016] In an embodiment, the first extension portion may include: a first sub-extension portion extending in a first diagonal direction; a second sub-extension portion extending in the first diagonal direction, the second sub-extension portion having a length smaller than that of the first sub-extension portion; a third sub-extension portion extending in a second diagonal direction; a fourth sub-extension portion extending in the second diagonal direction, the fourth sub-extension portion having a length smaller than that of the third sub-extension portion; a first sub-connection portion extending in the second diagonal direction; and a second sub-connection portion extending in the first diagonal direction. A region of the first sub-extension portion close to the first end of the first sub-extension portion and a region of the second sub-extension portion close to the first end of the second sub-extension portion may be connected to the first sub-touch sensing portion, a region of the third sub-extension portion close to the first end of the third sub-extension portion and a region of the fourth sub-extension portion close to the first end of the fourth sub-extension portion may be connected to the second sub-touch sensing portion, the second end of the first sub-extension portion opposite to the first end of the first sub-extension portion may be connected to the second end of the third sub-extension portion opposite to the first end of the third sub-extension portion, the second end of the second sub-extension portion opposite to the first end of the second sub-extension portion may be connected to the second end of the fourth sub-extension portion opposite to the first end of the fourth sub-extension portion, the first sub-connection portion may extend from the second end of the fourth sub-extension portion in the second diagonal direction and may be connected to the first sub-extension portion, and the second sub-connection portion may extend from the second end of the second sub-extension portion in the first diagonal direction and may be connected to the third sub-extension portion.

[0017] In an embodiment, the first sub-extension portion to the fourth sub-extension portion, and the first sub-connection portion and the second sub-connection portion may be integrally formed with each other.

[0018] In an embodiment, the first sub-extension portion and the second sub-extension portion may extend to cross some of the fourth branch portions among the multiple fourth branch portions of the third sub-touch sensing portion, and the third sub-extension portion and the fourth sub-extension portion may extend to cross some of the third branch portions among the multiple third branch portions of the third sub-touch sensing portion.

[0019] In an embodiment, the third branch portions of the third sub-touch sensing portion may not overlap with the first sub-extension portion, the second sub-extension portion, and the second sub-connection portion, the fourth branch portions of the third sub-touch sensing portion may not overlap with the third sub-extension portion, the fourth sub-extension portion, and the first sub-connection portion, and the fourth sub-touch sensing portion may have a structure substantially symmetric to that of the third sub-touch sensing portion.

[0020] In an embodiment, the second extension portion may include a fifth sub-extension portion, a sixth sub-extension portion, a seventh sub-extension portion, an eighth sub-extension portion, a third sub-connection portion, and a fourth sub-connection portion, which respectively have structures symmetric to the first sub-extension portion, the second sub-extension portion, the third sub-extension portion, the fourth sub-extension portion, the first sub-connection portion, and the second sub-connection portion.

[0021] In an embodiment, regions of each of the first to eighth sub-extension portions that are close to the respective first ends of the first to eighth sub-extension portions may be connected to one of the first sub-touch sensing portion and the second sub-touch sensing portion through a plurality of contact holes defined in an insulating layer, respectively.

[0022] In an embodiment, regions of each of the first to eighth sub-extension portions that are close to the respective first ends of the first to eighth sub-extension portions may be connected to one of the first sub-touch sensing portion and the second sub-touch sensing portion through one contact hole defined in an insulating layer, respectively.

[0023] In an embodiment, the first end of the first sub-extension portion may be connected to the first end of the fifth sub-extension portion, the first end of the second sub-extension portion may be connected to the first end of the sixth sub-extension portion, the first end of the third sub-extension portion may be connected to the first end of the seventh sub-extension portion, and the first end of the fourth sub-extension portion may be connected to the first end of the eighth sub-extension portion. The first end of the first sub-extension portion and the first end of the fifth sub-extension portion may share one contact hole defined in the insulating layer and may be connected to the first sub-touch sensing portion, the first end of the second sub-extension portion and the first end of the sixth sub-extension portion may share one contact hole defined in the insulating layer and may be connected to the first sub-touch sensing portion, the first end of the third sub-extension portion and the first end of the seventh sub-extension portion may share one contact hole defined in the insulating layer and may be connected to the second sub-touch sensing portion, and the first end of the fourth sub-extension portion and the first end of the eighth sub-extension portion may share one contact hole defined in the insulating layer and may be connected to the second sub-touch sensing portion.

[0024] In an embodiment, regions of the first sub-extension portion that are close to the first end of the first sub-extension portion, regions of the second sub-extension portion that are close to the first end of the second sub-extension portion, regions of the fifth sub-extension portion that are close to the first end of the fifth sub-extension portion, and regions of the sixth sub-extension portion that are close to the first end of the sixth sub-extension portion may be connected to the first sub-touch sensing portion through a plurality of contact holes defined in an insulating layer, and regions of the third sub-extension portion that are close to the first end of the third sub-extension portion, regions of the fourth sub-extension portion that are close to the first end of the fourth sub-extension portion, regions of the seventh sub-extension portion that are close to the first end of the seventh sub-extension portion, and regions of the eighth sub-extension portion that are close to the first end of the eighth sub-extension portion may be connected to the second sub-touch sensing portion through a plurality of contact holes defined in an insulating layer.

[0025] In an embodiment, the display panel may include a non-bending region and a bending region adjacent to the non-bending region. The first connection part may be located in the first bending region and may include a plurality of protrusions. The plurality of protrusions may protrude in each of a first diagonal direction and a second diagonal direction from a connection portion between the first sub-extension part and the third sub-extension part, protrude in the second diagonal direction from the first sub-connection part to protrude further outward than the first sub-extension part, protrude in the first diagonal direction from the second sub-connection part to protrude further outward than the third sub-extension part, and the protrusions may overlap with adjacent third branch parts and fourth branch parts.

[0026] In an embodiment, the first extension part may include a first sub-extension part extending in a first diagonal direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction on a plane, and a second sub-extension part extending in a second diagonal direction intersecting the first diagonal direction on a plane. The second extension part may include a third sub-extension part and a fourth sub-extension part, and each of the third sub-extension part and the fourth sub-extension part has a structure substantially symmetric to the structures of the first sub-extension part and the second sub-extension part, respectively. A region of the first sub-extension part close to the first end of the first sub-extension part and a region of the third sub-extension part close to the first end of the third sub-extension part may be connected to the first sub-touch sensing part, a region of the second sub-extension part close to the first end of the second sub-extension part and a region of the fourth sub-extension part close to the first end of the fourth sub-extension part may be connected to the second sub-touch sensing part, a second end of the first sub-extension part opposite to the first end of the first sub-extension part may be connected to a second end of the second sub-extension part opposite to the first end of the second sub-extension part, and a second end of the third sub-extension part opposite to the first end of the third sub-extension part may be connected to a second end of the fourth sub-extension part opposite to the first end of the fourth sub-extension part.

[0027] In an embodiment, regions of each of the first sub-extension part to the fourth sub-extension part may be connected to one of the first sub-touch sensing part and the second sub-touch sensing part through one contact hole defined in the insulating layer, respectively.

[0028] In an embodiment, regions of each of the first sub-extension part to the fourth sub-extension part may be connected to one of the first sub-touch sensing part and the second sub-touch sensing part through a plurality of contact holes defined in the insulating layer, respectively.

[0029] In an embodiment, the first end of the first sub-extension part may be connected to the first end of the third sub-extension part, and the first end of the second sub-extension part may be connected to the first end of the fourth sub-extension part. The first end of the first sub-extension part and the first end of the third sub-extension part may share a contact hole defined in the insulating layer and may be connected to the first sub-touch sensing part. The first end of the second sub-extension part and the first end of the fourth sub-extension part may share a contact hole defined in the insulating layer and may be connected to the second sub-touch sensing part.

[0030] In an embodiment, the region of the first sub-extension part and the region of the third sub-extension part may be connected to the first sub-touch sensing part through a plurality of contact holes defined in the insulating layer, and the region of the second sub-extension part and the region of the fourth sub-extension part may be connected to the second sub-touch sensing part through a plurality of contact holes defined in the insulating layer.

[0031] In an embodiment, the first extension part may include: a first sub-extension part extending in a first diagonal direction that intersects the first direction and the second direction in a plane; a second sub-extension part having a length smaller than that of the first sub-extension part and extending in the first diagonal direction; a third sub-extension part extending in a second diagonal direction that intersects the first diagonal direction in a plane; a fourth sub-extension part having a length smaller than that of the third sub-extension part and extending in the second diagonal direction. The second extension part may include a fifth sub-extension part, a sixth sub-extension part, a seventh sub-extension part, and an eighth sub-extension part, which respectively have a structure that is substantially symmetric to that of the first sub-extension part, the second sub-extension part, the third sub-extension part, and the fourth sub-extension part. The regions of each of the first sub-extension part, the second sub-extension part, the fifth sub-extension part, and the sixth sub-extension part that are close to the respective first ends of the first sub-extension part, the second sub-extension part, the fifth sub-extension part, and the sixth sub-extension part may be respectively connected to the first sub-touch sensing part. The regions of each of the third sub-extension part, the fourth sub-extension part, the seventh sub-extension part, and the eighth sub-extension part that are close to the respective first ends of the third sub-extension part, the fourth sub-extension part, the seventh sub-extension part, and the eighth sub-extension part may be respectively connected to the second sub-touch sensing part. The second end of the first sub-extension part opposite to the first end of the first sub-extension part may be connected to the second end of the third sub-extension part opposite to the first end of the third sub-extension part. The second end of the second sub-extension part opposite to the first end of the second sub-extension part may be connected to the second end of the fourth sub-extension part opposite to the first end of the fourth sub-extension part. The second end of the fifth sub-extension part opposite to the first end of the fifth sub-extension part may be connected to the second end of the seventh sub-extension part opposite to the first end of the seventh sub-extension part. The second end of the sixth sub-extension part opposite to the first end of the sixth sub-extension part may be connected to the second end of the eighth sub-extension part opposite to the first end of the eighth sub-extension part.

[0032] In an embodiment, the regions of each of the first to eighth sub-extension portions may be connected to one of the first sub-touch sensing portion and the second sub-touch sensing portion respectively through a contact hole defined in an insulating layer.

[0033] In an embodiment, the regions of each of the first to eighth sub-extension portions may be connected to one of the first sub-touch sensing portion and the second sub-touch sensing portion respectively through a plurality of contact holes defined in an insulating layer.

[0034] In an embodiment, the first end of the first sub-extension portion may be connected to the first end of the fifth sub-extension portion, the first end of the second sub-extension portion may be connected to the first end of the sixth sub-extension portion, the first end of the third sub-extension portion may be connected to the first end of the seventh sub-extension portion, the first end of the fourth sub-extension portion may be connected to the first end of the eighth sub-extension portion, the first end of the first sub-extension portion and the first end of the fifth sub-extension portion may share a contact hole defined in the insulating layer and be connected to the first sub-touch sensing portion, the first end of the second sub-extension portion and the first end of the sixth sub-extension portion may share a contact hole defined in the insulating layer and be connected to the first sub-touch sensing portion, the first end of the third sub-extension portion and the first end of the seventh sub-extension portion may share a contact hole defined in the insulating layer and may be connected to the second sub-touch sensing portion, and the first end of the fourth sub-extension portion and the first end of the eighth sub-extension portion may share a contact hole defined in the insulating layer and may be connected to the second sub-touch sensing portion.

[0035] In an embodiment, the regions of the first sub-extension portion, the second sub-extension portion, the fifth sub-extension portion, and the sixth sub-extension portion may be connected to the first sub-touch sensing portion respectively through a plurality of contact holes defined in the insulating layer, and the regions of the third sub-extension portion, the fourth sub-extension portion, the seventh sub-extension portion, and the eighth sub-extension portion may be connected to the second sub-touch sensing portion respectively through a plurality of contact holes defined in the insulating layer.

[0036] In an embodiment, a display panel may include a plurality of pixel regions and non-pixel regions between the pixel regions, and each pixel region has a parallelogram shape. The pixel regions may have different sizes from each other according to the color to be displayed, and a first touch sensing portion and a second touch sensing portion having a grid shape may overlap with the non-pixel regions. Description of the Drawings

[0037] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the inventive concept, and the drawings are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept and, together with the description, are used to explain the principles of the inventive concept. In the drawings:

[0038] Figure 1Ais a perspective view showing a first operation of a display device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0039] Figure 1B is a perspective view showing Figure 1A a second operation of the display device;

[0040] Figure 1C is a perspective view showing Figure 1A a third operation of the display device;

[0041] Figure 2 is Figure 1A a cross-sectional view of the display device;

[0042] Figures 3A - 3B is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0043] Figure 4A is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0044] Figure 4B is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0045] Figure 5A is a plan view of an organic light emitting display panel according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0046] Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of a display module according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0047] Figure 6A is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0048] Figures 6B - 6C is Figure 6A a cross-sectional view of the pixel;

[0049] Figures 7A - 7C is a cross-sectional view of a thin film encapsulation layer according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0050] Figure 8A is a cross-sectional view of a touch sensing unit according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0051] Figure 8B is a plan view of a touch sensing unit according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0052] Figures 8C - 8E is a plan view respectively showing Figure 8B each layer of the touch sensing unit;

[0053] Figure 9 is Figure 8B an enlarged view of a first region;

[0054] Figure 10A is Figure 8B an enlarged view of a second region of;

[0055] Figure 10B is a plan view showing Figure 10A a first touch sensing part, a second touch sensing part, and a second connection part of a second region of;

[0056] Figure 10C is a plan view showing Figure 10A a first connection part of a second region of;

[0057] Figures 11 - 24 is a plan view showing a part of a touch sensing unit according to various embodiments of the inventive concept. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Aspects and features of the inventive concept and methods of implementing the same will be elucidated by the embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, processes, elements, and techniques that are not necessary for those of ordinary skill in the art to fully understand aspects and features of the present disclosure may not be described. In addition, the present disclosure is defined only by the scope of the claims and their equivalents. Like reference numerals always denote like elements.

[0059] It will also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, the layer may be directly on, directly connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element or layer, no intervening elements or layers are present. Additionally, it will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “between” two elements or layers, the element or layer may be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or more intervening elements or layers may also be present. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0060] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "below", "above", "upper", "left", "right", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature shown in the figures to other elements or features. It will be understood that the spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as "below", "beneath", or "under" other elements or features will then be located "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example terms "below" and "beneath" can encompass both an upper and a lower orientation. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0061] It will be understood that although terms such as "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or part from another element, component, region, layer, or part. Thus, a first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first part may be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second part without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0062] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless otherwise expressly indicated, the singular forms "a" and "an" are also intended to include the plural forms. It will also be understood that the terms "comprises" and "comprising", when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or groups thereof. A phrase such as "at least one of" when it appears after a list of elements modifies the entire list of elements and not individual elements of the list.

[0063] As used herein, the terms "substantially", "about" and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not of degree, and are intended to account for inherent variations in measured or estimated values recognized by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Further, the use of "may" in describing embodiments of the present disclosure refers to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure". Additionally, the use of alternative language such as "or" in describing embodiments of the present disclosure refers to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure" for each corresponding listed item. As used herein, the terms "use", "using", and "used" may be considered synonymous with "utilize", "utilizing", and "utilized", respectively. Additionally, the term "exemplary" is intended to represent an example or illustration.

[0064] The electronic device or electrical device and / or any other related device or component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure described herein may be implemented using any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., application specific integrated circuit), software, or a combination of software, firmware, and hardware. For example, the various components of a display device may be formed on one integrated circuit (IC) chip or on separate IC chips. Additionally, the various components of these devices may be implemented on a flexible printed circuit film, tape carrier package (TCP), printed circuit board (PCB), or formed on a substrate. Further, the various components of these devices may be processes or threads that run on one or more processors in one or more computing devices, execute computer program instructions, and interact with other system components to perform the various functions described herein. The computer program instructions are stored in a memory, which may be implemented in a computing device using a standard memory device such as, by way of example, random access memory (RAM). The computer program instructions may also be stored in other non-transitory computer-readable media such as, by way of example, CD-ROMs, flash drives, etc. Additionally, those skilled in the art should recognize that, without departing from the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the functions of various computing devices may be combined or integrated into a single computing device, or the functions of a particular computing device may be distributed over one or more other computing devices.

[0065] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will also be understood that terms, such as those defined in a general dictionary, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and / or this specification, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless clearly so defined herein.

[0066] Schematic cross-sectional views and / or plan views that can be used as exemplary views of the inventive concept may be used to describe embodiments in the specific embodiments. Accordingly, the shapes of the exemplary views may be modified in accordance with manufacturing techniques and / or allowable errors. Accordingly, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited to the specific shapes illustrated in the exemplary views, but may include other shapes that can be constructed according to manufacturing processes. The regions illustrated in the figures have a general nature and are used to show the specific shapes of semiconductor package regions. Accordingly, this should not be construed as limiting the scope of the inventive concept.

[0067] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0068] Figure 1A is a perspective view showing a first operation of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. Figure 1B is showing Figure 1A a second operation of the display device DD. Figure 1C is showing Figure 1A a third operation of the display device.

[0069] Referring to Figures 1A - 1C , a display device DD applicable to a smartphone is shown as an embodiment of the inventive concept. However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. For example, the display device DD according to an embodiment of the inventive concept may be applied to any suitable electronic device such as a television, a personal computer, a laptop computer, a vehicle navigation unit, a game console, an audio electronic device, a smart watch, and a camera. The above devices are only exemplary embodiments, and thus, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the display device DD may be used (or applied to) other electronic devices.

[0070] Referring to the attached Figures 1A - 1C , in Figure 1A in the first operation mode shown, a display surface IS on which an image IM is displayed may be parallel to a surface defined by a first direction axis DR1 and a second direction axis DR2 intersecting the first direction axis DR1. The normal direction of the display surface IS (e.g., the thickness direction of the display device DD) is referred to as a third direction axis DR3 here. The front surface (or first surface or top surface) and the rear surface (or second surface or bottom surface) of the components of the display device DD are distinguished by the third direction axis DR3. However, the directions represented as the first direction axis to the third direction axis DR1, DR2, and DR3 may be relative concepts, and thus may be changed to different directions. Hereinafter, the first direction to the third direction may be the directions represented by the first direction axis to the third direction axis DR1, DR2, and DR3, respectively, and indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0071] Figures 1A - 1CA foldable display device is shown as an example of the flexible display device DD. Alternatively, the display device DD may be a rollable or bendable display device, but embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. For example, the display device DD according to the present embodiment may be a flat rigid display device.

[0072] As Figure 1A shown, the display surface IS of the flexible display device DD may include a plurality of regions. The flexible display device DD may include a display region DD-DA on which an image IM is displayed (e.g., a display region DD-DA configured to display the image IM) and a non-display region DD-NDA adjacent to the display region DD-DA. The non-display region DD-NDA may be a region on which no image is displayed (e.g., the non-display region DD-NDA may be a region configured not to display the image IM). Figure 1A A vase is shown as an example of the image IM. For example, the display region DD-DA may have a rectangular shape. The non-display region DD-NDA may surround the display region DD-DA (e.g., may surround the display region DD-DA along a first direction axis DR1 and a second direction axis DR2). However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. For example, the display region DD-DA and the non-display region DD-NDA may be designed relatively in terms of shape.

[0073] As Figures 1A - 1C shown, the display device DD may include a plurality of regions defined according to various forms of operation. The display device DD may include a bending region BA bent along a bending axis BX (or with the bending axis BX as a reference), a first non-bending region NBA1 that is not bent (or is configured not to be bent), and a second non-bending region NBA2 that is not bent (or is configured not to be bent). As Figure 1B shown in, the display device DD may be bent inward to allow the display surface IS of the first non-bending region NBA1 (e.g., a first portion of the display surface IS in the first non-bending region NBA1) and the display surface IS of the second non-bending region NBA2 (e.g., a second portion of the display surface IS in the second non-bending region NBA2) to face each other. As Figure 1C shown in, the display device DD may be bent outward to allow the display surface IS to be exposed to the outside.

[0074] In embodiments of the inventive concept, the display device DD may include a plurality of bending regions BA. In addition, the bending regions BA may be defined to correspond to a user's operation to operate the display device DD. For example, in Figure 1B and Figure 1CDifferent from the embodiments shown, the bending region BA may be defined in a direction parallel to the first direction axis DR1 or in a diagonal direction. The bending region BA may be defined (or determined) according to its radius of curvature without fixing its area. In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the display device DD may have a shape in which only the Figure 1A and Figure 1B operation modes are repeated (or repeatable).

[0075] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the display device DD of FIG. 1. Figure 2 A cross-section defined by the second direction axis DR2 and the third direction axis DR3 is shown.

[0076] Referring to Figure 2 , the display device DD includes a protective film PM, a display module DM, an optical member LM, a window WM, a first adhesive member AM1, a second adhesive member AM2, and a third adhesive member AM3. The display module DM is disposed between the protective film PM and the optical member LM. The optical member LM is disposed between the display module DM and the window WM. The first adhesive member AM1 is bonded to the display module DM and the protective film PM, the second adhesive member AM2 is bonded to the display module DM and the optical member LM, and the third adhesive member AM3 is bonded to the optical member LM and the window WM.

[0077] The protective film PM protects the display module DM. The protective film PM provides a first outer surface OS-L exposed to the outside and an adhesive surface adhered to the first adhesive member AM1. The protective film PM prevents external moisture from penetrating into the display module DM or reduces the possibility thereof, and absorbs external shocks.

[0078] The protective film PM may include a plastic film as a base layer. The protective film PM may include a plastic film having one selected from the group consisting of polyethersulfone (PES), polyacrylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyarylate, polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), polyarylene ether sulfone, and combinations thereof.

[0079] The material for forming the protective film PM is not limited to these plastic resins. For example, the protective film PM may include an organic / inorganic composite material. The protective film PM may include a porous organic layer and an inorganic material filled into the pores of the organic layer. The protective film PM may further include a functional layer disposed on the plastic film. The functional layer may include a resin layer. The functional layer may be formed by coating. In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the protective film PM may be omitted.

[0080] The window WM protects the display module DM from external impacts and provides an input surface to the user. The window WM provides a second outer surface OS-U exposed to the outside and an adhesive surface adhered to the third adhesive member AM3. Figures 1A - 1C The display surface IS of Figures 1A - 1C may be the second outer surface OS-U.

[0081] The window WM may include a plastic film. The window WM may include a multi-layer structure. The window WM may have a multi-layer structure selected from a glass substrate, a plastic film, and / or a plastic substrate. The window WM may further include a border pattern. The multi-layer structure may be formed by a continuous process or an adhesive process using an adhesive layer.

[0082] The optical member LM may reduce the reflectance of external light (e.g., may be configured to reduce the reflection of external light). The optical member LM may include at least a polarizing film. The optical member LM may include at least a retardation film. In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the optical member LM may be omitted.

[0083] The display module DM includes an organic light-emitting display panel DP and a touch sensing unit TS. The touch sensing unit TS may be located (e.g., directly disposed on) the organic light-emitting display panel DP. In the present specification, the term "directly disposed" means that the component is formed by a continuous process except that the component is adhered by using a separate adhesive layer.

[0084] The organic light-emitting display panel DP generates an image IM corresponding to the input image data (see Figure 1A ). The organic light-emitting display panel DP provides a first display panel surface BS1-L and a second display panel surface BS1-U facing each other in the thickness direction DR3. Although the organic light-emitting display panel DP is described as an example in the present embodiment, the embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited to the above display panel.

[0085] The touch sensing unit TS obtains coordinate information of an external input. The touch sensing unit TS may sense an external input in a capacitive manner.

[0086] The display module DM according to an embodiment of the inventive concept may further include an anti-reflection layer. The anti-reflection layer may include a color filter and / or a laminated structure of a conductive layer / insulating layer / conductive layer. The anti-reflection layer may absorb light incident from the outside, cause destructive interference with light incident from the outside, or polarize light incident from the outside to reduce the reflectance of external light. The anti-reflection layer and the optical member LM may have the same function (e.g., the anti-reflection layer may replace the function of the optical member LM).

[0087] Each of the first adhesive member AM1, the second adhesive member AM2, and the third adhesive member AM3 may be an organic adhesive layer such as an optically clear adhesive film (OCA), an optically clear resin (OCR), and / or a pressure-sensitive adhesive film (PSA). The organic adhesive layer may include an adhesive material such as a polyurethane-based material, a polyacrylate-based material, a polyester-based material, a polyepoxy-based material, and / or a polyvinyl acetate-based material. As described below, the organic adhesive layer may cause the generation of bubbles.

[0088] In some embodiments, the display device DD may further include a frame structure to support the functional layer and maintain the state (or configuration) shown in 1A- Figure 1C The frame structure may include a joint structure and / or a hinge structure.

[0089] Figures 3A - 3B is a perspective view of a display device DD-1 according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. Figure 3A shows the display device DD-1 in an unfolded (or open) state (or open configuration), Figure 3B shows the display device DD-1 in a bent state (or bent configuration).

[0090] Referring to Figures 3A - 3B , the display device DD-1 may include a bent region BA and a non-bent region NBA. The non-display region DD-NDA of the display device DD-1 may be bent (e.g., may be configured to be bent). However, in embodiments of the inventive concept, the bent region BA and / or its position of the display device DD-1 may be changed. The non-bent region NBA is parallel to the surface defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The bent region BA may be bent from one side of the non-bent region NBA (e.g., may be configured to be bent from one side of the non-bent region NBA).

[0091] Unlike Figures 1A - 1C the display device DD shown in, the display device DD-1 according to an embodiment of the inventive concept may be fixed in one shape for operation. As Figure 3B shown in, the display device DD-1 may be operated in a bent state (e.g., may be configured to be operated in a bent state). The display device DD-1 may be fixed to a frame in the bent state, and the frame may be coupled to the housing of an electronic device.

[0092] The display device DD-1 according to an embodiment of the inventive concept may have a cross-sectional structure that is the same (or substantially the same) as that of the display device DD shown in Figure 2 . However, the non-bent region NBA and the bent region BA may have different lamination structures from each other. For example, the non-bent region NBA may have the same as Figure 2a cross-sectional structure identical to that of the display device DD shown in, the bending region BA may have the same cross-sectional structure as Figure 2 a cross-sectional structure different from that of the display device DD shown in. The optical member LM and the window WM may not be provided on (or in) the bending region BA. For example, the optical member LM and the window WM may be provided only on (or in) the non-bending region NBA. In addition, the second adhesive member AM2 and the third adhesive member AM3 may not be provided on the bending region BA.

[0093] Figure 4A is a perspective view of a display device DD-2 according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0094] Referring to Figure 4A , the display surface IS of the display device DD-2 includes a display area DD-DA configured to display an image and a non-display area DD-NDA configured not to display an image. Although the non-display area DD-NDA surrounding the display area DD-DA is exemplarily shown, the non-display area DD-NDA may be provided on one side of the display area DD-DA or may be omitted.

[0095] The display device DD-2 may include a non-bending region NBA and a bending region BA. The bending region BA may be bent from one side of the non-bending region NBA. The main image IM may be displayed on the first surface (or front surface) of the non-bending region NBA, and the sub-image may be displayed on the second surface (or side surface) of the bending region BA. For example, the display area DD-DA provided on the non-bending region NBA may extend to the bending region BA. As Figure 4A shown in, a vase may be displayed as the main image IM. As an example, an icon providing predetermined or set information may be displayed as the sub-image.

[0096] Figure 4B is a perspective view of a display device DD-3 according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0097] The display device DD-3 includes: a non-bending region NBA configured to display a main image on its first surface (or front surface); a first bending region BA1 and a second bending region BA2, both configured to display a sub-image on the respective second surfaces (or respective side surfaces) of the first bending region BA1 and the second bending region BA2. The first bending region BA1 and the second bending region BA2 may be bent from opposite sides of the non-bending region NBA.

[0098] Figure 5A is a plan view of an organic light emitting display panel DP according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of a display module DM according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0099] Reference Figure 5A As shown in Figure 5A , the organic light emitting display panel DP includes a display area DA and a non-display area NDA on a plane. The display area DA and the non-display area NDA of the organic light emitting display panel DP may respectively correspond to the display area DD-DA and the non-display area DD-NDA of the display device DD. However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto, and the display area DA and the non-display area NDA of the organic light emitting display panel DP do not have to respectively correspond to the display area DD-DA and the non-display area DD-NDA of the display device DD. For example, the display area DA and the non-display area NDA of the organic light emitting display panel DP may be changed according to the structure / design of the organic light emitting display panel DP.

[0100] The organic light emitting display panel DP includes a plurality of scan lines SL, a plurality of data lines DL, a plurality of emission lines EL, a plurality of first initialization lines SL-Vint1 and second initialization lines SL-Vint2, a plurality of first power supply lines SL-VDD1 and SL-VDD2, a second power supply line E-VSS, a plurality of pad units PD, a plurality of signal connection lines SCL, a scan-emission driving circuit SEDC, and a plurality of pixels PX.

[0101] The plurality of pixels PX may be disposed on the display area DA, and the non-display area NDA may be defined along the boundary of the display area DA. The scan lines SL extend in the second direction DR2 (or along the second direction DR2), and are respectively connected to corresponding pixels PX of the plurality of pixels PX. The data lines DL extend in the first direction DR1 (or along the first direction DR1), and are respectively connected to corresponding pixels PX of the plurality of pixels PX. The emission lines EL extend in the second direction DR2 (or along the second direction DR2), and are respectively connected to corresponding pixels PX of the plurality of pixels PX.

[0102] The plurality of first power supply lines SL-VDD1 and SL-VDD2 include a plurality of first sub-first power supply lines SL-VDD1 extending in the first direction DR1 (or along the first direction DR1) and a plurality of second sub-first power supply lines SL-VDD2 extending in the second direction DR2 (or along the second direction DR2) and connected to the first sub-first power supply lines SL-VDD1. The second sub-first power supply lines SL-VDD2 are connected to the pixels PX, and both the first sub-first power supply lines SL-VDD1 and the second sub-first power supply lines SL-VDD2 receive a first voltage.

[0103] The first voltage may be defined as an anode voltage.

[0104] The first initialization line SL-Vint1 extends in a first direction DR1 (along the first direction DR1), and the second initialization line SL-Vint2 extends in a second direction DR2 (along the second direction DR2) and is connected to the first initialization line SL-Vint1. The second initialization line SL-Vint2 is connected to the pixel PX and receives an initialization voltage from the first initialization line SL-Vint1.

[0105] The scan-emission driving circuit SEDC is disposed on one side of the non-display area NDA and is connected to the scan line SL and the emission line EL. The scan-emission driving circuit SEDC can receive a control signal through a corresponding signal connection line SCL in the signal connection lines SCL and generate a scan signal and an emission signal in response to the received control signal. The scan line SL receives the scan signal, and the emission line EL receives the emission signal.

[0106] The second power supply line E-VSS can receive a second voltage, and the second voltage can be defined as a cathode voltage (or ground voltage). In some embodiments, the second voltage can be supplied to the pixel PX through the second power supply line E-VSS. The signal connection lines SCL connect the scan-emission driving circuit SEDC, the data line DL, the first sub-first power supply line SL-VDD1, the first initialization line SL-Vint1, and the second power supply line E-VSS to the pad unit PD.

[0107] Referring to Figure 5B , the organic light-emitting display panel DP includes a base layer SUB, a circuit layer DP-CL disposed on the base layer SUB, a light-emitting device layer DP-OLED disposed on the circuit layer DP-CL within the display area DA, and a thin film encapsulation layer TFE disposed on the circuit layer DP-CL and the light-emitting device layer DP-OLED. The base layer SUB can include at least one plastic film. The base layer SUB can include a plastic substrate, a glass substrate, a metal substrate, and / or an organic / inorganic composite substrate as a flexible substrate.

[0108] The circuit layer DP-CL can include a plurality of insulating layers, a plurality of conductive layers, and a semiconductor layer. The plurality of conductive layers of the circuit layer DP-CL can constitute (or form) one of the plurality of signal lines or a control circuit of one of the pixels PX. The light-emitting device layer DP-OLED can include an organic light-emitting diode. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE seals the light-emitting device layer DP-OLED.

[0109] The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include an inorganic layer and an organic layer. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include at least two inorganic thin films and one organic thin film disposed between the at least two inorganic thin films. The inorganic layer protects the light emitting device layer DP-OLED from moisture and / or oxygen (or reduces the possibility of moisture and / or oxygen penetration), and the organic layer protects the light emitting device layer DP-OLED from foreign substances such as dust particles (or reduces the possibility of foreign substance penetration such as dust particles). The inorganic layer may include a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, and / or an aluminum oxide layer. The organic layer may include, for example, an acrylic organic layer, but embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto.

[0110] The touch sensing unit TS may be directly disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. For example, a buffer layer may be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE, and the touch sensing unit TS may be disposed on the buffer layer disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. The buffer layer may include an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer. The touch sensing unit TS includes a plurality of touch sensors and a plurality of touch signal lines. The touch sensors and the touch signal lines may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

[0111] Each of the touch sensors and the touch signal lines may include indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), metal nanowires, and / or graphene. Each of the touch sensors and the touch signal lines may include a metal layer such as, for example, molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper, aluminum, and / or their alloys. The touch sensors and the touch signal lines may have the same single-layer structure or may have different layer structures from each other. Additional descriptions of the touch sensing unit TS are provided below.

[0112] Figure 6A is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel PX according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. Figures 6B - 6C is Figure 6A a cross-sectional view of the pixel PX of

[0113] Figure 6A Exemplarily shows the i-th pixel PXi of the k-th data line DLk connected to the data line DL. Figure 6B is the i-th pixel PXi's Figure 6A cross-sectional view of the portion corresponding to the first transistor T1 of the equivalent circuit of Figure 6C is the i-th pixel PXi's Figure 6A cross-sectional view of the portion corresponding to the second transistor T2, the sixth transistor T6, and the organic light emitting diode OLED of the equivalent circuit of

[0114] Refer to Figure 6A, the i-th pixel PXi is activated in response to the i-th scan signal Si applied to the i-th scan line SLi. The i-th pixel PXi includes an organic light-emitting diode OLED and a pixel driving circuit for controlling the organic light-emitting diode OLED. The pixel driving circuit may include seven thin-film transistors T1-T7 (e.g., a first thin-film transistor T1, a second thin-film transistor T2, a third thin-film transistor T3, a fourth thin-film transistor T4, a fifth thin-film transistor T5, a sixth thin-film transistor T6, and a seventh thin-film transistor T7) and a capacitor Cst. Although an exemplary pixel driving circuit including seven thin-film transistors T1-T7 and a capacitor Cst is shown, in some embodiments, the i-th pixel PXi may include only the first transistor T1 (or driving transistor), the second transistor T2 (or switching transistor), and the capacitor Cst as a driving circuit for driving the organic light-emitting diode OLED, and the pixel driving circuit may be modified in various ways.

[0115] The driving transistor controls the driving current supplied to the organic light-emitting diode OLED. The output electrode of the second transistor T2 is electrically connected to the organic light-emitting diode OLED. The output electrode of the second transistor T2 may directly contact the anode of the organic light-emitting diode OLED or may be connected to the anode through another transistor (e.g., the sixth transistor T6 of the present embodiment).

[0116] The control electrode of the control transistor may receive a control signal (or may be configured to receive a control signal). The control signal applied to the i-th pixel PXi may include the (i - 1)-th scan signal Si-1, the i-th scan signal Si, the (i + 1)-th scan signal Si+1, the k-th data signal Dk, and the i-th emission control signal Ei. In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the control transistor may include the first transistor T1 and the third transistor T3 to the seventh transistor T7.

[0117] The first transistor T1 includes an input electrode connected to the k-th data line DLk, a control electrode connected to the i-th scan line SLi, and an output electrode connected to the output electrode of the second transistor T2. The first transistor T1 is turned on by the i-th scan signal Si applied to the i-th scan line SLi to provide the k-th data signal Dk applied to the k-th data line DLk to the storage capacitor Cst.

[0118] Referring to Figures 6B - 6C , a buffer layer BFL may be disposed on the base layer SUB. The buffer layer BFL may improve the bonding force between conductive patterns and / or semiconductor patterns. The buffer layer BFL may include an inorganic layer. In some embodiments, a barrier layer for preventing foreign substances from being introduced (or for reducing the possibility thereof) may also be disposed on the surface (e.g., the top surface) of the base layer SUB. The buffer layer BFL and the barrier layer may be selectively disposed or may be omitted.

[0119] The first semiconductor pattern OSP1 of the first transistor T1, the second semiconductor pattern OSP2 of the second transistor T2, and the sixth semiconductor pattern OSP6 of the sixth transistor T6 may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. Each of the first semiconductor pattern OSP1, the second semiconductor pattern OSP2, and the sixth semiconductor pattern OSP6 may be selected from amorphous silicon, polysilicon, and / or metal oxide semiconductor.

[0120] The first insulating layer 10 may be disposed on the first semiconductor pattern OSP1, the second semiconductor pattern OSP2, and the sixth semiconductor pattern OSP6. Although the first insulating layer 10 may be disposed in the form of a layer covering the first semiconductor pattern OSP1, the second semiconductor pattern OSP2, and the sixth semiconductor pattern OSP6 (see Figure 6B and Figure 6C ), in some embodiments, the first insulating layer 10 may be disposed as a pattern corresponding to the first semiconductor pattern OSP1, the second semiconductor pattern OSP2, and the sixth semiconductor pattern OSP6.

[0121] The first insulating layer 10 may include a plurality of inorganic layers. The plurality of inorganic layers may include a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, and / or a silicon oxide layer.

[0122] The first control electrode GE1 of the first transistor T1, the second control electrode GE2 of the second transistor T2, and the sixth control electrode GE6 of the sixth transistor T6 are disposed on the first insulating layer 10. The first control electrode GE1, the second control electrode GE2, and the sixth control electrode GE6 may be manufactured by the same lithography process as the scanning line SL (see Figure 5A ).

[0123] The second insulating layer 20 covering the first control electrode GE1, the second control electrode GE2, and the sixth control electrode GE6 may be disposed on the first insulating layer 10. The second insulating layer 20 may provide a flat or substantially flat top surface. The second insulating layer 20 may include an organic material and / or an inorganic material.

[0124] The first input electrode SE1 and the first output electrode DE1 of the first transistor T1, the second input electrode SE2 and the second output electrode DE2 of the second transistor T2, and the sixth input electrode SE6 and the sixth output electrode DE6 of the sixth transistor T6 are disposed on the second insulating layer 20.

[0125] The first output electrode DE1 and the first input electrode SE1 are respectively connected to the first semiconductor pattern OSP1 through a first through hole CH1 and a second through hole CH2 that penetrate through the first insulating layer 10 and the second insulating layer 20. The second output electrode DE2 and the second input electrode SE2 are respectively connected to the second semiconductor pattern OSP2 through a third through hole CH3 and a fourth through hole CH4 that penetrate through the first insulating layer 10 and the second insulating layer 20. The sixth output electrode DE6 and the sixth input electrode SE6 are respectively connected to the sixth semiconductor pattern OSP6 through a fifth through hole CH5 and a sixth through hole CH6 that penetrate through the first insulating layer 10 and the second insulating layer 20. According to another embodiment of the inventive concept, a part of the first transistor T1, the second transistor T2, and the sixth transistor T6 may have a bottom gate structure.

[0126] A third insulating layer 30 covering the first input electrode SE1, the second input electrode SE2, and the sixth input electrode SE6, and the first output electrode DE1, the second output electrode DE2, and the sixth output electrode DE6 is disposed on the second insulating layer 20. The third insulating layer 30 includes an organic layer and / or an inorganic layer. The third insulating layer 30 may include an organic material to provide a flat or substantially flat surface.

[0127] One of the first insulating layer 10, the second insulating layer 20, and the third insulating layer 30 may be omitted according to the circuit structure of the pixel PXi. Each of the second insulating layer 20 and the third insulating layer 30 may be defined as an interlayer dielectric layer. The interlayer dielectric layer may be disposed between a lower conductive pattern and an upper conductive pattern to insulate the conductive patterns from each other, wherein the lower conductive pattern is disposed below the interlayer dielectric layer and the upper conductive pattern is disposed above the interlayer dielectric layer.

[0128] A pixel defining layer PDL and an organic light emitting diode OLED are disposed on the third insulating layer 30. A first electrode AE is disposed on the third insulating layer 30. The first electrode AE is connected to the sixth input electrode SE6 through a seventh through hole CH7 that penetrates through the third insulating layer 30. An opening OP is defined in the pixel defining layer PDL. At least a part of the first electrode AE is exposed by the opening OP of the pixel defining layer PDL.

[0129] In a plane, the pixel PXi may be disposed on a pixel region. The pixel region may include an emission region PXA and a non-emission region NPXA adjacent to the emission region PXA. The non-emission region NPXA may be disposed to surround the emission region PXA. In the present embodiment, the emission region PXA may be defined to correspond to the part of the first electrode AE exposed by the opening OP.

[0130] A hole control layer HCL may be commonly disposed on the emission region PXA and the non-emission region NPXA. In some embodiments, a common layer such as the hole control layer HCL may be commonly disposed on a plurality of pixels PX (seeFigure 5A and Figure 6C ) on.

[0131] The emission layer EML is disposed on the hole control layer HCL. The emission layer EML may be disposed on (or in) a region corresponding to the opening OP. For example, the emission layer EML may be formed separately for each of the plurality of pixels PX. Additionally, the emission layer EML may include an organic material and / or an inorganic material. Although the patterned emission layer EML is shown as an example in the present embodiment, the emission layer EML may be commonly disposed on the plurality of pixels PX. In some embodiments, the emission layer EML may emit white light. In some embodiments, the emission layer EML may have a multi-layer structure.

[0132] The electron control layer ECL is disposed on the emission layer EML. In some embodiments, the electron control layer ECL may be commonly disposed on the plurality of pixels PX (see Figure 5A ) on. The second electrode CE is disposed on the electron control layer ECL. The second electrode CE may be commonly disposed on the plurality of pixels PX.

[0133] The thin film encapsulation layer TFE is disposed on the second electrode CE. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may be commonly disposed on the plurality of pixels PX. In the present embodiment, the thin film encapsulation layer TFE directly covers the second electrode CE. In some embodiments of the inventive concept, a capping layer covering the second electrode CE may also be disposed between the thin film encapsulation layer TFE and the second electrode CE. In some embodiments, the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may directly cover the capping layer.

[0134] Figures 7A - 7C is a cross-sectional view of the thin film encapsulation layers TFE1, TFE2, and TFE3 according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0135] Referring to Figure 7A , the thin film encapsulation layer TFE1 may include n inorganic layers (or inorganic thin films) IOL1 to IOLn. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE1 may include n - 1 organic layers (or organic thin films) OL1 to OLn - 1, and the n - 1 organic layers OL1 to OLn - 1 and the n inorganic layers IOL1 to IOLn may be alternately disposed relative to each other. Each of the n - 1 organic layers OL1 to OLn - 1 may generally have a thickness greater than that of each of the n inorganic layers IOL1 to IOLn.

[0136] Each of the n inorganic thin film IOLs 1 to n may have a single-layer structure including one material or may have a multi-layer structure including materials different from each other. Each of the n-1 organic thin films OLs 1 to n-1 may be formed by disposing an organic monomer. For example, each of the n-1 organic layers OLs 1 to n-1 may be formed by using an inkjet printing method or may be formed by applying a composition including an acrylic monomer.

[0137] Refer to Figures 7B - 7C , the inorganic layers disposed in each of the thin film encapsulation layers TFE2 and TFE3 may be formed of the same material or materials different from each other, and may have the same thickness or may have different thicknesses from each other. The organic layers disposed in each of the thin film encapsulation layers TFE2 and TFE3 may be formed of the same organic material or organic materials different from each other, and may have the same thickness or may have different thicknesses from each other.

[0138] As Figure 7B shown, the thin film encapsulation layer TFE2 may include a first inorganic layer IOL1, a first organic layer OL1, a second inorganic layer IOL2, a second organic layer OL2, and a third inorganic layer IOL3 laminated in sequence. The first inorganic layer IOL1 may have a two-layer structure. The first sub-layer S1 and the second sub-layer S2 of the first inorganic layer IOL1 may include inorganic materials different from each other.

[0139] As Figure 7C shown, the thin film encapsulation layer TFE3 may include a first inorganic layer IOL10, a first organic layer OL1, and a second inorganic layer IOL20 laminated in sequence. The first inorganic layer IOL10 may have a two-layer structure. The first sub-layer S10 and the second sub-layer S20 of the first inorganic layer IOL10 may include inorganic materials different from each other.

[0140] The second inorganic layer IOL20 may have a two-layer structure. The second inorganic layer IOL20 may include a first sub-layer S100 and a second sub-layer S200 that may be deposited in different deposition environments. The first sub-layer S100 may be deposited under a lower power condition, and the second sub-layer S200 may be deposited under a high power condition. The first sub-layer S100 and the second sub-layer S200 may include the same material.

[0141] Figure 8A is a cross-sectional view of a touch sensing unit TS according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. Figure 8B is Figure 8A a plan view of the touch sensing unit TS. Figures 8C - 8E is respectively shown Figure 8B a plan view of each layer of the touch sensing unit TS.

[0142] Refer toFigure 8A For Figure 8A , the touch sensing unit TS may include a first conductive layer (or first conductive pattern) TS-CL1, a first touch insulating layer TS-IL1, a second conductive layer (or second conductive pattern) TS-CL2, and a second touch insulating layer TS-IL2. The first conductive layer TS-CL1 may be directly disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. For example, a buffer layer may be disposed between the first conductive layer TS-CL1 and the thin film encapsulation layer TFE, and the first conductive layer TS-CL1 may be disposed on the buffer layer. The buffer layer may include an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer.

[0143] Each of the first conductive layer TS-CL1 and the second conductive layer TS-CL2 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure in which a plurality of layers are stacked on the third direction axis DR3. The conductive layer having a multi-layer structure may include one transparent conductive layer and at least two metal layers. The at least two metal layers may include different metals from each other. The transparent conductive layer may include indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), metal nanowires, and / or graphene. The metal layer may be formed of molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper, aluminum, and / or an alloy thereof.

[0144] Each of the first conductive layer TS-CL1 and the second conductive layer TS-CL2 may include a plurality of patterns. Hereinafter, an example in which the first conductive layer TS-CL1 includes a first conductive pattern and the second conductive layer TS-CL2 includes a second conductive pattern is described. Each of the first conductive layer TS-CL1 and the second conductive layer TS-CL2 may include a touch electrode and a touch signal line.

[0145] Each of the first touch insulating layer TS-IL1 and the second touch insulating layer TS-IL2 may be formed of an inorganic and / or organic material. The inorganic material may include at least one of oxides such as titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. The organic material may include at least one of acrylic resin, methacrylic resin, polyisoprene resin, ethylene resin, epoxy resin, polyurethane resin, cellulose resin, silicone resin, polyimide resin, polyamide resin, and perylene resin.

[0146] Each of the first touch insulating layer TS-IL1 and the second touch insulating layer TS-IL2 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. Each of the first touch insulating layer TS-IL1 and the second touch insulating layer TS-IL2 may include at least one of an inorganic layer and an organic layer. The inorganic layer and the organic layer may be formed by a chemical vapor deposition method.

[0147] When the first touch insulating layer TS-IL1 insulates the first conductive layer TS-CL1 and the second conductive layer TS-CL2 from each other, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited to the shape of the first touch insulating layer TS-IL1 depicted as in Figure 8A . For example, the first touch insulating layer TS-IL1 may have any suitable shape according to the shapes of the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern. The first touch insulating layer TS-IL1 may completely cover the thin film encapsulation layer TFE (or may entirely cover the thin film encapsulation layer TFE) or may include a plurality of insulating patterns. The plurality of insulating patterns may overlap only with the first connection part CP1 or only with the second connection part CP2.

[0148] Although a two-layer touch sensing unit is shown as an example in this embodiment, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. A single-layer touch sensing unit may include a conductive layer and an insulating layer covering the conductive layer. The conductive layer may include a touch sensor and touch signal lines connected to the touch sensor. The single-layer touch sensing unit may acquire coordinate information in a self-capacitance manner.

[0149] Referring to Figure 8B , the touch sensing unit TS includes a first touch electrode TE1, a first touch signal line TSL1 connected to the first touch electrode TE1, a second touch electrode TE2, a second touch signal line TSL2 connected to the second touch electrode TE2, and a touch pad part TPD, and each touch pad part TPD is connected to one of the first touch signal lines TSL1 or one of the second touch signal lines TSL2. The first touch electrode TE1, the second touch electrode TE2, and the first touch signal line TSL1 and the second touch signal line TSL2 may be disposed on (or in) the display area DA, and the touch pad part TPD may be disposed on (or in) the non-display area NDA.

[0150] Each first touch electrode TE1 may have a grid shape defined with a plurality of touch openings. The first touch electrode TE1 extends in a first direction DR1 (or extends along the first direction DR1) and is arranged in a second direction DR2 (or arranged along the second direction DR2). Each first touch electrode TE1 includes a plurality of first touch sensing parts SP1 and a plurality of first connection parts CP1. The first touch sensing parts SP1 are arranged in the first direction DR1 (or arranged along the first direction DR1). Each first connection part CP1 connects two adjacent first touch sensing parts SP1. In some embodiments, each first touch signal line TSL1 may also have a grid shape.

[0151] The second touch electrode TE2 is insulated from and crosses the first touch electrode TE1. Each second touch electrode TE2 may have a mesh shape defined with a plurality of touch openings. The second touch electrode TE2 extends in the second direction DR2 (or along the second direction DR2) and is arranged in the first direction DR1 (or along the first direction DR1). Each second touch electrode TE2 includes a plurality of second touch sensing portions SP2 and a plurality of second connection portions CP2. The second touch sensing portions SP2 are arranged in the second direction DR2 (or along the second direction DR2). Each second connection portion CP2 connects two adjacent second touch sensing portions SP2. In some embodiments, each second touch signal line TSL2 may have a mesh shape.

[0152] The first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2 are alternately arranged without overlapping each other. The first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2 are capacitively coupled to each other. Since a touch detection signal is applied to the first touch electrode TE1, capacitors are provided between the first touch sensing portions SP1 and the second touch sensing portions SP2.

[0153] A part of the first touch sensing portions SP1, the first connection portions CP1, and the first touch signal lines TSL1, and a part of the second touch sensing portions SP2, the second connection portions CP2, and the second touch signal lines TSL2 may be formed by patterning the first conductive layer TS-CL1 (see Figure 8A ), and the remaining parts of the first touch sensing portions SP1, the first connection portions CP1, and the first touch signal lines TSL1, and the remaining parts of the second touch sensing portions SP2, the second connection portions CP2, and the second touch signal lines TSL2 may be formed by patterning the second conductive layer TS-CL2 (see Figure 8A ). In order to electrically connect the conductive patterns provided on different layers from each other, contact holes CH passing through the first touch insulating layer TS-IL1 may be defined (see Figure 8D ).

[0154] Referring to Figure 8C , the first conductive pattern TS-CL1 is provided on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. The first conductive pattern TS-CL1 may include a bridging pattern CP1 corresponding to the first connection portion CP1 of Figure 8B . The bridging pattern CP1 may be provided on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE.

[0155] The first connection portion CP1 may not cross the second connection portion CP2, but may extend to cross an adjacent second touch sensing portion SP2. The specific shape of each first connection portion CP1 is further described below with reference to Figures 10A - 10C .

[0156] Referring toFigure 8D The first touch insulating layer TS-IL1 covering the bridging pattern CP1 is disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. Contact holes CH partially exposing the bridging pattern CP1 are defined in the first touch insulating layer TS-IL1. The contact holes CH may be formed by a photolithography process.

[0157] Referring to Figure 8E The second conductive layer TS-CL2 is disposed on the first touch insulating layer TS-IL1. The second conductive layer TS-CL2 may include a first touch sensing portion SP1, a second connection portion CP2, a first touch signal line TSL1, a second touch sensing portion SP2, and a second touch signal line TSL2. In some embodiments, a second touch insulating layer TS-IL2 covering the second conductive layer TS-CL2 is disposed on the first touch insulating layer TS-IL1. The first connection portion CP1 may connect the first touch sensing portions SP1 to each other through a plurality of contact holes CH defined to pass through the first touch insulating layer TS-IL1.

[0158] However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. For example, the first conductive layer TS-CL1 may include a first touch electrode TE1, a first connection portion CP1, and a first touch signal line TSL1. The second conductive layer TS-CL2 may include a second touch electrode TE2, a second connection portion CP2, and a second touch signal line TSL2. Thus, the contact holes CH may not be defined in the first touch insulating layer TS-IL1 (e.g., the contact holes CH may be omitted). Additionally, in embodiments of the inventive concept, the first conductive layer TS-CL1 and the second conductive layer TS-CL2 may be exchanged with each other. For example, the second conductive layer TS-CL2 may include the bridging pattern CP1.

[0159] Figure 9 is Figure 8B an enlarged view of the first region A1 shown in

[0160] Figure 9 shows the shape of each pixel PX according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. For ease of description, Figure 9 shows a plan view of the pixel PX together with the first touch sensing portion SP1 and the second touch sensing portion SP2.

[0161] The pixel PX includes a plurality of pixel regions PXA and a non-pixel region NPXA around the pixel regions PXA. Each pixel region PXA may correspond to Figure 6C the emission region PXA of

[0162] A direction that intersects the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 on a plane parallel to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 may be defined as a first diagonal direction DDR1. Additionally, a direction that intersects the first diagonal direction DDR1 on a plane parallel to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 may be defined as a second diagonal direction DDR2. Each pixel region PXA may have a rhombus shape, and the pixel regions PXA may be arranged in the first diagonal direction DDR1 and the second diagonal direction DDR2 (or arranged along the first diagonal direction DDR1 and the second diagonal direction DDR2).

[0163] The first touch sensing part SP1 and the second touch sensing part SP2 having a grid shape may be set to overlap with the non-pixel region NPXA. The first touch sensing part SP1 and the second touch sensing part SP2 may define a touch opening TOP. Each touch opening TOP of the first touch sensing part SP1 and the second touch sensing part SP2 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of each pixel region PXA. For example, each touch opening TOP may have a parallelogram or rhombus shape corresponding to the shape of each pixel region PXA. Pixel regions PXA other than the pixel regions PXA adjacent to the peripheries of the first touch sensing part SP1 and the second sensing part SP2 in the pixel regions PXA may overlap with the touch openings TOP of the first touch sensing part SP1 and the second touch sensing part SP2. Each touch opening TOP may have a size corresponding to the size of the pixel region PXA.

[0164] Figure 10A is Figure 8B An enlarged plan view of the second region A2 of Figure 10B is a view showing Figure 10A a plan view of the first touch sensing part SP1, the second touch sensing part SP2, and the second connection part CP2 of Figure 10C is a view showing Figure 10A a plan view of the first connection part CP1 of

[0165] For ease of description, Figure 10A and Figure 10B the touch openings TOP of

[0166] are shown with the same size and shape, such that they are only shown as a grid shape without touch openings having different sizes from each other. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Figure 10A 、 Figure 10B and Figure 10C Referring to

[0167] The second connection part CP2, the first touch sensing part SP1, and the second touch sensing part SP2 may be patterned at the same time (or simultaneously) by using the same material. The first connection part CP1 extends to cross the second touch sensing part SP2 at a region (e.g., a predetermined region) adjacent to the second connection part CP2 of each second touch sensing part SP2 to connect the first touch sensing parts SP1 to each other. The first connection part CP1 is insulated from the second touch sensing part SP2 by the first touch insulation layer TS-IL1. Thus, the first connection part CP1 may extend to cross the second touch sensing part SP2 with the first touch insulation layer TS-IL1 therebetween.

[0168] For example, each first touch sensing part SP1 includes a plurality of first branch parts BP1 extending in the first diagonal direction DDR1 (or along the first diagonal direction DDR1) and a plurality of second branch parts BP2 extending in the second diagonal direction DDR2 (or along the second diagonal direction DDR2) to cross the first branch parts BP1. The first branch parts BP1 and the second branch parts BP2 may be connected to each other to define a plurality of touch openings TOP. The first branch parts BP1 and the second branch parts BP2 may be integral with each other (e.g., may be integrally formed). Each of the first branch parts BP1 and the second branch parts BP2 may be defined as a grid line.

[0169] The first branch parts BP1 may extend further outward in the first diagonal direction DDR1 (or along the first diagonal direction DDR1) than the outermost second branch parts BP2. The second branch parts BP2 may extend further outward in the second diagonal direction DDR2 (or along the second diagonal direction DDR2) than the outermost first branch parts BP1.

[0170] Each second touch sensing part SP2 may include a plurality of third branch parts BP3 extending in the first diagonal direction DDR1 (or along the first diagonal direction DDR1) and a plurality of fourth branch parts BP4 extending in the second diagonal direction DDR2 (or along the second diagonal direction DDR2) to cross the third branch parts BP3. The third branch parts BP3 and the fourth branch parts BP4 may be connected to each other to define a plurality of touch openings TOP. The third branch parts BP3 and the fourth branch parts BP4 may be integral with each other (e.g., may be integrally formed). Each of the third branch parts BP3 and the fourth branch parts BP4 may be defined as a grid line. The grid line may have a line width of several micrometers.

[0171] The third branch portion BP3 may extend further outward in the first diagonal direction DDR1 (or along the first diagonal direction DDR1) than the outermost fourth branch portion BP4. The fourth branch portion BP4 may extend further outward in the second diagonal direction DDR2 (or along the second diagonal direction DDR2) than the outermost third branch portion BP3.

[0172] The first connection portion CP1 includes a first extension portion EX1 and a second extension portion EX2 having a shape symmetric (or substantially symmetric) to the shape of the first extension portion EX1. The first extension portion EX1 and the second extension portion EX2 may be arranged to place the second connection portion CP2 therebetween, and thus do not overlap with the second connection portion CP2.

[0173] On a plane parallel to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, adjacent first touch sensing portions SP1 may include a first sub-touch sensing portion SSP1_1 and a second sub-touch sensing portion SSP1_2 disposed above the first sub-touch sensing portion SSP1_1. On a plane parallel to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, adjacent second touch sensing portions SP2 may include a third sub-touch sensing portion SSP2_1 and a fourth sub-touch sensing portion SSP2_2 disposed to the left of the third sub-touch sensing portion SSP2_1.

[0174] The first extension portion EX1 may cross one of the adjacent second touch sensing portions SP2 (e.g., may cross the third sub-touch sensing portion SSP2_1) to connect the adjacent first touch sensing portions SP1 to each other. The second extension portion EX2 may cross the other of the adjacent second touch sensing portions SP2 (e.g., may cross the fourth sub-touch sensing portion SSP2_2) to connect the adjacent first touch sensing portions SP1 to each other.

[0175] A region of the first extension portion EX1 at or near one end of the first extension portion EX1 (e.g., a predetermined region) is connected to the first sub-touch sensing portion SSP1_1 through a plurality of contact holes CH. A region of the first extension portion EX1 at or near the opposite end of the first extension portion EX1 (e.g., a predetermined region) is connected to the second sub-touch sensing portion SSP1_2 through a plurality of contact holes CH.

[0176] A region of the second extension part EX2 that is at or near one end of the second extension part EX2 (e.g., a predetermined region) is connected to the first sub-touch sensing part SSP1_1 through a plurality of contact holes CH. A region of the second extension part EX2 that is at or near the opposite end of the second extension part EX2 (e.g., a predetermined region) is connected to the second sub-touch sensing part SSP1_2 through a plurality of contact holes CH. The first extension part EX1 may extend to cross the third sub-touch sensing part SSP2_1. The second extension part EX2 may extend to cross the fourth sub-touch sensing part SSP2_2.

[0177] The first extension part EX1 includes a first sub-extension part EX1_1 and a second sub-extension part EX1_2 that extend in the first diagonal direction DDR1 (or along the first diagonal direction DDR1), a third sub-extension part EX1_3 and a fourth sub-extension part EX1_4 that extend in the second diagonal direction DDR2 (along the second diagonal direction DDR2), a first sub-connection part SCP1 that extends in the second diagonal direction DDR2 (or along the second diagonal direction DDR2), and a second sub-connection part SCP2 that extends in the first diagonal direction DDR1 (along the first diagonal direction DDR1). The second sub-extension part EX1_2 has a length smaller than the length of the first sub-extension part EX1_1, and the fourth sub-extension part EX1_4 has a length smaller than the length of the third sub-extension part EX1_3. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the length of the first sub-extension part EX1_1 may be equal to the length of the third sub-extension part EX1_3, and the length of the second sub-extension part EX1_2 may be equal to the length of the fourth sub-extension part EX1_4.

[0178] A region of the first sub-extension part EX1_1 that is at or near the first end of the first sub-extension part EX1_1 (e.g., a predetermined region) is connected to the first sub-touch sensing part SSP1_1 through a plurality of contact holes CH. A region of the second sub-extension part EX1_2 that is at or near the first end of the second sub-extension part EX1_2 (e.g., a predetermined region) is connected to the first sub-touch sensing part SSP1_1 through a plurality of contact holes CH. For example, although the first sub-extension part EX1_1 and the second sub-extension part EX1_2 may be connected to the first sub-touch sensing part SSP1_1 through two contact holes CH respectively, the number of the contact holes CH is not limited thereto. For example, additional contact holes CH may be provided.

[0179] A region of the third sub-extension EX1_3 that is at or near the first end of the third sub-extension EX1_3 (e.g., a predetermined region) is connected to the second sub-touch sensing unit SSP1_2 through a plurality of contact holes CH. A region of the fourth sub-extension EX1_4 that is at or near the first end of the fourth sub-extension EX1_4 (e.g., a predetermined region) is connected to the second sub-touch sensing unit SSP1_2 through a plurality of contact holes CH. For example, although the third sub-extension EX1_3 and the fourth sub-extension EX1_4 may be connected to the second sub-touch sensing unit SSP1_2 through two contact holes CH respectively, the number of the contact holes CH is not limited thereto. For example, additional contact holes CH may be provided.

[0180] The second end of the first sub-extension EX1_1 (e.g., the end opposite to the first end) is connected to the second end of the third sub-extension EX1_3 (e.g., the end opposite to the first end), and the second end of the second sub-extension EX1_2 (e.g., the end opposite to the first end) is connected to the second end of the fourth sub-extension EX1_4 (e.g., the end opposite to the first end). The first sub-connection part SCP1 extends from the second end of the fourth sub-extension EX1_4 (e.g., the end opposite to the first end) in the second diagonal direction DDR2 (or along the second diagonal direction DDR2) and is connected to the first sub-extension EX1_1. The second sub-connection part SCP2 extends from the second end of the second sub-extension EX1_2 (e.g., the end opposite to the first end) in the first diagonal direction DDR1 (or along the first diagonal direction DDR1) and is connected to the third sub-extension EX1_3.

[0181] The first sub-extension EX1_1, the second sub-extension EX1_2, the third sub-extension EX1_3, the fourth sub-extension EX1_4, the first sub-connection part SCP1, and the second sub-connection part SCP2 may be integrated with each other (e.g., may be integrally formed).

[0182] The first sub-extension EX1_1 and the second sub-extension EX1_2 may extend to cross some of the plurality of fourth branch parts BP4 (e.g., a predetermined number of fourth branch parts BP4) of the third sub-touch sensing unit SSP2_1. For example, although two of the fourth branch parts BP4 cross the first sub-extension EX1_1 and the second sub-extension EX1_2 in Figure 10A the number of the fourth branch parts BP4 that cross the first sub-extension EX1_1 and the second sub-extension EX1_2 is not limited thereto. The third branch part BP3 of the third sub-touch sensing unit SSP2_1 may be disposed in a region (or in) that does not overlap with the first sub-extension EX1_1, the second sub-extension EX1_2, and the second sub-connection part SCP2.

[0183] The third sub-extension portion EX1_3 and the fourth sub-extension portion EX1_4 may extend to cross some of the third branch portions BP3 (e.g., a predetermined number of third sub-branch portions BP3) in the third branch portion BP3 of the third sub-touch sensing portion SSP2_1. For example, although two of the third branch portions BP3 in Figure 10A cross the third sub-extension portion EX1_3 and the fourth sub-extension portion EX1_4, the number of the third branch portions BP3 crossing the third sub-extension portion EX1_3 and the fourth sub-extension portion EX1_4 is not limited thereto. The fourth branch portion BP4 of the third sub-touch sensing portion SSP2_1 may be disposed in a region that does not overlap with the third sub-extension portion EX1_3, the fourth sub-extension portion EX1_4, and the first sub-connection portion SCP1.

[0184] As used herein, each of the structure in which the first sub-extension portion EX1_1 and the second sub-extension portion EX1_2 are disposed to cross the fourth branch portion BP4 and the structure in which the third sub-extension portion EX1_3 and the fourth sub-extension portion EX1_4 are disposed to cross the third branch portion BP3 may be referred to as a "point-overlapping" structure.

[0185] The second extension portion EX2 includes a fifth sub-extension portion EX2_1 and a sixth sub-extension portion EX2_2 extending in the second diagonal direction DDR2 (along the second diagonal direction DDR2), a seventh sub-extension portion EX2_3 and an eighth sub-extension portion EX2_4 extending in the first diagonal direction DDR1 (along the first diagonal direction DDR1), a third sub-connection portion SCP3 extending in the first diagonal direction DDR1 (along the first diagonal direction DDR1), and a fourth sub-connection portion SCP4 extending in the second diagonal direction DDR2 (along the second diagonal direction DDR2).

[0186] Since the second extension portion EX2 has a structure symmetric (or substantially symmetric) to the first extension portion EX1, the fifth to eighth sub-extension portions EX2_1, EX2_2, EX2_3, and EX2_4 and the third sub-connection portion SCP3 and the fourth sub-connection portion SCP4 may have structures symmetric (or substantially symmetric) to the first to fourth sub-extension portions EX1_1, EX1_2, EX1_3, and EX1_4 and the first sub-connection portion SCP1 and the second sub-connection portion SCP2, respectively. Accordingly, a region (e.g., a predetermined region) of each of the fifth to eighth sub-extension portions EX2_1, EX2_2, EX2_3, and EX2_4 that is at or near the first end of each of the fifth to eighth sub-extension portions EX2_1, EX2_2, EX2_3, and EX2_4 is connected to one of the first sub-touch sensing portion SSP1_1 and the second sub-touch sensing portion SSP1_2 through a plurality of contact holes CH.

[0187] In the same (or substantially the same) manner as the first to fourth sub-extension portions EX1_1, EX1_2, EX1_3, and EX1_4 connect the first sub-touch sensing portion SSP1_1 and the second sub-touch sensing portion SSP1_2 to each other via the third sub-touch sensing portion SSP2_1, the fifth to eighth sub-extension portions EX2_1, EX2_2, EX2_3, and EX2_4 can connect the first sub-touch sensing portion SSP1_1 and the second sub-touch sensing portion SSP1_2 to each other via the fourth sub-touch sensing portion SSP2_2. The third branch portion BP3 and the fourth branch portion BP4 of the fourth sub-touch sensing portion SSP2_2 can be disposed in a region that does not overlap with the fifth to eighth sub-extension portions EX2_1, EX2_2, EX2_3, and EX2_4, as well as the third connection portion SCP3 and the fourth connection portion SCP4.

[0188] Since the second extension portion EX2 has a structure that is symmetric (or substantially symmetric) to the first extension portion EX1, additional description of the second extension portion EX2 can be omitted.

[0189] The second connection portion CP2 has a grid structure and connects the third sub-touch sensing portion SSP2_1 to the fourth sub-touch sensing portion SSP2_2. Although the second connection portion CP2 is shown in FIG. 10 as having a configuration in which two rhombus (or parallelogram) shapes are connected to each other, the configuration of the second connection portion CP2 is not limited thereto.

[0190] When the first connection portion CP1 having a grid shape extends to overlap with the second connection portion CP2 and is connected to the first touch sensing portion SP1, a part (e.g., a predetermined part) of the first connection portion CP1 will line-overlap with a part (e.g., a predetermined part) of the second connection portion CP2. As used herein, the term "line-overlap" can be defined as a state in which a branch portion of the first connection portion CP1 and a branch portion of the second connection portion CP2 that extend in the same direction overlap each other.

[0191] In some embodiments, a capacitor can be disposed between the first connection portion CP1 and the second connection portion CP2 to increase the parasitic capacitance. When the parasitic capacitance increases, the touch sensing signal may not be output normally. Additionally, the first connection portion CP1 and the second connection portion CP2 may short-circuit at the line-overlap portion during the manufacturing process. Therefore, the touch sensing unit TS will have reduced reliability.

[0192] In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the first connection part CP1 does not overlap with the second connection part CP2, and extends to overlap with the second touch sensing part SP2 adjacent thereto at a point, so as to connect adjacent first touch sensing parts SP1 to each other. Accordingly, the parasitic capacitance of the touch sensing unit TS can be reduced. In addition, since a short circuit (or the possibility thereof) between the first connection part CP1 and the second connection part CP2 is prevented during the manufacturing process, the touch sensing unit TS can have improved reliability. Accordingly, the display device DD can have improved reliability.

[0193] Figures 11 - 24 is a plan view showing a part of a touch sensing unit according to various embodiments of the inventive concept.

[0194] For ease of description, Figures 11 - 24 shows a plan view corresponding to the Figure 10A second region A2.

[0195] Hereinafter, the configuration of a touch sensing unit according to various embodiments of the inventive concept will be described with reference to Figures 11 - 24 The differences between the touch sensing units according to various embodiments will be mainly described, and for regions not explained, reference is made to the description of the touch sensing unit TS with respect to Figures 11 - 24 and Figures 10A - 10C The differences between the touch sensing unit TS and Figure 8B and Figures 10A - 10C will be described.

[0196] Referring to Figure 11 , the first connection part CP1_1 includes a first extension part EX3 and a second extension part EX4, and places the second connection part CP2 therebetween. The first extension part EX3 and the second extension part EX4 are symmetric (or substantially symmetric) to each other.

[0197] The first extension part EX3 includes a first sub-extension part EX3_1, a second sub-extension part EX3_2, a third sub-extension part EX3_3, and a fourth sub-extension part EX3_4, as well as a first sub-connection part SCP1_1 and a second sub-connection part SCP1_2. Each of the first sub-extension part EX3_1 and the third sub-extension part EX3_3 has a length smaller than that of each of the first sub-extension part EX1_1 and the third sub-extension part EX1_3 of Figure 10A , and each of the second sub-extension part EX3_2 and the fourth sub-extension part EX3_4 has a length smaller than that of each of the second sub-extension part EX1_2 and the fourth sub-extension part EX1_4 of Figure 10A . Each of the second sub-extension part EX3_2 and the fourth sub-extension part EX3_4 has a length smaller than that of each of the first sub-extension part EX3_1 and the third sub-extension part EX3_3.

[0198] For each of the first to fourth sub-extension parts EX3_1, EX3_2, EX3_3, and EX3_4, the area at or near the respective first end of each of the first to fourth sub-extension parts EX3_1, EX3_2, EX3_3, and EX3_4 (e.g., a predetermined area) is connected to one of the first sub-touch sensing part SSP1_1 and the second sub-touch sensing part SSP1_2 through a contact hole CH respectively. Other configurations of the first extension part EX3 can be substantially the same as those of the first extension part EX1 in Figure 10A Therefore, additional descriptions of the first extension part EX3 can be omitted.

[0199] The second extension part EX4 includes a fifth sub-extension part EX4_1, a sixth sub-extension part EX4_2, a seventh sub-extension part EX4_3, and an eighth sub-extension part EX4_4, as well as a third sub-connection part SCP2_1 and a fourth sub-connection part SCP2_2. Each of the fifth sub-extension part EX4_1 and the seventh sub-extension part EX4_3 has a length smaller than that of each of the fifth sub-extension part EX2_1 and the seventh sub-extension part EX2_3 in Figure 10A Each of the sixth sub-extension part EX4_2 and the eighth sub-extension part EX4_4 has a length smaller than that of each of the sixth sub-extension part EX2_2 and the eighth sub-extension part EX2_4 in Figure 10A Each of the sixth sub-extension part EX4_2 and the eighth sub-extension part EX4_4 has a length smaller than that of each of the fifth sub-extension part EX4_1 and the seventh sub-extension part EX4_3.

[0200] For each of the fifth to eighth sub-extension parts EX4_1, EX4_2, EX4_3, and EX4_4, the area at or near the respective first end of each of the fifth to eighth sub-extension parts EX4_1, EX4_2, EX4_3, and EX4_4 (e.g., a predetermined area) is connected to one of the first sub-touch sensing part SSP1_1 and the second sub-touch sensing part SSP1_2 through a contact hole CH respectively. Other configurations of the second extension part EX4 can be substantially the same as those of the second extension part EX4 in Figure 10A Therefore, additional descriptions of the second extension part EX4 can be omitted.

[0201] Referring to Figure 12 , the first connection part CP1_2 includes a first extension part EX5 and a second extension part EX6, and places the second connection part CP2 therebetween. The first extension part EX5 and the second extension part EX6 are symmetric (or substantially symmetric) to each other.

[0202] The first extension part EX5 includes a first sub-extension part EX5_1, a second sub-extension part EX5_2, a third sub-extension part EX5_3, and a fourth sub-extension part EX5_4, as well as a first sub-connection part SCP3_1 and a second sub-connection part SCP3_2. Each of the first sub-extension part EX5_1 and the third sub-extension part EX5_3 has a length greater than that of each of the first sub-extension part EX1_1 and the third sub-extension part EX1_3 of Figure 10A Each of the second sub-extension part EX5_2 and the fourth sub-extension part EX5_4 has a length greater than that of each of the second sub-extension part EX1_2 and the fourth sub-extension part EX1_4 of Figure 10A Each of the second sub-extension part EX5_2 and the fourth sub-extension part EX5_4 has a length smaller than that of each of the first sub-extension part EX5_1 and the third sub-extension part EX5_3.

[0203] The second extension part EX6 includes a fifth sub-extension part EX6_1, a sixth sub-extension part EX6_2, a seventh sub-extension part EX6_3, and an eighth sub-extension part EX6_4, as well as a third sub-connection part SCP4_1 and a fourth sub-connection part SCP4_2. Each of the fifth sub-extension part EX6_1 and the seventh sub-extension part EX6_3 has a length greater than that of each of the fifth sub-extension part EX2_1 and the seventh sub-extension part EX2_3 of Figure 10A Each of the sixth sub-extension part EX6_2 and the eighth sub-extension part EX6_4 has a length greater than that of each of the sixth sub-extension part EX2_2 and the eighth sub-extension part EX2_4 of Figure 10A Each of the sixth sub-extension part EX6_2 and the eighth sub-extension part EX6_4 has a length smaller than that of each of the fifth sub-extension part EX6_1 and the seventh sub-extension part EX6_3.

[0204] The first end of the first sub-extension part EX5_1 is connected to the first end of the fifth sub-extension part EX6_1, and the first end of the second sub-extension part EX5_2 is connected to the first end of the sixth sub-extension part EX6_2. The first end of the third sub-extension part EX5_3 is connected to the first end of the seventh sub-extension part EX6_3, and the first end of the fourth sub-extension part EX5_4 is connected to the first end of the eighth sub-extension part EX6_4.

[0205] The first end of the first sub-extension part EX5_1 and the first end of the fifth sub-extension part EX6_1 may share a contact hole CH and may be connected to the first sub-touch sensing part SSP1_1. The first end of the second sub-extension part EX5_2 and the first end of the sixth sub-extension part EX6_2 may share a contact hole CH and may be connected to the first sub-touch sensing part SSP1_1.

[0206] The first ends of the third sub-extension EX5_3 and the seventh sub-extension EX6_3 can share a contact hole CH and can be connected to the second sub-touch sensing unit SSP1_2. The first ends of the fourth sub-extension EX5_4 and the eighth sub-extension EX6_4 can share a contact hole CH and can be connected to the second sub-touch sensing unit SSP1_2. The other configurations of the first extension EX5 and the second extension EX6 can be substantially the same as those of the first extension EX1 and the second extension EX2 in Figure 10A , so additional descriptions of the first extension EX5 and the second extension EX6 can be omitted.

[0207] Referring to Figure 13 , the first extension EX7 of the first connection part CP1_3 includes a first sub-extension EX7_1, a second sub-extension EX7_2, a third sub-extension EX7_3, and a fourth sub-extension EX7_4, as well as a first sub-connection part SCP5_1 and a second sub-connection part SCP5_2. The second extension EX8 of the first connection part CP1_3 includes a fifth sub-extension EX8_1, a sixth sub-extension EX8_2, a seventh sub-extension EX8_3, and an eighth sub-extension EX8_4, as well as a third sub-connection part SCP6_1 and a fourth sub-connection part SCP6_2.

[0208] Except for the number of contact holes CH set to connect the first extension EX7 and the second extension EX8 to the first sub-touch sensing unit SSP1_1 and the second sub-touch sensing unit SSP1_2, the first extension EX7 and the second extension EX8 can have substantially the same configuration as the first extension EX5 and the second extension EX6 in Figure 12 .

[0209] For example, the first ends of the first sub-extension EX7_1 and the fifth sub-extension EX8_1 can share a contact hole CH and can be connected to the first sub-touch sensing unit SSP1_1. The first ends of the second sub-extension EX7_2 and the sixth sub-extension EX8_2 can share a contact hole CH and can be connected to the first sub-touch sensing unit SSP1_1. For example, the first ends of the third sub-extension EX7_3 and the seventh sub-extension EX8_3 can share a contact hole CH and can be connected to the second sub-touch sensing unit SSP1_2. The first ends of the fourth sub-extension EX7_4 and the eighth sub-extension EX8_4 can share a contact hole CH and can be connected to the second sub-touch sensing unit SSP1_2.

[0210] In addition, regions of the first sub-extension portion EX7_1 that are at or near the first end of the first sub-extension portion EX7_1 (e.g., a predetermined region), regions of the second sub-extension portion EX7_2 that are at or near the first end of the second sub-extension portion EX7_2 (e.g., a predetermined region), regions of the fifth sub-extension portion EX8_1 that are at or near the first end of the fifth sub-extension portion EX8_1 (e.g., a predetermined region), and regions of the sixth sub-extension portion EX8_2 that are at or near the first end of the sixth sub-extension portion EX8_2 (e.g., a predetermined region) can be connected to the first sub-touch sensing portion SSP1_1 through a plurality of contact holes CH. Although four contact holes CH are shown in Figure 13 , the number of the contact holes CH is not limited thereto.

[0211] In addition, regions of the third sub-extension portion EX7_3 that are at or near the first end of the third sub-extension portion EX7_3 (e.g., a predetermined region), regions of the fourth sub-extension portion EX7_4 that are at or near the first end of the fourth sub-extension portion EX7_4 (e.g., a predetermined region), regions of the seventh sub-extension portion EX8_3 that are at or near the first end of the seventh sub-extension portion EX8_3 (e.g., a predetermined region), and regions of the eighth sub-extension portion EX8_4 that are at or near the first end of the eighth sub-extension portion EX8_4 (e.g., a predetermined region) can be connected to the second sub-touch sensing portion SSP1_2 through a plurality of contact holes CH. Although four contact holes CH are shown in Figure 13 , the number of the contact holes CH is not limited thereto.

[0212] Referring to Figure 14 , Figure 14 , the first touch sensing portion SP1 and the second touch sensing portion SP2 and the first connection portion CP1_4 and the second connection portion CP2 shown in are provided on the bending region BA. Referring to Figure 14 , the first extension portion EX9 of the first connection portion CP1_4 includes a first sub-extension portion EX9_1, a second sub-extension portion EX9_2, a third sub-extension portion EX9_3, and a fourth sub-extension portion EX9_4, and a first sub-connection portion SCP7_1 and a second sub-connection portion SCP7_2. The second extension portion EX10 of the first connection portion CP1_4 includes a fifth sub-extension portion EX10_1, a sixth sub-extension portion EX10_2, a seventh sub-extension portion EX10_3, and an eighth sub-extension portion EX10_4, and a third sub-connection portion SCP8_1 and a fourth sub-connection portion SCP8_2.

[0213] In addition, the first extension part EX9 includes a plurality of protrusions P, and the plurality of protrusions P respectively protrude in a first diagonal direction DDR1 and a second diagonal direction DDR2 (or along the first diagonal direction DDR1 and the second diagonal direction DDR2) from a connection part between the first sub-extension part EX9_1 and the third sub-extension part EX9_3, protrude in the second diagonal direction DDR2 (or along the second diagonal direction DDR2) from the first sub-connection part SCP7_1 so as to protrude farther outward than the first sub-extension part EX9_1, and protrude in the first diagonal direction DDR1 (or along the first diagonal direction DDR1) from the second sub-connection part SCP7_2 so as to protrude farther outward than the third sub-extension part EX9_3.

[0214] Since the second extension part EX10 is symmetric (or substantially symmetric) with the first extension part EX9 and has substantially the same configuration as the first extension part EX9, the second extension part EX10 may also include a plurality of protrusions P that are symmetric (or substantially symmetric) with the protrusions P of the first extension part EX9. Except for the protrusions P, the first extension part EX9 and the second extension part EX10 may have the same (or substantially the same) configuration (or structure) as Figure 10A the first extension part EX1 and the second extension part EX2.

[0215] The protrusions P are arranged to overlap with the adjacent third branch part BP3 and fourth branch part BP4. When the protrusions P are not provided and the bending region BA is bent, cracks will occur at the boundaries between the first sub-extension part EX9_1 and the third sub-extension part EX9_3 and between the fifth sub-extension part EX10_1 and the seventh sub-extension part EX10_3 at the third branch part BP3 and the fourth branch part BP4. However, since the protrusions P are arranged to overlap with the adjacent third branch part BP3 and fourth branch part BP4, cracks (or the possibility thereof) can be prevented from occurring at the boundaries between the first sub-extension part EX9_1 and the third sub-extension part EX9_3 and between the fifth sub-extension part EX10_1 and the seventh sub-extension part EX10_3 at the third branch part BP3 and the fourth branch part BP4.

[0216] Referring to Figure 15 , the first connection part CP1_5 includes a first extension part EX11 and a second extension part EX12, and places the second connection part CP2 therebetween.

[0217] The first extension part EX11 includes a first sub-extension part EX11_1 and a second sub-extension part EX11_2 that extend respectively in a first diagonal direction DDR1 and a second diagonal direction DDR2 (or along the first diagonal direction DDR1 and the second diagonal direction DDR2). The second extension part EX12 includes a third sub-extension part EX12_1 and a fourth sub-extension part EX12_2 that extend respectively in the second diagonal direction DDR2 and the first diagonal direction DDR1 (or along the second diagonal direction DDR2 and the first diagonal direction DDR1). The first sub-extension part EX11_1 and the second sub-extension part EX11_2 are symmetric (or substantially symmetric) to the third sub-extension part EX12_1 and the fourth sub-extension part EX12_2 respectively.

[0218] Regions of each of the first sub-extension part EX11_1 and the third sub-extension part EX12_1 that are at or near respective first ends of each of the first sub-extension part EX11_1 and the third sub-extension part EX12_1 (e.g., a predetermined region) are respectively connected to a first sub-touch sensing part SSP1_1. Regions of each of the second sub-extension part EX11_2 and the fourth sub-extension part EX12_2 that are at or near respective first ends of each of the second sub-extension part EX11_2 and the fourth sub-extension part EX12_2 (e.g., a predetermined region) are respectively connected to a second sub-touch sensing part SSP1_2. A second end of the first sub-extension part EX11_1 (e.g., an end opposite to the first end) is connected to a second end of the second sub-extension part EX11_2 (e.g., an end opposite to the first end), and a second end of the third sub-extension part EX12_1 (e.g., an end opposite to the first end) is connected to a second end of the fourth sub-extension part EX12_2 (e.g., an end opposite to the first end).

[0219] Regions of each of the first to fourth sub-extension parts EX11_1, EX11_2, EX12_1, and EX12_2 that are at or near respective first ends of each of the first to fourth sub-extension parts EX11_1, EX11_2, EX12_1, and EX12_2 (e.g., a predetermined region) are respectively connected to one of the first sub-touch sensing part SSP1_1 and the second sub-touch sensing part SSP1_2 through a contact hole CH.

[0220] The structure in which the first extension part EX11 intersects with the third sub-touch sensing part SSP2_1 and the structure in which the second extension part EX12 intersects with the fourth sub-touch sensing part SSP2_2 are Figure 10A substantially the same as the structure in which the first extension part EX1 and the second extension part EX2 of

[0221] Refer toFigure 16 The first extension portion EX13 of the first connection portion CP1_6 includes a first sub-extension portion EX13_1 and a second sub-extension portion EX13_2, and the second extension portion EX14 of the first connection portion CP1_6 includes a third sub-extension portion EX14_1 and a fourth sub-extension portion EX14_2. Each of the first to fourth sub-extension portions EX13_1, EX13_2, EX14_1, and EX14_2 has a length greater than that of each of Figure 15 the first to fourth sub-extension portions EX11_1, EX11_2, EX12_1, and EX12_2.

[0222] Regions (e.g., predetermined regions) of each of the first to fourth sub-extension portions EX13_1, EX13_2, EX14_1, and EX14_2 that are at or near their respective first ends are connected to one of the first sub-touch sensing portion SSP1_1 and the second sub-touch sensing portion SSP1_2 through a contact hole CH, respectively. Other configurations of the first extension portion EX13 and the second extension portion EX14 may be substantially the same as Figure 15 those of the first extension portion EX11 and the second extension portion EX12, so additional descriptions of the first extension portion EX13 and the second extension portion EX14 may be omitted.

[0223] Referring to Figure 17 , the first extension portion EX15 of the first connection portion CP1_7 includes a first sub-extension portion EX15_1 and a second sub-extension portion EX15_2, and the second extension portion EX16 of the first connection portion CP1_7 includes a third sub-extension portion EX16_1 and a fourth sub-extension portion EX16_2. Each of the first to fourth sub-extension portions EX15_1, EX15_2, EX16_1, and EX16_2 has a length greater than that of each of Figure 16 the first to fourth sub-extension portions EX13_1, EX13_2, EX14_1, and EX14_2.

[0224] The first end of the first sub-extension portion EX15_1 is connected to the first end of the third sub-extension portion EX16_1, and the first end of the second sub-extension portion EX15_2 is connected to the first end of the fourth sub-extension portion EX16_2. The first end of the first sub-extension portion EX15_1 and the first end of the third sub-extension portion EX16_1 may share a contact hole CH and may be connected to the first sub-touch sensing portion SSP1_1. The first end of the second sub-extension portion EX15_2 and the first end of the fourth sub-extension portion EX16_2 may share a contact hole CH and may be connected to the second sub-touch sensing portion SSP1_2.

[0225] The other configurations of the first extension part EX15 and the second extension part EX16 may be substantially the same as those of Figure 16 the first extension part EX13 and the second extension part EX14, and thus, additional descriptions of the first extension part EX15 and the second extension part EX16 may be omitted.

[0226] Referring to Figure 18 , the first extension part EX17 of the first connection part CP1_8 includes a first sub-extension part EX17_1 and a second sub-extension part EX17_2, and the second extension part EX18 of the first connection part CP1_8 includes a third sub-extension part EX18_1 and a fourth sub-extension part EX18_2.

[0227] Except for the number of contact holes CH provided to connect the first extension part EX17 and the second extension part EX18 to the first sub-touch sensing part SSP1_1 and the second sub-touch sensing part SSP1_2, the first extension part EX17 and the second extension part EX18 have substantially the same configuration as Figure 17 the first extension part EX15 and the second extension part EX16.

[0228] Specifically, the first ends of the first sub-extension part EX17_1 and the third sub-extension part EX18_1 may share a contact hole CH and may be connected to the first sub-touch sensing part SSP1_1, and the first ends of the second sub-extension part EX17_2 and the fourth sub-extension part EX18_2 may share a contact hole CH and may be connected to the second sub-touch sensing part SSP1_2.

[0229] In addition, the region of the first sub-extension part EX17_1 that is at or near the first end of the first sub-extension part EX17_1 (e.g., a predetermined region) and the region of the third sub-extension part EX18_1 that is at or near the first end of the third sub-extension part EX18_1 (e.g., a predetermined region) are connected to the first sub-touch sensing part SSP1_1 through a plurality of contact holes CH. For example, although two contact holes CH are shown, the number of contact holes CH is not limited thereto.

[0230] In addition, the region of the second sub-extension part EX17_2 that is at or near the first end of the second sub-extension part EX17_2 (e.g., a predetermined region) and the region of the fourth sub-extension part EX18_2 that is at or near the first end of the fourth sub-extension part EX18_2 (e.g., a predetermined region) are connected to the second sub-touch sensing part SSP1_2 through a plurality of contact holes CH. For example, although two contact holes CH are shown, the number of contact holes CH is not limited thereto.

[0231] Referring to Figure 19, the first extension part EX19 of the first connection part CP1_9 includes a first sub-extension part EX19_1, a second sub-extension part EX19_2, a third sub-extension part EX19_3, and a fourth sub-extension part EX19_4, and the second extension part EX20 of the first connection part CP1_9 includes a fifth sub-extension part EX20_1, a sixth sub-extension part EX20_2, a seventh sub-extension part EX20_3, and an eighth sub-extension part EX20_4.

[0232] Because except for Figure 11 the first to fourth sub-connection parts SCP1_1, SCP1_2, SCP2_1, and SCP2_2 of Figure 11 , the first extension part EX19 and the second extension part EX20 have substantially the same configuration as the first extension part EX3 and the second extension part EX4 of

[0233] Referring to Figure 20 , the first extension part EX21 of the first connection part CP1_10 includes a first sub-extension part EX21_1, a second sub-extension part EX21_2, a third sub-extension part EX21_3, and a fourth sub-extension part EX21_4, and the second extension part EX22 of the first connection part CP1_10 includes a fifth sub-extension part EX22_1, a sixth sub-extension part EX22_2, a seventh sub-extension part EX22_3, and an eighth sub-extension part EX22_4.

[0234] Because except for Figure 10A the first to fourth sub-connection parts SCP1, SCP2, SCP3, and SCP4 of Figure 10A , the first extension part EX21 and the second extension part EX22 have substantially the same configuration as the first extension part EX1 and the second extension part EX2 of

[0235] Referring to Figure 21 , the first extension part EX23 of the first connection part CP1_11 includes a first sub-extension part EX23_1, a second sub-extension part EX23_2, a third sub-extension part EX23_3, and a fourth sub-extension part EX23_4, and the second extension part EX24 of the first connection part CP1_11 includes a fifth sub-extension part EX24_1, a sixth sub-extension part EX24_2, a seventh sub-extension part EX24_3, and an eighth sub-extension part EX24_4.

[0236] Because except for Figure 12 the first to fourth sub-connection parts SCP3_1, SCP3_2, SCP4_1, and SCP4_2 ofFigure 12 The first extension EX5 and the second extension EX6 of [[ID=]] have substantially the same configuration, so additional descriptions of the first extension EX23 and the second extension EX24 can be omitted.

[0237] Refer to Figure 22 , the first extension EX25 of the first connection part CP1_12 includes a first sub-extension EX25_1, a second sub-extension EX25_2, a third sub-extension EX25_3, and a fourth sub-extension EX25_4, and the second extension EX26 of the first connection part CP1_12 includes a fifth sub-extension EX26_1, a sixth sub-extension EX26_2, a seventh sub-extension EX26_3, and an eighth sub-extension EX26_4.

[0238] Because in addition to Figure 13 the first sub-connection part to the fourth sub-connection part SCP5_1, SCP5_2, SCP6_1, and SCP6_2 of [[ID=]], the first extension EX25 and the second extension EX26 have substantially the same configuration as the first extension EX7 and the second extension EX8 of Figure 13 [[ID=]], additional descriptions of the first extension EX25 and the second extension EX26 can be omitted.

[0239] Refer to Figure 23 , the first connection part CP1_13 has a grid structure equivalent (or the same) to the grid structure of the second connection part CP2 of [[ID=]] and connects the first touch sensing parts SP1 to each other. The second connection part CP2_1 has substantially the same configuration as the first connection part CP1 of [[ID=]] and connects the second touch sensing parts SP2 to each other. Figure 10A [[ID=]] Figure 10A For example, the second connection part CP2_1 can have a configuration equivalent (or the same) to that of the first connection part CP1 of [[ID=]] rotated by approximately 90 degrees, and can also extend to cross the first touch sensing part SP1 and connect to the second touch sensing part SP2. The configuration (or structure) in which the second connection part CP2_1 crosses the first touch sensing part SP1 is substantially the same as the configuration (or structure) in which the first connection part CP1 of [[ID=]] crosses the second touch sensing part SP2. Therefore, additional descriptions of the first connection part CP1_13 and the second connection part CP2_1, as well as the first touch sensing part SP1 and the second touch sensing part SP2, can be omitted.

[0240] For example, the second connection part CP2_1 can Figure 10A be equivalent (or the same) to the structure of the first connection part CP1 of [[ID=]] rotated by approximately 90 degrees, and can also extend to cross the first touch sensing part SP1 and connect to the second touch sensing part SP2. The structure in which the second connection part CP2_1 crosses the first touch sensing part SP1 is substantially the same as the structure in which the first connection part CP1 of [[ID=]] crosses the second touch sensing part SP2. Therefore, additional descriptions of the first connection part CP1_13 and the second connection part CP2_1, as well as the first touch sensing part SP1 and the second touch sensing part SP2, can be omitted. Figure 10A [[ID=]]

[0241] Refer to Figure 24, the first connecting portion CP1_14 connects the first touch sensing portions SP1 adjacent in the first direction DR1 (or along the first direction DR1) to each other. The second connecting portion CP2 connects the second touch sensing portions SP2 adjacent in the second direction DR2 (or along the second direction DR2) to each other.

[0242] The first connecting portion CP1_14 can be bent at least once to extend from one of the first diagonal direction DDR1 and the second diagonal direction DDR2 to the other of the second diagonal direction DDR2 and the first diagonal direction DDR1. The first connecting portion CP1_14 includes a first extension portion EX29 and a second extension portion EX30 that are symmetric (or substantially symmetric) to each other. Each of the first extension portion EX29 and the second extension portion EX30 can be bent at least once to extend from one of the first diagonal direction DDR1 and the second diagonal direction DDR2 to the other of the second diagonal direction DDR2 and the first diagonal direction DDR1.

[0243] For example, the first extension portion EX29 can be bent to extend from the first diagonal direction DDR1 to the second diagonal direction DDR2 and from the second diagonal direction DDR2 to the first diagonal direction DDR1. The second extension portion EX30 can be bent to extend from the second diagonal direction DDR2 to the first diagonal direction DDR1 and from the first diagonal direction DDR1 to the second diagonal direction DDR2.

[0244] In an embodiment of the inventive concept, each of the first extension portion EX29 and the second extension portion EX30 can be bent to extend from the first diagonal direction DDR1 and the second diagonal direction DDR2 to the second diagonal direction DDR2 and the first diagonal direction DDR1 at least three times. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, each of the first extension portion EX29 and the second extension portion EX30 can be bent to extend at least once. The central portions of the first extension portion EX29 and the second extension portion EX30 can be formed as bent portions and can be connected to each other.

[0245] The second connecting portion CP2 includes a grid line MCL having a rhombus shape (or a parallelogram shape). The grid line MCL includes a plurality of fifth branch portions BP5 extending in the first diagonal direction DDR1 (or along the first diagonal direction DDR1) and a plurality of sixth branch portions BP6 extending in the second diagonal direction DDR2 (or along the second diagonal direction DDR2). The fifth branch portions BP5 and the sixth branch portions BP6 can be connected to each other to form a rhombus shape (or a parallelogram shape). For example, although in Figure 24The grid line MCL having a rhombus (or parallelogram) shape is shown, but the number of rhombus (or parallelogram) shapes is not limited thereto. When a plurality of rhombus (or parallelogram) shapes are provided, the grid line MCL may have a grid shape.

[0246] The first extension portion EX29 and the second extension portion EX30 of the first connection portion CP1_14 are insulated from the second connection portion CP2 by the first touch insulation layer TS-IL1 and extend to cross the grid line MCL of the second connection portion CP2. For example, the first connection portion CP1_14 may not be line-overlapped with the second connection portion CP2, but may be point-overlapped with the second connection portion CP2. Accordingly, the parasitic capacitance may be reduced, and a short circuit between the first connection portion CP1_14 and the second connection portion CP2 (e.g., during a manufacturing process) may be prevented or the possibility thereof may be reduced.

[0247] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the first connection portion of the touch sensing unit may extend to be point-overlapped with the second touch sensing portions adjacent to each other instead of being line-overlapped with the second connection portion, thereby connecting the first touch sensing portions to each other. Accordingly, the parasitic capacitance of the touch sensing unit may be reduced, and a short circuit (or the possibility thereof) between the first connection portion and the second connection portion (e.g., during a manufacturing process) may be prevented, thereby improving the reliability of the display device.

[0248] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the inventive concept. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to cover modifications and variations of the present invention as long as they fall within the scope of the claims and their equivalents. Accordingly, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the scope of the present invention is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the claims and their equivalents and shall not be limited or restricted by the foregoing detailed description.

Claims

1. A display device, the display device comprising: A display panel; And A touch sensing unit located on the display panel, the touch sensing unit comprising: a plurality of first touch sensing portions arranged adjacent to each other in a first direction and having a grid shape; a first connection portion configured to connect the first touch sensing portions adjacent to each other in the first direction; a plurality of second touch sensing portions arranged adjacent to each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction and having the grid shape; and a second connection portion configured to connect the second touch sensing portions adjacent to each other in the second direction, Wherein the first connection portion extends through the adjacent second touch sensing portions and includes: a first extension portion extending through one of the adjacent second touch sensing portions; and a second extension portion extending through the other of the adjacent second touch sensing portions, wherein the second connection portion is located between the first extension portion and the second extension portion such that the second connection portion does not overlap with the first connection portion, Wherein each of the first touch sensing portions and the second touch sensing portions includes a plurality of branch portions intersecting each other to form the grid shape, intersections of the plurality of branch portions being defined as vertices of the grid shape, and Wherein each of the first extension portion and the second extension portion extends parallel to the plurality of branch portions, and an end of each of the first extension portion and the second extension portion is connected to some of the vertices of the grid shape of the adjacent first touch sensing portion.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of branch portions includes: A plurality of first branch portions extending in a first diagonal direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction; and A plurality of second branch portions extending in a second diagonal direction intersecting the first diagonal direction, Wherein the first connection portion overlaps at least two first branch portions and at least two second branch portions disposed at outermost portions of the adjacent first touch sensing portion among the plurality of first branch portions and the plurality of second branch portions of the adjacent first touch sensing portion.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein The first extension portion includes: A plurality of sub-extension portions extending parallel to each other and overlapping with the adjacent first touch sensing portion and the one second touch sensing portion among the adjacent second touch sensing portions; and A plurality of sub-connection portions connecting portions of the plurality of sub-extension portions and overlapping with the one second touch sensing portion among the adjacent second touch sensing portions, and Wherein the plurality of sub-connection portions are spaced apart from at least two first branch portions and at least two second branch portions disposed at outermost portions of the one second touch sensing portion among the plurality of first branch portions and the plurality of second branch portions of the one second touch sensing portion among the adjacent second touch sensing portions.

4. The display device according to claim 1, the display device further comprising an insulating layer located on the first connection portion, Among them, The plurality of first touch sensing portions, the plurality of second touch sensing portions, and the second connection portion are located on the insulating layer.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The adjacent second touch sensing part includes a third sub-touch sensing part and a fourth sub-touch sensing part, and wherein, the first extension part intersects with the third sub-touch sensing part to connect the adjacent first touch sensing part, and the second extension part has a structure substantially symmetric to the first extension part and intersects with the fourth sub-touch sensing part to connect the adjacent first touch sensing part.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein, The adjacent first touch sensing part includes: a first sub-touch sensing part; and a second sub-touch sensing part, which is located in a plane parallel to the first direction and the second direction with the first sub-touch sensing part.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein, The second connection part has a grid structure and connects the third sub-touch sensing part to the fourth sub-touch sensing part.

8. The display device according to claim 6, wherein The area of the first extension part close to the first end of the first extension part is connected to the first sub-touch sensing part, wherein, the area of the first extension part close to the second end of the first extension part is connected to the second sub-touch sensing part, the second end is opposite to the first end, and wherein, the first extension part extends to intersect with the third sub-touch sensing part.

9. The display device according to claim 6, wherein, The area of the second extension part close to the first end of the second extension part is connected to the first sub-touch sensing part, wherein, the area of the second extension part close to the second end of the second extension part is connected to the second sub-touch sensing part, the second end is opposite to the first end, and wherein, the second extension part extends to intersect with the fourth sub-touch sensing part.

10. The display device according to claim 6, wherein, Each of the first sub-touch sensing part and the second sub-touch sensing part includes: a plurality of first branch parts, extending in a first diagonal direction intersecting with the first direction and the second direction on the plane; and a plurality of second branch parts, extending in a second diagonal direction intersecting with the first diagonal direction on the plane to intersect with the plurality of first branch parts, the plurality of second branch parts are connected to the plurality of first branch parts, and wherein, each of the third sub-touch sensing part and the fourth sub-touch sensing part includes: a plurality of third branch parts, extending in the first diagonal direction; and a plurality of fourth branch parts, extending in the second diagonal direction to intersect with the plurality of third branch parts, the plurality of fourth branch parts are connected to the plurality of third branch parts.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein, The first extension part includes: a first sub-extension part, extending in the first diagonal direction; a second sub-extension part, extending in the first diagonal direction, the second sub-extension part having a length smaller than that of the first sub-extension part; a third sub-extension part, extending in the second diagonal direction; a fourth sub-extension part, extending in the second diagonal direction, the fourth sub-extension part having a length smaller than that of the third sub-extension part; a first sub-connection part, extending in the second diagonal direction; and a second sub-connection part, extending in the first diagonal direction, Among them, the region of the first sub-extension portion close to the first end of the first sub-extension portion and the region of the second sub-extension portion close to the first end of the second sub-extension portion are connected to the first sub-touch sensing portion. Among them, the region of the third sub-extension portion close to the first end of the third sub-extension portion and the region of the fourth sub-extension portion close to the first end of the fourth sub-extension portion are connected to the second sub-touch sensing portion. Among them, the second end of the first sub-extension portion opposite to the first end of the first sub-extension portion is connected to the second end of the third sub-extension portion opposite to the first end of the third sub-extension portion. Among them, the second end of the second sub-extension portion opposite to the first end of the second sub-extension portion is connected to the second end of the fourth sub-extension portion opposite to the first end of the fourth sub-extension portion. Among them, the first sub-connection portion extends from the second end of the fourth sub-extension portion in the second diagonal direction and is connected to the first sub-extension portion, and Among them, the second sub-connection portion extends from the second end of the second sub-extension portion in the first diagonal direction and is connected to the third sub-extension portion.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein, The first sub-extension portion to the fourth sub-extension portion, and the first sub-connection portion and the second sub-connection portion are integrally formed with each other.

13. The display device according to claim 11, wherein, The first sub-extension portion and the second sub-extension portion extend to intersect some of the fourth branch portions among the multiple fourth branch portions of the third sub-touch sensing portion, and Among them, the third sub-extension portion and the fourth sub-extension portion extend to intersect some of the third branch portions among the multiple third branch portions of the third sub-touch sensing portion.

14. The display device according to claim 11, wherein, The multiple third branch portions of the third sub-touch sensing portion do not overlap with the first sub-extension portion, the second sub-extension portion, and the second sub-connection portion. Among them, the multiple fourth branch portions of the third sub-touch sensing portion do not overlap with the third sub-extension portion, the fourth sub-extension portion, and the first sub-connection portion, and Among them, the fourth sub-touch sensing portion has a structure that is substantially symmetric to the structure of the third sub-touch sensing portion.

15. The display device according to claim 11, wherein, The second extension portion includes a fifth sub-extension portion, a sixth sub-extension portion, a seventh sub-extension portion, an eighth sub-extension portion, a third sub-connection portion, and a fourth sub-connection portion, which respectively have structures that are symmetric to the first sub-extension portion, the second sub-extension portion, the third sub-extension portion, the fourth sub-extension portion, the first sub-connection portion, and the second sub-connection portion.

16. The display device according to claim 15, wherein The region of each of the first sub-extension portion to the eighth sub-extension portion close to the respective first end of the first sub-extension portion to the eighth sub-extension portion is respectively connected to one of the first sub-touch sensing portion and the second sub-touch sensing portion through a plurality of contact holes defined in the insulating layer.

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