Display device

Abstract

A display device is provided, including: a display unit including a display area, a transmissive portion surrounded by the display area, and a non-display area surrounding the display area; and a touch sensing unit having a transmissive area, a plurality of dummy portions overlapping the transmissive portion and surrounding the transmissive area, and a touch sensor area surrounding the plurality of dummy portions, and including a plurality of first touch electrodes and a plurality of second touch electrodes, the plurality of second touch electrodes being respectively between the plurality of first touch electrodes, connected in a first direction and spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the plurality of dummy portions includes a main dummy portion surrounding the transmissive area and at least one sub dummy portion surrounding the main dummy portion, and wherein an outermost sub dummy portion among the at least one sub dummy portion at an outermost position of the plurality of dummy portions includes a first cutout corresponding to a gap between adjacent first touch electrodes and second touch electrodes among the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0035759, filed on March 24, 2020, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a display device. Background Art

[0004] Electronic devices that provide images to users, such as smartphones, tablet PCs, digital cameras, laptops, navigation devices, and televisions (TVs), include display devices for displaying images. Such display devices include a display panel for generating and displaying images and various input components.

[0005] Recently, a touch sensing unit that recognizes touch input has been widely adopted as an input part of a display device for a smartphone or tablet PC. The touch sensing unit determines whether a user's touch input is received, and if any touch input is received, obtains the coordinates of the touch input position.

[0006] The touch sensing unit may include a first touch electrode electrically connected in a first direction, a second touch electrode electrically connected in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a first touch wire connected to the first touch electrode, and a second touch wire connected to the second touch electrode. Undesirable coupling may occur between the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode. As a result, the sensitivity of the touch sensing unit may deteriorate, or the touch sensing unit may otherwise not function. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Various aspects of the present disclosure provide a display device comprising a transmissive area surrounded by at least one first touch electrode and at least one second touch electrode, and a plurality of dummy portions surrounding the transmissive area, thereby reducing or preventing the possibility of undesired coupling between the at least one first touch electrode and the at least one second touch electrode by means of the plurality of dummy portions.

[0008] It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned aspects, and other aspects of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art through the following description.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a display unit including a display area having multiple pixels, a transmissive portion surrounded by the display area, and a non-display area surrounding the display area; and a touch sensing unit including a transmissive area overlapping with the transmissive portion, multiple dummy portions overlapping with the transmissive portion and surrounding the transmissive area, and a touch sensor area surrounding the multiple dummy portions, and the touch sensing unit includes multiple first touch electrodes and multiple second touch electrodes, the multiple first touch electrodes are arranged in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the multiple second touch electrodes are respectively connected in the first direction between the multiple first touch electrodes and spaced apart from each other in the second direction, wherein the multiple dummy portions include a main dummy portion surrounding the transmissive area and at least one sub-dummy portion surrounding the main dummy portion, and wherein the outermost sub-dummy portion at the outermost position of the multiple dummy portions in the at least one sub-dummy portion includes a first cutout, and the first cutout corresponds to a gap between adjacent first touch electrodes and second touch electrodes among the multiple first touch electrodes and the multiple second touch electrodes.

[0010] The first cutout may be adjacent to a gap between adjacent first and second touch electrodes.

[0011] The touch sensing unit may further include a base member supporting the plurality of dummy parts, wherein the plurality of dummy parts are at a layer between the base member and the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes.

[0012] The touch sensing unit may further include an electrode dummy portion between adjacent first and second touch electrodes.

[0013] The first cutout may be spaced apart from the electrode dummy portion, the electrode dummy portion being between the first cutout and one of the adjacent first and second touch electrodes.

[0014] The outermost sub-dummy portion may further include a plurality of second cutouts respectively corresponding to respective gaps between the electrode dummy portion and the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode directly facing the electrode dummy portion.

[0015] The touch sensing unit may further include a contact dummy portion surrounding the outermost sub-dummy portion and contacting a first touch electrode or a second touch electrode adjacent to the outermost sub-dummy portion among the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes.

[0016] In a plan view, a width of the contact dummy portion may be greater than a width of the outermost sub-dummy portion.

[0017] In a plan view, the contact dummy portion may include a seventh cutout overlapping a gap between adjacent first and second touch electrodes.

[0018] The touch sensing unit may further include an electrode dummy portion between adjacent first and second touch electrodes, wherein a portion of an outermost sub-dummy portion is surrounded by the contact dummy portion and another portion of the outermost sub-dummy portion is surrounded by the electrode dummy portion.

[0019] Both ends of the contact dummy portion may correspond to the plurality of second cutouts, respectively.

[0020] The at least one sub-dummy portion may include: a first sub-dummy portion surrounding the main dummy portion; a second sub-dummy portion surrounding the first sub-dummy portion; and a third sub-dummy portion as an outermost sub-dummy portion, surrounding the second sub-dummy portion and facing the adjacent first touch electrode and second touch electrode.

[0021] The second sub-dummy portion may include a third cutout adjacent to the first cutout.

[0022] The gaps between the adjacent first and second touch electrodes, the first and third cutouts may be aligned along an imaginary straight line.

[0023] The second sub-dummy portion may include a fourth cutout that overlaps a first axis extending in the first direction and passing through a center of the transmission area, or overlaps a second axis extending in the second direction and passing through a center of the transmission area.

[0024] The first sub-dummy portion may include a fifth cutout adjacent to the third cutout.

[0025] Gaps between adjacent first and second touch electrodes, the first cutout, the third cutout, and the fifth cutout may be aligned along an imaginary straight line.

[0026] The first sub-dummy portion may include a sixth cutout overlapping a third axis extending in a third direction between the first and second directions and passing through a center of the transmission area, or a fourth axis extending in a fourth direction between an opposite direction of the first direction and the second direction and passing through the center of the transmission area.

[0027] The touch sensing unit may include touch island electrodes between adjacent first touch electrodes in the second direction among the plurality of first touch electrodes; and connecting electrodes connecting adjacent first touch electrodes among the plurality of first touch electrodes with the touch island electrodes.

[0028] The touch island electrode may be in the same layer as the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes, wherein the connection electrode is in the same layer as the plurality of dummy portions.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a display unit including a display area having a plurality of pixels, a first non-display area surrounded by the display area, a transmissive portion surrounded by the first non-display area and having an open side, and a second non-display area surrounding the display area; and a touch sensing unit including a transmissive area overlapping with the transmissive portion, a plurality of dummy portions overlapping with the first non-display area and surrounding the transmissive area, and a touch sensor area surrounding the plurality of dummy portions, wherein the touch sensing unit includes a base member, a plurality of first touch electrodes, and a plurality of second touch electrodes, wherein the plurality of first touch electrodes are arranged on the base member in a first direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the plurality of second touch electrodes are connected in the first direction and spaced apart from each other in the second direction, wherein the plurality of dummy portions include a main dummy portion directly surrounding the transmissive area and at least one sub-dummy portion surrounding the main dummy portion, and wherein an outermost sub-dummy portion at an outermost position of the plurality of dummy portions among the at least one sub-dummy portion includes a cutout corresponding to a gap between adjacent first touch electrodes and second touch electrodes among the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes.

[0030] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a sub-dummy portion located at the outermost position of the dummy portion may include a cutout aligned with the gap between directly adjacent first and second touch electrodes among the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes. In this manner, even if unintended coupling occurs between the first or second touch electrode and the dummy portion, the dummy portion associated with the first and second touch electrodes is electrically insulated therefrom. As a result, unintended coupling between the first and second touch electrodes can be reduced or prevented, and the sensitivity and reliability of the touch sensing unit can be improved.

[0031] It should be noted that aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other aspects of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent by describing in detail embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 2 is a plan view illustrating a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 3A It is along Figure 2 An example of a cross-sectional view taken along line II'.

[0036] Figure 3B It is along Figure 2 Another example of a cross-sectional view taken along line II'.

[0037] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3A A plan view of the display unit shown in FIG.

[0038] Figure 5 It shows Figure 3A is a plan view of an example of a touch sensing unit shown in .

[0039] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Magnified view of area A1.

[0040] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 A sectional view taken along line II-II'.

[0041] Figure 8 It shows Figure 5 FIG1 is an enlarged plan view of an example of area A2.

[0042] Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 An example of a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III'.

[0043] Figure 10 It shows Figure 8 A view of the dummy portion and the contact dummy portion shown in FIG.

[0044] Figure 11 yes Figure 8 Magnified view of area A3.

[0045] Figure 12 It is along Figure 11 A sectional view taken along line IV-IV'.

[0046] Figure 13 Shown along Figure 8 Another example of a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III'.

[0047] Figure 14 It shows Figure 5 FIG. 1 is an enlarged plan view of another example of area A2.

[0048] Figure 15 It shows Figure 14 A view of the dummy portion and the contact dummy portion shown in FIG.

[0049] Figure 16 yes Figure 14 An enlarged plan view of area A4.

[0050] Figure 17 It is along Figure 16 A cross-sectional view taken along line V-V'.

[0051] Figure 18 It shows Figure 5 FIG. 1 is an enlarged plan view of yet another example of area A2.

[0052] Figure 19 It shows Figure 18 A view of the dummy portion and the contact dummy portion shown in FIG.

[0053] Figure 20 yes Figure 18 An enlarged plan view of area A5.

[0054] Figure 21 It is along Figure 20 A cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI'.

[0055] Figure 22 It shows Figure 3A 2 is a plan view of another example of a touch sensing unit shown in FIG.

[0056] Figure 23 yes Figure 22 An enlarged plan view of area A6.

[0057] Figure 24 It shows Figure 23 A view of the dummy portion and the contact dummy portion shown in FIG.

[0058] Figure 25 yes Figure 23 An enlarged plan view of area A7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments or implementations of the present invention. As used herein, "embodiment" and "implementation" are interchangeable words, which are non-limiting examples of devices or methods using one or more of the present inventions disclosed herein. However, it is apparent that various embodiments can be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other examples, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various embodiments. In addition, various embodiments can be different, but do not have to be exclusive. For example, without departing from the present invention, the specific shape, configuration and characteristics of the embodiment can be used or implemented in another embodiment.

[0060] Unless otherwise indicated, the embodiments shown are to be understood as providing exemplary features of varying details of some of the ways in which the inventive concept can be implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, the features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions and / or aspects of the various embodiments (hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as "elements") may be combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged in other ways without departing from the inventive concept.

[0061] The use of cross hatching and / or shading in the drawings is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. Thus, except for explanation, the presence or absence of cross hatching or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for specific materials, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalities between the elements shown and / or any other characteristics, attributes, properties, etc. of the elements. In addition, in the drawings, the size and relative sizes of the elements may be exaggerated for clarity and / or descriptive purposes. When the embodiments can be implemented differently, the specific processing order can be performed differently from the described order. For example, two consecutively described processes can be performed approximately simultaneously or in an order opposite to the described order. In addition, the same reference numerals represent the same elements.

[0062] When an element such as a layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to or directly coupled to another element or layer, or there can be an intermediate element or layer. However, when an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on" another element or layer, "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intermediate elements or layers. For this purpose, the term "connected" can refer to physical, electrical and / or fluid connections with or without intermediate elements. In addition, the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis are not limited to the three axes of a rectangular coordinate system, such as an x-axis, a y-axis and a z-axis, and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis can be perpendicular to each other, or can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other.

[0063] For the purposes of this disclosure, "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z" may be interpreted as only X, only Y, only Z, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as, for example, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0064] Although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe various types of elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0065] Spatially relative terms, such as "below," "beneath," "beneath," "lower," "above," "upper," "above," "higher," "side" (e.g., as in "sidewall"), etc., may be used herein for descriptive purposes and thereby describe the relationship of one element to another element(s) as shown in the accompanying drawings. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use, operation, and / or manufacture in addition to the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the drawings were turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both upper and lower orientations. Furthermore, the device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and therefore, the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0066] The wording used herein is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" as used herein are intended to include the plural forms as well. In addition, the terms "comprise," "comprising," "include," and / or "including," when used in this specification, specify the presence of the recited features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It should also be noted that, as used herein, the terms "substantially," "approximately," and other similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are therefore used to account for inherent deviations in measured, calculated, and / or provided values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0067] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional and / or exploded views that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments and / or intermediate structures. As such, variations from the illustrated shapes due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are to be expected. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not necessarily be construed as limited to the specific illustrated shapes of regions, but rather include deviations in shapes that result from, for example, manufacturing. In this manner, the regions illustrated in the figures may be schematic in nature, and the shapes of these regions may not reflect the actual shapes of the regions of the device and, therefore, are not necessarily intended to be limiting.

[0068] As is conventional in the art, some embodiments are described in terms of functional blocks, units and / or modules and shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that these blocks, units and / or modules are physically implemented by electronic (or optical) circuits such as logic circuits, discrete components, microprocessors, hard-wired circuits, memory elements, wiring connections, etc., which can be formed using semiconductor-based preparation techniques or other manufacturing techniques. In the case where blocks, units and / or modules are implemented by microprocessors or other similar hardware, they can be programmed and controlled using software (e.g., microcode) to perform the various functions discussed herein, and optionally, they can be driven by firmware and / or software. In addition, it is contemplated that each block, unit and / or module can be implemented by dedicated hardware, or can be implemented as a combination of dedicated hardware that performs certain functions and a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuits) that performs other functions. In addition, each block, unit and / or module of some embodiments can be physically separated into two or more interactive and discrete blocks, units and / or modules without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the blocks, units and / or modules of some embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks, units and / or modules without departing from the scope of the inventive concept.

[0069] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure is a part. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly rigid sense unless expressly defined as such herein.

[0070] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 is a plan view illustrating a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0071] As used herein, the terms “above,” “top,” and “upper surface” refer to the upper side of the display device, i.e., the side indicated by the arrow in the z-axis direction, and the terms “below,” “bottom,” and “lower surface” refer to the lower side of the display device, i.e., the opposite side in the z-axis direction. As used herein, the terms “left” side, “right” side, “upper” side, and “lower” side indicate relative positions when the display device is viewed from the top. For example, “left side” refers to the opposite side indicated by the arrow in the x-axis direction, “right side” refers to the side indicated by the arrow in the x-axis direction, “upper side” refers to the side indicated by the arrow in the y-axis direction, and “lower side” refers to the opposite side indicated by the arrow in the y-axis direction. In addition, in this specification, the phrase “on a plane” or “plan view” means viewing the target portion from the top, and the phrase “in section” means viewing a section formed by cutting the target portion vertically from the side.

[0072] Reference Figures 1 to 2 The display device 10 can be used to display moving images or still images. The display device 10 can be used as a display screen for portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, tablet PCs, smart watches, watch phones, mobile communication terminals, electronic notebooks, electronic books, portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigation devices, and ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs), as well as display screens for various products such as televisions, notebook computers, monitors, billboards, and products related to the Internet of Things (IoT).

[0073] When viewed from the top (for example, in a plan view), the display device 10 may have a rectangular shape. For example, when viewed from the top, the display device 10 may have a rectangular shape having short sides in a first direction (x-axis direction) and long sides in a second direction (y-axis direction). The corner where the short side in the first direction (x-axis direction) meets the long side in the second direction (y-axis direction) may be a substantially right angle, or may be rounded to have a curvature (for example, a predetermined curvature). The shape of the display device 10 when viewed from the top is not limited to a rectangular shape, but may be formed in another polygonal shape, a circular shape, or an elliptical shape. For example, the display device 10 may be formed flat, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For another example, the display device 10 may be formed to be bent (for example, bent with a predetermined curvature).

[0074] The display device 10 may include a display unit 100 , a display driver 200 , a display circuit board 300 , a touch driver 400 , a touch circuit board 410 , and a touch sensing unit 500 .

[0075] The display unit 100 may include a display area having pixels for displaying an image and a non-display area surrounding the display area. The display area of ​​the display unit 100 may emit light from a plurality of emission areas (or a plurality of opening areas). For example, the display unit 100 may include a pixel circuit such as a switching element, a pixel defining layer defining the emission area of ​​the display area, and a self-luminous element.

[0076] For example, the self-luminous element may include at least one of an organic light-emitting diode, a quantum dot light-emitting diode, an inorganic micro light-emitting diode (e.g., a micro-LED), and an inorganic nano light-emitting diode (e.g., a nano-LED). In the following description, the self-luminous element is an organic light-emitting diode as an example.

[0077] The non-display area of ​​the display unit 100 may include a display electrode pad located on one edge of the substrate. The display electrode pad may be electrically connected to the display circuit board 300. Figure 3A and Figure 4 The display unit 100 is described in detail.

[0078] The display driver 200 can output signals and voltages for driving the display unit 100. The display driver 200 can supply data voltages to the data lines. The display driver 200 can provide power supply voltages to the power lines and can supply scan control signals to the scan driver. The display driver 200 can be implemented as an integrated circuit (IC) and can be attached to the display unit 100 using chip-on-glass (COG) technology, chip-on-plastic (COP) technology, or ultrasonic bonding. For example, the display driver 200 can be attached to an exposed portion of the display unit 100 that is not covered by the touch sensing unit 500. For another example, the display driver 200 can be attached to the display circuit board 300.

[0079] The display circuit board 300 may be attached to the display electrode pads of the display unit 100 using an anisotropic conductive film (ACF). Accordingly, the leads of the display circuit board 300 may be electrically connected to the display electrode pads of the display unit 100. The display circuit board 300 may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), a printed circuit board (PCB), or a flexible film such as a chip on film (COF).

[0080] The touch driver 400 may be connected to the touch electrodes of the touch sensing unit 500. The touch driver 400 may apply a touch drive signal to the touch electrodes of the touch sensing unit 500 and may measure the capacitance of the touch electrodes. For example, the touch drive signal may include a drive pulse. The touch driver 400 may not only determine whether a touch has been input based on the capacitance of the touch electrodes, but may also calculate the touch coordinates of the location where the touch has been input. The touch driver 400 may be implemented as an integrated circuit (IC) and may be mounted on the touch circuit board 410.

[0081] The touch circuit board 410 may be attached to the touch electrode pads of the touch sensing unit 500 using an anisotropic conductive film. Accordingly, the leads of the touch circuit board 410 may be electrically connected to the touch electrode pads of the touch sensing unit 500. The touch circuit board 410 may be a flexible printed circuit board, a printed circuit board, or a flexible film such as a chip on film.

[0082] The touch sensing unit 500 may be located on the display unit 100. When viewed from the top, the touch sensing unit 500 may have a rectangular shape having a short side in a first direction (x-axis direction) and a long side in a second direction (y-axis direction). The corner where the short side in the first direction (x-axis direction) meets the long side in the second direction (y-axis direction) may be a right angle, or may be rounded (e.g., rounded with a predetermined curvature). For example, the shape of the touch sensing unit 500 when viewed from the top is not limited to a rectangular shape, but may be formed in other polygonal shapes, a circular shape, or an elliptical shape. When viewed from the top, the shape of the touch sensing unit 500 may be similar to that of the display unit 100.

[0083] The touch sensing unit 500 may be, but is not limited to, flat. The touch sensing unit 500 may include curved portions formed at its left and right ends. The curved portions may have a constant curvature or a variable curvature. In addition, the touch sensing unit 500 may be formed to be flexible so that it can be bent, folded, or rolled like the display unit 100.

[0084] The touch sensing unit 500 may include a touch electrode located in the touch sensor area and capable of detecting a user's touch, and may also include a touch electrode pad located in a touch peripheral area surrounding the touch sensor area. The touch electrode pad may be formed on the touch sensing unit 500 at one edge thereof to electrically connect to the touch circuit board 410.

[0085] Will refer to Figure 3A and Figure 5 The touch sensing unit 500 is described in detail. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The touch sensing unit 500 is a touch panel separated from the display unit 100 in the example shown in FIG, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0086] Figure 3A It is along Figure 2 An example of a cross-sectional view taken along line II'.

[0087] Reference Figure 3A , the display device 10 may include a display unit 100 , a touch sensing unit 500 , and a sealing member SEAL attaching the display unit 100 to the touch sensing unit 500 .

[0088] The display unit 100 may include a first substrate SUB1, a thin film transistor layer TFTL, and an emission material layer EML.

[0089] The first substrate SUB1 may be a base substrate or a base member and may be made of an insulating material such as a polymer resin. For example, the first substrate SUB1 may be a rigid substrate. For another example, the first substrate SUB1 may be a flexible substrate that can be bent, folded, or rolled. When the first substrate SUB1 is a flexible substrate, it may be made of, but is not limited to, polyimide (PI).

[0090] The thin film transistor layer TFTL may be located on the first substrate SUB1. The thin film transistor layer TFTL may include scan lines, data lines, power lines, scan control lines, data connection lines for connecting the display driver 200 with the data lines, pad connection lines for connecting the display driver 200 with the display electrode pads, and thin film transistors forming pixel circuits of pixels. Each of the thin film transistors may include a gate electrode, a semiconductor layer, a source electrode, and a drain electrode. Figure 4 As shown in , when the scan driver 110 is formed in the non-display area NDA of the display unit 100 , the scan driver 110 may include a thin film transistor.

[0091] The thin film transistor layer TFTL may be located in the display area DA (see Figure 4 ) and the non-display area NDA. For example, the thin film transistors in the pixels of the thin film transistor layer TFTL, the scan lines, the data lines, and the power lines may be located in the display area DA. The scan control lines, the data connection lines, and the pad connection lines of the thin film transistor layer TFTL may be located in the non-display area NDA.

[0092] The emission material layer (EML) may be located on the thin film transistor layer (TFTL). The emission material layer (EML) may include pixels, each of which includes a first electrode, an emission layer, and a second electrode sequentially stacked on top of each other to enable light emission, and a pixel-defining layer for defining the pixels. The pixels in the emission material layer (EML) may be located in the display area (DA).

[0093] For example, the emission layer may be an organic emission layer comprising an organic material. The emission layer may include a hole transport layer, an organic light-emitting layer, and an electron transport layer. When a cathode voltage is applied to the second electrode and a voltage is applied to the first electrode via the thin film transistor in the thin film transistor layer TFTL, holes and electrons may move to the organic light-emitting layer through the hole transport layer and the electron transport layer, respectively, so that they combine in the organic light-emitting layer to emit light. For example, the first electrode may be an anode, and the second electrode may be a cathode.

[0094] For example, an air gap VC may be formed between the display unit 100 and the touch sensing unit 500. The air gap VC may be formed between the display unit 100 and the touch sensing unit 500 during a process of attaching the display unit 100 to the touch sensing unit 500 through the sealing member SEAL.

[0095] For another example, a filling layer may be located between the display unit 100 and the touch sensing unit 500. During the process of attaching the display unit 100 to the touch sensing unit 500 by the sealing member SEAL, the filling layer may be injected between the display unit 100 and the touch sensing unit 500. The filling layer may be, but is not limited to, an epoxy resin filling film or a silicon filling film.

[0096] The touch sensing unit 500 may include a second substrate SUB2 and a touch sensor layer TSL.

[0097] The second substrate SUB2 may be a base substrate or a base member and may be made of an insulating material such as a polymer resin. For example, the second substrate SUB2 may be a rigid substrate. When the second substrate SUB2 is a rigid substrate, the second substrate SUB2 may include, but is not limited to, a glass material or a transparent metal material.

[0098] The touch sensor layer TSL may be located on the second substrate SUB2. The touch sensor layer TSL may include touch electrodes for sensing a user's touch through capacitive sensing, touch electrode pads, and touch signal lines for connecting the touch electrode pads to the touch electrodes. For example, the touch sensor layer TSL may sense a user's touch through self-capacitance sensing or mutual-capacitance sensing.

[0099] The touch electrodes of the touch sensor layer TSL may be located in a touch sensor area overlapping the display area DA of the display unit 100. The touch signal lines and touch electrode pads of the touch sensor layer TSL may be located in a touch peripheral area overlapping the non-display area NDA of the display unit 100.

[0100] For example, a polarizing film and a cover window may be additionally positioned on the touch sensor layer TSL. The polarizing film may be positioned on the touch sensor layer TSL, and the cover window may be positioned on the polarizing film through an adhesive member.

[0101] A sealing member SEAL may be interposed between the edge of the first substrate SUB1 and the edge of the second substrate SUB2 in the non-display area NDA. The sealing member SEAL may be disposed along the edge of the first substrate SUB1 and the edge of the second substrate SUB2 in the non-display area NDA to seal the air gap VC. The first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 may be coupled to each other via the sealing member SEAL. For example, the sealing member SEAL may be, but is not limited to, a glass frit adhesive layer, a UV-curable resin, or a thermosetting resin.

[0102] Figure 3B It is along Figure 2 Another example of a cross-sectional view taken along line II'. Figure 3B The display device can be omitted Figure 3A The second substrate SUB2 of the display device 10 further includes an encapsulation layer TFEL that encapsulates the display unit 100. In the following description, elements identical to those described above will be briefly described or will not be described.

[0103] Reference Figure 3B , the display device 10 may include a display unit 100 and a touch sensing unit 500 .

[0104] The display unit 100 may include a first substrate SUB1, a thin film transistor layer TFTL, an emission material layer EML, and an encapsulation layer TFEL.

[0105] The first substrate SUB1 may be a base substrate or a base member and may be made of an insulating material such as a polymer resin. The thin film transistor layer TFTL may be located on the first substrate SUB1. The emission material layer EML may be located on the thin film transistor layer TFTL.

[0106] The encapsulation layer TFEL may be located on the emission material layer EML to cover the plurality of light emitting elements. The encapsulation layer TFEL may prevent oxygen or moisture from penetrating into the light emitting elements.

[0107] The touch sensing unit 500 may be located on the encapsulation layer TFEL and may include a touch sensor layer TSL.

[0108] The touch sensor layer TSL may be located on the encapsulation layer TFEL. The touch sensor layer TSL may include touch electrodes for sensing a user's touch through capacitive sensing, touch electrode pads, and touch signal lines for connecting the touch electrode pads to the touch electrodes. For example, the touch sensor layer TSL may sense a user's touch through self-capacitance sensing or mutual capacitance sensing.

[0109] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3A A plan view of the display unit shown in FIG.

[0110] Reference Figure 4 The display unit 100 may include a display area DA in which pixels P are located to display an image and a non-display area NDA as a peripheral area of ​​the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may be defined as an area from the outside of the display area DA to the edge of the display unit 100.

[0111] Scan lines SL, data lines DL, power lines PL, and pixels P may be located in the display area DA. The scan lines SL may be arranged to extend in a first direction (x-axis direction), while the data lines DL may be arranged to extend in a second direction (y-axis direction) intersecting the first direction. The power lines PL may include at least one vertical line parallel to the data lines DL in the second direction and a plurality of horizontal lines branching from the at least one vertical line in the first direction.

[0112] Each of the pixels P can be connected to at least one scan line SL, a data line DL, and a power line PL. Each of the pixels P can include a thin film transistor including a drive transistor and at least one switching transistor, a light-emitting element, and a capacitor. When a scan signal is applied from the scan line SL, the corresponding pixel in the pixels P receives the data voltage of the data line DL and supplies a drive current to the light-emitting element according to the data voltage applied to the gate electrode, causing light to be emitted.

[0113] The display unit 100 may include a scan driver 110 , scan control lines SCL, data link lines DLL, and pad link lines located in the non-display area NDA.

[0114] The scan driver 110 may be connected to the display driver 200 through at least one scan control line SCL. The scan driver 110 may receive a scan control signal from the display driver 200. The scan driver 110 may generate a scan signal according to the scan control signal and may supply the scan signal to the scan line SL.

[0115] For example, the scan driver 110 may be formed in the non-display area NDA on one side (e.g., the outer side) of the display area DA. However, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For another example, the scan driver 110 may be formed in plurality in the non-display area NDA and may be located on both sides or on each outer side of the display area DA.

[0116] The display driver 200 can be connected to the display electrode pads DP of the display pad area DPA through display connection lines to receive digital video data and timing signals. The display driver 200 can convert the digital video data into analog positive / negative data voltages and supply them to the data lines DL through the data connection lines DLL. In addition, the display driver 200 can generate and supply a scan control signal for controlling the scan driver 110 through the scan control line SCL. The scan signal of the scan driver 110 can select the pixel P to be supplied with the data voltage, and the selected pixel P can receive the corresponding data voltage. The display driver 200 can be implemented as an integrated circuit (IC) and can be attached to the first substrate SUB1 by chip on glass (COG) technology, chip on plastic (COP) technology or ultrasonic bonding.

[0117] Figure 5 It shows Figure 3A is a plan view of an example of a touch sensing unit shown in .

[0118] Reference Figure 5 The touch sensing unit 500 may include a touch sensor area TSA for sensing a user's touch and a touch peripheral area TPA located around the touch sensor area TSA. The touch sensor area TSA may overlap with the display area DA of the display unit 100, and the touch peripheral area TPA may overlap with the non-display area NDA of the display unit 100.

[0119] The first touch electrodes TE and the second touch electrodes RE may be located in the touch sensor area TSA. The first touch electrodes TE and the second touch electrodes RE may be arranged so that they are spaced apart from each other (e.g., at an interval or distance). For example, the first touch electrodes TE may be arranged in a first direction (x-axis direction) and may extend in a second direction (y-axis direction). The second touch electrodes RE may be located between the first touch electrodes TE and may extend in the first direction (x-axis direction) while being spaced apart from each other in the second direction (y-axis direction). The first touch electrodes TE adjacent to each other in the second direction (y-axis direction) may be electrically connected to each other through touch island electrodes.

[0120] When viewed from the top, the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE may be formed to have a rhombus shape or a triangular shape. For example, when viewed from the top, the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE located on the edge of the touch sensor area TSA may be formed in a triangular shape, and when viewed from the top, the other first touch electrodes TE and the second touch electrodes RE may be formed in a rhombus shape. In addition, in order to prevent a moiré pattern caused by the first touch electrodes TE and the second touch electrodes RE when the user views an image on the display device 10, the first touch electrodes TE and the second touch electrodes RE may have curved sides when viewed from the top. For another example, the shape of the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE located in the touch sensor area TSA when viewed from the top is not limited to Figure 5 The shape shown in .

[0121] The first touch electrodes TE adjacent to each other in the second direction (y-axis direction) can be electrically connected to the touch island electrode via a connecting electrode. For example, a first touch electrode TE can be connected to a touch island electrode via a connecting electrode, and a touch island electrode can be connected to another first touch electrode TE via another connecting electrode. The connecting electrode is located on a different layer from the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE, and thus the possibility of a short circuit between the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE can be reduced or prevented at their intersection. As a result, the first touch electrodes TE electrically connected in the second direction (y-axis direction) can be insulated from the second touch electrodes RE electrically connected in the first direction (x-axis direction).

[0122] The first, second, and third touch signal lines TL1, TL2, and RL and the touch electrode pads TP may be located in the touch peripheral area TPA.

[0123] One end of each of the first touch signal lines TL1 may be connected to a corresponding one of the first touch electrodes TE on the first side of the touch sensor area TSA. The first side of the touch sensor area TSA may refer to one of the four sides of the touch sensor area TSA that is closest to the touch pad area TDA where the touch electrode pads TP are located. The other end of each of the first touch signal lines TL1 may be connected to some of the touch electrode pads TP in the touch pad area TDA. Accordingly, the first touch signal lines TL1 may respectively connect the first touch electrodes TE located on the first side of the touch sensor area TSA to some of the touch electrode pads TP in the touch pad area TDA.

[0124] One end of each of the second touch signal lines TL2 may be connected to a corresponding one of the first touch electrodes TE located on the second side of the touch sensor area TSA. The second side of the touch sensor area TSA may refer to a side opposite to the first side of the touch sensor area TSA and farthest from the touch pad area TDA. The other end of each of the second touch signal lines TL2 may be connected to the other touch electrode pads TP of the touch pad area TDA. For example, the second touch signal line TL2 may be connected to the first touch electrode TE located on the second side of the touch sensor area TSA, while at the same time on the first side and the fourth side (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2 ) of the touch sensor area TSA. Figure 5 Accordingly, the second touch signal line TL2 may connect the first touch electrode TE located on the second side of the touch sensor area TSA with other touch electrode pads TP of the touch pad area TDA, respectively.

[0125] One end of each of the third touch signal lines RL may be connected to a third side of the touch sensor area TSA (eg, as shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 5The third touch signal lines RL may be connected to a corresponding one of the second touch electrodes RE on the third side of the touch sensor area TSA (the right side shown in FIG). The third side of the touch sensor area TSA may refer to a side opposite to the fourth side of the touch sensor area TSA. The other end of each of the third touch signal lines RL may be connected to the other touch electrode pads TP of the touch pad area TDA. Accordingly, the third touch signal lines RL may respectively connect the second touch electrodes RE located on the third side of the touch sensor area TSA with the other touch electrode pads TP of the touch pad area TDA.

[0126] The touch electrode pads TP may be located on one side of the second substrate SUB2. The touch circuit board 410 may be attached to the touch electrode pads TP using an anisotropic conductive film. Accordingly, the touch electrode pads TP may be electrically connected to the touch circuit board 410.

[0127] The first touch electrodes TE and the second touch electrodes RE may be driven by mutual capacitance sensing or self capacitance sensing.

[0128] For example, when driving the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE using mutual capacitance sensing, a touch drive signal can be supplied to the first touch electrode TE via the first touch signal line TL1 and the second touch signal line TL2, respectively, thereby charging the mutual capacitance formed at the intersection of the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE. The touch driver 400 can measure the change in the charge of the mutual capacitance formed between the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE via the third touch signal line RL, and can determine whether a touch input is present based on the change in the charge of the mutual capacitance. The touch drive signal can include touch drive pulses.

[0129] For another example, when the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE are driven by self-capacitance sensing, the first touch signal line TL1, the second touch signal line TL2, and the third touch signal line RL can supply touch drive signals to the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE, thereby charging the self-capacitance of the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE. The touch driver 400 can measure the change in the charge amount of the self-capacitance through the first touch signal line TL1, the second touch signal line TL2, and the third touch signal line RL, and can determine whether there is a touch input based on the change in the charge amount of the self-capacitance.

[0130] In the following description, the touch driver 400 is driven by mutual capacitance sensing. In mutual capacitance sensing, a touch drive pulse is applied to the first touch electrode TE, and a change in the amount of charge of the mutual capacitance is measured through the third touch signal line RL connected to the second touch electrode RE. In mutual capacitance sensing, the first touch electrode TE can be used as a touch drive electrode, the second touch electrode RE can be used as a touch sensing electrode, the first touch signal line TL1 and the second touch signal line TL2 can be used as touch drive lines, and the third touch signal line RL can be used as a touch sensing line.

[0131] For example, the first to fourth protection lines GL1 , GL2 , GL3 , and GL4 and the first and second ground lines GRL1 and GRL2 may be located at the touch peripheral area TPA.

[0132] The first protection line GL1 may be arranged outside the outermost one of the third touch signal lines RL. The first ground line GRL1 may be located outside the first protection line GL1. Accordingly, the first protection line GL1 is located between the outermost one of the third touch signal lines RL and the first ground line GRL1, thereby reducing the impact of changes in the voltage of the first ground line GRL1 on the third touch signal line RL. One end of the first protection line GL1 and one end of the first ground line GRL1 may be connected to the rightmost touch electrode pad TP among the touch electrode pads TP, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0133] The second protection line GL2 may be located between the innermost of the third touch signal lines RL and the rightmost of the first touch signal lines TL1. Accordingly, the second protection line GL2 may reduce the mutual influence between the third touch signal line RL and the first touch signal line TL1. One end of the second protection line GL2 may be connected to the touch electrode pad TP.

[0134] The third protection line GL3 may be located between the leftmost of the first touch signal lines TL1 and the innermost of the second touch signal lines TL2. Accordingly, the third protection line GL3 may reduce the mutual influence between the first and second touch signal lines TL1 and TL2. One end of the third protection line GL3 may be connected to the touch electrode pad TP.

[0135] The fourth protection line GL4 may be arranged outside the outermost of the second touch signal lines TL2. The second ground line GRL2 may be located outside the fourth protection line GL4. Accordingly, the fourth protection line GL4 is located between the outermost of the second touch signal lines TL2 and the second ground line GRL2, thereby reducing the impact of changes in the voltage of the second ground line GRL2 on the second touch signal line TL2. One end of the fourth protection line GL4 and one end of the second ground line GRL2 may be connected to the touch electrode pad TP, which is the leftmost touch electrode pad TP.

[0136] The first ground line GRL1 may be located at the outermost position on the right side of the touch sensing unit 500, and the second ground line GRL2 may be located at the outermost position on the lower side, left side, and upper side of the touch sensing unit 500. The first ground line GRL1 and the second ground line GRL2 may receive a ground voltage. Therefore, when static electricity is applied from the outside, the static electricity may be discharged to the first ground line GRL1 and the second ground line GRL2.

[0137] For example, when the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE are driven by mutual capacitance, the first to fourth protection lines GL1 , GL2 , GL3 , and GL4 may receive a ground voltage.

[0138] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An enlarged view of area A1, and Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 A sectional view taken along line II-II'.

[0139] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the first substrate SUB1 may be a base substrate or a base member, and may be made of an insulating material such as a polymer resin.

[0140] The buffer layer BF may be located on the first substrate SUB1. The buffer layer BF may be formed of an inorganic film that can reduce or prevent the permeation of air or moisture. For example, the buffer layer BF may include a plurality of inorganic films stacked alternately. The buffer layer BF may be formed of, but is not limited to, a multilayer structure in which one or more inorganic layers selected from silicon nitride layers, silicon oxynitride layers, silicon oxide layers, titanium oxide layers, and aluminum oxide layers are stacked alternately.

[0141] The thin film transistor layer TFTL may include a thin film transistor TFT, a gate insulating layer GI, an interlayer dielectric layer ILD, a passivation layer PAS, and a planarization layer OC.

[0142] The thin film transistor TFT may be located on the buffer layer BF and may form a pixel circuit or a portion thereof for each of the plurality of pixels P. For example, the thin film transistor TFT may be a driving transistor or a switching transistor of the pixel circuit. The thin film transistor TFT may include a semiconductor layer ACT, a gate electrode GE, a source electrode SE, and a drain electrode DE.

[0143] The semiconductor layer ACT may be located on the buffer layer BF. The semiconductor layer ACT may overlap the gate electrode GE, the source electrode SE, and the drain electrode DE. The semiconductor layer ACT may directly contact the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE and may face the gate electrode GE with the gate insulating layer GI interposed therebetween.

[0144] The gate electrode GE may be positioned on the gate insulating layer GI. The gate electrode GE may overlap the semiconductor layer ACT with the gate insulating layer GI interposed therebetween.

[0145] The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE are located on the interlayer dielectric layer ILD so that they are spaced apart from each other. The source electrode SE can contact one end of the semiconductor layer ACT through a contact hole formed in the gate insulating layer GI and the interlayer dielectric layer ILD. The drain electrode DE can contact the other end of the semiconductor layer ACT through another contact hole formed in the gate insulating layer GI and the interlayer dielectric layer ILD. The drain electrode DE can be connected to the first electrode AND of the light-emitting element EL through a contact hole formed in the passivation layer PAS and the planarization layer OC.

[0146] The gate insulating layer GI may be located on the semiconductor layer ACT. For example, the gate insulating layer GI may be located on the semiconductor layer ACT and the buffer layer BF and may insulate the semiconductor layer ACT from the gate electrode GE. The gate insulating layer GI may include contact holes through which the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE pass, respectively.

[0147] The interlayer dielectric layer ILD may be located on the gate electrode GE. For example, the interlayer dielectric layer ILD may include a contact hole through which the source electrode SE passes and a contact hole through which the drain electrode DE passes. The contact holes of the interlayer dielectric layer ILD may be connected to the contact holes of the gate insulating layer GI, respectively.

[0148] The passivation layer PAS may be located on the thin film transistor TFT to protect the thin film transistor TFT. For example, the passivation layer PAS may include a contact hole through which the first electrode AND passes.

[0149] For another example, the passivation layer PAS may be omitted from the display device 10. In this case, the planarization layer OC may be positioned on the thin film transistor TFT to provide a flat surface over the thin film transistor TFT.

[0150] The planarization layer OC may be located on the passivation layer PAS to provide a flat surface above the thin film transistor TFT. For example, the planarization layer OC may include a contact hole through which the first electrode AND of the light emitting element EL passes. The contact hole of the planarization layer OC may be connected to the contact hole of the passivation layer PAS.

[0151] The light emitting element EL may be located on the thin film transistor TFT and may include a first electrode AND, an emission layer E, and a second electrode CAT.

[0152] The first electrode AND may be located on the planarization layer OC. For example, the first electrode AND may be disposed to overlap with an emission region or an opening region defined by the pixel defining layer. The first electrode AND may be connected to the drain electrode DE of the thin film transistor TFT.

[0153] The emission layer E may be located on the first electrode AND. The emission layer E may include a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, a light receiving layer, an electron blocking layer, an electron transport layer, an electron injection layer, and the like. For example, the emission layer E may be, but is not limited to, an organic emission layer made of an organic material. If the emission layer E is an organic emission layer, when the thin film transistor TFT applies a voltage (e.g., a predetermined voltage) to the first electrode AND of the light emitting element EL, and when the second electrode CAT of the light emitting element EL receives a common voltage or a cathode voltage, holes and electrons may move to the organic emission layer E through the hole transport layer and the electron transport layer, respectively, and they combine in the organic emission layer E to emit light.

[0154] The second electrode CAT may be located on the emission layer E. For example, the second electrode CAT may be implemented as an electrode common to all pixels P, as opposed to being provided as a separate electrode for each of the pixels P. The second electrode CAT may be located on the emission layer E in the emission region, and may be located on the pixel defining layer in a region other than the emission region.

[0155] The pixel defining layer may define an emission region or an opening region. The pixel defining layer may separate and insulate a first electrode AND of one of the plurality of light emitting elements EL from a first electrode AND of another of the plurality of light emitting elements EL.

[0156] The second substrate SUB2 may be positioned on the display unit 100. The second substrate SUB2 may be a base substrate and may be made of an insulating material such as a polymer resin. The second substrate SUB2 may reduce or prevent oxygen or moisture from penetrating into the light emitting element EL.

[0157] The touch sensor layer TSL may be positioned on the second substrate SUB2 and may include first and second touch electrodes TE and RE, touch island electrodes TEI, connecting electrodes CE, and first and second insulating layers IL1 and IL2.

[0158] The connection electrodes CE may be located on the second substrate SUB2. Each of the connection electrodes CE may connect the corresponding first touch electrode TE with the corresponding touch island electrode TE1. For example, one end of each of the connection electrodes CE may be connected to the corresponding first touch electrode TE, and the other end thereof may be connected to the corresponding touch island electrode TE1.

[0159] The connection electrode CE may be formed as an opaque metal conductive layer. For example, the connection electrode CE may be made of a single layer or multiple layers of one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu), or an alloy thereof. For example, the connection electrode CE does not overlap with the emission area of ​​the pixel P so as not to reduce the aperture ratio of the pixel P. However, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to this. The touch island electrode TEI may be located between the first touch electrodes TE adjacent to each other in the second direction (y-axis direction) to reduce the length of the connection electrode CE.

[0160] The first insulating layer IL1 may cover the connection electrode CE and the second substrate SUB2. For example, the first insulating layer IL1 may be formed of an inorganic layer (eg, a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer).

[0161] The first touch electrode TE, the touch island electrode TEI, and the second touch electrode RE may be located on the first insulating layer IL1. The first touch electrode TE may be connected to the connection electrode CE via a first contact hole CNT1 passing through the first insulating layer IL1, and the connection electrode CE may be connected to the touch island electrode TEI via a second contact hole CNT2 passing through the first insulating layer IL1. Accordingly, the connection electrode CE may electrically connect the first touch electrode TE and the touch island electrode TEI. Accordingly, the first touch electrodes TE, which are spaced apart from each other in the second direction (y-axis direction) with the second touch electrode RE interposed therebetween, may be electrically connected via the connection electrode CE and the touch island electrode TEI.

[0162] For example, the first touch electrode TE, the touch island electrode TEI, and the second touch electrode RE may be made of a light-transmitting transparent metal oxide (TCO) such as ITO and IZO. Accordingly, even if the first touch electrode TE, the touch island electrode TEI, and the second touch electrode RE overlap with the pixel P, the aperture ratio of the pixel P is not reduced.

[0163] The second insulating layer IL2 may cover the first touch electrode TE, the touch island electrode TE1, and the second touch electrode RE. For example, the second insulating layer IL2 may be formed of an inorganic layer (eg, a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer).

[0164] Figure 8 It shows Figure 5 An enlarged plan view of an example of area A2, Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 An example of a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III', Figure 10 It shows Figure 8 The view of the dummy portion and the contact dummy portion shown in, Figure 11 yes Figure 8 is an enlarged plan view of area A3, and Figure 12 It is along Figure 11 A sectional view taken along line IV-IV'.

[0165] Reference Figures 8 to 12 The display unit 100 may include a display area DA and a transmission portion TU (see Figure 9 ).

[0166] The display area DA may include a plurality of pixels P. Each of the pixels P may be connected to at least one scan line SL, a data line DL, and a power line PL. Each of the pixels P may include a thin film transistor including a drive transistor and at least one switching transistor, a light-emitting element, and a capacitor. When a scan signal is applied from the scan line SL, a corresponding pixel in the pixels P receives a data voltage from the corresponding data line DL and supplies a drive current to the light-emitting element according to the data voltage applied to the gate electrode, causing the light-emitting element to emit light.

[0167] When viewed from the top, the transmission portion TU of the display unit 100 may be surrounded by the display area DA. The transmission portion TU may include a transparent material and may allow transmission of light entering and exiting the sensor module SM.

[0168] The touch sensor layer TSL of the touch sensing unit 500 may include a first touch electrode TE, a second touch electrode RE, an electrode dummy part EDM, a transmissive area TA, a dummy part DM, and a contact dummy part CDM.

[0169] The electrode dummy portion EDM may be located between the corresponding first touch electrode TE and the corresponding second touch electrode RE to prevent a short circuit between the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE and reduce the basic capacitance of the touch sensor layer TSL. For example, if the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE are spaced apart from each other (e.g., at a minimum distance) and face each other, the basic capacitance may increase and touch sensitivity may degrade. The electrode dummy portion EDM may be located on a different layer from the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE, but may not overlap with the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE in the z-axis direction (e.g., a fifth direction substantially perpendicular to each of the first and second directions). Accordingly, the electrode dummy portion EDM can control the spacing distance between the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE and accurately detect changes in the charge amount of the mutual capacitance by adjusting the basic capacitance of the touch sensor layer TSL. The electrode dummy portion EDM may be located between the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE to improve the touch sensitivity of the touch sensing unit 500.

[0170] For example, when the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE have a diamond shape when viewed from the top, the electrode dummy portion EDM may be located between the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE. In this case, the electrode dummy portion EDM may extend between adjacent corresponding ones of the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE in a third direction (e.g., an oblique direction in a plan view) between the first direction (x-axis direction) and the second direction (y-axis direction), in a direction opposite to the third direction, in a fourth direction (e.g., an oblique direction different from the third direction in a plan view) between the direction opposite to the first direction (x-axis direction) and the second direction (y-axis direction), or in a direction opposite to the fourth direction. The electrode dummy portion EDM may be positioned so as not to be located between first touch electrodes TE adjacent to each other in the second direction (y-axis direction). Alternatively, the electrode dummy portion EDM may be disposed away from the region of the first touch electrode TE adjacent to the touch island electrode TEI. Accordingly, the first touch electrodes TE adjacent to each other in the first direction (x-axis direction) may be spaced apart from each other by a distance equal to the area of ​​the electrode dummy portion EDM and may be insulated from each other. Similarly, the second touch electrodes RE adjacent to each other in the second direction (y-axis direction) may be spaced apart from each other by a distance equal to the area of ​​the electrode dummy portion EDM and may be insulated from each other.

[0171] For example, the electrode dummy portion EDM may be floating and may not receive a voltage. However, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. As another example, the electrode dummy portion EDM may receive a voltage that does not substantially affect the capacitance of the touch sensor layer TSL. Since the touch sensing unit 500 includes the electrode dummy portion EDM, it is possible to sensitively measure changes in the charge amount of the mutual capacitance between the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE.

[0172] The electrode dummy portion EDM may be located on the second substrate SUB2 and may be covered by the first insulating layer IL1. The electrode dummy portion EDM may be located on a different layer from the first touch electrodes TE and the second touch electrodes RE, but may not overlap with the first touch electrodes TE and the second touch electrodes RE in the z-axis direction. The electrode dummy portion EDM may be formed as, but is not limited to, an opaque metal conductive layer.

[0173] The transmissive area TA of the touch sensing unit 500 may be surrounded by at least one of the first touch electrodes TE and at least one of the second touch electrodes RE in the touch sensor area TSA. For example, the transmissive area TA may overlap with the transmissive portion TU of the display unit 100.

[0174] For example, when viewed from the top, the transmissive area TA may have, but is not limited to, a circular shape. As another example, the transmissive area TA may have a polygonal column shape or an amorphous column shape. In this case, when viewed from the top, the transmissive area TA may have a polygonal shape including a quadrilateral or an amorphous shape.

[0175] The display unit 100 may include a camera module or sensor module SM aligned or aligned with the transmissive area TA. The camera module or sensor module SM may be located below the display unit 100 (e.g., on the back of the display unit 100). For example, the sensor module SM may include at least one of an illumination sensor, a proximity sensor, an infrared sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor. Accordingly, the display device 10 includes a transmissive portion TU surrounded by the display area DA, a transmissive area TA overlapping the transmissive portion TU, and a camera module or sensor module SM overlapping the transmissive area TA. Therefore, compared to other display devices in which the camera module or sensor module is located to one side of the non-display area, the dead zone can be reduced. In addition, since the camera module or sensor module SM overlaps the transmissive area TA, the thickness of the display device 10 can be reduced.

[0176] The dummy portion DM may overlap the transmissive portion TU of the display unit 100 to surround the transmissive area TA and may be insulated from the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE. The portion of the transmissive portion TU of the display unit 100 that overlaps with the dummy portion DM may fall within the non-display area. The dummy portion DM may remove external noise that passes through the transmissive area TA and reduce or prevent coupling between the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE. For example, signals transmitted or received by the camera module or sensor module SM may be transmitted through the transmissive area TA, and such signals may affect the capacitance between the first touch electrode TE or the second touch electrode RE. Signals transmitted through the transmissive area TA may induce noise in the touch sensor layer TSL. To prevent such noise, the dummy portion DM surrounds the transmissive area TA, thereby separating the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE from the transmissive area TA.

[0177] The dummy portion DM, like the electrode dummy portion EDM, can control the capacitance of the touch sensor layer TSL and reduce or prevent coupling between the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE. For example, the dummy portion DM may be located on a different layer from the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE, but may not overlap with the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE in the z-axis direction. Accordingly, the dummy portion DM can adjust the basic capacitance of the touch sensor layer TSL and improve the touch sensitivity of the touch sensing unit 500.

[0178] For example, the dummy portion DM may be floating and may not receive a voltage. However, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. As another example, the dummy portion DM may receive a voltage that does not substantially affect the capacitance of the touch sensor layer TSL. Since the touch sensing unit 500 includes the dummy portion DM, it is possible to sensitively measure changes in the charge amount of the mutual capacitance between the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE.

[0179] The dummy portion DM may include a main dummy portion MDM directly surrounding the transmissive area TA and at least one sub-dummy portion surrounding the main dummy portion MDM. For example, the dummy portion DM may include the main dummy portion MDM and a first sub-dummy portion (first subsidiary dummy / sub-dummy) DM1, a second sub-dummy portion DM2, and a third sub-dummy portion DM3. It should be noted that the number of sub-dummy portions is not limited to three.

[0180] The main dummy portion MDM directly surrounds the transmissive area TA, thereby blocking external noise from passing through the transmissive area TA. For example, the main dummy portion MDM may have a ring-shaped shape in plan view, with a thickness (e.g., a predetermined thickness). When viewed from the top, the thickness of the main dummy portion MDM may be greater than the sum of the thicknesses of the first sub-dummy portion DM1, the second sub-dummy portion DM2, and the third sub-dummy portion DM3. Therefore, the main dummy portion MDM has a thickness (e.g., a predetermined thickness) that effectively reduces or eliminates external noise from passing through the transmissive area TA.

[0181] The first sub-dummy portion DM1 may surround the main dummy portion MDM, the second sub-dummy portion DM2 may surround the first sub-dummy portion DM1, and the third sub-dummy portion DM3 may surround the second sub-dummy portion DM2. The third sub-dummy portion DM3 may be the outermost sub-dummy portion located at the outermost position of the dummy portion DM (e.g., at the outermost position of the sub-dummy portion). At least one of the first touch electrodes TE and at least one of the second touch electrodes RE may be partially removed depending on the position of the transmissive area TA and the dummy portion DM, and may directly face each other. Furthermore, when viewed from the top / in a plan view, the third sub-dummy portion DM3 may directly face the partially removed first and second touch electrodes.

[0182] The first sub-dummy portion DM1 may include a (1-1) cutout CUT11 and a (1-2) cutout CUT12 that overlap with a first axis Axis1 extending through the center CP of the transmissive area TA in a first direction (x-axis direction). The first sub-dummy portion DM1 may include a (1-3) cutout CUT13 and a (1-4) cutout CUT14 that overlap with a second axis Axis2 extending through the center CP of the transmissive area TA in a second direction (y-axis direction). Since the first sub-dummy portion DM1 includes the (1-1) cutout CUT11, the (1-2) cutout CUT12, the (1-3) cutout CUT13, and the (1-4) cutout CUT14, coupling through the first sub-dummy portion DM1 can be reduced or prevented.

[0183] The second sub-dummy portion DM2 may include a (2-1) cutout CUT21 and a (2-2) cutout CUT22 that overlap with a third axis Axis3 extending in a third direction between the first direction (x-axis direction) and the second direction (y-axis direction) and passing through the center CP of the transmissive area TA. The second sub-dummy portion DM2 may include a (2-3) cutout CUT23 and a (2-4) cutout CUT24 that overlap with a fourth axis Axis4 extending in a fourth direction between the opposite direction of the first direction (x-axis direction) and the second direction (y-axis direction) and passing through the center CP of the transmissive area TA. Since the second sub-dummy portion DM2 includes the (2-1) cutout CUT21, the (2-2) cutout CUT22, the (2-3) cutout CUT23, and the (2-4) cutout CUT24, coupling through the second sub-dummy portion DM2 can be reduced or prevented.

[0184] The third sub-dummy portion DM3 may include a (3-1) cutout CUT31 corresponding to the gap between the directly adjacent first touch electrode TE and second touch electrode RE among the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE. The (3-1) cutout CUT31 may be formed by cutting the third sub-dummy portion DM3 so that its size is equal to the gap between the directly adjacent first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE. Therefore, both ends of the third sub-dummy portion DM3 at the (3-1) cutout CUT31 may be insulated from each other.

[0185] The third sub-dummy portion DM3 may not overlap with the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE in the z-axis direction. For example, if an error occurs during the patterning process of the first touch electrode TE, the second touch electrode RE, and the dummy portion DM, the directly adjacent first touch electrode TE and the third sub-dummy portion DM3 may partially overlap or be too close to each other, and / or the directly adjacent second touch electrode RE and the third sub-dummy portion DM3 may partially overlap or be too close to each other. If this occurs, coupling may occur between the directly adjacent first touch electrode TE and the third sub-dummy portion DM3, or between the directly adjacent second touch electrode RE and the third sub-dummy portion DM3. If the portion of the third sub-dummy portion DM3 coupled to the first touch electrode TE and the other portion of the third sub-dummy portion DM3 coupled to the second touch electrode RE are not insulated from each other, undesirable coupling may occur between the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE, potentially degrading the sensitivity of the touch sensing unit 500 or even causing the touch sensing unit 500 to fail to function. In this regard, since the third sub-dummy part DM3 includes the (3-1) cutout CUT31, a portion of the third sub-dummy part DM3 that directly faces (e.g., is most adjacent to or closest to) the first touch electrode TE can be insulated from another portion of the third sub-dummy part DM3 that directly faces the second touch electrode RE. Since the third sub-dummy part DM3 includes the (3-1) cutout CUT31, the possibility of coupling between the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE can be reduced or eliminated.

[0186] For example, the (3-1) cutout CUT31 of the third sub-dummy portion DM3 may be located at the shortest distance from the gap between the directly adjacent first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode TE (for example, it may be set to be directly adjacent to the gap between the directly adjacent first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode TE). The length of the (3-1) cutout CUT31 may be greater than the corresponding size of the gap between the directly adjacent first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE. However, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to this. The imaginary straight line connecting the gap between the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE and the (3-1) cutout CUT31 of the third sub-dummy portion DM3 may pass through the center CP of the transmissive area TA. However, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to this. The design of the (3-1) cutout CUT31 of the third sub-dummy portion DM3 can be changed in various ways, as long as the portion of the third sub-dummy portion DM3 that directly faces the first touch electrode TE can be insulated from another portion of the third sub-dummy portion DM3 that directly faces the second touch electrode RE.

[0187] The outermost sub-dummy portion DM3 located at the outermost position of the dummy portion DM may further include a (3-2) cutout CUT32 and a (3-3) cutout CUT33 corresponding to gaps between the adjacent electrode dummy portion EDM and corresponding touch electrodes of the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE, respectively. Figure 8 In the embodiment of the present invention, the lower right side of the dummy portion DM may uniformly and directly face the electrode dummy portion EDM. The first touch electrode TE may be spaced apart from the second touch electrode RE by a distance equal to the distance between the dummy portion DM and the electrode dummy portion EDM in the region where the dummy portion DM and the electrode dummy portion EDM directly face each other. A portion of the third sub-dummy portion DM3 may be partially surrounded by the first touch electrode TE and / or the second touch electrode RE, and another portion of the third sub-dummy portion DM3 may be partially surrounded by the electrode dummy portion EDM. Alternatively, a portion of the third sub-dummy portion DM3 may be surrounded by the contact dummy portion CDM, and another portion of the third sub-dummy portion DM3 may be surrounded by the electrode dummy portion EDM. Therefore, the (3-2) cutout CUT32 of the third sub-dummy portion DM3 may be located between the first touch electrode TE and the electrode dummy portion EDM that directly face each other, and the (3-3) cutout CUT33 may be located between the second touch electrode RE and the electrode dummy portion EDM that directly face each other. Because the third sub-dummy portion DM3 includes the (3-2) cutout CUT32 and the (3-3) cutout CUT33, a portion of the third sub-dummy portion DM3 that directly faces the first touch electrode TE can be insulated from another portion of the third sub-dummy portion DM3 that directly faces the second touch electrode RE. Because the third sub-dummy portion DM3 includes the (3-2) cutout CUT32 and the (3-3) cutout CUT33, the possibility of coupling between the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE can be reduced or completely eliminated. The dummy portion DM may be located on the second substrate SUB2 and may be covered by the first insulating layer IL1. The dummy portion DM may be located on a different layer from the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE, but may not overlap with the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE in the z-axis direction. The dummy portion DM may be formed as, but is not limited to, an opaque metallic conductive layer.

[0188] The contact dummy portion CDM may partially or substantially surround the sub-dummy portion DM3, which is the outermost sub-dummy portion located at the outermost position of the dummy portion DM. The contact dummy portion CDM may contact the first touch electrode TE or the second touch electrode RE directly facing the sub-dummy portion DM3. Depending on the position of the transmissive area TA and the dummy portion DM, at least one of the first touch electrodes TE and at least one of the second touch electrodes RE may be partially removed. The partially removed first touch electrode TE or second touch electrode RE may directly face the third sub-dummy portion DM3. The area of ​​the partially removed first touch electrode TE or second touch electrode RE may be smaller than that of the other first touch electrodes TE or second touch electrodes RE. The internal resistance of the partially removed first touch electrode TE or second touch electrode RE may be lower than that of the other electrodes. In this regard, the first touch electrode TE or second touch electrode RE directly facing the third sub-dummy portion DM3 may be electrically connected to the contact dummy portion CDM, thereby increasing the internal resistance. The shape and size of the contact dummy portion CDM may be designed to compensate for the reduced internal resistance. Accordingly, as the amount of the portion removed from the first touch electrode TE or the second touch electrode RE increases, the shape or size of the contact dummy portion CDM may increase. The internal resistance of the partially removed first touch electrode TE or the second touch electrode RE connected to the contact dummy portion CDM may be equal to the internal resistance of the other first touch electrode TE or the second touch electrode RE when not partially removed.

[0189] For example, the width of the contact dummy portion CDM may be greater than the width of the sub-dummy portion DM3 located at the outermost position of the dummy portion DM. It should be noted that the width of the contact dummy portion CDM in a plan view may vary depending on the design of the transmission area TA, the first touch electrode TE, and the second touch electrode RE, and is not limited to the above description.

[0190] When viewed from the top, the contact dummy portion CDM may include a (4-1) cutout CUT41 that overlaps the gap between the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE. A portion of the contact dummy portion CDM may be connected to the first touch electrode TE of the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE that directly face each other, and another portion of the contact dummy portion CDM may be connected to the second touch electrode RE of the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE that directly face each other. Because the contact dummy portion CDM includes the (4-1) cutout CUT41, coupling between the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE can be prevented. For example, the (4-1) cutout CUT41 of the contact dummy portion CDM may be located at the shortest distance from the (3-1) cutout CUT31 of the third sub-dummy portion DM3, or directly adjacent to the (3-1) cutout CUT31 of the third sub-dummy portion DM3. The length of the (3-1) cutout CUT31 may be greater than the length of the (4-1) cutout CUT41 of the contact dummy portion CDM. However, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to this. An imaginary straight line connecting the (4-1) cutout CUT41 of the contact dummy portion CDM and the (3-1) cutout CUT31 of the third sub-dummy portion DM3 may pass through the center CP of the transmissive area TA. However, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0191] The contact dummy portion CDM may be removed from a region where the dummy portion DM and the electrode dummy portion EDM directly face each other. Figure 8 In the embodiment of the present invention, the lower right side of the dummy portion DM may directly face the electrode dummy portion EDM. In this case, one end of the contact dummy portion CDM may be located between the first touch electrode TE and the electrode dummy portion EDM that are directly facing each other, and the other end of the contact dummy portion CDM may be located between the second touch electrode RE and the electrode dummy portion EDM that are directly facing each other. One end CDMa of the contact dummy portion CDM may be set to be aligned with the (3-2) cutout CUT32 of the third sub-dummy portion DM3, and the other end CDMb of the contact dummy portion CDM may be set to be aligned with the (3-3) cutout CUT33 of the third sub-dummy portion DM3. Since the ends CDMa and CDMb of the contact dummy portion CDM are respectively set to be aligned with the (3-2) cutout CUT32 and the (3-3) cutout CUT33, the possibility of coupling between the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE (for example, coupling that may have existed due to the presence of the contact dummy portion CDM) can be eliminated.

[0192] The contact dummy portion CDM may be located on the second substrate SUB2 and may be covered by the first insulating layer IL1. For example, the contact dummy portion CDM may be connected to the first touch electrode TE or the second touch electrode RE via a contact hole passing through the first insulating layer IL1. The contact dummy portion CDM may be formed of, but is not limited to, an opaque metal conductive layer.

[0193] Figure 13 Shown along Figure 8 In addition to the configuration of the transmission part TU, Figure 13 Display device and Figure 9 The display devices are substantially the same, and therefore, redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0194] Reference Figure 13 The display unit 100 may further include a non-display area NDA surrounded by the display area DA and a transmissive portion TU surrounded by the non-display area NDA. The transmissive portion TU of the display unit 100 may overlap with the transmissive area TA of the touch sensing unit 500. The non-display area NDA surrounding the transmissive portion TU of the display unit 100 may overlap with the dummy portion DM of the touch sensing unit 500. The transmissive portion TU may be formed by removing a portion of the display unit 100 corresponding to the transmissive area TA of the touch sensing unit 500. For example, the transmissive portion TU may be formed by removing portions of the first substrate SUB1, the thin-film transistor layer TFTL, and the emissive material layer EML that originally fell within the transmissive area TA. The transmissive portion TU may accommodate at least a portion of the camera module or sensor module SM. Accordingly, the display device 10 can improve the sensitivity of the camera module or sensor module SM by reducing the number of layers overlapping with the camera module or sensor module SM.

[0195] Figure 14 It shows Figure 5 An enlarged plan view of another example of area A2, Figure 15 It shows Figure 14 The view of the dummy portion and the contact dummy portion shown in, Figure 16 yes Figure 14 is an enlarged plan view of area A4, and Figure 17 It is along Figure 16 In addition to the touch sensing unit 500 further including the (2-5) cutout CUT25, Figures 14 to 17 The touch sensing unit 500 and Figures 8 to 12 The touch sensing unit 500 shown in FIG. 5 is substantially the same, and thus, a redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0196] Reference Figures 14 to 17 , the touch sensor layer TSL may include a first touch electrode TE, a second touch electrode RE, an electrode dummy part EDM, a transmission area TA, a dummy part DM, and a contact dummy part CDM.

[0197] The dummy portion DM may include a main dummy portion MDM directly surrounding the transmissive area TA and at least one sub-dummy portion surrounding the main dummy portion MDM. For example, the dummy portion DM may include the main dummy portion MDM and a first sub-dummy portion DM1, a second sub-dummy portion DM2, and a third sub-dummy portion DM3. It should be noted that the number of sub-dummy portions is not limited to three.

[0198] The main dummy portion MDM directly surrounds the transmissive area TA, thereby blocking external noise from passing through the transmissive area TA. For example, when viewed from the top, the main dummy portion MDM may have a ring shape with a predetermined thickness. When viewed from the top, the thickness of the main dummy portion MDM may be greater than the sum of the thicknesses of the first sub-dummy portion DM1, the second sub-dummy portion DM2, and the third sub-dummy portion DM3. Therefore, the main dummy portion MDM has a predetermined thickness, effectively removing external noise from passing through the transmissive area TA.

[0199] The first sub-dummy portion DM1 may surround the main dummy portion MDM, the second sub-dummy portion DM2 may surround the first sub-dummy portion DM1, and the third sub-dummy portion DM3 may surround the second sub-dummy portion DM2. The third sub-dummy portion DM3 may be located at the outermost position of the dummy portion DM. At least one of the first touch electrodes TE and at least one of the second touch electrodes RE may be partially removed depending on the position of the transmissive area TA and the dummy portion DM, and may directly face each other. Furthermore, when viewed from the top, the third sub-dummy portion DM3 may directly face the partially removed first and second touch electrodes.

[0200] The first sub-dummy portion DM1 may include a (1-1) cutout CUT11 and a (1-2) cutout CUT12 that overlap with a first axis Axis1 extending through the center CP of the transmissive area TA in a first direction (x-axis direction). The first sub-dummy portion DM1 may include a (1-3) cutout CUT13 and a (1-4) cutout CUT14 that overlap with a second axis Axis2 extending through the center CP of the transmissive area TA in a second direction (y-axis direction). Since the first sub-dummy portion DM1 includes the (1-1) cutout CUT11, the (1-2) cutout CUT12, the (1-3) cutout CUT13, and the (1-4) cutout CUT14, undesired coupling through the first sub-dummy portion DM1 can be prevented.

[0201] The second sub-dummy portion DM2 may include a (2-1) cutout CUT21 and a (2-2) cutout CUT22 that overlap with a third axis Axis3 extending through the center CP of the transmissive area TA in a third direction (e.g., an oblique direction in a plan view) between the first direction (x-axis direction) and the second direction (y-axis direction). The second sub-dummy portion DM2 may include a (2-3) cutout CUT23 and a (2-4) cutout CUT24 that overlap with a fourth axis Axis4 extending through the center CP of the transmissive area TA in a fourth direction (e.g., a different oblique direction in a plan view) between the opposite direction of the first direction (x-axis direction) and the second direction (y-axis direction). Since the second sub-dummy portion DM2 includes the (2-1) cutout CUT21, the (2-2) cutout CUT22, the (2-3) cutout CUT23, and the (2-4) cutout CUT24, coupling through the second sub-dummy portion DM2 can be prevented.

[0202] The second sub-dummy portion DM2 may further include a (2-5) cutout CUT25 aligned with or aligned with the (3-1) cutout CUT31. The (2-5) cutout CUT25 may be located at the shortest distance from the (3-1) cutout CUT31 or directly adjacent to the (3-1) cutout CUT31. The (2-5) cutout CUT25 may be formed by cutting a portion of the second sub-dummy portion DM2 aligned with the (3-1) cutout CUT31. Therefore, the two ends of the second sub-dummy portion DM2 may be insulated from each other at the (2-5) cutout CUT25 between the two ends. For example, the gap between the directly adjacent first touch electrode TE and second touch electrode RE, the (3-1) cutout CUT31, and the (2-5) cutout CUT25 may be located on a straight line.

[0203] Because the third sub-dummy portion DM3 includes the (3-1) cutout CUT31, a portion of the third sub-dummy portion DM3 that directly faces the first touch electrode TE can be insulated from another portion of the third sub-dummy portion DM3 that directly faces the second touch electrode RE. Additionally, because the second sub-dummy portion DM2 includes the (2-5) cutout CUT25, a portion of the second sub-dummy portion DM2 that aligns with a portion of the third sub-dummy portion DM3 can be insulated from another portion of the second sub-dummy portion DM2 that aligns with another portion of the third sub-dummy portion DM3. Because the third sub-dummy portion DM3 includes the (3-1) cutout CUT31 and the second sub-dummy portion DM2 includes the (2-5) cutout CUT25, the possibility of coupling between the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE can be eliminated.

[0204] The sub-dummy portion DM3 located at the outermost position of the dummy portion DM may further include a 3-2 cutout CUT32 corresponding to the gap between the directly adjacent electrode dummy portion EDM and the first touch electrode TE, and a (3-3) cutout CUT33 corresponding to the gap between the directly adjacent electrode dummy portion EDM and the second touch electrode RE. Figure 14 In the embodiment of the present invention, the lower right side of the dummy portion DM may directly face the electrode dummy portion EDM. The first touch electrode TE may be spaced apart from the second touch electrode RE by a distance equal to the distance between the dummy portion DM and the electrode dummy portion EDM in the region where the dummy portion DM and the electrode dummy portion EDM directly face each other. Therefore, the (3-2) cutout CUT32 of the third sub-dummy portion DM3 may be located between the first touch electrode TE and the electrode dummy portion EDM that directly face each other, and the (3-3) cutout CUT33 may be located between the second touch electrode RE and the electrode dummy portion EDM that directly face each other. Since the third sub-dummy portion DM3 includes the (3-2) cutout CUT32 and the (3-3) cutout CUT33, a portion of the third sub-dummy portion DM3 that directly faces the first touch electrode TE may be insulated from another portion of the third sub-dummy portion DM3 that directly faces the second touch electrode RE. Since the third sub-dummy part DM3 includes the (3-2) cutout CUT32 and the (3-3) cutout CUT33, the possibility of coupling between the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE due to the third sub-dummy part DM3 may be eliminated.

[0205] For example, the (4-1) cutout CUT41 of the contact dummy portion CDM may be located at the shortest distance from the (3-1) cutout CUT31 of the third sub-dummy portion DM3. Furthermore, the (4-1) cutout CUT41 of the contact dummy portion CDM may be located at the shortest distance from the (2-5) cutout CUT25 of the second sub-dummy portion DM2. An imaginary straight line connecting the (4-1) cutout CUT41 of the contact dummy portion CDM, the (3-1) cutout CUT31 of the third sub-dummy portion DM3, and the (2-5) cutout CUT25 of the second sub-dummy portion DM2 may pass through the center CP of the transmissive area TA. However, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0206] Figure 18 It shows Figure 5 An enlarged plan view of yet another example of the area A2, Figure 19 It shows Figure 18 The view of the dummy portion and the contact dummy portion shown in, Figure 20 yes Figure 18 is an enlarged plan view of area A5, and Figure 21 It is along Figure 20 A cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI'. Figures 18 to 21The touch sensing unit 500 shown in FIG further includes (1-5) cutouts CUT15. Figures 18 to 21 The touch sensing unit 500 and Figures 14 to 17 The touch sensing unit 500 shown in FIG. 5 is substantially the same, and thus, a redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0207] Reference Figures 18 to 21 , the touch sensor layer TSL may include a first touch electrode TE, a second touch electrode RE, an electrode dummy part EDM, a transmission area TA, a dummy part DM, and a contact dummy part CDM.

[0208] The dummy portion DM may include a main dummy portion MDM directly surrounding the transmissive area TA and at least one sub-dummy portion surrounding the main dummy portion MDM. For example, the dummy portion DM may include the main dummy portion MDM and a first sub-dummy portion DM1, a second sub-dummy portion DM2, and a third sub-dummy portion DM3. It should be noted that the number of sub-dummy portions is not limited to three.

[0209] The first sub-dummy portion DM1 may surround the main dummy portion MDM, the second sub-dummy portion DM2 may surround the first sub-dummy portion DM1, and the third sub-dummy portion DM3 may surround the second sub-dummy portion DM2. The third sub-dummy portion DM3 may be located at the outermost position of the dummy portion DM. Depending on the position of the transmissive area TA and the dummy portion DM, at least one of the first touch electrodes TE and at least one of the second touch electrodes RE may be partially removed. The partially removed first and second touch electrodes may directly face each other. Furthermore, when viewed from the top, the third sub-dummy portion DM3 may directly face the partially removed first and second touch electrodes.

[0210] The first sub-dummy portion DM1 may include a (1-1) cutout CUT11 and a (1-2) cutout CUT12 that overlap with a first axis Axis1 extending through the center CP of the transmissive area TA in a first direction (x-axis direction). The first sub-dummy portion DM1 may include a (1-3) cutout CUT13 and a (1-4) cutout CUT14 that overlap with a second axis Axis2 extending through the center CP of the transmissive area TA in a second direction (y-axis direction). Since the first sub-dummy portion DM1 includes the (1-1) cutout CUT11, the (1-2) cutout CUT12, the (1-3) cutout CUT13, and the (1-4) cutout CUT14, coupling through the first sub-dummy portion DM1 can be prevented.

[0211] The first sub-dummy portion DM1 may further include a (1-5) cutout CUT15 aligned with the (2-5) cutout CUT25. The (1-5) cutout CUT15 may be located at the shortest distance from the (3-1) cutout CUT31 or the (2-5) cutout CUT25. The (1-5) cutout CUT15 may be formed by cutting a portion of the first sub-dummy portion DM1 aligned with the (2-5) cutout CUT25. Therefore, the two ends of the first sub-dummy portion DM1 may be insulated from each other at the (1-5) cutout CUT15 between the two ends. For example, the gap between the directly adjacent first touch electrode TE and second touch electrode RE, the (3-1) cutout CUT31, the (2-5) cutout CUT25, and the (1-5) cutout CUT15 may be located on a straight line.

[0212] The second sub-dummy portion DM2 may include a (2-1) cutout CUT21 and a (2-2) cutout CUT22 that overlap with a third axis Axis3 extending through the center CP of the transmissive area TA in a third direction (e.g., an oblique direction in a plan view) between the first direction (x-axis direction) and the second direction (y-axis direction). The second sub-dummy portion DM2 may include a (2-3) cutout CUT23 and a (2-4) cutout CUT24 that overlap with a fourth axis Axis4 extending through the center CP of the transmissive area TA in a fourth direction (e.g., a different oblique direction) between the opposite direction of the first direction (x-axis direction) and the second direction (y-axis direction). Since the second sub-dummy portion DM2 includes the (2-1) cutout CUT21, the (2-2) cutout CUT22, the (2-3) cutout CUT23, and the (2-4) cutout CUT24, coupling through the second sub-dummy portion DM2 can be prevented.

[0213] The second sub-dummy portion DM2 may further include a (2-5) cutout CUT25 aligned with the (3-1) cutout CUT31. The (2-5) cutout CUT25 may be located at the shortest distance from the (3-1) cutout CUT31. The (2-5) cutout CUT25 may be formed by cutting a portion of the second sub-dummy portion DM2 aligned with the (3-1) cutout CUT31. Therefore, the two ends of the second sub-dummy portion DM2 may be insulated from each other at the (2-5) cutout CUT25 between the two ends. For example, the gap between the directly adjacent first touch electrode TE and second touch electrode RE, the (3-1) cutout CUT31, and the (2-5) cutout CUT25 may be located on a straight line.

[0214] Because the third sub-dummy portion DM3 includes the (3-1) cutout CUT31, a portion of the third sub-dummy portion DM3 that directly faces the first touch electrode TE can be insulated from another portion of the third sub-dummy portion DM3 that directly faces the second touch electrode RE. Furthermore, because the second sub-dummy portion DM2 includes the (2-5) cutout CUT25, a portion of the second sub-dummy portion DM2 that aligns with a portion of the third sub-dummy portion DM3 can be insulated from another portion of the second sub-dummy portion DM2 that aligns with another portion of the third sub-dummy portion DM3. Because the third sub-dummy portion DM3 includes the (3-1) cutout CUT31 and the second sub-dummy portion DM2 includes the (2-5) cutout CUT25, the possibility of coupling between the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE can be eliminated.

[0215] The sub-dummy portion DM3 located at the outermost position of the dummy portion DM may further include a (3-2) cutout CUT32 and a (3-3) cutout CUT33 corresponding to the gap between the directly adjacent electrode dummy portion EDM and the first touch electrode TE or the second touch electrode RE. Figure 18 In the embodiment of the present invention, the lower right side of the dummy portion DM can directly face the electrode dummy portion EDM. The first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE are separated by a distance equal to the distance between the dummy portion DM and the electrode dummy portion EDM that directly face each other. Therefore, the (3-2) cutout CUT32 of the third sub-dummy portion DM3 can be located between the first touch electrode TE and the electrode dummy portion EDM that directly face each other, and the (3-3) cutout CUT33 can be located between the second touch electrode RE and the electrode dummy portion EDM that directly face each other. Because the third sub-dummy portion DM3 includes the (3-2) cutout CUT32 and the (3-3) cutout CUT33, a portion of the third sub-dummy portion DM3 that directly faces the first touch electrode TE can be insulated from another portion of the third sub-dummy portion DM3 that directly faces the second touch electrode RE. Because the third sub-dummy portion DM3 includes the (3-2) cutout CUT32 and the (3-3) cutout CUT33, the possibility of coupling between the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE can be eliminated.

[0216] For example, the (4-1) cutout CUT41 of the contact dummy portion CDM may be located at the shortest distance from the (3-1) cutout CUT31 of the third sub-dummy portion DM3. Furthermore, the (4-1) cutout CUT41 of the contact dummy portion CDM may be located at the shortest distance from the (2-5) cutout CUT25 of the second sub-dummy portion DM2 or the (1-5) cutout CUT15 of the first sub-dummy portion DM1. An imaginary straight line connecting the (4-1) cutout CUT41 of the contact dummy portion CDM, the (3-1) cutout CUT31 of the third sub-dummy portion DM3, the (2-5) cutout CUT25 of the second sub-dummy portion DM2, and the (1-5) cutout CUT15 of the first sub-dummy portion DM1 may pass through the center CP of the transmissive area TA. However, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0217] Figure 22 It shows Figure 3A A plan view of another example of a touch sensing unit shown in FIG. Figure 23 yes Figure 22 An enlarged plan view of area A6, Figure 24 It shows Figure 23 A view of the dummy portion and the contact dummy portion shown in FIG. Figure 25 yes Figure 23 In addition to the position of the transmission area, Figures 22 to 25 The touch sensing unit shown in FIG. 1 is substantially the same as the above-described touch sensing unit, and thus, a redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0218] Reference Figures 22 to 25 , the transmission area TA may be surrounded by at least one of the first touch electrodes TE and at least one of the second touch electrodes RE in the touch sensor area TSA. For example, the transmission area TA may overlap with the transmission portion TU of the display unit 100. Figure 22 and Figure 23 In the embodiment, the transmission area TA may be surrounded by two first touch electrodes TE and one second touch electrode RE. Accordingly, depending on the positions of the transmission area TA and the dummy portion DM, there may be several areas where the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE directly face each other.

[0219] The dummy portion DM may include a main dummy portion MDM directly surrounding the transmissive area TA and at least one sub-dummy portion surrounding the main dummy portion MDM. For example, the dummy portion DM may include the main dummy portion MDM and a first sub-dummy portion DM1, a second sub-dummy portion DM2, and a third sub-dummy portion DM3. It should be noted that the number of sub-dummy portions is not limited to three.

[0220] exist Figure 24In the first sub-dummy portion DM1, the positions of the (1-1) cutout CUT11, (1-2) cutout CUT12, (1-3) cutout CUT13, and (1-4) cutout CUT14 may correspond to Figure 8 The positions of the (2-1) cutout CUT21, (2-2) cutout CUT22, (2-3) cutout CUT23 and (2-4) cutout CUT24 of the second sub-dummy portion DM2 are shown in FIG. Figure 24 In the second sub-dummy portion DM2, the positions of the (2-1) cutout CUT21, (2-2) cutout CUT22, (2-3) cutout CUT23, and (2-4) cutout CUT24 may correspond to Figure 8 , the positions of the (1-1) notch CUT11, (1-2) notch CUT12, (1-3) notch CUT13, and (1-4) notch CUT14 of the first sub-dummy portion DM1 are shown in FIG. Therefore, the first sub-dummy portion DM1 and the second sub-dummy portion DM2 include many notches, thereby preventing coupling through the first sub-dummy portion DM1 and the second sub-dummy portion DM2.

[0221] exist Figure 25 In the area A7 of the third sub-dummy portion DM3, the third sub-dummy portion DM3 may include a (3-1) cutout CUT31 corresponding to the gap between a pair of first touch electrodes TE and second touch electrodes RE that directly face each other. The third sub-dummy portion DM3 may include a (3-2) cutout CUT32 corresponding to the gap between another pair of first touch electrodes TE and second touch electrodes RE that directly face each other. The (3-1) cutout CUT31 and the (3-2) cutout CUT32 may be implemented as described above with reference to FIG. Figures 8 to 12 In this way, the configuration of the cutout formed in the third sub-dummy portion DM3 located at the outermost portion of the dummy portion DM can be changed depending on the configuration of the transmissive area TA, the dummy portion DM, and the first touch electrodes TE and the second touch electrodes RE.

[0222] As described above, the third sub-dummy portion DM3, located at the outermost portion of the dummy portion DM, includes at least one cutout aligned with the gap between the directly adjacent first touch electrode TE and second touch electrode RE. As a result, a portion of the dummy portion DM associated with the first touch electrode TE can be insulated from another portion of the dummy portion DM associated with the second touch electrode RE. Accordingly, even if unintended coupling occurs between the first touch electrode TE and the dummy portion DM, or between the second touch electrode RE and the dummy portion DM, unintended coupling between the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE can be prevented. Consequently, the sensitivity and reliability of the touch sensing unit 500 of the display device 10 can be improved.

[0223] Although described with reference to some embodiments of the present disclosure, it will be understood that various changes and modifications of the present disclosure may be made by those skilled in the art or those with ordinary knowledge in the art without departing from the spirit and technical field of the present disclosure as claimed below. Therefore, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the detailed description in the specification, but should be determined only by reference to the claims, where functional equivalents thereof will be included in the claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: The display unit includes: a display area having a plurality of pixels, a transmission portion surrounded by the display area, and a non-display area surrounding the display area; and A touch sensing unit having: a transmissive area overlapping the transmissive portion, a plurality of dummy portions overlapping the transmissive portion and surrounding the transmissive area, and a touch sensor area surrounding the plurality of dummy portions, wherein the touch sensing unit includes: a plurality of first touch electrodes arranged in a first direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a plurality of second touch electrodes, respectively located between the plurality of first touch electrodes, connected in the first direction and spaced apart from each other in the second direction, wherein the plurality of dummy portions include a main dummy portion surrounding the transmission area and at least one sub-dummy portion surrounding the main dummy portion, and The outermost sub-dummy portion of the at least one sub-dummy portion at the outermost position of the plurality of dummy portions includes a first cutout corresponding to a gap between adjacent first touch electrodes and second touch electrodes among the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The first cutout is adjacent to the gap between adjacent first touch electrodes and second touch electrodes.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The touch sensing unit further includes a base member supporting the plurality of dummy parts, and The plurality of dummy parts are located at a layer between the base component and the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The touch sensing unit further includes an electrode dummy portion located between adjacent first touch electrodes and second touch electrodes.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein The first cutout is spaced apart from the electrode dummy portion, and the electrode dummy portion is located between the first cutout and one of the adjacent first touch electrode and the second touch electrode. The display device according to claim 4 , wherein: The outermost sub-dummy portion further includes a plurality of second cutouts, each of which corresponds to a corresponding gap between the electrode dummy portion and the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode directly facing the electrode dummy portion.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The touch sensing unit further includes a contact dummy portion surrounding the outermost sub-dummy portion and contacting the first touch electrode or the second touch electrode adjacent to the outermost sub-dummy portion among the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: In a plan view, the width of the contact dummy portion is greater than the width of the outermost sub-dummy portion.

9. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: In a plan view, the contact dummy portion includes a seventh cutout overlapping the gap between the adjacent first touch electrode and second touch electrode.

10. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: A portion of the outermost sub-dummy portion is surrounded by the contact dummy portion, and another portion of the outermost sub-dummy portion is surrounded by the electrode dummy portion.

11. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: Two ends of the contact dummy portion correspond to the plurality of second cutouts respectively.

12. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The at least one sub-dummy portion comprises: a first sub-dummy portion surrounding the main dummy portion; a second sub-dummy portion surrounding the first sub-dummy portion; and The third sub-dummy portion, which is the outermost sub-dummy portion, surrounds the second sub-dummy portion and faces the adjacent first touch electrode and the second touch electrode.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The second sub-dummy portion includes a third cutout adjacent to the first cutout.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein: The gap between the adjacent first touch electrodes and the second touch electrodes, the first cutout, and the third cutout are aligned along an imaginary straight line.

15. The display device according to claim 13, wherein The second sub-dummy portion includes a fourth cutout that overlaps a first axis extending in the first direction and passing through a center of the transmission area, or overlaps a second axis extending in the second direction and passing through the center of the transmission area.

16. The display device according to claim 13, wherein The first sub-dummy portion includes a fifth cutout adjacent to the third cutout.

17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein: The gap between the adjacent first touch electrodes and the second touch electrodes, the first cutout, the third cutout, and the fifth cutout are aligned along an imaginary straight line.

18. The display device according to claim 13, wherein The first sub-dummy portion includes a sixth cutout that overlaps a third axis or a fourth axis, wherein the third axis extends in a third direction between the first direction and the second direction and passes through a center of the transmissive area, and the fourth axis extends in a fourth direction between a direction opposite to the first direction and the second direction and passes through the center of the transmissive area.

19. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The touch sensing unit includes: a touch island electrode located between adjacent first touch electrodes in the second direction among the plurality of first touch electrodes; and A plurality of connecting electrodes connects the adjacent first touch electrodes among the plurality of first touch electrodes with the touch island electrodes.

20. The display device according to claim 19, wherein The touch island electrode is in the same layer as the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes, and The plurality of connection electrodes are in the same layer as the plurality of dummy portions.

21. A display device comprising: A display unit including: a display area having a plurality of pixels, a first non-display area surrounded by the display area, a transmissive portion surrounded by the first non-display area and having an open side, and a second non-display area surrounding the display area; and A touch sensing unit having: a transmissive area overlapping the transmissive portion, a plurality of dummy portions overlapping the first non-display area and surrounding the transmissive area, and a touch sensor area surrounding the plurality of dummy portions, wherein the touch sensing unit includes: Basic components; a plurality of first touch electrodes arranged on the base member in a first direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a plurality of second touch electrodes connected between the plurality of first touch electrodes in the first direction and spaced apart from each other in the second direction, wherein the plurality of dummy portions include a main dummy portion directly surrounding the transmission area and at least one sub-dummy portion surrounding the main dummy portion, and The outermost sub-dummy portion of the at least one sub-dummy portion at the outermost position of the plurality of dummy portions includes a cutout corresponding to a gap between adjacent first touch electrodes and second touch electrodes among the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes.

Images