Display device

Abstract

A display device is provided. The display device includes a display unit and a touch sensing unit disposed on the display unit, wherein the touch sensing unit includes a substrate, a first sensing electrode disposed on the substrate, wherein the first sensing electrode includes a plurality of touch conductive patterns separated from each other, a second sensing electrode disposed on the same layer as the first sensing electrode and insulated from the first sensing electrode, and a connection electrode electrically connecting the touch conductive patterns to each other, wherein the connection electrode includes a first connection electrode overlapping the second sensing electrode and a second connection electrode not overlapping the second sensing electrode.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0118864, filed on September 16, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to display devices. More specifically, this invention relates to display devices with improved reliability. Background Technology

[0004] Display devices are increasingly being used in various electronic devices. For example, display devices are used in a wide range of electronic devices, such as smartphones, digital cameras, laptops, navigation devices, and smart TVs.

[0005] Recently, touch sensing units for recognizing touch input have been used in smartphones and tablet PCs. These units determine whether a user has made a touch input and calculate the corresponding location as touch input coordinates. A touch sensing unit may include driving electrodes and sensing electrodes. In some cases, the arrangement and position of the electrodes can affect the sensitivity, accuracy, and reliability of touch input in a display device, as well as the brightness of the light emitted from the display device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An aspect of the present invention provides a display device capable of preventing short circuits between a sensing electrode and a connection electrode used to connect adjacent driving electrodes and improving touch sensitivity.

[0007] However, the aspects of the inventive concept are not limited to those set forth herein. These and other aspects of the inventive concept will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the detailed description of the inventive concept given below.

[0008] Embodiments of the display device include a display unit and a touch sensing unit disposed on the display unit, wherein the touch sensing unit includes: a substrate; a first sensing electrode disposed on the substrate and including a plurality of touch conductive patterns separated from each other; a second sensing electrode disposed on the same layer as the first sensing electrode and insulated from the first sensing electrode; and a connection electrode electrically connecting the separated touch conductive patterns, wherein the connection electrode includes a first connection electrode overlapping the second sensing electrode and a second connection electrode not overlapping the second sensing electrode.

[0009] An embodiment of the display device includes a display unit and a touch sensing unit disposed on the display unit, wherein the touch sensing unit includes: a substrate; a plurality of first sensing electrodes disposed on the substrate and extending in a first direction; a plurality of second sensing electrodes disposed on the same layer as the plurality of first sensing electrodes and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a connecting electrode electrically connecting two ends of the first sensing electrodes, wherein the connecting electrode includes a first connecting electrode disposed in a region where the first sensing electrodes and the second sensing electrodes intersect and a second connecting electrode disposed between adjacent second sensing electrodes. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The above and other aspects and features of the inventive concept will become more apparent from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 This is a plan view of the display device according to an embodiment;

[0012] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the display device according to an embodiment;

[0013] Figure 3 This is a plan view showing the touch sensing unit of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0014] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An enlarged plan view of area A1;

[0015] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged plan view of area A2;

[0016] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken from line VI-VI';

[0017] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 Enlarged plan view of area A3;

[0018] Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken from line VIII-VIII';

[0019] Figure 9 This is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a touch sensing unit according to another embodiment;

[0020] Figure 10 It is along Figure 9 A cross-sectional view taken by line X-X';

[0021] Figure 11This is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a touch sensing unit according to another embodiment;

[0022] Figure 12 This is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a touch sensing unit according to yet another embodiment;

[0023] Figure 13 This is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a touch sensing unit according to yet another embodiment; and

[0024] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 Enlarged plan view of area A4. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are illustrated. However, the invention may be embodied in different forms and should not necessarily be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0026] It will also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "on" another layer or substrate, the layer may be directly on the other layer or substrate, or an intermediary layer may be present. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals may denote the same parts. In the drawings, the thickness of layers and regions may be enlarged for clarity.

[0027] While the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used to distinguish one element from another. Therefore, a first element discussed below may be referred to as a second element without departing from the teachings of one or more embodiments. Describing an element as a "first" element does not require or imply the existence of a second element or other elements. The terms "first," "second," etc., may also be used herein to distinguish elements of different categories or groups. For the sake of brevity, the terms "first," "second," etc., may respectively represent "first category (or first group)," "second category (or second group)," etc.

[0028] In the following description, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0030] refer to Figure 1The display device 10, configured to display moving or still images, can be used as a display screen for various products such as televisions, laptops, monitors, billboards, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, tablet PCs, smartwatches, watch phones, mobile communication terminals, e-notebooks, e-book readers, portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigators, and ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs).

[0031] In the planar view, the display device 10 can have a planar shape similar to a square. For example, the display device 10 can have a rectangular shape containing a long side extending in a first direction DR1 and a short side extending in a second direction DR2 perpendicular to the first direction DR1. The edge where the long side in the first direction DR1 and the short side in the second direction DR2 meet can be rounded to a predetermined curvature, or can be formed at a right angle. The planar shape of the display device 10 is not limited to a rectangle, and can be formed in a shape similar to other polygons, circles, or ellipses.

[0032] 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 450, and a touch sensing unit 500.

[0033] The display unit 100 may include a display area containing pixels for displaying images and a non-display area disposed around the display area. In the display area of ​​the display unit 100, light can be emitted from multiple light-emitting areas (or multiple opening areas). For example, the display unit 100 may include pixel circuitry such as switching elements, a pixel-defining layer defining the light-emitting areas of the display area, and self-emissive elements.

[0034] For example, an organic light-emitting display panel can be used as the display unit 100. The following embodiment shows the use of an organic light-emitting display panel as the display unit 100, but the present invention is not limited to this, and different types of display panels such as liquid crystal display (LCD) panels, quantum dot organic light-emitting display (QD-OLED) panels, quantum dot liquid crystal display (QD-LCD) panels, quantum nano-light-emitting display (nano-NED) panels, and micro light-emitting diode (LED) display panels can be used.

[0035] The display driver 200 can output signals and voltages for driving the display unit 100. The display driver 200 can supply data voltage to data lines. The display driver 200 can supply power voltage to power lines and can supply scan control signals to the scan driver. The display driver 200 may include an integrated circuit (IC) and can be attached to the display unit 100 by a chip-on-glass (COG) method, a chip-on-plastic (COP) method, or an ultrasonic bonding method.

[0036] The display circuit board 300 can be attached to the display pad portion of the display unit 100. An anisotropic conductive film (ACF) can be used to attach the display circuit board 300 to the display unit 100. Therefore, the leads of the display circuit board 300 can be electrically connected to the display pad portion of the display unit 100. The display circuit board 300 may include a flexible printed circuit board, a printed circuit board, or a flexible film such as a chip-on-film.

[0037] Touch driver 400 can be connected to the touch electrode or sensing electrode of touch sensing unit 500. Touch driver 400 can apply a touch drive signal to the sensing electrode of touch sensing unit 500 and measure the capacitance value of the sensing electrode. For example, the touch drive signal may include a signal with multiple drive pulses. Touch driver 400 not only determines whether a touch is input based on the capacitance value of the sensing electrode, but also calculates the touch coordinates of the touch input. Touch driver 400 may include an integrated circuit (IC) and is mounted on touch circuit board 450.

[0038] An anisotropic conductive film can be used to attach the touch circuit board 450 to the touch pad portion of the touch sensing unit 500. Therefore, the leads of the touch circuit board 450 can be electrically connected to the touch pad portion of the touch sensing unit 500. The touch circuit board 450 may include a flexible printed circuit board, a printed circuit board, or a flexible film such as a chip-on-film.

[0039] The touch sensing unit 500 may be disposed on the display unit 100. The planar shape of the touch sensing unit 500 may correspond to the planar shape of the display unit 100, but the invention is not limited thereto. The touch sensing unit 500 may be flat, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and may include curved portions formed at its left and right ends. In this case, the curved portions may have a constant curvature or a variable curvature. Furthermore, like the display unit 100, the touch sensing unit 500 may be flexibly formed, such that it can be twisted, bent, folded, or rolled.

[0040] The touch sensing unit 500 may include touch electrodes or sensing electrodes disposed in the touch sensor area (or touch area) to sense the user's touch, and touch pad portions disposed in the touch periphery area (or non-touch area) surrounding the touch sensor area. The touch pad portions may be formed on the touch sensing unit 500 at one edge of the touch sensing unit 500 and electrically connected to the touch circuit board 450.

[0041] Despite Figure 1The diagram shows a touch panel where the touch sensing unit 500 is separate from the display unit 100, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the touch sensing unit 500 can be integrally formed with the display unit 100 by being disposed on a thin film encapsulation layer that encapsulates the light-emitting element layer of the display unit 100.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0043] refer to Figure 2 The display unit 100 may include a first substrate SUB1, a thin film transistor layer TFTL, and a light-emitting element layer EML.

[0044] The first substrate SUB1 may be a base substrate or a base member, and may include an insulating material such as a polymer resin. For example, the first substrate SUB1 may be a rigid substrate. In another example, the first substrate SUB1 may be a flexible substrate capable of being bent, folded, or rolled. When the first substrate SUB1 is a flexible substrate, it may include polyimide (PI), but its material is not limited to this.

[0045] A thin-film transistor layer (TFTL) can be disposed on the first substrate SUB1. The TFTL may include scan lines, data lines, power lines, scan control lines, data connection lines connecting the display driver 200 and the data lines, pad connection lines connecting the display driver 200 and the display pad units, and thin-film transistors constituting pixel circuits. Each of the thin-film transistors may include a gate electrode, a semiconductor layer, a source electrode, and a drain electrode. For example, when a scan driver is formed on the non-display area side of the display unit 100, the scan driver may include a thin-film transistor.

[0046] Thin-film transistor layers (TFTLs) can be located in both the display and non-display areas. The thin-film transistors, scan lines, data lines, and power lines of each pixel circuit in a TFTL can be located in the display area. The scan control lines, data connection lines, power lines, and pad connection lines of a TFTL can be located in the non-display area.

[0047] The light-emitting element layer (EML) can be disposed on the thin-film transistor layer (TFTL). The EML may include a light-emitting element in which a first electrode, a light-emitting layer, and a second electrode are sequentially stacked to emit light, and a pixel defining layer. The light-emitting element of the EML can be disposed in the display area.

[0048] For example, the light-emitting layer can be an organic light-emitting layer comprising organic materials. The light-emitting layer may include a hole transport layer, an organic light-emitting layer, and an electron transport layer. When the first electrode receives a predetermined voltage through the thin-film transistor of the thin-film transistor layer (TFTL) and the second electrode receives a cathode voltage, holes and electrons can be transported to the organic light-emitting layer through the hole transport layer and the electron transport layer, respectively, and the holes and electrons can combine with each other in the organic light-emitting layer to emit light. For example, the first electrode can be an anode electrode and the second electrode can be a cathode electrode.

[0049] In another example, the light-emitting element layer EML may include at least one of quantum dot light-emitting diodes, inorganic material-based micro light-emitting diodes (e.g., micro LEDs), and inorganic material-based nano light-emitting diodes (e.g., nano LEDs).

[0050] An air gap VC can be disposed between the display unit 100 and the touch sensing unit 500. In the process of attaching the display unit 100 and the touch sensing unit 500 to each other using an adhesive member SEAL, the air gap VC can be formed between the display unit 100 and the touch sensing unit 500. However, the invention is not limited to this, and a filler layer can be disposed between the display unit 100 and the touch sensing unit 500. In the process of attaching the display unit 100 and the touch sensing unit 500 to each other using an adhesive member SEAL, a filler layer can be placed between the display unit 100 and the touch sensing unit 500. The filler layer can be an epoxy resin filler film or a silicone resin filler film, but is not necessarily limited to these.

[0051] The touch sensing unit 500 may include a second substrate SUB2 and a touch sensor layer TSL.

[0052] The second substrate SUB2 can support the touch sensor layer TSL disposed thereon. The second substrate SUB2 can encapsulate the thin-film transistor layer (TFTL) and the light-emitting element layer (EML) disposed on the first substrate SUB1 together with the adhesive member SEAL. The second substrate SUB2 can be made of an insulating material such as a polymer resin. The second substrate SUB2 can be a rigid substrate. When the second substrate SUB2 is a rigid substrate, it can include glass or transparent metal materials, but its material is not limited to these. The second substrate SUB2 can be a flexible substrate capable of bending or rolling.

[0053] The touch sensor layer (TSL) can be disposed on the second substrate (SUB2). The touch sensor layer (TSL) may include sensing electrodes for sensing user touch, touch pad portions, and touch signal lines (or sensing lines) connecting the touch pad portions and the sensing electrodes to each other. For example, the touch sensor layer (TSL) can use a self-capacitance method or a mutual capacitance method to sense user touch.

[0054] In another example, the touch sensor layer TSL can be directly disposed on the thin-film encapsulation layer of the display unit 100. In this case, the thin-film encapsulation layer of the display unit 100 can be a substrate member supporting the touch sensor layer TSL. Accordingly, the second substrate SUB2 supporting the touch sensor layer TSL can be omitted.

[0055] The sensing electrodes of the touch sensor layer (TSL) can be disposed in the touch sensor area that overlaps with the display area of ​​the display unit 100. The touch signal lines (or sensing lines) and touch pads of the touch sensor layer (TSL) can be disposed in the touch peripheral area that overlaps with the non-display area of ​​the display unit 100.

[0056] An anti-reflective member (not shown) and a cover window (not shown) may be additionally disposed on the touch sensor layer TSL. The anti-reflective member may be disposed on the touch sensor layer TSL, and the cover window may be disposed on the anti-reflective member by an adhesive member.

[0057] The display device 10 may further include an adhesive member SEAL for attaching the display unit 100 and the touch sensing unit 500 to each other.

[0058] The adhesive sealant (SEAL) can be positioned in the non-display area between the edges of the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2. The SEAL can be disposed along the edges of the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 in the non-display area to seal the air gap VC. The first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 can be connected to each other by the adhesive sealant (SEAL). For example, the adhesive sealant (SEAL) can be a glass frit adhesive layer, a UV-curable resin, or a thermosetting resin, but it is not necessarily limited to these.

[0059] Figure 3 This is a plan view showing the touch sensing unit of a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged plan view of area A1.

[0060] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The touch sensing unit 500 may include a touch area TSA and a non-touch area TPA disposed around the touch area TSA. The touch area TSA may be configured to sense a user's touch. The touch area TSA may overlap with the display area of ​​the display unit 100, and the non-touch area TPA may overlap with the non-display area of ​​the display unit 100.

[0061] The touch sensing unit 500 may further include a plurality of first sensing electrodes and a plurality of second sensing electrodes. The plurality of first sensing electrodes and the plurality of second sensing electrodes may be arranged in the touch area TSA. The first sensing electrode may be a driving electrode TE and may receive a touch driving signal from the touch driver 400. The second sensing electrode may be a sensing electrode RE, and the touch driver 400 may measure the change in mutual capacitance formed between the driving electrode TE and the sensing electrode RE. Hereinafter, the first sensing electrode is referred to as the driving electrode TE and the second sensing electrode is referred to as the sensing electrode RE.

[0062] Each of the plurality of driving electrodes TE can extend in a first direction DR1. The plurality of driving electrodes TE can be repeatedly spaced apart along a second direction DR2. The plurality of driving electrodes TE can be electrically insulated from each other. Each of the plurality of sensing electrodes RE can extend in the second direction DR2. The plurality of sensing electrodes RE can be repeatedly spaced apart along the first direction DR1. The plurality of sensing electrodes RE can be electrically insulated from each other.

[0063] The driving electrode TE extending in the first direction DR1 may intersect with the sensing electrode RE extending in the second direction DR2 in at least one region. For example, the driving electrode TE may include regions that intersect with the sensing electrode RE and regions that do not intersect with the sensing electrode RE. The non-intersecting region may include the region between two adjacent sensing electrodes RE.

[0064] In the planar view, the overall shape of each of the plurality of driving electrodes TE and the plurality of sensing electrodes RE can have a mesh structure or a network structure. For example, the plurality of driving electrodes TE and the plurality of sensing electrodes RE can be composed of a plurality of conductive patterns extending in directions inclined relative to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, respectively. Accordingly, the plurality of driving electrodes TE and the plurality of sensing electrodes RE minimize the area overlapping with the light-emitting area of ​​the display unit 100. Therefore, the display device 10 can prevent a decrease in the brightness of the light emitted from the light-emitting area of ​​the display unit 100. For example, the conductive patterns in the touch sensing unit 500 can allow an increase in the brightness of the light emitted from the light-emitting area of ​​the display unit 100.

[0065] Multiple driving electrodes TE and multiple sensing electrodes RE can be formed on the same layer. In the region where the driving electrodes TE and sensing electrodes RE intersect, the driving electrodes TE can be separated and spaced apart from each other, with the sensing electrodes RE placed between the driving electrodes TE. Accordingly, the driving electrodes TE and sensing electrodes RE disposed on the same layer can be insulated from each other. The two ends of the spaced-apart driving electrodes TE (with the sensing electrodes RE placed between the driving electrodes TE) can be electrically connected by a connecting electrode CE.

[0066] For example, multiple sensing electrodes RE can be integrally formed (e.g., the multiple sensing electrodes RE can be formed as a continuous sheet), and each of the multiple driving electrodes TE can include multiple touch conductive patterns TCP that are separated from and spaced apart from each other. In a plan view, the multiple touch conductive patterns TCP can have different shapes from each other. In the intersection region of the driving electrode TE and the sensing electrode RE, the adjacent touch conductive patterns TCP of the driving electrode TE can be spaced apart from each other, wherein the sensing electrode RE is placed between the touch conductive patterns TCP. The sensing electrode RE placed between the touch conductive patterns TCP can be placed in the break region of the touch conductive patterns TCP so as not to contact the touch conductive patterns TCP. Accordingly, the driving electrode TE can be insulated from the sensing electrode RE that intersects with the driving electrode TE.

[0067] When the sensing electrode RE in a planar view comprises a mesh or network structure, the space can be located between the electrodes forming a sensing electrode RE, and the touch conductive pattern TCP of the driving electrode TE can be disposed in the space between the electrodes forming the sensing electrode RE. For example, the driving electrode TE comprises a plurality of touch conductive patterns TCP that are separated from and spaced apart from each other, and in the region where the driving electrode TE intersects with the sensing electrode RE, the sensing electrode RE can be disposed in the region (disconnection region) between the separated touch conductive patterns TCP of the driving electrode TE. In this case, the sensing electrode RE can be separated from and spaced apart from the touch conductive patterns TCP, and the sensing electrode RE and the touch conductive patterns TCP can be insulated from each other. However, the invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the driving electrode TE can be integrally formed, and the sensing electrode RE can include a plurality of touch conductive patterns that are separated from and insulated from each other.

[0068] Furthermore, the touch conductive pattern TCP of the driving electrode TE can be disposed between two adjacent sensing electrodes RE. For example, a portion of the touch conductive pattern TCP of the driving electrode TE can be disposed in an area that does not intersect with the sensing electrodes RE, and this area may include the area between two adjacent sensing electrodes RE. Multiple touch conductive patterns TCP of the driving electrode TE can be provided between two adjacent sensing electrodes RE, and can be separated from and spaced apart from each other.

[0069] The driving electrode TE, located in the region between two adjacent sensing electrodes RE, comprises multiple touch conductive patterns TCP, and the touch conductive patterns TCP in this region are separated from and spaced apart from each other. Accordingly, the floating area difference in each of the touch conductive patterns TCP of the driving electrode TE can be reduced.

[0070] For example, when the driving electrode TE includes a plurality of separately spaced and spaced touch conductive patterns TCP in the region between two adjacent and insulated sensing electrodes RE, and further includes touch conductive patterns TCP in the region where the driving electrode TE intersects with the sensing electrodes RE, the area difference between the touch conductive patterns TCP in the region where the driving electrode TE intersects with the sensing electrodes RE and the touch conductive patterns TCP in the region between the two adjacent and insulated sensing electrodes RE can be reduced. For example, when the driving electrode TE includes touch conductive patterns TCP in both regions, the size difference between the two regions can be reduced. In this case, the area difference in which the touch conductive patterns TCP are floated for each region of the driving electrode TE can be reduced in the process of forming the driving electrode TE.

[0071] Accordingly, in the planar diagram, regardless of whether the region intersects with or does not intersect with the sensing electrode RE, the area composition of the touch conductive pattern TCP of the driving electrode TE can be substantially consistent. Correspondingly, in the buffer layer BF (such as... Figure 6 In the process of forming the driving electrode TE on (as shown), the area difference between the touch conductive pattern TCP of the driving electrode TE in the region where the driving electrode TE intersects with the sensing electrode RE and the touch conductive pattern TCP of the driving electrode TE in the region between two adjacent and insulated sensing electrodes RE can be reduced.

[0072] Because the area difference of the floatable touch conductive pattern TCP of the driving electrode TE is reduced, even if static electricity is applied during the process of forming the touch sensing unit 500, the first insulating layer IL1 (such as...) that may occur due to the floating area difference of the touch conductive pattern TCP can be suppressed or prevented. Figure 6 The film rupture defect (as shown in the diagram) can be eliminated, and short circuits between the sensing electrode RE and the connection electrode CE disposed on the first insulating layer IL1 can also be suppressed or prevented. Therefore, the reliability of the touch sensing unit 500 can be improved.

[0073] The touch conductive patterns TCP of the driving electrode TE can be electrically connected via connecting electrodes CE (CE1 and CE2). For example, even if the driving electrode TE comprises touch conductive patterns TCP that are separated from and spaced apart from each other, adjacent touch conductive patterns TCP can be electrically connected via connecting electrodes CE (CE1 and CE2). Furthermore, multiple touch conductive patterns TCP of each of the driving electrodes TE can be electrically connected to each other across the entire area. For example, multiple touch conductive patterns TCP of each of the driving electrodes TE can be electrically connected to each other across the touch area TSA.

[0074] The connecting electrode CE may include a first connecting electrode CE1 and a second connecting electrode CE2. The first connecting electrode CE1 may be disposed in the region where the driving electrode TE and the sensing electrode RE intersect, and may overlap with the sensing electrode RE in the thickness direction (third direction DR3). For example, the first connecting electrode CE1 may form a bridge across the sensing electrode RE to connect the touch conductive pattern TCP. The second connecting electrode CE2 may be disposed between two adjacent sensing electrodes RE that are insulated from each other, and may not overlap with the sensing electrodes RE.

[0075] For example, a first connecting electrode CE1 can be disposed in the region where the driving electrode TE and the sensing electrode RE intersect, and can electrically connect separate and spaced-apart touch conductive patterns TCP (where the sensing electrodes RE are located between the touch conductive patterns TCP). Accordingly, the first connecting electrode CE1 can overlap with the sensing electrode RE in the thickness direction (third direction DR3). A second connecting electrode CE2 can be disposed between two adjacent sensing electrodes RE, and can electrically connect touch conductive patterns TCP disposed between two adjacent sensing electrodes RE and separated from each other. Accordingly, the second connecting electrode CE2 may not overlap with the sensing electrodes RE. The detailed stacking structure of the touch sensing unit 500 will be described later.

[0076] The two touch conductive patterns TCP connected by the second connecting electrode CE2 may include a region in which both touch conductive patterns TCP extend in substantially the same direction, and the touch conductive patterns TCP may include ends TC facing each other (e.g., Figure 7 (As shown in the diagram). For example, two touch conductive patterns TCP connected by the second connecting electrode CE2 can both be connected through the second contact hole CNT2 (as shown in the diagram). Figure 7 The portion of the electrode connected to the second connecting electrode CE2 (as shown in the diagram) extends in a direction inclined relative to the first direction DR1, or alternatively, both may extend in a direction inclined relative to the second direction DR2. Furthermore, the second connecting electrode CE2 may cover the drive electrode gap TGP (as shown in the diagram) between the ends TC. Figure 7 (as shown in the image).

[0077] Some of the second connecting electrodes CE2 can electrically connect touch conductive patterns TCP having ends TC that do not face each other. For example, the ends TC of two touch conductive patterns TCP connected by the second connecting electrodes CE2 may not face each other, and the two touch conductive patterns TCP may extend in different directions. For example, either of the two touch conductive patterns TCP connected by some of the second connecting electrodes CE2 may extend from the portion connected to the second connecting electrodes CE2 through the second contact hole CNT2 in a direction inclined relative to the first direction DR1 towards the second direction DR2, and the other of the two touch conductive patterns TCP may extend in a direction inclined relative to the first direction DR1 towards the second direction DR2 in the opposite direction.

[0078] Since the second connecting electrode CE2 is disposed between two adjacent sensing electrodes RE, even if the driving electrode TE includes multiple touch conductive patterns TCP that are separated from each other and spaced apart between the two adjacent sensing electrodes RE, the multiple touch conductive patterns TCP can be electrically connected by the second connecting electrode CE2.

[0079] The touch sensing unit 500 may further include a dummy pattern DM. The dummy pattern DM may be insulated from separate electrodes and lines. The dummy pattern DM may be disposed between multiple driving electrodes TE, between multiple sensing electrodes RE, or between driving electrodes TE and sensing electrodes RE. The dummy pattern DM may be disposed on the same layer as the multiple driving electrodes TE and the multiple sensing electrodes RE, and may be insulated from and spaced apart from each driving electrode TE and each sensing electrode RE.

[0080] In a planar view, the second connection electrode CE2 connecting the touch conductive pattern TCP can be positioned between the dummy patterns DM. For example, in a planar view, the second connection electrode CE2 can be positioned at the ends DC of the dummy patterns DM that are spaced apart from each other (e.g., ...). Figure 7 (as shown in the diagram). However, the invention is not limited thereto.

[0081] The dummy pattern DM can be electrically floated, and the base capacitance of the touch area TSA can be adjusted. For example, since the touch sensing unit 500 may include the dummy pattern DM, the base capacitance of the touch area TSA can be reduced, thereby improving touch sensitivity.

[0082] In a planar view, the dummy pattern DM can be formed as a mesh structure or a network structure. For example, the dummy pattern DM may include multiple electrodes extending in a direction inclined relative to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. Accordingly, the dummy pattern DM can minimize the area overlapping with the light-emitting area of ​​the display unit 100, and correspondingly suppress or prevent a decrease in the brightness of the light emitted from the light-emitting area of ​​the display unit 100.

[0083] Further reference Figures 5 to 8 This describes the stacked structure of the driving electrode TE, the sensing electrode RE, the connecting electrodes CE (CE1 and CE2), and the dummy pattern DM.

[0084] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged plan view of area A2, and Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view taken from line VI-VI'. Figure 7 yes Figure 4 An enlarged plan view of area A3, and Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view taken from line VIII-VIII'.

[0085] refer to Figures 5 to 8 The touch sensor layer TSL of the touch sensing unit 500 may include a conductive layer and an insulating layer disposed between the conductive layers. The touch sensor layer TSL may include a buffer layer BF, multiple driving electrodes TE, multiple sensing electrodes RE, a dummy pattern DM, a first insulating layer IL1, a connecting electrode CE, and a second insulating layer IL2.

[0086] A buffer layer BF may be disposed on the second substrate SUB2. The buffer layer BF prevents air or moisture penetration. The buffer layer BF may comprise an inorganic material. For example, the buffer layer BF may comprise a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, an aluminum oxide layer, or a combination thereof. The buffer layer BF may be formed as multiple layers, but the invention is not limited thereto. The buffer layer BF may be omitted.

[0087] Multiple driving electrodes TE, multiple sensing electrodes RE, and a dummy pattern DM can be set on the buffer layer BF.

[0088] Multiple driving electrodes TE, multiple sensing electrodes RE, and dummy pattern DM can comprise the same material on the same layer. The multiple driving electrodes TE, multiple sensing electrodes RE, and dummy pattern DM can be insulated from each other by being spaced apart. The multiple driving electrodes TE, multiple sensing electrodes RE, and dummy pattern DM can be formed comprising molybdenum (Mo) or molybdenum oxide (MoO). x It is a single layer or multiple layers of at least one of molybdenum (MoNb), molybdenum-titanium (MoTi), APC (Ag-Pd-Cu) alloy, nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu).

[0089] The first insulating layer IL1 may at least partially cover the multiple driving electrodes TE, the multiple sensing electrodes RE, and the dummy pattern DM, and may be disposed on the buffer layer BF. For example, the first insulating layer IL1 may include an inorganic layer, such as a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer.

[0090] A connecting electrode CE may be disposed on the first insulating layer IL1. The first connecting electrode CE1 can physically and / or electrically contact the adjacent touch conductive patterns TCP of the driving electrode TE through a first contact hole CNT1 that exposes at least a portion of the touch conductive pattern TCP. The second connecting electrode CE2 can physically and / or electrically contact the adjacent touch conductive patterns TCP of the driving electrode TE through a second contact hole CNT2 that exposes at least a portion of the touch conductive pattern TCP. For example, adjacent and separate touch conductive patterns TCP can be electrically connected through at least one of the first connecting electrode CE1 and the second connecting electrode CE2.

[0091] The connecting electrode CE can be made of a material different from that of the multiple driving electrodes TE, multiple sensing electrodes RE, and dummy pattern DM. The connecting electrode CE can include a transparent conductive material capable of transmitting light. For example, the connecting electrode CE can include at least one of indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), and indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), but is not limited thereto.

[0092] The second insulating layer IL2 can cover the connection electrode CE and can be disposed on the first insulating layer IL1. The second insulating layer IL2 may include an inorganic layer, such as a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer. The second insulating layer IL2 can planarize the upper end of the touch sensing unit 500.

[0093] Refer again Figure 3 and Figure 4 The touch area TSA can include multiple unit sensors US. Unit sensors US can be configured in each region where one of the driving electrodes TE intersects with one of the sensing electrodes RE. For example, a unit sensor US can be composed of the region where one of the driving electrodes TE intersects with one of the sensing electrodes RE. A unit sensor US can be the smallest unit for sensing touch input.

[0094] The touch sensing unit 500 may further include a first driving line TL1 and a second driving line TL2, a sensing line RL, a ground line GNL, and a first protection line ESD1 and a second protection line ESD2. The first driving line TL1 and the second driving line TL2, the sensing line RL, the ground line GNL, and the first protection line ESD1 and the second protection line ESD2 may be arranged in the non-touch area TPA.

[0095] One end of each of the first drive lines TL1 can be connected to a drive electrode TE disposed on a first side of the touch area TSA. For example, one end of each of the first drive lines TL1 can be connected to a drive electrode TE disposed on the left side of the touch area TSA. The other end of each of the first drive lines TL1 can be connected to some touch pad portions in the touch pad portions TP. The first drive lines TL1 can connect to the touch pad portions TP disposed on the lower side of the non-touch area TPA via a first (e.g., left) side of the non-touch area TPA. Accordingly, the first drive lines TL1 can connect the drive electrode TE disposed on the first (e.g., left) side of the touch area TSA to the touch pad portions TP.

[0096] One end of each of the second drive lines TL2 can be connected to a drive electrode TE located on a second side of the touch area TSA opposite to the first side of the touch area TSA. For example, one end of each of the second drive lines TL2 can be connected to a drive electrode TE located on the right side of the touch area TSA. The other end of each of the second drive lines TL2 can be connected to another touch pad portion in the touch pad portion TP. The second drive lines TL2 can be connected to the touch pad portion TP located below the non-touch area TSA via a second side of the non-touch area TSA opposite to the first side of the non-touch area TSA. Accordingly, the second drive lines TL2 can connect the drive electrode TE located on the second (e.g., right) side of the touch area TSA to the touch pad portion TP.

[0097] One end of each of the sensing lines RL can be connected to a sensing electrode RE disposed on a third side of the touch area TSA adjacent to either the first or second side of the touch area TSA. For example, one end of each of the sensing lines RL can be connected to some of the sensing electrodes RE disposed on the lower side of the touch area TSA. The other end of each of the sensing lines RL can be connected to the touch pad portion TP. Accordingly, the sensing line RL can connect the sensing electrode RE disposed on the third (e.g., lower) side of the touch area TSA to the touch pad portion TP.

[0098] The touch pad portion TP can be located on one side of the second substrate SUB2. For example, the touch pad portion TP can be located on the underside of the second substrate SUB2 or on the long side of the second substrate SUB2. The touch circuit board 450 can be attached to the touch pad portion TP using an anisotropic conductive film. Accordingly, the touch pad portion TP can be electrically connected to the touch circuit board 450.

[0099] The grounding wire GNL can be positioned on the side of the non-touch area TPA where the touch pad portion TP is located. For example, the grounding wire GNL can be positioned on the underside of the non-touch area TPA between the sensing line RL and the first drive line TL1 or the second drive line TL2. One end of the grounding wire GNL can be connected to the touch pad portion TP, and the other end of the grounding wire GNL can extend between the sensing line RL and the first drive line TL1 or the second drive line TL2, which are located adjacent to each other. The grounding wire GNL can be grounded through the touch pad portion TP with a specific voltage. Because the grounding wire GNL is grounded, interference between the sensing line RL and the first drive line TL1 or the second drive line TL2 can be prevented.

[0100] The first protection line ESD1 can extend along the outer periphery of one side of the non-touch area TPA. For example, the first protection line ESD1 can be connected to the touch pad portion TP and can extend from the touch pad portion TP along the lower edge, left edge, and upper edge of the non-touch area TPA. Since the first protection line ESD1 extends along the outer periphery of one side of the non-touch area TPA, static electricity applied from the outside can be eliminated. The first protection line ESD1 can prevent external static electricity from flowing into the touch sensing unit 500.

[0101] The second protection line ESD2 can extend along the outer periphery of the non-touch area TPA on the other side. For example, the second protection line ESD2 can be connected to the touch pad portion TP and can extend from the touch pad portion TP along the lower edge, right edge, and upper edge of the non-touch area TPA. Since the second protection line ESD2 extends along the outer periphery of the non-touch area TPA on the other side, static electricity applied from the outside can be eliminated. The second protection line ESD2 can prevent external static electricity from flowing into the touch sensing unit 500.

[0102] Other embodiments will be described below. In the embodiments below, redundant descriptions of components that are the same as those previously described will be omitted or simplified, and the differences will be mainly described.

[0103] Figure 9 This is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a touch sensing unit according to another embodiment. Figure 10 It is along Figure 9 A cross-sectional view taken by line X-X'. Figure 9 The vicinity of the second connecting electrode CE2 is shown.

[0104] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 According to this embodiment, the touch sensing unit 500_1 and according to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The difference in the embodiment of the touch sensing unit 500 is that it further includes a recognition pattern RP.

[0105] For example, the touch sensing unit 500_1 according to this embodiment may further include a recognition pattern RP. The recognition pattern RP may be formed on the same layer as the driving electrode TE, the sensing electrode RE, and the dummy pattern DM. That is, the recognition pattern RP may be disposed on the buffer layer BF and may be covered by the first insulating layer IL1.

[0106] The identification pattern RP can be disposed between the ends TC of two adjacent touch conductive patterns TCP. The identification pattern RP can be disposed between the ends DC of the dummy pattern DM, but the invention is not necessarily limited thereto. The identification pattern RP can overlap with the second connecting electrode CE2 in the thickness direction (third direction DR3). The identification pattern RP can be disposed between two adjacent sensing electrodes RE, and may not be disposed in the region where the driving electrode TE and the sensing electrode RE intersect, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0107] The identification pattern RP can be formed as an island and can be insulated from the driving electrode TE, the sensing electrode TE, and the dummy pattern DM. In addition, the identification pattern RP can be insulated from the connecting electrodes CE (CE1 and CE2).

[0108] Despite Figure 9 and Figure 10 The diagram shows two identification patterns RP positioned between the ends TC of the touch conductive pattern TCP, but the number of identification patterns RP positioned between the ends TC of the touch conductive pattern TCP is not limited to this.

[0109] This embodiment of the present invention can suppress or prevent film rupture defects in the first insulating layer IL1 that may occur due to the difference in floating area of ​​the touch conductive pattern TCP, and thus improve the reliability of the touch sensing unit 500_1. Furthermore, when a defect occurs, the identification pattern RP allows for faster determination of whether the location of the defect is within the area where the driving electrode TE and the sensing electrode RE intersect.

[0110] Figure 11 This is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a touch sensing unit according to another embodiment.

[0111] refer to Figure 11 According to this embodiment, the touch sensing unit 500_2 and the touch sensing unit 500_2 according to this embodiment Figure 7 The difference in the embodiment of the touch sensing unit 500 is that it further includes a sub-contact hole SCNT for contacting the second connection electrode CE2 and the touch conductive pattern TCP.

[0112] For example, the touch sensing unit 500_2 according to this embodiment may further include a sub-contact hole SCNT, and the sub-contact hole SCNT exposes at least a portion of the touch conductive pattern TCP. The second connection electrode CE2 can physically and / or electrically contact the adjacent touch conductive patterns TCP of the drive electrode TE through the sub-contact hole SCNT and the second contact hole CNT2.

[0113] This embodiment of the present invention can suppress or prevent film rupture defects in the first insulating layer IL1 that may occur due to differences in the floating area of ​​the touch conductive pattern TCP, and thus improve the reliability of the touch sensing unit 500_2. Furthermore, since the touch sensing unit 500_2 further includes a sub-contact hole SCNT, the contact between the second connecting electrode CE2 and the touch conductive pattern TCP can be made more reliable.

[0114] Figure 12 This is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a touch sensing unit according to yet another embodiment.

[0115] refer to Figure 12 According to this embodiment, the touch sensing unit 500_3 and the touch sensing unit 500_3 according to this embodiment Figure 4 The difference between the touch sensing unit 500 in the embodiment is that the arrangement of the first connection electrode CE1 in the touch sensing unit 500_3 is substantially the same as the arrangement of the second connection electrode CE2 in the touch sensing unit 500_3.

[0116] For example, the arrangement of the second connecting electrode CE2 in the region between the sensing electrodes RE in the planar view can be substantially the same as the arrangement of the first connecting electrode CE1 in the region where the driving electrode TE intersects with the sensing electrode RE in the planar view. For example, the planar shape of each touch conductive pattern TCP of the driving electrode TE disposed in the region between the sensing electrodes RE can be substantially the same as the planar shape of each touch conductive pattern TCP of the driving electrode TE disposed in the region where the driving electrode TE intersects with the sensing electrode RE.

[0117] This embodiment of the present invention can suppress or prevent film rupture defects in the first insulating layer IL1 that may occur due to the difference in floating area of ​​the touch conductive patterns TCP, and thus improve the reliability of the touch sensing unit 500_3. Furthermore, since the planar shape of each touch conductive pattern TCP of the driving electrode TE disposed in the region between the sensing electrodes RE is substantially the same as the planar shape of each touch conductive pattern TCP of the driving electrode TE disposed in the region where the driving electrode TE intersects with the sensing electrode RE, the difference in floating area can be further reduced. Therefore, the reliability of the touch sensing unit 500_3 can be further improved.

[0118] Figure 13This is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a touch sensing unit according to yet another embodiment. Figure 14 yes Figure 13 Enlarged plan view of area A4.

[0119] refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 According to this embodiment, the touch sensing unit 500_4 and the touch sensing unit 500_4 according to this embodiment Figure 4 The difference in the embodiment of the touch sensing unit 500 is that the dummy patterns DM that are adjacent to each other are electrically connected by a third connection electrode CE3.

[0120] For example, the connecting electrode CE_4 according to this embodiment may further include a third connecting electrode CE3, and may electrically connect adjacent dummy patterns DM.

[0121] The third connecting electrode CE3 can be disposed between adjacent sensing electrodes RE. The third connecting electrode CE3 may not be disposed in the region where the driving electrode TE and the sensing electrode RE intersect, but the invention is not limited thereto. The third connecting electrode CE3 may not overlap with the driving voltage TE and the sensing electrode RE.

[0122] The third connecting electrode CE3 can electrically connect adjacent dummy patterns DM. The third connecting electrode CE3 can contact the dummy patterns DM through the third contact hole CNT3, and adjacent dummy patterns DM can be electrically connected to each other through the third connecting electrode CE3. Accordingly, the planar area of ​​each of the dummy patterns DM disposed between the sensing electrodes RE can become smaller.

[0123] This embodiment of the present invention can suppress or prevent film rupture defects in the first insulating layer IL1 that may occur due to the difference in floating area between the touch conductive patterns TCP, and thus improve the reliability of the touch sensing unit 500_4. Furthermore, in the manufacturing process of the display device 10, the difference in floating area between the dummy patterns DM that are separated from each other can be reduced. Accordingly, film rupture defects in the first insulating layer IL1 that may occur due to the difference in floating area between the dummy patterns DM can be suppressed or prevented, thereby further improving the reliability of the touch sensing unit 500_4.

[0124] In summarizing the detailed description, those skilled in the art will understand that many variations and modifications can be made to the embodiments without substantially departing from the principles of this disclosure. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments of the inventive concept are used in a general and descriptive sense and are not intended to be limiting.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: Display unit; as well as A touch sensing unit is disposed on the display unit. The touch sensing unit includes: substrate; A first sensing electrode is disposed on the substrate, wherein the first sensing electrode includes a plurality of touch conductive patterns separated from each other; The second sensing electrode is disposed on the same layer as the first sensing electrode and is insulated from the first sensing electrode; Connecting electrodes electrically connect the touch conductive patterns to each other; and A recognition pattern is positioned between the separated ends of the touch conductive pattern. The connection electrode includes a first connection electrode that overlaps with the second sensing electrode and a second connection electrode that does not overlap with the second sensing electrode. The identification pattern is insulated from the first sensing electrode, the second sensing electrode, and the connection electrode.

2. The display device according to claim 1, in, Multiple second sensing electrodes are provided. The first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode intersect each other, and The first connecting electrode is disposed in the region where the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode intersect, and the second connecting electrode is disposed between adjacent second sensing electrodes.

3. The display device according to claim 2, in, The first sensing electrode extends in a first direction. The second sensing electrode extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first sensing electrode is a driving electrode, and The second sensing electrode is a sensing electrode.

4. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The connecting electrode covers the gap between two touch conductive patterns in the touch conductive pattern.

5. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The identification pattern overlaps with the second connection electrode.

6. The display device according to claim 5, further comprising: A dummy pattern is disposed on the same layer as the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode, wherein the dummy pattern is separate from and insulated from the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode, and The identification pattern is disposed between the ends of the dummy pattern.

7. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: A dummy pattern is disposed on the same layer as the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode, wherein the dummy pattern is separate from and insulated from the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode, and The second connecting electrode is disposed between the ends of the dummy pattern.

8. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: An insulating layer is disposed between at least one touch conductive pattern in the touch conductive pattern and the second connection electrode. The at least one touch conductive pattern and the second connection electrode are in contact with each other through a contact hole that exposes at least a portion of the at least one touch conductive pattern through the insulating layer.

9. The display device according to claim 8, further comprising: Sub-contact holes that expose at least a portion of the at least one touch conductive pattern through the insulating layer. The at least one touch conductive pattern and the second connection electrode are further in contact with each other through the sub-contact hole.

10. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The touch sensing unit further includes a touch area in which touch sensing is performed, and The first connecting electrode and the second connecting electrode are disposed in the touch area.

11. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, Each of the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode includes a mesh structure.

12. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The second sensing electrode is integrally formed.

13. A display device, comprising: Display unit; as well as A touch sensing unit is disposed on the display unit. The touch sensing unit includes: substrate; A first sensing electrode is disposed on the substrate, wherein the first sensing electrode includes a plurality of touch conductive patterns separated from each other; The second sensing electrode is disposed on the same layer as the first sensing electrode and is insulated from the first sensing electrode; Connecting electrodes electrically connect the touch conductive patterns to each other; and A dummy pattern is disposed on the same layer as the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode, wherein the dummy pattern is separate from and insulated from the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode. The connection electrode includes a first connection electrode that overlaps with the second sensing electrode and a second connection electrode that does not overlap with the second sensing electrode. The second connecting electrode is disposed between the ends of the dummy pattern. Among them, multiple dummy patterns that are separate from each other are provided. The connecting electrode further includes a third connecting electrode that electrically connects the dummy patterns to each other, and The third connecting electrode does not overlap with the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode.

14. A display device, comprising: Display unit; as well as A touch sensing unit is disposed on the display unit. The touch sensing unit includes: substrate; A plurality of first sensing electrodes are disposed on the substrate and extend in a first direction; A plurality of second sensing electrodes are disposed on the same layer as the plurality of first sensing electrodes, wherein the second sensing electrodes extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; Connecting electrodes to electrically connect the two ends of the first sensing electrode; and A recognition pattern is positioned between the two separated ends of the first sensing electrode. The connecting electrodes include a first connecting electrode disposed in the region where the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode intersect, and a second connecting electrode disposed between adjacent second sensing electrodes. The identification pattern is insulated from the first sensing electrode, the second sensing electrode, and the connection electrode.

15. The display device according to claim 14, in, The first connecting electrode overlaps with the second sensing electrode, and the second connecting electrode does not overlap with the second sensing electrode.

16. The display device according to claim 15, in, The touch sensing unit further includes a touch area in which touch sensing is performed, and The first connecting electrode and the second connecting electrode are disposed in the touch area.

17. The display device according to any one of claims 14 to 16, in, The identification pattern overlaps with the second connection electrode.

18. The display device according to any one of claims 14 to 16, in, Each of the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode has a mesh structure, and Each of the plurality of first sensing electrodes includes a touch conductive pattern that is separate from each other, and each of the plurality of second sensing electrodes is integrally formed.

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