Touch sensor and display device

Abstract

The invention relates to a touch sensor and a display device. A display device according to an embodiment includes: a display layer including pixels in a display area; a sensor layer including a sensing area overlapping the display area and a plurality of unit areas corresponding to a plurality of touch nodes located in the sensing area; a plurality of sensor electrodes disposed in the plurality of unit regions of the sensor layer; a plurality of sensor lines electrically connected to the plurality of sensor electrodes; and an insulating layer disposed only in a subset of the plurality of unit regions, and disposed on a plurality of portions of the plurality of sensor electrodes.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0106205 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on August 14, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a touch sensor and a display device, and more particularly, to a touch sensor including an insulating layer and a display device including the touch sensor. Background Art

[0004] A touch sensor is a device that detects a user's touch input and is widely used in various types of electronic devices including touch screen display devices. For example, a display device may include a touch sensor that is integrally manufactured with a display panel or disposed on a portion of a display panel to provide a more convenient input interface. Summary of the invention

[0005] A display device includes a display layer including pixels located in a display area, a sensor layer, a plurality of sensor electrodes, a plurality of sensor lines, and an insulating layer. The sensor layer includes a sensing area overlapping the display area, and also includes a plurality of unit areas corresponding to a plurality of touch nodes located in the sensing area. The plurality of sensor electrodes are arranged in the plurality of unit areas of the sensor layer. The plurality of sensor lines are electrically connected to the plurality of sensor electrodes. The insulating layer is arranged only in a subset of the plurality of unit areas and on a plurality of portions of the plurality of sensor electrodes.

[0006] The plurality of sensor electrodes may include a plurality of first sensor electrodes arranged in a first direction in the sensing area and each extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The plurality of sensor lines may include a plurality of first sensor lines electrically connected to the plurality of first sensor electrodes at a plurality of ends of the plurality of first sensor electrodes in the second direction.

[0007] The insulating layer may be provided in unit regions at which opposite ends of the plurality of first sensor electrodes in the second direction are located among the plurality of unit regions, and the insulating layer may be disposed on the plurality of sensor electrodes located in the unit regions.

[0008] The insulating layer may be provided on each of the plurality of first sensor electrodes in a single unit area where each of the plurality of first sensor electrodes among the plurality of unit areas is located. The single unit area is located at an edge farthest from a corresponding first sensor line among the plurality of first sensor lines electrically connected to each of the plurality of first sensor electrodes.

[0009] The plurality of sensor electrodes may further include a plurality of second sensor electrodes arranged in the second direction in the sensing area and each extending in the first direction. The plurality of sensor lines may further include a plurality of second sensor lines electrically connected to the plurality of second sensor electrodes.

[0010] The plurality of second sensor lines may be electrically connected to the plurality of second sensor electrodes at a plurality of one ends of the plurality of second sensor electrodes in the first direction. The sensing region may include: a first sensing region adjacent to a plurality of points at which the plurality of second sensor electrodes are electrically connected to the plurality of second sensor lines; and a second sensing region disposed farther from the plurality of points at which the plurality of second sensor electrodes are electrically connected to the plurality of second sensor lines than the first sensing region.

[0011] The insulating layer may have a first area corresponding to at least one unit area on each of the plurality of first sensor electrodes located in the first sensing region, and may have a second area corresponding to at least two unit areas on each of the plurality of first sensor electrodes located in the second sensing region. The second area may be larger than the first area.

[0012] The plurality of unit regions may include a plurality of first unit regions each having a first area and at least one second unit region having a second area smaller than the first area.

[0013] The insulating layer may be provided at least in the second unit region.

[0014] The sensing area may include at least one corner region including the second unit region, and the insulating layer may cover the plurality of sensor electrodes in the corner region.

[0015] The subset of the plurality of unit regions having the insulating layer may include a plurality of first unit regions each having a first area and at least one second unit region having a second area smaller than the first area.

[0016] The insulating layer may have a first thickness in the plurality of first unit regions, and have a second thickness greater than the first thickness in the at least one second unit region.

[0017] A touch sensor includes a plurality of unit areas corresponding to a plurality of touch nodes in a sensing area. The touch sensor also includes a plurality of sensor electrodes, a plurality of sensor lines, and an insulating layer arranged in the plurality of unit areas. The plurality of sensor lines are electrically connected to the plurality of sensor electrodes. The insulating layer is provided only in a subset of the plurality of unit areas and is arranged on a plurality of portions of the plurality of sensor electrodes.

[0018] The plurality of sensor electrodes may include a plurality of first sensor electrodes arranged in a first direction in the sensing area and each extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The plurality of sensor lines may include a plurality of first sensor lines electrically connected to the plurality of first sensor electrodes at a plurality of ends of the plurality of first sensor electrodes in the second direction.

[0019] The insulating layer may be provided in a unit region where opposite ends of the plurality of first sensor electrodes in the second direction are located among the plurality of unit regions, and may be disposed on the plurality of sensor electrodes located in the unit region.

[0020] The plurality of sensor electrodes may further include a plurality of second sensor electrodes arranged in the second direction in the sensing area and each extending in the first direction. The plurality of sensor lines may further include a plurality of second sensor lines electrically connected to the plurality of second sensor electrodes at a plurality of ends of the plurality of second sensor electrodes in the first direction.

[0021] The sensing region may include a first sensing region and a second sensing region adjacent to a plurality of points at which the plurality of second sensor electrodes are electrically connected to the plurality of second sensor lines. The second sensing region may be disposed farther from the plurality of points at which the plurality of second sensor electrodes are electrically connected to the plurality of second sensor lines than the first sensing region. The insulating layer may have a first area corresponding to at least one unit area on each of the plurality of first sensor electrodes located in the first sensing region, and may have a second area corresponding to at least two unit areas on each of the plurality of first sensor electrodes located in the second sensing region.

[0022] The plurality of unit regions may include a plurality of first unit regions each having a first area and at least one second unit region having a second area smaller than the first area.

[0023] The insulating layer may be provided at least in the second unit region.

[0024] The subset of the multiple unit areas having the insulating layer may include multiple first unit areas and at least one second unit area, the multiple first unit areas each having a first area, the at least one second unit area having a second area smaller than the first area, and the insulating layer may have a first thickness in the multiple first unit areas and a second thickness greater than the first thickness in the at least one second unit area. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent by describing the embodiments of the present disclosure in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A plan view of a display device;

[0028] Figure 3 It is shown along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the example taken along line X1-X1';

[0029] Figure 4 is a plan view showing a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 5 is a plan view showing an active area according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 6 is a plan view showing an active area according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 7 is a plan view showing a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 8 is a plan view showing a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Fig. 9 It is shown along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the example taken along line X2-X2';

[0035] Fig.10 It is shown along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the example taken along line X3-X3';

[0036] Fig.11 It is shown along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the example taken along line X3-X3';

[0037] Fig.12 is a plan view showing a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Fig.13 is a plan view showing a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0039] Fig.14 is a plan view showing a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. However, the present invention may be implemented in different forms and should not necessarily be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, 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.

[0041] It will also be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on” another element or layer, it can be directly on the other element or layer, or intervening layers may also be present. Throughout the specification and drawings, the same reference numerals may refer to the same components.

[0042] It will be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not necessarily be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the teachings of the present invention, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element. Similarly, the second element may also be referred to as the first element.

[0043] The features of each embodiment in the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined with each other in part or in whole, and may technically interact with each other in various ways, and the various embodiments may be implemented independently of each other, or may be implemented together in relation to each other.

[0044] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a display device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] refer to Figure 1 The display device 10 is configured to display a moving image or a still image. The display device 10 can be used as a display screen of a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a smart watch, a watch phone, a mobile communication terminal, an electronic notebook, an electronic book, a portable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation device, and an ultra mobile PC (UMPC) and a display screen of various products such as a television, a notebook computer, a computer monitor, a digital billboard, and an Internet of Things device.

[0047] In an embodiment, the display device 10 may be a light-emitting display device, such as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display device including an organic light-emitting diode, a quantum dot light-emitting display device including a quantum dot light-emitting layer, and an ultra-small light-emitting display device using an ultra-small light-emitting diode such as a micro or nano light-emitting diode (micro-LED or nano-LED). However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the display device 10 may be a display device of other types other than a light-emitting display device.

[0048] In an embodiment, the display device 10 may be flat. For example, the display device 10 may be substantially flat on a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, and may have a predetermined thickness (or height) in the third direction DR3. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display device 10 may include at least some curved portions. In addition, the display device 10 may have various shapes. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display device 10 may be flexible so that it can be bent, folded, or curled.

[0049] In an embodiment, the first direction DR1 may correspond to a longitudinal direction, a column direction, or a vertical direction of the active area AA. The second direction DR2 may intersect with the first direction DR1, and may correspond to, for example, a lateral direction, a row direction, or a horizontal direction of the active area AA. For example, the first direction DR1 may be consistent with or parallel to the longitudinal direction, the column direction, or the vertical direction of the active area AA, and the second direction DR2 may be consistent with or parallel to the lateral direction, the row direction, or the horizontal direction of the active area AA. The third direction DR3 may intersect with the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, and may be orthogonal to a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. For example, the third direction DR3 may be a thickness direction or a height direction of the display device 10.

[0050] The display device 10 may include a display panel 100, a display driver circuit 200, and a circuit board 300. In addition, the display device 10 may include a touch sensor. For example, the display device 10 may further include a touch sensor and a touch driver circuit 400, the touch sensor including a sensor electrode disposed in an active area AA, etc., and the touch driver circuit 400 is electrically connected to the sensor electrode. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor electrode may be disposed on the display panel 100, and the touch driver circuit 400 may be mounted on the circuit board 300.

[0051] The display panel 100 may include a main area MA including an active area AA and an auxiliary area SBA located on one side of the main area MA.

[0052] The main area MA may include an active area AA and a non-active area NA at least partially surrounding the active area AA. The active area AA may be located at the center of the main area MA and may occupy most of the main area MA. The non-active area NA may be located at the edge of the main area MA and may contact the auxiliary area SBA.

[0053] The active area AA may include a display area and a sensing area. In the display area, pixels may be provided and / or arranged, and an image may be displayed by the pixels. In the sensing area (e.g., a touch sensing area), sensor electrodes (also referred to as sensing patterns) (e.g., sensor electrodes of a touch sensor) are provided and / or arranged, and touch inputs, etc. may be sensed by the sensor electrodes. The display area and the sensing area may be substantially the same area, or may be different areas. In addition, the display area and the sensing area may overlap or may not overlap with each other. In the following embodiments, the display area and the sensing area are substantially the same or overlap with each other. For example, the sensing area may be all or part of the display area.

[0054] In an embodiment, the active area AA may include a pair of long sides extending in the first direction DR1 and a pair of short sides extending in the second direction DR2, and may be formed as a flat surface having a substantially rectangular shape. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the corners where the long sides and short sides of the active area AA meet each other may be rounded, or may have a gradually changing width with a boundary line such as an inclined line and a stepped shape. The shape of the active area AA may vary according to the embodiment. For example, the active area AA may be formed in a polygonal shape, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or an irregular shape other than a rectangular shape.

[0055] In an embodiment, the display device 10 may include a hole area HA formed inside the active area AA or at least partially surrounded by the active area AA. According to an embodiment, in the hole area HA (e.g., a light-transmitting area), a camera or a proximity sensor is placed. The sensor electrodes of the touch sensor may not be provided in the hole area HA. ​​For example, the sensor electrodes at the touch nodes located around the hole area HA may have an area reduced by an amount equal to the size of the hole area HA.

[0056] The non-active area NA may be directly located around the active area AA. For example, the non-active area NA may be in contact with the edge of the active area AA and may at least partially surround the active area AA. The non-active area NA may include a dam area and an inorganic encapsulation area. According to an embodiment, an embedded circuit may be provided in the non-active area NA. For example, an embedded circuit including a scan driver circuit and the like may be provided in the non-active area NA located on one side (e.g., the left side or the right side) or both sides of the active area AA.

[0057] The auxiliary area SBA may be located on one side of the main area MA. For example, the auxiliary area SBA may protrude from one side of the main area MA in the first direction DR1. For example, the auxiliary area SBA may protrude from the lower end of the main area MA in the first direction DR1. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary area SBA may have a smaller width than the main area MA. For example, as measured in the second direction DR2, the auxiliary area SBA may have a smaller width than the main area MA.

[0058] Lines and pads may be provided in the auxiliary area SBA. For example, in the auxiliary area SBA, lines and pads electrically connected to pixels, sensor electrodes, and / or embedded circuits located in the main area MA and the display driver circuit 200 and / or the circuit board 300 located in the auxiliary area SBA may be provided. At least some of the lines may be electrically connected to pixels and sensor electrodes located in the active area AA inside or around the active area AA. In the description of the following embodiments, the term "electrically connected" may also include physical connections in addition to electrical connections.

[0059] In an embodiment, the display driver circuit 200 may be disposed in the auxiliary area SBA. The circuit board 300 may be disposed on a portion of the auxiliary area SBA.

[0060] The display driver circuit 200 may include a data driver circuit for driving pixels. According to an embodiment, the display driver circuit 200 may be an integrated circuit (IC) chip and mounted in the auxiliary area SBA. According to an embodiment, the display driver circuit 200 may be disposed on the circuit board 300 in the auxiliary area SBA, or may be disposed on another circuit board electrically connected to the display panel 100 through the circuit board 300.

[0061] The circuit board 300 may be disposed on a portion of the auxiliary area SBA. For example, the circuit board 300 may be bonded to a pad located at a position (e.g., the lower edge) of the auxiliary area SBA, and may supply or transmit a power supply voltage and a drive signal for driving the display panel 100 to the display panel 100. For example, the circuit board 300 may supply input image data (e.g., digital image data), a drive signal including a timing signal, and a drive voltage to the display panel 100. According to an embodiment, the circuit board 300 may supply a drive signal for driving at least some sensor electrodes (e.g., drive electrodes) to the display panel 100, and may receive a sensing signal output from at least some sensor electrodes (e.g., sensing electrodes). The circuit board 300 may be, but is not necessarily limited to, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), a printed circuit board (PCB), or a flexible film such as a chip-on-film (COF).

[0062] The touch driver circuit 400 may be electrically connected to a sensor electrode disposed on the display panel 100 (or disposed on a sensor layer coupled to the display panel 100). For example, the touch driver circuit 400 may be electrically connected to the sensor electrode via a sensor line electrically connected to the sensor electrode. According to an embodiment, the touch driver circuit 400 may be implemented as an integrated circuit (IC) chip and may be mounted on the circuit board 300. Alternatively, the touch driver circuit 400 may be mounted on the auxiliary area SBA like the display driver circuit 200. The shape and position of the touch driver circuit 400 may vary according to the embodiment.

[0063] The touch driver circuit 400 may apply a touch drive signal to at least some of the sensor electrodes provided in the display panel 100, etc., and may receive a touch sensing signal through the at least some of the sensor electrodes. For example, when the touch sensor is a mutual capacitance touch sensor including a drive electrode and a sensing electrode, the touch driver circuit 400 may apply a touch drive signal to the drive electrode during a sensing period in which the touch sensor is activated, may receive a touch sensing signal from each of the touch nodes through the sensing electrode, and may sense a change in mutual capacitance based on the touch sensing signal. The touch driver circuit 400 (or a host processor that receives an electrical signal corresponding to the touch sensing signal from the touch driver circuit 400) may determine whether there is a user's touch or proximity based on the touch sensing signal from each of the touch nodes, and if there is a user's touch or proximity, identify a position, etc.

[0064] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a plan view of a display device 10 . Figure 3 It is shown along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the example taken along line X1-X1'.

[0065] Figure 1 1 shows the display device 10 in an unbent state, and Figure 2 and Figure 3 The display device 10 is shown in a bent state (eg, bent in the auxiliary area SBA). Figure 1 The auxiliary area SBA extending parallel to the main area MA is shown, and Figure 2 and Figure 3 A portion of the auxiliary area SBA that is bent and located on the rear side of the main area MA is shown.

[0066] Combination Figure 1 refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the display panel 100 may include: a substrate 110 including a main area MA and an auxiliary area SBA; and a display layer 120 and an encapsulation layer 130 sequentially disposed on the substrate 110. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display panel 100 may be a light-emitting display panel including a light-emitting element, and the display layer 120 may include a circuit layer 120A and a light-emitting element layer 120B sequentially disposed on the substrate 110.

[0067] In an embodiment, the display panel 100 may further include a sensor layer 140 (e.g., a touch sensor layer) disposed on the encapsulation layer 130. However, the position of the sensor layer 140 is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the sensor layer 140 may be prepared separately from the display panel 100 and disposed on the display panel 100. For example, the display device 10 may include a sensor layer 140 manufactured integrally with the display panel 100 or manufactured separately from the display panel 100. When the sensor layer 140 is manufactured separately from the display panel 100, the sensor layer 140 may include a separate substrate (e.g., a base or a film).

[0068] In an embodiment, the display device 10 may further include an additional element disposed on the sensor layer 140. For example, the display device 10 may further include at least one of an optical layer (e.g., a polarizing layer or a color filter layer) and a protective layer (e.g., a window or a protective film) disposed on the sensor layer 140. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical layer and / or the protective layer may be disposed in the display panel 100. For example, the optical layer and / or the protective layer may be manufactured integrally with the display panel 100. According to an embodiment, the optical layer and / or the protective layer may be manufactured separately from the display panel 100 and may be attached to the display panel 100 by an adhesive layer or the like.

[0069] The substrate 110 may include an insulating material such as a polymer resin. For example, the substrate 110 may be made of polyimide or other electrically insulating materials. The substrate 110 may be a flexible substrate that can be deformed (i.e., bent, folded, or curled to a significant degree without breaking or otherwise sustaining damage). Alternatively, the substrate 110 may be made of an electrically insulating material such as glass. The substrate 110 may include a main area MA and an auxiliary area SBA, the main area MA including an active area AA and a non-active area NA, and the auxiliary area SBA extending from one side of the main area MA.

[0070] The circuit layer 120A may be located in the main area MA and the auxiliary area SBA on the substrate 110. The circuit layer 120A may include circuit elements provided to pixels of the display area DA (eg, transistors and capacitors forming pixel circuits of the pixels), lines electrically connected to the pixels, and the like.

[0071] The light emitting element layer 120B may be located on the substrate 110 and the circuit layer 120A. For example, the light emitting element layer 120B may be located in the main area MA. The light emitting element layer 120B may include light emitting elements provided to pixels of the display area DA (for example, light emitting elements electrically connected to pixel circuits and arranged in emission areas, respectively), etc. For example, each of the pixels may include at least one light emitting element and a pixel circuit electrically connected to the light emitting element. The pixels may be located in a pixel area located in the display area DA, respectively. Each of the pixel areas may include an emission area in which the light emitting element is arranged and a pixel circuit area in which the pixel circuit is arranged. According to an embodiment, the emission area and the pixel circuit area of ​​each pixel may overlap with each other, but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to this. Although in Figure 3 In the example shown in , the circuit layer 120A and the light emitting element layer 120B are separated from each other, but the embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the circuit layer 120A and the light emitting element layer 120B may be implemented as a single element.

[0072] The encapsulation layer 130 may be located on the substrate 110 and the circuit layer 120A. For example, the encapsulation layer 130 may be located in the main area MA and may cover the light emitting element layer 120B. The encapsulation layer 130 may encapsulate pixels located in the display area DA. The encapsulation layer 130 may extend to the non-active area NA and may contact the circuit layer 120A. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the encapsulation layer 130 may be, but is not limited to, a multi-layer encapsulation layer including at least two inorganic encapsulation films overlapping each other and at least one organic encapsulation film between the inorganic encapsulation films.

[0073] The sensor layer 140 may be disposed on the encapsulation layer 130 and may be disposed at least in the main area MA. According to an embodiment, the sensor layer 140 may be a touch sensor layer and may include a sensor electrode for sensing a touch input (physical contact or proximity, etc.) of a person or an object and a sensor line electrically connected to the sensor electrode. For example, the touch sensor may include a sensor layer 140 including sensor electrodes and sensor lines, and may also optionally include a touch driver circuit 400. The touch driver circuit 400 may be provided in the touch sensor, or provided on a circuit board or a host device electrically connected to the touch sensor.

[0074] The sensor layer 140 may be disposed at least in the main area MA and may include an active area AA and a non-active area NA. The sensor layer 140 may include sensor electrodes disposed in the sensing area SA of the active area AA and sensor lines electrically connected to the sensor electrodes and passing through the non-active area NA. Figure 3 A schematic position of the sensor layer 140 relative to the sensor electrodes is shown.

[0075] In an embodiment, the sensing area SA may overlap the display area DA. For example, the sensing area SA may be at least similar or substantially the same as the display area DA, and the entire active area AA may be the display area DA and may also be the sensing area SA.

[0076] The sensor line may extend from the main area MA to the auxiliary area SBA. According to an embodiment, the sensor line may be electrically connected to the circuit board 300 through each pad in the auxiliary area SBA, and may be electrically connected to the touch driver circuit 400 through the circuit board 300. The sensor layer 140 may sense a touch input made in the sensing area SA, etc., using the sensor electrodes.

[0077] In an embodiment, the display panel 100 may be bent in the bending area BA. The bending area BA may be a portion or a section of the auxiliary area SBA and may be spaced apart from the main area MA.

[0078] The substrate 110 and the circuit layer 120A may be bent in the bending area BA corresponding to a portion of the auxiliary area SBA. Therefore, a bezel area recognized as the non-active area NA by a user may be reduced or minimized.

[0079] Figure 4 is a plan view showing a display panel 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, Figure 4 is a plan view showing the display panel 100 including the sensor layer 140 according to an embodiment when the display panel 100 is not bent. Figure 5 is a plan view showing an active area AA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, Figure 5shows the sensing area SA and Figure 4 The part corresponding to area A1 in .

[0080] Combination Figures 1 to 3 refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the display panel 100 may include a main area MA including an active area AA and a non-active area NA, and an auxiliary area SBA including a bank area BNKA, a driver circuit area ICA, and a pad area PA.

[0081] The sensor layer 140 may include a sensor electrode TSE disposed in an active area AA (e.g., a sensing area SA) and a sensor line TL (also referred to as a touch trace line) electrically connected to the sensor electrode TSE. For example, the sensor layer 140 may include an active area AA and a non-active area NA, the active area AA including the sensing area SA. The sensor electrode TSE may be disposed in the sensing area SA of the sensor layer 140. The sensor line TL may be disposed in the non-active area NA of the sensor layer 140.

[0082] In an embodiment, the sensor lines TL may extend from the main area MA to the auxiliary area SBA. For example, some sensor lines TL may be located in the main area MA and electrically connected to corresponding sensor electrodes TSE, while other sensor lines TL may be located in the auxiliary area SBA and electrically connected to corresponding second pads TP.

[0083] In an embodiment, the sensor layer 140 may be integrally formed with the display panel 100. For example, portions of the sensor lines TL and the sensor electrodes TSE located in the main area MA may be formed on the encapsulation layer 130, and other portions of the sensor lines TL located in the auxiliary area SBA may be formed on the substrate 110 (or inside and / or on the circuit layer 120A on the substrate 110).

[0084] The sensor layer 140 may include unit areas UA corresponding to corresponding touch nodes located in the sensing area SA. For example, the sensor layer 140 may include unit areas UA including intersections where the sensor electrodes TSE intersect each other and corresponding to touch nodes where mutual capacitance is formed by a pair of sensor electrodes TSE. When the sensor electrodes TSE are generally uniformly arranged in the sensing area SA, the unit areas UA may be generally uniformly distributed in the sensing area SA. Figure 4, only some unit areas UA including at least one first unit area UA1 and a second unit area UA2 are indicated by reference numerals. The first unit area UA1 may indicate a unit area UA having a first area, and the second unit area UA2 may indicate a unit area UA having a second area smaller than the first area. For example, the sensor layer 140 may include a plurality of first unit areas UA1 each having a first area and at least one second unit area UA2 having a second area.

[0085] In an embodiment, the unit area UA may have a generally uniform size (e.g., a uniform area). For example, most of the unit areas UA located in the sensing area SA may be first unit areas UA1, and a few of the unit areas UA located in the sensing area SA may be second unit areas UA2. For example, a few of the second unit areas UA2 located only at the corners of the sensing area SA may have a smaller area than other unit areas UA (i.e., the first unit areas UA1).

[0086] The sensor electrodes TSE may include first sensor electrodes TSE1 and second sensor electrodes TSE2 arranged and / or extending in different directions. According to an embodiment, the first sensor electrodes TSE1 may be arranged in the first direction DR1 in the sensing area SA, and each of the first sensor electrodes TSE1 may extend in the second direction DR2. The second sensor electrodes TSE2 may be arranged in the second direction DR2 in the sensing area SA, and each of the second sensor electrodes TSE2 may extend in the first direction DR1 to intersect with the first sensor electrodes TSE1.

[0087] In an embodiment, the sensor electrode TSE forms a mutual capacitance touch sensor and may include a driving electrode and a sensing electrode. For example, the first sensor electrode TSE1 may be a sensing electrode (e.g., an Rx electrode for sensing a voltage charged in a mutual capacitance with the driving electrode during a sensing period when the touch sensor is activated). The second sensor electrode TSE2 may be a driving electrode (e.g., a Tx electrode to which a touch driving signal is applied from the touch driver circuit 400 during a sensing period when the touch sensor is activated).

[0088] The unit area UA may be formed at the intersection of the first sensor electrode TSE1 and the second sensor electrode TSE2 For example, a plurality of unit areas UA located in a column corresponding to the second sensor electrode TSE2 may be formed in each row where the first sensor electrode TSE1 is located.

[0089] The sensor electrode TSE may be disposed in each of the unit areas UA of the sensor layer 140. For example, a pair of first and second sensor electrodes TSE1 and TSE2 (or a portion of a pair of first and second sensor electrodes TSE1 and TSE2) may be located in each of the unit areas UA.

[0090] Each first sensor electrode TSE1 may include a first electrode portion EP1 (also referred to as a first electrode unit) and a first connection portion CP1. At each first sensor electrode TSE1, the first electrode portions EP1 may be arranged in the second direction DR2, and the first connection portion CP1 may connect between the first electrode portions EP1.

[0091] In an embodiment, each of the first electrode portions EP1 may be a plate pattern having a substantially diamond shape or other shapes, such as a square shape, a hexagonal shape, a circular shape, etc. According to an embodiment, each of the first electrode portions EP1 may have a mesh pattern.

[0092] In an embodiment, Figure 5 As shown in , the first connection portion CP1 may be formed integrally with the first electrode portion EP1. According to an embodiment, the first connection portion CP1 may be formed as a bridge-shaped conductive pattern that is not integrated with the first electrode portion EP1. For each of the first sensor electrodes TSE1, at least one first connection portion CP1 may be formed between two adjacent first electrode portions EP1.

[0093] Each second sensor electrode TSE2 may include a second electrode portion EP2 (also referred to as a second electrode unit) and a second connection portion CP2. At each second sensor electrode TSE2, the second electrode portions EP2 may be arranged in the first direction DR1, and the second connection portion CP2 may connect between the second electrode portions EP2.

[0094] In an embodiment, each of the second electrode portions EP2 may be a plate pattern having a substantially diamond shape or other shapes, such as a square shape, a hexagonal shape, a circular shape, etc. According to an embodiment, each of the second electrode portions EP2 may have a mesh pattern.

[0095] In an embodiment, Figure 5As shown in , the second connection portion CP2 may be formed as a bridge-shaped conductive pattern that is not integrated with the second electrode portion EP2. The second connection portion CP2 may be electrically connected to the corresponding second electrode portion EP2 through a contact portion TCNT including at least one contact hole. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first electrode portion EP1, the second electrode portion EP2, and the first connection portion CP1 may be disposed or provided in the same layer in the sensor layer 140, and the second connection portion CP2 may be disposed in a layer different from the first electrode portion EP1, the second electrode portion EP2, and the first connection portion CP1 in the sensor layer 140. According to an embodiment, the second connection portion CP2 may be formed integrally with the second electrode portion EP2. For each of the second sensor electrodes TSE2, at least one second connection portion CP2 may be formed between two adjacent second electrode portions EP2.

[0096] The sensor electrode TSE may include at least one conductive material, and the material of the sensor electrode TSE is not particularly limited to any one type of material. According to an embodiment, each of the first electrode portion EP1, the second electrode portion EP2, the first connection portion CP1, and the second connection portion CP2 may have a multilayer structure in which at least two conductive layers are stacked. For example, each of the first electrode portion EP1, the second electrode portion EP2, the first connection portion CP1, and the second connection portion CP2 may have a multilayer structure including metal layers (such as titanium (Ti) / aluminum (Al) / titanium (Ti)) stacked continuously.

[0097] In addition to the above-described embodiments, the type, structure, and material of the sensor layer 140 may be changed in various ways. For example, the type, configuration, structure, shape, size, position, and / or material of the sensor electrode TSE may vary according to the embodiments.

[0098] The sensing area SA may respond to the touch input through the sensor electrode TSE. For example, when a touch input is provided to the sensing area SA while the touch sensor is activated, a sensing signal responsive to the touch input may be output from the sensor electrode TSE.

[0099] The sensor line TL may be electrically connected to the sensor electrode TSE. For example, the sensor line TL may be electrically connected between the corresponding sensor electrode TSE and the corresponding second pad TP. The sensor electrode TSE and the sensor line TL may be electrically connected to the touch driver circuit 400 through the corresponding second pad TP.

[0100] In an embodiment, the sensor line TL may be electrically connected to the corresponding sensor electrode TSE inside the active area AA or at the boundary between the active area AA and the non-active area NA. The sensor line TL may be electrically connected to the corresponding second pad TP in the pad area PA disposed outside the non-active area NA.

[0101] The sensor lines TL may include a first sensor line TL1 electrically connected to the corresponding first sensor electrode TSE1 and a second sensor line TL2 electrically connected to the corresponding second sensor electrode TSE2. According to an embodiment, the first sensor line TL1 may be electrically connected to the corresponding first sensor electrode TSE1 at one end (e.g., the left end or the right end) of the first sensor electrode TSE1 in the second direction DR2. According to an embodiment, the second sensor line TL2 may be electrically connected to the corresponding second sensor electrode TSE2 at one end (e.g., the lower end of each of the second sensor electrodes TSE2) of the second sensor electrode TSE2 in the first direction DR1.

[0102] The mutual capacitance formed in the unit area UA of the sensor layer 140 may vary according to the connection structure and / or the connection point between the sensor electrode TSE and the sensor line TL. For example, the size of the mutual capacitance formed in the unit area UA may vary according to the position where the sensor electrode TSE is electrically connected to the corresponding sensor line TL and / or the distance from the connection point between the sensor electrode TSE and the sensor line TL, etc. For example, if other conditions such as the size (e.g., area) of the unit area UA and the size of the sensor electrode TSE formed in the unit area UA, etc. are substantially the same, the size of the mutual capacitance formed in the y unit areas UA1_E and UA2_E among the unit areas UA formed in the first sensor electrode TSE1, which are located at the edge farthest from the point where the first sensor electrode TSE1 is electrically connected to the first sensor line TL1, may be smaller than the size of the mutual capacitance formed in the other unit areas UA of the first sensor electrode TSE1. Such a change in mutual capacitance may reduce touch sensitivity.

[0103] In addition, the mutual capacitance formed in the unit area UA of the sensor layer 140 may vary according to the area difference between the unit areas UA (or correspondingly, the area difference between the sensor electrodes TSE), etc. For example, in the second unit area UA2 having a smaller area than the first unit area UA1, the area of ​​the sensor electrode TSE may also be smaller, and the size of the mutual capacitance between the sensor electrodes TSE may be smaller.

[0104] In view of the above, we will refer to Figures 7 to 14In the described embodiments, a scheme for compensating for a change in mutual capacitance according to a line connection structure of a touch sensor and / or an area difference between unit areas UA (or touch nodes) is disclosed.

[0105] The auxiliary area SBA may include a bank area BNKA, a driver circuit area ICA, and a pad area PA sequentially arranged on one side of the main area MA. In the auxiliary area SBA, various lines (or parts of lines), banks, and pads PD including sensor lines TL may be provided. At least some of the lines may extend to the main area MA and may be electrically connected to the pixels and / or sensor electrodes TSE.

[0106] In the bank area BNKA, a bank including at least one organic film may be provided. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the bank area BNKA may include a bending area BA. For example, the bank area BNKA may include a bending area BA spaced apart from the main area MA and a first edge area BEA1 and a second edge area BEA2 located on both sides of the bending area BA in the first direction DR1. A bank may be provided in the bending area BA and its surrounding areas (e.g., the first edge area BEA1 and the second edge area BEA2 of the bank area BNKA) to cover a line passing through the bending area BA. According to an embodiment, an inorganic insulating film provided in the display panel 100 may be removed from the bending area BA. The line passing through the bending area BA may be covered by the bank including at least one organic insulating film. The display panel 100 may be bent in the bending area BA so that a portion of the auxiliary area SBA may be located on the rear side of the main area MA.

[0107] In the driver circuit area ICA, the display driver circuit 200 may be installed. Input / output pads for electrically connecting at least some lines to the display driver circuit 200 may be provided in the driver circuit area ICA. For example, in the driver circuit area ICA, input pads for electrically connecting the display driver circuit 200 to certain pads (e.g., data input pads) of the pad area PA and output pads for connecting the display driver circuit 200 to pixels may be provided.

[0108] In some embodiments, the display driver circuit 200 may not be mounted on the display panel 100. In this case, the display panel 100 may not include the driver circuit area ICA, and only the wires may be disposed between the bank area BNKA and the pad area PA.

[0109] In some embodiments, the bank may not be provided in the auxiliary area SBA. In this case, the auxiliary area SBA may not include the bank area BNKA.

[0110] A pad PD for transmitting a power supply voltage and a driving signal required to drive the display panel 100 may be provided or disposed in the pad area PA. The pad PD may include a first pad DP (e.g., a pad for display) for displaying an image and a second pad TP (e.g., a touch pad) for sensing a touch input. For example, the first pad DP may include a power pad and a signal pad electrically connected to a pixel and / or embedded circuit of the display panel 100 and the display driver circuit 200, and the second pad TP may include a signal pad electrically connected to the sensor electrode TSE. The circuit board 300 may be disposed or bonded to the pad PD.

[0111] Figure 6 is a plan view showing an active area AA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, Figure 6 The display area DA and the sensing area SA are shown. Figure 4 The part corresponding to area A1 in . Figure 6 Shown with Figure 5 Embodiments may have sensor electrodes TSE' having different shapes and / or structures. For example, the sensor electrode TSE' may have a grid pattern, and two second connection portions CP2' may be disposed between two adjacent second electrode portions EP2'.

[0112] Combination Figures 1 to 5 refer to Figure 6 , the pixel PX and the sensor electrode TSE' may be disposed in the active area AA. The pixel PX and the sensor electrode TSE' may be disposed in different layers in the display panel 100, and may overlap each other or may not overlap each other. For example, the pixel PX may be disposed in the display layer 120, and may be located in the display area DA included in the active area AA. According to an embodiment, each of the pixels PX may include a pixel circuit including a circuit element disposed in a circuit layer 120A of the display layer 120 and a light-emitting element disposed in a light-emitting element layer 120B of the display layer 120. The sensor electrode TSE' may be disposed in a sensor layer 140 overlapping the display layer 120, and may be located in a sensing area SA included in the active area AA.

[0113] In an embodiment, the pixel PX may include pixels PX of at least two colors. For example, the pixel PX may include a first color pixel PX1 that emits light of a first color (e.g., red light), a second color pixel PX2 that emits light of a second color (e.g., green light), and a third color pixel PX3 that emits light of a third color (e.g., blue light). Each of the first color pixels PX1 may include a first emission area EA1, and may emit light of a first color (e.g., red light) in the first emission area EA1. Each of the second color pixels PX2 may include a second emission area EA2, and may emit light of a second color (e.g., green light) in the second emission area EA2. Each of the third color pixels PX3 may include a third emission area EA3, and may emit light of a third color (e.g., blue light) in the third emission area EA3. Figure 6 An arrangement structure of the pixel PX with respect to the emission area EA of the pixel PX is shown. The remaining area of ​​the active area AA except for the emission area EA of the pixel PX may be a non-emission area NEA.

[0114] In an embodiment, the first color pixel PX1 and the third color pixel PX3 may be alternately arranged in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The second color pixel PX2 may be arranged side by side in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, and may be adjacent to the first color pixel PX1 or the third color pixel PX3 in an oblique direction crossing the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0115] Each of the emission areas EA of the first color pixel PX1, the second color pixel PX2, and the third color pixel PX3 may have a quadrilateral shape such as a rhombus or a rectangle. Alternatively, each of the emission areas EA of the first color pixel PX1, the second color pixel PX2, and the third color pixel PX3 may have a shape other than a quadrilateral shape.

[0116] In an embodiment, the first color pixel PX1, the second color pixel PX2, and / or the third color pixel PX3 may include emission areas EA of different sizes. For example, depending on light efficiency, life span of the pixel PX, and / or white balance, etc., the first color pixel PX1, the second color pixel PX2, and the third color pixel PX3 may be formed to include emission areas EA of different sizes and / or proportions.

[0117] At least one first color pixel PX1, at least one second color pixel PX2, and at least one third color pixel PX3 adjacent to each other may form a unit pixel UPX. For example, one first color pixel PX1, two second color pixels PX2, and one third color pixel PX3 adjacent to each other may form a single unit pixel UPX. Each unit pixel UPX may emit light of various colors including white light by mixing the colors of light emitted from the emission area EA of the pixel PX forming the unit pixel UPX.

[0118] The sensor electrode TSE' may be a touch electrode for detecting a touch or approach of a user. According to an embodiment, the sensor electrode TSE' may be provided only in the sensing area SA overlapping the display area DA, but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the sensor electrode TSE' may also be provided in an area that does not overlap the display area DA. The area in which the sensor electrode TSE' is provided may be the sensing area SA, and a sensing signal may be generated according to a touch input or the like.

[0119] In an embodiment, the sensor electrode TSE' may be formed into a grid pattern. For example, the first electrode portion EP1' and the first connection portion CP1' of each of the first sensor electrodes TSE1', the second electrode portion EP2' and the second connection portion CP2' of each of the second sensor electrodes TSE2' may be a grid pattern including at least one opening. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first electrode portion EP1', the second electrode portion EP2', the first connection portion CP1' and the second connection portion CP2' may include an opening corresponding to the emission area EA of the pixel PX. Thus, light loss of the display device 10 can be prevented or reduced, and light efficiency can be improved.

[0120] In an embodiment, the first electrode portion EP1', the second electrode portion EP2', and the first connection portion CP1' may be disposed or provided in the same layer in the sensor layer 140, and the second connection portion CP2' may be disposed in a different layer from the first electrode portion EP1', the second electrode portion EP2', and the first connection portion CP1' in the sensor layer 140. For example, the second connection portion CP2' may be electrically connected to the corresponding second electrode portion EP2' through a contact portion TCNT' including at least one contact hole.

[0121] In an embodiment, a plurality of second connection portions CP2' may be formed between two adjacent second electrode portions EP2' in each of the second sensor electrodes TSE2'. For example, two second connection portions CP2' may be formed between two adjacent second electrode portions EP2' in each of the second sensor electrodes TSE2'.

[0122] In an embodiment, the second connection portion CP2' may have a shape bent once or multiple times. The second connection portion CP2' may have other shapes.

[0123] Apart from Figures 4 to 6 In addition to the embodiments disclosed in the above, the display device 10 may further include pixels PX and sensor electrodes TSE and TSE' according to various embodiments. For example, the type, number, resolution, arrangement structure, shape and / or size of the pixels PX, the type, number and / or ratio of the pixels PX forming each unit pixel UPX, etc. may be varied in various ways according to the embodiments. In addition, the type, structure, shape, size and / or arrangement structure of the sensor electrodes TSE and TSE' may be varied according to the embodiments.

[0124] Figure 7 is a plan view showing a display panel 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, Figure 7 It is shown that according to Figure 4 A plan view of a display panel 100 including a sensor layer 140 according to a modified embodiment of the embodiment. Figure 8 is a plan view showing a display panel 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, Figure 8 It is shown that according to Figure 7 A plan view of a display panel 100 including a sensor layer 140 according to a modified embodiment of the embodiment. Fig. 9 It is shown along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the example taken along line X2-X2'.

[0125] Combination Figures 1 to 6 refer to Figures 7 to 9 , the sensor layer 140 may further include an insulating layer PVX (also referred to as an upper insulating layer or a passivation layer (PVS)) disposed only in some of the unit areas UA and partially on the sensor electrodes TSE. According to an embodiment, the insulating layer PVX may be formed only on a subset of the unit areas UA formed in the first sensor electrode TSE1 at an edge farthest from a point where the first sensor electrode TSE1 is electrically connected to the first sensor line TL1 (for example, Figure 4 In the unit areas UA1_E and UA2_E).

[0126] For example, when the first sensor line TL1 is electrically connected to the corresponding first sensor electrode TSE1 at one end (e.g., the left end or the right end) of the first sensor electrode TSE1 in the second direction DR2, the insulating layer PVX may be disposed in the unit area UA where the opposite end (e.g., the right end or the left end) of the first sensor electrode TSE1 in the second direction DR2 is located. Figure 7 and Figure 8Various embodiments regarding the connection structure between the first sensor electrode TSE1 and the first sensor line TL1 are disclosed. The position of the insulating layer PVX may also be changed according to the connection position (eg, connection point) between the first sensor electrode TSE1 and the first sensor line TL1.

[0127] The insulating layer PVX may be disposed on the sensor electrode TSE and may cover the sensor electrode TSE (or a portion of the sensor electrode TSE) located in the unit area UA. For example, the insulating layer PVX may cover the first electrode portion EP1, the first connection portion CP1, the second electrode portion EP2, and the second connection portion CP2 located in the unit area UA. The insulating layer PVX may be a single-layer or multi-layer insulating layer including an inorganic insulating material and / or an organic insulating material. The material and cross-sectional structure of the insulating layer PVX may vary according to the embodiment.

[0128] Fig. 9 An embodiment is disclosed in which the first electrode portion EP1, the first connection portion CP1, and the second electrode portion EP2 are disposed in the first conductive layer TCDL1, and the second connection portion CP2 is disposed in the second conductive layer TCDL2 located on the first conductive layer TCDL1. For example, the disclosed touch sensor has a structure in which the first electrode portion EP1, the first connection portion CP1, and the second electrode portion EP2 may be disposed in the first conductive layer TCDL1, the first conductive layer TCDL1 being disposed on the first insulating layer INS1 on the encapsulation layer 130, and the second connection portion CP2 is disposed in the second conductive layer TCDL2, the second conductive layer TCDL2 being disposed on the second insulating layer INS2 on the first conductive layer TCDL1. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first insulating layer INS1 may be a buffer layer provided to the sensor layer 140, and may include an inorganic insulating layer. The second insulating layer INS2 may be an interlayer dielectric layer provided to the sensor layer 140, and may include an inorganic insulating layer and / or an organic insulating layer. However, it should be understood that the structure of the touch sensor may vary according to the embodiment. For example, the second conductive layer TCDL2 including the second connection portion CP2 may be disposed between the first insulating layer INS1 and the second insulating layer INS2, and the first conductive layer TCDL1 including the first electrode portion EP1, the first connection portion CP1, and the second electrode portion EP2 may be disposed on the second insulating layer INS2. In addition, the structure of the sensor electrode TSE may be modified in various ways.

[0129] In an embodiment, the insulating layer PVX may be provided in the same number of unit areas UA for each of the first sensor electrodes TSE1. For example, the insulating layer PVX may be provided only in a subset of the unit areas UA of each row where the first sensor electrode TSE1 located at the edge farthest from the point where the first sensor electrode TSE1 is electrically connected to the first sensor line TL1 (e.g., the unit areas UA1_E and UA2_E). However, it should be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the insulating layer PVX may be provided in a plurality of unit areas UA on at least one first sensor electrode TSE1.

[0130] In an embodiment, the insulating layer PVX may have a thickness suitable for compensating for variations in mutual capacitance formed in the unit area UA. For example, the insulating layer PVX may have a first thickness TH1 that is optimized to reduce or minimize variations between mutual capacitance formed in the unit area UA1_E or UA2_E located at the farthest position from the first sensor line TL1 and mutual capacitance formed in other unit areas UA. For example, the thickness of the insulating layer PVX may be appropriately adjusted for the display panel 100 (or the design structure of the sensor layer 140 of the display panel 100) so that variations in mutual capacitance measured in each of the unit areas UA may be compensated.

[0131] According to an embodiment, the insulating layer PVX may be provided in a unit area UA in which a relatively small mutual capacitance is formed according to a connection structure and / or a connection point between the sensor electrode TSE and the sensor line TL. In the unit area UA in which the sensor electrode TSE is covered by the insulating layer PVX, the mutual capacitance may change due to a change in the dielectric constant caused by the insulating layer PVX. For example, in the unit area UA having the insulating layer PVX, the mutual capacitance for sensing a touch input may increase, so that the touch input may be sensed more sensitively.

[0132] Fig.10 It is shown along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the example taken along line X3-X3'. Fig.11 It is shown along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view of the example is taken along the line X3-X3'. For example, Fig.10 and Fig.11 Different embodiments are shown regarding the thickness of the insulating layer PVX.

[0133] Combination Figures 1 to 9 refer to Fig.10, the insulating layer PVX may be provided and / or formed to have a substantially uniform thickness. For example, in the unit area UA provided with the insulating layer PVX, the insulating layer PVX has a substantially uniform first thickness TH1 regardless of the shape and / or area of ​​the unit area UA. Therefore, the structure of the sensor layer 140 may be simplified, and the manufacturing process may be simplified. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first thickness TH1 may be, but is not necessarily limited to, about to about For example, the thickness of the insulating layer PVX may be changed in various ways according to the size of the sensor electrode TSE, the structure of the sensor layer 140 , and / or the size range of the mutual capacitance required in each unit area UA, and the like.

[0134] Combination Figures 1 to 9 refer to Fig.11 , the insulating layer PVX may be provided and / or formed to have different thicknesses for different unit areas UA. For example, if, according to the shape and / or area of ​​the unit area UA, even in the unit area UA (e.g., Figure 4 If there is also a change in mutual capacitance between the unit areas UA1_E and UA2_E in the sensing area SA, the insulating layer PVX may be provided and / or formed in the unit area UA with different thicknesses in consideration of the amount of compensation required for the change in mutual capacitance. For example, if the unit areas UA1_E and UA2_E having the insulating layer PVX include a first unit area UA1_E each having a first area and at least one second unit area UA2_E having a second area smaller than the first area, the insulating layer PVX may have a first thickness TH1 in the first unit area UA1_E, and may have a second thickness TH2 greater than the first thickness TH1 in the second unit area UA2_E. Therefore, the change in mutual capacitance formed in the unit area UA of the sensing area SA may be more accurately compensated, and the touch sensitivity may be further improved.

[0135] Fig.12 is a plan view showing a display panel 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, Fig.12 It is shown that according to Figure 7 A plan view of a display panel 100 including a sensor layer 140 according to a modified embodiment of the embodiment.

[0136] Combination Figures 1 to 11 refer to Fig.12, the sensing area SA may be divided or divided into at least two sub-areas according to the distance from the point at which the second sensor electrode TSE2 and the second sensor line TL2 are electrically connected to each other. For example, the sensing area SA may include a first sensing area SA1 adjacent to the point at which the second sensor electrode TSE2 and the second sensor line TL2 are electrically connected to each other (e.g., the lower edge of the sensing area SA) and a second sensing area SA2 that is farthest from the point at which the second sensor electrode TSE2 and the second sensor line TL2 are electrically connected to each other than the first sensing area SA1.

[0137] In an embodiment, the insulating layer PVX may have a first area equal to at least one unit area UA (e.g., one unit area UA) on each of the first sensor electrodes TSE1 located in the first sensing area SA1, and a second area equal to at least two unit areas UA (e.g., two unit areas UA) on each of the first sensor electrodes TSE1 located in the second sensing area SA2. The first area and the second area may be determined so that a change in mutual capacitance between the unit area UA with the insulating layer PVX in the first sensing area SA1 and the unit area UA with the insulating layer PVX in the second sensing area SA2 may be appropriately compensated. For example, if the size of the mutual capacitance of the unit area UA with the insulating layer PVX in the second sensing area SA2 is smaller than the size of the mutual capacitance of the unit area UA with the insulating layer PVX in the first sensing area SA1, the second area may be set to be larger than the first area. For example, the width of the insulating layer PVX provided in the second sensing area SA2 in the second direction DR2 may be larger than the width of the insulating layer PVX provided in the first sensing area SA1 in the second direction DR2. In this manner, a change in mutual capacitance between the unit area UA located in the first sensing area SA1 and the unit area UA located in the second sensing area SA2 may be reduced or minimized.

[0138] Fig.13 is a plan view showing a display panel 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.14 is a plan view showing a display panel 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, Fig.13 and Fig.14 It shows that according to Figure 7 1 and 2 are plan views of a display panel 100 including a sensor layer 140 according to various modifications of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0139] Combination Figures 1 to 12 refer to Fig.13 and Fig.14 , the sensing area SA may include at least one second unit area UA2 having a relatively small area (see Figure 4), and the insulating layer PVX may be provided at least in the second unit area UA2. For example, the sensing area SA may include at least one corner area including at least one second unit area UA2, and the insulating layer PVX may cover the sensor electrode TSE at the corner area. For example, the sensing area SA may include four corner areas each including one second unit area UA2, and the insulating layer PVX may cover the sensor electrode TSE at the four corner areas. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, if in another part of the sensing area SA (for example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 If there is a unit area UA having a relatively small area in the hole area HA), the insulating layer PVX can also be set in the unit area UA.

[0140] In an embodiment, the insulating layer PVX may be provided not only in the second unit area UA2 but also in the unit area UA located at an edge farthest from a point where the first sensor electrode TSE1 is electrically connected to the first sensor line TL1 (eg, Figure 4 According to an embodiment, as Fig.14 As shown in FIG. 1 , the insulating layer PVX may be disposed only in the second unit area UA2 and not disposed in the first unit area UA1 having a larger area than the second unit area UA2 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 4 )middle.

[0141] According to the above-described embodiment, the change in mutual capacitance caused by the area difference between the unit areas UA can be appropriately compensated. For example, by disposing the insulating layer PVX on the second unit area UA2 having a relatively small mutual capacitance to cover the sensor electrode TSE, the mutual capacitance of the second unit area UA2 can be increased. Therefore, the change in mutual capacitance of the unit area UA located in the sensing area SA can be reduced or minimized, and the touch sensitivity can be improved.

[0142] according to Figures 7 to 14 In an embodiment, the insulating layer PVX may be provided only in some unit areas UA, so that changes in mutual capacitance caused by area differences between the line connection structure of the touch sensor and / or the unit areas UA can be compensated. In some embodiments, changes in mutual capacitance of the unit area UA can be more accurately compensated by adjusting the thickness of the insulating layer PVX. According to the above embodiment, changes in mutual capacitance formed between the sensor electrodes TSE of the touch sensor can be reduced or minimized. In this way, touch input can be prevented or reduced from being mistakenly recognized (i.e., not recognized or misrecognized), and touch sensitivity can be improved.

[0143] At the end of the detailed description, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments without substantially departing from the principles of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A display device, wherein: The display device comprises: A display layer, including pixels arranged in a display area; The sensor layer includes: a sensing area overlapping the display area; and a plurality of unit areas corresponding to a plurality of touch nodes disposed in the sensing area; and a plurality of sensor electrodes disposed in the plurality of unit areas of the sensor layer; a plurality of sensor wires electrically connected to the plurality of sensor electrodes; and An insulating layer is provided only in a subset of the plurality of unit regions, and the insulating layer is provided on a plurality of portions of the plurality of sensor electrodes.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of sensor electrodes include a plurality of first sensor electrodes arranged in a first direction in the sensing area and each extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and The plurality of sensor lines include a plurality of first sensor lines electrically connected to the plurality of first sensor electrodes at a plurality of one ends of the plurality of first sensor electrodes in the second direction.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The insulating layer is provided in a unit region where opposite ends of the plurality of first sensor electrodes in the second direction are provided among the plurality of unit regions, and is provided on the plurality of sensor electrodes provided in the unit region.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The insulating layer is arranged on each of the multiple first sensor electrodes in a single unit area where each of the multiple first sensor electrodes among the multiple unit areas is arranged, and the single unit area is arranged at an edge farthest from a corresponding first sensor line among the multiple first sensor lines that is electrically connected to each of the multiple first sensor electrodes.

5. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of sensor electrodes further include a plurality of second sensor electrodes arranged in the second direction in the sensing region and each extending in the first direction, and The plurality of sensor lines further include a plurality of second sensor lines electrically connected to the plurality of second sensor electrodes.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The plurality of second sensor lines are electrically connected to the plurality of second sensor electrodes at a plurality of one ends of the plurality of second sensor electrodes in the first direction, and The sensing area includes: a first sensing area adjacent to a plurality of points where the plurality of second sensor electrodes are electrically connected to the plurality of second sensor lines; and a second sensing area arranged to be farther from the plurality of points where the plurality of second sensor electrodes are electrically connected to the plurality of second sensor lines than the first sensing area.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The insulating layer includes a first area corresponding to at least one unit area on each of the plurality of first sensor electrodes disposed in the first sensing region, and includes a second area corresponding to at least two unit areas on each of the plurality of first sensor electrodes disposed in the second sensing region, and Wherein, the second area is larger than the first area.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of unit regions include a plurality of first unit regions and at least one second unit region, the plurality of first unit regions each include a first area, and the at least one second unit region includes a second area smaller than the first area.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: The insulating layer is provided at least in the second unit region.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein: The sensing area includes at least one corner area including the second unit area, and Wherein, the insulating layer covers the plurality of sensor electrodes in the corner region.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The subset of the plurality of unit regions having the insulating layer includes a plurality of first unit regions each including a first area and at least one second unit region including a second area smaller than the first area.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: The insulating layer has a first thickness in the plurality of first unit regions, and has a second thickness greater than the first thickness in the at least one second unit region.

13. A touch sensor, comprising a plurality of unit areas corresponding to a plurality of touch nodes in a sensing area, wherein: The touch sensor further comprises: a plurality of sensor electrodes, arranged in the plurality of unit areas; a plurality of sensor wires electrically connected to the plurality of sensor electrodes; and An insulating layer is provided only in a subset of the plurality of unit regions, and the insulating layer is provided on a plurality of portions of the plurality of sensor electrodes.

14. The touch sensor according to claim 13, wherein: The plurality of sensor electrodes include a plurality of first sensor electrodes arranged in a first direction in the sensing area and each extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and The plurality of sensor lines include a plurality of first sensor lines electrically connected to the plurality of first sensor electrodes at a plurality of one ends of the plurality of first sensor electrodes in the second direction.

15. The touch sensor according to claim 14, wherein: The insulating layer is provided in a unit region where opposite ends of the plurality of first sensor electrodes in the second direction are provided among the plurality of unit regions, and is provided on the plurality of sensor electrodes provided in the unit region.

16. The touch sensor according to claim 14, wherein: The plurality of sensor electrodes further include a plurality of second sensor electrodes arranged in the second direction in the sensing region and each extending in the first direction, and The plurality of sensor lines further include a plurality of second sensor lines electrically connected to the plurality of second sensor electrodes at a plurality of ends of the plurality of second sensor electrodes in the first direction.

17. The touch sensor according to claim 16, wherein: The sensing region includes: a first sensing region adjacent to a plurality of points where the plurality of second sensor electrodes are electrically connected to the plurality of second sensor lines; and a second sensing region disposed farther from the plurality of points where the plurality of second sensor electrodes are electrically connected to the plurality of second sensor lines than the first sensing region, and wherein the insulating layer includes a first area corresponding to at least one unit area on each of the plurality of first sensor electrodes arranged in the first sensing region, and includes a second area corresponding to at least two unit areas on each of the plurality of first sensor electrodes arranged in the second sensing region.

18. The touch sensor according to claim 13, wherein: The plurality of unit regions include a plurality of first unit regions and at least one second unit region, the plurality of first unit regions each include a first area, and the at least one second unit region includes a second area smaller than the first area.

19. The touch sensor according to claim 18, wherein: The insulating layer is provided at least in the second unit region.

20. The touch sensor according to claim 13, wherein: The subset of the plurality of unit regions having the insulating layer includes a plurality of first unit regions and at least one second unit region, the plurality of first unit regions each including a first area, the at least one second unit region having a second area smaller than the first area, and The insulating layer has a first thickness in the plurality of first unit regions, and has a second thickness greater than the first thickness in the at least one second unit region.

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